SEALS of approval

The week began with one of the best news items Americans could hear after years of daily doses of depressing reports: that the reviled Usama (or Osama) bin Laden had been killed in a gun battle with the most elite unit of the already elite US Navy SEALs, on loan to the CIA. Incidentally, we might not have known who was responsible if not for Vice-president Big Mouth. Thank God we didn't have Joe Biden around during World War 2; we might all be speaking German and eating rice...or wearing chains.  But I digress. 

The scumbag who planned the 9-11 attacks was shot and killed while "heroically resisting," his body was positively identified, and after far more care and respect than he deserved his corpse was dumped in the sea, presumably to prevent his followers from having a graveside shrine for recruits to take their blood oath over. What makes it all the more sweet was that there were no American casualties other than a helicopter they had to abandon and destroy, and they didn't have to waste half the neighborhood in the assault on bin Laden's compound in urban Pakistan, either.

Lest anyone feel that we've spent too much attention on finding and finally getting UBL, we should remember that hundreds of thousands of lives have been taken or adversely affected and hundreds of billions of dollars wasted, all because of this lousy excuse for a man. It was directly because of his incitement, planning and financing that two huge towers fell in New York City with the loss of nearly three thousand people, more than a hundred lost at the Pentagon, dozens more in a field in Pennsylvania, thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of natives in Afghanistan and Iraq (would we ever have gone there without the impetus of bin Laden's actions?), the loss of our freedoms due to "security needs" and the overt and subtle changes that resulted from his affect on civilization around the world. All that tragedy justifies, in my mind at least, all the initial celebration on the success of this mission as well as the immense pride in our own armed forces, especially the most elite arms of those forces. 

The signing of the order to attack may have been president Obama's singular shining moment in the eyes of American conservatives, reminding us that even a stopped clock is right twice a day (although the White House seems as in the dark as we are on the details).  Signing off on the mission, which reportedly took him 16 hours to decide, came as a welcome surprise to most of us, especially since so many indicators, including his choice of advisors, leads us to believe his primary interest isn't the best interest of the American people. But he had barely announced the completion of the mission when Obama deflated us once again, by reminding us that "America is not at war with Islam." He seems to still not understand (or thinks we're too stupid to notice) that Islam is at war with us. They have been working against the voices of freedom (as have progressives and other socialists) openly, surrepticiously, and historically. While there are Muslims who do not join in that jihadist doctrine, those friendly - or at least, neutral - voices are few and far between; most remain utterly silent (although, I can understand why they hesitate to speak up - noisy sheep are often the first to fall to the wolves).

As might be expected, within a day or so after the mission's successful outcome was announced the PR aspect of our military success began falling apart. On the one side you have malAdministration officials telling us the photos of Osama's ventilated corpse would be shown, only to later be contradicted by Obama himself, who refuses to release them, purportedly because showing such photos would "inflame the Muslim world" and "could endanger our troops." Yeah; he seemed not to be so concerned with that possibility a couple of years back when he wanted to release more Abu Ghraib photos, which did indeed incite recruitment of terrorists and attacks at the time.

The question is, does his current stance point to some sort of maturity in the office, or is it merely politically expedient? Do I really have to ask?  Besides, does it really take a picture to inflame the Muslim world against us? I mean, what doesn't piss them off?

Meanwhile, the president's continual undermining of our security in other matters - such as granting citizenship to convicted terrorists still perplexes and endangers us.

Another thing that endangers us may be even more insidious than the terrorists themselves. A recent Yahoo report reveals that the majority of teens today don't have any idea who Osama bin Laden was, or why we were so happy to get him. After nearly a decade of war and terrorist hits around the world, young people are clueless as to who the good guys and the bad guys are.  Most of the young people revelling in the streets after the announcement were merely exercising another excuse for a party, with no real idea why.

But is that any surprise, really?  Too soon after 9-11, the major networks decided not to show the planes hitting the two towers or the Pentagon. The Left went into overdrive to convince those who did take an interest that it was all an "inside job." The rest of the generation born shortly before the day of infamy or since have been so wrapped up in their own self-gratification or the sensuality and single-mided pursuit of fame of American Idol (-worship), Glee, Gossip Girls and other vanities that most truly have no idea of the real world around them. We may have literally protected many of them to death, because their blissful ignorance will get them killed by not taking the threat seriously.

Nevertheless, no one should be deluded into thinking this act of retributive justice will make us any safer. To the contrary, new threats are already appearing from Muslims who can't quite get the hang of "what goes around, comes around." There are groups of Muslim radicals such as Hezbollah which have already set up operations at and across our border.  Certainly, there will be more attacks against unsuspecting civilians, unwary military targets, and if they get the opportunity, against our economic centers and infrastructure. But lest you fret too much over the next act of "revenge," keep in mind that they never rest from finding new ways to kill us, so any new threat is merely a mask over the old ones. All the more reason to keep our heads on a swivel, be aware and be as mentally and physically prepared as possible.

"Shrink-wrapped" freedom of speech?

Happy Memorial Day! 
Enjoying your freedom (or what's left of it)?  Thank him. And thank Him for such men of valor.
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Have you ever looked around you and thought to yourself; "Did I just enter a parallel universe? Because nothing seems the same as it did yesterday."  Some of the most ominous of those sorts of feelings come from the glaring similarities of our time to past dark periods of history. It's literally as though we haven't learned a thing from thousands of years and millions of deaths.

Take, for example, the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Apparently the learned authors of this weighty tome have suddenly come to the conclusion - based on science, of course - that people with "negativistic, defiant, disobedient and hostile behavior toward authority figures" are somehow deranged. Does this mean that at some future point the government will arrest and detain "rebellious" citizens, perhaps indefinitely? It's not as though similar things haven't happened before. In fact, most of our current malAdministration can trace their own lives back to a conscientious rebellion against authority. Of course, it seems like now the rules must be changed since they honed their bona fides and became the authorities.

In Nazi Germany, psychiatrists were instrumental in setting up a system that sent hundreds of thousands of people to their deaths in concentration camps, or by lethal injection, or gassing, or starvation. In the former Soviet Union even as late as the 1980s, according to the scholarly paper Political Abuse of Psychiatry in the Soviet Union and in China, "it was not uncommon to hospitalize persons who were not mentally ill and whose only transgression had been the expression of political or religious dissent. Most of the patients interviewed by the delegation had been charged with political crimes such as 'anti-Soviet agitation and propaganda' or 'defaming the Soviet state.' Their offenses involved behavior such as writing and distributing anti-Soviet literature, political organizing, defending the rights of disabled groups, and furthering religious ideas."

Now, how does all that stack up against the vitriolic hatred levelled against the Tea Parties and other conservative groups? Time will tell, but when scheming madmen are in charge of every part of government, and especially when they see their power threatened by the people, the potential for monstrous abuse cannot be ignored or underestimated.  It's not much of a stretch to imagine our government threatening to lock "anti-government" types up indefinitely in mental institutions to silence dissent.  Such tactics work well in conjunction with rules to control freedom of the press and the internet, to stifle dissent.

Patience, my ass!  Our Commander-in-Chief -- you know, the one that was given the Nobel Peace Prize (for doing nothing) -- is reportedly sending at least 2 US Navy carrier groups to the region around Iran.  He's also ratcheting up our presence in South Korea in the wake of revelations that a sub from North Korea - that model of a socialist paradise - torpedoed a South Korean Navy vessel.  Not that I disagree with defending South Korea, since they have been a trustworthy ally for many years; but Obama has been working hard to give the world the impression that America (or at least, our leadership) is a 'paper tiger', and that can't bode well for us among friends and enemies alike.

I don't know how this will eventually pan out, but after bowing and scraping before tyrants around the world, putting us officially into the poorhouse, demoralizing our troops, emboldening our enemies, setting the stage for a dictatorical takeover and threatening to destroy the cultural fabric and economic engine of America, President Obama may now be preparing to mimic the ultimate Progressive model: he's becoming FDR and is now preparing for war (never mind the one we're slowly losing already), to fight our way out of a depression and to transfer the people's discontent to a foe other than our own government. A despicable, but time-proven tactic.  This may be the summer of discontent. Better plant your 'victory garden' now.

Pulling a fast one.  In a move to pre-empt a Republican plan to push several amendments for strengthening border security, President Obama suddenly decided to send 1,200 troops to our southern border. The number of troops falls far short of the 6,000 the Republicans are demanding, and they would only be used in support roles, not direct enforcement of the law.  It's more show than substance, and Republicans plan to go forward with their amendments. 

While we're on the topic of our military; Obama plans to skip the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, instead opting for a long weekend in Chicago.  VP Joe Biden will deal with that boring cermony in his stead. Hey, really; what's one more dismissal by the Commander-in-Chief of those who put it all (and many who have given all) on the line to keep the rest of us safe?  Seriously, it just proves once again that rank or political position is no indicator of honor or integrity.

Say it ain't so, Joe!  Speaking of the VP, Joe "the Gaffer" Biden was recently in Brussels, Belgium, where he once again showed his (lack of ) fitness for the office by telling the audience that Brussels is the "home of freedom".  See; this is what happens when you forget to tell people who take an oath to "protect and defend" that it doesn't mean "defect and pretend."  What's more egregious about this is that it wasn't an off-the-cuff remark; it was part of a prepared speech. But we certainly can't go around questioning liberal/Progressive/Democrat/socialists' patriotism, can we? I mean, they keep telling us we can't.

Our hidden history.  Whether or not you are a fan of Glenn Beck, any reasonable observation of his work will show clearly that he is: (a) passionate about what he believes, (b) in search of honor and truth, (c) crazy enough to believe that others may feel the same way he does.  Despite being put in the "death-knell" timeslot of 5-6 pm on Fox News Channel, Beck's program has become among the two or three top-rated cable news shows on any network,and he absolutely obliterates the other so-called news networks in any time slot. Even so, his own highest ratings are coming from an unexpected source.

Recently he began a series called "Founder's Fridays."  They have turned out to be consistently getting two to three times his normal high ratings. If nothing else, it proves that Americans are starved for the truth about our nation and our history.

On each episode he highlights the history that has been deliberately taken out of our schools, leaving generations with no clue of the amazing and exceptional form of government the Founding Fathers and others sacrificed so much to give us.  This week was perhaps the most powerful episode yet; it showed the incredible contributions of American blacks - many but not all of them former slaves - and the some of the white Americans who worked so hard to insure that everyone would have equal opportunity and not be made to feel inferior or victimized.  You'll also learn how our history was deliberately erased and rewritten with a totally foreign (to the truth) narrative. Fox News is also providing an extra after-the-show segment that adds a Q & A segment from the live audience that blows many of them away.  Do yourself a favor and watch these programs. And if you're too wrapped up in hatred one way or the other, you may want to rethink where that comes from.

An offer he could refuse.  Kudos to Democrat Rep. Joe Stesak, who has publicly said "No!" to an Obama offer of a cabinet-level job if he would gracefully bow out of the PA election which eventually cost Republican-turned-Demoncrat Arlen Specter his seat. The offer was presented by none other than Bill Clinton, at the end of a tangled highway that ran through Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. Stesak's disclosure has caused a great rush of emergency PR bandaging in an effort to stave off serious political and legal repercussions.  Robert Gibbs, frontman for "the most transparent administration in history" fended off 13 consecutive questions from ABC's Jake Tapper during a news conference - which is more appropriately termed a news briefing.

Send In The Clowns

I'd bet up till now you've taken our president seriously, if not enthusiastically. Well, apparently we've got to change that perception. On July 14th, the Obama malAdministration (through the Treasury Dept.) put out a solicitation for "qualified contractors". This 'job opportunity' required that, "The Contractor shall conduct two, 3-hour, Humor in the Workplace programs that will discuss the power of humor in the workplace, the close relationship between humor and stress, and why humor is one of the most important ways that we communicate in business and office life." I especially appreciated how the solicitation called for potential contractors to "provide their DUNS, if applicable." I wonder how many dunces applied.

Hey, maybe it was necessary to remind government workers how to laugh, since the mainstream media pundits seem to find so little to make fun of in this government, and conservatives are finding very little to laugh about. Ah, but some bedwetter in the admin saw the potential for this to bring more guffaws to the President's door, and the whole idea for the Humor In The Workplace contractor was quashed on Friday. And all this time you probably thought the Treasury Dept was just sitting back laughing at the voters. Who knew?

Great video clip! Some clever and talented folks have put together a unique and hilarious video clip that sets some of the ongoing political acrimony to a snappy tune. Prepare to get your news and get funky at the same time. Perhaps this is what it will take to get America's youth interested in what's really going on.

Mean streets. Listening to the president, you might be led to believe that his plan will make life hunky-dorry (whatever that means); but actually, things are getting harder and more cruel. Take, for example, the lack of compassion that greets the homeless in America's meanest cities.
As corporations are fractured, and government is making the normal conduct of businesses so difficult that they are forced to downsize - and downsizing revenues as well - some major cities are taking it out on the dispossessed workers who find themselves without a home. As the needy class begins to overwhelm the public support system, and the loss of tax incentives dries up charitable missions and organizations, more and more people are finding themselves living on the streets, sometimes sleeping in their cars (if they can still afford them). But city cops are adding injury to insult by ticketing and arresting the unfortunate ones for making the most of circumstances. A good reminder that "government compassion" is an oxymoron.

Angry Americans. Although you won't see much of the rapidly growing discontent on the nightly news (except on Fox News commentary shows) a lot of ordinary folks are beginning to speak up, whether at the TEA parties or simply at the occasional town hall meeting. A popular question that keeps popping up is "Where is Obama's birth certificate? Good questions don't die easily, and they send the politicians scurrying for an out.

Meanwhile, at another town hall even where HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebellius spoke, one member of the audience got his point across. Moments like this encourage me. More and more Americans are waking up, and showing that they aren't ready to "go quietly into the night."

The real agenda? Every Glenn Beck program is a rollercoaster ride into facts that don't generally make the nightly news, but he recently admitted to an epiphany of sorts, wherein he believes he has discovered what's really driving the Obama agenda. He went into far more detail on his radio program earlier, but the video boils it down nicely. To put it mildly, the plan has nothing to do with equality.

Go, Joe! VP Joe Biden hit another chord on his personal gaff machine when he told an audience that we should spend more money to prevent bankruptcy! Somehow, the logic of that approach didn't translate well in the latest unemployment figures. I don't know about you, but while that theory may work for small businesses (which the White House is trying to put out of business) spending more money isn't likely to get my family, or yours, out of debt. Unless, of course, there's a convenient Ponzi scheme handy. But the government already has that one wrapped up, too.

We're Doomed!!!

Hello, there. Yes, it's me; Mr. SmileyFace, the good news guy...I wish.

It seems that every day we wake up and find out that this malAdministration has done something else to weaken us and send us closer to the edge of oblivion. This time we begin with the Vice President, Joe "Mighty Mouth" Biden. As potential leader of the country and caretaker of national security (shiver!) , you'd think the VP would have a greater ability to zip the lip. But noooo; he can't let an opportunity to give away secrets slip by. He actually blabbed about the location of the secret bunker used to protect the VP during emergencies, to a gathering of reporters, no less. It undoubtedly cost many millions of dollars to construct and upgrade the bunker after 9-11, and was used to house Dick Cheney during those attacks. Unless Joe likes the thought of being housed in a bulls-eye during the next crisis, his disclosure means now they'll have to build another one somewhere else, on our tab. As it is, Joe is being shuffled around -- and out of sight -- since the faux pas.

Incidentally; because this is the Memorial Day weekend, I thought it appropriate to provide you with a very special link: free audio of Glenn Beck's Memorial Day tribute. Turn it up and remember that someone else paid dearly for what we take for granted. Next time you see a serviceperson, thank them.

And if you want to see a dimension of the holiday that most of us miss, I urge you to check out the HBO video Taking Chance (now available at iTunes). It is based on a true story, and stars Kevin Bacon in an unforgettable role as a Marine Major who volunteers to escort the body of Chance Phelps, a young PFC killed in Iraq in 2004. Bring your hanky and your soul; both will be wrenched.

Got Cookies? The Girl Scouts used to be a breeding ground for good, wholesome women who could handle themselves in the home or the workplace by building skills and self-confidence, while instilling the young women with a reverence for the God of the Bible and a respect for America. But, like other popular social institutions, that image is changing. Nowadays, Girl Scouts are more likely to be deeply immersed in feminism, secularism, sexual behavior (including lesbianism) and "family planning" (aka abortion).

Unlike the Boy Scouts which have risked all to preserve their tradition-based integrity and founding principles, national Girl Scout leaders have succumbed to political correctness and social engineering, having been infiltrated by feminists and lesbians. Rather than getting instruction on homemaking from successful mothers, the organization now looks to socially popular lesbians and Planned Parenthood for life lessons. I think you can guess where that path often leads.

Fortunately, there is now a constructive alternative to the leftward/downward agenda: Patti Garibay, formerly involved with the GSA for 19 years, has formed American Heritage Girls as an alternative for Moms who don't want their little girls growing up like Madonna or Rosie O'Donnell.

As much a ministry as a social organization, their 'purpose' page states, "While AHG’s mission statement is to 'Build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country', we recognize that our overall mission as part of God’s family is the Great Commission, as commanded by our Lord, Jesus Christ." If you have a church, you might consider bringing this concept forward and promoting it. Today's young women need more positive role models, and none is more positive than Jesus, who happens to be the original women's liberator.

The rules dictate the results. It may come as a surprise to many, but according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest unemployment rates typically occur in so-called 'red states' which lean toward conservatism (the Republican Party should keep that in mind). While some pundits credit that finding to political contests (including laid-off workers switching parties), I think it may be the result of less state government intrusion, lower taxes that keep the states business-friendly, right-to-work rules that limit the influence of unions, and generally happier workers who are more productive. But then, what do I know?

Get lost! I recently used a GPS device to find a really out-of-the-way friend's house, and it worked without a hitch, delivering me 'virtually' to his doorstep. That capability may degrade as soon as next year, according to a new report. Not only would everyone from FedEx to enhanced 911, and ships and planes begin stumbling around trying to find their destinations (like ports or airfields, for example), our military has a critical need for GPS for navigation and targeting. There is no other system presently available that is as dead-on accurate. Apparently, the looming national security problem is being blamed on systemic neglect on the part of the Air Force, which maintains the system and is struggling to complete a $2 billion upgrade before the entire system collapses. Meanwhile, they warn us to prepare for outages or errors. My advice: buy a good map and compass, and learn to use them. Hey - they worked fairly well for nearly a thousand years, and you don't have to worry about a battery (or satellite) failure.

Finding the moral compass. A recent Gallup poll illustrates the schizophrenia of modern American morality. While it shows a moderate to significant decrease in public approval of social issues such as divorce , abortion, gambling, embryonic stem cell research and premarital sex -- which are all very positive signs -- support for suicide remains the same at 15%, and acceptance of homosexuality actually increased by 1%.

What this indicates to me is that we are slowly getting our message out, but the other side isn't caving, and we must remain diligent. there is a lot of moral 'inertia' to overcome. While many of us have a biblical basis for our beliefs, a lot of people today don't have that faith-based moral foundation. For those folks, we have to offer reasoned responses and avoid resorting to hateful diatribes that push emotion and anger over common sense. Angry people don't listen, they shout, or they shut you out.

Enjoy your holiday, and again -whether you're partying or just resting - remember those who died to make it possible.