This is just INCREDIBLE. I just came across it and have not yet been able to form the words to even discuss this yet. But I present this for YOUR opinions.

My heart can't stop breaking at this.

Alright, ENOUGH Already!

The audacity of the left no longer astonishes me but it certainly knows how to set my blood to boiling every time. This latest insult to intelligence and logic comes from Frank Rich in an op-ed column with the New York Times (that should tell you something right there) on March 27, 2010.

In true fashion, Mr. Rich proceeds to insult conservative figures such as Karl Rove and Sarah Palin while dismissing all the foibles of liberal figures. He laid the foundations of the health care monstrosity, Obamacare at the feet of the Republicans, stating that the roots could be found in RomneyCare in Massachusetts. Ok, first off, we ALL know what a disaster RomneyCare is and the hell it's reaping on the state's economy, why would any one in their right mind want to replicate it on a national level? It was taken for a test drive in Massachusetts and even in Hawai'i, where it bombed big time and was discontinued after about seven months (oh, but you don't hear about that much, do you?). It's called learning your lesson. You CANNOT blame this Goliath on the Republicans.

Mr. Rich then goes on to attack citizens who are clearly and understandably infuriated by the travesty of a vote and who spoke out against it. I'm sorry, Mr. Rich, but in a case such as this, silence invariably equals consent, and the people DO NOT consent to this. I personally would like to think that for the money that members of the House are being paid that their skins should be a tad bit thicker and they should be impervious to any kind of harsh words. And as for the so-called spitting incident, I would encourage Rep. Lewis to produce said suit as evidence (blue dress, anyone?)

As if he can't help himself, Mr. Rich then links the battle for health care with the Civil Rights struggle, which culminated with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. For reasons wholly unknown by yours truly, he mentions the assassination of the Freedom Riders in Philadelphia, MS in 1964. From where I sit, this appears to be another attempt of the left to paint this as an issue of race inequality rather than what it really is, a unconstitutional usurpation of states rights and a monumental power grab for the sole purpose of permeating every aspect of our lives.

At almost every turn, Mr. Rich seeks to infuse the matter of race in his opinion. Why, I was under the impression that the left was color blind (Chris Matthews, anyone?) and that the right wing extremists were motivated by color. Mr. Rich also dared to say that those in opposition were a minority, which could not be further from the truth. When all else fails, when (accurate) numbers don't defend your cause, and when the polls you so love are overwhelmingly against you, what else do you have to fall back on to shut down an argument but race? Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Rich, you've come to the WRONG place, and what I have to say next, you most probably will not like.

First, conservatives DO NOT care that the president is black. Quite honestly, it was for this very reason that he WAS elected, it certainly wasn't due to merit, because he has none. I still firmly believe that there were many white people who voted for him because they felt it was "time" and that they would be viewed as "un-progressive" or feared the stigma of being the one in their intellectual circles who did not vote for him.

Second, blacks tend to vote based on emotion and not logic (hate to say it, really). Do you know how many times I've gotten "how can you not be proud of the first black president"? But ask them what his policies are and his background is, and you can literally see the question marks in the dialogue bubble above their heads. If more blacks voted according to their values instead of by color, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. I gave quite a few friends and family a "diagnostic" test of their values and beliefs and their bent was almost always more conservative than liberal, many of which did not remotely coincide with Obama's values. But heaven forbid you call it by name!

I went on to say that in the military, you certainly couldn't gauge the caliber of a commander by their race, it's not like they could go to the enemy and say "but I'm Black/Asian/Native American" and expect that to make a difference, so why should it make a difference here? Obama certainly can't go up to Dmitry Medvedev or Nicolas Sarkozy and expect his color to resolve any issues.

Third, so what if you don't see that many black Tea Partiers or Republicans? That doesn't mean we don't exist! There are actually a hell of a lot more than you're willing to give credit for, Mr. Rich. Didn't it ever occur to you that the backlash for actually being an outward black conservative is especially harsh? And not even from whites, but our very own people. There are many who are hiding in the shadows, afraid to come out, so the ones who actually do come out and are vocal bear the extra burden of being the voice for those who maintain silence. The ostracizing from the black community can ill be afforded in some cases. Also, don't expect the Mainstream Media to shed much light on this subject either, because it would negate so many of the ridiculous claims they set forth. I have lost friends and even had some very heated arguments with family members over this matter, so there is a lot to lose in become embroiled in this argument.

Fourth, Mr. Rich, you are hardly strengthening your argument by calling out some of the weakest of the Republicans like Olympia Snowe and Lindsey Graham. And why should we challenge Sarah Palin, Rick Perry or John Boehner when they send such a powerful message? Are you basically telling us that we should be keeping our "dogs" on a short leash? Mr. Rich, we conservatives are NOT like your average liberal followers, we do not need to be poked and prodded or have our fires "stoked" as you put it in order to go out and do things. We do not need to be deceived, cajoled or bribed to do our civic and patriotic duties. Palin, Perry and Boehner are JOINING us in the fight, not pushing or "organizing" us.

This is NOT a Civil Rights/race issue, but in my view quite the opposite. Pulling the race card is a cheap shot, totally uncreative, and quite frankly VERY old. Turning everything into a race issue has never fared well places like Detroit or New Orleans well and it never will. If you are too blind and/or deluded to see that, Mr. Rich, then you're really not worth your salary.

A Tale of Two Presidents

Is a thumbs up from Castro really what we want?

"Socialized medicine is the keystone to the arch of the Communist State." Vladimir Lenin

I personally don't find it a good thing that any thing the United States does is something to be congratulated by the Cuban Communist regime. But that day has come. By way of his essays, called Reflections, Fidel Castro has praised Obama for finally passing socialized health care, something he stated "Cuba was able to do half a century ago".

I mean, passing such a monumental legislation is laudable, that is if you like diminished quality of care, long lines, high premiums and overwhelmed physicians (well, the physicians who stay in practice anyway). BUT, I think what we all must strive for is the Cuba way of health care. That would mean toilet paper shortages and electricity cut off in medical facilities in order to save money. Can you imagine what that would do to a person in the operating room (presuming you even qualify for such a procedure) or a refrigerator full of specimens or vaccinations (presuming they bother taking tests or giving you shots)?

But, Castro's praise was not without its chastisement. It seems the former Commandante en Jefe is not so pleased with Obama's weak stance on climate change (what the hell has that got to do with him? Oh, that's right, more of a power grab) and for sending more troops to Afghanistan (how dare we try to fight those who are violent and wish to do the US harm).

But even more chilling is when he described Obama as a "fanatic believer in capitalist imperialism" yet gave him a stern warning. I wonder if Obama will take this as an admonishment from a mentor that perhaps he must to do more to push us over the brink to Communism? Either way, an (almost) shining endorsement from Castro is something with which we should all be ill at ease.

Some oldies but goodies

I felt the need to post these again. I wonder what happened to these people? I wonder if they ever got their $3000 from Obama's stash? I wonder if all their utilities and house notes were paid and they didn't have to worry about anything. Haven't heard about it since, have we?

My little thought on the "racism" issue at Tea Parties

I attended the July 4th Tea Party, the 9/12 Tea Party, and now the 3/20 Tea Party. I walked up, down and all around. I snapped pictures. I met old friends. I met new friends. But one thing I did not encounter was RACISM. I won't say I got a few looks of astonishment, which is totally understandable, but those bewildered looks went as quickly as they came and became welcoming. I witnessed absolutely NO violence. No spitting, no harassment, no vandalism or willful destruction of property. When we left, we left peacefully and the grounds were CLEAN. Cleaner than they were after Obama's inauguration, which took a week if not more to clean up. We are respectful, we are peaceful, and we seek to leave things in the same condition not better than we received it. We are protesting but we do not feel the need to be destructive and violent about it.

As far as the Congressional Black Caucus' assertions of racism go. I think it's a total crock and I firmly believe they were attempting to bait the Tea Partiers. I know this because members of the House and staff usually take the underground tunnels to get back and forth. This group intentionally walked above ground in the midst of the protest in hopes that something would happen. It is malicious and cowardly. When they found nothing actually happened that they could use they chose to fabricate something, which serves to show how low in caliber they are.

I will end by saying that something happened during the 9/12 protest that I will never forget. As I was walking deep into the crowd on the lawn, I spotted a black woman sitting. She was somewhere between 55 and 65. When I met her eye she gave me a warm smile and mouthed the words "thank you". I smiled back and walked on.

Rep. Dingell: "It's taken a long time to control the people"

The Freudian slips are becoming more and more prevalent. Or is it just that they are becoming more and more emboldened to actually state their intent?

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/03/rep_dingell_its_taken_a_long_t.html

Here is the audio: http://wjrpodcasts.com/podcasts/paulwsmith/Dingell-032310.mp3

That didn't take very long at all now, did it?

For all of you in support of some form of a global economy, take a gander at this gem!

http://moneynews.com/StreetTalk/Jim-Rogers-Euro-Oblivion/2010/03/22/id/353445?s=al&promo_code=99FE-1

A letter from Academic VP Francois Houle to Ann Coulter

With sissifed nonsense like this, is it any wonder why the US makes fun of Canada? Civility? Are you serious?!

Dear Ms. Coulter,

I understand that you have been invited by University of Ottawa Campus Conservatives to speak at the University of Ottawa this coming Tuesday. We are, of course, always delighted to welcome speakers on our campus and hope that they will contribute positively to the meaningful exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a great university campus. We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada, as well as on our campus, and view it as a fundamental freedom, as recognized by our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or “free speech”) in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here. You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. For example, promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges. Outside of the criminal realm, Canadian defamation laws also limit freedom of expression and may differ somewhat from those to which you are accustomed. I therefore ask you, while you are a guest on our campus, to weigh your words with respect and civility in mind. There is a strong tradition in Canada, including at this University, of restraint, respect and consideration in expressing even provocative and controversial opinions and urge you to respect that Canadian tradition while on our campus. Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful country, city and campus.

Sincerely,

François Houle
Vice-recteur aux études / Vice-President Academic and Provost
Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa
550, rue Cumberland Street
Ottawa (ON) K1N 6N5
téléphone / telephone : 613 562-5737
télécopieur / fax : 613 562-5103

1st Sikh in decades graduates Army officer school

This really is an awesome story and I salute them.

Stuck on "Stupak"

Oh, where to begin? I have been so full of emotions in the past week that I could not figure out what exactly to blog about lest it all come out in a large disorganized mess. I needed time to process what I was thinking and feeling. I haven’t completely done it but at least I’m a little more sorted out than I was before. Well, here goes…

At approximately 4 PM on Sunday, March 21, 2010, which has become the new “date which will live in infamy”, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) held a press conference to announce that he had finally decided to vote “yes” on the health care bill after weeks of anticipation. Many of us were extremely sickened and disappointed although not surprised. Stupak said that he had reached an agreement with the President (I really don’t feel comfortable putting “President” and “Obama” together so it’s either one or the other for me) in that Obama would sign an executive order which would ban the use of federal funds for abortions. Stupak has prided himself on being a “pro-life” Democrat (is that really possible?) and in the past has been part of initiatives to reduce the number of abortions performed and worked towards solutions and alternatives. Stupak even brought forth the Stupak-Pitts Amendment to the House floor and passed on November 7, 2009 in a vote of 240 to 194.

Well that all came to a screeching halt on Sunday. Not only did Stupak backtrack on all this due to the deal he claimed to have struck with Obama, which had yet to be signed and which as of this moment still has not been signed, it is also reported that Stupak was promised over $700,000 for airport maintenance and renovations. In my eyes, that’s the equivalent of 30 pieces of silver. All this coming from a man who claimed to be horrified when he was told by his fellow Democrats that “abortion is good, because children are costly.” Further adding to his deception and hypocrisy is the surfacing of a video from 2009 in which he declared that he had planned to vote “yes” on the bill all along.

One of Stupak’s declared opponents, Dr. Dan Benishek, amassed large amounts of followers and supporters on Facebook and Twitter hours after the announcement and vote. He has been stripped of his “Defender of Life” award from the Susan B. Anthony List. I can only imagine the kinds of looks he will get when he enters his church again. It serves him right for accepting any kind of deal from a man who has been deemed the most pro-abortion president in American history and who has been given a 100% approval rating by NARAL and a 0% rating by NRLC. Bart Stupak will have a lot of soul searching to do in November, when he will be voted out of office.

So tell me, Stupak, was it all worth it?

Don't you just LOVE how we can raise over $1 million to fire Nancy Pelosi by gaining at least 40 seats in the House and they can't raise more than $1,500 to buy a one way ticket to Costa Rica for Rush Limbaugh? I mean, they've only been at it for over a week! LOL

HC Rally on 3/20/10

There have been claims that racial slurs where being hurled at the Congressional Black Caucus as they walked past anti-healthcare protesters. I don't hear anything, do you?

Anti HCR Bill Rally 3/20/10 pictures (pt 4)

Apparently, we're in elementary school

Anti HCR Bill Rally 3/20/10 pictures (pt 3)

Anti HCR Bill Rally 3/20/10 pictures (pt 2)

Anti HCR Bill Rally 3/20/10 pictures (pt 1)

Reality Check

Don't you think that if there was no language in this bill providing federal funding for abortions that NARAL and Planned Parenthood would be ALL OVER this? So any assertion that abortions will NOT be funded is an all out lie!

Obama Speech at GMU 3/19/10 (In 4 parts)

FINALLY! I've managed to load them! I filmed them myself so please excuse the shaky and amateurish quality! Make what you will of this!

Bolivian ex-general who captured "Che" summoned for questioning

Can you say OH MY GOD?

Isn't Honesty So Refreshing? Even if it's bad news?

2 Arrested for Chaining Themselves to White House Gates

As a veteran of the Armed Forces, I must say that to repeal this law will be extremely injurious to the morale of the troops and will shatter the cohesion of units. The military is supposed to be apolitical, so to make this a political debate is absolutely preposterous. This sentiment was agreed upon by more than 1,000 high ranking retired military officers who strongly disagree with the proposal to repeal the law.

I firmly believe that all the rules and standards established by the military are to promote efficiency and best fufill the mission. There is no room in the military for outward displays of sexuality, be it homosexual or heterosexual. At the end of the day, what it comes down to is the ability to be able to trust the person you're serving alongside without the added worry of sexual tension.

Pros and Cons: Should Congress Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the US Military?

Fired Metro Employee had been on Leave for 9 YEARS!

Now I know where the $6 the fare machine sucked up went to! To pay for this payasa!

One Step Closer...

In a move bringing us even closer to monumental legislation, the "Slaughter Solution" was just passed in the House 222-203. By House Republican Leader, John Boehner, the Slaughter Solution is described as such:

The Slaughter Solution is a plan by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), the Democratic
chair of the powerful House Rules Committee and a key ally of Speaker Nancy
Pelosi (D-CA), to get the health care legislation through the House without an
actual vote on the Senate-passed health care bill. You see, Democratic
leaders currently lack the votes needed to pass the Senate health care bill
through the House. Under Slaughter’s scheme, Democratic leaders will
overcome this problem by simply “deeming” the Senate bill passed in the House -
without an actual vote by members of the House.

Two of my state's pathetic excuses for human beings, Gerry Conolly and Jim Moran (and also my miserable shame of a congressman) voted "yay" on the bill. I'm glad Tom Perriello stood up and said no.

Poor Madoff just can't seem to get a break! (or can he?)

There's just no honor among thieves, is there?

Like I always say. Either you pay now, or you pay later!

Obama: In His Own Words

Facebook Considers Installing "Panic Button" on its UK Web after Government Pressure

I like this idea. Only question is, what about in other places of the world where Facebook is used? I think Facebook is lazy, they only do things to protect their users under intense pressure. I wish Facebook would take a more proactive approach in making majorly needed improvements to their application instead of just the constant cosmetic changes to the interface which help no one at all anyway.

DC Eyes Ban on Credit Checks for Employment

According to the Washington Examiner, Washington D.C. is eyeing a ban on employers collecting credit history information as a condition for employment. Most credit checks are conducted after an interview or after a contingent offer for employment has been extended. Due to the current economic situation and many people being out of work and unable to address their financial issues with the same ability as before, this may present an additional roadblock to people looking for employment.

Credit checks as a condition for employment are becoming more prevalent and are even conducted for jobs such as construction and retail sales.

In my opinion, I do not believe an all out ban should be implemented, just a moratorium. And I also believe that positions of public trust, national security, and jobs in which the employee must handle large amounts of money should be exempt from the ban. The reason behind this is because with such positions, you must consider the employee's susceptibility to bribery, blackmail and coercion. In these cases, such a standard must be maintained.

Is There a Doctor in the House? Oh, Wait...

A recent study conducted by the Medicus Firm, a physician staffing agency came up with some rather harrowing statistics. Based on a survey conducted taken from 1,000 physicians in December 2009, a whopping 45.7% expressed they would leave the medical practice if ObamaCare was voted into law.

Now, I don't claim to be a mathematician by any stretch, but what would it look like if approximately half the practicing physicians up and left right around the time that approximately 30 million people (does anyone know what the number is these days) will be heaped into the system? Anyone? Anyone? Even if the health care bill would offer some provisions to train health care professionals, the average time for a physician to be ready to practice would be between 3 and 8 years, factoring in medical school and residency requirements. Well, they could always lower the standards and requirements and shorten that time, right? You still get quality care, I'm sure.

You also have to consider, under such harrowing work conditions, who would want to even bother with becoming a physician? You'll rack up hundreds of thousands of dollars in med school bills, only to have an unbelievable patient load and your pay capped. There will be no tort reform so the burden will invariably rest on you to provide for malpractice insurance and deal with potentially frivolous lawsuits. Add in the need to maintain any quality of life and pay your monthly household expenses, that may leave you with roughly, oh about $75 discretionary income a month. Sound about right? Sure you won't be able to buy a pair of shoes, but the fact that you're doing so much good for SO MANY people is rewarding enough right? Uh huh, didn't think so.

Where's the Love?

Monica Conyers, wife of Michican Democrat congressman John Conyers appears to be adding more insult to injury for taxpayers. She will be using a public defendant in her appeal to reverse a 37-month prison sentence for a conviction of bribery.

Monica Conyers is being declared "indigent" based on financial records which indicate that she can't afford her own lawyer. John Conyers, whose congressional salary is approximately $174,000, has refused to pay for a private lawyer. According to federal guidelines, a family member's wealth may not be taken into consideration when establishing a person's ability to pay for legal counsel unless unless a willingness to do so is expressed.

Wonder what's up with that? Is this another way for John Conyers to slap his constituents and other taxpaying Americans in the face? Does he foresee a long and arduous appeals process that could drain his personal wealth and all expose his finances to further scrutiny, thus uncovering more wrongdoing? Or is he just glad to see her go? I guess we'll find out!

Did He At Least Kiss You Goodnight?

Well, it's official. Resident Congressional kook, Dennis Kucinich has signed his name in blood on a contract with the devil. In his highly anticipated press conference this morning, Kucinich changed his previously "no" vote on the health care bill to a "yes". Though he indicated he had issues with some of the things in the bill, he did so in the hope that it would eventually lead to a single-payer option, of which he is in support. In his news conference, Kucinich said,

"However, after careful discussions with President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, my
wife Elizabeth and close friends, I've decided to cast a vote in favor of the
legislation."

Well, that's about as reassuring as Attorney General Eric Holder saying he consulted with his wife and brother concerning the terrorist trials being held in NYC. Kucinich also went on to say,

"The important thing here is that the process that the American people are
concerned about is the process that hikes their insurance rates and the process
that finds their insurance policies rescinded from them once they've got
coverage,"

Well, if you really were concerned about the American people then you would have listened to the voice of your constituency and all those around the nation instead of succumbing to petty peer pressure at a fabricated town hall. Your wife should be rather concerned come November, Kucinich, because if Harry Reid's assertion is at all correct, she'll have a whole lot to worry about when you're out of a job.

And Obama threatening to not campaign for you if you don't vote yes on the bill is a bad thing why?

Shouldn't This Be in a Tabloid Somewhere?

A picture of First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover of the most recent Newsweek. If you look very closely at the apple on the table, you will see what looks like an image of Karl Marx. Well, it didn't go unnoticed so the picture was eventually cropped to where the entire table is now out of view. Too bad a few of us caught it! I wonder if people are paying to see this image on the apple now? Any idea of who would pay to see it?

Why You Bringin Up Old Shyt?

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has become the poster child for stonewalling. Today when asked (yet again) about the bribe for a high power position in the administration Rep. Joseph Sestak received to not bid for primary election against Rep. Arlen Specter, Gibbs had this reply:

"Congressman Sestak has discussed that whatever happened is in the past and he's focused on his primary election,"

Amazing. FINALLY the White House wants to look to the future and not dwell on the past, yet almost every chance the administration gets, they look behind them to blame Bush for everything wrong. That's ok, you guys, keep looking behind you. May you not see the brick wall of American People you're about to run into and knock yourselves out!

Can't Buy Me Love

Now we must know what it feels like to be on a date with Obama only to watch him get rejected. Obama wines and dines, pulls out all the stops, spares no expense, rents a limo, even applies a little pressure to get his date to put out, only to end up with a firm "NO" at the end of the night. That's sure what it looks like after his "date" with Rep. Dennis Kucinich on Monday.

Prior to his perpetual campaigning in Strongville, OH, Obama took Kucinich aboard Air Force One, a very rare event for pretty much anyone, I'm sure to discuss his vote on the health care bill. (Wonder if he tried to loosen him up with a bit of Kool-Aid?) At this joke of a town hall setting, with only about 200 people, Obama used a little peer pressure, which was in the form of a "supporter" who shouted "Vote Yes!" to which Obama replied, "hear that, Dennis?" Way to put someone on the spot.

After all the cajoling and I'm sure buttering up with sweet deals for Ohio in exchange for his support, Obama still came out without a "yes". Kucinich is set to announce his official response tomorrow morning, but it's not looking too hopeful for the Dems. Awww, Obama, too bad!

Obama Health Care Reform Strongsville, OH (pt 4)

Obama Health Care Reform Strongsville, OH (pt. 3)

Obama Health Care Reform Strongsville, OH (pt. 2)

Obama- HealthCare Reform Strongsville, OH (pt. 1)

The problem with social justice is that after years of playing the downtrodden victim an even bigger an more justified victim will come along. When you stop getting what you're used to because you're no longer the biggest victim, then what will you cry?

Cuba Dissident Group Starts "Black Spring" Protests

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N15244139.htm

A rousing speech from the Hon. Judge Andrew Napolitano

Judge Napolitano speaks about the government and their unconstitutional bid to "regulate" health care.

8th District Virginians, keep this video in mind when you head to the polls in November!

Everyone, please listen closely to what Rep. Jim Moran is saying. He straight away admitted that that the Democrats can pass the votes that "matter" WITHOUT Republican support! This is what has been said all along! The reason why the health care bill has not been passed is because the DEMOCRATS don't have enough support on their own side to pass it! And the Senate DOESN'T MATTER?! Are you SERIOUS?! I'm quite sure that if the Senate didn't matter, the Framers would not have even mentioned them in the Constitution. Please remember what you're seeing and hearing here when you head to the polls, it's time to vote this guy OUT!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Virginia Bans Mandatory Healthcare

The fact that this measure was voted with an overwhelming number of votes in favor speaks volumes as to the desires of the states citizens. What's even more telling is the fact that there are other states with similar legislation lined up for review and passage. I really hope that Virginia will be known as the state that paved the way for renewal of the 10th Amendment.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/Virginia-Bans-Mandatory-Healthcare-87328102.html

Furthermore, I don't know out of what side of his neck DNC spokesman Alec Gerlach is speaking, but what he said is utterly untrue. I am also extremely relieved that Tim Kaine is no longer our governor. To me he was a lazy and slick wheeler and dealer that was a source of embarrassment to Virginia. I was absolutely unconvinced about his sincerity on ANYTHING.

And for the love of all that is holy, I REALLY wish that this healthcare struggle would stop being compared to the civil rights struggle. One really has nothing to do with the other. I really do not feel that whether or not this bill passes will be a reflection of the racial climate in this country.

Newsweek actually telling it like it is?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/234953?GT1=43002

Wow! Did Newsweek ACTUALLY allow this to be published? I thought they were one of the periodicals in Obama's back pocket!

For Cuba and Guillermo Farinas

"Chorado" by Sergio Mendes

Chorado - Sergio Mendes

Make Mine Freedom!

I still can't get over the incredibly prophetic nature of this cartoon!

Soul of an American Warrior

Attention American Patriots, Vietnam Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, and Patriot Guards Riders, I need to ask you all for a special favor. Before we begin our preparations for motorcycle and spring season, I ask that you do one thing that will be a part of something bigger than yourself. Let us sacrifice one small luxury to help a Fellow American help our Brave Warriors in their hour of need.

Many of you are probably not aware of a situation pertaining to the three Navy SEALs who are facing Court Martial proceedings, based on allegations levied by a terrorist. This terrorist claims he was punched in the gut. Anyone who knows about SEAL training knows if that’s all he got, he’s lucky. Once I tell you who this terrorist is, you will be laughing as much as I was, when I first heard of his claim of being punched in the gut or was it a fat lip he claimed? Can’t remember his story because he’s changed it so many times, but our good ole government is still going after our warriors for this crap. Let me tell you who this guy is; he’s the same guy who planned and executed the attack on 4 Blackwater employees in Fallujah back in 2004. Remember when they showed on television 4 of your fellow Americans being burned alive, their bodies being mutilated and then hung them from the bridge in Fallujah? This is the guy who planned it all.  Are you pissed yet? If not, you should be and you should be fired up to help one American who is trying to help these brave warriors. A Friend of mine and yours, Betty Kilbride is trying to help these special heroes. The attached flyer is to the book she wrote about her experiences in Iraq with the USMC as an embedded writer and subsequent journey to Vietnam with veterans. It’s a must buy and must read, those who have bought it couldn’t put it down. It’s getting rave reviews too. She is generously donating her Royalties to the Navy SEAL Defense Fund, but she can’t do it unless you BUY THE BOOK. Her goal is aggressive in wanting to sell 100,000 books by the end of March to help these guys, but I believe it’s doable with our help. We each have a powerful network, if each of us sends out this same message and the flyer to everyone we know on Facebook, Twitter and email, we can alert people to this very special fundraiser and awareness campaign - this goal can be accomplished quickly. Please help me help Betty be in a position to help these three Navy SEALs. She has helped many veterans over the years and has never asked for anything in return, it’s time we say thank you to her by standing with her, shoulder to shoulder in this important effort. This is important not just for the careers of three Navy Personnel, but for national security…I like the score of Navy 3 Terrorist 0, what kind of score do you want to see?

Sometimes the more things "change" the more they stay the same!

This is a cartoon from the Chicago Tribune from 1934. It really goes to show you how long they've been battling for this! The fact that they've been pushing this for DECADES just goes to show that by nature people and things tend to rail against the unnatural.

On Nidal Hasan

In the military you are taught to tackle issues head-on. But sometimes it appears the military doesn’t follow its own teachings. Some issues are swept under the rug, only to be addressed when the proverbial “shit hits the fan”. It ignores and sometimes tries to suppress certain things in hopes that it will go away, only to scramble furiously to see what went wrong when the problem comes to a head. One of these examples is the case of Maj. Nidal Hasan, the Ft. Hood shooter. In this interview, retired Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin (USA) sums it up quite well.

Any action of this magnitude, within the ranks as well as base- or post-wide, profoundly disrupts the safety, security, and morale of service members and family members alike. A military installation is a microcosm, a secure insulated world closed off from the outside. Standards and rules are traditionally higher and a strict code of conduct is implied. Everyone lives in such close proximity to each other, seemingly closer than in a regular residential neighborhood. It is because of this closeness that there are little to no secrets about anything. It is for this reason that it would almost impossible to believe that there was no widespread talk of Nidal Hasan’s anti-American, anti-military, and anti-Christian sentiment. It still boggles the mind that the Army allowed this soldier to administer psychiatric treatment to vulnerable service members, and that they had allowed him to continue practicing despite frequent complaints of his performance and concerns documented by his supervisors. The fact that he was repeatedly promoted and allowed to perform the job to which he was assigned speaks volumes about a lack of care and judgment.

I, quite frankly, am very disheartened by the Army’s lack of action. I am even more disheartened of the fact that at the risk of seeming politically incorrect or discriminatory, the Army has refused to call this what it is. The LAST thing the Army needs to be thinking about is being politically incorrect or insensitive. What is insensitive is not taking a firm stance and making decisive statements on this matter. What is insensitive is not looking at the faces of the survivors and the families of the deceased and saying that everything possible will be done to prevent something like this from ever happening again.

While I understand that retention and making sure that service members don’t try to leave the military prior to the end of their obligation are big issues. I am also fully aware that the military desires to see a return on its investment when considering all the time and money that was used to train a service member. However, it is incumbent upon the military to weed out those who are clearly unfit to wear the uniform. Sometimes it is simply not sufficient to continuously admonish or relocate a person in hopes that the problem will remedy itself. I think that is the least that is owed to our service members. To be able to serve beside people they can trust.

Don't Quit Your Day Job!

"Think of an economy where people could be an artist or a photographer or a writer without worrying about keeping their day job in order to have health insurance."

All my life I was told by my mother to pursue my dreams but not to quit my day job in the meantime. Now, that being said, I was personally and unbelievably sickened by comments made by Nancy Pelosi implying that anyone who wanted to pursue a career in the arts should be able to do so without worrying about how to support themselves. Come again? Please enlighten me as to how that works? Whatever happened to working hard and paying your own way? Since when did it become permissible to basically just check out of the race and have someone else run it for you while you sat on the sidelines sipping the Gatorade?

I think her comments were indicative of the very affliction we suffer in society today. Absolutely NO personal accountability for anything. Believe me, I would LOVE to be able to settle down and write a book or pursue a drama career, but you know what? I have a son to support. That brings to mind another thing, while these free spirits are out pursuing their dreams and happen to get pregnant or get someone pregnant, are we expected to support that as well? Oh, well of course we are! That is, if you’re willing to even have the baby in the first place! I guess it goes without saying as well that we will be funding the abortion too, if that’s what they decide. And anyway, what kind of family life will it be if there is no structure for the child(ren), what with their parents (if both are even there) flitting here and there pursuing flights of fancy?

Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way averse to anyone pursuing their dreams, but what I do take particular issue with is the fact that the person will not be required to put in the hard work and sacrifice it takes in order to become that success. When you have everything given to you without earning it, the appreciation is diminished. The victory is not as sweet, and you will forever be beholden to someone. You can never hold your head high and say that you had to scrape and struggle for what you have and that NO ONE can take that away from you. There is a particular sweetness in the thought that everything you’ve obtained and achieved was because you did it all on your own.

So I ask again, Nancy Pelosi, I must ask, WHERE do you get off saying that people like ME should foot the bill for people who don’t even have the inclination to carry their own weight? Not everyone is like your daughter, who can chase people down and harass them on film and call it documentary journalism, yet be padded by your millions (billions even), should they fail. I think you need to come out of whatever delusional haze you find yourself in and accept REAL life as it really is.