Heartland Hates Hollywood Humor

Having read "Variety", any number of times in my youth, I couldn't pass up the chance to title this post in something akin to what may appear on that rag in the not too distant future.

Hollywood in it's seemingly self destructive and or narcissistic mind set, continues to focus on the 9/11, post 9/11 mindset. None of their efforts in presenting the War on Terror or the struggle in Iraq have paid off at the box office. The public, for the most part, has stayed away in droves. So now the are trying a different tact. We can't win 'em over with "serious" "heart wrench(ed)ing" drama ... so let's attack their funny bone!!

Guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. Sadly, it appears to be sooner.

Yeppers, it worked so well with WWII. Who can forget (those who are still alive to remember) the crazy madcap antics of those "Concentration Camp Cutups ™ " , the Waffen SS. Or that oriental laff riot, Tojo. I seem to recall even with a better then 20 year gap between the end of WWII and the airing of "Hogan's Heroes", there was still quite a flap over it. Granted, that particular show placed the American (and allied) POW's in the positive/controlling characters virtually all the time. And did make the German Officers/Nazi party types and German solders in general, to be nothing more then buffoons, morons, and pompous blowhearts. Which I am sure made any number of vets wonder why then did it take us so long to WIN the damn thing?

And yes, there were a number of "funny" or "humorous" movies, based on the war. "The Wackiest Ship in the Army" (both the movie, staring Jack Lemmon, and the short lived TV show) was based on an actual ship/events. And there were many others, usually portraying the trials and tribulations of either becoming indoctrinated to military life (boot camp/basic training) or finding ways to work with-in/around the system, in order to "get the girl", beat the enemy, meet the challenge given by the chain of command or circumstances.

But that was Hollywood of 40 some years ago. At least they had enough presents of mind to make the good guys just that, the good guys. Not so, with the current crop of military mirth/Gitmo guffaws/global terroristic tomfoolery, and international political/big business gone wild. Oh, and did I forget to include zombie troops and strippers? (Nothing says "We support the guys and gals in the military" more then a film with "re-animated" ranks risking limb to continue the fight for freedom!)

Perhaps this is just Hollywood's way of redefining a term which is probably not considered PC these days. "T&A", no longer stands for that particular segment of films. Now it can be used as an umbrella for almost all the content coming out these days. Now "T&A" stands for "Trite & Asinine"

I'm off to go and watch an old classic, starring Lee Marvin, called "The Dirty Dozen". Thank god for dvds!

With the obligatory tip of the "Squid lid ™ " to Jeffrey Ressner at "Politico" for his enlightening article on same.

Truth in Advertizing ...

... is a good thing to have. And is in (very) short supply regardless of which political side of the fence you are on. But in an effort to help a terrorist loving, race baiting, piss-poor excuse for a human being ... err "fellow Illinoisan who wants to do good on a massive scale, by implementing change" ™ , I have developed a straight forward no holds barred campaign button.

Yes, that is a mushroom cloud. And yes, I am willing to bet if Obama-lama-dingdong gets the Presidential nod, there will be one or more of those in our future. Though not the change I think he has in mind, it will be major change indeed.

H/T to both the amazing SondraK and the always engaging commentary and photo work provided by "Rodger, the Real King of France" for their posting about and pointing me to this bit of logo fun.

Tis The Season

"It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping GOD in the manner most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship."

-- John Adams (Thoughts on Government, 1776)

This quote, courtesy of The Patriot Post, along with the fast approach of the holidays, got me to wondering ... wondering what was said word for word in the Constitution regarding "religion". So to refresh my five active brain cells, I looked it up. Couldn't have been easier, the first line of the first amendment and all.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

- First Amendment to the United States Constitution

So, in plain English, it states the legislative branch can't make any laws in respect to ANY religion, in placing it above (or by my reckoning, below) any other, in the eyes of "the State". They also cannot prohibit anyone from practicing their faith ... the exception to this being when the practice of same places another's life/liberty/property in jeopardy.

Indeed, even the ersatz religion of submission, otherwise known as Islam, by the first amendment, is allowable. However, (and this will cause the progressives to get their knickers in a knot for sure) being we are "at war" with (at the very least) the more extreme practitioners of said "faith", perhaps it is time to take some much needed and stronger measures regarding Islam.

Can we do this? Yes, we have the technology. Should we do it? Sure! Precedence has been established regarding groups who have posed as potential threats, while still affording them the right to peaceful assembly, (assuming they haven't broken existing laws) and freedom of speech. As has been done to various Communist, neo-nazi, and supremacist groups, perhaps monitoring of Mosques and other meeting places of said Islamists, would not be beyond the pale. (If, upon further review, said Mosque and attendees were found to be free of ties to terrorists/terrorism, and or were morphing into something more benign then any of the current forms of Islam, they would be left alone.)

Practice/follow what you will, but allow me the same opportunity. This is what Adams was saying above, and what the first amendment seeks to grant. So why do the atheists take offense to the majority of this country seeking to follow their respective flavors of Judaism/Christianity? Most people in any given town accept Christ as their savior and seek to celebrate his birth in late December. This used to result in there being decorations of the season (of both a secular and sacred nature) placed through out said town, usually with a nativity scene placed in the town square. It was a nod to the majority ofcitizens of said town ... of their shared commonality in faith. It was NOT meant to be a statement of "Our faith is better then yours" (or better then your desire to involve yourself in no faith at all). A good case in point? Well, a number of years back, I happened to the good people of Skokie, IL. had a large menorah, off the main drag in town, lit up during the Season of Hanukkah. Being there is a large (if not majority) in town that are of either Jewish lineage and or practice said faith, it shouldn't be surprising. And it is as it should be. (Nor can I ever remember a group of Christians massing around the Skokie city hall demanding the removal of same.)

The followers/practitioners of those religions/faiths/philosophies which are in the minority have the right to practice same (as stated above). What they don't have (although it has been accorded to them because of progressives agendas) is the right to restrict the majorities acknowledging what part their respective faiths have played in the development, and implementation of, the foundation of this great nation.

Crossposted at Cigar Intelligence Agency

Porking Mohammed

As has oft-times been expounded upon here, Islam along with it's pedophile prophet Mohammed, is at best a corrupt and morally bankrupt philosophy. Though it may come close to being a corrupt and morally bankrupt religion, it falls short on a couple of levels. (More on that some other time.)

That the many countries which make up what is considered to be "Western Civilization" (or even the "Civilized World" as a whole) have allowed this cancer to take root in each and every one of them, under the guise of "religious tolerance" speaks volumes.

It clearly shows, we of the west practice what we preach, that your individual road to salvation/inner peace is your own concern and none of my business. What is sadly forgotten by most Western Nations/Cultures is the second part of that understanding. As long as you, in the practice of your faith/philosophy, do no harm to, or promote the harm of others. There might even be exception taken of this last part on an ad hoc basis (for example, many even from the pulpit, made note of our fight against the Axis during WWII. Hardly what might be considered a peaceful turn the other cheek response, but very appropriate under the circumstances.) Sadly (yet again! ... what a sad sick philosophy Islam is) those who follow Mohammed the Malignant and his wanna be religion, have no real idea of the concept of, much less the proper use of tolerance. (or a sense of humor ... but that's ... err actually it is very much a part of the point ... never mind)

Awhile back there was a big to do about a number of cartoons poking fun at the incorrectly named "religion of peace" (Trust the mainstream media never to get their facts straight.) You would have thought Korans were being defiled/burned/shredded left and right. That effigies of Mohammed were being made and destroyed with mad abandon. There was marching in the streets, fatwahs being issued, oh the humanity!! How could this kind of sacralidge be allowed?? (One, notes the sound of many Muslim crickets churpping, while Christian icons, and holy works were/are being debased in the name of art and protest.)

Anyhow, as noted in todays illustrated bit of wisdom of Day by Day (the word "cartoon", just doesn't do it justice) by the wicked and witty pen of Chris Muir. Mohammed is being porked fun of, yet again. Good on ya Chris!

Though I doubt you will receive a Pulitzer for that anytime soon. Probably about the time there is a viable Islamic reformation ... or the Cubs win the World Series. Which ever comes first.

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.

An Open Letter (part three)

Dear Mosque Mouse,

For We can think of nothing else of which to call you then that my illusionary keeper of Islamic moderation. What better analogy then to equate you with (in the spirit of ecumenical reaching out of course) then the meek, mild, and surly moderate in tone, Christian Church mouse.

He takes up but little room. Is satisfied with but the scraps from the larders of his more vocal and publicly active brethren of the faith. His voice is small and seldom heard from. Yes, an apt description indeed.

You talk (when you talk at all) of Islam being a kind and just religion. Of Allah and "The Prophet" being wise and just in all their dealings and in their actions regarding the carrying out of "The Law". Yet daily We are witness to further acts of barbarism, terror, corruption, and hatred, done in their names. Still there is not even a hint of a great gnashing of teeth, or a rising tide which seeks to cleanse your "faith" of it's apparent (by your words) debauchment and debauchers.

We are sorry in sounding so harsh. You must appreciate, however, that in not hearing from you We grow both more disheartened and impatient. Can you not understand (or perhaps understand far too well) with the stated goals of your brothers in faith in what may eventually be called Palestine, along with the actions and heated rhetoric from your fellows in Iran, We will have little choice but to take action. Much like a parent would with an errant child who refuses to behave.

Yet, even at this late date, We still (have some) hope in hearing from you. You may answer our questions as put forth in our first two letters, and We offer you one more this time around.
Please find your voice. Though there are some amongst our ranks who have, how shall we say it, a more imaginative view of the world then is warranted, there are far more of us who will be able to see the followers of Islam for what they really are. Non the less We offer you the chance (yet again) to prove us wrong.

Expectantly Yours,

The Civilized World

Question Three

Do you accept the Christians and Jews as fellow People of the book or not? And ancillary to that. If you do, then why the undisguised hatred of Israel? Or is this oft times stated tolerance nothing but a sham?

We are curious. It states in your most holy of holy works that "on them shall be no fear."(1) Yet in many more places there are conditions (or pre-conditions) to those who follow Christian or Jewish faiths.(2) And by sura 9: 030, (It seems your Prophet after wining a number of battles, and feeling quite smug about things. Now has had quite enough tolerance for other "Peoples of The Book.) it becomes quite clear as to what the real status of Christian or Jew is to be.(3)(4)

So, which is the "real face" of Allah-Islam. Is it the one put forth by the earliest writings of Muhammad or the one which came to light after he was feeling his political/religious/military oats? (And, oh Main Stream Muslim, beware! We know which writings are considered to take precedence. We are also aware, with in some sects of your faith, of toleration for lying to the infidel in order to achieve your goals.)

An Open Letter (part two)

An Open Letter to The Mythical Moderate Muslim
(part two)

Dear Sir or Madam,

A few short days ago, we sent you a letter which closed with a question. It was rather detailed because we hoped you would see there was honest effort, research, and logical reasoning, behind it. It appears, my dear elusive, and vocally shy Muslim, you have thus far elected not to reply. Could it be our message has failed to reach you? Or might there be other reasons.

Never the less, being the eternal optimists we are, we’ve decided perhaps our first question was a tad too bold. So, in an effort to allow you a chance to take a smaller step forward in an effort to find your “true inner moderateâ€� ™ , we offer question two.

Question Two preface:

Although the PR department for Islam is always pushing “Peace“ as the true meaning of the word “Islam�. We have come to find out there is a more correct translation (1) for same.

“Islam�, in reality, translates to “submission�. And conversion “by the sword�(2)(3)(4) appears to be Islam’s modus operandi based on writings in the Qur ’an and other sources.

Where your particular brand of faith, in it’s attempts to gain the hearts and minds of various people, is currently fermenting unrest in Afghanistan, Sudan(5), and Indonesia(6), just to name a few of the worlds “hot spots.

And where one might argue the Muslim short term goal in Iraq is out and out civil war. The long range goal having one Islamic faction or another given control over the government (and thus, by sharia law, all the peoples) of Iraq.

Finally, in Iran, the country many consider the heart and soul of Islam’s modern day expansionist thought, Muslims hope to (re)establish a world wide Ciaphate.(7)(8) And seek to become wielders of a nuclear scimitar(9)(10).

The above points being said, our question to you-oh Moderate Muslim is this:

Question Two

How can it (Islam) have any sort of legitimate claim to the title “The Religion of Peace� ?

Waiting in the fervent hope you will chose to rise up and be heard from soon.

We remain,

The Civilized World

(references below the fold)

An Open Letter to the Mythical Moderate Muslim

Dear Sir or Madam,

We have been patient, waiting for ever so long, for you and your fellow travelers to rise up and be counted. (Indeed, to be willingly accepted into the family of human kind.) The print media, radio and television outlets from around the world, and world leaders have taken great pains (most notably our President) in trying to point out our ongoing war against terror was not going to be painted with a broad brush against what has been called “The Religion of Peace�. Rather it would be targeting the so called radical factions which have seemingly infected your faith.

Given this is the case. And that progress has been made both in Afghanistan and Iraq in bringing about a climate which is supposed to be more favorable in allowing a greater diversity of voices to be heard. Why haven’t we heard from you, or seen you protest in the same numbers your more militant brethren produced when they felt slighted? Failing that, why haven’t we really seen a new crop of legitimately moderate Muslim leaders come to the fore … being a real “voice of the people�?

(Will it be totally safe to do so? No, due to the nature of your more fundamentalist factions, there will be some level of risk involved in speaking your mind, and in seeking to bring about legitimate change to your religion/countries. When our nation was conceived and forged in the fires of freedom and liberty, the great men who assumed the leadership of same, gave willingly of their fortunes, their lives, their sacred honor in order that this new nation would be given a chance to see the light of day. Are you saying by your silence you are not capable of doing the same?)

But, my vocally shy moderates, let’s assume you are not in the midst of the turmoil going on in the Middle East (and elsewhere). Perhaps you have relocated to the safer shores of Europe, Canada, Australia, or the United States.

Here you can freely speak you peace. Comfortable in the knowledge we cherish freedom of speech above almost all else.

Here you can practice your faith without fear of a knock on the door because you are not following the proscribed religion of the State. Our most precious document and national disposition demand no one religion be held above all others.

Here, unless it is proven in our secular court system you have violated a given law, you may do what you will, wear what you will, think what you will, in your religious buildings and or in the privacy of your home.

Here you are free to disagree with your neighbor, your town, state, or the nation itself.

So my Muslim friend(s), residing in this country, why so mute?

Perhaps your voice would come more easy to you if we provided questions. So in the interest of helping you to become more vocal in expressing how and why you should be considered a “moderate� or even “progressive� thinking Muslim, Over the next few days or as time allows I will posit you some questions. The first shall appear in this post. Others will follow as separate posts. All shall be referenced as much as possible so as not to be taken out of context. There are no right or wrong answers, your faith after all is a personal thing. But be advised, dear follower of Islam, I suspect there can be true or false answers. And a false answer or lying does nothing to advance your cause.

Sometimes In A War ...

bravery doesn't wear a uniform. I have often pleaded since that black day in September, as to where are the so called "moderate Muslims"? What is preventing them from coming forward and making their voice or voices heard. And have read all of the excuses real and imagined which supposedly prevented them from stepping forward to raise their voices in condemnation of those who have usurped their way of life, their faith, their God.

To be sure there have been half hearted attempts. Mostly apologists who although sorry for what their more "hot headed" brethren have or had done in the name of Allah or Islam, found no fault within their faith or belief system. What many in the west, particularly in America were feeling was, the vast majority who did not either openly support (vocally or by their outward actions) the extremists who appeared to be the current vanguard of their faith, their very silence (if in fact disapproving) was a tacit approval of same. And that in fact the myth of the so called "moderate or legitimately questioning Muslim", was just that, a myth.

I can happily tell you right now, there is hope real hope that this is not a myth. For if one voice can speak directly to the heart of the matter and literally risk all in doing so, can there not be others who will also take up the banner?

Sometimes in a war bravery doesn't wear a uniform ...

Woman: The Clash we are witnessing around the world is not a clash of religions or a clash of civilizations. It is a clash between two opposites, between two eras. It is a clash between a mentality that belongs to the Middle Ages, and another mentality that belongs to the 21st century. It is a clash between civilization and backwardness, between the civilized and the primitive, between barbarity and rationality. It is a clash between freedom and oppression, between democracy and dictatorship. It is a clash between human rights, on one hand, and the violation of these rights, on the other hand. It is a clash between those who treat women like beasts, and those who treat them like human beings. What we seen today is not a clash of civilizations. Civilizations do not clash, but compete.

Moderator: I understand from your words that what is happening today is a clash between the culture of the West, and the backwardness and ignorance of the Muslims?

Woman: Yes, that is what I mean.

Moderator: Who came up the concept of a clash of civilizations? Was it not Samuel Huntington? It was not Bin Laden. I would like to discuss this issue, if you don’t mind.

Woman: The Muslims are the ones who began using this expression. The Muslims are the ones who began the clash of civilizations. The Prophet of Islam said: “I was ordered to fight the people until they believe in Allah and His Messenger.� When the Muslims divided the people into Muslims and non-Muslims, and called to fight the others until they believe in what they themselves believe, they started this clash, and began this war. In order to stop this war, they mush reexamine their Islamic books and curricula, which are full of calls for takfir and fighting the infidels. My colleague has said that he never offends other people’s beliefs. What civilization on the face of this earth allows him to call other people by names they did not choose for themselves? Once he calls them Ahi Al-Dhimma, another time he calls them the “People of the Book.� And yet another time he compares them to apes and pigs, or he calls the Christians “those who incur Allah’s wrath.� Who told you they are “People of the Book�? They are not the People of the Book; they are people of many books. All the useful scientific books that you have today are theirs, the fruit of their free and creative thinking. What gives you the right to call them “those who incur Allah’s Wrath.� Or “those who have gone astray.� And then come here and say that your religion commands you to refrain from offending the beliefs of others? I am not a Christian, a Muslim, or a Jew. I am a secular human being. I do not believe in the supernatural, but I respect others’ right to believe in it.

Guy With Hat: Are you a heretic?

Woman: You can say whatever you like. I am a secular human being who does not believe in the supernatural…

Guy with Hat: If you are a heretic, there is no point in rebuking you, since you have blasphemed against Islam, the Prophet, and the Koran…

Woman: These are personal matters, which do not concern you. Brother, you can believe in stones, as long as you don’t throw them at me. You are free to worship whoever you want, but other people’s beliefs are not your concern, whether they believe that the Messiah is God, son of Mary, or that of Satan is God, son of Mary. Let people have their beliefs. The Jews have come from the tragedy (of the Holocaust), and forced the world to respect them, with their knowledge, not with their terror, with their work, not their crying and yelling. Humanity owes most f the discoveries and science of the 19th and 20th centuries to Jewish Scientists. 15 million people, scattered throughout the world, united and won their rights through work and knowledge. We have not seen a single Jew blow himself up in a German restaurant. We have not seen a single Jew destroy a church. We have not seen a single Jew protest by killing people. The Muslims have turned three Buddha statues into rubble. We have not seen a single Buddhist burn down a Mosque, kill a Muslim, or burn down and embassy. Only the Muslims defend their beliefs by burning down churches, killing people, and destroying embassies. This path will not yield any results. The Muslims must ask themselves what they can do for humankind, before they demand that humankind respect them.

from al-jazeera transcript

"The Woman" indicated above is Dr. Wafa Sultan. She did say the above on a Feb 21, 2006 interview on al-jazeera television. In doing so she has not only put her life in jeopardy but the lives of her husband, children, and relatives who still live outside the United States.

Dr. Sultan said the world was not witnessing a clash of religions or cultures, but a battle between modernity and barbarism, a battle that the forces of violent, reactionary Islam are destined to lose.

In response, clerics throughout the Muslim world have condemned her, and her telephone answering machine has filled with dark threats. But Islamic reformers have praised her for saying out loud, in Arabic and on the most widely seen television network in the Arab world, what few Muslims dare to say even in private.

from March 11, 2006 NY TImes Saturday Profile article

The 47 year old, who lives in California is working on an as of yet unpublished book tentatively titled "The Escaped Prisoner: When God Is a Monster.".

Little more can be said about the obvious display of courage and the steel this brave woman must have in her heart and soul. However what needs to be said and is not (at least not that I know of), is this ...

Civil Discourse and Frothing Dogs

The good Baron Du Toit makes a heartfelt plea for the return of civility/manners in how folks deal with each other. He is correct in assuming if he gores a Christian ox, Moonbat donkey, or EU surrender monkey, the worst he can expect is a falling off of hits for his spot on the web along with a few spirited emails/comments. However, mess with Islam....and whoo boy, it's time to watch out for IEDs and checking to see how high up you are on some Imam's hit list.

Kim, you are right to long for the return of polite civil discourse. This should be true when dealing with either an individual or group who subscribes to our western ideals. They should at least be expected to pay lip service to civility or acceptable discourse when doing the point counter point thing.

Whether someone seeks to follow the "faith" of Islam (or "Bob The Builder" © , or nothing at all) as long as they do not seek to control my life or pose a direct threat to me or my family (and I refer to acts or potential acts of violence...as being "a threat") then there is no problem. If they choose to draw and find a way to print defamatory cartoons about my particular *ox*, that is also their right (in this country, and most westernized countries) to do so. I may not like it....I may choose to break off any relations I have had with them...but they needn't fear for their life...or property.

And there may be lines within the Koran which call for polite discourse or even acknowledgement of an opposing view and maybe even respect toward the one you are at odds with. But it's a moot point. The followers, more importantly (with few exceptions) the leaders, of this belief/culture/philosophy repeatedly chose not to follow those guidelines if they exist at all.

Be polite, tolerant of other's point of view/religion/lifestyle? Be civil to same? Yes, that would be and should be a cornerstone of our civilized society. In the West, you should be able to, reach for your dreams, speak your mind, and worship as you see fit... even draw cartoons...without fearing of a knock at the door and a bullet or blade dispatching you to the deity of your choice (or none, if that is your take). The Islamic state would not grant those choices to you. Though the more forward thinking of them *might* offer you a choice between bullet or blade after spending some time in prison.

And that is why this is not (just) a religious war. And why we all have a dog in this fight. Let's take the dog analogy a bit further. All religions, or philosophy(s), or those professing to fall into those categories, have a particular breed/pack of dogs. Well, Allah's pack of dogs had a pup or two which were frothing at the mouth, and have been allowed by chance (the current politically correct view), or design (read the Koran) to infect the whole pack. They are now running free and, if not at this very moment, soon will be, a threat to your family and way of life. That group of dogs has barked loud and long, howling far into the night as to what, if given half a chance, it is going to do. These frothing dogs don't care if you are Catholic (like Fran), of some variety of unspecified belief (like Og and myself), or a canine who cares for no dogma what-so-ever (Kim). All this pack sees are legs to chew on and butts to bite. It wants to mark the whole world as it's territory.

This is a situation where politeness, tolerance, and civility cease to be options. A time when other codes of conduct come to the fore. (The Geneva Convention comes to mind.) We are at war with that which seeks to utterly remove our culture, our way of government from the face of the earth. They seek to use any means to reach this objective. That this *collective they* has, as some would subscribe to, usurped the Islamic "faith" to better meet their goals, would be a valid argument, if a significant amount of said "faith" would rise up and denounce the raping of their religion. This hasn't happened. Which logically must mean those who belong to said "faith", at least tacitly, approve of what is being done in the name of their "faith". Or they, because their "faith" is much more then "a religion", it is their culture, their government, their law, must follow "party lines" at the risk of direct physical harm or death. I think this last part is much closer to the truth.

Yeah, I will be polite to your dog. I will respect your right to own the critter of your choice, or to own not at all. And if your dog is well mannered, there will be no problems. But if your dog shits in my yard, snaps at my family, or attacks my dog, we are going to have words (think civil discourse on one side of the scale, to sanctions on the other end). Then again, if the damn thing is rabid, the time for politeness, tolerance, and civility has past, it's time to take it out back and put it down.

Jihad Jane

As promised, here is Russ Vaughn's second offering. He shares the same loathing of this piece of filth as I do....and with far more justification...he was in country. I was just a young Sailor, learning my trade at the end of our support in that far off South East Asian land. That Ms Fonda should have been brought up on charges years ago...says as much for this countries tolerance of fools as it does for our governments lack of intestinal fortitude in prosecuting those who wear the mantel of "traitor". "Hanoi", now "Jihad", Jane will most likely live to see another day free of any legal concerns.....one wonders which circle of hell awaits her when her hour glass empties. I think she should not be sent that far....better she is forced to stay at "Fiddler's Green", serving on hands and knees, those who she continues to besmirch to this very day, for all of eternity. But that's just my take....what do you think?

Oh, and with a name inspired by Col Oliver North's column, here is Russ's poem!

Handmaidens of Terror

Russ Vaughn, who should be considered the poet laureate of the conservative blogosphere, has honored me with not one, but two of his latest efforts.

The first is here. The second will be in a post following this one. It is my humble opinion, that Russ, is fast becoming my generations answer to Kipling....but I may be a tad biased on that. Anyhow, read and enjoy.

Russ mentions this was inspired by a Michelle Malkin post. Said post can be reached here

May You Live In Interesting Times

"May you live in interesting times." --old Chinese curse

Over the past almost four years we have indeed been living in "interesting times". Not to much you can do, in the short term to change what fate, or happenstance, tosses your way. As a nation, the threat was, if only for a moment, recognized for what it was. The President put the world on notice, "Either you are with us or against us." there was no middle ground. Great Britain, Spain (at that time), and Italy, were the only European nations of note standing with the US in addressing the threat against not only America but all of Western Civilization. This small (comparatively speaking) group of nations banding together with America, "the coalition of the willing", are all that stand between us and a new dark age descending upon the world.

The cost in not cheap, but markedly lower then it has ever been in the history of armed conflict. And we are meeting with some success, Iraq has the potential in becoming that rarest of things...an open society in the middle east. Still terror and stagnant ideas / ideals make camp in that region of the world. Iran, chafes under the collar of a theocratic regime, and pose a very real military threat to not only the middle east, but to the world, as they progress toward harnessing the nuclear Gennie. Syria, yet another dictatorial country, adds to the mischief in the region, not only in allowing for agents of terror to cross it's borders with impunity, but in seeking to destabilize Lebanon, along with doing what it can to bring Israel to it's knees.

Aside from the radical Islamists, there are others who would like nothing more then to see the West, and especially, the United States, brought to our knees. Almost a world away, North Korea, on almost a daily basis, tweaks the nose of those in the Pacific rim who dare to try and de-fang that rogue state of it's alleged nuclear capability and it's exportation of major weapons of war. Then there is the "eight hundred pound gorilla in the room". The one nation which, outside of radical Islam, should give us the greatest cause for alarm, and the one we seem to consistently keep our heads in the sand about, Communist China.

This Could Be Any One Of Us

Posted recently about not only our friends who belong to "The Religion of Peace" ™ but other obvious partners in crime. And there are any number of bloggers with large and small followings who give voice to their feelings and or beliefs. Most (if not all) feel this expression of their thoughts is one of the cornerstones to what this country is all about...freedom of speech, especially regarding our personal stance on politics, politicians, and the constant changing state of our country's domestic and international positions. We give little, if any, thought to there being any real repercussion to what we espouse. After all in this country, you shouldn't have to!

Well sportsfans, time to take a step back and smell the coffee. As noted here, and here, fellow blogger Chris Byrne, has been notified, by the FBI that; "A Fatwah has been issued against me by a known terror group".

Do you folks on the left/progressive side of the house get it? The followers of Islam don't like what Chris has written, said, and done regarding their *holy book*, their third world antics in trying to destroy western civilization, or their so-called "Religion of Peace" in general. Are they going to ignore him (after all in their eyes he is some one to be scorned, perhaps pitied, or at least to be avoided if ever in his part of the world), or maybe send a flaming e-mail, or terse comment on his blog. For most, that would be the response from any religious group here in the states toward someone they happened to find out about, who was demonstrating a "lack of respect" toward their particular faith. However, these nimrods feel the only effective way to deal with Chris (And how little they really understand us, for as they seek to deal with Chris in such a manner, so by extension, do they deal with us all.) is by issuing a death warrant, a fatwah, on him, his family, and friends.

Yeppers all you progressive folks out there. Those of you who cry out in your hearts about how the evil administration, and other governments who follow our lead, seek to destroy simple people ...who would never bother us if we only took the time to *really understand them*. If we only took that extra step to see they only want....what do they want? Oh, yeah, I remember...the complete downfall of western civilization, and the return of Islam as the center of all political, secular, and religious thought. Okay, I will allow for the off chance there are some *moderate Muslims* who would seek to allow those of us of Christian or Jewish faiths to exist after we pay our head tax. But than again, I also have a soft spot in my heart for Leprechauns, Unicorns, Hobbits, and other mythical creatures. So figure the odds of that happening. Wake up! Regardless of your opinion of Chris, and his personal views on politics, guns, the second amendment, and all the rest. (And I happen to agree with much he has said.) He is a fellow American who has been targeted by foreign groups or agents. One of us, here in this country, has been fingered by fanatics. What if you are next?

If you are Jewish (especially if you are Israeli or have direct ties to same) you could be next.

If you are a practicing Hindu, Buddhist, Wiccan, Neo-pagan...you could be next.

If you are homosexual (male or female, it don't matter), bi-sexual, transsexual, ...you could be next

If you are a practicing Christian (especially those evangelicals out there who are into preaching the word, and going on missions)...you could be next.

If you are a woman...you could be next.

If you are an atheist or agnostic....you could be next.

If you have been heard or your correspondence (or any other writing) shows a continued stance of disrespect toward Islam....you could be next

If you have, by your actions, words, or deeds, brought physical, or emotional harm to a practitioner of the Islamic faith...or defamed their holy sites, mosque(s)...or the Koran...you could be next.

You get the idea yet bunky?? There is no understanding of them....there is no can't we just get along...there is no "well they are just after the gun nuts, and conservatives, and Bush supporters, and those who want their oil". They are out to destroy us all. If they have the means and or opportunity they will do just that. They are after Chris....but could just as easily be after me or YOU. Wake up before it's too late!

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller

I wish I lived closer to Chris, I would love to have the honor of helping cover his six. But I have the feeling I would have to take a number and stand in line to do so. Keep your powder dry my friend.

Them or Us

If you have read my rants over the last year, it is not hard to figure out I am for a (very) strong defense, an Israel free of the threat of constant attack from within and without (Read that as NO Palestinian state, and especially one which takes land away from Israel, with out some concessions by other bordering nations, until they start acting like adults and not petulant children...but that is a rant for another day). And, unless they come forward in very short order, I refer to the "Mythical Moderate Muslim" ™ here, two things should happen to Muslims/Islamists across the board. The whole lot of them should be systematically profiled and watched in this country, and in areas where we actively engage in fighting terrorists and their ilk, there should be no quarter asked or taken. In other words, We need to tell the followers of the Koran you have *X* amount of time to get your act together. Tell us where the fanatics, rabble, and evil is hiding within your ranks, so we can remove same, do it yourself (to our satisfaction, or face having the hammer fall equally on you as well. We are either fighting for our existence as a civilization, or we are not. War shouldn't be entered into or taken lightly, but once choosing said path, follow through.

We need to smash Hezbollah, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia (ok, work with the Saudis, they at least are taking some measures...but we need to keep their feet to the fire). Go through Iraq with a fine tooth comb and "remove with extreme prejudice" (there's a rare example of something bordering on being politically correct...which I like the tone of), any and all who aide or abet terrorists. The same goes for Islamic enclaves in Asia and the Pacific rim nations (Indonesia, Philippines, etc).

As for North Korea, and our *friends* the ChiComs....that the logistics for them are different, does not excuse us from addressing the real intentions both these nations have espoused, often times out in the open. In the case of N. Korea, they claim they want to be a player on the worlds geopolitical stage.....they're much closer to a petulant child who should have been taken out behind the woodshed...this realization (on our part, an to a lesser extent the UN/world community at large) comes a tad too late, as they now have a *loaded gun* and are willing to make more, selling to the highest bidder. And claim they will use same against us if we try to physically stop them.

With China, we can (try to) play the same game with them as we did with the former USSR, but one wonders if we will achieve the same success. The Chinese have always gone with their own agenda. If we fail to realize that, and plan accordingly, we will find learning to speak Mandarin is not an option...but a requirement at some future point in time. Certainly we should work toward promoting the growth of capitalism within China, and the expansion of basic human rights, most notably in the areas of speech and freedom of information. On the other hand, we have a moral (if nothing else) obligation toward our friends and allies in that part of the world. Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea. Even Australia and New Zeland will not be exempt from future expansionist efforts from China, as they seek to become the dominate political and economic force on the Asian side of the pacific rim.

Think I am blowing smoke? Check out current and future developments regarding Chinese Navy/Naval forces. They are actively developing ships and equipment allowing them to become a legitimate *blue water Navy*, vice their traditional roll as a coastal littoral force. There is no reason to do this other then to project one's presence far beyond the shores of one's own country. This is done to effect political and economic change via what used to be called *gunboat diplomacy* , or what we in the Navy (more recently) used to call *power projection*. The Chinese, have the resources (or seek to acquire and control same) to become the next legitimate super power...and have no qualms in becoming same. At best this would give them parity with the US, at worst we will (one way or another) no longer exist as anything close to what we are today. What is most important to remember, is the Chinese could care less what happens to us, as long as they ascend to the top of the global food chain.

If this makes me sound xenophobic, (and you would be mistaken) then so be it. The fact is, we didn't (*we* being western man) start or place the current state of geopolitical affairs in motion which we find ourselves embroiled in now. We need to address all these threats honestly, with out political correctness, sophistry, or rose colored glasses. If we can realistically defuse and eliminate them with other actions short of all out war then so be it. But if (and we have at least started down this road with regards to the WoT) war is the chosen course of action, with the end result being the elimination of *them* or *us*, then we had better stop half stepping and damn sure finish it. Or one way or another we will eventually cease to exist as a civilization.

For Those Still Puzzled

There seem to be far too many people in this country, and 'round the world, who are unclear, perhaps even befuddled, as to why we are fighting the evil currently manifesting itself as Islam (and other assorted hangers on, whose hate and or agenda makes them fellow travelers). Once the anger, experienced by those of us with clearer heads and a stronger grasp of reality, settles back to manageable levels, given some reflection, this is somewhat understandable. You've only to look at the following points to see why a large part of our country, including politicians, celebrities, and even those of considerable position and wealth, are lost in the clouds, without a clue, and at the very least, deeply puzzled about our current foreign policy.

1. For the past 70 years or so, the how, what, why, and when of the educating of America's youth was removed from local control. It was subtly (and often not so subtly) morphed from producing fully functional people ready to enter the work force, some apprentice program, or some form of higher education. More and more, the results of a public school education are nothing more then mindless automons. And with college being the exception rather then the rule, they are quite ready to have their lumps of clay (euphemistically called "minds") freely shaped, molded, and warped by academia elitists. This "learned body" of sanctimonious, socialistic/statist, "mental kiln users" (hereafter referred to as pond scum...with apologies to real pond scum everywhere), has never been fond of the ideals, concepts, and wisdom, which is the base of this great nation. They seek to see it lay in ruins before conceding the defeat of their own out dated notions and failed stratagems.

2. To report (as honestly as possible) the news of the day, be it in print, or mass media form, should be every journalist's first priority. With the largest of all these groups, firmly in the camp of the above academia elitists (This is no surprise, they were after all, taught by them while in college.), is it any wonder America's hearts and minds are assaulted on a daily basis? There's editorializing outside of print media op-ed pages , out and out sins of omission, lies masquerading as fact, and open hostility toward any one of note, or position (to include the President) if his/her views, differ from the dogma of the church of the progressives. 50-100 years ago...you knew what the stance of any given paper was...and there was almost always a counter point to be found in every midsized to major city in America. When Radio (followed by television) made it's way on the scene, for the most part the news was (still) the news, and the politics were kept on the commentary side of the house. This is no longer the case. The advent of the Vietnam war, and the joyful tearing down of a President, the die was cast. With every year since making it harder and harder to find anything resembling an honest straight forward mainstream news source.

3. Community Standards/Morals also fell hardest in the 60's (though it could be argued it was already a long time coming). Divorce, abortion, the pill, a turning away from (and the weakening of) many mainstream Christian and Jewish sects, saw the standards/morals of communities across the country weekend. As a more "anything goes" philosophy took root, along with a (almost expected) non-conformist attitude toward, what only a generation ago, was the accepted norm for acting not only in public, but in a polite society, the moral vacuum was complete. This lack of common grounding, allowed for wave upon wave of sociological, philosophical, and psychological mantra to be hoisted upon the public at large....and far too many fell for one or another, to some degree or another. The inmates, were at last, running the asylum.

To be fair, there were a very large portion of society which didn't buy into the liberal progressive strongholds evidenced in points 2 and 3. They have also over the years become increasingly frustrated with the fallout from point #1. These good people would be us. The survivors of the counter culture, the ones still rooted in traditional values...or at the very least public courtesy. And as such, we know the evil we face, be it here or across the sea, is a clear and present danger. We are not befuddled, or fuzzy in our thinking as to what needs to be done. It is no puzzle to us....but for those who may find the War on Terror, to be just that...too puzzling....go "below the fold" and perhaps that will help you straighten things out. The rest of us already figured it out, 'long time ago.

The Many Forms of Evil

Another variant of "The Islamist Religion of Peace and Knitting Society" ™ seeks to teach the Great Satan and it's minions a lesson. Time will tell if they are at least partially successful. Based on the initial comments made by British Prime minister Tony Blair and the Mayor of London, for the moment the "stiff upper lip" the English are so famous for rules the day. I wish them only the best and my heart goes out to those who suffered loss because of this monstrous act.

What we have to remember is this evil we face has many faces, many forms. The crazed Islamic extremist is perhaps the most noticeable. At first blush they may also seem to be the most effective. In the short term, case by case, I would agree. There are others:

Those who continue to view Wahabists, and their ilk, as the end result of Western civilization's cavalier attitude, and handling of "the collective poor and downtrodden third world nations". These people with stars in their eyes, cotton for brains, and a mantra of "if we only understood them better...if we only tried to get along...if we only gave peace a chance.", have always been around. They wouldn't be a concern, except their views have found a voice via any number of main stream media outlets. This not only gives them unwarranted credibility, it acts as a corrosive agent, eroding the resolve of all who seek to remove the cancer spreading 'round the world. They are part of the evil

Those of the Islamic faith, be they leaders of Middle Eastern countries, or mullahs in their respective mosques...where are your collective voices rising up as one...condemning the so called radical elements of your faith? The lack of a response is far more deafening, at this point, then any words. You side with evil out of envy, or jealousy (for all the West has achieved, you and your religion becomes more irrelevant as time goes on). You side with evil because you wish to see the only productive country and it's peoples, driven to the sea...yes, I am talking about your undisguised hatred of Israel. You would side with evil to meet your goals. Dealing with the devil has a very high cost.

Those of the progressive/statist/socialistic who are sworn to protect and defend the constitution in the proper carrying out of their elected positions. You are willing to give up your birth right to regain the power your party and your ideals supposedly held in this country. You are whores. John Kerry, Dick Durbin, Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, Barbra Boxer...the list goes on. I will not call you by your titles, you are all traitors, by your words and actions (or lack there of) you have strengthened the will and resolve of the evil we fight. At the same time you have slighted those who place their lives on the line to allow you to spew your poison, during time of war. You or your agents go out of your way to slander the President and his cabinet, not offering valid counter proposals, but the same tired rhetoric heard far too often.

Look at the corrupted attempt at a united world body of enlightened thought, "The League of Excremental Gentlemen" ™ taking space on the shores of the Hudson. The European version of Laural and Hardy, more commonly known as *spit* France*spit* and *spit* Germany*spit*. Let's not forget that schizoid former *Super power*, Russia, with their own version of Charlie Chaplin, Vladimir Putin, who can't decide whether he is "The Little Tramp" or "The Great Dictator". Evil has taken three one time great nations...and something which could have been a shinning example of what is good and noble about human kind, and turned them all into buffoons.

Yes, evil is easily recognisable in the form of a half crazed, gibbering idiot, stuck in the 14th century. But we must be equally on guard against the subtle (and not so subtle) forms it takes both in and out of this country, and we should take what actions we can to quell these with as strong a fervor as we would take against the Wahabist. The Islamist terrorist is but the rattling tail of the serpent....the others listed above compose the rest of the beast...and all are evil.