The Laughing Wolf

The Best On Illegal Immigration

Why should I write anything, when there is this outstanding piece? And he doesn't think he's good enough for a Basil interview...

LW

Dear President Bush

In regards the port deal, I must respectfully ask Are You Out Of Your Freaking Mind?!? Just wondering...

LW

Clearly Not A Good Example Of The Sort Of People We Want To Produce

Gregory "Gramps/Pappy" Boyington was a drunk, a braggart, a liar, and more -- all of which are things he owned up to being. He would be the first to admit that he was not a nice person and very honest about his shortcomings. Yet, he also was a damned good combat pilot who served both in the AVG and the Marines in fighting the racist and imperialistic empire of Japan. He is credited with more than 20 victories, was shot down in combat, and survived a brutal 20 months in captivity when torture was much more than a bad hazing. He was beaten and starved as a part of torture and confinement. Depending on who you want to believe, he was shot down in part because he was trying to save another pilot by getting the enemy off his tail. He earned the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his actions in defense of this country and the rights we retain.

Yet, the Student Senate at the University of Washington finds him unworthy of commemoration.

In point of fact, student senator Ashley Miller feels there are already enough memorials to rich white men. Student senator Jill Edwards goes further and feels that she "didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce."

Yes, Col. Boyington was a Marine (and half Souix, that's Native American to you twits). Here are two tales of yet another Marine. You will find a lot more stories about Marines and others here. There are a lot more out there too. My father was a Marine, and as much as he disliked high command, he thought the world of his fellow Marines. This was a man who could have avoided service, would have been happy to do so as a matter of fact, but instead went in and served in the Pacific. Because of him, Col. Boyington, and a host of others who gave their lives the Japanese advance was stopped, then rolled up. These are men who left behind wives, children, and significant others to go defend the United States and give ignorant, bigoted wastes of protoplasm and air the ability to show their asses in public.

For those callow girls and any who don't believe the empire of Japan was the things I said above, search "Rape of Nanking" "Japanese Medical Experiments (on prisoners)" for starters. There is a lot more on them. You might also search "Joseph Mengele" and "Death Camps" as well. Oh, you might also want to go search out the UN and other reports on what was done by the Taliban and by Saddam too. You see, all that stuff isn't just in the past by old enemies, it is also part and parcel of the current enemies of freedom.

You see, if you fail history, it is more than just a course -- it can be your life and the lives of those you love, and all that you hold dear.

No, the Student Senate at the University of Washington is not the sort of people we want to produce. We need to produce a hell of a lot more Marines, even deeply flawed ones like Col. Boyington, for despite their flaws they are truly the best. A lot better than a bunch of spoiled bigots playing at being pretend grownups, and able to do so because of better people than they.

Feh.

LW
Who has a very non-PC suggestion for Miller and Edwards involving their notes, oragami, many points, and sideways...

I Will Stand For Freedom

Since the lace panty brigade lacks the necessary equipment and fortitude, allow me to stand as an American should.

I join the blogburst and form the Technorati links "jyllands-posten mohammed" and "muhammad cartoon.". I stand for civilization, for values, and most of all for Freedom. "I will not run, it is my place to stand." Though it cost me my job, my home, my life, it will still be but a small price to pay, for as those before me did I pledge my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor to the cause of freedom and individual liberty and determination.

LW

Foggy Bottom Breakdown...

Well, not so much a breakdown as just business as usual from the lace panty brigade, which long ago left behind such outdated plebeian concepts as individual liberty, rights, and responsibility for the more rarefied heights of progressive thought. The State Department pretty much stopped speaking for the American people, their erstwhile masters, several decades ago and oft goes its own way against the administration. Today's Chamberlain is merely the latest such thing. By their reckoning, it is better to try to score some cheap points with the enemies of civilization than to honor the Constitution and the freedoms enumerated therein in which they no longer belive.

Harsh? Yes, but not nearly harsh enough. This is not just lame. It is nothing less than taking side with our enemies and the enemies of civilization It has given aid and comfort to those enemies, and it has back stabbed our allies and the friends of freedom everywhere.

The Department of State is a cesspit, which various administrations have tried to clean up with little success. Given that they have today shown a moral and ethical cowardice in complete abrogation of their oaths to the Constitution, it is clear that something more than past efforts at reform of a bankrupt institution are needed. For any government agency to publicly proclaim that the rights and responsibilities of the Constitution, most especially the Freedoms of Speech and of the Press, are no longer valid or appropriate is open call for said agency to be abolished and something new built in its place. Something that does not mistakenly believe that it is superior to those whom it is tasked to serve and represent. It is not enough to sack those responsible for this outrage, a full and complete housecleaning is needed.

LW

No Question About It

Nope, there is no question as to the patriotism of Joel Stein. He has none, just as he appears to be deficient in brains, intellect, integrity, and everything else of worth. Thanks to Uncle J for taking him on, so I don't have to. He needen't fear for his safety, not even a four-year-old female would dain to dirty their hands on something so vile (and far less a man than she).

LW

Murtha And Cunningham

No links, I am on vacation and lazy. While I respect the fact that both served, I have no respect for either person this day. At best, both are fools. My take is that both are tools who have betrayed the trust of their band of brothers many times over. One does it for politics and power, the other for money. Ultimately, there is no difference as both have placed the volunteers in our military in harms way -- in point of fact, willfully endangered them by their actions. Both deserve contempt and censure for their acts and to be shunned by all who are Men, be they male or female.

LW

Ethanol vs Petroleum -- the true costs?

This blog is now being hijacked by the English Werewolf for a brief rant.

The English Werewolf has long been an advocate for alternate sources of energy, though for most of the time I've failed to put my money where my snout is. (In my defense, for part of the time I was an underpaid flunky for the State of Alabama, and for much of the rest I've been dumping my revenues into my business, which MAY provide some spendable income by the time I reach my '80's...)

However, ever since one brave (some would say idiotic, I'm sure) gas station owner in Nashville converted one pump station to E85 fuel, I've headed there as often as possible to blend about 20% ethanol into the tanks of both cars I drive. This even though neither of them is considered a "flexible fuel vehicle," which is a vehicle designed and constructed to run on any blend of gasoline and ethanol, up to 85% ethanol. Since most cars and trucks built for the US market since the 1980's have been designed to run on what used to be called "gasohol" -- a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline -- my gut feeling was that a somewhat greater proportion of ethanol would not be likely to cause any damage to the engine, or reduce its life expectancy significantly. And both my 148k+ mile Astromofuzzyvan and the '03 Volvo sedan run just fine with the blend.

In fact, the Astro runs MUCH cleaner on the blend than it does on gasoline alone. In years past, the beastie has just barely passed the unburned hydrocarbons emissions test; in fact, two or three times it took adjustments and a second test for it to pass. This year (after I replaced the cheap airfilter with a "high-performance" K&N filter, and after a year + of running the 20% ethanol blend), the van showed hydrocarbon emissions of only 30% of maximum. On the first test.

This ALONE justifies my using this blend of fuel. Not to mention the option of dropping one grade of gasoline -- from midgrade to regular -- since ethanol is a 105+ octane fuel, and so boosts the octane rating of the gasoline it's blended with. Fuel economy and performance remain comparable to straight gasoline.

But on to the main point for my hijacking of the Laughing One's blog.

I hear, and read, everywhere that ethanol will never "make it" as a significant fuel source for the US because its production "requires" huge subsidies from the government, and because of this the "true cost" of ethanol is not borne by the driver. Arguments are also made that ethanol uses more energy in production than it provides when it is burned.

Argument two first -- Typical production methods, such as those used in the production of drinkable ethanols, DO use a considerable amount of energy; usually provided from fossil sources or electricity (which may itself be fossil-fuel generated). The further distillation required to produce a burnable fuel DOES result in a negative energy balance for ethanol.

Newer, fuel-grade specific ethanol plants do not require nearly so much energy input per unit of output. Since drinkability of the product is not a consideration, other methods of production are now options -- such as enzyme-assisted distillation, waste sources of process heat (crop debris, sawmill waste, even cow patties), and different materials used in the production line which allow more efficient production without leaving trace elements that would negatively affect the final fuel. Factories producing biodiesel, another alternative fuel, can be built using thermal depolymerisation technologies, which allow low-temperature/high pressure processing to turn waste vegetable oils and meat fats into excellent diesel fuel very efficiently. The best factories today can produce over 2.5 units of ethanol energy for every unit of energy put in.

Both ethanol and biodiesel production have the added benefit of reducing significantly some of the waste stream that now feeds directly into our landfills, while producing byproducts of animal feed (brewer's grain and silage from ethanol production) and fertilizers and base chemicals for other products (biodiesel).

Much, much more online on both fuels. Dig around!

Argument one -- ethanol requires federal subsidies, and can never be more cost-efficient than gasoline. Hogwash! Just in the past months, E85 has sold for up to 70¢ LESS than regular gasoline at my local station. With US production of ethanol for fuel use of some 4 billion gallons, and an annual subsidy for the ethanol fuel industry last year of some $1.7 billion, that's a subsidy of about 43¢ per gallon of ethanol. Even with the federal subsidies, E85 was selling for 27¢ LESS per gallon than gasoline. Of course, this was during the price spike following Katrina and Rita, but it shows that ethanol can be equivalently priced (even when factoring in its lower energy content per gallon).

But is gasoline not without its' own subsidies?

How about the several billion dollars Congress tossed to the (formerly) Seven Sisters in the 2006 budget? This in a year when they're ALL reporting record PROFITS in the tens of billions of dollars? PER QUARTER! This subsidy alone is well over three times what the ethanol industry gets.

And the preferential tax treatment the petroleum industry receives -- another subsidy of many tens of billions of dollars, every year. Depletion allowances, expensing of exploration costs, foreign tax credits, foreign income deferrals, and dozens more -- add up to some $9 to $17 billion in subsidies for gasoline production alone. Each year.

Allocate a portion of the Defense budget to petroleum subsidies, too -- the petroleum industry has a unique relationship with our government, in that it is the ONLY industry we'll protect by declaring war.

Were all the subsidies and benefits the petroleum industry gets to be reflected in the pump price, a gallon of gasoline would be upwards of...

$9.00.

So which is the better deal? Let's not even think about where the dollars are going -- do you prefer to send your money to Venezuela, Saudi, Iran, Russia....or Kansas, South Dakota, Missouri, Oklahoma?

I could go on for quite some time with this, but you can find it all online with some research time. A couple of good links:

http://www.drivingethanol.org/userdocs/Real_Cost_of_Oil_Aug_05.pdf

A good summary article. The drivingethanol.org site is fairly new and still growing. Another good entry point is one from the Department of Energy:

http://www.eere.energy.gov

Lots of info on all kinds of alternative energy sources. Amazing the Bushies and their petrofriends haven't shut it down yet...

Ask around your area, and see if you can find ONE good retailer who will add E85 to his fuel offerings. At the moment, there are only about 500 stations selling the fuel in the entire country, while there are upwards of 6 MILLION cars on the road today that are built to use it, and EVERY car can use a 10-20% blend. Blend it into your tank when you fill up -- if you usually get 15 gallons of gas for a fillup, put 3 to 4 gallons of E85 in first, then top up with gasoline to ensure a good mix of the fuels in your tank. If you use premium, you can drop down to midgrade -- whenever you want to -- and save 10¢+ per gallon. You WILL be driving a cleaner car at the end of the day. Emissions-wise, anyway -- mine are still pretty grungy looking...

EW

And now we return you to your regular ranter...

What Party Are You?

Not sure where she got it, and I think it needs more definitions. For me, if it takes more than a double-tap, then I am doing something very wrong... Yet, for all that, I Like It.

LW

A Must Read For The Day

Comes from Baldilocks, who is on a roll. Some very good questions at the end too, on which we all should think...

LW
who notes from this post that someone who can't do basic reality or fact checking actually tried to play the "chickenhawk" card on her...

By George, I Think He's Got It

It makes a good bit of sense. More than just a thought, Jay, it is a very good one.

LW

I Oppose The Miers Nomination

Per the request of N.Z Bear, I hereby state for the record that I oppose the Miers nomination. It is not the lack of Ivy League degree (overrated IMO), or lack of experience as a judge (that might actually be a good thing), but rather an apparent lack of knowledge of the Constitution, what I think may be an inability to separate her beliefs from the facts of the matter, and a strong and dismal inability to present her thoughts in a clear and intelligible manner.

LW

The Modern Slave Trade

Set aside your thoughts and preconceptions for a moment, and go read this well-thought and eloquent post from Catfish. The thinking afterwards may be more than a bit uncomfortable, but then again it should be...

LW

For Once, I Support The UN

Well, mostly. I don't think this goes far enough. Neither the movie or the blog entry. I say nuke-em, and then use their glowing blue corpses as permalights for airports taxi ways. It's about time the UN dealt with them, but quit with the half measures!

LW
not linking to Bill because he quit blogging when I told him I was coming to DC/Baltimore, then started back after I left. Sheesh.

Ignorant, Incompetent, Idiotic

Is this the slogan of the second-term Bush administration? Let's see: we are at war with adherents of an ideology that demands the complete and utter destruction of civilization (not just Western, but Eastern too) and return to a tenth century level of life and technology (for all but the top people it seems); said group has shown a complete willingness to use anything and everything as a weapon of mass destruction; said group is known to have infiltrated and be infiltrating agents into countries including the U.S.; and, to top it all off, we happen to be dealing with the return of the 20-year hurricane cycle.

So what do agents of the current administration do? They provide this nomination for a critical post and the FBI decides to divert critical and limited resources to go after porn.

Words fail me. The ignorance, incompetence, and idiocy being displayed beggars belief, especially when added to the "politics as usual" from both sides of the circus on the Hill. There is not a single one of you who is an anointed one; rather, you are all acting like the annoying ones. It is something that will be remembered come the next election cycle. If you are unwilling to do the job, then maybe the lot of you should go.

LW

The Collective Vs. The Individual

Go read Blackfive's "Stealing Their Honor" He and Vox nail it on the head. Read it and think.

LW

Casey Sheehan

I wish to take exception to some posts I've read around the blogosphere that claim his reputation is being tarnished. Casey Sheehan volunteered to serve in the military, from all accounts thought that serving and fighting for his country and the cause of freedom a worthy thing, and died trying to save his mates.

The rather sad and pathetic spectacle of his mother trying to use him, his service, and his death to in a calculating bid to feed the voracious needs of her own ego can do nothing to tarnish it. No matter how much contempt and disrespect she shows him, his reputation remains unsullied and untouched. No matter how much excrement she attempts to pour forth over him in a greedy need for attention and validation, it will never rise to a measurable level around the base that is the example of his life. That base, and the shining legacy atop it, will forever tower over her and shine as a beacon no matter what is flung at it.

LW

UPDATE: Welcome LGF Readers. Please also read Blackfive's Casey Sheehan - Someone You Should (Have) Know(n).

The Crash, No Burn: The Spin Begins

Well, this morning sees the spin winding up in this article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There is a hint of "that damned internet right-wing lynch mob" along with the obligatory comments by the governor that his running mate was a good but misunderstood person. In short, pretty much a standard old-style political response to a problem.

That doesn't work anymore.

Let's take this by the numbers. Knoll shows up at the funeral, says she arrived too late to pay her respects to the widow and other immediate family members, then hands out business card(s) and makes a comment about how the government does not support the war. Apparently too busy to stay and offer her condolences in person, Knoll finds the time to ham it up for the cameras outside and talk with the media.

Word gets out and a firestorm starts in. Knoll is travelling and unavailable. The governor rises to her defense but also makes the asinine statement that it is not the responsibility of the government to support the war, only to support those that fight it. This is also the same governor who did his best to keep as many absentee military ballots from being counted last election... There are reports that Knoll phoned the family and left a message of some sort on the answering machine. Finally, Knoll's office offers up a letter of apology but Knoll refuses to discuss the matter, answer any questions, nor will she otherwise acknowledge what is going on -- the excuse is in part that she is still travelling and apparently has not mastered the use of telephones, mobile phones, or laptops and the internet. Since she will not meet anyone in person, perhaps she is now hiding in one of Dick Cheney's unused undisclosed locations...

The letter is one of the worst efforts I have ever seen in the real world or even in schools. The Paragraph Farmer does a good takedown of it in general. See the whole sorry thing at Michelle Malkin's, and also read her previous takes here and here. See also Blackfive's take.

Allow me to go into some communications 101.

First, you never, ever, ever start any letter with "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" You start press releases with that, not letters. If you are going to release a private letter, you do a formal release and attach the letter to it. If you have to provide background, obfuscate, explain, nuance, or whatever, you do it in the release, not the letter. It is like hand addressing Christmas (or Holiday) cards instead of machine labelling them. Doing a letter like this smacks of desperation, is amateurish, and defeats the purpose of the letter.

Second, you want to write clearly instead of opaque. The writing here is as clear as concrete, and is written so that it says truly nothing. Key phrases have modifiers that make their meaning unclear. Anything other than Keep It Simple Stupid does not work for this type of letter, and the use of jargon and lots and lots of unnecessary phrases indicates weaseling.

Third, you want to write active voice. It is part of writing clearly, but it is also a separate issue. This letter is about as active as a dead parrot.

Fourth, you don't clarify and take them to task, you explain.

I could go on, but that hits the high points, or the low points in this case. On a non-gramatical and substantive basis, the letter has more than a pinch of Turbin Durbin "I'm sorry you revolting peasants were not smart enough to understand and appreciate my clearly presented and finely nuanced thoughts" along with what I take as "it's all about me, don't you get that?" Oh, and a dash of "I'm sorry I got caught" as well.

Stonewalling and meaningless phrases used to work when it was just the Old Media. If you want something that works in today's marketplace, consider the following:

"Dear Mrs. Goodrich,

Please accept my heartfelt apologies for any pain caused by my uninvited appearance at the funeral of your husband, SSgt Joseph Goodrich. To add to your grief and suffering, and to that of your family and friends, was not my intention.

Since the start of the War, I have tried to attend as many funerals of our fallen heroes as possible to show support for those who serve. During those visits, I also give my card to the family, so that they can contact me directly to ask for assistance if there are any problems with state or other benefits. Please know that I am here for you, as I am for all military families, if I can be of assistance.

I sincerely regret my fault in not arriving on time to express my condolences in person, and any misunderstanding and pain caused by my actions. Such was not my intention, and I am very sorry for what has happened.

Know that my heart and prayers are with you, your family, and friends as they are with all the families of those fallen in defense of freedom. In my role as Lt. Governor, I will do all I can to support the troops, and as an American support our President. If there is anything I can do to help make right this situation, or assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,

XXXXX"

That is a letter of apology. It is clear, precise, avoids things that the sender frantically wants avoided, and remains sincere. If done right, it gets the job done and stops the storm. What actually came out was a poorly written and considered piece of hackery.

Today, the words are flowing and the spin is on. By their actions may you judge them. My question to the people of Pennsylvania still stands:

Is this someone who you want representing you, and do they and the government of which they are a part represent you and your beliefs?

Just asking, and you do have an election coming up...

LW

Previous coverage here.

UPDATE: Michelle has more. As does Blackfive.

A Crashing That Deserves To Be Burned

What I want to post on the title won't fit and deserves some self-censoring. I saw this story at Blackfive's last night (who got it in an e–mail from the talented Baldilocks) and waited hoping against hope that it might have been mistaken. I mean, after all, the source was from the Old Media. This morning finds no denial, but more coverage including that from Michelle Malkin.

What Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll did does not even rise to the level of loathsome or even to despicable. It was more than a mere outrage. The best that can be said is that it was the selfish act of someone who does not even see the people of the state she professes to serve as subjects, but rather as objects to manipulate and use. It was the act of someone who does not see others as real.

I had a list of questions for the governor and lt. governor, but they really don't matter. Only one question now has any meaning or relevance, and it is for the people of Pennsylvania:

Is this someone who you want representing you, and do they and the government of which they are a part represent you and your beliefs?

If this story is true, this is not a matter for a resignation, but of forced removal from office. For her words against the war may not be true treason, but they are far closer than most will be willing dare call them. For her actions are what can be most charitably described as a disgrace, and deserve at the very least contempt from all who have honor and integrity.

LW

A Woman I Like

Though I have never met her, I like her style. She even goes commando on a regular basis, and if she answers the sphinx as well, is a woman after my own heart.

Thanks to a true tease for the heads-up.

LW

July 4th

On this day, take time to celebrate the birth of our nation. Are things perfect? No, they never have been and never will be and the Founding Fathers knew this. As a result, America is the only nation of which I am aware that enshrines the ideal of constant revolution and constant change in its founding documents, along with an impressive list of freedoms -- not the least of which are speech and assembly -- that stand as a beacon to the world. That is a thing well worth celebrating.

This is also a thing well worth celebrating:

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

If these words move you, the National Archives gives you the oppportunity to sign it electronically.

On this day, take the time to help support those who are both protecting us, our homes, and the ideals that allow us to pursue life and liberty. As always, I support Soldier's Angels. Blackfive has some good ideas in this post about some who have died defending that freedom, and my Blogfather Joe Katzman has quite the international list of ways to help.

Celebrate this day, and most of all, celebrate that which is the foundation and the start of the Great Experiment that is our Republic.

LW

The Decline And Fall Of The Republic

While I am not quite ready to pull a Pournelle and declare The Republic dead, evidence suggests it is going downhill fast and/or on life support.

First, this execrable ruling from the Supreme Court. It is clear that private property, individual rights, and basic liberty are not a concern to the majority. The state is supreme, to hell with the sheeple seems to be the motto. It is time for the Citizens of this nation to enact laws or clear and unambiguous amendments to the Constitution to prevent this type of high-handed power grab by the state.

Second is this disgusting proposed amendment to ban Flag "desecration." This is what I have come to expect out of Washington at its best: a token act against a visible manifstation of a deeper problem that creates far more problems and erodes the concepts of Citizens and liberty, while doing nothing at all to address the underlying issue(s). It is grandstanding, trying to create the illusion of concern and action, and it is an abrogation of the oaths of office and of the Constitution. No, I don't support desecration of the Flag, but doing yet more to kill freedom of speech is not the answer. The real answer is more freedom of speech, not less. The way of Congress (and the Supreme Court) is the way of Germany in the 20s/30s -- not revolution but a willingness to commit suicide by legal fiat. If this abomination does indeed get passed, we the Citizens need to reject it -- and those who support it -- utterly.

Feh.

LW

Durbin: Too Little, Too Late

Well, they are calling it an apology but I call bullshit. It is a non-apology full of weasel words and no acceptance of responsibility. If my rear end. I agree with Teresa: When you blame the audience, it is time to resign.

LW

A Weather Change In Environmentalism?

Some very interesting food for thought courtesy of Blogfather Joe and Stewart Brand. This is one to read, re-read, and ponder upon -- but I like it so far.

LW

It Was Old And Untrue 30 Years Ago

Back then, it was the amazing carburetor that allowed an engine to get 50-500 miles to the gallon (depending on who told the tale) with 500 horsepower output that "Detroit" or the "Oil People" were keeping from the people. This week, it was a cure for cancer. Yep, there is but one type of cancer, and "they" have it and refuse to give it to the people because too much money is to be made off cancer research.

Never mind that there are multiple types of cancer cells, metastasis, etc. Never mind that basic economics suggest that even more money could be made by selling the cure for all the market will bear (trillions versus billions, and for a much longer period of time). Nope, none of that is a factor. There is a cure for cancer, and it is being deliberately withheld -- I presume by the evil capitalistic Republicans, who seem to have replaced Jews in politically correct conspiracy theories, though I suspect that in non-politically-correct theories they are Jewish capitalistic Republicans.

You know, I wonder if the tinfoil hat blocks knowledge of odds as well as basic economics, biology, and such. If so, maybe a good way to teach some basic economics might be through cards... Hmmmmmm....

LW

Terri Schiavo: A Reconsideration In Progress

In yesterday's post, I made some statements that were based on the best information I had at the time, including some comments on medical imaging. The power of the blogosphere is indeed a wonderful thing, and several questions I have had appear to have been answered.

A prime one can be seen here at Obsidian Wings. I am not a doctor, nor am I qualified to interpret medical images. That said, I have had dealings with medical imaging and medical imaging of the brain. The brain is an incredible structure that we are just beginning to understand. Even so, there are things well known and if the image shown is indeed that of Terri Schiavo then the refusal to do more tests is very understandable. You can only test when something is there, and if the damage is as extensive as it appears (other scan slices are needed to determine the 3-D structure of the damage), then there truly may not be anything of certain critical structures left to test.

Also on Obsidian Wings is a link to this PDF file that provides detail missing from many reports. Another detail of which I should have been aware is that her husband did not go to court to ask that the tube be removed. Instead, the petition was to ask the court to determine if it should be removed -- in other words, he asked the court to make the decision. This is very different from making a decision and asking the court to uphold it, and it is a fact that is not very well presented, or even misrepresented, in some coverage.

In light of this new information, I am reconsidering my comments and stand on critical aspects of this case. My support of the right to die is not one of them, nor is my increasing horror at the intrusion of politicians left and right into the case and into the rights of patients to choose to accept or reject treatments. What is being reconsidered is my opinion on this one case, for it will set the stage for how much freedom and choice we have in deciding our fate.

Also, yet another plea to let others know of your wishes and decisions in regards long-term care and heroic measures. Talk it over, explore the options, and put the basics in writing in the form of living wills and powers of attorney for healthcare. Write it on your blog. Put it down so that there is no question of what you want done, and what you do not want done. If not for yourself, do it for those you love.

LW

Some Thoughts On Terri Schiavo

I don't have the time to do this justice, and there are several things here that demand justice and not the least of them is Terri herself. Baldilocks, as usual, sums it up.

The fact is, I do support the right to die. I think it important, and far too important to be left to the posturing classes, for ownership of ourselves and our bodies is the most fundamental property right. I have made clear to those in my life when I want no heroic measures and when I want to fight. When a person has made such clear, in writing and/or otherwise, honor the wishes. When in doubt, come down on the side of life.

There are things about this case that stink to high heaven. Others have hashed them out and discussed them in detail, so I will not. I will note that while it may not be a medical necessity according to the doctors representing the husband, doing a PET scan would settle the matter of her state fairly quickly and is therefore a legal and political necessity. The fact that such is being fought so strongly is interesting, to say the least. No, you don't want an MRI given her implants, unless you really do want to kill her.

As for those who feel that starving her to death will be peaceful and such, I ask you to contact the local humane society. There is footage out there of just how peaceful, painless, and dignified a death it is for any number of animals. If that is not your cup of tea, I would point out that a Nazi tactic reserved for certain people who really annoyed them was starvation, and if memory serves there may be some documentary footage of those executions as well. If a person is aware, they do feel it and it is not pleasant at all. While I fear where all the politics and such in this case will lead, one thing remains true in regards to removing her feeding tube:

This stinks. Plain and simple.

LW

Lambs

Fuzzy, cuddly, and cute little lambs. Such a wonder, such a delight with or without mint jelly. Yesterday was International Eat an Animal for PETA Day. I failed to blog it then, but do want to note that I loved my lamb and beef mixture at the Turkish restaurant next to the battery store. The good Southern battery in Pups was five years old, and did not like northern Indiana winter so I made the best of the situation. Stuffed grape leaves, the lamb and beef medley, it was all good and tasty. The pleasure for this carnivore was all mine. Hope you enjoyed some critter yesterday too. Thank you Meryl for starting such a tasty campaign.

LW

The Death Of Free Speech

And hope for the resurrection...

Free speech has been under assault almost from the time the Republic was founded. Let's face it, anyone seeking dominion over others hates free speech. Anyone who has dominion over others, to any lesser or greater extent, hates free speech. For with free speech comes honest exchanges of ideas, shared information, and inconvenient facts that discomfit those who act as betters.

Such is why free speech has been killed, gutted, and stuffed at far too many college campuses these days. Such is why free speech is banned at far too many basic schools/school systems around the country. Why, any words can be incendiary and feelings matter far more than freedom, especially when those same words may light fires under teachers and administrators who fail to measure up in any sense of the word.

Such is why every repressive regime in history has felt it essential to control most means of communications. Print was easy to control and choke, even in the modern era, by the simple act of controlling the supplies. Radio and television were easy to monitor, both because any serious effort took power and room, and because small-scale efforts could be hunted down by direction finders.

Such is why so many on left and right these days want to end free speech here in the U.S., and have mounted the single largest assault on the Constitution, in my not so humble opinion, since the founding of the Republic. That assault was in the form of the McCain-Feingold law, is now being applied to the Internet and Blogging.

Go read the story here. Go read the roundup at Instapundit, this excellent roundup from by Michelle Malkin, and this post and this post, both outstanding efforts from Captain Ed.

Think on this a bit, then remember THAT YOU ARE THE GOVERNMENT. Your elected representatives are just that, your representatives -- whom you can replace at will if they fail to properly represent you. Call them, write them, and e-mail them. To truly get their attention, you must do all three. E-mail can and will be ignored. Calls will be noted, but are not enough. Snail Mail is a bit hard to ignore, though it can be put off. Doing all three sends a clear message and should get action -- or you should get new Congrescritters.

The thuggish, ill-considered, and ill-bred assault on individual liberty and the Constitution known as McCain-Feingold needs to be repealed. Not modified, not given special exemptions for the Internet or Blogging, but flat out repealed. It was a bad law that should never have been enacted -- and I for one plan to see how my Congresscritters voted on it at the time and discuss the matter with them.

While he is not posting right now, Ironbear of Who Tends the Fires and I have had a discussion on this topic, and I agree with him.

This is a test.

If we kick up, complain, etc., then the matter will be dropped. If we don't do too much, a modified version will pass. If we don't respond much or at all, then we will lose our freedom.

The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

LW

A Must Read Post

Val has done it again. Go here, read, and watch. Think a bit. Then think some more. Thank you Val, for sharing this.

LW

Freedom

What a day, what a time. Condi puts her boots on and walks -- and Egypt announces major changes. The people of Lebanon spoke, despite orders and threats not to, and a government falls. Assad makes a gift to Iraq of some most wanted people, feeling the pressure. I wish I had the time to cover this as it should be covered, but until I do I highly recommend going to Publius Pundit and reading. I added him to the roll a few weeks ago, and am so glad I did. Go read this and this. Also, don't forget Chrenkoff, Winds Of Change, and The Command Post. Keep an eye out, and keep good thoughts going, for this is just the start of things, and none should expect the entrenched powers just to roll over and play dead. Just look at the terrorists in Iraq, and in the government of Iran, to get the idea. Keep a sharp eye on Syria and Egypt in the coming days, and find ways to hold feet and other appendages to the fires of freedom.

LW

Speaking Of Nanny States

Acidman points out this this delightful bit for your consideration. Think it can't happen here?

LW

Pornography and TSA: The Common Link

Originally, I was going to do this post on the subject of pornography, based on a decision by the government to appeal a loss in pornography case. It was to have covered a history of erotica, erotica versus pornography, catharsis theory, and more. It was a great defense of the medium. Then, I saw what happened to Dr. Jerry Pournelle during a recent trip. Seemingly worlds apart, the two have a fundamental connection that has produced this very different post.

Dr. Pournelle has removed some comments from his "original blog" but continued discussion. From what is there, it appears that he was subject to what I have come to see as fairly typical TSA behavior. I was opposed to this from the start, for many reasons, and have no reason to change my mind. Indeed, it can be argued that we are not even as safe as we were on 9/10 in many respects, in that there are even more rules and regulations in place that are more interested in politics than in safety. That is my opinion, and you may do some quick searching to find others share it, including some inside the beast. If you want to have some fun on this, go search Michelle Malkin's site for TSA, Air Marshalls, and similar terms. There are other places you can do that too, and it is well worth the effort.

The pornography prosecution is one where the government suffered a major setback in prosecution. In short, a lower court threw out charges in the case citing basic First Amendment issues. The government's appeal is based on limitations already acknowledged by the courts. The pornography in question is apparently extreme, and included simulated rape, beating that may or may not have been simulated, and more. Not having seen it myself, to the best of my knowledge, I can't say.

What do these two things have in common? Simple. Citizenship. Are you a Citizen or a subject?

A citizen has the right to make choices on their own, for themselves, without interference from the government. A subject must suborn themselves to the decisions of government, without consideration of circumstances.

When you look at the Constitution, or even the Declaration of Independence, you find that no where in there is it said that you have to make smart, wise, or even reasonable decisions about your life. No where does it say that you must live the life others desire for you, or that the state should play nanny. Indeed, you find the opposite, and Dr. Pournelle makes some choice quotes in his writing.

While I am oft labeled a conservative, I have not attempted to hide that I am in fact an independent. In fact, I am a fiscal and defense conservative, and a social liberal with a small-L libertarian bent. Both of the areas cited are where fundamental freedom is under strong attack, with a deliberate effort being made away from Citizenship, where the state is the agent of the people, to a state of empire, where individuals and individual liberty are subjugated to the state.

In the aftermath of 9/11, several pieces of bad legislation were undertaken, and the creation of TSA and the Office of Homeland Security are two of them. If they were effective, some argument could be made for them, but not by me. I join with those who note Franklin and feel that we have failed a test. For we must bear responsibility for ourselves, and it is fairly clear that we have abrogated that responsibility.

In a free society, you have the right to view anything, read anything, listen to anything, and consider any thought. It does not mean that you have the right to act in any way you choose, or rather it does: for you have the right to act as you will, but must be willing to bear the consequences of said act. One of my first posts was on the fact that freedom of speech is never free and I have continued to point that out in a variety of posts.

You have a right to make a choice, not a requirement to make a good one. You have the right and the ability to view pornography of your choice, just as others have the right to make it provided the people involved are capable of consent and do so. Would I want my daughter or other friend or relative to do it? No, and I would argue against such a choice. Yet, I do not have the right to forcibly stop someone who is capable of informed consent from doing so if they desire. They have the freedom to choose, and I must honor that no matter how much I disagree with the choice. To do otherwise is to deny them the right to themselves, to their mind, and to their body. I do not have to support that choice, or even respect it, but I do have to respect their right to make the choice. Just as I have to respect the right of everyone to view or not view images and content of their choice. I am under no obligation to like or enjoy what they consume, but I do have to respect their right to choose what they consume.

What it boils down to is whether you are a Citizen, or a subject. If you are a Citizen, you have the right to choose for yourself, and to live with the consequences of your decisions. If you are a subject, you will do what the government says, when it says it, and how it says it, from bowing and scraping to party functionaries to viewing only approved materials. You either can take shocking images or ideas and parse them for yourself, or you must accept the need for the government to decide what you can or cannot handle in terms of news and information. You either have Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly, and from unlawful Search and Seizure, or you do not.

It is the fundamental choice of the Great Experiment that is America. We have the choice to go where the Founding Fathers dreamed, a place where individuals choose their own destiny free from tyrants and other oppressors. We have the choice to say that individuals are incapable of that dream, and must be lead by their betters. That choice is easy, but the consequences are not. Taking responsibility for ourselves, and for tolerating the choices of others, is a painful and difficult task. Mistakes will be made, and lives will be destroyed and lost. That is the price of liberty, and it is a staggering cost. The cost of tyranny, however gentle and well intentioned it may be, is far greater.

I wonder at those that profess to serve minority rights, yet will support neither of the things placed before us above. A site I enjoy, The Smallest Minority, puts it all so well with his banner. It quotes Ayn Rand, who while I detest her fiction has a great quote with "The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities." I think Sturgeon's Law is far too gentle when it comes to pornography, yet if I am to follow my beliefs, I must support the 90 percent, not just the fraction. If I am to honor Citizenship, then I must support the 90 percent, and not just the fraction. Freedom truly is an all or nothing proposition.

I will leave you with this thought for the day, since morality will be thrown into these debates along with catharsis and more. Christianity differs from some/many in that nowhere in the teachings of Christ does he call for the forcible conversion of infidels. Indeed, what is put forward is that unto you a choice is given, to accept and have eternal life, or to refuse and suffer ultimate extinction. Think on this a bit, and ask how best do you honor and respect that commitment, that covenant?

The question is before us. Are we Citizens, or are we subjects.

LW

FYI, if you are interested in catharsis theory, you may want to peruse this link, this link, this link, this link, and this link as a start. This is a very contentious theory, and I will note that in my opinion many studies seem to have an axe to grind, pro and con. Keep the salt handy, and be sure to check the methodologies.

Kyoto

Before you go screaming about Bush the evil on this, take a few mintues to read this excellent piece (and links) up at The Volokh Conspiracy.

LW

The House Hates Freedom Of Speech

I have to agree completely with Jeff Jarvis in regards the indencency bill just passed by the House. He also has more here. Anyone who voted for this travesty should be ashamed of themselves. Take the time to look hard at this, and at the so-called campaign finance reform-reform as well. These are serious threats to freedom and to the Republic, and you need to study them and take your Congresscritters to heel about them.

LW

Playing The Victim

Out at Wolf Park, one of the "puppies" that is nearing their first birthday is not happy. This young lady has managed to get herself in trouble with her Mom and to some extent with the pack. Right now, she is wanting to do what one staffer terms the wolf equivalent of running away to join the circus. Meaning that she has indicated she wants to leave the main pack enclosure. She will not be allowed to do so under present circumstances, and the staff notes that she has brought this down on herself by playing the victim.

In wolfpacks, as well as real life, if you present yourself as a victim you will be treated as one and victimized. Yes, I said real life as this was pointed out to me many years ago by some women who had dealt with abuse in their lives. In watching this situation this weekend, it also occurred to me that it applies on a higher level as well.

In global politics, if you display the signals of victimhood, you will get treated as such. Many of the signals that we see as civilized and restrained can be seen by those of a less sophisticated viewpoint (animalistic even) as being signs of weakness, since they are really much the same as those displayed by a weak member of a herd or pack. Then again, I have long felt that many of our enemies behaved the same or worse than feral dogs. There is much to think on here, but it behoves us to consider such as we make decisions on the future.

LW

Remember This Day

Madness reigned, and people ignored it. The hate, the focus, the words, and the deeds were ignored or excused. It was nothing, and less than nothing to those nestled safely elsewhere, ignore it and it will go away. Worse yet were the ones who defended the madness, who embraced it and called it patriotic, right, and necessary. They gave it legitimacy and room to grow.

Under this cover, the buses came, and the trucks, and the special police. Under this cover, the trains ran, and the smoke began to rise. The tales were there, but quiet and easily ignored by all who wished it away.

Then real red war was waged across the lands, and the troops came. The walking skeletons came forth, the piles of bodies documented for the world to see. Loot was there too, from pockets and mouths, and even as wallets and lampshades.

Madness had been allowed to reign, and millions died. Jew, Gypsy, Pole, and More.

Millions died, beneath the comforting cover of ignorance and lies.

Think on this today. Look at the world with unblinkered eyes. Look at the Balkans and see the graves. Look at Saddam's Iraq, and stare into the graves. Look at the Sudan, and stare into the graves. Look at the world with unblinkered eyes, and throw off that comforting cover of lies.

Madness still reigns, and people still die whilst new panderers tell minute man lies.

Remember the past, remember the cost, remember what it took to put paid that madness let roam.

Millions died in that butcher's bill. Remember it well, for Never Again we swore.

Never Again I have sworn, for we have not the excuse of ignorance if in cowardice we cower under the threadbare cover of self-imposed lies.

LW

Those Who Fail To Learn From The Past

Are doomed to endless summer school, or at least one heck of a spanking from Citizen Smash. As if the first spanking were not enough, someone who obviously failed both regular and summer school history came back for more. A third time, and he qualifies as a masochist and should be turned over to Mistress Heather (yes, a CSI reference) since he seems to enjoy the spankings waaaay too much. Bravo Smash!

LW

Heh. Call Canada

Smash, as usual, hits it over the fence. Go read, work safe if you can keep from laughing out loud... Smash? Thanks! Great points, very well made.

LW

Footsteps To Follow

Chris Muir hits it on the head again. For previous thougths on Captain Speicher, click here and here.

LW

A Modest Proposal

Jay Tea at Wizbang has a most interesting proposal in regards the UN. While I am not sure I agree with his figure suggestions, the idea itself has a great deal of merit. The only problem I see is that they might figure out what is going on... Even if they do, the idea may still work and is well worth considering.

LW

Ukraine Elections

Well, the verdict is in and in the real election Yushchenko has won. One of the more fun and interesting takes on this on the ground is at Le Sabot Post-Moderne. Also check out Tulip Girl and Orange Ukraine. Or check out the official Yushchenko site.

LW

UPDATE: Courtesy of Instapundit comes this interesting read on the amazing lack of coverage by some of these important elections. I admit, I have not been blogging about them, but that was because others were doing it for me. I should have linked more, but the last few weeks have been a tad bit busy...

The V Of Victory

A few years ago, during a spate of trying to see as much theatre as I could whilst in New York, I actually attended The Vagina Monologs. Interesting is a good word for it, with victimization as the lead and the antagonist being the unwashed legions of brutish, nasty, males that lurked just offstage somewhere, waiting for their chance to victimize yet another poor, innocent, fragile vagina. Actually, I had a hard time not laughing out loud because Didi Conn was in the play and had a very contagious fit of giggles throughout that earned her the ire of other castmembers.

From the delightful Baldilocks comes a tale of a new sheriff vagina in town. One set to kick ass and take names, and no prisoners. Go enjoy.

LW

More Good Thoughts On Child Abductive Services

Are at Eternity Road and at the Emperor’s.

LW

Tolerance & Bigotry

Today's Mallard sums things up nicely.

LW

Now You Too Can Show Your Support Of Mass Murder!

Val has the good on how you too can show your support of mass murder and more at a favorite store, right here. If you don't want to support mass murder, torture, rape, violations of human rights, and more, you might want to let this chain know -- through the pocketbook is best.

LW

Big Brother Indeed

This one goes under Politics for the Big Brother aspect. Go read this post at Technicalities and see the future. That is, if you let it be the future.

LW
Thinking that there are some feet that need some serious stomping

Values And False Conclusions

Much has been made out of the latest election on the topic of values. Certain portions of the population see the election as a mandate of their particular beliefs and that they should be taken further. Others also see it through the same prism, though reversed, and want to make it all about those values and beliefs and the danger they pose. Speaking as a cranky independent, allow me to say that both have their sense organ cluster firmly imbedded in their ventral orifice and are creating a false reality based on a false conclusion.

This same basic conclusion, for us or against us, leaves out a heck of a lot of ground. A good example is yours truly and perceptions thereon. Despite the fact that I list myself as an Independent (Cranky) and even as a small-L libertarian, quite a few people seem to have the idea that I am some sort of right-wing Nazi simply because I voted for Bush (and support the war on terrorism).

Hmmmmmm. Let’s look at this semi-rationally and list a few things out:

* Drugs: The war on drugs is even less successful than Prohibition at stopping use or production, and even more successful at creating an even more violet and powerful underworld and attendant corruption. My position is that all drugs should be legalized.
* Sex: What happens between consenting individuals is none of anyone else’s business, most especially the government’s. Prostitution should be legalized and all consensual sex be decriminalized. The male who went to jail in Georgia for going down on his wife deserves a full and complete pardon, not to mention restitution from all those involved. Consensual acts harm no one, so get over it and let your neighbors do as they want without you peering into their bedroom. On the same note, if you consent to something one day, then change your mind the next, then it is not a crime, just a bad decision. For those who still don’t get it, consent is the key here, not age, gender, or anything else. Consent. A true rapist deserves almost anything that comes their way, preferably at the hands of the intended victim.
* Marriage: Is not the province of government. The government should not be in the business of certifying, codifying, or doing anything else in regards marriage. That is the province of the various religions. I support gay marriage/civil union, as I think everyone should have to play by the same rules in all respects. That means that everyone has the right to their union, and should that union break up be subject to the same laws on same as everyone else. Nor should any religion be forced to sanction or perform any union against their beliefs. For the record, I have nothing against polygamy, line, or any other form of non-traditional union either. Or interracial of any type. Quite frankly, that is up to the individuals involved and so long as it harms no one, then it is one of anyone else’s business.
* Religion: For a number of reasons, I no longer call myself a Christian, though I was raised in the Methodist Church and moved to the Episcopal later in life, earned the God & Country Award, and did some other religious studies. I am not Gnostic, Coptic, Wiccan, Pagan, or any other handy label. Despite what the Borzoi and English Werewolf may say, I am not Druid either, though I have been tempted to introduce a few people to the Holy Oak as guest of honor. Freedom of Religion means the freedom to practice your beliefs, whatever they may be, or to chose none of the above.
* Race: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Gender: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Orientation: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Self-Defense: Every individual has the right to defend themselves against harm. Period. End of Sentence. That right is not dependent upon police, security, or any other externally validated authority, but upon themselves.
* Weapons: All individuals have the right and the responsibility to own, carry, and use whatever weapons they choose. If they misuse them, and live, then they should be subject to justice. If they walk around looking like a bad Rambo clone, that is their right though I reserve the right to laugh at them (albeit carefully). I agree with Heinlein that an armed society is a polite society, and a safe one at that.
* Military: I believe in a powerful military, not necessarily a large one. Size doesn’t count, it is the power and precision of the blows. We have a fairly good one now, it should be maintained and made better, not necessarily huge and bloated.
* Tolerance: I do NOT have to approve of anything or everything you do, nor do I have to even like it. So long as it harms no one, I simply have to tolerate it. Forced approval has the same validity as forced religious conversion – none.

Okay, by these standards if I were a Nazi I would have to go out and exterminate myself. Ergo, the fact that I am still here means that I am not a Nazi or other similar ilk. Nor, obviously, does my vote for Bush mean that I am some sort of right-wing religious nut. No, I voted for him on the values that count, the values that both the major parties need to be thinking about.

* Integrity: Tell the truth. If you make up loads of stuff, from Christmas in Cambodia to magic hats pulled out of magic asses, you’ve lost me. You can caveat, you can go for extreme precision, but if you lie I will know and I will drop you like a hot potato. No discussions of the meaning of is or other convolutions, just the truth.
* Honor: Do what you say and try to do it the best you can. Live by your code, not the latest polls.
* Loyalty: Stand by those you serve, those you are sworn to protect, and other oaths be upheld. Be forthright about your oaths and loyalties.
* Duty: live up to your obligations, or die trying.
* Responsibility: Do what is right, not what is easy.
* Trustworthy: It comes with doing the above, with living up to the highest standards of conduct and life.

Note that not one of these is religious in nature, though almost all religions pay them at least some lip service. In that regard, they are almost universal rather than religion-based. Know well that these are the standards to which I will hold anyone from any party.

It would be wise for all parties to pay heed, for I doubt that I am alone in this. The last election was not a mandate for any religion or a call to arms for any extreme. It should, however, be a wakeup call for every politician in the land. The old ways are dead, and you can and will be fact checked, cross-referenced, and indexed to beat the band. You are on notice.

Live up to your obligations, and to the core values that count. Or you will find yourself in a world of hurt in the next election.

LW

Heh

This shows a part of what I had planned to write about today. Maybe tomorrow.

LW

A Note To Those Who Said

They would leave if Bush won. Canada is North. France is East. New Zealand and other charming places are to the West. Don't let the door catch you on the way out. Marissa Tomei (sp?) I will be glad to come get you ready to leave (hey, guys got to have a dream, right? My fantasy, her nightmare probably). Michael Moore: Free ice cream, all you can eat, waiting at the North Pole. That should get him moving.

LW

Question Of The Morning/Day

Will Kerry and the DNC show some grace and class? Or, will we witness another schoolyard meltdown and temper tantrum with lawyers? Will the country put up with the latter yet again? Will Kerry grow a beard and lose it? These and other questions fill the world of Days of our Politics...

LW

UPDATE: Kerry has indeed shown class and grace with what I caught of his speech. Did anyone else thing THK looked relieved and even happy? Still wonder if he will grow a beard...

My Blogfather Hits The Nail On The Head

Just go here and read this short and sweet take down.

LW

Well, I Voted

What did you expect? I got lucky in terms of the time, since the line was already quite long when I arrived early in the day. As I waited, someone came out and walked down the line, letting one and all know that if your last name was in M-Z go on up. Three of us took the risk and it was true. About 10 minutes later, I had voted and was on my way. I had voted for some candidates,, against others, and on a number of propositions. My duty done, I went about my day and stayed away from coverage as much as possible.

Until the votes are officially certified, I will not celebrate any election. I expect a number of sore losers and a host of lawsuits and other events, so it really could be weeks before we have that finality. That said, I like the way things are leaning for President and in several other races. I do wish that there were a lot more real independents out there, but will take what I can and am glad to see some third party candidates. The challenge they make to the two major parties is much needed, for competition is not just for business.

More later.

LW

Today Is The Day

We always hear about rights in this country: the right to this, the right to that. Newton was correct when he postulated that for every reaction, there was an equal and opposite reaction. For every right, there is a responsibility, and there is no greater responsibility – and honor – than to vote as a Citizen.

We are not subjects to anyone other than to ourselves and that Union which we have agreed to form. We bend knee to no one and no thing, and our ability to choose our leaders and our destiny comes with a high cost. That cost is being informed, of taking the time to study issues, candidates, and platforms. That cost is setting aside fear, hatred, and prejudice to vote on the basis of merit rather than on loyalty to any other thing or set of beliefs. That cost requires time, effort, and both skull and physical sweat on our part to carry out, but that is a burden we should cheerfully shoulder. For others have paid a far higher cost, one of blood, life, and limb, so that we have this unprecedented opportunity. Those that defend us continue to pay that price.

We take this responsibility for granted, and denigrate it as a right rather than face what it truly is. Around the world, others are literally dying for even the chance at shouldering such a burden,. In Afghanistan, males and females risked bodily harm and death just for the chance to take up such a responsibility, and in so doing they set an example for us all. Yes, it does require time and effort on your part to study and learn; it is difficult to set aside the crutch of emotionalism and the abdication of party line; and, it will require you to stand in line with your fellow Citizens and give of your time so that your vote and voice will be heard. That is nothing compared with your ability to do so and the return that comes to us all from active and informed participation. It is nothing compared to what others have endured and given so that you can do so, and it is even less than nothing compared to what others have endured merely to start down this road.

Shoulder your burden and do your duty to yourself, your family, and the Nation of which you are a part. It is not merely enough to vote, instead one must vote on an informed basis. Spend the time today to do so, and in so doing express pride in our Republic and contempt to all enemies of freedom, wherever they may be.

LW

What Is At Stake Tomorrow

Val sums it up.

LW

Let's Be Careful Out There

Election Day is just around the corner, and things are tense. Not only is this a very charged election with emotions running high, there is a real threat of an attack intended to disrupt or sway the elections. I had put my money on six weeks out, but we are past that, and if an attack does occur and it follows the Spanish model, it will be Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I will not be happy or relaxed until the election is safely behind us, and hope that nothing does happen.

So, I ask you to be careful. Don't let them pull you down to their level. Do keep an eye out, be careful out there, and be prepared. They can only win if we let them.

Be an informed voter -- and in the process show that you are indeed a good Citizen and not anyone's subject. That in and of itself is the best way to spit in the eye of all enemies of liberty and the Republic.

LW

I Agree With The Ladies

Both Meryl Yourish and Kathy Kinsley do a good job of summing things up. I, too, disagree with W on many things but one thing trumps them all: the war on terror. Kerry is a liar and quite probably worse, and has demonstrated over the last 40 years that he is not fit for command of a rowboat, much less Commander In Chief in time of war. Blackfive brings up just a part of the why, the now why and not the Vietnam why, in his post. This post and those linked within raise even stronger concerns.

I do not want as President someone: who sees the war on terror and fantasy ideology as a law enforcement issue; who who will make action contingent upon external approval or veto; who will wait until we are attacked again to respond; and, most of all, who has clearly demonstrated that his response will likely be to cut and run or do something ineffective.

No, we need a strong leader who has the courage of his convictions and is not beholden to anyone other than the Amerrican people. That is why I will vote for Bush.

LW

A Quick Commie Guide

It what may be the shortest post he has ever done, Ironbear provides the core links for those interested.

LW

Another Story Sliding Under The Wire?

For the last couple of days, I've been watching an interesting story develop at Grim's Hall. This one needs some serious investigation and follow-up, and is not going to get it from the Old Media. Pay attention to this one folks.

LW

Put Down The Drinks

And go here and see what the Swift Geese Veterans For Truth are up to today. Thanks to Spoons for the hat tip.

LW

Kerry And The Communists

This story looks to have some serious legs, and now you can go here to download the documents and decide on them for yourself. This courtesy of the Good Dr. Shackleford who has an extensive and thought provoking post here.

I'm not terribly surprised as it has long been accepted that the Soviets were backing various movments, but the apparent extent of Vietnamese involvement has never been documented openly to this extent before. I am not terribly surprised, given his record including some interesting positions in Congress, that Kerry is so featured. It is interesting that some of this came up from the Swifties, who have a picture in the book showing the high esteem in which the North Vietnamese hold Kerry and the credit they give him.

LW

Cabbies Versus The PC Police

Michelle Malkin brings the story of yet another NYC cabby fined, this time for daring to support the war in Iraq. Can you say Kangaroo Court? I knew you could...

LW

Yet Another Attempt To Influence The Election?

Also courtesy of Little Green Footballs comes this bombshell about the source of the missing explosives story. Interesting and interestinger, and it is also pretty clear that CBS has yet to learn its lesson on trying to play politics with the news. This does not bode well on several levels, including that this story may not have been news to the Kerry camp. Then again, it's not like it's the first time either. Now, it may be one of those stories that is just too good as discussed below, but it sure does tie in with a lot of other evidence...

LW

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin, as always, has some good thoughts and additional links here.

UPDATE II: The Kerry story is gaining legs, and the folks over at Wizbang are on the case with some good legwork. Stay tuned, this one could be very interesting.

Yet Another Good Political Commercial

Is right here and was found courtesy of Little Green Footballs. I may never look at weddings the same way again.

LW

The Choice We Face

Despite what you may think, the upcoming election is not between Bush and Kerry. Nor is it between any slate of local or regional candidates. As I noted before, we are now in the midst of the keystone battle of the Enlightenment for our generation. The choices we make on 2 November will have consequences that will shape our world for a generation or more – not just for a four year term.

The Enlightenment is the true philosophical cornerstone upon which the Great Experiment that is America is founded. While Judeo-Christian concepts influenced individuals and helped shape the Enlightenment, they did not necessarily do so as most people believe. To better understand the choices we face, some background is needed.

The Enlightenment is a broad historical period beginning in the 1600s and culminating in the late the 1700s. It was revolutionary for its day, and was treated as such by many established powers ranging from various religious institutions to autocratic rulers. A good example of the latter was Tsarina Catherine of Russia who banned all discussion and dissemination on the topics, a decision that affects world politics to this day. This is important because in Western Civilization, the Enlightenment was discussed by and aimed at all levels of society, not just a particular elite.

All of this could be said to originate with Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), who postulated the first modern concept of the theory of the Social Contract. In broadest terms, such theories attempt to lay out the duties and obligations between people, with a focus on levels of authority. The emphasis is placed in all on the need to play by the rules on all parts, so that society functions smoothly. It was Hobbes who proposed the radical idea that an absolute ruler was needed, but chosen by consent rather than divine right, and thus laid the foundation for the modern republic.

His work was picked up and expanded by John Locke (1632-1704), who developed a new model of the Social Contract and provided what was to become the philosophical base of the Enlightenment. That base is a tripod: reason, nature, and progress. This work was further expanded by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), who literally wrote the book on the Social Contract. In addition, the Enlightenment includes an evolution of thought through the works of George Berkeley (1685-1753), David Hume (1711-1776), and Immanuel Kant (1724-1804).

Some historical context is also in order. During the 1600s, the world was in a great deal of turmoil as wars of empire and religion rolled across Europe. The remnants of the Holy Roman Empire clashed with England, Sweden, and others while the Roman Catholic Church sought to regain monopoly by force. Various forms of Inquisition were in progress, and these were not limited to the Church of Rome. Kings and aristocracy were also fighting to retain divine right and to preserve the idea of nobility as natural leaders over lesser peoples. Amidst this, a revolution in science was underway, with Newton and others leading a successful challenge to Aristotle. Add to the mix the spread of the printing press and a growing literacy rate, and it is quite safe to call the times interesting. For those who would like some fun context, allow me to recommend Eric Flint’s 1633 series.

It was amidst this turmoil that the Enlightenment developed. At its heart is the radical notion that people, individuals, of all types can make informed and reasoned decisions for themselves, and that it was possible to understand the world around us. With knowledge and reason, progress – making a heaven on Earth – was not merely possible but probable.

This notion was not necessarily well received, because it was fundamentally opposed to the concepts of divine right and aristocracy. It also challenged all religions, not just Christianity, because it said holds that the world operates by a set of laws and not on magical whim. In short, it mounted a direct attack on the established order. What makes this different from most revolutionary philosophies was that it allowed and encouraged attacks upon itself by including the concept of growth based on new knowledge. As a side note for now, that helped shape the governance of America because the Founding Fathers included provisions for changing our government as knowledge grew and situations altered based in part on this premise.

To my mind, Locke lies at the heart of the choices we face. It was his concept of tabula rasa that has laid the foundation for modern thought, modern education, modern juvenile justice, and modern socialism and communism. It also provides the philosophical heart of the “its for the children movement,” a topic that deserves a much fuller discussion later. A very gross summation of this concept is that all people are born blank, that what they become depends upon the education they receive and the experiences of early life. In short, all men are created equal and with certain natural rights that include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What grew from Locke’s work was the idea that all people could be taught reason, based on logic and science, and given the proper information arrive at good decisions for their life. The key points were the concepts of tabula rasa, education, and humanism. In this sense, humanism was not atheism, but rather placing a human-centric rather than diety-centric view of the world in the mind of man.

All of this is important to us because it did lead to the philosophical concepts that are socialism and communism. The quick version is that the Enlightenment has spawned two very different world views. In one, individuals are fully rational, capable of making their own decisions, and capable of self-control and self-governance. The other takes the concept that people are not capable of self-control and self-governance, and require the state to run their lives and ensure proper order. With proper indoctrination (education), people will recognize this and use what might be termed social logic to do what is best for the whole, not for the individual. This is one reason that socialists and communists have always focused on education, so that they can plant proper thought into the tabula rasa. Again, how this applies to education in America (and elsewhere) today is the topic for another day.

What this boils down to is that three different schools of thought have been at war for more than 200 years. You have the individual-centric view of the “classical” Enlightenment in the form of America as it existed in 1776. America is referred to as The Great Experiment because it was and is literally a scientific test-bed for those concepts. You have the concepts of socialism, fascism, and communism that are outgrowths of the most radical schools of thought of the Enlightenment. Finally, you have the autocracy/theocracy school, which is essentially the old world view of divine right and divine rule.

What we have had are the concepts of socialism, communism, and fascism at war among themselves and with “radical” America and pre-socialism Magna Carta England; a war between religions and humanism in all forms; a war between classical humanism and atheistic secular-humanism; and, a war between autocracy/theocracy and the combined concepts of the Enlightenment. At different times, this war has been fought with words, deeds, and armaments. On 2 November, it will be fought with votes.

The most obvious choice is between autocracy/theocracy and the Enlightenment. You have radical Islam out to convert by sword and bomb, versus the rest of the world. (The concepts of Islamification by assimilation and population growth is yet again the topic for another day) On the one hand, you have Bush who is prosecuting this as a war of armaments and ideals, literally attacking the leaders, bases of operations, and bases of support. The basic idea is simple: remove leadership; eliminate safe-havens and the ability to arm; remove the fight from American soil and in the process (fly paper) eliminate the most radical of enemy fighters; and, establish bases of philosophical assault by bringing basic concepts of the Enlightenment to the enemies homeland. There is a reason for the frantic and terrified efforts by the enemy to destroy the fledgling governments in Afghanistan and Iraq. On the other hand, you have Kerry who sees this as a law-enforcement issue at best and who has failed to articulate a clear plan other than that he would do better.

Yet there is another choice to be made. What we are voting on is also a choice between socialism and republic. The fact is, Kerry is representative of the socialist movement, of big government and the concept that a central authority is required to ensure that people act in the best manner for the whole. Would that I could say that Bush is for the opposite, but he is not. He is for a lesser socialism, but is just as married to the idea of a big central government as his opponent. As a result, the choice is between greater socialism and lesser.

This is a very brief summation, and as such it can be assaulted with justification for being overly simplistic and lacking in precision. Such points have validity in a philosophical plane and make for great academic arguments. Such arguments, no matter how fun and entertaining, do not diminish the ultimate fact.

Your vote this year is between autocracy/theocracy and the views of classical liberalism, between at least the rudiments of classical liberalism versus radical. The first choice should be relatively easy; the second may not be so easy for many. Think about the real choices we face, then educate yourself and vote as a responsible citizen. Remember that it is much more than a vote for an ephemeral party or candidate, for it is literally a vote for your philosophical and practical future.

LW

What Happens When A Black Backs Bush?

Logic & Sanity has the story and it isn't pretty. You can read the full story here. I hope someone takes up a collection for this guy, so he is not out the $5,000.00.

As for the twit who condescended to leture the man on what it meant to be black, DELETED The only person terrorized here was the cabbie, who got screwed by his passenger and then by the system that would not even grant his appeal a hearing. Feh.

LW

See The Movie Ashcroft's Thugs Don't Want You To See

And also read the book banned in Boston and everywhere else it can be banned or burned by the forces of intolerance. No, wait, my bad. That's not the evil Ashcroft Minions doing all this, it is the Kerry camp.

Go see Stolen Honor and do so now.

Go Buy The Video here.

While you are at it, Read The Book that so many don't want you to read.

Thanks to Sir Banagor for the hat tip.

LW

Heroes For Bush

Well, The Truth Laid Bear is doing Heroes For Bush and I decided I wanted to play. I toyed around with some ideas, and found that several had been done. I love what American Warmonger did! And that picture. Yes, Aeryn Sun is a fantasy of mine...

Robert Mitchum in the Longest Day: Men, soon only going to be one type of person left on this beach, those that voted for Kerry. The rest of us are going to vote for Bush and take this fight to the enemy. So pick up your vote and make it count. Now, let's move out!

Short, sweet, and to the point.

LW

W And The Wolves

This is simply a fantastic ad. Shades of Reagan and the bear, and the official site offers it in QuickTime and other flavors.

LW

Frank Has Sold Out!

My world reels as I find out from Instapundit this morning that Frank has sold out. Go here to listen and learn.

LW

Some Strong Food For Thought

Is waiting right here and you really need to read it. Now. Thanks to LGF for the hat tip.

LW

Fidel's Fall

And how NOT to awaken one's better half covered right here.

LW

A Good Laugh For The Day

Is right here courtesy of that rat b*****d Blackfive who nearly made me send coffee out through my nose with this one. Work safe on images, but watch the laughter. He also deserves the name for this bumper sticker that I want right now!

LW

The Read For The Day

Is here, and comes courtesy of Michele. Short read, but well worth the read -- and I pretty much guarantee you won't see this in the Shady Lady or any other major Old Media outlet.

LW

Late Thought On John Edwards, Faith Healer

Let me guess: As a lawyer, he chased parked ambulances, didn't he?

LW

A Letter To Undecideds

My blogfather Joe Katzman has up a letter to undecided voters that they need to read. Actually, so does every voter.

LW
resisting snarky comments on the invasion post...

Art I Would Pay To See

Courtesy of Kathy, comes this story of art I would pay to see. Spew warning in effect, and if you are not allowed to laugh at work, not work safe.

LW

What Do You Risk

In Afghanistan, an historic event is underway. The people there are voting. They are literally risking their lives to do so, and know that they may suffer attacks, rapes, and more even if they keep their lives. Yet, a large number are taking this risk knowing full well the consequences.

What do you risk here? You might have to take some time off from work, or maybe even miss some time sitting on the couch and a bit of television. You might have to drive a little out of your way. Gee, what risk.

People have died and are going to die to exercise their right to vote. So, what will be your excuse for not voting this year?

LW

A Must Read, And Then Re-Read

No posting from me, but why spend time here when Bill Whittle has Deterrence Pt. 1 and Deterrence Pt. 2 posted and ready for you. Why are you still here?

LW

Only My Blogfather Could

And would use a Jackie Chan movie to hit the nail on the head like this. Go read it now.

LW

Pengate

It really doesn't matter if it was a pen or not. It was done, and it was done without thinking or apology. It is the penultimate testament to his lack of character: the rules don't apply because I am John F'ing Kerry. Charles and Tammi sum it up for me. Character counts.

LW

Noted Without Comment

Here.

LW
who has seen this through too many sites to cite

Kerry Debate Cheat Betting Pool

I will not weigh in on the issue, others are pointing out the issue far better. No, what I want to do is start a pool on how long it is before Kerry blames it on an underling. Bets anyone?

LW

Warrior Thoughts On "CiC" Kerry

As usual, Citizen Smash has some good food for thought on part of the debate.

LW

Best Post On The Draft

Is right here.

LW

Debate-Free Zone

Nope, did not watch it for a number of reasons including the fact that unless Bush was revealed as a crab person my vote is decided. No commentary here, am willing to bet dollars to donuts that there is a huge amount of commentary and analysis out there for you to find, so hit the blogroll.

LW

Impossible Elections

Once again, Kathy finds a very good read. For all those that decry the elections, here and abroad, read this and think on it a bit.

LW

Russian Food For Thought

Some very good, though not necessarily to some tastes, food for thought is here. You really do need to read this, and think a bit.

LW

Some Literary Humor

For the Morning. Heh.

LW

Heh Indeed

Here is all that needs be said. Thanks John.

LW

Totally Classless

That was John Kerry yesterday, in his comments after the free Iraqi address to Congress. Clueless as well, still lost somewhere on the Cambodian border (navigation purportedly not being a strength of his) I imagine. All I have to ask is, this is the man who would be our strong, coalition-building Commander-In-Chief? Feh.

LW

You Know, It's Not So Bad

No, things are not at all what I would like them to be. I would like to win the lottery and/or have the world's best job. Then again, a few minutes ago on a break, I saw what I think may have to be the world's worst job. That is the communications director for KE04, who has to come out and say with passion, sincerity, and a straight face that Kerry is telling the truth on issue X... I just don't think I could, or would, do that. In fact, I think I would rather shovel shit in Louisianna or dig ditches before I did that.

LW

The Draft

No, it's not coming back. Indeed, the only people who have introduced the legislation necessary to do so are Democrats. Don't believe me? Go look it up. Nor did Kerry say that Bush was going to do so: That was just the AP doing it's usual outstanding job of trying to equal the lofty heights of unbiased journalism set by CBS. Go read Lileks' thoughts on it too. While I am not a young hippie wanna be, I do admit that I am sorry I was too young for all the free love and music at Woodstock. Provided there had actually been showers and sanitation that is...

LW

Another Good Read

Is right here. Some very good food for thought.

LW

Nope, Really Should Not Have

Tried to run on a war hero campaign. Ol' cut-and-run is bringing them out in force, along with a LOT of documentation that the Old Media won't be able to ignore for much longer.

LW

Comrade Commissar Has It Right

When even Wankette laughs at you, you really are toast.

LW

In Line With My Previous Post

You know, he just really should not have tried to make Vietnam the centerpiece of his campaign. I think he felt that his friends and supporters in the Old Media would give him a ride on the subject, which just shows how out-of-touch with things he truly is on things. For he now has to deal with the children of those whom he slandered and they are NOT going to give him a ride. Thanks to Jennifer Martinez for the link.

LW

Logan Act?

Okay, this story just makes me have to ask if it a Kerry trait to try to break up critical alliances and/or otherwise provide aid and comfort to the enemy in times of war?

There are some who will listen to her, I know. I had to listen to a group of Australians during a Danube river cruise on Saturday loudly talk politics, denigrate America, and such to the point that I left the cruise early just to get away from the rude bunch of boors. From some of what I was forced to listen to, I think that at least some of the group would agree with this tripe. This is not a good thing, and I know some Australians who are not going to be happy to have an American try to stick a huge oar into their politics, all in an effort to try to influence the election here.

LW

Celsius 41.11

Okay, I've had both the good Blackfive and the delightful DaGoddess recommend this, and I looked. You need to look too, no matter that some of the images are strong. Let me repeat, you and everyone you know need to look at this. And Think. A lot rides on it.

LW

Scary Looking Gun Ban

Well, now that it is about to expire, the Usual Suspects are screaming. Oh, the end is near. Yes, it is. The end of a particularly bad piece of legislation that has had the unintended consequence of putting our troops in harms way. A particularly bad piece of legislation which made no one safer. A particularly bad piece of legislation which set a potentially horrific precedent in law.

The gun ban was purely cosmetic: it banned things that looked scary. It did not deal with automatic weapons, as many seem to be claiming today. It did nothing to reduce firepower, hitting power, or anything else and it did nothing to reduce the risk to law enforcement or private citizens. One thing it did do, however, is make it very difficult for our troops to have sufficient high-capacity magazines for the War on Terror and by doing so puts them in harm's way. Go, call your legislators today and let them know this law needs to die, and have a stake driven through its heart. It did nothing to make you safer, and may have put your future safety at risk.

LW

Triad

It is more than just the basis of cold war defence. It is a cornerstone of the Great Experiment that is America. It is also the subject of this good food for thought over at The Smallest Minority. Go read it, and the associated links, as they are well worth the time and some additional time spent in thought.

LW

Friends and Enemies

Allah has a post up pointing out that despite Beslan, Putin is not our friend. His concern is that Beslan is causing some to think such, and he has some very good and valid points. My own brief take, on a subject that will require several DenBestian-length posts (may his break be short and sweet!) and so will probably not get done anytime soon, is as follows:

Clinton's Heart

You know that things are okay, if people joke about it. In all seriousness, I wish him a speedy recovery (and good drugs like I had after my surgery).

Yet, there is humor here, even from Clinton. Best I've heard so far that I will post here, is that Hillary has spared no expense to get Bill the best. She has even brought in a veterinarian to "fix" any other problems that may exist...

Woof Woof

LW

A Good Read

Go here.

LW

That Wasn't Oratory

The VP's speech was a conversation rather than oratory, but it finished laying out the platform against Kerry. From what has been said, the campaign is going to take Kerry up on his request. Kerry made four months of service in Vietnam the centerpiece of his campaign, ignored the 20 plus years in the Senate, and then said it was not fair to say anything against his service. So, I think they are going to move on and take on the black hole the Kerry campaign has tried to ignore and hide: his record in the senate. The platform has been laid out by almost every speaker before, and the VP put down the flooring last night. It will be interesting to see if the Kerry campaign continues to go with the Big Lie defense on such easily verifiable facts.

LW

UPDATE: You know, it would be a good idea to avoid having Bush give a speech. He should just have a conversation tonight, something he does well.

Zell Gave Them Hell

Wow! What a speech. You could tell that Zell is fed up, and was tired of trying to change things from within, and is fired up. That he has done, working inside the Democratic party to try to bring it back to its roots. When that failed, he wrote his book. When that failed, he took this step, and laid out for everyone the reasons why. This was the strongest speech, stern like a father dressing down a wayward child, of the convention to date, and it was more than just a convention speech. It was a declaration of open and total war with the leadership of his party, as well as one heck of a rousing speech for the RNC. The implications of this speech are staggering, and not just in terms of the convention and election. The stand Zell Miller has taken bodes to shape and reshape politics within the the parties and within America as a whole. The fallout will be intense, and I expect it to get very, very nasty. With luck, however, it will have a very positive impact in the long run. We shall see.

LW

UPDATE: Blackfive has a great take on Sgt. Miller's speech. Lileks has some good thoughts here. I do wish I could have seen Zell back that poseur Matthews into a corner, and am glad to know an older and wiser head has some similar thoughts on dueling.

UPDATE: Michelle is is gloating a bit about what happened to Slimeball's host. She also has a link to a transcript of the speech. You can see the smackdown here courtesy of a link from Wizbang. Courtesy of the merciful Allah, comes this link to video of the speech, which is well worth watching.

Why I Have No Respect for the ACLU

Go here and read exactly how unbiased and dedicated to freedom they are. Feh. Thanks to Logic & Sanity for the hat tip.

LW

Quick Thoughts On RNC Speeches

Whatever else can be said, oratory is not dead. It is alive and well at the RNC.

McCain: Good speech, and one that helped restore some small part of the respect I've lost for him over the last few years.

Rudy: Good, even great. Thought he had lost the audience rambling, but then he brought it all together and left them on a high.

Arnold: A GREAT speaker. While the amendment to let him run will come soon, I have mixed emotions on that, though I wish he could run as his social views are far closer to mine than that of the dinosaur wing of the RNC currently in control.

Twins: Good eye candy, painful to watch. Then, got to thinking: these are not the pampered and carefully prepped scions of faux nobility set to go do nobilise obilige with the proles; instead, the twins are the proles. That may yet prove to be a good move, though I still cringe over parts of it.

Laura Bush: Speech did not really work great for me, but it was not aimed at me. Seems to have had a strong effect on target audience. Wish they had ignored protocol and put her first, so that Arnold closed.

More thoughts later.

LW

Protests: A Different View

Ah, yes, those evil right wing brownshirts. Ooops, my bad yet again. For some facts on the protests, and how peace loving some of the people really are, start here. go here, here, here, here, here, and (heck with it, just go) here. Lot more out there, but this is all I have time to do right now.

LW

Something Not To Read

Before an important telecon. Go check out this guide to protesters. Drink warning in effect. Not sure if I should thank Kathy for the link or not...

LW

Desperate Convention Coverage

Had to go run some errands, so caught lunch out and of course there was a television going in the dining area. Bleh. It was tuned to the Communist News Network, not a big surprise in hometown Atlanta, and I was struck by desperation in Wolf Blitzer's voice. Every other line was on how close the race was; most of the talking was being done by people from Kerry's campaign and the poor token Republican seemed to get minimal time and always cut by the commercial break; and, news and fact were being carefully ignored. To hear them tell it, Kerry was in the lead, Kerry was commanding, Kerry was so very... You would never know that the polls were opening and that Kerry was slipping, or that any portion of his record in war or in the Senate was in question, or that... If it were not for the desperation, it would have been good spin. But the desperation was there, and the panic was obvious. Media credibility continues to decline, and they honestly wonder why.

LW

Sums It Up Nicely For Me

This quote pretty much sums it up for me. It deserves a much longer post, but just take it on faith for now.

LW

“It’s Like Fuggin 9-11 Never Happened”

The good folks at Cox and Forkum have up their take on this, as pointed out by in continuing coverage by Allah. It is interesting to note the difference between the two conventions: Protestors caged and barred from most activities, and protestors given full rights of citizenship. Some have moved well beyond the rights into active breaking of the law, but does that really surprise anyone?

The fact is, for the majority of these people 9-11 did not happen. It does not exist in their world, and if you read what they write and listen to what they speak, even if it did happen it does not matter. For, you see, it was our fault. We deserved it and reaped what we had earned by not having abandoned our way of life and taken up internationalism. The people in the towers? Well, they were all greedy capitalists working to make millions off the sweat of others, or were otherwise willing lackeys who by choosing to be exploited had forfeited the rights normally granted to such people.

If you strip the rhetoric down to logic, and parse out what is being said, it seems to break down into two groups: America is evil and is the true problem in the world; and, those who hate Bush so much that nothing he does can be right and therefore must be opposed in the strongest ways possible. When the law is not on your side, break it for might makes right and the end justifies the means.

Ah yes, the true brownshirts are revealed.

LW

Did Karl Rove Handpick These People?

Just caught a brief bit on the news with a senior Kerry communications person. She accused Dole of factual inaccuracies, and made it a blanket statement so that any refuation is impossible. She then went on to extend it out to the SBVfT ads, and then said that the Kerry campaign had no need to waste their time refuting specific charges made because they were all refuted by official Navy documents. All blanket, all the time. It is also killing them, which is why I really think Karl Rove hand picked these people. Amazing.

LW

Yep, Those Right Wing Brown Shirts Are Busy

Ooops, my bad. It is still the righteous left busy at work, issuing threats and doing their best to end free speech and other such inconvenient things. This post at LGF shows the commitment of the left to the principles of liberty and eqaulity.

The only people I see running around doing the work, and following the lessons of, Rohm, Himmler, Dzerzhinsky, and others seem to be on the left. The only threats to property, speech, and lives, seem to be coming from the left. Does anyone else appreciate the irony in this?

Such commitment to freedom, to liberty, and to the Constitution and the Republic. Ah yes, I should trust them with my life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for they will respect it and work towards my best interest. They subscribe to and follow the ideals behind those things and that of the Founding Fathers. Right.

By their actions and their threats they show themselves for what they truly are.

LW

UPDATE: Da Goddess has a few words on the subject as well. Some very good words and a way to file formal complaints over these despicable acts.

Ah Those Right Wing Brown Shirts

Ooops, my bad. It is a good, righteous leftist who just hacked (or claimed to) Protest Warrior and sent out an e-mail alleging to contain personal information, passwords, and other information in an attempt to intimidate, threaten, and otherwise deny people the right to free speech. Yes, we clearly see who are the fascists here, and it is yet one more glaring example of who is working as hard as possible to suppress free speech, the free exchange of ideas and the marketplace of ideas, and trample the Constitution in the dust. Free speech is only for thee, not for any who dare disagree with thee. Cowards.

LW

Take The Time

To go here and read down as far as you can. Take the time, for what you find is extremely revealing. My thanks to all those posting this more than interesting information.

LW

Kerry Campaing Hires New Spokesman

Given all the problems being experienced after making 4 months in Vietnam the centerpoint of his presidential campaign, instead of the last 20 years in the Senate, the Kerry team has hired a new spokesman just to deal with SBVfT and other delights. The announcement is here.

My thanks to the wonderful Doc Galen for the link. BTW, if you have any interest in health care and health care issues, you should be reading his blog and those medical blogs he recommends. As for me, he and they are highly recommended.

LW

Some Additional Food For Thought

Tammi makes a very good point here. Are you registered? Will you exercise both your right and your duty? If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain and I have no sympathy for you. If you don’t take the time to research the candidates and exercise your franchise responsibly, I have no time or respect for you or your opinions. Take the time, and do your job. Register. Research. Vote. No excuses, just do it.

LW

Give 'Em Hell Zell!

Well, a man for whom I have a fair bit of respect will be the keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention. Democrat Zell Miller of Georgia will speak, and I am willing to place a cash bet right now it will be well worth hearing. If you have not read his A National Party No More you really should, especially if you are Democrat and care for the party.

LW

Kerry: It's All Lies And It's All Bush's Fault!

The news just had a clip of Kerry's response to the SWIFTboats ad: It is all lies, and since a Republican gave money to them, it is all Bush's fault. As always, not a single specific as to what is a lie, etc. Just broad brush, deny, and chant the mantra of the opposition "It is all Bush's fault." Just once, I wish he would supply some specifics on anything. So far:

Economy: No specifics
Terror: No specifics
Miltary: No specifics
You name it: No specifics

Hard for an opponent to debate you, contrast positions, etc., when you don't hold a firm position on ANY subject and never, ever, give a single specific on any topic.

Well, in the absence of any viable third-party candidate, I am going to join blogs for Bush even though I disagree with him on things ranging from stem cells to the Patriot Act. Where he gets my vote is on the military and on his prosecution of the War on Terrorism. For me, since I want a future for any potential children, it becomes a single issue campaign for me. Life or death. It is just that simple. It might not have been, had Kerry not lied, taken a stand on any issue, and provided any specifics on any issue or situation.

LW

UPDATE: Bet this complaint filed with DoD is also a partisan attack by Bush. I do wonder how he will react to this, or if he will. I also wonder, as does Val, when he will release all of his military records.

I Won't Be Sober For Months

If I play this game. Tempting, though...

LW

Tell 'Em Sister!

Why should I bother writing about the abysmal job just done by Gimme Jimmy, when Teresa does it for me, and better? Can anyone name me a left-wing junta or dictatorship in the last 20 years he has not supported? The people of Venezuela deserve much better than they got, either from their government or those who were supposed to guarantee a free and fair election and abandoned their duty.

LW

UPDATE: For more on this story, and it is a big one, go here and here.

A Different Perspective On Government

Yesterday’s post brought to mind a very different perspective on government. Most everyone sees government as something that simply is no matter what other thoughts exist. Think about this today: your government is like any other business that exists to serve you, all the more so here in the United States where we are the Government. Are you getting your money’s worth?

Government provided services have no difference from privately provided services. Or, at least they should not. Do you get good service from your government? Are the service people friendly, customer oriented, and providing good service? Do they provide a good product, at a good price, with high reliability?

If not, why are you continuing to patronize them? After all, you are the Government, it is your money, and you can make a change. Why are you not demanding of your government what you would demand from the least fast food restaurant? Why are you not holding your Government to the highest standards of product and service?

LW

A Fundamental Difference Of Perspective

Recently, I’ve caught myself taking strong exception to the writings of the Armed Liberal over on Winds of Change. Now, taking strong exception to the positions of others is not unusual, but something told me that this was different, and to be honest it bothered me a bit in that I do find myself in agreement with him on occasion. Indeed, the apparent degree of difference in our opinions is not that much at first glance, especially in a two-dimensional model. Two-dimensional models will get you every time, but it took this post for me to recognize the issue.

The Armed Liberal believes in governments, in the duly appointed people doing their job. In short, he believes that ze experten should run things and be allowed to do their jobs. The authorities are supreme, as representatives of “the state”.

I believe in individuals, and in the idea enshrined in the Constitution that each of us is the government, with all the rights and the massive responsibilities that entails.

In the case of this article, the Armed Liberal is pleased, amazed even from his words, that mere individuals did the right thing. They reacted properly because they called in ze experten and let state security handle everything like good little subjects. They were gut peasants who did right by the state, and his words show his surprise and his pleasure that such creatures would react appropriately.

As for me, I am not surprised when individuals do right. In fact, I expect it for they are the state, they are the government, and most often do the right thing. It is only when they don’t that I am disappointed or surprised.

That difference in perspective is what sets us apart. It is also the fundamental divide in politics today: those who believe in the overarching state, impersonal, and populated by those who are designated as experts; and, those of us who believe that the people are the government, for good or ill. There will be more thoughts on this, for it is a vast gulf when viewed from a different perspective.

LW

McGreevey

There is little that I can say about the most cynical and self-serving non-resignation resignations that has not already been said by a better writer who also happens to live in New Jersey. Go here and here for some excellent coverage. BTW, if you are not reading him on a regular basis, you are missing something.

LW

Today's Reading

I really was not sure if I should put this in politics or philosophy, but I do think you should spend a part of your day reading this post by Ironbear. It does indeed provide some good food for thought, which should be served every day, not just on Saturdays.

LW

Blog Cuba

Yes, I said it yesterday and I am saying it again today: Go read all, repeat ALL, the Blog Cuba posts of yesterday at Babalu Blog. There are fun ones, loads of food for thought, and stories of great humanity. When you read Sgt. Hook's post you will need tissues. Go read them all, and dream of the day.

LW

Blog Cuba!

Cuba Libre!

Val at Babalu Blog is not letting a couple of hurricanes keep him from doing the second Blog Cuba with a day of posts from a number of bloggers and others on memories of Cuba. I was honored to be asked to take part and doing so brought back a world of wonderful and painful memories. So get over there so you can read stories like this, this, this, and this. Posting will continue through the day, so keep checking back.

LW

A Liberal Glossary

It seems to be a day for laughter, as Ironbear posts a Liberal Glossary. Go check it out, as it does seem to be very accurate in terms of moonbat language.

LW
Yes, I am running late today…

A Good Read On Kerry And The Politics Of Vietnam

Thanks to Tammi for the heads-up on this good read/food for thought. I may just have to be making yet another addition to the blogroll here soon.

LW

Protest Warrior

Yesterday, I went to my first Protest Warrior meeting here in Atlanta and enjoyed it. A good bit of time was spent on plans for NYC during the convention, as well as on some other upcoming events. The idea of doing something on a semi-regular basis such as at sporting events came up, and seemed to get a good response. All-in-all a good meeting and good time that holds some promise for the future.

LW

A Major Backfire

The SWIFT ad just got major coverage on FNC. Between the Blogosphere and this coverage, the ad is going to get major play as a news story -- it won't need to run as an ad. If they wanted to bury this one, they should have left it alone. As it is, the thuggish lawyer letter is turning back onto the Kerry/DNC team in a very bad way. Americans never react well to “big interests” trying to “crush the little guy.” I’m beginning to wonder if Karl Rove picked the communications team for Kerry and the DNC…

LW

Kerry and The Suppression Of Free Speech

Gee, why is it that the Swiftboat ad scares Kerry and the DNC so much that they would resort to tactics like this? Talk about deceitful… If a Republican, Libertarian, or other party did something like this, there would be wailing and gnashing of teeth in the Old Media and elsewhere. Where is the outrage now? When did the Democrats stop being the party of the people? Is there any way for a third party to force this into court before the election?

LW

UPDATE: Gee, it seems to be a habit with them. Thanks to Glenn for the hat tip.

Kerry And The Marines

Okay, so it is late and it is not quite as catchy as Terry and the Pirates. Yet, as I catch up on the blogosphere, I found this gem from the always delightful Baldilocks. Marines have been known to react to pointing fingers just as ferrets do (biting and hanging on); though, I must admit I have no proof that any Marine has partaken of long pig. That’s my story and I am sticking to it.

LW

An Open Letter To All Politicians

The last few days have seen a rash of reckless accusations in regards playing politics with terror warnings and the War on Terror/Islamofacism. As a Citizen, and technically your master and boss – for you are public servants allegedly – I want to make something perfectly clear to every one of you, every where you may be.

Changes

Actually, I liked the title "Role Reversal" but that was already taken by the author of this outstanding post. Val has several good posts up over there, and you need to go read them all.

LW

Sandy Berger And The Magic Pants

This story is absolutely incredible. An innocent mistake my Aunt Sweet Sally. Certain critical materials are still missing and may have been “accidentally discarded”. Right. Unbelievable is a much better word, on several levels. His lawyer can spin it all he wants, and I really hope he tries the technical violation but not illegal defense. Un-Frelling-Believable. Watching the Old Media coverage of this is going to be very educational, and it is my hope that we get to watch it all the way through criminal trial and prison.

LW

Operation Valkyrie

Sixty years ago, a small group of conspirators acting on behalf of a larger and more extensive conservative conspiracy tried to assassinate the duly elected leader of a country. The conservatives felt that said leader was leading the country to ruin on many levels, including that of destroying the social and moral fabric. So, the small group planted an improvised explosive device in a meeting room being used by that leader. Fearing that the briefcase holding the IED was annoying the leader, a toady moved the bag – with the result that Adolph Hitler survived.

I have heard them described as bunglers, incompetent, and worse. I have heard a lot of such comments end with the fond wish that they had been successful. Whatever else may be said, 60 years ago a group of men tried to end one of the most brutal regimes the world has ever seen. I would also add that while not directly involved, General Rommel died as a result of his involvement (allowed to commit suicide rather than be executed) as did several other high-ranking members of the military. At least they tried, unlike so many other "good men" who did nothing. Thanks for reminding us of that, Sir George.

LW

Hey, California Assemblycritters

All the squealing, hissy fits, and attempts to make the comment into something it is not, simply show that Arnold is right. You are a bunch of girly men.

LW

Whoopi

While I have some mixed emotions on her being dropped by Slim-Fast, let’s cut the bull and the lies and point out that her right to free speech has not been infringed upon. The Government imposed no prior restraint, nor has the Government taken any action against her. For all that we hear how much more civilized other countries are than we rustic bumpkins, I note with interest the fact that we have few, if any, of the lese majesty laws that are still on the books and still used in those so-called bastions of civilization. Indeed, the largest problem here is that Whoopi did not exercise some prior restraint (and taste, and …) on herself. What she faces now is not an abridgement of her rights or her ability to speak freely, but the fact that free speech has consequences. Whoopi exercised her right to free speech, and is paying a price for that. This site has cost me some work, it is the price I pay for free speech here.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that we are free from consequences. We are free to say what we like, but we must also bear the responsibility for our speech and our actions. Free speech is never free: that right is paid for by the blood of those who die or are wounded defending it, and it is a price we pay everytime we use that right. To demand that there be no consequences to free speech does not merely cheapen the price paid, it undermines the concept of free speech – and freedom – in its entirety.

LW

Fighting Back Against The Big Lies

What happened in Bainbridge is but the tip of the iceberg, and the forces of anti-civilization demand a counter. Inspired by Citizen Smash, Da Goddess, Tammi, and others; motivated by stories such as Bainbridge; and, determined that the mistakes of the past not be repeated, for I did NOT fail history, I am doing something. I have joined Protest Warrior and plan to take part in its Atlanta chapter once I move. Take the time and get involved, for it is the right thing to do no matter your beliefs.

LW

HR 4323, A Good Start

If you still have not contacted your Senators about this bill, go back to the original story to see how some politicians think politics are more important than the lives of our soldiers, and contact them now! As for me, I have good news to report, with the following being sent to me from Virginia Davis, the Press Secretary for Senator Shelby:

"Senator Shelby supports rapid technology development, prototyping and fielding initiatives. In fact, an example of Alabama's involvement in this area is the prototype integration facility (PIF) at Redstone Arsenal, whose vision is to provide the Department of Defense and the Army 'a rapid acquisition, rapid response, and rapid prototyping capability.' While Senator Shelby is still reviewing the specifics of Rep. Hunter's legislation, he has historically supported such important concepts because he believes we must meet operational requirements quickly to not only win wars, but to save lives."

Not perfect, but a good start. Now, get in touch with your people and let’s see if we can’t break the logjam and get this legislation in place. Our soldiers are depending on us to fight this fight for them. They are not letting us down, are you letting them down?

LW

Welcome To The Ranks

This story was brought to my attention last week, and many other sites have covered it and covered it well. Yet, for all that Michelle, Blackfive, Tammi, Jennifer, Smash and others have said, there has been one point missed that needs be made.

To those that so bravely called out such things or showed him no respect, you are beneath contempt and consideration.

To those that stood by, and did nothing, welcome to the ranks. To those that defend what happened, applaud it, or otherwise fail to condemn it utterly, welcome to the ranks.

The ranks you have joined are legion, and ancient as man and sin. By failing to act, by failing to identify, and by failing to take those that did such a despicable act to task, you join the ranks.

The ranks of those in Germany and elsewhere who saw the murders, who saw the camps, who knew what was going on, and did nothing.

The ranks of those who supported and assisted the thugs and security apparatus of Mussolini.

The ranks of those who knew the identity and plans of the KKK and other similar groups, yet did nothing.

The ranks of those who saw the purges and other crimes, and did nothing against those who abused the people in the former Soviet Union

The ranks of those who kept silent and took no action, and built the killing fields.

The ranks of those in many countries, from England to Rome, who knew that citizens were being taken into slavery, but did nothing because it did not affect them directly.

The ranks of all those who stood by and let injustice be done to others, for whatever reason or cause, and did nothing. Those who let the murders, rapes, tortures take place. Those who let millions, and even civilizations, die.

History has judged those legions, and that judgment is harsh even in the watered down history of American public schools. Names and epithets are heaped upon them with scorn. “How could they have seen and not acted? We are better than that.”

Well, no, you are not. And you now have the answer to the first question as well, for you now know exactly why you said nothing and did nothing,

Welcome to the ranks. Your fellows await you.

LW

Left Vs. Right, Govt. Vs. Civilization

Ironbear has an interesting post up as his food for thought entry yesterday. Some very good points there, including that governments are not civilizations. Go check it out, and take some time to think about what is being said.

LW

France Supports Yet Another Tyranny, It’s All About Oil!

Why does this story (even though it comes from the Baghdad Broadcasting Corporation) not surprise me at all? Yes, it always has been about the oil, and profits, and even the skim – for France. What’s a little murder, rape, torture or ethnic cleansing so long as the right pockets get lined? For that matter, I wonder if France is still listed at the top of countries for industrial espionage? Feh. Thanks to Instapundit for the link.

LW
who really needs to quit procrastinating and get back to work…

Val Prieto, Surgeon

You need to go read this story, this story, and this story to see what happens when fantasy ideology meets reality. Val deftly wields the scalpel of logic and fact in regards Cuba, and does a beautiful job of it. If you want to read a true voice of freedom, dignity, and discourse, you must read these excellent posts.

LW

Independence Day

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

HR4323 Protect Our Troops!

This bill – which requires no new money, provides tighter accountability, and simply gets armor and other needed items to our troops ASAP is held up in committee. It needs and deserves immediate action, but to many in D.C. politics is far more important than the lives and safety of our troops, such as those in the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne. They need your help.

Take the time right now to CALL your Senators and express your support of this legislation, and urge them to do all they can to get it out of committee. FAX them as well, so that there is a paper record, and I do suggest faxing because of continuing mail delays and problems because of security. You can get phone numbers here, and by clicking on the names you can get to WWW sites where you can easily get FAX numbers as well.

Take the time to CALL Senator John Warner, who has the power to get it out of committee, to ask him to take the time to read this short piece of legislation and get it out. Surely he could take five minutes out of his busy schedule of hearings about Abu Graib to read this and get it moving. Call the Senator and respectfully request he do so, and you can reach him at 202-224-2023. Take the time to FAX him as well, so that there is a paper record too, at 202-224-6295.

Somehow, in reading the roll call of the House vote, I was not surprised to find that Abercrombie voted against this legislation. You may want to take a good look at how your Representative voted, especially in this election year.

LW

Playing Politics With The Lives Of Soldiers, Yet Again

As if this story previously discussed was not bad enough, this morning brings a post from Blackfive showing exactly how much certain members of Congress care about our troops, and exactly how serious they are about our safety and the War on Terror.

Our troops need us, and are depending upon us for ensuring their safety. Get up off your duff, and call and fax your Senators today. Spread the word to everyone you know, and get them to call too. Let’s get this done, so they can get their job done. No excuses, no delays, do it today!

LW

UPDATE: If you want to find the contact information for your Senators, go here. I have also called my Senators, and here is where is stands:

Senator Shelby’s office has been most helpful, registered my strong support of the bill as a Citizen, and is providing yeoman’s service to me as a writer in trying to get a statement and official position from the Senator in regards the bill. There may be some delay on that as the Senator is on an official trip out of the country, but they are trying to reach him to get it, and are sending him the WSJ editorial link as well. As soon as I get a statement, it will be posted.

The person answering the phone at Senator Sessions’s office took down my strong support as a Citizen, and and stated that they had no position yet on the bill as it was still in committee.

I think a few hundred calls to both offices will help. I took the time, so should you. LW

Cowards

In the midst of doing all he is doing, Sgt. Hook has also had to deal with a despicable act from back here at home. I was going to post a letter today to the oh-so-brave and thoughtful creatures who used an attempt to do good in the world in such a way, and who may have hijacked another organization’s name and address to do so, but Blackfive says it all so well. As for me, I will just add that I am sure their Moms are just so proud of the brave, thoughtful, and honest kids they have raised, so full of integrity and honor…

LW

A Simply Outstanding Post

Is right here. Go read it, and think. Think longer, then re-read it. Thank you, Milady *bows* Well said.

LW

Sacrifice The Lives Of Soldiers And Innocents For PC

I’ve known of this story for a few days now, but have held off posting for a number of reasons. Foremost, I could not believe that it was true, but it does seem to check out. Second, I had some trouble being able to discuss it in terms of rational discourse. Misha has the story here of Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D, Hawai’i ) who is telling the military that ammo manufactured in Israel can not and must not be used “under any circumstances” for anything other than target practice.

The military bought the ammo because they were low on ammo and needed it. The shortage of domestic ammo is something that is well known and discussed elsewhere, and it exists because there is a shortage of people willing to make ammo domestically. There are a number of factors to this, but legal liability is indeed one of them. Since the quantity of ammunition needed was not available locally, we being at war and all, the military got it from a certified producer elsewhere, who just happened to be Israeli.

Apparently, Rep. Abercrombie feels that these are some type of Jewish/Israeli super bullet, and that using them to fight terrorists of any stripe isn’t fair. Like gentlemen reading other gentlemen’s mail, it would not be proper to shoot a terrorist trying to kill innocents or our troops with such an evil thing. We have non-Jewish/Israeli ammo stored away, and should use it instead.

I am having a hard time not savaging this bit of ignorant bigotry as it truly deserves, for it is ignorant and bigoted on several levels beyond the obvious. It is disgraceful, to say the least because when you parse it out, the following is the result:

We are at war, a global war against terrorists and those that support them. In war, ammunition use is always higher than predicted. Ammunition stocks are low, and domestic production of same is limited and unable to meet demand. The purchase of ammunition from other sources is required. Restrictions on the use of “outside” ammunition is likely to impact the supply of ammunition reaching the front. When ammunition is unable to reach the front in sufficient quantities, combat operations are reduced or stopped. When ammunition is unable to reach the front in sufficient quantities, troops do not have the ammunition they need to do their duty, and to defend themselves and others. Both outcomes have a negative impact on the lives and safety of American citizens. Both outcomes have a negative impact on allies or others the United States has sworn to protect. Both outcomes have a negative impact on the war against terrorists, and offer the opportunity for potentially catastrophic results since the front lines could well be here at home, and not just in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere.

“By no means, under any circumstances should a round [from Israel]be utilized” ties the hands of every soldier everywhere. It means that if the choice is between killing Taliban or being killed by the Taliban, then the soldier must die rather than shoot the enemy with an Israeli-manufactured bullet. It means that if the National Guardsman manning a security checkpoint for the 4th of July celebrations sees a terror attack starting, and has the chance to stop it by shooting, they may not do so if there is any chance that the bullets they have were made in Israel. What it means is that Rep. Abercrombie is more than willing that you or our soldiers die, in whatever numbers may be required, so that political correctness (and folly, ineptitude, etc.) shall reign supreme. After all, what are a few lives and innocent blood compared to such a noble cause and goal?

Obviously, Rep. Abercrombie is most willing to sacrifice many things on the altar of political correctness. One wonders if he truly realizes what sacrifice he is ordering here? One wonders if he would have the courage and moral integrity to either conduct or make the sacrifice upon said alter that he is willing to order done in his name?

Jen Martinez has some contact information here, and I would urge you to use it. I also am going to offer a challenge of sorts to all of you out there. This outrage offends me on so many levels and in so many ways, that I hereby offer to any candidate of any party running against Rep. Abercrombie – or any other member of Congress who supports this travesty – a free BlogAd for a week on this site. The only proviso being that you/they must not support this action, and work against it. If this offer is not legal under Federal law, talk to me about your campaign and I may just cover it, provided you oppose this travesty. I hope other bloggers will take up this challenge and make a similar offer. Remember, ultimately it is our safety that is at issue here. And I do not choose to sacrifice any life to such a diminutive deity as this congresscritter or the concept of political correctness.

LW

Someone To Be Proud Of

Is this young man, through a link I found at Cardinal Puppilieu's. Dedicated to rational discourse, rising above the fray: we need more like him. Excellent job sir, Well Done!

LW

To Set The Record Straight

I rather resent finding myself listed as a far-right blogger – especially when I don’t get nominated for any of the cool awards. What I am is a cranky independent. That is all.

LW

Some More Thoughts On “The Organization”

On a more pleasant note, I want to outline a few thoughts on the organization(s) discussed below. I want it as one organization, but legally it might have to be two. For purposes of discussion, however, I will treat it as one.

The organization will have three functions. The first is to raise funds to bring home American servicemen from any foreign cemetery. The second is to raise funds to purchase and develop suitable land for a new National Cemetery for donation to the Government. The third is to educate publics around the world about the duty and service of America’s Men and Women, particularly those who have fallen.

There is a clear need to raise money to bring our people home. Not just in terms of spats with France, but in terms of doing right by families under all circumstances. There are many reasons that families want to bring a loved one home, and not all fit with governmental needs, agendas, and funds. Yet, at the same time, political expediency should not be the driver, pro or con, in such a personal decision. What is needed is an independent organization who can provide the funding and other assistance necessary for whenever a family wants to bring their loved one home.

There is also a need for a new National Cemetery. Space is very limited at those that do exist, and a new site would be a blessing. Yet, it is not a political necessity and given budgets and pork and other more important things… So, an organization is needed to raise funds or secure donation of suitable land, coordinate said donation with the Government so that it is sure that the needs of the military and civilian leadership are met, and most of all to be sure that the needs of the families is met. What the organization needs to do is secure the site, set it up to the highest standards, and then turn over to the Government something that will need minimal maintenance and work.

Finally, there is a need for education. According to published reports, the leading textbook in France devotes less than two paragraphs to the Normandy Invasion by the Allies. Increasingly, military history and the sacrifices made in the name of Freedom are being shortchanged for more politically correct events and ideals. This must be stopped.
One way to do this is for an organization to provide classroom materials, public materials, electronic materials, museum displays, and anything else that can help get out the true word and preserve the legacy of those who have given their all in the cause of Freedom and Liberty.

This organization needs to be independent, beholden to no government or governmental regulation of content, beholden to no organization or organizational spin, and beholden to no political party. The only thing to which they need to be beholden is the truth, the true story of those who served and died. The materials need to go worldwide in as many languages as possible.

These are my thoughts, what are yours?

“What Is So Wrong With That?”

In a comment to this post, Snow09Queen discusses my declaration in regards the government of France and asks “The French stood up for what they believed in. What’s so wrong with that?” She goes on to accuse me of racism, lack of sensitivity, PC, and a few other things. Well, let me say what is wrong with that.

France, as an independent nation, has the right and the responsibility to disagree with anything they feel is improper or not in their best interest. Should they choose to do so, that is fine.

A Declaration Of War

You know, I don’t have it in my heart to work up into a good rant about all that leads to the following. If you want specifics, and lots of them, go check out this post at Matt’s and run the gamut at Merde In France, Non Pasaran, and The Dissident Frogman. Check out a host of other sources as well, easily found without extensive research. These and other stories set the stage and were enough to convince me to continue my little boycott.

Two things have convinced me that my boycott needs to become something more, a crusade – and that word is chosen with great deliberation. For a new great crusade is needed in this cause.

The first thing is that very quietly, some members of the government of France appear to have acknowledged openly that they are attempting to manipulate the U.S. election. That their recent actions and intentions are designed to deny President Bush anything that smacks of a diplomatic victory so as to sway the voting public. Members of said government are far more open and honest in admitting that they want a French dominated EU to “counter” the US and its power. Given that they do not want what is best for the US, I tend to doubt their good motives in trying to manipulate our election.

The second thing was the despicable behavior of Jacques Chirac. His cavalier dismissal of the death of President Reagan and his refusal to attend the Washington services was nothing short of a calculated insult. In diplomatic terms, it was the equivalent of spitting on a country’s flag.

Accordingly, I am declaring war and want my initial campaign to have three fronts.

First, I want to encourage one and all not to buy French. No French wine, cheese, telephones, cooking gear, or anything else. Not one dime to them. You can get a lot of good information and good ideas here.

Second, it is a given that the U.S. Government is not going to be willing to act for valid reasons of politics. I think it is up to us to form an organization to raise money so that any family that wants to pull its honored dead out of the U.S. military cemeteries will have the funds to do so. In short, an organization is needed to fund the disinterment, the transport, and the re-internment within the U.S.

Third, it is also a given that space in our National Cemeteries is extremely limited. I object to government spending in most cases, but not in this case. We must take care of our own, those who fought and died for freedom. Given this, I think that a second organization will be needed – for legal reasons – to raise private funds to secure a new site for a National Cemetary for our honored dead. If this is going to be done, it needs to be done right, meaning a large amount of land that is not too hard to get to. Personally, I’m thinking either Midwest or somewhere up towards Idaho or Montana. Seems to me that it would not be too bad to find some land there with streams or rivers, a good view of mountains, and some trees. A nice place.

If we do this, it will make a point. It may even keep things from having to go so far as they might. It will most definitely have an impact where it is needed.

So, what say you?

LW

UPDATE: I discuss "The Organization" more here and invite your thoughts

UPDATE II: I provide an answer and some questions to Snow09Queen here.

A Very Good Read

This is a rant you really want to read. Then re-read. Thank you Kathy for sharing, and I agree with you.

LW

A Quick Reminder On Images

In anticipation of some comments to the post on nudity and children, since nudity and sex are forever linked in some minds; and, because there are those in positions of authority who have no compunction about misusing and abusing their authority:

Go Here. That says it all.

LW

Nude, Naked, Nekkid, and Children Yet Again

In checking my referrer logs and links of late, I found that there was a sudden surge of interest in this post on nudity and individual liberty. Intrigued, I wondered what was up and began to do some checking. It seems that a new assault on nudism/naturalism is underway, with the pious wringing their hands and saying “It’s for the children!” Bull. It is for the politicians, and a cheap appearance of action at the expense of a “marginal” group and the concept of individual liberty as put forth in the Constitution. The basic underlying argument being used says a hell of a lot more about those making it than about the nudists/naturists.

The Motorcade Passes

People stop. Some place their hands over their heart, others wave flags, some bow their heads, and still others salute. Fire trucks have pulled over, and their crews stand at attention and salute as the procession goes by. Cars stop. The Citizens show their respect in a hundred different ways. God Bless America.

LW

A World Of Hate?

In the comments to this post below, Jack of Random Fate appears to raise the specter of hate in my works and apparently in the Blogosphere in general. For some time now, he has posted his thoughts on what he appears to feel is a growing wave of hate, and it appears to be his contention that many in the Blogosphere are supporting same. I doubt that this will reassure him in any way, for while he does raise some good points, it also appears that we have very different definitions of hate. Please be assured I do not hate the people of any nation. I have never done so, and do not plan to do so.

Ah, The French

What More Need Be Said

LW

Prayers, Thoughts, Wishes Needed

President Ronald Reagan’s health is reported to be deteriorating markedly, and there are reports that family is being called in. Please keep them all in your prayers, thoughts, wishes, spells, or whatever it is you do. Blackfive led with this news today, and I thank him for the heads-up. I would write more about Reagan, but Steve H. has already said most of it. I know some of what it took to make those wonderful things happen, and that there was a price to be paid. Reagan was willing to pay that price, himself. He did so.

Today a child stands free
Where once were lines and limits
Opportunity is there for those that will see

Godspeed Mr. President. My wish for you is that what is best, be. That your return home be all that it should, and that the light not merely enfold you, but continue to shine through you as a beacon in the night.

LW

Update

If You Live In Alabama, Go Vote

Today is primary day, so do your civic duty and go vote. Here are three good reasons to do so.

It is something not that many people can do, and is a chance to make change, turn out crooks and incompetents, correct mistakes, make sure radicals of any stripe don’t get power, and more.

Doing so is one of the best way to honor those who died to get and keep this important freedom.

If you don’t vote, you can’t complain. Yes, I know you have the “right” to complain no matter what – and will most likely do so loudly – but there is nothing anywhere that requires me to listen or give credence to such a lazy-assed, ignorant, ill-informed deadweight on society such as you or your opinion.

So go vote. I did.

LW

A Fun Kerry Slogan Contest

The Daily Pundit is doing a contest for the best slogan for Kerry when/if he dodges the nomination. There are some good ones there, including some very good plays on the UN and such. Go check it out, and enter your own slogan. Mine is Vote Kerry, the: Non-Soldier, Non-Statesman, Non-Candidate.

LW

By George, I Think He’s Got It

Prince Bandar, that is. His statement that he and his government were aware of “the seasonal tribal warfare” underway is the best summation of the current election cycle I’ve heard.

LW

Cox and Forkum Nail It

As usual. While I choose to mention the name of the Baron, er, the floating fat man, as little as possible, I will point to this wonderful comic that nails it in one. Great job guys, as always.

LW

Some Strong Food For Thought

Strong in the sense of flavor, of things being very off. Not in terms of the blogging, for what Teresa has put forward is quite good. The strong comes from the story behind, from what some are trying to do. Beware anyone and everyone who says “If you are innocent you have nothing to fear.” They never have your best interests in mind.

LW

You Have GOT To Be Kidding Me!

On The Third Hand has this story up, which links to this one.

A LEGITIMATE voice? On what planet?

Please, someone run a decent third party candidate. One with a brain, who believes in the Constitution, and will do right by the country.

LW

A Must Read Post

For anyone not familiar with it, Samizdata is an excellent read with a great group of writers. This post up today cuts to the heart of the matter, using an all too apt analogy which I can appreciate as both a student and as a teacher. Take a few minutes to go read it, and then think about it a bit. Outstanding!

LW

Are We Sure We Got All The Taliban?

It sure seems that the Taliban Lite are running amok in DC. It seems that despite DOJ failures in the days leading up to 9-11, and well documented problems confronting the issue of terrorism since, that DOJ has decided to start another war, this time on pornography. My thoughts on this are rather pungent, but suffice it to say that I have real problems with this diversion of resources from a real and terrible threat. Suggestion to the White House: you have a liability and a problem here. Fix it, or it may well fix your chances for another four years. Thanks to Cardinal Puppilieu for the hat tip.

LW

A Terrible And Costly Mistake

The decision by the President to allow his National Security Advisor to testify under oath in public before the 9-11 commission is a mistake of tragic proportions. Never mind election year politics, never mind that people are already licking their chops at this opportunity, and never mind the potential damage to anti-terrorism efforts. The real damage from this is the blow it represents to the Constitution.

You Have A Situation

A hypothetical exercise for the reader, but one you may enjoy. Imagine if you will that you are on a combined arms staff, or with an intelligence service of some sort, covering an area of strong interest. Normal methods of getting intel, particularly from human assets, is limited. In the extreme. There are some non-traditional assets, along with all the techno you can want. Fly in the ointment there is that the region is not terribly advanced, except for the top ranks and they have good anti-spy systems sold by some good makers. Good people, no, but good makers who will sell to anyone, particularly if they can use it to give your team a black eye.

Iran Erupting?

There are some reports coming out (Hat Tip Cardinal Puppilieu) that Iranians are showing the mullahs exactly how they feel. This is unconfirmed to me, but I will be checking it, esp. given the uprisings in Syria. If the news is true, I hope we support it in every way possible. A source for news is here. Stay Tuned.

LW

UPDATE: There are reports of clashes between security forces and demonstrators now. One common thread in all reports is the use of Molotov cocktails by the demonstrators. This one bears watching...

Some Thoughts Of Spain

The enemy has won a new round, and it is difficult this morning to find cause for optimism. Indeed, there is cause for pessimism and concern. A major ally has fallen, and the way of that fall must not be misunderstood. Instead, it must be recognized for what it truly is, and some of the things that led to it must be stopped.

The bombings of last Thursday were one of the most cynical and cold-blooded efforts to influence an election that I can recall. The Reichstag fire was nothing compared to it, and those who did it counted on it having the impact that it did. They wanted to sway the election, and succeeded most likely beyond their wildest dreams. Just as they did on 9-11.

Oh! The Outrage!

I had some suspicions, but not enough time between deadlines and having to go out of town to do anything about it. Trust the New Media and Blogosphere, however, and the Delightful Ith to whom this hat tip belongs, to get to the bottom of things. Check out this and check out this to get the scoop on the outraged 9-11 families. Anyone want to place bets on how much coverage this gets in the Old Media? Oh, yes, The outrage indeed…

LW

Searching For Candidate Right

No, not right wing, just right. So far, neither of the major candidates floats my boat. Frankly, both of them are pretty bad. We have one who is weak on fighting terror, defense, and is for yet more governmental intrusion into our lives. The other is strong on fighting terror, but spends like a drunken sailor and is for yet more governmental intrusion into our lives. So far, it is a one issue campaign. The trick pony is dead boys, quit flogging it.

So, I am going to take out a personal ad. This ad is for any candidate for any race, but with particular attention to the presidency of the United States.

Single Wolf seeks candidate of integrity for public service. Must understand that public servant is not the semantic equivalent of public master, and must keep their word. Must understand fundamentals of economics, and be committed to fiscal responsibility. Has strong support for military and understands that we are at war with those who would destroy us, and that we are not reacting out of fear but out of fact (see 9-11 for details). Understands that space does not necessarily mean NASA and is aggressively pro commercial space activities. Supports the right to keep and bear arms. Respects boundaries, individual liberty, freedom, and the Constitution of the United States. Has a dream of less government, less intrusive government, and citizen rights and responsibilities. Party or gender not important, for the match I seek is one of the mind, of the intellect, and of the spirit.

Anyone matching even close to this will get my vote no matter what party they claim, if any.

LW

The Major Problem With The Huntsville Area

I tend to stay away from local stuff, but in this case I am going to make an exception. Earlier this week, I attended a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce where we got a briefing from the Chamber president. The briefing was quite good, but we got sidetracked into an interesting and important area.

The fact is, no matter that I occasionally poke fun at it, this is a good area. You have a well educated population; mountain and river recreation; ballet, symphony, and an art museum; there are historic and science museums; there is the Space and Rocket Center (commonly known as the Sprocket); and, a surprising diversity in food that ranges from fine dining to Chinese to Japanese to Korean to German to Southern/Country. There is a good bit of industry and a lot of high tech here, along with several colleges and universities. The local airport is a true international airport, and has runways capable of handling a loaded Super Guppy. Trust me, if it can handle that, it can handle about any plane and any load, and frequently does so. We have an international trade zone, an intermodal terminal, and access to rail, highway, and river transportation. When people bother to rate us, they rate us a good place to live and do business, and an even better place to retire.

The Myth Of A Two-Party System, Yet Again

If you think the Old Media has been biased before, just wait. The entry of Ralph Nader into the elections is going to bring out some of the worst in journalism. Setting aside biased coverage, denial of coverage, and other similar delights, one thing you are going to see a great deal of in the coming weeks is the myth of the two-party system.

Anyone who has taken a reasonably good history or civics class should know that America was not founded on a two-party system. In point of fact, there were several strong major parties at the founding of the Republic, along with a dozen or so smaller parties. Over time, most of these parties merged in an effort to obtain majorities and what eventually emerged were the modern Democrat and Republican parties. As this process occurred, what are now the two major parties did all they could to make it a two-party system and eliminate competition. Gerrymandering, machines, and even less scrupulous things were a part of this attempt to create a political monopoly. For about 100 years now, with the occasional Bull Moose thrown in, that is what we have had.

Some Good Food For Thought

Go read Sofia Sideshow and think about it a bit. Thanks to Cardinal Puppilieu for the tip.

LW

To Those Candidates Who Believe The End

Justifies the means:

I am a voter who believes in the Republic and in fulfilling my civic responsibility to same. While you have abrogated all ethical, moral, and legal responsibilities to the same, I chose not to. I will vote, I will encourage others to vote, and I will cheerfully point out people like you so that you can be held up for ridicule and rejection.

To Those Who Do Get It:

In Defense Of Dueling

A few weeks ago, I made a public offer to stand second for Blackfive in the matter of a particularly odious threat and individual. In the process, I discovered many things. One was that some people do not know what it means to stand Second (or be Best Man at a wedding). Another was that some people thought I was joking or posturing, which was not the case. The third was a train of thought about the framework behind dueling, and how it applies to the situation today. As a result, I fear that I see a need for the field of honor, and to put forth a defense of dueling.

Why Yes, My Teeth Are Clenched

Doc Galen appears to know me too well, given his comment on the SDB post below. I don’t grind my teeth for defending the Constitution, but that creature mentioned does seem to cause it. So much so that I am wearing my mouth guard as I type to protect my teeth from further damage.

My thoughts on him are not kind, and were I to express them fully I should probably find myself in court. What I can and will say is that the next time someone films Dune that I know who I nominate for the role of Baron H. Even now, I can see the current political situation as something along those lines, with McAuliffe as the Emperor, plotting the demise of his hated enemy, and calling out “Send in that floating fat man!” Enter the mocumentary maker, floating on the massive tide of his repulsive ego (no special effects needed), cackling with glee at the thought of doing a hatchet job on all those with whom he disagrees.

Just a random bit of madness for the day.

LW

SDB Has A Good One

Go on over to USS Clueless and read an excellent defense of Michael Moore against the charge of treason. This is very well done and cuts to the heart of the matter. Then scroll down a bit and read his take on the upcoming film (NOT a documentary) from that creature. He has the right to say what he thinks, and I will defend it, but I do not have to like or respect him or his entertainment.

LW

A Threat To The Republic

I had another food for thought planned for today, but the post on Venomous Kate raises one that deserves a great deal of thought. There are those who feel that my comment on “threat to the Republic” was hyperbole. That it was overreaching emotionalism at best, and most likely poor theatrics.

Were I simply talking about Electric Venom, that would be true. The Republic will easily survive her leaving, or the loss of almost any blogger out there, including myself.

My comment, however, was based on a much wider consideration. The fact is, freedom of speech is dead on almost every school campus in the nation. Indeed, the evidence suggests that most schools are actively engaged in the suppression of speech, which leads to a number of thoughts about their commitment to pushing back the frontiers of knowledge and the advancement of humanity.

Freedom of speech through the Press, or the Old Media, is dead as well. There is almost no method by which an average Citizen can gain entry into the organs of The Press, and make themselves heard to any significant degree. The self-anointed gatekeepers are vain and jealous diminutive deities, and it is not for mere mortals to tread their hallowed halls.

Which leaves us with the hope of the New Media, of which the blogosphere is a crucial part. The New Media offers a shot at true freedom of the press and true freedom of speech as has never before been conceived. Anyone, anywhere, can write and cast their words on the waters. Unlike previous media, the electronic media has little or no cost associated with it, and even the poorest American has access on some basis to computers and the Internet. One no longer needs large sums of money to place ideas out to thousands or even millions.

Yet, there are those that fear this. The recent gathering in Switzerland was but one part of a backlash against this new medium and new freedom. There are others who, out of fear, ignorance, intolerance, or just a plain desire for power who work to block or control this opportunity.

Of all of them, it is the venal and despicable group of crackers who make possible subtle and large scale attacks on the very infrastructure of this new media who worry me the most. For their efforts, often aimed at those with whom they disagree, pose the greatest threat to a true information age. For they would destroy it in an effort to control it, and are of a type that would much rather see it destroyed than to let it be if they can not control it.

This also ties back in to other comments and arguments being made. The simple fact is that these people are attacking not just sites and technology, but what can only be considered a cornerstone of the Republic: freedom of speech. This does not mean freedom only to those with whom you agree, but far more importantly to those with whom you strongly disagree.

It is easy to separate the cowardly from others. There are those who disagree strongly, even violently with a point, but will fight to the death for the right of a person to say those things. They are confident of themselves and their beliefs. Those who live in fear and would control others have one thing that gives them away every time: they can not stand any disagreement or contrary opinion. Therefore, they are unwilling to give others rights they demand for themselves.

A good example of this can be found over in the blogroll, namely Misha. Misha was voted most obnoxious right-wing blooger last year, and is well known for his strong take on subjects. Yet, Misha has gone to the aid of bloggers, even those with whom he strongly disagrees, to support their right to freedom of speech. It is worth noting that to the best of my knowledge, none of those he has assisted has returned the same courtesy, which speaks volumes about them.

The marketplace of ideas is just that. It is not a Stalinist nightmare of a store, where only the properly vetted and approved short (oh, how short) list of items is available. It is an unregulated and thriving bazaar filled with staples and exotics, with new things appearing all the time. The very success of said marketplace, and of this great experiment that is America, depends upon it. For it is the sharing and discussion of ideas on all topics that is crucial to an informed Citizenry and considered actions in regards governance and government.

The threat posed by these crackers is, therefore, truly a threat to the Republic. We stand at the brink of the greatest opportunity for the free and open exchange of ideas the world has ever seen. There are those who face this future with joy and hope, and there are those who fear it and seek to eliminate it. There are those who are willing to die for your right to have and express your opinion, and there are those who would cheerfully deny you that right and strangle your words stillborn. The latter are legion, because they include not only the ones actively attacking, but all those who refuse to take a stand.

So think on this today. Which one are you?

LW

Of Constitutions And Kings

Steven Den Beste recently wrote a lengthy and well-thought out reply to a post by an American ex-pat living in New Zeland. While I will not get into the subject of that post, it did bring up a very important point.

“The most radical aspect of the American political experiment was the way that it institutionalized that journey. The First Amendment opened a wide public space for debate on public policy and permitted citizens to point out ways in which the system was failing and to criticize their leaders. The electoral system and the amendment process permitted us to change our system in response to that debate. And that's why this nation is so much different than it was in 1789: our system permits us to adapt and improve without violent revolution.

That institutionalization of continuous revolution is the single biggest reason that America is now the most powerful nation on earth.”

You Really Need To Read This

Go check out this story at The Smallest Minority for a good example of government run amok. If you value individual liberty at all, you need to read this and make this blog a regular stop.

LW

As Bad As "Seasons In The Sun"

I may have to hurt Kathy Kinsley at On The Third Hand. I am stuck with an audio bit in my head as bad as the old song "Seasons In The Sun." In a post put up about the State of the Union speech, she hit GW's delivery on the head: Shatner. As in William "Capt. Kirk" Shatner, who has truly atrocious deliveries. Now I am hearing Shatner every time a speech clip comes up. For she is right, and I think I might just prefer having "Seasons" stuck in my head instead...

LW

Citizens Vs. Subjects: An Object Lesson

Over on Who Tends The Fires yesterday, I was led to a story that provides an invaluable lesson in the dangers faced by the Republic. The greatest danger we face comes not from outside, but from within. For building and cities can be rebuilt, bigger and better than before, but if the foundations of our Republic are destroyed, there is nothing that can be done to repair or replace.

The story begins here, and is continued at here. Now, aside from the normal howls of outrage, let’s look at why this is so dangerous.

A Random Thought On Race Relations And History

I just mentioned my home town and thinking of this incident brought to mind another fact about it. It was a southern town and the stereotypical thing of many to assume is that it was racist with the typical fat sheriffs and bullying police. That there was some racism and some bad people around, on all sides, can’t be disputed but we were never at the level of stereotype, and quite possibly lower than that of some “better” northern cities.

The fact that came to mind just now was that back in the late 60s, we did not have riots when many other cities did. The fact is that this was not because of great relations, but a canny mayor who played on the perception that he was a nut.

Our mayor was a colourful character, to put it mildly. His antics were well known even when not published, and many a person in town listened to the police frequencies on home radios so they could not only keep up with crime, but with the latest on or from hizzoner. He was not above making interesting broadcasts on the police radio, and they could be quite entertaining even if they did make him appear to be gripping a slightly different reality.

Now, the mayor was quite well aware of this and used it to good effect. In 1968, when the worst riots and looting broke out nationwide, my town was worried. There were reports of things starting to get ugly, and some crowds started gathering downtown that did not look good. In the middle of this, Ronnie took to the air. I won’t quote it, for fear I would get it wrong, but it went something like this:

This is your mayor. I am here to tell you all that I will personally provide an all expense paid vacation to the Bahamas for the first officer who shoots and kills a looter.

If memory serves, he also threatened to fire any officer who failed to shoot at looters, but I could be mistaken about this as it has been many years.

The streets were clear within 15 minutes. No one ventured out for a while, because everyone – white, black, or other – was convinced that he meant it and no one wanted to be mistaken for a looter, or even a jaywalker for that matter. Racism? I don’t think so, just cunning and a willingness to play on a reputation for being crazy. I’d call it pretty smart, because it did keep a lid on things and made sure that no bridges were burned. Not bad, and it may well have been the best thing he ever did as a politician.

What lessons there are here are for you to decide. For me, it is just a memory of an interesting time and place that I decided to share.

-30-

What A Speech

One nice thing about being under the weather a bit was that I got to watch the President’s speech this morning. I will leave detailed analysis to others, but the key points as I saw them were:

1. A commitment to international operations and organizations, provided they do what they are supposed to do. This was a warning to the UN that it needs to get relevant. Note the NATO comments and context
2. A warning to European leaders (France, Germany, others) that they need to shape up and fly right.
3. A clear message to Arafat that he is gone as far as the U.S. is concerned
4. A clear message to Israel that certain things need to change there too
5. A reminder to all of what is at stake, and what must be done to deal with various integrated problems. Some nice historical analogies in there, subtle but powerful.

Quite a speech. The implications here are profound. Now we see how the Old Media tries to spin it, and how Old Europe and the terrorist clique try to spin and wail. Anyone who does not get that this was a major policy speech is dismissed from class, and sent down a grade or two. Interesting.

LW

A Democrat I Can Respect

And often do so. Zell Miller was on Fox and Friends this morning, and he got me to laughing so hard I thought I was going to come off the treadmill at the gym. Now, I was originally a Georgia boy, and have watched him for years, and what went on today was vintage Zell.

He did the super southern bit, but made some very telling points. It is no wonder the DNC and the Georgia Democratic Party are upset with him: He has called it straight as he sees it, and what is worse from their viewpoint, is that it is how a lot of the voters see it. He is the boy calling out that the Emperor has no clothes, and they can’t stand it.

Take a look at what he says, what he has done, and you will see a truly effective politician, sometimes even a statesman. Take a good look, because unless something happens I think you are going to see a lot more of Zell in the days ahead.

I must disagree with him a bit on one thing. He apparently has said that the leaked memo from the intelligence committee is the next thing to/first cousin to treason. He is right on saying that the Democrats need to do much more than just say that they are sorry they got caught and asking how it got leaked. I must respectfully say, however, that I think a valid case may be made for treason.

America is at war, and the survival of the Republic is at risk both from internal and external threats. The memo clearly shows one of the internal threats, and given all circumstances it is not unreasonable to view it and to pursue it as treason. This isn’t going to happen, because if the Republicans or any other party did so it would create a huge smokescreen and counter-cries of politics. The only chance of that happening would be if a Democrat had the courage and integrity to come forward and call it for what it is.

A smart Democrat might do so. If the party line continues to be “we are sorry we got caught” then irreparable and permanent harm will be the result for the Democratic party. If heads roll, even a sacrificial victim, then they might have a chance. The best chance of all is for someone to step forward and call it – and Zell Miller has come the closest of any of them so far. One wonders if he might have some higher ambitions than Senator, if he sees it as a chance to yank the party back towards the center, or maybe a combination of these.

Pay close attention to this story, and to Zell Miller in the days ahead. Something other than the stench of partisan politics at its worse is in the air. What comes out will have a profound impact on America and the Republic, one way or another.

-30-

I Pledge Allegiance, To The Party?

For decades, if not centuries, it has been accepted that there were statesmen and politicians. The most common definition of the difference was that a statesman would put the interests of the country ahead of their own.

Politicians have from time immemorial put their own best interests ahead of anything else. They have taken bribes, provided jobs to friends and family, set up companies to make money off appropriations, and more. To be blunt, it is what we expect of elected and non-elected officials.

As Much As It Pains Me

I have to admit that Cardinal Puppylieu had a very good point in his posts the other day. Who the heck ever suggested Wilson as a serious candidate to go investigate anything other than the level of the martini pitcher? If there was indeed a serious failure and breech of proper operating procedure, it was in selecting him for the mission. I keep hoping that there was some master plan, some ulterior motive that will be revealed as a master stroke of politics, diplomacy, etc., but if it is there it is well and truly hidden even deeper than the WMD in Iraq. Whoever put forward the suggestion, and all those who approved it, should be removed from duty and be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

LW

An Admission of Error

A while back, I made the comment that I had some respect for Arianna Huffington and her intelligence. Several readers posted comments to tell me I was wrong about that, and today I have to make the painful admission that I was wrong. From all available evidence, from her taxes to the debate to the debacle she is today, I have to admit that I was mistaken and that it appears she does not have the brains God gave a gopher. Yep, I was wrong, but I am also willing to admit I was wrong and working off incomplete data. I will also try to do better.

LW

Plame

I have been following this story for some time, since it struck a bit of a chord with me when it first came out this summer. To be honest, I think it is both a non-story and a non-issue from what I have read, but there are some questions that need to be answered. First, did someone from the Administration or the White House leak the name for a partisan political agenda? Second, is the story now being pursued the way it is being done by certain politicians and certain elements of The Media in support of a partisan political agenda?

Some Thoughts on S. 722

Yesterday was my day to go get the supply of low-carb candybars for the month, and I ended up getting a good deal more. What I got was a discussion of Senate bill S.722, the Dietary Supplement Safety Act, and a nice discussion it was. There is a lot that could be gone into in technical terms and bill language, the fact that it vastly increases government power and intrusion into everyday lives, and the fact that it apparently provides no more protection – or maybe even less – than current regulations, but I am going to cut to the chase from my viewpoint.

Americans have the right to make stupid choices.

Day By Day Calls It

Today's strip captures what I see as a major problem of the democrats and the left spot on. Again, thank you Chris!

LW

And The Parents Are Responsible How?

There was an ad I saw on TV this morning at the gym, which brought up a fundamental question, and flaw with much of what is socially conscious right now. The ad focused on teen drinking, and the problems therein. It called for tough actions on the people who sold or gave alcohol to minors. It demanded that corporations be made to pay for the damage done by alcohol and to be harshly and fully regulated. In all the individuals and entities it demanded be held accountable, it left out the most important of all: the parents.

A Point To Ponder

A few days ago, the wonderful Chris Muir ran this strip which makes a very good point. For all of you who think that America is and always was a two-party system, go read this previous post and a few real history books instead of the drek served up in all too many schools. Think on it a bit.

LW

Tax Increase: Just Say No!

For everyone in Alabama, GO VOTE. If you don't vote, you don't have any right to complain about things, and will get no sympathy from me.

I will vote no because there is no accountability, it all goes to the general fund, the anti-pork protection is a joke that is already treated as such in Montgomery, and because I have yet to see almost any Alabama politician show the fiscal responsibility of my six- and seven-year-old godsons.

It is not "for the children" and it is not "for education." If it was, the funds would be earmarked and protected. All this bill is more slop for the trough.

Just say No!

LW

I Do Believe That Was A Warning…

On several levels and fronts. Not sure who wrote the President’s speech, but it as a good one and a worthy follow-on to his post 9-11 speech. There is a lot to think about in what was said.

Judge Moore and States Rights

The case of Judge Bean, er, Moore, has received a great deal of commentary and analysis from a legalistic perspective. What has not been discussed in great detail, however, is that this issue is in many ways less about religious tolerance/intolerance, but about State’s Rights.

While it annoys many people, it is very true that the American Civil War was not fought over slavery. Slavery was simply the most emotional of several catalyst issues that fronted the fundamental issues of the power of the Federal government versus State Governments. This was, and is, an issue that goes back to the War of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.

Judge Roy Bean, er, Moore

This is a “local” issue for me and I have been watching it to see what he would do in his pursuit of Lilly, I mean publicity. This is an issue that the judge has been riding for several years now, and it has served him well. It has taken him from an obscure local judgeship to being the chief justice of the state. And if anyone is wondering, the lack of capitalization is deliberate.

The New Big Lie Meme Emerges

Yep, you can tell who has been advising Gov. Davis of late. The same tired meme has emerged with a slightly different twist.

This time, it is not just the vast right-wing conspiracy attacking the “legal” election of Gov. Davis in an attempt to hijack California just before the presidential elections, but it is also trying to hijack the “legal” redistricting plans in Texas and one other state. You know, the ones where those upstanding Democratic upholders of truth, justice, and the American way go hide like craven cowards out of state so that no state business can be done without them. If this were Republicans or any other party doing this, you can bet that the media would be all over it, with “Held Hostage” alerts counting the days, hours, and minutes. The silence on the Democratic hijacking of the legitimate functions of government is resounding, however.

It is the same big lie, the same meme, just with a new coat of paint. Spare me, please. Only the brain dead, and committed ideologues, will buy this one.

LW

The Alabama Tax Package

Another easy one to start the day: Just say no.

In both my times living in Alabama, I have yet to see any fiscal responsibility shown in Montgomery or on almost any level of government in this state. My godsons, both of whom are less than eight-years-old show more fiscal responsibility than most Alabama politicians. When they show me that they can handle the money they have responsibily, then I might consider this package.

Some Thoughts On California Recall

Since I don't live in California, I have not been concentrating on this too much, but did want to offer up some quick thoughts.

Ah-nold Now Running Man

Well, he made it official last night and I have to agree with the comments this morning: He did it well, slick, and pro. He has taken the offensive, put the focus on Davis, largely negated the mud that can be thrown, and done it with a sense of humor and more than a touch of class towards the other candidates. This is going to be fun to watch.

Powell To Step Down?

Fox News is reporting this morning that Secretary of State Colin Powell has said he will step down at the end of this presidential term no matter who wins. According to the story, this is being done because of a promise he made to his wife.

Yet More From The No Consequences Crowd

This story at Fox News sums it up rather well. After fighting hard to get rid of the U.S. Navy bombing range, politicians and activists in Puerto Rico are extremely upset that the Navy may pull out completely. Just as free speech does not mean freedom from consequences, freedom to choose a path does not mean that the path will not have a price. The Navy has no real reason to stay given the loss of the training area, and it was something that was mentioned at the time. Of course, that was all just scare tactics, don't you know...

LW