Fight for Me (Citizen Reign)

This is an oustanding presentation to honor those who fight for us!
H/T: Mary*Ann

Navy Vessel Nears Hijacked Ship

Military.com
Associated Press February 27, 2007
MOGADISHU, Somalia - A U.S. military vessel and three Somali police speedboats headed Monday toward a U.N.-chartered cargo ship that was hijacked by pirates after delivering food aid to northeastern Somalia, a senior police official said.

Police boats were within sight of the MV Rozen "but we asked them to stop going further because our biggest concern is the safety of the crew of 12 on board," said Col. Abdi Ali Hagaafe, police chief of Somalia's Bari region.

He said the Somali government had asked the U.S. Navy for help, and "they told us they have started to move towards the ship."

Lt. Denise Garcia, of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command based in Bahrain, confirmed that U.S. forces were in the area and monitoring the situation.

Somali pirates boarded the cargo ship Sunday and took the crew hostage, officials said. It was the third time since 2005 that a U.N.-chartered vessel was hijacked off Somalia's coast.

The MV Rozen was contracted by the U.N.'s World Food Program to deliver food aid to Somalia, where around 1 million people are suffering from a drought that hit the region last year.

The 1,880-mile coast of Somalia, which has had no effective government since warlords ousted a dictatorship in 1991 and then turned on each other, has become extremely dangerous for ships.

Somali pirates are trained fighters, often dressed in military fatigues, using speedboats equipped with satellite phones and Global Positioning System equipment. They are typically armed with automatic weapons, anti-tank rocket launchers and various types of grenades, according to the U.N. Monitoring Group on Somalia.

The bandits target both passenger and cargo vessels for ransom or loot, using the money to buy weapons.

Those pirates are gonna be hating life if there is a SEAL TEAM on board that Vessel.



Sneaky Bastards they are

Wednesday Hero!

This Weeks Soldier Was Requested By Echo9er

Sgt. Maj. Brent "The Rock" Jurgersen
Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division

Active Duty

Not even two near-death encounters deterred Sgt. Maj. Brent Jurgerson's passion and eagerness to serve his country and lead his troops back home.

Jurgersen celebrated his second "alive day" anniversary January 26, 2007. It was a day of mixed emotions for him because on that same day two years ago he was given a second chance to live. It was a day that changed his life forever. While on patrol in Ad Dyuliah, Iraq, two rocket-propelled grenades struck his Humvee. The explosion killed his gunner and left Jurgersen fighting for his life, flat-lining twice on the operating table in Balad.

Afterwards, during a promotion ceremony in August of 2006, Jurgersen was selected for a command sergeant major appointment. Becoming the first full limb amputee student to attend the academy.

You can read the rest of Sgt. Maj. Jurgersen's story here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.

Gathering of Eagles Press Conference

Please pay close attention to the speaker's description of the Anti-War protest groups that will be the focus. There is a very clear message that they have embraced... and it's not American.

http://gatheringofeagles.org/

Workers OK new pact at Harley plant

WHHEEWWWW!!!!! Huge exhale!

Most of you know I ordered a 2007 FLHX Patriot Edition StreetGlide (Navy Logo, see below) back in December, But when I called to get an update a few weeks ago, the saleman dropped the bomb! "Gawfer" he said, "I have some bad news. Though your bike has been built, Harley went on strike and there isn't anyone to load it on the truck. We're sorry but your bike won't ship until March given an agreement is reached."

Puddles and puddles of tears have been shed over the last few weeks, hoping against all odds that 'my precious' would find it's way here. Well yippie!!! an agreement has been reached. Put the bike on the truck and get it here NOW! And by the way, I want a bunch of free stuff now because of the heartache I've had to endure!

SaltLakeTribune
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Unionized workers at Harley-Davidson Inc.'s largest manufacturing plant overwhelmingly approved a new labor agreement Thursday, ending a strike that halted motorcycle production for three weeks.
Eighty-three percent of those who voted endorsed the contract, which calls for a 12 percent wage increase over three years, the union said in a statement. Starting wages for new employees will be lower, but they will be able to advance to the same maximum rate earned by current employees.
Nearly 2,800 workers at the plant in York had been on strike since Feb. 2. The union rejected a company contract proposal that provided 4 percent annual raises but reduced pay for new hires and lowered health-insurance and pension benefits.
The strike disrupted Harley-Davidson's national production and had ripple effects as far away as Wisconsin, where 440 employees were laid off Feb. 12. The walkout also forced many Harley suppliers to lay off workers.
Under the new deal, workers won't pay health care premiums, but their deductibles and co-payments will be higher, the company said. Also, the company will reduce its matching of optional contributions made by new employees to the pension plan.
''The agreement is an important step in managing costs that could be detrimental to the business over the long term if the company doesn't start to control them now,'' said Fred Gates, general manager of Harley-Davidson's York operations.

Former ACLU Chapter President Arrested for Child Pornography

ABCNews
February 24, 2007

By JACK DATE

Feb. 23, 2007— Federal agents arrested Charles Rust-Tierney, the former president of the Virginia chapter of the ACLU, Friday in Arlington for allegedly possessing child pornography.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by ABC News, Rust-Tierney allegedly used his e-mail address and credit card to subscribe to and access a child pornography website.

The complaint states that federal investigations into child pornography websites revealed that "Charles Rust-Tierney has subscribed to multiple child pornography website over a period of years."

As recently as last October, the complaint alleges, "Rust-Tierney purchased access to a group of hardcore commercial child pornography websites."

Complaint Alleges Access to Graphic Material

Rust-Tierney admitted to investigators that he had downloaded videos and images from child pornography websites onto CD-ROMs, according to the complaint.

The videos described in the complaint depict graphic forcible intercourse with prepubescent females. One if the girls is described in court documents as being "seen and heard crying", another is described as being "bound by rope."

The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and the Arlington County Police as part of the Northern Virginia and District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Rust-Tierney made an initial appearance in a federal court in Alexandria, VA, Friday. He is being detained pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 28.
Read the entire article here.

Now isn't it a coincidence that the ACLU has argued for legalizing child pornography as freedom of speech. This case was in 1982, so I'm guessing it was long before Rust-Tierney held his position, which stands to argue that there is an existing underlying philosophy at our ACLU that condones, nay encourages crimes against our children. That idea is not unlike the thought that children are "property" until they become adults which is very prevalent south of our border.

"The ACLU’s position is this: criminalize the production but legalize the sale and distribution of child pornography. This is the kind of lawyerly distinction that no one on the Supreme Court found convincing. And with good reason: as long as a free market in child pornography exists, there will always be some producers willing to risk prosecution. Beyond this, there is also the matter of how the sale of child pornography relates either to free speech or the ends of good government. But most important, the central issue is whether a free society should legalize transactions that involve the wholesale sexploitation of children for profit.”
The ACLU objects to the idea that porn movie producers be required to maintain records of ages of its performers; this would be ” a gross violation of privacy.”Quotes from Twilight Of Liberty"

H/T StopTheACLU

War vote could switch Senate power to GOP

From WorldNetDaily
Lieberman says he might become Republican if Democrats oppose funding troops in Iraq

Posted: February 22, 2007
5:00 p.m. Eastern
Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut said today while he has no immediate plans to become a Republican, he might change his mind if Democrats oppose funding the war in Iraq.

"I have no desire to change parties," Lieberman told the Politico. "If that ever happens, it is because I feel the majority of Democrats have gone in a direction that I don't feel comfortable with."

The Politico asked whether that hasn't already happened, as Democrats have focused their energies on passing a non-binding resolution condemning President Bush's plan to deploy an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq.

"We will see how that plays out in the coming months," he said, referring specifically to how the party handles war funding.

Read the rest of the article here.

The only thing I agree with Lieberman on is his take on the war. But if he choose's to switch sides, that could be advantageous in semantics. It would give the republicans the senate majority again.

Knowing Lieberman's character however, he is not likey to vote outside of his own convictions, so switching sides may be in name ONLY.

Gathering of Eagles Caravan

Beginning March 8th, Move America Forward will be leaving California for Washington D.C. with a cross-country caravan in support of our troops and their memorials.








Again, H/T ThirdWave Dave

Wednesday Hero!

Amanda - http://randomdreamer.wordpress.com


Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman
332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron


Staff Sgt. Kara Opperman performs a quality control check Feb. 13 on fuel coming out of a fill stand at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Sergeant Opperman ensures the fuel is safe and meets Air Force specifications before it is used for aircraft and equipment.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by going here.

Congressman Johnson (R-TX) Floor Speech (02.16.07)

A Real American Hero!

H/T Amy & ThirdWaveDave

A Letter to my Congresswoman

Below is the letter I emailed to my representative this morning regarding H. Con. Res. 63, and her continued support of our president. I feel it absolutely imperitive that we maintain contact with our Representatives and Senators. We are the constituency they serve, but for them to do the job we've commisioned them to do, they must know our thoughts. I was told recently that they view every letter or email they receive as a representation of 1000 voters each.


Dear Congresswoman Bono,

First, I would like to thank you for your recent letter acknowledging my correspondence. It is a welcome thought to know our concerns and opinions are actually being taken into account.

Secondly, I would like to affirm your position on the recent resolution brought before the house. H. Con. Res. 63 is in my opinion, a perfect example of an oxymoron. First, General Petraeus, with his expertise in developing strategy, was unanimously confirmed by congress. Then in a matter of days, a second vote followed, in essence, denying him the very resources he specifically asked for to do the job. He was very clear in his testimony that there are no guarantees, but felt there is an excellent chance for success. Almost all democrats and some 17 republicans used their vote as an opportunity to lash out against the President. But in actuality, they were wounding the man they had just voted for. During World War II, several huge mistakes were made. We didn’t win that war because of stellar leadership. We won because we as a people, set aside our differences and supported ONE leader, focusing on ONE goal, to win.

Congresswoman Bono, I am a Veteran of the United States Navy. I served from 1979 to 1985 as a jet mechanic working on P-3 Orions. Though I keep abreast of current politics, I have always been reluctant to speak out against our Commanders in Chief, even after they left office. I served while one of our worst CiC’s in history was in office, but to this day, I limit my comments because of the respect I hold for the position. I find it appalling and hurtful to hear the incendiary comments being made from the house and senate directed at our President all in the name of politics. This type rhetoric only emboldens our adversaries, and I do believe they listen very closely to what is being said on the floor. Imagine if you will how our enemies would feel if every Senator and Every Representative looked straight into the camera, and with an unwavering resolve said I support the president, and we’re coming to take you out.

So I encourage you to continue to support President Bush and his administration, working to show solidarity for him and this great nation of ours. And I as your constituent will continue to support you. Thank you for your service to me, our community, and to the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Gawfer(I used my real name in the email)

What Age do you Act?

You Are 33 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

H/T MajorDad

Jihad in Salt Lake?

Are we finally starting to recognize a devoping pattern?

I'm not sure we've seen the last of the "big Attacks" on the United States, but I do know that it is becoming ever more difficult to execute a major attack. What we are now seeing however, is an increasing amount of 'mini jihads' of sorts. Perhaps sleeper cells are being activated, or just fanatical individuals are gaining courage from the liberal rhetoric of defeatism. What ever the case, the war that is currently being waged abroad, is now finding its way onto our soil.

What event here will need to take place before the "Libtards" wake up to the realization that we MUST win in Iraq? 4 or 5 coordinated mini attacks? Perhaps a video tape of a beheading in a shopping mall parking lot? How about a suicide bomber in 7/11?

Who knows, but the enemy is here, and they continue to come. Dearborn Michigan seems to be drawing them from all parts of the country and the world.

I just have one thing to say: Pass the ammunition.

Salt Lake Jihad
By Robert Spencer
FrontPageMagazine.com

When Sulejmen Talovic entered the Trolley Square mall in Salt Lake City Monday night with a shotgun, a pistol, and a backpack full of ammunition, he intended to "kill a large number of people," according to Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank. Talovic killed five people and wounded four before he himself was killed by an off-duty Ogden police officer who happened to be in the mall.

Why did Talovic do it? No one knows. Talovic's aunt, Ajka Omerovic, told reporters : "We want to know what happened, just like you guys. We have no idea...We know him as a good boy. He liked everybody, so I don't know what happened." Talovic, who was eighteen at the time of the murders, was a Bosnian Muslim who came to the United States with his family in 1998 .

Could he have been motivated by jihadist sympathies?

FBI special agent Patrick Kiernan discounted that possibility . "We're working closely with the Salt Lake P.D. and we're obviously aware that that [terrorism] is a potential issue out there," he explained. "But at this point there is nothing that is leading us down this road." And with Talovic dead and apparently having acted alone, unless something he wrote explaining his actions is discovered, it is unlikely that his motive will ever be definitively known.

But was Kiernan really correct that "there is nothing that is leading us down this road"? Unfortunately, he didn't explain how he came to this conclusion. Talovic joins an unfortunately growing list of Muslims who have committed random acts of violence, only for officials to assure us that their actions have nothing to do with terrorism. Maybe none of them do, but the list is full of troubling details:

On January 31, Ismail Yassin Mohamed, 22, stole a car in Minneapolis. He went on a rampage , ramming the stolen car into other cars and then stealing a van and continuing to ram other cars, injuring one person. His father told officials that Mohamed was suffering from mental problems; his mother added he had been depressed and hadn't been taking his medication. During his rampage, Mohamed repeatedly yelled, "Die, die, die, kill, kill, kill," and when asked why he did all this, he replied, "Allah made me do it."

Omeed Aziz Popal, a Muslim from Afghanistan, who killed one person and injured fourteen during a murderous drive through San Francisco city streets in August 2006, during which he targeted people on crosswalks and sidewalks, identified himself as a terrorist after his rampage, according to Rob Roth of San Francisco's KTVU . Later the murders were ascribed to Popal's mental problems, and to stress arising from his impending arranged marriage .

On July 28, 2006, a Muslim named Naveed Afzal Haq forced his way into the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Once inside, Haq announced , "I'm a Muslim American; I'm angry at Israel," and then began shooting, killing one woman and injuring five more. FBI assistant special agent David Gomez stated : "We believe...it's a lone individual acting out his antagonism. There's nothing to indicate that it's terrorism-related. But we're monitoring the entire situation."

In March 2006, a twenty-two-year-old Iranian student named Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar drove an SUV onto the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, deliberately trying to kill people and succeeding in injuring nine. After the incident, he seemed singularly pleased with himself, smiling and waving to crowds after a court appearance on Monday, at which he explained that he was "thankful for the opportunity to spread the will of Allah." Officials here again dismissed the possibility of terrorism, even after Taheri-azar wrote a series of letters to the UNC campus newspaper detailing the Qur'anic justification for warfare against unbelievers, and explaining why he believed his attacks were justified from an Islamic perspective.

None of these were terrorist attacks in the sense that they were planned and executed by al-Qaeda agents. And it is possible that all of them were products of nothing more ideologically significant than a disturbed mental state, although it is at least noteworthy that each attacker explained his actions in terms of Islamic terrorism. As such attacks grow in number, it would behoove authorities at very least to consider the possibility that these attacks were inspired by the jihadist ideology of Islamic supremacism, and to step up pressure on American Muslim advocacy groups to renounce that ideology definitively and begin extensive programs to teach against it in American Islamic schools and mosques.

In October 2006, a pro-jihad internet site published a "Guide for Individual Jihad," explaining to jihadists "how to fight alone." It recommended, among other things, assassination with guns and running people over. Is it possible that Sulejmen Talovic and some of these others were waging this jihad of one? It is indeed, but with law enforcement officials trained only to look for signs of membership in al-Qaeda or other jihad groups, and to discount terrorism as a factor if those signs aren't there, it is a possibility that investigators will continue to overlook.

Shocking Senatorial Votes

The following senators voted against making English the official language of America :

Akaka (D-HI)
Bayh (D-IN)
Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Clinton (D-NY)
Dayton (D-MN)
Dodd (D-CT)
Domenici (R-NM)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murray (D-WA)
Obama (D-IL)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Salazar (D-CO)
Sarbanes (D-MD)
Schumer (D-NY)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Wyden (D-OR)

Now, the following are the senators who voted to give illegal aliens Social Security benefits. They are grouped by home state. If a state is not listed, there was no voting representative.

Alaska: Stevens (R)
Arizona: McCain (R)
Arkansas: Lincoln (D) Pryor (D)
California: Boxer (D) Feinstein (D)
Colorado: Salazar (D)
Connecticut: Dodd (D) Lieberman (D)
Delaware: Biden (D) Carper (D)
Florida: Martinez (R)
Hawaii: Akaka (D) Inouye (D)
Illinois: Durbin (D) Obama (D)
Indiana: Bayh (D) Lugar (R)
Iowa: Harkin (D)
Kansas: Brownback (R)
Louisiana: Landrieu (D)
Maryland: Mikulski (D) Sarbanes (D)
Massachusetts: Kennedy (D) Kerry (D)
Montana: Baucus (D)
Nebraska: Hagel (R)
Nevada: Reid (D)
New Jersey: Lautenberg (D) Menendez (D)
New Mexico: Bingaman (D)
New York: Clinton (D) Schumer (D)
North Dakota: Dorgan (D)
Ohio: DeWine (R) Voinovich(R)
Oregon: Wyden (D)
Pennsylvania: Specter (R)
Rhode Island: Chafee (R) Reed (D)
South Carolina: Graham (R)
South Dakota: Johnson (D)
Vermont: Jeffords (I) Leahy (D)
Washington: Cantwell (D) Murray (D)
West Virginia: Rockefeller (D), by Not Voting
Wisconsin: Feingold (D) Kohl (D)

Recognize anyone??? Send 'em a note expressing your position.

Courage then is the Answer

Most of you know I served in the USN just after Viet Nam, but you may not know that I was a Firefighter for about 4 1/2 years after my enlistment. I likened entering a building that was on fire with a certain amount of recklace abandon. In my heart of hearts, I knew that if I didn't get after that fire with EVERYTHING I had, there was a chance the fire would get after me. That was unacceptable. Choosing the battles was critical, but once the battle was chosen, it was all out, 100%.

Below is an exerpt from Mike Pence's speech given Tuesday on the floor. While listening to talk radio yesterday afternoon, and hearing this portion played, something Mike said rang true in my ears. Courage.

MikePence
..."Mr. Speaker, listening to this debate today and to the opposition to the 'surge' being espoused by the Democratic majority, I have begun to wonder…what if?


"I have made it clear that I support the “surge” and the President’s new strategy. My Democratic friends have made it clear that they oppose the 'surge' and the President’s new strategy, and that is their right. At this moment, a majority of Americans appear to be with the Democrats. But, what if?


"What if they're wrong?


"What if you're wrong?


"What if the 'surge' and General Patraeus and our brave men and women in Iraq succeed?


"My Democratic colleagues would do well to reflect on this truth: the American people hate losers, but they hate quitters even more. If this new strategy in Iraq succeeds, what will my friends in the Democratic party say?


"The truth is we must fight and win a victory for freedom in Iraq. We have no option but victory. In their hearts, the American people know this, and the American people are willing to make the hard choices to choose victory.


"Courage.


"Courage is the key.


"Courage is the watchword.


"C.S. Lewis said 'courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.'


"Courage then is the answer – not recrimination and retreat. We are at a moment when the American people and the Members of this body must take a stand. This is a moment for courage. Our brave men and women in Iraq exhibit courage every day. Let us, in this House, follow their lead and show them that courage still exists in Congress. Let us vote down this resolution and find it within ourselves to bring forward the resources and support necessary to see freedom win in Iraq."

Wednesday Hero!

Ellicia Stanley & her husband SPC Reid Stanley



I received and email from Wednesday Hero Blogroll member Mary Ann in which she suggested that I profile the spouse of a soldier. Seeing as I'd profiled one such spouse in the past, I though this was the perfect opportunity to do it again. I hadn't read the entire letter before I said yes, but after reading it I'm glad she sent it to me.

I think military families, especially the spouses, while they sign no contract, serve our country just as much as the service member. They give up familiar home ties and relocate all over the country, all over the world. They give up their civilian lives for something bigger than themselves. Ellicia was a military wife for only two and a half years. Before they married, but after 9/11, Reid came to her and told her of his desire to enlist. He wanted to do his part. He tells part of the story in his blog post
http://kafstorm.blogspot.com/2005/07/why-i-joined-army.html

She encouraged him, pushing him so he could meet his goal of serving his country. He did and took his oath in October 2002. By the time they were married in July 2004, Reid was already stationed in Germany. It was 3 months before she could join him there. In a move that, for someone who'd seldom left her hometown in South Carolina, must have come as quite an adjustment. But she did it, as do so many other military wives.

Then came deployment to Afghanistan in May 2005. They spent their first anniversary apart. Reid writes about that anniversary in this post
http://kafstorm.blogspot.com/2005/07/my-hero.html

It was in the sixth month of deployment when Ellicia received the news — she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Devastating. However, in an email to me on the day she received her diagnosis, the phrase she used was, "not stellar news". Understated, calm, steady, no hysteria, it was another challenge to face.

I came to admire her because, I too, had been away from home, (not to a foreign country), with a one small child (not three), and my husband traveling (not in a war zone). Knowing what my experience had been like, I was amazed at how she took it all in stride. Even when faced with a
terminal diagnosis, she faced it all with grace, dignity and humor. All the while supporting her husband, the mission and the country.

Reid was given compassionate leave back to Germany in November 2005. For the next thirteen months they fought their own personal war with cancer…breast, lung…and finally eleven tumors in her brain.

In November 2006 the Stanley's took compassionate reassignment back to the U.S. to Ft. Eustis, Virginia.

On 31 December 2006, Ellicia lost her battle. But her spirit lives on in her husband, her children, and the many people she inspired with her courage.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.

The Anatomy of an Oxymoron

H.CON.RES.63

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That-- (Introduced in House)

HCON 63 IH

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. CON. RES. 63
Disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 12, 2007
Mr. SKELTON (for himself, Mr. LANTOS, and Mr. JONES of North Carolina) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned


CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.


Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That--

(1) Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq; and

(2) Congress disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.

Extreme Home Makeover

Last night, my family and I watched the latest edition of
ExtremeHomeMakeover. As we sat listening to the story shared by Ty and his crew, I noticed that my family was rivoted to the TV.

With the U.S.M.C. Lima Company in dress blues, the Patriot Guard Riders lining the street, and the national anthem being sung with the police department color guard raising the U.S. flag in his front yard, I found myself in tears. Tears of sorrow for the lost and families of the lost, and tears of pride for our military and the selfless dedication this young man so bravely showed on September 11, 2001.

SEMPER FI! SGT. Thomas!


ABC
On September 11, 2001, Thomas helped rescue two police officers trapped in the debris from the fallen twin towers. Though he risked his life, he kept his identity a secret, as he felt he deserved no special recognition for his act of bravery. Thomas was living on New York's Long Island at the time of the attacks. When he heard the news, he skipped his criminal justice class, grabbed his Marine uniform and headed for the twin towers to help. With another rescuer, he saved the lives of two Port Authority police officers, then disappeared to the next task at hand.

His role came to light when he recently saw the trailer for the film World Trade Center, which featured the police rescue. Neither New York authorities nor the film's producers had been able to locate the man who identified himself at the site only as "Sergeant Thomas," and the film portrayed him as a white man, though he is black. When reporters tracked him down, he hesitantly came forward with his story. Now he is celebrated all over the country.

This hero served his nation in its time of need. Now it's up to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to serve this family with a new home that's strong and safe. Ty also travels to New York City's Ground Zero, where he has an emotional meeting with police officers John McLaughlin (played by actor Nicholas Cage in the film) and Will Jimeno, the two men Jason saved and the last two people to be pulled alive from the rubble.

Who are we fighting again?

There are a lot of very good blogs that have well written posts. Some posts are long and thought out, while others are short and susinct. One blog that I visit is authored by Mary Alexander, and she posted This recently. I thought it to be a great reminder for everyone of who we are fighting.

CNN
NABATIYEH, Lebanon (AP) -- The 6-year-old boy screamed and shook his head to avoid the razor blade. But his father held him firmly as Hajj Khodor parted the boy's black hair and sliced his forehead three times with the blade.

Ali Madani's cries became more violent as blood gushed from the wound, covering his small, terrified face.

His father and a few other men, waving daggers, broke into a religious chant, recalling how the 7th-century Shiite Muslim saint, Imam Hussein, was decapitated, his head placed on a lance. (Watch Shiites flagellate themselves as part of an Ashura ritual

Read the entire article here.

What Kind Of Intelligence Do You Have?

I stole this from My fellow American Pal Bushwhack, and did it without shame.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence

You shine in your ability to realate to and understand others. Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel. You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations. A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict. You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Border Patrol Agents

Hugh Hewitt had quite a disertation about these fellas today, and disconnected my call. So I sent him an email. Here is the email I sent:

Dear Mr. Hewitt,

First of all, let me say I am in no way excusing the actions of the Border Patrol agents. Being the holder of a concealed gun permit, I know first hand the rules of discharging a firearm toward another individual and they are very simple:

The ONLY time it is legal to 'shoot someone' whether the shooter is a Peace Officer or a Civilian is when their life or someone Else's life is in EMINENT DANGER and there is NO OTHER CHOICE. Further, everyone who legally carries a concealed weapon fully understands that in the event of a discharge of the firearm, there will be a full investigation, and prosecution will certainly follow if the parameters previously mentioned are not met.

With that being said, these agents were convicted of shooting a man in the butt who was running away from them which, by definition, did not create a situation of EMINENT DANGER.

However, these men have served many years protecting our country, knowingly putting their lives in danger on a daily basis, and we the people are absolutely outraged at the message this conviction and sentence sends to our adversaries.

I wonder how many nuclear weapons are currently in the United States, and are in the hands of those with nefarious intentions. I also wonder how those weapons came to reside in the U.S. My guess is from Mexico.

Frankly, this should have been handled internally, and without the testimony of the individual who was shot. What is the difference between him and the Iraqi who testified against our troops accused of murder in Haditha? They had everything to gain and nothing to loose by exaggerating or even lying which makes their testimonies tainted at best. Additionally, He was recently apprehended again and released to return to Mexico.

We live in a time where mistakes cannot be made with the security of our border. If these agents were out of line, then they should be removed from service, but to convict and sentence them to eleven and twelve years is absurd.

Sincerely,

Gawfer

Wednesday Hero!

This Weeks Hero Was Suggested By LeAnn


On May 9th 2004, SFC Lloyd A. Heinrichs Jr was down at the Ocean front in Virginia Beach when a ‘Swimmer in Distress’ call came in to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Dispatch office about noon. Myself (Gary Couch, Dive 8), SFC Heinrichs and Petty Officer First Class Scott Weil of the U.S Navy, volunteered to respond the call. There were a total of 3 people in the water that were being pulled out to sea by the current. The temperature of the water was only around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with the air temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The undertow was very extreme that day with the beach already “Red Flagged” due to the strong currents and excessive waves.

Upon arrival to the scene, SFC Heinrichs and PO1 Weil identified the victims. Without hesitation and with total disregard for their own safety each grabbed a torpedo buoy and entered the water. SFC Heinrichs went for the first victim to the South of 36th Street while PO1 Weil went for the second and third victims, which were hanging on to each other to the North of 36th Street. As I observed SFC Heinrichs and PO1 Weil, once they were waist deep, the current rapidly pulled them out. SFC Heinrichs made his way to the first victim and started fighting his way back to shore. Once SFC Heinrichs reached his victim, he calmed her down, making the attempt to head back to shore. Several times SFC Heinrichs and his victim were rolled under by the enormous waves and undertow. His victim was completely exhausted from the ordeal. Once he reached shallow water, he assisted his victim to shore. The victim was an older heavy-set lady, early forties. The Virginia Beach Fire Department Paramedics placed the victim on a stretcher and the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad took her to Virginia Beach General Hospital.

SFC Heinrichs was extremely exhausted and fatigued from the rescue. He turned to check on PO1 Weil and notice that PO1 Weil had reached the other two victims, a male in his late twenties and a female in her early forties. PO1 Weil was struggling with his two victims giving a hand and arm signal for ‘Help’. The female was almost passive from near drowning, and the male who had initially swum out to help her was becoming a victim himself. Without hesitation, SFC Heinrichs picked himself up and ran back into the water to assist PO1 Weil while PO1 Weil did what he could to keep them calm and afloat until help arrived.

Once SFC Heinrichs reached PO1 Weil and the other two victims, they were all rolled by several consecutive waves, pinning SFC Heinrichs under the two victims. A few moments later, SFC Heinrichs emerged between the victims with both lanyards of the torpedo buoys wrapped around his neck, gasping for air. As the situation went from bad to worse, PO1 Weil tried his best to help SFC Heinrichs with untangling the lanyards from his neck while trying to hold his passive victim’s head out of the water. SFC Heinrichs took a deep breath and submerged himself in the attempt to free his neck. As each wave came over the top of PO1 Weil and the victims, we kept waiting for him to resurface in bated breath not knowing that the lanyards kept tightening around SFC Heinrichs’ neck. While continuous waves were tossing PO1 Weil and the victims, SFC Heinrichs reemerged on the side of the victims. He had been under for over thirty seconds trying to get loose. We began to worry weather or not he was going to come back up. You could hear the heavy sigh of relief from all the EMS personnel on the beach once he resurfaced. He grabbed a hold of the male victim and started for shore. The victims once, on shore, were taken away for medical attention. PO1 Weil and SFC Heinrichs were taken to an ambulance and checked for possible hypothermia and released.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
It Is Foolish And Wrong To Mourn The Men Who Died. Rather We Should Thank God That Such Men Lived

My dear friend Gunz sent this to me this afternoon, and it moved me to tears.
IfIDieBeforeIWake

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.

Waiting for the Mahdi

This is a long but insightful article about what Iranian TV (IRIB) is broadcasting regarding the 12th Imam. I have posted the entire article on my ghost blog as it is very long, but have provided a link at the bottom.


Waiting for the Mahdi: Official Iranian Eschatology Outlined in Public Broadcasting Program in IranThe website of the governmental Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has posted a lengthy document titled "The World toward Illumination." The document is a transcript of an IRIB series on the imminent arrival of the Mahdi, the Twelfth or Hidden Imam, awaited by Shi'ites as the Messiah.(1)

The program describes in glowing terms the messianic age to be inaugurated by the Mahdi. He is to begin his uprising in Mecca, and then march on Iraq, where he will establish his "seat of world government" in the city of Kufa and subjugate the current world powers. This will be an age of unparalleled happiness; there will be completely new technologies at mankind's disposal, and "corruption, war, and rebellion will no longer exist." Neither will "liberal democratic civilization.

"Various days of the year are mentioned as being propitious for the appearance of the Mahdi, though the program says that the precise date cannot be known.

Read the entire post Here

tags:

IRIB

memri.org

Milestone!

Today was a milestone of sorts for Gawfer. After starting this meager blog in October of 2005 to complain about Laura Ingraham on some issue I can't remember, I just started writing stuff and goofing off. Thanks to some merciful bloggers who schooled me in etiquette and code, today, the 10,000th visitor read Gawfer...

What are you guys thinking?! HA! There are soooo many good blogs to read, why in the world would anyone visit this old squid's blog except to be entertained with poor grammar, bad spelling and an occasionally funny story?!

Well, anyway, though I am not a career mega blogger, I have made some wonderful friends that I am thankful for. Most of you are in IKA's Roll. Some are not.

By the way, the 10,000th visitor was qlinger from Henniker, NH., who has a ton of family bloggers, and is one of my friends that isn't in IKA's Roll.

Thanks again friends.

GO NAVY!!!

A Superbowl With Integrity

Please visit the link.
http://www.beyondtheultimate.org/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Third Wave Dave!

Wishing THIRDWAVEDAVE a happy 51st birthday.

If you haven't read TWD's blog, you are missing out on some very clear thinking.

Happy Birthday, Dave.

Protect children: boycott Amazon

I just received this email from the author of Absolute Zero, which is a Weblog dedicated to stopping child abuse.

Amazon is printing and distributing material that promotes and advocates the abuse and molestation of children. They have been informed of the contents of this book and claim it is a freedom of speech issue. AbsoluteZeroUnited is hereby sponsoring a boycott on Amazon, and we ask that you help us inform all your friends about this problem. I personally will never spend another penny in that store until they remove that book. Viamund the Boylove Vampyre Says...: Poetry & Haiku's by Octaevius Altair Written by an admitted child molester, Octaevius AKA Viamund the Rake is under notice. Please visit Absolutezerounited.blogspot.com to read the story of this child abusing monster.Use the code located there to add the boycott sticker to your own personal webspace or blog. Tell your friends and neighbors. Help protect children! Boycott Amazon. Let Amazon know what you think about their policies. Go HERE to make your voice heard.

I have read some of this guy's comments on AZ as well as a mirror site, and he is the 'real deal'. He is very dangerous, and is currenlty living outside the law. Please read and respond to accordingly.




UPDATE:
Response from Amazon:

Thank you for writing to Amazon.com.As a retailer, our goal is to provide customers with the broadest selection possible so they can find, discover, and buy any item they might be seeking. That selection includes some items which many people may find objectionable. Therefore, the items offered on our web site represent a wide spectrum of opinions on a variety of topics.Amazon.com believes it is censorship not to display certain articles because we believe their message is objectionable.

Therefore, we will continue to make controversial works available in the United States and everywhere else, except where they are prohibited by law. We also allow readers, authors, and publishers to express their views freely about these titles and other products we offer on our web site. However, Amazon.com does not endorse any opinions expressed by individual authors, musical artists, or filmmakers. We value all feedback from our customers, and I thank you again for taking the time to send us your comments about this issue.

We hope you will allow us to continue to serve you.We thank you for your understanding in this matter, and thank you for shopping at Amazon.com.

The problem I see is these works are available to not only adults but children as well. Evidently, though it is against the law to own child pornography, it is not against the law to sell it.