Ignore the News....

...and maybe it will go away. That seems to be the case, with the local daily's coverage of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Fifth Amendment. The day after SCOTUS ruled on the Fifth Amendment and killed same, the Chicago Tribune carried a front page Headline, with story down almost to the fold. The local excuse for a major daily...NOTHING. Over the course of the past few days I continued looking at the front page (at the local grocers), still nothing. Went through this weeks archives for opinion columns (on their online site). Found one op-ed piece on the 28th. Which was not leftist (a surprise in itself), but failed to state in plain English whether they were (editorially) for or against the ruling.

Amazingly enough the senior voice at said paper, has at least one op-ed piece on the legislation activity regarding amending the Constitution for preventing burning the flag. And I will have to...as much as it pains me...agree with the Register Star. As a political statement (only) I think it should be allowed to happen. I would never do it myself, and indeed might become very indignant of someone who did. But, they should have the freedom to do so. Just as they should be aware of the passions which would be aroused by their act, and be willing to accept the consequences for their action.

So, let's see here we have a relatively minor bit of legislation (it would still have to go through the Senate and then be approved by *x* number of states before it could ever be added to the Constitution, let alone any action by the Supreme Court which may declare it unconstitutional on it's face .....though figure the odds of that happening.) And we have the out and out elimination of one of the Bill of Rights, a done deal, by the Supreme Court....regardless of political stance, one would think the paper had an obligation to present the major story even if it met the other would be kept on the back burner for the moment. Sadly (or judging by the papers political stance) predictably, this was not the case.

It wouldn't even be as big a deal if there were competing dailies in our area. But there is not...and the people of the Rock River Valley are the poorer for it.

This is a Test. It is only a Test

Thanks to Billy Budd at American Dinosaur, my curiosity got the better of me. By following the link at his site (which links to the very same place mine does) I went and took part in "Science in progress" ™ . Click on the button above, and you can also be a part of same.

News? What News?

Listening to the news at 11am (ABC's Midwestern "corporate" station. Top story, The wildfires out west. followed by Florida beaches are all open, after the shark incidents of a day or so ago. With a mention of the President speaking tonight. And that for the most part, was it.

Nothing on the rulings by SCOTUS from yesterday, or earlier last week. Guess the loss of one Amendment is not considered newsworthy. And maybe they are getting tired of the ten commandments cause there was no major discussion along those lines either. As for mentioning the President's speech.....I think it is more a case of the vultures circling over what they think is going to be fresh meat. In other words, the MSM is expecting President Bush to capitulate to moonbat pressure and announce a time frame for getting the troops out of Afghanistan/Iraq. Up to now, he has stated we will be there "for as long as it takes". I hate to be the one to break it to them, but I don't see him changing his mind anytime soon. Should be some interesting breast beating right after the speech is finished tonight.

Well, guess if the media mavens are to be believed, there is nothing to see here...just keep moving along all ye little sheep...as soon as we can get the current group of fascists errmmm...cowboys..aaaaa...all of the above, (heh, yeah that's the ticket) and get Hillary in office, we will let you know that all is right with the world, and peace is at hand.

And they wonder why their readership (in the case of the print media), and viewership are sinking lower with each passing day.

Reconstitute the Constitution

The Constitution has been wounded. The most recent and grievous by SCOTUS in the last week. If people are willing, it can be healed. And applying new laws or amendments to buttress the old is not the answer.

When it was crafted, the language used was simple, direct, and straight forward.

What is so hard to understand about:

Congress shall make no law!!

The President shall...

The Supreme Court will do no more then....

and on and on.

But in looking at an "anointed version" of the Constitution put out by the GPO (Government Printing Office), we can find the following

"The Senate’s role in appointments and treaties checks the President. The courts are assured independence through good behavior tenure and security of compensation, and the judges through judicial review will check the other two branches. The impeachment power gives to Congress the authority to root out corruption and abuse of power in the other two branches."

"Analysis and Interpretation of the Constitution
Annotations of Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of the United States Senate Document No. 103-6"
1992 Edition Hereafter referred to as "The Anointed Constitution"

If our Congress would act within the existing boundaries as set up by the Constitution, those who arrived at this decision, would be brought to task as to what damage they have (or potential damage) done to the very body of work they are sworn to protect and defend. As with the thousands of gun laws on the books...yet there is a push at least once a year to add even more. When enforcing straight forward law, and consistently arriving at decisions would send a much clearer message to the public at large along with the transgressors out there.

"...some of the Federalist judges who were propagandizing the country through grand jury charges and other means. The theory of extreme latitude was enunciated by Senator Giles of Virginia during the impeachment trial of Justice Chase. ‘‘The power of impeachment was given without limitation to the House of Representatives; and the power of trying impeachments was given equally without limitation to the Senate. . . . A trial and removal of a judge upon impeachment need not imply any criminality or corruption in him. . . [but] nothing more than a declaration of Congress to this effect: You hold dangerous opinions, and if you are suffered to carry them into effect you will work the destruction of the nation. We want your offices, for the purpose of giving them to men who will fill them better.’’ 772 Chase’s counsel responded that to be impeachable, conduct must constitute an indictable offense. 773 Though Chase’s acquittal owed more to the political divisions in the Senate than to the merits of the arguments, it did go far to affix the latter reading to the phrase ‘‘high Crimes and Misdemeanors’’ until the turbulent period following the Civil War. 774"

"Page 588 Anointed Constitution"

If recent actions of a large number of our Supreme court Justices does not qualify for "High Crimes and Misdemeanours" (and that would include those who ruled for McCain-Feingold), then one would be hard pressed to find an instance where this criteria could ever be met.

No, no amendment is needed. No beating of breast, as to what to do next, is required....it is, in fact, already established within the existing rulings and history of this great document. All it takes is a strong cry from the ones who really *are* the Republic.....We the People....to those in whose trust we placed our faith to carryout the affairs of state.

"We Are Marching??"

The Internet is ablaze with passionate prose, regarding the latest actions taken by SCOTUS. There has been some suggestions, as to what could be done next, everything from writing your elected local, State, and Federal officials, to preparing for hard times ahead. But Og at Neanderpundit comes up with what could be a great idea. One which would not only show the breath and depth of people who are passionate about this. But sets the stage for networking among those of us who may have only dealt with each other by *electronic means*. Og's idea would be having a "The Nation of Riflemen March".

This idea has merit. If enough people can be gathered, as it would be something which would work only with volume. Say at least a quarter million or higher are found to be on the mall below the Washington Monument, it would be rather hard to ignore by the "Powers That Be". ™

With bloggers, and others, who are the heart of "We The People", taking turns at the Mic speaking their peace. Perhaps other *splinter demonstrations* (peaceful of course) at various places in DC as well. If all this was sprinkled with a few *high profile* types, that would help get and perhaps hold media exposure/interest. But having the voice of the people doing the talking would seem to be the way to go.

So, how is something like this organized? And is anyone interested?

Five Things Society At Large Enjoys, But That I, For The Most Part, Just Don't Get..."

Well, That 1 Guy must have been dreaming about the good life here down the road in Byron, again. He dropped off a meme....can't let the folks in Stillman think someone from Byron is not up to a challenge....so, here we go!

1. Cell Phones: Yeah I know this is the same first answer as Joe had...but for something which at best is a necessary evil in the work day world...why on earth would I want to be available where ever I'm at 24/7? We have less and less of our daily time which can be set aside for family, friends, or self...why have the time needed to recharge be possibly interrupted by someone taking advantage of same. (And the same goes for pagers, PDA's, and the like.)

2. Jerry Lewis Movies: Okay, the guy has done a lot of good generating monies for MD....but does he have to be such a putz? And other then the *spit* French *spit*, after five minutes of watching any of his films, or shtick...well he's the cinematic version of an ear worm. And Tom Cruise...is another over rated Actor...with an ego hundreds of times larger then his talent.

3. Jane Fonda/Susan Surandan/Rosie O'Donnell, et all: What is it with those in the acting profession over the past 40 years or so? (not all, but a large majority) Why do they think anything exiting their pie hole has worth or value, just because they said it? And whether it be traitor, useful fool, or just tool, how do they get a pass from having to deal with the consequences of their actions? This includes most of the male actors as well...and any number of producers and directors...but I only have so much space. And the entertainment infatuated media gives them credence? (Granted for these moonbats...they are fawned over by throngs of foolish fellow travelers.) And in a similar vain....why do people buy stuff specifically endorsed by said turkeys (The old "Jane Fonda Workout Tapes", for example)? Is it better just because it has her butt sticking out at ya?

4. Hip Hop/Rap "music": Riddle me this Rapmaster...how good of a con job is being put over on all the kids (regardless of race....saw a lot of wanna be "ganstas" in the lilly white suburbs of Chicago when I was on recruiting duty for the Navy...so this tripe crosses all races and ethnic boundaries) who listen, buy, and emulate the *artists" of this thing laughingly called music. Now some of it may be able to be passed off as poetry....but NONE of it can be considered to be music by any stretch of ones musical imagination. And we won't even go into the mangling of the "kings English", let alone the sterling values promoted by same.

5. Soccer: My dad's dad will spin a bit faster in his grave....as he thought the world of this particular game. And loads of American moms seem to have a special place in their hearts for it as well...but I find it boring. It was boring when we played it at intramural level in high school. It is boring on tv. (hyper active announcers aside) It is a yawner watching it from the stands. You could however, teach me the fundamentals of Rugby, and lets take in a game...that sounds fun! Now there is a real manly *full contact* sport with no padding, and lots of attitude.

And there you have it. Five things, people, or events a large chunk of society find enjoyable (or have found enjoyable) at one time or another....that leave me cold. This time around I am not directly passing this one along....but if you want to take a stab at it...drop me an e-mail and let me know.

"The King Is Dead..."

"...Long live the King!"

You might want to get used to hearing those words....because the Supreme Court Of The United States, for all intent and purposes, declared the Fifth Amendment "null and void" today. The complete SCOTUS decision can be read here.

At first glance, it appears to be a reasonable decision. After all, the public at large will, in theory, benefit from the proposed "economic development plan" put forth by the city of New London, and or it's approved agents.

But, in taking time to read the dissenting arguments, you will see what really happened today. In short today the highest court in the land effectively "killed" the Fifth Amendment. Don't believe me? Read on...and read the whole Court Document above.

..."Today the Court abandons this long-held, basic limitation on government power. Under the banner of economic development, all private property is now vulnerable to being taken and transferred to another private owner, so long as it might be upgraded—i.e., given to an owner who will use it in a way that the legislature deems more beneficial to the public—in the process. To reason, as the Court does, that the incidental public benefits resulting from the subsequent ordinary use of private property render economic development takings “for public use” is to wash out any distinction between private and public use of property—and thereby effectively to delete the words “for public use” from the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment."....

..."Theirs is an objection in principle: They claim that the NLDC’s proposed use for their confiscated property is not a “public” one for purposes of the Fifth Amendment. While the government may take their homes to build a road or a railroad or to eliminate a property use that harms the public, say petitioners, it cannot take their property for the private use of other owners simply because the new owners may make more productive use of the property."

From: SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES; no. 04–108

SUSETTE KELO, ET AL., PETITIONERS v. CITY OF NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT, ET AL. ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE SUPREME COURT OF CONNECTICUT [June 23, 2005]

JUSTICE O’CONNOR dissenting

Durban and Company: A Confederacy of Dunces

Dick Durban, Senator from Illinois is saying and doing exactly what the constituents who elected him want him to do. Being surprised about this morally misshapen individual, and anything he or his fellow band of travelers say, who are doing nothing more then being mouthpieces for their followers and those of their ilk too timid, or who have agendas of their own in play, is crazy. And yet, those of us with a proper understanding of the events he used to illustrate his point, during his last bit of public speaking, act surprised. Yes, he was wrong. Yes, he quickly scaled to the top of those liberal/progressive twin towers of disrespect and disingenuousness, saying what he did about our service members actions. Yes, there should be action taken by his fellow Senators, with censure being the minimal option available. But to be surprised...no...not a bit ...not any more. Because when you have no morals, ethics, or what used to be known as standards of conduct as your guideline...you can, and will, do or say anything in order to reach your goal(s). Durban and others have followed this path for years...so again, why are we surprised.

Folks, they don't care what they say or do. Because those who placed them in office (if not publicly, at least privately) agree with them. It's just that simple, and just that sad. Add to this, as the Democratic Party appears to be crashing and burning, want to take odds on a certain NY junior Senator, coming forward in the next year or so....as a centrist voice of reason, in her announced run for the oval office? This is a great way to set that up. And a good way for a lot of middle of the road folks to suck it up with out appearing to be all that liberal. Don't think it can happen? who ever heard of the Governor of Arkansas before or so? And *he* was going to be the next President? Yeah, right! Love her (god forbid!!) or hate her, she is far more cutthroat and Machiavellian then her cigar smoking husband, ever dreamt of being.

Durban, Dean, Boxer, et all are nothing but fools and house shills. Understand what they say is supposed to inflame, as well as speak toward those who elected them. That we are at all surprised is beyond me. That nothing has been done (other then lip flapping) by those supposedly elected on the "non moonbat side of the house", should be the real concern. For it paints a picture of the house and senate being nothing more then a "good ol' boys network". And this will lead to voter disenchantment, disenfranchisement, and quite possibly a return to the time when Democrats and their fringe elements were making inroads into both.

Until those we placed in office, assume the mantle of leadership, a majority in both house and senate, and the executive branches of government entitles....DEMANDS of them, this will never stop. And until the voting public, at large, are willing to elect and support those who honestly want a return to the "Republic" as proscribed by the Constitution, this same unconscionable language and action, by those on the left, will continue.

Write your Senator, congress critter(s), the Speaker of the House, and Majority Leader of the Senate. Let them know (politely of course) your feelings on this. Tell em in no uncertain terms, the time for compromise is past. The folks on the other side of the aisle only seek to use that fig leaf to their advantage, or not at all. Let them know, you support a strong defense, a return to a stricter interpretation of the Constitution. And a judiciary which is not there to make the law but to insure it is followed, and or constitutionally valid.

Perhaps, if enough of the so called "silent majority" speak up, it can make a difference in their level of intestinal fortitude. Failing this, a strong reminder come the next elections, in the form of a vote for "new blood" to warm a Senate or Congressional seat, will provide the answer. The only option after that (or maybe even before) is "Tar + feathers...just add politician." Senator Durban sounds like a good first choice, for this last option. What do you think?

Oh, and as amazing as it seems, I did not unintentionally misspell the Senator's name. I know there is supposed to be an *i* vice an *a* before the last n. But why give him any hits if at all possible. Maybe I should just call him "Senator Dustbin", as in he belongs in the dustbin of history.

We Have Archives...

Thanks to the mighty efforts of Pixy Misa and the gang at MuNu, we now have the old posts from "The Original Snugg Harbor" ™ . Thanks for providing the scripting needed to get the job done. Sadly there were no comments and or trackbacks carried over in the massive move of files. So I will keep the old site up and running till the end of the month (June) for those who want to gather their comments. After June, the ties to blogspot will be completely severed. With some time and peaking and tweaking...I should have them looking a bit neater if at all possible.

And if I haven't said so before, thanks again to Eric, Jim, and all the others who have lent their expertise in getting this bit of fluff on the net moved over and off the ground!

What Book Meme...

I don't see any book meme....*sigh*, okay Billy Budd returns from playing "Pirates of the Caribbean" a tiger cruise on the "Love Boat" ™ , refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on the blogosphere. So what does he do? He shares "a little something he picked up" with five of us, that didn't go off singing "A Pirates Life For Me" with him....the nerve I tells ya. (Hope your trip was every bit as enjoyable as you hoped it would be.)

Now, as for the "gift" he brought me... (hey, a t-shirt, or hurricane glass would have been more then enough *grin*) as with most bloggers, I love books. So, that being said...on with the meme....

1.Total number books I own:

I could not give you an actual count. I would say just counting the paperbacks and hardbounds....at least 500-800. If you add in the periodicals, and the graphic novels/comics (boxed and stuck in storage) you could easily double that amount. Everything from cookbooks to comics. Add my better half's books and the ones we twisted the kids arms the boys have, well, then I have no idea.

2. Last book I bought:

Three of them actually...A cookbook for my sweetie. An old paperback copy of "None Dare Call It Treason". And Robert Bork's, "Slouching Toward Gomorrah". (I love used book stores!)

3. Last book I read:

Working on the Bork book listed above, but the last one I finished was probably a re-read of Heinlein's "The Number Of The Beast" (and no, it wasn't the illustrated version, a number of folks say exists out there..please give me the ISBN for that, I would love to try and find it.). I guess you could add most of John Stormer's "None Dare Call It Treason"....some good common sense stuff in there...but in one sense a real depressing book...make no mistake about it, it was an alarmist call to turn things around before the communists took over. Funny thing is, (or sad, depending on your sense of humor. Or more correctly your sense of irony.) going by what we are facing today, if you take the word "communist" and replace it with either "liberal" or "progressive", the book is suddenly very current and up to date. And that is a forty year old book.

4.Five Books Of Notable Influence On Me:

This *is* a tough one. Though it might sound like a cop out, I can not think of any one book which was (or is) my philosophical "Rosetta Stone". Most everything I have read has left some sort of impression, either enforcing life's lessons learned, or giving one pause to re evaluate things. The Bible would be one. (or many, depending on what the meaning of "books" is). Not only because of the telling tale of "One Solitary Life", but how it's been the moral foundation for Western Civilization, and this country in particular. Whether or not you believe it is the anointed word of G-d, reading it can promote discussion about who and what we are (and other pretty deep discussions as well). Going in a somewhat different direction, there is "The Lord Of The Rings. (yes, I know it is three books, but it is one story, so get over it *grin*) A classic tale of good verses evil, and the nature of man. Then there is "my Heinlein Trilogy" ™ ; "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress", "Starship Troopers", and "Job: A Comedy of Justice", all three gave me plenty to digest and think about. Would the Navy's "Blue Jacket Manual" count? That little tome, certainly helped in molding this old Sailor, better then 20 years ago. I know there are more...fact is, each book leaves a mark, some much deeper than others...but with half a century under the belt, it's hard to point fingers.

5.Five Poor Bastards "Lucky Winners" © To Tag With This:

Feisty Repartee: I am a nosy sort, and as Christina has helped to expand the fictional content of the web with her wonderful projects I wondered what she found of interest.

Just Another Young Pup: My favorite college dude (okay he's my first born, sometimes nepotism is a good thing).

Smoke On The Water: What literary works float Jim's boat, down Galveston way?

The Steiner Aid: Do paratroopers read? I know Red has great musical tastes, but what page turners keep him up all night? Inquiring minds want to know!

Drunken Wisdom: Hey, let's see if they know what a book is in Stillman Valley *grin*! (no rivalry between our two little hamlets...none at all.)

LA LAW

Mike, over at The CIA, posts that Micheal Jackson was acquitted on all counts against him. I personally think there is a good chance he may very well be twisted enough to have assaulted kids....(though I think he honestly wouldn't feel that way...like I said he's twisted). But the real bottom line here, isn't his being guilty...or innocent. Rather, what is up with the District Attorney's office, and (possibly) various law enforcement training, for the city (and county?) of LA, in how evidence is handled, collected, and in how a case is brought to trial.

In one way or another, they have, in two major cases, dropped the ball twice. First, there was the OJ trial (Yes, I think he was guilty, or at the very least knows who did it.) where due to ineptness on both the DA's office, and various members of the LAPD, he was able to walk. Second, the Jackson case. Did the "State" ever really have (all) the evidence needed to properly present this case and expect to win? Or was it (as has been suggested) a thinly discussed vendetta by the DA because he was not able to successfully prosecute the first case which settled out of court.

If I was a professional crook, with a personality (read charisma), I would want to be tried in LA, cause the DA's office appears not to be to handle the pressure of either a strong personality and or a well constructed defense.

And for those who would hold out the chestnut...that race is what set them free...what about Robert Blake? Yes, the case was a bit different in that he was *at the scene of the crime". But, in the end it could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt he committed the crime, or acted as the agent in contracting two former stuntmen to do it in his stead.

No eyewitnesses, blood or DNA evidence linked Blake to the crime. The murder weapon, found in a trash bin, could not be traced to Blake, and witnesses said the minuscule amounts of gunshot residue found on Blake’s hands could have come from a different gun he said he carried for protection.

MSNBC

I think the Robert Blake case was a bit different (though there are similar threads here...). The big thing is, once again the "State", at the end of the day, could not:

!. Match up Blake's gun with the bullet(s) that killed her. There was no DNA evidence to tie it to him as well.

2. Prove Blake tried to place a contract out on his wife.

End result, Blake is a free man. Still poor prior planning by the State was a factor. And being blindsided by their own witnesses, doesn't help either.

A final thought to ponder:

If the rule of law is appearing to unravel in Lotus land....how long before anarchy reigns in the LA basin?

The Net Goes *Poof*

At around 6pm CDT the net went poof. No advanced notice....just "C-YA". Called the good folks at the DSL and they said there was a major break in the line somewhere, and everything west of Dallas was down. I really feel for the customer service types at times like that. They have to put up with a lot of @ssholes, when there is little if anything they can do about it. But talked with him for a bit and said thanks for the info...and hoped his night got progressively better. It is now just a hair past 8pm and we are back up, at least for the moment.

Hazing (part 2)

As mentioned in my last post, hazing has made it back in the news. The last post dealt with how the media was reporting this. Now let's address "hazing" itself.

No, I am not saying returning to, or allowing hazing to be part of our military culture, is going to solve all our services internal problems. What I am saying is:

We have allowed our traditions/rites of passage to be watered down to the point of being meaningless bits of "feel good" paper, vice what they were originally intended to be. We have robbed our current (and future) service members a chance at truly being part of said traditions. Be it crossing the equator, the Arctic circle, advancing in rate, or becoming a Chief Petty Officer vice "an E-7/8/9 (You old time "initiated" Chiefs out there "know" what I mean by that.). By making events no longer meaningful, in ways the human spirit can understand, and remember, as being a true milestone instead of a speedbump. ("I will never forget, and cherish the real meaning of this moment", vice, "I have a certificate here somewhere")

The bonding which comes from the "fun" times, the shared apprehension of polliwogs....the camaraderie of being a shellback. These selective, and traditional, rites of passage, go long ways in promoting "esprit de corps". Handing out a piece of paper during morning quarters is *not* the same thing. The same goes for being a blue nose, or the "tacking on" a "crow" or set of chevrons.

Looking at it on the recruit level. (And those who won't admit to some form of hazing being part of recruit training, are only lying to themselves.) You were told when you went to boot camp, or basic training, if your recruiter was worth his salt...that they were going to push you hard physically and mentally . Why? If nothing else, it thinned out the ranks of those who could not handle the pressure....better to find this out now, before placing this person in a real life or death situation. On the other side of the coin....once you made it through said crucible, you began to have a much clearer picture of yourself and what you were capable of, perhaps for the first time in your life. If a few harsh words were tossed in your direction, physical demands were placed upon you, that made no sense but were to be carried out because the wrath of your Company Commander/DI was not something you wanted to bring down upon yourself or your shipmates/future Marines. All this could be construed as "hazing". All of it was part of "the rite of passage" going from "recruit" to Marine, Sailor, Soldier, or Airman. It was needed to produce the best product possible. Producing the largest percentage possible of people able to function when a SHTF moment happened.

Yes, there are some outstanding people in our services now. But from what I have been reading...there is also a lot of deadwood out there...perhaps more then in previous generations. In this day and age of declining numbers of folks willing to serve their country, it is more important then ever we get rid of the deadwood as early as possible. "Hazing", at least in recruit training, was a tool which helped in this process. "Hazing", in the fleet, squadron, company, or division, allows for the bonds forged at the beginning of ones time in service to be tempered, to be made even stronger.

I say...enough with the PC/social engineering...bring it back.

Hazing (part 1)

I read two articles, both talking about the same thing. Hazing in the military, specifically the Navy. Both are from accredited news sources. But notice what a difference omitting select information puts on the immediacy of the stories. And (in the case of the second article) gives a better idea as to why and Admiral had to address this.

The first comes from AP

The second from "The Virginian-Pilot"

The AP article leaves out important information. Such as, these incidents have apparently gone on over a two year time frame. This takes some of the sting out of it. AP making it appear all this happened in the same time frame. (Much like a frat hazing...or perhaps the Sailors having the same kind of attitude those in the NG had at Abu Ghraib?) The AP article does not mention (and to be fair, does not directly imply that their were females "hazed". But knowing there are females on many ships these days, it leaves that an open ended question...and perhaps speculation (for bringing back memories of "tailhook"?) again, sins of omission.

It can be argued there is a time and place for what can be called hazing. And the Virginian Pilot article, being much more detailed in it's quotes from the Admiral, in my mind, seek to promote this kind of discussion(good for them!).

The bottom line. Hats off to Jack Dorsey and the Virginian-Pilot. In providing all information needed to get a full flavor as to what was going on. Yes, it smacks of political correctness (ie: Hazing is NOT NICE...heck, let's face it, it's just plain NAUGHTY!), though the comments, especially those by Presiding Admiral Nowakowski, smack of being the end result of decades long social engineering.

Natalee Holloway RIP

At this hour, ABC News is reporting one of the three suspects last taken into custody has admitted to authorities, she was murdered.

ORANJESTAD, Aruba (AP) - One of three young men who took an Alabama high school student to the beach during her class trip to Aruba confessed he killed her, police say.

Deputy Police Commissioner Gerold Dompig told The Associated Press that the man was leading police late Friday to the scene of the crime.

Riverdog and I (among others), had been speculating in may have been far more likely she was kidnapped. This is not (or was not) all that far fetched, as that sort of thing is not unknown in the Caribbean and Central/South American countries.

Sadly, this now appears to be a moot point. What a sad end to such a promising young lady and the bright future she had planned. Rest In Peace Natalee and may time ease the pain of her parents, family, and friends.

UPDATE
There appears to be some major disagreement coming out of Aruba. While Fox is continuing to report Natalee has been killed. And her parents have either been escorted to the site, she was alleged to have been placed, or they are heading there at this hour. AP (and ABC news) is reporting Aruban officials are NOT agreeing in confirming she is dead, or that her remains have been found. There is even disagreement as to whether or not a confession has been obtained from one of three suspects. We shall see.

Tadpole

Christina was kind enough to offer a chance to participate in one of her marvelous flights of imagination, in which words are the fuel and your mind, the vehicle of choice. This excersise is called "Take Two". To find out who else was challanged as well as what the guidelines are, go here. As for my bit of fluff, read on...

I told Mike: "Don't pitch to the outside of the plate!", when Steve was at bat. Had he listened, none of this would have happened.

We were playing at the rundown baseball diamond in what was once known as McPherson Park. All the neighborhood kids called it "Camp Swampy. It's formerly close cropped left field, was shrinking in size each passing year, due to the marshland bordering it. The old McPherson house, was just past right field. Where once a 30 foot tall combination wooden fence and scoreboard, kept balls in the park, and the McPherson home from harm, (and kids a generation ago safe from the wrath of "Old Mr. McPherson"...now "the late Mr. McPherson") now, was air and opportunity. Steve's hit, took advantage of both. The sound of second story glass shattering, told us where the ball's adventure in flight ended, and where ours began.

Our group consisted of Tom, Bob, Mike, Steve, Brad, Eric, myself (Doug), and the youngest of our group, Bob's brother, Tad, who we all called "Tadpole". Steve and I have been together the longest, due more to being the oldest (and largest), then anything else, and were considered the final arbiters in our groups actions. So, the question on who would go in and reclaim our ball ended up in our lap.

Tom, Bob, and Tadpole did not want to go in at all...they wanted to call it a night, and find something else to do. The rest of the gang wanted "their ball" back now. Steve and I saw the obvious answer, send in one of the three "dissenters". Tom and Bob, realizing the direction things were going, backed up and regrouped. Tadpole, being 2 years younger then the rest of us, and no so quick on the uptake, suddenly found himself a "majority of one". Brad offered Tadpole, the use of his flashlight (one of the many items residing in his ever present backpack). This, along with twin pressures of wanting to be (an "official") part of the gang, and appearing to be tough as his older brother (and his friends), was enough to send him on his way.

The house, partially boarded up on the lower level, looked formidable. The upper windows left to the elements, the accuracy of teen aged boys throwing arms ( in our case-well hit balls), pockmarked as they may be, were unreachable from the ground. So Tad tried the front door. Amazingly enough it was unlocked. Turning his flashlight on, Tad entered the rundown Victorian.

The light cast its beam on a dust covered floor. There were no noticeable signs anyone had ever been inside, even though it seemed easy enough to gain access. With a quick shrug, he continued in, to the back of the foyer, and headed up the stairs to the second floor..

At the top of the stairs, Tad could still hear the gang outside. With each passing step, down the upper hallway, sounds of the outside world seemed to all but fade away. Even though there were plenty open windows for sounds to travel through, and the gang was anything but quiet, their cheers of encouragement were lost, replaced with an almost oppressive silence. Tad started to wonder about the wisdom of agreeing to retrieve the errant ball.

He approached the end of the hallway. There were three doors here. The one on his right was quickly discounted, the ball had entered the second story toward the side of the house on his left. Squaring his shoulders, taking a deep breath, Tad tried the door on his left. It opened on to a small bedroom. A bed was against one wall, dresser against the other, with a chair in the corner. Dust covered everything, but again, it looked as it might have back when the original owner(s) were alive. The one window to this room was cracked but in one piece. The ball had not landed in here. He quickly closed the door, and went to try the other.

This was a large bedroom. A canopy bed occupied one side,with a nightstand next to it. A dresser with mirror, was up against the far wall, a small desk and chair was in front of the window where the ball had entered the house. It was covered with bits of glass. The room was markedly cooler then the outside, to the point of being cold. Even with what appeared to be enough light coming in through the windows, it seemed noticeably darker. The flashlight beam seemed stunted, as if a filter had been placed in front of it. With shaking hands, Tad directed the beam under the desk, in hopes the ball might be there. At the same time he was fighting the mounting feeling something wasn't right about the house, and this room in particular.

"You looking for this, boy?" boomed from a malevolent voice directly behind him, and were the last words he ever heard.

"Tadpole! Tadpole! Wake up!" Bob had his brother's head on his lap, while Steve was applying a compress made from an old rag soaked with water, over the knot on Tad's head. "Man"; noted Steve, "that line drive hit you square. Why didn't you get your glove up quicker?"

"I don't know"; replied Tad, "It just happened, that's all." "Give me a minute I'll be alright. You guys aren't going to believe this, but I had the strangest dream just now."

"I wondered if you were alright"; sighed Bob, "but if you want to sound goofy, and talk about dreams, that's tadpole for ya'."

It was still early, the knot appeared to be no longer a concern to Tad, so it was decided to play for one more inning. We took our positions, I was behind the plate, Tad in right field.

I told Mike: "Don't pitch to the outside of the plate!", when Steve was at bat...

In Defense Of The Second Amendment

Erick is hosting the "Carnival of Cordite" this week, and has asked for submissions. He unknowingly tossed the gauntlet out. It was too tempting not to pick up this time...

At one time, years back, I once owned a gun, and had many occasions to interact with others who did as well. For various reasons (none of them of a legal nature, for those looking for dirt) it is not a viable option at this time. This will more then likely change at some point in the future. For I believe, responsible gun ownership is not only a right, but as many others have noted, should be considered ones duty as an able bodied citizen. (The caveat being, you are willing to shoulder the responsibility, and effectively use same, should the need arise. If you can't meet the above, then by all means do not put yourself in a
position you would possibly regret later.)

That, is what the second amendment offers to all Americans. You have a choice whether or not you want to bear arms. Short of a criminal record which would (or should) preclude you from doing so, by the Constitution, the "State" has no constitutional right, to deny you from bearing any arms as you see fit. You want explosive ordnance, fully automatic weapons, plus regular side arms, shotguns, and rifles, already on the market, there should not be any hindrance for you to do so, what so ever. (Yes, I know there are laws on the books at the federal, state, and local levels to prevent you from owning some or most of the above. That doesn't mean the Constitution, in it's original, form prevented you from owning any of the above.)

Before the hordes jump down from the rafters, there is some common sense here. You cannot, have a suitcase nuke or some such. And other WMD's are equally prohibited, with just cause....there is no justifiable need to have such, on hand, to defend hearth and home, or to become part of a "well regulated militia".

But why should we even entertain allowing for returning to the original intent of the Second Amendment? (Besides the obvious "Cause of what is written there, no more no less".) Read on for this ol' retired Sailor's take.

First off, there is the misguided notion those in law enforcement are going to be able to be everywhere and anywhere a possible life or property threatening situation is taking place. Folks, there is not enough local, state, and federal agents to be able to provide this kind of "security blanket". Nor was that ever the intent of said agencies. (Does a return to the old "cop on the beat" help to promote a safer environment? Yes, it does, and there are more mid-sized towns and larger cities at least giving it some thought, if not actually implementing same. But, not all cities and towns have the money or the will to see their taxes go up to support a return to this.)

In short, if you have to call 911 in a life or death situation, involving the commission of a (potentially violent) crime against you, your family, or your property, it is probably going to be the last call you ever make. And it is not the fault of law enforcement. Because the first line of defense, traditionally, has always been the individual. It has only been within the last 40 years where this basic concept (part in parcel with taking personal responsibility for yourself, family, and property) has been challenged and subverted. In a truly free society, it is not up to the state to protect you on a daily basis. The state, to remain a viable and recognizable force, needs to ensure it's national sovereignty (when threatened), but that is as far as it goes.

Hamilton, in the Federalist Papers (#29) When talking about "the common defense", stated: " ...but if circumstances should at any time oblige the government to form an army of any magnitude that army can never be formidable to the liberties of the people while there is a large body of citizens, little, if at all, inferior to them in discipline and the use of arms, who stand ready to defend their own rights and those of their fellow-citizens. "

The Second Amendment in allowing for an armed citizenry, was intended, not only as the keystone, keeping the other Amendments protected, providing for a source of manpower should the need arise to activate the militia (at the local level), and order would be maintained, understanding the local populace, would stand ready to defend their own rights and those of their fellow citizens.

The Music Meme Strikes Again!

Mark (or did Dolly put that *bug* in his ear *grin*) over at Baby Troll Blog has tagged me (so I guess the answer to my question of "a meme being a terrible thing to waste" has been addressed to Mark's satisfaction.). But, if I may be so bold, I place the blame for this all on Fran's shoulders. If I can find two copies of "The Best of Barry Manilow", I may just have to FedEx one to each of the gentlemen above. (Bwahahahaha)

So, on to the questions at hand:

1. What's the last popular tune that got stuck in your head?

If memory serves, it was "Bicycle" by Queen. Not sure what caused it...but it would pop in and out all day. It wasn't that bad of a situation as I happen to like Queen, 'specially the vintage stuff.

2. What popular tunes do you most dread to hear, because they get stuck in your head?

Though I doubt it would count as "a popular tune" (unless you are at the 5-6 year old level), but anything done by cloying children's critters. Surly, there resides at about the seventh circle of hell, a Muzak system playing nothing but "Barney's Greatest Hits". (There is one exception, I rather enjoy the tunes on the "Blue's Clues tapes. Hey, when you have grandkids, you are required to know some of this stuff.) As far as more "adult" fare, and I use the term "adult" loosely, anytime I hear "Don't Rock The Boat" (by La Barge I think) that is good for an ear worm. And I think it has been used on a couple of commercials now and again, so yes, it is possible to hear it from time to time.

3. When last you were in a commercial establishment, and their "courtesy" music caused a tune to get stuck in your head:
a. Where were you?
b. What was the tune?
c. Did you complete the transaction you'd gone there for, or did you flee screaming and vowing never to return?

I can't remember the particulars, but the following holds true, for any of the following tunes/recording artists...
I agree with Mark and Fran on this one, Barry Manilow, tunes. Not so much because, they were all that bad (rap and hip-hop have hardened me to most everything else), but because back in the day, they were beating us over the head with 'em on the "Top 40" AM stations. I do break out in a cold sweat, hearing any Bobby Goldsboro, Captain and Tenille (Though Toni Tenille, would have made a passable lounge/torch singer had she been packaged better.), or that all time classic *cough* *cough*, "Afternoon Delight" (cue the old "urping" dj voice- by the Starlight Vocal Band!!). None of these will prevent me from finishing the shopping task at hand...but I will need copious amounts of adult beverage to help achieve balance again.

4. When last a television commercial caused a tune to get stuck in your head:
a. What was the commercial for?
b. What was the tune?
c. Did you shrug it off, or vow never again to patronize the establishment?

Not watching all that m uch television, I can't remember anything recent. But through the magic of the Internet, and winamp, you can listen to old-time commercials to your hearts content. Btw, did you know the "Flinstones" (Fred and Barney...in an amazing look at how things have changed in 40 years) did a Winston cigarette commercial...yes, it did have the jingle too ~"Winston tastes good, like a (clap-clap) cigarette should!"~

5. What is your usual recourse when a tune gets irritatingly, stubbornly, maddeningly stuck in your head?

Either find a good book to occupy the brain cells with, (along the lines of the old "feed the computer-find the square root of pi trick"...done on the original Star Trek series *grin*.) or more adult beverages!!

6. What five bloggers would you like to afflict, ah, infect with this meme?

I don't know if I can come up with five. let's see....perhaps if I toss the gauntlet here...

Eric, at Bitheads Blog
Mike, or "J" at the CIA
Militantpundit at Making Tomorrows Military Today

If anyone else is willing to take the plunge, let me know...why should I be the only one to ear worm my life away.*grin*

"Picture If You Will..."

WuzzaDem has a maze of a mind. A labyrinth fit for an episode of the "Twilight Zone". But it appears Rod Serling has other ideas. Check Wuzza out, he is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, and make the daily absurdities a lot easier to take. (Btw, you might want to make sure you are NOT swigging on any beverages *grin*.)

Somewhere Out There...

I was looking at pictures McGehee and his better half are posting (along with an ongoing travelogue) here. My Great Uncle Bill must have passed on his wanderlust (and itchy feet) to me, after looking at these pictures, I find I really miss the kind of wide open spaces, and spectacular beauty you can only find West of Ft Worth (using I-20 as the east-west road of choice), west of Nebraska, or Kansas for that matter.

The reason I-20 comes to mind is I traveled many times on that road between TX and CA for personal and governmental reasons. Loved the drive and the views were something (The stars at night *are* big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!). I am also old enough to remember what it was like traveling on the *original* Route 66. Although, we were in my dad's Impala vice a corvette, at that time. Still the little towns and hamlets you pass through....the truck stops/greasyspoons, the old tourist traps (often times with fake *Indian* names, especially the further west you went), the sky taking on a noticeably clearer and darker shade of blue. Looking across vast stretches of land, where hawks did lazy circles in the sky and dust devils, unhindered by fence, or road, criss -crossed the countryside.

All this brings back a smile. When we are young and let loose upon the world, we want to be away from our family to strike out on our own, to be as far distant from what ever environment we grew up in as possible. The Navy was my ticket out, your mileage may have varied. Then, there comes a time when you realize, what you grew up with did have value and worth (even if memories are all you may be left with). It was great (for me) to be back, at least with in driving distance of family and the town I grew up in.

There is a final stage to go, at least for me. Somewhere that is unfettered from the daily grind. When, at some point of time, someone else is left to deal with the rat race, the two car garage, the meetings, ticket punching, mass media produced consumer got to have it now, where is the nearest mall, damn I missed American Idol mindset.

Green Acres poked fun at this, 40 years ago, but the kernel of truth was there. It's there in all of us to a greater or lesser degree. To go beyond the next hill, across the sea, beyond the sunset...

It's in me...I have felt it more and more over the past few years. McGehee's pictures...caressed that longing, quite unexpectedly. There are obligations, responsibilities, duty, honor, and love....which hold me here...but there will come a day, a time, when I can take my love, and go .....maybe ending up in a place like this. (SondraK, thanks for sharing this particular look at America, even though it is in California.) I know there are similar finds in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, or even New Mexico.

So, where would you like to end up...after your reach your personal "ten count" in your own version of the daily grind?

A Niche In Time

The good Curmudgeon, Francis, recently spoke on niches and infestations. His closing statement says much about the constraints we face in trying to effectively deal with the corrosive bile we're inundated with, on almost a daily basis, from those who seek to render our Republic, from within, nothing but a faded memory.

Yes, there are traitors, and advocates of treason, within our walls, just as Kim Du Toit has said. But the threat they pose our society arises not merely from the obscenities they propose, but also from the temptation we face to abridge our freedom just to be rid of them. They flowed into the niche we offer precisely because we are free. To destroy that niche simply to be rid of the infestation is a danger no less than the shackles they hope to fasten upon us.

Theirs is a long-term campaign. Ours must be no less. Prepare yourself.

Francis also states:

"The stipulation that treason must be made manifest by an overt act removes words, whether spoken, written, or cast upon the airwaves, from the domain of the offense."

And I agree without some sort of physical act or action involved, this would not fit the bill...when all we are barraged with are after all "just words." I was thinking there could be a way to strike at their seditious statements...but out and out treason (and it's strict requirement of proof) is as close as I could come, under the Constitution.

Still, there must be some way to, if not slay this dragon, without risking what would ultimately be a mortal wound to the very concept, the constitution and ideals, this country was founded on?

Perhaps at least part of the solution lies within us all:

#On a one to one basis, attack the foolish, misguided, and willfully ignorant,
with words tempered in the forge of truth. Read Your Constitution.
If possible, supplement your reading with works by our founding fathers. (The
Federalist Papers come to mind as a starter.) Knowledge truly is power, go
and "pump yourself up!

#To unite against the school boards and educators who seek to fill the
current generation, and those which follow, with the same gruel of half
truths , lies, and innuendos.

#To hold to task our elected local, state, and federal representatives in the
Congress and Senate.

#Through our established election, electoral, (and where applicable-ability to
place referendums on the ballot) procedures, seek, through our numbers
across the country, to make our voices heard.

#To make as honest an effort as possible in getting to the polls on election
day, all those who back and support the Constitution as written and
envisioned by the founding fathers. We do have strength in numbers.

#To seek a change in what is considered to be the norm in public. Working
toward a return of civility and civil discourse. If a man is uncouth and
improper toward his fellows regardless of gender or age, it should be
understood he faces immediate consequences for his (or her) actions. Those
who act to enforce said standards of civility should not be in fear of
uncalled for criminal or civil action being taken against them. In short,
for good or ill, a person is to be held accountable for his or her actions.

These five items, if implemented, starting with the first four, and then addressing the last one, would go along way toward stemming the advancement of the progressive mosquitoes who have grown fat in the stagnant backwaters of (perceived) inequity. If we shirk this obligation, if we fail to take and make a unified stand, here and now, the cost of dealing with this at some future day and time will be far greater then it could ever be now.

Too Close To Call..

Yes I found the following here. But in these days of the left being increasingly hard to parody, because they do such a good job in doing so by their real life actions....I give you the following...."We provide, you decide"....fact, or fiction. (Oh, you might want to set your coffee down, if only to prevent tossing the cup at the monitor.)

Bush Fuels Hate of Satan, Albright Says

Tue Mar 30 2004 19:45:48 ET
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright told a crowd at the Yale Divinity School Tuesday that she is concerned President Bush is fueling the hate of Satan and his followers.

She said the worrying is in response to the President�s statement suggesting that Satan is behind all the evil in the world.

"Satan is terribly misunderstood," Albright said. "He might be responsible for some evil, but all?"

"Think about it. He was kicked out of heaven and the other angels got to stay," Albright reflected. "You would be mad too and a little unhappy. Plus Old Nick always gets blamed when something goes bad. How would you like to carry that burden? And calling him the father of lies is just insulting."

"If President Bush would just open a dialogue with Satan and his followers. Put together a plan to win Satan's heart and mind. We would have a chance at getting along with him and his followers," Albright said. "There would be a chance for peace between the realm of Satan and man."

"But all this talk of evil this and evil that, and invoking the name of God just upsets the Devil and his followers," Albright stated. "We have to remember it was God that kicked him out. His rights were probably violated."

Albright said she believes, as the Bush Administration does, that Satan has his problems, but she questioned the wisdom of a continuing to attack the Devil.

"I did not believe there was a connection to Satan and the apple thing," Albright said. "It's pure myth, we just didn't have the right intelligence in place. Now's the time to back off a little and see if we can work things out."

Time is Running Out...

I wrote this a couple of months back...right at the time Geek With A 45 started The McCain-Feingold Insurrection. The FEC public comments deadline is June 3rd. Time is running out to get your public comments in on rule making regarding Blogging with respect to McCain-Feingold. I shall be sending my two cents in tonight. For more info on how to submit your verbiage, and what format to use, Redstate.org has it here.

Anyhow, I thought a reminder, in the guise of the following March 5th 2005 post would do well to help get your juices flowing:

Does anyone remember this little item from past history classes or what was once called civics?

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

It seems that unconstitutional piece of crap called "The McCain-Feingold Act", is about to be used to muzzle our constitutional guarantee to free speech.

Despite assurances from members of the FEC, that our individual right to free speech will not be in jeopardy, if the additions proposed for McCain-Feingold are allowed to become law, I offer this old bit of prose.

"Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me."

I can be no more clear or resolute in my thoughts and actions then as follows:

• If you pass and place into law the proposed amendments/enhancements to the legislation commonly referred to as "The McCain-Feingold Act" I shall do, and take, any and all actions, up to, and including willful civil disobedience in working toward the abolishment of said act.

• If any agents or persons acting as agents from the FEC, or any other branch of the government try in any manner, pursuant to the above legislation, to prevent me or my family from being able to exercise our Constitutional guarantees, you will be met with such force as necessary to either compel you to cease and desist, or be personally in need of a body bag, your choice.

• I have sworn to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC. I do not take that charge or responsibility lightly, it has been my privilege and honor to have been able to do so these many years, I hope to be able to for many more.

Guy Stephen Sochor

Ed Morrissey at Captain's Quarters has an open letter to all members of the House and Senate. Read it and please take the time to follow his instructions afterwards.

There are kindred spirits you can find a large chunk of them here. There are others.

I will post on this again, as my temper, but not my passion cools.

Update
This has become one of the hottest, if not the hottest issue on the net. More people are coming on board or adding to the information or discussion all the time.

Here are some of the following with links to their take on this subject:

Riverdog
Kim Du Toit
Emperer Misha
Fran at Eternity Road
Chris at AnarchAngel
DeDoc
Geek With A 45
OKIE on the LAM
and of course, Captain's Quarters
Redstate
Professor Bainbridge
And even my better half has pontificated on this right here.

We will not be quiet. We will not go silently into the night. We shall yell it from the street, shout it from the mountain. To the despots from Arizona and Wisconsin, your willingness to pervert or out and out remove the citizens first amendment rights will cost you both a high price. History shall show nothing but scorn showered upon you and your memory.