Deleted Posts

Sorry for the weak posts recently. I posted two videos, and both failed to run, so they are gone. Thanks to FTGF for confirming the failures.

ARGH!!! We'll be looking into other blog services this week.

To all my bros,

YUT YUT Semper Fi! Devildog, do or die! OORAH!

Go Navy!

Gawfer Clarified

Posted by Anna at ARoseByAnyOtherName

Gentle Warrior
September 27th, 2006 at 9:49 pm (Photographs, War on Terror, Heroes)

This is an email that came from Trish, a frequent commentor here on the blog. And it really needed to be shared! (The original email was dated just two days ago 9/25)
Got a tough, but heartwarming story and a picture of John Gebhardt in Iraq.




For those that did not know John, he was our former Med Group Chief…Dave Nordel replaced him.

Anyway, his wife talked with mine last evening and sent this picture. Mindy related that this little girl’s entire family was executed…they intended to execute her also and shot her in the head…but they failed to kill her. She was cared for by John’s hospital and healing up, but has been crying and moaning. The nurses said John is the only one she seems to calm down with, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both sleep in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing.
John comes home in early October.
LaMarr (CMSgt Conley)

Which was followed by these comments:

Picture and write up says it all. Pass along.
TEAM: FYI, Outstanding stuff from your former Chief…This is why we do what we do!!
ONE TEAM! ONE FAMILY! ONE FIGHT!
David (LtCol Nelson)

Thought you would enjoy this, David worked with the Chief, read the message below. This picture really does show how much people give of themselves over in Iraq, too bad the media doesn’t share this kind of story.
Deedee (Nelson)

OK, for all my moonbat visitors who think my blog is about bigotry and hating Muslims, Take note. Gawfer is about protecting America and its own at all costs. That includes killing bad guys before they kill us, and defending the defenseless such as this young las!

I contend it is Islam that perpetuates this kind of violence, and is fueled by the liberal free thinkers of this nation.

We the strong must then step up to eliminate the threat that Islam poses to all mankind, including there own as this story illustrates. That occasionally means fighting a bloody war that kills our own. That sucks, but that is why war is the last and final option. Once we go to war, there is no more talking no more negotiations. We fight to win. We kill the enemy without remorse. And we as American civilians put aside our selfish desires to support those who do the fighting.

So get over yourselves, and stand up to be counted as one who loves his freedom, and is willing to die for it.

So how far will the left go in an attempt to embarrass the President?

This is a recent chain email currently in circulation that was obviously generated by someone who has no honor, integrity or self respect, and is as Anti-American as Chavez himself.

Snopes.com
CITGO

Claim: E-mails urge Americans to buy Citgo brand gasoline.
Status: Multiple.
Examples: [Collected via e-mail, 2006]

Looking for an easy way to protest Bush foreign policy week after week? And an easy way to help alleviate global poverty? Buy your gasoline at Citgo stations.

And tell your friends.

Of the top oil producing countries in the world, only one is a democracy with a president who was elected on a platform of using his nation's oil revenue to benefit the poor. The country is Venezuela. The President is Hugo Chavez. Call him "the Anti-Bush."

Citgo is a U.S. refining and marketing firm that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company. Money you pay to Citgo goes primarily to Venezuela — not Saudi Arabia or the Middle East. There are 14,000 Citgo gas stations in the US. (Click here to find one near you.) By buying your gasoline at Citgo, you are contributing to the billions of dollars that Venezuela's democratic government is using to provide health care, literacy and education, and subsidized food for the majority of Venezuelans.

Instead of using government to help the rich and the corporate, as Bush does, Chavez is using the resources and oil revenue of his government to help the poor in Venezuela. A country with so much oil wealth shouldn't have 60 percent of its people living in poverty, earning less than $2 per day. With a mass movement behind him, Chavez is confronting poverty in Venezuela. That's why large majorities have consistently backed him in democratic elections. And why the Bush administration supported an attempted military coup in 2002 that sought to overthrow Chavez.

So this is the opposite of a boycott. Call it a BUYcott. Spread the word.

Of course, if you can take mass transit or bike or walk to your job, you should do so. And we should all work for political changes that move our country toward a cleaner environment based on renewable energy. The BUYcott is for those of us who don't have a practical alternative to filling up our cars.

So get your gas at Citgo. And help fuel a democratic revolution in Venezuela.

It is nice to know however, 7-Eleven is breaking ties with Citgo

7-Eleven Dropping Venezuela-Backed Citgo

DALLAS (AP) - 7-Eleven Inc. is dropping Venezuela-backed Citgo as its gasoline supplier after more than 20 years as part of a previously announced plan by the convenience store operator to launch its own brand of fuel.

7-Eleven officials said Wednesday that the company’s decision was partly motivated by politics.
Citgo Petroleum Corp. is a Houston-based subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-run oil company and 7-Eleven is worried that anti-American comments made by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez might prompt motorists to fill-up elsewhere.

Chavez has called President George W. Bush the devil and an alcoholic. The U.S. government has warned that Chavez is a destabilizing force in Latin America.

“Regardless of politics, we sympathize with many Americans’ concern over derogatory comments about our country and its leadership recently made by Venezuela’s president,” said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris.

H/T: TexasFred

Bring Me Your Tired, Your Weak, Your Gay

This is funny stuff.
H/T: Kate

DennisYork
All of the great philanthropists have found a cause to champion, and I plan to be no different. Mother Theresa will be a saint one day because of her work with the poverty stricken children of Calcutta. Andrew Carnegie donated money to build 2,500 public libraries (where I can now check out "Jackass: The Movie" for free). Marion Barry personally worked day and night to rid the streets of crack cocaine and hookers (by keeping them all in his hotel room).

You may ask to which particular group I have suddenly become sympathetic. It's a group of hopeless, downtrodden individuals that have little chance of success in life. I am talking, of course, about ugly gay people...

read the entire article Here

What is your personality Type

Hat Tip: MajorDad

Once again, the NYT attempt to undermine the Security of the United States, Only this time they get 'Punk'd'

NewYorkTimes

Spy Agencies Say Iraq War Worsens Terrorism Threat
By MARK MAZZETTI
Published: September 24, 2006

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 — A stark assessment of terrorism trends by American intelligence agencies has found that the American invasion and occupation of Iraq has helped spawn a new generation of Islamic radicalism and that the overall terrorist threat has grown since the Sept. 11 attacks...

This is how the article began, and once again, classified documents were leaked to the New York Times. But clearly, they either chose to flat out lie to the American Public, or Ashton Kutcher 'Punk'd' their butts big time.


Iraq a 'Cause Celebre' for Extremists, Intel Report Says
Tuesday, September 26, 2006

FoxNews
"Some people have, you know, guessed what's in the report and have concluded that going into Iraq was a mistake. I strongly disagree. I think it's naive," Bush said during a news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in the East Room of the White House.
"I think it's a mistake for people to believe that going on the offense against people that want to do harm to the American people makes us less safe," Bush said.
The president, responding to a reporter's question about the report, said he was declassifying part of the NIE because he wanted the public to be able to read the conclusions without filters that "create confusion in the minds of the American people."

The actual report that was declassified by President Bush today:
FoxNewsDeclassified document

Declassified Key Judgments of the National
Intelligence Estimate .Trends in Global Terrorism:
Implications for the United States. dated April 2006
Key Judgments

United States-led counterterrorism efforts have seriously damaged the leadership of
al-Qa’ida and disrupted its operations; however, we judge that al-Qa’ida will continue to
pose the greatest threat to the Homeland and US interests abroad by a single terrorist
organization. We also assess that the global jihadist movement—which includes al-
Qa’ida, affiliated and independent terrorist groups, and emerging networks and cells—isspreading and adapting to counterterrorism efforts...

...We assess that the Iraq jihad is shaping a new generation of terrorist leaders and
operatives; perceived jihadist success there would inspire more fighters to continue the struggle elsewhere.
The Iraq conflict has become the .cause celebre. for jihadists, breeding a deep
resentment of US involvement in the Muslim world and cultivating supporters for
the global jihadist movement. Should jihadists leaving Iraq perceive themselves,
and be perceived, to have failed, we judge fewer fighters will be inspired to carry
on the fight...

In other words, Iraq is very crucial to the war on terror. Our success or failure now will determine future outcomes.

Read the entire report in PDF Here

Update: Attempting damage control, the NYT just released this Article a few minutes ago.
Backing Policy, President Issues Terror Estimate
By MARK MAZZETTI 6 minutes ago

Funny thing, before I toggled back to this page, the Title was 'Combative Bush Issues terrorist Estimate'. I tried to copy it, but it strangely disapeared before I could. Must be aliens.

So here's my take:

Step aside Enquirer, The New York Times is the new 'big kid on the tabloid block', and Enquiring minds wanna know. I'd really like to know if that lady ever had her alien baby.

ACLU Condemn State Department’s Decision to Deny Visa To Radical Islamic Scholar

Here ya go Dave:

Via ACLU:

Groups Condemn State Department's Decision to Deny Visa to Oxford University Professor Who Criticized U.S. Policies

NEW YORK - The United States government has denied a visa to Oxford University Professor Tariq Ramadan despite dropping its previous allegation that he endorsed terrorism, the American Civil Liberties Union announced today.

The ACLU, American Academy of Religion, American Association of University Professors, New York Civil Liberties Union and PEN American Center sued the government for preventing their members from meeting with Ramadan and hearing constitutionally protected speech. The lawsuit came after the government invoked the Patriot Act's "ideological exclusion" provision to prevent Ramadan from accepting a teaching position at the University of Notre Dame in 2004.

The provision applies to those who have "endorsed or espoused" terrorism, but government attorneys failed to produce any evidence showing that Ramadan had done so."Although the U.S. government has found a new pretext for denying Professor Ramadan's visa, the history of this case makes clear that the government's real concern is not with Professor Ramadan but with his ideas," said ACLU attorney Jameel Jaffer, who is lead counsel in this case. "The government is using the immigration laws to silence an articulate critic and to censor political debate inside the United States."

Read ACLU press release Here

John Stephenson writes:

"This case demonstrates yet another dimension to the dementia. It's unsurprisingly hypocritical that the ACLU would represent someone who promotes Islamic law and education. What happened to their spirited defense of the sacred "wall of separation?" I guess their Hierarchy of Anarchy places the violent overthrow of Western Civilization above "women's rights," "gay rights" and "free speech." (Except, when the "right" of free speech is taken to mean that the US must allow a terrorist supporter into the country so professors may hear him).

The real question has nothing to do with the government putting a silence to "political criticism". The real question is why the ACLU wants this guy to teach his anti-American jihadist philosphies to our children."

Chicks Carrying Guns and Kicking Tail

By Mary-Kathrine-Ham
Monday, September 25, 2006

No, I didn’t write that headline just to get you to click through to my column. All right, maybe I did a little, but there really is no better way to describe it.

Over the past couple weeks, there have been a couple stories floating around that just warmed my little heart, but they didn’t get a lot of attention, so I have decided to give them plenty. Do you wonder what kind of story it takes to warm my cold, conservative heart? Well, wonder no longer.

Exerpts from Mary Katherine:

...A North Carolina woman protected four lives this spring with one gun.

A pregnant woman was lying on the couch in her home when she heard the mini-blinds on her kitchen door rustle. Police say the woman, whose 1- and 3-year-old children were also in the home, got up to investigate and found a man trying to break in.

When she spotted him, he ran around the corner of the duplex to the front door and tried to kick it in. The woman warned the prowler that she had a gun. When he replied that he also had a gun, she shot at him and he returned fire. The intruder was hit in the chest and died on the way to the hospital. No one else was injured.

Maternal instinct.

Mom and Pop were not to be messed with in Atlanta, and 56-year-old Gloria Doster gave the reporter the quotes of a lifetime:

"I just started shooting," said Gloria Doster, 56. "I was trying to blow his brains out is what I was trying to do."

She said she tried to open the register, but one of the men told her she wasn't moving fast enough and tried to shoot her husband. He missed -- and his gun jammed.

At that point, Bobby Doster pulled out a .380-caliber handgun and shot one of the suspects. Gloria Doster then went for a 9 mm pistol she keeps near the register.

"All hell broke loose," she said. "I was trying to shoot and dial 911 at the same time."

Ruthless...

Read the entire article Here

These women are the people we, as Americans, and our enemies abroad need to hear about, but never do. Why is that? Because it's justifiable homicide, and is not a liberal talking point, so the MSM will not cover the stories. Are we to assume then, that Liberals would have us throw out all forms of self defense?

By forcing heavier gun controls on all Americans, they are certainly making it easier for would be attackers and criminals to be successful. As was said in an earlier post, a gun is no more to blame for violent crimes than a pencil is for misspelled words. Gun control should then be defined as using both hands and gently squeezing the trigger.

Bill Clinton Smacks Down Fox News

UPDATE:
EVIDENTLY, BUBBA DIDN'T LIKE THIS VIDEO EITHER!!! BAHAHAHAH!!!!




Well, the last time I remember President Clinton wagging his boney finger was when he was defending himself with the statement "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky". Funny thing, he was lying then too.

New York, New York

PeaceMoonbeam
September 23, 2006

I went to New York City this week so I could protest against Bush, and show support for Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as they all arrived to speak at the United Nations. These foreign leaders epitomize the strongest challenge to W and his attempts to conquer the world, so I wanted to cheer them on.

Imagine my excitement when I was invited by a very influential Democrat to a private cocktail party held to honor the visiting presidents at a very swanky New York hotel! I wish Scooter could have been with me and seen these two defenders of truth, as well as some of our country's most prominent Democrats. Someone said George Soros paid for the whole thing, but whoever did, they didn't scrimp: Cristal champagne, caviar, lots of little bean burritos for Hugo (he eats like four at a time), and copious amounts of goat potstickers for Ahmadinejad and his uni-browed entourage...

Read her entire post Here

She is quickly becoming one of my favorite spots to visit.

Terrorist Bloopers

For my friends at TerroristsForLiberals

Man, you guys really know how to cut it up!

What's in Gawfer's side bar these days?

I would like to draw your attention to a small video clip which I have embedded in my side bar near the top. I put it there for the viewing pleasure of all who think the Donks would have never put us in Iraq.

Be forewarned, it is graphic and embarrassing.

Hat Tip: Marie'sTwoCents

The Path to Hysteria My sin was to write a screenplay accurately depicting Bill Clinton's record on terrorism.

BY CYRUS NOWRASTEH Monday, September 18, 2006 12:01 a.m. EDT

OpinionJournal
I am neither an activist, politician or partisan, nor an ideologue of any stripe. What I am is a writer who takes his job very seriously, as do most of my colleagues: Also, one who recently took on the most distressing and important story it will ever fall to me to tell. I considered it a privilege when asked to write the script for "The Path to 9/11." I felt duty-bound from the outset to focus on a single goal--to represent our recent pre-9/11 history as the evidence revealed it to be. The American people deserve to know that history: They have paid for it in blood. Like all Americans, I wish it were not so. I wish there were no terrorists. I wish there had been no 9/11. I wish we could squabble among ourselves in assured security. But wishes avail nothing.
My Iranian parents fled tyranny and oppression. I know and appreciate deeply the sanctuary America has offered. Only in this country could a person such as I have had the life, liberty and opportunity that I have had. No one needs to remind me of this--I know it every single day. I know, too, as does everyone involved in the production, that we kept uppermost in our minds the need for due diligence in the delivery of this history. Fact-checkers and lawyers scrutinized every detail, every line, every scene. There were hundreds of pages of annotations. We were informed by multiple advisers and interviews with people involved in the events--and books, including in a most important way the 9/11 Commission Report.
Read the entire letter Here

This is very interesting. As Seaspook wrote, evidently free speech is not a liberal value. Of course it's not. It wasn't more than 6 months ago a young validictorian was censured for saying she credited her success in high school to living a Christian life. This recent attempt to kill a provovative movie was nothing more than another example of 'you can have free speech as long as it agrees with our agenda'.

Kudos to ABC and Disneyland... We'll be renewing our annual passes.

Proof Positive Politicians Pre-Existed Society

HT: Jake

ACLU argues voting rights for felons

ACLU Post: NJ Citizens on Parole and Probation Demand Right to Vote

New Jersey Citizens on Parole and Probation Bring Plea For Right to Vote to Human Rights Body (9/14/2006)FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: mailto:media@acluorg
ACLU and Rutgers Champion Basic Rights, Citing Racial Discrimination

NEWARK -- The American Civil Liberties Union and the Rutgers Law School Constitutional Litigation Clinic filed a petition today urging the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to rule that denying New Jersey citizens on parole and probation the right to vote violates universal human rights principles. "The premise of a participatory democracy is simple: that citizens are able and encouraged to participate. The cornerstone of participating in our democracy is the right to vote," said Laleh Ispahani, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU. "Ignoring the racial implications of denying blocks of people the right to vote violates basic democracy, fairness and human rights principles."

The premise of participatory democracy is simple: OBEY THE LAWS OF THE LAND, OR LOOSE YOUR RIGHTS TO PARTICIPATE! Is the ACLU hiring Junior High School kids to represent them now? Because even High School kids understand this principle!

Of the approximately 100,000 parolees and probationers subject to the state's felon-disfranchisement law, more than 60 percent are African American or Latino, which the ACLU and Rutgers say is in large measure a consequence of racial profiling in the criminal justice system. As a result, the political power of the African American and Latino communities in New Jersey is diluted because they are disproportionately excluded from voting.

Racial profiling? Could it be that the majority of people who commit crimes in that area are of those specific races? Maybe we should throw some "Token" white folks in the mix to show we are not discriminating.

Can somebody please tell me why the ACLU is still in existance? They are as anti-American as any Muslim nut job, and are quickly becoming a serious threat to our freedoms!

Pope Says He's 'Deeply Sorry' for Reaction to Islam Speech

FOXNEWS
Sunday, September 17, 2006

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday that he was "deeply sorry" about the angry reaction to his recent remarks about Islam, which he said came from a text that didn't reflect his personal opinion.

"These [words] were in fact a quotation from a medieval text which do not in any way express my personal thought," Benedict told pilgrims at his summer palace outside Rome.

The pope sparked the controversy when, in a speech Tuesday to university professors during a pilgrimage to his native Germany, he cited the words of a Byzantine emperor who characterized some of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Islam's founder, as "evil and inhuman."

"At this time I wish also to add that I am deeply sorry for the reactions in some countries to a few passages of my address at the University of Regensburg, which were considered offensive to the sensibility of Muslims," the pope said Sunday.

Benedict noted that the Vatican's secretary of state had issued a statement Saturday trying to explain the pope's speech.

"I hope that this serves to appease hearts and to clarify the true meaning of my address, which in its totality was and is an invitation to frank and sincere dialogue, with great mutual respect," Benedict said.
Read the entire article Here

First of all, I think there isn't a human alive that isn't sorry for the reaction of Muslims. We are ALL disappointed that they cannot express themselves in any way other than violent burnings of images of the Pope, or attacking embassies because of cartoons. This is just another example of why they cannot be reasoned with, which by the way includes negotiating. Walking on eggshells around a group of individuals is not my idea of peaceful existence.

And to all my liberal friends who stop by but don't comment, which one of these Muslims would you suggest we appease? Another question, is this also a GOP scam? Does this underwrite your idea that they really are a religion of peace?

Now, I am disappointed that the Pope said "it came from a text that didn't reflect his personal opinion". That sentence alone undermined the very essence of his speech.

Word on the street has it that even the European nations are growing weary of these violent outbursts. I'd say put the Muslims in preschool for their childish behavior, but Muhammad was a Pedophile and his teachings would certainly influence that behavior as well.

ACLU Goes After Toys R Us on Breastfeeding issue

This is another example of why I dislike the ACLU so much. It seems that after popping her boob out in the middle of the store, Chelsi Meyerson was approached by '5' store employees and was eventually asked to holster the mammary. I am a firm advocate of breast feeding, but modesty does have its place. I have seen several mothers over the past decades of my life use common sense while breastfeeding their children, generally a blanket over the exposed flesh sufficed. However, I have been exposed to the occasional mom who was really nothing more than an exhibitionist, flaunting the perpetrators.

Knowing the history of the ACLU, and the fact that they are seeking compensation from Toys R Us, leads me to believe this is nothing more than another scam to 'milk' large sums of money from corporate America.

Hat Tip: STOPTHEACLU.COM

ACLU’s own press release

Toys “R” Us Violates Law by Barring Breastfeeding in Store, NYCLU Warns (9/14/2006)FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: media@aclu.org
NEW YORK -- The New York Civil Liberties Union today warned the Toys “R” Us company that it violated civil rights law by telling a mother that she could not breastfeed her infant in a store.
"It's ironic that a store that caters to children would prohibit a mother from doing what is best for her child," said Donna Lieberman, NYCLU Executive Director. "One would think that Toys “R” Us would have moved past the puritanical notions that this incident reflects."
According to the NYCLU, on Monday September 11, a saleswoman approached Chelsi Meyerson after she began to breastfeed her seven-month-old son in an out-of-the-way section of the Toys “R” Us store on 42nd Street in Manhattan, where she was shopping with her family. The saleswoman informed Meyerson that she was not "allowed" to breastfeed in the store unless she moved to the basement and that her breastfeeding was "inappropriate" because there were "children around." When Meyerson asserted that she was in the right and refused to move, four more store employees began to harass her, and the original saleswoman called security.
"Breastfeeding is not a crime, and the right to breastfeed is simply not a right that I am willing to give up," Meyerson said. "This incident was humiliating and dismaying. I'm asking Toys “R” Us to guarantee that it will never happen again."
In a letter to the company sent today, the NYCLU sought a meeting with Toys “R” Us officials; an apology; appropriate compensation for Meyerson; and a written guarantee that Toys “R” Us would permit breastfeeding in its stores and would train its staff about the policy. Galen Sherwin, Staff Attorney for the NYCLU Reproductive Rights Project, added: "This is about public health, not public morality."
Twelve years ago the NYCLU lobbied for and secured the passage of a law that specifically establishes the right of all New York mothers to breastfeed in public. That statute, a section of New York State's Civil Rights Law, provides that "a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be." "Prohibiting public breastfeeding is bad public health policy -- and it's also against the law," said Elisabeth Benjamin, NYCLU Reproductive Rights Project Director. "Health care providers and the law agree that families who choose to breastfeed their children should be able to do so whenever and wherever necessary."
The NYCLU's letter is available at: www.nyclu.org/pdfs/toys_r_us_ltr_091406.pdf

Firearms Refresher Course

Sponsored by Gunz


1. An armed person is a citizen. An unarmed person is a subject.
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt---- The original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils must cause misspelled words.
7.' Free' people do not ask permission to bear arms.
8. If you don't know your rights you don't have any.
9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
10. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights reserved.
11. What part of 'shall not be infringed' do you not understand?
12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
14. Guns only have two enemies: rust and politicians.
15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
17. 911 - government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.
18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
19. Criminals love gun control -- it makes their jobs safer.
20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.
21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
22. You only have the rights you are willing to fight for.
23. Enforce the 'gun control laws' we have, don't make more.
24 When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
26. "..A government of the people, by the people, for the people..."

And ANYONE who seeks to eliminate our constitutional rights are considered an enemy of this Country! Rosie O'Idiot!

(Military Tribunals) A Soldier’s Open Letter To Congress And President Bush’s Staff

by Oak Leaf on 09-14-06 @ 10:25 pm
Filed under News

The Administration has created a Military Tribunal Plan that has widespread support within the Uniformed Military currently engaged in the Global War on Terror. Those in uniform, particularly the Combat Arms Field Grade ranks, are keenly following this subject. It is the “morning topic” in SW Asia, we are extremely aware and understand the stakes.

The House of Representatives is rightly acting upon that plan. Many “Oak Leafs” applaud our friends in the House. We will not forget them on November 7, 2006.

If Senators Warner, McCain, and Grahem alligned with Democrats continue to obstruct this well thought out plan that has the support of those Officers currently serving in the Global War on Terror it is up to both the House and the President to use all of it’s tools to win this battle for the troops. Yes, this is a battle for the troops.

John McCain, in particular, because he was a Prisoner of War in SE Asia, is not capable to offer an objective analysis on this subject. If legislation was “being created by a jury”, he would have been rightly removed from the juror pool.

It is incumbent on both the House and the Administration to move the “tribunal battle” from Washington to the many military posts around the United States and the globe. The Administration plan will be enthusiastically welcomed by troops in the field and the Senate will be embarrassed by what a minority of the majority has just approved to send to the Senate Floor.

In the manner that immigration field hearings were conducted, I urge the House to conduct field hearings at places like Ft. Benning, Ft. Bragg, Ft. Stewart, and the Navy War College.
I urge the President to go on a speaking tour touting the Administration plan at Ft. Drum, the US Army Command and General Staff College and in SW Asia.

Put the two plans side by side and ask the Captains, Majors and Colonels what is the best option to protect the security of the Nation because that is what American Citizens ultimately want to know.

The American People have a right, through the Congress, to “ask” those in Uniform which plan best guarantees the safety of their family and the Nation. Let us speak, I already know the answer that you will receive, it will shame the Senate and it will enlighten the Public.

Riddle me this Batman, why in the world is this even being discussed!? The Geneva Convention is a treaty signed by Sovereign States, and is intended to provide rules of engagement among 'Professional Militarys'. Al Qeada is NOT a Soveriegn State, and has NOT signed any treaty. They therefore, cannot be held to or receive benefits from an agreement that they NEVER participated in! Period!

Further, the war on 'TERROR' is a war against criminals that consider mass murder as success. In terms of killing INOCENTS such as yours and my children and/or spouces. They constantly seek to cause great harm at all costs, and are nothing more than criminals, plain and simple. And anyone who subscribes to their faith of Islam, but does not speak out against these horrific attacks are, in my opinion as guilty as Al Qeada! And that includes the Palestinians, the Sudanese, the Iraqis, the Iranians and any other country that cheered when we were hit.

WE NEED TO SQUEEZE EVERY ONCE OF INFORMATION OUT OF THE GITMO INMATES, AND THEN FEED THEIR SORRY BUTTS TO THE SHARKS!!!

Hat Tip: StoptheACLU

I would like to share a story with you about September 15, 2001.

As most of you know, I am Christian, and though I screw up frequently, I have a peace that passes all understanding because I know I stand justified by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and acknowledge Him as the Son of God. So the story begins.

Scheduled for September 14 and 15, 2001 was a Promise Keepers event in San Jose, CA., but as you may recall, all flights across this nation were grounded, thus stranding the majority of speakers scheduled to appear at the event. Rather than canceling, the organizers were able to secure some brilliant local pastors and speakers, so the event was able to occur with little trouble.

On Saturday the15th, the leadership did something a little unusual, participating in a live broadcast in concert with James Dobson, Bruce Wilkinson, John Maxwell and our P.K. event. It was televised around the nation as a day of prayer for the families and victims of 9/11, but was mostly informative of the current situation in New York.

At one point Bruce Wilkinson interviewed a pastor from the area near ground zero and asked him what were people doing. The pastor responded by saying that a lot of people had lost everything. Not only did they loose family and friends, but they lost all financial support as well. ‘The entire businesses where people were employed were just gone’ he said. ‘All records of pensions and benefits, everything that was associated with their well being had been destroyed’.

Bruce continued to question the Pastor and asked him what he had done specifically. The Pastor answered that he, as well as his entire congregation and most of the local churches had max’d out their credit cards with cash advances. The pastor specifically admitted to taking a cash advance of some $15,000.00 to give to folks.

It was about that time that I noticed something peculiar. A guy in the audience of the P.K. event walked forward to the stage and threw a hand full of cash down. Then a couple of others did the same, and the next thing I new the men were lining up and down both isles waiting to give what they had. Now keep in mind, this was totally spontaneous, nobody said a word, but the guys just kept coming. At one point, either John Maxwell or Jim Dobson interrupted the interview and directed the attention to the Promise Keepers event and all were amazed. A couple of guys got some buckets to put the cash in, but were completely overwhelmed as the pile of cash was now about 8’ in diameter, and about 6’ high. As I recall, there were about 18,000 men who were in attendance, but over $110,000.00 was given at that spontaneous offering.

I wanted to share this story to remind people of the unity this nation felt during those subsequent weeks and months after the attack, and urge us all to return to a spirit of resolve and determination to defeat the enemy that brought this fight to us. No matter what your politics are, unless you are totally insane, you must put the safety of our nation ahead of any selfish thoughts or desires, because there are people who have the resources to kill, and are continually looking for opportunities to spin their webs of destruction as soon as we go to sleep. So let this country stay awake and realize that diligence to this issue is paramount to our survival.

May God bless you, And may He continue to bless the United States of America.

Just a quick get away

I had a great time last night and today, spending it with my friend Bushwhack. I unfortunately was predisposed for work most of Thursday, and didn’t get to the Weston Resort until 5:30, but Bushy showed up about 2, and was able to get in 18 before dinner. After a good dinner, a shot of Glenmorangie 10 year old Scotch, and catching the last quarter and a half of the Steelers/Dolphins game (congrats Gunz) Bushy and I kicked back for the evening.

This morning was pretty uneventful, breakfast at a casino and then off to the Gary Player course at Weston for 18. We were blessed with decent weather (relatively speaking) and Bushy played stellar. His mastery around an unfamiliar track was impressive indeed, shooting a clean 75. The guy that showed up in my bag however, had to be a liberal! He couldn’t hit a shot, but could sure pass the blame, LOL!

Anyway, thanks again Bushy for the schooling, and well done holding your tongue. Dang, it’s hard playing a game that has a four letter name in the midst of a bunch of church goers… :)

Iraqi Gov't Takes Command of Armed Forces

FoxNews

Thursday, September 07, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq — For the first time since its defeat by U.S.-led coalition forces in 2003, Iraq is in command of its own armed forces.

"From today forward, the Iraqi military responsibilities will be increasingly conceived and led by Iraqis," top U.S. commander in Iraq Gen. George Casey said Thursday, after signing over command of Iraq's military to the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Miliki.

Al-Maliki now has complete control over the country's small navy and air force, and of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, based in the south.

"The Iraqi Army today is rebuilt again away from sectarian violence," al-Maliki said at the ceremony.
Read the entire article Here.

I am reminded of the movie Shreck when the Donkey was in the back of the wagon continually asking the eternal question "Are we there yet?"

From the onset of this war, President Bush was VERY CLEAR that it would be a long and arduous task, but we would NOT back down, and would stay the course set before us. To quote him directly, "Whether we bring our enemy to justice, or bring justice to our enemy, justice will be served."

But people in general seem to have short term memories, forgetting what they were told a relatively short time ago. So after about a year, we began to hear folks like John Kerry, Howard Dean, Diane Feinstein and company begin their renditions of "Are we there yet?"

Well boys and girls, we are not there yet, but as you can see, we are much closer now than we were three years ago. The "Puppet Government" as some of the lefty blogs call it (BTW, how did we convince all those purple fingered people do vote for our picks?) has now taken command of the military in Iraq, and as time progresses, will have an ever increasing roll in determining missions. Subsequently, our roll will decrease allowing us to focus on the next country that supports terrorism, and has presented itself as a threat to the existence of another Sovereign Nation, who happens to be our strongest ally in the middle east.

This in my opinion is splendid news indeed!

Kleenex Mandatory!

Maybe I'm getting a little soft in my old age, but if this don't bring a tear to your eye, then you're a headliner on the obituary page!

http://www.iwo.com/thetroops.htm

SEMPER FI!

9/11 Flag Flying

Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign.

We have a little less than one week and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America.

THE PROGRAM IS THIS:

On Monday, September 11th, 2006, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States.

Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this fifth anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Action Plan: So, here's what we need you to do.

(1) Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.




God Bless You and God Bless America!!

Americans will die for liberty

Hat Tip: guidons

This is an unusually pleasant read from someone outside of the United States. I was going to post a thank you, until I read some of the comments. I personally have a difficult time understanding why people who claim to be American continually trash the country that gives them the right to do so.

They behave as spoiled children, always feeling that they 'deserve more'. And America rewards them with welfare and Free Speech. Which leads me to the conclusion that being born in the United States does not make one and American. Birthright has very little to do with it.

But I digress, this post is about the article, not the whiners who embarrass those that fight for our Freedoms.

Good find Outlaw13.

Americans will die for liberty
By Andrew Gimson
(Filed August 8, 2006)

Telegraph.co.uk

As we took off from London for New York a few days ago, our three over-excited children asked if there was any chance of the plane being blown up. I explained that the likelihood of that happening was virtually zero, and wondered how we were going to maintain some semblance of order during the flight. One did not wish the sedate American passengers by whom we were surrounded to form the impression that British parents are unable or unwilling to impart the rudiments of good manners.

Luckily, American Airlines had provided a screen on the back of the seat in front of one's own, on which one could watch old movies. There was also a map showing how far we had gone, on which places of interest were marked. It began by showing only two places: London and Chartwell.

The Americans are more old-fashioned than us, and what is equally admirable, they are not ashamed of being old-fashioned. They know Churchill was a great man, so they put his house on the map. There is a kind of Englishman to whom this sort of behaviour seems painfully unsophisticated.


We are inclined, in our snobbish way, to dismiss the Americans as a new and vulgar people, whose civilisation has hardly risen above the level of cowboys and Indians. Yet the United States of America is actually the oldest republic in the world, with a constitution that is one of the noblest works of man. When one strips away the distracting symbols of modernity - motor cars, skyscrapers, space rockets, microchips, junk food - one finds an essentially 18th-century country. While Europe has engaged in the headlong and frankly rather immature pursuit of novelty - how many constitutions have the nations of Europe been through in this time? - the Americans have held to the ideals enunciated more than 200 years ago by their founding fathers.

The sense of entering an older country, and one with a sterner sense of purpose than is found among the flippant and inconstant Europeans, can be enjoyed even before one gets off the plane. On the immigration forms that one has to fill in, one is asked: "Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offence or crime involving moral turpitude?" Who now would dare to pose such a question in Europe? The very word "turpitude" brings a smile, almost a sneer, to our lips.

The quiet solicitude that Americans show for the comfort of their visitors, and the tact with which they make one feel at home, can only be described as gentlemanly. These graceful manners, so often overlooked by brash European tourists, whisper the last enchantments of an earlier and more dignified age, when liberty was not confused with licence.

But lest these impressions of the United States seem unduly favourable, it should be added that the Americans have not remained in happy possession of their free constitution without cost. Thomas Jefferson warned that the tree of liberty must be watered from time to time with the blood of tyrants and patriots. To the Americans, the idea that freedom and democracy exact a cost in blood is second nature.

We went to the fine new museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, devoted to the American Civil War. It was the bloodiest war in American history. Americans slaughtered Americans in terrible numbers before the North prevailed. You can look up the names of soldiers on a computer, and I found to my slight surprise that a man called Joseph Gimson served on the Union side as a private in the 37th Regiment of Coloured Infantry, and was "severely and dangerously wounded" in the battle of Northeast Station on February 22, 1865.

We stood at Gettysburg, scene of the bloodiest battle of all, on a field covered with memorials to the fallen. Here Abraham Lincoln gave his great and sublimely brief address, ending with the hope "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth".

Again some Europeans will give an unkind smile. All this sounds so Puritan, so naïve and so self-righteous. We cannot help feeling that the Americans ought to have been able to settle their quarrel without killing each other, and, while we cannot defend the institution of slavery, we wonder whether the North had the right to impose its will by force.

These are vain quibbles. The North went to war and was victorious.

The Americans are prepared to use force in pursuit of what they regard as noble aims. It is yet another respect in which they are rather old-fashioned. They are patriots who venerate their nation and their flag.

The idea has somehow gained currency in Britain that America is an essentially peaceful nation. Quite how this notion took root, I do not know. Perhaps we were unduly impressed by the protesters against the Vietnam war.

It is an idea that cannot survive a visit to the National Museum of American History in Washington, where one is informed that the "price of freedom" is over and over again paid in blood.

The Americans' tactics in Iraq, and their sanction for Israel's tactics in Lebanon, have given rise to astonishment and anger in Europe. It may well be that those tactics are counter-productive, and that the Americans and Israelis need to take a different approach to these ventures if they are ever to have any hope of winning hearts and minds.

But when the Americans speak of freedom, we should not imagine, in our cynical and worldly-wise way, that they are merely using that word as a cloak for realpolitik. They are not above realpolitik, but they also mean what they say.

These formidable people think freedom is so valuable that it is worth dying for.

Banned 1942 Cartoon

It's not hard to understand why this cartoon was banned, But it is very easy to see the relevance today. Treaties with terrorists mean nothing. And the biggest problem with liberals is convicing them there is evil in the world and they are in danger. They just don't seem to get it. There is NOTHING that can be gained from negotiating with Terrorists and countries that sponsor terrorism. Period.

Hat Tip to JAKE for finding this video and sending it to me.

An Interview with a Battle Hardened Marine

Over at CORPSBLOGGER, you will find an interview with a friend of mine who is known in the blogoshpere as JARHEADJOHN. JJ is a combat verteran who has taken the time to answer a few questions posed to him by Corps Blogger, and I highly recommend you take the time to read it. I have posted just a couple of exerpts below, but these in no way do justice to the interview. Warning, this is a graphic account of battle.

JJ, as a note from a friend, thank you for standing between the enemy and my family. Because of you and men like you, I enjoy the freedoms you fight for.
Semper fi!

Exerpts...
(CB) Can you describe what it
was like leading an invasion force into an enemy country? What you felt, did training kick in and you just did your job?

(JJ) This is a tough one. What to tell? What to keep back?

I quickly learned that war isn't glamorous, cool, or fun. It's just plain bad. I was scared to death much of the time. We took some wounded the first day, and it changed my whole attitude very quickly. I guess I realized that horrible things could very easily happen to me at any moment...

...I'm not sure how else to describe the emotion and sensations of combat. I don't think that the English language has the words to describe it. I'm sure that I don't have the ability to do it justice. There are countless combat veterans out there that will look at this and ask "Why didn't he talk about 'this' or 'that'?" We all went through our own private hell. I don't care how small, short, or "low intensity" a conflict is. The men that do the fighting experience the intensity that the common man will never even dream of. Fighting for one's life on a daily basis makes combat a universal experience. Sure, there are differences, but one thing remains: The fear of death. There's no getting around that...

(CB) What were some of the “stand out” moments on your way to Baghdad?

(JJ) ...As far as "stand out" moments, there's plenty to choose from. Sharing a meal with a shepherd and his son just outside of An Naseriah sticks out. There was a four-day halt to allow our supply lines to get better established, and we came across a sheep herder and his son (maybe his grandson?). I broke out a couple of MRE's and had a pleasant meal with them in a ditch beside the road. It really struck me as odd that I could have such a peaceful and comfortable moment like that in the middle of a war zone. The young boy told me that they were glad to see us because it meant that the Iraqi soldiers wouldn't be stealing their sheep anymore. The old man spoke no English, but the young boy could get his point across for the most part...

Read the entire INTERVIEW

COPRS BLOGGER HITS THE AIR WAVES

Our friends over at CORPSBLOGGER are now hosting a weekly talk radio show found at blogtalkradio, and asked if I could post this for my readers. Russ and David (dt0deen) are solid writers with a clear and concise perspective and message. I look forward to what they have to say, and am encouraging you to have a listen as well.

Good luck guys in your Radio endeavors!

So you want to date my daughter, eh?

I stole this straight up from Gunz. Clearly, he and I have the same disposition when it comes to boys calling on our daughters. Young men, this is required reading before the doorbell rings. If there are any questions remaining after reading this, it is obvious intellegent thought does not exist between your ears, and you are not welcome. Go home.

"Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine."


Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose his compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is "early."

Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my truck?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there are no parents, policemen, or nuns within eyesight. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws are okay. Football games are okay. Old folks homes are better.

Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. On issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a sand dune in a Middle Eastern Desert. When my PTSD starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit your car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.


APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER:

cut on line and return to Gawfer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name:___________________________ Date of Birth:______________________ Height:__________ Weight:____________ I.Q.___________ GPA:_________

Social Security Number:___________________

Driver's License #:____________

Boy Scout Rank:_______________________________________

Home Address:____________________________ City:____________________ State:____________________________ Zip Code:__________________

How fast can you run: 40 yards?_______________ 2 miles?___________________

Do you own a (A)Van?____ (B)Truck with oversized tires?_____ (C)Waterbed?_____

Do you have an earing, nose ring or belly button ring?__________ Tatoo?_________ NOTE: If you answered YES to any part of questions #8, discontinue the application process and leave the premises!

In 50 words or less, what does "LATE" mean to you?

_______________________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does "DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER" mean to you?

_______________________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does "ABSTINENCE" mean to you?

_______________________________________________________

Church you Attend:______________How often do you attend?_________

When would be the best time to interview your father, mother and minister?_________

Answer by filling in the blanks. Please answer freely. All answers are confidential. (That means I won't tell anyone, ever.) If I were shot, the last place on my body I would want to be wounded is the__________.

If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is___________________________.

A Women's place is in the _________________________.

The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is__________________.

In the unfortunate event of my untimely death, I would like______________to be contacted.

My greatest fear is__________________________________________.

When I first meet a girl, the first thing I notice about her is her___________________. NOTE: If the answer to the last question begins with a "B", discontinue the application process and leave the premises. Keeping your head low, and running in a serpentine fashion is advised.

What do you want to be "IF" you grow up?____________________________

Have you ever been fingerprinted?______ Had a DNA sample taken and recorded?_______

Your dentist is____________ Emergency phone #____________.

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT, UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, ELECTROCUTION

Sign Here in your own blood:___________________________

National Guardsman Brutally Attacked In Pierce County

POSTED: 4:33 pm PDT August 30, 2006
UPDATED: 6:15 pm PDT August 30, 2006
Hat Tip: Guidons
Source

PARKLAND, Wash. -- The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is searching for five people who allegedly attacked a uniformed National Guardsmen walking along 138th Street in Parkland Tuesday afternoon.

The soldier was walking to a convenience store when a sport utility vehicle pulled up alongside him and the driver asked if he was in the military and if he had been in any action.

The driver then got out of the vehicle, displayed a gun and shouted insults at the victim. Four other suspects exited the vehicle and knocked the soldier down, punching and kicking him.

And during the assault the suspects called him a baby killer. At that point they got into the car and drove off and left him on the side of the road, Detective Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

The suspects were driving a black Chevy Suburban-type SUV.

This is something new for us, we have not had military people assaulted because they were in the military or somebody's opposition to a war or whatever, Troyer said.

The driver is described as a white male, 25-30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, heavy build, short blond hair, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, and armed with a handgun.

The vehicle's passengers are described as white males, 20-25 years old. Some of the suspects wore red baseball hats and red sweatshirts during the attack.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and charging of the individuals involved. Informants can call 253-591-5959, and callers will remain anonymous.

Now I know the Northwest is very Liberal in their politics, and if that floats their boat, so be it. But Attacking a Soldier in uniform is beyond reprehensible. Not to mention a Federal offense. Clearly this attack was politically motivated, albeit by attackers who probably couldn't spell THAT.

But one is lead to ask, what in their history would cause them to behave in such a way? Could it be the liberal media consistently reporting a biased opinion? Could it be these young men have learned that laws are "mere guidelines" for behavior? Could it be that their view of Morality in general is subjective? Who knows. I think however, even liberals will find this behavior totally unacceptable... Right?