Iraq - For Real: A video

Last night I came a video that a friend of mine, Andy Klien, made. This video is based on his time in Iraq with the 2nd Platoon of A Company in the US Army. His unit specialized if finding and dealing with bombs and IED's along roadways. I encourage any readers to view this film, and when you do take notice of some things:

1. When you see the arial shots notice how Baghdad looks very metro-ish, like how Detroit might look from the air.

2. When on the roads, you see cars comming and going like you would any other place.

I point out such things so that a reader/viewer will understand how "normal" some things are in Iraq, contrary to what many might hear on the evening news or from a cable news channel such as CNN.

Looks like this is also going to get picked up by the Chicago Tribune.

Enjoy!

Never Underestimate the Power of the Handicapped

Thanks to Michelle Malkin, I just came across this amazing basketball story. It's heart warming indeed. It takes me back to my days in Jr. High when I was a Basketball team manager, but I never took the floor. However, being the only guy on a girls JV team wasn't so bad either.

"The Hammer" on "The Ports Issue"

Any regular reader of this blog knows how I have great respect for Charles Krauthammer, so when he writes on pertinent issues I take the time to look into what he says. This column is no different.

In this column I like the fact that Krauthammer looks at both sides of the issues and understands both sides, saying that the security issue is an important one but that it is not the end of the world because the UAE is a friendly regime with the United States. In that, he is saying that killing the deal now would do too much damage. Although he does say that this should have been killed off early, he spends no time crying over spilt milk, going ahead to showing that once again, killing the deal now would cause too much damage to what Bush is doing to reach out to the Middle East.

The best piece here though is that Krauthammer is not afraid to point out the blatant hypocracy on the part of Democrats on this issue in relation to racial profiling, something that Democrats grandstand on, but are currently doing in relation to this issue, by crying out in the name of security.

Update on South Dakota Senate abortion decision

Yesterday I reported on efforts in the South Dakota Senate to put in place some of the strictest laws in the nation on abortion. As of this writing there is going to be a final vote this afternoon where it is expected to pass and then be signed into law by the Govenor of South Dakota.

Today in Washington at the Danish Embassy

*Update* 1:55 PM - Checkout Tapscott's Copy desk once more for an update on the rally outside the Danish Embassy in Washington. Mark commented on who was present at such an event, including Molly Hennenberg of FOX News who was covering it. Chances are, then, that it will be on Special Report tonight. In addition, Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard was also present.

I've seen a number of blog posts today that refer to the gatehring at 1 pm this afternoon at the Danish Embassy in DC. If I were in town I would try to be there, however, I'm still at home in MI. This demonstration is being organized by Christopher Hitchens who's written an article for Slate as to why we should stand up for Denmark, an ally in the GWOT during this time when they are being persecuted and attacked for defending Free Speech. In support of such an effort, Michelle Malkin today gives us a Danish vocab lesson on Sammenhold, the Danish word for solidarity. Mark Tapscott of Tapscott's Copy Desk will be there, as he is one of the most ardent supporters of Free Speech that I know of, as is Andrew Blasko, a great photographer and fellow Commuications and Marketing Dept. employee at The Heritage Foundation.

So that event will transpire about 90 minuites from now, good luck to all who will be there. I wonder if it will get any media coverage...

Head over to Freedoms Zone for more.

Civil War in Iraq? A Boots on the Ground perspective

Within the last few hours I've come across a number of blogs that have poseted on this "Iraq Civil War" issue from Iraq. While Treasures of Baghdad sees the possibility of Iraq turning into Lebanon, over at 24 Steps to Liberty, the author takes a long look at what America and the world is not hearing about what the responses to the severe bombings have been. Over at The Fourth Rail, Bill Roggio lays out why Iraq isn't headed toward a civil war.

There are some great ideas here that are in conflict, which allows for someone to make a fair and balanced assessment. I for one know that there are things we're not being told, because that's how the MSM likes to do things in relation to Iraq; paint a picture that is dark and bleak, making the administration look bad. I still maintain that such actions not only hurt our troops, but also hurt the image that America is trying to project to those that live in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East region.

An abortion ban within the United States?

Well, as great as that would be, it's not quite happened yet. However, a serious step towards such is being considered by the State Senate of South Dakota. This would be a effort that stops abortions on all levels except when the life ofthe mother is in danger.

I see this as a wonderful development, however, Captain Ed makes a good point when he says that the legislators of SD may be doing this to try and challenge Roe (which isn't a bad idea). However, the problem comes in at the SCOTUS level because of the amount of creedence that is given to stari decisis (looking back on previous rulings and folllowing what has been garnered as precident) by even some of the more conservative jurists such as Chief Justice Roberts. There is no argument among conservatives that Roe was a bad call on the part of the SCOTUS that decided it, but that is not a slam dunk reason for some members on the current SCOTUS to support an overturn of the infamous ruling due to rulings since then (stari decisis again), not to mention the back-lash that would come from lesftist/femenist groups. However, South Dakota is an interesting study in what could possibly be the will of the people across the nation concerning abortion - not wanting such a vile practice to be executed within this country on the scale that it is. I don't care how supporters try and package such an issue, it's not about "Choice" and "Women's Rights" it's about Abortion, because if it were about the others (as NOW, NARAL, Planned Parenthood, and others claim it is) then a woman would have a choice and a right to not do that. In combating such a mentality, the move by the South Dakota State Senate is a good one, even if it eventually is defeated by the SCOTUS and declared "unconstitutional" (heaven forbid), because it shows the will of the people - not the preference of an institution that has no business legislating. Thankfully the two new additions to the present SCOTUS don't believe in "legislating from the bench", so hopefully such a conviction will help the present SCOTUS to look favorably upon the efforts of the legislators that are putting forth such a courageous effort (if it gets that far).

The Future of Iraq II: Civil War?

Things seem to change fast on the ground in Iraq. Thanks to what was most likely the work of insurgents (possibly Saddamists) and al-Queda in Iraq, a major Shiite place of worship has been destroyed and as a reprisal 168 Sunni mosques have been attacked while 10 clerics have been killed and 15 abducted. More on the situation can be found here.

Captain Ed of Captain's Quarters has more here as well as The Glittering Eye having more over here (along with a good roundup - make sure to take a long look at the map).

The Hacker Jihad Saga continues...

This morning I tired to access Michelle Malkin's sight as I do every morning. However, this morning I couldn't get in, and that was after trying through various avenues. I though, "oh my, they got her" (as she has followed the cyber-terrorism efforts of some as a reaction to the cartoon issue that has spawned protests and violence world wide). Well, thank God she's back online and kicking.

Security, Politics, Ports, and forward thinking.

Since my last post on the port security issue, I've given it some additional thought and taken in additional opnion from the blogsphere. In terms of mid-term '06 politics I still see it as a bad move, because I wonder if the GOP would survive the spin machine onslaught that the Dems will attempt to muster.

On the other hand though, this may be a very forward thinking on the President's part in his fight for democracy in the the Middle East. It has been opined that if the United States were to suddenly pull out, it may be seen as a "racist" move, stigmatizing Arab's into thinking that we don't trust them, a sentiment that would sure undermine Bush's efforts. So for Bush to stick to his guns hopefully sends a message of confidence to those watching this in the Middle East.

I myself, see it as a two edged sword, it could help a great deal or it could leave us bleeding if an attack does manifest itself through the nation's ports; if such a thing does happen you will see the Dems turn on a dime faster than a new Z-06 Vette hugging a corner, wanting to use such an event to blow a hole in Bush's defenses. This does have a wisper of Harriet Meirs in it though, with "the base" comming out agaist the President. Have the Dems started hailing the end of the GOP?

Time will tell...

Outsourcing US port control to a state that sponsors terrorists?

*update* 2:21 PM - Sen. Frist has come out against the Port deal. Will speak on Hannity and Colmes tonight

h/t: Michelle Malkin

The decision to walk down such a road is one that the Bush Administration has recieved much negitive feedback and flack for in recent days. On Townhall today, Cal Thomas has penned an excellent article on the matter.

As I see it, the White House can talk until they are blue in the face about how secure this deal is and how rigorusly reviewed it has been. Even if they are 100% correct this is STILL a bad move. The reason being because then it would make a administration that has been tough on terror look weak and ill-informed (not to mention incompitent if something were to happen). This is something that the Democrats and Liberals in Congress would indeed jump on and have (not to mention with some bi-partisan support), wanting to use it for political gain come November. Now, I agree with them, for once - this should never have been allowed. US ports should remain under US control, period.

A divided country: is this the future of Iraq?

This morning I came across a post by Michael Totten that centers on the future of Iraq, a future where there may be two countries where previously there was one. The Kurds to the north continue to want their own country and operate as such as Totten observes:

"The Kurdistan Regional Government has its own ministers. They report to no one in Baghdad. The Kurds have their own military. They have their own economy. They have their own internal border, and they are its only policemen. The Kurds even have their own foreign policy. Their government is internationally recognized. When Masoud Barzani travels to foreign capitals he is recognized as the President of Iraqi Kurdistan."

Totten doesn't speak much at all in this post as to the United States position on such things, but seeing as how the Bush Administration has put liberty and freedom around the world at the forefront, I belive they would approve of such a development. I myself see it as encoraging - people taking responsibility to run a democraticly governed region. Don't expect to hear much about such things in the MSM though, it's too positive and heart-warming for them to report on, not enough death and dispair, not to mention can't be used conventionally against President Bush.

Chavez, Castro, and the United Nations - Round 2

A few weeks back I posted on the fact that the Science and Education branch of the United Nations, UNESCO, gave Hugo Chavez an award for his work "towards the pursuit of liberty" in Latin America. Just today, Peter Brookes of The Heritage Foundation has released a column on this matter, further justifying why the United States should once again pull out and boycott this arm of the international institution, not to mention the fact that the UN would do well to remember that the USA is the largest contributor to UNESCO's budget.

I agree with him whole-heartedly, just as I did when I first learned of this incident. Either the UN learns that they need to clean up their act or the US wises up and leaves the UN hanging.

Celebrating the life of the original "George W"

It's President's day and Matt Spalding of The Heritage Foundation has a wonderful article on the greatness of the man that was George Washington.

I certianly appreciate this:

4. Encourage morality and religion. Public virtue cannot be expected in a climate of private vice, Washington reminds us, and the most important source of virtue is religion and morality. Religion is the bedrock of morality, and morality is the foundation of a good society, he believed; together, they teach Americans their obligations to each other and create the conditions for decent politics and public justice.

h/t: Michelle Malkin

Comic Books and Washington Politics

Like many that have come before me and many that will thrive long after I am gone, I love comic books. Not only that, but even moreso when they are transformed into worthwhile pieces of film. When reading these books and watching these films I ask myself, "What is is about comic books, what's the appeal?" For some it's to pass the time and for others it is a chance to delve deep into a world of excitement, expirence and power like none other. I believe that it is within this demographic that there lies a subset of indiviuals that see something else, they see themselves. Within this subset are those that when they look at Clark Kent, they see their own reflection and find themselves wishing they were Superman, or Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker, but wishing Batman and Spiderman. Why? Because these alter-egos that these "normal" people have stand for something - they find themselves locked in a battle between good and evil, right and wrong, frequently battling something much bigger than themselves and winning. It's the idea of a crusading spirit; knowing what is right and fighting for that, no matter the cost.

Now in all three of these cases the backdrop is a "major metropolitain city" - Metropolis, Gotham, and NYC. In reality such a local could be replaced with Washington DC. Now if the imaginary local were to be replaced by a real one, then what real figures working, fighting, and crusading would replace out superheros of legend? For starters there would be the dynamic congressional duo of "not so caped" cursaders Tom Coburn and Mike Pence. Now Pence could be considered the conservative "boy wonder" of the House of Repersentitives as he hasn't been in office for too long, and yet is the leader of the largest conservative caucus in the House, the Republican Study Committe. Alongside Coburn's efforts in the Senate, Pence fights for the rights of the unborn, limited governmnet, strict constructionist interpretation of the Constitution, fiscal responsibility, and a host of other worthwhile principles. Men like these are crusaders, through and through fighting tooth and nail against a opposing political idology that is legion in Washington. They are not alone, as there are others such as Rick Santorum and Marsha Blackburn that fight alongside them for what they know is right, not to mention intended for this great nation.

Washington is in need of crusading heros such as these indiviuals, and it is with great bravery and tenaciousness that the call has been answered, at present. This begs the question "Who will answer the 'Hero's Call' in the next generation? The day will come for Coburn, Pence, Santorum, Blackburn, and others presently in combat to pass the baton, and when that time comes there MUST be those of the present generation who will take up the next leg in the race, take up the "mantle of the bat", continuing to fight until their candle flickers out. In so doing they will inspire further generations, just as they are inspired by the present one.

When the passing on of the Baton comes, I will be there to pick it up.

Does "Mavrick have the ball"? "Negitive Ghostrider"

There has been little news on Iran in the past few days on the part of the MSM. Now is that because nothing of note is happening, or because the news networks have been blinded by the bright color we call "hunter's orange"? I think it's due to a blind spot, because regardless of if the networks are reporting developments in Iran or not, as The Glittering Eye notes, they are happening and things are not looking good.

Chuck Colson and Creation Care

Colson has a column up at Townhall that deals with this "Christians and Global Warming" issue that has pop up as of late. He doesn't quite look at it in the same light as Cal Thomas did here, but takes it from a more personal standpoint, as he is a cog in the wheel of this "controversey". He says that there is no question in reguards to being "stewards of creation" but that there has to be balance because God's creature's matter too.

Federal programs that need to go...

A little over two weeks ago President Bush talked about cutting government programs that are proven to not be working, as to cut back on discretionary spending and in turn spending overall that is done by the government. Thanks to Brian Riedl, of The Heritage Foundation, another program has been identified - a program that gives government money to corporations that make billions of dollars a year anyway. In other words they don't need it and that money can be spent doing other things that actually help people that need it, or God forbid not at all.

Something that I believe is related to this comes out of a conversation I had with my brother last night. He and I were at the grocery store with my Mom last night, assisting her, when we came across this younger guy and his wife who were getting groceries as well. My brother caught on to the fact that they were using food stamps, something I've never actually seen but heard about. He and I got to discussing how blessed we both are with the circumstances that we live in. This led me to comment on one of the reasons I want to go to DC, so that I can be involved in things that help people. Now when I talk about that, I'm not talking inso much through government programs or throwing money at things, which Congress is "great" at, but motivating them to achieve. See, the government ends up "enslaving" people that it assists through welfare or giving them money or housing because they become dependent on it. They keep thinking that it will keep comming, and it does, so they become lazy, wanting to live off the system and not fend for themselves.

Now there are cases where people honestly do need the government's assitance, and that's fine, hence why the systems and programs exist. However, it's those that become lazy, those that become wefare "kings and queens" that concern me, because they believe that they can just keep having sex and popping out kids for more money. What kind of life is that for the kids that are born? It isn't! Combine a child's need for love in a family where he or she is one of many and doesn't get much love with what they are taught in school about their origins through liberal leaning teachers and a broken system (that needs to be fixed not abandoned - because most kids won't have another alternative) and what do you get - a generation of children who are lazy and unmotivated, because "if i'm an accident then what is my point, what is my purpose? I have none".

All of that starting with "government assistance" and compounded by other institutions that are overseen by the government. The key here is incentive and motivation. Welfare to work, pioneered by Michigan, is a great example. If someone needs government assistance, great, give to them - for a time - then move them to work, so they become a productive member of society, instead of just sucking off the system.

Some might ask how did we get here? I believe it's because of two things: the breakdown of the nuclear family and the faltering of the church. During my grandparents generation that changed. In generations before them, the family and the church are where people turned for assistance. This changed in the 30's as a result of the great depression and FDR's policies that got things running again for the country. Now I don't fault him, because these programs were meant to end once the country was back on stable footing, and no one can deny the properity of the 1950's that came after WWII. I think the fault lies with LBJ and his utopian dream of a "Great Society" where government has all these programs to make people dependent and lazy. This comes out of a generation during the 60's where society was delivering messages that complimented this idea of laziness through "drugs, sex, and rock and roll". The generation of the baby boomers latched on to this and it's continued to present day (save for Regan's attempts to halt spending where he could). This should have never happend, as the family and the church should have been able to step in and assist, but the socital barrage that has assulted both institutions in the last 40 years or so and weakened them in the eyes of a society that wants to be free of responsibility and "archaic institutions" that represent the idea of personal responsibility and accountability. So when these institutions are prime providers and are not wanted, all that is left is government assistance.

Where do we go from here? Positive (meaning accoutable and moral) forces in society need to assist in the rebulding of the church and the family as institutions and the mental image that many have of Christianity as a religion of judgementalism and gulit trips need to change. Only then will the reversion of what's happened be possible, and the governments strangle-hold on those that need help will begin to end.

Trashing the Olympics...

Seems to be the cool thing to do.

Honestly! I'm not a Olympics fanatic or anything but I do watch some of it. I have a great respect for these athletes becaue of how hard and how long they train, not to mention they will be able to do something and achieve something that I would never have the chance in my life to do. Is not the Olympic games a time for the world to come together and compete, a time to show great national pride and support? If that's true then why does someone have to turn it political and slam one political pursuasion, not to mention make a statement that paints the Olympics as "racist" against African-Americans?

For Shame, For Shame, Mr. Gumbel. A news show on ESPN where you are supposed to concentrate on sports news is no place for you to air your dirty political laundry and personal views, it's not your J-O-B to do that.

From Skywalker Ranch to Washington DC

It was recently reported in the Washington publication The Hill that Star Wars creator George Lucas was coming to DC and going to be part of a Democratic event, courtesy of Sen. Fienstien and Rep. Pelosi. However, the BBC reports that Lucas is in DC to recieve an award from President Bush, the very president that he used the latest (and last) of the Star Wars films to speak out against. Granted the Democrats would want to use such a opportunity to say "look who is in our corner" and they have done so, just as the GOP has unvieled a Star Wars-esqe ad, it would seem that they don't get to hog all the spotlight.

The "Boots on the Ground" persective - It can change even the most ardent thinking

Check out the latest post at Fire and Ice. To a conservative, having such words come from someone who is not is a great encouragement to me. He's right - don't sell the farm just yet.

Hackers II: The Cartoon Jihadists Strike Back

*Update* Michelle Malkin also reports that the cartoons have been printed by a conservative paper at Harvard and a paper at the University of Illinois. At Harvard this has sparked a debate by the Interfaith Council, but at U of I, people have been suspended pending an internal invatigation.

I am glad that things are at least going to be discussed, and at Harvard of all places. This comes as unexpected. The U of I situation, however, does not.

Since this whole "Cartoon Row" has now become a "Cartoon Jihad", not to mention taken the internet by storm, I thought I give a nod to one of my favorite "cult" movies, Hackers (because a lot of that is going on). This new wave seems to be a case where opponents of the printed cartoons are now attacking websites that are Danish in origin, as well as other websites and blogs world wide that are "pro-cartoon", including Michelle Malkin's blog. The emails that she's recieved aren't just comming from over seas, but are also comming from here in the United States. It's a valid question to ask if this could end up turing into various instances of cyber-terrorism.

I am still mistified as to why this is continuing, both in physical protest and now internet threats. All they are are cartoons. Even when things get printed everyday that are anti-Christian or anti-Semetic no one cares because it's "ok" to offend the Christians Jews. Yet when something is printed that is offensive to Islam the world errupts in protest and the West cowers to it. We are still afraid, plain and simple, and instead of standing up in the name of free speech and freedom of the press many news agencies decide to not show the cartoons. What's worse is that most of them are benign in origin and most of the indiviuals world-wide that are rioting about these drawings haven't even seen them.

I've said a majority of this before, but I feel it warrents being said again, as one of the halmarks of the Bible was repitition, espically in Proverbs, and if repition is good enough for the Bible to use to get its point across then it darn well can work for me too.

A weak spot in the armor

This is exactly what this whole Cheney hunting accident is. It's a weak spot for the Bush hating MSM and Democrats in Congress to try and exploit, and trying they are. They want to hurt the administration, and trying to bring Cheney down is how they want to do it, but I remind them that they tried to do that with the "Plame Game" too, and that didn't work - Scooter Libby "took the bullet" as it were and then the "band played on" by Monday morning. Don't expect a lot of heavy blogging on this from me, as there are other things more important that out nation is facing than this.

The Iraq we never hear about.

We're hearing and seeing now, thanks to Michael Totten.

This is wonderful! Shame, Shame, Shame on the MSM for never reporting positive things such as this, I am sure it would make our troops feel better, just like if the letter I posted about yesterday had come from us.

Why don't the troops get this sort of recognition in America?

What a Valentine's Day gift for the troops, you'd think it came from us, but it didn't, it came from the mayor of one of the towns in Iraq, a town that was a former base for Zarqawi.

For some reason, Christ's words about a prophet being without honor in his hometown come to mind, how sad.

Evangelicals and the Enviroment = Creation Care

I postedf on this early last week when I first came across it, and now Cal Thomas has a new column on the subject.

Needless to say, I agree; there are more important things for Christians to be doing.

William F. Buckley, the elder statesman of the Conservative movement also weighs in on the issue.

Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez: Another reason the United Nations needs hard reforms

Thanks to The Heritage Foundation, this just came to my attention.

How can this be?! Is the United Nations, the supposed "supreme supra-national, peace loving organization" that blind? To give a award that is even remotely connected to the idea of liberty to a dictator that is a threat to the United States and a destabilizing factor in the region within which he "governs" a country, and to have it given to that man by another man who is a communist? I'm shocked, just shocked...but then again, I'm not - this is the UN after all, a corrupt and scandal rife organization that really doesn't care about peace as much as it does using money as pocket lint.

Batman vs. Osama?

Holy Timely comic, Batman

Much thanks to Michelle Malkin for this.

As a long standing Batman/Comics in general fan, this is good stuff. Yeah it'll be somewhat grizzly because it's Frank Miller, but it'll be interesting.

Handbook for the Sellout: Written by Al Gore, with a special Forward by Cindy Sheehan

Today it has been reported across on Fox News and across the blogsphere that Al Gore "slanderd" and "sold out" the United States while speaking in Saudi Arabia over the weekend at an economics confrence. While speaking, Gore talked of how after 9/11, "Arabs had been "indiscriminately rounded up" and held in "unforgivable" conditions. The former vice president said the Bush administration was playing into al-Qaida's hands by routinely blocking Saudi visa applications."

This is crazy. Why do high peofile people who dissent against America feel they have to do so on foreign soil? Probably because they don't have the gumption to do so at home, as they would surely be exposed as a liar. This is much like Cindy Sheehan's actions down in South America along side Hugo Chavez a few weeks ago, but what's worse is that this comes from a former Vice President of the United States!

As Capitan's Quarters did, I ask the same:

"I'm stunned almost to speechlessness. We held mass roundups of Arabs? When? Where? What exactly were the "unforgivable" conditions of which Gore speaks? And as far as the visas go, when exactly did Saudis have a right to enter the United States at whim without any consideration of security? Perhaps the former VP has forgotten, but most of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudis."

I wonder how many will buy Al and Cindy's new "book"...

Mike Pence and CPAC 2006

Sadly I wasn't able to attend this year, even if I was in town at the same time. However, word has it that he gave a great speech on Saturday morning to those that were there at CPAC.

The things Pence said need to be said, need to be heard (if not by the current generation that governs congress, then by my generation, the generation that willl take up the mantle of that governence in 15-20 years), and need to ba acted on (NOW).

The World's "Greatest" governing body wants to make money?

The United Nations is preparing to become a money maker, as it braces itself for privitization. This comes as a result of pressure from the United States to reform itself.

I honestly never thought I'd see the day this might happen. Granted that only a study is being comissioned and it will be presented at the end of Feburary. However is it good to know that the United States is actually throwing her political weight aroung a little and getting the UN to actually do something here. We'll see how it goes.

Taqiyya Means Deception

I'm headed to Washington DC tomorrow, so I may not be blogging much in the next few days. However, thanks to Michelle Malkin, I came across this video (it's deep, but fast and hilarious - you may need to watch it more than once). Enjoy.

Abramoff Scandal and Harry Reid

So the Abramoff Scandal seems to have gotten some new steam today, as it has been shown that Sen. Minority Leader Harry Ried has been involved through the proxy of Abramoff's clients.

So, what happens now? Will the Democrats in the Senate try and downplay this? You bet! The ironic thing here is that Reid led the attack against the GOP for their ties and actions with Abramoff and now he's in the same "spotlight". It reminds me of what transpired a few weeks ago as Teddy Kennedy spearheaded the attacks on Alito during the hearing in reguards to the Concerned Alumni of Princeton issue and that organization being "anti-women and anti-minority" but it came to light that Kennedy was part of "The Owl Club" at Harvard, a anti-women all male eating club.

This will probably turn out to be another case of the corrupt double standard that exists in Congress, thanks to those that do what they want and don't want to get called to the carpet for it. There is a great need today for people of solid character and integrity in Washington. Yes, some exist, and I applaud them and thank God for them, but there needs to be more indiviuals like this; the cunning and decieving serpents that would rather live on the dime of the constituent instead of serving them, must not be re-elected.

Can I get a witness?

How about a good and hearty AMEN for this

We'll see if Cindy sticks to her guns on this or not, but for now, she won't be running. This is great because we don't need another added to the Murtha/Kerry anti-war camp, espically someone who is as vocal and media loved as Sheehan is, then again, she might do something that would further alienate her and those that are in her camp...and that, I would not mind one bit.

Don't get me wrong, I respect her right to protest and dissent, but when you call my President a f***ing terrorist, and not only that but, "the worst one out there" and then go meet with Hugo Chavez, the leader of a very visibly anti-United States foreign government, saying that you admire him because he has the gumption to stand up to the United States, that's too far.

Target for Oil: Canada?

During his State of the Union speech at the end of Janurary, President Bush talked about relinquishing dependency on foreign oil by 75% in 20 years or so. How could this be done? Bush talked about alternative fuel and technology that could be developed to that end, but consider this: Canada's oil supply could top Saudi Arabia.

So, what should the USA do about this? I believe that we already are doing something about it, but it's being kept under wraps. Other countries, such as China, are probably after this as well. I just hope that things can be set in stone in the next three years while Bush is President, because we have already seen how liberals are trying to kill (and have killed) ANWR and the possibilites of drilling there. The hope and outcome lies in the fact that the new conservative government in Canada should be easier to ally with and ties can be built, through which America can have access to oil, provided by an like minded, stable, and anti-terror government.

The Government wasting Tax Payer's money

A few days ago I posted about a report that came from The Heritage Foundation on government spending. If that weren't enough of a klaxon that is blaring loudly to alert the people of America as to how their tax money is spent, this article by Michelle Malkin should help some.

Thank God for men like Sen. Tom Coburn

Here's more from Red State

Threatening Rhetoric from Hamas as Russia offers its hand

Not only does Russia want to have positive ties with Iran, but also seeks to have ties with Hamas, a terrorist organization that also has ties to Iran, Hezbollah, and Al-Queda.

Now the United States and Russia are supposed to be allies right? The United States has publicly declared that Hamas is a terrorist organization, reguardless of the fact that they now have political power and clout. Russia however has publicly said that Hamas is not a terrorist organization "even if we do not condone all of the things that they do". How can countries be allies if they have such a diametricly opposed view of a organization that is a threat to their region and seek, as Iran does, to get rid of Israel - a organization that won't back down from their dangerous rhetoric?

Not only are there diametricly opposed views present, but Russia wants to (and has) extended an invitation to Hamas to come to Moscow for a visit. Why would an ally of the USA want such alliances? What's more, is the Bush Administration going to do here? How long will it be before someone stands up and speaks the truth about what Russia is up to?

Here's additional info from Little Green Footballs

The latest on Iran

The Washington Post claims: "Strong Leads and Dead Ends on Nuclear Case in Iran"

I don't buy this either. In the article, it's stated that US intellegence thinks that Iran is a decade or so away from "the bomb". I don't think that's true. If Iran were smart, they would have learned from the principle of what Saddam did when he moved all of the WMD secretly to Syria, fooling the world. Now if Iran can show (or leak) anything into the hands of the US and world intellegence community that would lead them to assess that Iran is "years away", then some could (and probably will) become lax on the issue. This would give Iran a greater advantage when they have the bomb, as less nations would have stood watching and could be caught off guard.

The article talks about how US intelligence hasn't found anything "conclusive" on the issue. This could be for one of two reasons (or both):

1. The Intelligene community does know things and surely doesn't want to tip their hand by giving it to the Post (just as when networks talk about a new military weapon or other piece of equipment it's been around for awhile and kept secret).

2. There's no conclusive evidence because Iran is doing all she can to hide it all and kep it from leery and prying eyes. Looking at a set of blueprints that don't specifically say "nuclear" on them means nothing. Those that know the true purpose don't need to be told what it's for, they know.

In other related news, Iran's president will be going to visit Cuba.

The US hating birds of a feather flock together

Also, there's a new column by Rebecca Hagelin, of The Heritage Foundation, on Iran and the actions the US should take.

Christians and "The Day after Tomorrow"

I never thought I would ever see this in my life time, but then again, since the article was printed by the NY Times, I should have guessed.

Ok, so I don't buy it. Now from what I learned in Biology and Earth Sciences in college, Global Warming, according to the facts may be more of an issue than Rush Limbaugh would make it out to be, as Rush is an sensationalist entertainer, good at his job, and knows it. I respect him for that, listen to him occasionally, and agree with him more often than not. I'm not so concerned that Evangelicals have banded together on this issue as much as I am the politics of it, the spinning that will take place, and what might come of it. Since the Evangelical Christian base is pervasively tied to the GOP (or the perception is as such, as Bush vivaciously sought that critical demographic in the contest in '04), democrats and liberals on the other can now say: "look at this, we were right all along and even some of your own "see the light now" so do something about it".

Personally, I'm more enclined to side with Colson and Dobson on this one - there are other issues that are being dealt with out there that are more important. However, in my thinking, if the government and the private sector do a good job in the next 6-10 years of creative effective alternate fuel technology (such as a greater amount of ethanol as fuel) so that we are less dependent on foreign oil, I also think this could assist greatly in enviromental issues as well.

The Children within the Public Education system are in Danger

I caught a post by LaShawn Barber via Tapscott's Copy Desk on the State of Public Education. It's a very insightful post, one worth reading. Now as a Believer, I also have some other concerns, ones that generally cannot be talked about politically, but concerns that I have detailed here. The whole idea of "feel good" education, and allowing students to "discover" this or that, including themselves, which parts of this system seems to advocate, dove-tails right in to my concerns that I linked to.

It's time to go old school like when I was a kid.

Government Spending and the Heritage Foundation

Thanks to The Heritage Foundation's Brian Riedl there's a new federal spending report out for perusal. Take a look.

This sure doesn't look good. Congress needs to get their act together. When he spoke at Heritage last year in December, Sen. Tom Coburn talked about this very issue, saying that if this trend continues, then within the next ten to fifteen years the international community will start setting priorities for what America spends her money on. This would be the case because the international community will become tired of financing our growing debt, so to get the countries of the world to finance our debt, they would want to tell us what to spend the cash-flow on. This would be another form of a foreign power having control over the USA, just like when liberal judges on the SCOTUS and in other courts have wanted to look to international law to decide cases instead of our own Constitution. Now I don't want this to happen, I don't agree with it one iota, so it must be prevented. To prevent something like this spending needs to not be "cut", but slashed. The report I linked to points out billions of dollars that are spent towards frivilous items, causes, and programs, yes programs - ones that don't perform. Congress needs to attain a conscience larger than that of the Republican Study Comittee or the gang of seven in the senate that advocates against pork barrel spending and increased fiscal responsibility. Hopefully the new House Majority Leader John Boehner, will asssit greatly with said efforts and make it a central issue for 2006 and beyond. I am positive that Democrats in Congress will do all they can to make a huge issue out of this come November, so the GOP needs to take this to heart if they want to continue to control Congress through the end of the Bush Administration.

And the Rage rolls on

Amid all of the protests across the world today, protesters in Iran have now singled out Australia as a target for retaliation.

Will Israel Strike Iran?

This seems to be a key question, the X factor, in any equation that considers a military option.

Will Israel strike Iran? I don't know. Will Israel defend herself if she feels that Iran has become an imminent threat, greater than that country already is? Yes indeed. The "revelation" of a few days ago, the call for a totally nuclear weapon free Middle East, makes this even more interesting as I said here. It's no secret that Iran wants Israel destroyed, so if they get the bomb, a conflict will be imminent.

So will Israel strike Iran? They should, and if they don't do so until after the March elections, and Bibi Netanyahu becomes Prime Minister again, chances are, they will.

Russia's Warning on Iran

Russia has issued a warning to the United States in reguards to threatening Iran when the Sec. Def. told a German newspaper that all options were still on the table. Russia would perfer that talks continue, in hopes that Iran would agree to cease enrichment within their boarders, thus allowing a joint venture between Iran and Russia to enrich uranium in Russia.

This is said to be a good thing, and on it's face I will agree that it is. It's good because the enrichment is no longer being done in Iran, but is being done in a country where the United States and other nations (such as the UK) have easier access to what is actually transpiring and can help to hold Russia and Iran accountable.

However, I am concerned because of the fact that it is Russia that is offering to do this. Russia and Ukraine already sold Iran weapons, some of which could hold nukes within them. It is no secret that there is an alliance brewing between Iran and Russia, be it publically or through backroom actions. That being said, what is it exactly that keeps Russia from helping Iran enrich uranium for a bomb? If Russia desires to "get her old glory back" then would not helping Iran to get the bomb and then sit back and watch Iran attack the US or Israel (thus drawing America into an additional conflict) be a step in the right direction? I do wonder...

Hamas: Israel, who's that?

Hamas has offically made the statement that they would not recognize Israel.

This should not come as a suprise to anyone who has been following this. It would come as much more of a suprise if Hamas was willing to recognize Israel politically, but then I would wonder what their alterior motive is. However if they decide to honor all of the past peace deals that exist, ones that Israel would have been involved in, then would they not be recognizing Israel? The motivation of receiving international financial aid aside, Hamas would be defying it's core belief if it were to honor these deals - which is why they won't or will find a way to appear to be honoring them on their face, but defying them behind the scenes. One of the biggest ways this could be done could be through Hezbollah and other groups (such as Fatah, as seen here at Captian's Quarters - scroll down to the post on Hamas and violence) of Middle Eastern terrorists and sympathizers who are "working with or being supported by" Hamas. They could use their new found political power to achieve dark aims that they could not do so before they had this sort of influence.

Keep Watching...

The World Gone to Hell?

Over the weekend I was once again up at Lake Ann Camp for Freezeout. While there I made a comment about how I am so addicted to news that 48 hours away kills me, the world could go to Hell in a hand basket and I wouldn't even know.

Well in some respects it did happen over the weekend, as the "Cartoon Row" has gotten larger and more expansive around the world; the Danish Embassy in Beruit, Lebenon is in flames as protests continue and the Danish cartoonists that printed these cartoons fear for their lives.

I have yet to understand why this all goes on, why indiviuals get away with this kind of terrorism, all in the name of religion. If Christians did it our heads would be called for on the chopping blocks and we would be hunted down as criminals, but those that are offended by these cartoons, they get away with arson (among other things) and we fear them for it. Granted that there are some wonderful followers of Islam that are peaceful and just want to live normal lives, and yet, there are those that do not, those that resort to violence and terror. Peter Bookes's book "A Devil's Triangle: Terrorism, WMD, and Rouge states" gives a great crash course into the "Unholy Trinity" that the world faces now, and these riots are in a way, part of this axis. In light of recient events I highly recommend it - it will scare the living daylights out of you, and it should.

If this riot problem were not enough, I go back to the concept of "faction" once again and pull from Joel Rosenberg's latest novel, The Ezekiel Option, and the idea that one day there may be a call for Israel to disarm and relinquish her "nuclear capibilities" - that day, was yesterday.

To attempt to render Israel defenseless? That's gotta be the most asanine thing I've ever heard! Everyone knows that the powers at work in the Middle East will not abide by such an idea of Middle East non-proliferation, that at the first chance they get they would break that "treaty" and attack Israel. Why not do such a thing? The rhetoric of their governments demand the destruction of Israel. So they would go ahead and do so, with a smug look on their faces and say to the world - "Watch us! What will you do now as we continue to defy you?" Sadly the USA seems to be backing this idea, but thankfully Bush is still standing by his statement to defend Israel.

This just in

Catch him! I can't get out of my head the scene in "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" where Aragorn starts screaming at Legolas to take down with his bow the Urakai Orc that is going to light the fuse to detonate the bomb that will allow the Orc scourge to invade Helms deep. That's how I feel about Jamal Ahmed Badawi: catch him, interogate him, and then kill him, with impunity. We're at war and he is a chief soldier of our enemy.

Stay tuned and Informed - different bat-time, same bat-web address...

Cortoon Row...

So there's been a lot of chatter over these newspaper cartoons that are offensive to Islam and Muslims. Michelle Malkin has the best roundup of links and following of this situation.

What's the big deal?! I mean seriously, the world mocks Christianity millions of times over and no one does a darn thing about it, but someone prints these cartoons, and the Muslim world goes crazy, while the Rolling Stone prints a picture of Kyane West as Christ and there's a painting in NYC that puts OBL and Christ together.

These things do happen, but Christians don't take up arms or have a "International Day of Anger"; and yet followers of Islam are going to do this, one day after King Abdullah of Jordan called for cooperation between Cristians, Muslims, and Jews while speaking to a room of mostly evangelical Christians? Wow.

If that weren't enough, the weakness of the MSM has once again become apparent, as CNN and NBC refuse to show these cartoons as they report on them. (Not showing the object of a segment of a news cast, out of respect for religion? This the same network that had "The Book of Daniel" canceled because of the reaction from Christians - however, Christian's didn't get all up in arms and call for that "International Day of Anger" - remember that!)

Inconcieveable, oh wait, no it isn't. Truth is certianly stranger than faction these days.

*UPDATE* Protest are being sparked around the world due to this controversey

Titanic 2006?

According to Drudge Report, there's been a ship lost in the Red Sea, where apparently only 100 indiviuals survived the ordeal (out of 1300). Apparently bad weather and a possible electrical storm is hampering the rescue efforts.

*UPDATE* Currently, there have been 206 Survivors

Hugh Hewitt and Mark Steyn on Iran

Just came across this on Radioblogger, enjoy the read.

A Muslim King Quoting the Apostle Paul?

Sounds outlandish doesn't it, well "truth is stranger than fiction" (or faction) remember? Joel Rosenberg posted the comments on his blog yesterday, as well as a look at the effects of The Passion and Narnia on the Muslim world. After reading that, I'd have to agree: Alsan is sure on the move in the Middle East.

Russia comments on Hammas

Thanks to Joel Rosenberg, the latest news on Russia and Hammas is up: "Russia does not see Hammas as a terrorist organization"

On the one hand I see that as an insane statement to make, but on the other, a smart one, why? Becasuse Russia wants as many friends in that region as she can get, and isn't about to put someone out in the cold when that someone is obstructing what the United States is trying to do as far as a peace process. Russia ultimately doesn't like the United States, and is positioning itself for something, the question is what?

Answer: she wants her power and glory back...and will do what she must to flex her muscle and gain powerful friends....

Iran may not have Nukes?!

John Negroponte, the National Intellegence Director (NID), it has been recently reported, has said that Iran does not have nukes....hmmmm.

I wonder what it is that he knows that prompts him to state that...reguardless, there is still an intent on the part of Iran to do harm and they are still doing what they can to aquire the materials needed, even if they do not yet have it...

Reguardless, as Peter Brookes of The Heritage Foundation tells it, "Iran continues to buy friends"

Once again, Iran...

Iran is a problem that is not going to go away any time soon. That being said, such a country needs to be dealt with, and certainly when possible nuke tests are taking place. Add to that various statements and proclomations, such as this and this, made by the Iranian President, and no wonder President Bush made this statement, saying that the United States would defend Israel.

After the State of the Union - the 100th Post

I came across a number of good pieces this morning, as put online by The Heritage Foundation and written by their experts on such topics as Isolationism, Spending Restraint, Iraq and the GWOT, Health Insurance , America role in Global Leadership, the Middle East and Democracy, Energy Policy, National Security, and Tax Policy. Lots of good reading.

I will make one observation though. In reading the piece about Isolationism, I couldn't help but think back to a discussion I had last weekend with one of the youth sponsors that was at the winter retreat I helped with, a discussion that centered around the tendency of Christians to withdraw from society and become isolationist, instead of engaging the world we live in and doing what we can to improve and rescue it. If that were not enough, I found an article this morning that deals with this very issue.