About as Tragic as it can Be

Here in San Antonio, a most horrific and gruesome crime took place. A young mother either sometime Sunday the 26th or Monday the 27th used a couple of swords and a knife to mutilate, decapitate and cannibalize her newborn son. I believe the newborn, named Scotty, was only four weeks old. If I heard the report on the news correctly, she also skinned him as well. So grisly was this crime that the police chief said he needed to call in counselors for the officers who had answered the call.



Now certainly this sort of crime is not the first to have taken place in America or anywhere else, at least as far as a father or mother killing his own. Still, we will be hearing about the mother's grave condition before the crime occurred. We will be subjected to the constant theories and facts about the obligatory Postpartum Syndrome and how it may have affected her a la Andrea Yates (I think her husband divorced her, so I don't know if that's still her name but will still refer to her in that name) from a few years back combined with undue stress and that we as a society should have recognized the signs and quickly done something about it.


In that case (Mrs. Yates'), we were bombarded with her condition and how she got there. That friends and family thought she should not have been having anymore children. That her husband (at least the press made him seem such) was not taking into account her awry condition and should have realized that she should not be giving birth anymore. The media made it seemed like Mrs. Yates was a sex slave. (Mr. Yates may or may not have been culpable to a certain extent. Still. . . He did not kill his children. His wife did.)



Whether all that was true as far as that devilish syndrome is concerned, I can't say. Don't know if I ever will. But should it matter? Whether Mrs. Yates and the woman here in San Antonio were the "victims" of their condition and finally succumbed or whether it was a perpetration of a major con just so murder could be committed and possibly major judgement eluded, the main focus must be on the victims--the children killed.



I still can't imagine how and it's a deep infringement upon my very being to still think about how those Yates children died. The terror they must have felt as their mother was chasing them around the house knowing that she was intending to drown them. The mere horror they must have been feeling as their lives were expiring in a tortuous, gruesome way. Their tiny lungs gasping for that life-giving breath. Unimaginable. Unfathomable.



My main concern is and has always been that these mothers who kill their children someway, somehow finagle their way out of death. I still can't believe how Mrs. Yates somehow--and it may not be such a big surprise--received just life and not death. I suppose in a country and society where the mere stigma of aborting babies in the womb is practically passe' because of the embracing of the death culture. We basically have been numbed by these continuous, egregious acts and seemingly kowtowed into believing that we cannot properly or rightly judge these murderers because either we don't always know the facts of their past, their current condition, etc. and thus we have no right to impose death upon them.

So where does this end as far as allowing murder to continue without due justice for those who can't defend themselves?. . . Who in many cases cannot speak up for themselves.

Side Notes

Some side notes concerning some blogs published from the past few weeks.


First: Concerning Ms. Benita Veliz, the young woman I had written about a few weeks ago. The question I had about her situation--what I had been thinking about was. . . How was Ms. Veliz able to get to the position of earning her degrees, hold a job and so forth without anyone noticing that she was not a U.S. citizen? Were not laws being broken by not only her but also by the people who where helping her along the way? I'm sure there were some who knew about her lack of U.S. citizenship.


In fact, when I was reading an article about her case in the San Antonio Express-News, there was a picture of her along with two other people (a man and his wife) who were part of the church she was working at (if my memory serves me correctly). They were hugging her in a congratulatory manner because a judge had just ruled in her favor to allow her stay in this country for about three more months.

Now, my intention was really not to address this part, but I feel I have to break in--though in a conciliatory manner--and just mention that I find it offensive when churches and people from churches start telling us the public that we need to be more "nice" to illegal immigrants and just look the other way when they do come in illegally. We need to show compassion towards "these people" because after all, that is what Jesus would have done. Aha. . . yes. . . always injecting Jesus into the argument.


OK. . . want to use Jesus as your source (certain people seem to find Jesus whenever the situation suits them)--fair enough.


Note this then: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." That is from John 10:1 which basically explains that there is a certain order that applies whenever any type of enterprise is being set in motion.

Jesus was using the example of a shepherd and his sheep in which he mentions a "door" or perhaps even a gateway which the shepherd (or whoever is authorized) must enter in order to access and lead his sheep out. There is a certain process that must go in effect--nothing haphazard. Certain ways in, certain ways out. That operating practice must be applied in just about every sort of situation, especially when it comes to running (and protecting) a sovereign country.

"Well, that seems pretty harsh. God can't be that harsh." That would seem to be a fair evaluatory statement. Well then I would just direct you to go to Matthew 25 and check out the stories about the wise and foolish virgins (vs. 1-13), and the man who gave his servants some talents or wealth to at least invest in order to receive a return. Those situations represent what Jesus and His Father God believe or how They basically operate now and how They shall do so in the future, in a non-vacillating manner.

Second: To elaborate about the situation in the Middle East. I know it sounds scary when we are talking about using nuclear weapons to try and win a war.

Look, every since the media and other leftists admitted we did win WWII, all we've heard from them since is that Korea was a stalemate, Vietnam was a loss, and the current war is another Vietnam. So, I'm not saying we simply use nuclear weapons just so we can satisfy these people and continue to feel good about ourselves. We just need to think long and hard about how we should deal with Iran because they are the main instigators. It's that simple.

But who knows when it comes to Iraq, perhaps the Iraqi military (trained by our great military) can go on to carry their own weight, actually kick some serious butt, and really be a force to be reckoned with--for good that is. Especially if they're able to send al-Sadr dead on arrival where he belongs. If not, well, that is a situation in which America really should no longer be sacrificing anymore lives for. I know conservatives such as Sean Hannity have said in the past that if American troops are withdrawn without the job being finished so to say, then it could the "killing fields" all over again such as what happened in Cambodia.

And I proudly say that I agree with Mr. Hannity in the majority of his opinions or views. What he believes about what may occur if American troops are withdrawn from that theater may be true. Still, I would have to say again, "No more sacrificing of American troops." Plain and simple--in that area at least. I believe we've done our due diligence in that part of the world.

"The Kingdom" and its Remembrance

Now that the memorial to the "buggerer of boys" (Rob Roy) has passed (the one in L.A. I mean), I would like to bring to attention a real memorial to some real men of courage. Men who really cared for the well-being of mankind. I'm speaking of the United States Air Force personnel who died tragically in the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia in June, 1996. This event which happened in a far-off--and many times--a hostile land should not be conveniently forgotten.

The reason I'm reminded of this event is from the movie called The Kingdom starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner, a movie I'd never heard about and was surprised to see that it had been out only about a couple of years ago. The movie portrays four FBI agents who go to Saudi Arabia to investigate a terrorist bombing at an American living complex administered by an oil company. They encounter and must hurdle many obstacles (obstacles such as the resentment of them even being there) in order to find the ones responsible for the bombings. They eventually find the perpetrator who planned the bombings and kill him.

I checked it out from the library (which I've been doing a lot lately), and even though it seemed like another one of those movies which want to make us feel guilty about our "addiction" to oil (sorry you can throw all the movies you want at me that try to make me feel guilty about that, but you have not, and you will not succeed.) a la Syriana (thus, the fomentation of more terrorists), I didn't mind giving it a try.



Well, as I always do, I watched with an open mind knowing there was always a chance that there would an overbearing communique' of the writer's, director's, or producer's biased viewpoint. It turned out all right (especially the final sequence, which reminded me of the Columbian shootout scene in Clear and Present Danger where Harrison Ford is the only survivor); and as I always favor movies based on actual events, this movie continually held or grabbed my attention. Safe to say I was impressed by its fair portrayal of all parties involved, and I did enjoy it

But the thing I was most impressed with was while the credits were running. Toward the end of the credits, the producers acknowledged the Khobar Towers bombing and listed all the men who had died.



So the following are the men who were killed:

Capt. Christopher J. Adams Capt. Leland T. Haun

MSgt. Michael G. Heiser MSgt. Kendall K. Kitson, Jr.

SSgt. Kevin J. Johnson SSgt. Ronald L. King

Sgt. Millard D. Campbell TSgt. Daniel B. Cafourek

TSgt. Patrick P. Fennig TSgt. Thanh Van Nguyen

Sr.A Earl F. Cartrette, Jr. Sr.A Jeremy A. Taylor

A1C Christopher Lester A1C Brent E. Marthaler

A1C Brian W. McVeigh A1C Peter J. Morgera

A1C Joseph E. Rimkus A1C Joshua E. Woody

A1C Justin R. Wood

To me, that was real classy on the part of the producers of The Kingdom. That was truly avant-garde.

No Easy Solutions

Congratulations to Mr. Roger Federer for his fifteenth grand slam victory to pass Pete Sampras. His victory at Wimbledon certainly did not come easy as Andy Roddick gave him that run for his money--16-14 in the final set. And certainly do want to acknowledge the tragic death of a great athlete in our time, Steve McNair. It certainly came as shock, as something such as this usually will whenever you've watched an athlete such as him for many years. You feel that certain connection.


I wanted to continue from my last blog concerning the withdrawing of U.S. troops from Iraq. For the last few days, Vice-President Joe Biden was in Iraq doing. . . whatever. So I'll just come out and say it--why are we not thinking about nuclear weapons to end this war? I'm sure the terrorists have been thinking about it. And even if it should not end the war--right away (I'm sure it won't), I'm sure it'll make these monsters think long and hard about wanting to continue. Seems to me we should have enough intelligence by now as to where these cruel deviants dwell (at least en masse) so that they can be hindered greatly so as not to have to sacrifice the lives of any more of our fine fighting men.


I mean why is that so hard to deliberate or consider, particularly when it comes to the valuable lives of our American soldiers? Doesn't make sense to me. Doesn't make any sense that if we know Iran is behind all of this, that we are not going to confront them with deadly force. Confront them with real deadly force as to prevent more American soldier's lives from needlessly being sacrificed. It's almost criminal in my view not to even consider it. Sure, I know the greatly feared collateral damage will be involved. No doubt, the press will continually remind us of that fact. They will no doubt remind us of those images of grossly burnt people from Nagasaki and Hiroshima that will forever be etched or ingrained in our minds, and I believe it should be as such. Nuclear attack is not a subject that should be taken lightly. In fact, it may be we ourselves who will be attacked again (most likely with atomic weapons) before they decide that they have had enough. Nothing is known for sure, but I believe eventually we'll have to find out. There are no easy solutions to this world conflict.


But one thing I am sure of is that we are not--repeat--not fighting a stateless enemy. I'm tired of hearing that since these killers don't wear uniforms (Then explain to me why we continually see images of a certain group of "people" somewhere in the Gaza Strip wearing black or green uniforms, covering their heads with black hoods, carrying AK-47s marching around in unison. That looks like an organized army to me, whether they be storekeepers or whatever. Why do you suppose they're wearing those hoods? So that their mommies won't recognize them and get mad at them for playing soldier?) and don't have ships or airplanes that there really is no country that can be held accountable. Bull.


Yes, "horsehockey" (Col. Potter--M.A.S.H.), the lives of our soldiers are too valuable to believe otherwise. Now for whatever reason President Obama right now is withdrawing troops from Iraq whether it be because Iraq is stable enough or perhaps it may be from some earlier agreement (or demand from) with Mr. al-Maliki, I exhort him to consider the well being of our soldiers. If Mr. al-Maliki doesn't the troops there anymore, then get them the heck out brutha. Get them out. Whatever the President's agenda may be, let no more troop's lives be unnecessarily sacrificed if they are not going to be allowed to fight with all vigor. Not to be held back because of some bad press of civilians being killed such as is what is happening in Afghanistan. Ridiculous.

Now at this point it may not matter to the President what reason the troops should leave. . . whether the time is right, whether he actually cares for their well being. I'm certain the main reason is that it is most expedient that he looks good in the eyes of the American Left and the rest of the world. If things go well, then no doubt he will be taking the lion's share of the credit. If things turn out disastrous, then he'll just blame it on the "failed policies of the past administration."--an exercise he has mastered by now.

Liberation Day?

Well, the Iraqi government has declared June 30 their Liberation Day as American troops are now being withdrawn from Iraq, a long anticipated day for many throughout our nation and the world. Now the moment or period of bewilderment or worry begins. Will the Iraqi forces by themselves be able to keep law and order in their country without U.S. troops having to come and bail them out? The contention no doubt will continue as pundits both left and right will constantly debate whether the withdrawing of troops was or is a sound action or will it just eventually lead to disaster. Is it just a house of cards that is destined for a fall? If disaster does arise, does that mean America did not win the war, at least in that particular country of Iraq?


We shall see how liberated they have really become; and it may not take that long to find out, particularly--as my biggest worry or fear has been--since that terrorist cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Iranian-backed Mahdi army is still running free. Still running free like the vicious dog that he is, ready to wreak murderous havoc where he can. Should have been deposed as well as Saddam Hussein; and since that did not happen; and since he (and not only he but other parts of the insurgency as well) saw or perceived that taking on the U.S. military was futile, he simply burrowed himself in some hole somewhere, and is probably just biding his time until the "coast" becomes clear.

Remains to be seen what will transpire; and while our brave troops continue to bravely fight in Afghanistan, particularly the Marines in Operation Strike of the Sword, the questions still arise in my mind as to why the U.S. did not do more to confront Iran when it was known that they were not only backing terrorist armies such as Mahdi, but also providing the deadly roadside bombs known as IED's. Why we continued to allow them to kill or maim our troops like that withhout answering with our own deadly force still remains an enigma to me. We as a country debated long and hard about how Iran should be dealt with, particularly whether their nuclear sites should have been taken out. It seemed we had the biggest chance while President Bush was still in office. Seemed like an opportunity squandered in retrospect.

Still, seems like when it comes to dealing with countries such as Iran, we seem to back down. It seems like the U.S.--unfortunately--has had quite a long history of it. So what do we do if we really want to claim that we really won this war in the Middle East? Although the fighting is still going on in Afghanistan, I know we have taken care of business in Iraq. I believe we've done all we possibly have been able to do. No regrets. If our government had just told us, the public, from the beginning that we were going over there (both in Iraq, Afghanistan, or wherever) to eliminate the enemy. If they would have just told us that in the first place, that would have been alright by me. I didn't care about hospitals and schools being built. Didn't want to hear ad nauseum that women were freed from wearing burkas and girls were able to go to school for the first time. Don't care. Don't care. Just. . . kill. . . the enemy.

But as far as winning this war, when is the last time just about everyone, including the socialistic press, admitted that America actually did win a war. Wasn't that WWII? And what weapon was ultimately used to win that war. . . Wasn't it the atomic bomb? I would like to delve in that subject more deeply, but I am short on time. I would just like to end this blog with a salute to our nation's fighting men and women, as without their efforts we would not be able to continually celebrate our nation's birthday. . . July the 4th. A happy 4th to you.

It's My Style

I've been in a kind of a reverse nirvana here. Have so many things that I would like to write or blog about. Just get lazy. I know. . . others usually refer to it as "writer's block." Call it what you will; guess I got it for now. I usually don't like writing off the cuff or just "throwing" something out there just to get something out there. I'm usually thinking quality, not quantity. When I do write, I like to present my thoughts in a well thought-out manner. Usually like to have a certain topic as my goal. Don't like to ramble. Avoiding redundancy to the best of my ability.

I like and virtually insist on using good grammar. Correct spelling is a must. I just learned that in all my training during my school years. I do my best to use the correct phrasing and punctuation. I'm sure I don't always get everything correct (particularly in my syntax and diction), mainly because I never really took the time to memorize all those complicated grammar rules (only one I can really recall for now is "i" before "e" except after "c" and maybe some other minor ones); but I'm still learning. . . constantly learning. Proofread. Proofread is always the word before I publish. Checking facts when I can. It's tedious for a fact, but I just respect my reader too much not to.

Slang can often be a sore subject. I can see its use when trying to get across a humorous point, and its particular use in a spoof or a lampoon. As one can see I don't mind injecting the occasional colloquialism. Probably use it more than I think; but I can't understand it being overused. I believe that's just a lazy mind at work. I certainly cannot understand vulgarity, particularly when one feels it is needed to make a topic humorous or to shock the reader. That's far worse than being dull of mind. An occasional curse word interjected from time to time doesn't bother me, but vulgarity. . . bawdiness. . . Won't find them at my door.

In elaboration of that point, why do comedians or so-called comedians find it necessary to employ so much vulgarity just to get an audience to laugh at their jokes, particularly the "f" word. I remember awhile back watching George Lopez doing one of his routines on television. Every other word he uttered had to be bleeped out. Every other word. Safe to say, I didn't listen very long. Of course, Mr. Lopez is not the only one using such coarse lingo. Why do these people feel they have to shock their audience with that junk? For some reason they feel they have to drag us down to the type of world or life that they grew up in. That because they grew up in a barrio or ghetto that they feel that we the audience need to hear the gutter language that they used hear and speak. "Oh, but that's what makes it so real or relevant. It's the culture." Still does't make sense to me.

Such language takes away from other sorts of entertainment. For instance, my favorite type of movie is the one based on real life events. Recount starring Kevin Spacey, for an example, which is the story of the 2000 presidential election between Gore and Bush, used so much of the "f" word and other vulgar words that it was mind-numbing. I'm sure that's the way the actual people spoke or communicated; but, man, the constant use of such language particularly in a rapid-fire motion simply takes away from the drama. In my view, it simply diminishes the story line. My finger gets calloused from having to push the mute button so many times when having to watch movies employing such language.

Well, going back to slang and recollecting back to my younger years, particularly my senior year in high school. I recall when some fellow students in my English class would come up to me before turning in their writing assignments to the teacher, so I could check their work for errors. For some reason, they trusted my writing or proofreading skills fairly enough so that they could turn in their own work with enough confidence that their corrected efforts would afford them a passing grade. (Wish I could say I got a lot of dates that way from meeting a lot of girls, but that didn't happen).

In one assignment, the class was supposed to write about some sort of travel or adventure that they would be interested in doing. This one girl came up to me with her paper, and I proceeded to check it. Now, she had written about going to some far off land where could meet new people from a different culture. Among her various errors in spelling and syntax, I still remember a specific phrase she used. In meeting people of another culture in another land, she stated that she would really like to "check them out;" meaning, I suppose, that she would've been very interested in finding out more about them and what they do.

In actuality, I knew what she meant because that was the type of slang that was being used back then in referring to searching out just about any type of matter. "Hey. . . check it out," was the prevalent jargon in that day. That's just the way this particular girl and others like her were used to talking. Wasn't anything really wrong with that except it probably wasn't proper to use in a English assignment for a grade. I don't think I told her that because I was just mainly looking for misspellings and basic syntax errors. I didn't have time to get intricate and rewrite the whole paper for her. So whatever grade she received, I don't remember. I just wanted to take the time to let you know the style of writing I usually like to employ.

Comments on the News: Part 2

This is in continuation of my last blog in which I was discussing the case of Miss Benita Veliz, the young Mexican woman who had been in this country illegally since eight years of age. Now being twenty three and having earned a degree from a local university, she had finally gotten caught (for being here illegally) and had been in danger of being deported. At this writing, she has received a three-month continuance from an immigration judge. So she is allowed to stay for now.

Now I had been wondering if her story was national and not just local. I googled her name and indeed her story had been covered by the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/) or at least there was an article or editorial in the Opinion section back in March of this year under the title "Don't Deport Benita Veliz" by Lawrence Downes. I may refer to some info from the article, although reluctantly because of the liberal nature of that periodical because. . .

Because first of all, I am strongly for any immigrant from any country entering this country legally if their purpose for coming or wanting to come is to contribute in a positive way to the culture of America. That's magnificent in my view. Otherwise, no; and if it takes a wall to protect our borders and to keep illegal immigrants out, then that's what needs to be done. I don't want to hear that it's like the Berlin wall, which by the way was for keeping people from escaping from a despotic country or government. That despotic country, East Germany--aka Soviet Union's puppet--was trying to enslave their citizenry.

I also don't want to hear that these aliens will still find and have found a way to crossover, so its just a waste of money. Also don't want to imbibe the rot that "they are hardworking people just looking for a better way of life." Don't care. Tiiiiired of hearing that. (another thing I was so tired of hearing was when President Bush would continually tell us that "we are a nation of immigrants," which is not true; at least not true in the sense that this nation was started by immigrants; founding fathers were born on this soil).

Last but not least. . . don't want to hear that the terrorists (because the wall was also meant to prevent or at least greatly hinder terrorists from entering) that have or tried to enter, had entered by way of Canada and other parts north. So then build a fence up there as well! Just protect the damn border and us American citizens-- will ya! What is so hard to understand about that! (Oops, do I sound mad? Shoutin' to loud for ya?).

Still, I can understand that deportment cases such as Miss Veliz are not always cut and dry. (I've seen that through the years). Because as she claims, she doesn't know any of her family in Mexico and certainly doesn't know her way around there. So, I suppose it would look bad if she was just dropped somewhere across the border and was told good luck. In the eyes of the world, it would seem that that was just another case of America treating an alien immigrant cruelly.

Still, the young woman was able to get a degree (I think maybe even two) from Saint Mary's University here in San Antonio. So, she should have a certain amount of smarts or savvy about her. Why can't she relocate in Mexico? Give her a chance and some time to contact whatever family members she may have in Mexico and allow them to set up some sort of living situation for her. I myself went to Mexico to live for awhile. Never had been there before to live. Wasn't even fluent in the language. Yet, a living situation had been set up for me beforehand. So, I was able to assimilate into the culture with the proper help. It wasn't all that difficult, and I even had my family there. Just takes a little time.


Well, Miss Veliz and her lawyer have about three months to figure it out. I know the debate concerning her situation will continue quite awhile. So. . . let it be. Let it be.

Comments on the News

Here in San Antonio, Tx. it is a hot one. "Like seven inches from the midday sun," as Rob Thomas lets us know in Smooth. It is going to stay that way for awhile here. No relief in sight. When the Highs are in the 100's and the Lows remain in the high 70's, forget it. My house does not get cool at all even with the ac when the temps are this high. Whew. . . don't know if I can endure another Summer like this.


Anyway, very tragic what had happened at the Holocaust Museum in D.C. The killer has been labeled a "white supremacist" (still can't understand why no one is labeled a "black or brown supremacist," but that's for another time). I've heard that the killer, James von Brunn had a racist website and was anti-Semitic. Had heard (or actually read just now on MSNBC's website) that he had been arrested and convicted in '83 for wanting to kidnap members of the Federal Reserve Board.

Well, that's enough about him. He doesn't deserve anymore pub. His victim's name was Stephen T. Johns who was a security guard there at the museum. In fact, just read in Yahoo news that Mr. Johns actually opened the door for the killer who then started firing and killed Mr. Johns. It's people such as Mr. Johns who help keep us the public safe from the murderers and other types of thugs of this world. I salute this man and others such as him. Unfortunately, many times his type of job is deemed unimportant until--unfortunately--something tragic happens.

His persona is often invisible, but he is there. Yes, everyday, great men such as Mr. Johns are there for us. Unfortunately, men such as him are not known or we don't read about him in the periodicals until--yes, again, unfortunately--something tragic happens. Remember men and women such as Mr. Johns.

Still reading in the Internet headlines (usually Yahoo) that the Swine Flu is still on its rampage; but don't hear much about it on the regular media. Don't know exactly why except just thinking that doing so--as far reporting or publicizing it--could still cast a negative ambiance toward Mexico where all this started. Not quite understandable considering this disease continues to spread throughout the world. In fact, WHO has already announced or categorized it as a pandemic. So, what gives here? Now, I'm not expecting the press to throw all of us into a panic as they are prone to do, but. . .

Basically, speaking of Mexico and the illegal-alien dilemma that is still wrestled with from day to day, locally a young Mexican woman by the name of Benita Veliz was under threat of deportation because she has been in this country illegally. Her parents had brought her over from Mexico on a tourist visa since she was 8 years old. She and her parents apparently stayed under the radar until she was eventually caught.

The way she was caught was by being pulled over by a policemen for rolling past a "Stop" sign. Miss Veliz, who is now 23 and has never had a driver's license, was arrested and eventually turned over to Immigration authorities to be deported. Now before all this happened, Miss Veliz had graduated as valedictorian from her high school and later graduated with a degree from a local university.

So the dilemma or question arises. . . what happens or what should happen to her? Being in this country illegally, does she automatically get deported even though it wasn't her fault--as is claimed-- that she was in the country illegally. Should an exception be made in her case as far as allowing her to remain here, since she apparently has been a model "citizen" by paying taxes, not committing any heinous crimes and, of course, earning a college degree. (To be continued).

The information about Miss Veliz's case was gleaned from the San Antonio Express-News, dated June 11, 2009; article written by Melissa Ludwig.

A Tribute to Lt. Col. Shawn M. Pine

As we look forward to celebrating Memorial Day, as we pay honor and respect to the millions of men and women who served our country well, particularly those multiple thousands who fought and died in our country's battles, on the eve of this holiday, I would just like to pay tribute to a certain serviceman who died last Wednesday from a bomb blast in Afghanistan.



His name was Lt. Col. Shawn M. Pine (also, unfortunately, a female Air Force Lt. by the name of Roslyn L. Shulte perished with Col. Pine as well), age 51, a local Army Reserve soldier from here in San Antonio, Tx. He worked in intelligence. I did not know him personally. Did not even know anything about him until I heard about his life-ending tragedy. In yesterday's San Antonio Express-News, I read the article about him and his illuminating life. I will use that article's information to pay him tribute.



At the time of his death, he was working as a consultant for a private company in Va. Although his trade was in intelligence, (in fact, his resume ran the gamut of serving with the Israeli Golani Brigade, being a Hebrew linguist, and being part of the search for weapons of mass destruction), his fellow soldiers and family knew him as a "crusader for the underdog."



A few of the things he was known for:



He once got a group of soldiers to pitch in to pay for a funeral.

He made sure a foreign national got life-saving surgery.

His daughter remembered as a little girl when seeing a man begging for food for his himself and his children, that instead of handing out money, Col. Pine went to a grocery store to buy the food so "that way we would make sure the kids got fed," as she remembered it.



A fitting or summary quote from retired Army 1st Sgt. Rex Pierce goes, "He was the best commander I've ever served with, and I mean served with--not served for. He always put the soldier first, always. He had a rare quality of taking care of soldiers to the point where they wanted to serve." Sgt. Pierce added that if a soldier had financial trouble, if going through the regular Army channels did not serve the purpose, then Col. Pine would quietly make loans to his own troops--not expecting to get the money back.

Finally, in what may have been his last act of charity, Pine asked his daughter Rachel Pyeatt to send a "care package" of baby clothes to Afghanistan. The clothes were for an interpreter who was going to be a dad; and even though he was killed before the package arrived, some other officers there made sure the interpreter got the clothes for his baby.

I surely do use the word "finally" because I'm sure this is only a synopsis of what this special man did. And I'm sure Col. Pine was not seeking any type of recognition for his acts of compassion, his acts of leadership. A man such as he does not care about any of that. Men and women such as him only want to make this world a better place for all our progeny to live. Some accomplish more than others depending upon their abilities and resources. . . and that's okay. They are shining examples of doing the best you can when you can.

When these special men and women also get to serve in the U.S. armed forces, it makes it all that remarkable because these people do not get much compensation for their services. In fact, unfortunately, many times they are detested for their oft sacrifices.

So I salute you Lt. Col. Pine. I salute you and thank you for your bravery. Along with him, I would like to salute my own father, Daniel Garcia, Sr. who served in the U.S. Air Force for twenty-five years and retired a Senior Master Sergeant. I cannot leave out my older brother, Joe Maldonado, who served in the Marine Corp and also retired a Senior Master Sergeant. To all of you. . . a salute.


Again, my information came from the Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 edition of the San Antonio Express-News.

Guess "Fear Factor" is out of the Question

Well, I hope we didn't hurt those poor terrorist's feelings! Oh you poor terrorists. You mean it hurt you when you were slammed into that soft, pliable wall? When we put that scary caterpillar into your cell? ("Hey. . . Anybody bother telling these dudes they were being auditioned for the Fear Factor?!"). Didn't like it because we didn't clean behind your ears after waterboarding? We didn't know. . . shoulda said sumthin', hombre.


And according to President Obama in his speech yesterday the 21st, such tortuous actions cause you and your delicate friends to want to fight harder for your cause? You're able to recruit more "soldiers" for your cause because of all that torture? Well, if that's the case, then I simply use President Bush's oft maligned challenge, "Bring it on." Yeah, brutha. . . briiinnng it on!


Now let's be realistic here. Are we actually to believe that these enhanced interrogation techniques actually foment terrorism? Guess I can understand that. I mean, if that's the best we can do as "torture", why would anyone not want to get caught and spend a few days at Club Gitmo (Rush's cognomen, not mine), spend a little time away from jihad. ("Hey all you soldiers of jihad. Better get your reservations in before the president closes it down").


I still remember watching the movie Babel the other day starring Brad Pitt. My wife and I were watching the scene when the Moroccan police have the father and his sons cornered in the mountain and fire upon them rather quickly, not really giving them a chance to surrender peacefully. My wife remarked in astonishment that they, the police, definitely don't mess around in those situations, meaning the police in those foreign countries.


I simply affirmed that that was the truth and went on to say that if we (especially those in liberal America) really want to know what torture is, just go to those type of countries (you liberal Americans should feel right at home over there). They'll show you what torture is.

Anyway, just to boil it down, President Obama was just doing what comes naturally to him by apologizing to the dictators and terrorists of the world for our actions in protecting ourselves by denigrating the work of those people in the intelligence community who work hard to keep this country safe. (Now the day before his speech, the U.S. Senate had just voted down a bill that would have provided the funds necessary to close down Gitmo. In fact, the vote was 90-6! Where did that wave of common sense come from?). Dick Cheney--in his response to Mr. Obama's speech--was absolutely correct when he said Obama was libeling the character of these people. Classic the way Mr. Cheney responded to Obama's speech. . . simply classic.


Guess that means we can't enter you into the Fear Factor, that is if it ever returns to television. And even then, if you guys can't even handle a caterpillar in your cell, how are you going to handle hundreds of rats frolicking around with you in a box. Hey, I'm just saying. . . Anyway, not to worry. If we can't find a spot for you on the Fear Factor, I'm sure we can find a place for you somewhere. . . say. . . like the gas chamber.


P.S.

I had heard that one of the techniques used against the terrorists was female soldiers coming in without their bdu jacket, only wearing a tank or a sleeveless t-shirt. Maybe wearing a skirt a couple of inches above the knees. Then they would proceed to walk around the terrorist, brushing against him slightly. This was to be an affront to his religious sensibilities according to the libs, particularly if he believed the woman was menstruating.

All I can say to that is if torture constitutes a group of scantily-clad women parading in front of you and brushing against you occasionally ( hmmm. . . sounds like a lapdance), sign me up for that!--that is, if my wife lets me.

Truly Remarkable Men

Certainly the news of the Army sergeant, John Russell, who killed five of his fellow soldiers at a mental stress clinic in Iraq is very sad. Certainly for the fine young men who were killed and for their families. What more can really be said about it? It's hard to fathom. Seems like the public gets pulled in a back-and-forth direction when incidents such as this occur. It was only a few weeks ago when we were cheering and feeling very proud for the Navy Seals' heroic actions against the pirates holding the ship captain hostage. Now we have this incident in Iraq to contemplate.

Ofttimes, tragedies such as this will leave a lingering mark on the public psyche; and ofttimes we usually carry on as a society knowing this is part of life in all its quirks and derivatives. Perhaps, there are just commanding or intrusive forces that are out of our control. So, we just move on knowing or at least hoping some other type of force or entity will come and make things right. Thus, it is in our interest to just quickly try to erase the current impending incident from our mind.

Still, how many such incidents can any society absorb, especially a society (American) that has been appointed the policeman of the world. Furthermore, how much more can our soldiers absorb in their turbulent world in the Middle East theater? Sergeant Russell was on his third tour in Iraq, and presumably receiving treatment or counseling for his condition which we assume was psychological in nature. We assume he snapped so to say. That is the prevailing report so far. And we also know this isn't the first time a soldier has killed a fellow soldier or soldiers in the war.

I remember the Muslim sergeant at the very beginning who threw a couple of grenades in a tent and killed at least one officer among others. His reason was that we, the United States, were there to rape Iraq and his fellow Muslims. For Sergeant Russell, at least for now, we just assume it was the stresses of war, although I don't know for sure if he was involved in combat because I had heard his unit was a communications unit. There is a lot that still needs to be learned; and it's possible not everything will be revealed to the public for awhile...and to the conspiracy theorists, in whose camp I seem to stumble into from time to time, perhaps the "real facts" will never be known.

In fact, this brings to mind a movie that I watched on dvd the other day, In the Valley of Elah starring Tommy Lee Jones. Both situations--Sergeant Russell's and Spc. Deerfield's (Jones' son)-- involve or deal with the stresses or rigors of war. The decisions that need to be made in split-second moments out in the field at least in the case of Spc. Deerfield.

In his case, he was part of a combat unit that had standing orders not to stop for anything on the road for any reason while driving in a convoy (don't know if any such orders were actually issued in real life, but that's what the movie portrayed, and the movie claimed it was based on actual events). Apparently, this was to protect them from being ambushed. Well, Deerfield was driving and coming upon an Iraqi boy in the road. He knew his orders, but how can you just run over an innocent little boy on the road? What do you do? You're the one driving, and your fellow soldiers are screaming at you not to stop. Do not stop! In a split second, you have to weigh the consequences of your decision and act... a decision and act that may haunt you the rest of your life.

Well, if you watched the movie, then you know the outcome. Deerfield did run over the boy; and for the rest of his short life, he couldn't cope with the consequences. He eventually gets into a fight with a fellow soldier (apparently as a result of what happened in Iraq), gets stabbed (multiple times) by the soldier. Multiple times perhaps because his fellow soldiers were also having to deal with the boy's death and his looming rage simply prevailed.

So whatever Russell's rage may have been that caused him to kill, it's very understandable that Sergeant Russell's father is very upset to say the least; and in his grief--and at this time, it may just be the grief speaking--he has stated that the Army bears some responsibility in the matter. In fact, according to what I read on MSNBC through Google, the father claims the Army "broke" his son. I'm supposing he meant by the stress tests they were conducting on his son; and again, the stress from just being in that war theater multiple times whether he experienced combat or not (not always known who can or cannot handle such life's situations), perhaps seeing or experiencing something that shocked him may have been the trigger.

In any case, I was listening to radio-host Mike Gallagher the other day concerning this subject, and he did take umbrage to that statement made by Sergeant Russell's father. Mr. Gallagher was in no way deriding the elder Russell himself for he certainly did understand his grief; however, he saw it as his duty to defend not only the Army but the military as a whole, and he did it very well against a couple of callers who believed or went along with the elder Russell's view of culpability.

Whatever opinion one may have about the occasional tragedies that occur in America's Middle East war, in the long run let us remember that these men and women who serve over there in harm's way are truly remarkable. Let us not mitigate their long-suffering dedication. Their passion to serve this great country in whatever way necessary. Take it to heart, when you see or hear news of a fallen soldier, especially if he was a local citizen. Take it to heart when you see a memorial dedicated to a certain soldier who died. Reflect upon not only that soldier, but his family as well. Reflect upon where this country of America would possibly be if it were not for that soldier and his great dedication to his dangerous and sometimes forlorn duties.

Some More Flu News

Just checked on Yahoo news that there are now 141 cases of the Swine flu in the U.S. Here in San Antonio or the South Texas region, some more cases were reported or confirmed... Seguin, Tx. for instance. Some more schools and other public places were going to be closed. For awhile, because of the virus, it was determined that the regional high school track meet would need to be canceled which caused much consternation mainly because it was a possibility that the athletes with the best running times, best high jumps, etc. would not be competing at the state meet. The plan, I believe was to take the best times from more recent meets and choose the participants accordingly. Well, after all that, the athletic governing body of Texas, the UIL, decided to reverse its decision to cancel the regional meet.


And it is hard to determine which places need to be closed, what events need to be canceled, and so on. I can understand the government's difficulty in making these decisions, which is why--in the ironic sense--I found at least one report on the national news yesterday amusing. Some schools in the Ft. Worth area had been closed because of the outbreak. Well, the mothers of these kids (and they were young kids, first or second graders) decided to organize a gathering, and the kids were shown playing baseball or softball. I'm sure many frowns arose from that; but you certainly can't expect mothers of young children to be keeping them indoors all day even with the current circumstances. Just wait till you're a parent.

I was watching an article on CNN showing Dr. Sanjay Gupta in Mexico seeking "patient zero" or the person who started all this. I believe he was in a town called Longoria. He found the patient which turned out to be five-year old boy. Apparently, the boy had been ill in late February or early March; and by the time he recovered, it had been too late to determine that he had indeed carried the virus and that it had already spread. So that is what I am going by so far.

So, of course, conspiracy theorists--which I do have a healthy respect for ( Healthy respect for because I have yet to see anyone produce the African Green Monkey which was supposed to be the instigator of the AIDs virus. Where is it?)--weigh in with their thoughts. "Government control, government control," is usually the mantra attributed to these people, "the government (federal that is) is seeking more control by falsifying facts about this virus so that the president can eventually declare martial law." Far-fetched? Well, did we ever think that the Federal government would eventually own about sixty percent of GM under the guise of trying to get it back on course? Something to think about.

Hope You Didn't Go to Too Much Trouble

Well, planning on letting us know anytime soon? Hopefully, It didn't keep you from your bridge game.

As I write this, over 150 people in Mexico have died from the Swine flu. Apparently, it has made a comeback. I haven't heard about it since the 70's. Even then, I thought it may have been a joke or a prank when hearing about it back then. I mean, how do you catch flu from any type of animal much less a pig? Seemed strange.

What has been more strange is that no type of any serious warning was announced to the American public until a couple of days ago. I had heard on my local news last Thursday or Friday that 60 people had already died in Mexico; now, three cases have developed in a small town just outside of San Antonio. The people infected were students from the high school in that area resulting in it being closed this entire week so that it could be sanitized. Then they closed down the park and other public places as well. Soon, other cities around the nation followed suit.

The government announced that deaths would result from this virus, and they were correct. Unfortunately, as I write this part of the article (4-29-09), a small child has died in Houston. Though that may not actually count since the child was visiting from Mexico. However, I did see in the local news that a woman from this city died; but it I haven't seen whether it has been determined if it was from the Swine flu. Anyway, still makes me wonder how the government can make an announcement seemingly in a cavalierish manner predicting death. Never hear those kinds of impending predictions concerning the regular flu. Must really be that serious.

An interesting side note that I learned recently. I decided to look up the word flu or influenza to see where the meaning came from. It originated from the middle ages from the Latin influentia which evolved into influence. It was believed that the flu was influenced from the heavenly bodies or the stars-- a visitation. Interesting.








"Uh, Did I hear you say you believe that martial law needs to be enacted because of the Swine flu?"

No Tea-sin

Attended the Tea Party here in San Antonio last Wednesday. Fox talk show host Glenn Beck was one of the featured speakers along with "wildman" (as he was called by a local broadcaster) Ted Nugent. Although Mr. Beck gave a good speech, Mr. Nugent really got the crowd pumped up with his rousing speech. His main point concerning bailouts. Simply put, anyone who offers to bail you out is just saying you don't have the ability to make it on your own... That, basically, you may be worthless. And that is, folks, how the government views much of us here in America. In addition, those who refuse to accept homogenization into a bleak, sallow society may be deemed dangerous.

Later, the Wildman himself continued to stir up the crowd with his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner on his electric guitar. He did this to pay tribute to our brave and marvelous men and women in the military. This fostered or promoted one of the many times the crowd would chant, "USA, USA, USA..." Outstanding. Outstanding also to think that chants such as those and other similar actions would raise the hackles of the Left and its minions. No doubt they thought that rallies such as these would be attended by those of subhuman character. I'm sure they were surprised--probably even disappointed--that there were no reports of anyone shooting guns in the air.

Of course, there was the main conception that the Tea Parties were nothing more than anti-Obama rallies fostered by a discontented few. True, I did see a couple of signs that referred to his person. There was one which had his face overlayed with one of those "no" signs (that red circle figure with the slash) that read "Obama Free Gun Zone." There was another which had "change" spelled out in a weird way. The "C" was red and I think had a red star nestled in. The "G" was green, seeming to indicate the Islamic culture.

Well, however these rallies were interpreted, how great can this be with all sorts of people exercising the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution giving citizens the right to assemble peaceably and to petition the government for a redress of grievances whether in the written or vocal form.

More than Twelve Angry Men

Well, seems like President Obama is running out of people to anger. Seems like he or someone in his administration has made it a priority to anger someone or some group in this wonderful nation. I've been one of them (well not real angry, just miffed); however, he definitely deserves credit for allowing the Navy SEALs to do their job, what they were trained to do. The way they were able to parachute into the water, board the Bainbridge, then kill the pirates while the lifeboat and the ship were both bobbing in the water; and probably accomplishing all that under the cover of darkness. Amazing. So I'm glad the President recognized that there is a certain evil in this world that has to be dealt with by force. At least, he recognizes that for now.

I remember the movie, A Few Good Men, starring Tom Cruise in which the Marine Colonel (name skips me) played by Jack Nicholson defends his views and actions about what it takes to defend this nation. Just paraphrasing, but simply says that defending the nation is like defending a fort...You need men with guns to guard the gates of those forts. Now, of course, the movie itself is seeking to portray the Colonel and his views as sardonic. Intending to cast a negative light on the military and its authority with pretty boy Tom Cruise playing the culturally updated Navy Officer and the ogreish Nicholson portraying the Colonel in an acerbic manner.

However the point is portrayed, it is clear that diplomacy can only be taken so far. There comes a point when force has to be used and used decisively. So, again, kudos to our president who was willing to engage; but what will he do if the stakes are raised, because, of course, this engagement alone is not going to stop these thugs (or Merchant Marine organizers as Rush calls them) from continuing their robbery. They've already claimed that they will not only continue to hijack but also threaten to kill. Apparently, something they supposedly have not done yet. How far is President Obama willing to take it? Is he willing to go into Somalia to root out these terrorists at the source? Can't tell me that there is not an intelligent hierarchy to deal with when it comes to these thugs, the masterminds who sit back and let others do their terroristic work.

Too bad, though, along with that engagement, comes the news about a Department of Homeland Security report that has angered many throughout this nation, that has cast a palling effect on how our military is perceived. How can we as a nation not be outraged when it is suspected that any returning veterans from the Middle East war could possibly be seduced by the "right wing" to go over to "the dark side?" And to compare these fine men and women to Timothy McVeigh? Where are the minds of these people who put out such bilge? So while our president is traveling the world apologizing for America's misgivings, our military and other people who trully care about this country are being undermined by a government that has gotten way too large, that has reached the stratosphere of the fatuous. It is no wonder these rallies called the "Tea Parties" have emerged as a call back to sanity.

A Nation Built on Order and Respect

Unfortunately, as I post this new article, I've already heard about another shooting. This one being in Southern California at a Korean Christian retreat. I really haven't heard much more than a husband shot his wife and possibly more people as well. Certainly, all these shootings that have happened recently including the one in Alabama and North Carolina should be very disturbing to us as a nation.

As these events happen and cause us to reflect, we sometimes experience those moments of helplessness. What to do? Was there someway this tragedy could have been prevented? How do the people involved, as well as their friends and family, recover to get on with their lives? Often the solutions or reasons we are offered sometimes seem simplistic. Reasons such as that these events are the result of this nation forgetting God or that maybe we just need to remember that our forefathers forged this nation to be a decent one...a nation built on order and respect toward other lives and property. Some believe such reasons maybe valid.

Whatever reasons or solutions offered, we cannot forget the fine men and women in the police forces throughout this nation who help keep the order, especially those tragically gun downed in Oakland and Pittsburgh. No doubt, they are more than ever under constant pressure in performing their duties. A case in point is the massacre in Binghamton, NY. A local radio host by the name of Jack Riccardi here in San Antonio, Tx. was talking about how the police waited for an hour before going into the building, even though they could hear no more gunshots. Apparently, the police had arrived within minutes of the shooting, but did not charge in to possibly rescue anybody who may have been in danger or wounded. He claims he got that information (police waiting for an hour) from reading some articles, and I believe him to be a credible host as I do listen to him often.

Now he was not seeking to impugn the officers ( as these matters do need to be treated delicately) at the scene and certainly not the police as a whole; but he was seeking to find out that since we do arm the police, should they not be ready to charge into a building even at their own peril to rescue those who still may be in danger. Some callers to his program suggested that maybe their (Binghamton police) cautionary actions were due to not knowing for sure whether the gunman had possibly set some booby traps. Perhaps he was holding hostages, and the officer's superiors held them back to wait for the SWAT team. At this posting, not much is known for sure. There is no simple answer to that.

Still, I would have to concur as to the statement that that is why the police are supposed to be armed...to protect the public. Because from time to time those who believe that the police can't always be there to protect either because their hands are tied by their superiors or perhaps they themselves may be outmatched (and, unfortunately, there are times when that may be true), and want to protect themselves with their own arms have to hear from the busy bodies and finger waggers that "you need to let the professionals handle these situations."

"How dare you have a gun in your home for protection, especially since you have children. Don't you know you may be putting them in danger?" Then the tired argument often heard is, "You know things can always be replaced, but lives can't (that is what is usually said usually in a condescending way when the property owner possibly has the intention of fighting back)." Yes, I'm sure that's true; but the replacing of my things should be at my discretion and not the criminal's. These type of statements are often offered by those who seek to reduce gun rights and possibly ban them altogether.

Certainly, the police are in a very precarious situation many times; and what I get miffed at the most is when there is an officer involved shooting and the press always has to mention that the officer has been placed on administrative duty pending an investigation. Then they have to give the officer's name and how many years he/she has been on the force and other information of that nature. It's almost like judgement has already been passed on the officer (at least that is the tone). That he is already guilty of something for daring to do his job. I believe that is very disingenuous.

Yes, hail to those heroes who protect us from the evil in this world; and to those who seek to deny the public the right to defend himself, I have this to say: "Get out of my LZ."

No Shame too Much?

Well, well, well. Now more info comes out concerning the AIG sitcom like a slow gas leak. We're finding out now that many politicos including President Obama himself did take campaign money from AIG. As Gomer Pyle would say, "Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!" Well, should we be surprised? Should it really be a surprise that Congress bull-rushed a bill through that would tax the AIG bonuses ninety per cent? Should it be a surprise that President Obama long planted the seeds of discontent towards AIG and other like corporations?

Look, even though the politicians in D.C. are aiming to set new records as far as trying to see how far they can demonize the big corporations and hide their own culpability, we have long been numbed by what goes on there. Perhaps--we keep telling ourselves--it should not have reached this far. We may be able to convince ourselves of that; but didn't we stand up and cheer when the CEO's of the big three auto makers were excoriated before congress simply for flying to D.C. in private jets. The bar reached higher and higher as it got to the point where we had to hear about how nearly every CEO or wealthy person was ready to cut his/her salary so that nobody would be mad at them, or that they would not feel the shame or wrath of the media.

Then the situation in which, a few weeks ago, basketball coach Jim Calhoun of Connecticut was asked by some smarmy reporter (if he was, in fact, a reporter; probably a reporter wannabe) if he himself would be willing to give back part of his salary. To his credit, Coach Calhoun did not allow the smart aleck to finish his question or statement and simply intoned, "Not a dime back." Simply fabulous. Many in the media criticized him for being so abrupt, but time has long been past to be civil (insert "applause" here).

I'm not blind to the culpability of both political parties,though. I'll be fair. President Bush unfortunately forged, though in a small way, the pathway to "stimulating" the economy; and his plan was supported by the Republicans. I myself was surprised that our own Senator here in Texas, John Cornyn, voted in favor of it. Again, perhaps, I should not have been surprised; and they certainly were spinning it in the favor of that something needed to be done, even though it was probably done in panic mode.

All in all, instead of thinking surprise, surprise, surprise; better yet, we should be admonished with Gomer Pyle's, "Shame! Shame! Shame!"

The Faux Fury

I feel the heat! I feel the heat! No not because this is the first day of Spring, but from the continuous and I would even say frenzied flurry coming from the nation's capital. It is from the wave of heated air coming from our politico's faux indignation. Does anyone really believe that these congressman such as Mr. Frank did not know that AIG was going to still hand out bonuses even though they took government money? Spare me, please.



Yet, we (Hey, don't include me. Here in Texas, we have the common sense to elect a Governor such as Rick Perry who is not fooled into having to accept stim money... at least not all of it) keep electing these people who feign being surprised and continually grandstand while grilling the CEO (Liddy). I find it simply outrageous and even scary that Barney Frank would even ask for the names of the recipients of the bonuses. Talk about storm trooping! What's his plan? Does Mr. Frank intend to send some "special" individuals to gather these execs and their families to reeducate them about the "evils" of greed and such? How long will it be till they want to reeducate the rest of us?

Who knows? I maybe overstating their intentions. However, consider what has already been reported. That now it has been "suggested" that these execs and their families should not travel alone for awhile... just for their safety that is. CEO Liddy had himself quoted at his hearing that somone wished that these execs be "strangled with piano wire?" How nice and tolerant. Now who's proffering hate speech? It's not Mr. Limbaugh, Mr. Cheney, or whoever else the Left decides qualifies as a dangerous rogue. Someone who is not cooperating or understanding the good intentions of President Obama's administration.

Now, Mr. Obama did state that he was ultimately responsible for what had happened with AIG; that the Buck did stop with him. That's good. That's good that he is taking responsibility. Just like he did when some of his candidates such as Tom Daschle had to remove their names because of past indiscretions. Commendable. However, you and I know how shallow that is. He is the one who planted the seeds of discontentment; who started the carousel of pitting one financial class against another by saying CEO's of companies taking government money shouldn't make more than $500,000. Only to lead to all this silliness of other CEO's or execs of other companies publicizing their intent to cut their salaries.

C'mon, America, we ain't that dense (as Paul Simon sang, "Say, who do... who do you think you're foolin'?"). President Obama's calculator certainly has been working overtime. And not that we are really expecting him to; but we know he is not going to fire himself because of this oversight on his part. Just like any other powerful man of the past, he'll fire someone else.

Mr. Obama is simply regaling in his own self-importance. Besides, anything that gets such politicos as Barney Frank, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi up in arms and ready to jump off a cliff is very amusing to me. I love it. Love seeing them steaming inside like that. They deserve it... that is, in my opinion. Sounds convoluted on my part, but you'll get over it. No time for being nice now. We're well past that now.

Whew! That heat wave is really coming on strong now. Need to go inside where it's air conditioned. But before I depart, I'll leave with you this: "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "AIG." "AIG who?" "A... I... G, I thought you knew we were going to give out bonuses."

Send the Gullibility Packing

America, what is this of us being enthralled (perhaps mesmerised), or is it more accurate to say that we've been subdued to believe that whatever the Muslim society decides to do in this our country must be okay or that we should just look the other way whenever something tragic occurs in the guise of culture? Now, I do speak of the Muslim society in the collective sense because I have yet to hear any significant protest or outcry about the poor Muslim woman (her name was Aasiya Hassan) who was beheaded by her husband in Buffalo a few weeks ago. Have we actually been "buffaloed" into believing that this horrendous crime does not warrant any closer scrutiny? Are we actually to believe that this was not a "test case" to see how far Americans are willing to accept Sharia law? I contend that it was.

I contend that it would be a grave mistake to believe that this was just another crime --tragic as it was--committed by a seemingly mild-mannered, well-adjusted man who somehow went mad and went to the extreme in ending his wife's life? I contend that we cannot be that gullible in believing that. Of course, all this did not take place all at once. It has been line upon line and precept upon precept. So let's take a look at some of the events that have brought us to this ignominious point.

Case in point are these "dry runs" that have been reported at various times at airports? These dry runs in which Middle Eastern men (or at least Middle Eastern looking men) have acted suspiciously before boarding the plane, while it was still on the tarmac, or in the air. Probably the most notorious was the infamous, musical band of thirteen Middle Eastern men who boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 327 back in May 2007.

These men, who were reportedly musicians, were observed by passengers and air marshals mulling around the airplane, trying to act as if they were not acquainted. They acted nervous and appeared sweaty. A few spent a long time in the lavatory. An air marshal directed a flight attendant to have the cockpit radio ahead for law enforcement officials to meet the airplane in order to question these men. As it turned out, the men were eventually let go as nothing really criminal was found in their background. Nevertheless, common sense urges us to take note of the intentions of these men. Their intention was not only to terrorize, but also to probe... to probe for weaknesses not only in our defenses but also to probe for weaknesses in our psyche.

Before that, in November 2006, their was the case of the imams at a Minneapolis airport who were for instance praying loudly at the gate area before boarding, speaking angrily about the U.S., and unnecessarily requesting seatbelt extenders with heavy belt buckles which could have been used as weapons. They were removed from the plane, questioned and later released. Of course, being the nice, forgiving clerics of the Islamic faith that they were, went on to bring suit against the airline and some of the witnesses who reported them.

Now, we have reached this point with Mrs. Hassan what no doubt (at least not in my mind) was an "honor killing" (at least that is the convoluted term which is used). According to news reports that I've been able to read, she may have been tortured with a hunting knife before her decapitation and may have been alive during that hideous act. A few days ago, I had read an article in my local newspaper concerning this event, interviewing experts of the Islamic faith. Basically, all the article could really deal with or make a stand against was domestic violence against Muslim women.

Sure, Mrs. Hassan unfortunately had to deal with spousal abuse; but people, this was more than spousal abuse, more than domestic violence, certainly more than an "honor killing". This was a MURDER... a MURDER!!! Let's not mitigate this hideous act and refer to it as something other than it was. And, unfortunately, Mr. Hassan will only be facing second-degree murder charges...will not face the death penalty. This was calculated. This man knew what he was doing. All this should be alarming to us.

Line upon line. Precept upon precept fellow citizens. Be watchful of the signs. Do not be caught off guard by what the enemy within is trying to do. Our enemy is not trying make this wonderful country accept Sharia law all in one fell swoop. We've allowed ourselves to be bullied to morph into another culture for far too long. Not simply to accept it but to eventually be dominated by it.

I used the following sites to glean my information from: standingwither.blogspot.com and kerstenblog.startribune.com

Just Some Things to Ponder

Just some various thoughts that I'd like to ponder. Things that I've wondered about from time to time in my long life of 48 years. Maybe you've wondered about these as well from time to time. Well, let's wonder together, shall we?

First, did you ever wonder about the claim that all these aerosol sprays that we have used throughout the years that contained flourocarbons were responsible for causing holes in the ozone layer that covers the Earth? The ozone layer is supposed to protect us from the ultraviolet (uv) rays coming from the sun so that we don't get skin cancer.

Well, all I've ever heard is that these holes were forming (that is if such holes are still forming) over the North and South Poles and just those particular places, nowhere else. North and South Poles?! How in the world did these f-carbons reach over there? Who uses or used (since such harmful substances such as the f-carbons and certain freons were banned to supposedly "protect" the environment) those type of products over there?

I've never heard of Eskimos using hairsprays and certainly not air conditioners. Did someone get a giant fan and blow this stuff over to the Poles? And if those holes are at the poles, how is the rest of the world in danger of skin cancer if the ozone layer is still covering the rest of the Earth? No need to get angry you enviros. Juuuuuust wondering?

Second, many years ago we've heard that the Earth was headed for another ice age because temperatures were actually dropping and would continue to drop over the years. Well, this attempt to panic humanity failed to cause the U.S. and the rest of the fortunate nations to turn over their wealth to all the despotic... er... underprivileged nations. So then, a new crisis needed to be brought up. That, of course, was glooobal warming. Poor Mother Earth. Just like a woman. Can't make up her mind.

Third, how about the notion that we are running out of oil? Yes, it has been rehashed multiple times that the Earth has only so much oil left and that we must continue to look for alternative avenues of energy. So while we continue to debate and trip all over ourselves to attempt to find the ultimate solution to this so called problem, can we perhaps consider another theory?

Don't get excited. Just humor me a little bit here. This may not be new to many of you out there, but what about the possibility that the Earth can actually produce its own oil? Perhaps the Earth is not as dumb as it looks. Consider the possibility, that because the Earth turns on its axis and turns very fast I might add, and because of the centrifugal force that that rotation produces and other physical laws that come into effect. With all the various chemicals that are known or not known about inside the Earth, perhaps with the right mixing of those certain chemicals... out comes that magic elixir that we call oil.

Now, these ideas are not my own. I extrapolated these hypotheses from a book that I had heard about. Never got the book to read it, so you can take it for what its worth. However, two things that I can say using some common sense. We've always heard that we're about to run out of oil, but, lo and behold, more keeps popping up. And the other is... There couldn't have been that many dinosaurs here on the Earth!!! I told that to one of my children a while ago as we discussed the prevailing theory as to where the majority of oil comes from, that it was formed eons ago from the decaying body matter of dinosaurs and other sorts of bio life.

Come On, Folks

Come on folks, President Obama didn't consult with conservative economists as he claimed a couple of days ago at his press conference. He had claimed that he had consulted with both liberal and conservative economists about how to "fix" the current economy. I find it very far-fetched that any conservative economist would have advised him to continue to not only borrow an exorbitant amount of money but also to print it as well in order to "right" the economic ship.

No doubt, it has been debated to no end concerning the presumptuousness of such acts of pilfering the future of generations to come. Consider the weight of such debt. Consider the inflation as the U.S. dollar loses more of its value. What types of jobs that this "stimulus" package will supposedly create will result in nothing but more bureaucratic pallor as the government will enlarge... as it will enlarge due to more agencies having to be created just to administer such a monstrosity.

No, Mr. and Mrs. American citizen, government is not the answer; and I find it very disingenuous for the president to be castigating anyone much less those Republicans who have refused to jump aboard the good ship Porculus. He should be grateful that there are still people in this great country of ours that still possess the common sense and courage to take a stand, to take a stand against such governmental tyranny. Alas, however, the president will never notice this because of the blindness caused by his lifelong socialistic upbringing; and shame be upon you "Republicans" (Snowe, Collins, Specter) who did decide to betray the people by helping to pass the bill or at least give it the appearance of bi-partisanship.

Aren't we all tired now of being scoffed at by those such as Sen. Chuck Schumer who called those who protested the bill's "little, tiny, porky amendments" the "chattering classes"? Aren't we now tired of seeing these executives constantly being paraded in front of Congress to answer for their failings or transgressions? Having to listen to all the blustering of these politicos while these execs gaze in a stunning manner while being chastised. What purpose does that or will that serve... to watch wealthy people receiving their just desserts? May make us feel good for awhile, but we all know that those type of feelings wear off. Then we're back in same malaise. Hoping for another fix from those in D.C.

Come on, folks. We're all smarter than that. Are we going to take that stand or are we going to be like those people in Billy Joel's video, Piano Man, where all the bar crowd is so caught up by life's tumultuous effects that they choose the numbing of a night of libation? Forgetting vigilance. Forgetting right-mindedness. And, unfortunately, as the video shows, choosing to just feed the jar of the fellow who is playing us a memory so we can forget life for awhile.

How Many is too Many?

I would just like to direct your attention to the blessed event that took place sometime last week in California that may shake the foundations of some of you.


Most of the country knows by now about the octuplets that were born and of the questions and even controversy arising from that event. From what I gather as what I heard reported, the woman only intended to have one child according to her father; and her mother said that all her children (she has six others)were conceived in-vitro. So what kind of dilemma can be accorded here? Is the main question or at least one of the main questions arising from this event: How many children is too many? Should there be any controversy?



As that age-old question is addressed, certainly another subject which will be brought up is does she or anyone else who has too many (again, how many would be "too many") children have the financial means by which to care for their brood. According to reports, she's divorced with apparently no one else to help her except her parents; and she may not even have that anymore as her mother was quoted as saying that when those other eight babies finally come home, she is going to leave.


So if the financial means is not there or runs out, who will eventually assume the cost? Well, the taxpayer eventually will; and in this case, it is the California taxpayer. It is well known by now that California is broke (when haven't they been?) and will most likely be issuing IOUs for tax refunds.


Of course, the wails of the birth-control or the world-is-overpopulated crowd will continue to resonate throughout the land. But, of course, the other side (if one wants to put it that way) has their say. "This Earth is not overcrowded. Still plenty of room to accomodate more of the human population," is their usual response. I certainly ascribe to the majority of the views of those that do favor life. Definitely do not believe the Earth is too crowded; and birth control--aka abortion in most cases--for sure, is not any kind of solution.



It is only the solution of a deluded mind; and we can certainly debate and try to navigate all the live-long day through the morass of statements or theories that the over-populated-crowd con-sists of a certain type of people who only want their type to exist and the rest can either be en-
slaved or eliminated (I believe the term "useless eaters" has been used in that capacity to justify that action).


No doubt, many opinions have been propagated about how many children is too many. Not withstanding, one juncture that is reached or come upon is the religious notion (as some may call it) that children are an heritage of the Lord according to Psalm 127:3. In fact, here are the three verses that speak of the value of children:



3. Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit
of the womb is his reward.
4. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are
children of the youth.
5. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they
shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the
enemies at the gate. King James Version



Consider that. We can continue to moralize or ponder this subject until the end of the age; but the fact remains, if you ascribe to the greatest source of all (which I do at least in this case), children are the ultimate of God's gifts. They are His reward according to Him. Nowhere in those verses or any other place which I have read in His word does it even imply that one can have too many children. In fact, it states you are happy if your quiver is full of them.


Now, of course, those verses must be taken in their proper context with the precept that God's reward of the womb is at its greatest potential in the form of a stable family... in fact, a family that "feareth the Lord" -Psalm 128:1. Certainly, children shouldn't arrive in haphazard situation or atmoshere. There must be a form and order. Again, in this situation, the mother is divorced and only her parents to help her, which is fine except they live in a three-bedroom home. How are seventeen people going to live like that? I've heard charges of child abuse from some such as Bill O'Reilly. Are charges such as that legitimate? Another charge brought out is that she only had the children in order to cash in on a possible book or movie.


So what's the solution? Forced sterilaztion? I believe some judges have already tried ordering that. What tragedy may come of this if any? Are we going to hold our collective breaths and hope this woman does not have an Andrea Yates moment? Could be scary. Yes, the debate seems endless; but for now, let's continue to value God's reward.

Taking the Low Road, Huh?

Well, well, well. Finally. President Obama was sworn in last week. He seems to be going full force in all the things he promised he would accomplish, particularly G. Bay which he just could not close fast enough. Whew! Was that the sound of a mighty rushing wind? Oh my, where will those mighty soldiers of jihad be relocated? Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha says they're welcome in his district. Guess he wants to visit with them from time to time to chew the fat. Maybe send some pajama-grams along the way. Pssst, don't tell the president there's an ebay. He may think there's torture going on there as well and try to close it down, too. Should be an interesting ride.



But to those of you who decided to boo President Bush when he was leaving for his final destination, what kind of demonstration of class was that to exhibit? Tsk, tsk. Decided to take the low road? Can't even give him a little credit for at least keeping the country safe after the 9-11 attack? That wasn't bad enough, but then those rappers had to add to it with their obscene renderings. But I guess that's par for the course for all you Bush-haters.



Now, afterwards, we're still going to have to listen to your continual droning about how any type of past or future calamity whether it be political, scientific (i.e. global warming), cultural... just about everything will still be his fault. Surely not to mention how many times we'll have to hear from the current prez about the "failed policies of the past administration". Got your earplugs ready? I think we're about to reach critical mass.

Those Poor Terrorists

Sometime in November, I had heard radio host Michael Medved mention that the ACLU had taken out an ad in a newspaper to remind President-elect Obama about his promise to close down Guantanamo Bay. That had been put in the back burner for awhile, but now that issue has resurfaced since his inauguration is just around the corner.

Yes, the basic concerns have been bandied about with the main one being where are these terrorists going to go? Are they coming here to America to be held for trial? If so, are they going to receive the same rights as regular U.S. citizens and be tried in a regular court of law? If so, how is that going to be worked out? I mean, if an American is supposed to be tried by a jury of his peers, how would that translate to these terrorists? Do or will these terrorist truly have peers in this country to be tried before? I know it's been done with the Moussouai (sp?) case; and with that, a dangerous precedent may have been set.

Eventually, I have the suspicion that one of these great bastions of truth and justice such as the ACLU will figure a way to snooker a judge to claim that these terrorists are just not going to get a fair trial here in America, and perhaps they need to be tried in a more neutral place. Perhaps an international court in the Hague. In any event, none of this seems to be good.

But wait, I think I may be able to offer a solution. If Club Gitmo needs to be closed down, then they don't need to come here. No, just simply put the terrorists on an island somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Provide them with a couple of months or so of food and a couple of fishing boats. Teach them how to shelter themselves, perhaps how to hunt if the island has wildlife, and teach them to fish. Set a boundary for the boats to go. If the boats pass that boundary, then blow them out of the water-- brutha.

Yeah, know it sounds far-fetched, perhaps convoluted. Know that there will be an outcry. World opinion will not look kindly upon it. Know that Mr. Obama and his wife, (First-time-she's-been-proud-of-her-country) Michelle, will be embarrassed. Don't want that to happen; but if the Club gets shut down, won't those poooor terrorists lose all their excellent health benefits and three square meals.

Now, I heard the Club had marvelous beaches where they were able to sun themselves, even play volleyball in their free time. You know, when they're not busy throwing their excrement on their Marine guards. C'mon, where else are they going to find such fine accommodations. This was their place to escape the rigors of jihad don't you know. Don't worry I'll lock up.

Congratulations Gators and State Educators

Very good game last night between the Florida Gators and Oklahoma Sooners for the BCS championship. Whether the one-loss Gators or undefeated Utah Utes are the real national champions will no doubt continue to be debated for weeks to come. And I guess that's what keeps the college game interesting even for those who may not pay that much attention to it. It sure must get a lot of people a hoppin' if the Utah Attorney General believes he needs to investigate whether the BCS is unfairly keeping schools such as his out of the championship loop. Whether favorable or unfavorable, it does keep the game in the news, which is probably what they want. It certainly has brought in the big-money sponsors.



Anyway, what I just wanted to know is why the game was not cancelled or at least delayed. I am asking all you state educators who are very afraid of people who mention God or Jesus on school grounds or at school-sanctioned events such as last night's game. Who if they don't actually mention those "scary" names at least display them in such a manner which could offend the enlightened, maybe even unnerve some of them. I am speaking about Florida's quarterback Tim Tebow.



Didn't you notice Mr. Tebow had "John 3:16" written on that black tape that he was wearing under his eyes? Why did you allow him to wear that? What happened to "separation between church and state"? Florida is a state school isn't it? C'mon guys, get with the program! Why didn't you ask him to remove the tape or wear tape either with no writing or perhaps a different message such as "Happy Holidays". Oh that's right, the holidays were already over. ( I'll try to think of more suggestions later ). I'm thinking maybe he got permission beforehand or maybe he put the tape on by the time the game started and it was too late to get him to remove it. Yeah, I guess it wouldn't have looked good to have one of your security personnel wrestle him to the ground before he jogged out to the field.

But weren't you afraid of what the ACLU would say. You know, that organization of truth and justice that likes to protect our little babies from those religious zealots who want to acknowledge the Creator. Weren't you afraid they would have a whole lot of court orders in their hands threatening lawsuits if the game continued with Mr. Tebow wearing that tape. Wow, way to stand up you state educators! I am simply floored.

Well, maybe I shouldn't be too surprised that you would allow Mr. Tebow to wear that tape with the scripture. After all, there's such a dearth of knowledge of the Great One and His word in our schools nowadays that I wouldn't be surprised if our young ones even knew what "John 3:16" was. Yeah, I imagine there's not enough time to teach such minute things as biblical history when other important things such as America being a bad country or songs celebrating certain politicians are being taught instead.

Well, again, congratulations to Tim Tebow and the Gators. Oh, yes, and you too state educators for allowing the game to go on. Until next time.