"Looking For America....Lawn By Lawn"

Cues music...

"Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space"

*Is brought back from "Route 66", as "The Wife" ™ , comes over shouting something. Turns off mower*

"Huh....yes dear, I'll get the grass between the sidewalk and the street..."

Re-start mower, re-cue music..

"I like smoke and lightning
Heavy metal thunder
Racin' with the wind
And the feelin' that I'm under
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space"

*turns mower off again*
"Yes dear, make a list and I'll go to the store after I'm done here..."

Re-re start mower and music...

"Like a true nature's child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die

Born to be wild
Born to be wild"

*mower sputters an dies*
"Damn, where is that gas can..."

And so it goes.

From "Tales Of A Middle-aged Lawn-biker"

(and a tip of the squid lid and shameless ripping off of the photo from SlagleRock.)

Glenn, What Are You Trying To Say Here??

Saw this over at Bittheads blog. And you have got to wonder what is Reynolds trying to say, or (at least subtly) endorse.

If he is taking the position our Congresscritters and Senators should be focused only on the war on terror, I think he does at least some of them a disservice. Implying that many, if not all, are incapable of managing more then one train of thought at a time (Though with Boxer, Kennedy, and Kerry he may be on to something).

Or is he saying (by choosing the article he did, to reference) the concern shared by most any person with a conscience, that child abduction/abuse is not something to be addressed by the highest legislative bodies in the land? And itself could not possibly be considered worth looking into "war on terror" not withstanding?

I might see some merit to his argument had he used a pork barrel spending bill as the reasoning for his concern. But this was the wrong hill to plant your flag on Glenn, ya might want to back up and re group ...or at the very least spend more then one line on your blog about this....sometimes, clarification vice pithiness is a good thing.

Ace is wondering the same things Eric and I are, over here.

Update (thanks to my eagle-eyed "first mate") It seems Ace had an earlier post on this. (And it was written well before mine was.) Well worth the read.

(tip of the squid lid, for the heads up, to Eric)

Si usted desea ser una parte de Mexico... muevase ALLI!

The Title to this post translates to "If you want to be a part of Mexico...MOVE THERE!"

There is a right way and a wrong way in which to seek change in this country, and the above billboard is not one of them. Illegal immigration...is not the answer....promoting insurrection ...is not the answer.

You want to be part of a nation which ....*sigh* I give up.

I was going to make a list of all the bad points of secession to become part of Mexico would be. And I was going to list all the guarantees, rights, and privileges you would be denied in doing same.

I was going to rant about the sure gall and subtle (and not so subtle) visual imagery existing on the billboard. And how it is not only a personal affront to all office holders in the US government who hold the constitution and in this case the boarders of this country, to be sacrosanct (and that would most defiantly include all members of the armed forces). Along with those who gave (and are giving) their level best to strive in making this country the best it could possibly be.

I was going to wonder aloud about the various groups (La Raza, for starters) which would (and are) using it as a rallying point. That their call to action has now gained just that much more legitimacy. And in doing so brought at least a part of this country a little closer to collapse.

Yes, I was going to do all that...but then I wondered why?

You see, the folks out there with a sense of history (and a sense of duty, honor, country) already get it.

Others get it too.

The more "sensitive and caring, the more "nuanced", those who let their feelings and emotions rule their lives vice reason and common (all too fast becoming uncommon) sense, rule the day, will NOT. And as evidenced by the above bit of incrementalism.... they do not. Those who would seek the downfall of this country are not outside the gates...hell, the gates no longer exist.

One Of The Old Guard Elects To End His Watch

Gut Rumbles, has been a daily stop of mine for almost a year. His take on human nature, life, his fond and well documented remembrances of his southern roots, make for some damn good reading. Rob's passion was almost always present, on at least one of his posts in any given day. Ya may not like everything he writes, but he has a way of getting his readers to think, something of a holy grail for anyone who takes pen in hand. It seems to come easy enough to the "Acidman", he was able to do this on a consistent basis. It wasn't a fluke. It was a talent.

Here is hoping this is only a passing situation for Rob. Whether it is a mixture of personal reasons, events, or going to the well one too many times-and now finding the well all but dried up. Or a combination of having to deal with the constant barrage of trolls, the foolish, and those with good intent, giving him more to deal with than is his want.

May this only be a break from the Siren's call. But if it is Rob's last entry, his last chance/choice to battle with windmills, it's surprising (to me). I would have thought his exit would have followed, more closely, this quote of Dylan Thomas

"Do not go gentle into that good night. ... Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

In any case, whether it's a short term hiatus, or a permanent stilling of one of the most original voices out there....

"Fair Winds and Following Seas" You will be missed, and you are always welcome at this Snugg Harbor.

The Christian Science Monitor , I Thought "To Monitor" Was Supposed To Be "Neutral"

Back in the journalism classes I have had over the years, and while an Assistant Public Affairs Officer (APAO), one of the newspapers always held up as a good source of "unbiased" reporting, was the Christian Science Monitor.

There has been talk in recent years this respected news organ was falling pray to the same demons as the rest of the MSM. In other words, they were becoming biased in their reporting of "the facts". Well now the CSM has gone and started to whine about the DOD and their entry into the media mix, part of the Department of Defense television network, "The Pentagon Channel". You can read about their concerns here.

The anchors and reporters wear uniforms instead of neckties and suits, and the commercials promote the military, not laundry soap and cutlery sets. But otherwise, the Pentagon Channel - which is on the cusp of its first anniversary - looks and sounds a lot like CNN and C-SPAN.

To the people who run the Department of Defense television network, that's exactly the point. To critics, that's exactly the problem. When the government creates a cable channel that reminds viewers of a news network, down to the live Pentagon briefings and interviews with Washington big shots, is it a form of propaganda or just a savvy way to communicate with the troops?

"We provide news and information and focus on the morale of our military as well," says Allison Barber, deputy assistantsecretary of Defense, who oversees the Pentagon Channel.

Okkkkay....let's see here....why they are emulating established MSM "news stations". It couldn't be they are doing this to promote an air of professionalism, vice a "hey ma we are going to put on a news/information show in the barn, and it's going to be really keen!" kind of thing. And as to "critics", Helloooo, get a clue, this is a sophisticated house organ, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out after watching same. As such, of course it is going to be biased! All house organs are to some extent or another, they exist for dissemination of information to those who are part of that organization. Would you expect the "Catholic Digest", to positively promote "The benefits of pagan rites for picking up hot chicks"? Of course not. Besides, not being something their target market would want to read about, it goes against the tenants/values of the organization which said house organ exists for.

"The on-air staffers "aren't reporters," says Ralph J. Begleiter, professor of communication at the University of Delaware. "That's a hugely important distinction. They're not journalists. They're salesmen."

Pentagon Channel senior producer Scott Howe, a veteran of military journalism, puts it another way. "We are an advocate of the Department of Defense and its voice," he says. "We obviously don't air speculation out in the civilian media that questions what the department is doing or its motives."

Military-sponsored news reports are hardly anything new. The government even operates an institution called the Defense Information School - motto: "strength through truth" - to train its troops to publish newspapers and produce news shows."

Hmmm The University of Delaware, now there is bastion of journalistic excellence! And who does this asshat think he is fooling? All journalists are salesmen of a sort. They are selling their version of the truth, via their media outfit, to the public at large. Those journalists with the greatest ability in providing "The who, what, where, when, and how" of a given story, along with the best use of verbiage in providing same to the public will eventually see their work, given a byline, perhaps "pickup" by other news organs, and maybe a Pulitzer as the ultimate reward for a job well done.

But what we see, more often than not, is opinion interjected in what is supposed to be "straight news reporting". And Professor Begletter, wants to single out the men and woman of the DOD as salesmen? You might want to take the blinders of bub, compared to the crap tossed at us daily, by all facets of the MSM, the members of the military who carry the title of journalist, have them beat hands down, as far as professional ethics and sticking to their (respective) style sheets. I know, I've been there and done that.

Here is a clue for you professor, free of charge. If and when the MSM, decides to cover, with something akin to honesty and integrity, any events around the world. So folks reading, viewing, or listening, to the reporting/reports can honestly believe they are getting the facts and nothing but the facts...to the best ability of the reporters giving same, then you'll have something approaching a moral high ground on which to spew your commentary. Til then, ya might want to back up and regroup a bit.

Chris Muir Says More In Three Panels....

then most bloggers do in three paragraphs. I have been carrying the continuing adventures of Zed, Sam, Jan, and Damon, for at least a couple of months now. One of the best things I ever did to bring some class to the joint. You can go to Chris's home on the web here. Besides getting your daily "hit" of "Day by Day" there is a lot of other goodies there. Check it out and drop Chris a line, let him know how much you enjoy spending time with his guys and dolls.

McCormick's Progeny Gets It Right

Sailor, over at A Sailor In The Desert comments that the Chicago Tribune finally gets one right on their editorial about bloggers and the First Amendment.

"Such questions would be rendered moot under new laws proposed by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, and Rep. Jeb Hensarling, a Texas Republican, to exclude the Internet from federal campaign finance laws. They have the right idea.

Attempts to regulate the flow of political writing run smack into the 1st Amendment protection of speech. And there's a long trail of evidence that campaign finance "reform" laws are ultimately futile. Campaign cash, like water, finds new channels when old ones are blocked.

Democracy is better served by more voices and choices, not fewer ones. Congress and the FEC should encourage more civic involvement and welcome more online voices to the political process instead of throwing regulatory roadblocks in the way."

© 2005, The Chicago Tribune

The above clip was from the "Trib's" editorial, Sailor has it here.

I agree, (with Sailor)the Tribune "gets it" when it comes to the blogs. Whether we as bloggers are akin to the pamphleteer of old....or are, in some cases, the electronic version of a one horse town's paper. We have the constitutional right to free speech especially as it directly pertains to political speech, the very thing the amendment was designed for.

Having grown up reading the Tribune, it was sad to see how over the years the once stalwart conservative beacon of Illinois, indeed, the Midwest, seemed to become at times something closer to RINO, then true blue Republican/conservative in its positions and content. I wonder if Col McCormick, founder of the "Trib", would even recognize his progeny today. The Tribune Company also has as one of their assets, the LA Times, [sarcasm]that bastion of fair and balanced news coverage[/sarcasm], on the west coast. So, my guess is there has been some strong internal influences. This INMO may be part of the root cause for the papers move from the hard right toward something dancing 'round the political center. But it is great to see 'em get it right this time. Good on ya Trib. And Thanks for the heads up Sailor.

Thoughts Of Math and Vaginas

"Fish gotta swim,
Birds gotta fly,
What they teach in school
Is crap by and by..."

We have been working with the little bony blonde haired boy, with his math skills, among other parts of his studying habits. He is a very bright boy, and brings home good grades. What we are trying to address are more fine tuning issues than anything else.

If you look back on this post you'll get a nice review of how I feel about the math program currently used by our K-8 classes.

It's touchy-feely math. Or as my better half describes it, "girlie math". For anyone over the age of about 25, you were taught the same way in how to arrive at an answer, in addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. When you look at what is being trusted on the kids now....it is 180 degrees out of phase, and involves a couple of steps (unnecessary at that...but you knew I was going to say that) which only add to the confusion the kids may be going through at all grade levels of the (math) learning process, and not making it simpler.

In short, they are appearing to simplify the thought process so much, to account for the lowest common denominator (of student), it makes it even harder for those who either don't need this (and word problems....trust me you don't want to go there) or it causes them to *dumb down* just to be able to grasp steps they would have gone right on past in "auto pilot".

*Sigh*, there is about a month and a half of the school year left. I hope the young ones mother and I can survive it without going ballistic on the "useful idiots" over at the grade and middle schools.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Continuing on an educational bent.

There are two female high schoolers in Winona, Minnesota. Both are excelling in their studies, and up to now, were exemplary in their standings in school.

Well, it seems one of the two, had seen the theatrical production of "The Vagina Monologues". She came away with a very positive feeling about the play's message, and in talking to her friend, passed those positive feelings on to her. In fact, they were both so positive about the event, they chose to wear buttons to school which said "I Love (big red heart) My Vagina".

There was one school official, who worked in the schools administration, took strong exception to the buttons, and reported same. There was also a teacher of one of the girls who would not let the young lady into class should she be wearing the button. The bottom line is both were told they faced suspension should they continue to wear the buttons. They have continued to do so, and countered with the administrations actions being in violation of, you guessed it, their "constitutional right to free speech."

It seems the ACLU has also started to take an interest in this, which should send red flags (no pun intended) up about what should be the correct way to deal with this.

In my perfect world, here is what should be done. (And would have been, done in real life, 40-50 years ago.)

1. If the girls refuse to remove the buttons, they get suspended. It is just that simple. Them is the rules. Welcome to (a little bit of) Real World 101: "Life isn't fair all the time." Deal with it.(by following point number 2 below)

Yes, there are some in their school who would be mentally, and more importantly emotionally, ready to handle a frank and open discussion about taking pride in ones person, and taking it a step further, looking at stereotypes, needs, points of view, and (arriving at) mutual respect for the other gender. But the maturity/emotional level of a large number of students at any high school, is not going to be ready to handle this. (This is true for two reasons. The first being, I still remember high school and know there would have been a very large number of students some of who would have bs'ed by talking the talk...but would not have really taken anything on board. Secondly, with all the training/lectures we received through out my military career at the entry and management level, in this case, dealing with just sexual harassment, it was amazing how many needed a two by four upside the head...to get the valid/important points, let alone the more esoteric concepts. And these were folks anywhere from 19-50 something.)

2. Like it or not the primary job of teachers is to teach. The primary job of students is to absorb same. School at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are not a democracy.

You, as a student, should not assume you have the same constitutional guarantees available, in school, as you will have once you have reached your majority (which for all practical concerns is 18.) It may not be fair.....but if you could look at yourself 10,20, or 30 years later, you would see that "fairness" in this case is very well balanced out against your (at that time) lack of experience in the real world and life in general. (Yes, I am aware there are going to be exceptions to this...that some kids even at the age of 16 are going to have their intellectual, emotional, and maturity together more so then some adults. And for them it really *isn't fair*. But at the risk of being too glib, they will already have figured this out, so it would be a moot point for them.)

Ok, I will try and give an example. Back in my senior year, we had a required course call Social Science Survey. It was a sampling of the social sciences. During the Political Science portion, we held a political convention (actually more of a rally) ending up in a faux presidential election. Emotions ran high for this as we became more involved in what each of our candidates represented (from information gathered from various sources). We had right wingers, left wingers, peace-nicks, hawks. Now it was all grounded in learning about the election process and in a larger sense what part this played IRT the constitution. To a man and woman, we felt we now had the tools to go and carry out our constitutional duty. Folks, there were some who could have done so. (and judging by the number of moonbats around today...everyone of us would have been on an equal level with the moonbats maturity wise) But for the most part, even though we had a better understanding of how the system worked, we were, for the most part, still following directly in our parents ideological footsteps. We were not really thinking for ourselves.

And this is the same reason why the girls should not be able to give voice to their new found love of vaginas. Most of their fellow class mates will not be on the same level they are....and may not get to that level for sometime. So, as we used to say in the military, in order to promote and maintain good order and discipline, sorry ladies, but the buttons must go.

As a side note, and because I respect the fella, even though I may not be in agreement with him on this issue, I invite you to go and take a look here for a different, but heartfelt view on the same subject.

Kerry Might Want To Become Something Other Than Catholic

It seems the new Pope may be keeping the "Man who would be President" ™ , if only the peasants people had listened, awake at night. If this article is correct.

Pope Benedict XVI, intervened in the 2004 US election campaign ordering bishops to deny communion to abortion rights supporters including presidential candidate John Kerry.

In a June 2004 letter to US bishops enunciating principles of worthiness for communion recipients, Ratzinger specified that strong and open supporters of abortion should be denied the Catholic sacrament, for being guilty of a "grave sin."

Though some might be concerned about a political leader taking his orders from Rome. (Those of you old enough to have been around when John Kennedy, who was also a practicing Catholic, was running for office, will remember, this was a big concern at that time.) I would posit, any man or woman running for office, brings to that office his or her moral code. And whether or not it was influenced or formed by the canon of the Roman Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist doctrine, or the collected teachings of Reverend P. Ratt, it doesn't matter. You are either going to agree with their stands and their (projected) strength of character, or you are not.

He specifically mentioned "the case of a Catholic politician consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws," a reference widely understood to mean Democratic candidate Kerry, a Catholic who has defended abortion rights.

The letter said a priest confronted with such a person seeking communion "must refuse to distribute it."

A footnote to the letter also condemned any Catholic who votes specifically for a candidate because the candidate holds a pro-abortion position. Such a voter "would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for holy communion,"

Hmmm, that sounds more then pretty straight forward enough. But being he was only Cardinal Ratzinger at the time this letter was issued, some US Bishops felt the guidance as spelled out in said letter was something which could be apparently subject to interpretation.

The letter, which was revealed in the Italian magazine L'Espresso last year, was reportedly only sent to US Catholic bishops, who discussed it in their convocation in Denver, Colorado, in mid-June.

Sharply divided on the issue, the bishops decided to leave the decision on granting or denying communion to the individual priest. Kerry later received communion several times from sympathetic priests.

It is my hope, now the good and honorable Cardinal has ascended to the papacy, his word will be acted upon as law. And as we saw last November, a sizable number of Catholics were of like mind.

in the November election, a majority of Catholic voters, who traditionally supported Democratic Party candidates, shifted their votes to Republican and eventual winner George W. Bush.

All I can add to this is:

1. Perhaps the Scientologists are looking to increase their ranks by acquiring a former presidential contender, who (Did you know this?) served in Vietnam. Cause, he shouldn't consider himself a faithful follower of the Catholic Church and it's tenants.

2. May Pope Benedict XVI have a long, and powerful reign, shepherding his flock and serving God as the Holy Spirit guides him.

Art Is More Than Just A First Name

My oldest genetic hostage, the future manager of some world series bound baseball team, mentioned a couple days back, he "will be attending a wind concert at the U of M...". This prompted a discussion in his comment section about culture, and "being or becoming cultured". I got to thinking about same...which prompted the following...

Don't confuse having some sense of culture (or even to some degree "being cultured") as the same thing as being a snob (snobbishness for the sake of snobbishness, pretentious is perhaps closer to the truth for those poor folks). If you are not
"into" the opera, so what? That is not as much a lack of culture as it is a choice in ones personal tastes.

Cultured is more an appreciation for the beauty and genuinely decent things your civilization (culture) has given to mankind at large. Nothing more, nothing less.

Even sports, when taken as the contest(s) of physical ability be it against man, object, or both...can and do produce a visual choreography which transcends the sweat,muscles, blood, and guts, when placed into the hands of a skilled wordsmith, does indeed become every bit high art as any portrait done by Picasso, Gauguin, or Da Vinci, Michelangelo's David. The Sistine Chapel, Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Twain's Huckelberry Finn, Poe's Annabel Lee, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, are all not only a part of our collective culture, but some of the finest works our civilization has produced. The list is almost endless.

Some would argue there are other examples which, in their minds, deserve to be mentioned at ones very first breath, whenever such discussions/lists take place. To those folks I would reply with one of two statements. You are a snob (in the foulest sense of that word). Or you are expressing your freedom of choice to select and believe what you will, as everyone has personal favorites in all facets of the arts. (The last is assuming they are reacting because "their favorite" was not given above, and not out of any shocked/offended state of mind brought about because some lesser being give examples for culture and dared to omit the "obvious to the most simple minded" choices of _____ or ____.)

And as long as we have leapt into the "culture wars" as it were. To those who would, and do promote, in all forms of media...the lowest common denominator as "art" or something to hold out as representative of our culture (and be extension, our civilization). You are charlatans and hucksters of the highest order. To those who in their positions as educators, critics, and promoters of same, I condemn you here and now. Your fostering of what amounts to nothing more then garbage of the soul...the excrement of the human condition and human nature, is beneath the contempt of any who have any "real" love of their culture or civilization. Finally, to those who would willingly purchase or hold up as examples of (high) art....said trash...you are at the very least fools. More in likely, the actions of all parties involved, are part of the cancer (or part of the catalyst for said cancer) seeking to send the culture of western man, and all which is good about our civilization, screaming toward the dustbin of history.

The Cycle Goes Ever On. Long Live Pope Benedict XVI

There is a new Pope. Amid, smoke that changed color from black to white and then to grey, followed a minute or two afterwards by the peeling of the bells. The concave of Cardinals have elected the 264th successor to St. Peter.

The new pontiff has not greeted the faithful as of yet. And until he does so, he is yet unknown, but to the 113 Cardinals who elected him. I will update once he is made public.

UPDATE
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has assumed the leadership of his Catholic flock, as Pope Benedict XVI. Considered by many to continue in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II, upon his announcement to the faithful at St. Peters, cheers erupted from the crowd. May his reign be one of insight, understanding, and guidance toward his worldwide flock, by the grace of God.

The More Things Change...

The urge to produce another passion filled post could not be found. The well of molten thoughts must have a blockage of some sort. The news, more and more, sounds or reads like a poorly produced parody, then as actual events.

I feel a rhythmic stabbing pain just behind my eyes......

"How many scotch soaked cubes do I have to keep tossing to get your attention boy??"

Dad was back in his chair, relaxed, cigar and tumbler of adult beverage at hand, another ice cube at the ready.

"Damn, you couldn't do the stereotypical ghostly thing, and make haunting noises, or levitate something across the room?", I replied while rubbing my temple.

"Well, I had a bet with your over worked and underpaid guardian angel." Dad replied "I said I would get your attention by the fifth cube. He seemed to think it would take at least twenty, and thought he was being generous at that."

"I lost." he added, with a grumble and a toss of the cube in his hand.

The optical brain freeze lasted but a second, How does one "duck" metaphysical ice cubes?

Dad sighed, took a sip and a puff,

"You say the worlds getting crazier with each passing day? That the news seems to be something written by a group of over medicated gag writers? Are your urges to warn people things can't continue on the way they are, being countered by feelings that you're crying out in the wilderness? Is that what's got you down bunky??"

*Sounds of the Washington Post March start trumpeting directly behind dad* I begin to think the ice cubes were not so bad after all...

"WELL Cheer up!" In the space of my first fifty years on this planet, we had everything from soup kitchens and unemployment lines, mustached dictators trying to take over the civilized world, Red scares, to the very real threat of nuclear inhalation. We saw your generation taking over the reins and wondered what in bloody blue blazes was going on. Would you continue with business as usual, or continue the trend we saw of hedonism, and trying to take the easy way out. Well, my generation got rid of the largest communist threat, took care of the original axis of evil, and placed a man on the moon. We gave you the strongest economy and best standard of living the world had ever seen, and along the way knocked out two of the most horrific medical concerns of our and past generations, polio and smallpox. But now you're telling me, things are not so good, the world is going to hell in a hand basket, the government doesn't really seem to be looking out for your or the countries best interests, and a new evil is spreading itself across the globe, while at the same time an old one seeks to take this country down? Is that what you're telling me bun..."

"Stop the music! Enough already!!" I yelled, as I melted the cube in dad's hand with an inwardly directed beam of heat from a close at hand capillary.

"I'm beginning to get your point, I think." I gave him a smile, and tried to rephrase my thoughts. "You are saying, things seem dire in every generation, to some extent or another. And not trying to downplay what you and your generation had to go through, or what y'all did for us. But after hearing all the idiots out there who refuse to see what is really going on in the world these days, putting a spin on this or that point of view to make it more palatable to the public at large. Out and out lying either about what they did or didn't do. Or taking actions which at least on the face of things would amount to nothing less then treason or sedition..."

Dad took another sip of his scotch, and held up his hand for silence. "Okay son, I'll concede the point of my generations problems and challenges being any greater or lesser then what you are facing today. And I think I see a little clearer now what you are driving at. Hell, I'll even get over the fact your hair has stayed much darker then mine was, when I was your age." Dad chuckled as he said that. "Son, there have always been folks who turned a blind eye to what was going on in the world around them. Prior to our entry into WWII, there were still some pretty strong German groups, in America, who sympathized with the Nazis. And a large group of folks who thought none of it was any of our business. Probably some of the same ones who didn't want us to get involved in the first war over there."

"When the reds became a concern, there were small but vocal groups who thought old Uncle Joe Stalin was no concern either. Even after he was replaced by Kruchiev, they still thought we had no reason or right to impose our way of life on other peoples. Hell, both of us were around to see what happened when the media, certain folks in the government, and a bunch of misguided and misinformed folks helped to win the Vietnam conflict...for the other side."

My specter father rummaged around for another cigar, and finding same, clipped the end and lit it up. He also took another sip of scotch. I was enjoying the conversation. I hadn't remembered my father talking about the events of the day, with us, for any great length of time, while he was in a more corporal form. Then again, as is the case with most kids, perhaps I wasn't listening.

"Look son", Dad continued, "I'm not going to paint a pie in the sky picture for you here. Fact is, it is every bit as bad now as it was when we heard the news on the morning of December 7th of '41. Yes, the battles for Afghanistan, and it appears, Iraq, are all but finished. But the evil behind them is still at large and unlike what we fought, tends to hide in the shadows waiting for the right time and place to strike. Looking back, maybe if things had been a little harder for your generation, well, perhaps some of the old values, customs, and manners would still be stronger then they are now."

"But you can't let the bastards grind you down. If nothing else, you still have the ballot box to bring about change. The gasbags in DC still understand who it is that allows them to stay where they are. And if enough folks get behind someone who is closer to their line of thinking, why it can still be a case of out with the old and in with the new. I see how things are going, down your way. We have access to all the media up where I am. And we have a good chunk of the founding fathers up here too. Why I saw Sam Adams speak just the other day. He is not a happy camper let me tell you! Sam said something about all the work they did to give America something special. A framework, that given enough time, could allow men the opportunity to reach for, and perhaps, achieve the fullness of human potential. But when they got to the point in time where America should have really shined, leading the world to realizing any and all dreams, limited only by mankind's technical ability to reach them, you had folks in congress, the senate, and the oval office, who were more interested in promoting their own agendas and trying to define what *is* is."

Dad took a break and seemed to be looking for something. "Son, where can a spook rustle up something to munch on?"

Ice cube attack or not, I couldn't resist...."Dad, are you looking for food (of) forethought?" This caused my father phantom to cough and sputter, spraying his scotch, then looking for a hanky. My guardian angel appeared, handed dad a hanky, and gave me a look which immediately brought to mind the commandment about honoring ones father and mother, and how I was in grave danger of having just violated same. In self defense I mumbled something about paybacks for ice cubes and bets. This in turn, well, up till, now I didn't know angels could blush. Being this was close enough to a day dream, I produced a plate with a couple of pieces of pineapple upside down cake on it, for Dad (his favorite), as a peace offering. He was now back in his chair, taking note of the cake, shook his head with a hint of a smile, and commenced to taking a bite of same.

"No, Dad" I said, "I won't give up the fight. It just concerns me more and more with each passing day, we are going to end up fighting a two front war. One here, at home, against all who would seek to stomp on the constitution to meet their own agendas. And with any number of enemies and agents across both seas, who would seek to see not only this country, but Western civilization as well, become a swiftly fading memory. I wonder about our elected officials, and I am talking about the ones who are supposed to be on *our side*, and what appears to be their almost complete lack of cajones. I wonder about a President, who seems, most of the time, to have such a clear vision about how to deal with the foreign threats, but at the same time appears to be really out of touch with the majority of the electorate regarding domestic issues."

Dad finished the cake, and took a swig of the scotch. "Hey, these two kinda go good together!" It was my turn to grimace, which brought a chuckle from the reclining ectoplasm. "Look, he said, "there is still time, and hope. If enough people of like minds are able to work together and make their feelings known, and voices heard....look what a group of just over 250 fella's did in the months up to your last national elections. They were probably one of the single greatest forces in causing him to lose his bid for the white house. And that was only 250 or so voices. Imagine what could be done with 500...5000...10,000...or more!"

"What was that line....oh yes, in fact Adams used it when he was pontificating yesterday, by Burke as I recall...."The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." It appears too many good men are doing exactly that. But keep up your writing, and stir up that pot!"

The ghost with a twinkle in his eye, placed the plate to the side of the chair, lit his cigar, and continued. "Maybe this will help a bit too. You remember when you first went into the Navy?"

"Yes, yes I do."

"And over the course of that first year or two", Dad continued, " you remember what you found out about your old high school classmates?"

I thought about it for a moment, and smiled. "That a number of them both remembered me, and thought better of me then I would have guessed?"

Dad smiled too "That's part of it, but there where two things I remember, two people who you had some effect on."

"You mean, Bill and Mike?", I asked.

"Bingo!" he replied.

I remembered shortly after I had come back from, either my avionics training, or after my first tour of duty, a mutual friend of my best friend Jim, and I had gone in to the Navy via OCS. His name was Bill. While on leave, we had all met up at one of the local pizza joints. Now, when the three of us had been together in the past, Jim and Bill seemed to focus on events and items of interest, at the exclusion of other parties present. This time 'round Bill and I a bond which hadn't been there before. Bill, mentioned at one point that evening, his respect for me had gone up a notch or two after he experienced what Navy life was all about. It seems I had, unknown to me, influenced his choice of service to some extent.

Mike, was another classmate, in fact our lockers were fairly close together. Though we were little more then acquaintances throughout high school, due to different social circles, and interests. We bumped into each other while attending our respective advanced training schools while in Memphis TN. Turns out he had heard I went in the Navy, and had done the same not long after. We spent the following Memorial Day "three day weekend" bringing his car back down to Memphis.

There were others who thought I was an ok enough guy. But outside of my circle of friends I was unaware of them, more out of ignorance, then anything else. (Who after all, I had thought at the time, would really notice, much less care, about me.) Once again Dad was right. We often knowingly effect others, but more often then not there are many more, we are not aware of, who's lives, to a lesser or greater extent, are influenced by what we think, do, or say.

And sometimes it takes a ghost, who cares, to bring a reminder of this.

"Thanks Dad, for both the perspective check and the reminder."

"You are more then welcome son. Keep up the good fight. And now I must be off to see about settling up with a certain guardian angel. Take care of yourself, I'll be back soon enough. I love you son."

I inwardly chuckled, before returning to the here and now, giving him a final metaphysical hug, thought, "I love you too Dad."

With that said, he smiled, drained the last of the scotch from his glass, stuck the cigar in the corner of his mouth, and faded out.

Odds and Ends

To the best of my knowledge, I have tried to list the newest members of my blog roll as they were given their own berthing/pierage. But sometimes things get put off, or real life takes precedence. Anyhow, though I may have visited many of these quality sites, I have been remiss in bringing them to you the readers attention. Though some are more well known then others, they all have individual characteristics and charms of their own to recommend them. They all deserve a hearty "Welcome Aboard!".

A Small Victory Even though she's a Yankee fan (we all have our crosses to bear), she is sassy, saucy and a good read.

Ace Of Spades HQ He always seems to be going at 110%, and he liked Sin City.

Anarchangel Chris likes Sin City too. He's literally and figuratively, a straight shooter with always something of interest to say.

The Anchoress A strong centered woman and it shows in her writing, not to be missed.

Emigre With A Digital Cluebat This gent comes from a strong blogging family. A joy to read.

Eric's Grumbles From The Grave Another strong writer, who is a fan of Heinlein (always a plus).

Feisty Repartee This lady can hold her head and pen up with the best of 'em. Her tag teamed stories with other bloggers are not to be missed.

Geek With A 45 His passion about the potential raping of bloggers First Amendment guarantees, prompted him to start a new bloggers group here. The man wields a mighty pen as well.

Hog On Ice Steve is always cooking something up at his site, in more ways then one. He also enjoys educating folks from foreign places who have large sums of money they want to "share" with YOU.

Liberty Bob Bob has a way with words which more often then not will bring a smile to your face....or maybe that is just because he lives in Iowa, give him a look, and you be the judge.

Making Tomorrow's Military Today Air Force Recruiter and family man, yet with all that he finds time to blog. And if you are between the ages of 18-34 and in his neck of the woods, go talk with him, it may be the best thing you ever did.

Pajama Pundits She may be in her pajamas, but her wordsmithing will not put you to sleep, check 'er out.

Precinct 333 An educator with a refreshing conservative outlook. He will always give you something to think about.

SlaggleRock Another gent in uniform, currently somewhere overseas. Did I mention he comes from a family of well known bloggers? Check him out and see who *they* are.

Swanky Conservative Anyone with a chilled martini glass on their Masthead, and a clear (not shaken or stirred) headed point of view, is welcome here.

Target Centermass An Army "doggie" whose politics and opinions are right on target (a good thing being a Tanker and all).

The Royal Flush A great place to go when you want to see what some of the daily bright spots are in the blogosphere. As a certain "Reynolds fella" might say, "The Royal Flush? A pat hand indeed."

WuzzaDem John will make you laugh (so you know in advance about beverages and such being near the keyboard/monitor). I think he had my better half in tears, or she rolled over her toes with her computer chair again, in any case this is a very good spot to take a break from the daily grind. You won't be disappointed.

Yippie Ki Yay I like McGehee, wouldn't mind sharing a beer or two with the guy. He is sharp and often time humorous. He is only last on my list cause it's in alphabetical order, and not due to any shortage of quality.

Again, welcome aboard to y'all, and thanks for giving me so much reading pleasure.

Public Schools, What Are They Really Teaching?

My better half posted here, about one of the (many) concerns we have with the public school system. The kids seem to be spending more time either *cribbing* for state wide exams, learning skills which are not needed at their particular grade level, or given time to build their a) self esteem/expression b)socialization skills c)coping skills with real life examples of situational ethics (see the cribbing comment above).

So, what do kids do with the values and skills they take on board? Here is a damn sad and disgusting example. And lets set it up with the following.

Why everyone knows oral sex is not "really sex". And sometimes a fella just has to get a much needed boost to his self esteem. And yeah, using someone else to satisfy your needs is not right but when ...(well, you fill in the excuses used by teenage barbarians these days. Then take a minute to think about where they might have gotten the idea at any time or with any person the following is acceptable behavior..."Situational ethics" which are, at the very least, passively promoted in most schools, is the only thing which comes to mind. Other than that, I sure as hell can't.)

This, is what brought up this post (and the bile in my throat).

There should be a full investigation by the local law enforcement agencies. Perhaps the local child services agents should be investigating as well. Not looking into the parents of the injured child, but the adults who promoted this climate to exist. And allowed, with full knowledge (it initially appears, to be after the fact) the acts which took place. Or at least attempted to excuse and or cover them up.

And if I was the father of this girl, I would get as many other fathers together arm same and save the state/local agencies time and expense...cause there would be lots of either target practice, and or "educator, rope, tree....some assembly required going on at that school. And I wonder when we are going to hear "She was asking for it/wanted to do it. It's not our (my) fault" It is times like this I wish I had a range near by to go blow off some steam at.

The Divide

And so it goes....

The MSM leaps from one event to another. Applying it's razor sharp agenda filled fangs with practiced skill. Those children out there, driven by their emotions, and not by reality, along with the blissfully ignorant (comfortable Americans all), lap up the media's version of "opiate for the masses".

The Pope was a great spiritual leader BUT...

It's great the Iraqis have their freedom, and Bush (no prior Presidential pronoun *paleeese*) may have been partially justified in going in BUT...

It appears there is a growing concern over the number of *undocumented workers entering this country. We could have arrived at a solution for this BUT...

We demand our *rights*! And we would be heard, accepted, and assimilated into society BUT...

The list seems to be ever growing, almost never ending.

And so it goes.

If you are not thought of as being "equal" in our society, perhaps it is not as much societies fault as it is yours. If you seek it by using either pop science, pseudo psychology, "in your face activism", complete disdain and denouncement of mainstream society mores and or moral underpinnings, then what were you realistically expecting

When a "sea change" in how we react, or our actions...regarding life and its intrinsic value...allows for death to be placed above all else, which side do you err on? Does the fetus, the (truly) PVS, the "minimally conscious", the old and infirmed, have the same "inalienable rights" as the rest of us? Or are we, however slightly, tipping the scale, favoring "a culture of death"?

Do you bow to the great god of diversity? Are those who follow (a faction or factions of) one of the largest religious faiths, nothing more than misunderstood, uneducated "insurgents"? (Who got the way they are on account of the evil capitalistic west?) Is a person to be granted favors by the state/society based on past transgressions of said society .... forever? Is/are the troubles, concerns, roadblocks in your life caused by your parents, the state, society, "the man"? Is your *victimhood* absolving you of all responsibility?

This country, our culture, Western civilization....is divided and the gap widens day by day. How you felt after reading the above and how you answered the questions posed, will give you a clue as to which side of the divide you may be on.

_________________

There have been spirited debates over what is the best course on any given issue, for as many years as we have been a Republic...and we have been keenly divided before. But in the modern history of this country the last time a "liberal" in power placed country before self, said this:

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather, what you can do for your country!"

That was over 40 years ago. Many of the seeds, though not all, which gave rise for our current divide, were planted during that time frame. (Some were planted far earlier, read up on Thomas Dewy and the Department of Education, started under FDR, for one example.) The shots heard in a Dallas plaza only hastened more planting. (It should also be said, what caused the intellectual elite to realize the time was right for planting...was the allowing of the very fertile top soil of civility to be eroded away. A story unto itself...for another time.) The war which followed, spurred the watering. The bringing down of a Presidency gave approval to the media, allowing them to use innuendo, half truths and opinion, in their "reporting". This nurtured and fertilized the divide. And it grew.

We watched it grow. The far right, and religious right, started sounding the alarm. There were many who wanted things to return to what they had been like in (at least) the early 60's. That most felt, to some degree or another, this might also bring a return of a number of the ills which were also present then, saw this clarion call muted.

We gave into many demands. Even many on the right gave into what was thought of as good intentions (at least by the right) The liberals had other agendas. Instead of giving the perceived "wronged party" the tools to succeed, and the knowledge to use same, they gave them a wink, a nod, and promises of a patronizing (read that as demeaning) nature. "We know what is best for you. We know you are too weak to do this on your own. We know you want to be allowed to do anything, so we will change the rules to your benefit. We know in our heart of hearts you are not, and never will be of equal in stature to us. But, if we can keep you under our thumb, by giving you sweets and hugs instead of the tools needed to be on an equal footing, you will still "feel good" and let us get on with the business at hand." We "all" let the social engineers take charge...and this mindset was allowed to permeate all parts of government and society. Sensitivity was the by word of the age. Political correctness, became yet another of the new gods to constantly bow before, and give thanks to, for ones becoming more "sensitive and enlightened".
Not all of America gave into this mindnumbing mindset. Still, with but slight rumbling, the divide grew.

The Communists of old Russia fell, as did most of their satellite states. Many saw this as the dawn of a new age. The last of the 20th century's evils was crushed and lay dying. Truly swords could be beaten into plowshares. There were any number of folks (even those with conservative leanings) who believed it was time to take a hard look at the military and the warrior mentality kept alive by the cold war. "Why, we will never see an evil as large or as formidable again." "Man has learned from past mistakes, let's address the nation's and the world's social issues." The warning shots fired by the despots and fanatics of the Middle East (and elsewhere) went unnoticed for what they really were. Much like we did in the 30's, we slept again. Some, did not, their voices either unheard or dismissed.
If the divide did not grow wider, it at least grew stronger, ignorance and delusion fortified it.

We saw the first "baby boomer" become President. He was charismatic, affable, seemed to be (as portrayed by our "friends" in the MSM) centrist in his policies. Two terms were given him. He lied...to us, and though he would never admit it, to himself. (And you are sadly mistaken if you think I am talking about a stained dress, a cigar, and all that mess. Read up on what he gave the Chicoms in technology and other information/deals..... Oh, and something or another about being able to get a hold of a middle eastern player named Osama...) There was an election, it saw a country almost evenly divided. At the time, little did we know, the "right man for the job to come" did win. The divide was solid. The divide, like the country slept.

September 11, 2001

The nation awoke from it's sleep. For a very short time "The Divide" appeared to be non existent. It was but biding time. Within months there was stirring, new feelers being put out, to see just how "together" we were in going to do battle with a now recognized enemy. It was perplexing. This evil had no real tie to any one nation-state. It was more like a cancer...it ate at a countries insides and changed it ...giving (it) form as nothing more then a (if to western eyes) backward religious theocracy. But we hadn't the "right" to fight against that did we? As long as they didn't come to our shores? "The divide" saw this and made it part of its own. Ignore the evil....there is really no terrorism here...these are but "insurgents", freedom fighters, "Minutemen". "It is, after all, the fault of western man and western culture, these things are the way they are. This is true in the Middle East, and in South East Asia, and in North Korea. Oh, and if we just leave China alone, they will take care of themselves...for we have no moral or ethical or national security right(s) to go and keep them in check or demand any sort of accountability."

"The Divide" was strong, it was firm. Despite losing a bid for control in the last major political expression of the people, if possible, it would grow stronger, by morphing into something which could place it in power the next time. "The Divide" lies, and cheats, and works toward quieting ones freedom of speech. It says (as it always has) what those who live by feelings, and not actions, want to hear.

"The Divide" will test it's strength in about a year and a half. Then it will fine tune itself, to try electing the next occupant for the oval office in 2008.

The evil we fight overseas (and may have to face over here if things do not change) is kin to "The Divide". We ignore both at our peril.

All I know is there are two sides to "The Divide", and one of them is not only against most everything I stand for and believe, (and not interested in the least in finding honest solutions to everything which concerns our country today) it is only interested in advancement of self, and by default strengthening "The Divide".

And you silly people who think I am only addressing the left....there are folks on the right who also are out only for themselves. (Any one who says George Bush slap yourself hard and sit down...he is far from perfect....but if I hear one more "He is doing it for the oil!" I am going to buy a $55.00 barrel of it and shove it down your throat! Pat Robertson, and Farwell would be closer to the truth, as far as mindsets go, Senator McCain, is very high on the list as well.) They want to keep "The Divide" in place and growing. It gives them power. They seek not to resolve the issues behind it. Or back up their oaths of office or their honor, in (perhaps) realizing the tree of liberty may be in dire need of pruning. This would place their power at risk. No, they like "The Divide" almost as much as the "useful idiots" on the other side.

To misquote/rewrite part of an old Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song:

"Won't you please come to your senses,
Or else join the other side.
We can change the world,
Re arrange the world,
It's dying
To get better."

So, which side of "The Divide" are you on?

Hi Soldier

Seems ol Russ has been getting favorable response to his last bit of verse about Jane "Ho Chi Min was my main man" Fonda. That, and this from FOX seems to have caused his muse to burst forth anew. So without further adieu.....here's Russ.

*Sniff* I like a poem with a happy ending!

Listening to stories of a war gone by

I have on occasion listened to a "book on tape" while traveling from duty station to duty station. But tonight my ears are feasting on a CD compilation of a WEB Griffin novel, "The Fighting Agents". Yes, a grand parade of characters, fictional and "real", intermingling in a richly woven tapestry of historical fiction. Only Griffin IMHO can provide/produce this, so well.

While listening, to a tale of battles against an old foe, the here and now interrupts.

The Pulizer Prize(s) and the winners of each category were announced over the course of the past few days. As evidenced by the submitted selections, of photos, political cartoons, and all other materials, those who won in their respective categories, are persons who espouse and support the left and their many agendas. They show a consistent lack of anything approaching either a belief in their (our) countries agenda in ridding the world of the evils befalling it now, or in showing ALL SIDES in anyway approaching a fair, balanced, or impartial manner. In short, whether subtly by selecting photos, phrases, using specific words, or in painting a picture, which may give a nod to US forces (or objectives). More often then not, they at the very least give aid and comfort to the enemy. Seeking to get interviews and press releases from despots, dictators, and "insurgent forces" (read terrorists). But when was the last time any of them *really* sought to present the thoughts/ideas/agendas of the US and her allies in such a way as to foster either a greater support for said ideas? (Be it for consumption here in the home front, or for the rest of the world to digest.)

The simple answer, they have not. They will not go against the pablum fed to most since their days in college (and I am willing to bet in some cases, even further back then that). The seeds of the leftist/socialist/statist ideals, planted by a cynical ivory tower elite, bears new fruit daily, on our TVs, in our newspapers, and on our radios. There is no love for what might be called the traditional Representative Republic as set forth by our founding fathers and paid for with the blood of men and women of good will. Yes, they claim to love America, but love of country and it's cherished beliefs and institutions is not what is driving them. Rather, they seek to change this country into a mirrored image of imagined socialist/statist "utopian dreams", which were fed to them by the very same elitist intelligentsia who reward a favored few with something once valued and strived for by all. The Pulizer. It's awarding used to be based on ones merit, not their idealogy.

It seems the old fourth estate, once lauded as "the unseen leg of (our) government", has become nothing more, and nothing less, then a collective of "fifth columnists.

Oh, and for those of you out there who should care to criticize me, asking what right do I have talking about the folks who went at least close to harms way in getting the story or the photo. (Which was, in the end, what got them their award.) No, my liberal whining, sanctimonious, sheltered and well fed (in Philadelphia) asshat, I was not there. For as much as I tried to re-enlist, in the same service which was my home for 20 years, in the days immediately following 9/11, they were not taking prior service or retired personnel. If they call tomorrow I will go willingly. Would you do the same?

Odds and Ends

There has been trials and tribulations befalling some of the good people of the blogosphere. Mrs. Smash is recuperating after a riding accident, and Da Goddess also has medical concerns. A kind word, thought, or prayer directed their way would be a good thing.

And proving there is balance of sorts, even in the blogosphere, there is excellent news coming out of Florida. My friend Bob is a grandfather!! Welcome to the world Matthew!

Ode To Hanoi Jane

Wow, twice in one week! It's Russ, and the hits keep on coming. This time he sets his sights on a gal who has been photographed more than once behind active anti-aircraft embankments in SE Asia. She should have been placed in front of a firing squad upon her return to the US. But read on gentle reader, Russ says it much better then I.

Hans Blix, International Man of Misery

Well, it seems the Swedish version of Inspector Clouseau, Hans Blix, speaks again. Hans, once again, confirms what was already a well known fact, he's an asshat. At least that "other" egomaniac asshat in the news (sorta), Jimmy "Why can't I go too" Carter, was successful enough to become President (granted, one of the worst the country has ever had....but that's another story). Blix, who's fifteen minutes of fame was over at least a year ago, thanks to the "fair and balanced" Pulitzer winning folks at AP, offers more pearls of wisdom, funny they look like rabbit pellets to me.....

Blix says war motivated by oil
07:46 AEST Thu Apr 7 2005

AP - Former UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix has said that oil was one of the reasons for the US-led invasion of Iraq, a Swedish news agency reports.

"I did not think so at first. But the US is incredibly dependent on oil," news agency TT quoted Blix as saying at a security seminar in Stockholm.

"They wanted to secure oil in case competition on the world market becomes too hard."

Hmmm, oil, before the war, was somewhere in the mid twenties, often lower then that. Now it is holding around $50.00 or more a barrel. Over the past year or so, the "Wall Street Journal" has not made mention of any American oil companies stock rising due to "new acquisition" in the mid-east, specifically Iraq.

Hey Hans!!! Here is a clue, if we wanted to take control of the oil, or at the very least extort get a "military discount" on what it costs us per barrel, ya think we don't have the ability to do so? Or should we have gone the route you boys in the UN and France did?

Blix, who helped oversee the dismantling of Iraq's weapons programs before the war, said another reason for the invasion was a need to move US troops from Saudi Arabia, TT reported.

Yeah, we want our troops stationed in the worlds largest sandtrap. Hey, I got an idea, let's "invade" Iraq! We need the room, and staying or staging out of Europe is sooooo Sept 10, 2001. I didn't know we had a lease in Saudi that was due to expire? But, in a "head up your ass" kinda way, ol Hans *is* kinda right. We did need to move some of our troops out of Saudi Arabia into Iraq because that's why it is CALLED an invasion! Then again, had we not invaded, and left the Mid-East, the "oil for food" scandal would have been able to go on for a much longer time. So I guess having the UN's favorite little Swede continue to "massage the truth" is to be expected.

Competition over oil is creating tension between the United States and China, Blix said, suggesting nuclear power as a more environmentally friendly source of energy.

Well now! Thanks Hans! All we need to do to get along with our "Asian brothers ™ " is to set them up with nuclear reactors and our problems with them will be over! And that worked sooo well for Clinton and his crones with the funky looking little Buddha like fella in North Korea!

I believe the greatest threat in the long term is the greenhouse effect," said Blix, who's become a vocal critic of US leaders since he retired from the UN last year.

Besides the AP stating the obvious (Hans, a critic of US leaders? Hey, ya think someone is still unaware of that? Tell ya what AP, hear is another "heads up" for ya free of charge; "John Kerry served in Viet Nam!" Don't let that out too soon, lets keep that one just between us *wink*).

Oh, and Hans, the hot air and rhetoric escaping from your pie hole probably contributes as much toward the environwakos global warming/greenhouse effect as anything else. So be a big man, and take that first major step toward a cleaner environment.....shut your mouth!

He defended the United Nations, despite recent scandals including allegations of corruption in the oil-for-food program for Iraq.

"The criticism is, in my view, a revenge from American political circles for the defeat over Iraq," Blix was quoted as saying.

Hey mister AP editor, shouldn't that be "because of recent scandals" instead of "despite recent scandals"? Oh, never mind...we wouldn't want the truth to get in the way of the "AP op-ed style sheet ™ ".

Blix, ol buddy, a couple of things here....and I know you are not one to let the facts get in the way of what ever exits your yapper, but here goes.

1. The evidence points to massive corruption in the highest levels of the UN and a number of foreign state circles (See France/Germany/Russia). And a former dictators...despots leader of a major oil producing nation.

2. "Defeat over Iraq"... Wouldn't that imply we lost? That would sure be news to the former fearless leader ™of Iraq, his sons, and all those other crazy folks who are now either in chains, or beginning the first stages of becoming part of the worlds oil reserve. You scamp, have you been chatting with "Baghdad Bob again"?

Maybe the UN should send Hans over to Canada, and see if his amazing skills of deduction can get to the bottom of our neighbor to the north's little Adscam concern. Naaa, even I couldn't do that to Canada.

The Cubs Are In FIRST PLACE

I have been having an ongoing argument with my oldest genetic hostage Stephen about the status of the Cubs before they had played their first game. I said "everyone is in first place to start with" until the games begin. He said no, they had to play a game in order to be in that position. Well, the Cubs SPANKED the Diamondbacks 16-6. Everyone in the lineup got a hit today. They posted the best win they have ever had since 1899.

Go CUBBIES!!

Liberal Experts

It is my pleasure to say, Russ strikes again. Read and enjoy.

Russ Vaughn
2d Bn, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division
Vietnam 65-66

Hi, My Name Is Guy, And I Am A Bibliophile

Varifrank ponders on one man making a difference. His examples start off with a list of those who in many different ways touched countless numbers of lives, and even in their passing, will continue to do so, long after they are gone. He goes on to give a singular and stunning example of one who made a change in his life. As always an excellent read, and in the case of this post, one that got me thinking about who made a difference in my life.

There are, the obvious answers, your parents, any brothers or sisters, grandparents, perhaps a favorite Aunt or Uncle. In my case, all the above played a part, to a greater or lesser extent, in me being who I am today. But lets look for some one outside the envelope of "family", as Varifrank's post seems to be addressing this aspect.

In my case, it was a friend of my parents daughter. We (due to what I thought at the time to be a case of overprotective parents) were under some kind of "adult" supervision, until I reached my teens, when my folks went out on any given evening.

Now, the young lady who came and had us as her charges for the evening, was no more than 4 or 5 years my senior. Her name was Mary Saltzer. (Her mother was my high school journalism teacher a short six years later.) Mary loved, books, the theater, and classical music. She was not one for watching TV, as a rule. Mary was *not* your typical older teen/young adult in the mid sixties. But she would talk for hours about books, from the classics to current fiction.

Up until this particular point in time, I liked to read this or that, and of course was "into" comic books, as most any boy that age. Still, I had no burning love for books...they were "okay", but nothing special.

Mary was to change that on one of her last visits as a "sitter". She brought two paperback books for me to read, a copy of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and a collection of short stories by Robert Bloch (of "Psycho" fame). That, my friends, was the spark, which ignited kindling placed by my parents and others.

This all started with Shakespeare and Block. Followed by Bradbury and Asimov, Uris and Steinbeck, Tolkien and Heinlein, the list goes ever on. Mary, give this gift freely and without reservation. She was the one person who caused this day dreaming kid, to love reading the thoughts, ideas, and day dreams of others.

It was (and continues) to be the most pleasurable of addictions. In the past 35+ years of collecting books from garage sales, resale shops, used book stores, library book sales, and the regular gamut of book and department stores, I can not get enough to stop this "reading jones". I have given away hundreds, over the years, and still they pile up. (At a much slower rate than in the past, though there always seems to be another calling me demanding I take it home.) I try to use the library as my main source, but they often times do not have the book(s) I am looking for, or when the urge strikes to look for a new fix something to read, they are closed. So more books are purchased.

But, as with any addict, one does not want to be alone in their habit. No, selfish bastard that I am I seek to pass this infatuation with the printed page on to future generations. It is one of my wishes in life, to "infect" at least one of my children or grand children.

As the pulp fiction germ torch was passed to me so should it be passed on to others. "Hey, boys what bed time story do you want to hear tonight....?"

Oh, and Mary, where ever you are, thank you.

Giovanni Paulo Due, Karol Joseph Wojtyla, 1920-2005

AP is reporting at this hour, via the Vatican, Pope John Paul II, Karol Joseph Wojtyla has died.

The Catholic Church and I parted ways a number of years back. Indeed, I have had a number of concerns about organized religion. And certainly the Catholic Church has of late been embroiled in controversy (especially here in America).

Still, I have always kind of admired John Paul II. His life and his joy of living seemed to be at odds with how one might (stereotypically) consider a religious figurehead to be.

Here is a part of a biography taken from here.

Born in Wadowice, Poland in 1920, Karol Wojtyla was an energetic youth: an excellent student and an enthusiastic athlete. His mother died when he was 9, and his only brother a few years later; Karol spent most of his early years living with his father, a retired military officer. Father and son moved to Krakow when Karol enrolled as a student at the famed Jagiellonian University there.

World War II interrupted the young man's education, and he worked as a laborer-- first in a stone quarry, later in a chemical plant-- during the days, while active with an underground theater troupe in the evenings. It was also during World War II that he began secretly studying for the priesthood, eventually hiding in the archbishop's residence when the Nazi occupation began arresting seminarians.

He was ordained to the priesthood in 1946. After completing studies in Rome and Krakow that eventually brought him two doctoral degrees, he settled in to his duties as a parish priest, combining that pastoral work with a successful career as a theology professor at the Catholic University in Lublin.

In 1959 Father Wojtyla was named an auxiliary bishop, and in 1964 he became Archbishop of Krakow; he was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Paul VI in 1967. The young Polish prelate was an enthusiastic participant in the work of the Second Vatican Council, taking a particularly active role in drafting Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.

The autumn of 1978 was a turbulent time at the Vatican. Pope Paul VI succumbed to a lengthy illness, and his immediate predecessor, Pope John Paul I, died suddenly after just 33 days in office. Gathering for third second conclave in barely over a month, the College of Cardinals selected Cardinal Wojtyla, then 58 years old, to be the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years.

From the outset, the papacy of John Paul II has had a galvanizing impact on the Catholic world. The energetic young Pontiff, who had once aspired to become an actor, showed a remarkable ability to communicate directly with large crowds. He undertook a busy travel schedule, explaining that he considered it his task to be the world's foremost missionary. Since 1978 he has made over 100 trips outside Italy (and another 250 inside that country)-- visiting over 130 countries, logging nearly 800,000 travel miles, and speaking to crowds that frequently exceeded 500,000.

# His long pontificate has been dotted with achievements. Among the most significant: John Paul II-- who had conducted a quiet power struggle for years with Communist authorities, during his tenure as Archbishop of Krakow-- played a pivotal role in the development of the Solidarity movement in his native Poland, and eventually in the collapse of the Soviet empire.
# The Pope, who nourishes a fervent personal devotion to the Virgin Mary, has strongly encouraged the same devotion among the faithful. In 2002 he shocked the Catholic world by adding five new mysteries to the most popular traditional Marian prayer, the Rosary.
# Since his days as a parish priest, working with young couples who would become lifelong friends, Wojtyla has labored to help the faithful understand marriage as a Christian vocation and a reflection of divine love. His weekly meditations on "the theology of the body" helped Catholics to understand human sexuality in a profound new way. At the same time, Pope John Paul ceaselessly exhorted Christians to preserve the "culture of life" in the face of attacks such as abortion, euthanasia, divorce, and contraception.
# As a trained philosopher, the Pontiff insisted that religious faith could and should be reconciled with rational argument and scientific logic. His encyclical Veritatis Splendor (1993) underlined the claims of absolute truth, and in Fides et Ratio (1998) he argued forcefully the Western culture has been damaged by the unnatural divorce of faith from reason.

Was he perfect? No, and who of us is? He was however, IMHO, the most interesting and charismatic leader the Roman Catholic Church has had in the past 50 years. (As far as it goes, I could say religious leader "period". But your mileage may vary.) In any case, the world has seen the passing of one who did much to better it.

Rest in Peace, in the arms of God.

Update
Precinct 333 has a list of potential pontiffs and his final farewell here.

Linux battles part duo And Odds and Ends

Well, I am trying some different memory for the kids computer and seeing what the end result will be. So far I now have video, where all I had last time was text. It appears the additional memory did the trick. Updates as they become available (Or I run out of adult beverages tension reliever.)

I have noticed in the past week or so, I am getting a lot of good feedback/conversation on some of my scribbles. Stephen, Eric, Riverdog, Aaron, and Bob, thanks for the comments and or linky goodness. (I may not agree with everything you put forth in your comments, and of course you may not be in lock step with what I post. But that would make for very boring conversations indeed.*grin*)

Hanoi Jane

Neal Boortz, Brings up a point of view I strongly agree with.

The former Mrs. Ted Turner, Jane Fonda, has come out with a new book. She is making the rounds doing publicity...and she has given an interview to '60 Minutes' that will air this Sunday. In it, she admits (sort of) that she was wrong to go to North Vietnam and visit an anti-aircraft gun site used to shoot down U.S. pilots. Well isn't that nice....but she's a bit late, don't you think?

Fonda says that her trip to the gun site some 33 years ago was a "betrayal" of the U.S. military, its soldiers and "the country that gave me privilege." She calls the picture of her sitting on the enemy gun barrel the largest lapse of judgment she can imagine. Really. So what about the whole decision to visit North Vietnam in the first place? She won't apologize for that. No, Hanoi Jane will only apologize for posing for pictures with enemy weaponry. She won't apologize for being photographed with American POWs, nor will she apologize for going on Radio Hanoi and being a propaganda mouthpiece for the Viet Cong.

Jane Fonda gave aid and comfort to the enemy of the United States during a time of war. We used to call that treason, and there are people sitting in prison for it. Somehow, Jane Fonda got away with it...and now she wants us all to relieve her of her guilty conscience.

This also brings up my own Jane Fonda story ™ . Back when I was married to wife #1, she had was in a "Is my butt to big phase?" (I of course answered: "Your butt looks fine to me dear" but that is another story) Anyhow, she was working her way through a number of exercise tapes (they were the rage back then), and a friend made her a copy of one of the "Jane Fonda Workout Tapes". I found it quite by accident, while looking for a copy of "Flesh Gordon" or some such. Well, imagine my surprise, when I came upon Hanoi Jane bending over in a leotard..... I did what any red blooded American Navyman would have done (especially one who had friends and fellow Sailors who served "in country"), I erased the tape completely. And let her know exactly why any of "that traitorous bitches work was not welcome in our house. She understood, but I did get flack from my mother...go figure.

Neal Boortz is quite correct...Sorry Jane, too little too late. Maybe if you put your money where your mouth is and build a retirement home for vets...or donate a large chunk of your monies to the VA...then your actions will validate your words. Just a thought.