Comments Worthy of a Post...

I received a comment from "Solomon" for Tuesday's post, On Ishmael, and what God had to say...

Solomon was not convinced.

Nonsense. This is the same kind of tribalism and religious zealotry that led to 9/11 and the religious strife we see in the Middle East.

You can't base policy on ancient texts. Who gets to choose? Haven't you noticed that every culture thinks it's the chosen people?

Solomon had more to say, but except for "...Superstitious notions," and "...Evolutionary study," I had and have nothing to say. It was the first two paragraphs that elicited my response:

"You can't base policy on ancient texts."

"Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."

--Exodus 20:13-16

Only three of ten, to keep this discussion secular. Interestingly enough, all three are crimes, and punishable as such in our modern society. The fourth crime of adultery is still applicable and punishable under the USMCJ. Now, compare this ...Policy based on ancient texts with that of Shari'a Law's retributional eye-for-an-eye brand of justice, that includes maiming, stoning and beheading's, then decide which one you'd rather live under.

As to 'Religious Zealotry', it is not Christians we hear about every night on the evening news, who are kidnapping and butchering innocents, demanding the murder of blasphemer's, and blowing themselves and innocent civilians up into messy gobbets of gore. It wasn't Christians who flew airliners into the Twin Towers, or the Pentagon, or that empty field in Pennsylvania. Nor did Christians blow up a night club in Bali, or a wedding party in Jordan. Christians didn't plan and perform the attacks on the London Underground. Religious Zealotry?! It's not Christians who routinely murder wives, daughters, and daughters in law for a perceived stain against their family's honor. It's not Christians who perform surgical mutilation on the genitalia of their women.

"Who gets to choose?"

I get to choose. You get to choose. We all get to choose... And pay the consequence of said choice.


"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

--Joshua 24:15


Allah is not God.

I neglected to clarify that last sentence, so I'll do it here:

As the Texts of Exodus and Joshua are far older than the whole of the Qur'an, the God described in those texts is also older than the god of Islam, or "Allah". And if anything is older than Allah, then he is no god at all. And not to be worshipped.



Solomon chose to use the "Other" option when posting his comment, so he could be anyone, which is fine-- I much prefer this option over "Anonymous". No one should have to fear posting a comment. But that being said, there's no guarantee Solomon is who he says he is. So we accept it on faith.

But I couldn't let his statements stand un-answered.

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Commentary by Jerry Falwell

Pro-life Americans are cheering the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear an important abortion case. The Court announced it would hear the appeal in Gonzales v. Carhart, which involves a challenge to the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.

The significant part of this news is that the Court's new makeup – influenced by President Bush's two nominees (Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito) – offers fresh hope to supporters of life.

The federal partial-birth abortion law, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in 2003, has been the target of a stream of court challenges since its
passage. The suits have been brought by abortion-rights advocates who want a vague health exclusion attached to the law, giving doctors an easy out to perform the grisly abortion procedure. Such an exclusion would render the law virtually meaningless.

In the 2000 Supreme Court Carhart v. Stenberg ruling, the Court struck down (5-4) a law banning partial-birth abortion. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is now retired, was in the majority in that case. That ruling struck down the partial-birth abortion ban that had been enacted by Nebraska, rendering unenforceable related bans that a majority of states have enacted.

Had Justice O'Connor remained on the bench today, it is unlikely that that the Court would have voted to take up this new partial-birth abortion challenge.

Liberty Counsel President and General Counsel Mathew Staver says the more probable scenario would have been for the Court to deny review and allow the lower court decision to stand.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the law, which bans partial-birth abortion under the prior precedent in Carhart v. Stenberg.

Mr. Staver says that while it is speculative, for the Court to take the case of Gonzales v. Carhart, it is probable that at least five justices believe that the outcome this time will be different.

Staver said this is an important case in terms of abortion.

"No matter how far you stretch the Constitution," he said, "you cannot find a right to abortion lurking anywhere within its shadows. Abortion is an extreme makeover of the Constitution and the rule of law."

Liberty Counsel will file a brief in support of the law that bans partial-birth abortion.


Outlawing abortion

In other news that is surely giving abortion-rights proponents heartburn, Wednesday the South Dakota Senate voted to ban most abortions.

The bill, HB 1215, passed the Senate by a vote of 23-12, while a similar bill passed the House by a vote of 47-22. The bill will now go back to the House to approve changes made by the Senate, and from there the bill will go to Gov. Mike Rounds for his signature.

Section 1 of the bill states that "life begins at the time of conception, a conclusion confirmed by scientific advances since the 1973 decision of Roe v. Wade, including the fact that each human being is totally unique immediately at fertilization." The bill also states that "to fully protect the rights, interests, and health of the pregnant mother, the rights, interest, and life of her unborn child, and the mother's fundamental natural intrinsic right to a relationship with her child, abortions in South Dakota should be prohibited."

Please join me in praying that our efforts to safeguard the most innocent of life are being rewarded. More than 46 million unnamed voices cry from the grave in America, never having been given a chance to live. An average of more than 1 million babies continue to be killed each year via surgical and other abortions.

We must never give up the fight to save these precious lives.

--February 25, 2006

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Songs Worth Acquiring --

"If I Apologize"

--Performed by
Josefine Cronholm & Ashley Slater
[from Mirrormask]

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All My Heroes Are Going to Ground...

Don Knotts
   1924 - 2006

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is one of those films I've never managed to watch all the way through. I'd catch 15 minutes one year, ten minutes the next, but never the whole film in one sitting. The film I remember best is The Shakiest Gun in the West, the scene of him in the beginning at dental school... The kind of dentist everyone has nightmares about.

Also, the last scene in The Reluctant Astronaut... His bride is on the plane heading for the honeymoon, while Don is on the ground with suitcase in hand, looking very relieved-- and guilty at the same time --for being on good solid ground, instead of with his new wife... too funny!

For me Pleasantville was, by far, the best film he took a part in, though it's not known so much for being a Don Knotts film-- which is not necessarily a bad thing, it's one of those films that entertains and forces you to reflect at the same time. As for The Andy Griffith Show, I remember getting so tired of Mayberry-- Don't ask me why, I couldn't say, but I will say that Barney Fife was, for me, the only reason I enjoyed what I did of it, and Barney was the character Mr Knotts was most proud of.

Every time I see another great one like Don Knotts pass on, it reminds me of just how old I'm getting-- like I need any more reminders.


May God bless you, and keep you, and may you find peace and rest in His loving arms.

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Book Meme

I found this at Four Rows Back... who in turn found it at Frenzied Feline. Looks like it could be fun.


Here are the rules:

1. Pick up the book you're currently reading, or if that's not available, the nearest book.

2. Turn to page 46.

3. Go to the 14th (or closest to it) sentence.

4. Post the sentence, book title, and book author in the comments.

5. Continue this on your own blog with a different page and sentence from the same book.

Here's mine:

" "I don't think the crazy ones will have the brains to leave the city any more than that guy up there can find his way to the stairs," Clay said. "

Cell
--Stephen King, 2006

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On Ishmael, and what God had to say...

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

–-Genesis 16:12

Several other translations provide a different interpretation of the last clause...

...and he will live in hostility towards all his brothers.

Which, if you look at the whole of the first example says the very same thing...

"His hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence [returning to the first portion describing his violence toward others and returned violence to him] of all his brethren... In other words, 'He will live in violence among all his brethren.' Ishmael is half-brother to Isaac, but not heir to the promises of God made to Abram and his descendants. Other promises are given to the descendants of Ishmael.

Christians, by extension of faith in Almighty God, are brethren to the Jews... and the children of Ishmael as well.

God cannot lie. His word is true.

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"I'm sure the president's done a good job with his subordinates to make sure this is not a threat."

--Former President Jimmy Carter


That settles it! Allowing UAE to have our ports is a very bad idea!!!

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IRAN WATCH -- '06.02-2

Iran Backtracks... sorta

Iran's foreign minister denied on Monday that Tehran wanted to see Israel "wiped off the map," saying President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had been misunderstood.

"Nobody can remove a country from the map. This is a misunderstanding in Europe of what our president mentioned," Manouchehr Mottaki told a news conference, speaking in English, after addressing the European Parliament.

"How is it possible to remove a country from the map? He is talking about the regime. We do not recognize legally this regime," he said.

Ahmadinejad caused a storm of condemnation last October after Iran's official IRNA news agency quoted him as telling a conference: "Israel must be wiped off the map"...

Okay, there are quite a few problems with this. Mincing words, parcing the rhetoric, whatever! Semantics aside, there's the problem of Hamas. Isn't Hamas a creation of Iran, supported by Iran, and thereby an extension of Iranian foreign policy? Perhaps Mr. Mottaki is merely trying to deflect-- for the time being at least --international attention, and posturing for military intervention. Who knows for certain, but it's not unprecedented that ministers and government officials would try to "re-state" their own government and leaders stated positions. It happens here all the time.

Perhaps cooler heads have recognized Ahmadinejad's rhetoric for what it is... Dangerous. And it's likely they see a huge conflagration building over their research and development of nuclear technology because of their president's dangerous rhetoric.

Besides which, Hamas routinely targets civilians, not the Israeli regime. Innocent men, women, and children. Marketplaces. Public transportation. Shopping Malls. Hamas doesn't want the regime wiped off the face of the map, Hamas and Iran and pretty much the entire Islamic world by extension want Jews wiped off the face of the map. Israel is just a label that means "A Nation of Jews"... Animals... And fit only for slaughter.

No wonder the West is concerned about Iran's nuclear ambitions.


Ahmadinejad Contradicts

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday that the Palestinians and "other nations" will eventually remove Israel from the region.

[...]

"We ask the West to remove what they created sixty years ago and if they do not listen to our recommendations, then the Palestinian nation and other nations will eventually do this for them," Ahmadinejad said in a ceremony marking the 27th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

From Allah's lips to the ass' mouth. I think we can take him at his word. He says what he means and means what he says, and no amount of government officials trying to tell the world otherwise will change the fact that we are witnessing the rise [though it could be construed that he is already risen] of a dictatorial madman like unto that other guy who killed a bunch of Jews and eventually himself in Germany 60 some years ago. But Ahmadinejad, should he acquire nukes, will be far more dangerous.


Mullahs make moot the former & confirm the latter

Jerome Corsi of World Net Daily offers this bit of commentary:

Up until now, the religious leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran have publicly declared that the use of nuclear weapons are opposed to sharia, maintaining this position to buttress the argument that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Gharavian, a lecturer at the religious schools of Qom, stated that:

        "One must say that when the entire world is
        armed with nuclear weapons, it is only natural
        that, as a counter-measure, it is necessary
        to be able to use these weapons. However, what
        is important is the goal they may be used for..."

With Iran's President Ahmadinejad openly declaring that Israel must be wiped from the map of the Middle East, we are compelled to ask if Gharavian would consider killing Israeli Jews to be a purpose that sharia would consider acceptable for the use of nuclear weapons?

This fatwa marks a clear signal that the ultra-conservative spiritual leaders in Iran are in full control. Gharavian's statement takes additional importance because he is a disciple of Ayatollah Yazdi, who is also the spiritual mentor of Ahmadinejad...

And while Corsi's analysis here is commentary... Speculative, he offers a link that pretty much knocks the ball out of the park.

When the entire world is armed with nuclear weapons, it is permissible to use these weapons as a counter-[measure]... The spiritual leaders of the extremist [circles in Iran] have accepted the use of nuclear weapons as lawful in the eyes of shari'a.

[...]

Now it seems that the extremist [conservatives] in Iran have launched a new effort to prepare the religious grounds for use of these weapons."

When Clerics/Mullahs begin rationalizing the necessity of nukes by claiming God's approval, how is that any different from the atrocities committed by so-called Christians in centuries past claiming that "God wills it"?

Iran wants nuclear energy, the president of Iran wants nukes, and the Mullahs want their hands clean when [not if] Israel or the West provokes Iran's use of these weapons.


Kobayashi Maru attended an intelligence summit this past week, and dropped a bomb in the form of some interesting information from retired Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely:

          The 81 targets in Iran are all set
          Six U.S. cities for simultaneous nuke detonations by Iran are set


81 targets in Iran? For U.S. led strikes on nuclear sites? And what's this about 6 U.S. cities targeted for simultaneous nuclear strikes? This news has been out there for the better part of a year. I read about it last summer-- the American Hiroshima plot. Everyone I mentioned it to blew it off.

A lot has changed since last summer. People are beginning to take notice of what's going on in the world-- they are certainly waking up to the UAE buying 6 U.S. ports. There may be hope for America yet.

As for Kobayashi Maru, he's been silent these last few days. A little clarification would be nice.



Links:

Iran denies wanting to "wipe Israel off the map"

Ahmadinejad: Israel 'will be removed'

Mad mullahs issue fatwa to use nuclear weapons

New Fatwa States That Religious Law Does Not Forbid Use of Nuclear Weapons

The Saddam Tapes - Firsthand From the Intelligence Summit

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Found This at Michelle's Place...

Who found it at Publius Pundit















Translation:
     "We never taught them to do that..."

I find it interesting that this issue of banning cartoons is growing in strength around the world. In centuries past there have been others who lost their lives or were imprisoned for publishing cartoons, but I never thought to see it today. Until the Unreasonable Religion of Islam began killing people, burning buildings, and demanding death to all who would insult their prophet. Ridiculous. And hypocritical.

The fear is becoming so widespread that even Russia has climbed upon the Fear Train,

People all over the world, join hands
Start a fear train, fear train...

From the Article...
RUSSIA SHUTS DOWN NEWSPAPER WITH CARTOON DEPICTING MOHAMMED

The municipal government in Volgograd has decided to close down a local newspaper for printing a cartoon showing Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, and Moses watching a crowd of clashing people while saying, “We never taught them to do that…” The mayor of the city is quoted as saying that the paper was shut down in order to prevent inter-religious strife; meanwhile, the prosecutor-general is looking to file charges...

We're living in a world full of troubles, and if I might posit a bit of analysis-- The closer our societies and differences become, and the smaller this world becomes as a result, violence and misunderstandings will increase. You can't put a hundred people in a room with an occupancy rating of 30, adding one more every hour, without a meltdown. I think we are seeing the beginnings of just such a meltdown. And we have technology to thank.

And no, I don't intend to expound upon that last sentence. You're all very bright people.

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Fear and Loathing in the Halls of Media

The Media is a fearful bunch. They're afraid of just about everything. Name a topic, any topic, and there's a group of honest well-intentioned media folks who are genuinely worried about [...]'s impact on society and the world.

The Media is also a loathsome bunch. They loathe whatever marginalizes, or worse... trivializes... Their importance to the well-oiled global community. They believe themselves the equals of presidents and kings.

And yet some in Media are not without honesty.

Jeff Jacoby, writing for the Boston Globe, praises one news outlet-- albeit in a round about way --for its honesty while wondering at the dangers inherent in giving in to terror and intimidation. Quoting The Phoenix; the paper in question [Annoying registration required]:

"Our primary reason," the editors confessed, is "fear of retaliation from... Bloodthirsty Islamists who seek to impose their will on those who do not believe as they do... Simply stated, we are being terrorized, and... Could not in good conscience place the men and women who work at the Phoenix and its related companies in physical jeopardy. As we feel forced, literally, to bend to maniacal pressure, this may be the darkest moment in our 40-year-publishing history."

Well, at least the Phoenix is honest. Almost without exception, every other news outlet claims their motive for not publishing the cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed, is due to respect for the noble followers of the religion of peace... Islam. In truth, however, they're simply afraid of retaliation, and rightly so. Jacoby goes on to detail the history and danger of capitulation...

Like the Nazis in the 1930s and the Soviet communists in the Cold War, the Islamofascists are emboldened by appeasement and submissiveness. Give the rampagers and book-burners a veto over artistic and editorial decisions, and you end up not with heightened sensitivity and cultural respect, but with more rampages and more books burned. You betray ideals that generations of Americans have died to defend.

Jacoby characterized the Fearful, now Captain Ed at Captain's Quarters comments on the Loathsome...

The media attacks those who they know will not spend much energy fighting back. Gregory could act like a rude, spoiled child denied his choice of birthday gift because he knew the White House would not dare to even expel him from the room. However, their supposed calling to keep the people informed suddenly takes a powder when the remote threat of violence appears...

That's right, attack the President and his administration. Attack Conservatives. Attack Republican's. Attack Christianity and its followers-- "They'll bluster and complain, but they won't cut our heads off!"

Mainstream Media has become the proverbial schoolyard bully: Tyrannical toward the weak, and cowardly toward bigger bullies.

In the true spirit of satire-- as are the now-infamous Danish cartoons --Maureen Martin at CatholicNews.org shines a little light humor on the whole. Humorous or not, it nicely illustrates the absurdity of giving in to Islamfascism...

ATLANTA -- Out of Respect for the religion of Islam, CNN President Jonathan N. Klein announced today that the network will no longer air content that is offensive to the religion's followers, including any other material that distorts the image of the "religion of peace."

"Two weeks ago, we made the maverick decision not to air the Mohammed cartoons -- not because all of us in Atlanta are afraid of being turned into human shish kabobs-- but because we don't want to offend the followers of this great world religion," said Klein. "The fact that we're still alive-- er, I mean--that we've gotten positive feedback from the world, shows we made the right decision."

As part of the new policy, CNN will not air any material that depicts Islamic followers involved in violent acts, since that goes against tenets of the Islam, the religion of peace. As a result, CNN reporters, producers, and camera crews today pulled out of Brunei, Chad, Comoros, [yada, yada, yada...]

Read the whole piece, it gets better.

I'm not immune to fear either. I have drawn up my own cartoon of the prophet Mohammed, but I'm too chick-poops to post it. I like my head where it's at.

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Neal Boortz says our fears are misplaced...

...The real enemy of America's future is not the Terrorists. It's the Teacher's Unions.

I graduated in 1979. The education I got is not the same as the education my parents got, but it's far superior to the one kids are getting today in public schools.

Picking up on a point within Boortz's piece, perhaps Jamal at Opinionated Voice has reason to distrust Western democracy... Our founding fathers did.

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File This One Under: "Get A Job"

Poor Nick Lachey. Jessica makes more than he does, and is asking a judge to award him spousal support from Jessica.

Said Lachey,

     "[sniff...] I'm just too, ya know, talented and uh, good looking
     to get a decent job anywhere. [sob... voice cracking...] How will
     I take care of myself? What's gonna happen to me?
     [breaks down crying....]"

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Hi, I'm Winston Smith, from Oceana. We met in 1984

Police Chief Wants Surveillance Cameras in Houston Apartments

Really!? And to think Bush only wanted to tap your phone!

Houston’s police chief, Harold Hurtt, proposed placing surveillance cameras in apartment complexes, downtown streets, shopping malls, and even private homes as a way of combatting crime with a shortage of police officers.

Said Harold, last Wednesday during a regular briefing before reporters: "I know a lot of people are concerned about Big Brother, but my response to that is if you are not doing anything wrong, why should you worry about it?"

uhhh... Because I won't be able to walk around naked any more? Because I won't be able to shower, or take a dump? Because it'll pretty much kill my sex life?

How did this dim bulb make Police Chief?

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Fortune Has Left Him... Fate Awaits Him

This from The Australian--

Saddam to hang 'within months'
Hala Jaber, Baghdad
February 20, 2006

SADDAM Hussein could be executed within months if he is found guilty of ordering the massacre of 140 people from the town of Dujail, the chief prosecutor in the former Iraqi dictator's trial has said.

And the ousted Iraqi dictator, who faces 11 other charges, will not be able to cheat the hangman by dragging out legal proceedings in a series of trials.

The prosecutor, Ja'afar Moussawi, said that under a law passed late last year, all death sentences must be carried out within 30 days of an appeal failing, regardless of any other charges.

"Once one of the accused on the Dujail case, for example, has been sentenced to death, then he won't be tried on other charges," Mr Moussawi said in an interview. "Other charges will automatically be dropped against that particular defendant, even if the case itself is brought against others."

Mr Moussawi was reluctant to be drawn on how long the Dujail case, which began four months ago against Saddam and seven co-defendants, would take but said it had "passed the 75% mark".

You can read the rest here.


Strangely, I'm torn as to whether or not he should be executed. Saddam certainly deserves to hang, but another part of me can't help but pity the man and wonder if his soul is still within reach.

I did say it was strange. Don't ask me to explain it... I didn't expect to feel this way. I guess he should have taken the U.S.'s offer and departed peacefully into exile.

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Lamenting the God-Emperor

I just finished watching The Children of Dune, a quite faithful adaptation of Frank Herbert's second and third books in the Dune Saga. Peter Lynch had a much better visual feel and an higher production value, but Scifi Channel's productions are far better stories.

What saddens me is the extreme unlikelihood of seeing "The God Emperor" mini-series. That would complete the Atreides cycle of books-- The remaining two find themselves 10,000 years removed from the events of the first four.

It is probably just as unlikely The God Emperor will be put to film as Frank Herbert himself will finish what he left undone with "Chapterhouse: Dune". Frank Herbert died February 12, 1986.

Brian Herbert, his son, along with Kevin Anderson, is currently working on Dune 7 and 8, based on his fathers notes and outlines. I've not been particularly impressed with the six books Frank's son has written thus far, so I don't hold out much hope for these last two, but I will reserve final judgement until after I've read them... I am curious to know what becomes of Duncan Idaho after his escape from Chapterhouse.

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Connecting the Dots

I don't enjoy listening to Michael Savage-- He's too angry. He does however-- on occasion --make good points, and since he's the only one on during the mad dash to both walk the dog, and get dinner during a 30 minute dinner break, I listen. Like I said, I don't particularly enjoy the Savage Nation, but tonight Michael re-aired an interview [though new to me] he had with the Democratic Senator from New York, the honorable Charles Schumer.

Yesterday I posted a bit on MSM's fixation on the villainous Vice President's not-so-subtle warning to Scooter Libby, while dropping the ball on other more important stories, like handing over management and security of six U.S. ports to a company from Dubai, in the UAE.

Connecting the dots is a relatively new meme in political circles these days. It is increasingly more connected to the War on Terrorism than anything else. Democrats swear that Bush should have used his initial eight and a half months in office to connect the dots and save the Twin Towers and 3,000 lives from the evil Usama bin Laden. Bush claims that connecting the dots is one of his primary roles as Commander in Chief in this long slog we affectionately call the War on Terror.

So lets connect a few dots. Hypothetically of course. Without intelligence, it's all hypothetical anyway....

1) 9/11 exposed critical flaws in our screening and immigration policies.

2) 9/11 exposed critical flaws in areas of intelligence, and the sharing of said intelligence.

3) It soon became glaringly clear that our borders, both north and south, constitute critical exposure to potential terrorist threats.

4) Recently, there have been reports of either, drug runners in Mexican military gear, or the Mexican military itself, in armed clashes with border patrols. Now we learn that the Bush administration is "okay" with the sale and handing over of control of 6 major U.S. ports-- specifically, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami, and New Orleans --to Dubai Ports World, a United Arab Emirates firm.


Considering the above dots, this is what I see:

1) With the Mexican and Canadian borders virtually wide open, Terrorist cells have already crossed into the U.S. and infiltrated American society, using Mosque's and the Muslim population as screen, behind which they become all but invisible.

2) Since the New York Times' revelation of a vital tool in the War on Terror, all these illegals have bought up Tracfone's and loaded up on pre-paid minutes.

3) With the purchase of 6 American Ports, Dubai, a nation cozy with the Taliban and Saudi extremists [thank you LawJedi at Liberty Files for the link], allows certain containers to enter the U.S. without inspection. This is quite easily done as the U.S., currently, inspects only 5% of containers that arrive in the U.S.

4) Newly arrived terrorist cells now need only await a truck, laden with weapons and supplies to arrive at a privately owned warehouse in any number of major U.S. cities.

5) With Iran now in open defiance of the IAEA, how long before a nuke enters the U.S. via the senario I've described?


Now, back to Michael Savage and his interview with Chuck Schumer. I can't believe I'm in complete agreement with Mr. Schumer. The very fact that the Bush administration is okay with this sale is incomprehensible to me. Red Flags went up really quick when China tried to buy a Texas oil company, but this seems to have flown right under the radar.

Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, along with a Republican or two, are taking the lead in trying to block this sale. Doesn't the Bush administration realize there's an election this fall? That there's an election in '08? Just because Bush doesn't have a horse in the next presidential race doesn't mean he can throw caution to wind.

If ever there was a campaign issue that could propel Democrats back into power it's this out-sourcing of American safety and security to a company owned and operated by a nation in bed with islamic extremism.

Republicans cannot win on the issue of national defense/security by supporting this sale. It's bad enough that the President is dropping the ball on this, what makes this situation worse is Democrats appear to be the only ones diving for the ball. Media is too occupied with Cheney's hunting mishap, and the only ones really talking about it are the so-called right-wing radio talkshow hosts. That should be enough to wake a lot of people up, but I'm not so sure about Media-- for the most part they live in their own little world, where little folks like you and me better have an invitation before setting foot in their America.

If the King of Liberals see's the danger in this foolish sale, everyone on the Right needs to sit up and take notice!

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When Cheney Shot Harry

Nothing new to add. Just liked the sound it. This is a pocket full of mumbles, remember.
Open thread for one and all. Be nice.

And since this is an open thread... I offer this bloggers perspective in response to the Silliness and Continuing Failures of the MSM...

Guns Pointed in Anger... And Not

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The Continuing Failures of the MSM

The White House press corp, and most of Mainstream media is obsessed with Dick Cheney. Everyone wants to know what happens if Cheney's "victim" dies? What does Cheney have to hide that a "cover-up" is deemed necessary by "this administration"? Was Cheney drunk? James Carville wants the blood alcohol tests on Cheney and his "victim" released. The liberal feeding frenzy is so intense they apparently haven't even considered the fact that Mr. Whittington and family are undoubtedly watching the news. So what's Cheney's "victim" supposed to think about media speculation of his death? Whatever it is I suspect it's none too kind.

In the meantime, what are these media elites missing?

United Arab Emirates firm seeking to control as many as 6 U.S. Ports.
Does anyone honestly think this is a good idea? Instead of going after the Bush administration on crimes that are more "flights of fancy" than of any real substance, they could attack on more serious fronts like the potential compromise of 6 U.S. ports by allowing a Muslim firm to run and, effectively, control them.

Saddam, Aziz and others, on tape, talking about the Iraqi WMD program-- that the WMD's DID exist and that their use in terror attacks on U.S. soil was the goal.

How many times over the last couple of years have we had to listen to Media, the Political-Left, and their unwashed masses scream and froth at the mouth about 'No WMD's in Iraq?' Never was, in fact, because Bush lied, Cheney and Powell manipulated evidence, and Karl Rove, the great puppetmaster himself, directed it all like some mad conductor from his dark, evil, basement office beneath the Oval Office. Does the Left even wonder why we question their grasp on reality? Probably not.

Also being ignored is General Georges Sada's personal account of Iraq's WMD's, their transfer to Syria, and Saddam's atrocities. Why isn't the media all over his book -- "Saddam's Secrets: How an Iraqi General Defied And Survived Saddam Hussein"? Because they want to destroy the presidency, not vindicate it.

The Media is acting as though Cheney and friend, both victims of a hunting accident, is the most pressing news event in the world. It's not. The press is upset that the White House press corp wasn't immediately notified of the accident. How dare he allow Mrs. Anderson to contact a local... A LOCAL... news outlet!!!! This is what constitutes "deception" in the mind of Liberal Media... This is the perfect picture of a "cover-up". Rigghhhht. The sheriff was on the scene almost immediately, and declared it an accident. Sorry. No cover-up. Besides which, how many on the left understand that the Secret Service is more than just a bodyguard detail? They are in fact a Law Enforcement Agency.

The media is losing it. Choosing to produce political-porn, rather than inform the public of what's happening to the world in which we live. Iran is quickly becoming pre-WWII Germany, albeit with bigger and brighter toys. Radical Islam cares only about seeing/making America dead. And what does America care about? American Idol?

It's spiraling quickly down the drain, people. If you can't see it, you're living in Dreamland... Within shouting distance of Rabbit Bay, Bootjack, and Sunshine Beach, in the Land of a Thousand Loons... er, Lakes.

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Recapping Valentine's Day

The day began at 6am... not a good hour for one already exhausted from a week of 12 hour days. I was at the flower shop by 7 and immediately began loading the van for deliveries. I felt like crap all morning and much of the afternoon and early evening. My blood sugars been high, and I've just felt weak.

Anyway...

It's Valentine's Day. The biggest societal Male-Guilt Trip there is. Men are expected to produce flowers, candy, and jewelry for-- in many cases --ungrateful women. Case in point...

1 delivery this morning to a woman at a doctor's office....

"I told that bastard not to send me flowers!"

Some man shelled out 60 plus dollars to send this woman flowers she immediately scorned, and publicly.

It's expected for a man to buy his significant other something on Valentine's Day. A man may get away with forgetting a birthday or Christmas, but on February 14th there better be something on its way via messenger or personal delivery sometime before midnight. And the sooner in the day the better. What kind of man waits til 11 PM to show up with flowers? A man who put it off till the last minute, or all but forgot what day it was. No, those flowers better arrive first thing in the morning or there's hell to pay.

I don't appreciate being held hostage to a centuries dead, beheaded priest, to say nothing of the ungrateful demands of some woman who doesn't appreciate me enough throughout the year, let alone on Valentine's Day.

This doesn't mean I won't be delivering something before midnight... I'm not entirely stupid.

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Songs Worth Acquiring --

"Ruby Through the Looking Glass"
--Tori Amos

"On an Island" [album version]
--David Gilmour

"Ohh la la"
--Ditty Bops

As heard on Radioio

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The 3rd Intifada: "Oh, Those Crazy Muslim's!"

Where's the logic in this...

"We will kill Israeli civilians to revolt against Hamas..."

Why not kill Hamas? Because Hamas would kick our asses, and do the hated Israel a favor... Can't have that! No we'll merely hamper Hama's plans for a long-term cease fire by launching our own intifada. Nevermind the fact that Hamas only wants a cease fire agreement to strengthen their forces for a greater struggle, say, ten years down the road. Al Aqsa has obviously never heard the old phrase, "Good things come to those who wait."

From the article:

Fatah's Al Aqsa Brigades, will try to stymie efforts by Hamas to form a new government and sign a long-term cease fire with the Jewish state. Also, members of the Islamic Jihad terror group expressed disappointment their organization decided not to run in elections, and have warned they will stop Hamas from imposing a truce...

Abu Nasser [said] "...the Brigades will not respect any cease fire agreed to by Hamas and will not halt attacks at Hamas' request."

"I am sure Hamas will start arresting us, but it will not be that easy [for them]," said Abu Nasser. "We are preparing ourselves for the worst scenario."

Do I detect dissention in the ranks of Palestinian Madmen? This isn't the best of news for Israel, but it certainly has it's silver lining. Rumor has it that Israel would like to ring in the Palestinian territories creating an island-state out of Palestine, effectively cutting PA supply lines. So while the Muslim faithful are fighting amongst themselves they'll be less attentive to what Israel's doing.

I know; it's a lot of wishful thinking, but stranger things have happened. Let those crazy Muslims have their little power struggle. Hopefully Israel will use the time wisely.

UPDATE: Tovya says the encirclement plans are merely rumor. Thinking on it a bit more, I can't help but see such a plan as foolish, like unto deliberately taking a cancer into one's body... Not just foolish, but exceedingly dangerous.

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Reality Imitating Fiction?

In a society increasingly tuned to pop culture-- and not much else --what happens after 24 gives us 3.25 seasons of a strong Commander in Chief, and then [thus far] aproximately 1.25 seasons of a weak and craven Commander in Chief. Will the "in tune" voting public learn from the example of a weak president on a television show, and vote for the candidate they perceive to be the strongest?

Seriously. If Geena Davis as "Commander in Chief" is supposed to be a blueprint for a Hillary Clinton Presidency-- the ultimate Liberal wet dream, why can't 24 be the blueprint for the avoidence of panty-waisted crybabies like Al Gore, and John Kerry?

--I don't include Hillary in that because she is panty waisted, and she doesn't stand a snowball's chance in getting elected in the first place.

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A New Appreciation for Florists

A mere six weeks into my second job... Valentines day. Roses. Lot's and lots of roses. And thorns. Stiff, cold winds. Buckets of icy water. And a thoroughly stressed boss-lady.

I'm told Valentines Day will be the worst day of the year, but I'm comforted by the fact that I must report to the station at 2pm, which is fine by me-- What better reward for a news junkie?

I still can't believe I actually get paid to work at a television station.

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Cherry Picking --

Verb-- 1. When a member of mainstream media who, after collecting a few hours worth of video, sound bites, and interviews, "Picks" the "Sweetest" 1% that best tells the story the reporter wants to sell. 2. The choosing of specific facts, irrespective of context, to piece together a story that serves a desired or preferred outcome. 3. The act of picking cherries.

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More Wire-tapping

After work, upon finishing my viewing of tonight's episode of Battlestar Galactica via the VHS, I flipped over to FOX to watch a bit of news... It's 11:20. Brit Hume's on... Although... He wasn't; Jim Angle was sitting in and the topic was the NSA wiretapping program. Jim quickly went to a taped interview with democratic congresswoman Jane Harmon of California.

Said Ms. Harmon...
[paraphrased, and condensed]

1) The program she was briefed on is legal under current FISA law

2) The program is vital to National Security and must continue

3) The NYT's characterization of the program was way off-base

4) The General Public, including the rest of Media, are equally off base
5) The leakers need to be dealt with


And all this from a democrat. What will Nancy and Harry have to say about that, I wonder?

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Now, Let's Talk About Wire-Tapping...

The term "wire-tapping" conjures images of police and agents in cheap hotels or nondescript vans wearing headphones and smoking cigarettes, while listening to the private conversations of bad guys, while reel-to-reel tape machines record everything-- to be used later as evidence to seal the doom of the very same bad guys. Sorry for the melodrama.

The point is, wire-tapping requires the physical tapping of a specific line, further requiring someone to listen, and another to supply the room/van with a steady stream of coffee, donuts, and pizza.

Mainstream Media knows full well that this is not what's going on in the President's highly illegal NSA "wire-tapping" scheme to create a Republican police state. But the image fits the story they want to sell. They have no interest in the truth. Likewise, the folks who buy that Loaf of Lies have no interest in becoming themselves personally acquainted with that rarest of flowers... Can you guess? That's right, Truth.

What's really going on is referred to as Data Mining. ECHELON and ABLE DANGER are both fine examples of data mining. Picture, if you will, a nice chilly room filled with computers that monitor "specific" international phone numbers, that-- to make it all the more clear --originate overseas... in foreign countries... not necessarily English speaking nations... folks who don't give a rat's patootie whether or not Jessica and Nick get divorced. These computers respond to key-words, sending up alarms, to words like, Bomb, Nuclear, Suicide, Kill, Los Angeles... Contrary to what media wants us to believe, this government has neither the time, nor desire to "physically" tap and man, the thousands of land lines Liberals and their Media Mouthpieces apoplectically insist is part and parcel of the corrupt Bush White House.

Now, suppose a known Al Qaeda number goes active, and suppose, just suppose that the words "Nuclear" and "L.A." get used in the same sentence within the first few sentences or so of a call that originates from either a foreign nation, or a "Person of Interest" within the U.S.. Do we disconnect and stop listening because we first have to run to, say, two or three levels of lawyers for permission to listen in, not knowing how long the conversation may or may not last? Where is it written that to listen in is illegal? Dem's would have us believe this kind of activity is illegal. But it's not. Also, who's to say the U.S. end of these conversations are U.S. Citizens? Something to think about, and something the Media is not likely to tell you about. After all, it doesn't fit the story they want to sell.

I've covered this topic in a previous post, both the legality of it, as described in the U.S. CODE, and previous examples of Presidents who claimed the very same authority President Bush now claims. I'm not going to re-hash it here, just read my previous post. Both the Mainstream Media and the liberal Politic-Left are either curiously ignorant of certain elements of the U.S. CODE OR deliberately silent concerning certain Historical Precedents... Both Carter and Clinton are guilty of this very Crime, by Executive Order, that Bush is now accused of.

As to the whole 72 hour after-the-fact deal for acquiring a FISA court warrant-- No one is asking what might happen to a case against a would-be bomber if the court refused to justify the eavesdropping, after the fact. I agree with Attorney General Gonzales; these conversations, that may last no more than a minute or two, constitute "hot pursuit" especially if the conversation was flagged for containing a few choice key words. There is no time to get a few lawyers to say "go for it" before we begin to listen in and attempt a trace on the call. Lawyers may yet be the death of us all....

Oh! What was that Shakespeare quote from "Henry VI"?

"The first thing we do is kill all the lawyers"

But I digress. Why stop at 72 hours, when the US CODE gives the Attorney General ONE year.

Just as Katrina spawned all kinds of distortions-- rapes and murders in the Super Dome, ten-thousand deaths --so too is this whole business with this so-called "domestic wiretapping". And to reiterate, just because Dem's, Media, and Moonbats all claim the illegality of Bush's secret program to spy on Americans, doesn't make it illegal. Likewise, what I've written here doesn't make what I've said so. It's incumbent upon you to read and discover the truth for yourself. I can't make you believe the truth, but then that's not my responsibility. My hands are clean by simply pointing you in the right direction. If you continue to believe a lie, that's on your head, not mine.

The real story is the very real acts of Treason committed by the New York Times, but again, that's not a story Media wants to sell.

This post began as a comment at Trucker Philosophy, but damned Halo Scan! They lose far too many of my comments!

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Abusing Mrs. King...

That the shade of the Wellstone Memorial would rear its ugly head at Mrs. Kings funeral service was inevitable. Everyone's been talking about it. I've been trying to refrain from joining in, which as it happens is made easier by a severe lack of time for this blog... at present-- I'm neglecting my Iran watch, Israel news & analysis, and my own brand of insight into this daily cesspool affectionately known as "Current World Events...."

As I said, I wanted to stay out of this, but no one has bothered to mention one specific item I caught, perhaps because most folks don't care too much about faith.

First, let's talk about ignorance--

Former president Jimmy Carter, made reference to the wiretapping of the Reverend and Mrs. King's phones in an effort to... What? Discredit, or break up the King marriage? Carter related this little history nugget in order to allude negatively to Bush's secret NSA "wiretapping" plot to create a police state. As to the ignorance, very few in the filled auditorium knew that it was J. Edgar Hoover, at the behest of Robert Kennedy-- a Democrat --who ordered the tap... Democrats engaging in illegal wiretapping. And now a Democrat [Carter] has the nerve to use as an illustration an incident of illegal wiretapping by Democrats to publically flog a sitting president-- and sitting not ten feet away. The way everyone cheered, it seemed as though the crowd believed George W. Bush himself was responsible for tapping the phone line of the Venerated Reverend and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.... It was a clear and blatant example of pure ignorance, and the Dem got away with it in the Mainstream Media.

But not in the New Media.

The Reverend Joseph Lowery then, further displaying to anyone with half a brain, the extent of his ignorance, said... "We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there."

Why? Because your Overseers said so? In 1863 Republicans proclaimed you free, allowing you to leave the plantation, and your masters-- "Free at last, Free at last, Thank God we're Free at last!" --and a mere one-hundred years later you march right back to the plantation, and virtual slavery, for the slick and empty promises of Democrats... the very owners of those very plantations a Republican proclaimed you were free of!!!! What clearer picture of Ignorance is there?

Those wanting an honest perspective into whether or not Saddam had WMD's should pick up a copy of Ex-Iraqi General Georges Sada's new book, "Saddam's Secrets: How an Iraqi General Defied And Survived Saddam Hussein". Hussein not only had WMD's, he used the time leading up to the American invasion to transport, via 2 converted jumbo jets, his stock piles of WMD's to Damascus, Syria... it took some 56 trips.

For Mr. Lowery to say what he said... For anyone to categorically deny that there were ever any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, clearly demonstates that they are not only ignorant, but fools as well.

Now let's talk about religious disrespect.

It's not enough that Muslims have gone completely farbot [Farscape-ese for insane/crazy] over cartoons. CARTOONS!!!! Now former president Clinton, gets up before the world and cracks a joke about Bush 41 zinging Lowery, mocking Bush 41's Presbyterian faith by saying, "not bad for one of the Frozen Chosen." Everyone laughed, of course, it was Bill! The first black president. The whole display was disgusting. By Contrast, George W. Bush was civil, respectful, displaying those qualities we expect the Leader of our Nation to display in polite, and especially in impolite company.

I am deeply troubled by the lack of civility displayed not only here in America but elsewhere around the world. Everyone is seeking an advantage, and they don't care who they malign, who they mock, or who they kill to do it. What I find particularly disgraceful is the Unwashed Masses' complete lack of ability to discern for themselves... Truth. It can be partially excused in the 3rd world, but here in America? It's the hand of Liberalism at work in our government schools. Ours is a nation fast becoming a Land of Ignorants. And I am truly embarrassed by it.

While it has no bearing on this present subject, I am nonetheless reminded of Immanuel Velikovsky's statement early into his Worlds in Collision,

"...Here begins Homo Ignoramus"

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Smoking Reefer with Bob Schieffer - Feb 9

At the end of a package detailing CBS' take on the foiled al Qaida plot to fly a plane into the US Bank tower in LA, reporter Jim Stewart ended his toss with a definitive-- 'The administration didn't break up this plot by wiretapping but by "rigorous questioning of al Qaida detainees"...'

To which, Bob immediately shot back, "Torture!"


Give me a break! Torture in foreign prisons! CIA scandals here, there, and everywhere! If Bob would simply lay off the hookah... But then there's no hope for Mainstream Media. They actually believe their own propaganda.

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Songs Worth Acquiring

"Give In"
--Tina Dico [from the CD "In the Red"]

"Black Cadillac"
--Rosanne Cash [from the CD "Black Cadillac"]

"Under the Milkyway"
--The Church [from the CD "Starfish" -- Excellent!]


As heard on Radioio

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Bumper Sticker Wisdom....

Saw this one while making deliveries for the florist this morning...

Government Philosophy: If it isn't broke, fix it til it is

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Eric on the Grammys

U2 & the unknown [to me] soul sister's performance of "One" was the highlight of the entire three and a half hours. A stirring performance... despite poor in-house audio. Everything from that point on was horrible.

Case in point? Kanye West's acceptance of the very next award for best Rap album. And just what was he wearing? A Michael Jackson costume? When he began to speak, I fully expected him to say, "George Bush doesn't care about black peoples."

UPDATE: Another Highlight

Green Day gets best Record of the Year! Beating out Kanye, Gorrilaz, Mariah, and Gwen... Wow! Someone who genuinely deserved an award actually WON!

UPDATE 2:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've counted 3 costume changes for Kanye. Just who does this popinjay think he is?

On a side note-- did anyone see that movie with Travolta called White Man's Burden? An interesting film, though it flopped at the Box Office. Imagine a world where the advantages and disadvanges of race were reversed. White's are the ones whose ancestors suffered under the yoke of slavery... on black plantations. Whites are struggling to climb out of the ghetto. Whites are suffering discrimination and all the indignities that come with it.

Writing my thoughts on Kanye earlier this evening, and remembering his ignorant statement concerning George Bush's supposed lack of concern for the African-American community, White Man's Burden came unexpectedly to mind, and I wondered-- If roles had been reversed, would some white guy from Texas have declared to all of America, "Kanye West doesn't care about white people"?

I find it difficult to believe this guy gets any play. I can't believe what passes for idol worship these days. What happened to the genuine heroes? The ones who, in a positive manner, changed the way others viewed the world?

'Whose your idol, dear?'

'Oh! Kanye, of course! He's so fab!'

How did we let this crap into our house? By not checking the soles of our shoes before crossing the threshold.

As to Kanye... What's to worship? He's an idiot.

[...]
Take up the White Man’s burden—
And reap his old reward:
The blame of those ye better
The hate of those ye guard—

--from Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden"

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Eric's Halftime Review

Without a doubt the worst live performance I've ever heard... and I've heard some doozies. The Stones should seriously consider retiring. They sound great on their records-- I'm giving away my age again --after studio mixing, but live? They've always sucked, and tonight was no exception. Good Grief, how much were they paid for that abysmal performance?!!!

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Christopher Hitchens Asks a Question

On FOX News this morning, Christopher Hitchens posed the following bit of rhetoric...

In regard to Iran actually using nuclear weapons--

"Does Iran have a death wish?"

That's an interesting question. How one answers that question determines one's policy toward Iran. We-- as individuals and a nation --tend to view answers to such questions from a western perspective; no sane individual or nation would do such a thing knowing they invite complete and utter destruction from the rest of the nuclear world. While Mr. Hitchens question is an interesting one, we'd do better asking the following...

"Does Radical Islam share the same values of life and liberty as the West?"

Answer that question first, then you'll know how to answer Mr. Hitchens question.

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Illustrating "Progressive" Hypocrisy

Liberals:

"Nowhere in the Constitution is there an 'implied' power, as Commander in Chief, that gives the President power to take reasonable steps deemed necessary in the defense of the nation and its citizens during a time of war, especially eaves-dropping on conversations originating overseas between foreign terrorists and other entities on American soil."

"The right of a woman to have an abortion is expressly 'implied' in the Constitutional right to privacy. This Constitutional right to an abortion is sacrosanct, inviolate, and cannot be abridged, hindered, or banned outright."

Such is the Hypocrisy of the Left-- Only Liberals can rightly divide and interpret the Constitution. Only Liberals are gifted with enough insight to guide the plebeian masses into true Constitutional understanding. For Liberals are the only true guardians of individual and civil liberties.

Conservatives are nothing more than ignorant back-water inbreds, and as such, incapable of enlightened thought.

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"Pay No Attention to the Ranting Man!!!"

You know what they say, "Beat that dead horse all you want, it ain't gonna drink no water." Likewise, verbally beat Democrats day in and day out and it won't make a spitballs bit of difference... They will steadfastly refuse to see reason if it comes from the mouth of a Repblican.

I am sick to death of Democratic idiocy.

The world is swirling the bowl and no one seems able to agree on who should stick their hand in and save that bright shiny diamond ring. Whats worse? Losing a valuable piece of rock down the toilet, or getting your hand "dirty"? How will we ever defeat radical Islam if no ones willing to get their hands dirty?

Radical Islam is not deterred by deterrence. To say they won't use their nukes because the world would retaliate 100 fold is absolutely ludicrous. Fanaticism is not deterred by the threat of complete and utter destruction... It in fact welcomes destruction. For an ideology that rewards its martyrs with 72 virgins [I wonder if those 72 virgins, via divine mandate, remain virgins regardless of how many times their gardens are plundered...hmmm...] and a perfect garden full of fresh food, clean clothes, and an eternal temperature set at 72, death is merely the opening of heavens door and entrance into the rewards they've so sublimely earned.

Muslims need to speak out against Islam's hijackers. Democrats need to get a spine, America needs to shake off the malaise of Liberal Entitlement Syndrome [LES], and the Tin Man needs a heart... but then, sorry Tin Man, John Murtha needs it more.

And get over it! They're cartoons! And by the way, how civilized is desiring blasphemers be beheaded for drawing a cartoon? You're insane!!! Get over it, or we'll step over your lifeless corpse when you try to kill our children!

Yo! America! If you want something, work for it! Reach out for it, cash or qualifications in hand! Government should not, nor should it ever be, in the business of subsidizing sloth. But sadly, to most American minds that's Government's only role. Where's your self-respect? Why can't you be responsible enough to see to your own health care? Your own housing? Your own decent wage? Your own education? Now, for those of you in genuine need of the aforementioned safety nets, be my guest; I pay taxes, and I'd rather see you fed and housed than on some steam grate in the dead of winter. As for the rest of you... Get a job! Get an education! And get your hands out of my pocket!

And please, please, if you can't keep your pants on at least have enough common sense to use protection-- AIDS and a gamut of other nasties are no joking matter --especially if you have no desire to father or give birth to an unwanted child. And if you were stupid enough to not use protection and are currently thinking about an abortion, do us all a favor... Let it live. If you still don't want your "little mistake" when it's born, there are plenty of people out there who do. Don't take the cowardly way out. Don't become a murderer... Especially on my dime!

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Heard at work...

Relating an experience she had in a sunday-school class, a floral designer I work with repeated the words she says God spoke to her spirit....

"Man does not know where I have hidden the soul. If he did he would cut it out"

Frightening, but true.

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Songs Worth a Second Listen...

"House of Flesh and Bone"
--Parlor James

Very strange. Very Fleetwood Mac-ish with a Stevie Nicks whining wail... Worth a second listen, but not yet sure whether it warrants acquisition.

As heard on Radioio.

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...In Interesting Times"

A noted-- celebrated by some, reviled by others --talk radio host told his listeners Monday afternoon that what we are witnessing in American politics today is the disintegration of the modern democratic party; they have finally realized they've lost, and big. In the words of William Butler Yeats, "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold..." This has never been more true of the Democratic party. It's also true that "All things must pass"... and it is their time.

A quick turn around the leftist "move-on" blog community and it becomes quite apparent. It's written on the face of mainstream media as well, though better disguised. Like fish yanked from their environment they flop about, gasping and struggling to understand what's gone wrong. They believe their own skewed polls. They believe America cannot win against inferior firepower. They believe life begins when a fetus escapes the womb, not when a tiny heart first begins to beat... or sooner. They don't understand that the soul does not immediately settle within a childs body at the moment of birth-- it is there long before --that by killing an unborn child they rob a God-given soul the experiences of humanity; after all, through their brand of eyewear, the world is a dying orb, filled with uncertainty, whirling about an uncaring star, in a universe devoid of God or Morality. Perhaps they see this as a blessing... what new soul would by choice suffer such uncertainty and circumstance? The mind that can rationalize the murder of innocents is a mind without conscience. This is Liberalism. And at long last the liberal ideology is experiencing what can only be described as "death-throes".

Excess and riotous living have filled it with a cancer no amount of moderation or retreat can cure. Lies come so easily to their lips-- I speak of the political leadership, and those who trumpet the glory of these demi-gods on their lofty hill --and worse, they believe their lies. Like the greek gods of old they too are capricious, petty, and without moral constraint... Gleefully counting American dead yet shocked that their mouthpieces are abused by the slings and arrows of an unjustified war.

We do indeed live in interesting times. I never thought I'd live see such a spectacle; the complete unmasking of Liberalism, and the unmanning of its political arm-- ruined by IED's of its own making.

All things must pass. Conservatism too will one day shatter, for no ideology is eternal. Evil is not stronger than good; nor is it equal, and the moment an ideology ceases to reflect goodness, its days are numbered.

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all convictions, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity...

from "The Second Coming"
by William Butler Yeats




He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Revelation 22:11-15

That which is right and good, can never be defeated by evil.

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By No Measure is Any Man Perfect...

But I am encouraged by our Presidents statement today that...

"Israel is a solid ally of the United States, we will rise to Israel's defense if need be... You bet, we'll defend Israel."

I'm very proud that my President re-stated our committment to Israel today. It's been a banner week so far.

For everyone waiting to see an end to conflict in the Middle East, to all those who can't wait to see America leave Iraq, one word of caution: Iran appears to be next. The War on Terror isn't over. Not by a long shot.

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Rebutting the Response

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D)

"The federal government should serve the American people. But that mission is frustrated by this Administration's poor choices and bad management."

How curious... You choose to castigate 'this Administration' for its failures in the aftermath of Katrina, while giving the state and city governments of Louisiana a free pass?


"As Americans, we do great things when we work together. Some of our leaders in Washington seem to have forgotten that."

How refreshing! A democrat admitting his party's inability to play nice, and all-around poor sportsmanship!


"No matter what political philosophy you hold, or what state you call home, you have a right to expect that your government can deliver results. When there's a crime or fire, you expect that police and firefighters have the tools to respond. When there's a natural disaster, you expect a well-managed response." [Emphasis Added]

Oh, this just gets better and better!


"Over the past five years, we've gone from huge surpluses to massive deficits. No parent makes their child pay the mortgage. Why should we allow this Administration to pass down the bill for its reckless spending to our children and grandchildren?"

And yet you're willing to let our children pay into a corrupt and doomed Social Security System? Talk about reckless!!! As for your 'huge surpluses'... Smoke and mirrors! Those 'surpluses,' like every American's monthly social security "donation" was spent the moment it hit the bank. But since the surplus was only on paper to begin with, it amounts to a big fat ZERO in any real, physical, brick and mortar, bank.


"There's a better way. Two years ago in Virginia, Democrats and Republicans worked together to reform our budget. By focusing on results, we were able to keep the budget balanced, preserve Virginia's strong credit rating, and protect the essential services families rely on: education, health care and law enforcement. States all across this country are doing the same thing, as the federal government falls further and further into debt."

That's because our failed public education system has raised a couple of generations of irresponsibles who demand Government pay for everything! Whatever happened to personal responsibility? What happened to self-sufficiency? Democrats stole it all, and replaced it with a big fat lump of coal. Merry Christmas, everyone!


"We now know that the American people where given inaccurate information about the reasons for invading Iraq. We now know that our troops in Iraq were not given the best body armor or the best intelligence. We now know that the Administration wants to cut tens of thousands of troops from the Army and National Guard and Reserves at the very time America is facing new and dangerous threats. And we now know the Administration wants to further reduce military and veterans' benefits."

Inaccurate does not speak to malice, sir. American troops have the best armor in the world... Ditto on the intelligence! The Administration wants to cut...? The Administration, indeed Republicans, want to build up the Military... It's no where near as strong as it needs to be. It's democrats who have consistently and insistently butchered and hamstrung the United States Military's ability to fight a war; killing weapons programs, reducing troop levels, cutting research and development... All democratic policies. Republicans are trying to fix what Dems have tried their level best to break!


"When it comes to energy, Americans are using more than ever, paying more for it, and are more dependent on the Middle East than ever before... There's a better way. Last summer, I joined Democrats in Washington and in other states in calling on oil companies to share in our sacrifice and return some of their record-breaking excess profits."

The price of oil is high because the supply is limited, and the demand high! You'd beggar the American People with higher taxes and no solution to the Social Security crisis, AND hit them even harder by requiring Oil Companies to "return" "excess" profits? "Return" makes it sound as if the gains were ill-gotten! And how are record breaking profits an "excess"? By it's very definition ANY profit could be considered "excess"! Furthermore, by demanding Oil Companies give back profits, (and to whom, by the way? Spend thrift Democrats?) you further guarantee the gasoline consumer pays even more at the pump. Those profits you greedy guts lust after go to fund research, exploration, and development of new fuel sources!


"The better way is to focus on service. It's about measuring what we do in terms of real results for real people. It's not about partisanship or political spin. It's about protecting the rights endowed by our Creator; fulfilling the principle of equality set out in our Declaration of Independence; ensuring that the light of liberty shines on every American."

You recognize a creator? Do you also recognize the right of the unborn to arrive safely, alive and wanted-- by someone --to grow up and prosper in this great shining nation you wistfully speak of? The principle of equality? You mean when Dems stood against the abolition of slavery? You mean when they instituted the Jim Crow laws? When they filibustered the Civil Rights act? When they illegally tapped the phone lines of one Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? The light of Liberty!?! For whom? Certainly not for your new plantation of welfare slaves! Hypocrites!!!


"If we want to replace the division that grips our nation's capital, we need a change. Democrats are leading that reform effort, working to restore honesty and openness to our government, working to replace a culture of partisanship and cronyism with an ethic of service and results."

Restore honesty and openness... Lets start by replacing Senator's Reid, Kennedy, Kerry, Durbin, Representatives Murtha, Pelosi, and every other Idiotarian in Democrat clothing. Oh, and let's not forget that mental giant Howard Dean!!!

okay. calm down, Eric...

It takes a lot of nerve to speak of replacing partisanship, especially in light of the Democratic attempt at an Alito filibuster, and Democratic attempts to smear the name of a good man and jurist, simply because you want to continue allowing the butcher of innocent unborn children. You can't fool me! Abortion is the only real plank on the Democratic platform...

"ARRGH!!! And I hope t'see ye walkin' that plank too, me hearties!"


If this is the best the Left had to offer... I'm not impressed.

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