Sometimes God hits me right between the eyes with what must be a 2x4. Apparently I have a pretty hard head and need this occasional whack to get my priorities straight. I got one of those beatings Wednesday night.
All day Wednesday, Emily, who is now 22 months old, was being a real challenge. She has been diagnosed with a speech delay (basically, she doesn't talk and we don't yet know why 0r if it's really a problem or just something temporary). What I do know is that she and I are both frustrated because it makes communication pretty difficult, as if it wasn't bad enough trying to interpret a toddler's wants and needs. Add to this fact that she is the classic "strong-willed child" and the frustration quickly leads to a powder-keg of temper tantrums.
So we started off Wednesday morning with her speech therapy. She's been doing well (it mostly consists of playing with the therapist and learning some sign language.) She knows how to sign "More", "All done", "Help" and "Open". She's also learning "thank you", "cookie" and "I love you". She uses more and all done all the time and so when she got frustrated (she must have gotten out of bed frustrated that morning) she would sign "All done", even when we had just started our activity. Half-way through the session, Emily was getting tempermental, so we pretty much just gave up for the day and let her play so she could cool down.
After therapy, Emily and I ran to Walmart to do our grocery shopping. Things were fine until we got in the store. I dared to try to put Miss Em in a shopping cart (like we always do) and strap her in (recent attempts to give her some freedom have backfired because she now tries to climb into the back of the cart, or out altogether). This resulted in a tremendous temper tantrum and a subsequent spanking before we even got past the cart area of Walmart. Who knew toddlers had so much strength, by the way? She ended up strapped in and we made it in and out in record time.
Then we came home and ate lunch. I got Emily some macaroni and cheese (a favorite) and some fish sticks and gave her her food to eat. Well, my best guess is that she was a little tired and highly frustrated with trying to use the fork, so after flinging her drink and fork a few times, she finally threw her plate across the room in what can only be described as a fit of rage. This of course made her cry harder, only this time it wasn't tears of anger and frustration but of sadness because now she didn't have any food. (Ah the brilliant logic of a toddler.)
After a tantrum and yet another spanking over a diaper change, I finally got Emily to take a nap. I sat down at the computer and started looking for any information on speech delays and how to ease frustration and on support groups in our area for parents of "challenging" kids. Seriously, things weren't going well and I was feeling down and depressed and sorry for myself. I was also feeling like a terrible mom for not knowing how to do my job better.
That evening, I had to go to church for worship team rehearsal. (I either sing or play the piano at least 2-3 times a month.) I was still feeling sorry for myself and then I saw "Sally" (I won't use her name out of consideration for her privacy). "Sally" is a wonderful lady, about my mom's age, that I met and became friends with when we started going to church there about 6 years ago. "Sally" also plays the piano, and since there are always 2 of us playing together, we've gotten to know each other fairly well. We became even closer when I got pregnant with Emily because her daughter also ended up getting pregnant, due a month later than me. "Sally", her daughter and I all had a bit of a bond over our babies and so we did what all moms do...we compared our pregnancies.
"Sally's" daughter ended up having her little boy 3 days before me. (She was early and Emily was 2 weeks late). I remember being jealous because I was still pregnant and she had already had her baby, but happy for them all, nonetheless. Then I had Emily 3 days later.
The next day, "Sally" came to visit me in the hospital and to see Emily. It was clear, though, that something was wrong because she could barely hold back the tears. She ended up crying and telling my that her grandson was back in the hospital, at 4 days old, having had one complete blood transfusion and another one was a possibility. They didn't know what was wrong with him, but his life was definitely in danger. He had been released from the hospital with nothing more than a case of jaundice. Needless to say, everyone was shocked to see his life hanging in the balance.
Enter the 2x4:
Fast forward to Wednesday night..."Sally's" grandson has severe brain damage, Cerebral Palsy, most likely is deaf, has vision problems, is still having very serious seziures several times a day, cannot eat without a feeding tube and cannot even swallow his own saliva without choking. He is 22 months old and still cannot even hold up his own head. He will never walk, probably will never talk; he may never be able to communicate period.
I talked with "Sally" after practice for quite a while. She and her daughter had just gotten back from a children's hospital in Milwaukee after having had her grandson admitted for 5 days. (It was supposed to be a one day appointment.) "Sally" let the tears flow as she told me his update. He is now on very serious medications with terrible side effects (he hasn't slept more than 4-6 hours total in about that many days and when he is awake he screams), he has severe breathing issues, he needs several surgeries and he is at very high risk of dying if he has to have general anesthesia. The doctors told "Sally" and his mom that they needed to make some decisions now about the quality of life they wanted for him because someday he would have to be put on a ventilator to sustain his life. The worst part of all came when the doctor told them that he will likely have a shortened life span. All in all, the last 2 years have been filled with horrible, heart-breaking news and diagnosis, each one worse than the last.
As I stood talking with "Sally" (whose husband just also had a heart attack 2 weeks ago) it became so apparent that I have absolutely nothing to complain about. I have a healthy, happy strong baby girl who can do anything she wants to do. So what if she can't talk yet? Someday she will. So what if she throws a temper tantrum? At least she has control over her body. So what if she won't sit in a shopping cart? At least she can sit upright. In the proper perspective, everything is easier to handle.
So, instead of writing a post, complaining about my "challenging" child (and I now write that sarcastically), I'm writing to ask my praying readers to lift up little Kayden (that is his real name) in prayer. I don't even know how to pray for him myself, but God is very familiar with this little guy, so He will know what to do. Pray also for his family. He has a wonderfully supportive and loving family, but the constant health battles and 24/7 care is so demanding and difficult. They are wearing down emotionally and physically and they need strength and prayer as well.
And then, when you're done praying for Kayden, say a prayer of thanks for your health and your kid's health.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Ahhhhh........
The view from the pool....need I say more? Ah, but I will. This is the a picture I took while floating in the pool yesterday. Yes, for all who care, it has finally been transformed from the Swamp to the crystal clear, clean (albeit a bit nippy) swimming pool. We pretty much had to drain half the pool, in two seperate cleaning efforts, to get it clean and now the new water has only had about 3 days to warm. Today was warmer than yesterday though, so we're making progress.
So, I just thought I'd share the view for those who are stuck inside.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Republican Governor Takes State From Deficit to Surplus
Bryan Alexander, over at his Right Thinking blog, posted on a topic that I had intended to write about as well. Since he did such a nice, and probably much more succinct job, I thought I would direct my readers to his post.
Bryan commented on Indiana's newest governor, Mitch Daniels (R-IN.) and his amazing efforts at taking Indiana from deficit to surplus in just a year and a half. Click here for the full story.
Though Daniels has taken a lot of heat for his economic plans from Democrats, I'd say the numers are pretty compelling and only stand to improve. The best part....no tax increases were needed. Show me a Democrat...any Democrat, who can accomplish that!
Bryan commented on Indiana's newest governor, Mitch Daniels (R-IN.) and his amazing efforts at taking Indiana from deficit to surplus in just a year and a half. Click here for the full story.
Though Daniels has taken a lot of heat for his economic plans from Democrats, I'd say the numers are pretty compelling and only stand to improve. The best part....no tax increases were needed. Show me a Democrat...any Democrat, who can accomplish that!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
President Bush Casts a Veto in Favor of Life
Reuters reports that President Bush used his power of veto today for the first time in 5 years by vetoing legislation that would give researchers more expansive use of embryonic stem cells. The bill would have, in effect, allowed for the destruction of embryos for the stated purpose of research.
The embryonic stem cell research is touted by many scientists as the next "big thing" in medical breakthroughs. To hear some scientists talk, embryonic stem cells will one day be able to cure just about anything. So far, in just two days of reading stories about this, I've heard diabetes, Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease and paralysis could all possibly be cured, just to name a few. These are devastating diseases, to be certain, and any rational person wants to find a cure for them as soon as possible. However, the research on embryonic stem cells requires a high price. The embryos must first be destroyed, and doing so, I believe, destroys a human life.
Let me take a moment here and share a quick personal background, which of course, colors my perspective on this issue. As I've mentioned before, I had trouble getting pregnant and so I delved into the world of fertility procedures for about a year before finally receiving my miracle. In my case, no fancy procedures were necessary, just a standard fertility drug with low risks (and a lot of prayer and doctors visits) did the trick. I was a lucky fertility patient.
I say this because when I first realized that there might be a serious problem, I did what I always do...I researched my options like crazy. Infertility is an odd "condition" because only those who have been through it really understand (probably a lot like cancer patients might say) and because of the highly private and invasive nature of procedures and testing, it isn't something you want to talk about with just anyone, relatives included, no matter how wonderful they might be. As a result I, like many others, felt very alone with my problems and didn't know where to turn for advice and opinions. Thus, my online life began.
While researching my condition, I stumbled across a medical message board and decided to post a few questions that I'd been thinking about. I got answers and opinions galore and suddenly found myself surrounded by women who were going through the same thing I was. I spent over a year chatting with the same large group of women, not only about our fertility issues, but also anything else that came up, as women do. I became friends with these women in that time and cheered as each new person finally got their miracle, and wept when procedure after procedure didn't work for others. Along the way, I learned a lot about all kinds of fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, or IVF.
As I said, I was one of the lucky ones. I got pregnant with Emily after a year and a half, with only a basic fertility treatment. Some of the women I talked with are still waiting and they've done it all. They have tried IVF with their own eggs and some have even used donated eggs or donated embryos, which have been harvested from another woman who, for whatever reason chose not to use them for herself and did not want them to be wasted. For some, the only chance of having a baby of their own is through this kind of embryo donation. And for some, it works and a miraculous baby is born out of the kindness of total strangers. It truly is a touching and wonderful thing, even to witness from afar.
So for me, this issue is a no-brainer. I have personally seen, albeit from afar, new life born to the most grateful couples from these embryos in question. I have witnessed women go from utter devastation and heartbreak, wondering if they would ever hold a child of their own in their arms, to complete and total joy when they finally find out that they are able to have a baby because of a donated embryo. Lives have been created and enriched, rather than wasted or destroyed.
On the flip-side, I have two grandparents who have suffered with Parkinsons' disease. One is gone now and the other is in the middle of the disease. It is not easy to see them go through this, to watch their lives wither away. I hope and pray that a cure can be found as soon as possible for this, and so many other devastating diseases, but I still believe that destroying another life is not the answer.
Researchers would have us all believe that embryonic stem cells promise all kinds of wonderful cures, but so far, the research does not bear this out. In fact, embryonic stem cell research is not nearly as promising as other types of stem cell research, most notably umbilical cord stem cell research. For the record, with what I currently know about it, I have no problem with the umbilical cord stem cell research. It seems very promising and instead of relying on the destruction of life, it relys on the creation of life. It seems to me that maybe instead of destroying embryos left and right in the hopes of discovering something, why not encourage the creation of new life and concentrate on studying the umbilical stem cells?
To me, this issue is purely political. If researchers can succeed in convincing enough people that the embryo isn't really a human life, then they are one step closer to being able to play God and that's a very dangerous game. I for one, am very glad that President Bush stuck to his promise to veto this legislation. Though conservatives have, of late, been a bit critical of the President on some issues, we should all applaud his firm stance on life.
The embryonic stem cell research is touted by many scientists as the next "big thing" in medical breakthroughs. To hear some scientists talk, embryonic stem cells will one day be able to cure just about anything. So far, in just two days of reading stories about this, I've heard diabetes, Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease and paralysis could all possibly be cured, just to name a few. These are devastating diseases, to be certain, and any rational person wants to find a cure for them as soon as possible. However, the research on embryonic stem cells requires a high price. The embryos must first be destroyed, and doing so, I believe, destroys a human life.
Let me take a moment here and share a quick personal background, which of course, colors my perspective on this issue. As I've mentioned before, I had trouble getting pregnant and so I delved into the world of fertility procedures for about a year before finally receiving my miracle. In my case, no fancy procedures were necessary, just a standard fertility drug with low risks (and a lot of prayer and doctors visits) did the trick. I was a lucky fertility patient.
I say this because when I first realized that there might be a serious problem, I did what I always do...I researched my options like crazy. Infertility is an odd "condition" because only those who have been through it really understand (probably a lot like cancer patients might say) and because of the highly private and invasive nature of procedures and testing, it isn't something you want to talk about with just anyone, relatives included, no matter how wonderful they might be. As a result I, like many others, felt very alone with my problems and didn't know where to turn for advice and opinions. Thus, my online life began.
While researching my condition, I stumbled across a medical message board and decided to post a few questions that I'd been thinking about. I got answers and opinions galore and suddenly found myself surrounded by women who were going through the same thing I was. I spent over a year chatting with the same large group of women, not only about our fertility issues, but also anything else that came up, as women do. I became friends with these women in that time and cheered as each new person finally got their miracle, and wept when procedure after procedure didn't work for others. Along the way, I learned a lot about all kinds of fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, or IVF.
As I said, I was one of the lucky ones. I got pregnant with Emily after a year and a half, with only a basic fertility treatment. Some of the women I talked with are still waiting and they've done it all. They have tried IVF with their own eggs and some have even used donated eggs or donated embryos, which have been harvested from another woman who, for whatever reason chose not to use them for herself and did not want them to be wasted. For some, the only chance of having a baby of their own is through this kind of embryo donation. And for some, it works and a miraculous baby is born out of the kindness of total strangers. It truly is a touching and wonderful thing, even to witness from afar.
So for me, this issue is a no-brainer. I have personally seen, albeit from afar, new life born to the most grateful couples from these embryos in question. I have witnessed women go from utter devastation and heartbreak, wondering if they would ever hold a child of their own in their arms, to complete and total joy when they finally find out that they are able to have a baby because of a donated embryo. Lives have been created and enriched, rather than wasted or destroyed.
On the flip-side, I have two grandparents who have suffered with Parkinsons' disease. One is gone now and the other is in the middle of the disease. It is not easy to see them go through this, to watch their lives wither away. I hope and pray that a cure can be found as soon as possible for this, and so many other devastating diseases, but I still believe that destroying another life is not the answer.
Researchers would have us all believe that embryonic stem cells promise all kinds of wonderful cures, but so far, the research does not bear this out. In fact, embryonic stem cell research is not nearly as promising as other types of stem cell research, most notably umbilical cord stem cell research. For the record, with what I currently know about it, I have no problem with the umbilical cord stem cell research. It seems very promising and instead of relying on the destruction of life, it relys on the creation of life. It seems to me that maybe instead of destroying embryos left and right in the hopes of discovering something, why not encourage the creation of new life and concentrate on studying the umbilical stem cells?
To me, this issue is purely political. If researchers can succeed in convincing enough people that the embryo isn't really a human life, then they are one step closer to being able to play God and that's a very dangerous game. I for one, am very glad that President Bush stuck to his promise to veto this legislation. Though conservatives have, of late, been a bit critical of the President on some issues, we should all applaud his firm stance on life.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Is It Time For Dinner Yet?
Well, it's 7 minutes 'till nine pm. I haven't eaten dinner. Andrew isn't home from work yet. I just spent almost 45 minutes trying to put a cranky, cold-ridden 22-month-old to bed (I think she's crying again...) and it's hotter than...well, you know where here, but the big pool in our backyard might as well be renamed "The Swamp". (We're hoping to get that electrical problem fixed tomorrow evening, but then again, I've thought we had everything fixed before, too...)
So I guess there's not much left to do but blog. Oh and have dinner, but those steak kabobs that have been marinating since 3:00 that Andrew was going to grill...well, at this point, they'll just be extra tender for tomorrow's dinner (I hope).
I'm not really sure what to blog on. There certainly is no lack of interesting world events and intriguing political punditry upon which I could comment these days, I just don't feel like doing the research on any of it. I think I'm just tired.
I was up half the night last night with bad thunderstorms (major lightning and hail) and I've been dealing with a rather clinging toddler today, so maybe that's it. Or maybe I'm just lazy. I've been trying to do something, anything, to improve the looks of the swimming pool, aka The Swamp. I've overdosed it with chlorine and dumped half a bottle of algaecide in it today in an attempt to kill anything that might be alive in there (I currently can't see the bottom.) Then I brushed the sides and the bottom with a big brush-on-a-pole, which made many muscles in my arms hurt...hey, it's harder than it sounds. All in all, though I've done more than that today, none of it is remarkable in the least and I'm worn out.
So, now Andrew is finally on his way home (give that hard-working loom tech some credit, "Malott") and I've placed a call to Applebees for some dinner. Carryout it is! I don't think I hear Emily fussing anymore (maybe the Dimetap finally kicked in) and other than straightening up the downstairs a little, I'm done for the night...I hope.
Ahhh...another completely useless blog from Christina...it's what we've all come to expect.
So I guess there's not much left to do but blog. Oh and have dinner, but those steak kabobs that have been marinating since 3:00 that Andrew was going to grill...well, at this point, they'll just be extra tender for tomorrow's dinner (I hope).
I'm not really sure what to blog on. There certainly is no lack of interesting world events and intriguing political punditry upon which I could comment these days, I just don't feel like doing the research on any of it. I think I'm just tired.
I was up half the night last night with bad thunderstorms (major lightning and hail) and I've been dealing with a rather clinging toddler today, so maybe that's it. Or maybe I'm just lazy. I've been trying to do something, anything, to improve the looks of the swimming pool, aka The Swamp. I've overdosed it with chlorine and dumped half a bottle of algaecide in it today in an attempt to kill anything that might be alive in there (I currently can't see the bottom.) Then I brushed the sides and the bottom with a big brush-on-a-pole, which made many muscles in my arms hurt...hey, it's harder than it sounds. All in all, though I've done more than that today, none of it is remarkable in the least and I'm worn out.
So, now Andrew is finally on his way home (give that hard-working loom tech some credit, "Malott") and I've placed a call to Applebees for some dinner. Carryout it is! I don't think I hear Emily fussing anymore (maybe the Dimetap finally kicked in) and other than straightening up the downstairs a little, I'm done for the night...I hope.
Ahhh...another completely useless blog from Christina...it's what we've all come to expect.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Something Funny for a Dreary Friday
Since I've been out of the habit of posting anything much lately, I'm sick of painting and it's been raining hard enough that I'm starting to feel like Noah, I thought I'd take a few minutes to share something funny that my husband came across last night. Sorry if everyone else in the world has already seen/heard these before, but they made Andrew and I laugh so hard we cried. (It was late and I think we were both a little slap happy.) Enjoy and have a happy Friday and weekend!
"Insight Into The Minds Of 6th Graders"
This was passed on through one of our Recce Friends.I laughed until I cried. Have a look:
Chuck StoneWeb site manager
Subject: 6th Graders
Insight into the minds of 6th graders: The following were answers provided by 6th graders during a history test. Watch the spelling! Some of the best in humor is in the misspelling....
1.. Ancient Egypt was inhabited by mummies and they all wrote in hydraulics. They lived in the Sarah Dessert. The climate of the Sarah is such that all the inhabitants have to live elsewhere.
2.. Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Commandments. He died before he ever reached Canada.
3.. Solomon had three hundred wives and seven hundred porcupines.
4.. The Greeks were a highly sculptured people, and without them we wouldn’t have history. The Greeks also had myths. A myth is a female moth.
5.. Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed him. Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.
6.. In the Olympic games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled biscuits, and threw the java.
7.. Julius Caesar extinguished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March murdered him because they thought he was going to be king. Dying, he gasped out“Tee hee, Brutus.”
8.. Joan of Arc was burnt to a steak and was canonized by Bernard Shaw.
9.. Queen Elizabeth was the “Virgin Queen,” As a queen she was a success. When she exposed herself before her troops they all shouted, “Hurrah!”
10. It was an age of great inventions and discoveries. Guttenberg invented removable type and the Bible. Another important invention was the circulation of blood. Sir Walter Raleigh is a historical figure because he invented cigarettes and started smoking. Sir Francis Drake circumcised the world with a 100-foot clipper.
11. The greatest writer of the Renaissance was William Shakespeare. He was born in the year 1564, supposedly on his birthday. He never made much money and is famous only because of his plays. He wrote tragedies, comedies and hysterectomies all in Islamic pentameter. Romeo and Juliet are an example of a heroic couple. Romeo’s last wish was to be laid by Juliet.
12. Writing at the same time as Shakespeare was Miguel Cervantes. He wrote “Donkey Hote.” The next great author was John Milton. Milton wrote “Paradise Lost.” Then his wife died and he wrote “Paradise Regained.”
13. Delegates from the original 13 states formed the Contented Congress. Thomas Jefferson, a Virgin and Benjamin Franklin were two singers of the Declaration of Independence. Franklin discovered electricity by rubbing two cats backward and declared, “A horse divided against itself cannot stand.” Franklin died in 1790 and is still dead.
14.. Abraham Lincoln became Americas greatest Precedent. Lincoln’s mother died in infancy, and he was born in a log cabin which he built with his own hands. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves by signing the Emasculation Proclamation. On the night of April 14, 1865, Lincoln went to the theater and got shot in his seat by on of the actors in a moving picture show. They believe the assinator was John Wilkes Booth, a supposingly insane actor. This ruined Booth’s career.
15.. Johann Bach wrote a great many musical compositions and had a large number of children. In between he practiced on an old spinster which he kept in his attic. Bach died from 1750 to the present. Bach was the most famous composer in the world and so was Handel. Handel was half German, half Italian and half English. He was very large.
16.. Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he wrote loud music. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died for this.
17.. The nineteenth century was a time of great many thoughts and inventions. People stopped reproducing by hand and started reproducing by machine. The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up. Cyrus McCormick invented the McCormick raper, which did the work of hundred men. Louis Pasteur discovered a cure for rabbits. Charles Darwin was a naturalist who wrote the “Organ of the Species.” Madman Curie discovered the radio. And Karl Marx became the first of the Marx Brothers.
http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/03RelatedStories/03.10.FunStuff/08.fs6thgdrs.htm
"Insight Into The Minds Of 6th Graders"
This was passed on through one of our Recce Friends.I laughed until I cried. Have a look:
Chuck StoneWeb site manager
Subject: 6th Graders
Insight into the minds of 6th graders: The following were answers provided by 6th graders during a history test. Watch the spelling! Some of the best in humor is in the misspelling....
1.. Ancient Egypt was inhabited by mummies and they all wrote in hydraulics. They lived in the Sarah Dessert. The climate of the Sarah is such that all the inhabitants have to live elsewhere.
2.. Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Commandments. He died before he ever reached Canada.
3.. Solomon had three hundred wives and seven hundred porcupines.
4.. The Greeks were a highly sculptured people, and without them we wouldn’t have history. The Greeks also had myths. A myth is a female moth.
5.. Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed him. Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.
6.. In the Olympic games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled biscuits, and threw the java.
7.. Julius Caesar extinguished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March murdered him because they thought he was going to be king. Dying, he gasped out“Tee hee, Brutus.”
8.. Joan of Arc was burnt to a steak and was canonized by Bernard Shaw.
9.. Queen Elizabeth was the “Virgin Queen,” As a queen she was a success. When she exposed herself before her troops they all shouted, “Hurrah!”
10. It was an age of great inventions and discoveries. Guttenberg invented removable type and the Bible. Another important invention was the circulation of blood. Sir Walter Raleigh is a historical figure because he invented cigarettes and started smoking. Sir Francis Drake circumcised the world with a 100-foot clipper.
11. The greatest writer of the Renaissance was William Shakespeare. He was born in the year 1564, supposedly on his birthday. He never made much money and is famous only because of his plays. He wrote tragedies, comedies and hysterectomies all in Islamic pentameter. Romeo and Juliet are an example of a heroic couple. Romeo’s last wish was to be laid by Juliet.
12. Writing at the same time as Shakespeare was Miguel Cervantes. He wrote “Donkey Hote.” The next great author was John Milton. Milton wrote “Paradise Lost.” Then his wife died and he wrote “Paradise Regained.”
13. Delegates from the original 13 states formed the Contented Congress. Thomas Jefferson, a Virgin and Benjamin Franklin were two singers of the Declaration of Independence. Franklin discovered electricity by rubbing two cats backward and declared, “A horse divided against itself cannot stand.” Franklin died in 1790 and is still dead.
14.. Abraham Lincoln became Americas greatest Precedent. Lincoln’s mother died in infancy, and he was born in a log cabin which he built with his own hands. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves by signing the Emasculation Proclamation. On the night of April 14, 1865, Lincoln went to the theater and got shot in his seat by on of the actors in a moving picture show. They believe the assinator was John Wilkes Booth, a supposingly insane actor. This ruined Booth’s career.
15.. Johann Bach wrote a great many musical compositions and had a large number of children. In between he practiced on an old spinster which he kept in his attic. Bach died from 1750 to the present. Bach was the most famous composer in the world and so was Handel. Handel was half German, half Italian and half English. He was very large.
16.. Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he wrote loud music. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died for this.
17.. The nineteenth century was a time of great many thoughts and inventions. People stopped reproducing by hand and started reproducing by machine. The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up. Cyrus McCormick invented the McCormick raper, which did the work of hundred men. Louis Pasteur discovered a cure for rabbits. Charles Darwin was a naturalist who wrote the “Organ of the Species.” Madman Curie discovered the radio. And Karl Marx became the first of the Marx Brothers.
http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/03RelatedStories/03.10.FunStuff/08.fs6thgdrs.htm
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Excuses, Excuses...
Well, it seems that once again, I am proving to be an elusive blogger these days. I think my problem is that there is too much that really needs to be done and far too little time to do it in.
Take for instance, the maintenance of this blog. I should be posting interesting commentaries on all the fascinating and frustrating political issues of the world, or at the very least, I could be posting some insightful little ditty on something from my life. However, I have done neither lately. Instead, I've been doing laundry and cleaning and grocery shopping and playing with Emily...oh and painting our master bathroom.
As I have only a 2-3 hour window (while Emily naps) to accomplish things like laundry, blogging or painting, when a special task arises (like painting) blogging most unfortunately ends up by the wayside.
So, I thought I would at least take a few precious minutes to describe my current task-at-hand. We bought a very lovely home a little over 2 years ago. When we bought the house, it was in very good shape, but I was not, as I was 5-6 months pregnant when we moved in. As a result, the only room in the house that got "personalized" and redecorated in our style was Emily's room, since that had previously been the room of a 12 year-old boy who apparently loved Notre Dame. (Notre Dame border, navy and cream wall color.) That, of course, could not stay in this house, so Emily's room got changed to a nice light sky blue on top, pale grass green on bottom with hand-painted flowers, butterflies, lady bugs, snails, dragonflies and bees as a sort of border between the two colors.
Then, when Emily was about 6 months old, I decided to tackle painting our living room (approximately 400 sq. ft.) It went from a strange shade of purple/grey/brown on bottom with a dingy cream on top to a cool beachy shade of blue of an ivory chair rail. I like it much better than the weird purply color (which, much to my chagrin is still on the walls in the dining room....)
So now, since the dining room is too big to conquer during Emily's nap time, I am on to the upstairs bathrooms. I started with our master bath, as I and my darling husband are both sick of the sickly yellow shade that is currently on the walls. It really does nothing for the room, as the floor has ceramic tile with shades of greys and browns and the tub/toilet/sink/and trim are all off-white. (When you picture this color, think of the neutral basic outlet-covers...plus a little tinge of yellow...not pretty) So I am currently trying out a nice neutral shade of taupe on the walls. I just finished priming the bathroom (my face hasn't been that intimate with the toilet since my bout of the stomach flu over Christmas) and even in it's unfinished, uneven primed look, it is so much better already. I hope the actual color ends up looking even better than the tinted primer.
However, I have run into a snag. We replaced the light fixture above the mirror with a nicer one, but the back plate that fits against the wall is shorter than the old one, revealing two holes that once housed drywall anchors. I might be able to spackle them closed, but they're pretty big. Then, when I removed the towel rack (just a board with 4 pegs) I discovered two, 1 inch in diameter holes that must have also held drywall anchors strong enough to hang me up. I have no idea what the previous owners were thinking there...we had a similar issue in the living room, but not quite as bad. So, now before I go on to the actual painting I have to go find some drywall repair kits. I've never done that before, but I guess I'm about to learn. Let's just hope that when I move on to Emily's bathroom, I don't have to patch any huge holes there.
So...that's what I've been up to. I'll try to keep up a little better, but I won't make any promises until the painting is over.
Take for instance, the maintenance of this blog. I should be posting interesting commentaries on all the fascinating and frustrating political issues of the world, or at the very least, I could be posting some insightful little ditty on something from my life. However, I have done neither lately. Instead, I've been doing laundry and cleaning and grocery shopping and playing with Emily...oh and painting our master bathroom.
As I have only a 2-3 hour window (while Emily naps) to accomplish things like laundry, blogging or painting, when a special task arises (like painting) blogging most unfortunately ends up by the wayside.
So, I thought I would at least take a few precious minutes to describe my current task-at-hand. We bought a very lovely home a little over 2 years ago. When we bought the house, it was in very good shape, but I was not, as I was 5-6 months pregnant when we moved in. As a result, the only room in the house that got "personalized" and redecorated in our style was Emily's room, since that had previously been the room of a 12 year-old boy who apparently loved Notre Dame. (Notre Dame border, navy and cream wall color.) That, of course, could not stay in this house, so Emily's room got changed to a nice light sky blue on top, pale grass green on bottom with hand-painted flowers, butterflies, lady bugs, snails, dragonflies and bees as a sort of border between the two colors.
Then, when Emily was about 6 months old, I decided to tackle painting our living room (approximately 400 sq. ft.) It went from a strange shade of purple/grey/brown on bottom with a dingy cream on top to a cool beachy shade of blue of an ivory chair rail. I like it much better than the weird purply color (which, much to my chagrin is still on the walls in the dining room....)
So now, since the dining room is too big to conquer during Emily's nap time, I am on to the upstairs bathrooms. I started with our master bath, as I and my darling husband are both sick of the sickly yellow shade that is currently on the walls. It really does nothing for the room, as the floor has ceramic tile with shades of greys and browns and the tub/toilet/sink/and trim are all off-white. (When you picture this color, think of the neutral basic outlet-covers...plus a little tinge of yellow...not pretty) So I am currently trying out a nice neutral shade of taupe on the walls. I just finished priming the bathroom (my face hasn't been that intimate with the toilet since my bout of the stomach flu over Christmas) and even in it's unfinished, uneven primed look, it is so much better already. I hope the actual color ends up looking even better than the tinted primer.
However, I have run into a snag. We replaced the light fixture above the mirror with a nicer one, but the back plate that fits against the wall is shorter than the old one, revealing two holes that once housed drywall anchors. I might be able to spackle them closed, but they're pretty big. Then, when I removed the towel rack (just a board with 4 pegs) I discovered two, 1 inch in diameter holes that must have also held drywall anchors strong enough to hang me up. I have no idea what the previous owners were thinking there...we had a similar issue in the living room, but not quite as bad. So, now before I go on to the actual painting I have to go find some drywall repair kits. I've never done that before, but I guess I'm about to learn. Let's just hope that when I move on to Emily's bathroom, I don't have to patch any huge holes there.
So...that's what I've been up to. I'll try to keep up a little better, but I won't make any promises until the painting is over.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Biden Demonstrates His Liberal "Tolerance"
Sen. Joe Biden (D.-DE.) recently demonstrated his much touted liberal "tolerance" in a statement to one of his constituents of Indian descent. (Not Native-American Indian, but a native of India Indian.) Here is his comment (the video and the comment can also be found here.)
Sen. Biden said, “In Delaware, the largest growth of population is Indian Americans, moving from India. You cannot go to a 7/11 or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. I’m not joking.”
Seriously, why would this be the one thing you chose to say to someone of Indian descent, or anyone for that matter? Once again, if race doesn't matter, then why bring it up? Why stereotype an entire race if you're truly tolerant?
Oh wait, I know, I know!...maybe Sen. Biden (D.-DE.) isn't quite as tolerant as he would have us all believe. Maybe the whole Democratic party isn't as tolerant either.
As another example of racial intolerance, Hillary Clinton, (D.-NY) made this statement at a Democratic fundraiser in 2004. According to a MSNBC report,
"Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for joking that Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis, saying it was 'a lame attempt at humor.'
The New York Democrat made the remark at a fund-raiser Saturday. During an event here for Senate candidate Nancy Farmer, Clinton introduced a quote from Gandhi by saying, 'He ran a gas station down in St. Louis.'
After laughter from many in the crowd (emphasis added) of at least 200 subsided, the former first lady continued, 'No, Mahatma Gandhi was a great leader of the 20th century.' ”
Ah, liberal tolerance at its finest. Now the real question is: How many of the MSM outlets will express their outrage at Sen. Biden's comment? I know I won't be holding my breath waiting to hear any reports.
Now contrast this with statements from President Bush, who is often labeled as "backwards" and "dumb". While visiting a Dunkin' Donuts in Alexandria, VA., President Bush had this to say:
"They are small business owners, they are entrepreneurs, they are employing people. And then I met with the district manager who works with the two Iranian-American brothers, happens to be a Guatamalan-American citizen. She is learning business, she is taking on additional responsibilities. Then I talked to the store manager who was a Salvadorian-American. These people remind me that one of the great features of our country is that people are able to come here and realize dreams." (Hat-tip: Rush Limbaugh)
I think I'll let you decide for yourself which party is truly more tolerant.
Sen. Biden said, “In Delaware, the largest growth of population is Indian Americans, moving from India. You cannot go to a 7/11 or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. I’m not joking.”
Seriously, why would this be the one thing you chose to say to someone of Indian descent, or anyone for that matter? Once again, if race doesn't matter, then why bring it up? Why stereotype an entire race if you're truly tolerant?
Oh wait, I know, I know!...maybe Sen. Biden (D.-DE.) isn't quite as tolerant as he would have us all believe. Maybe the whole Democratic party isn't as tolerant either.
As another example of racial intolerance, Hillary Clinton, (D.-NY) made this statement at a Democratic fundraiser in 2004. According to a MSNBC report,
"Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for joking that Mahatma Gandhi used to run a gas station in St. Louis, saying it was 'a lame attempt at humor.'
The New York Democrat made the remark at a fund-raiser Saturday. During an event here for Senate candidate Nancy Farmer, Clinton introduced a quote from Gandhi by saying, 'He ran a gas station down in St. Louis.'
After laughter from many in the crowd (emphasis added) of at least 200 subsided, the former first lady continued, 'No, Mahatma Gandhi was a great leader of the 20th century.' ”
Ah, liberal tolerance at its finest. Now the real question is: How many of the MSM outlets will express their outrage at Sen. Biden's comment? I know I won't be holding my breath waiting to hear any reports.
Now contrast this with statements from President Bush, who is often labeled as "backwards" and "dumb". While visiting a Dunkin' Donuts in Alexandria, VA., President Bush had this to say:
"They are small business owners, they are entrepreneurs, they are employing people. And then I met with the district manager who works with the two Iranian-American brothers, happens to be a Guatamalan-American citizen. She is learning business, she is taking on additional responsibilities. Then I talked to the store manager who was a Salvadorian-American. These people remind me that one of the great features of our country is that people are able to come here and realize dreams." (Hat-tip: Rush Limbaugh)
I think I'll let you decide for yourself which party is truly more tolerant.
Friday, July 07, 2006
The Indiana Black Expo
In today's racially charged world, I have to wonder why Indiana continues to hold the "Black Expo". Each year, since 1970, Indianapolis has hosted the Black Expo. It is, as I understand it, a huge event. This Expo lasts a week and is sponsored by such groups as AT&T, Coca-cola, Coors, Eli Lilly, Fed Ex, McDonalds, NCAA, UPS, and Verizon Wireless, just to name a few.
I have only lived in Indiana for about 9 years, so I decided to do a little research into what the Black Expo really was about and what kinds of things it involves. So, I went to the Black Expo home page (found here). I thought it best to go straight to the source for my research.
I read the history of the Black Expo and it's purpose and goals. They seem okay. It's stated purpose: "It has encouraged, uplifted and celebrated the accomplishments and achievements of African-Americans throughout Indiana. Its mission, to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. Its vision, that African-American youth and families achieve their highest potential and reflect pride in their ethnicity."
Now, I find nothing at all wrong with this statement. In fact, I think that's a great goal. I have no problem with highlighting the accomplishments of African-Americans (or any Americans). I think it's great that African-Americans (or any Americans) have a voice in their social and economic situations. I certainly hope that all African-American youth and families (or all Americans) can achieve their highest potential and be proud of their ethnicity.
My problem comes in the way this is packaged. All the goals are great and noble. But my question is this: If I were to start a "White Expo" (for which I would most certainly qualify), would my intentions be perceived as noble and enriching in my community? Or would they, as I highly suspect, be perceived as racist and bigoted and harmful to the other people in the community? Would my efforts to highlight the achievements of whites-only be seen as laudable or be met with outrage and cries of "foul"? (Don't worry, you needn't answer as I think I can figure out the answer for myself.)
You see, today's society demands that we all be tolerant of one another and that we be color-blind. The problem is that color-blind seems only to apply to whites. It's okay for everyone else to celebrate their cultural heritage. It's fine for everyone else to hold exclusive events on the basis of skin color or race. It's just wrong if I, as a white person, decide to do the same thing. Then it's racist. There is a clear double standard.
(By the way, to my knowledge, the Black Expo does not exclude anyone from participating, that's not my point here.)
So, you might ask: Well then, what do you want? I don't know. I don't care if the African-American community feels that they need to hold a Black Expo. It doesn't offend me and who knows, maybe it does a lot of good for a lot of people. I don't care if the Hispanic community wants to hold a Hispanic Expo to discuss their heritage either. Hey, let the Muslims have a Muslim Expo if they want. (Just don't publish any derogatory cartoons of Muhammed if you value your town.)
The point here is this: If we're supposed to be color-blind in America, if we're supposed to not care about ethnicity and treat everyone equally, then how about working together to have an "Indiana Expo" or an "American Expo" and quit focusing on race. How about leaving the double standard behind. Quit being a hyphenated American and just be American. When this happens, and only then, will racism be a thing of the past.
I have only lived in Indiana for about 9 years, so I decided to do a little research into what the Black Expo really was about and what kinds of things it involves. So, I went to the Black Expo home page (found here). I thought it best to go straight to the source for my research.
I read the history of the Black Expo and it's purpose and goals. They seem okay. It's stated purpose: "It has encouraged, uplifted and celebrated the accomplishments and achievements of African-Americans throughout Indiana. Its mission, to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. Its vision, that African-American youth and families achieve their highest potential and reflect pride in their ethnicity."
Now, I find nothing at all wrong with this statement. In fact, I think that's a great goal. I have no problem with highlighting the accomplishments of African-Americans (or any Americans). I think it's great that African-Americans (or any Americans) have a voice in their social and economic situations. I certainly hope that all African-American youth and families (or all Americans) can achieve their highest potential and be proud of their ethnicity.
My problem comes in the way this is packaged. All the goals are great and noble. But my question is this: If I were to start a "White Expo" (for which I would most certainly qualify), would my intentions be perceived as noble and enriching in my community? Or would they, as I highly suspect, be perceived as racist and bigoted and harmful to the other people in the community? Would my efforts to highlight the achievements of whites-only be seen as laudable or be met with outrage and cries of "foul"? (Don't worry, you needn't answer as I think I can figure out the answer for myself.)
You see, today's society demands that we all be tolerant of one another and that we be color-blind. The problem is that color-blind seems only to apply to whites. It's okay for everyone else to celebrate their cultural heritage. It's fine for everyone else to hold exclusive events on the basis of skin color or race. It's just wrong if I, as a white person, decide to do the same thing. Then it's racist. There is a clear double standard.
(By the way, to my knowledge, the Black Expo does not exclude anyone from participating, that's not my point here.)
So, you might ask: Well then, what do you want? I don't know. I don't care if the African-American community feels that they need to hold a Black Expo. It doesn't offend me and who knows, maybe it does a lot of good for a lot of people. I don't care if the Hispanic community wants to hold a Hispanic Expo to discuss their heritage either. Hey, let the Muslims have a Muslim Expo if they want. (Just don't publish any derogatory cartoons of Muhammed if you value your town.)
The point here is this: If we're supposed to be color-blind in America, if we're supposed to not care about ethnicity and treat everyone equally, then how about working together to have an "Indiana Expo" or an "American Expo" and quit focusing on race. How about leaving the double standard behind. Quit being a hyphenated American and just be American. When this happens, and only then, will racism be a thing of the past.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
A Deadly Game of Political Chicken
North Korea is looking for a fight whether they know it or not. Personally, I say, let's fight. I'm not a war-monger, but this is more than a little ridiculous. How many times do they honestly think they can launch missiles at other countries, while obviously aiming for the U.S., and be ignored? Oh wait....apparently a few more times.
In an official statement, North Korea said, "Our military will continue with missile launch drills in the future as part of efforts to strengthen self-defense deterrent,...If anyone intends to dispute or add pressure about this, we will have to take stronger physical actions in other forms."
Now any rational person would wonder why a country and its leader would continue to act this way unless they wanted a war, or at the very least military action. However, there is a reason that North Korea feels comfortable in continuing to launch their missiles. The only response they are getting is less than a slap on the wrist. After all, there has been "international criticism" and "nearly unanimous world condemnation" of their 7 missile launches on Wednesday.
Ooooo...I'm know I'm scared of almost unanimous condemnation and criticism. It certainly would make me stop what I was doing. Yeah, right.
Of course, the United States and Japan are trying diplomacy and asking for sanctions, but China and Russia are standing in the way of that effort, not that it would matter anyhow. Sanctions obviously don't work. Diplomacy with a deranged tyrant doesn't work either. The only thing that is respected in a situation like this is force. Overwhelming military force. Diplomacy is nice, it should always be tried first and the efforts should be mighty, but when it isn't effective then it's time to change the game plan.
But that isn't happening, once again. In a statement, President Bush said, " 'we want to solve this problem diplomatically' and that all must work together to 'send one message' that North Korea must adhere to international norms."
President Bush went on to say,of Kim Jong-il, " 'It would have been helpful of course if, you know, he said 'here's what we're going to do, here's our intentions, we want to work with you, we want to explain ... But that's not the way he decided to deal with it. He just decided to start firing, and he fired seven of them, and we take this seriously...' "
In an AP article, the President said, " 'We expect you to adhere to international norms. We expect you to keep your word.' Asked for an assessment of the reclusive North Korean leader, who is variously described as quirky, eccentric or even unbalanced, Bush struck a thoughtful pose.
"It's hard for me to tell you what's on his mind. He lives in a very closed society," marked by concentration camps and starving people, Bush said.
"What we don't know is his intentions,' ".
You don't know his intentions? He lives in a country marked by concentration camps and starving citizens and you don't know his intentions? I think it's safe to assume that they aren't good. I would say that's a fair assessment.
Mr. President, if you take this so seriously, then let's quit playing games with a lunatic and show Jong-il that he is making a big mistake. Let's answer this little attention-starved tyrant with a clear and consise, no-mistake-about-it show of force that stops him in his tracks instead of playing a game of political chicken. Isn't this how the whole situation with Sadam Hussein and Iraq started? Why waste the time trying to reason with a terrorist? It has never worked before and it will not work this time either.
In this post-Sept. 11th world, the time for talking and political games is over. I don't care if Russia and China or if the whole world disagrees with military action, when the United States of America is directly threatened, the time to act is before we are hit, not after. Let's not wait for the threat to become a reality. The time for action is now.
In an official statement, North Korea said, "Our military will continue with missile launch drills in the future as part of efforts to strengthen self-defense deterrent,...If anyone intends to dispute or add pressure about this, we will have to take stronger physical actions in other forms."
Now any rational person would wonder why a country and its leader would continue to act this way unless they wanted a war, or at the very least military action. However, there is a reason that North Korea feels comfortable in continuing to launch their missiles. The only response they are getting is less than a slap on the wrist. After all, there has been "international criticism" and "nearly unanimous world condemnation" of their 7 missile launches on Wednesday.
Ooooo...I'm know I'm scared of almost unanimous condemnation and criticism. It certainly would make me stop what I was doing. Yeah, right.
Of course, the United States and Japan are trying diplomacy and asking for sanctions, but China and Russia are standing in the way of that effort, not that it would matter anyhow. Sanctions obviously don't work. Diplomacy with a deranged tyrant doesn't work either. The only thing that is respected in a situation like this is force. Overwhelming military force. Diplomacy is nice, it should always be tried first and the efforts should be mighty, but when it isn't effective then it's time to change the game plan.
But that isn't happening, once again. In a statement, President Bush said, " 'we want to solve this problem diplomatically' and that all must work together to 'send one message' that North Korea must adhere to international norms."
President Bush went on to say,of Kim Jong-il, " 'It would have been helpful of course if, you know, he said 'here's what we're going to do, here's our intentions, we want to work with you, we want to explain ... But that's not the way he decided to deal with it. He just decided to start firing, and he fired seven of them, and we take this seriously...' "
In an AP article, the President said, " 'We expect you to adhere to international norms. We expect you to keep your word.' Asked for an assessment of the reclusive North Korean leader, who is variously described as quirky, eccentric or even unbalanced, Bush struck a thoughtful pose.
"It's hard for me to tell you what's on his mind. He lives in a very closed society," marked by concentration camps and starving people, Bush said.
"What we don't know is his intentions,' ".
You don't know his intentions? He lives in a country marked by concentration camps and starving citizens and you don't know his intentions? I think it's safe to assume that they aren't good. I would say that's a fair assessment.
Mr. President, if you take this so seriously, then let's quit playing games with a lunatic and show Jong-il that he is making a big mistake. Let's answer this little attention-starved tyrant with a clear and consise, no-mistake-about-it show of force that stops him in his tracks instead of playing a game of political chicken. Isn't this how the whole situation with Sadam Hussein and Iraq started? Why waste the time trying to reason with a terrorist? It has never worked before and it will not work this time either.
In this post-Sept. 11th world, the time for talking and political games is over. I don't care if Russia and China or if the whole world disagrees with military action, when the United States of America is directly threatened, the time to act is before we are hit, not after. Let's not wait for the threat to become a reality. The time for action is now.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
A Soldier Responds to the New York Times
While checking out Laura Ingraham's website this afternoon, I found the following article, written by Lt. Tom Cotton and sent to the New York Times. Here is what Lt. Cotton had to say in response to the New York Times' disclosure of classified intelligence:
Dear Messrs. Keller, Lichtblau & Risen:
Congratulations on disclosing our government's highly classified anti-terrorist-financing program (June 23). I apologize for not writing sooner. But I am a lieutenant in the United States Army and I spent the last four days patrolling one of the more dangerous areas in Iraq. (Alas, operational security and common sense prevent me from even revealing this unclassified location in a private medium like email.)
Unfortunately, as I supervised my soldiers late one night, I heard a booming explosion several miles away. I learned a few hours later that a powerful roadside bomb killed one soldier and severely injured another from my 130-man company. I deeply hope that we can find and kill or capture the terrorists responsible for that bomb. But, of course, these terrorists do not spring from the soil like Plato's guardians. No, they require financing to obtain mortars and artillery shells, priming explosives, wiring and circuitry, not to mention for training and payments to locals willing to emplace bombs in exchange for a few months' salary. As your story states, the program was legal, briefed to Congress, supported in the government and financial industry, and very successful.
Not anymore. You may think you have done a public service, but you have gravely endangered the lives of my soldiers and all other soldiers and innocent Iraqis here. Next time I hear that familiar explosion -- or next time I feel it -- I will wonder whether we could have stopped that bomb had you not instructed terrorists how to evade our financial surveillance.
And, by the way, having graduated from Harvard Law and practiced with a federal appellate judge and two Washington law firms before becoming an infantry officer, I am well-versed in the espionage laws relevant to this story and others -- laws you have plainly violated. I hope that my colleagues at the Department of Justice match the courage of my soldiers here and prosecute you and your newspaper to the fullest extent of the law. By the time we return home, maybe you will be in your rightful place: not at the Pulitzer announcements, but behind bars.
Very truly yours,
Tom Cotton
Baghdad, Iraq
Oh how I wish that I could have written that letter, but how much more powerful are these words from a man who is not only putting his own life on the line, but is responsible for the lives of other brave men and women who are in harms's way for the sake of our country.
I'd like to believe that the "journalist" traitors will read this and understand, perhaps for the first time, just how harmful their power-hungry actions might prove to be. If these "reporters" had chosen to do the honorable thing, if they had cared more about their country and those trying to defend it than furthering their own vendetta with the Bush administration, then perhaps we would all be much safer.
Lt. Cotton's letter was written from a perspective that few of us sitting in our comfortable homes here in the United States have. He is on the front lines day in and day out, risking his life to keep this country, and all of the freedoms that it affords, safe from an enemy who would like nothing better than to take away every last one of our freedoms. Lt. Cotton's letter cuts to the heart of the matter: the New York Times chose to reveal a very powerful weapon to our enemy and as a result, that weapon is much less potent than it could have been. The end result is that all Americans are now in more danger than before.
While I wholeheartedly agree with Lt. Cotton in everything that he wrote, I do have one point of contention with his letter, or perhaps more accurately, something to add. Not only do I share Cotton's wish to see both the Times and the reporters punished, but I expect the Justice Department to also find and prosecute, to the fullest extent of the law, the leaker of this classified information. He must be held accountable for his actions as well.
And so I will end this post with what was perhaps the most powerful quote from Lt. Cotton's message: "I hope that my colleagues at the Department of Justice match the courage of my soldiers here and prosecute you and your newspaper to the fullest extent of the law. By the time we return home, maybe you will be in your rightful place: not at the Pulitzer announcements, but behind bars." The same goes for the leaker.
Dear Messrs. Keller, Lichtblau & Risen:
Congratulations on disclosing our government's highly classified anti-terrorist-financing program (June 23). I apologize for not writing sooner. But I am a lieutenant in the United States Army and I spent the last four days patrolling one of the more dangerous areas in Iraq. (Alas, operational security and common sense prevent me from even revealing this unclassified location in a private medium like email.)
Unfortunately, as I supervised my soldiers late one night, I heard a booming explosion several miles away. I learned a few hours later that a powerful roadside bomb killed one soldier and severely injured another from my 130-man company. I deeply hope that we can find and kill or capture the terrorists responsible for that bomb. But, of course, these terrorists do not spring from the soil like Plato's guardians. No, they require financing to obtain mortars and artillery shells, priming explosives, wiring and circuitry, not to mention for training and payments to locals willing to emplace bombs in exchange for a few months' salary. As your story states, the program was legal, briefed to Congress, supported in the government and financial industry, and very successful.
Not anymore. You may think you have done a public service, but you have gravely endangered the lives of my soldiers and all other soldiers and innocent Iraqis here. Next time I hear that familiar explosion -- or next time I feel it -- I will wonder whether we could have stopped that bomb had you not instructed terrorists how to evade our financial surveillance.
And, by the way, having graduated from Harvard Law and practiced with a federal appellate judge and two Washington law firms before becoming an infantry officer, I am well-versed in the espionage laws relevant to this story and others -- laws you have plainly violated. I hope that my colleagues at the Department of Justice match the courage of my soldiers here and prosecute you and your newspaper to the fullest extent of the law. By the time we return home, maybe you will be in your rightful place: not at the Pulitzer announcements, but behind bars.
Very truly yours,
Tom Cotton
Baghdad, Iraq
Oh how I wish that I could have written that letter, but how much more powerful are these words from a man who is not only putting his own life on the line, but is responsible for the lives of other brave men and women who are in harms's way for the sake of our country.
I'd like to believe that the "journalist" traitors will read this and understand, perhaps for the first time, just how harmful their power-hungry actions might prove to be. If these "reporters" had chosen to do the honorable thing, if they had cared more about their country and those trying to defend it than furthering their own vendetta with the Bush administration, then perhaps we would all be much safer.
Lt. Cotton's letter was written from a perspective that few of us sitting in our comfortable homes here in the United States have. He is on the front lines day in and day out, risking his life to keep this country, and all of the freedoms that it affords, safe from an enemy who would like nothing better than to take away every last one of our freedoms. Lt. Cotton's letter cuts to the heart of the matter: the New York Times chose to reveal a very powerful weapon to our enemy and as a result, that weapon is much less potent than it could have been. The end result is that all Americans are now in more danger than before.
While I wholeheartedly agree with Lt. Cotton in everything that he wrote, I do have one point of contention with his letter, or perhaps more accurately, something to add. Not only do I share Cotton's wish to see both the Times and the reporters punished, but I expect the Justice Department to also find and prosecute, to the fullest extent of the law, the leaker of this classified information. He must be held accountable for his actions as well.
And so I will end this post with what was perhaps the most powerful quote from Lt. Cotton's message: "I hope that my colleagues at the Department of Justice match the courage of my soldiers here and prosecute you and your newspaper to the fullest extent of the law. By the time we return home, maybe you will be in your rightful place: not at the Pulitzer announcements, but behind bars." The same goes for the leaker.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
A Note from the Floor
Who knew that repeatedly lifting a 27 lb. toddler could be so damaging?
Apparently, I am a weakling. There can be no other explanation. About a week ago, I began to notice that I was having some rather uncomfortable back pain. By Sunday afternoon, I'd been downing the Ibuprofen at the maximum allowable dosage for a couple days and decided that I would make a Drs. appointment for Monday. Of course, when I called the Dr. on Monday, there were no openings, so I and my considerable back pain waited not-so-patiently for an appointment today.
I loaded up Emily in the van and then into the stroller and waited for our turn at the Drs'. office. We got called back into the inner sanctum, at which point Emily began to get a little distressed. I assured her that she was not getting weighed, I was, and that the only one who should be stressed about that was me.
Next I hobbled behind the stroller into exam room 18 (I always end up there) at which point Emily began to vigorously shake her head "no, no" (remember, she doesn't talk yet). I once again reassured her that I was the one in the hot seat, so to speak.
The Dr. (not our usual one, as she will be leaving this job at the end of the month) came in, asked me about my symptoms and had me do a few range-of-motion exercises and assorted leg lifts. Of course, all of this was done in my polo shirt and underwear...a lovely sight I am sure. (And by the way, whoever came up with the paper "sheets" that are now used as gowns and sheets in the office should be publicly flogged. Come on, where is the dignity?)
The diagnosis? The Dr. looked at Emily sitting in her stroller and said that she was my problem. Or more to the point, repetitive lifting of Emily is the problem. I've hurt my back by taking care of my toddler. Lovely.
The best part of the story....the Drs. prescription for easing the pain. He suggested taking 3 ibuprofen 3 times a day, laying flat on my back on the floor with my knees bent as much as possible and icing my back (but not to the point of frostbite, mind you!) Oh and don't pick Emily up very much.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Only a man could say that to a stay at home mom of a toddler with a straight face and mean it.
So, it appears that for the time being, my computer time may be cut shorter than usual as I will apparently be lying face down on the living room floor with several packs of frozen vegetables on my entire lower back while overdosing on Ibuprofen. Either that or get used to the pain.
Ah Calgon, take me away!
Apparently, I am a weakling. There can be no other explanation. About a week ago, I began to notice that I was having some rather uncomfortable back pain. By Sunday afternoon, I'd been downing the Ibuprofen at the maximum allowable dosage for a couple days and decided that I would make a Drs. appointment for Monday. Of course, when I called the Dr. on Monday, there were no openings, so I and my considerable back pain waited not-so-patiently for an appointment today.
I loaded up Emily in the van and then into the stroller and waited for our turn at the Drs'. office. We got called back into the inner sanctum, at which point Emily began to get a little distressed. I assured her that she was not getting weighed, I was, and that the only one who should be stressed about that was me.
Next I hobbled behind the stroller into exam room 18 (I always end up there) at which point Emily began to vigorously shake her head "no, no" (remember, she doesn't talk yet). I once again reassured her that I was the one in the hot seat, so to speak.
The Dr. (not our usual one, as she will be leaving this job at the end of the month) came in, asked me about my symptoms and had me do a few range-of-motion exercises and assorted leg lifts. Of course, all of this was done in my polo shirt and underwear...a lovely sight I am sure. (And by the way, whoever came up with the paper "sheets" that are now used as gowns and sheets in the office should be publicly flogged. Come on, where is the dignity?)
The diagnosis? The Dr. looked at Emily sitting in her stroller and said that she was my problem. Or more to the point, repetitive lifting of Emily is the problem. I've hurt my back by taking care of my toddler. Lovely.
The best part of the story....the Drs. prescription for easing the pain. He suggested taking 3 ibuprofen 3 times a day, laying flat on my back on the floor with my knees bent as much as possible and icing my back (but not to the point of frostbite, mind you!) Oh and don't pick Emily up very much.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Only a man could say that to a stay at home mom of a toddler with a straight face and mean it.
So, it appears that for the time being, my computer time may be cut shorter than usual as I will apparently be lying face down on the living room floor with several packs of frozen vegetables on my entire lower back while overdosing on Ibuprofen. Either that or get used to the pain.
Ah Calgon, take me away!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Are We Winning the Hearts of the People?
In my previous post, I imagined President Bush trying to shore up his supporters, both here in America and around the world. Today, in The American Spectator, Christopher Orlet writes an interesting article about America's failed war to win the hearts and minds of, well, just about anyone anymore. It's an interesting read....so, go read it.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
What I Wish the President Would Say
I'm not a great speech writer, and even if my word-smithing was good enough, the President would never use my speech because I'm not nearly politically correct enough. But if I were the President's speech writer right now, here's what I would have him say:
My fellow Americans and People of the world,
Tonight I stand before you prepared to say what has needed to be said for some time. What I have to say will not be politically correct. What I have to say will make many of you angry. In short, tonight, the gloves come off.
I will begin by addressing members of Congress. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congress, GROW UP. There are more important issues on the table than your re-election, the amount of money you can spend on frivilous things for your state and trying to discredit my presidency. I am not the enemy. I should be the least of your worries.
We face an enemy unlike any other in the history of our nation. The Islamic jihadists hate us. They want us to convert to radical Islam or die. They want to take over America and they will not stop trying to harm us until they win or until they are dead. Those are the facts. They are persistent, they are savvy, and they are patient. They understand the stakes of this game. They are prepared to fight until the death. They know what they have to gain and what we have to lose.
Do you understand the stakes? Do you know what we have to gain by defeating this kind of enemy? Do you really understand what we could lose if radical muslims win? Do you care? Is America worth fighting for? Do you understand that if we lose this war, if we lose America, you will, in all probability be among the first to lose your lives? Is your life worth fighting for? Do you get it yet?
I challenge each of you this evening to quit playing political games and start caring more about the well-being of the country and the people you were elected to represent than what anyone else in the world thinks. Are you up to the challenge?. If you still don't get it, go back and read an accurate account of world history. Learn from it. Put aside the petty partisan politics and work with me to defend our country, our freedoms and our lives.
Next, I want to address the American media. Some of you are to be commended for your reporting of the facts. Some of you have done your job with dignity and an understanding of the true nature of this war. To you, I say, thank you and keep up the good work.
Most of you, however, have been a total disgrace. The major television network reporters and print journalists (and you know who you are) have allowed yourselves to be used as mere propaganda tools. You have foolishly chosen to take a political stand and make a statement against this administration that has colored your journalism in such as way as to absolutely blind you from reality. There is no integrity in what you do. You have become mouthpieces for a political activist group and you no more search for the truth than they do. Instead of supporting our men and women in harm's way, you do your best to undercut their efforts and to discredit their honor. You work tirelessly to shame these honorable men and women, all the while giving undue aid, comfort and credit to the enemy. Instead of reporting the facts, you search for sensationalism, often taking the word of a terrorist or dictator over the words of an American soldier and at times, completely fabricating stories in order to discredit those with whom you disagree.
Your complete lack of integrity and compassion, your willingness to give credibility to those so completely undeserving and your incredible bias has not gone unnoticed. I know what is being said and written and the American public is well aware of your tactics. On behalf of the American people, I tell you that we have had enough. If you choose to continue in the same manner, there will be consequences. If need be, there will be legal consequences. Your actions will no longer continue unchecked. When you slander or defame an innocent person or administration, when your words needlessly put American troops in greater danger, when you work to discredit America at home or abroad, your days as a "journalist" will be numbered.
Next, I want to address our allies. Thank you. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for your support in this global war on terror. You have heard the reports, weighed the evidence and chosen to side with freedom and democracy rather than oppression and tyranny. You understand that the threat is not simply for America but for all freedom-loving countries of the world. Simply put, you understand that in fighting with America, you also help defend yourselves against evil and terror.
The price of freedom is high. It is not won without the sacrifice of selfless men and women. I understand that with each death, the price grows seemingly too high to bear, but I urge you to stay the course. The price of defeat will, without a doubt, be much greater. None of us can afford to pay that price, and so we must win. There can be no other alternative.
And now let me say a few words to those who have chosen not to support America and her allies in the war on terror. You have already lost. You are already paying a terrible price for being unwilling to stand up against evil. You may not realize it yet, but your unwillingness to stand firm against oppression will ultimately result in the loss of your freedom. France and the Netherlands, Iran, North Korea and other countries who have chosen not to fight are already feeling the effects of oppression, whether from communist regimes long in place or the newer, as yet more subtle occupation of radical muslims. Your days, if you continue to choose not to fight, are numbered.
While America will always stand for freedom and democracy, will always fight for those who cannot defend themselves, we can only do so much. We cannot fight every battle by ourselves when faced with such a global threat. We must defend ourselves and our allies first. If you choose not to recognize the threat, to turn a blind eye to true evil and refuse to fight for your own freedom, then don't expect America to come running when you need help. The time has come when we must do whatever it takes to defend ourselves and our freedom-loving allies and if we must pull troops from your countries in order to do so, we will. We can no longer fight everyone else's battles. It's time to take a stand against evil. If you refuse, then we will no longer do it for you.
Now I turn to the American people. My fellow Americans, I love this great country and I know that many of you do as well. I apologize for sometimes allowing myself to get caught up in partisan politics, for sometimes being too stubborn to listen to those of you who elected me, and for sometimes focusing on the wrong solutions to problems. I will do my best to do better.
I promise you, however, that from this moment forward, I will do absolutely everything in my power to protect you and this country. I will fight with every ounce of my conviction those who wish to do us harm. I will not give in and I will not give up. I will fight for my freedom and yours, but I cannot do it alone.
I realize that this war on terror is not easy. Many of you have sacrificed already for the sake of this war. Some of you have lost loved ones on the battlefield. The price has been high, and it will go higher. I urge you to stand with me and stay the course. It is tempting to cut and run. It is tempting to concentrate only on the cost of this war, both physically and fiscally, rather than the ultimate outcome. It is tempting to be swayed by the false and innacurate reporting that has become all too common. I implore you to stand with me, to be strong and to remain patient. This war will not end quickly. In fact, it may never officially end. We must concentrate on winning each battle and in slowly, but certainly defeating our enemy. Our freedom, our country and our lives depend upon our prayers, our patience and our perseverance. If we stand together, we will not be defeated. The only way we can be defeated is if we defeat ourselves. This is what the terrorists hope and plan for. We cannot allow them to be successful. It is not an option. We will not be defeated from within if we resolve now, this very day, to stand and fight together.
And finally, there are a few things I would like to say to our enemy. First, America knows who you are. We understand that our enemy is not simply a band of thugs from one country, or a political ideology, but rather a religion of hate and intolerance. Radical Islam is not a peaceable religion as you so often profess, but one of oppression and intolerance. As such, it cannot be fought in the usual manner.
From here on out, if you are a muslim male, be prepared to wait in lines at airports and subways and train stations. We will be doing racial profiling. This will continue until muslim males no longer fit the profile of homicide bombers. If muslim females begin to fit the profile, they can expect long waits as well.
If you are captured on the battlefield as an enemy combatant, you have no American civil or criminal rights. The only rights you have are to be treated as a human being. This is far more than you do for your prisoners, but we refuse to stoop to your level. So complain to the press, complain to your immams, complain to the ACLU, but in the end, it will do you no good. If you fight against us and are captured, you forfeit your rights. We abide by the Geneva convention. That's it. If you want the rights of an American, then become a legal citizen and join the fight against evil and oppression with us. Otherwise, tough luck.
And finally, do not underestimate the will of the American people. It may seem as though we have lost our resolve, as if we have no patience for a long war, as if we have not learned any lessons from the brutal attacks you perpetrated against us on September 11, but you are wrong. While some have done just that, many others are still strong and patient and full of passionate resolve. They have been the quiet majority all along, but more and more, their voices are being heard. They are what make America strong. They will not give up, they will not give in and they know who and what they are fighting. Again, never underestimate America.
God Bless you, and good night.
My fellow Americans and People of the world,
Tonight I stand before you prepared to say what has needed to be said for some time. What I have to say will not be politically correct. What I have to say will make many of you angry. In short, tonight, the gloves come off.
I will begin by addressing members of Congress. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congress, GROW UP. There are more important issues on the table than your re-election, the amount of money you can spend on frivilous things for your state and trying to discredit my presidency. I am not the enemy. I should be the least of your worries.
We face an enemy unlike any other in the history of our nation. The Islamic jihadists hate us. They want us to convert to radical Islam or die. They want to take over America and they will not stop trying to harm us until they win or until they are dead. Those are the facts. They are persistent, they are savvy, and they are patient. They understand the stakes of this game. They are prepared to fight until the death. They know what they have to gain and what we have to lose.
Do you understand the stakes? Do you know what we have to gain by defeating this kind of enemy? Do you really understand what we could lose if radical muslims win? Do you care? Is America worth fighting for? Do you understand that if we lose this war, if we lose America, you will, in all probability be among the first to lose your lives? Is your life worth fighting for? Do you get it yet?
I challenge each of you this evening to quit playing political games and start caring more about the well-being of the country and the people you were elected to represent than what anyone else in the world thinks. Are you up to the challenge?. If you still don't get it, go back and read an accurate account of world history. Learn from it. Put aside the petty partisan politics and work with me to defend our country, our freedoms and our lives.
Next, I want to address the American media. Some of you are to be commended for your reporting of the facts. Some of you have done your job with dignity and an understanding of the true nature of this war. To you, I say, thank you and keep up the good work.
Most of you, however, have been a total disgrace. The major television network reporters and print journalists (and you know who you are) have allowed yourselves to be used as mere propaganda tools. You have foolishly chosen to take a political stand and make a statement against this administration that has colored your journalism in such as way as to absolutely blind you from reality. There is no integrity in what you do. You have become mouthpieces for a political activist group and you no more search for the truth than they do. Instead of supporting our men and women in harm's way, you do your best to undercut their efforts and to discredit their honor. You work tirelessly to shame these honorable men and women, all the while giving undue aid, comfort and credit to the enemy. Instead of reporting the facts, you search for sensationalism, often taking the word of a terrorist or dictator over the words of an American soldier and at times, completely fabricating stories in order to discredit those with whom you disagree.
Your complete lack of integrity and compassion, your willingness to give credibility to those so completely undeserving and your incredible bias has not gone unnoticed. I know what is being said and written and the American public is well aware of your tactics. On behalf of the American people, I tell you that we have had enough. If you choose to continue in the same manner, there will be consequences. If need be, there will be legal consequences. Your actions will no longer continue unchecked. When you slander or defame an innocent person or administration, when your words needlessly put American troops in greater danger, when you work to discredit America at home or abroad, your days as a "journalist" will be numbered.
Next, I want to address our allies. Thank you. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for your support in this global war on terror. You have heard the reports, weighed the evidence and chosen to side with freedom and democracy rather than oppression and tyranny. You understand that the threat is not simply for America but for all freedom-loving countries of the world. Simply put, you understand that in fighting with America, you also help defend yourselves against evil and terror.
The price of freedom is high. It is not won without the sacrifice of selfless men and women. I understand that with each death, the price grows seemingly too high to bear, but I urge you to stay the course. The price of defeat will, without a doubt, be much greater. None of us can afford to pay that price, and so we must win. There can be no other alternative.
And now let me say a few words to those who have chosen not to support America and her allies in the war on terror. You have already lost. You are already paying a terrible price for being unwilling to stand up against evil. You may not realize it yet, but your unwillingness to stand firm against oppression will ultimately result in the loss of your freedom. France and the Netherlands, Iran, North Korea and other countries who have chosen not to fight are already feeling the effects of oppression, whether from communist regimes long in place or the newer, as yet more subtle occupation of radical muslims. Your days, if you continue to choose not to fight, are numbered.
While America will always stand for freedom and democracy, will always fight for those who cannot defend themselves, we can only do so much. We cannot fight every battle by ourselves when faced with such a global threat. We must defend ourselves and our allies first. If you choose not to recognize the threat, to turn a blind eye to true evil and refuse to fight for your own freedom, then don't expect America to come running when you need help. The time has come when we must do whatever it takes to defend ourselves and our freedom-loving allies and if we must pull troops from your countries in order to do so, we will. We can no longer fight everyone else's battles. It's time to take a stand against evil. If you refuse, then we will no longer do it for you.
Now I turn to the American people. My fellow Americans, I love this great country and I know that many of you do as well. I apologize for sometimes allowing myself to get caught up in partisan politics, for sometimes being too stubborn to listen to those of you who elected me, and for sometimes focusing on the wrong solutions to problems. I will do my best to do better.
I promise you, however, that from this moment forward, I will do absolutely everything in my power to protect you and this country. I will fight with every ounce of my conviction those who wish to do us harm. I will not give in and I will not give up. I will fight for my freedom and yours, but I cannot do it alone.
I realize that this war on terror is not easy. Many of you have sacrificed already for the sake of this war. Some of you have lost loved ones on the battlefield. The price has been high, and it will go higher. I urge you to stand with me and stay the course. It is tempting to cut and run. It is tempting to concentrate only on the cost of this war, both physically and fiscally, rather than the ultimate outcome. It is tempting to be swayed by the false and innacurate reporting that has become all too common. I implore you to stand with me, to be strong and to remain patient. This war will not end quickly. In fact, it may never officially end. We must concentrate on winning each battle and in slowly, but certainly defeating our enemy. Our freedom, our country and our lives depend upon our prayers, our patience and our perseverance. If we stand together, we will not be defeated. The only way we can be defeated is if we defeat ourselves. This is what the terrorists hope and plan for. We cannot allow them to be successful. It is not an option. We will not be defeated from within if we resolve now, this very day, to stand and fight together.
And finally, there are a few things I would like to say to our enemy. First, America knows who you are. We understand that our enemy is not simply a band of thugs from one country, or a political ideology, but rather a religion of hate and intolerance. Radical Islam is not a peaceable religion as you so often profess, but one of oppression and intolerance. As such, it cannot be fought in the usual manner.
From here on out, if you are a muslim male, be prepared to wait in lines at airports and subways and train stations. We will be doing racial profiling. This will continue until muslim males no longer fit the profile of homicide bombers. If muslim females begin to fit the profile, they can expect long waits as well.
If you are captured on the battlefield as an enemy combatant, you have no American civil or criminal rights. The only rights you have are to be treated as a human being. This is far more than you do for your prisoners, but we refuse to stoop to your level. So complain to the press, complain to your immams, complain to the ACLU, but in the end, it will do you no good. If you fight against us and are captured, you forfeit your rights. We abide by the Geneva convention. That's it. If you want the rights of an American, then become a legal citizen and join the fight against evil and oppression with us. Otherwise, tough luck.
And finally, do not underestimate the will of the American people. It may seem as though we have lost our resolve, as if we have no patience for a long war, as if we have not learned any lessons from the brutal attacks you perpetrated against us on September 11, but you are wrong. While some have done just that, many others are still strong and patient and full of passionate resolve. They have been the quiet majority all along, but more and more, their voices are being heard. They are what make America strong. They will not give up, they will not give in and they know who and what they are fighting. Again, never underestimate America.
God Bless you, and good night.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
They're Fighting the Wrong War
I have often heard liberals say that the war in Iraq is "the wrong war, in the wrong place, at the wrong time". It has been a battle cry for some, so vehemently opposed to this war are they. The trouble is, they don't realize how accurate a statement that is, in a manner of speaking.
Rep. John Murtha, (D.-PA.) has become a spokesperson for this group of ideologues. A man who has honorably served his country, first as a Marine, then as a member of Congress for over 30 years, his reputation is good. He has earned the right to speak out about the war and the troops. He most definitely has a right to his opinion and he has some deeper knowledge of what it is like to be a soldier. Unfortunately, his opinion about the war in Iraq is wrong.
Murtha has become the poster-boy for those who have either opposed the war from the beginning or have grown impatient with the ongoing conflict. His military record makes him an "untouchable" (much to the joy of the liberals), similar to the 9/11 widows who have become politicized by the left. The liberals believe that since Rep. Murtha served (very honorably, it would seem) in combat in Vietnam, he can say anything he wishes about the Iraq war and should not be held accountable for his statements, much less debated. In other words, since he's "been there and done that" he must be right and how dare anyone question his opinion.
Well, I dare question it, as do many other conservatives. I have a great amount of respect for Rep. Murtha's service to our country. There is no doubt in my mind that he loves his country, to have served it in combat as he did. However, it does not make him an expert or even infallible when it comes to the current conflict. All of Mr. Murtha's personal military experience comes from the Vietnam era, it would seem. As a result, his past experiences with that conflict color his current understanding of the Iraq war. Murtha has fallen into the trap that many others who oppose the war have. He has been comparing this war with Vietnam.
While I can understand drawing some comparisons, this is dangerous thinking. It is important to learn the lessons of history and apply them to situations today, but to assume that we are fighting the same war today as when we were in Vietnam is a very serious miscalculation.
The Vietnam war was similar to the Iraq war in that both were highly unpopular wars with the people and the politicians. Both, it might be said, were political wars. Both wars were fought in very foreign, difficult countries where the enemy was often difficult to distinguish from the good guys. Both wars lost support as time passed.
There is at least one striking difference however, and it must not be ignored. The Vietnam war was fought as part of a larger war against communism. It attacked a well-known political ideology. The war in Iraq is also part of a larger war, the war on terror. However, this war is not simply against a political opponent, but rather a religious one. This is important because in politics, the better, stronger political idea, in this case democracy and capitalism, will ultimately be victorious because even uneducated people can recognize when good policies are working because it directly benefits them. Fighting a war against a religion or rather, a radical form of a religion, is much trickier because the end "victory" is not known until one dies, with each side believing they are right until the very end.
While Iraq is being won (and won over) to democracy because a democratic society is a better, more successful political idea, the war is far from over because we fight against a religious ideology that is still going strong, in Iraq and around the world. The problem we face is a serious one. America and it's allies, in large part, do not recognize the real enemy to our freedom. Our enemy is not a particular dictator or political regime, as it has been in past wars. Our enemy is radical, militant islam and the goal is to conquer and convert the world.
Militant islam waits and watches the conflict, patiently and with resolve, and they adapt their strategy as needed. They understand the war we are in they and are determined to win. They will not lose their resolve, they'll wait until we do. And it would seem that their wait will not be long.
On Meet The Press, with Tim Russert, Rep. Murtha made the comment, "We are not fighting the war. The soldiers are the ones fighting the war." While I think I understand what he was trying to say, a louder, probably unintended messages struck me. "This country is not fighting the war. We've left victory up to a few hundred thousand troops."
The liberal leadership believes that victory will come through force and strength alone. They are very wrong. In a war for our freedom, our way of life, and ultimately our very souls, the liberals have lost sight of who our enemy is and that for which we are fighting. They believe that the fight can take place half a world away and not be affected by anything here at home. They honestly believe that the battle is not here in America, even after the attacks of September 11. They believe that if we just protect America and do not take the fight to the enemy, that they might simply be content to leave us alone. They are wrong. They are fighting a new war with old tactics and ideas. They are unaware of the real enemy and the threat they pose. They wish to impose a timetable for this war to end. They don't know who, what and why we are fighting and that is perhaps the most frightening thing of all.
Rep. John Murtha, (D.-PA.) has become a spokesperson for this group of ideologues. A man who has honorably served his country, first as a Marine, then as a member of Congress for over 30 years, his reputation is good. He has earned the right to speak out about the war and the troops. He most definitely has a right to his opinion and he has some deeper knowledge of what it is like to be a soldier. Unfortunately, his opinion about the war in Iraq is wrong.
Murtha has become the poster-boy for those who have either opposed the war from the beginning or have grown impatient with the ongoing conflict. His military record makes him an "untouchable" (much to the joy of the liberals), similar to the 9/11 widows who have become politicized by the left. The liberals believe that since Rep. Murtha served (very honorably, it would seem) in combat in Vietnam, he can say anything he wishes about the Iraq war and should not be held accountable for his statements, much less debated. In other words, since he's "been there and done that" he must be right and how dare anyone question his opinion.
Well, I dare question it, as do many other conservatives. I have a great amount of respect for Rep. Murtha's service to our country. There is no doubt in my mind that he loves his country, to have served it in combat as he did. However, it does not make him an expert or even infallible when it comes to the current conflict. All of Mr. Murtha's personal military experience comes from the Vietnam era, it would seem. As a result, his past experiences with that conflict color his current understanding of the Iraq war. Murtha has fallen into the trap that many others who oppose the war have. He has been comparing this war with Vietnam.
While I can understand drawing some comparisons, this is dangerous thinking. It is important to learn the lessons of history and apply them to situations today, but to assume that we are fighting the same war today as when we were in Vietnam is a very serious miscalculation.
The Vietnam war was similar to the Iraq war in that both were highly unpopular wars with the people and the politicians. Both, it might be said, were political wars. Both wars were fought in very foreign, difficult countries where the enemy was often difficult to distinguish from the good guys. Both wars lost support as time passed.
There is at least one striking difference however, and it must not be ignored. The Vietnam war was fought as part of a larger war against communism. It attacked a well-known political ideology. The war in Iraq is also part of a larger war, the war on terror. However, this war is not simply against a political opponent, but rather a religious one. This is important because in politics, the better, stronger political idea, in this case democracy and capitalism, will ultimately be victorious because even uneducated people can recognize when good policies are working because it directly benefits them. Fighting a war against a religion or rather, a radical form of a religion, is much trickier because the end "victory" is not known until one dies, with each side believing they are right until the very end.
While Iraq is being won (and won over) to democracy because a democratic society is a better, more successful political idea, the war is far from over because we fight against a religious ideology that is still going strong, in Iraq and around the world. The problem we face is a serious one. America and it's allies, in large part, do not recognize the real enemy to our freedom. Our enemy is not a particular dictator or political regime, as it has been in past wars. Our enemy is radical, militant islam and the goal is to conquer and convert the world.
Militant islam waits and watches the conflict, patiently and with resolve, and they adapt their strategy as needed. They understand the war we are in they and are determined to win. They will not lose their resolve, they'll wait until we do. And it would seem that their wait will not be long.
On Meet The Press, with Tim Russert, Rep. Murtha made the comment, "We are not fighting the war. The soldiers are the ones fighting the war." While I think I understand what he was trying to say, a louder, probably unintended messages struck me. "This country is not fighting the war. We've left victory up to a few hundred thousand troops."
The liberal leadership believes that victory will come through force and strength alone. They are very wrong. In a war for our freedom, our way of life, and ultimately our very souls, the liberals have lost sight of who our enemy is and that for which we are fighting. They believe that the fight can take place half a world away and not be affected by anything here at home. They honestly believe that the battle is not here in America, even after the attacks of September 11. They believe that if we just protect America and do not take the fight to the enemy, that they might simply be content to leave us alone. They are wrong. They are fighting a new war with old tactics and ideas. They are unaware of the real enemy and the threat they pose. They wish to impose a timetable for this war to end. They don't know who, what and why we are fighting and that is perhaps the most frightening thing of all.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Where There's a Will....
(click image to enlarge)
We went to the zoo today and when I saw this camel, I just had to take a picture. Does God have a sense of humor? I think the evidence speaks for itself. (Note that the camel has positioned itself over a tree stump in order to scratch it's belly. He was having quite the grand ole' time!)
Bush Apologizes (This should make the Dems salivate!)
I watched the President make some remarks from the Rose Garden yesterday. At the end of his statement, he answered questions from the gaggle of reporters who were chomping at the bit to ask him about anything from Karl Rove to oh....Karl Rove.
The press conference would have been otherwise unremarkable, except for an exchange that I noticed towards the end. President Bush called on Peter Wallsten, of the L.A. Times, for the next question. As Mr. Wallsten began asking his question (about Karl Rove), President Bush asked him if he was going to address him with his "shades" on. The President then went on to quip, "For the viewers, there's no sun."
The press corp laughed and Mr. Wallsten continued with his question, with the sunglasses still on, and the press conference went on without any other notable happenings.
That's the background of the story. Now, as Paul Harvey would say, here's the rest of the story.
Today Peter Wallsten, in an interview by Nedra Pickler, Associated Press Writer, shared the reason he was wearing the "shades". Mr. Wallsten has Stargardt's disease which is a form of macular degeneration and can cause vision loss over time. One of the symptoms of the disease is sensitivity to sunlight, even on a cloudy day, which can apparently speed up the rate of loss of vision, hence the sunglasses.
Mr. Wallsten let the AP reporter know that President Bush had called him on his cell phone later in the day to apologize for his comment, as he was unaware of Mr. Wallsten's condition. Wallsten said that he told the President that there was no need to apologize and admitted that he had not told anyone in the White House about the disease. As a result, he said he was not offended by the comment.
President Bush said, "`I needle you guys out of affection,'" Wallsten said. "I said, 'I understand that, but I don't want you to treat me any differently because of this.'"
"Wallsten said the president said he would not treat him differently, so Wallsten encouraged him to 'needle away.'"
"He said, `I will. Next time I'll just use a different needle,'" Wallsten said.
Wallsten is quoted in the article as saying that he thought that was a pretty good line from the President. I agree.
As I read this article, I was reminded of how much the liberals in the country, including almost all of the left-leaning press corp, constantly try to paint President Bush as an arrogant cowboy who never admits his mistakes. They try desperately to catch him in a mistake and craft inane questions in an attempt to get a "soundbite" of the president admitting he was wrong in anything. My guess is that they are giddy with glee over this story because it shows how insensitive President Bush can be and how he doesn't think before he speaks.
Well, let the liberals and the media think what they will. I think the President of the United States showed a lot of humility and concern for his fellow human being when he took the time out of an outrageously busy day to personally call a reporter to apologize for an honest mistake. He didn't have to make that call himself. Other presidents would likely have asked a staffer to do it. Some presidents probably would never have even acknowledged the incident. This president did what an honorable man would do...he humbled himself, apologized, admitted he was wrong and did his best to make things right again. That's all anyone can ask.
The press conference would have been otherwise unremarkable, except for an exchange that I noticed towards the end. President Bush called on Peter Wallsten, of the L.A. Times, for the next question. As Mr. Wallsten began asking his question (about Karl Rove), President Bush asked him if he was going to address him with his "shades" on. The President then went on to quip, "For the viewers, there's no sun."
The press corp laughed and Mr. Wallsten continued with his question, with the sunglasses still on, and the press conference went on without any other notable happenings.
That's the background of the story. Now, as Paul Harvey would say, here's the rest of the story.
Today Peter Wallsten, in an interview by Nedra Pickler, Associated Press Writer, shared the reason he was wearing the "shades". Mr. Wallsten has Stargardt's disease which is a form of macular degeneration and can cause vision loss over time. One of the symptoms of the disease is sensitivity to sunlight, even on a cloudy day, which can apparently speed up the rate of loss of vision, hence the sunglasses.
Mr. Wallsten let the AP reporter know that President Bush had called him on his cell phone later in the day to apologize for his comment, as he was unaware of Mr. Wallsten's condition. Wallsten said that he told the President that there was no need to apologize and admitted that he had not told anyone in the White House about the disease. As a result, he said he was not offended by the comment.
President Bush said, "`I needle you guys out of affection,'" Wallsten said. "I said, 'I understand that, but I don't want you to treat me any differently because of this.'"
"Wallsten said the president said he would not treat him differently, so Wallsten encouraged him to 'needle away.'"
"He said, `I will. Next time I'll just use a different needle,'" Wallsten said.
Wallsten is quoted in the article as saying that he thought that was a pretty good line from the President. I agree.
As I read this article, I was reminded of how much the liberals in the country, including almost all of the left-leaning press corp, constantly try to paint President Bush as an arrogant cowboy who never admits his mistakes. They try desperately to catch him in a mistake and craft inane questions in an attempt to get a "soundbite" of the president admitting he was wrong in anything. My guess is that they are giddy with glee over this story because it shows how insensitive President Bush can be and how he doesn't think before he speaks.
Well, let the liberals and the media think what they will. I think the President of the United States showed a lot of humility and concern for his fellow human being when he took the time out of an outrageously busy day to personally call a reporter to apologize for an honest mistake. He didn't have to make that call himself. Other presidents would likely have asked a staffer to do it. Some presidents probably would never have even acknowledged the incident. This president did what an honorable man would do...he humbled himself, apologized, admitted he was wrong and did his best to make things right again. That's all anyone can ask.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Rating Christianity
Scripps Howard News Service reports on the upcoming movie "Facing the Giants", a family movie that is causing quite a controversy because of the PG rating imposed upon it by the MPAA (motion picture association of America).
The reason for giving this wholesome family movie a PG rating? According to a Scripps article, the MPAA said it, "decided that the movie was heavily laden with messages from one religion and that this might offend people from other religions. It's important that they used the word 'proselytizing' when they talked about giving this movie a PG. ..
The movie includes such elements as "waves of answered prayers, a medical miracle, a mysterious silver-haired mystic who delivers a message from God and a bench-warmer who kicks a 51-yard field goal to win the big game when his handicapped father pulls himself out of a wheelchair and stands under the goal post to inspire his son's faith. There's a prayer-driven gust of wind in there, too." (OH MY!)
This is the stuff that defined many a successful Disney film, back when Disney wasn't controlled by more liberal groups. In fact, this type of plot line is the traditional family movie. A Christian football coach uses his personal faith in God to help him overcome obstacles such a fear and failure. Along the way, he shares his faith with others. (GASP!) In the end, his team is victorious. Your basic family-movie plot.
So what, precisely, has given the MPAA cause for enough concern to rate this movie alongside those with profanity, violence or brief nudity? The American Family Association believes it is the following scene which merited the PG rating:
In a "...chat between football coach Grant Taylor _ played by Alex Kendrick _ and a rich brat named Matt Prader. The coach says that he needs to stop bad-mouthing his bossy father and get right with God.
The boy replies: "You really believe in all that honoring God and following Jesus stuff? ... Well, I ain't trying to be disrespectful, but not everybody believes in that."
The coach replies: "Matt, nobody's forcing anything on you. Following Jesus Christ is the decision that you're going to have to make for yourself. You may not want to accept it, because it'll change your life. You'll never be the same.""
So if I understand this correctly, the film is rating PG for standing up for one's beliefs and sharing them with others. It offers a choice. "Here's what I believe. It has made a positive difference in my life. I'd like to share it with you, but in the end, it's your choice whether to accept it or ignore it. The decision is yours. Here's another (diverse) way to think."
I thought diversity was a good thing. I thought liberals loved diversity. I thought they were tolerant and open-minded to everything, especially religions. Oh wait, I forgot, this is Christianity we're talking about. It doesn't count. It only divides people. Christians are intolerant, hateful bigots. Ah yes, that makes sense. Of course we should warn unsuspecting families about this film's Christian message. It might "make" then choose to become a Christian. (OH NO!)
This film absolutely should not be shown. Instead, let's show something like "The Boys of Brokeback Mountain Meet Muhammed". Now that should be educational, positive and uplifting, right? There's no "proselytizing" happening there...
The reason for giving this wholesome family movie a PG rating? According to a Scripps article, the MPAA said it, "decided that the movie was heavily laden with messages from one religion and that this might offend people from other religions. It's important that they used the word 'proselytizing' when they talked about giving this movie a PG. ..
The movie includes such elements as "waves of answered prayers, a medical miracle, a mysterious silver-haired mystic who delivers a message from God and a bench-warmer who kicks a 51-yard field goal to win the big game when his handicapped father pulls himself out of a wheelchair and stands under the goal post to inspire his son's faith. There's a prayer-driven gust of wind in there, too." (OH MY!)
This is the stuff that defined many a successful Disney film, back when Disney wasn't controlled by more liberal groups. In fact, this type of plot line is the traditional family movie. A Christian football coach uses his personal faith in God to help him overcome obstacles such a fear and failure. Along the way, he shares his faith with others. (GASP!) In the end, his team is victorious. Your basic family-movie plot.
So what, precisely, has given the MPAA cause for enough concern to rate this movie alongside those with profanity, violence or brief nudity? The American Family Association believes it is the following scene which merited the PG rating:
In a "...chat between football coach Grant Taylor _ played by Alex Kendrick _ and a rich brat named Matt Prader. The coach says that he needs to stop bad-mouthing his bossy father and get right with God.
The boy replies: "You really believe in all that honoring God and following Jesus stuff? ... Well, I ain't trying to be disrespectful, but not everybody believes in that."
The coach replies: "Matt, nobody's forcing anything on you. Following Jesus Christ is the decision that you're going to have to make for yourself. You may not want to accept it, because it'll change your life. You'll never be the same.""
So if I understand this correctly, the film is rating PG for standing up for one's beliefs and sharing them with others. It offers a choice. "Here's what I believe. It has made a positive difference in my life. I'd like to share it with you, but in the end, it's your choice whether to accept it or ignore it. The decision is yours. Here's another (diverse) way to think."
I thought diversity was a good thing. I thought liberals loved diversity. I thought they were tolerant and open-minded to everything, especially religions. Oh wait, I forgot, this is Christianity we're talking about. It doesn't count. It only divides people. Christians are intolerant, hateful bigots. Ah yes, that makes sense. Of course we should warn unsuspecting families about this film's Christian message. It might "make" then choose to become a Christian. (OH NO!)
This film absolutely should not be shown. Instead, let's show something like "The Boys of Brokeback Mountain Meet Muhammed". Now that should be educational, positive and uplifting, right? There's no "proselytizing" happening there...
Friday, June 09, 2006
One of Those Days
Do you ever just have one of those days where absolutely nothing you do seems to turn out right? Or maybe one of those weeks? I think I'm having a week like that, but today, it's almost comical.
Let me give you some background. Two years ago, we bought a house with a pool. The pool is partially in-ground, partially above. It has a deck all the way around, so that we can walk out our back patio doors, onto the deck and be on the same level as the pool. The pool had a filter/pump combo that we've been using for the last two years, that the previous owner installed under one end of the deck. If you stand under that end of the deck, from ground to the top of the deck, it measures 46 inches. I'm 5'6", my husband is 5'10" (I might be giving him a bit much credit there!) As you've already deduced, doing any repairs on the filter/pump is, quite literally, a pain in the neck...and back. Not to mention the spiders...and wasps...and bugs...
So guess what broke this week? Yep, the filter/pump. First the filter had "issues" then the pump died. While that certainly wasn't ideal, it also wasn't the end of the world. We bought a new, stronger, better (at least that's what the pool store guy assured us) filter/pump combo and came home to put it together and install it. We decided, for lots of practical reasons to install it outside of the deck for easier servicing. Apparently, this is a good decision...but we'll get to that. We got ready to hook up all the hoses, and found that we didn't have the proper fittings to do so. No one's fault, just the way it was.
So yesterday, I made my 3rd or 4th trip to the pool store (the employees all know me now), bought the fitting, installed them myself (I can handle tools if need be) and filled the pool to the required level in excited anticipation of being able to run the filter and start cleaning the pool. When Andrew got home from work, we carefully read the instructions on priming the pump (the instructions are worthless), followed them to a "t" because we're a little well, conscientious would be one word for it...and plugged it in....
And heard a decidedly unpleasant "POP" followed by a few wisps of smoke from the motor of the pump. Not good. Not good at all. Needless to say, things got ugly quick. Andrew, Emily and I all turned on each other, we wanted to swear (okay, at least I did, even though I never have and don't intend to, but come on...you've all been there!) The night was not a success.
So today, I've called the pool store again to see if I can get anyone to give me any ideas to try or advice. (Not likely.) The employees now know me by voice as well... Their advice...bring the pump back in, it might be a dud. GREAT! That's no problem, I'll just unhook everything, let water go everywhere, drag a very angry toddler back to the pool store and start from scratch. Sounds like fun to me.
If we're really lucky, it'll be a problem with our electric. FUN STUFF!
While I was out, my old college roomate called. I haven't talked to her in months and I couldn't wait to call her back. So I did. She wasn't there. Now we're playing phone tag. I think I'm "it". I decided to call my mom...she wasn't, and still isn't home. Apparently no one is home except for me.
It's been one of those days and weeks....My advice? Don't have one of those days/weeks. Just don't do it.
Let me give you some background. Two years ago, we bought a house with a pool. The pool is partially in-ground, partially above. It has a deck all the way around, so that we can walk out our back patio doors, onto the deck and be on the same level as the pool. The pool had a filter/pump combo that we've been using for the last two years, that the previous owner installed under one end of the deck. If you stand under that end of the deck, from ground to the top of the deck, it measures 46 inches. I'm 5'6", my husband is 5'10" (I might be giving him a bit much credit there!) As you've already deduced, doing any repairs on the filter/pump is, quite literally, a pain in the neck...and back. Not to mention the spiders...and wasps...and bugs...
So guess what broke this week? Yep, the filter/pump. First the filter had "issues" then the pump died. While that certainly wasn't ideal, it also wasn't the end of the world. We bought a new, stronger, better (at least that's what the pool store guy assured us) filter/pump combo and came home to put it together and install it. We decided, for lots of practical reasons to install it outside of the deck for easier servicing. Apparently, this is a good decision...but we'll get to that. We got ready to hook up all the hoses, and found that we didn't have the proper fittings to do so. No one's fault, just the way it was.
So yesterday, I made my 3rd or 4th trip to the pool store (the employees all know me now), bought the fitting, installed them myself (I can handle tools if need be) and filled the pool to the required level in excited anticipation of being able to run the filter and start cleaning the pool. When Andrew got home from work, we carefully read the instructions on priming the pump (the instructions are worthless), followed them to a "t" because we're a little well, conscientious would be one word for it...and plugged it in....
And heard a decidedly unpleasant "POP" followed by a few wisps of smoke from the motor of the pump. Not good. Not good at all. Needless to say, things got ugly quick. Andrew, Emily and I all turned on each other, we wanted to swear (okay, at least I did, even though I never have and don't intend to, but come on...you've all been there!) The night was not a success.
So today, I've called the pool store again to see if I can get anyone to give me any ideas to try or advice. (Not likely.) The employees now know me by voice as well... Their advice...bring the pump back in, it might be a dud. GREAT! That's no problem, I'll just unhook everything, let water go everywhere, drag a very angry toddler back to the pool store and start from scratch. Sounds like fun to me.
If we're really lucky, it'll be a problem with our electric. FUN STUFF!
While I was out, my old college roomate called. I haven't talked to her in months and I couldn't wait to call her back. So I did. She wasn't there. Now we're playing phone tag. I think I'm "it". I decided to call my mom...she wasn't, and still isn't home. Apparently no one is home except for me.
It's been one of those days and weeks....My advice? Don't have one of those days/weeks. Just don't do it.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
A Lot On My Mind
First, my apologies for my absence. Life, do-it-ourselves-projects-gone-awry and problems with Blogger have left me woefully short on time and the opportunity to post something new and insightful. At least, that's my excuse this time.
So today's post is going to be a lot of quick observations of things that have been on my mind. A hit-and-run post, if you will. Here goes:
Regarding the killing of Al-Zarqawi - GOOD! It's about time the good guys get a big, media-covered victory. Too bad, the media still isn't all that interested in covering it the way they are when a civilian is killed. Oh well...
Michael Berg, father of Nick Berg who was beheaded quite possibly by Al-Zarqawi himself, blames who else but President Bush for his son's violent death.
From Reuters: "I don't think that Zarqawi is himself responsible for the killings of hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq," Berg said in a combative television interview with the U.S. Fox News network. "I think George Bush is." He went on to say, "Yeah, like George Bush didn't OK the torture and death and rape of people in the Abu Ghraib prison for which my son was killed in retaliation?"
Continuing in the interview, Berg said that he could understand what Zarqawi's family was going through, since his son's beheading was broadcast via the internet and a picture of the face of a dead Zarqawi has been broadcast on the news.
There are so many things to say here, but I'll respond with just a few.
First, "hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq" have not died. Thousands, yes, not hundreds of thousands. Let's be accurate, Mr. Berg.
Second, President Bush is not responsible for deaths carried out by terrorists. This is kind of an obvious inaccuracy, especially since terrorists groups tend to claim responsibility for the violence and deaths they create.
Third, my guess is that President Bush did not give his permission to the men and women involved in the Abu Ghraib prison fiasco. Whatever happened in that prison is the responsibility of the men and women who acted inappropriately. There comes a point where individual accountability for actions has to come into play. News flash: President Bush is not to blame for anything and everything bad in the world. Period.
Finally, Mr. Berg, who is no doubt grieving, is nonetheless wrong. There is no comparison to be made between the broadcast of the violent beheading of an INNOCENT civilian and the swift military killing of a known violent terrorist. No comparison whatsoever. In fact, I would go so far as to say that there was probably at least one person in Zarqawi's family who breathed a sigh of relief along with the rest of the world and said good riddance. There is no need to mourn the death of violent and evil men. There is even less reason to compare the death of a good man to that of an evil man.
Lest you think that Michael Berg is the only public figure speaking this way, let me assure you, he's not. In fact, I predict that over the coming weeks, many others will join in. Jerry Springer, speaking on Air America (does anyone even listen to that?) already joined in. I'd post his comments, but just read the quotes from Michael Berg. They're pretty much identical. Blame Bush. There you have it.
And finally, I've been thinking about this for a while. I think it's time for a third party. Okay, so I'm no scholar, and I realize there are problems with a 3-party system, but I'm beginning to think that something has to change. I propose the Conservative party. (Or maybe we could call it the Common Sense party...either way.) It's symbol, an eagle. Basically the party would espouse those values upon which our country was founded. Oh, wait, I've just had a better thought for a name...the Constitution party. Read the Constitution. That's what we believe. I'd like to join that party.
So today's post is going to be a lot of quick observations of things that have been on my mind. A hit-and-run post, if you will. Here goes:
Regarding the killing of Al-Zarqawi - GOOD! It's about time the good guys get a big, media-covered victory. Too bad, the media still isn't all that interested in covering it the way they are when a civilian is killed. Oh well...
Michael Berg, father of Nick Berg who was beheaded quite possibly by Al-Zarqawi himself, blames who else but President Bush for his son's violent death.
From Reuters: "I don't think that Zarqawi is himself responsible for the killings of hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq," Berg said in a combative television interview with the U.S. Fox News network. "I think George Bush is." He went on to say, "Yeah, like George Bush didn't OK the torture and death and rape of people in the Abu Ghraib prison for which my son was killed in retaliation?"
Continuing in the interview, Berg said that he could understand what Zarqawi's family was going through, since his son's beheading was broadcast via the internet and a picture of the face of a dead Zarqawi has been broadcast on the news.
There are so many things to say here, but I'll respond with just a few.
First, "hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq" have not died. Thousands, yes, not hundreds of thousands. Let's be accurate, Mr. Berg.
Second, President Bush is not responsible for deaths carried out by terrorists. This is kind of an obvious inaccuracy, especially since terrorists groups tend to claim responsibility for the violence and deaths they create.
Third, my guess is that President Bush did not give his permission to the men and women involved in the Abu Ghraib prison fiasco. Whatever happened in that prison is the responsibility of the men and women who acted inappropriately. There comes a point where individual accountability for actions has to come into play. News flash: President Bush is not to blame for anything and everything bad in the world. Period.
Finally, Mr. Berg, who is no doubt grieving, is nonetheless wrong. There is no comparison to be made between the broadcast of the violent beheading of an INNOCENT civilian and the swift military killing of a known violent terrorist. No comparison whatsoever. In fact, I would go so far as to say that there was probably at least one person in Zarqawi's family who breathed a sigh of relief along with the rest of the world and said good riddance. There is no need to mourn the death of violent and evil men. There is even less reason to compare the death of a good man to that of an evil man.
Lest you think that Michael Berg is the only public figure speaking this way, let me assure you, he's not. In fact, I predict that over the coming weeks, many others will join in. Jerry Springer, speaking on Air America (does anyone even listen to that?) already joined in. I'd post his comments, but just read the quotes from Michael Berg. They're pretty much identical. Blame Bush. There you have it.
And finally, I've been thinking about this for a while. I think it's time for a third party. Okay, so I'm no scholar, and I realize there are problems with a 3-party system, but I'm beginning to think that something has to change. I propose the Conservative party. (Or maybe we could call it the Common Sense party...either way.) It's symbol, an eagle. Basically the party would espouse those values upon which our country was founded. Oh, wait, I've just had a better thought for a name...the Constitution party. Read the Constitution. That's what we believe. I'd like to join that party.
Monday, June 05, 2006
More Proof That The Liberals Don't Get It
On Sunday, I had occasion to hear Meet The Press (in between Emily saying "Aaaaaa! Aaaaa! at the top of her considerable lungs). At first, I didn't know who Tim Russert was interviewing, but this much was obvious - he was definitely a liberal. Then, I finally heard that the flaming liberal-of-the-day-in-question was none other than Presidential-hopeful Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE.)
Now, the tiny state of Delaware is a place near and dear to my heart. It is where I grew up, at least for the first 17 years or so of my life. My family is all still there, though it must be stated that they are not liberals. (Just wanted to clear the air.) However, many people from that miniscule Mid-Atlantic state are Democrats and apparently rather liberals ones, since they continue to elect Sen. Biden.
Sen. Biden may represent just a tiny, rather politically unimportant state (at least with regards to elections), but he typifies the most dangerous liberal politicians out in the public eye today. He appears, or at least has in the past, to represent the more moderate democratic thought when campaigning, yet his voting history tells a different story. His speeches say "Hey, I'm a good guy, I care about you, I'm an average-Joe, I'm just like you", but his voting record, and even increasingly his rhetoric, says, "I'm liberal, Liberal, LIBERAL. I'll do whatever it takes to discredit republican leadership and the especially the President, I'll do all I can to undermine this country, and I'll do it all because I want more power." He doesn't get it, though.
Why do I say that the liberals "don't get it"? Here's a simple example. Both Sen. Biden and Sen. Harry Reid have said, in almost identical words, that they don't understand what is so important about debating the merits of and voting on a Constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman and would effectively ban homosexual marriage.
They complain that instead, the Congress should be debating topics like energy policies (I know this was first on Reid's list, perhaps also Biden's), trade imbalances, environmental policies, global warming, health care, etc...and oh yeah, protecting the country, etc... They both came out and said that the marriage amendment was not important and that it wasn't important to the American people. They claim it is being debated simply to rally conservatives and to avoid having to debate the "tough" issues. (See their list above)
Now, while I do agree that it is being done, at least in part, to rally the conservative base, I disagree that this is the only reason the amendment is being brought up before Congress. I believe that the Republicans understand that their base firmly believes that the importance of dealing with moral issues such as the definition of marriage, abortion, and the role of religion in public life is absolutely vital to the well-being and continued success of America.
Moral relativism and secular humanism, both bastiens of the modern liberal, are social experiments doomed to failure. One needs only to study the great empires throughout history to determine this fact. The reason America has been so successful and prosperous seems to be directly related to it's foundation in Christianity. Despite the liberals' denial that religious beliefs, and Christianity in particular, played a role in the founding of our country and were intended to be a part of our government, America's Christian heritage and morality are what have set it apart as a truly great nation. If we take that foundation away, either all at once or by slowing chipping away at it, one moral issue at a time, then we too are doomed to eventual failure.
This is why moral issues, like the marriage amendment, matter. It is why they are vitally important to the conservatives (and Christians). It is why we rally around these issues. If our country is morally bankrupt, then why bother protecting it from foreign invasions and terrorists? It will collapse from within. If we allow our moral foundation to crumble, then our country will no longer be great. America will not be the America she has been and was intended to be. And if the continued success of our country and it's future aren't important enough to debate, then I dare the liberals to tell me what is.
Now, the tiny state of Delaware is a place near and dear to my heart. It is where I grew up, at least for the first 17 years or so of my life. My family is all still there, though it must be stated that they are not liberals. (Just wanted to clear the air.) However, many people from that miniscule Mid-Atlantic state are Democrats and apparently rather liberals ones, since they continue to elect Sen. Biden.
Sen. Biden may represent just a tiny, rather politically unimportant state (at least with regards to elections), but he typifies the most dangerous liberal politicians out in the public eye today. He appears, or at least has in the past, to represent the more moderate democratic thought when campaigning, yet his voting history tells a different story. His speeches say "Hey, I'm a good guy, I care about you, I'm an average-Joe, I'm just like you", but his voting record, and even increasingly his rhetoric, says, "I'm liberal, Liberal, LIBERAL. I'll do whatever it takes to discredit republican leadership and the especially the President, I'll do all I can to undermine this country, and I'll do it all because I want more power." He doesn't get it, though.
Why do I say that the liberals "don't get it"? Here's a simple example. Both Sen. Biden and Sen. Harry Reid have said, in almost identical words, that they don't understand what is so important about debating the merits of and voting on a Constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman and would effectively ban homosexual marriage.
They complain that instead, the Congress should be debating topics like energy policies (I know this was first on Reid's list, perhaps also Biden's), trade imbalances, environmental policies, global warming, health care, etc...and oh yeah, protecting the country, etc... They both came out and said that the marriage amendment was not important and that it wasn't important to the American people. They claim it is being debated simply to rally conservatives and to avoid having to debate the "tough" issues. (See their list above)
Now, while I do agree that it is being done, at least in part, to rally the conservative base, I disagree that this is the only reason the amendment is being brought up before Congress. I believe that the Republicans understand that their base firmly believes that the importance of dealing with moral issues such as the definition of marriage, abortion, and the role of religion in public life is absolutely vital to the well-being and continued success of America.
Moral relativism and secular humanism, both bastiens of the modern liberal, are social experiments doomed to failure. One needs only to study the great empires throughout history to determine this fact. The reason America has been so successful and prosperous seems to be directly related to it's foundation in Christianity. Despite the liberals' denial that religious beliefs, and Christianity in particular, played a role in the founding of our country and were intended to be a part of our government, America's Christian heritage and morality are what have set it apart as a truly great nation. If we take that foundation away, either all at once or by slowing chipping away at it, one moral issue at a time, then we too are doomed to eventual failure.
This is why moral issues, like the marriage amendment, matter. It is why they are vitally important to the conservatives (and Christians). It is why we rally around these issues. If our country is morally bankrupt, then why bother protecting it from foreign invasions and terrorists? It will collapse from within. If we allow our moral foundation to crumble, then our country will no longer be great. America will not be the America she has been and was intended to be. And if the continued success of our country and it's future aren't important enough to debate, then I dare the liberals to tell me what is.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Gardening Success: An Update
While my flower beds are fully planted and mulched and the like, they are starting to suffer from weeds (dang it) and a weekend of 90+ degree temperatures and no watering. My hostas are looking a little worse for the wear, but hopefully plenty of water will help nurse them back to health. I certainly hope so anyway, because they are what I am most interested in keeping.However, I would have to say that my two "Star Gazer" lily plants seem to be thriving. I wasn't sure they would live, or bloom, but they have and they really are beautiful. Of course, they still have a whole summer to survive, but they bloomed once and for me, that is a success.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Andy Rooney on Memorial Day
Last night, I heard Andy Rooney's commentary on Memorial Day. I only heard about it last night as it first appeared on 60 Minutes (of your life you can never get back), and I have no desire to watch any CBS "journalism". So, guessing that my loyal blog readers are much like me and don't waste their precious time on shows like 60 Minutes (of wasted time), I am providing Rooney's comments here:
(CBS) This segment was originally broadcast on May 29, 2005.
I posted the link to Rooney's comments so that anyone who reads this will understand the context. I do not want to be accused of putting words into Rooney's mouth or taking what he has said the wrong way. So before reading my commentary, please first read his.
There are a couple of key phrases that I think are rather unfair and need to be addressed.
For example, Rooney says that, "We use the phrase 'gave their lives,' but they didn’t give their lives. Their lives were taken from them."
Last time I checked, the men and women of the military DO willingly give their lives for their country. Yes, they are killed in combat by an enemy. Yes, they are killed and don't simply die of natural causes, but the fact remains that these selfless men and women join the armed forces with a full understanding that their lives may be required to protect and defend America...and they each give it willingly, not to the enemy, but to their country. Andy Rooney's perspective on this cheapens the sacrifice. There's no other way to put it.
Rooney also says that, "There is more bravery at war than in peace, and it seems wrong that we have so often saved this virtue to use for our least noble activity - war. The goal of war is to cause death to other people."
Personally, I can think of no more noble reason to be brave than to protect freedom and the good that it brings and to act in defense of the otherwise defenseless. After all, that is what I have always thought the goal of American wars was. In each and every American waged and fought war, American soldiers were either protecting our God-given freedoms or defending those around the globe who were being denied basic human rights and freedoms or those who were unable to defend themselves. The goal is not death. Most often, American wars are waged to stop a greater number of deaths. Yes, Americans die in the process, but countless other men, women and children live because of America's sacrifice. This is both bravery and nobility of the highest form. Death is a part of war, but it is not the ultimate goal. Rooney knows this. He has been in combat. He fully understands this, but his liberal agenda doesn't allow for rational reasoning.
Next Rooney says, "I wish we could dedicate Memorial Day, not to the memory of those who have died at war, but to the idea of saving the lives of the young people who are going to die in the future if we don’t find some new way - some new religion maybe - that takes war out of our lives. That would be a Memorial Day worth celebrating."
While I somewhat understand what Rooney is saying, he's wrong yet again. I don't want any more young (or old) men and women to have to die for freedoms' sake, but the reality of the world in which we live is that there will always be evil leaders who wish to take away the freedom and lives of other innocent people. Being diplomatic and peaceable is a great goal, it's always worth trying, but it is rarely enough to stop true evil. Evil is determined to succeed and the only way to stop it is to confont evil head-on and kill its root, otherwise it will spring up again and again, leaving a path of death and destruction wherever it goes. War is, and always will be, a part of our lives here on earth.
And finally, Mr. Rooney, Memorial Day is not a day to celebrate. Rather it is a day to remember and to honor those who willingly gave their lives for something greater than themselves. For one who should know better, you get this all wrong.
(CBS) This segment was originally broadcast on May 29, 2005.
I posted the link to Rooney's comments so that anyone who reads this will understand the context. I do not want to be accused of putting words into Rooney's mouth or taking what he has said the wrong way. So before reading my commentary, please first read his.
There are a couple of key phrases that I think are rather unfair and need to be addressed.
For example, Rooney says that, "We use the phrase 'gave their lives,' but they didn’t give their lives. Their lives were taken from them."
Last time I checked, the men and women of the military DO willingly give their lives for their country. Yes, they are killed in combat by an enemy. Yes, they are killed and don't simply die of natural causes, but the fact remains that these selfless men and women join the armed forces with a full understanding that their lives may be required to protect and defend America...and they each give it willingly, not to the enemy, but to their country. Andy Rooney's perspective on this cheapens the sacrifice. There's no other way to put it.
Rooney also says that, "There is more bravery at war than in peace, and it seems wrong that we have so often saved this virtue to use for our least noble activity - war. The goal of war is to cause death to other people."
Personally, I can think of no more noble reason to be brave than to protect freedom and the good that it brings and to act in defense of the otherwise defenseless. After all, that is what I have always thought the goal of American wars was. In each and every American waged and fought war, American soldiers were either protecting our God-given freedoms or defending those around the globe who were being denied basic human rights and freedoms or those who were unable to defend themselves. The goal is not death. Most often, American wars are waged to stop a greater number of deaths. Yes, Americans die in the process, but countless other men, women and children live because of America's sacrifice. This is both bravery and nobility of the highest form. Death is a part of war, but it is not the ultimate goal. Rooney knows this. He has been in combat. He fully understands this, but his liberal agenda doesn't allow for rational reasoning.
Next Rooney says, "I wish we could dedicate Memorial Day, not to the memory of those who have died at war, but to the idea of saving the lives of the young people who are going to die in the future if we don’t find some new way - some new religion maybe - that takes war out of our lives. That would be a Memorial Day worth celebrating."
While I somewhat understand what Rooney is saying, he's wrong yet again. I don't want any more young (or old) men and women to have to die for freedoms' sake, but the reality of the world in which we live is that there will always be evil leaders who wish to take away the freedom and lives of other innocent people. Being diplomatic and peaceable is a great goal, it's always worth trying, but it is rarely enough to stop true evil. Evil is determined to succeed and the only way to stop it is to confont evil head-on and kill its root, otherwise it will spring up again and again, leaving a path of death and destruction wherever it goes. War is, and always will be, a part of our lives here on earth.
And finally, Mr. Rooney, Memorial Day is not a day to celebrate. Rather it is a day to remember and to honor those who willingly gave their lives for something greater than themselves. For one who should know better, you get this all wrong.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)