Tuesday, July 28, 2009

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This week's "Heroes" shout out goes to Bruce "Snakeshit" Crandall and Ed "To Tall" Freeman. Both of these men received the Medal of Honor for their actions in the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. These men flew in unarmed helicopters, through intense gunfire, to deliver ammunition, and though it was not their mission, evacuated the wounded of the 7th and 5th Cavalry. You might have seen a recreation of the heroic actions these men preformed in a little movie called We Were Soldiers.

Bruce "Snakeshit" Crandall, so named because he, "flew lower than snake shit", was born here in the Northwest in Olympia, Washington. He was drafted into the US Army in 1953. He became an aviator and served several tours in Vietnam. Beyond his actions in the Ia Drang Valley, Crandall flew many rescue missions to recover injured soldiers and downed pilots. Crandall suffered many injuries such as a broken back, and unfortunately his flying career was ended when he had a stroke. Despite his injuries and stroke, he continued to serve in the military until his retirement in 1977 at the rank of LT. Colonel.

Bruce Crandall's Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Major Bruce P. Crandall distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On 14 November 1965, his flight of sixteen helicopters was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission from Plei Me, Vietnam, to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. On the fourth troop lift, the airlift began to take enemy fire, and by the time the aircraft had refueled and returned for the next troop lift, the enemy had Landing Zone X-Ray targeted. As Major Crandall and the first eight helicopters landed to discharge troops on his fifth troop lift, his unarmed helicopter came under such intense enemy fire that the ground commander ordered the second flight of eight aircraft to abort their mission. As Major Crandall flew back to Plei Me, his base of operations, he determined that the ground commander of the besieged infantry battalion desperately needed more ammunition. Major Crandall then decided to adjust his base of operations to Artillery Firebase Falcon in order to shorten the flight distance to deliver ammunition and evacuate wounded soldiers. While medical evacuation was not his mission, he immediately sought volunteers and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the two aircraft to Landing Zone X-Ray. Despite the fact that the landing zone was still under relentless enemy fire, Major Crandall landed and proceeded to supervise the loading of seriously wounded soldiers aboard his aircraft. Major Crandall's voluntary decision to land under the most extreme fire instilled in the other pilots the will and spirit to continue to land their own aircraft, and in the ground forces the realization that they would be resupplied and that friendly wounded would be promptly evacuated. This greatly enhanced morale and the will to fight at a critical time. After his first medical evacuation, Major Crandall continued to fly into and out of the landing zone throughout the day and into the evening. That day he completed a total of 22 flights, most under intense enemy fire, retiring from the battlefield only after all possible service had been rendered to the Infantry battalion. His actions provided critical resupply of ammunition and evacuation of the wounded. Major Crandall's daring acts of bravery and courage in the face of an overwhelming and determined enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Ed "Too Tall" Freeman, so named because when he originally applied for pilot training he was too tall at 6'4", hailed from Mississippi and flew as Bruce Crandall's wingman. Like Crandall, Freeman, having no regard for his own safety, flew ammunition and water into the Ia Drang Valley and evacuated the wounded. Freeman left Vietnam in '66 and the Army the next year. He resettled to Treasure Valley here in the Northwest in the great state of Idaho. He continued to show his bravery by flying firefighting missions to combat wildfires here in the Northwest. When Freeman was nominated for his Medal of Honor, it was determined that he did not qualify due to a two year time limit and was instead awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. When the time limit was removed in 1995, his nomination again came to the attention of Congress. Freeman was formally presented his medal July 16, 2001, by President George W. Bush.

Ed Freeman's Medal of Honor Citation:
Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

It is Important to note that these men's actions take on significant importance when you consider that they had to fly the rescue missions in the Ia Drang because the unit tasked with this duty refused due to the danger to themselves and their aircraft. Crandall and Freeman represent the true qualities of a hero and the best traditions of the United States military.


Monday, July 27, 2009

Joke of the Week

A man walks into an antique store looking for something for his wife. After browsing the shelves for a bit, he asks the shopkeeper for some advice. The shopkeeper says to the man, "I have this rare and unique gift your wife might like." The man asks what it is, and the shopkeeper pulls out a golden rat statue. The shopkeeper shows it to the man and says, "This costs ten dollars, but the story behind it will cost you one hundred." The man declines the story, but purchases the golden rat. He is walking down the street he notices that some rats are following him. He continues on his way, but notices that more rats are starting to following him. The man notices that rats are pouring out of everywhere and following him. He starts to run, but by now thousands of rats are chasing him. The man starts to get really frightened and runs towards the lake. He runs to the end of the pier and tosses the statue into the drink. All of the rats jump into the water and soon drown. The shopkeeper looks up and notices the man has returned. "Ah!" he says, "You have returned for the story." "Hell no!" the man says, "I came back to see if you have a golden statue of a liberal."

Props to G-Man for this one he told me over lunch.

Conservative Education

No one has been interested in taking me up on the conservative education, so I have decided to discontinue them. The applause is deafening. I am moving the "Joke of the Week" to Monday under the heading we could all use a laugh on Mondays. "American Hero and Patriot of the Week" will still be on Tuesdays, and I have no idea what the hell will be on Wednesday. So stay tuned for the "Joke of the Week."

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Reagan on CommieCare

At times like this I wonder, what would Reagan do? Well I came across this, and found nothing but truth coming from The Great One's lips. Listen and learn brothers and sisters.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Professor Gates/Cambridge PD Incident

I have written a letter asking for Professor Gates' take on the events that led to his arrest and accusations of racial profiling on the part of a Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Sergeant. The contents of the letter are posted below. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Professor Gates,
First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is &*^% $#@*!^%$. I am a blogger for a conservative blog titled Right Wing Extreme. I come from a very multicultural/ethnic family. Having seen the effect of racism first hand, I have very little tolerance for racism or the practitioners thereof. Having said that, I attempt to comment on racism when it rears its ugly head and through my blog bring it to my readers attention. In that vain, I am interested in the events that occurred on 7/16/2009 involving yourself and the Cambridge Police Department. The news articles are short on details, and my readers and I would like some clarification. I feel confident that your legal representative has prepared a written press statement. If possible I would like to receive a copy of said statement, if such exists. Additionally I wonder if you would consent to a short written interview conducted through e-mail. Racism is an ugly, ugly practice, and I hate to think that the men who are charged with protecting society from this sort of thing might be practitioners of such an act. Your response is greatly appreciated and anticipated.
Sincerely,
&*^% $#@*!^%$
Right Wing Extreme

I also have written a letter to the public information office of the Cambridge PD that e-mail is posted here as well.

To whom it may concern,

First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is &*^% $#@*!^%$. I am a blogger for a conservative blog titled Right Wing Extreme. I am interested in the events that occurred on 7/16/2009 involving the Cambridge Police Department and Professor Gates. The news articles are short on details, and my readers and I would like some clarification. I feel confident that your legal representatives have prepared a written press statement. If possible I would like to receive a copy of said statement, if such exists.Your response is greatly appreciated and anticipated.

Sincerely,
&*^% $#@*!^%$
Right Wing Extreme


I hope to hear from both sides in this incident soon, and bring you the results of these e-mails.

Racism or False Alarm: An Update

On Tuesday Cambridge PD and the Middlesex County DA dropped the disorderly conduct charges against Professor Gates. I posted this story on Monday. I had at least two details incorrect, is was day time and the woman who phoned police was not a neighbor, just a passer by. I have removed the remainder of this post until I receive responses to my e-mails for clarification and information from the interested parties.

Joke of the Week

An oldy but a goody:

WOMAN IN A HOT AIR BALLOON

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

"She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."

"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help tome."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Democrat"

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Patriot/Hero of the Week

For this week's Heroes and Patriots, I am going to break a bit with the American part. Quiet back there, no one asked for your opinion. This is my blog, and I will do what I want. But seriously: Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of mankind's first steps on a celestial body other than Earth. I of course speak of the Apollo 11 moon mission. I am going to jump on the bandwagon a bit here, so this week's Heroes and Patriots honors all of the men and women, of all nations, that have and will, participate in the exploration of space. This post is not just for the ones who go to space, although a special shout out to those putting their butts on the line, but to all who help make it possible. You are all heroes of the planet and of the species. My hat's off to you all. I also want to put out a special rememberance for the fallen. All of those who gave their lives to further or knowledge and understanding.

Notable Quotes

In a mature society, 'civil servant' is semantically equal to 'civil MASTER'.
- Lazarus Long(R. A. Heinlein) -

Monday, July 20, 2009

Racism or False Alarm

I read this story today about a man who was arrested for breaking in to his own house. Now as I understand the story, this man's door was stuck and he had to force it open. He was jamming his shoulder into the door after dark, to try to get it open. A neighbor saw this activity and called the police. When the police arrived, Professor Gates was already in his house and refused to talk to the responding officer, accusing the officer of racism. The officer said that gates only produced a Harvard ID, and accused him of racial bias. The Prof said that he also produced a drivers license and targeted, "[B]ecause I am a black man in America." Professor Gates was arrested on a, "disorderly conduct charge after police said he "exhibited loud and tumultuous behavior." Professor Gates' lawyer, Ogletree[,] also disputed the claim that Gates, who was wearing slacks and a polo shirt and carrying a cane, was yelling at the officer. "He has an infection that has impacted his breathing since he came back from China, so he's been in a very delicate physical state," Ogletree said. The Rev. Al Sharpton is vowing to attend Gates' arraignment. Completely unrelated to this story, yet included for some reason, "Allen Counter, who has taught neuroscience at Harvard for 25 years, said he was stopped on campus by two Harvard police officers in 2004 after being mistaken for a robbery suspect. They threatened to arrest him when he could not produce identification."

As I have stated previously, I have a very multicultural/racial family. Racism totally sends me 'round the bend, but false accusations of racism put me in a whole new dimension of pissed-off. Having examined these feelings, and knowing my responses to them, I will try to maintain impartiality.

My dad gave me some advice when I got to the age where interaction with the police became a possibility (read likelihood). Some of that advice is totally irrelevant, but the part that was not amounted to, be respectful to the police. I.E. Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir. Another part was to always follow the directions that a police officer gave me. Now I come from Texas where a cop is just as likely to shoot you as arrest you, if you gave him trouble. Cops in Texas don't take a lot of guff. Dad told me that it will all get sorted out in the end, and after the dust-up was the time to deal with any impropriety on the police man's part. Being argumentative and unhelpful is a good way to get your damn-fool head blown off or stove in, so keep it together and worry about the nonsense later. Good advice that has always stood me well.

First I will start with Professor Gates' stupidity. The cop was there to protect this man's house. Being rude to cop was definitely uncalled for. If there was any racial profiling at all, it was on the part of the neighbor. She is the one who saw a black man trying to force his way into a house and called the police, but I find it unlikely that she worried about the color of the man forcing the door, she was trying to help a neighbor. I think that the chances are good that Professor Gates refused to show the officer his drivers license, which would have probably cleared up everything in short order. I feel it is a good bet that Professor Gates yelled at the policeman. Professor gates probably felt that the officer was singling him out for being black. Granted there is much conjecture there but I think I have a good handle on where Gates went wrong.

Now let's look at the cop and where he probably screwed up. Professor Gates said he repeatedly asked the cop for his name and badge number. Policemen hate this routine. It ranks up there with, "I pay my taxes and that pays your salary." The one time I asked for an officers name and badge number he got snotty with me and also refused. Granted cops have name tags and the badge number is there for all to see, but they don't tend to be forthcoming with this information in tense situations. This officer should have ascertained if Professor Gates was who he claimed to be and if the house was indeed rented to him and then gone on about his business, especially after Professor Gates pulled the race card. But I bet short odds that the racism accusation, badge and name routine probably got his goat and so he arrested Prof Gates out of pique. Again a lot of conjecture.

Now I obviously wasn't there, but this routine is played out all the time, but here is how I see it. The cop was just doing his job making sure that the man he was confronted with had legal right to be in the house. Professor Gates was likely to quick to call the cop a racist just cause he is a black man in what is probably perceived to be a "white" neighborhood. Professor Gates' accusations and uncooperative attitude annoyed Johnny Law so he cuffed him.

By and large real racism is a thing of the past, but many black people, especially men for some reason, feel that anytime an officer of the law talk to them it is because they are black. It obviously had nothing to do with looking like he was breaking into a house. Professor Gates should have cooperated, calmly with the officer so they could both be about their respective business, and then, if he felt the officer was being inappropriate, filed a complaint. Standing on pride over something as foolish as this, well Gates is just lucky the cop didn't didn't take a quick movement, such as one is likely to make when agitated, amiss and tase him.

Now as for Sharpton, it is well known that he lives for situations like this. He is not in it to help his black brothers and sisters, he is in it for his own benefit. Why are Sharpton and Jackson always part of the problem and never part of the solution? I feel, based on my upbringing in the South, that if this had been a case of true racism, then the cop would have roughed Gates up a bit, or more, not just busted him for disorderly conduct. If that had been the case, I would be howling for blood myself. I will watch this case with interest and provide updates as they become available, until then the jury is out.

On a related note, I send out this: Racism is such a juvenile thing. How kindergarten do you have to be to hate someone just cause the have a different skin color than you do? I have nothing but disgust and contempt for racists and their ilk. How petty are you that you can not just see a person who should be judged on their merits, something they can control, rather than how they were born. Worse however, are those who take advantage of people by screaming racism when a cop is doing his job, or someone is criticised for something having nothing to do with race. Calling someone a racist just because they are going about their business is racist in itself. Worse, it makes real incidences of racism fade into the background, and prevents the healing from a more barbaric time when racism was prevalent. The most egregious result of false accusation is it perpetuates stereotypes on both sides of the color line, breeds hate that leads to real racism, leads to the victim mentality and makes the world just that much worse. I plead with all, "a man should not be judged by his skin color but by the content of his character." Do not be so small and petty as to sink to these depths. Do not treat your fellow man different because of his color, do not falsely accuse each other of this vile sin. We have come too far to let small people drag us down to their sub-human level. These people are the scum of the earth, and I despise you all.

Conservative Education

Well I still did not get any response to my last Conservative Education post, but I intend to keep trying. I want to engage the Left in political discourse. Again, the goals here are to engage the left in open debate, give everyone a look at how the other side thinks and maybe garner a few converts. Hey, I never said it would be altruistic. Mainly I want to have a little fun poking at the Left, add a little education to combat the Kool-Aid, and answer questions for those in the middle who want the “Right” perspective. Mostly I find true political debate intriguing and entertaining. Please see the previous post linked above for the conditions of how this works. To all my readers, please forward this to all who could benefit from it.

Friday, July 17, 2009

A Plea For Aid

G-Man over at The Pickle forwarded this Plea for Aid to me. I am poor as a result of the new baby, have little construction experience, and do not live close to give of my time, so I am doing what I can to help by passing it on. If you have anything to give, please do. If you are not able to give anything, please post this on your websites and blogs. The more exposure this gets will translate to more aid for this group. There is contact information near the bottom. All help is appreciated.

A Plea For Aid

A plea for aid arrived in my e-mail box today from the 2nd Cavalry Association. As many are perhaps aware I was a trooper in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. One of our own, SGT Michael Minard from Union Beach New Jersey was wounded on October 1st 2007 on his 3rd tour to Iraq. He lost both legs in a roadside IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attack.

This plea hit me very close to my heart as all cavalrymen share an unbreakable bond.

Mike has been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from those wounds ever since.

Mike will soon be ready to return home. A new house is being built for him. A house that is specially designed to ease overcoming the challenges his wounds will present. This new home is not a benefit provided by the Pentagon it is provided by a private charitable organization supported only by private donations... Your donations.

Mike Menard's old house has already been demolished and help is needed to build the replacement in its place. By help I mean ANY help. If you can swing a hammer or have a background in construction you are needed. There will be a "Marathon Build Brigade" event held between August 5th and August 9th. If you wish to donate construction materials that too would be appreciated. Anyone wishing to donate their construction expertise, materials, skills, or even cash donations, contact Jack McNaboe by telephone at 732-439-4484 or cell (732) 245-7036.

Please take a moment and recognize the debt that you personally owe Mike Menard and his family and so many others like him. You owe your very freedom to people such as Mike who have selflessly sacrificed life and limb for you and your family. Whether you support the mission or not does not matter in the least. This man left his young family and placed his life on the line for the lofty goal of serving our country. Soldiers do not pick their battlefields. They unquestioningly go where they are ordered. They only choose to serve.

If you are not geographically close enough to physically pitch in, then donate cash! If you wish to make a cash donation visit the web site that's been set up for that purpose or donations can be made through the 2nd Cavalry Association page.

This is important. This is an issue above and beyond politics.

Once we have built Sgt. Menard's new home guess what. There are many more! The charity that is coordinating the rebuild of Mike's house have lists of others.

For example meet Marine Corporal Joshua Hoffman:

Please visit the Homes for our Troops website and support our heroes! They've given so much. How much have you given?

In closing I can only present you with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment's motto:

Toujours Pret! (Always Ready)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A Meme

Meme-
NOUN:
A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.

ETYMOLOGY:
Shortening (modeled on gene), of mimeme from Greek mimma, something imitated, from mimeisthai, to imitate.

The other day I my pal G-Man over at at the The Pickle tagged me with this. Thanks a lot G-Man, I really needed this. Just Kidding. This is a great opportunity for my readers to get to know me.

This is the first time I've been tagged with a meme in all the time that I've been blogging. This particular meme asks me to share 8 random "factoids" about myself then tag five others with the meme.

In G-Man's response to the meme he addressed the following 8 factoids:

1.) Home
2.) Dogs
3.) Fears
4.) Pet Peeves
5.) Movies
6.) Hobbies
7.) Odd Food Preferences
8.) Political Concerns

I thought this a good list of topics and decided to plagiarize it and issue my own set of responses. So here goes:


HOME


I grew up in a suburb of Dallas, TX but spent as much time out in the country, which is never very far in Texas, mostly smoking pot or drinking with my friends. After high school I enlisted in the Army and did that old thing for a while. After the Army I went back to cooking and eventually became a chef. Cooking eventually brought me to northeastern Oregon. An injury that makes it difficult for me to stand for long periods of time led me to software development, where I met G-Man. My wife says he is a bad influence on me but likes him anyway for some reason that I have yet to fathom. Home means two things to me, where your from, and family. I now live in a small town in Oregon with my wife and two children, but I really miss Dallas, even though it is Hell's sauna.


DOGS

I love animals very much. I like most animals more than people, and would step over an injured person to help an injured animal without a hint of guilt. I have been in several arguments and a few fights with people who abuse their animals. I currently have four cats. I have not had a dog in some years due to dogs and the lifestyle of being a cook do not mesh real well. Dogs need lots of attention, and chefs just spend to much time away from home to properly take care of a dog. Being a pet lover, I won't keep a pet that I do not time to properly care for, it just wouldn't have been fair to the dog. Now that I spend more time a home and have bought a house with a fenced yard, I have been considering getting a puppy. I really love Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, and Labs, but if I could choose any dog it would be Malamute or a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd.


FEARS

I have several fears, but I refuse to surrender to them. The biggest fear that plagues me is being unable to protect my family.


PET PEEVES

I have many pet peeves. I hate slow/bad drivers. It is the vertical peddle on the right, learn to use it and watch where you are going. I loath inefficiency and people who waste my time. Time is the only currency one truly has, and someone who wants "just a moment of your time" is quite possibly one of the greatest criminals of all. When those people waste what time I have I always feel that they have stolen from me and are killing me by inches. Lastly I can't stand stupid people who want everything handed to them. You have a brain use it. This really gets me in trouble at work because once I have provided the tools to find the answer, I give very short shift to lazy people who are to dumb to think for themselves to work out a problem and expect me to spoon feed it to them.


MOVIES

I like many kinds of movies. Anything with explosions or makes me laugh. I think The Three Stooges are comic genius, and therefore think that the Lethal Weapon series could quite possibly be the perfect form of entertainment. I will even watch the occasional chic-flick with the wife, and even find some of them to be entertaining. Anything by, or with, Kevin Smith.


HOBBIES

I enjoy many hobbies. I like to read, a lot, play on my computer, blog and DIY home repair. The most relaxing of all my hobbies is yard work. I know it is hot and sweaty stuff, but I love to work in my yard. The real pity here is I have the black thumb. I can kill just about anything that used to be green. I like astronomy, electronics, and tinkering about the house, I just wish I was better with that stuff. I am truely fascinated by history and politics.


ODD FOOD PREFERENCES

I enjoy many types of food. I love sushi but despise most cooked fish, go figure. Having been a chef, I will try almost anything including many things, that while delicious, would make most Americans yak just from the thought of eating it.


POLITICAL CONCERNS

Well I am a staunch conservative on many issues. I despise most libs for their inability to think, and for what the Kool-Aid drinkers are doing to my country. Like G-Man, "I see a nation that is growing more and more divided. The chasm between us is growing wider and deeper and nothing seems to bridge the gap. There was a time when being Americans united us as a folk enough that the disagreements remained at the very least congenial. These days the traded barbs are growing less and less civil as time passes and I fear it is only a matter of time until it truly comes to blows. It also seems as though there is no real party to represent the people any more. Both of the political parties represent only their own vested interests. For example, neither party would dare consider tackling term limits, true election fraud prevention or limits on lobbying no matter how much popular support there is for such things. It seems like the parties are fomenting this loss of congeniality to divert attention away from the fact that both of them are pulling more and more of the power out of the hands of "we the people" and consolidating it in theirs."

So that folks is my response to my meme. As a part of this meme I must pass the torch along to five unwitting recipients. I choose to pass it on to any reader who wants to answer, and invite them to send me the link. I will be happy to post a link here.


Joke of the Week

Sad but probably true:

Obama bursts into the Oval Office after a meeting with Timothy Geithner, the Secretary of the Treasury. His secret service agent notices that he is in a rare ecstatic mood. The agent asks, "Sir, you seem in such a great mood, what has happened?" "Well," Obama says, "Tim and I found a way to make next year's tax return fit on a postcard." Excitedly the agent says, "How did you do that sir?" Obama replies, "Easy, we reduced the form to two criteria." Astonished the agent asked, "What are the two criteria sir?" Obama then replies, "Well first we ask the taxpayers how much money they make. Then we tell them to send it in."

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

Today's entry is well known, but not for why she is an American Hero. The official story of her service would make her one of the more unsung heroes, but their are rumors that her service was of a more covert nature. Today's patriot is Julia Child. As a long time professional cook, I have always liked Julia, but at some point in the murky past, I was told a fascinating story about Mrs. Child. Few people know, though the information is out there for those who look, but Mrs. Child worked for the OSS, the precursor to the CIA. The official story is that she was a research assistant and file clerk for General William J. Donovan, the director of OSS. This alone is enough to make her a patriot, but wait there is more. Someone I worked with, used to work with Mrs. Child in a kitchen. Anyone who has seen Julia's show knows she likes a drink, likes another drink, likes a third drink, could you make that a double. He said that in a moment of uhhhhhhh, let's call it giddiness, she hinted to her co-workers that she might have played a more active role in her aid to the war effort. Ever the skeptic, I did some research, but could find little. What is striking to me, is the dearth of information on what exactly she did for the spy agency. Either way, she is an American hero, and this weeks American patriot.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Conservative Education

Well I did not get any response to my last Conservative Education post, but I intend to keep trying. I want to engage the Left in political discourse. again, the goals here are to engage the left in open debate, give everyone a look at how the other side thinks and maybe garner a few converts. Hey, I never said it would be altruistic. Mainly I want to have a little fun poking at the Left, add a little education to combat the Kool-Aid, and answer questions for those in the middle who want the “Right” perspective. Mostly I find true political debate intriguing and entertaining. Please see the previous post linked above for the conditions of how this works. To all my readers, please forward this to all who could benefit from it.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Joke of the Week

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75-year-old Texas rancher whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his election to President. The old rancher said, "Well, ya know, Obama is a "post turtle." Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a "post turtle" was. The old rancher said, "When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a "post turtle". The old rancher saw a puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain. "You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up there, and you just wonder what kind of a dumb ass put him up there."

Thursday, July 9, 2009

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

I know, I know, I am two days late, but I did not forget this week's "American Patriots" post. Some weeks it is a patriot, and some weeks it is a hero, this week it is three groups groups of sailors who fit into both categories. This week it is the crews of the MV Maersk Alabama, USS Bainbridge and Seal Team Six (Go Red Cell). Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, you know the story of these brave men and women. If you have been under that rock, here is the story of how the crew repelled a pirate attack of the coast of Somalia. A special mention goes out to Captain Richard Phillips for putting his own life on the line to secure the safety of his crew. These people really understand how to deal with pirates, which are just terrorists with boats. Congress could really learn a thing or two from these guys.

Historical Fun Fact:
The USS Bainbridge was christened for Commodore William Bainbridge, who fought against the Barbary Pirates in the first American overseas military action, also off the coast of Africa.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Conservative Education

I had intended to do this last night, but I plead a long, crappy day at work and sleep deprivation causing an early night. I have been thinking about this idea for a while now, and now it is time. What I am going to do is, every Monday I am going to post an invitation to any and all, but especially the liberals, to ask a question on, or put forward an opinion on, an “issue of the day,” and, hopefully, what they think is the best solution. On the following Friday, I will pick an issue, question etc. and put forward the Conservative point of view and a Conservative solution to that issue. The goals here are to engage the left in open debate, give everyone a look at how the other side thinks and maybe garner a few converts. Hey, I never said it would be altruistic. Mainly I want to have a little fun poking at the left, add a little education to combat the Kool-Aid, and answer questions for those in the middle who want the “Right” perspective. Mostly I find true political debate intriguing and entertaining. As with all things in life, there will be rules.

My House, My Rules:
1. No Flaming! There are dumb questions and perspectives, which will be dealt with the “Right” way, and there are dumb people. I will not however countenance personal attacks on those with less education or intelligence. The goal here is to learn, even if we do not agree, so everyone play nice. As a rule, I generally do not delete rude comments etc. and probably will not if they are aimed at me, but attacking each other is verboten.
2. If you are just posting an issue, include your perspective and what you think the solution should be. If you are asking a question perspective is not required, but is appreciated. Obviously if you just want to ask a question, you probably do not have a solution of your own, but solutions you have heard would be greatly appreciated. It will definitely give us more to talk about.
3. If you wish to remain anonymous, anonymity will be protected, but I would appreciate it if you send an e-mail, rather than a comment, so that if I want further clarification or whatnot, you can be contacted. Again, names are not required but I would appreciate it, as I think people should stand tall and proud for their beliefs, even if they are different.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Turn the Tables

I have decided to branch out a bit. I am going to make some different efforts here. My first effort is to educate anyone who reads my posts in Conservative teachings and some American history. I have begun part of this effort with my Patriots and Heroes posts. Further, I said no politics in my 4th of July post, and I meant it, but I would like everyone, right and left read it, and forward it to your friends and allies. I am going to use it for educational purposes here, as I do not wish to recopy it. My next effort will be showing up tomorrow. It will be an effort to educate the opposition, maybe get some converts or at the very least have some good debate with the left.

Tonight's little contribution to the good fight is a strategy for fighting the left on an issue close to my heart, the right to keep and bear arms. First a little lesson.

The 1st Amendment states:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Tonight's focus is on the the first portion, commonly understood as, "Freedom of Religion." Today's neo-libs transliterate this to mean "Freedom from Religion." They attack the manifestations of religion whenever it creeps up in any public place. Recently SCOTUS, in there finite wisdom, refused to review a case where a group of school kids in Kent, WA wanted to form a religious club on school grounds. The basis of the 9th Circuit Court decision was the club's name, Truth, the fact that students would have to pledge to Jesus Christ to vote in the club and that allowing the club in would bring religion into the school. Does this not violate their 1st Amendment right to peaceably assemble? These children have a right to assemble to discuss their shared views and to freely associate. The converse of this is that other students who do not hold these views could, and foreseeably would, choose to not associate with these children in the context of this club. This is also protected, and in this context would also be protected by the 1st Amendment not only in there right to free speech and association, but the right to not have a government agency force them to attend. This the basis of the freedom of religion portion of the 1st Amendment. When religious based schools require their students to attend divine services. It is assumed that if you do not wish to attend, you will go to school elsewhere.

Now you might ask what does this have to do with guns? Well hold on brothers and sister. First let's review the 2nd Amendment.

The 2nd Amendment states:
"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

This is the exact wording, punctuation, capitalization etc. ratified by the states. Congress not only could not, but would not pass a law stating that Atheism, Catholicism or Pastafarianism as the new State Religion. They know that "Freedom from Religion" would destroy such a bill in a second, not to mention what it would likely do to their political careers. I propose that we Conservatives use this same tactic against the anti-gun nuts. We start law suites against organizations and municipalities that propose or pass anti-gun legislation. We heckle, ridicule and use the same tactics against news organizations about their portrayal of guns, attack ad agencies, ads and the media outlets who carry the ads for infringing on our rights, and basically make a big nuisance of ourselves. Now there are those out there saying that we already do this. Your right, but what if we pursued this goal as assiduously as anti-god legislation is pursued? If we go after this a rabidly as they go after our guns, we can get them up against the the ropes with the fear of law suites. now most people say that Conservatives do not pursue change in this way. Again, you are right, except that the neo-libs no longer understand the Constitution or the rule of law, so let's communicate with them in a way they are sure to understand.

Is Hollywierd Starting to Get It?

I took my oldest daughter and wife to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on Friday. It was a great family movie, if your kids are not under about 7-8 years old. So at one point, the Decepticons make their presence known to the world, and demand that Sam Witwicky, a college age kid, be turned over to them, because or something he knows that the bad guys want. Around this time, The Chosen One gets a mention, there is a film clip on an on screen television of Air Force One, and the commentator says that, "President Obama has been moved to a secret bunker." In a later scene, The Chosen One's National Security Advisor is talking with a multi-national task force that hunts down the Decepticons. He tells the team to stand down and the team asks him what is going on. The NSA says that diplomatic channels are being opened. The soldier accuses the NSA, and by extension, the administration, of selling out a boy to save their skins. The NSA says that, "all options are "on the table." The government then proceeds to hunt down this boy with the obvious intent of selling him out. Now does anyone else see what I saw in this little bit of film. Someone from Hollywierd took a swipe at The Chosen One. I was surprised and delighted. This whole interplay made the administration look very cowardly and self serving. I congratulate Michael Bay for his personal courage to break the lockstep that Hollywierd presents, and actually portraying The Chosen One, and his lackeys, in not only a negative light, but also, I believe, an accurate one. Once again bravo Michael Bay.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

4th of July

I thought that since today is the anniversary celebration of the day we declared our independence from England, it would be appropriate to post a copy of the Declaration. The Declaration of Independence is one of the greatest statements of human freedom, self determination, and one of three documents our nation was founded on. No politics today, just a celebration of our nation.

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.