The Pathology of Losing  

Here's more

Democrats and the Filibuster

Working two jobs has really reduced the amount of time I spend here; little time is left after a 13 and a half hour day to pour over my reading lists, perform google searches, collect my thoughts and write. If one wishes to retire at some point in life one is required to work... I would not make a good democrat.

My continuing Conservative education has also been curtailed, though not to the point to which this blog has been-- I can find time to read and listen, but not collect those ideas/memes and expound upon them. So, having the morning off, I slept late, woke up refreshed, plunked down here and began to read...

Fourth on the Chief Mumbler's list, alphabetically...

The Lone Ranger's blog offers up the best breakfast I've had in weeks. But he's good at that. Having been in news a lot longer than I have, and a free-thinker to boot, the Lone Ranger has a unique perspective on the Democratic mindset. I say unique because until I found his blog I had never heard anything of Democratic origins; what they stood for historically, or how they managed to not evolve over the last century and a half.

The following following excerpts from "Democrats and the Filibuster" is by no means his most complete indictment of Democratic Theology, you can go here for that, but it's one nail in a series of nails hammered home... "Eventually, Daniel-san, you have nice big house!"

From its inception, the Democratic Party has kept blacks under its iron control. In their glory days, the Democrats were the party of slavery. Then, those waskily Wepublicans came along and ruined all that. So, the Democrats became the party of segregation, black codes, lynch law, and Jim Crow. Once again, the Republicans stepped in to put an end to the Democrats' fun, but the GOP's reforms were delayed for decades. One of the favorite Democratic tools to prevent the spread of civil rights was the filibuster...

Democrats hold blacks today in chains of promises, lies and ideology as tightly as they did in chains of iron 140 years ago. In fact, they are probably more successful, since fewer blacks today run from the Democratic Party than tried to escape from slavery. There is no Underground Railway for wannabe black Republicans. Those who do choose the "wrong" side are pelted with racial epithets such as" lawn jockey," "sell-out," "house nigga," and are pelted with Oreo cookies -- by people of their own race!!

Follow the link above for the full text. It's a short but very important read. This guy needs to be on every conservative's reading list. It wouldn't hurt for Dems to read the Lone Ranger either. A little light shining down on the truth of the Democratic Ideology might make some Dems flee the plantation. But that's probably more wishful thinking than actual probability.

Here's more

Medal for Free and Original Thought -- Update

For the following remarks on the Senate floor, January 26, 2006, Senator Robert Byrd is in contention for next quarters "Medal for Free and Original Thought"...

"Regardless of any Senator's particular view of Judge Alito, I think we can all agree that there is room for improvement in the way in which the Senate and indeed the nation have undertaken the examination of this nominee.

Let me be clear. I mean no criticism of the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee or any particular member of that committee. I feel compelled to address this issue. Not to point fingers. Not to scold. Not to assign blame. But only to address specific, sincere, heartfelt concerns that have been brought to my attention by the people of West Virginia in particular.

"The people of West Virginia in no uncertain terms were, frankly, appalled by the Alito hearings. I don't want to say it, but I must. They were appalled. In the reams of correspondence that I received during the Alito hearings, West Virginians--the people I represent--West Virginians who wrote to criticize the way in which the hearings were conducted used the same two words. People with no connection to one another. People of different faiths. Different views. Different opinions. [They] independently and respectively used the same two words to describe the hearings. They called them called an outrage and a disgrace.

"And these were not form letters ginned up by special interest groups on either the right or the left. These were hand-written, contemplative, old-fashioned letters written on lined paper and personal stationary. They were the sort of letters that people write while watching television in the comfort of their living rooms or sitting at the kitchen table. It is especially telling that many who objected to the way in which the Alito hearings were conducted do not support Judge Alito. In fact, it is sorely apparent that many who opposed Judge Alito's nomination also opposed the seemingly made-for-TV antics that accompanied the hearings..."

Any comments? Rebuttals? How about nominations? Anyone who wishes to can make a nomination via email -- ELAshley@Gmail.com. Deadline is February 10, 2006. Please consider the guidelines below when submitting a potential recipient.



The Medal for Free and Original Thought is awarded to those individuals who display honest, personal belief, free of political bias or expediency, whose remarks originate from the mind of the recipient, and above all else express a desire for doing what is right.

Eligibility Requirements-- This award is based on a single expression of Free and Original Thought, not on a Pattern of such thought. The Medal is awarded to anyone, great or small, who displays a recorded (which can be quoted, and/or linked to from a verifiable source) moment of Free and Original Thought. Recipients can win this Prize as often as their remarks display Free and Original Thought. This Prize is awarded quarterly.

_____

H/T to Michelle Malkin for the text of Sen. Byrd's remarks, and to Mr. Limbaugh for bringing them to my attention.

Here's more

Jihadi Elmo

Yesterday's 5pm Newscast featured a serious tensioned story of Hamas winning parliamentary elections. Bad news for Israel, bad news for the Palestinian people, and bad news for the rest of the world. This story got all the serious attention it deserved.... but then we immediately segwue'd to the following...

"IN CONSUMER NEWS...

A NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK ENTITLED "POTTY TIME WITH ELMO" TEACHES KIDS HOW TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS WHEN NATURE CALLS.

BUT IF YOU ARE AN UNLUCKY RECIPIENT OF ONE OF THE "DEFECTIVE" BOOKS IN CIRCULATION, YOUR CHILDREN CAN ALSO HEAR A RATHER UNPLEASANT RECORDING..."

The unpleasant recording? In my best Elmo voice... eh hem... "Uh oh, Who wants to Die?" Seriously. "Who wants to Die?" Elmo has officially gone Jihadi.

This photo was taken shortly after Elmo's conversion.





















[Photoshop'd by BenT]

Elmo -- Ready for Jihad.

This would make a great gift for jihadi kiddies everywhere. Disclaimer on the package could read...

"Explosives Not Included"

____

Update: I've been asked what Elmo was supposed to say. Keeping in mind the books title, "Potty Time with Elmo," the loveable guy says [on models not marred by the vagaries of audio compression]...

"Uh oh, Who has to go?"

Here's more

Songs Worth Acquiring -- UPDATED!!!

"Angels of the Island"
--Bali Lounge

"[Jesus Hits Like the] Atom Bomb"
--Blind Boys of Alabama

As heard on Radioio Eclectic


----!UPDATED!----

"I Grieve"
--Peter Gabriel

As heard on "Smallville"

Smallville being an obsession of mine,
I was compelled to watch the 100th episode,
"Reckoning"-- The Episode everyone's been
waiting for for four+ years... The episode
where Clark's path to the cape takes its
most dramatic turn. This is the one where
Jonathan Kent meets his long awaited
heart-attack.

The song they played at the end during
Jonathan Kent's funeral was so haunting...
So heart-wrenching... I simply had to
know who the artist was, so I quickly
jotted down a few key lines of lyric,
returned to the station, and googled my
way to an unexpected name. I say unexpected
because it was, but I was not at all
surprised.

This is definitely a song worth acquiring...

Here's more

Riverbend Offers a Touching Eulogy...

Here in America, the fate of Jill Carroll, the latest victim of kidnapping in Iraq, is still up in the air. Everyone by now has seen her face on the television, heard the story of how great a friend to Iraqis she is, and everyone, including Iraqis, begging for her release. This is as it should be. But it took a post at Riverbendblog... Baghdad Burning... to see the human face of Jill Carroll's interpreter, Alan Ghazi. [See River's January 12th post -- "Thank You for the Music"]

I admit I find it difficult to find common ground with people I watch day in/day out on every news cast I'm either a part of, or just a spectator [Reporters rarely tell who the people in their packages really are]. I do not know these people, and can't possiblly get a clear idea of what they are like as individuals, with hopes and dreams of their own.

Riverbend knew Alan Ghazi well, and her eulogy is both touching and enlightening. Alan Ghazi was a man I could very well have been friends with-- considering our mutual love of music --but for the happenstance of birth and the distance between us. How many other people out there do I have similar affinities with, that borders, customs, finances and wherewithal prevent me from meeting face to face, and becoming fast friends?

It's worth the trip to RiverbendBlog to read her post. Because of her eulogy, I wonder about all the people in Iran who, because of gathering storm clouds and the growing tension over nuclear arms, I will miss out on meeting. Realistically, the question is moot, as I'm in no position to travel anywhere. Despite this, River has given me a new perspective on conflicts, and what is lost because of them.


UPDATE: But then why do I need to travel anywhere to meet these people when I have the internet at my fingertips even now?

Here's more

Left Sees Bush, Not Bin Laden, as the True Enemy

"Ask yourself: In all of this, when you listen to Democrats, who's the enemy? Bush! Who's spying on Americans? Bush. Who allowed 9/11 to happen by not connecting the dots by not spying enough? Bush! Who's spying too much now on America? Bush! Who stole two elections? Bush! Who's responsible for thousands of American deaths? Bush! Who's responsible for all the innocent civilian deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan? Bush! If you listen to Democrats, the focus of evil in the modern world is George W. Bush, and here comes bin Laden offering a truce? Right up the Democrats' alley..."

Rush Limbaugh
January 23, 2006

What could I possibly add to this? Nothing... I'd only muck it up if I tried. But let's face it, he hit this nail squarely on its head. Democrats are stumbling blind on the issue of the War on Terror.

Here's more

I am continually astounded by Man's ingenuity...

"For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods,..."
Gen 3:5

Who but God can make the sun? The Chinese, that's who.

China to build world`s first "artificial sun" experimental device

HEFEI, Jan 21,2006 -- A full superconducting experimental Tokamak fusion device, which aims to generate infinite, clean nuclear-fusion-based energy, will be built in March or April in Hefei, capital city of east China`s Anhui Province.

Experiments with the advanced new device will start in July or August. If the experiments prove successful, China will become the first country in the world to build a full superconducting experimental Tokamak fusion device, nicknamed "artificial sun", experts here said.

The project, dubbed EAST (experimental advanced superconducting Tokamak), is being undertaken by the Hefei-based Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It will require a total investment of nearly 300 million yuan (37 million U.S. dollars), only one fifteenth to one twentieth the cost of similar devices being developed in the other parts of the world.

The new device will be an upgrade of China`s first superconducting Tokamak device, dubbed HT-7, which was also built by the plasma physics institute, in partnership with Russia, in the early 1990s. HT-7 made China the fourth country in the world, after Russia, France and Japan, to have such a device.

"The EAST project research results will be significant for the International Thermonuclear Experiment Reactor, or ITER, in terms of basic research both in engineering technology and physics," said Wan Yuanxi, who is in charge of the project.

Wan said ITER will also be a full superconducting experimental Tokamak fusion device with an advanced configuration, but much larger than EAST.

The program, still in its initial stages, involves Russia, Japan, the United States, the European Union, China and the Republic of Korea.

Controlled nuclear fusion is seen as an efficient way for people to generate infinite, clean energy to offset the dearth of fossil fuels such as oil and coal.

Scientists believe that deuterium can be extracted from the sea and an enormous amount of energy can be obtained from a deuterium-tritium fusion reaction under huge temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius. After nuclear fusion, the deuterium extracted from one liter of sea water will produce energy equivalent to 300 liters of gasoline.

If a device is developed that can withstand temperatures as high as 100 million Celsius degrees and control a deuterium-tritium reaction, it will be as though an "artificial sun" had been created able to supply infinite, clean energy for human beings.

[Links Added]

In lieu of a Personal Note, allow me to offer the following impromptu poem...


Prometheus unbound
His mind unfettered
And what need hath he of God
or Heaven?
What need hath this new Man
For Righteousness
or Redemption?
Like giants striding swiftly
Star to star
Galaxy to Galaxy
With power to hold the sun in hand
What need hath this man of God?

ELAshley
012306.111756.1
Just the nickname "Artificial Sun" is awe-inspiring!

"And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do." Gen 11:6

Here's more

Songs Worth Acquiring --

"Don't Wanna Know About Evil"
--Beth Orton

From "SuperPinkyMandy" and impossible to find.
Only Released in Japan & limited to aprox. 5,000 units.
Bootleg is your only option. Amazingly Excellent CD!

Here's more

"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?"

It is estimated that 45 Million plus abortions have been performed in America since the procedure was legalized by Roe v. Wade in 1973. And yet we as American's have the audacity to proclaim, 'In God We Trust' on our money; claim we are 'One Nation Under God,' in the Pledge of Allegience; sing 'God Bless America,' and ask at the end of every patriotic speech for God's continued blessing...

"And may God bless the United States."

45 Million abortions.

Why would God bless any nation with so much blood on its hands? He wouldn't even let David build the Temple, because of the blood on his hands, and David killed only a tiny fraction of 45 Million in all the wars he fought.

I submit to you, that God is not blessing this nation. Nor will He again, unless the nation turns from its wickedness and repents. Instead, God will bless those who do His will... the individual, who in turn is a blessing to those around him/her.

God will not bless America. Not with the blood of 45 million children on our hands.

Here's more

Yet Another Reason to Wake Up, & Get Out of Bed

"Walker's World: Iran's Alarming Regime"
--By Martin Walker, UPI Editor

...the diplomatic path is looking less hopeful as the new Iranian government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is being seen each week as more hard-line and less rational, after his threat to "wipe Israel off the map."

General Mohammad Kossari, who runs the Revolutionary Guard's Security Department, has announced that "Iran intends to become a superpower and will drive all foreign forces out of our region."

"We have a strategy drawn up for the destruction of Anglo-Saxon civilization," declared Hassan Abbasi, formerly director of the Revolutionary Guard's Center for Security Doctrines Research, and now chief foreign policy adviser to the new President.

and this from Steven Stalinsky of the New York Sun...

Mr. Abbassi spoke of Tehran's secret plans, which include "a strategy drawn up for the destruction of Anglo-Saxon civilization." In order to accomplish this, he explained, "There are 29 sensitive sites in the U.S. and in the West. We have already spied on these sites and we know how we are going to attack them." "

Still not convinced? How about this piece at Council on Foreign Relations dot Org...

In an April sermon, [Former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani] declared that the situation in Iraq posed "a threat because the wounded American beast can take enraged actions, but it is also an opportunity to teach this beast a lesson so it won't attack another country."

Why would Iran be worried about being attacked by the United States? Because it is close to producing a nuclear bomb. It is also working on missiles with the range to strike targets in Europe and North America, though the likeliest vehicles for delivering an Iranian nuke would be its terrorist networks. Hassan Abasi, a senior member of the Revolutionary Guards, recently boasted that Iran had "a strategy drawn up for the destruction of Anglo-Saxon civilization."

[Emphasis Added]


If Americans would simply stop bickering amongst themselves... Democrats against Republicans, Liberals against Conservatives, Pacifists against Pragmatists... we may be able to forestall what's coming. May.

Anyone who believes Iran can be bargained with, or that Iran poses no real threat to the United States... well, any and all such persons should be prevented from contributing to the gene pool. I know that's harsh, but it's how I feel. Too many people want to cry and moan over America's killing of innocent women and children, used by terrorists as shields, while steadfastly refusing to look at the 3,000+ deaths, many with no remains accounted for, murdered by terrorists. They are willing to flog America for her sins, but completely unwilling to flog the living daylights out of terrorists. Instead, the terrorists must coddled.

Such people should never be allowed in positions of authority where any serious decision regarding human life, let alone its inherent value, might come up. They are completely unfit for the work ahead. As for the rest of us, it's time to get out of bed, lace up our boots, and prepare to engage the enemy.

Here's more

IRAN WATCH: UPDATE

Iran is getting pre-emptive, moving its stores of foreign currency to banks other than European. I imagine most people will see this move as a defensive one, and that may be the case, but consider for a moment that this could very well be an offensive move. Or at the least an indication of a potential offensive stance. Then again it could simply be a matter of Iran being pragmatic. Who knows; it's hard to really tell with Ahmadinejad.

The "undisclosed locations" to which the currency is being wired, could very well be in Swiss bank accounts. Again, who knows? But this report in tandem with the news that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the Iranian President holding a summit of sorts to publicly announce a solidarity between their respective countries makes for interesting speculation.

It should come as no surprise that it is Syria who is choosing to stand with Iran. I have no doubt there are others, but Syria is perhaps the second biggest dog on the middle-eastern porch. Any other nation that declared solidarity with Iran would not get as much attention... At least from me. Both governments are facing possible confrontations with the UN Security Council, so perhaps they hold to the belief that there is strength in numbers, even if that number is only two. The shift of funds by Iran has obviously "alarmed" the West, which views the Iranian shell-game as an indication that Iran at least takes the UN's threats seriously. Again, a defensive posture, or an offensive one?

Aside from the threat of Nuclear retaliation-- a day which, thankfully, has not yet arrived --Mr. Ahmadinejad's biggest weapon at present is his ability to effect an oil shortage across the globe; a more immediate threat, and an event China, Russia, Europe and every other industrialized nation would like to avoid as much as [at present] the "other" threat.

That's not to say the thought of Iran in possession of nuclear weapons is not as frightening as a world-wide oil shortage, but let's face it, every industrialized nation on the face of the earth needs oil to keep its Industrial Machine running. Which only underscores the need to quicken research into Hydrogen Cell Technology and alternative sources of fuel to keep everyone on the road, going to work, shopping at the malls, the grocery stores... In short, driving their nations economies.

UPDATE: Tehran plans nuclear weapon test by March

What do you think? Does Iran want Nuclear Power only for peaceful means? If so, why are they planning to conduct weapons tests?



Iran Moving Its Foreign Currency Reserves
Syria backs a nuclear Iran

Here's more

3 Quotes From...

The not-so-mad mind of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
by Victor Davis Hanson
January 20, 2006 -- Chicago Tribune

"Given his apocalyptic rhetoric, we can understand why Ahmadinejad might want an arsenal of nuclear missiles. He'd be able to shake down a constant stream of rich European emissaries, threaten the Arab gulf states to lower oil production, neutralize the influence of the United States in the region--and, of course, destroy Israel."

"Impotent European diplomats will always defer to such an important global figure, "ruling out" force to stop the Iranian nuclear industry as they offer money and trade deals if Tehran will just act sanely."

"Money, oil and threats have brought the Iranian theocrats to the very threshold of a nuclear arsenal. Their uncanny diagnosis of Western malaise has now convinced them that they can carefully fabricate a Holocaust-free reality in which Muslims are the victims and Jews the aggressors deserving of punishment."

Personal Note: Mr. Hanson, always a firm grasp on the finer points of World Events, paints a wilier Ahmadinejad than most would credit the Iranian President. What I'd find most frightening in any "Mad Man" would be the possession of a Rational, Deliberate Mind coupled with a lack of Conscience. Such a man may or may not radiate an unearthly heat. But evil is rarely so obvious.

Perhaps more frightening is the West's patently obvious lack of Vision.

Here's more

Songs Worth Acquiring --

"Precious"
--Depeche Mode

As Heard on CSI: Las Vegas


"Pacing the Cage"
--Judy Collins
[a very passable cover of the Jimmy Buffett tune from his
"Beach House on the Moon" CD]

"One Thing"
--Finger Eleven

"These Days"
--REM [though I already have it... Great CD! "Life's Rich Pageant"]

As Heard on Radioio

Here's more

IRAN WATCH -- '06.02-1

In the last week Iran has broken UN seals on its reactors and is moving forward with its nuclear program. 164 centrifuges at its top-secret Natanz uranium enrichment facility will soon, if not already, begin the work of converting the 1,000 plus tons of uranium "Yellowcake" acquired from Niger and South Africa in the late 90's into enough weapons grade material for five nuclear bombs. Only five. Now, I'm no expert on this, but it's suddenly obvious to me that it takes a great deal of raw material to make just ONE bomb. But one bomb in the hands of a nation like Iran is one bomb too many.

Okay. There's apparently no quarrel with the statement that Iran acquired Yellowcake from Niger [and S. Africa]. Why then is it a stretch to believe that Iraq also "Sought" Yellowcake from one of the same sources? Because that would cast the war-policy of President Bush in a positive light. And Democrats can't have that.

But stepping away from that partisan tone, I think it's more important for America, and the world, to look at the very real probability of a Nuclear Iran. Europe, China, Russia, and the U.S. cannot isolate Iran. Nor can we sit back and hope Tehran plays nice with its new toys, which it will acquire if we do not act, or choose simply to "isolate" Iran.

Obviously, Israel has the most to lose should Iran develop this particular weapons technology-- though I tend to shy away from fear on this issue as I firmly believe Israel cannot be wiped off the map, or pushed into the sea. God is Israel's protector. And the last time I checked, God does not, and cannot lie. It is in fact impossible for God to lie. The real threat lies on the doorstep of the rest of the western world. America and Britain first, and the rest via the threat of nuclear destruction. Iran may find it difficult to lob a missle clear across Europe and the Atlantic to strike the U.S. Mainland, but it's not at all far-fetched to believe Iran might sell their new toys to individuals or groups who would make very good use of them.

Someone please correct me on this if I'm wrong-- I work two jobs and do not have the time to research this, but it seems to me that Hitler himself was never this "vocal", publicly, against the outright destruction of the Jewish people as President Ahmadinejad has been. Were his speeches ever as provocative as Ahmadinejad's? This kind of rhetoric is very dangerous, and too many people think the likes of Hitler could never rise again.

Israel, however, is not without options. Israelis are now confident they can destroy Iran's nuclear capability. But "Destroy" is probably too strong a word. Delay is a better choice. Iran will learn from any such attack, just as they learned from Israel's attack on Iraq's Osiraq facilities-- Iran has built extensively underground. Should Israel succeed in setting Iran back, Iran will only rebuild with far more secrecy, and we may never know they've acquired nuclear weapons till after one or more such weapons explode in America or elsewhere.

I don't believe the U.S. or Israel is at all eager to launch a strike against Iran. Too much is at stake to simply attack, and would all but guarantee a heightened state of enmity between Iran and her
attacker[s].

But when you're faced with a nation, and its leader, who believes it will usher in the Mahdi [remember Frank Herbert's Mahdi? Paul Atreides? And the Golden Path -- Galactic Jihad?.... Sorry for the aside] and their co-opting of the Christian prophesy of Armageddon and the return of Christ, is a compromise even possible? Islam's aim, after all, is to subdue the entire globe; it is their manifest destiny.

A Nuclear Iran is a danger to everyone. Even Turkey, a Muslim nation, albeit secular, has agreed to allow Israeli war planes use of their airspace and bases. Perhaps because Turkey recognizes that radical "Religious" Islam cannot be reasoned with. If it could, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade-- and who knows how many others --would consider peace. And for all their lack of... intellectual savvy... they aren't stupid by a long shot. They fully recognize that Israel's "Great Wall" cannot stop rockets. They are, therefore, not detered.

But peace may as well be a foreign language to radical Islam. It may as well be a foreign language to us all. Just as Compromise and Diplomacy may as well be Greek to Iran.



Iran 'could go nuclear within three years'
US senators say military strike on Iran must be option
West is in dark ages, says Iran's President
Israel's new confidence in attack on Iran nukes
'Israeli fences don't stop rockets'
Documents show Saddam trained terrorists

Here's more

Nagin Goes Wonka -- Updated

No, I'm not going to bash Mayor Nagin-- not over this anyway --for saying he hoped to recreate New Orleans as a "chocolate" city... I happen to like chocolate.

I know some are offended by the Mayor's statement, but realistically, we've heard far worse from the likes of Sharpton, Jackson, and Farrakhan. Mr. Nagin has far more class than the afore mentioned race-baiters.

For me, it's enough he apologized.


UPDATE:
I miss-paraphrased Mayor Nagin. He did not say he wanted to recreate New Orleans and turn it into a "Chocolate City", he in fact said New Orleans would be "Chocolate again." I'm still not offended. Realistically, New Orleans was predominantly "African-American" before Katrina said hello.

Also, a number of AM Radio hosts (not Limbaugh) and assorted other talking heads have all jumped on the Mayor's claim that God is angry at America... Hence Katrina. Apparently it is ridiculous to say that God is angry with America and demonstrates His anger through natural disasters, and is an absolute no-no... Even in conservative circles. I have to politely disagree. Why should America cling to the arrogant belief that it is exempt from the wrath of God, that we are in fact blessed? Especially since we kill untold numbers of innocent children via the constitutional right of abortion.

Instead of a National Day of Prayer, this Nation needs a National Day of Prayer & Repentance. God does not bless murderers, nor does He protect the unrighteous from calamity.

Lastly. I've heard someone out there is selling "Willy Nagin and the Chocolate Factory" T-shirts. I've looked for it online, but without success.

Here's more

Eric's Predictions for 2006:

Looks like one of my predicts will see honest to goodness daylight this Thursday. The Barrett Report. I'm actually surprised.

Just what is and isn't inside that report, however, remains to be seen.

Here's more

The MLK Madness of King AL

Former Vice President Albert Gore gave a speech at Constitution Hall in D.C. today. Only about 5% of it had any relevance to the Late Great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. except in the context that like today, government has often abused the constitution to abuse great men like Dr. King; That dark periods have appeared throughout our nation's history, and always at the hands of republicans. About a fifth of the way into his shouting, wild-eyed rant he made the following statement:

"The President and I agree on one thing. The threat from terrorism is all too real. There is simply no question that we continue to face new challenges in the wake of the attack on September 11th and that we must be ever-vigilant in protecting our citizens from harm."

As welcome as this admission of simple fact was, it was nothing more than a spring board for another dip into the vitriolic soup bowl of Liberal derangement.

I thought this was a day to honor Dr. King? Dr. King is, after all, the only person we honor with his own personal holiday-- aside from that Jesus fellow on Christmas --so it stands to reason that Americans should use this day to reflect on how far we've come, and far we've yet to go. Instead Mr. Gore used the pulpit to decry everything Bush. And the crowds cheered.

I could go on and on, but what's the point? Besides, the only point I really wanted to make was this:

There is only one line in Mr. Gore's entire speech that is even marginally uplifting. With the second to last paragraph we get the following...

"...along with cause for concern, there is reason for hope. As I stand here today, I am filled with optimism that America is on the eve of a golden age in which the vitality of our democracy will be re-established and will flourish more vibrantly that ever. Indeed I can feel it in this hall."

Translation: Bush and the Republicans are destroying America, but fear not! Democrats will save the day.

Quoting Dr. King in the very next breath-- It is MLK Day, after all, not a pulpit to bash Bush...

"Perhaps a new spirit is rising among us. If it is, let us trace its movements and pray that our own inner being may be sensitive to its guidance, for we are deeply in need of a new way beyond the darkness that seems so close around us."

[Emphasis Added]

In need of a new way? The truest words spoken in all of Albert Gore's speech. Democrats are definitely in need of a new something, because from what they've shown us thus far, I can't help but wonder if the darkness they perceive about them is in reality the darkness in their own hearts.

Here's more

The Price of Hatred

What does it cost to hate someone, or a group of someones? Terrorists hate America. Democrats hate the President. Americans hate each other... What price do we pay for our hatreds?

The NYT's hates the Bush Presidency. A strong majority of Democrats hate the Bush Presidency. And with but rare exception every American espousing the Liberal Democrat Ideology hates the Bush Presidency. The NYT's resorts to treason. Democrats resort to treason, and their sycophantic myrmidons forget who they are and follow suit... Repeating the very same treasons they've heard their gods utter.

Everyone on the Left, it seems, has forgotten 9/11. Oh, they'll bluster with indignation if you suggest it, but the fact remains, they actively seek to weaken our nation, and our ability to defend its people, for the sake of power. As long as the Bush Presidency is smeared, impeached, brought low, and ground to historical dust, all is fair in this new War on America the Left wages. The left has chosen sides, and their loyalties are not where they should be.

I found The Anchoress, and this post-- now intaglioed across my consciousness --at Kobayashi Maru. This is why what the New York Times did-- exposing the secret NSA wiretapping program --is the height of treason... Why they deserve to be tried, convicted, imprisoned [or worse] and put out of business. They, like Democrats and the democratic faithful, have forgotten 9/11. Sadly, much of the rest of America has forgotten as well.

The Anchoress' article is a must read. No excuses.

A short reminder as to why we are fighting this war...

[Excerpt]

"We have seen their kind before. They're the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions, by abandoning every value except the will to power, they follow in the path of fascism, Nazism and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way to where it ends in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies. Americans are asking, "How will we fight and win this war?"

"We will direct every resource at our command - every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war -— to the destruction and to the defeat of the global terror network."

That was President George W. Bush in a speech to Congress on September 20th of 2001, which was televised live, nationwide. Do you remember this speech?

Seriously, read her full post. We have forgotten too much-- as she clearly illustrates. We have forgotten what should never be forgotten.

Here's more

Murtha Adopts the 'Zawahiri Strategy'

Not that "60 Minutes" needs a plug to get viewers, but the CBS Evening News this evening couldn't resist plugging an interview to air this Sunday with distinguished Marine Corps veteran and long-time congressman John Murtha. CBS went so far as to trot out Mike Wallace himself, unabashed Bush-trasher, to tell viewers just what to expect from congressman Murtha this Sunday evening.

The Interview Preview included:

1. A preemptive declaration of victory.
    Congress will demand a withdrawal along the lines
    of that proposed by Murtha last November. This
    will occur prior to midterm elections.

2. President Bush will have no choice but to back it.
     The alternative is to hand both houses of Congress
     to Democrats in November.

Murtha's tenure of 30+ years in the Marines [no mention of the fact that much of said 30+ years were spent in the reserves... and we've all heard the Democratic mantra that a politician's service in the "Reserves" amounts to spit compared to those who serve on "Active" duty] is not to be questioned... what a great patriot he is, and shame on anyone who would besmirch such a hero... [implied... not verbatim, for those unfamiliar with the concept of sarcasm].

So. What is, and what is not, Victory?

Victory [without resorting to a dictionary] is a win unfettered by Controversy, Compromise, or Reasonable Question.

When one has to accept the stated conditions for victory and withdrawal stated by one's opponent, i.e.; the hated republican president George W. Bush...

'As conditions on the ground improve, and more Iraqis take over the work of protecting Iraq, our soldiers can come home with the respect and honor they deserve...' [paraphrased]

...and Claim the stated milestone of said enemy as evidence of a personal victory.

'We achieve victory over the hated Bush when conditions on the ground improve, more Iraqis take over the work of protecting Iraq, and our soldiers come home with the respect and honor they deserve...'[again, paraphrased]

Sorry! That doesn't make you the Victor. It makes you that other thing...

A Loser!

But it's to be expected of CBS. No hope of reaching the End Zone? Move the Goal Line!

Now, honestly, how does Murtha's strategy differ from that of Zawahiri's...

"Any future US troop withdrawal-- under any circumstance --is a "victory" for Islam"

In a world of dead horses, Murtha and Democrats warrant additional beatings. November will do.

Here's more

A Deluge and a Paper Cup

Democrats are desperate. They've shown their hand. They've lost all composure and let the poker face slip. What was once a strong visage of righteous indignation has revealed itself to be petulant, petty, and dangerously myopic. They lost in '94, and again in 2000. They lost in 2001 with 9/11, again in '02, and '04. They lost in '05 with the Roberts confirmation, and now with Judge Alito's. And they'll continue to lose; they'll lose in November, and should they continue to follow their current strategy, they'll lose in '08 and beyond.

What has lost them the Alito nomination was the video today of Alito's wife breaking down in tears as Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended her husband's and her family's honor. After listening to democratic vitriol and accusation, the image of Mrs. Alito getting up and leaving the room to do what all women overcome with emotion do, has hurt Democrats more than Judge Samuel Alito. But they were playing to their base, and their base wanted to see blood. Sadly for them, not one blow landed.

Democrats have lost, and they know it. They've finally caught on. Certainly, there are individuals for whom this simple truth has either not yet sunk in or-- as is more likely --steadfastly refuse to acknowledge it. But the fact remains... They stand before a swiftly building wall of water with but a paper cup in hand with which to save themselves.

Far be it from me to beat the Republican drum-- though this nation is a republic, and I am a republican. Republicans don't have all their shite in one bag either, but honestly... How does a nation balance the Conservative Value of smaller government with the necessities of war? How does a nation fight a war without bureaucracy? How does a nation rebuild after devastating natural disasters without going into debt? And how does any elected official not get sucked into the Beltway Culture? Republicans will suffer casualties before it's all said and done, but Democrats have, for all intent and purpose, lost the war.

How can Senator Charles Schumer demand that Alito affirm the belief in a constitutional right to privacy when he himself felt it perfectly fine to violate the privacy of Maryland gubernatorial candidate... Republican Michael S. Steele, by illegally obtaining his credit report, effectively engaging in identity theft?

How can Ted Kennedy demand the committee go into executive session to subpoena documents that he himself had a hand in releasing to the NYT's last November?

How can Democrats decry the very idea that the Abramoff scandal doesn't touch, let alone stain them, with even the hint of impropriety when Senator Reid himself is under investigation?

How can the democratic party be taken even remotely serious when its chief spokesman, Howard Dean, is a stark, raving lunatic?

How can Democrats be taken seriously when they can't focus beyond their hatred of George W. Bush?

The world and this nation is headed toward some heap big doo-doo; The War on Terror doesn't end with Iraq. What do democrats have to offer besides vacillation, and out-right contempt for America?

What does the Democratic party have to offer in the face of a deluge? A paper cup. The very definition of futility. That is all they have to offer... That is the state to which the Democratic strategy has brought the party of big government, slavery, moral ambiguity, and the slaughter of innocents. Now they are losing their last bastion for the advancement of Democratic Ideals, and they are running scared-- Chicken Little's screaming in unison,

"The Republican's are Coming!!
 The Republican's are Coming!!!"

It is my fervent wish, hope, prayer, that George W. Bush, before his time in the White House is up, has the opportunity to nominate a third justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. Let's turn back the Marxist Agenda currently being foisted upon us by Democratic/Marxist Activism. Think of where we'll be fifty years from now otherwise.

Here's more

"While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader..."

--Samuel Adams

Look at where we are today in regard to Virtue and compare it to where we were 60 years ago. We are under siege by Liberalism, Marxism, and Fascism. And 'We the People' are too blind to recognize the cliff's edge at our feet.

The signs are all around us. If we fail to open our eyes and see our peril, we will deserve whatever our slumber earns us.

Here's more

The Insanity of Islam, and God's Solution

It is without doubt, at least in my mind, that to believe a nation can impose its religion on the entire world, by Divine commission, through conquest and bloodshed, is a belief steeped in Insanity. There is no justification for it.

Christianity recognizes that the entire world will one day share a single religion, pure and undefiled, but that day will come by God changing men's nature, and hearts, not by the sword, not by bloodshed.

Islam sees a world in need of forced submission to the will of God. Christianity sees the world in need of a savior, and forgiveness, that their hearts may be changed, and one day, their bodies-- and by extension, their nature.

God doesn't need War and Bloodshed to subdue the world. God doesn't want slaves. God will bring the world under one faith, in His own time, and nothing you or I do can stop it, or change it. His plan for this world was initiated thousands of years ago, and we are nearing its completion.

Hold on tight. The world will continue to spiral downward, but it's all part of the plan. There is light at the end of this tunnel, and it's growing brighter.

Here's more

IRAN WATCH: UPDATE

"Islam must prepare to rule the world... We must believe in the fact that Islam is not confined to geographical borders, ethnic groups and nations. It's a universal ideology that leads the world to justice... We don't shy away from declaring that Islam is ready to rule the world."

--Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
   January 5, 2005

It would seem the only people who don't believe Islam wants to rule the world are non-Muslims. Couple the above statement with the news item below and it becomes fairly obvious, to any rational thinking individual that Iran has become, perhaps, the most dangerous nation on Earth.

U.S., Europeans Criticize Latest Iran Move
--Ali Akbar Dareini
   January 10, 2005

Iran removed seals on its nuclear facilities Tuesday, ending a two-year freeze on work there despite warnings from the United States and other countries concerned about Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The United States rebuked Iran for the move, calling it a step toward creating the material for nuclear bombs. British Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said the international community was "running out of patience" with Tehran.

Both countries, along with France and Germany, have called on Tehran to cease nuclear activities until an agreement has been reached on the scope of its nuclear program.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Tehran was again in breach of resolutions passed by the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog and said steps to restart uranium enrichment could not be justified.

"We are profoundly concerned that Iran has decided to restart research and development activities related to uranium enrichment," Straw said in a statement.

Note: Even more frightening is the following statement....

In a foreign policy address Tuesday, French President Jacques Chirac warned Iran it would be committing a "grave error" if it ignored the international community's repeated warnings and pressed ahead with its nuclear program.

Note: For France to couple the term 'Grave' with 'Error' is significant in that France has repeatedly shown themselves to be weak-kneed, and more than a little incontinent in demanding any nation-- Islamic or otherwise --abide by standing U.N. Resolutions.

The world refuses to address this situation at its own peril. There are dangerous days ahead.

Here's more

IRAN WATCH -- '06.01-1

It would seem my prediction that Iran would become the new front on the War on Terror is shared by quite a few others in Blogland-- Recent news certainly points in that direction. So I've decided to keep an eye on the Iranian Front via news reports. And the news isn't good.

From the last week alone we have the following:


Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sees himself as a 'John the Baptist' figure who will "pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi", the 12th imam who disappeared as a child in A.D. 941. The Iranian President believes it is his destiny to usher in the Mahdi's return, hence his recent rhetoric denying the truth of the Holocaust, statements revealing his desire to see Israel wiped off the map, and his pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Shiites believe the Mahdi will reign on earth for seven years, before bringing about a final judgment and the end of the world.

--World Net Daily


TEHRAN - Iran said on Sunday it was preparing to remove U.N. seals at some nuclear research and development sites, despite strong Western opposition to its decision to resume atomic work halted more than two years ago.

"We will remove the seals and we have announced that we are ready to start research from tomorrow,"
--Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi

--By Parisa Hafezi, Reuters


Iran has decided to rewrite and revise the history of the Holocaust. Following the repeated declarations by the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and other senior government officials on the need to re-examine the history of the genocide of the Jews during the Second World War, the association of Islamic Journalists of Iran has been tasked with quickly putting together an international conference on the Holocaust.

"We want to offer a free and democratic platform to the historians to examine in-depth this myth, seeing that in different European countries there exist laws against democracy and freedom that to do not allow intellectuals who believe in a version distinct from that which is officially pronounced on the Holocaust..."
--Mehdi Afzali,
   Spokesperson of the Association of Islamic Journalists
[Emphasis Added]

--ADNKronosInternational


Iran's ultra-conservative president has said he hopes Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, currently receiving treatment after a severe stroke, a would die.

"Hopefully, the news that the criminal of Sabra and Chatilla has joined his ancestors is final..."
--Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

--The Scotsman


Iran leader's messianic end-times mission
Iran to remove U.N. seals at atomic research sites
Iran: Holocaust Conference Soon In Tehran
Iran president: I hope Sharon dies

Here's more

Stubbornly Ignoring the Beam in His Eye

Alito's Credibility Problem
by Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Saturday, January 7, 2006

Judge Alito has a credibility problem? Is he serious? [That's rhetoric for, "Of course he is!"]

Here's more

Michelle Malkin Tackles...

"The Christiane Amanpour "Spying" Brouhaha"

Knee-Jerks and Deceptions abound on the Left...

Here's more

Bob Parks Posts Another Brilliant Expose`

...of the Democrat Party's Misdeeds.

Reparation Lawsuit Against The Democratic Party

In the class-action Reparation lawsuit against the Democratic Party, will the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rule against the Democrats and order them to apologize to African Americans in 2006? In their brief to the Court of Appeals (Case No. 05-35890), Democrats are not denying the fact that their party was behind many of the racist acts that have affected Blacks during the past 200 years. The Democrat's own Political Platforms as well as Congressional Records show that as a party:

1. Democrats supported Slavery and its expansion into the
     northern states.
2. Democrats introduced the Missouri Compromise and the
     Kansas-Nebraska Act to expand slavery into the northern states.
3. Democrats support of the Dred Scott Decision.
4. Democrats supported Fugitive Slave Laws.
5. Democrats collectively opposed the 13th Amendment
     to end slavery.
6. Democrats collectively opposed the 14th Amendment
     to give blacks citizenship...

The list is 28 points long. You can read the full post Here...

----

I'm completely baffled by the apparent ignorance of most everyone as to just who the Democrats really are... or were... and probably still are!

For all the Democratic Party's touting of how they are the only party looking out for the poor, how they are the only party that wants to protect the rights of Blacks...

[...and why do we have to call them Blacks? Stephen Biko said to the judge presiding over his hearing who referred to Biko and his people as, "...You Blacks,"

Biko:
"You people
look pink to me.
Why do you call
yourself ‘Whites’?"

They're people! With minds, hopes, dreams, and every right to the same opportunities in life people of fairer skin tones take for granted. Why do we call these people 'Blacks'? These people are not the personification of a specific color!]

...Democrats conveniently lie about who they are to the very people whose best interests they claim to have at heart. And the media won't say a word about it! After all, the Democratic party is the party that best represents their interests-- you don't bite the hand that feeds you.

The Democratic Experiment is a failure...

"From both an empirical and moral standpoint, the left's policies are losers. Their welfare policies created a permanent underclass of urban blacks as a result of voluntary unemployment. Their education/union policies favored lazy teachers over students (again, usually black and in urban America) who graduate high school unable to read the diplomas they are given. Their defense policies resulted in an expanded cold war and emboldened Soviet Union in the 1970s, and the same for Al Qaida in the 1990s, both resulting in the need for expensive offensives to defend our way of life. And their moral policies taught us that abortion should be a norm, sex is free of consequences if one uses a condom, children should be exposed to their view of sex from an early age, and parents should have no role in the upbringing of their children if their views differ from those of the far left. All flawed concepts, all proven ineffective. And yet today's Democratic party remains wedded to them all, either too arrogant to admit failure or too myopic to see that no matter how executed, these social and economic theories have detrimental practical results. In short, the Democratic leaders of today are repackaging Marxist theory in an effort to effect their version of an ideal society. And if anyone thinks that sounds good, they need only look at its fruits as borne out over the past century in Eastern Europe and Asia."

--Excerpted from "Why Lieberman is Right--Why Liberal Republicans Aren't" posted by LawJedi at Liberty Files


Essentially, what we have in the Democratic Experiment is an attempt to push Blacks back into slavery. They lost their slaves when Lincoln and the Evil Republicans pushed Emancipation down their democratic necks, and Democrats have fought long and hard ever since to get their slaves back.

And they've largely succeeded! Republicans have allowed Dems to control the debate for far too long; they've allowed them to create a sub-class of "enslaved" citizens, who can't support themselves, who know little of self-reliance and self-sufficiency.

Republicans are trying to take back the Truth. And Dems are fighting tooth and nail to keep it, even stooping to lies to keep their slaves firmly in hand. Will this new Sub-Class of American's, now 3 or 4 generations deep, ever shed themselves of the shackles Dems have cleverly burdened them with? Who really has their best interests at heart? It's certainly not the Dems.

Here's more

A Collection of Comments

I've started a second job in the morning, so my posting has not been as frequent, but my commenting at other blogs hasn't slowed a bit. Here are a few of the choicer bits...


At "Shadow of the Hegemon"

Post: "Easier Response"

I believe your perceptions as to who is flailing and who has credibility issues is at 180 degree odds with reality.

Dems are completely out of touch with the American people... the bread and butter folks.

--Locke
01.04.06 - 3:51 pm

To understand my use of "Locke" as handle you have to have read Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game", as expressed in the "About Me" section of Demosthenes' blog.


Post: IMPEACH

To what purpose? Tit for Tat? Retaliation? Settling a Score? Hatred of Conservatism? Hatred of Republicans? Hatred of Bush?

Those are not good enough reasons.

Clinton deserved his impeachment. Plain and Simple. He did not, however, deserve to be removed from office, and the Senate agreed. We are better for it.

This "Insanity of Rage", of which the Left currently suffers, is more damaging to the Left than the Right. But this "Insanity" prevents recognition of that simple truth.

----

I always felt pity for Peter. It was not his fault that he was found wanting by Government breeders. That he lacked compassion-- or rather, didn't understand it --was his only weakness. But it was enough. [Personal] Inadequacy is a cruel lesson to learn, let alone overcome. Peter tried, and found some measure of success. Will Dems?

I found your blog quite by accident; searching "Demosthenes" and "Locke" --of all things, trying to understand why Card used those two as foils for Peter and Valentine.

I've enjoyed what I've read.

Peace.

Locke
01.02.06 - 4:11 pm

I especially like the "Darkened Alley in the Reality Based Community" bit. It's definitely dark. But that's not a bad thing. I was toying with the term "Locke-step" -- deliberately misspelled -- as a double entendre... But chose to tack away from those waters.


At "Opinionated Voice"

Post: "Threatening the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque"

"...Also bear in mind that the Zionists will destroy, slaughter and kill whether the palestinians sit around or not, and when they are unable to even do this, they will destroy religious buildings instead! Maybe though it may 'disapear in a puff of smoke'” at some stage… if Iran gets their way anyhow!"

Am I to infer from the above statement that you approve of Iran's potential to "“wipe Israel off the map?"” Isn'’t that what'’s commonly called a '’scorched-earth'’ policy? Your disdain, or hatred, or antipathy for all things Israel, or "Zionist", seems to be clouding your judgement! Apologies... I mean no disrespect, but Israel has shown restraint in that depite possessing nukes (though they've never admitted to such) they'’ve never used them. Unlike my country. Can you assure me and everyone here at this forum that Iran will show the same measure of restraint? Will they promise to not use them themselves? Will they promise to not sell them to terrorist groups?

I'’ll readily admit I don't understand the Israeli/Palestinian conflict as does one who lives in the midst of it, but I'd also point out that you don't live in its midst either... You do live in England, don't you? Can you not understand the West's fear of even the idea that Iran may soon possess Nuclear Weapons? Would you dismiss that very real fear as baseless? And if so, on what grounds? Iran has not shown itself to be, shall we say... particularly nice to it's neighbors. Forget Israel's so-called atrocities and think real hard about whether you want nukes in the hands of a Regime (one of your favorite words) who publicly admits its desire to see another Nation, irrespective of who, wiped off the face of the earth? This is VERY dangerous rhetoric.

If the United States declared its intention to wipe Canada off the map I'd look into moving to, say, Puerto Rico. I'd be very worried of living in a country that would soon see "Retaliation of Biblical Proportions"” levied upon it. How can any civilized nation [listen to the things Iran has said] and not be alarmed? This is not an anti-Islam issue, its a credibility issue... Will Ahmadinejad make good on his statements? Does anyone really know the answer to that? That uncertainty is at the heart of the West's very real fear of an Iran in possession of nukes.

You're walking a lethally sharp edge on this one, Jamal.

Jamal is a British Muslim. A well-meaning Muslim, who I believe is on the verge of-- or at least flirting with --the idea that "something" needs to change. It doesn't appear he has yet grasped that Islam needs to change... Attitudes toward Israel and Jews need to change. He seems to genuinely want peace. But he made a joke of Iran perhaps soon "wiping the slate clean" [my words, not his] implying the use of nukes and I had to call him on it, even though I recognized it as rhetoric. Destructive rhetoric at that!


At "Liberty Files"

Post: "Prosecutions and Wiretapping"

I couldn't agree more. These folks need to be hung out to dry. It would be especially nice if the NYT's and assorted other media outlets could be nailed to the same tree. Something should at least be done to take them over the knee and give them a public spanking.

I'm all for freedom of speech and freedom of the press, but there are lines-- limits --that shouldn't be crossed. I feel it's a safe assumption to say Caesar would have avoided the knives of Brutus and the other senators if he hadn't crossed the Rubicon. Every action we make comes with a price, be it benign or malignant.

Today's media is beginning to take on that Cancerous look.

I've been facsinated with the term "Crossing the Rubicon" since the moment I first learned in in High School-- Way long ago. There are a lot of different ways to say it. In fact, one of my favorite war films is "A Bridge Too Far". See the similarity? HBO has a new series called, simply, "Rome". A graphic drama centered around two roman soldiers from the same regiment who are caught up in the politics of Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cisero and Pompey. The season finale showed Brutus and the Senate murdering Caesar. I kept watching, waiting for Caesar to utter those famous words... "You too, Brutus?" But all I was rewarded with was a gurgling messy death. But then, those famous last words were the invention of Shakespeare, were they not? How else were we to know the doomed mans dying thoughts unless dear William used a little creative license?

Crossing the Rubicon, however, it seems we do this every single day. Ever decision we make-- as individuals, communities, or nations --closes doors, or specific possibilities, while opening new doors-- new possibilities. It's the nature of change. Human choice. The Law of Consequences.

Here's more

The Immortality Device

Freddie Mercury crooned, "Who wants to live forever?" And in context of the songs use as theme-music, as long as living forever doesn't involve cutting off the heads of other immortals I'd be fine with it. But at what price immortality?

--$180.00 [including shipping]


Hmmmmmmm.

Of special interest, is the inventor's return policy...

"I understand that the inventor, Alex Chiu, guarantees me that if I am not satisfied with the Eternal Life Device for any reason, I am allowed to get a full refund within 90 days, starting from the date of the purchase..."

uh... It's an Immortality device. So, how exactly am I going to know it's working, as advertised, in a mere 90 days? Perhaps to the inventor of this miracle device-- as with God --'A day is as a thousand years...'

Well, if that be the case, 90 days for immortals must be 90,000 in human years.

I think my Visa will expire long before that date. Will the bank that issued the card still be around? Will Money still be something men (or whatever passes for humanity 90,000 years from now) still be using money? There are just too many unanswered questions here, not the least of which is, "How much immortality can anyone really buy for $180?"

Here's more

3 Very Cool Tunes, and The Point

Fly me to the moon
And let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars
--Bart Howard
'Ol Blue Eyes


While we went to the moon, What in heaven happend here on earth?
--Castillo, Kupka, Bartlett
Tower of Power


Come aboard my ship, I've something to show you
Some new equipment to take us where we're going
A subspace machine, a hole in the fabric
Of the very being of the universe
Ignition
Atomic power on
We must break our orbit and soar right past the planets
It took man a million years
To make it only this far
And we'll leave the solar system very soon...

Around the universe in eighty days
Sit down I think you'll like it out in space
There's nothing left to stop us now
We're sure to win the race
(Sure to win the race...)

In our warp where time and space are one
We can no longer see the sun
In fact there's nothing there for us to see
For light is nowhere near as fast as we

Our computer says we've exceeded expectations
When we reach our departure point there will be celebrations
What this means is our existence no longer has a limit
The universe will be our new home

Now the earth is just beginning to learn of our existence
All life in space must learn to live as one
Maybe now is the time for friendship with out neighbors
For our planet is the second from the sun

Around the universe in eighty days
Sit down I think you'll like it out in space
There's nothing left to stop us now
We're sure to win the race
--Dee Long
Klaatu

And now, The Point

Just kidding! Harry Nilsson was a musical genius, but his Point is not the Point to which I really wanted to point... I just couldn't resist the sidetrack. Instead...

Excerpts from...

"Welcome to Mars express: only a three hour trip"

[...a three hour tour, a three hour tour...]

"AN EXTRAORDINARY "hyperspace" engine that could make interstellar space travel a reality by flying into other dimensions is being investigated by the United States government.

The hypothetical device, which has been outlined in principle but is based on a controversial theory about the fabric of the universe, could potentially allow a spacecraft to travel to Mars in three hours and journey to a star 11 light years away in just 80 days, according to a report in today's New Scientist magazine.

The theoretical engine works by creating an intense magnetic field that, according to ideas first developed by the late scientist Burkhard Heim in the 1950s, would produce a gravitational field and result in thrust for a spacecraft.

Also, if a large enough magnetic field was created, the craft would slip into a different dimension, where the speed of light is faster, allowing incredible speeds to be reached. Switching off the magnetic field would result in the engine reappearing in our current dimension.

The US air force has expressed an interest in the idea and scientists working for the American Department of Energy - which has a device known as the Z Machine that could generate the kind of magnetic fields required to drive the engine - say they may carry out a test if the theory withstands further scrutiny.

Professor Jochem Hauser, one of the scientists who put forward the idea, told The Scotsman that if everything went well a working engine could be tested in about five years."

Any space craft fitted with such an engine would have to be tested at least 10,000 times with 0 [Zero] mistakes/catastrophes before I would ever get on board. But ain't the idea of such a thing cool?

Here's more

Playing Fiddle While Rome Burned....

How is this image of Emperor Nero any different than Governor Blanco? Aside from the fact that Rome Burned, and New Orleans Drowned?

Blanco Orders Remodeling Just After Storms
Office tab: $564,838

By Mark Ballard
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA

"Shortly after the two hurricanes, Gov. Kathleen Blanco decided to renovate some of her staff's offices. At the time of her decision, Blanco also was hinting at deep budget cuts to state programs and the possibility of laying off 20 percent of the state workforce.

"The project cost $564,838..."

Other considerations & their associated "costs":

--The state budget will be about $1 billion short because of damages
   caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

--The budgets supplying money for public health care and education
   would need cuts of 20 percent or more and that more than 18,000
   state employees would have to be laid off.


Granted, there's nothing wrong with wanting to remodel. But the appearance of insensitivity is astoundingly huge, especially considering the loss of state revenue and jobs. 18,000 state employees may be laid off, while flat screen televisions & Swedish granite countertops are installed... Not necessarily excessive opulence, but certainly poor judgment, especially in light of recent revelations of Blanco's greater concern for the "appearance of rolling up ones sleeves" during Katrina, rather than actually rolling up said sleeves.

Louisiana Dems-- with the exception of Mayor Nagin, he's not likely to go anywhere, and I'm all for giving some people second chances --had better hope Katrina Evacuees return before the next election cycle. Louisiana may very well go to the Red otherwise.

And would that be a bad thing?

Here's more

Pithy Wisdom

"Without light, what lies in darkness cannot be known or examined fully. Without light there is no shadow... Only darkness."

--ELAshley

Here's more

Eric's 10 Predictions for 2006:

More of the same, and then some.

But more specifically...

1) Iran will become the new front in the War on Terror;
    Israel is the likeliest of instigators.

2) Not as many storms for America during hurricane season,
     but costly nonetheless.

3) Democrats may pick up a few seats in the house, perhaps
     the Senate as well, but neither house will change parties.

4) The complete unabridged Barrett Report will be leaked...
       to the consternation of Clintonistas everywhere.

5) The Times' stock will continue to fall, despite predictions
       to the contrary.

6) Judge Samuel Alito will be confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court
     and the balance of Judicial Philosophy will shift to the right.

7) Roe v. Wade will not be overturned.

8) Religious Freedom in America will continue to decline,
     and Christianity will be the primary-- if not sole --target.

9) Democrats and Media will become increasingly hostile
     toward Bush 42. And...

10) The term "Moonbat" will come to be thought of as
        too tame a description for the Lunatic, Leftist Fringe.


But what do I know?

Here's more

What Pat Boone Wants to Hear President Bush Tell Liberal Media... "Hear Hear!!!"

"I keep wanting President Bush to look at these irresponsible, insistent hecklers and say something like "Are you writing this for the Post, the Times or Al-Jazeera? It really makes no difference who's paying you to ask these things; they're military secrets, in a real war, and if I were the fool you think I am (or you wouldn't even be embarrassing yourself by asking), anything I tell you will be printed in extremist Islamic papers before the ink is dry on the American special editions! Why don't you turn your hat back around, stick your press pass back in your pocket, go back to the school you came from and enroll in Journalism 101, where you can learn the difference between reporting on what's happened, and trying to influence what will happen?" "

Despite my firm belief that Bush has bigger cajones than six of the last seven Presidents [including those of his Daddy], I'd still love to see him display the titanium-hulled variety the statement above would surely require. It needs to be said, but sadly, it ain't gonna happen.

And before any of you on the Left blow off the commentary because it comes from Pat Boone, allow me to point out the quality of pundits you have on your side, namely, the likes of...

Michael Moore, Al Franken, Cindy Sheehan, Jeanine Garafola, Barbara Streisand, Albert Gore, Jr., Richard Durbin, Robert Byrd, Senator "Dirty" Harry Reid... Lunatics all. And dangerous. These folks don't seem to recognize our country is at war or just how good they have it despite said war.

The great Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt put the entire nation on rations: gas, shoes, meat, butter, sugar, chocolate, silk, metals.... In addition, more than 31,000 people, many of whom were native-born Americans despite their Japanese heritage, were kept in internment camps. In total, some 120,000 people were relocated. To inject a bit of perspective... in the entire course of the war, 10 people were convicted of spying for Japan, all of whom were Caucasian. President Roosevelt apparently felt it prudent to keep all these asian-looking folks in a safe place. And who's to say his policy didn't prevent many more instances of spying? Personally, I don't agree with what Roosevelt did, but my parents were barely ten. I have to rely on history texts and internet searches to give me understanding and context.

But this is the posture of a Wartime President. A President adored by Democrats, in particular-- and rightly so --and by the rest of us not burdened by the label 'Democrat'. Roosevelt was a great President, but despite his greatness he made both good and bad decisions, as do all men [gender neutral], however good.

How many of today's media would scream bloody murder if Bush put America on rations to support the war effort? How many would cry for his impeachment and removal from office if he declared Americans and visitors of middleastern descent interned? The Left reeks of hypocrisy.

Like Mr. Boone, I'd love to see President Bush put them in their place.

"Hear, Hear!"

Here's more

The Obligatory New Years Day Post....

3 glasses of champagne past midnight, with an utter lack of ability to string more than a few thoughts of consequence together, I googled me, and came across a few comments I made on other blogs. Here's one of the better ones...


Found at the International House of Punditry

Original Post Date:
September 12th-ish

ELAshley said...

In reply to "Anonymous'" who wrote,

"Many historians will wonder how the American public was so wrong. How could they NOT see the signs? How did they NOT understand what was going on right in front of their face? How could they not learn the lessons of the last empire established on lies & fear?

"These will all seem so simple in hindsight but they obscure the picture right now. There are a few simple maxims everyone should think about when it comes to our current state of affairs in the American Empire - Principiis obsta & Finem respice, which translate to 'Resist the beginnings' and 'Consider the end.' "....

I could point to my own flashpoint; that point in our history where Liberalism began to fundamentally change our nation, perhaps irrevocably, but I would only be accused of being partisan. Let's look instead at a "flashpoint" no one can argue against, then let's think about 'Resist[ing] the Beginnings' & 'Consider the End'.

At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which so bountifully acknowledges God, why didn't anyone resist? Perhaps it was because most colonists believed in God, and His divine purpose in giving each and every man [gender neutral] the freedoms of which many on the left today aren't particularly careful. And disturbingly careless of.

In comparison, consider where we are now. Has Liberalism advanced the ideal of America as put forth in our founding documents? [That's rhetoric for 'no']. If anything, the Left has sought to subvert the meaning of America, and has to a great extent, succeeded.

Separation of church and state? You won't find that in the Constitution, only that congress will neither establish a state religion nor forbid the free exercise thereof.

Abortion Rights? You won't find that in the Constitution either. The right of the minority to trump the will of the majority; nope, that's not there either. Transfering private property from one private citizen to another "private" citizen... not there.

This nation is where it is now because of the failure of the great liberal experiment began in our education system 30+ years ago. How many people in this nation are cultural illiterates? [Rhetoric for 'Quite a Few'] With no understanding of what America was meant to be, brainwashed instead to accept a bill of goods that amount to "America is Bad. We deserve terrorist attacks and natural disasters."

America is not a Democracy, it is a Republic. America was not intended in its founding to be a godless society. Go ahead, look at the beginning. Now look at where we are now and ask yourself, honestly, who is responsible for stripping our nation, our culture, and our society of the moral superiority it once owned? Hint: It wasn't Conservative Republicans.

In recent years, Liberalism has foisted upon us two particular evils: Multiculturalism, and Political Correctness. Evil, because they both marginalize/trivialize Truth. And, btw, Truth is neither Left nor Right, Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal. Truth is simply truth. I find it curious that the Left routinely finds truth a difficult pill to swallow.

Everyone should think, and think very hard, and very honestly, about where this nation is heading. It's not too late to turn it around. No one is so committed to darkness that they cannot turn again to the light.

Since I feel-- today, at least --like the glass is half-empty, I'm pessimistic about our prospects of turning this boat in time. But one thing I am adamant about is that each and every American needs to wake up, and learn to think for him/herself.

Simple Truth: Everything said, done or written, by anyone, is done with motive... with intent, be it good or ill. We cannot trust anything anyone says fully or blindly, because everything said, done and written is subjective. Question everything before you settle on what's true. Including this post.

Government schools would do well to return to the classical system of education known as the Trivium of Liberal Arts. [funny how the meaning of words change over time; Conservative... Liberal... Gay...]

Someone obviously got my ire up. I was pleased with that response then ( I do remember that much) and, not surprisingly, I'm still pleased.

I'm still working on my News Years poem -- a tradition of sorts, not that anyone's interested -- but I'll post it when it's to my satifaction. Goodnight all...

...Glass No. 4, coming up!


UPDATE:
There are exactly 4 full flutes of Champagne in one bottle of Korbel, extra dry...

Here's more