Pictures From A Friend

I received the following photos in an email from a good and long time friend, who lives far, too far, away.

My Missing Year

In light of all the news over the apparent faux "stories from the front" by the ever vigilant (and ever imaginative) Scott Thomas Beauchamp, I thought it only right and proper to finally come out with more detailed information about my own personal where-abouts for the past year or so I haven't been blogging.

You see I have been traveling a bit. Out of the country. The exact location is unimportant, only the mission(s) mattered.

Me? Well, I was but a small cog in a finely honed machine. I went by the name "Commie" because I was the communications specialist of our merry band, and as an indirect ref to my Russian ancestry. There were six members of our team, all battle hardened/battle weary gents (No GI Janes here ... this is real life, not some half assed Hollywood CGI faked extravaganza.). Next was Mookie; tall, stocky, Shakespeare quoting in his down time, and pure poetry when taking down the marks. John "Boom-Boom" Thomas; he was our explosives expert. The man could make damn near anything (or anybody) go Boom. When not plying his trade, you could count on JT to be able to find any adult beverages if they were to be had. Matt; short, intense, very old testament kinda guy-with a knife or blade of any kind, not a friend of the followers of Islam. The Professor; they say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Our leader knew a lot about many things, killing and information extraction were two of his strongest subjects. Our team was rounded out with "Fast" Eddie; as good a point man as you'll ever find, want, or need ... and second only to Mookie when it came to "the long range take down".

Any how, this particular mission was to try and rescue a downed pilot. At least that was the cover ... what we were really after was information. Save the pilot by all means, but use any means at all to get intel from his captors. What happens to them afterwards ...well let Allah sort them out. We had been dropped into a remote area by chopper. Though it was cool enough that early morning, by the time we were only half way to our objective it was hot. Bone melting hot. (So hot that one time after taking down a few froggy natives, Fast Eddie let the blood spurt on him for as long as it's former owner was willing to share ... just to cool off. He was funny like that sometimes. The Professor bitched him out but good, not for finding a novel way to cool off, but because of the potential hazard of disease. Oh, and there was no worry about some military chain of command getting all bent about our various actions. We answered to a higher source, an agency whose first initial began with a consonant and ended with a vowel. Great retirement plan ... if you live long enough to collect.)

Fast Eddie was on point, Mookie right behind him. Matt and JT were next and I was with the Professor. We were coming to the outskirts of a small village. The very village our limited intel thought the downed pilot and his captors would be found in. The place looked empty. Not a soul was outside. We took cover and prepped for what was to follow. It wouldn't be pretty, but then what war ever is.

excerpt from an upcoming expose about America's "black ops". As reported by "PO1 Commie"

You think there might be any interest for this by any media types? I can fabricate provide as much "factual information" as possible, and even give em *ahem* fellow travelers err ... pillow mates concrete sources as back up. Hey, wadda ya think? Ok. there may be some "artistic license" but the intent was true ... even if the facts were "dicey".

On a more serious note. I read somewhere once, each of us has our own reality. That ones individual point of view flavors their perception of things around them, to the extent their very real world is markedly different from the next fellows. I don't buy into this, but if you chose to that is your choice. Hell, back when I was a kid , we called that being insane (or eccentric at best). If you desire to live in a world of your own making so be it. But if and when your "perception of reality" causes your fellow troops to be placed further in harms way then which would otherwise be caused if you were doing your job as professionally as possible, then it is time for a reality check. Scott Beauchamp and others of his, phone it in, pseudo-journalistic ilk, need to make that check right now. (If it isn't being done to them, via others, already.)

Tired Of The Progressives? It's Our Fault! .

Was watching a video clip from yesterdays "Youtube Debate" over at the Rott. My first thought was Senator Biden is yet another of the kool-aid drinking, "the State knows what's best for you", I'm gonna make this MY err ... a perfect world even if I have to ram it down your throat and or (have someone ELSE) take out the whole lot of you, in order to do so, asshats. And that he is. And he is a danger (as are most all other liberal/statist/progressives ... but that is a story for the not to distant future) to most, if not all, of our Constitutional guarantees.

But upon a bit of reflection. Mr Biden (he ain't my Senator ... not that the ones I have are any better ... and trust me they are not!) is not the only one at fault here. Because a large part of the blame for what we have to put up with in Congress, the Senate, the White House (and by extension, the Supreme Court) is our fault!

When did this country or more correctly, the majority of it's population, forget or chose to ignore, our responsibilities?

We complain about the erosion of our rights and liberties. Yet we not only continue to elect people who spend an ever greater part of their time in elected office stripping them away. We bemoan the fact with each passing day it seems there is a new attack on our "rights", yet at the same time we collectively sit in the comfort of our homes, mentally (if nothing else) saying; "Ok, you just crossed the line, and this really torques me off!!" (Or language a tad more salty then that.) But within a day or two (Letters written to the non-listening elitist cadre otherwise known as the Senate/Congress, or phone calls to same being used if we REALLY get riled.) do nothing more then make yet another line in the sand a bit further out then the last. And I don't single myself out for any exemplary treatment, I am as guilty as the rest.

Why?

1. We are too comfortable. We have it pretty damn good (and the left knows it). My generation (the baby boomers) and the one immediately following, have had the highest standard of living of any group of peoples on this earth. This leads to the second point

2. We don't want to really rock the boat. We (despite the left and the media remarks to the contrary) are all social creatures and we want to co-exist with our fellows as much as possible. And life, despite the occasional spikes, is good. (Or so we are constantly reminded by the media ... look how bad the rest of the world is ... see how much America wastes compared to them?)

3. We are getting older. Yeah, I know that 50 is the "new 35-40", would someone tell that to my knees and other joints, they seem to be still on the old time table. Fact is, we might have the wisdom/maturity/experience level which can, to some degree, compensate for the seemingly endless energy and drive of youth. But knowing all that we amassed/built up/saved up for would most likely be gone if we elected to "push the reset button", is a very sobering thought. We need to remember the founders of this country gave their all to secure the liberties we see eroding before our eyes. Can we, as those who inherited these birthrights do no less?

4. We are Nice Guys - When we should be Adults (part 1)
When times are good in this country, we are more then willing to try and figure out if there is a way to share the wealth with those less fortunate. Especially if we have been in difficult straits ourselves. Again, human nature plays a part. We are a charitable people. And so, over the course of the 60's, 70's and some of the 80's we collectively allowed for vast sums of monies to be used in what was known as "the war on poverty" or "The Great Society". It was an honorable thing to strive for and based on good intentions (yeah, I know where that road goes). But we were nice guys ... when we realized the war on poverty turned into nothing more then the creation of a welfare state/class (Whom the progressives use as yet another group of victims needing to be "protected" ... for their own good of course.), we should have stepped in and put a stop to it then and there. We didn't. Not until the 90's was any substantive changes put in place to stop the monies going out.

5. We are Nice Guys - When we should be Adults (part 2)
The liberal mantra, often said before, is that we only do things because we are "meanspirited", "evil", or just our and out corrupt. When in reality our actions are based not on personal gain, or because our strings are being pulled by some mysterious cabal/military-industrial complex, or religious zealotry, or for you lefty bigots out there- "those evil Zionist joooooows". Rather we do them because they must be done. This is true on a personal level. In the raising of families. It is true on the local level, in the desire to live in a healthy vibrant community. And is also true at the National level. Wither it is fighting a war, cutting wasteful spending, lowering taxes, or trying to get government out of the home and business. (Sadly, that is what the Republican party used to stand for. It seems to have morphed into something altogether different over the past 8 years. But that is a story for a later date.) As reasoning, thinking, adults knowing this to be true, we do our best to act accordingly, in any given situation, no matter how hard it may be to do so.

Yet, as a political entity (the GOP), or as a philosophical point of view (conservatism/moralistic/some neo-libertarian), we often refuse to face our adversaries directly and call them on points of contention. We accept diversity for diversity's sake. Forsaking the ideal of accepting an individual as just that... an individual who should be held accountable for their actions (for good or ill) and not based on their gender/race/color/creed. We have allowed for the beginning (or at least the ground work) of the balkanization of America. With the liberals bringing about the constant formation of new classes/types of victims, and the acceptance of allowing every class/race/ethnicity their own hyphen before "American". "American" should be all you ever need to say when someone asks "Where you from?" period. And English should be the first language spoken (at least in the school or when conducting business with the public at large) when spoken to. Yes there are, and perhaps will always be, "Little Italy's, "Greektowns", Chinatowns, ect. And one should not be surprised to hear the native language of those who live there being spoken. Or their culture being proudly on display. This is all part of assimilation in to the melting pot which is America. But at the end of the day English first, Spanish, German, Chinese, Polish or which ever your flavor is, second. But we let this go to the wayside. Out of a misplaced sense of "fairness" perhaps, but that "being a nice guy" attitude seems to be the driving force behind it.

6. We are shrinking in numbers. Those who hold our countries original ideals and form of governance (the Constitution, rule of law, a country composed of Americans - not hyphenated sub groups of various origins), due to the tactics of progressives and their harlots in the main stream media, though still formidable, are shrinking in size. And yes, there will be those in the next generation who will carry the torch, but unless they can out procreate and then instill with in their progeny their same beliefs, they will be an even smaller percentage. As brought up at Personal Effects we may soon be nothing more then the remnants spoken about. "Jobs" don't come along all that often. Making the task of keeping the spark alive, until such time as humanity is ready to light the torch of liberty and freedom once again, all that much harder.

"Mom, We're Tired ... We Don't Wanna Play Any More ... "

"This is too much like work!"

The Democratic presidential candidates will line a stage in Charleston, S.C., tonight for their first official debate.

And already, debate fatigue is setting in.

The Democratic contenders have taken part in three "unofficial" debates this year, on top of numerous other "forums" sponsored by various political constituencies. The schedule is only going to get more demanding: After tonight's debate, sponsored by CNN and YouTube and the first of six sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee, there will be a crush of events, culminating in one week in early August when unofficial debates are planned in Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles

But Honey, I thought you and your little friends wanted to "play politics". You and your friends were going to have fun pretending you were trying to become the next President of the United States.

But Maaaaaaaamm ... Those pesky kids from down the street said they wanted to play too. So we said they could be the media asking us questions. We didn't think we would have to give honest answers ... or at least the same answers to the same questions ALL THE TIME! Having to remember all our liestall talescampaign promises is HARRRD!

Well, your father and I always said that if you don't tell the truth, it is harder to have to remember the story you told then to say what you honestly feel.

At the end of a recent gathering in Detroit sponsored by the NAACP, former senator John Edwards (N.C.) and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) were overheard discussing their desire to limit the number of participants in the process, as well as the number of debates themselves.

The conversation, which the two candidates appeared to think was private but was caught on an open microphone, captured what strategists, particularly in the top campaigns, have been saying privately all year. Other candidates outside the top tier, particularly Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (Ohio), blasted the discussion as a slight.

And now, that little baby Johnny Edwards and Hilly are saying if we don't just let them and maybe Obama (cause he's cool, and all us KIDS like him) be the only ones talking, they are going to start yelling "LA LA LA LA LA LA LA" real loud while holding their fingers in their ears if the rest of us want to debate. It's not fair! Crazy Dennis K says they are just meanies!

The next DNC-approved debate is scheduled for Aug. 19 in Iowa, followed by an official debate in New Hampshire in late September and four more debates in early-primary states after that. With the candidates already spending so much time in the early-voting states, those debates are considered the least disruptive to meeting the other demands of campaigning.

But some of the others -- for example, a debate focusing on gay and lesbian issues in Los Angeles on Aug. 9 -- are putting strains on the campaign schedulers, who are already caught between finding time for the candidates to spend in early states and finding time for fundraising. The evolving and ever advancing primary calendar has made the crunch worse, several strategists for Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they did not want to be seen as complaining about the debates.

So how many of these debates were you and your friends going to have?

Gee mom, we wanna talk to EVERYONE, so they all can hear what we have to say! But it's getting boring and we have to listen to crazy Dennis, and all the others...and now that Johnny, Hilly, and Hussian think they are better then the rest of us... it isn't fun any more.

It is a much smaller problem on the Republican side, where there has not been a debate since June 5 and where there are fewer advocacy groups demanding attention from the field. The next GOP debate is scheduled for early August, when all the candidates will appear on ABC's "This Week," hosted by George Stephanopoulos.

Dear, why don't you do what those nice republican's are going to do?

Awwww mom ... they're mean, they wanna act just like adults...they don't have pretend fairy castles for every one, or great tasting kool-aid, or nothing.

Yes dear, but they also don't seem to be running around trying to please everyone by telling ....by making promises they may not keep later either.

As the Democratic Party did in 2004, DNC Chairman Howard Dean tried at one point to intervene in the process, brokering the deal that resulted in six debates this fall (the same number held in the last election cycle). Yet there is nothing to stop the candidates from signing up with every special interest group that makes an offer, and the lesser-known candidates, such as Kucinich and Sens. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.) and Christopher J. Dodd (Conn.), often do, forcing the front-runners' hands

Edwards, frustrated by the time restrictions forced on the candidates when so many are on the stage, has offered to participate in a smaller, three-person event with Clinton and Kucinich, if the other candidates will accept similar events.

It seems like everyone wants to have time to talk but ya'll don't have enough time for anyone to say anything.

Yeah, and Hilly, Johnny, ...

Yes Dear, you said that before, they want to be the only ones talking.

"Senator Edwards feels strongly that voters deserve more substantive debates between the candidates," Eric Schultz, a campaign spokesman, said yesterday. "One way to do that would be to break up the field into smaller groups for real debates. You cannot explain how you will end the war in Iraq or solve the climate crisis in 60 seconds."

Yeah, and Johnny only wants to make bumper stickers ... and when we laughed at him, he changed his mind saying he wants to talk now, but only in small groups. I think he feels afraid that Hilly, and Obama are going to beat him up ... or that Dennis will make him start doing yoga or something.

Well honey, when you and your friends are a bit more grown up. I think you will find that anything you really want in life is not always easy to get. Nor is it just given to you. Most of the time you have to work for it. That means you don't complain (or give the impression you're complaining) when you have to talk to the public about issues which are important to them.

Perhaps that is why politics and government should be left to the adults. Obviously the "Democrat Kids" are finding it to be a little more then they can handle.

Earlier this week, while surfing through my blogroll, I came across this post made by "Sailor" at A Sailor In The Desert.

Operaton Stars & Stripes does not have a fancy web page. Nor does it have lots of fancy bells and whistles. Every dime they get goes towards getting "Care Packages" built up and sent out to those who deserve em most ... the guys and gals serving in harms way, or those who have directly felt the sting of battle and are recovering from same.

You will note the new button below the "never forget" picture in my side bar, that is a direct link to Operaton Stars & Stripes. To the best of my knowledge they are accepting both cash, and items to be delivered directly to the troops (check out their page on what is acceptable to donate) Again, all monies collected go directly to getting packages together/shipped. This is done as an all volunteer effort (no one is getting paid),

You can email Mrs. Meredith Kelly at :
johnmeredithk@aol.com
if you have any questions about Operation Stars & Stripes.

Any donation of money may be sent to:
"OPERATION STARS & STRIPES"
C/O CHARTER ONE BANK
4231 JOLIET AVE
LYONS, ILLINOIS 60534

I know there are a number of groups out there who are doing their best to support our men and women in uniform, in many different (and equally important) ways. This sounds like another fine group, spearheaded by a lady who has her heart in the right place.

Beef ... is a real gas ... or just bs?

Producing 2.2lb of beef generates as much greenhouse gas as driving a car non-stop for three hours, it was claimed yesterday.

Source for all blockquotes in this post: Telegraph.co.uk

Hmmm ... having been around cattle in both their “live stage” and at various stages afterwards, including the all important “medium-rare on my plate with knife and fork at the ready stage”, lets take this equation to the first stage and see what we have. Assuming the average weight is around 1300lbs per critter. So if 2.2lbs equals a car driving for 3 hours non-stop, then 1300 would equate to aprox 1772.2 hours of driving. My friends, that is A LOT of cow outgassing!

Japanese scientists used a range of data to calculate the environmental impact of a single purchase of beef. Taking into account all the processes involved, they said, four average sized steaks generated greenhouse gases with a warming potential equivalent to 80.25lb of carbon dioxide. This also consumed 169 megajoules of energy. That means that 2.2lb of beef is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions which have the same effect as the carbon dioxide released by an ordinary car travelling at 50 miles per hour for 155 miles, a journey lasting three hours. The amount of energy consumed would light a 100-watt bulb for 20 days.

We eat beef, and to get said steaks, roasts, burgers from critter to grill takes energy!!! Oh, the horror, the inhumanity, the further abuse of mother earth .... err hold on a minute here. Seems to me something akin to cattle were around here long before the words “black Angus” would cause one's mouth to salivate. There was a critter native to this country which was in such large abundance the very ground shook for miles around when they were on the run. Yes, I am talking about the Buffalo or Bison. So using the “logic” about greenhouse gas being “a bad thing” ™ would that make our forefathers, who all but drove the Bison to extinction, due to being greedy capitalists (those furs and other by-products fetched a pretty penny), were being “eco-friendly” and didn't even know it!

Most of the greenhouse gas emissions are in the form of methane released from the animals' digestive systems, New Scientist magazine reported.

And it took a scientific study to figure out what most ranchers and others have known for the longest time .... that being down wind of the herd is not the most aromatic place to be?

Su Taylor, the press officer for the Vegetarian Society, told New Scientist: "Everybody is trying to come up with different ways to reduce carbon footprints, but one of the easiest things you can do is to stop eating meat."

Ahhhh there are those pesky carbon footprints again. Being we are all carbon based life forms would a world with “zero carbon footprints” mean there was no mammalian life on it? (I don't know about you but I intend to have “my little carbon footprint” hang around for as long as possible!!) And Surprise!! a vegetarian says “one of the easiest things you can do is to stop eating meat.” Hey little tree hugging , nuts and berry eating buddy ... you remember awhile back when this German study came to light?

Kinda makes your concern about cow farts nothing more then that other bovine bi-product ... pure bs.

The Involunteers

I am proud to have Russ Vaughn's verses appear here once again. His writing is always worth a look. And I am honored he allows me to post his verses here on a regular basis. If you would like to see more of Russ's wordsmithing, check out either American Thinker or Old War Dogs. Both are worth a stop and should have been on the old blog roll sometime ago (a situation corrected as of now-HM).

So with out any further delay, here is the latest verse from Russ!

Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself

... "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself---nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance" ...

Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address

Fear itself ... that which causes ones blood to run cold, the sting of bile to rise in the throat, the primal instinct of flight or fight comes to the fore. All human beings experience some form of fear in their lives. Some fortunate few are lucky to have only memories of the monsters under the bed or in the closet, as the only time they can recall tasting fears bitter tincture. The rest of us ... well ... we have had to deal with worse. Some dealt (or are dealing with) far worse.

Fear can be dealt with and if not outright conquered, at least have it's root sources identified, and work done to eliminate or marginalize these sources. A reasoning human being will attempt to bring about this kind of change in their lives. These good people are not whom are being addressed in this bit of puditry.

The world is an ocean of peoples, places, countries, cultures. A mixture, of rich and poor, have and have not, pious and profane, good and evil. Most are able to live within what is considered normal standards of acceptable behavior. Or, at the very least, are what is accepted as a non-threatening, eccentric lifestyle. Interaction between these folks, for the most part, will not inspire fear. Indeed, in "a perfect world" ™ , all of humanity would be able to peacefully co-exist. There would be no crime, no rapes, no murder, no war ... no reason at all to fear your fellow human beings.

But we live in an imperfect world. Mankind is imperfect. And, as so abily stated here,
by Mr. Bill Whittle, (and a philosophy I hold to as well) people are either sheep, wolves, or sheepdogs. And much like Bill, (and many others) I find the most realistic group for me is, sheepdog. This is not to say I, or many others, do not (or would not) feel fear in any given event. We are human, there may be that feeling in the gut given a life threatening situation ... but, how we choose (yes, it is a choice) react to it makes all the difference.

And this is where the real dividing line is in our country. Not, that there isn't those who profess to be conservative or on the right politically, are immune to fear. Rather they (and there are exceptions but thankfully few) know how to properly REACT to it.

The inverse to this is true for those on the other side of the spectrum as well. (Again, there are exceptions there as well.) They are also not immune to fear. But their reaction(s) are of an entirely different kind:

1. Ignore it, and it will (eventually) go away. The threat "isn't really there , or applicable to US. Ergo, it doesn't exist. Or isn't really important, so we shouldn't waste our collective time energy or money on it.

2. Try and understand it. Not in the sense of trying to effectively combat same, rather, "in understanding our enemy we can then deal with their aggressiveness, and find a peaceful solution." This would work assuming your enemy was willing to accept your theory, and your enemy was willing to abide with the "solution" you came up with. Most clear thinking folks have one word which describes this ...Appeasement. We also have found throughout history, this doesn't work for anyone other then the aggressor.

3. Just try and get along. A slight variant of number two. It is equally ineffective. Though the aggressor may go along with this as long as they keep getting what they want. Appeasement again comes to mind along with blackmale/extortion.

4. We don't feel like our views/ideas/goals are being accepted In other words the causes, believes, ideals considered important are not getting the respect (read value/weight) that the sponsors of same feel they should be gettign. Stated another way; "I am afraid of being/becoming irrelevant, or inconsequential. Or I will be losing any power and or prestige my view(s) may have given me in the past. And I want that power back"

5. It's not fair. Fear of being left out, marginalized. Akin to number 4 above.

These are just five basic breakdowns of the fear which rules those on the left. There are sub-species, and I know I have failed to list some (chalk it up to the first stages of senility).

What is important to note here are two things. The first is all of the above are feeling/emotionally based responses to fear. They are all flight reactions.

The second is all of the above and their resulting manifestations (Marxism, Socialism, Appeasement, Diversity, Political Correctness ... the list goes EVER on and on ...) have been resounding failures! And if implemented to any recognizable degree within our society/civilization, will sound the death knoll for same.

And this my friends would be one of my greatest fears. That we allow this to happen. Further more, do we have enough adults left in this country who would have the courage to stand up and be counted on to do what may be needed when (the "if" has long sense passed) the time comes.

... But I support the troops

The recent flap about Ted Rall's POS cartoon, along with the constant moaning from those on the left that, dispite all their actions to the contrary, they do support the troops, has brought me very close to the point where I need to find a progressive/liberal/statist and show them how I "support the troops", by wringing their bloody necks.

Calming down a bit, and for some odd reason, feeling charitable towards those whose grasp of logic, common sense, and or civility (if nothing else), is sorely lacking, caused me to come up with the following.

In an effort to make it easier for those without a clue as to what they may really be. Just read the following and see where your actions place you.

BIG HINTS: There is no pass or fail. There are no extra points for gender, race, religion, or cultural background. There is no gray area, “you are what you are” and that is it. If you are uncomfortable with what the following shows about you, then look inside you and change. OR, kindly leave this country as soon as possible, because the rest of US are getting real tired, fed up, and royally pissed off at ya'll (along with your actions, thoughts, and deeds).

You claim to “support the troops” (but not the war/mission).
Yet, at every opportunity you:

1.Cut back on their funding, or monies to be used to buy/produce/develop weapons/equipment for them to effectively do what ever they are tasked to do.

2.Make disparaging comments or innuendo about the intelligence of the troops (especially the enlisted side of the house).

3.Make disparaging comments about current missions/battles/wars where our troops are actively participating. (It is bad enough if you did this in private. That may or may not be considered in poor taste, depending on the social groups you travel with. And your private words are your own, as long as they are not voiced in public,then all bets are off.)

4.Produce/Report/Edit/Release incomplete, inaccurate, or completely fabricated information as news/commentary about military forces/operations and their over all (or, more correctly, to fit your agenda) “lack of success”.

5.Actively support groups, either by providing funds for same, promoting these organizations, or giving credence to “mouthpieces” who seek to spread their own propaganda, which in turn makes it harder for our troops to do their job in the field.

6.Allow all the above (and more) to have their say in your public form (be it print or audio/visual media outlets/stations) under the guise of “Freedom of Speech”, regardless of the accuracy of said information and or spokesperson.

Before we go any further, let's step over here a sec and take a look at a couple of definitions.

Main Entry: trai·tor Pronunciation: 'trA-t&r Function: noun Etymology: Middle English traytour, from Anglo-French traitre, from Latin traditor, from tradere to hand over, deliver, betray, from trans-, tra- trans- + dare to give -- more at DATE 1 : one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty 2 : one who commits treason

Source: Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, Eleventh Edition.

In law, treason is the crime of disloyalty to one's nation. A person who betrays the nation of their citizenship and/or reneges on an oath of loyalty and in some way willfully cooperates with an enemy, is considered to be a traitor. Oran's Dictionary of the Law (1983) defines treason as: "...[a]...citizen's actions to help a foreign government overthrow, make war against, or seriously injure the [parent nation]." In many nations, it is also often considered treason to attempt or conspire to overthrow the government, even if no foreign country is aided or involved by such an endeavour.

Source: Wikipedia-Treason

Note: I was going to add Sedition (which in and of itself is no longer applicable in the US), or perhaps parts of US code 18, but that doesn't really fit the argument presented here today .Unless you are one of the leakers of classified information (to the press and others), but you are already in dutch because of the SF-312 you signed. And that, in itself, may be enough to put your big yaps behind steel bars.

Ok, we have our six categories, and applicable definitions. So to see where you fit in just follow the three simple steps below the fold

The Feeding Frenzy Begins on the Left??

Read this, from AP, and see whatcha think.

Clinton, Edwards talk of limiting debate

Associated Press - July 13, 2007 2:23 AM ET

DETROIT (AP) - Democrats John Edwards and Hillary Rodham Clinton consider themselves among the top presidential candidates.

They were caught by Fox News microphones discussing their desire to limit future joint appearances to exclude some lower rivals after a forum in Detroit Thursday.

Edwards says, "We should try to have a more serious and a smaller group."

Clinton agrees, saying, "We've got to cut the number" and "they're not serious." She also says that she thought their campaigns had already tried to limit the debates and say, "We've gotta get back to it."

Others taking part in the forum sponsored by the NAACP were Senators Barack Obama, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel.

One Republican, Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo, also participated.

On the face of it is it really a big deal? After all politics traditionally has been largely as series of maneuvers in smoke filled rooms behind closed doors. Why should this little bit of conversation be any different. That two of the supposed Deomocrap front runners feel the need to actively try and exclude some of their playmates from the playground shouldn't come as a surprise. After all the whole progressive/statist experience is about control and knowing what is best for people, shouldn't that apply to their (internal) politics as well?

So if the Hildabeast and the Breckgirl feel they are the two (or at least, two of) top runners for their party's shot at the oval office (and a better pairing hardly comes to mind for that side). Why shouldn't they want to get rid of the political wanna-bes, those pesky bits of regional party lint which clings to the the hem of “Silky Pony's” skirt, and to the leg of “Her Thighness's” pantsuit. Matter o' fact, they do kinda sound like the perfect match up. “Hildabeast/Breck in 08” could be just the ticket. She has the macho posturing and has been co-president before. He has all the more subtle nuanced qualities, which will draw the female vote (and those who love a well quaffed ...err man(?))

Ah well, not even to the first primary and it would appear the sharks are circling, about ready to feast on the smaller fish. This is gonna be fun to watch ... in a bread and circus, feed em to the lions sorta way.

Oh, and need I say it ... Thompson in 08!!

Update:
The original link didn't want to play nice, so I have included the article in the above blockquote. "Ye Ol' Harbor Master"

A Long Hot Summer And A Needed Long Hard Look

There has been a lot of talk about recent Al-Qaida activities, in the past week or so. Indeed, I have noted on past posts about what has been “leaked” to the press regarding same. Yes, it seems those fun loving, child roasting, camel humping, craaaaazy bunch of guys over in the middle east ... err I mean Europe ... ummm, the US??? Yeah, that's the ticket!... could be at it again!

It might be nothing more then posturing by the goat lovers over in the sandbox. But then again, let's take a look at what was thought of this country and our collective “leadership” prior to September 11th of 2001.

Bin Laden and most others, including Saddam and Company, thought we were weak Or that as a nation we lacked the resolve to retaliate in any significant measure. Indeed, the stated goal of Al-Quaeda was as follows:

On February 23, 1998, Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, a leader of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, along with three other Islamist leaders, co-signed and issued a fatwa (binding religious edict) under the banner of the World Islamic Front for Jihad Against the Jews and Crusaders (al-Jabhah al-Islamiyya al-'Alamiyya li-Qital al-Yahud wal-Salibiyyin) declaring:

t]he ruling to kill the Americans and their allies- civilians and military— is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it, in order to liberate the al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem) and the holy mosque (in Makka) from their grip, and in order for their armies to move out of all the lands of Islam, defeated and unable to threaten any Muslim. This is in accordance with the words of Almighty Allah, 'and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together,' and 'fight them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah'.

Source: "Al-Qaeda"-Wikipedia

The Islamic mindset has always been to be acquiescent when in a weak(ened) state, and to strike when in a position of strength. This even follows the rise of Mohamad as evidenced by the following two excerpts. The first the Quar' an (an english translation from Quarn.org), in which the prophet ... pedophile, Mohamed expresses the following, when in a weak state:

Those who believe (in the Qur-an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

The Quran, Sura 2 verse 62

Note, in the following, the difference in attitude when the old goat (humper) is feeling his oats, after posting a few in the win column:

8:39. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone [in the whole of the world]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), then certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what they do. 8:67. It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world (i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. 9:29. Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. 9:33. It is He {Allah} Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) hate (it).

Source: Jihad Watch,

Al-Qaida; Getting Ready To Rumble Again?

AP is reporting Al-Qaida's number two man, Ayman al-Zawahri, has released a 4 minute video, in which he calls on Pakistanis to join the Jihad against the Pakistan military which has been engaged in routing out terrorists encamped in The Red Masque.

The commandos went in after unsuccessful attempts to get the mosque's militants to surrender to a weeklong siege mounted by the government following deadly street clashes in Islamabad with armed supporters of the mosque on July 3.

The extremists had been using the mosque as a base to send out radicalized students to enforce their version of Islamic morality, including abducting alleged prostitutes and trying to "re-educate" them at the compound.

Sheesh, those nasty "suspected militants" are at it again! Pakistan has always had a hard row to hoe in trying to maintain a secular government, while still allowing for "The Philosophy of Submission" (Islam being neither a religion in the truest sense, and "Peace" being incorrectly substituted for the proper translation of "Islam") in their midst. But for their commando forces to openly attack a Mosque, something our own forces have been loath to do in the past (due to pressure from the damnitable politically correct forces in this country and Europe), should be commended.

The end result of taking the war to where the terrorists "really are" ...

Pakistani commandos cleared the warren-like Red Mosque complex of its last die-hard defenders Wednesday and the army said it counted the bodies of 73 suspected militants. ... Some 106 people have been killed overall since the violence began. They include 10 soldiers, one police ranger and several civilians who died in the crossfire. The dead included the mosque's pro-Taliban cleric Abdul Rashid Ghazi.

The terrorists are known to hide behind women and children or in crowds. They also have a history of using their own houses of worship as staging areas/supply dumps. About time someone to action on these.

The AP article also notes there has been a marked increase in message traffic from Al-Qaida this year (as compared to last)

It was the second message by al-Zawahri this week, and his 10th this year, said Ben Venzke of the IntelCenter, a U.S.-based intelligence group that monitors terrorism messages.

Venzke said al-Qaida's media wing, as-Sahab, was now releasing more than two messages a week on average. ... "Al-Qaida has apparently made the decision that it's important for them to respond to current events within a short news cycle," he said. Venzke pointed out that al-Zawahri was reacting to events at the Red Mosque in Pakistan that were barely a week old.

As-Sahab issued a total of 58 messages for all of 2006. But Wednesday's release was its 62nd so far for 2007, IntelCenter said

Finally, there is this bit of information. Drudge is reporting via a story released on the AP wires, that Al-Qaida's manning is back to pre-9/11 levels.

U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded al-Qaida has rebuilt its operating capability to a level not seen since just before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, The Associated Press has learned.

The conclusion suggests that the group that launched the most devastating terror attack on the United States has been able to rebuild despite nearly six years of bombings, war and other tactics aimed at crippling it.

Still, numerous government officials say they know of no specific, credible threat of a new attack.

A counterterrorism official familiar with a five-page summary of the new government threat assessment called it a stark appraisal that will be discussed at the White House on Thursday as part of a broader meeting on an upcoming National Intelligence Estimate.

The official and others spoke on condition of anonymity because the secret report remains classified.(I placed this text in boldface-Harbor Master )

Damnit! The above torques my jaw for two reasons. First, because had we been truly committed to fighting a war and not having our Armed Forces hands tied as to how they should conduct same, this article would never have come about. You cannot fight a kinder and gentler war. War is a messy, dirty, ugly thing. But because there are those elements through out the world who know nothing but the law of the jungle (at best), or are just flat out evil (most likely the case), there is no other solution (assuming you want to survive as a Nation/Peoples/Culture then going to war.

The second thing I touched on here. And directly ties into the last line in the above blockquote. "The official and others spoke on condition of anonymity because the secret report remains classified." COME ON PEOPLE!!! Leaking non-classified information is one thing ... and the way the game is played these days ... often done "on purpose" by the very agency/company the information originally came from. But this item was classified. That means it is "a federal crime" to divulge same. All federal employees and those in the military had to (at one time or another) read and sign this form , or something similar. Al-Qaida (or some other virulent strain of the carcinogen Islam) appears to be marshaling its forces, for a resurgence of violence on a major scale(who knows where). We need to clamp down, and clamp down hard on those who feel the public's need to know is greater then our national interests and or military readiness.

As an aside, my better half agrees with (that) this could be nothing more then a "planned release" of information, or rather mis-information, to the press in order to , in turn, mis-inform the enemy. I would buy this if the info wasn't classified. But she may be right. In any case, looks to be a long hot summer.

Loose Lips?

"Hey Akmed. do you think we should tell our exalted leader about the latest news?"
"What are you talking about Mo?"
"We are supposed to launch a massive attack against the infidels, Jews, and less then faithful followers of Allah as soon as the spawn of Satan Naval forces leave the waters near Iran."
"And ...???"
"Akmed, don't you read the New York Times, or Washington Post??"
"Mo, you son of a diseased camel and infidel whore, you know I can not read any thing printed in the tongue of the infidel ... I break out in hives!" "Tell me, what you have found out."
"The Great Satan is so weak he can not even keep his own people from sharing their secrets with us. And we are not talking about some secret infidel agent ... no, the Great Satan's own print media willingly provides us with the time table for their fleets movement(s) in and out of the Gulf."

From the Washington Post, via the Associated Press, Tuesday, July 10, 2007; 4:20 PM

WASHINGTON -- After a much-publicized military buildup in the Persian Gulf, the United States is now planning to have only one aircraft carrier in the region for part of this year.

In what officials have said was partly muscle-flexing toward Iran, the Navy has maintained two aircraft carrier battle groups in area since early this year and twice held major exercises in the Gulf.

But the force could be reduced to one carrier in the coming weeks unless one now there is ordered to stay beyond its planned homecoming or another is rescheduled to go there early, three defense officials said Tuesday.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak on the subject for the record. The military tries to say as little as possible about ship movements for security reasons. (text placed in BOLD by me- the Harbor Master)

"Mo, can this be true? The Great Satan is just giving this information away? If it was our people who would leak this to the enemy they would suffer a quick and painful death. They are either weak, fools, or both"

"Only Allah, or the owners of the NYT know the answers to these questions Akmed. We should just be thankful we are able to enjoy the benefits of the Great Satan's Freedom of the press. Our grandfathers didn't have that luxury back during the West's World War II. But we do now!"

Oh, and Akmed, if you think this is a fluke, the other news agency of the West, Reuters, tries to camouflage it, but says much the same thing. Ya know, sometimes being a terrorist ...err freedom fighter for Allah ™ is just too easy."

What Was She Thinking?

Amy Jacobson, reporter for Chicago NBC affiliate WMAQ, was released from her job this afternoon. As things go, this in itself is not a big deal. But as Paul Harvey might say, wait until you hear “the rest of the story”.

It seems the local CBS affiliate acquired video of Ms. Jacobson, in bathing suit top with towel rapped around her midriff, along with her two children, at the home of Craig Stebic. What makes this of some concern, is Stebic is the estranged husband of Lisa Stebic, who has been reported missing since April 30th. Lisa was last seen the day she was allegedly moving to evict Craig Stebic from their Plainfield home.

Although Jacobson's lawyer Katherine Zellner has publicly stated:

"She wasn't fired. There was no drinking. No one was sitting in a hot tub. She wasn't anywhere near him. The sister invited her to drop by.

Although there has been no direct evidence showing Jacobson and Stebic in any sort of relationship. However, what you do have here is a case of someone making a very poor choice in how they choose to spend their off time. If nothing else it gives the appearance of being a conflict of interest.

This may be a case of (Jacobson) becoming too emotionally attached to a family going through a crises (Craig Stebic's sister has stated Jacabson's past visit to the Stebic home and this one, were as a friend of the family and nothing more.). Or perhaps it is something much more emotionally murky. Though, there has been no direct evidence linking Jacobson and Stebic in any sort of relationship. However, it wouldn't be the first time an estranged spouse has found, at the very least, a sympathetic ear.

Being somewhat more cynical in my middle age, what came to my mind, after reading the Trib's and CBS's reports, (though not mentioned or implied, in either) is the following equally plausible idea. She was doing nothing more then using the family. Posing as “a friend” to gain their confidence, in order to get the all important story.

In any of the above scenarios, you run the very real (and all too human) possibility of biasing your story. You become emotionally invested in the family, or individual family members, you lose your objectivity. Or your willingness to pursue an unexplored / ignored aspect of events is skewed. In any case, you set yourself up for a fall. Wither it is at your own hands (poor reportage), or that of rival interests (yeah, I bet CBS is all torn up about zinging their rival outlet in one of the largest media markets in the country). The impression it gives to the reading/listening/viewing public of; “Oh here is yet another example of a reporter doing what seems to be a less then professional job of getting/reporting a story.” does nothing to improve the already battered and bruised reputation of the main stream media. In fact this whole story from the accepting and ultimate release of the video by WBBM (CBS) to Ms. Jacobson placing herself in this position in the first place, does nothing more then increase the publics disdain for what passes for news these days and the folks who provide same.

What was she thinking.

From the hinterlands of Northern Illinois:

Still no budget for the current year. The state legislators are at odds with our Governor. He is a weak kneed, well quaffed Democrat. In fact his spouse seems to be wearing the pants in the family. Might be the Yankee version of John Edwards, with just a tad bit more testicular fortitude. What makes this worthy of at least a smirk is his party has control of the legislating branch of our state as well. Ah, infighting ... ya gotta love it.

Slow news day, there doesn't seem to be much going on. We are truly into the dog daze of summer. Guess it must be time for a little “Good News – Bad News”:

Bloody But Unbowed

Sometimes things take a tad longer then originally planned. What was supposed to be no more then a month or so away from blogging and things puter-ish in general, turned out to last over a year.

Now it is almost mid July of '07 and once again I can be found banging on the keyboard wondering what is happening to this country of mine. Or if an ol' left handed Squid can master the art of "The Perfect BBQ/Smoked Ribs" ™ .

For those who are interested, my better half Deb, and I still reside in the hinterland of Northern Illinois. After a two and one half years of no job, I have been working for almost that past year now and that is a good thing. Quiets the nerves.

So, what will be going on here? Mostly the same things as before. Expect to see commentary on:

The WOT- Being retired from the Navy, I have a strong bond towards those who freely elect to join any of the armed services, knowing they may be placing themselves in harms way. And the more sources either reporting from "the sandbox" or repeating/linking to stories/articles from the frontlines of the world, the better counter we will have in getting the truth out.

"The Religion Of Peace" ™ Submission- This will be a major topic until either Islam becomes nothing more then a bad memory, or a major reformation takes place. Though considering Islam is NOT a religion, but something closer to a philosophy ... but that is a topic for future posts. In any case, as it stands now, this "thing" called Islam is a malignancy, a cancer to all liberty loving peoples everywhere. It needs to be stomped out. Expect to see more of "Letters to a Mythical Moderate Muslim" at sometime in the near future.

The Media- A recent poll found approximately 90% of reporters/journalists vote Democrat. And there are still folks who wonder why there is bias (recognised or unrecognized) in all flavors of media? I have no problem with a paper or radio/tv station leaning left or right on their editorial/op-ed pages or stated on-air commentary. That is a big part of what the first amendment is all about. But to have "the news" slanted, or miss-reported, or just out and out fabricated, is (or should be) nothing short of irresponsible (at best) and treason (at worst). And for the record, accuracy in reporting seems to bite FOX news in the butt from time to time. You folks are supposed to be professionals, isn't it time to start acting like it (hint: solid sources are a "good thing" ™ ).

I'm With Fred!!- He isn't perfect. He isn't Regan. He IS a straight talker, much closer to original GOP values of small government and a strong defense. He is not a uniter for the sake of uniting alone. He has a temper and will not suffer fools gladly. And until hard facts state other wise appears to be the best hope for the GOP and this country. Run Fred Run!!! (with Mike Huckabee or Condi Rice as vp????)

Liberals/Statists/Progressives/Useful Idiots-Meat for the grinder here! Some are truly insane. Some are young and idealistic (the only forgivable sub group of this bunch). Some are out and out power hungry control freaks who want nothing more then to bring down this great country and turn it into an American Gulag. Thanks to their friends in media (see above), and PT Barnum's maxim, it seems they get closer to this goal with each passing year.

Politics-What doesn't get covered by the two above, will get it here. This would include, but is not limited to; "Stupid President Tricks" ™ -Or how can a man who seems to (for the most part) get it right in the WOT, be so far off in his domestic side of the house. "RINOS"-These are in reality, the true bastard children of politics. They are loyal to none but themselves, and as soon as the voting public wakes up and realizes this, the better off we will be. "Celebrity Drive-by Spewings" ™ -Yes, there are some who are truly middle ground or even right leaning in their personal political views. But isn't it amazing that most of these folks don't mix their entertainment with their politics? (There are exceptions, Ted Nugent comes to mind ... but for the most part on the right, it is the exception to the rule.) The majority of actors/singers/artists are left of center, indeed they are far left if anything. I think most folks would not care what their personal politics are. They would rather be entertained and leave it at that. Sadly, this is not the case. The only plus side is most of our entertainers are nothing more then useful idiots with hardly an original thought of their own in their heads, just talking points for what ever cause/political hack they are supporting.

The Constitution-It is NOT A LIVING DOCUMENT!! I expect to do some posting on each of the amendments constituting the bill of rights. This will be amplified with references to notes/letters/writings of the authors of same. It really is a well thought out and visionary document. Unfortunately, it has been under serious attack since the Civil War (especially in the last 100 years). Many of the "revisionist interpretations" were done with good intentions, but we all know where that road leads don't we?

The Cubs and Bears-I know when you look up humility in the dictionary the picture next to it is of a Cubs fan, but I have been a loyal follower of the "northsiders" for the past 40 some odd years, and am not going to stop now. As for the Bears, someday we will get a talented QB ... probably about the time the Cubs win the World Series. Still, at least if you place the word "fudge" in front of our football teams name, it sounds like a candy. (take THAT Packer fans!)

Odds and Ends-Anything else which strikes my fancy. Or items about home/family/fellow travelers in the blogging world.

And that about covers it.

For those out there who have been faithful readers in the past, if I haven't said so before, thank you! I hope you come back to see what foolishness I start to post here again. For all (any??) new readers, welcome aboard. Make yourself comfortable, and enjoy the ride.

I'm Baaaack!

Other then some small odds and ends. We are back and ready to rock!!! Expect to see regular posting starting later today!!

last Test

Ok, the comments now are operational!!! The extended scripty works too. Trackbacks are flaky but not a biggy at the moment.

Categories seems to work. If you want to see all posts listed on the category the post you are reading, just click it and you should be able to read same.