The California Republican

UK: The Muslim Image

2005-01-25T16:21:00.000-08:00

Mel brings up some great points in this piece...

I would say that this sentiment and article applies to more places than just the UK.
Full Article

The resolute silence from leading Muslim groups unequivocally condemning Islamic terrorism is deafening, instead the focus is clearly upon creating a siege mentality within their own community. Any criticism of Islamic terrorists is deeply qualified and often twisted towards the topic of Islamophobia, yet the same community is very quick to voice its total condemnation of acts against Muslims.

The War on Terror, a Handy and Catchy Label... Accurate?

2005-01-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

This article will make you think, I promise.

The problem is, there can be no such thing as a war on terror.

In an interview published in the December, 2004 issue of The American Legion Magazine, Dr. Daniel Pipes noted correctly that-

...terror is not an enemy; it's a method. Just as we haven't waged war on sneak attacks or on guerrilla tactics, we are not fighting the method; we are fighting an enemy who is using the method of terrorism.

Link to full article... by Doug Petch

Iraqi Election Commercials

2005-01-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Link to the full story.

These are some actual commercials being ran in Iraq in order to turn-out the vote.

Why the World is Afraid of Bush

2005-01-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

My new article at the Stumping Grounds.

Delivering freedom to places like these are nearly impossible. As we have learned with Iraq, knocking off the tyrannical government is simply not enough. The problem is not with the philosophy, it is with the implementation. A people that has been pounded into submission is often living in extreme security with a strict set of rules to live by; subsequently, they have little to no individual freedom. Living in such a manner becomes habit, and through indoctrination, actually becomes acceptable to them. This is the problem.

How do you teach a people who has been forced into expecting security and dominance to appreciate freedom?

Pro-Lifers Who Support the Death Penalty... but don't?!? Huh?

2005-01-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

My new piece at the Stumping Grounds.

The answer, of course, is morality. If you believe as I do, that God's laws are to be obeyed and that ignorance is no excuse, how can we justify an imperfect system where a mistake inevitably equates to the death of an innocent? I believe that any decision that can lead to an irrevocable outcome must be made in a fashion that preserves the sanctity of life in case a mistake is made. The only time that I feel a death is warranted, be it abortion or the death penalty, is when the situation is one of self-defense. This could be in the forum of a mother choosing her life over her child's, or a homeowner defending his family from a would-be rapist. In both cases, the decision to kill, not murder, was made by someone fit to make such a decision. What makes our system imperfect is that there are several degrees of separation between an act that justifies the death penalty and the jury of peers which ultimately decides his or her fate. Thus, a jury is unfit to sentence a person to their death.

Brilliant Article on Euthanasia

2005-01-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Right to Die?

Mel from the Stumping Grounds.

This leads us to a moral quandary beyond the legal repercussions, had Brian's wife been able to take her own life, that would have been the end of the matter, but it seems that she was unable to do so, and therefore required the assistance of her husband to slash her wrists. The law in most Western jurisdiction does not make suicide an illegal act, yet it does not allow an individual who is unable to take their own life seek help in order to end it. Is this correct, and can this distinction be justified?

Ouch....

2005-01-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

Nice oddity reported on by Doug Petch.

January 17, 2005
Ouch.

File this under What Are The Odds

A dentist found the source of the toothache Patrick Lawler was complaining about on the roof of his mouth: a four-inch nail the construction worker had unknowingly embedded in his skull six days earlier.

It hurts to even think about it....

Popularity or Sovereignty?

2005-01-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

My new piece at the stumping grounds.

This is a look at the recent debate between Supreme Court Justices Scalia and Breyer. They debated whether foreign laws should influence U.S. court decisions.

Introducing a New Blog...

2005-01-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

Stumping Grounds

This blog is a collaboration of individuals whom I have known for several years. We have spent countless hours debating politics and life in general and have decided to move into the public domain.

Pete, aka the NYC republican, is a moderate republican with an MBA in business.

Plaz is quite the Libertarian with an accomplished IT career and formal training in music.

Doug Petch, as many of you may already know, is the epitome of cunning contrianism and is almost always moderate yet seriously convicted. Doug has a well-established blog up as well. He can be found at Doug Petch.

Dave is also an IT who is looking to move toward writing and politics as a career. We hope this will be a good stepping stone for him. He is a very conservative individual.

London is, well, from London. He is somewhat of a liberal leaning moderate in his country. You will have to stay tuned to determine what that means in America.

I am a network communications tech currently studying in the area of business. I am quite a "self-described-Christian-Fundamentalist-Conservative." I am proud of my "label" as well.

I hope you enjoy.

On a side note, this site will probably take a more "news & linking" role in the future. From now on my op-ed work will be seriously approached and submitted to Stumping Grounds.

The Failings of Ted Kennedy

2005-01-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

Senator Ted Kennedy

My new piece on Mr. Kennedy can be found here.

It seems to be a common occurrence these days that, when a person complains about the political atmosphere, someone replies with, "It was worse a long time ago." I have not heard anyone follow up and ask, "Does that make it right?" The answer is no, it does not. Mudslinging is, and probably always will be, part of politics. I think there is plenty of blame to go around in the mudslinging arena; however, no one can throw the mud like Ted Kennedy....

....While I could go on, I will end this with a plea for Mr. Kennedy to stop mucking up the political process with his distortions and sensationalist propaganda. I would remind him of an Abraham Lincoln quote: "A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall -- but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other." We are fighting a war against an "either-or" enemy. Let us be Americans first next time you are on your podium.

Oh Well, Maybe Next Year...

2005-01-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

Good season fellas.

I will be right here rooting next year.

Rams get beat down

Moore Rejection

2005-01-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

Moore Gets No Love From Old High School

"Would you want him as a role model? Would you want your son or daughter to be like him?" asked Don Hammond, a member of the Hall of Fame selection committee. "I haven't talked to anybody yet who's for him. The word to describe Michael Moore is embarrassing. He embarrasses everybody."

True Dat

Leftists Still Using Junk Science

2005-01-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Annan calls for 'decisive measures' on climate change

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called Thursday for "decisive measures" to address climate change and said a global early warning system must be set up in the wake of last month's Asian tsunami disaster.

"It is no longer so hard to imagine what might happen from the rising sea levels that the world's top scientists are telling us will accompany global warming," Annan told leaders at a UN conference on small islands here.

"Who can claim that we are doing enough?" he asked.

Does Annan really believe that global warming can cause a world-wide tsunami? Does he still believe that man is responsible for global warming?

I am all for conservation and the reduction of pollution; however, what is global warming?

Earth has been through more than one ice age. Man did not cause them.

An environmentalist, while speaking of the Ice Berg which broke off the Ross Ice Shelf claimed recently, "global warming is a serious threat, this is the first time since 1948 that we've seen icebergs in New Zealand." Ok, what the heck happened in 1948? Man-made global warming?

Another recent quote I heard is, "this is the warmest we have been in 100 years." Ok, what happened 100 years ago? Man made global warming?

We have been recording temperatures for only a couple of centuries. Our first thermometers were wildly inaccurate. The earth's age is in the billions of years.

I have got to side with Dennis Miller on this one... (paraphrased) when I see people running down the street on fire, I'll worry.

Only in California

2005-01-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Eighth-Graders Told Stripping Can Be Rewarding

SAN FRANCISCO — School officials in Palo Alto are reconsidering their use of a popular speaker for an annual career day after he advised middle school students that they could earn a good living as strip dancers.

William Fried (search) told eighth-graders at Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (search) that stripping and exotic dancing could be lucrative career moves for girls, offering as much as $250,000 or more per year, depending on their bust size.

Why not explain how one can be a multi-millionaire through dedicated and hard work... in the field of selling illegal drugs. Sure, why not? If one puts their mind to it, after 3 months he could be off a street corner and start moving packages. After a year or so, if a success, he could be a mid-level manager in the drug industry. Going on meets and finally getting off the street. Through preserverence, one could be a cartel ring leader by the age of 37, a hundred million dollar a year job.

Sounds good to me.

Personally, however, I am going to bring my children up to be hitmen.

Bloggers Going to the Inauguration

2005-01-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

Jordan Golson, a blogger who runs Cheese and Crackers is getting the chance of a lifetime. He is going to the inauguration compliments of Barney Frank.

Find out more here.

For those who may not know, Cheese and Crackers is the blog that provided the community with tsunami vids and is continuing to do so. Through his work and the work of other bloggers, the public was more aware, and more money was rasied for the victims.

Wahhh! Crazy' Teddy Angers Health Advocates

2005-01-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

Link to story

The Vermont Teddy Bear Co. (search) is featuring a 15-inch bear in a straitjacket (search). The $69.95 stuffed animal is called the "Crazy for You Bear" and comes with its own commitment papers.

My take, let them whine. The world is too sensitive already. A point I would like to make is with American trends. Right now our student grade point average is declining while our self-esteem is raising. We need more insensitivty.

Yup!

'Bout Damn Time!

2005-01-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

Baseball players, Owners OK Steroid Deal

I've been saying for some time that my goal for this industry is zero tolerance regarding steroids," commissioner Bud Selig said.

A first positive test would result in a penalty of 10 days, a second positive test in a 30-day ban, a third positive in a 60-day penalty, and a fourth positive test in a one-year ban — all without pay. A player who tests positive a fifth time would be subject to discipline determined by the commissioner.

Slowly but surely a sport is emerging from this money-driven game that I cannot help but love.

Death Toll Nears 272,000 - Tsunami

2005-01-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

Tsunami Toll to Pass 272,000

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia - An official document posted here says that nearly 210,000 people in Indonesia are dead or missing from the Dec. 26 tsunami, a death toll that appears to be far higher than officials have reported publicly. Rescue workers think even that number may be low.

The larger Indonesia toll would bring the total of dead and missing from the tidal surge across the Indian Ocean to nearly 272,000, ranking the tsunami as the fifth or sixth deadliest natural disaster in about 250 years.

You Tell 'Em Clint!

2005-01-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Link to story (Originally found on The Drudge Report)

"Michael Moore and I actually have a lot in common - we both appreciate living in a country where there's free expression... ...But, Michael, if you ever show up at my front door with a camera - I'll kill you... ...I mean it."

Touring The Al Gore Presidential Library

2005-01-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

Doug Petch brings us another great tidbit!

The American Spectator takes us to an alternative universe in which The Al Gore Presidential Library and Museum exists in Boca Raton, Florida...

The Al Gore Presidential Library and Museum, located near N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton, Florida, is open daily (except holidays) from 5 to 4, in observance of the Supreme Court decision that gave George W. Bush the presidency.

Oh my.

Who Cares About These Stupid Caveats?!?

2005-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Retail Sales Rise More Than Expected

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales jumped a more-than-expected 1.2 percent in December, the government said on Thursday, as car dealers, furniture stores and on-line retailers reported strong sales.

Retail sales in all of 2004 jumped 8.0 percent, the biggest gain since 1999, the Commerce Department (news - web sites) said.

Excluding autos, which can swing sharply from month to month, retail sales rose a less-than-expected 0.3 percent. On a twelve-month basis, retail sales excluding autos grew 8.6 percent

Analysts were expecting a 1.0 percent rise in all sales and a 0.4 percent gain excluding autos.

November sales rose 0.1 percent, with sales excluding autos up a revised 0.4 percent, originally reported up 0.5 percent.

How the media reminds the viewers that there is still bad news in this good news.
Reinforcement of the bad news.

Has anyone else figured it out yet?

These "analysts" make their educated guesses as to what to expect, and the whole world waits in anticipation. It is as if the market itself performs based on the similarities between reality and "analyst" predictions.

If we experienced 19% GDP growth next quarter, and some whacko analyst predicted 20%, Dan Rather would be explaining how our economy is crap, and the stock market would probably fall a few points.

Guys, these analysts are nothing more than weathermen with no doppler radar. They are looking at which way the cattle are walking and predicting the storms. When a weatherman calls for rain, do schools close, and homes flood? No! Schools close and homes flood after the rain comes. Why can't we wait for data before we start hedging our bets?

Rant over...

More on the California Storms..

2005-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

As you know, we have been following our storms here in California carefully.

Well, tragedy struck in La Conchita.

Link to story

Also, a hat-tip to Michelle Malkin who hit a home run by taking the tsunami bloggers to task.

Michelle Malkin's - ABC NEWS: BLAMING THE MUDSLIDE VICTIMS

Old Dog Learns!

2005-01-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

Dan Rather assured his CBS News colleagues on Tuesday that he had read the independent report on his network's ill-fated story about President Bush's military service, "and I shall keep its lessons well in mind."

Does this means that he has learned how to better influence elections without being so blatantly obvious, or does this mean that he has learned to take his bias out of his reporting?

Either way, CBS lost its credibility with this American.

Link to story

A Culture in Shambles & Millions of Degenerates Later... Do Blacks Finally Get It?

2005-01-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

When a white person slams rap music for moral reasons they are labeled racist in America. I never knew that descriminating agains music is racism. I guess I hate white people too since I am not a fan of Classical music.

That said, here is an article by blacks...
Sexism in rap sparks black magazine to say, 'Enough!'

Essence, the black women's magazine, has a daring New Year's resolution: It's embarking on a 12-month campaign to challenge the prevalence of misogyny and sexism in hip-hop lyrics and videos.

Thank God. Maybe the words by Bill Cosby helped.

Rap music is not the major problem, but it is very destructive to young impressionable minds who have no decent parents and are unlucky enough to be born into a household void of ambition. This circumstance applies to many more people than blacks I might add.

Rap music should be allowed, for sure. However, vote with your dollar folks, don't support these thugs by buying their music.

News Flash or Old News?

2005-01-11T18:26:00.000-08:00

Iraq Minister Brands Al-Jazeera A Terror Channel

Iraqi Defence Minister Hazem Shaalan branded the popular Arabic-language satellite television Al-Jazeera a "channel of terrorism", in a newspaper interview. That brought a sharp reaction from the broadcaster, which expressed its "utter outrage" at what it said was an "unsubstantiated allegation".

"Al-Jazeera is a channel of terrorism. That is clear and we say openly and without hesitation: Al-Jazeera is a channel of terrorism," Shaalan was quoted by the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat as saying.

I have two comments to make on this one...

1. I agree that Al Jazeera is and extremely anti-Western news outlet and every story is dripping in terrorist spin.

2. Emerging democracies should be careful about blocking free speech.

Al Jazeera is currently banned in Iraq.

California Storm Updates

2005-01-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

Yahoo & Associated Press

now, on a personal note, this is why I have been so busy...

New Tsunami VIdeo... Wow!

2005-01-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

Video link is on this yahoo page

Balance in the Cosmos? Check This Out...

2005-01-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

Doug Petch - Balance in the Cosmos

"In news that will provide fodder for both The Left and The Right for weeks to come, both Farenheit 9/11 and The Passion of The Christ were winners at last night's Peoples Choice Awards.

Let the fun and games begin."

And Again, They Are Getting Closer...

2005-01-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

This year's team is not the best they have had, but I still have faith in my team.

Go Rams!

Rams beat Seahawks 27-20

New Comments and Trackback Modification

2005-01-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

Just so everyone knows comments will still be appreciated, and we now are using trackbacks.

Feel free to use!

Winter Storm Update

2005-01-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

4-8 inches so far

Yes guys, the Arctic Express is hammering Northern Cali while the Pinapple is flooding Southern Cali.

Some totals of 24 inches of rain

Armstrong Williams... A Journalist?!?

2005-01-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Since when?

Link to story

Seeking to build support among black families for its education reform law, the Bush administration paid a prominent black pundit $240,000 to promote the law on his nationally syndicated television show and to urge other black journalists to do the same.

Oh, now he is a pundit...

Ok, this is clearly an unethical thing to do. Worse than the tons of propaganda being spewed in our public schools? Probably not, but still wrong; however, he wa sno journalist... Media, quit making this something it isn't.

Joint Missile Defense

2005-01-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

Japan, US Try To Boost Construction Of Missile Shield

Japan and the United States signed an agreement Friday to facilitate the building of a ballistic missile defense system for Japan amid growing concern over North Korea... Tokyo and Washington began to study a missile interception shield after North Korea shocked the world in 1998 by firing a long-range Taepodong-1 missile over Japan...

A Historic Day For America?

2005-01-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Well, at least some people think so. While leftists like these claim "today was a historical day in America," I wonder if they take into account the extent to which republicans are leading every branch of national government, and governor seats?

Barbara Boxer, I'm ashamed to say, is one of my U.S. Senators. Today, she teared up as she was the sole senator to oppose Bush's re-election certification.

Why?

If the democrats truly cared about counting each vote, then why did they accept Tom Daschle for so long, even as their Senate leader?

I must make clear that not all democrats protested; however, some did. I believe 1 senator, and 31 congressmen objected.

I think it is clear that *some* democrats, and maybe even *some* republicans do not care about counting every vote at all.

Their goal is to recount every vote until they are happy with the results.

This is a very bad precedence in American politics.

Bill Frist Tours Tsunami Damage

2005-01-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

Link to story

Another reason why I respect Frist so much. I don't know what his ultimate ambitions are; however, I find him to be a stand-up guy in all regards and I believe he could seek higher office one day.

Weather Update... ITS HERE!

2005-01-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

What I'm talking about...

As always, I will post any extraordinary pictures, but the rest of the country should get ready for the storms, they's-a-comin'.

3-5 inches and counting

Since I'm in a "Hat-Tip" Mood...

2005-01-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

My buddy Pete, the NYC Republican had a great idea for a news item. Highlighting photos and photo-blogs from the city he loves.

His post regarding NYC can be found here:Photobloggers

In this tradition, I am in the search of a photoblogging site for two American cities...

St. Louis, MO, and Eureka, CA.

I will post them if I ever find them...

Hilarious Post to Lift Spirits...

2005-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Word(s) of the Day by: Doug Petch. Ok, maybe not *by* him, but hat tip to him for the find.

Here is a sampling...

Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly

Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

Tsunami Death Toll Still Rising

2005-01-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

Now nearing 160,000 dead...

Please keep up the charity work.

Mercy Corps, USAID, and American Red Cross are all good places...

Also, don't forget you can get Tsunami Videos here: Tsunami Vids

Schwarzenegger's Redistricting Reform Causes Stir

2005-01-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

Link to article

A dozen states have done what Schwarzenegger wants to do - take from lawmakers the job of redrawing legislative districts every 10 years and give it to a panel of retired judges. Yet eight times in the past 70 years, California voters have rejected initiatives to reform the process - including proposals similar to the ones linked to Schwarzenegger.

"This is going to be the year that will determine Arnold's legacy," says Mr. Hoffenblum. "He has the popularity, but how much capital will he need to use?"

To Interview or to Score Political Points?

2005-01-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

Link to story

Today, Alberto Gonzales, President Bush's Nomination for U.S. Attorney General, faced a trial by fire before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

It was fairly obvious that he would get the nomination when Joe Biden said this, "I don't know anybody who's announced they're against your being the next attorney general. Even those who have doubts about you say you're going to be confirmed."

It was apparent though that the democrats wanted to score some points with their constituency. The main focus of the interrogation was clear right away. Torture.

They did not seek to rip this man apart, but they clearly wanted to use this forum to beat on President Bush.

Instead of truly interviewing him with the intent to determine the wide stances of our next Attorney General, they focused on the issue of torture.

I do not really believe that politicizing such events is in our nation's best interest.

That said, I fully admit that when given the chance, republicans act in the same manner. Let us do what is best for the country, stop trying to score cheap points guys.

Staples Inc: What Changed?

2005-01-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

"Staples does not support any political party."

However, in 2004 alone, Staple's Inc. donated $132,949, 61% of which went to republicans.

Something fishy is going on...

France Warns Iran

2005-01-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

French President Jacques Chirac stated today:

"Countries which respect their international obligations in terms on non-proliferation and show proof of the peaceful nature of their activities should be able to benefit from technologies that are allowed under international rules... But no weakness can be shown to those who renege on their commitments."

Ok, Mr. Chirac, define weakness.

In a unanimous vote, the U.N. Security Council deemed that Saddam Hussein had renegged in Resolution 1441. As I recall, France led the "weakness-cowardly" crowd there.

Putting the pieces together one by one, I would almost assume that France must not be making tens of billions of dollars off of their relationship with Iran; therefore, they are willing to stand on the side of morality... until Iran ups its offer anyways...

Link to story

Did Your Movie Suck?, Blame Christians...

2005-01-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

Director Oliver Stone accepts no responsibility in the poor reviews his move "Alexander" is getting. No, instead he is pointing to the obvious culprit... "a raging fundamentalism in morality."

He claims no one in the South will watch his film because a critic or two said Alexander was portrayed as gay.

Get A Clue - Link

Perhaps the most ironic thing about this is what Oliver himself said...

"I was quite taken aback by the controversy and fierceness of the reviews about a character we don't really know too much about."

Although I don't care if Alexander was gay or not, Mr. Stone is too stubborn to admit that this is an issue that is open to debate. Many of the conclusions reached in his film are baseless in fact and abundant in theory.

Mr. Stone, people just don't want to waste thier money seeing your film, it has nothing to do with "morality."

Three storms threaten to strike U.S. at once

2005-01-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

Link To Story

Moisture-laden storms from the north, west and south are likely to converge on much of America over the next several days in what could be a once-in-a-generation onslaught, meteorologists forecast yesterday.

Democrats: A Role Model To All...

2005-01-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

If at first you don't succeed, give up trying, and challenge the official results.

After all, what else can a loser do...

Sorry for all the linking lately, but I am working 60 hour work weeks along with school.

Don't worry, I will make sure to cover the important stuff.

Is Jerry Lee Lewis Worthy Of Awards?

2005-01-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, I like some of his music; however, is an incestial pedophile really someone who should be held up in an industry? Marrying a 13 year old cousin is quite risque, yes?

Maybe I have been giving him an unfair shake; I am just sick and tired of the entertainment industry holding up their most loathsome performers.

Link to story

Wait... I Thought CNN Was Saddam's Channel?!?

2005-01-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

Tape Shows Saddam-AlJazeera Link

A videotape found in a pile of documents in Baghdad following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime shows a former manager of the Al-Jazeera satellite channel thanking one of Saddam's sons for his support and telling him that "Al-Jazeera is your channel," the Asharq al-Awsat newspaper reported Sunday.

Snipers Used In Georgia...

2005-01-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

From the article...

On his first day on the job, the new sheriff called 27 employees into his office, stripped them of their badges, fired them, and had rooftop snipers stand guard as they were escorted out the door.

The firings had a racial overtone. Hill was among a spate of black candidates elected last year in the county once dominated by rural whites... ...The fired employees included four of the highest-ranking officers, all of them white. Hill told the newspaper their replacements would be black.

"A lot of people are under the impression that the sheriff's office is under civil service laws," he said. "But my research shows the employees work at the pleasure of the sheriff."

Full CNN Article

Just for the record, this is one of the few cases where I do not have an opinion... yet.

Another Global Warming Update....

2005-01-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Mt. Pratt

Odd Story...

2005-01-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

Tribes shooting choppers with bows and arrows.

Either they are fine, and don't want the intrusions.
They are not fine but do not want help.
Are trying to shoot down a chopper.

Anyways, scientists are taking notice....

Click for story

Zarqawi Reportedly Arrested

2005-01-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

If true, then we scored huge in the war on terror. In Iraq no less. And the kicker, he was in Iraq before the war started.

Link here

Excellent: Bush, Clinton, & Bush Team Up

2005-01-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

As seen on drudge.....

Bush, Clinton, and Bush: Fundraisers

They are building a privately driven fund for tsunami relif. Excellent!

Updates will follow.....

Global Warming, Update #2

2005-01-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, after 24 hours in the snow, I must paologize for being intellectually lazy, and also for my lack of updates. However, as I will continue to do, I will provide more proof of a global warming scandal... (in my own special way).

So, with that I bring you what I have been doing the last two days as well as some pics of a co-worker in Tahoe City...

CHATO PEAK

MT. PIERCE

Tahoe City

Yeah, I know, some more lame post hoc ergo propter hoc arguments on my part...

Recent "Donations" News Story... A Motive?

2005-01-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

$1B Given to Faith-Based Groups in 2003

I wonder if this story would even be covered if not for all the partisan hacking going on regarding our American donations.

I say there is another issue here for the democrats to wage another political battle. These leftists cannot figure it out. The democrats are losing power because they have no issues. Their day-to-day talking points are a litany of complaints without one single democratic issue.

He lied about WMD.
He lied about Social Security.
He did not want a DHS.
He did not want a 9/11 commission.
He did not give enough.
He went to war for oil.
He is only donating so-and-so.

Hey democrats, I love the help you are giving us, but seriously... What would YOU do?

The first proof that this is another political battle is the fact that every pundit issuing statements on this issue offers the following as a preface: (verbatim I might add) "The American people are the most generous in the world..."

Here is a rule of thumb. If anyone starts a sentence off by claiming that "you (meaning the audience) are the best (fill-in-the-blank-demographic) in the world" followed by one of the following things: but, yet, so then why, however, therefore, etc..., then you know the speaker is full of crap, and is trying to score an argumentative point.

With the above in mind, I turned on the news channels this morning to get my dose of spin and sensationalism. Every channel I turned to had the same argument in the same order as follows:

Republican: I am proud of what I am seeing...
Democrat: I disagree. America's people are the most generous in the world; however, we have a president who will not even issue a statement until three days after the event. Donating a measly $15 million, then $35 million. He only went to $350 million because the entire world realized how stingy we were. He is spending $40 million on the inauguration. Pathetic, we had a good opportunity to....

This is just another page in the new playbook. Another thing to complain about.

All of this leads me to one question that I would love to have a democrat answer honestly.

How high of a death toll does it take to have a united America?

3,000 did it for about 6 days a few years ago. Are we so divided that 150,000 cannot unite us for 6 minutes today? Even though we are clearly going above and beyond in the tsunami relief effert, they would rather Bush look bad, than do the right thing. When will they realize that this petty sniping plays into our enemies hands?

If you want to whine, whine about immigration or something that will actually help our country instead of hurt it.

Left Wing Humanitarian? You Tell Me...

2005-01-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

When America pledged an initial $15 million followed by $20 million more, the leftist bomb-throwers were out in force. They did not even break stride, no remorse for the dead. Every sentence of sorrow was annotated by a political comment blasting Bush.

In one of the most blaring examples to date, I found this on the Daily Kos:

America Is Stingy: "I'm very sorry to be so "insensitive"... but I've got a bone to pick with my government tonight. 100,000 dead bodies are in Southeast Asia. More will be found. And Americans, in their infinate kindness, are giving 35 million dollars in aid to the countries affected. How kind. Oh wait, no. If I were those countries, I'd tell America to go shove it up their ass."

At first, it sounded like these people cared so much about the dead that they wanted to throw money at them to make the problem go away. Typical leftist response; however, the true intent was revealed on a later post and my jaw just dropped.

$350 million and a PR goldmine lost: "While better late than never, we lost a golden opportunity to score a huge PR victory in the world stage, and, with the largest muslim nation in the world (Indonesia)... ...Had we announced $350 million from day one, it would've scored a direct hit -- backing up rhetoric about American generosity. Instead, it looks like we're responding to criticism about American stinginess, rather than acting out of the goodness of our hearts."

It turns out that these people do not care about how best to help the victims of the disaster. Not at all, in fact they see a "golden opportunity" to manipulate the circumstance in order for America to look good. After all, this is not about helping the victims; it is about looking good in front of all the non-victims. (To them...)

Perhaps the best, no funniest I should say, thing about these posts are their responses. Here are a few...

"And why is Bush sending brother Jeb? Why not Neil? He is, you'll recall, familiar with Thailand."

Nevermind the fact that Jeb Bush has many years of experience with natural disasters and the relief of.

"I WISH I COULD JUST PUNCH GEORGE IN THE HEAD RIGHT NOW. GIVE THESE PEOPLE MORE MONEY. IT'S MY 13 CENTS A DAY AND I DEMAND IT."

A true sophisticant.

"Bush constantly makes me ashamed of our country and its leader."

A true patriot.

"that the number of Americans missing and feared dead is approaching the death total from the WTC...connect that to Bush's slow response...connect that to weak leader. Americans are cynical. You've got to show them; not tell them. This is an opportunity to SHOW them that Bush is a weaker leader than they think."

Let us not help the dead, lets earn political points...

"US$ 350 million is good, and it puts the US in the middle of the pack of decent donor nations. Still behind Spain, the UK, and those incredibly generous Danes, but its at" least credible."

What is this guys smoking?

"when you have a core set of prinicples that allow you to format a response without calling 2 dozen meetings and getting a consensus before you say anything. And when you're not worried about how it will affect the next election, but doing the right thing.

Is he talking about John Kerry?

There is good news though... It took them FIVE days to come up with a good conspiracy... This means us on the right are still at an advantage. Our heads are neither in the sky or the sand...

Big-Bad-Scary Conspiracy

Death Toll Exceeds 150,000

2005-01-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Again, this is horrible. One chilling note is that (probably thousands by some estimates) all the people will never be counted. Many are lost at sea, and some entire friends, families and generations were lost; therefore, no one will be around to ask about them.

Death Toll: 150,000

Interesting Photograph

2004-12-31T18:22:00.000-08:00

Saw this on The Talkmaster - Neal Boortz's website.

Fair enough, he still deserves help, I just hope he realizes who's side he is really on one day.

Role Models, School Obesity, & Why the Left is Wrong

2004-12-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, since I am in such a facetious mood, and I just finished wiping the tears from my eye after reading a blurb from Michelle Malkin's blog titled: "HEALTH CRISIS ALERT: CALL MICHAEL MOORE," I must admit, there is an obesity gap going on.

First let me bring up the stick which stirred the proverbial soup, (is it soup?, no pudding ya pudding). Preschool Obesity Rises

I submit to you that the left is being anti-humanitarian for propping up overweight people in their party, while at the same time attacking the flaws of others.

Michael Moore vs. Arnold Schwarzenegger: Need I say any more?
George Bush vs. Bill Clinton: A pro-military ex-rugby player who falls off equipment while outdoors and chokes on the occasional pretzel OR a military-loathing philanderer who only runs when we finds out McDonald's is serving lunch.
Rudy Guiliani vs. Teddy Kennedy: Ok, we have dirt on Rudy, but what a guy, he's America's Mayor. Teddy, well, he is "the conservative senator from Mass."
Condoleeza Rice vs. Madeline Albright: Man, I don't know where to start here, I already feel bad for making this list.
John Ascroft vs. Janet Reno: While true that Janet is more of a man than John will ever be, I'd put my money on John in a marathon.
Dick Cheney vs. John Edwards: Ok, here is one for the leftists; however, what 18 year old cannot beat up an almost-64-year-old.
Strom Thurmond vs. Robert Byrd: Tough one, while one man's body has passed, the other man's mind has. Coin toss?
John Kerry vs. Dennis Hastert: Ok, another one for the leftists; however I would add that windsailing is about as"My name is Biff and my girlfriend is Buffy" as one can get.
Chris Dodd vs. Trent Lott: hmm, I only pick on Mr. Dodd since the hypocrisy of the media is as unfair as this list it. Remember, one man propped up Byrd, one Thurmond. One was chastized, the other defended. Dodd is a bit more robust than Mr. Trent Lott (You might have seen him on BET).

Well guys, I apologize in advance for this juvinile display but, well, I was inspired by Michelle Malkin, like any true leftist would do, I blame her.

Global Warming... I'll Post More When I Thaw Out...

2004-12-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

I know I know, this is the anti-thesis of post hoc ergo propter hoc; however, I don't have time to construct a reasonable argument except to say... brrrrr!!!

It is New Year's Eve, I will give the leftists a break on their Global Warming Fallacy for today.

Brilliant Op-Ed Piece in 'The Australian'

2004-12-31T15:46:00.000-08:00

As linked from Drudge...
From Gerard Baker: (snippets)

"In the past three days I have been impressed by the originality of the latest critiques of the evil Americans. The earthquake and tsunami apparently had something to do with global warming, environmentalists say, caused of course by greedy American motorists. Then there was the rumour that the US military base at Diego Garcia was forewarned of the impending disaster and presumably because of some CIA-approved plot to undermine Islamic movements in Indonesia and Thailand did nothing about it."
"The rising death toll in Southeast Asia seems to mock our pretensions to progress. We may have been to the moon, eradicated smallpox and created eBay, we think, but when the tectonic plates move we are no more secure than were the barefoot citizens of Pompeii."

Link to full article.

Some Points to Ponder Dec 31, 2004

2004-12-31T06:15:00.000-08:00

Arizone Daily Star: Wash. Loser calls for a new election, yet Kerry ends up 118,457 short in Ohio recount.
Kudos to mainstream democrats for not politicizing the tsunamis. Your bomb-throwers are out and about; however, by and large, you guys are behaving respectfully. Thank you.
Argentia club fire kills at least 175
Death Toll Reaches 150,000.
Bush approves $350 million in tsunami relief.
ABC names bloggers "People of The Year." (hat tip www.dougpetch.com)
Our friend Pete helps us to find a responsible charity. Incredibly valuable infomation!
2004 will forever be gone tonight!
India may be hiding death figures; real toll impossible to know.
Martha Stewart loses decorating competition.
And finally, it appears that some people still believe global warming is caused by man. Even though science has proved it to be naturally occurring, environmentalists have adopted an anti-defeatist viewpoint that man must then be accelerating it.

Frightening Photography From Yahoo, AP, AFP, Reuters...

2004-12-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

Awesome Tsunami Help Site

2004-12-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

The SEA-EAT blog for short. News and information about resources, aid, donations and volunteer efforts.

I encourage you all to do what you can.

Bush Sends Delegation to South Asia

2004-12-30T16:24:00.000-08:00

Bush is sending Colin Powell and Jeb Bush, along with a full delegation, to South Asia in order to set-up and coordinate relief efforts from the Indian Ocean Quake & Tsunamis.

Powell and Bush will be expected to combine their expertise in gathering as much information as possible. Bush is well-known for his skilled management of natural disasters in hurricane-prone Florida. To me, this is a step in the right direction.

A few points worth noting, or at least worthy of consideration:

Florida receive over 13 billion in aid this past hurricane season.
Bush has an MBA and is well-known for his planning abilities; therefore, it is premature to criticize relief efforts.
The U.S., Australia, India, and Japan have set up an aid coalition separate from the UN.
Some on the left are claiming that Bush is being stingy and insensitive for only allowing $35 million in aid, and waiting a few days before speaking.
UN International Development Secretary Clare Short says that "Bush is undermining the UN with aid coalition." However, the UN just created and fostered the largest fiscal scandal in world history.
Democratic strategists are already hitting the talk shows criticizing Bush and his reactions.
This is nowhere near the first catastrophe that has occurred recently. History shows that these events dot our history on this earth quite regularly.

I encourage independent thought on all of the above before I address each one individually.

Time for my take:

Florida obviously got so much, so fast because it was a critical political moment. I firmly believe Bush would have been as generous no matter what (Kerry, Clinton, anyone else too); however, the haste in government pledges were supplemented by the political atmosphere. What does this mean? Nothing. What it really speaks toward is the American way of life. This is not to say anything good or bad, just a matter of fact. Now, personally, I believe all human life is worth the same. I am one of those who believes that moral issues apply equally to all no matter whom the recipient may be.
Bush is a brilliant man, read again: brilliant. If he doesn't awe you with his political abilities, then look at his cabinet. Consider that he is the first American President with an MBA and consider how that might affect his decision making. To me, that shows that he is a planner, and assessor, and an efficiency-orientated individual.
The aid coalition Bush has instituted is simply common-sensical. These countries all have vibrant economies, have capable naval capabilities, and all have personnel and money ready to go. They are all coastal countries quite familiar with disaster. I firmly support this, and any other action which distances us from the UN.
Some leftists and some journalists are claiming that Bush is insensitive for being on vacation (so was Koffi Annan). They also blast him for spending $40 million on his 2nd inauguration. Well, this is a free country, and those monies come from private donations. He is entitled to spend that money how he likes (I wonder how much Michael Moore and George Soros contributed). Ok I apologize, I don't want to know; however, I do want this baseless criticism to go away.
Mrs. Short claims we are subverting the UN? So what. To put it bluntly, who cares. First of all, the UN is not the most capable organization to handle relief and aid. Iraq proves that beyond a reasonable doubt. Secondly, the UN has lost a lot of moral authority even though she claims that the UN is the only body with moral authority. I would really like to know how many (if there were any and I suspect there were) people died due to their administration of the Oil for Food project.
Pathetic, politicizing one of the world's worst disasters ever is disgusting and tantamount to evil. I say evil because this puts a select few out in a field all by themselves. This is called hedonistic egoism pure and simple. These guys are saying anything to gain power, the ends justify the means and they pleasure themselves by finding sticks to poke in Bush and America's eye.
Bam, Iran, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Iraq, Ethiopia, North Korea... Whether natural disaster or man-made, the world sees suffering on gigantic scales almost constantly. What I see is a good vision: helping everyone who needs help without bias, from the UN; yet, the selective help being given is horrible. The same can be said about almost any country independently as well. We need a new coalition, and I hope this one is permanent. I also hope it is unbiased.

Breaking News: 400,000+Dead?

2004-12-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

Red Cross estimates a possible 1,000,000 dead with true figures impossible to ever know.

Indonesia's Ambassador to Malaysia Drs H. Rusdihardjo said:

"The death toll in Acheh, the region worst hit by last Sunday's tsunami, may exceed 400,000 as many affected areas could still not be reached for search and rescue operations."

According to a report found here: Link to story.

Folks, this story just keeps getting worse and worse. Entire islands have vanished according to Indonesian officials, entire cities and village are dead.

Big Snake Rescues Three

2004-12-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

What?!?

There is some sad news further down this article; however, this miracle is worth noting...

"The mother shouted, 'please help save my children. Let me be, but please save my children,' Riza recounted, in tears.

As she struggled for her own life and that of the twins, she said a large snake as long as a telephone pole approached her. She and the nine-year-olds rested on the reptile, which was drifting along with the current.

'Thank God, we landed on higher ground where the water level was only about a meter deep. The twins, who were badly injured, were safe.' Riza then slapped her face to make sure she wasn't dreaming."
Link to article

5.55 Inches Rain, Twister, 4ft. Snow, Mudslides.... We Are Lucky

2004-12-30T06:19:00.000-08:00

The recent California storms are not getting much news for good reason. Our most drastic weather pales in comparison or trajedy to the victims of the quake and subsequent tsunamis. That said, it is worth noting than California is getting dumped on big time.

I work in the mountains most days and normally live for weather like this, but it is sometimes difficult to love extreme weather when other people suffer.

Let's hope everyone gets through this unscathed.

Record Rainfall
California Twister?!?
7 dead, 2 missing

Tsunami Videos

2004-12-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

Cheese and Crackers
Wizbang

These guys are providing an essential service. Good job guys.

Mercy Corps - Earthquake/Tidal Wave Relief

2004-12-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

I, like most of you, have been looking for ways to help the victims of the Southeast Asian Quake and subsequent tsunamis. I looked quite hard for a place that would get the most "bang for my buck." This search lead me to Mercy Corps.

With Mercy Corps, I have found an organization that is already on scene in the most hard-hit areas. Also, they have a history of handling hundreds of millions of dollars responsibly.

Therefore, I am recommending Mercy Corps as a possible outlet for your donations. There are three big reasons that made them stand out.

They are already there. This means overhead is cut way down. Also, they have long standing relationships with rivaling armies conducting an ongoing civil war and have full access.
They operate efficiently. Currently they show 91% of all funds going toward aid and only 9% overhead.
They were first on scene at the Aceh area, and are reporting comparable figures to that of Yusuf Kalla, Indonesian Vice President. Mercy Corps estimates a possible 70,000 dead in Ache alone while Mr. Kalla predicts a possible 80,000 dead in Aceh alone.

Any aid giving will help, I just thought that this may help some of those on the fence in finding a responsible place to donate.

More Tsunami Information

2004-12-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

... for freaks like me....

If you have eben following this site, you will notice how closely we have followed the tsunamis/quake damage.

A fellow blogger has went above and beyond and created an awesome information map.

Unparalleled in my estimation...

Informative map
The Swanky Conservative

A Great Point, Kudos to Bloggers

2004-12-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

"I think it's safe to say that bloggers have found yet another niche - the 21st Century equivalent of the 20th Century Ham Radio Operators who were often the only source of information and communication during disasters large and small."

Brilliant!

We Might Have Avoided This Disaster At Least...

2004-12-29T16:07:00.000-08:00

Scientists now say we appear to be safe. They claim that the asteroid named "2004MN4" had a 2.7 % chance of striking the earth causing considerable local and regional damage. The rock measured approximately 1/4th mile wide.

"An Earth impact on April 13, 2029 can now be ruled out," read a statement issued Monday evening by asteroid experts Don Yeomans, Steve Chesley and Paul Chodas at NASA (news - web sites)'s Jet Propulsion Laboratory."

Death Toll Soars Past 100,000 As Predicted. *Hits 120,000

2004-12-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

Perhaps predicted is not the right word. What I have been doing is compiling official statements based on two things.

Confirmed deaths per country.
Estimated deaths per country.

Currently, the death toll stands at approx. 100,000 confirmed dead.

Estimates based on official statements approximate that there may be an additional 40,000 dead in Ache alone. Combined estimates push the death toll to well over 150,000 dead. I would say that based on what we have seen, the death toll will be between 130,000 and *170,000 dead from the quake/tsunami and direct injuries. If that is not scary enough, the UN, the WHO, and other experts are painting a bleak worst case scenario; they suggest that disease may double the death toll.

Interestingly enough, and my friend at dougpetch.com alerted me to this story; animals seems to have survived unscathed. Story 1, Story 2.

This should be of no surprise really. Animals rely on instinct to survive. I can tell you with great certainty that even a good number of humans "knew" something was going on, even before the shoreline receded 1,000 feet by some estimates. The difference is, acting upon instinct. The fatal blow to humans is their reliance on government and technology. Upon seeing some of the footage being released, it is clear that even those taking video were simply frozen by fear and not knowing how to act in such a situation. I must say, I cannot blame them. No one reacted improperly really, some jus got more lucky than others. I do suspect we will learn of subtle indicators as stories are told.

This is not to say humans are weak because of their dispositions, but most certainly weak(er) in situations like these. Reports of "odd animal behavior" preceding a disaster are a dime a dozen, and it should surprise no one to learn about this. What is surprising however, is the scope of the animal kingdom which headed to high ground. It is as if Mother Nature herself put out a distress signal to beacon the animals to safety.

The worst story of this event is the fact that humans received a beacon as well. Within twenty minutes, the USGS had alerted many nations and organizations to the tsunami threat. We do not know enough to state anything further than that, but it does paint a sad picture.

In other events, Bush has moved toward forming a disaster recovery alliance with Australia, Japan, and India. Some of our closest allies in the world; these nations will lead an effort to help the entire area. This is a very smart move, further distancing the U.S. from the U.N. I support this endeavour 100% and vow to do what I can to support it and inform anyone interested.

Living in a coastal town right on a major fault line and coupled with the fact that I am a natural disaster freak, I have always been quite aware of "remote possibilities." It all started as a child learning and/or watching about Mt. St. Helens, then Pompeii, then Krakatoa etc... I could never turn my head, I just wanted to see more and learn more. This, to my dismay, has caused me to look pretty silly in front of friends at times. Most recently, I took a buddy fishing on the beach for surf perch. It is within walking distance, but I insisted on driving. I told him, "Rich, stay aware of the ground while we fish, the slightest earthquake could bring in enormous tsunamis." I explained that what feels like a 2.0 here, may be an 8.0 somewhere else. I further told him about tsunamis which have hit our specific beaches in the past. Needless to say, I am coined a worry wart, or paranoid. I just call it interested. The reason I write this is to further justify my curiosity and interest in the unfolding events.

WMD!!! Waves of Mass Destruction

2004-12-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

Some very weird news coming in that I would like to share with you all. First and foremost, for those following my site for accurate information, I will provide some facts.

As it currently stands, the death toll is just under 70,000
According to Yusuf Kalla,"Indonesia has suffered the biggest number of victims, with 36,268 known to be dead, although the toll could rise to 80,000 in Aceh alone"
Extrapolated out, the higest estimates exceed 100,000 and could nearly double from disease in a "worst case scenario.
Some charities I recommend:Mercy Corps, Save the Children, American Red Cross (via Amazon)
Animals apparently sensed the impending waves of mass destruction.
Excellent multimedia source
Learning Center
Thumbnail wave history and how this is one of the worst, ever.

Quake Details....

2004-12-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

Click Here:For great quake info.

Despite My Sorrow, I Bring Great News

2004-12-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

I am obligated to report this. Not because it negates the horrors of the Asian devastation, but because we as humans, must find things to enjoy and smile at in order to cope.

I am grinning ear to ear although it is mostly due to pride, not extreme joy or happiness.

BOO-YAH!!! Rams Beat Eagles!

Rams beat the Eagles in a 20-7 upset. Stars of the game were Marc Bulger and rookie Stephen Jackson. Go home team!!!

Devastating Update. *68,000 Dead, Final Estimates Much Higher

2004-12-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

68,000 Now confirmed dead.

Indonesia's vice president has been very candidso far, and with 27,000 dead counted in Indonesia, the vice president claims that their nation's death toll could reach 50,000 alone.

This puts the highest estimate at 86,000.
Yusuf Kalla Says Indonesia May Have 50,000 Dead.

Update #1 Death Toll Exceeds 68,000

... highest projected estimates hover just below 95,000 currently...

Update #2 Death Toll Could Exceed 100,000, Experts Say

Some Points to Ponder Dec. 27 2004

2004-12-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

With such a busy news cycle, I am resigning myself toward doing some linking. I am doing this because there are so many things I want to cover, but my attention is devoted to the Southeast Asian Crisis.

I am what some might call a natural disaster freak. I actively seek out extreme weather in life, and I am completely enthralled by all natural disasters. I do not take such intrest out of morbid curiosity, or destruction estimates. No, I just have an unrival respect for the power of God and Mother Earth. From supervolcanoes to tornadoes, earthquakes to fires, I am simply amazed by the power of nature.

Therefore I bring you my first ever installment of "Points to Ponder." I suppose I will use this forum whenever news is so abundant that I cannot put things into words myself.

Once Again: Unions Destroying Business

2004-12-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, something major happened. In light of the recent world events, it has not been covered *too much,* but chances are you have heard. US Airline employees conducted an illegal strike which all but crippled their operations. Over 40 destinations were cacelled, thousands were stranded and plans ruined, and countless baggage was lost and/or delayed.

It turns out, employees in a chat-room/message board decided to hurt their company by conducting this illegal strike. They recently voted in a pay cut in order to save their business. I suppose they were angry over that.

Before we get too far, I would remind you of an event that took place in Chicago. Teamsters who belonged to a fairly healthy company "no-showed" in order to support their brethren striking at a competing packing/shipping plant. The resulting strike meant that the company closed and shut down. Sure, poor management resulted in disaster due to one day's strike, but the employees are ultimately responsible for an unannounced strike.

Every single employee without a doctor's note should be fired from US Airlines. Speaking of course of those who called in sick. These people do not deserve jobs, nor are they worth a dime to any employer as far as I am concerned.

In the age of NAFTA, Global Economics, Outsourcing, and Cut-backs, American businesses can not afford to be bullied by union thuggery. What good does it do to strike when it results in you being unemployed?

A big thumbs-down to the unions and employees who decided to call in sick over the holidays.

Now, on top of their devastating illegal strike, the unions are blaming the Airline for not having risk management insurance, and for not being prepared for this strike. Pathetic!

Update #1 US Airways asks employees to work for free.

Another Reason: America, Denounce the U.N.

2004-12-28T06:19:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that as of last night, the U.N had not donated any monies to the relief cause, U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland, told reporters than some European countries and the United States were being stingy.

"It is beyond me why are we so stingy, really, Christmastime should remind many Western countries at least, [of] how rich we have become. There are several donors who are less generous than before in a growing world economy, politicians in the United States and Europe believe that they are really burdening the taxpayers too much, and the taxpayers want to give less. It's not true. They want to give more."

What Mr. Egeland does not realize is that the U.S. is already the major source of monies, and that we are already giving monies to the relief cause in Southeast Asia. In 2003, the U.S. donated almost $16 billion dollars to relief efforts. The second source of monies was Japan with almost $9 billion. The UN has asked that all countries agree to donating 0.7% of their GNP in relief aid, and they have been very critical of those nations who do not follow suit.

This brings me to my first question. Why would any nation who is looking to spend their tax dollars wisely donate money to, and/or through, the U.N.? The U.N. is fresh off the largest scandal in world history, the Oil for Food Scandal. Their gross mis-management led to thousands of deaths, and enabled Saddam Hussein and Palestinian terrorism. The U.N. has not earned the right to see my tax dollars in any way.

My next question may seem silly, but it is most pertinent. Why does the U.N. not count private donations? Our nations donates countless billions each year to relief efforts both home and abroad. During 9/11, our citizens donated over $1 billion. There are at least a dozen, US led organizations, in place in Southeast Asia right now operating off of American tax dollars.

In response to Egeland's asinine comments, Secretary of State Colin Powell responded:

"We will do more. I wish that comment hadn't been made. The United States has given more aid in the last four years than any other nation or combination of nations in the world,"

One last bit of info in closing... The U.S. may show a small percentage of GNP in donations, but that does not count private donations as we have already covered. In addition, the US is providing countless billions to disaster prone countries in trade, and the position on a global economy. The indirect sources are never spoken of, for the U.N. is an anti-American organization. That said, I believe the data speaks for itself.

Update: UN Official Backs Down: Rich Nations Not 'Stingy'

Death Toll in Quake/Tsunamis to Exceed *60,000, and Rising...

2004-12-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

In an astonishing turn of events, the death toll nearly doubled based on what Indonesian Vice President Yusuf Kalla said on Monday.

"We don't have confirmed data, but I think between 21,000 and 25,000 people (have died in Indonesia)"

If his government's estimates are correct, then the overall death toll could easily exceed 42,000, making it even deadlier than Indonesiai's Krakatoa eruption in the late 1800s.

Also, quoted from The Drudge Report...

Quake May Have Altered Earth's Rotation // May have shortened the day by 3 microseconds, said gravity expert Richard Gross of Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena... On premise a slab slid into core, Gross said he's done calculations 'to see what effect this (earthquake) should have had.' The result: A day shortened... 'We won't know for weeks,' said a geophysicist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 'So it's a guess, as of now'...

The New York Times stated today that this disaster was somehow "amoral." I wonder what the true intent of the use of this word was.

www.dictionary.com
a·mor·al ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-môrl, -mr-)
adj.

1. Not admitting of moral distinctions or judgments; neither moral nor immoral.
2. Lacking moral sensibility; not caring about right and wrong.

In any event, disasters which claim this many lives are not uncommon.

Bam, Iran, 2003: earthquake (41,000 dead)
France, 2003: Heat wave (15,000 dead)
Gujarat, India, 2001: earthquake (20,000 dead)
Venezuela, 1999: Floods (20,000 dead)
Turkey, 1999: earthquake (17,000 dead)
Central America, 1998: Hurricane Mitch and floods (12,000 dead)
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 1996: earthquake (15,000 dead)
West Africa, 1996: meningitis outbreak (25,000 dead)
North Korea, 1995-98: Famine and floods (3,500,000 dead)
Latur, India, 1993: earthquake (22,000 dead)
Bangladesh, 1991: tsunami (138,000 dead)
Gilan and Zanjan, Iran, 1990: 7.7 earthquake (35,000 dead)
Armenia, 1988: earthquake (55,000 dead)
Ethiopia, 1984: Famine (900,000 dead)
Guatemala, 1976: earthquake (23,000 dead)
Tangshan, China, 1976: 8.0 earthquake (255,000 dead)
Ethiopia, 1974: famine (200,000 dead)
Bangladesh, 1974: floods (28,000 dead)
Vietnam, 1971: Red River flood (100,000 dead)
Bangladesh, 1970: Sea flood (200,000 dead)
North Peru, 1970: 7.8 earthquake (66,000 dead)
China, 1960: Famine (20,000,000 dead)
Worldwide, 1957: Influenza pandemic (1,000,000+ dead)
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 1948: earthquake (100,000 dead)
Erzincan, Turkey, 1939: 7.8 earthquake (33,000 dead)
Quetta, Pakistan, 1935: 7.5 earthquake (30,000 dead)
Gansu, China, 1932: 7.6 earthquake (70,000 dead)
Nanshan, China, 1927: 8.3 earthquake (200,000 dead)
Yokohama, Japan, 1923: 8.3 earthquake (143,000 dead)
Gansu, China, 1920: 8.6 earthquake (200,000 dead)
Worldwide, 1918: Influenza pandemic (25,000,000 dead)
Messina, Italy, 1908: 7.5 earthquake (70,000 dead)
Chile, 1906: earthquake (20,000 dead)
Japan, 1896: Tsunami (27,000 dead)
Indonesia, 1883: Tsunami (36,000 dead)
France, 1870-71: Smallpox (500,000 dead)
Ireland, 1845: famine (1,000,000 dead)
London and Paris, 1832: Cholera epidemic (25,000 dead)
Iran, 1780: earthquake (200,000 dead)
Northamerica, 1775-82: Smallpox (130,000 dead)
Bengal (India), 1769: famine (10,000,000 dead)
Lisbon, 1755: earthquake and tsunami (30,000 dead)
Sevilla, Spain, 1649: Plague (80,000 dead)
Shensi, China, 1556: earthquake (800,000 dead)
Europe and Asia, 1346-52: Bubonic plague,"black death" (25,000,000+dead)
Holland, 1228: sea flood (100,000 dead)
Japan, 1181: famine (100,000 dead)

Abbrieviated List Using Google

Please Donate: Earthquake/Tidal Wave Fund

2004-12-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ok folks, I found a place to donate so that your money specifically goes to help those involved in the Great Christmas Quake.

Current USAID Factbook *.pdf

Save the Children's Earthquake/Tidal Wave Fund

USAID Programs

Details of Quake and Tidal Waves

I will gladly post other links to more charities as I find them.

UPDATE!!
Doug over at www.dougpetch.com has found a wonderful list of aid organizations to which we can contribute to. Thanks again Doug.

Scroll to bottom for list of organizations.

Charitable Giving, Awareness, Participation

2004-12-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

Our friend over at www.dougpetch.com has a great piece regarding this issue. He closes with this: "My bottom line in all this? Anything that increases awareness of and participation in charitable giving - whether that giving be of money, time, or talents - can only be considered a good thing."

What struck home about this piece is obviously the season, but also the recent world events.

I would add that anyone living in America should consider themselves lucky. Please give, and give generously.

People, especially those affected by the tsunamis, need our help all over the world.

Thanks Doug for a great article.

Link to original article.

Exclusive: Rumsfeld: Plane Shot Down Over Penn.

2004-12-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

"I think all of us have a sense if we imagine the kind of world we would face if the people who bombed the mess hall in Mosul, or the people who did the bombing in Spain, or the people who attacked the United States in New York, shot down the plane over Pennsylvania and attacked the Pentagon, the people who cut off peoples' heads on television to intimidate, to frighten – indeed the word 'terrorized' is just that. Its purpose is to terrorize, to alter behavior, to make people be something other than that which they want to be."

...developing...

Click for full story

Update #1 Rumsfeld Misspoke (or did he?)

2004 - A Year For Change

2004-12-27T06:17:00.000-08:00

A brief recap of some 2004 "watershed" events...

January 4th - NASA Rovers land on Mars.
January 6th - SARS outbreak.
January 22nd - Famous "Dean Scream."
February 4th - New England wins, Janet slips nip.
February 25th - Passion of the Christ hits theatres.
March 5th - San Fran. gays marry.
March 5th - Martha Stewart is convicted.
March 11th - Madrid train bombings.
March 15th - Putin wins Russian elections.
March 20th - Darfur named world's worst humanitarian crisis.
Marth 25th - Cat Cloning for sale.
April 5th - Nick Berg beheading.
April 22nd - Suspicious explosions in North Korea kill hundreds.
April 29th - Abu Ghraib broke.
June 11th - President Reagan's funeral.
June 17th - F-9/11 hits theatres.
June 28th - Iraqis regain soverignty.
July 21st - Dan Rather *finally* apologizes for fake Bush docs.
July 22nd - 9/11 Commission issues report.
July 23rd - Darfur - thousands of blacks die to Islamic fanatics.
July 26th - Lance Armstrong wins again.
August 13th - Olympics start in Greece
August 14th - Hurricane Charley.
September 3rd - Beslan school massacre - more Islamic fanatics.
September 4th - Hurricane Frances.
September 16th - Hurricane Ivan.
September 24th - Hurrican Jeanne.
October 1st - Mt. St. Helens starts acting up.
October 4th - Private spaceship reaches space.
October 9th - Afghanistan, and its women, votes.
October 22nd - Oil hit $55.45 USD - All time high.
October 27th - Boston Red Sox win Wolrd Series - Ends Curse.
Novemeber 2nd - Bush wins in a majority-mandate.
November 11th - Yassir Arafat dies.
November 26th - Fallujah Offensive
December 19th - Bush: Time's "Person of the Year."
December 26th - Yushinko wins Ukraine election.
December - 24,000+ die: Tidal waves/9.0 earthquake, Sumatra.

I will add more as I reflect on the year. Feel free to submit your own ideas.

Thousands Dead - *9.0 Earthquake - Deadly Tsunamis

2004-12-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

I live in an area with a 20% chance of having an 8.0 or greater earthquake in the next 30 years. The fear of this happening is very real for many seaboard residents. The worlds fifth largest ever recorded earthquake struck this morning off the coast of Sumatra. The *9.0 quake caused moderate to large tidal waves, or tsunamis, which caught the entire coastline by suprise. The current death-toll estimates exceed 10,000 people. Chile still has the honors of the world's largest recorded quake with a 9.5, and Alaska had a 9.2, but this is by far more deadly.

This quake comes just three days after an 8.1 struck off Antarctica.

Perhaps we can all pray for these people and their families, and maybe even find some way to send help.

Clink for Earthquake Details

Update #1 White House to Offer Aid
Update #2 Death Tolls Nears 12,000
Update #3 Many Deaths Were Avoidable
Update #4 Governments,Pope, Red Cross Plead for Help
Update #5 Tsunamis Hammer Africa
Update #6 Sri Lanka's Worst Ever Disaaster
Update #7 Bodies Line India's Beaches
Update #8 Quake Upgraded: 9.0
Update #9 Tsunami Warning Center
Update #10 Death Toll Nears 13,000
Update #11 Deadly Tsunamis
Update #13 Death Toll Nears 14,000
Update #14 Devastating Eyewitness Account
Update #15 Another Eyewitness Account
Update #16 Eyewitness - Oprah Regular
Update #17UN Issues Epidemic Warning
Update #18Death Toll Nears 15,000
Update #19 Death Toll Nears 24,000
Update #20 U.S. fills 60% of Red Cross request.

President's Christmas Message

2004-12-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

Good morning. On this Christmas day, as families across the nation gather in our homes to celebrate, Laura and I extend to all Americans our best wishes for the holidays. We hope this Christmas is a time of joy and peace for each of you, and we hope it offers you a chance for rest and reflection as you look forward to the new year ahead.

The Christmas season fills our hearts with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. And with those blessings comes a responsibility to reach out to others. Many of our fellow Americans still suffer from the effects of illness or poverty, others fight cruel addictions, or cope with division in their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one.

Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to our fellow citizens, that we are called to love our neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By volunteering our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick, comfort those who suffer, and bring hope to those who despair, one heart and one soul at a time.

During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the men and women of our Armed Forces, especially those far from home, separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, these skilled and courageous Americans are fighting the enemies of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing liberty to the oppressed, our troops are helping to win the war on terror, and they are defending the freedom and security of us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices for our nation, and for that, all Americans are deeply grateful.

The times we live in have brought many challenges to our country. And at such times, the story of Christmas brings special comfort and confidence. For 2000 years, Christmas has proclaimed a message of hope: the patient hope of men and women across centuries who listened to the words of prophets and lived in joyful expectation, the hope of Mary who welcomed God's plan with great faith, and the hope of Wise Men who set out on a long journey, guided only by a promise traced in the stars.

Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can be found in the humblest places, and it gives us hope that all the love and gifts that come to us in this life are the signs and symbols of an even greater love and gift that came on a holy night.

Thank you for listening, and Merry Christmas.

END

Tracking the Wandering Whale

2004-12-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

Since it is so close to Christmas time, and network news has all the "sensational bad news" covered, I thought we would lighten things up a bit today with a fun story about a BIG creature.

While this is just a random mother blue whale and her calf, a blue whale may indeed be the mystery creature. Some of the largest blue whales ever recorded have been 120 feet long and tipped the scales at over 160 tons. That's a biggun alright!

Anyway, let's get to the story...

Click for Story

A blurb to peak your curiosity...

For the past 15 years, the Navy has been eavesdropping on an odd beast that wanders the North Pacific Ocean.

It’s a whale, of the baleen group that includes the humpbacks, and it may be some kind of blue whale. Nobody knows, but he (or she) has an unusual voice, which allows Navy hydrophones to pick it out from all the thousands of other whales in millions of square miles of empty ocean and follow its wanderings.

And wander it does. Passive hydrophone tracking has been used to monitor sea mammals for a long time, but usually the recordings have lasted for minutes, perhaps a few hours.

This whale has been recorded for months at a time.

Not continuously, of course, but the voice is so distinctive that Navy locators are able to fix its position closely enough to reconstruct its path. One year’s track was followed for more than 11,000 kilometers, nearly 6,000 miles.

The whale with a voice but no name is called the “52-Hz Whale” by researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. A research paper on “52-Hz” was published in Deep-Sea Research recently.

Just Leave Christmas Alone - By Charles Krauthammer

2004-12-22T17:09:00.000-08:00

This is a piece by one of my favorite columnists and political thinkers, Charles Krauthammer.

A blurb to whet your appetite. "It is Christmas time, and what would Christmas be without the usual platoon of annoying pettifoggers rising annually to strip Christmas of any Christian content?" He continues... " The attempts to de-Christianize Christmas are as absurd as they are relentless. The United States today is the most tolerant and diverse society in history. It celebrates all faiths with an open heart and open-mindedness that, compared to even the most advanced countries in Europe, are unique.

Yet more than 80 percent of Americans are Christian, and probably 95 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day is an official federal holiday, the only day of the entire year when, for example, the Smithsonian museums are closed. Are we to pretend that Christmas is nothing but an orgy of commerce in celebration of . . . what? The winter solstice? "

I highly recommend signing on to read his columns. I know registering can be a pain, especially to the Washington Post, but Charles makes it worth it.

Link to Article

Should He Stay or Should He Go?

2004-12-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

I am on record voicing my opinion on this matter almost a year ago. Before I reveal my conclusion on this though, let us discuss the points at hand. I am speaking, of course, about Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. There are very real benefits and negatives that need weighed. Decisions such as firing someone due to biases or partisan feelings are unethical. This is the first lesson of critical thinking, management, and ethics. Never allow personal feelings to get in the way of a fair decision. Too many of us will not allow that to happen; however, I will present some facts on both sides before revealing my opinion.

First the positives:

1. He is extremely loyal. The administration trusts him to carry out the will of the President. I would not call him a puppet, rather a life-long believer in his convictions, which largely coincide with Bush's beliefs. A president should be able to trust his cabinet. Donald is doing this aspect of his job well.

2. He is strongly pro-military and for making the military more "efficiently lethal." This is another vital duty of the Secretary of Defense. He has a rich history of supporting our troops through both visionary and not so visionary means.

3. He won two wars decidedly. Before Afghanistan, the only thing anyone could talk about is how impossible the Taliban and Al Qeada were to defeat militarily. They would cite Russia as the prime example. We won in weeks, decidedly. We arguably won the Iraq War too fast. We went so fast that we left too much behind. In the "regular-military" aspect, Rumsfeld won two wars.

4. He is qualified. He is probably one of the most qualified, as far as credentials and records go, persons to run the Pentagon in America. He has also served the American public for decades.

Some negatives:

1. Rumsfeld fought Powell for the job of rebuilding Iraq. He won this fight. He was ill prepared for this job, and his shortcomings have indirectly led to many American deaths. Mistakes are made in war. During WWII, and Vietnam, some mistakes led to thousands dead. While the scope of Rumsfeld’s mistakes has not had the same body count, they remain nonetheless.

2. Rumsfeld refuses to accept any blame for anything, anytime, for any reason. He comes across as arrogant, unapologetic, and insensitive to any of his failures. From Abu Ghraib, to the armor issue, to everything in between. Instead of humility, he is rigid. I support most of his actions, but in a time of war, he should either stop giving press conferences, or start trying to relate to the public.

3. He, despite knowing the consequences, failed to publicly oppose the recent security bill. As it originally stated, the military would have lost many intelligence capabilities; thus, the military would have been placed in even more danger. Sometimes his loyalty "cuts off the nose to spite the face."

4. He is rapidly losing the trust of the American people. If the American people do not trust the leader of the war machine, then resolve will quickly dissolve.

5. He is/was on board with embedded journalists. Get the reporters off of the front line. America has a right, and a need to know, but not live, and first hand.

Ok, my conclusion. Rumsfeld, even though we agree with many things, I feel that you are not doing the best job possible. When Americans are dying, we need the best person possible in the job you have. I think you are a capable man and are deserving of more credit than blame. However, I feel we could do better. The biggest reason is that the public is losing faith in you.

Therefore, with all due respect Mr. Secretary, I would like to see you step down after the Iraq elections. I also thank you for all that you have done.

Addendum:
My friend over at www.dougpetch.com raises an excellent point in this blurb: "The California Republican looks at the Pros and Cons of SecDef Rumsfeld and comes to a conclusion. It's a shame that said conclusion centers on the fact that "the public is losing faith" in Rumsfeld. If one were to use the same logic in evaluating the President...."

I would like to respond with a clarification.

Bush just got elected with nearly 52% of the vote. Indicitive of a mandate. Bush's job approval rating is always quite dynamic in a +/- 5 point window. Some extremes exist. This number seems to reside quite comfortably on the national partisan divide of America, with undecideds causing the alterations.

Rumsfed now only has 36% of Americans wanting him to stay. That clearly cuts into the home-field. This means that a lot of republicans have lost faith in him.

In the War on Terror, American resolve and American might are the two most important components needed for victory.

Doug, as always, thanks for keeping us honest.

Coincidence, and a tribute to a hero.

2004-12-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

I was finishing a college course up yesterday when I IM'd one of my classmates. We started to chat a bit and I mentioned to her that I had a blog. We started talking about the military, and it turns out she had a nephew who was serving in the recent battle for Fallujah.

You may have heard his name before because he was featured on CNN and many Texas local news outlets. This 22 year-old sniper from the 1st Cavalry Division's 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment claims he is no hero at all. In fact, he states that "getting the Purple Heart just means the rocket found me." Kris Clinkscales is his name, and he is indeed a hero.

He explains in the following media clips how he received his Purple Heart.
Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3

The injured vet who left Iraq for more surgery did not want to leave his friends behind. In a press conference with other wounded vets, it was repeatedly stated that they did not want to leave their buddies behind.

His aunt, and my classmate, Kimberly Born says that Kris had always wanted to be a sniper. She states "he was hoping to become a police officer after the service utilizing his special services in a swat unit somewhere, but now his right arm is in-mobile because of the shrapnel caused so much nerve damage."

And if that wasn't enough...

He also shared his opinion about his buddies who served and are still serving. "I just hope everybody gives these guys the respect they deserve. Put your personal opinions behind. There are a lot of guys who put a lot on the line and they deserve a lot of people's, everybody's respect. For what they've been doing out here. It's a tough job and a lot of shit happens. There's a lot of guys who are worse than me. They are tough guys and it's an honor to serve with them."

A salute to a true hero, whether he admits it or not, thanks for protecting us Kris.

Overhaulin': FDA edition.

2004-12-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

Bill Maher has his new rules.
Bill O'Reilly has his ridiculous items of the day.
I have my overhaulin' section.

Today, Reuters, along with many other news corporations, broke the story about Naproxen. Many of you may know already, but Celebrx, Vioxx, and now Naproxen have come under fire for causing heart disease, and have already led to some deaths. Vioxx has been pulled from the shelf, and Merck & Co. is suffering badly from it. Now, Pfizer looks to be in some trouble with Celebrex.

The reason this story strikes so close to home is two-fold.
1. I do not like my tax-dollars being wasted.
2. My wife takes these medicines just to get by day-to-day.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tasked with an unbelievably difficult job. Their duty is basically to keep Americans safe by regulating drugs. They use a lot of money to ensure our safety. So, when is failure acceptable? I say we should give everyone a second chance; however, what if they fail four times in a few months..... And counting.

When the flu vaccine debacle was occurring I said "ok, this seems partisan."
When Vioxx occurred I thought "hmm, I'm glad this isn't the drug my wife is taking."
Next came Celebrex and I said "it is almost as if the FDA is corrupt or negligent."
Now Naproxen, which my wife takes every day (until today) and I say "enough is enough."

I need to hear something more than "we're looking into it." While I contemplate writing my congressman, I implore you to consider what the FDA is doing, and to judge them fairly.

Currently, it seems like we are giving arthritis patients an option, feel good and die, or feel bad and die.

It is time to overhaul the FDA!

Good News From Iraq? It Exists!

2004-12-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

Time and time again, I flip through the television channels only to hear partisans and sensationalists report nothing but bad news from Iraq. Imagine my suprise when I discovered that there is not only good news, but great news in abundance that never gets reported. I encourage everyone to check out the 16-part-and-counting series titled "Good News From Iraq."

Thanks to Chrenkoff for alerting the public to the the hidden truths.

Link:Good News From Iraq

Can Truth be Treason?

2004-12-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

Treason, in America, has long-been one of the least prosecuted and toughest-to-convict crimes. It is usually only applied to those who not only commit blatant treason, but the government usually needs backing from both parties to convict. What does America, in general, think of treason though?

Are leaked documents which end up in enemy hands treason?
When classified plans or orders are published for the enemy to see, is that treason?
When someone sells or gives information to the enemy to strengthen the enemy, is that treason?
If someone actively fights for the enemy or against America, is that treason?
Is directly aiding or abetting the enemy treason?
How about indirectly yet knowingly?

I believe that most of the above constitute treason.

In the last four years, liberal democrats have come awfully close to what I consider to be treason. We have seen Kennedy, Kucinich, Kerry, and Baghdad Pete all do or say things which indirectly strengthen the enemy. When our politicians claim that this war was for oil, or that we intentionally target civilians for assassination, what do you think that does for the enemy? It gives them something more important than ammunition, it gives them influence and moral authority amongst the citizenry.

What about journalists? Media stationed in Iraq once received a tip to be at a certain place and at a certain time to see something "big" happen. They did not report it to anyone, and an explosive maimed and almost killed Americans. Was this treason?

How about when a partisan CIA agent leaks classified information in order to sway current events? Is this treason?

What about when journalists post non-contextual photographs which seemingly depict American brutality? Later this picture reveals something quite different. Isn't the damage already done?

I think that we as Americans are long-past-due to start demanding that our leaders and our sources of information start taking responsibility for the repercussions of what they say and do. We are at war, and "loose lips sink ships." I am disgusted at what I see day after day.

One example would be Abu Ghraib. No one gives a rat's you know what about Abu Ghraib. One excursion into any one of America's high-security prisones will reveal corruption and horrors far beyond Abu Ghraib. Yet, Abu Ghraib made the NYT front page many dozens of times. When is the last time Nick Berg was on the front page? Twice maybe?

Where does American media cross the line? Why is it that story after story demonizes America and Americans? Why is it that the media and politicians feel no need to self-censor in order to save troops?

Basically, is it treason when someone knowingly does something which will have a negative affect on America's safety and the safety of our troops?

I, as a citizen who loves my troops. As a citizen who was a troop. As a citizen who respects our traditions, begs the media and our politicians to quit endangering and harming our troops through reckless "win-at-all-cost" political moves. Power is more important to these people than morality or tradition, and that borders treason.

Media to America; "You will hear what we want you to hear!"

2004-12-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

By now, it is of no surprise that most of American print and broadcast media is extremely biased toward the left. The NYT has had to fire individual after individual for lying or creating scandals. Rather was forced to retire because of the letter-writing campaign by millions of Americans who told CBS that they "no longer trusted" Rather. The list of examples is a long one.

Luckily, conservatives have talk radio, and a right-leaning Fox News Channel but why can't we just have a media outlet which states news? I, like most Americans, want to decide issues for myself, not be influenced by subtle words and tones used by Jennings when he explains why 5.5% unemployment was great in 1998, but bad and disappointing in 2004.

Proof of this can be proved by two simple questions I pose to each of you.

How many of you can name two War on Terror villains from the U.S. Military?

Most of us immediately think of Hasan Akbar or Lindy England right?

Now, how many of you can name two War on Terror heroes?

Most of us cannot name one.

Pathetic.

Please, take the time to read up on just a few of our true heroes which the leftist media will not allow reporting on.

Jason Dean Cunningham

Brian R. Chontosh

Joseph B. Perez

References: Home of Heroes

The Holiday Season is Here: Something to Remember

2004-11-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Remember when you go out and by your gifts this year that, where you spend you money counts. Stores like Costco, Sam's Club and Wal-mart may offer great deals and prices over the holidays; however, their inventories are largely made up of items made in China. Why single out China? A good question.

For fellow Christians, this is of particular concern. China is the world's leader of Christian persecution. Some examples:

AIQING ZHU
At 40 years of age, Aiqing Zhu was arrested for ‘illegal evangelistic activities’ on June 9, 1996. She was sentenced with a twenty-year prison term. Her prison address is:The Public Security DepartmentXiang Xiang CityHu Nan Province
DAOXING SHEN
Shen, 61, was arrested in 2002 along with other South China Church leaders for starting an unregistered chldren's Sunday School. He may not have a Bible according to the court ruling. He was given a four-year sentence.
GONG SHENGLIANG
Pastor Gong, founder and pastor of the South China Church was sentenced to be executed last December, but a re-trial was ordered by the Hubei Province Supreme Court. Gong was re-tried last October, but charges relating to cult and illegal religious activity were dropped. The second trial resulted in a sentence of life in prison. He has been severely beaten and was taken to the hospital. He is now back in prison but does not communicate verbally with his family visitors whether out of fear or injury.
ZHANG YI-NAN
Arrested September 26, 2003 and charged with "subverting the Chinese government and socialist order." He was sentenced to two years of laojiao "re-education through labor." He was beaten by other prisoners on the first day of his sentence, November 3, 2003.

These are just a few in a long list.

In today's world, to not buy anything Chinese, or to boycott Chinese merchandise, is nearly impossible. However, it is possible to give an honest effort to purchase American made items when possible.

Wal-mart alone now possesses over $18 billion in Chinese-made inventories.

Think about that next time you purchase an item.

References: Chinese Priosoner List & Wal-Mart's Inventories

Stem Cells, and California's Initiative.

2004-11-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

I cannot say that I agree with destroying embryos in order to conduct research, but there are already embryos destroyed which are available for research. California is pioneering this research in the United States with their recently approved voting measure.

Resources: L.A. Times

Here We Go Again; It Is Getting Hot

2004-11-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Despite multi-billion dollar damage totals accrued by California in recent years due to wild fires, the environmentalists and California Attorney General Bill Lockyer are prepared to sue the Federal Government if they take over approx. 11.5 million acres of land in the Sierra Nevadas.

I, like most conservatives, truly believe in state's rights, but the State of California is failing its citizenry horribly. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who believes that clearing dead or diseased vegetation hurts the forests. The left in California calls it logging of course since it is a hot-button issue in this town.

I am truly amazed that the left in California is completely willing to "let it burn" in stead of allowing man to try and save it and billions of dollars.

References: KESQ News Channel 3

California Economy; Getting Stronger

2004-11-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

With the California deficit now dramatically reduced ($6.7 Billion from $36 Billion), the sun is shining again in California. Unfortunately however; the deficit was cut, in part, by the use of bonds. This means we still have a debt to pay.

We still have a lot of work to do and a lot of hurdles to clear but we are on our way.

References: Yahoo! News