Righting America

Sorry for the "Delay"

2007-02-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

Folks, I would like to apologize for the delay in launching the new "Team America" blog. I have had some major personal distraction as of late (see my new profile and you might figure it out!) which has kept me from all of my leisure pursuits...including this one.

Rest assured that when the dust settles and the gratuitous drama subsides, I will diligently make the necessary changes and get this thing moving. I will send a personal email to all of the Associates to explain myself further, but everyone should keep the faith and continue to check back.

As Gandalf might say, this is the "Deep breath before the plunge."

Timmer

Another Year of Righting America - with a Difference!

2007-01-01T01:03:00.000-05:00

Now that the New Year is upon us, it is time to start many things anew. Gym attendance, smoking cessation, weight loss, yada yada yada. Okay, ya got me...I don't like gyms in January that are crowded with those New Year's Resolution folks (who will all be gone by mid February); not quite ready to ditch the butts (again!); and have worked (and drank!) very hard to develop this guppy-like physique!

But there are some things that we should take another look at. How we treat our family and friends, our ambitions and goals, and even our BLOGGING!

Yes, a small group of fellow bloggers will be joining me as Associates on this site. They are all familiar to me and share many of my own politics and values. Over the next few weeks, I will make the necessary changes to this blog and possibly consider one or two last minute applications. By the middle of this month, I will announce the new team and we will start our new journey together.

LONG LIVE SADDAM! Ummm, errr, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

-Timmer

Seeking Contributing Bloggers for Righting America!

2006-12-12T23:48:00.000-05:00

After weeks of taking some personal inventory, I have come to a few inescapable conclusions:

- Family has to come FIRST - and that means I don't always have as much free time as I would like to blog

- I can't just give this stuff up - especially in the world and political climate we now find ourselves, and

- "Righting America" is not just a blog, but an ideal that a few other like-minded folks should share!

SO here is the deal: Anyone who wishes to contribute to Righting America as part of a small team of bloggers, now is your chance! You don't have to agree with me on everything, but you absolutely MUST meet the following criteria:
You MUST love America...even if you are not an American!

You MUST strongly support our brave men and women in uniform!

You MUST contribute at least ONE ARTICLE a month - and no more than ONE ARTICLE per day

You MUST respect FREEDOM OF SPEECH, whilst not abusing it to personally attack visitors

You MUST agree to this...I reserve the right to revoke a contributor's membership to this blog without notice
Now I would like to think that I have developed a reputation with a few readers for fairness and intellectual honesty. Even my detractors would generally agree with that statement, regardless of our differences. I would very much like to maintain that sort of profile - and will expect our contributors to do the same.

How to become a Contributor

Send me an e-Mail stating your case - to TimmerATcomcastDOTnet

If you have your own blog, please provide me with the URL so I can give it a quick gander. Cross publishing articles to your own blog and this one is just fine with me.

E-mails only please. I will be considering applications until after the Holidays, at which time "Righting America" will be opened for business once again!

Merry Christmas to all....Timmer

Ambassador Bolton Needs to STAY in the UN

2006-11-14T23:34:00.000-05:00

It is one thing to have a "change in direction" in Iraq - most would agree that some fresh tactics and a revamped strategy are in order. It is another thing entirely to replace our stolid Ambassador to the UN who, in such a short and trying time, has done a fantastic job. In times like these, one who can stand up to an impetuous nuclear-hungry dictator like Kim Jong Il; or a sulphur-sniffing banana-republic bully like Hugo Chavez.

In times like these - we need John Bolton.

As stated recently in the New York Post:

John Bolton has been too good an ambassador - at a time when America sorely needs an effective envoy at Turtle Bay - to be tossed on the scrap heap because of the Democrats' short-sightedness.
It was Bolton who recently organized the majority coalition that blocked Hugo Chavez's Venezuela from winning a seat on the Security Council.
It was Bolton who worked with France to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah (flawed as it was).
It was Bolton who took the lead in pressing for comprehensive reform of the U.N.'s rotting institutional infrastructure.
It is Bolton who has refused to play the game of diplomatic double-talk, refusing to participate in the new - and already discredited - Human Rights Council, which he memorably called a case of "putting lipstick on a caterpillar and calling it a butterfly."
...Last week, Tehran called Tueday's elections a victory for Iran, Chavez called for Bush's execution, al Qaeda in Iraq said it wouldn't rest until it blew up the White House, and former Gitmo detainees moved to bring criminal charges in Germany against top Bush administration officials.

Much of this, of course, is little more than a postelection pile-on against a president seen as a powerless lame duck. But it may also represent a genuine belief that the Democrats, who campaigned against every aspect of Bush's foreign policy, will go soft in the War on Terror.
Like it or not, the United States needs a man who can unflinchingly assert American influence on this fallible body of (mostly) hostile nations.

But the emboldened majority, who has promised "no payback" seems to have anticipated an end to the honeymoon. The pile-on has begun, and for no good reason other than partisan revenge. Also from the Post:
Democrats have an obligation to demonstrate conclusively to America's enemies that they don't have allies on Capitol Hill. By moving so swiftly to torpedo John Bolton, they've sent precisely the opposite signal.
Apparently, if the President is forced to do another recess appointment that will give us another year of Ambassador Bolton, it will have to be without salary. Claudia of The Rosset Report has suggested that WE AMERICANS put together a fund to pay his salary. Not a bad idea - and what a mandate that would be for Mr. Bolton (and a slap to some of these heel-nipping Democrats)!

Happy 231st Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!

2006-11-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

As a career Navy man, I would normally refer to my "Devil Dog" shipmates, now colleagues and friends, as "Jar-Head," "Leather-Neck," or any number of colorful terms of, er, endearment. But they were always held in my highest esteem (even if I didn't necessarily tell them that), and when it comes to discipline and esprit de corps, NO ONE has it over these most excellent American Patriots. As defenders of our way of life, there is no way we can thank them enough for what they have done and sacrificed for us over these 231 years.

"There is a special aura surrounding the word "Marine." It means something different than a soldier, a cut above, and more can be expected from this person. Pride and cockiness are the trademarks of Marines, the strongest brotherhood in the world. To serve in the Marine Corps is to serve in an organization that demands and delivers excellence beyond all others. Service in the Marines leaves a lasting impression upon the innermost being of everyone who is privileged enough to serve. "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." To dispute this is to invite a brawl." ~ A Former Marine
After having spoken to many Marines about why on Earth they would join the strictest of all military branches, the answer usually has something to do with the idea of Grit. They either want it, want to prove they have it, or already have it and no other uniformed service could satisfy it.

History of the USMC
The Corps got its first sense of identity from (in fact was largely modeled after) the British Royal Marines. The USMC emblem was also inspired by that of the Royal Marines - unlike other military branches, neither incorporates a shield signifying defense (suggesting singleminded offense, perhaps).

During the War of 1812 with England, the British burned every public building in Washington D.C. (including the White House). Every one, except for the U.S. Marine barracks which was spared out of respect.

See this great rundown of U.S. Marine History RIGHT HERE!

Reality Check: For those set against our War on Terror and are horrified at the price this war has exacted in Iraq; and especially for those who gleefully decried (and, it has to be said, reveled in) the landmark 2,000th military death after more than two years of fighting, here is something to think about: 2,321 U.S. Marines died in six hours during the Battle of Iwo Jima. I think it is safe to say that the overwhelming majority of these Brave Men and Women of the Marines believe in what they are doing, and now MORE THAN EVER, along with their brave Army, Air Force and Navy comrades, they need our support. Why not say a simple "Thanks!" whenever you see them? It costs nothing to say it, and to them it means everything

Happy Birthday, Devil Dogs! and Semper Fi!

Thank a Veteran for What You Have

2006-11-10T01:34:00.000-05:00

It is again time for us to thank our Armed Forces for their brave and selfless service in the defense of this country and our ideals.
We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. ~ George Orwell (1903 - 1950)

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

Happy Vets day to all who have served. Everyone else - please thank a G.I. for all that he and his comrades have done for you.

America Has Spoken - Get Over It!

2006-11-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

As you might have guessed from the title, this will not be a typical "Righting America" offering. And unlike many of my fellow Conservative/Republican bloggers, I will not waste time and energy making excuses for a gaggle of politicians who, as a party, got what they deserved. Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" was full of promise and gave Americans something to hope for. This promise, while kept by some, was broken by most. The "Grand Old Party" lost its focus and became drunk with its own power.

This is not to say that the Democrats are better. This election was not won by the rudderless and nagging Democratic party - it was lost by the GOP, plain and simple.

Let me recount an epiphany I had whilst driving to work this morning. As I listened to C-Span on my radio, I was completely taken aback by many of the Republican callers and their reactions to this election. Caller after caller bitterly vilified the victorious Democratic candidates - stating that they hoped the new Republican Minority would punish the new Democratic Majority by stalling evey single initiative, vote or bill put forward by them. Frankly, this pissed me off. It is, in my estimation, the very LAST thing we should do.

I am not making excuses for Democratic behavior over these past six years - far from it. The word "Filibuster" is now a recognizable word in the American lexicon precisely because of minority abuses. But the way I see it, that was THEN and this is NOW. It is time for our fractured country to move on.

Nancy Pelosi, whether being disingenuous or not (time will tell), said exactly the right things today. Don't faint - yeah, I said it! She called repeatedly for partisanship, swore up and down that she would pursue a good working relationship with the President and new Minority, and emphatically stated that impeachment of President Bush is not on the table. She even referred to him as "our President." Now, I may very well be calling for her head next week (or next month or next year), but for now she actually managed to impress me with that sentiment.

President Bush, for his part, also showed a great deal of class and leadership today. He called "Speaker-Elect Pelosi" to congratulate her and to invite her to lunch tomorrow. And then, he announced the resignation of SECDEF Donald Rumsfeld - a gesture not lost on the new congressional leadership.

There is an old saying, "Be careful what you wish for." This can well be applied to the new Democratic Majority in the House (and probably the Senate, after the final tally). Pelosi and Co have now taken shared ownership of the Iraq War and other major issues. They have made grand promises, and it will be a huge burden for them to prove their worthiness over the next two years. In the 2008 Elections, if they are not very careful and effective, it could be their undoing. Again.

Like all of us, I am many things. In my case I would list it this way: Citizen of the World, Family Man, American Patriot, Conservative Republican and Blogger....pretty much in that order. Of course, I left out other stuff like "Veteran" and "Great Guy" but you all knew that already!

My point in listing all of this? Simple: I would rather see us succeed - as a world and as a nation - than worry about which politicians got us there. If the Democrats and Republicans can jointly figure out a better way to fight the War on Terror, promote world peace, secure our borders, maintain our robust economy, protect civil rights, provide decent and affordable education and health care, reduce our oil dependency...hey, I'M THERE.

If they can find a way to bring our brave troops home - not sudden cut-and-run but VICTORIOUS - then I will sing their praises right here on this blog.

As depicted in the image above, I have crossed halfway over this bridge - if for no other reason, to see what the other side offers. Why not? Here is their chance with me and other realistic, like-minded people...and I honestly hope they don't blow it.

It's Up To US Now

2006-11-07T02:14:00.000-05:00

Well, the polls will open in about five hours. And regardless of how the candidates have done - with so many close races - it is now down to voter turnout.

I predict the following for the races I am most concerned with:

Maryland Senate: Michael Steele
Maryland Governor: Bob Ehrlich

House Majority: Democrat
Senate Majority: Republican

And believe me, I REALLY HOPE that I am wrong about the House! Good luck to everyone, and DO NOT FORGET to vote!

UPDATE - Tuesday Night 11:45 :

As I predicted, the House is lost...probably by a lot. But the Senate is VERY tight and impossible to call at this time. Allen of Virginia should (hopefully!) save it. But only just.

Not looking good for Ehrlich or Steele.
Fox News and others have already called those two for the Democrats, but they are close enough with less than half the votes counted that the 200,000 absentee ballots (approx 10% of the vote) might very well come into play. Keep those fingers crossed!

So Long Saddam - It's YOUR TURN Now!

2006-11-05T11:52:00.000-05:00

After a painful and prolonged series of trials (and error), justice prevailed this morning and Saddam Hussein will pay for his murderous tyranny of Iraq with his own life; fittingly, this monster will take his last breath dangling at the end of a rope.

As the "Butcher of Baghdad" raised his once-powerful and feared right-hand index finger (with which he had pointed out thousands to be slaughtered) to the sky in anger, the Bailiff easily pulled it down again (see image). As Saddam shouted his defiance in the name of Allah, the no-nonsense Judge Mohammed al-Uraibiy gave him no quarter.

"Make him stand" ordered The Judge; and Saddam was unceremoniously hustled to his feet like the pathetic and weak old man that he truly is. It was then that The Judge, in a clear and steady voice, announced to Saddam and the world that his fate had been decided - the Tyrant is to meet his well-earned doom, but only after he is given the opportunity for one appeal. Failing that, the lawfully elected Government of Iraq will have 30 days to carry out sentence.

As Saddam and his monstrous sons (Uday and Qusay) treated Iraq as their own private "Wild West," free to ravage the towns and countryside with their gang of "Outlaws" with all of the territory's Sheriffs, Marshals, Mayors, Mine-owners and Land barons in their pockets - it seems fitting that his sons met their end in an "O.K. Corral" gunfight and that he will get to play the opening scene in "Hang 'em High."

But Saddam Hussein ain't no Marshall Cooper - nor Clint Eastwood, for that matter. And this time there will be no one to save him.

John Kerry: Dumbass of the Week

2006-11-01T23:43:00.000-05:00

News Flash: The "smartest man in America" has stepped in it - yet again! Just when one starts to wonder if John Kerry has finally learned to mind his words, he is right on time - just like the world-famous time-pieces from that French-speaking, historically pacifistic alpine country in which young Kerry spent one of his formative years attending that exclusive elitist school (where he got reeeeeeeeeally educated).

Of course, I'm speaking of this monumentally offensive faux pas from our (self-styled Vietnam) hero during a campaign event in California:
"You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
Yes, that is a direct quote and in context. Ya' just couldn't beat this one - even with an imaginary well-placed, intentionally spun "Rovian" misquote! And it's even better when you watch the video!

Ya' think he might be just a tad bit elitist? Can he honestly believe that our modern military is made up of folks who either washed out or didn't go to college? Does this moron ever look at things like statistics? Here is a little something special, Senator...just for YOU from our troops (click here) !!!

Understandably, the veritable excrement has impacted the propeller on this one...

*To see full article, go to:
Timmer's Dumbass of the Week

Trackback: He Meant What He Said by Michelle Malkin

10 Reasons to Vote GOP (and 5 NOT to Vote Democrat)

2006-10-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

While Democratic operatives, pundits, politicians and Liberal media are in a full blitz misleading into the upcoming elections, there are about 15 (thousand) things they don't want you to think about. In fact, they are doing their damndest to either change the subject (no homeland attacks since 9-11), repaint reality (the economy) or inflate the importance of backburner issues (stem cell research).

As they were in 2004, Democrats are trying very hard to make us believe that they are going to coast into easy victory - perhaps in the hopes that many GOP voters will just stay home. Apparently, they put all of their faith in faulty polls and are going to need some more schoolin'. Let us start the lesson by helping them to face some reality:

10 Good Reasons to VOTE GOP:
Reason #1. No Terrorist Attacks on U.S. Soil!...since 9/11 the U.S. has not been attacked by terrorists. This is a direct result of such programs as the Terrrorist Surveillance Act, International Monitoring of Terrorist Funds, wide-ranging interrogation techniques (not torture) of key terrorists, and the Patriot Act - much of which has been bitterly opposed by many Democrats.

Reason #2. "It's the Economy, Stupid!"...and it is kicking butt. It is robust, vibrant, strong and growing. In the 36 months since the Bush tax cuts ended the recession that began under President Clinton, the economy has experienced astonishing growth. Over the first half of this year, our economy grew at a strong 4.1 percent annual rate, faster than any other major industrialized nation. This strong economic activity has generated historic revenue growth that has shrunk the deficit. A new commitment to spending restraint has also contributed to deficit reduction.

Reason #3. A Steady 4.6% Unemployment...which is microscopic for a major economy, and is verging on full employment. Recently, jobless claims fell to the lowest level in 10 weeks. Employment increased in 48 states over the past 12 months ending in August. Our economy has now added jobs for 37 straight months.

Reason #4. The Dow, Baby!...which is hitting record highs almost every day. Just a few short days ago, the Dow climbed above 12,000 for the first time in the history of the stock market, thus increasing the value of countless pension and 401(k) funds many Americans rely on for their retirement years...this, despite the unprecedented setbacks of Enron, 9-11 and Katrina.

Reason #5. Higher Wages....and they have risen dramatically. According to the LIBERAL Washington Post, demand for labor helped drive workers' average hourly wages, not including those of most managers, up to $16.84 last month -- a 4 percent increase from September 2005, the fastest wage growth in more than five years. Nominal wage growth has been 4.1 percent so far this year. This is better or comparable to its 1990s peaks. Over the first half of 2006, employee compensation per hour grew at a 6.3 percent annual rate adjusted for inflation. Real after-tax income has risen a whopping 15 percent since January 2001. Real after-tax income per person has risen by 9 percent since January 2001.

Reason #6. American Productivity...which is surging and has grown by a strong 2.5 percent over the past four quarters, well ahead of the average productivity growth in the last 30 years. Strong productivity growth helps lead to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product, higher real wages, and stronger corporate profits.

Reason #7. Gas Prices Have Plunged!...and according to the Associated Press, the price of gasoline has fallen to its lowest level in more than 10 months. The federal Energy Information Administration said Monday that U.S. motorists paid $2.21 a gallon on average for regular grade last week, a decrease of 1.8 cents from the previous week. Pump prices are now 40 cents lower than a year ago and have plummeted by more than 80 cents a gallon since the start of August. The previous 2006 low for gasoline was set in the first week of January, when pump prices averaged $2.238. In the week ending Dec. 5, 2005, prices averaged $2.19. Today, gasoline can be found for less than $2 a gallon in many parts of the country.

Reason #8. The Deflating Deficit...which has been cut in half three years ahead of the president's 2009 goal, with the 2006 fiscal year budget deficit down to $248 billion. The tax cuts have stimulated the economy and are working.

Reason #9. The Prescription Drug Program ROCKS!...and it is working. Despite dire predictions that most seniors would refrain from signing up to the new Medicare prescription benefits program, fully 75 percent of all those on Medicare have enrolled, and the overwhelming majority say they are happy with the program.

Reason #10. The SCOTUS!...Bush has kept his promise of naming conservative judges. He has named two conservative justices to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito - conservatives who are devoted to the Constitution as it is written and not as activist liberal judges think it should mean. The strong likelihood that one or more justices will soon retire from the Supreme Court makes it imperative for Republicans to hold the Senate and have a chance to name new conservative justices.

5 Good Reasons NOT to Vote Democrat:

Reason #1. A Weaker America...by opposing the Patriot Act, terrorist surveillance missile defense and even interrogating the most dangerous terrorists captured on the battlefield, Democrats are in direct opposition to the vital tools we use to fight terrorism.

Reason #2. Cut and Run...The leader of House Democrats and the woman who would be speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and her croney Rep. Jack Murtha, would push very hard for immediate surrender and abandonment of a yet unstable Iraq.

Reason #3. Higher Taxes...in fact, Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., who would lead the House tax-writing committee if Democrats win in November, said he "cannot think of one" tax cut he would renew. That agenda would result in $2.4 trillion tax increase over the next 10 years. If Democrats take majorities in BOTH the House and Senate, the average family of four can expect to pay an average of $2,000 more in taxes.

Reason #4. Two Years of Political Infighting...Democratic leaders have made it clear that they see investigations and impeachment of President Bush as viable options should they take control of Congress. They are therefore promising to tie the hands of the president and his administration in the middle of a war and during intensely dangerous situations in Iran and N. Korea.

Reason #5. No Plan...Democrats offer no real plans for the way they want to improve America or make us safer. Instead, issues like the Mark Foley scandal, the Valerie Plame non-incident and Stem-cell Research have been grossly exaggerated and misrepresented in order to smokescreen their own lack of ideas.
These are trying times, and it seems logical to stay at home or not to vote if one is dissatisfied by our current government for one reason or another. But it is important that we all consider the consequences for doing so. On 9-11-2001 we opened our eyes to the world in which we live - we only need the courage and faith to keep them that way. Even down to our one little vote.

Thanks to NewsMax for the statistics and inspiration!

CNN Smacked Down for Airing Jihadi Snuff Flick of G.I.s

2006-10-24T23:53:00.000-05:00

Do you like the Jihadi flag symbol displayed on the upper-left of this screen-shot? This is the flag shown on a terrorist film clip that was actually played by CNN. You know, the Premier American News Source? The one that refuses to display the AMERICAN Flag on its broadcasts?

I must admit, even I was surprised at the audacity of CNN for showing this footage. Throughout the idiocies of CNN's founder Ted Turner and fallen alumni Eason Jordan and Peter Arnett, CNN has become the shadow of the proper news agency it (almost) once was - and this is the feather in the cap for the CNN Terrorist Network.

I watched the uncut version of the video from a blog called "Juba Online" (look it up yourself!). It turned my stomach.

In an interview with CNN's current Moonbat, Wolf Blitzer, Rep. Duncan Hunter lets him know how ridiculous it is for an American news organization to show footage, supplied to them by the enemy, of U.S. Soldiers and Marines being picked off by this sniper (or group of snipers) known as "Juba." (See Video here from Hot Air). He has demanded that CNN be barred from embedding reporters...and I tend to agree with him.

CNN aired this exclusive terrorist sniper video just two weeks from the upcoming election. Imagine that? Can there be any doubt about their political agenda? And what about our boys and girls being killed by these snipers. What about Lt. Joshua Booth - husband, father and and American Marine - killed by a sniper (Read about this on the Gateway Pundit). Would CNN like to televise his funeral and share that with their Jihadist buddies?

Interrogations and Tribunals for Terrorists - Signed!

2006-10-18T22:21:00.000-05:00

In a world where classified efforts of the U.S. and her allies are continuosly thwarted and undermined by "anonymous sources" (a.k.a. Traitors), Liberal News outlets (a.k.a. Traitors) and self-serving Moonbat politicians and their angry pundits (a.k.a. Accessories to Treachery), it is nice to hear some good news for a change. That is, it has now been signed into law that the U.S. can detain, interrogate and prosecute terrorists.

In a saner reality with lucid post 9-11 goggles firmly affixed, this would be readily acceptable to virtually anyone who is against terrorism. Trouble is, reality has taken a holidy in modern times. Logic is askew when a farsical Agent-outing-story (Valerie Plame) can create ten times the national outrage than the truly damaging intelligence leaks sponsored by Liberal propaganda vehicles like the New York Times and USA Today.

But today, those of us with the aforementioned mental clarity can celebrate the achievement of this new law. According to an article in the Washington Times:
"The law protects detainees from blatant abuses -- such as rape, torture and "cruel and inhuman" treatment -- during questioning but does not require that any of them be granted legal counsel. Also, it specifically bars detainees from filing habeas corpus petitions to challenge their detentions in federal courts."
President Bush:
"It is a rare occasion when a president can sign a bill he knows will save American lives...it is a defining symbol of U.S. commitment to defeating terrorists...The bill I sign today helps secure this country, and it sends a clear message: This nation is patient and decent and fair, and we will never back down from threats to our freedom. We are as determined today as we were on the morning of September 12, 2001."
The bill passed in the House by 250-170; the Senate by 65-34. In both bodies, most Republicans voted in favor and most Democrats voted against. Not a surprise there, but a good example of what is at stake in the upcoming elections. Should the Democrats win either majority, increased taxes will not be the only travesty we will face in this country. Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the September 11 attacks, would no doubt throw a cell-block party with that news.

Unheralded (or ignored) by the Loopy Left is this bill's prohibition against torture and the usage of information gleaned improperly. What could be more logical and balanced than that?

9-11 Conspiracies Part II: The Pentagon "Missile" Attack!

2006-10-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

Last month, after the five-year anniversary of 9-11 had passed, the loopy Conspiracy Theorists had once again crawled out of their holes - energized anew from angrily observing the heartfelt laments, memorials and fellowships of real people in America. I decided to write a series of articles addressing the contrived issues of these closet-wackjobs in order to illuminate to my readers just how crazy and hellbent on this administration's downfall some of the fringe left have become.

What Are These Kooks Saying?
Did the Bush Administration plan and execute the greatest, most diabolically murderous and spectacular flim-flam in American history on September 11th, 2001 (in order to justify war)?
Were all three collapsed towers of the WTC secretly demolished?
Was that a missile that flew into the Pentagon?
Was the crash of Flight 93 in a Pennsylvania field staged and the passengers spirited away to a gas chamber?
If he didn't expect it, why did President Bush just sit there in that classroom and continue to read to the kids - instead of leaping to his feet and taking charge when "informed" that an aircraft had crashed into the North Tower?
These and other compelling questions have kept Charlie Sheen and other such towering intellects of our time awake at night. Sage books (like the French bestseller Pentagate) and venerable MENSA-like organizations and websites (such as 9-11 Truth, WTC7 and Prison Planet) have emerged to show us the light on this fantastical coup that was wrought by the Evil Genious George W. Bush...and you thought MoveOn.org was a magnet for nutcases!

The first offering in this series was entitled 9-11 Conspiracies Part I: The Alleged Secret Demolition of the WTC Towers. Now it is time to move onto another burning question that you are no doubt losing sleep over:

9-11 Conspiracies Part II:
The Alleged U.S. Missile Attack on the Pentagon

Many people in the so-called "9/11 Truth Movement" believe that the Pentagon was not actually struck by Flight 77, as the "official story" claims. Instead, they believe that the United States government somehow staged the damage, perhaps through the use of a bomb or strategically fired missile.
"Why was there only a small hole, 16 feet in diameter, in the side of the Pentagon where a large passenger plane supposedly crashed? Wouldn't it have been bigger and shouldn't the crash have made more of an aircraft-shaped impression like the ones that hit the WTC towers?"

9/11 conspiracy theorists like to reference pictures of the damaged Pentagon in which the hole made by the plane appears to be small, but aren't as fond of the pictures accurately showing the full extent of the damage. The hole was described by the on-scene CNN correspondent Jamie McIntyre as "a huge gaping hole."

When American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon's exterior wall, Ring E, it created a hole approximately 75 feet wide, according to the ASCE Pentagon Building Performance Report. The exterior facade collapsed about 20 minutes after impact, but ASCE based its measurements of the original hole on the number of first-floor support columns that were destroyed or damaged. Computer simulations confirmed the findings.

The expectation that a speeding Boeing 757 would leave an immediately recognizable, snow-angel style impression of itself in a solid concrete building (versus the mostly-glass exterior of the WTC buildings, which did leave outlines of the crashed planes) is completely unrealistic.

According to Mete Sozen, a professor of structural engineering at Purdue University who specializes in the behavior of concrete buildings:
"One wing hit the ground; the other was sheared off by the force of the impact with the Pentagon's load-bearing columns"
"What about the fact that the supposed plane just disintegrated? That reporter McIntyre even reported: 'From my close-up inspection, there's no evidence of a plane having crashed anywhere near the Pentagon.' So, what gives?"

In true Michael Moore fashion, this sentence was taken out of context. In his interview, this reporter was trying to point out that the plane had not crashed into the ground before hitting the Pentagon, but crashed directly into it.

He went on to say the following without so much as a breath:
"The only site is the actual site of the building that's crashed in, and as I said, the only pieces left that you can see are small enough that you can pick up in your hand. There are no large tail sections, wing sections, fuselage, nothing like that anywhere around, which would indicate that the entire plane crashed into the side of the Pentagon and then caused the side to collapse."
Earlier in the interview, McIntyre also had stated the following:
"I could see parts of the airplane that crashed into the building, very small pieces of the plane on the heliport outside the building. The biggest piece I saw was about three feet long, it was silver and had been painted green and red, but I could not see any identifying markings on the plane. I also saw a large piece of shattered glass. It appeared to be a cockpit windshield or other window from the plane."
Not enough? In an article of Popular Mechanics, blast expert Allyn E. Kilsheimer gave his own observations as the first structural engineer to arrive at the Pentagon after Flight 77 crashed:
"I saw the marks of the plane wing on the face of the building. I picked up parts of the plane with the airline markings on them. I held in my hand the tail section of the plane, and I found the black box.
Kilsheimer's eyewitness account is backed up by a large collection of photos of the plane wreckage, both inside and outside of the building.
"But what about the supposed passengers and crew? Wouldn't there have been DNA or blood at least?"
On this ridiculous and disproven claim, Kilsheimer was equally clear:
"I held parts of uniforms from crew members in my hands, including body parts. Okay?"
Tune back in for 9-11 Conspirancies Part III:
The "Shootdown" of Flight 93

Thanks again to the Skeptic Society and Popular Mechanics.

Clinton's North Korea - Timeline of a Nuke

2006-10-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

I found it very interesting to hear Hillary Clinton recently rail against President Bush and his "failed foreign policy" which she claims has resulted in North Korea's continued defiance of the U.N. and its recent testing of a nuclear detonation.

For one thing, she joins fellow Moonbats like John Kerry and Nancy Pelosi in the argument that we should have taken a "Unilateral" approach...when that is EXACTLY what Hills and her ilk have criticized about other Bush foreign policies (i.e. Iraq).

Add that to the inescapable fact that it was her own husband, the over-praised and inexplicably forgiven Bill Clinton who, more than anyone else, made this day possible for North Korea - a broken dictatorial nation whose major exports are known to be counterfeit U.S. Dollars and Missiles. Courtesy of Newsmax and the New Zealand Herald, here is the Chronology:

Timeline of a Nuke
A review of recent history shows that that the Clinton administration gave up a clear and perhaps last best chance to nip the North Korean bomb in the bud:

1985: North Korea signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

1989: The CIA discovers the North Koreans are building a reprocessing facility — a reactor capable of converting fuel rods into weapons-grade plutonium. The fuel rods were extracted 10 years before from that nation's Yongbyon reactor. The rods represent a shortcut to enriched plutonium and an atomic bomb.

Spring, 1994: A year into President Clinton's first term, North Korea prepares to remove the Yongbyon fuel rods from their storage site. North Korea expels international weapons inspectors and withdraws from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Clinton asks the United Nations Security Council to consider sanctions. North Korean spokesmen proclaim such sanctions would cause war.

The Pentagon draws up plans to send 50,000 troops to South Korea — along with 400 war planes, 50 ships, Apache helicopters, Bradley fighting vehicles, and Patriot missiles. An advance force of 250 soldiers is sent in to set up headquarters for the expanded force.

Clinton balks and sets up a diplomatic back-channel to end the crisis — former president Jimmy Carter. Exceeding instructions, Carter negotiates the outlines of a treaty and announces the terms live on CNN.

Oct. 21, 1994: The United States and North Korea sign a formal accord based on those outlines, called the Agreed Framework. Under its terms, North Korea promises to renew its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, lock up the fuel rods, and let inspectors back in to monitor the facility.

Clinton agrees — with financial backing from South Korea and Japan — that it will provide two light-water nuclear reactors for electricity, send a large supply of fuel oil, and that it will not invade North Korea. Upon delivery of the first light-water reactor, inspections of suspected North Korean nuclear sites were supposed to start. After the second reactor arrived, North Korea was supposed to ship its fuel rods out of the country.

The two countries also agreed to lower trade barriers and install ambassadors in each other's capitals — with the United States providing full assurances that it would never use nuclear weapons against North Korea.

(None of the above came to pass. Congress did not make the financial commitment — neither did South Korea. The light-water reactors were never funded. The enumerated steps toward normalization were never taken.)

Jan. 2002: In President Bush's State of the Union Address, he famously labels North Korea, Iran, and Iraq as the "axis of evil."

Oct. 2002: Officials from the U.S. State Department fly to Pyongyang, where that government admits it had acquired centrifuges for processing highly enriched uranium (which could be used for building nuclear weapons). It is now clear to all parties that the promised reactors are never going to be built. Normalization of relations fizzles. The CIA learns that North Korea may have been acquiring centrifuges for enriching uranium since the late 1990s — probably from Pakistan.

Oct. 20, 2002: Bush announces that the United States is formally withdrawing from the Carter-brokered 1994 agreement. The United States halts oil supplies to North Korea and urges other countries to cut off all economic relations with Pyongyang.

Dec. 2002: North Korea expels the international weapons inspectors, restarts the nuclear reactor at Yongbyon, and unlocks the container holding the fuel rods.

Jan. 10, 2003: North Korea withdraws from the Non-Proliferation Treaty — noting, however, that there would be a change of position if the U.S. resumed its obligations under the Agreed Framework and signed a non-aggression pledge.

Mar. 2003: President Bush orders several B-1 and B-52 bombers to the U.S. Air Force base in Guam — within range of North Korea.

Apr. 2003: North Korea's deputy foreign minister announces that his country now has "deterrent" nuclear weapons.

May, 2003: Bush orders the Guam-based aircraft back to their home bases.

Oct. 2003: The North Koreans announce they have reprocessed all 8,000 of their fuel rods and solved the technical problems of converting the plutonium into nuclear bombs.

2004 - 2005: Kim Jong-il plays a diplomatic cat 'n mouse in numerous rounds of six-party talks while his nuclear development continues.

Jul. 5 2006: North Korea launches seven missiles from its east coast, including the long-range Taepodong-2.

Oct. 9 2006: North Korea conducts its first underground Nuclear test. The entire world is outraged, and sanctions are called for.
Can you see a common thread here? Back when strong intervention would have been much simpler, with no potential of N. Korea using nuclear armaments, the moment has passed and naive promises made and broken.

Let's see....a weak president, using an even weaker (and even worse) former president, tried to talk his way out of dealing with a growing threat. Almost as if he was preoccupied with something else...seems rather like deja vu, don't you think? Kinda reminds one of Clinton having allowed a certain Osama bin Laden to escape - only to mastermind the murders of over 3000 Americans and several hundred others in the ensuing years.

David Frum and his Diary (Blog)

2006-10-08T23:53:00.000-05:00

While driving home from work on Friday last, I was listening to C-Span radio. Their guest was David Frum, a Canadian-American former "Dubya" Bush Speechwriter, Author and Editorial writer. He is most known for having coined the phrase "Axis of Evil" (although he modestly shares credit with other speechwriters).

Listening to this thoughtful and educated man (BA, MA Yale, Law Harvard), I was increasingly impressed with his ability to articulate his position on a number of issues - and his candid responses vis-a-vis George Bush, his strengths and his failings. I was also quite amazed to hear someone portray the same views that I hold (albeit better said) concerning the President, Iraq and many other issues. For example, despite his admiration for the President, he has no problem pointing out that George Bush has some deep flaws - especially when it comes to immigration and border security.

I would encourage Conservatives (and others) to take a look at this man's work. He has written five books; An End to Evil (NYT Bestseller), The Right Man (NYT Bestseller), How We Got Here, What's Right and Dead Right, his own blog (David Frum's Diary) and a central website (DavidFrum.com) with links to those and more.

USA TODAY Reports But Downplays Tax Cuts

2006-10-04T23:07:00.000-05:00

You know, I happen to like the USA TODAY - despite its obvious leftward lurches and borderline treason with publishing sensitive national security information. They have a great Sports section, the Life section is very informative and entertaining, the Money segment is often useful and enlightening, and even the Travel features are great too. But when this newspaper reports a good news story for the Bush administration, it has to carefully couch it in some kind of criticism.

Case in point: A recent article's headline reads "Income Tax Cuts Benefit All Players," but then its sub-headline (in the actual paper) reads "Bush changes still put burden on middle earners."

This article then goes on to sprinkle barbs and criticisms on top of all the good news. While it points out that "those earning 75-500K are shouldering a larger share of total taxes paid as millions more of them earn higher incomes and get hit with the "Alternative Minimum Tax," it calls them "middle earners" in order to resonate more with the reader.

Wait a minute! Is the median income in America really somewhere between 75 and 500 G's? I think not! Turns out, the average American income is around 46K...well short of the 75K minimum described as "middle class."

WAY DOWN on this article, some facts begin to emerge:
Millions of lower-income Americans (25K or less), have been taken off of the federal tax roles.
Income for the highest-earning Americans dropped sharply from the 2000-2002, following the end of the bull stock market of the late 1990s, then grew rapidly from 2002 to 2004 as the economy recovered.
Apparently, President Bush's Tax Cuts are working for everyone. Along with the new record of 11,850.61 achieved by the DOW and dramatically falling gas prices, the U.S. economy is still a "bull market," regardless of how the liberal media and the minority party would like to paint it.

Slicing Enlightenment

2006-09-30T00:33:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder how on Earth it has become so acceptable - even expected and commonplace - for Liberal politicians, media and pundits to sound so much like the Islamic Terrorists and Third-world Fanatics who are trying to destroy us? Why doesn't this similarity alarm the general public? Are we so inundated with video-game violence, practiced dispassion and confusing rhetoric that we have become immune to the phenomenon of modern-day self loathing in America?

Do we, each of us, need to sit in Nick Berg's shoes - for those terrifying final moments of his young life, during which a gang of masked Islamic monsters muscled him to the ground and sawed off his head, all amidst his screams, blood-gushing gurgles and their frenzied chants of "Allah Akbar" ("God is Great") - just to finally understand what we are fighting against?

Perhaps from the safety of your home you would rather experience this brutal execution by clicking here or here. I defy you to turn up the volume and sit through this without emotion...for if you can, I submit that it is too late for you. If you do feel something akin to remorse, disgust or anger - at least you can be satisfied that the coward who claimed to have brandished this knife, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, has received his just desserts at the hands of our brave troops.

Here is a poem, written by The American Thinker, entitled "Slicing Enlightenment."
Softly it whispers, parting air,
The edge so sharp, so glistening;
And as it strikes beneath your hair,
Is anyone still listening?
The sword of Islam makes the slice,
And your severed head just rolls;
You’ve made the final sacrifice,
Loyal to your Liberal goals.

When others warned of futures dire,
You made root cause excuses;
You turned your faces from the fire,
Pursued your liberal muses,
Ignoring death-fired feudal fires,
Luring fools to paradise,
Fanatics facing Islam's spires,
Whose sword above you lies.

Back when we tried to warn you,
You snickered and you sneered;
Imperial fools our view untrue,
Dumb dupes, who only feared.
Your enlightenment would show us
The path to worldwide calm,
So Jihadis would not blow us
All to hell with Islam's bomb.

And now these decades later,
When Sharia rules our land,
Where Christians, disbelievers,
Feel the wrath of Islam's hand,
I feel compelled to ask you Libs,
As that blade zips out your light,
Bloodies your precious, do-good bibs,
Might you think it’s time we fight?
Not a pleasant picture, is it? It ellicits a vision of folks like Jane Fonda, Howard Dean and Michael Moore with special star-and-crescent badges on their chests - herding the others in the "Infidel Encampment" to the day's book burnings and public executions in the square...

Clinton Wags the Finger - Tells Another Lie (or two)

2006-09-26T00:03:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh...the finger never lies. And Bill Clinton has proven once again to be one of the great ones of our time. Not that he can fool everyone, but certainly he can still pull a fast one on his boot-licking liberal cronies (e.g. Keith Olberman of MSNBC) who hang on his every word and would never dream of asking Bill a fairly hardball question.

Of course, I'm referring to his childlike behavior yesterday on Fox News with Chris Wallace - who was completely taken aback by Clinton's emotional reaction to a simple question about his inability to capture or kill Usama bin Laden.

Quite an act, but no Oscar this time. And that bulbous red nose might have grown another few centimeters as Clinton continued to lie through his teeth on Sunday.

Not only has he admitted to NOT going after Bin Laden back in 2002, but he continues to sing the praises of Richard Clarke - who he claims was "fired" under the Bush administration, when in fact he (Clarke) admits in his own book that it was HIS idea to change jobs.

Anyhow, check out the TRANSCRIPT of this wacky interview; great insight into the deceipt of Bill on the Conservative Publisher, Ace of Spades and Michelle Malkin.

23 September - A Day in American Naval History

2006-09-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

As Americans, we seem to share a common bond of pride in our "Founding Fathers" (aka "Framers") and enjoy bandying about the words "Freedom" and "Liberty." But sadly, our younger generation learns very little of our past - both in World History as civilized humans and in American History as countrymen. I find this to be a sad state of things, indeed.

Being an old Navy man myself, I thought I would honor this Day in History, 23 September with sharing a remembrance of a Naval battle that occurred 227 years ago on this day.

"I have not yet begun to fight!" shouted John Paul Jones when the captain of the British ship asked if he was ready to surrender. The 44 gun HMS Serapis had engaged the smaller 42 gun Bonhomme Richard. Outgunned, Jones had decided to ram his adversary. They were so close cannon muzzles touched and masts entangled, yet the American ship Bonhomme Richard, named for Ben Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac, refused to give up.

When two cannons exploded and they began sinking, Jones lashed his ship to the enemy's to keep it afloat. His marksmen in the rigging cleared the Serapis' decks so a boarding party was able to cross and effect her capture. After 3 more hours of fighting, the British surrendered. This was September 23, 1779.

In 1780, the King of France honoured him with the title "Chevalier". Jones accepted the honor, and when the Continental Congress in 1787 resolved that a medal of gold be struck in commemoration of his "valor and brilliant services" it was to be presented to "Chevalier John Paul Jones". By contrast, in Britain at this time, he was usually referred to as a pirate.

Called the "Father of the American Navy," John Paul Jones had been given command in 1775 of the Continental Navy's first ship, the Providence.

With 12 guns it had been the most victorious American vessel in the Revolution, capturing or sinking 40 British ships. In 1778, sailing the Ranger, Jones had raided the coasts of Scotland and England.

John Paul Jones led an adventurous and controversial life on the High Seas. Thought of as a scoundrel and rogue in some quarters, he was praised as a Hero in many others.

In 1792, Jones died in an obscure third-floor Paris apartment. He was buried in Paris, but, in 1905, his remains were ceremonially removed from his long-forgotten interment in the Charnel House for Alien Protestants, and brought to the United States where, in 1913, he was reinterred in the Naval Academy Chapel of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in a ceremony presided over by President Theodore Roosevelt, who later wrote "The great service done by him toward the achievement of independence...lead me to...do proper honor to the memory of John Paul Jones."
It should be said that the British have become our very best allies and friends since that time long ago. My hat is off to them as well!

Thanks to Brian at "Laptop America" and Wikipedia for this!

Liberals Defending The Devil, er, President Bush?

2006-09-21T18:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, now I know for sure that I have entered BIZARRO-WORLD (a parallel universe where wacky, reality-twisting dreams and nightmares replace logic, physics and any shred of probability). Charlie Rangel and Nancy Pelosi have stepped to the fore to defend our Chief of State (Bush) against that nasty Hugo Chavez! (clicking the heels now, "there's no place like home...").

So after Hugo unleashes his grade-school name-calling against President Bush, he went to Harlem to show his "love for Americans." Those zaney Liberals who most like to go Bush-Bashing themselves have decided it would be politically prudent to defend him against words that are strikingly similar to what they and their fellow far-lefters have been spewing for years now.

Ya just gotta read Michelle Malkin's take on this...CLICK HERE!

"The View" of a Rosie Cheeked Dumbass

2006-09-19T23:54:00.000-05:00

Well, the "Queen of Nice" (now morphed into the "Queen of Mindless Liberal Babble") has done it again...this time within a week of starting a brand new TV gig. As the new co-host (notice I didn't say "co-hostess") of "The View," no one could have imagined a replacement that might make many viewers pine for the return of the almost-equally-ridiculous Starr Jones. That is, until Rosie opened that gaping maw and did what she does best these days...made an ass out of herself (see image at top left! ;-).

Now, I am not about to jump on the bandwagon out there that is calling her some unsavory and insensitive things that make fun of her excessive weight, homosexuality, or other....

Read FULL ARTICLE
at
Timmer's Dumbass Of The Week

9-11 Conspiracies Part I: WTC "Demolitions"

2006-09-15T22:21:00.000-05:00

Now that the five-year anniversary of 9-11 has passed and we once again return to our normal lives, those wacky Conspiracy Theorists have crawled out of the shadows again - energized anew from angrily observing our recent laments, memorials and fellowships. Well, I see no reason to ignore these folks - if we listen real close and put our thinking caps on maybe we'll learn something (or laugh ourselves to death) in the process.

What Are These Kooks Saying?
Did the Bush Administration plan and execute the greatest, most diabolically murderous and spectacular flim-flam in American history on September 11th, 2001 (in order to justify war)?
Were all three collapsed towers of the WTC secretly demolished?
Was that a missile that flew into the Pentagon?
Was the crash of Flight 93 in a Pennsylvania field staged and the passengers spirited away to a gas chamber?
If he didn't expect it, why did President Bush just sit there in that classroom and continue to read to the kids - instead of leaping to his feet and taking charge when "informed" that an aircraft had crashed into the North Tower?
These and other compelling questions have kept Charlie Sheen and other such towering intellects of our time awake at night. Sage books (like the French bestseller Pentagate) and venerable MENSA-like organizations and websites (such as 9-11 Truth, WTC7 and Prison Planet) have emerged to show us the light on this fantastical coup that was wrought by the Evil Genious George W. Bush...and you thought MoveOn.org was a magnet for nutcases!

But let's start with the first one in our series, shall we?

9-11 Conspiracies Part I:
The Alleged Secret Demolition of the WTC Towers
"Why did the collapse of the twin towers looks like the result of a controlled demolition - with explosion-like puffs of smoke coming straight out of the lower windows."
In controlled demolitions, detonating devices weaken or disrupt all major support points in a building at the same time and the entire building is in motion, free-falling to the ground. Footage of the WTC collapses clearly show parts of the buildings above the jetliners' earlier impact points begin falling first, while the lower parts are initially stationary until the higher floors have collapsed onto them.
If the towers were uniquely rigged to begin falling from the top down, what are the chances that those planning such a complicated demolition could predict the exact location the planes would impact, and prepare the towers to begin collapsing precisely there?
Videos of the WTC collapses show that the "puffs of smoke" do not begin until after the towers begin falling, then they increase in intensity as the collapse continues. These plumes of smoke and debris ejected from the buildings are due to the immense and rapidly escalating compression associated with millions of tons of the towers collapsing onto themselves - this would not be the case if the plumes were actually explosives used to cause the buildings to fall.
"How could the steel structure have collapsed when jet fuel is not nearly hot enough to melt steel?"
While there are varying assessments of the temperature of the fires at the WTC, most experts agree that the temperature probably reached 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and possibly higher than 1,800F. This temperature would be far short of the approximately 2800F needed to melt steel, but they would have been enough to severely expand, warp - and reduce the structural integrity of - the metal. Best engineering estimates tell us that steel loses 50% of its strength at 650F, and can lose as much as 90% of its strength at temperatures of 1,800F.
The expansion and warping of the steel would have been particularly significant due to temperature differences within the burning structure. Thus, the trusses went limp much like a slackened laundry line, providing little or no resistance to the weight of the floors overhead.
"Okay, so why did WTC building 7 collapse if no plane flew into it?"
With untold thousands of tons of burning debris raining down directly onto this building, an eventual collapse was imminent as soon as the fire-fighters had abandoned any hope of extinguishing the widespread fire that had engulfed it.
The late-afternoon collapse of Tower 7 began at precisely the point where falling debris had been most concentrated.
"Okay, so why did the WTC lease-holder (Larry Silverstein) confess that he had asked that Tower 7 to be destroyed? Was he in on it?"
Due to all of the increasingly wild accounts of Mr. Silverstein's words on that fateful day, he made a statement 4 years later disputing that. He said that he had approached the Fire Department Commander - expressing his view that the most important thing was to protect the safety of those firefighters, including, if necessary, to have them withdraw from the building. Good thing...it collapsed shortly thereafter and claimed no lives.
Prepping a building for demolition takes considerable time and effort. Usually a building up for demolition has been abandoned for considerable time and partially gutted to allow explosives intimate contact with the structure of the building. In this case, however, ALL of the WTC buildings were occupied right up to the attack, with no reported planting of explosives.
So how did Bush et al gain access to wire 3 towers for complete demolition without anyone noticing? Imagine trying to sneak wires and bombs into buildings while thousands of people are working in offices or milling about in the halls - that scenario is unlikely in the extreme.

Tune back in for 9-11 Conspirancies Part II:
The Pentagon "Missile" Attack!

Thanks again to the Skeptic Society.

Adam Gadahn ~ "American Al-Qaida" Dumbass

2006-09-14T00:41:00.001-05:00

Hey, we have a REAL Dumbass for you this week, ladies and germs! "Azzam Al-Amriki" has made the short list easily!
Let me just start with the obvious - here we have a(n) (obviously) disillusioned young man of 28 who seems to suffer from the Madonna school of (badly) affecting foreign accents. In her case, it is supposed to be an English accent she is impersonating (remember, Madonna + Acting ain't exactly Cheese + Crackers); for Adam, he is (vainly) attempting to emulate his Islamic thug heroes. In both cases, they make themselves look foolish - especially to those they are trying to fit in with.....
Read FULL ARTICLE
at
Timmer's Dumbass Of The Week!

Righting America Remembers: 9-11 Tribute to America

2006-09-10T21:49:00.000-05:00

As of midnight tonight, we will reach the Five Year Anniversary of our country's worst attack. All of those who would like to bury their heads in the sand for the next 24 hours, be my guest and go to some other blog now.

Really. This is no place for you.

If you worship Allah, then perhaps this is not the place for you either. Or, on second thought, perhaps this is precisely where you ought to be.

If you are not an American, but feel our pain and outrage, you are more than welcome this day, friend!

As for the rest of us, whose lives (and politics?) changed forever on that fateful day, here is an amazing tribute that you really should watch - perhaps several times over. Make sure to be patient through the first several frames of text and quotes, because the photography that follows is heartbreaking, inspiring and will well remind you of why you have been changed, and why we have to continue to fight and ultimately crush Islamic Terrorism in our own time.

Turn up the volume. Experience your anger, frustration, pride and resolve once again. Then go kiss your family, break out your American Flag, raise a glass and give thanks that you are an American.

Finally, keep Our Troops in your thoughts tonight. Say a quiet prayer to God if you would like, or simply wish them well. They deserve our very best.

A Tribute to 9-11

Sincerely, Timmer of Righting America

Countdown to 9-11: Dems Flounder For Political Points

2006-09-09T12:53:00.000-05:00

With just two days to go until the fifth anniversary of America's Darkest Day (and two short months from a very contentious election), key figures of both parties are accusing each other of seeking political gain - and of course, they are all 100% right.

Obviously, the first successful volley of this particular match was launched by President Bush in his aggressive and revealing speech given last Wednesday, in which he dropped 9-11 and the ensuing Global War on Terror - how we have fought it, our many successes in doing so and what we need to do to keep on fighting it - squarely on Democratic heads.

As expected, the Democrats have come back swinging. With the Valerie Plamegate debacle thoroughly debunked, President Bush's approval numbers on the rise and many congressional Republicans closing in on their challengers, the Democrats have chosen to try and make hay with a Post-War Findings Report from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that, in reality, surprised no one.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, the committee's Vice-Chairman and leading Democrat had this to say prior to the release of this report:
"Ultimately, I think you will find that administration officials made repeated prewar statements that were not supported by underlying intelligence."
Then this at a campaign speech directly following its release:
"Let me share some important excerpts from the report which reflect both my own views and the views of all of my Democratic colleagues on the committee..."

"Prior to the war, administration officials repeatedly characterized Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs in more conclusive and threatening terms than were substantiated by the underlying intelligence assessment..."

"The committee has uncovered information in its investigation which shows that the administration ignored warnings prior to the war about the veracity of the intelligence trumpeted publicly to support its case that Iraq was an imminent threat to the security of the United States."
But wait! let's take a quick trip back to October 10th 2002, with that very same Senator Rockefeller on the Senate floor making another impassioned speech. Some highlights:
"Mr. President, we are here today to debate one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my 18 years in the Senate. There is no doubt in my mind that Saddam Hussein is a despicable dictator, a war criminal, a regional menace, and a real and growing threat to the United States...."

"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years...we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction."

"When Saddam Hussein obtains nuclear capabilities, the constraints he feels will diminish dramatically, and the risk to America's homeland, as well as to America's allies, will increase even more dramatically. Our existing policies to contain or counter Saddam will become irrelevant...."

"There has been some debate over how "imminent" a threat Iraq poses. I do believe that Iraq poses an imminent threat, but I also believe that after September 11, that question is increasingly outdated...documented capability and demonstrated intent may be the only warning we get. To insist on further evidence could put some of our fellow Americans at risk. Can we afford to take that chance? We cannot!..."

"I have come to the inescapable conclusion that the threat posed to America by Saddam's weapons of mass destruction is so serious that despite the risks - and we should not minimize the risks -we must authorize the President to take the necessary steps to deal with that threat..."

"By my vote, I say to the United Nations and our allies that America is united in our resolve...By my vote, I say to Saddam Hussein, "Disarm, or the United States will be forced to act."
This from a guy who, as a key figure on the Senate Intelligence Committee, had full access to all of the same intelligence that President Bush had. So much for that counterpunch, eh?

And how about the intense overreaction to ABC's soon-to-air mini-series "Path to 9/11?" It would seem that the whole Clinton Armada have mobilized, while Harry Reid and Dick Durbin (and indeed the Democratic Party) have piled onto Disney President Robert Iger to cancel his "misleading 9/11 miniseries" (with this letter).
Check out Amy Proctor's excellent article "Clinton Tries to Censor 'Path to 9/11'" to get the full scoop on this nonsense. Predictably, the new owners of the Democratic Party - MoveOn.org - have posted a petition to Mr. Iger on their dubious website.

Umm, aren't the Democrats supposed to be the champions of civil rights - like Freedom of Speech? (Well, except for Freedom of Religion and the Right to Bear Arms, anyway).

This has served to show the Democrats for the paranoid and wishy-washy party that they have become - and at a time when they would have us believe that they can "change course" and "make a stronger America." Given their duplicity, misplaced outrage and utter lack of any kind of plan (other than appeasement, retreat, and maybe impeachment), we simply can't take that chance.

Speaking of two-faced Democrats, visit this awesome feature - "Then and Now: Democrat Hypocrisy on Intelligence" - on GOP.com
-Hat Tip: Texas Rainmaker

Trackback: Michelle Malkin

Democrats Stupefied by Bush's Bombshell Speech

2006-09-06T22:52:00.000-05:00

Today, President Bush played one of the finest hands since his ascension to the Executive Job in the Fall of 2002 against the screeching, heel-nipping Democrats: He admitted to a program involving secret CIA detentions and interrogations overseas of a veritable rogues' gallery of 14 key (suspected) terrorists . Taken by itself, this revelation is a Democratic wet-dream, repleat with the commensurate moans and groans since the "shocking" leaks earlier this year concerning this secret program (and any confirmation or denial of this was consistently avoided by the White House).
Many folks simply can't believe he went there. But wait! President Bush does not rest on those dubious laurels without some diabolically clever afterthoughts - in which he:
Listed many of the terrorist players and plots uncovered with this program
Illustrated the chain of intelligence gleaned from this program
Scolded the SCOTUS and Democrats for weakening our ability to fight terrorists
Called for Congress to expedite a bill to authorize prosecution of these individuals by Military Commission for War Crimes
Called for Congress to clearly define "permissable interrogation" practices
Praised the military, CIA and other civilians involved in this and other intelligence programs
Basically, in doing this he has called out the Democrats to either put up or shut up in the War on Terror. According to Mario at The Corner:
"Taken as a whole, the President's maneuver today turned the political tables completely around. He stole the terms of debate from the Democrats, and rewrote them, all in a single speech. It will be delightful to watch in coming days and hours as bewildered Democrats try to understand what just hit them, and then sort through the rubble of their anti-Bush national security strategy to see what, if anything, remains."
All of this just days before the fifth anniversary of this country's worst nightmare on 9-11-01, and just two months shy of the mid-term elections where his fellow Republicans stand to lose the House and, possibly, the Senate.

The following are just some of the terrorist plots that were exposed and foiled by these interrogations:
The 2002 Arabian Gulf Shipping Plot
The West Coast Airliner Plot of 2002
The 2003 Karachi Plot
The Heathrow Airport Plot of 2003
The UK Urban Targets Plot of 2004
These 14 Terror suspects are now at the Guantanamo Bay prison. They should literally thank God for that.

You can bet over the coming weeks these issues regarding alleged torture of suspects during interrogations will be debated, sliced and diced by the Democrats. These are the same folks who would like for you to believe that the robust U.S. economy is in a shamble.

To read the Summary of the High Value Terrorist Detainee Program, click here.

Kofi Annan - Dumbass Of The Week (DOTW)

2006-09-04T01:33:00.000-05:00

"Don't ya just love this guy? Here is the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who couldn't be clearer about his hatred of the United States if he were to throw excrement out of the windows of his lush U.N. office onto the New York City streets below.

Read Full Article at Timmer's Dumbass Of The Week!

A Personal Encounter with Our President Bush

2006-08-31T21:27:00.000-05:00

Normally, I don't publish this kind of thing on my blog. Those of you who have visited from time-to-time know me to be an agnostic conservative who generally steers away from the Christian conversation - not because I hate or fear them, but because I can't always understand them.

This one is a bit different - in that it is a personal account of one who has met President Bush and can testify to the man's character during one memorable encounter. Religion aside, I have sensed Mr. Bush's genuine nature (in a sea of ruthless politicians) since he came to office. I certainly don't always agree with him, but I am convinced (inasmuch as one can be from a distance) of his goodness and sheer passion for this country.

Lastly, I might not have believed the validity of this story (sent to me by a buddy who is an active duty Marine) had I not heard first and second-hand accounts from people who have also encountered the Bush family with similar tales of their warmth and humanity - to include Secret Service agents and crew-members of Air Force One.
Watching our President speak today, I was reminded once again of his moral courage and unflappable optimism in the face of this country's unimaginably frightening challenges and myriad of domestic and foreign enemies.

Here is the account from Bruce Vincent, who received an award from the President. The nature of the award is obviously unimportant, but the experience is telling indeed.

Moveon.org's "Plan for (Undermining) America"

2006-08-29T22:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, enough of this holiday stuff. It was nice to take a break, but I really did miss venting my RIGHTeous frustrations.

So how about the reindeer games being played out by Democrats these days? All the self-serving politics at the expense of no less than our national security and the efforts of our brave men and women in uniform. I find that I can hardly watch the news or C-Span without gagging! Nancy Pelosi's face-lift might unhinge, or Harry Reid's little head could explode.

Take this idiotic leftist organization "Moveon.org" and their recent "Red Handed" commercials, which were pulled from the key states in which they were airing because they were nothing less than fabrications about four Republican Congressmen and their imagined illegal contracts with companies. What planet do these idiots live on? Congress does not award contracts - federal agencies do. You want to catch a politician "redhanded" in the commission of a crime? Follow a Kennedy around for a week....any of them.

Speaking of this silly outfit that seems to be taking over the Democrat party, check out the RNC's article Moveon.org's Plan for America if you'd like a good yuk or two.

Moveon.org petition: "It is clear now that the president has been repeatedly and willingly breaking the law to wiretap American citizens without a warrant. Congress must hold him accountable, and a reasonable first step is censure to show formal Congressional condemnation for his lawbreaking."
Well, it is true that one Carter-appointed federal judge with an axe to grind has called the Terrorist Surveillance Act unconstitutional, but that battle rages on. The fact remains, these are LONG DISTANCE CALLS involving SUSPECTED TERRORISTS. And let's not forget - not one single terrorist has successfully attacked our nation in nearly FIVE YEARS. Why is the silence on this so deafening?

U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor - "It was never the intent of the framers to give the president such unfettered control, particularly where his actions blatantly disregard the parameters clearly enumerated in the Bill of Rights," she wrote. "The three separate branches of government were developed as a check and balance for one another."
So, let me get this straight: If, during the War of 1812, President James Madison (one of the authors of the U.S. Constitution) had discovered that carrier pigeons were being used to send secret messages to and from British agents in Canada, he would NOT AUTHORIZE the interception of these without a warrant? GIMME A BREAK!

Whew! Glad to be back!

Coming back soon...NO BUTTS!

2006-07-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

Almost done with the site reconstruction. Matt from Liberty Just In Case has completely redone my template and incorporated my designs, and now it's my turn to make lots of minor adjustments. What do you think of the new look?

Anyhow, I will be back up and running very soon - seems the world is going to hell in a handbasket and the middle east is the focal point (as rendered in the graphic! ;-) Hey, I can't miss out on ALL the turmoil!

So check back over the next few weeks...when I get this site where I want it to be, I will be up and steaming ahead with my unique and insightful(?) bombastic bloviations from right of center.

FYI, I am also taking over "Dumbass Of The Week" from Chazz, so will be adding links to that each week. Lots and LOTS of dumbasses out there right now to choose from!

Sincerely, Timmer

NSA Domestic Wiretapping Video Leaked

2006-06-06T23:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still on vacation from blogging, but I simply had to share this "leaked" video tape. According to sources, this proves definitively that the National Security Agency is engaged in domestic wiretapping against ordinary U.S. citizens. I wouldn't have believed it until I saw this piece of evidence.

To all of my conservative blog-o-buds who support our intelligence efforts, I know how this must be a disappointment to you. We all have our opinions, backed by life's many experiences - but at the end of the day, the truth must be our ultimate goal. Watch THIS VIDEO CLIP and make up your own minds.

Righting America is HARD WORK

2006-04-30T16:49:00.000-05:00

A "Blogger Break" is in order!

After having kept this journal faithfully since just after the 2004 Presidential Election, I have decided to take a bit of a holiday from blogging. No, nothing to worry about - the family and I are doing great! But after 18 months of fighting the good fight with this great tool known as the 'blog, I will be taking a well-earned break to spend more time with my family and friends - and recharge my batteries.

Many of you are bloggers and know that it takes devotion and time to to run a good blog and maintain a readership, but it is a labor of love.

I want to thank all of my readers and new friends for making this such a great experience, and know that I will be back in the ring within a few short months. If you haven't already, please feel free to subscribe so that you will be informed via email just as soon as I have returned. In the meantime, please visit those excellent sites on my Blogrolls. These fellow bloggers have much to say about these trying times in our world, and are a talented and intelligent bunch of folks with whom I am proud to be associated.

I will still be maintaining my Righting America Shirts 'n' Trinkets site (http://www.rightingamerica.us/) and, as always, do appreciate your patronage there as well.

BLOG ON MY FRIENDS! I will be back with you again very soon!

Timmer

Hey Kids, It's POLITICAL COMPASS TIME!

2006-04-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

Where are YOUR politics?

After the UTTER HORROR of discovering my supposed Secret Liberal Leanings (?) when last I took one of these online political quizzes (see Article Here), I decided that I would never traumatize myself again with them. Well, after the initial shock and disbelief wore off (Liberal? ME!?), I decided to try another one - this quiz is MUCH shorter, widely hailed as more accurate than others and, as you can see by the graphic, this is a result I can live with!

Conservative Libertarian near Centrist? Okay - sounds about right (for once!).

I guess it should come as no surprise that my compass changes with each quiz and, frankly, with each retest of the same quizzes - for I am not a black-and-white kind of guy on most issues. I see many shades of gray (being color-blind and all :), and the fences I straddle are often buttressed well from both sides (one exeption being the fence that should be built along our North and South borders - but don't get me started on that one again!).

As an example, in Timmer's Rant on Abortion from January, I laid out my own brief list of the circumstances that may sometimes, or should never, justify abortion in the legal sense. People who blindly leap onto any extreme position (on either side) tend to turn me off - and sometimes even freak me out.

The snake-oil zealot Pat Robertson is an Ultra-Conservative Asshole, while that stuttering blueblood Robert Kennedy Junior is an Ultra-Liberal Prick (pardon my Gaelic). Neither can see the other side for any merit, and both say and do hurtful and outlandish things.

Two other examples are players in my own litmus test for political extremes: If you can sit and listen to the bag-o'-wind bloviating of Rush Limbaugh, or the vitriolic (unfunny) whining of Al Franken, for a solid hour without leaping for the power button of your sterio (or kicking it), then perhaps "you too are an extremist?"

Here are the breakdowns of all five political philosophies delineated by Advocates for Self-Government:

CONSERVATIVES tend to favor economic freedom, but frequently support laws to restrict personal behavior that violates "traditional values." They oppose excessive government control of business, while endorsing government action to defend morality and the traditional family structure. Conservatives usually support a strong military, oppose bureaucracy and high taxes, favor a free-market economy, and endorse strong law enforcement.

LIBERALS usually embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but tend to support significant government control of the economy. They generally support a government-funded "safety net"to help the disadvantaged, and advocate strict regulation of business. Liberals tend to favor environmental regulations, defend civil liberties and free expression, support government action to promote equality, and tolerate diverse lifestyles.

CENTRISTS espouse a "middle ground" regarding government control of the economy and personal behavior. Depending on the issue, they sometimes favor government intervention and sometimes support individual freedom of choice. Centrists pride themselves on keeping an open mind, tend to oppose "political extremes," and emphasize what they describe as "practical" solutions to problems.

LIBERTARIANS support maximum liberty in both personal and economic matters. They advocate a much smaller government; one that is limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence. Libertarians tend to embrace individual responsibility, oppose government bureaucracy and taxes, promote private charity, tolerate diverse lifestyles, support the free market, and defend civil liberties.

STATISTS want government to have a great deal of power over the economy and individual behavior. They frequently doubt whether economic liberty and individual freedom are practical options in today's world. Statists tend to distrust the free market, support high taxes and centralized planning of the economy, oppose diverse lifestyles, and question the importance of civil liberties.
So, where are YOUR politics? Click HERE to find out!

Open Letter: Dear Illegal Immigrant

2006-04-17T00:13:00.000-05:00

Let me address this specifically to the (otherwise) law-abiding, hardworking Mexican who has crossed our border without documentation. That is not to say that I don't want to talk to the Illegal Honduran, Haitian, Irishman or (especially) Arab - not to mention your "visiting" countrymen who are criminals. I've got plenty to say to those folks as well, but since it is the Undocumented Mexican Worker that has flooded the U.S. in the Millions, I will address this to YOU.

Dear Friend,

First of all, let me make some assumptions - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong:

Congratulations! What you did to get to my country was undoubtedly nothing short of death-defying, filled with pitfalls, sacrifice and hardship. You have come to my country with little else than the clothes on your back, and perhaps even had to pay a very shady coyote for passage over the border.

You are in my country for noble reasons, and for that I salute you! Chances are that you are working long hours in a labor-intensive job, making far less money than those with green cards or legal citizenship for the same work. You are using most of the meager wages that you are paid to support family here and back in Mexico.

Although a playground for the tourist gringo, your homeland of Mexico, for the most part (pardon my Portugese), is a shithole. I guess you know this, or you wouldn't have left.
The official unemployment rate of your country is 3.6% - but with an estimated 25% "underemployment" rate
The average laborer in Mexico is paid a pittance - $120.00/month. Here in my country, if you are paid minimum wage for 40-hour weeks, you will earn a gross of about $1,000.00/month
Much of your own government, law-enforcement and judicial officials are completely corrupt
Even your detractors here, whether you know it or not, are impressed and sympathetic with your plight.
Since coming to my country, you have discovered that over 90% of the hospital emergency rooms will treat you and your family when you are sick, even though you cannot pay for medical treatment nor insurance. You are also accutely aware that when you have children in my country they have automatic rights to citizenship - and this will help to secure your own residency here. In the area of my country in which you are now residing, you have become very knowledgable of employment opportunities, public facilities, safe areas and law enforcement routines. You live in the shadows - but these shadows are numerous and well known to you.

Although you speak little or no English, you have discovered that, in my country, there are a growing number of Spanish television and radio channels, Spanish-speaking emergency personnel, social workers and even classrooms. You have discovered that regardless of your undocumented and illegal status, there is safety in numbers and an exploding debate about your future. You might have even joined in the "reconquista" movement - claiming that this is your lawful land anyway and that we are the illegal occupants. What do you call it - the mythical land of Aztlan?
But here is a short list of my problems, as a legal, taxpaying United States Citizen, with you and yours swarming into my country.
Over 300,000 undocumented women, mostly Mexican, sneak into my country pregnant each year. Suddenly, I am expected to pay for food, housing, medical care and schooling for these kids up to age 18 - PLUS subsidize their mothers. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, average annual cost per school-aged child is $7,161.00 and exceeds $109 billion annually per cycle of these "anchor babies."
Last year, you Illegal Aliens displaced American workers at a cost in excess of $133 billion dollars, according to a Harvard study. Many of our teenaged kids cannot find summer jobs because you and your compadres are willing to work them for less, and often under the table.
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, your average undocumented head of household costs me and other American taxpayers $2,700.00 each year in welfare money - this over and above any taxes you are contributing. With about 15 million illegal aliens in the USA, that figure exceeds $20 billion in tax dollars.
According to Carrying Capacity Network, each of you are costing the American taxpayer an average of $55,200.00 after any of your own contributions, while sending most of the hard currency you earn back to Mexico.
You harbor a desire to reconquer the United States. Although most of the southwestern regions were won from your country in battle and you have no chance of winning it back.
You have broken our laws, and somehow feel entitled to my taxes and empowered to march in my streets - many of you carrying flags of THE SHITHOLE YOU LEFT!?
Listen, you are probably in luck - although I would like nothing more than to ship every last one of you back to your real homes in Mexico, it is simply not practical. But the massive (so-far silent) majority in this country, who DO vote, are watching your activities with keen interest. If you are offered a pathway to legal working status here in my country, I suggest you take it.
Do yourself and your fellow Mexican Illegals a favor too - don't take the Mexican Flag out with you in public here in my country - leave it at home, or (better yet) put it in the trash, where it belongs. Obey our laws (from here on out) and get yourself and your family documented. Work hard, and try to PAY YOUR OWN WAY in my country - it's not fair to expect us to do it for you.
Who knows? In a twist of irony, perhaps you and your family will be employed to build the 1,952-mile wall that will put an end to this mass incursion - and, once a citizen, chances are you will completely agree with my point of view on this subject.
Now, repeat after me - "God Bless America!"
Sincerely, Timmer

Michelle Malkin
Hooah Wife
Liberty Just In Case

Democrats Sell Their Souls for Illegal Immigrant Voters

2006-04-10T19:08:00.000-05:00

While the Republican Party wistfully scratches its collective, disoriented head at the massive multi-city reaction to the immigration bill (that never happened), Democrats are practically selling their souls for what they see as a HUGE potential windfall of voters. Pandering and demagoguery by leading Democrats has never been more obvious - nor more offensive to our national intelligence. Do they really think we are buying this idiocy? --Apparently they think these "Reconquistadores" will, anyway.

Check out the chameleon in Hillary Clinton, who seems to have gone from her "tough stance on illegal immigration" just 18 months ago to sucking up at the "Illegal Alien," er, "Immigration" rally in New York:

Hillary November 2004: "I am, you know, adamantly against illegal immigrants...People have to stop employing illegal immigrants. I mean, come up to Westchester, go to Suffolk and Nassau counties, stand on the street corners in Brooklyn or the Bronx. You're going to see loads of people waiting to get picked up to go do yard work and construction work and domestic work."

Hillary April 2006: "I want to thank you for raising your voices and joining with people all over America to ask for fairness. Your faces are the faces of America...Your faces are the faces of those who give us a fair day's work — and often not for a fair day's pay."

Joining "Shrillary" are many of the usual nincompoops: Ted Kennedy, Charles Schumer and others of the same ilk. Just think of stupid things they have said in the past and fill in the blanks.

But one can hardly blame the Republicans for their confusion. Here are some poll results where Americans are asked the big question - "What does Illegal Immigration do to this country?"

87% - Overburdens government programs and services
75% - Leads to an increase in crime
66% - Leads to an increase in terrorism
66% - Takes jobs away from U.S. citizens
54% - Changes the culture of the country

The latest Rasmussen Reports national opinion survey found that 57% of Americans want a wall or fence.... 31% disagree. So I aske again - where are OUR big rallies?

Anyway, I am actually starting to appreciate the massive financial, legal and logistical undertaking of the possible deportation of 11 million illegals - some with kids that have been born here. Although I hate to agree with John McCain, I agree that no one has a clue how we might accomplish this. Find 200,000 buses? Hire tens of thousands more INS agents? Spend tens or even hundreds of billions MORE of taxpaer money?

No - we need to start with the borders FIRST THING, then once that is accomplished we need to figure out how to legitimize and tax the continually employed, law-abiding illegals who deserve to earn the dream -- while rooting out the criminals and terrorists who are here to destroy that dream. That will be hard enough.

Libby Sings: "Bush Leaked Classified Information!"

2006-04-08T15:40:00.000-05:00

Must Have Leaked Valerie Plame Too!

In a revelation that has obviously gutted all remaining vestiges of White House credibility (if there ever was any), Patrick Fitzgerald filed papers with the court yesterday confirming that Scooter Libby has testified that he was authorized by PRESIDENT BUSH HIMSELF to leak the contents of the October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to reporter Judy Miller in July 2003. Previously it was known that "Dead-Eye Dick" Cheney had authorized this, but now the PLOT HAS COAGULATED! Anyone can readily see that it must have been Bush himself that revealed the name of CIA SUPER-SPY AND DEEP-COVER-AGENT Valerie Plame to get back at her husband for not "playing ball" with the administration over the existence of Nigerian yellowcake.

Unbelievable in their arrogance, the White House on Friday did not deny that President Bush authorized the leaks of intelligence information to counter administration critics on Iraq. However, Bush’s dough-boy spokesman, Scott "I'm not going there" McClellan, appeared to claim that Bush’s numerous rantings against leaks were somehow different!

"There is a difference between providing declassified information to the public when it’s in the public interest and leaking classified information that involved sensitive national intelligence regarding our security."

Yeah right! Next thing you know, this criminal regime will be telling us that it is LEGAL for the President to actually declassify information! - just like the OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM that he has the legal right and responsibility as President to authorize monitoring of terrorist communications coming into this country!?

Even a stand-up guy like Sen. John Kerry, who has been the epitomy of class and restraint since his presidential victory was stolen from him by hacked voting machines, could keep silent no longer! Citing Bush’s adamant plea two years ago to find the person who leaked the identity of CIA SUPER-SPY AND DEEP-COVER-AGENT Valerie Plame, Kerry said the "latest disclosures means the President needs to go no further than a mirror."

Obviously, Bush has been lying all along - for purely political reasons and to make war on an innocent third-world nation like Iraq that didn't do anything to threaten us. (except for baseless allegations - like an assassination plot on his Dad, messing with the inspectors, harboring and funding terrorists and shooting at U.S. warplanes). Saddam's supposed systematic slaughter - of tens of thousands of Iraqi Shi'ites and Kurds and perhaps hundreds of thousands of Iranians using Chemical WMDs - was none of our business. Broken U.N. sanctions? Let the United Nations handle it - they have done a great job so far and are obviously incorruptible. Just like the ACLU, Amnesty International, PETA and Green-Peace, the United Nations exists simply and solely for the good of all mankind.

President Bush is obviously a sneaky, lazy, stupid, bible thumping little criminal who is only out for himself - it is obviously time for impeachment proceedings and censure hearings before this mad man tries to "free another 50 million people," "further improve our economy" or "lower that 4.7% unemployment rate!"

Senate Compromises - Granting Illegal Immigrants Amnesty?

2006-04-06T23:04:00.000-05:00

So there I was, reading over today's Washington Post and Washington Times (to get the balanced picture, ya' know) after having learned that the Senate had a miraculous immigration bill breakthrough today! Of course, the papers were printed WAY before I smacked my alarm clock snooze button the first time (out of half a dozen such smacks) and did not anticipate such divine intervention would come to pass. In fact, the papers had confidently predicted a Republican filibuster on the watered-down Democratic proposal. Guess they inherit some of their (on?) crack reporters from the overcrowded meteorologist staff - who seem to take pride in half-assed predictions, but consistently blow hot air just the same.

Anyhooo, here is the quick-and-dirty (not to be confused with "Dingy" Harry) on the towering achievements of our illustrious Senate:

Those here for the last five years or more would be put on a path toward guaranteed citizenship, provided that they remained employed, paid fines and back taxes, and learn to "habla anglais." Senator Frist claims that 60% of all illegals would qualify for this.
Those here for the last two to five years would have to leave the country before reporting to an American port of entry, where they would be legitimized as temporary workers. They can apply for citizenship, but must leave the U.S. if denied. More-or-less 30% of all illegals come under this category.
The remaining 10%, here for less than the past two years, would be jettisoned back to their homeland, yet still eligible to apply for a temporary working visa.

While I think that some of this is plausible, and may actually motivate illegals to come clean (if employers are squeezed hard enough on their hiring practices), I have just a couple of basic problems with this bill:

It basically grants amnesty to those who have been here for over five years - effectively sanctioning and rewarding their crimes, and
This is all completely premature, because we are putting the CART before the DONKEY (sorry, couldn't resist!). The very first thing, before struggling with the 10 million-plus already here, should be to SECURE THE FRIGGIN' BORDERS ALREADY!!!

Any and all fancy or clever solutions for sorting out illegals already here are doomed to failure, because when someone says "guest worker permit," your average illegal is actually hearing "here is another chance to cheat the system!"

As a fan of President Bush and most of his policies/decisions, I gotta say that he is missing a HUGE opportunity to shine one more time for the massive silent majority - whom I define as those who may not swarm in a lustful frenzy to street demonstrations, but DO in fact vote. Just look at the arrogant Democrats and their planned rock concert for John Kerry's widely anticipated victory in 2004 -- which ended not in song, but their having to settle for off-key laments of woe, disbelief and self pity.

Speaking for myself (and I think at least tens of millions), I am asking YOU, GEORGE, to grab this monkey off of our collective backs and drop it straight down the hopper. Stop this nonsense at the borders NOW, then let's tackle the implications and logisitics for getting rid of, or legitimizing, those already here.

*UPDATE April 7: Apparently, the newspapers were right after all - this compromise imploded in less than a day, and there may be no agreement in sight until after the November elections. So, that leaves us EIGHT MONTHS to do what it takes in sealing our borders. It could be done, if only our elected officials would realize how many of us want it - and how badly. If you haven't done so, consider writing to your, Senators and Representatives - if you live in the Southwest, include your Governor and other state leaders.

Chazz Updates Congresswoman McKinney Debacle

2006-04-05T03:46:00.000-05:00

...and awards her with the illustrious DOTW!

Apparently "Boom Boom" Cynthia McKinney has got a bit of a track record. She has also earned the distinction of "DUMBASS Of The Week" over at Chazz's site. Even though I OBVIOUSLY DISAGREE with the continued "racial profiling and victmization" of this poor woman, you should check out his rant just the same. You'll be glad you did!

Dixie Chicks About to Step In It ~ Again

2006-04-03T22:56:00.000-05:00

So, the Texas Trio (artists formerly known as country musicians) has decided to try and make a comeback to country music - but with their first comeback release, they don't seem to have learned anything about their core audience and are apparently still stuck-on-stupid. In their new release "Not ready to make nice," Natalie Maines, Martie McGuire and Emily Robison try to win back their audience by thumbing their noses and whining about how hard life has been for them (Ahhhhh!?). I'll get to this supposed-to-be-brave "anthem" in a minute.

First, a recap from 2003:

March 10th Blunder: The Chicks were riding high on the success of their last album "Home" which had just weeks earlier swept the Grammy awards in four categories, including Best Country Album, and their concert tickets were suddenly next to impossible to get before they would be sold out.

This night, while playing to a sell-out audience at Shepherd Bush Empire Theatre in London, lead singer Natalie Maines was feeling mighty self-important. After thunderous applause for one of their numbers, she just couldn't help herself. "Just so you know, we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."

Those fifteen words, thoughtlessly spoken on foreign soil against a Commander-in-Chief in a runup to war (which started ten days later) were heard around the world - and did not go over very well with a mostly conservative country music base in the States. Then the Damage Control and Kerry-like flip-flopping ensued:

March 12th appeasement: Recognizing that folks back home were angry, "I feel the President is ignoring the opinions of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world."

March 14th apology: In response to continued outrage and sudden calls to boycott their records, "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."

April 24th retraction: Obviously confused by continued rage by some former fans, country radio pariah status, and anger from die-hards over the apology, Maines said in a televised interview that she was "proud of (her) original statement."

September 15th bitterness: Maguire told Der Spiegel magazine: "We don't feel a part of the country scene any longer, it can't be our home any more." Noting a lack of support from country stars and being booed at the 2003 ACM awards. "Instead, we won three (sic) Grammys against much stronger competition. So we now consider ourselves part of the big rock 'n' roll family."

Well, I guess that didn't work out too well - as they DON'T PLAY ROCK. To seal the deal, these "chicks" hooked up with the doomed Kerry campaign of 2004. Then, relative radio silence....until now.

Here is the much-repeated refrain from this self-indulgent ditty just released:

"I'm not ready to make nice
I'm not ready to back down
I'm still mad as hell and don't have time
to go round and round and round"

"It's too late to make it right
I prob'ly wouldn't if I could
Cuz I'm mad as hell, can't bring myself to do
what it is you think I should"

(Watch Video Here)

Yada yada yada. Wanna know what "I think you should?" Here's a thought, you brainless bimbos: STICK TO DOING MUSIC! Leave the politics to the politicians, pundits, media and bloggers. What you should have learned from all of this is that folks DO NOT LIKE IT when celebrities cross this line - and when it comes to Country Music audiences, if you ain't waving the flag (like your nemesis Toby Keith) then shut the hell up and play your damned banjo!

Black Congresswoman McKinney Manhandled By Racist Cop

2006-04-01T18:24:00.000-05:00

Once again, the cops react to skin color

In an obvious case of racial profiling (if not gender profiling), a Capitol Police Officer - who is tasked with the safety of 535 members of the House of Representatives and Senate plus the security of all Capitol Hill facilities - took it upon himself to challenge Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) to show her identification as she rushed past a security checkpoint and into a House office building on urgent HOR business last week. Understandably, the Congresswoman ignored the impudent cop and continued on her way. After two more of these brazen demands from the officer, which she also ignored (as she was on OFFICIAL business and he was basically just a beat cop anyway), the man had the audacity to physically stand in front of her and bar her progress with his arm - which actually touched her as she tried to keep walking.

Immediately seeing this outrage for what it was, in what can only be described as an adrenalin-charged defensive reflex, McKinney let this common SS Uniform Thug know exactly how she felt - slapping him right in his insolent face - HOW DARE this racist pig lay hands on a Black Congresswoman!

Soon afterward the Congresswoman, willing to extend the hand of compromise, issued a statement of "deep regret" for the incident - only to learn that, unbelievably, the Capitol Police Department is planning to issue an arrest warrant! This entails possible charges ranging from assault on a police officer, which is a felony carrying a possible five year prison term, to simple assault, which is a misdeamenor. Understandably indignant, McKinney has come forward with the facts on this racially charged incident. (See the VIDEO HERE).

Congresswoman McKinney's lawyer, James W. Myart Jr., told it like it is:

“Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, like thousands of average Americans across this country, is, too, a victim of the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials because of how she looks and the color of her skin. Ms. McKinney is just a victim of being in Congress while black...Congresswoman McKinney will be exonerated.”

Rallying to this brave Congresswoman's distress were none other than the vanguard of modern civil rights in America and beyond - the redoubtable Superstars of screen, stage and podium - Danny Glover and Harry Belefonte. (See the VIDEO HERE).

Naturally, racist Neocons and Republicans are quick to ridicule, with unbelievably disrespectful statements like "Congresswoman needs to call on Minor Celebrities for Aid" and "She shouldn't be exempt from the law." As pointed out by Mr. Glover, they have come to "help her retain her elected position" - which would be in jeapordy if she were to be charged with this trumped up crime!

As there are security cameras covering all angles of entrance to House Offices, upon the release of these tapes the world will see that the Congresswoman was in fact harrassed and assaulted for no good reason - then simply defended herself from this common brute - who apparently needs an I.D. badge or card to identify one out of just 435 Congresspersons, 100 Senators and a few thousand staffers. Don't these people have memories? Is THIS the well-trained elite police force of Capitol Hill? Or, more likely, are these white pseudo Neo-Nazis who actively stalk, harrass and assault their betters who happen to be of color? Sadly, the latter will be shown to be the case.

* UPDATE 4 April: House GOP Pushes Resolution Praising Capitol Police
** UPDATE 6 April: Grand Jury Probes McKinney Incident
*** UPDATE 6 April (later): McKinney Apologizes on House Floor

Hat Tips:

Michelle Malkin

Bareknuckle Politics

FISA Judges: Bush's Wiretaps Were Lawful

2006-03-29T23:48:00.000-05:00

In a stunning development yesterday, a panel of former Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee that President Bush "did not act illegally when he created by executive order a wiretapping program conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA)."

In an article today in the Washington Times, reporter Brian DeBose illustrated a reality that most people are unaware of - FISA judges actually agree with President Bush and his authorization for NSA to monitor International/American communications involving suspected terrorists.

"If a court refuses a FISA application and there is not sufficient time for the president to go to the court of review, the president can under executive order act unilaterally, which he is doing now," said Judge Allan Kornblum, magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida and an author of the 1978 FISA Act. "I think that the president would be remiss exercising his constitutional authority by giving all of that power over to a statute."

Hmmmm....given the shrill anti-Bush rhetoric flooding our newspapers and airwaves, this comes as a bit of a surprise.

"If a court refuses a FISA application and there is not sufficient time for the president to go to the court of review, the president can under executive order act unilaterally, which he is doing now," said Judge Allan Kornblum, magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida."

Of course, Presidents have been using similar policies toward eavesdropping on conversations, but like the rest of this article, you will here NADA of this story in the NYT and WP newspapers.

Umm...What Say We BUILD A FENCE Already!

2006-03-27T00:03:00.001-05:00

...Or start to learn Spanish

Ever think to yourself "Man! This being in the Silent Majority thing kinda' sucks!?" Well, as I watched half a million people march through Los Angeles on Saturday screaming about legislation that would curb illegal immigration and secure our borders, I wondered two things. ONE - why not arrest these criminals NOW while so many are in one convenient place, and TWO - where do I sign up for the statistically MUCH BIGGER rally against these bastards?

Now, let it be said for the record that I really do understand why a poor Mexican family would want to come here. Mexico, for all of its charm for the tourist, is a corrupt government with a stagnant economy. And I also understand the argument that these folks do the kind of work that Americans (for the most part) don't want to do for such low wages. And YES, I get it about how some farms and industries would take it in the rear-flap of their ponchos if this windfall of cheap labor disappeared tomorrow.

But what I DON'T understand is why I, as a law-abiding tax-payer, should have to pay for the burden they place on the rest of our society. If they come here to work illicitly - then get education, healthcare and welfare, then it is our lucky citizenry who have to pick up the check. And don't get me started on the Spanish in schools and on tests!

If I hear "America is a nation of immigrants" just one more time I'm gonna go and kick the neighbor's yappy little chihuahua right in the chalupa! More than 85% of us were born here! I did not come in on any banana boat - so turn off your old Harry Belafonte record and get a grip!

Here is what I propose we do - it is a simple 3-step process (should be a no-brainer for you 12-steppers out there! ;-)

Build a REALLY KICKASS STATE-OF-THE-ART FENCE - sort of like the one described by WeNeedAFence.com
Require illegal aliens to register for temperary work permits, but they must submit their requests from their homes-of-record in Mexico (or wherever else they come from). Those who do not should be rounded up and deported - and never allowed to return.
Reform our ridiculous LEGAL immigration laws so that law-abiding folks who want to share the American Dream can apply for immigration and expect to be heard in a reasonable time.

With estimates ranging from one to three million illegals crossing over every year, something has to be done. As I pointed out in an article two weeks ago, current proposed legislation is moving us in the right direction. My only hope is that the infuriatingly silent majority finds its voice very, very soon - or it may find itself speaking Spanish.

Actor Belzer Knows Better Than "Uneducated" Troops

2006-03-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

Ugliest Man In Hollywood Gets Uglier

Okay, so while I'm on an anti-Hollyweird kick I might as well get this one in, too. Only this will likely upset and amaze you.

Richard Belzer, a 'recognizable' face from the T.V. series "Law and Order," was recently a guest on the uber-liberal "Real Time with Bill Maher." While debating about troops in Iraq with Republican Congresswoman Ileanna Ros-Lehtinen (who's stepson is a Marine Officer), Belzer got so unhinged that even Maher (of all people) had to step in. Twice.

Before you READ THE TRANSCRIPT, or WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP, I'll give you a little background on Belzer:

Kicked out of every school up until junior college - from which he dropped out.
He enlisted in the Army and, realizing his mistake, tried to get out of that.
His Dad committed suicide when he was 22.
Insisted that a hesitant Hulk Hogan demonstrate a wrestling move on him for a T.V. show - ended up passing out, then sued Hogan.
While filming a cop show in Baltimore, a real criminal running from police burst onto the set. The criminal surrendered to the actors. Belzer testified for him at his trial, saying the look on the man's face was adequate punishment.
His trademark is that he always wears sunglasses, even indoors (mug like that, can't blame him).

In other words, the guy is a Freak Show who is, himself, uneducated. Keeping all that in mind, WATCH THIS! Then, consider NOT EVER AGAIN watching "Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit." This poor lost soul is subconciously crying out for us to shut him down. We really should help him, don't you think!?

Cindy Sheehan ~ Bushwacked by Michelle Malkin

2006-03-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

Great Video Clip

Okay, so I'm going back on a promise to NOT mention Cindy Whatsername again, but this I just couldn't pass up!

While marching on the Pentagon with a noticably reduced following of Moonbats, the confident "rock-star" Cindy Sheehan is being interviewed by none other than Michelle Malkin - and has no idea with whom she is speaking. After haplessly walking into some leading questions, when Michelle asks Cindy why her son Casey still has no gravestone, it dawns on that child-like mind that this is no ordinary "liberal" correspondent. After managing to ask Michelle who she is, Ms. Sheehan finds herself cornered - and her response, well...words just cannot do this clip justice. See the video here.

Afterward, we see Cindy (having collected her thoughts on the matter) with a microphone spouting about missing gravestones for Katrina and 9-11 victims. Guess that hit a nerve!

Still later in the clip, Michelle has a hilarious interview with a marching "Abu Gharib Inmate Impersonator" while he is eating his sandwich and getting Malkin-whipped - without even realizing it. Again, words won't cut it - so WATCH THIS VIDEO!

Lastly, since I'm doing a piece on Cindy again, I might as well point out that she is in talks about a movie with (are you sitting down?) Susan Sarandon, who will be portraying this Moonbat Mom -- and I can think of no one better to play this part! Check out Chazz's site for his rant on this very subject (and guess who is the Dumbass Of The Week?)!

Ben Stein Blasts Hollywood and its Duplicity

2006-03-19T02:16:00.000-05:00

American Troops Snubbed at Oscars

I just got an email from an active-duty Marine that included this news item (which is mysteriously missing from the main-stream news) - one I think worthy of my humble blog.

Ben Stein - humorist, writer, economist, actor, speaker and political commentator - has taken umbrage to the "bravery" shown by Hollywood at the Academy Awards and had lots to say about it. Given the ad nauseum liberal ranting of George Clooney, Susan Sarandon, Michael Moore and others on Oscar nights, it is worth noting that the Hollywood elite live and play on the shoulders of a society that is protected by resolute and largely uncelebrated men and women in uniform. Here is what he had to say:

Missed Tributes
By Ben Stein

Now for a few humble thoughts about the Oscars.

I did not see every second of it, but my wife did, and she joins me in noting that there was not one word of tribute, not one breath, to our fighting men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan or to their families or their widows or orphans. There were pitifully dishonest calls for peace -- as if the people we are fighting were interested in any peace for us but the peace of the grave. But not one word for the hundreds of thousands who have served and are serving, not one prayer or moment of silence for the dead and maimed.

Basically, the sad truth is that Hollywood does not think of itself as part of America, and so, to Hollywood, the war to save freedom from Islamic terrorists is happening to someone else. It does not concern them except insofar as it offers occasion to mock or criticize George Bush. They live in dreamland and cannot be gracious enough to thank the men and women who pay with their lives for the stars' ability to live in dreamland. This is shameful.

The idea that it is brave to stand up for gays in Hollywood, to stand up against Joe McCarthy in Hollywood (fifty years after his death), to say that rich white people are bad, that oil companies are evil -- this is nonsense.

All of these are mainstream ideas in Hollywood, always have been, always will be. For the people who made movies denouncing Big Oil, worshiping gays, mocking the rich to think of themselves as brave -- this is pathetic, childish narcissism.

The brave guy in Hollywood will be the one who says that this is a fabulously great country where we treat gays, blacks, and everyone else as equal. The courageous writer in Hollywood will be the one who says the oil companies do their best in a very hostile world to bring us energy cheaply and efficiently and with a minimum of corruption. The producer who really has guts will be the one who says that Wall Street, despite its flaws, has done the best job of democratizing wealth ever in the history of mankind.

No doubt the men and women who came to the Oscars in gowns that cost more than an Army Sergeant makes in a year, in limousines with champagne in the back seat, think they are working class heroes to attack America -- which has made it all possible for them. They are not. They would be heroes if they said that Moslem extremists are the worst threat to human decency since Hitler and Stalin. But someone might yell at them or even attack them with a knife if they sad that, so they never will.

Hollywood is above all about self: self-congratulation, self-promotion, and above all, self-protection. This is human and basic, but let's not kid ourselves. There is no greatness there in the Kodak theater. The greatness is on patrol in Kirkuk. The greatness lies unable to sleep worrying about her man in Mosul. The greatness sleeps at Arlington National Cemetery and lies waiting for death in VA Hospitals. God help us that we have sunk so low as to confuse foolish and petty boasting with the real courage that keeps this nation and the many fools in it alive and flourishing on national TV.

Seized Documents Show Al-Qaieda Ties to Saddam

2006-03-16T18:30:00.000-05:00

Recognize THIS Handsome Fella? ======>>>

Republican Senators Rick Santorum and House Intelligence Chairman Peter Hoekstra announced today that they have successfully lobbied the White House and intelligence leaders to release millions of pages of documents and audio recordings captured during U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. These documents contain compelling evidence that Saddam had a relationship with, and detailed knowledge of, al-Qaieda. Many of these files have been posted HERE.

These senators have had these documents and audio files, most of which have not been translated, posted for public consumption and feedback.

"We are hoping to unleash the power of the Internet, unleash the power of the blogosphere to get through these documents and give us a better understanding of exactly what was going on in Iraq prior to the war," Senator Hoekstra stated today.

How far this will go in the Bush-hating media? Not far - like evidence of WMDs smuggled to Syria, it is yet another significant piece of a puzzle that takes the wind out of the case the media has been trying to build against President Bush and the war in Iraq.

Other must-reads:

Santorum, Hoekstra push for release of Iraq documents ~ Kimberly Hefling, AP
Saddam's Terror Training Camps ~ Michelle Malkin
Media Ignores Bush Exoneration ~ Amy Proctor
Saddam's General Sada, "WMDs shipped to Syria!" ~ Yours Truly

Minority Aid Becomes Available to All Students

2006-03-14T18:09:00.000-05:00

Now THIS is what I call "affirmative action"

In a surprising (and quiet) development, colleges around the country have flung open the doors of discriminitory financial aid and admissions to all deserving students, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Millions of dollars, formerly available to exclusive groups of minority and female students, is now available to any candidates who meet other qualifying criteria.

Obviously, this has been received well by some students, academics and members of conservative organizations opposed to preferential treatment - while others are none too happy with the news.

Theodore M. Shaw, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc., voiced his frustration. "How is it that they conclude that the great evil in this country is discrimination against white people? Can I put that question any more pointedly? I struggle to find the words to do it because it's so stunning."

Roger Clegg, president and general counsel of the Center for Equal Opportunity, had this to say, "Our concern is that the law be followed and that nobody be denied participation in a program on account of skin color or what country their ancestors came from."

Why the turnabout? It appears that many universities and colleges, fearing litigation on exclusion programs, are reacting to two 2003 Supreme Court cases that addressed the use of race in admissions at the University of Michigan. Although these cases did not impose an outright ban on the use of race as a factor in admissions to higher education, the findings did not support doing so.

The actual metrics on this trend are difficult to measure, given that most schools have chosen to keep these changes under the public radar. But colleges such as Washington University in St. Louis, State University of New York and Southern Illinois University have made such adjustments to their policies.

Travis Reindl, director of state policy analysis at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, has estimated that there are thousands of scholarship and fellowship programs that have been using race as a criterion. Mr. Reindl believes that at least half of the four-year colleges in the United States have now either reviewed or modified such programs.

For me, I am heartened to hear such news. If our lofty goals as a society include the attaining of true equality, then there can be no place for "affirmative action" or other discriminitory practices. A white kid who grows up poor is no better off than a black kid from similar economic circumstances, and a woman should never be given extra points in a college application for her gender. That is not equality - that is a handout.

((Read the New York Times article on this story))

Holland ~ R-Rated Film Test for Muslim Immigrants

2006-03-13T23:59:00.000-05:00

A Litmus Test of Social Tolerance

Apparently in an effort to stem Muslim immigration, the Dutch have instituted a new entrance test to be given to applicants from Muslim countries. This will include footage of two homosexual men sucking face in the park and a topless woman. This film will be shown to (mostly Muslim) candidates to determine whether they are prepared for the liberal western culture of Holland. Of course, the Dutch Muslims are outraged.

((See Muslim Migrants to Holland Shown Gay Film Footage As Entrance Evaluation))

Hey, it could be worse! They could have forced these conservative immigrants to run in wooden shoes or put a finger in a dike. The ghosts of the very gay Vincent Van Gogh, and his (muslim-)slain nephew Theo, are probably rolling with laughter on this one!

Illegal Aliens Amass in Chicago - Opportunity Lost?

2006-03-12T05:41:00.000-05:00

Missing the Perfect Round-up

In what can be described as a golden opportunity for law enforcement to capture illegal aliens, over 75,000 native latinos-without-green-cards gathered in Chicago Friday for a protest of a bill (Interior Enforcement Bill H.R. 4437) now in the U.S. Senate which would serve to stiffen border enforcement. This comes at a time when it is estimated that the illegal immigrant population has grown from about 8 million in 2000 to nearly 12 million - an increase of 40-50% in just six years - and some estimates are much higher than that.

And unbelievably, there were elected U.S. officials there to cheer them on.

U.S. Rep Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill, shouted "Raise those American flags! This is our country, and this is where we will stay."

Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich addressed the throng in Spanish, regailing them with his story as the son of immigrants - one who understands them. He cried from the platform, "Ustedes no son criminales! Ustedes son trabajadores! (You are not criminals! You are workers!)," elicited loud cheers.

The bill that was the inspiration for this gathering, H.R. 4437, has passed the House (239-182) and is now in the Senate. Although it falls short of what I might like to see, it does contain some healthy steps in the right direction.

It contains measures to prevent mass illegal immigration. Along the Mexican border, it authorizes construction of an additional 700 miles of security fencing - very similar to the highly effective fencing already in place in the San Diego area. It would also require implementation of an electronic verification system to be used by all employers to ensure that the workers they hire are legal residents. Failure to comply with the verification procedure could result in fines of up to $7,000 per violation for a first offense and as high as $40,000 the third time an employer gets caught hiring illegal aliens.

For me, the goal should be a state-of-the-art DMZ between our borders NORTH AND SOUTH, utilizing satellite imagery, unmanned surveillance drones, security cameras, seizmic detectors, staggered entry points and patrols on-call 24/7. This isn't just about poor Mexican farmers making a better life for themselves and their families. It is about indentured slavery, drug trafficking, gang-violence, government corruption (esp. Mexican) and terrorism. They want in, they can do it. Legally.

Illegal Mexican Immigrants might be a boon for some employers (who don't necessarily pass the savings on to the consumer), but they are a drain on our economy otherwise. Their education, healthcare and unemployment (among other costs) are picked up by the American Taxpayer. They contribute little or nothing to maintaining our infrastructure, public services and facilities - but are happy to use them.

What I don't quite understand here is why such an opportunity in Chicago was squandered - imagine rounding up 75,000 criminals and deporting them. A massive undertaking, to be sure, but it's not like it was a secret meeting. Isn't the Governor the Executive Officer of Law Enforcement for his state? Instead of committing an illegal act himself (aiding/harboring criminals, among others) he could have done the right thing - uphold the law of the United States. Seems to me that with a coordinated effort between federal forces, Illinois National Guard, neighboring State National Guards, immigration, border patrol and state, county and Chicago police forces - this could have been pulled off. And it would send a very powerful message to illegals and those who employ them.

"Change is coming. Here is your Wake-up Call."

Denmark's Official Apology to the Muslim World

2006-03-09T18:15:00.000-05:00

What the hell are they thinking?

Yeah, I could not believe it when I saw this either but, once I did I just knew (once I calmed down) that I just had to share it with my readers. Whether you agree with this outrageous gesture from the Danes or not, I guarantee that you will have a strong emotional response to this (of one form or another). Hey, I just deliver the news so DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER! Click on the title of this article or the image to check it out - if you think you can handle it!

SCOTUS to College Campuses: Allow Military Recruiters or Lose Funds

2006-03-08T23:10:00.000-05:00

With so much bad news out there, it's even nicer when something good happens. On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled to uphold a law that stated colleges and universities accepting federal funding must allow military recruiters on campus. In other words, they sent these whiny socialists packing with their tails tucked resolutely between their legs - with nary a peep about stoically giving up the 35 billion dollars in annual funding on "principal."

The latest battle ensued in Law Schools - where they imagined that they should be able to bar the military from campus due to its "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays.

Chief Justice John Roberts:

"Nothing about recruiting suggests that law schools agree with any speech by recruiters, and nothing in the Solomon Amendment restricts what the law schools may say about the military’s policies. We have held that high school students can appreciate the difference between speech a school sponsors and speech the school permits because legally required to do so, pursuant to an equal access policy - Surely students have not lost that ability by the time they get to law school....A military recruiter's mere presence on campus does not violate a law school's right to associate, regardless of how repugnant the law school considers the recruiter's message."

Talk about hypocricy! Sayed Rahmatullah Hashemi, once the Deputy Foreign Secretary of the Taliban, is accepted into Yale (with a 4th-grade education). So, these AMERICAN SCHOOLS want NO AMERICAN MILITARY RECRUITERS, but are good with accepting SWORN ENEMIES OF THE UNITED STATES as students? I mean, one could laugh if it wasn't so damned sad and stupid!

Kudos to the Supreme Court, who voted unanimously to shoot down this nonsense. What's next?

Oscar Night - Anne Coulter Style

2006-03-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

Commies and Racists and Gays ~ OH MY!

I couldn't help but laugh when I read Anne Coulter's take on the Academy Awards (airing in about 15 minutes). Here is how she summarizes the plots of the five Best Picture Nominees:

"Brokeback Mountain" (gay)

"Capote" (death penalty with bonus gay lead)

"Crash" (racism)

"Good Night, and Good Luck" (McCarthyism)

"Munich" (Jew athletes at Munich had it coming)

((Read her article here))

As Hollyweird has spun ever-more to the left side of all things, it will be interesting to see who will be the winners of this lackluster season - if only because they will feel vindicated for ramming their social ideals down our throats. And since most of these are not even close to being blockbusters, most of this will be unfamiliar to main-stream America.

And with John Stewart as the MC, ya gotta wonder if there will be another dumbass "Michael Moore moment" this year!

*Post Oscar Update: Wow - kind of like the movies this last year, the Oscars tonight were pretty unremarkable and largely forgettable. A few highlights/lowlights:

CRASH beat out BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN for Best Picture
CLOONEY won Supporting Actor for SYRIANA (then just had to get in some lefty points)
STEWART was surprisingly benign (politically) - and his BJORK/CHENEY hunting joke was kinda' funny
PARADISE NOW, the film glorifying Palestinian Terrorists, did NOT win for Best Foreign Film
SALMA HAYEK (doing a presentation) still looks REALLY good
JESSICA ALBA (doing a presentation) looked like a walking skeleton
REESE WITHERSPOON won Best Actress for WALK THE LINE - and is the consumate (and still grounded) cutey pie
Best of all, MICHAEL FATASS MOORE was nowhere to be seen! (So he must not have been there - cuz how could you possibly miss him!)

Colorado High School Teacher Under Fire for Bashing Uncle Sam

2006-03-02T19:54:00.000-05:00

Student Bashes Back!

Man, what is it with Colorado educators? Taking a page directly from the Ward Churchill playbook, Moonbat High School Teacher Jay Bennish was having a great time lambasting the United States, President Bush and Israel to his 10th grade "World Geography" class at Overland High School in Aurora, Colorado - this in the week following the President's State of the Union address. What he didn't count on, while trying his best to misshape young minds, was young Sean Allen and his trusty MP-3 player.

After recording approximately 20 minutes of "quality education" from his teacher, Sean brought the cut home and played it for his Dad, who subsequently got no action from school officials and ended up taking the tape public. The proverbial excrement has since impacted the fan and, in the words of Mr. Bennish, here's a little taste of the "why:"

"He started off his speech (speaking of President Bush's State of the Union address) talking about how America should be the country that dominates the world. That we have been blessed essentially by God to have the most civilized, most advanced, best system and that it is our duty as Americans to use the military to go out into the world and make the whole world like us. Sounds a lot like the things that Adolf Hitler use to say."

What was that class he was teaching again... "World Geography??" Not History, Social Studies, Civics or Political Science - but World Geography?

"We're the only ones who are right. Everyone else is backwards. And it's our job to conquer the world and make sure they live just like we want them to. Now, I'm not saying that Bush and Hitler are exactly the same. Obviously, they are not. Ok. But there are some eerie similarities to the tones that they use. Very, very "ethnocentric." We're right. You're all wrong."

"Ethnocentric?" Bush? Now I would just love to hear him defend that assertion to any reasonably educated, news-savvy adult. But I guess it's much easier to brainwash the young. I can just imagine Doctor Condoleezza Rice walking into the classroom at just that moment.

"So, why does Mr. Bush think that other countries that are democracies won't wanna be like us? Why does he think they'll just wanna be at peace with each other?! What makes him think that when the Palestinians get their own state that they won't wanna preemptively invade Israel to eliminate a potential threat to their security just like we supposedly did in Iraq?! Do you see the dangerous precedent that we have set by illegally invading another country and violating their sovereignty in the name of protecting us against a potential future--sorry--attack?"

Well Jay, historically (I realize this is a bit out of the Geography realm), true democracies don't generally make war on each other. And since when was the invasion of Iraq illegal? Was it an act of war for Iraq to fire upon our aircraft over the No-fly Zone virtually every day? Was it an act of war to attempt an assassination of a former U.S. President? Did we not go to our own Congress and the United Nations before the invasion? Did we not give Saddam every chance to avoid war? If this Geography teacher was presenting a balanced picture, he might have included these arguments for his students to make up their own minds. Guess not.

And here is young Sean engaging the Moonbat (he should get an "A" for classroom participation!):

Allen: "But is it ok to say it's just to attack Israel? If it's ok to attack known terrorists, it's ok to attack Israel?"

Bennish: "If you were Palestinians, who are the real terrorists? The Israelis, who fire missiles that they purchased from the United States government into Palestinian neighborhoods and refugees and maybe kill a terrorist, but also kill innocent women and children. And when you shoot a missile into Pakistan to quote-unquote kill a known terrorist, and we just killed 75 people that have nothing to do with al Qaeda, as far as they're concerned, we're the terrorists. We've attacked them on their soil with the intention of killing their innocent people."

Allen: "But we did not have the intention of killing innocent people. We had the intention of killing an al Qaeda terrorist."

Bennish: "Do you know that?"

Allen: "So, you're saying the United States has the intention to kill innocent people?"

Hey, I like this kid! Seems to me he held his own against a quasi-educated Moonbat teacher pretty well - not bad for 16! And the GREAT thing is, after the dust-up over this recording, a certain World Geography teacher was forced to take administrative leave. Word is, he has lawyered up courtesy of the ACLU - that's the "American Civil Liberties Union." But the true question is this: Who's civil liberties were violated here, if not the students who deserve a non-biased education?

Hat tip: Michelle Malkin

Hillary T-Shirt Design Contest!

2006-02-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

And the winner is.....?

Well, I and the "Panel" (my family) are looking over the entries and will come up with a winner in the next few days (yeah, anticipation baby!). Thanks to those who emailed and commented - some great ideas in here!

Chazz's Rant on Louis Farrakhan

2006-02-27T23:39:00.000-05:00

That "Mullah of Malice" is at it again! Check out Chazz's Rant on America's own Stepchild of Islamic Fanaticism!

Deeyah - The 'Muslim Madonna'

2006-02-26T23:11:00.000-05:00

Music Video Sparks Muslim Outrage

You would think that a beautiful, up and coming pop sensation would be having the time of her life after her album debuted in the UK in the Top 40, reached #4 on the Club Chart and #11 on the Indie Chart. You would think that after one of her singles on the album reached #1 on the hottest music video channel in the UK that she would be enjoying her success. This might have been true, except Deeyah is a Muslim - and she has fled to the U.S. in fear for her life from fellow Muslims over her video (Click HERE to watch it).

"...her video has led to threats from conservative Muslims who are angry that Deeyah (herself a Muslim) appears in sexy clothes and dances with a black man." This, from her website. "The resulting press coverage since the release of the video has been overwhelming to the point of overshadowing Deeyah’s music. For her safety, and in hopes of shifting the focus off of the “news story” and back on the music, Brainwash Records has brought Deeyah and her album to the US."

In an article posted at the Persian Journal website, Deeyah has quite a story - having fled her home in Norway for England after having alienated the Muslim community there, only to continue running to the United States for her safety and to continue her career.

"I can't walk around without bodyguards. I would be lying if I said abuse from religious fanatics did not upset or scare me," said the 28-year-old beauty, dubbed the 'Muslim Madonna.'

Now based in the U.S., Deeyah is scheduled to return to London next month to promote a new video - but may cancel the trip due to this threat. Apparently, shedding her Burqa to reveal a sexy bikini in the video just didn't fly with these extremist Muslim assholes. So, as with anything that pisses them off these days, it's got to be a death sentence for the offender. Imagine that.

Speaking of Free Speech and pissing radical Muslims off, click here to see another funny video clip. If this stuff offends you, don't go there. If you do it anyway, don't come back here and whine about it! Go write a Fatwa or something...

Timmer's FLIP-FLOP On U.A.E. Port Operations Deal

2006-02-23T18:41:00.000-05:00

John Kerry's Got NOTHIN' On This Guy!

Okay, maybe not a total flip-flop (like Senator Kerry), but my attitude has been somewhat mitigated on this issue.

Like most of you, when I first heard about this impending deal, the first thought in my mind was "WTF!?" The second was "An ARAB Company is taking over major U.S. ports!?" I then wrote this article without first researching all of the facts that were available. Although the Bush administration has done a terrible PR job on this transaction, mine was more a gut reaction than one of measured analysis. My only excuse (other than the botched PR) is that this falls on the heals of the world-wide Islamic chaos that resulted from a few cartoons (and AMAZING PR from radical Islamic fundamentalists), and I am basically pissed off at Muslims. I have discovered myself sliding down this slippery slope of bias against Muslims AND Arabs in general (they are not always the same thing - Iranians, for instance, are Indo-Europeans) and have now willed my sweeping condemnation to an abrupt halt.

So where do I now stand on this issue? That, my friends, is the 20,000 Dinar question. The short answer is simply this - I want to see this explained better by the White House, but not scuttled for politics alone. I am not the only conservative blogger to have stepped in it, then stepped back. Sistah Toldjah writes:

"The more this UAE port management story is being reported, examined, and discussed in the MSM, as well as on opinion pages and in the blogosphere, the more I find myself believing that the issue has bas (sic) been overhyped unecessarily. Even with saying that, I know that the concerns put forth by many of our fellow conservatives are genuine and heartfelt...What persuaded me to change my mind? A number of pieces I printed out today to look over later this evening when I had some time to read and digest them..."

And my friend Amy Proctor has been steadfast in her cautious support:

"The UAE has been accused of "ties" to two 9/11 terrorists, but the connotation is not necessarily valid. The U.S., after all, is where the 9/11 terrorists learned to fly, lived in hotels and used the US as an interface to pull off their plots. It could be argued that the US has ties to the 9/11 terrorists as well..."

I have discovered over the last few days that this is NOT about Arabs "taking over" these ports. DP World of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a successful bid to buy the management rights of port operations from another foreign company - NOT ownership of any ports, nor the actual security. In fact, this company is considered by some to be the most efficient in the world at this sort of work, and they have franchises like this all over the world (including China and Australia).

I should have also remembered that the U.A.E., despite some questionable history, has been an immensely effective partner to the U.S. in the war on terror. If you look at a map, you will see that the U.A.E. is just across the Persian Gulf from Iran - and they have allowed us to place a sprawling U.S. Air Force Base on their soil. They tend to U.S. Naval Ships. They have been instrumental in capturing terrorists. And, as I have discovered myself when visiting there, they are the most western-friendly and cosmopolitan of any Arab country. Even the Golf is good. They are much like we would like to envision a future Iraq.

The U.A.E., and the Arab World in general, will surely be insulted if we show sudden bias toward them at this important juncture in our relationship with them - and who could blame them? If our rationale for excluding them from this enterprise is simply that they are Arabs, then all of our efforts to bring peace and democracy to the Middle East is preposterous and duplicitous. If we base this exclusion on terrorist activity that has happened on their soil and in their institutions, then we have to include the United States in that dubious list of exclusion - as we trained the 9-11 pilots, who were funded through channels into the U.S.

As many Democrats and some Republicans (up for election) know, this situation is almost the perfect storm against Bush. On the one hand, you have a political climate in America where the Democrats could not gain a foothold on the issue of National Defense. On the other, you have the President between a rock and a hard place - that is, insulting a major partner in the GWOT, or paying the political price of fighting a losing battle. As this situation is more complicated than the average constituent's attention span, it is fair to say that the President has been cornered - and his explanation is late and now falling on mostly deaf ears. I think it's safe to say that, politically, this is a nightmare for Bush - and it builds on the chink in his armor that is Border Security.

But a word of caution - this is a CONFUSING ISSUE, so beware of politicians intentionally stretching the facts! This is NOT a "takeover" and it is NOT "outsourcing" (as it was already "outsourced" to the British). Fans of Hillary Clinton might want to remember that as she continues this barrage of insults to our collective intelligence.

Late-Term Abortion vs. Partial Birth Murder

2006-02-21T19:57:00.000-05:00

Alito Scares the BeJesus Out Of Abortionists

The Supreme Court will be revisiting a 2000 ruling in which Partial Birth Abortion was not quite deemed unlawful. Sandra Day O'Connor, casting the deciding vote in a 5-4 ruling, had cited that the mothers' health had not been properly considered in the case. Now that she has been replaced by conservative Sam Alito, even Pro-Abortion activists can read the writing on the wall.

"The Supreme Court's decision to hear this case is a dangerous act of hostility aimed squarely at women's health and safety," whined Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, an Abortion-Rights group. "Today's actions by the court are a shining example of why elections matter. When judges far outside the mainstream are nominated and confirmed to public office by anti-choice politicians, women's health and safety are put in danger."

Obviously, this woman has not been paying attention to the real "mainstream" of America, in which this procedure has caused widespread condemnation - as it is basically the killing of a fully formed fetus and, quite often, partially delivered. Alive and well. Until clinically murdered.

Here is the accepted medical rule of thumb on life, or in this case "viability," of a fetus: After six months of a pregnancy, a fetus is usually deemed by doctors as "viable" and therefore fully capable of living outside its mother's womb.

Now there are some of you who have read Timmer's Rant on Abortion, in which I do NOT support all facets of the Right to Life crowd, and perhaps you are perplexed by the strong language used here. Easy. This late term abortion, to my mind, is basically cold-blooded and needless murder. If a Mother is carrying her Baby into the last trimester, and especially if up to the delivery itself, should she not be legally bound to at least give this PERSON a shot at life - even if that would be through adoption or foster care? Besides a life-threatening situation for the Mother (which is very rarely the case in Late Term Abortions), what could possibly be the rationalization for jamming a poison-filled needle into a little baby as he/she is about to enter the world?

All of the Tookie Williams' of the world should face death, and the public's scorn, before any of these innocents are snuffed out before they can live long enough to cry out in protest. Let's hope that our new Supreme Court Justices feel that way, too.

Arab Company Takes Over Major U.S. Ports?

2006-02-19T17:22:00.000-05:00

There are times when even supporters of the President have to stand back and say WTF? And when you start to think about this story's implications, this looks to be a glaring example of one of those times.

British firm Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (P & O) - which runs the major commercial operations in the ports of New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia - was bought last week by DP World of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Okay, so one foreign company buys another, right? Isn't the UAE an ally of ours? Doesn't sound so alarming on the surface - until one discovers that the acquiring company is STATE-OWNED by the UAE, which (ally or not) served as an operational and financial base for the 9-11 terrorists and was along the route of smuggled nuclear components shipped to Iran, North Korea and Libya by a Pakistani scientist.

Like I said, "WTF?"

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the administration had approved the sale after a classified review, saying the agreement would include safeguards to protect national security. "You can be assured that before a deal is approved we put safeguards in place, assurances in place, that make everybody comfortable that we are where we need to be from a national security viewpoint."

Apparently, that explanation doesn't cut it with lawmakers. The response from Democrats is predictable and therefore hardly news, but Republicans are starting to make themselves heard on this issue as well - and for good reason.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, voiced his concerns for approving an Arab company's takeover of operations at these six major American ports on Sunday, calling the terms "insufficient to guard against terrorist infiltration." He stated further, "I'm aware of the conditions and they relate entirely to how the company carries out its procedures, but it doesn't go to who they hire, or how they hire people...They are better than nothing, but to me they don't address the underlying conditions, which is how are they going to guard against things like infiltration by al-Qaida or someone else, how are they going to guard against corruption?"

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a usually staunch supporter of the President, told Fox News Sunday that it was a mistake for them to approve the sale and called on Congress to investigate it. "It's unbelievably tone deaf politically at this point in our history, four years after 9-11, to entertain the idea of turning port security over to a company based in the UAE who avows to destroy Israel...I don't think now is the time to outsource major port security to a foreign-based company."

Like the Terrorist Surveillance Program, there is probably a great deal the Public, and the whole of Congress, simply cannot know. But unlike the secret wiretapping, this will be very hard to sell to Post-9-11 Americans.

Chertoff stated on CNN's Late Edition, "Congress is welcome to look at this and can get classified briefings. We have to balance the paramount urgency of security against the fact that we still want to have a robust global trading system."

I don't know, Michael - given the UAE's dubious recent history, the outrageously lax border security plaguing this nation, and the fact that only 2% of shipping containers are inspected at these ports, this time you're going to have to do a LOT better than that. If we need to engage the Arabs in trade, why not stick to buying safe stuff like hookah pipes, outrageously priced spices and, er, I don't know... rubber dog-shit? ANYTHING but this!!!

Saddam Tapes: WMDs and Foreknowledge of 9-11 Attacks!

2006-02-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

Well, waddaya know. Turns out that Saddam, in the mid-90's (after the Gulf War), not only knew about the impending attacks of 9-11, but was also hiding WMDs before spiriting them away to Syria. SURPRISE!

From ABC News TODAY:

ABC News obtained the tapes from Bill Tierney, a former member of a United Nations inspection team who translated them for the FBI. "Because of my experience being in the inspections and being in the military, I knew the significance of these tapes when I heard them," says Tierney. U.S. officials have confirmed the tapes are authentic, and that they are among hundreds of hours of tapes Saddam recorded in his palace office.

One of the most dramatic moments in the 12 hours of recordings comes when Saddam predicts -- during a meeting in the mid-1990s -- a terrorist attack on the United States. "Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans a long time before Aug. 2 and told the British as well & that in the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction." Saddam goes on to say such attacks would be difficult to stop. "In the future, what would prevent a booby-trapped car causing a nuclear explosion in Washington or a germ or a chemical one?" But he adds that Iraq would never do such a thing. "This is coming, this story is coming but not from Iraq."

Also at the meeting was Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, who said Iraq was being wrongly accused of terrorism. "Sir, the biological is very easy to make. It's so simple that any biologist can make a bottle of germs and drop it into a water tower and kill 100,000. This is not done by a state. No need to accuse a state. An individual can do it."

The tapes also reveal Iraq's persistent efforts to hide information about weapons of mass destruction programs from U.N. inspectors well into the 1990s. In one pivotal tape-recorded meeting, which occurred in late April or May of 1995, Saddam and his senior aides discuss the fact that U.N. inspectors had uncovered evidence of Iraq's biological weapons program -- a program whose existence Iraq had previously denied.

At one point Hussein Kamel, Saddam's son-in-law and the man who was in charge of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction efforts can be heard on the tapes, speaking openly about hiding information from the U.N.

"We did not reveal all that we have," Kamel says in the meeting. "Not the type of weapons, not the volume of the materials we imported, not the volume of the production we told them about, not the volume of use. None of this was correct."

Shortly after this meeting, in August 1995, Hussein Kamel defected to Jordan, and Iraq was forced to admit that it had concealed its biological weapons program. (Kamel returned to Iraq in February 1996 and was killed in a firefight with Iraqi security forces.)

A spokeswoman for John Negroponte, director of national intelligence, said information contained in the transcriptions of the tapes was already known to intelligence officials.

"Intelligence community analysts from the CIA, and the DIA reviewed the translations and found that, while fascinating, from a historical perspective the tapes do not reveal anything that changes their post-war analysis of Iraq's weapons programs nor do they change the findings contained in the comprehensive Iraq Survey group report," she said in a statement.

"The tapes mostly date from early to mid-1990s and cover such topics as relations with the United Nations, efforts to rebuild industries from Gulf war damage and the pre 9/11 situation in Afghanistan."

Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, says the tapes are authentic and show that "Saddam had a fixation on weapons of mass destruction and he had a fixation on hiding what he was doing from the U.N. inspectors." Hoeckstra says there are more than 35,000 boxes of such tapes and documents that the U.S. government has not analyzed nor made public that should also be translated and studied on an urgent basis.

Charles Duelfer, who led the official U.S. search for weapons of mass destruction after the war, says the tapes show extensive deception but don't prove that weapons were still hidden in Iraq at the time of the U.S.-led war in 2003. "What they do is support the conclusion in the report, which we made in the last couple of years, that the regime had the intention of building and rebuilding weapons of mass destruction, when circumstances permitted."

Tierney, who provided ABC News with the tapes, plans to make the 12 hours of recordings public at a nongovernmental meeting -- called Intelligence Summit 2006 -- this weekend in Arlington, Va. John Loftus, a former federal prosecutor, runs the meeting. "We think this is a tape that is unclassified and available to the public," says Loftus "[I] just want to have it translated and let the tape speak for itself."

Now, remember - we are talking ABC NEWS here. Not the liberal whipping boy Fox News, nor a Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity enterprise. A-B-C ! Now, go back and read my article on Saddam's General who confirms that the WMDs were shipped to Syria.

Now let us see what happens in the MSM! Already, the spin to this story is just that Saddam informed us of 9-11, so we knew about it (so Bush must be impeached (or something) !

Dead-Eye Dick Cheney Rides Again - Late Night!

2006-02-16T00:09:00.000-05:00

Media Frenzy and a Gift to Late Night Television

As Fox News' Brit Hume gets to have a sit-down with the VP over the now-famous hunting incident, CNN, NBC and ABC affiliates rushed about today to collect the scraps of this exclusive interview - much to their self-important chagrin (hmmm...kinda' reminds one of the White House Press Corps' incredulous reaction to the small-town newspaper scoop on the incident itself!).

"They (Fox News) are the house organ for the Republican Party," chirped CNN political analyst and former Clintonite Paul Begala. "It's like Khrushchev giving an interview to Pravda." (waaaaahhhhh!)

So Cheney didn't have one of those all-important PRESS CONFERENCES. How dare he not include the fourth pillar of government!? The great thing about this story has nothing to do with Harry Reid's psychotic salivating rattle about "This secretive administration yada yada yada."

No, my friends, the best thing about all this was that it gave us something to laugh about, and it was a gold-encrusted lapis-lazuli-paneled treasure chest hand-delivered to the Purveyors of Late Night Bombast.

Jay Leno:

"I guess the guy is going to be Okay. When the ambulance got there, out of force of habit they put Cheney on the stretcher. When people found out he shot a lawyer, his popularity is now at 92 percent."
"Although it is beautiful here in California, the weather back East has been atrocious. There was so much snow in Washington, D.C., Dick Cheney accidentally shot a fat guy thinking it was a polar bear. "

David Letterman:

"Good news, ladies and gentlemen, we have finally located weapons of mass destruction, and it’s Dick Cheney!”

"But here is the sad part — before the trip Donald Rumsfeld had denied the guy's request for body armor."

"We can't get bin Laden, but we nailed a 78-year-old attorney."

Craig Ferguson:

"He is a lawyer and he got shot in the face. But he's a lawyer, he can use his other face. He'll be all right."

"You can understand why this lawyer fellow let his guard down because if you're out hunting with a politician, you think, "If I'm going to get it, it's going to be in the back.' "

"The big scandal apparently is that they didn't release the news for 18 hours. I don't think that's a scandal at all. I'm quite pleased about that. Finally, there's a secret the vice president's office can keep."

Maybe it's the hidden Liberal-Libertarian in me (according to certain dubious online quizzes!), but you just gotta' laugh at this one. Dick more-or-less handled this like a, um, DICK. But given that this was, at the end of the day, a HUNTING ACCIDENT, the carrion-stalking American Media showed its own ass to the world as well.

Thanks the Gods for Comedy!

Saddam FORCED to Attend His Own Mass-Murder Trial

2006-02-13T19:43:00.000-05:00

This is an OUTRAGE!

In yet another insult to civil liberties, justice, and plain old right-and-wrong, Saddam Hussein (and his fellow victims of the American puppet-government) continued his brave protest of the Iraqi "Kangaroo Court" today by stoically shouting down the (ethnically inferior) Kurdish judge, Abdel-Rahman.

This is on the heels of endless badgering to be in court for a few trumped up charges fabricated by the Americans, and unheeded cries of SADDAM'S TORTURE in December of last year!

As the Islamic Hero Saddam was brutally ushered into the courtroom, wearing a traditioal Arab robe and clutching his beloved Qur'an, he defiantly proclaimed "Down with agents, down with Bush, long live the Ummah (Motherland)!"

Then a bit later, unable to contain his indignation at this travesty of justice, Holy-Man Saddam cried out "This is not a court, this is a game. I was forced into the courtroom. Why have you brought us with force? Your authority gives you the right to try a defendant in absentia. Are you trying to overcome your own smallness?"

The Evil Dog Judge Abdel-Rahman bitterly replied "The law states that if the defendants refuse to appear before the court, he will be forced to appear before court, we are implementing the law."

Saddam The Saintly did not stand for the pesky accusations of torture, murder and genocide! Instead, he righteously shouted in manly defiance "Saddam the criminal? Not criminal, you agent. You sissy! You would not have said that before, sissies like you!"

Obviously faking his annoyance, the Camel-Piss-Rat-Judge tried to cut off Gentle and Misunderstood Saddam. "I've given you enough chances," he said. Allah's Messenger Saddam shouted back: "God damn your moustaches" Slamming the Kurdish Dung-Heap Judge's very manhood!

As the Great Protector of Victimized Dictators Ramsey Clark left work for the day, he walked out into the Iraqi sunset (with his body-guards) and, glancing back at the courthouse, couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

Political Spectrum ~ Where Do YOU Fall?

2006-02-12T04:04:00.000-05:00

I'm a Friggin' LEFTY!?

So this is the THIRD TIME I have taken one of these tests - and I'm always surprised at the results. Although I portray myself as a Conservative/Rebublican, according to this test (which is kinda' fun, actually) I am WAY over to the Left - juxtaposed almost atop Nelson Mandela (see graphic). Check this test out over at Political Compass and see where YOU fall in this spectrum.

The problem I have with these tests is that they deal in absolutes - and I am definitely a gray-area kind of guy. If you read Timmer's Rant on Abortion, you know that I have definite ideas on the subject, but do not belong completely to either radical camp. Same goes for Gay Couples adopting babies...generally, I'm okay with it but (all things being equal) a heterosexual couple should take precedence. Why, you ask? Well, that is for another article, and another day!

Hat Tip to Gun Toting Liberal

U.S. Intelligence ~ 10 Terror Plots Foiled

2006-02-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

Foiled Los Angeles Terror Attack

Speaking at the National Guard Memorial building today, President Bush revealed details of one out of the ten publicized terrorist plots that has been defeated by using the tools of U.S. Intelligence and other international partners in the Global War On Terror.

In a plan that had originated as part of the September 11th 2001 attacks, but changed by Osama bin Laden to a follow-up attack, the hijacking of an American commercial aircraft and its use to destroy "the tallest building on the West Coast" was to be carried out by terrorists recruited by al-Qaida from Southeast Asia. The plan called for the terrorists to use shoe-bombs to breach the cockpit doors, then fly the fuel-heavy aircraft into the (then-named) Library Tower in Los Angeles.

According to Bush, the plot was foiled in early 2002 with the assistance of a Southeast Asian nation and the mastermind, Khalid Sheik Mohammed (who also planned the 9/11 attacks), was captured in the summer of 2003.

Although he did not characterize this as proof of the effectiveness of the Terrorist Surveillance Program (erroneously labeled "Domestic Wiretapping"), he portrayed this and other such successes as proof of the effectiveness of his policies combating terrorism and safeguarding our nation.

"We're hunting down the terrorists using every element of our national power. The terrorists are living under constant pressure, and this adds to our security…By striking the terrorists where they live, we are protecting the American homeland."

Ten Up, Ten Down

1. West Coast Airliner Plot: ((2002 - See above))

2. The Jose Padilla Plot: In May 2002 the United States disrupted a plot that involved blowing up apartment buildings within the U.S.. One of the alleged plotters, Jose Padilla, allegedly discussed the possibility of using a "dirty bomb" inside the United States. Bush has designated him an "enemy combatant."

3. Strait of Hormuz Plot: In 2002 the United States and partners disrupted a plot to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the entrance to the Persian Gulf from the Indian Ocean.

4. Arabian Gulf Shipping Plot: In late 2002 and 2003 the United States and a partner nation disrupted a plot by al-Qaeda operatives to attack ships in the Arabian Gulf.

5. Karachi Plot: In spring 2003 the United States and a partner disrupted a plot to attack westerners at several targets in Karachi, Pakistan.

6. Heathrow Airport Plot: In 2003 the United States and several partners disrupted a plot to attack London's Heathrow Airport using hijacked commercial airliners. The planning for this alleged attack was undertaken by a major operational figure in the September 11, 2001, attacks.

7. Tourist Site Plot: In 2003 the United States and a partner nation disrupted a plot to attack a tourist site outside the U.S.. The White House did not list what site that was.

8. East Coast Airliner Plot: In mid-2003 the United States and a partner disrupted a plot to use hijacked commercial airplanes to attack targets on the East Coast of the United States.

9. Britain Country-Wide Plot: In the spring of 2004 the United States and partners, using a combination of law enforcement and intelligence resources, disrupted a plot to conduct large-scale bombings in Britain.

10. British Urban Targets Plot: In mid-2004 the United States and partners disrupted a plot to bomb urban targets in Britain.

What Keeps Us Safe

Although President Bush couldn't be specific about the role Secret Surveillance played, I'll say it for him - The Terrorist Surveillance Program, in combination with F.I.S.A. and the Patriot Act (which has crossed a significant hurdle today), IS WORKING. These successes, with no terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9-11, is your proof!

While the citizenry of the United States and her allies go about their daily lives in relative comfort and safety, tens of thousands of silent, vigilant warriors are hard at work ensuring that the Terrorists cannot bring them harm. Along with conventional armed forces and law-enforcement, security and emergency personnel who operate in the open, there exists a largely thankless army of engineers, linguists, analysts and scientists who, by necessity, operate in the shadows. They represent a considerable buffer between our largely unenlightened populations who are free to go about their lives., blissfully ignorant of the dangers we face - and how very close to the brink we have come.

Fighting Terror, while protecting the methods by which it is fought, is like a fist fight with one hand tied behind the back. Informing the public is informing the terrorist - a concept that is widely misunderstood by many members of Congress and the MSM. By its very nature, Intelligence Gathering must be kept secret, and must be used in this post 9-11, dangerous and cyber-linked world.

Sister Toldjah
Michelle Malkin

A President's Dignity, Another's Disgrace ~ Coretta Scott King's Funeral

2006-02-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

Jimmy Carter Stoops with Dotard "Reverend"

This was to be her day. An event where tens of thousands would hope to catch a glimpse of the "First Lady of Civil Rights." This was the day to celebrate the life, and message, of Coretta Scott King. Celebrities, Clergy, Activists, Congressmen and even the current and former Presidents came to show their respects.

That is, all but two. Widely thought of as the Worst President in Modern Times, Jimmy Carter decided to follow the unfortunate example of an elderly activist/reverend (I'm trying to be nice) who had earlier shown his disrespect to the lady, and the occassion.

President Bush is said to have a very real affection for Mrs. King, having met with her on several occassions during his tenure in the White House. Despite an impossibly busy schedule he brought his wife Laura to pay their last respects to his friend Coretta ~ and got publicly slammed in front of millions.

Activist/Reverend Lowery during his "eulogy" ~

"We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there...but Coretta knew, and we know, that there are weapons of misdirection right down here," he bellowed, nodding toward the row of presidents. "For war, billions more, but no more for the poor!" The suddenly hip-hop-poetry-loving crowd cheered.((Glad to see he found a way to work Mrs. King's name in there somewhere.))

And if that wasn't bad enough, a smug Carter a bit later ~

"It was difficult for them then personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated as they became the target of secret government wiretaps." The crowd cheered - wiretapping, get it? ((Of course, Jimmy neglected to mention that it was under a Democratic Whitehouse that Attorney General Robert Kennedy was surveilling the King couple.))

Further on, obviously not satisfied with his idiocy, Carter said Hurricane Katrina showed that all are not yet equal in America. New Orleans Blacks intentionally left to die, right?

Of course, the liberal blogs are making much out of the President sitting through all of this behind the podium, squirming in his chair with an embarrassed smile, while Laura looked a bit peeved. WHAT? How exactly would we expect him to react?

By remaining seated and silent, and by thoughtfully eulogizing this brave woman's life without attempting politics or smear like his critics, George Bush showed a great deal of poise and grace in a difficult position. The disrespect shown by these two pathetic activists on a day meant to celebrate Coretta Scott King's Life is a disgrace, and yet has some value - in that it demonstrates some very poignant distinctions. Naturally, it is up to the reader to decide what those are.

Mocking Mohammed ~ Muslims Finally Unite Against Something

2006-02-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

So THIS is what it takes???

After several newspapers in Europe have recently published 12 cartoons depicting Muhammed, the Ire of Islam has finally been raised. One of the drawings shows Muhammed's turban as a bomb with a lit fuse. In another he turns suicide bombers away from heaven because "We have run out of virgins". (LOL!)

Responding to a call for an International "Day of Anger", Muslim worshippers on Friday quickly morphed into protesters throughout Europe and the Middle East, demanding apologies from newspaper editors and the governments of a half dozen European countries that have refused to block the publication of the images.

Widely condemned by cowardly government officials across the globe for exercising their freedoms of the press and expression (which is NOT enjoyed throughout most Islamic nations), these European newspapers, embassies of their governments and even commercial goods and tourists are now being targeted throughout the Middle East.

"We must tell Europeans, we can live without you. But you cannot live without us," said Sheikh Youssef al-Qaradawi, a leading imam in Qatar, in an obvious reference to Middle Eastern Oil Dependency. "We can buy from China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia... We will not be humiliated."

Of course, Islamic Terrorist organizations are quite vocal about this as well.

Wanna' know what I find offensive???

The carnage unleashed upon the world in recent years - all in the name of Islam. Images of flag and effigy burnings, sawed-off heads, planes crashing into the WTC and Pentagon. Then there is the brutality unleashed upon innocents in Britain, Spain, Bali, Kenya, Israel, Saudi Arabia - among many, many other little newsreels that run through my head.

SO, it took a CARTOON!? Forget the fact that thousands of their own people, most of which are women and children, are dying at the hands of Islamic Terror every year. Forget the constant and violent insults to THE WORLD by Radical Islam.

Imagine if All Muslims directed this kind of righteous anger against Their Terrorists? This world would become safe in a week. But no. The Religion of Peace is too busy chasing cartoons, playing the victim....while literally burning our world.

And Allah help them if the World runs out of patience, sympathy and excuses for these impetuous people. Our little "Coalition of the Willing" will change into something much, much bigger - and little cartoons will be the least of Islam's problems.

Mudville Gazette
Michelle Malkin

Who The Hell Invited HER??

2006-02-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

Cindy Sheehan Crashes (at) the State of the Union Address

That most ridiculous of activists is doing her level best to remain in the national consciousness - while making a progressively bigger fool of herself each time.

Cindy Sheehan, who has made headlines again recently by befriending America's enemies, slandering our President and threatening to run for senate, was removed from the House Gallery on Tuesday night and placed under arrest - even before the object of her disaffection arrived. This time, it was for refusing to remove or cover up her anti-war T-shirt, which read "2245 Dead. How many more?" She has promised to file a First Amendment lawsuit.

But who invited this clown? Turns out to have been another clown. Representative Lynn Woolsey, Liberal Anti-War Democrat (surprise!) of California. In an event so steeped in history, tradition and decorum, where even Nasty Pelosi cracks a smile (literally) and shakes hands with the President, what on Earth was this idiot congresswoman thinking?

The Capitol Police should have pinched Woolsey right along with her knuckleheaded friend Sheehan...if for no other reason than having caused this disturbance. Call it abuse of ill-deserved congressional priviledge!

Comedy Duo of Massachussetts: Kerry & Kennedy

2006-01-29T16:17:00.000-05:00

The "Filibuster Follies"

In a last-ditch effort to thwart President Bush's nominee for the Supreme Court, Samuel Alito, the Comedy Duo of Massachussetts (John Kerry and Ted Kennedy) have teamed up again. Predictably, and in keeping with their respective histories of bad judgment and failure, this move is doomed even before it begins.

Let's have a quick look at those numbers. In order to prevent a filibuster, 60 votes are requred to end debate. The Republicans number 55 in the Senate, and all are supporting Alito. A total of 8 Democrats have said they will vote to end debate (another word for "Filibuster"). That means that at least 63 Senators publicly support having an up-or-down vote for this nominee. In that final vote, only a simple majority is required for confirmation (hopefully, this Tuesday).

What are these two bumbling blue-bloods thinking?

Well, not being a mind-reader (and who the hell would want to look into either of these corrupted craniums?), I can only guess that it is because neither Kennedy, nor Kerry, has anything to worry about. These two will likely die in their U.S. Senate seats (in Kennedy's case, perhaps on a bar stool - but you get the point), with nary a challenge in that bluest of states. Alfred E. Newman has nothing on these two cats in the "What? Me Worry?" department.

Saddam's General Sada, "WMDs shipped to Syria!"

2006-01-26T22:50:00.000-05:00

Will the MSM and Moonbats Eat This Crow?

The silence is TRULY DEAFENING as the MSM tries very hard to ignore the story that might completely refute so much of their salivating and "hard-hitting" reporting over the last four years. Weapons of Mass Destruction, and all related documentation, were secretly spirited off to Syria in 2002, according to Iraqi Air Force General and Saddam confidant, Georges Sada.

In his new book, Saddam's Secrets - How an Iraqi General Defied and Survived Saddam Hussein - Sada describes the ruthlessness of Saddam's regime, as well as his large-scale and secret (up until now) shipment of chemical weapons to Syria when it became obvious that the United States would lead an invasion.

"Saddam realized, this time, the Americans are coming," Mr. Sada has claimed in his book and in interviews. "They handed over the weapons of mass destruction to the Syrians."

I have always maintained that there were WMDs still in Iraq - the entire world and its numerous intelligence agencies could not have all been wrong. And my stance has been this: Just because a thing has not been found DOES NOT mean it did not exist. And let's face it folks - Saddam was not the type of guy to destroy/give up weapons he had obviously used several times before - and just because we asked him to.

Check out the New York Sun article on this brave man and his story. Don't wait to hear it on CNN - you might be waiting a very, very long time.

Tookie Over Haleigh ~ WTF is Wrong Here?

2006-01-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

With empty echoes of "Terri Schiavo Redux" and "Another Right to Die," my head is pounding with confused indignation. On the one hand, Williams - a death-row, gang-leading and murdering monster somehow rated the Full Monty Defense from Hollywood. On the other, a literally abandoned, tortured and baseball-bat-beaten little girl fights for her right to life - with nary a left-coast whisper.

In the home turf of Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, the Massachussetts Supreme Court decided to remove the apparatus that was thought to be keeping her breathing and alive. Haleigh, diagnosed as irreversibly vegetative and dependent, defied that first step as she suddenly began to breathe on her own.

You've got to read Michelle Malkin's article on this one.

How do Liberals (especially those with fame, power and "gravitas") define a life worth defending? Apparently, it is the Terrorist, Insurgent and Murderer who needs us to save them. The truly innocent and harmless among us - our children, including those unborn - simply cannot get a break in Hollywood.

Tough town.

NSA Wiretapping Defended by Bush, Hayden

2006-01-23T22:25:00.000-05:00

FISA Not Always Appropriate or Effective

Defenders of NSA's international terrorist surveillance program, inaccurately depicted by the Press as "Domestic Spying," spoke out today to kick off a week of PR, during which President Bush hopes to bring his case to the American People. This move is in anticipation of upcoming congressional hearings on the subject.

Speaking from Kansas State University today for an unusually long session, with an open Q&A in the second half, the President made it clear that he intends to stick to his guns on the surveillance tactics he ordered. Some snippets:

"These are not phone calls within the United States, it's a phone call of an Al Qaeda, known Al Qaeda suspect making a phone call into the United States."

"If [terrorists] are making a call to the United States, we need to know why, to protect you," Bush said, adding that despite criticism of the program saying otherwise, he did consult with many lawyers and some members of Congress before authorizing the eavesdropping program.

"It's amazing when people say to me, 'Well, he's just breaking the law.' If I wanted to break the law, why was I briefing Congress? Federal courts have consistently ruled that a president has authority under the Constitution to conduct foreign intelligence surveillance against our enemies. Predecessors of mine have used that same constitutional authority."

Meanwhile, Air Force General Michael Hayden, the former Director of NSA and current Deputy Director of National Intelligence, made an appearance at the National Press Club today. Known for his brilliant retooling of NSA in the aftermath of 9-11-05, Hayden had plenty to say on the subject as well.

"Had this program been in effect prior to 9/11, it is my professional judgment that we would have detected some of the al-Qaeda operatives in the United States."

When asked how National Security had been harmed by the leak, given that "the bad guys already assume they are being monitored:"

"You know, we've had this question asked several times. Public discussion of how we determine al Qaeda intentions, I just -- I can't see how that can do anything but harm the security of the nation. And I know people say, "Oh, they know they're being monitored." Well, you know, they don't always act like they know they're being monitored. But if you want to shove it in their face constantly, it's bound to have an impact. [C]onstant revelations and speculation and connecting the dots in ways that I find unimaginable, and laying that out there for our enemy to see cannot help but diminish our ability to detect and prevent attacks."

When asked why FISA, with its 72-hour grace period, was not good enough for all cases of this kind of monitoring:

"Under the FISA statute, NSA cannot put someone on coverage and go ahead and play for 72 hours while it gets a note saying it was okay. All right? The attorney general is the one who approves emergency FISA coverage, and the attorney general's standard for approving FISA coverage is a body of evidence equal to that which he would present to the court. So it's not like you can throw it on for 72 hours."

"In the instances where this program applies, FISA does not give us the operational effect that the authorities that the president has given us give us. Look. I can't -- and I understand it's going to be an incomplete answer, and I can't give you all the fine print as to why, but let me just kind of reverse the answer just a bit. If FISA worked just as well, why wouldn't I use FISA? To save typing? No. There is an operational impact here, and I have two paths in front of me, both of them lawful, one FISA, one the presidential -- the president's authorization. And we go down this path because our operational judgment is it is much more effective. So we do it for that reason."

((Did I happen to mention that General Hayden possesses a rare intellect, and can put an unwary room full of reporters to shame? Well, see for yourself - Read the full transcript of his press conference. Lots of great information on the right side of this debate to be found here.))

Speaking of FISA, here is a point of interest: In April 2004, members of the September 11th Commission briefed the press on some preliminary findings concerning problems with FISA.

"Many agents in the field told us that although there is now less hesitancy in seeking approval for electronic surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, the application process nonetheless continues to be long and slow," the commission said. "Requests for such approvals are overwhelming the ability of the system to process them and to conduct the surveillance. The Department of Justice and FBI are attempting to address bottlenecks in the process."

Hmmmm. Bet you don't see THAT splashed all over the press, now do you?

Islam - The Religion of Peace?

2006-01-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

Mohammed: Prophet of Peace or Purveyor of Murder?

Following yet another communique to the world from Osama bin Laden, which has sent American Stocks to record-setting (albeit temporary) losses and struck fear into millions of hearts, it is once again obvious to most rational people that bin Laden's Islam is a catalyst for anything but peace. Having lived in the Middle East for a time myself, I have concluded that Islam is, at best, repressive and counter to many values we hold dear (e.g. equal rights, freedoms of religion and expression, separation of religion and state); at worst, it is a religion that espouses violence against non-muslims and women - a perfect playing field for Terror.

"Fight and slay the Unbelievers wherever ye find them. Seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem of war."
~Qur'an, Sura 9:5

Why is that? Has the violent nature of this religion changed since Mohammed violently wrought Islam upon the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century, and his followers imposed it by the sword across the Middle East, North Africa and into Spain into the 8th century?

The word "Islam," though derived from the Arabic root "Peace," means in fact "Submission or Surrender"

However you may feel about Islam, you will find the following articles by David Wood provocative:

Islam Beheaded: The Information Superhighway and the Death of Mohammedanism

Is Islam a Religion of Peace?

Many will say "What about the unspeakable crimes committed in the name of Christianity? The Crusades? The Inquisitions?"

While I am no great defender of Christianity either, I submit that there is a very fundamental difference between the two in modern times. I cannot think of a single time in living memory when Christians committed terrorism, much less beheading, stoning, or the killing of thousands of civilians, in the name of God.

Since 9-11 alone, Islamists have conducted over 4000 acts of terror in the name of Allah. I ask again - is this the Religion of Peace?

LIBS Say the DARNDEST THINGS!

2006-01-17T21:14:00.000-05:00

It must have been some particularly strong Kool-Aid served up in some Liberal households over the holidays, because there are some remarkable things coming out of some of their mouths in 2006 - yes, even more than usual.

Mayor Ray Nagin - The Mayor of ravaged New Orleans who somehow managed to escape having to account for his own incompetence leading up to, during, and after the Katrina disaster:

"I don't care what people are saying Uptown or wherever they are. This city will be chocolate at the end of the day. This city will be a majority African-American city. It's the way God wants it to be."

Senator Hillary Clinton - The (very) Junior Senator (not) from New York, who has been very careful to slide toward the Center in preparation for her presidential bid in 2008, seems to have forgotten that Political Correctness is a supposed "Democrat Thing" as she ranted against the Republican Majority in the House:

"When you look at the way the House of Representatives has been run, it has been run like a plantation, and you know what I'm talking about."

Senator Ted Kennedy seemed to have quite the righteous outrage over Samuel Alito's ancient and distant ties to a Princeton Conservative Organization that supposedly discriminates against women -- in fact he found it "very troubling" and demanded from Arlen Specter that all records be subpoenaed. Of course, no mention of Alito's name could be found in any records or notes from the group.

Turns out, old Teddy has been a paying member (for over 50 years!) of an all-male social club (The "Owl Club") that bans women - an organization sent packing by Harvard in 1984.

"I joined when I...52 years ago, I was a member of the Owl Club, which was basically a fraternal organization...I’m not a member; I continue to pay about $100." When asked about being a member of a club that practices sexual discrimination, he replied "I shouldn’t be and I’m going to get out of it as fast as I can."

Add to that Al Gore, Chuck Hagel, Harry Belefonte, Nasty Pelosi, Walter Cronkite...the unhinged playlist for 2006 is truly remarkable, and we are only in the 3rd week of the year!

Linked to:
Michelle Malkin - DEMO-DEMAGOGUERY: PUSHING BACK

Martin Luther King Jr. Had a Dream - Why The Nightmare?

2006-01-16T23:38:00.000-05:00

On April 4th 1968, Doctor Martin Luther King Junior, the interpretor and messenger of the Dream of Black Americans, was snuffed out by an assassin's bullet - leaving the future of Civil Rights and Black Americans in the hands of lesser men - who's stewardship has become increasingly hostile to our own country.

A young, bungling understudy of Doctor King's was Jessy Jackson. As stated in Wikipedia:

"When King and his allies returned to the South, they left Jesse Jackson, then a young Chicago activist, in charge of their organization. While Jackson had a great deal of heart and oratorical skill, he knew very little about running an organization. They asked him for financial information, and he sent them a bag of unorganized receipts. Chicago could be seen as a point where the civil rights movement lost its momentum and began to fade to a shadow of what King had planned for it."

Jackson has hardly improved with age, lately spotted courting Hugo Chavez and Cindy Sheehan for the Liberal Lime-Light.

Another pretender to the thrown, the dubious little fat man known as Al Sharpton - like Jackson, he is also called "Reverend" (although it's hard to imagine why, at this point). Cutting his teeth as a boy preacher, then a tour manager for James Brown (still has the wonky hairstyle), Sharpton is currently in a running competition with Jesse Jackson for "who can be the most outlandish liberal black man in America."

(See Sharpton and Jackson Vie for Liberal Attention)

Luis Farrakhan is a confused man at best. Known for his hatred of Jews, and caustic militant style, he is yet another leader that Black Americans can be ashamed of. Not only does he visit with aliens, but he has accused President Bush of orchestrating the New Orleans disaster (Katrina) by blowing up the levees to kill those in the black parts of town.

(See Farrakhan: Levees 'May have been Blown Up')

Who can follow in the footsteps of so great a man as MLK? The black community is in utter disarray under the leadership of these three racist morons. Who will emerge that is worthy of their trust? Barak Obama would be an improvement, if only for his ability to charm and articulate to all listeners. And what about Republicans? Why is it that the Colin Powells and Condi Rices of the world are not at the forefront of the American Civil Rights movement? Because, THEY ARE REPUBLICANS - and therefore (apparently) to be scorned.

This day, we salute YOU, Doctor King! Your strength, decency, selflessness and honor are all missed - and sadly lacking today in Black Leadership. Sorry for the sad news, but you were a giant, and perhaps the last of your kind.

Timmer's Rant on Abortion

2006-01-14T19:01:00.000-05:00

Not an Easy "Choice"

With so much attention to Roe V. Wade being misused as a contrived political hammer against Judge Alito during his Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, I have wanted to address this subject, and a fellow blogger gave me that opportunity on her site.

Amy Proctor is one of my favorite bloggers. Not because we always agree (we don't - especially on this issue), but because she is an honest, compelling and fearless writer who is not afraid to address the most controversial issues. Below are my comments to her excellent and provocative article, Abortion Debate, which I encourage everyone to read.

This is about feelings and philosophy - not precedents, cases, or spin. See if
you agree with any of this, or perhaps where YOU would draw these lines?

My feelings have evolved a great deal on this issue. Having grown up as an adopted son, in my early years I was completely against abortion, thinking that even in 1962 I could have easily been aborted instead of carried to term and given up for adoption. I knew nothing at all about my natural parents at the time, but assumed that my mother was single and unable to care for a baby (me). It turns out that I was correct in that assumption, as my wife has turned up some information on my beginnings.

In my late twenties, I met a Norwegian girl in Greece who had been abandoned, penniless and pregnant, by her boyfriend - with no way home. She was determined to have an abortion and was set to go to the free hospital in Athens - notorious for its surgical blunders and lack of sanitation (doctors even smoked while in surgery). I took pity on her, and borrowed money to pay for a private clinic for her procedure. Now, I had crossed the line that I had drawn on this issue for myself.

I took a hard look at my involvement, and decided that perhaps abortion was the lesser of evils in some cases - but where to draw the line? Was I right or wrong in this? I was uncertain.

Since that time, I have met MANY women who have had multiple abortions and seem to use it as a form of birth-control - apparently not having the will or intelligence to force their lovers to wear condoms. I myself am extremely fortunate not to have (as far as I know) impregnated any during my own skirt-chasing days.

The woman who adopted me, it turns out, had been raped repeatedly by her own father while growing up. Although I can't prove it, many things my adopted father said to me over the years made me suspect that she might have been pregnant from her own dad, and either lost it or had had it aborted. One such piece of evidence was my adoption itself, as she was no longer able to bear children (and abortion was a very crude procedure in the 1930's and 40's).

I am not hindered, nor blessed, with religious beliefs or doctrine on this issue. My own sense of it comes from a moral foundation that I have developed from life's experience - nothing more and nothing less.

Why am I telling you all this? Because (well, you don't really know me so it's easy, and) I want you to know that my philosophy is not a knee-jerk reaction to headlines or pundits of today, nor anyone elses words or conclusions adopted by me unwittingly. I have given great consideration to this topic.

Here is what I do believe:

1) CONSENTUAL ADULT SEX RESULTING IN PREGNANCY: It is the woman's choice to have sex, protected or not. If pregnancy should occur, I don't think it is too much to ask of her to live with the consequences for 9 months. There are more GREAT couples than ever that would love to adopt such a child. The father of this child should be legally compelled to render financial assistance to the mother during this period, and the state or federal government (in a limited sense) as well, whether through grants or low-interest loans.

2) RAPE RESULTING IN PREGNANCY: This is a truly heinous crime, and the victim should not have to bear the child of her attacker if she chooses not to. She has already endured enough. HOWEVER, a state or federal program that would provide financial assistance, housing, job-training, educational assistance and counseling might help to convince some rape victims that, ultimately, some good could come from all of what has happened - that carrying to term and (if she chose) adoption is an altruistic option - this, and her ability to choose it for herself, could heal some of the psychological wounds she has had to endure already.

*As an aside, convicted rapists and child molesters should be surgically castrated, with their organs preserved and stored in case of new evidence, appeals or (which happens) the victim eventually confesses that it was not rape at all.

3) LIFE-THREATENING PREGNANCY: A great potential for abuse here, as there are undoubtedly plenty of unscrupulous doctors who would sign anything for a fee. My sense tells me that, in a perfect world, this decision should sit with the mother and her immediate family. If she is legally unwed to him, the father of the unborn child has no place in this decision.

4) PREGNANT CHILDREN: The hardest issue of all. So many factors to consider, that no hard and fast law could hope to address this with any modicum of efficiency or enough compassion. But there is no question in my mind that Parents (of both minor partners) should be informed of a resultant pregnancy and held legally responsible for sexually active children age 17 or less, and their offspring. As in the first two items above, state and federal incentives for carrying to term and ultimate adoption (if chosen by minors' parents) should apply here in varying degrees as well.

Bottom line: There is MUCH to consider with abortion. To say that it is black and white is, to my mind, like saying all drugs (including the medicinal kind) should be outlawed. I want us to look after our women and children - doing everything possible to preserve life for both. Adoption in this country is RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE and difficult...why is that?

NSA "Whistleblower" Tice Had an Axe to Grind

2006-01-11T22:35:00.000-05:00

NYT's NSA Source a Disgruntled Nutcase

Russell Tice had hit some hard times. After having made false allegations of spying against a female DIA coworker in 2001, in his new job at NSA he was soon stripped of his security clearance, relegated to maintaining NSA's carpool and VIP vehicles, diagnosed with psychotic paranoia by a Defense Department psychologist and finally terminated in the Summer of 2005.

Read this article on Our Hero Tice from the Pulse Journal, dated May of 2005!.

Notice anything funny here? This is Russel Tice BEFORE the New York Times story of NSA's so-called "Domestic Wiretapping."

So here we are, 2006. New York Times drops a Bombshell on secret "Domestic Spying," and who should voluntarily emerge as one of the sources? A mentally disturbed former employee, previously fired for issuing false allegations. Is THIS the face of Liberal investigative reporting? Did reporter (and "tell-all AUTHOR") James Risen exploit this troubled (and mentally ill) former-employee of NSA for his own personal agenda?

As Stephen Spruiell of National Review Online excerpts an earlier post in which he wrote:

"If Tice turns out to be one of the NY Times' anonymous sources for its NSA stories, didn't the Times readers deserve to know that its information came from a potentially unbalanced ex-employee with an ax to grind?"

You wouldn't think so to hear James Risen describe these (let's be frank here) spies against America:

"Well, you know, I think this was the most classic whistleblower case I've ever seen where people--you know, in--in a lot of stories people have mixed motives for why they talk to reporters. Some--some people--in some stories there's a turf battle, and they're losing out in the turf battle, or whatever. In this case--I've been a reporter for about 25 years, this was the purest case of a whistle--of--of whistleblowers coming forward, people who truly believed that there was something wrong going on in the government, and they were motivated, I believe, by the purest of reasons."
Although an Inspector General (IG) has finally been called to investigate the NSA Wiretapping Program, the legality of Russell Tice's leaking of highly classifed information to a major liberal newspaper (hence the entire world), instead of the IG, is hardly a question.
Perhaps they will have a good psychiatric program in the jail that will eventually house this disillusioned criminal.

New Year Musings

2006-01-10T00:09:00.000-05:00

As is my custom, I came down to my office tonight after the rest of my little family were sound asleep - thinking I would do me some bloggin.' But after a day like this one, I can't think of a single thing to write about -- there are simply too many to choose from, and I don't do more than one article at a time - personal rule. So, since I can't decide, some scattered musings are in order!

2006 is off and running full speed - and the dumbocrats and moonbats have wasted no time in letting go of that residual holiday cheer and getting down to brass knuckles, er, tacks.
___________________________________________

Alito Confirmation: Watching the Senate Judiciary Committee go to work on Samuel Alito was better than any other daytime television. Ted Kennedy and his insufferably smug minions with their sophomoric criticisms, half-baked conclusions and barely-concealed insults were truly comical to behold. Yet their audacity to demand from Judge Alito that which is NOT required nor professionally prudent from a supreme court nominee - that he address issues that he will likely have to rule on in the Supreme Court - is utterly laughable. The rules have NOT changed since Ruth Bader Ginsberg sat in that same hot seat, and refused to answer that line of questining. I hope he laughs in their faces, since a Filibuster is imminent no matter what he says or does.

Tom Delay Dilemma: Under a shaky state indictment from a rogue prosecutor named Ronnie Earle (Ken Starr gots NUTTIN on this cat!), Tom Delay made his abdication of House Majority Leadership permanent so that the Republican agenda in the House would not be harmed by the circus surrounding him. Of course, this is seen by the MINORITY party as a sign of defeat and an admission of guilt - mostly because they are blinded by power envy and seem to have forgotten that INNOCENT until proven GUILTY thing.

Belefonte Loves Chavez: While visiting his buddy Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, Harry Belefonte, another FORMER celebrity who no one remembers (save for his moonbat activism) has finally shown that he has slipped into dotage. During his trip with fellow moonbat Danny Glover, he stated to Venezuelan Television: "No matter what the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world, George W. Bush says, we're here to tell you: Not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of the American people ... support your revolution." Considering the fact that most Americans don't even know who Chavez is (same can be said about Belefonte), methinks Old Harry has lost most of his small collection of marbles.

Reid LOVES Abramoff('s money): A memo issued Friday by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid to other minority senators indicates that Dumbocrats plan to take an offensive position regarding Jack Abramoff, a powerful lobbyist who is now entangled with several members of Congress in a bribery scandal that threatens to transform Washington. Reid, who has refused to return his own 61,000 in Abromoff money, is trying desperately to tie Republicans to the alleged "culture of corruption."
___________________________________________
I'm ready for another long weekend, and GUESS WHAT! It just so happens that it will be! Cheers, Doctor King!

Congressmen Murtha and Moran Get Scolded by Vets

2006-01-07T22:38:00.000-05:00

Murtha's Remarks Draw Military Criticism

In a townhall meeting held last week in Arlington, Virginia, two war veterans of different generations got on the microphone and blasted Representative Murtha for his apparent sudden departure from support of our military, while Representative Moran tried to run interference for him. Check out both of these great video-clips from C-Span coverage of the event. You will be very proud of this General and the young soldier:

Video #1: General Wagner, Vietnam Veteran
Video #2: Sgt. Mark Seavey, Afghanistan Campaign Veteran

((Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin))
To read all about it, go to Michelle's site. I think it's better to watch the short clips first, without knowing the details - then go to her site and read up.

These two Patriotic Men of America speak for me and the vast majority of our veterans and military. Murtha has shown his true colors and stands with the likes of John Kerry and Nancy Pelosi - a man who cares more for politics than for our brave young heroes.

In fact, it would seem that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, is not all too thrilled with Murtha either. According to an article on the MSNBC site, in reference to Murtha's claim that he would not enlist in today's military, nor expect anyone else to, General Pace stated Thursday:

“That’s damaging to recruiting. It’s damaging to morale of the troops who are deployed, and it’s damaging to the morale of their families who believe in what they are doing to serve this country.”

Of course, as the head of JCS, the good General needs to use flowery language. Let me translate that for you:

"HE (Murtha) IS REALLY F**CKING OUR TROOPS HERE!"

American Media Ignores Terrorist Plot

2006-01-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

International News Agencies Run the Story

In perhaps one of the most transparent examples of Liberal bias in American news services, a terror plot against the United States was foiled by Italian authorities, ironically using electronic eavesdropping - and became a major news story outside of the U.S.

((Hat tip to Detroit Patriotette at Conservababes!))
According to an article at NewsMax.com, entitled Major Terror Plot Against U.S. Ignored, a major terrorist attack against the U.S. was being masterminded by three Algerian nationals.

"Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu said the planned attacks would have targeted stadiums, ships and railway stations, and the terrorists' goal, he said, was to exceed the devastation caused by 9/11."

"Italian authorities stepped up their internal surveillance programs after July's terrorist bombings in London. Their domestic wiretaps picked up phone conversations by Algerian Yamine Bouhrama that discussed terrorist attacks in Italy and abroad."

"Italian authorities arrested Bouhrama on November 15 and he remains in prison. Authorities later arrested two other men, Achour Rabah and Tartaq Sami, who are believed to be Bouhrama’s chief aides in planning the attacks."

Now any reasonable American newspaper, one might surmise, should find such a story newsworthy. Ironically (and sadly), this was one that got away from virtually all major American news agencies - and not because they were unaware of the incident, as it was distributed world-wide by Associated Press (AP). Agencies around the world, such as Xinhua of China, England’s Sunday Times and the Agence France Presse , reported this story with major headlines. According to News Max, only one American newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer, is known to have published the story that the AP distributed. It ran on page A-6 under the headline "Italy Charges 3 Algerians."

It is painfully obvious that there is an agenda at work here. While virtually every newspaper in the country has been having a field day with the strategically timed "NSA Eavesdropping for Bush" story, a major success story in the Global War on Terror like this would prove bad timing indeed - insofar as it would threaten to ebb the momentum of the Liberal Media and its goal to unseat President Bush.

States Cliff Kincaid, editor of the Accuracy in Media (AIM)Report,

"It's clear to me that they're trying their best to make this NSA program to be an impeachable offense, saying it is directed at ordinary Americans. That's why they keep referring to this as a 'program of spying on Americans' - whereas the President keeps pointing out it's a program designed to uncover al-Qaida operations on American soil."

James Risen Cashes In on His Own Treachery

2006-01-03T21:15:00.000-05:00

NYT "NSA Phonetap" Reporter Pounces Early

In a move that surprises no one, reporter James Risen has decided to publish his book, State of War: The Secret History of the C.I.A. and the Bush Administration, today - ahead of its scheduled release which was set for later this month.

Risen is no stranger to contrived timing of releases. Both he and his employer, the New York Times, sat on the story of so-called "domestic spying" for over a year - only to ignore national security interests and publish it the same week of Iraq's Constitutional Election and the senate vote on continuance of The Patriot Act.

As mentioned in Michelle Malkin's article Let the Shilling Begin, it is also no surpise to find the likes of the Today Show's perky host, Katie Couric, stepping up for that first book interview.

Not only did this revelation (intentionally) crowd out the good news from Iraq, slow the President's climbing approval ratings and negatively effect the senate vote, but now in an apparent strategy of self enrichment and opportunism, James Risen is riding the media wave he created with the early release of his book.

These are not just any old domestic wire-taps, as the liberal talking heads would have you believe. This program specifically targets international calls of suspected al-Qaieda members. Would that this type of intelligence had been gathered prior to 9-11? Mohammed Atta and his gang of hijackers may well have been caught.

In what is perhaps the strangest twist in events, public outrage has been directed (by Main-Stream Media) at the Bush Adminstration for taking steps to prevent another terrorist attack. He is accused of breaking the law - although the President has a strong argument for having the constitutional authority for his actions (under the War Powers provision), which were taken with the knowledge of Congressional oversight committee members and the last two Attorneys General.

Speaking of breaking the law, the final insult - there is no question that the law was broken and national security compromised by the government informant who leaked this highly classified information to Risen and his employers at the Times. After over one year, the Justice Department has finally opened an investigation.

According to USA TODAY in an article entitled Justice officials to investigate leak of domestic spying work, an investigation has finally been opened to determine who might have divulged such information.

Given the uproar over the thouroughly hyped Valerie Plame "outing," there is but a comparative trickle coming from the media concerning this truly disastrous breach of national security. But will James Risen, like his former colleague Judith Miller, have to endure jail-time for protecting his sources? Given the severity of this truly horrible crime and blatant treachery, I can only hope it is much, much longer than 85 days.

Timmer's Lucid Retrospectives Ending 2005 ~ The War in Iraq

2005-12-31T13:18:00.000-05:00

Forward: Reality is much better than fiction

Now that another challenging year for our country, and indeed the world, is coming to a close, I think it is appropriate to set the record straight for our Liberal friends in Congress, the Media and Hollywood concerning Iraq. Even some of our more Conservative friends and allies might just want to read these articles - as the MSM is still very good at one thing: Incessant Brainwashing of the masses.

Although these articles don't always paint a rosy picture, my goal is to be more comprehensive in taking off some blinders to what we have accomplished, along with the mistakes and miscalculations that have plagued us.

The Main-Stream Media: Rewriting Reality

An undeniable indicator of this is the utter "shock and awe" that our service men and women feel when they return home to find the media IGNORING the real news in Iraq while painting a dark, one-sided and embellished picture of alleged failure and hopelessness.

Here are two letters from returning soldiers, each with their own unique take on this outrageous disconnect between the media and what happens on the ground in Iraq:

"I'm Tired" ~ Joe Repya, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division

"News from the Front" ~ Edward Jackman, U.S. Army

For myself, I meet returning military personnel every week - and without provocation from me the story is almost always the same - our accomplishments in Iraq have been largely ignored, while the bad news is sensationalized. This to the utter shame of American, and some international, media.

Judging the case for war

Much political hay has been made by the Left concerning our involvement with Iraq. In an article from the Chicago Tribune, entitled Judging the case for war, Bruce Dold makes a fair and balanced case on why, despite flawed intelligence and some blunders, waging this war was the right thing to do.

The strongest case for war lies in its predicted success. This was born out by some non-military visitors to Iraq, who have seen the progress and the media discrepancies here at home. Senator Joe Lieberman, with whom I otherwise often disagree, was one such figure. Give a revisit to my article from November, entitled Joe Lieberman says "Our Troops Must Stay!"

12 Iraqi War Myths

A result of the Main-Stream Media campaign against the War in Iraq has been the perpetuation, and exaggeration, of lies about what has happened. In a very well written piece posted over at The Religion of Peace, entitled 12 Iraqi War Myths, the following (popular anti-war) "myths" are thouroughly debunked:

Americans have killed 100,000 Iraqi Civilians

Insurgents only want an end to the “Occupation”

Fighting Terrorism Simply Creates More Terrorists

The War was About Oil

The War is based on a lie. Bush Lied about WMD’s

The Insurgents are Freedom Fighters, in the Spirit of 1776

500,000 Iraqi Children Perished because of American-supported UN Sanctions

Iraq is a Winner for U.S. Democrats

“They” are Insurgents, not Terrorists

Anti-War Activists are truly Motivated by the Human Cost of War

Iraq is a Disaster

America is Waging a Crusade against Islam

Speaking of myths, I would also add to this that, despite talk of ruinous shambles, the Iraqi Economy is showing HUGE progress:

Employment rates have improved to the level of some industrialized European countries

They have their own independent Stock Exchange

30% higher average income levels since Saddam

The Iraqi Dinar has been MORE STABLE than the U.S. Dollar for over a year now!

Conclusion ~ A bright future for Iraq and the Middle East

Despite a ferocious insurgency, weak or politically motivated Congressmen and a body of media organizations seemingly bent on the failure of this Global War on Terror, great things have yet been achieved with our heroic military and the brave people in Iraq. And yes, a resolute and strong-willed couple of leaders named George Bush and Tony Blair.

To quote myself from an earlier piece: "When the history of the early 21st century is written, I think it would surprise most of us "Cyber Age" children how the lens of hindsight will focus... brave Iraqis staring death in the face just by casting their ballots, and sporting a purpled index finger to prove it."

Some Other GOOD NEWS pieces regarding the Middle East from yours truly in 2005:

Want some Good News From Iraq?

Democracy, Patriotism and Purple Fingers

Soldier Schools Matt Lauer of the "Today Show"

Courage and Resolve will Win This War

Palestine Realizes a Dream ~ Another Victory for the Bush Administration

There will be more challenges to come that are unforeseen - of that, at least, we can be certain. But there is no reason to doubt that 2006 will be a Great New Year - for our own Beloved Nation, Friends and Allies who have stuck by us, and the long-struggling peoples of the Middle East, who have all now smelled or tasted the sweet fruit of Freedom. I predict that the world will never be the same again.

Captured Terror Suspects May Go Free on Technicality

2005-12-28T18:17:00.000-05:00

Lawyers Contemplate Civil Case Against President

In the latest twist of this exploding story, Terror suspects who were captured in the United States, with the help of a highly classified intelligence gathering program leaked to the New York Times, will now try to use this information to have their cases thrown out of court. In fact, their lawyers have indicated an interest in pursuing a subsequent civil complaint against President Bush.

The New York Times (that very same newspaper that knowingly reported classified National Security information), published an article entitled Defense Lawyers in Terror Cases Plan Challenges Over Spy Efforts.

"Defense lawyers in some of the country's biggest terrorism cases say they plan to bring legal challenges to determine whether the National Security Agency used illegal wiretaps against several dozen Muslim men tied to Al Qaeda."

This program invoked by the President,

Is probably legal under the Constitution (see below)

Has been approved by two Attorney Generals

Was briefed to both Congressional Intelligence Oversight Committees over a dozen times

Is based on a precedent of presidential powers that had been set by Bill Clinton

Has thwarted at least two terrorist attacks against the U.S. and Britain - possibly dozens (still classified)

Regarding the legality of President Bush's use of non-FISA NSA wiretapping, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross writes in his article Defense Challenges to NSA Wiretaps: Legal Issues over at The Counterterrorism Blog:

"...the government's strongest argument is that the NSA wiretaps were legal. While this isn't a settled issue of law, there's a strong argument that because of the president's constitutional authority in the area of foreign affairs, the president may authorize surveillance to obtain foreign intelligence information without obtaining a warrant. United States v. Truong (Fourth Circuit 1980), which was based on a pre-FISA set of facts, held that the president did have this power to conduct warrantless surveillance. Thereafter, in In re Sealed Case (2002), a special court convened to hear FISA appeals noted that Truong and all other courts to decide the issue "held that the President did have inherent authority to conduct warrantless searches to obtain foreign intelligence information." Further, In re Sealed Case stated, "We take for granted that the President does have that authority and, assuming that is so, FISA could not encroach on the President's constitutional power." This is a basic point of constitutional law: If a power is derived from the Constitution itself, that power cannot be abridged by statute."

The liberal outrage decrying the supposed outing of "Covert Agent" Velerie Plame by administration officials, even if true, would be nothing next to this blatant sell-out of our National Security. How can there be such an uproar when the President has taken these measures to do his job? David Limbaugh in a Washington Times article, entitled Subordinating the truth, makes several suggestions to the MSM on what they should be investigating, to include:

"How Democratic Senators can complain about the government's failure to connect the dots concerning the terrorists' September 11, 2001, plot and yet take action that will virtually guarantee our inability to connect future dots."

How are we to wage the War on Terror without using our resources? We are slowly tying our hands in every facet of this fight - from regulating and publicizing our interrogation methods to curbing our own ability to use force - in this wacky, bizzaro-world of protecting the guilty and imperiling the innocent, there is a very real possibility that our nation will meet its ultimate doom by such madness (try to imagine 9-11 times TEN).

And the New York Times, no doubt, hopes to be there at the end to get the scoop on its own handiwork.

"The Grinch is a Liberal, Christmas-Stealing DUMBASS!"

2005-12-26T01:10:00.000-05:00

Look who just made Chazz's DUMBASS Of The Week! Is it just the Grinch, or does he perhaps represent something more? After all, like many uber-PC-cite-the-constitution-when-it-agrees-with-me Liberals of modern times, ol' Grinch was pretty confused and angry - pretty much all the time and for no good reason. THAT SCREAMS LIBERAL TO ME!!!

Anyhow, my hat tips again to Chazz for giving me a good holiday chuckle with yet another gem of a rant. Check out his article (the title of which I shamelessly plagiarized here!) entitled The Grinch is a Liberal, Christmas-Stealing DUMBASS!

((And don't forget to vote on Chazz's survey for DUMBASS Of The YEAR - 2005!!!))

Understanding Christmas and What We Celebrate

2005-12-24T13:23:00.000-05:00

As I am involved with the usual "Christmas Cheer" with my little family this weekend, I will not be posting another article until next week. HOWEVER, my friend Amy Proctor has two great articles regarding Christmas that I think everyone will want to read:

Christmas is Better than a Season's Greeting~ Discusses the War on Christmas, the History of Christmas in the United States, and other "holidays" being celebrated concurrently. (She even includes that fake "African" celebration - that no one in Africa has ever heard of).

Saint Nicholas~ Amy sheds some light on this very real person from 4th century Byzantium, who inspired Santa Claus, Kris Kringle and even the Christmas color RED.

For additional and biographical information on Saint Nicholas, check out this article in Wikipedia. Another great read!

Merry Christmas to all of you and yours!

Saddam has been TORTURED by The Americans!

2005-12-21T21:21:00.000-05:00

The benevolent and peaceful former President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, has been tortured by the cruel and bloodthirsty Americans while being held in illegal captivity. This brave and misunderstood leader of the truly Free Iraq - who agreeably destroyed his weapons of mass destruction upon request and who had been respectful and generous to his beloved people, neighbors, and even United Nations Inspectors during his long stewardship - has now been brutalized at the hands of the ruthless and evil American Empire who savagely plucked him from his "happy place" in the ground.

"Yes, we were beaten by the Americans. And we were tortured - every one of us. This one," gesturing to one of the defendants behind him, "they hit him on the back with the rifles, until he fell." Then, referring to his half-brother, "Barzan, he fell. Both of his feet are showing that (injury from torture)."

Saddam's bold confession of having suffered such humiliation came on the heels of listening to witness testimony detailing supposed torture and killing allegedly orderd by Saddam that followed a 1982 attempt on his life.

Of course, those nasty conservative bloggers and talk radio hosts will undoubtedly try to call this another courtroom drama tactic by Saddam, in an attempt to draw attention away from his crimes and play to the Sunni sympathizers in Iraqi TV Land. POPPYCOCK!

The caged but proud Assyrian Desert Lion abides no foolishnes - even at his own trial!

"Not because I'm afraid of anyone other than God. Any harm that fell on those persons is wrong and those who did it should take their punishment. But that happened in a third-world country, as America calls us, 25 years ago. What's happening now? Has anyone not been beaten, including beating marks, until this day?" he asked, alluding to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, whether under the charge of US soldiers or Iraqis.

Obviously, this innocent and pious man has been framed, as surely as the Jews were contracted by the Americans to fly planes into the World Trade Center and Pentagon back in 2001. The plots of the Devil Bush know no bounds, as with his evil tampering with the weather to create the Tsunami and Hurricanes to kill non-white people (or those who might not like him or vote for him).

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!!