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September 30, 2007
TV To Go Out????
The Night The TVs Go Out
Washington Post ....for complete article
You may be in for a rude surprise come February 17, 2009 when broadcasters, by law, stop sending analog signals when they broadcast your favorite shows:
But many consumers have no idea that this change is coming, and members of Congress are voicing concern over the lack of cooperation between federal agencies and the entertainment industry.
The political static comes as broadcasters, retailers, cable operators and regulators clash over how to educate consumers about the change.
Sales of digital television sets have nearly tripled since 2005, and the Consumer Electronics Association expects annual sales to top $26 billion this year. With the holiday season approaching, government officials in charge of managing the transition to digital TV say that they're severely underprepared and that they worry that the biggest electronics retailers are misinformed.
"If we don't do a better job of planning, we'll have one of the biggest outrages Congress has ever seen," Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein told the Senate Special Committee on Aging last week. "This is a huge market opportunity, but also an opportunity for a huge disaster."
There are currently 70 million TV sets that rely on rooftop antennas and rabbit ears for reception. Unless these consumers purchase a converter box, their TV's will go dark when broadcasters make the switch.
Wild Thing's comment........
Isn't this a bunch of bunk? I mean Over the air broadcasting isn’t gonna stop.Older sets will need converters but once they’re installed rabbit ears will still be usable...as will be the case with digital TV’s.
We have Cable and also Direct TV, I guess there still are TV's out there with those rabbit ears. I remember them and how we would put them just so and then move back slowly from the TV set. hahaha
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (12)
Football Fourth Week
Because the photo they used is not very clear, there is a fun video of the cheerleaders you can watch if you like. It is a fun video.
http://www.momentintimedesign.com/2007PhotoShoot/index.html
Each week I will try to feature the various Teams Cheerleaders or stories about them visiting the troops. Some teams don't have cheerleaders so then you get the pinups instead.
The Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders will be entertaining troops stationed throughout the Mediterranean August 30- September 9. The 16 veteran Chiefs Cheerleaders will be visiting bases in Portugal, Sinai, Spain and Egypt, meeting and greeting troops as well as performing their highly-acclaimed variety show. This will be their third tour with Armed Forces Entertainment.
“Our favorite aspect of touring for the military is talking one-on-one with the troops. We’re really grateful for the chance to thank the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country,” said Elaine Hart, Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader Director. “You can ask any of the Chiefs Cheerleaders—getting to do our show for the military is by far the most meaningful performance opportunity.”
Here are the matchups for today Sunday 9/30/07...All Times are EST
HOU @ ATL 1:00 PM
BAL @ CLE 1:00 PM
OAK @ MIA 1:00 PM
CHI @ DET 1:00 PM
NYJ @ BUF 1:00 PM
GB @ MIN 1:00 PM
STL @ DAL 1:00 PM
SEA @ SF 4:05 PM
TB @ CAR 4:05 PM
KC @ SD 4:15 PM
DEN @ IND 4:15 PM
PIT @ ARI 4:15 PM
PHI @ NYG 8:15 PM
Monday Night Game Oct.1st (EST)
NE @ CIN 8:30 PM
These are the teams I think everyone is for. I will add to this as you tell me your favorite teams.
(Some names are those deployed in Iraq)
Lynn - Broncos, Bears, Browns
Tom - Cowboys
Darth - New York Giants, Tampa Bay Bucs, (ABP - 'anybody' but Philly )
Mark - Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Bears
Bob - Buffalo Bills
Billy - Jets, NY Giants, Bears
Nick - Cowboys, Rams and Raiders
Karsten - Tampa Bay Bucs, NY Giants
navycopjoe - Chicago Bears
LindaSOG- Miami Dolphins
Jonathan - Raiders
Chrissie - Bears, Broncos and Cowboys
Deployed:
Andy ( USMC) - Colts
Mike ( USARMY) - Seattle Seahawks
Sand Man ( (USMC) - Bronco's
Dave (USARMY) - Patriots
Tim ( USMC) - Bears
Finale Scores:
OAK 35 @ MIA 17 FINAL
GB 23 @ MIN 16 FINAL
CHI 27 @ DET 37 FINAL
STL 7 @ DAL 35 FINAL
BAL 13 @ CLE 27 FINAL
NYJ 14 @ BUF 17 FINAL
HOU 16 @ ATL 26 FINAL
TB 20 @ CAR 7 FINAL
SEA 23 @ SF 3 FINAL
PIT 14 @ ARI 21 FINAL
DEN 20 @ IND 38 FINAL
KC 30 @ SD 16 FINAL
PHI 3 @ NYG 16 FINAL
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (8)
Converts seeking Jihad
Converts seeking Jihad
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (6)
September 29, 2007
First Jell-O, now Halloween and Santa
First Jell-O, now Santa
chicago sun times
The holiday traditions are facing elimination in some Oak Lawn schools this year after complaints that the activities are offensive, particularly to Muslim students.
Final decisions on which of the festivities will be axed will fall to the principals at each of Ridgeland School District 122's five schools, Supt. Tom Smyth said.
Parents expect that the announcement is going to add to the tension that has been building since officials agreed earlier this month to change the lunch menu to exclude items containing pork to accommodate Muslim students.
News that Jell-O was struck from the menu caused such a stir that officials have agreed to bring it back. Gelatin is often made with tissue or bones of pigs or other animals.
Manor Principal Sandy Robertson hoping to strike compromises that will keep traditions alive and be culturally acceptable to all students -- nearly half of whom are of Arab descent at Columbus Manor, she says. Fewer than a third of students districtwide are of Arab descent, according to Smyth.
Following the example of Lieb Elementary School, Columbus Manor School will exchange the annual Halloween parade for a fall festival next month. The holiday gift bazaars at both schools also will remain, but they'll likely be moved to the PTA-sponsored after-school winter festival. And Santa's annual visit probably will be on a Saturday.
Wild Thing's comment........
We should have a national holiday for offending muslims. LOL
If Muslims are offended let them open their own schools or keep their children home. I am sorry but this is just asinine & we should not adapt to their customs. They ought to be adapting to the American way of life or stay in their own countries. Are supermarkets going to take pork off the shelves next? I am so sick of these people.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (22)
Ramsey Clark On Manila 'Al Qaida' Blacklist
Top US lawyer on Manila 'Al Qaida' blacklist
Manila: The Philippines has put rights activists, including a former US attorney-general and members of church groups on an immigration blacklist, a rights group said on Friday.
At least 504 people from 50 countries were included in the blacklist labelled "Al Qaida/Taliban Link" imposed between July and August, Human Rights Watch said.
Ramsey Clark, a former US attorney general, is among those banned from entry. The list also includes left-wing activists from Europe, Australia and the United States.
A senior immigration official confirmed that the blacklist existed, adding only that most of the names on it were "leftists".
Human Rights Watch advocacy director, Sophie Richardson, urged the Philippines to stop preventing peaceful critics to enter the country.
"Labelling peaceful critics as Al Qaida or Taliban only serves to sap public confidence in counter-terror measures and expose them as a cover for suppressing dissent," Richardson said.
Wild Thing's comment........
LOL I can't help it I find this so funny. Ramsey, lover of terrorists, defender of Saddam, is BANNED from the Philippines. I love that he is banned from anywhere. hahahahhaa
On a serious note though, we should do the same and throw out the traitors. OH how wonderful that would be to, thorw out the traitors or send them to GITMO to do time and see how they like being punished for their treasonous deeds.
Yes we have freedom of speech, but there should be a line that cannot be crossed when it comes to befriending the enemy, siding with the enemy and speaking out when it puts our troops in danger and the security of our country at risk.
It used to be loose lips sink ships but what those that commit treason today it goes even further then that. Gore, Carter, Bill Clinton, etc. going to other countries and then bashing the USA is another thing that should never be tolerated.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (16)
One Good Marine
A large group of Al-Qaeda fighters are moving down a road when they hear a voice call from behind a sand dune:
"One MARINE is better than ten Al-Qaeda fighters ".
The Al-Qaeda commander quickly orders 10 of his best men over the dune where upon a gun-battle breaks out and continues for a few minutes, then silence.
The voice once again calls out:
"One MARINE is better than one-hundred Al-Qaeda fighters."
Furious, the Al-Qaeda commander sends his next best 100 troops over the dune and instantly a huge gun fight commences. After 10 minutes of battle, again Silence.
The MARINE'S voice calls out again:
"One MARINE is better than one-thousand Al-Qaeda fighters."
The enraged Al-Qaeda commander musters 1000 fighters and sends them to the other side of the dune. Rifle fire, machine guns, grenades, rockets and Cannon fire ring out as a terrible battle is fought.... Then silence.
Eventually one badly wounded Al-Qaeda fighter crawls back over the dune and with his dying words tells his commander...................
.
"Don't send any more men......it's a trap. There are two of them."
.
........LOL thank you so much Lynn.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (4)
Sgt. Emerson Brand ~ We Will Never Forget Your Sacrifice
Patriot Guard Escorts Fallen Soldier form Caddo MIlls, Texas
Sgt. Emerson N. Brand, 29
Sgt. Emerson spent the last nine years of his life in the Army, serving once in Kosovo and this was his second deployment to Iraq. His life was tragically cut short when an IED struck his unit, killing Emerson and three other soldiers March 15, in Baghdad.
He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
The song is:
"Go Rest High On The Mountain" by Vince Gill
From Patriot Guard Riders:
"Sgt. Emerson Brand was killed in Iraq last week by an IED. I got a call from an associate asking if I could film the plane arriving yesterday in Greenville, Texas. I was honored. I found out the procession had grown and this was to be an "event" for Greenville and the area, with businesses closing and allowing employees to line the streets in honor of Sgt. Brand. Many people and organizations offered to volunteer their time and assistance to making this a reality.The Patriot Guard Riders would be present for the procession and the funeral today, but never imagined the patriotic feel I found when watching the Patriot Guard Riders in the procession. Seeing the people lining the streets with American flags and businesses closing down, I found hope for our country that people still care about what our soldiers are fighting for. An emotional day for me as this was the first "real contact" with the war in the Middle East and seeing a fallen soldier."
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid" -
Dwight D. Eisenhower
.....Thank you Tom for sending this to me.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (7)
September 28, 2007
More Than 40 Arrested in Immigration Raid at McDonalds
More Than 40 Arrested in Immigration Raid at McDonalds
Fox News
RENO, Nevada
Federal agents raided 11 McDonald's restaurants in northern Nevada and made dozens of arrests Thursday as part of an investigation into illegal immigration.
Agents for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made at least 56 arrests in Reno, Sparks and Fernley after raids at the restaurants and a franchise corporate headquarters in Reno, agency spokesman Richard Rocha said.
"They are people suspected of being in the country illegally. As far as I know, they were all McDonald's employees," he told The Associated Press.
The investigation began five months ago and was sparked by an identity theft complaint, Rocha said. A local law enforcement agency then gave ICE information that illegal immigrants were working at specific McDonald's restaurants, he said.
Luther Mack, who owns at least some of the restaurants that were raided, insisted that his businesses require employees to provide documentation.
"As an employer, I do not knowingly hire or employ undocumented or unauthorized workers," Mack said in a statement.
The raids drew immediate criticism from Reno Mayor Bob Cashell and activists, who estimated the number of arrests to be closer to 100.
"We don't approve of the Gestapo methods ICE is using," said Gilbert Cortez, a Latino leader who urged Hispanic workers to stay home from work in protest Friday
Cashell, a Republican and former lieutenant governor, said that if identity theft was involved, that was wrong, and that he opposed a protest that would keep workers at home on Friday.
He said he would contact Nevada's congressional delegation and ask the city council to look into the raids. He said that he opposes illegal immigration, as well as immunity for illegal immigrants, but that "there has to be a better way to do this."
Wild Thing's comment........
One of my all time favorite illegal alien quotes:
“Why aren’t the authorities out arresting people who are breaking the law instead of these poor undocumented workers?!?!”
For Julie, that misunderstood this post LOL .... Julie... the quote I used above was to show how awful they are, how stupid they are and how they truly do not get it about illegals and how THEY are breaking our laws. ---- Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (24)
Robert Duvall Visits Troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
WASHINGTON
Sept. 26, 2007
Award-winning actor Robert Duvall certainly wasn’t gone in 60 seconds when he stopped at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to visit wounded servicemembers.
He did discover, however, that his 2000 movie “Gone in 60 Seconds,” was a favorite with those he talked to. “What is it with that movie?” he asked after talking with several troops who said they loved the film.
“I think ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ was on (Turner Network Television) the other day, so I just watched it,” Army Spc. Brent Hendrix, a Walter Reed outpatient, said in providing a possible explanation.
Duvall’s visit was a welcome surprise, said Hendrix, whose right leg was amputated below the knee after his Stryker combat vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Iraq’s Anbar province on June 27, 2006.
“I’m all about him,” he said. “Most times you sit there, and you think about celebrities, … and you wouldn’t ever think they’d come by here and see us. They really do appreciate what we do and what we continue to do.”
That sentiment was echoed throughout the physical therapy room as Duvall worked his way around amid the hubbub of on-going rehabilitation sessions.
Duvall was sincere and heartfelt, said Marine Cpl. Kenny Lyon, also a Walter Reed outpatient, who lost his left leg above the knee when his operating post north of Fallujah, Iraq, was hit by a mortar May 1, 2006.
“I really enjoy it when people visit,” he said. “It’s just good for the patients and other people who have been here less time than me. Some of them think this really sucks and they see people come in. It really puts a sparkle in their eye, and it’s nice to see.”
Despite repeatedly being stopped in the halls by those wanting to meet the screen legend, Duvall also managed to visit servicemembers in the occupational therapy rooms and in Ward 57, an in patient ward housing mostly orthopedic patients. Most of the amputees are treated there.
“We have so many people coming to visit – VIPs, general officers – it just seems like sometimes people walking in off the streets to say, ‘Hi,’” said Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Dan Cordell after visiting with Duvall in his Ward 57 room. “It’s nice that people care.”
Cordell was injured while working as a contractor in Iraq.
Duvall played down the significance of his visit, saying it was an “honor and a privilege” to be able to talk with these “wonderful young people,” and that he’s impressed with the care they’re receiving.
“I’m just a layman. I don’t really understand the specifics of what you have here, but it seems wonderful what’s being done and the treatment these people are getting,” the actor said. “It’s very thorough and scientific, specific, and loving at the same time.”
The son of a career Navy officer, Duvall marveled at the persistence the wounded warriors displayed. “So many of these young men and women, they want to go back,” he said. “They want to go back to the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s amazing.”
Amazing perhaps, but very telling, said Alan Geoffrion, who accompanied Duvall and his wife, Luciana Pedraza.
Geoffrion, who wrote the western novel “Broken Trail,” said he and his father-in-law, both Vietnam veterans, once had doubts about an all-volunteer military.
“Last night we both … agreed that this is probably -- well, not even probably -- this is the best military our country has ever fielded,” he said. “They’re brighter, smarter (and) more skilled. They need to keep them back in active duty. I think it’s terrific that the services are willing to do that.”
The former Navy signalman also wrote the screenplay for the television movie version of his book, which recently garnered Duvall an Emmy award for outstanding leading actor.
“I wanted to come and do this,” Geoffrion said. “You come here thinking you’re going to help them, and you wind up they help you a lot more.”
Celebrity visits really do help the servicemembers and their families, though, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said.
Lynch spent yesterday at the hospital visiting about 50 of his wounded soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, which he commands out of Fort Stewart, Ga. He’ll soon head back to his other position as commander of Multinational Division Center in Iraq.
“I think -- and I’m a fan of Robert Duvall, as well -- when they see him on the screen and see him in person they can relate, because he’s always doing action adventures,” Lynch said. “At least on the screen, he’s doing what we do in life. To me, it’s personally inspirational that he takes the time to come and visit these great soldiers.”
Duvall wrapped up his visit with a tour of the new Military Advanced Training Center, which was officially opened during a Sept. 13 ceremony.
Wild Thing's comment........
At "Hold Their Feet To The Fire" event that was held a benefit dinner for agents Ramos and Compean and Deputy Gilmer. Duncan Hunter was there and spoke and also Robert Duvall came to support the agents wives, Robert Duval is also in favor of secure borders
Here is a scene from one of his films:
Lonesome Dove: Some Old Men Get Respect
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (15)
Great Guns (Jeep Recon)
Laurel & Hardy: Great Guns (Jeep Recon)
.....Thank you Jack, Conservative Insurgent, for this video. LOL
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (7)
September 27, 2007
U.S. Builds Military Base In Iraq-Iran Border
U.S. builds military base in Iraq-Iran border
The U.S. military is building a base "within shouting distance" of Iran in the border areas of Iraq, ABC News reported Wednesday.
U.S. officials described the move as "an extraordinary step" to curb the smuggling of Iranian weapons into Iraq, but the media sphere already smelled the "odor of war."
Namely Combat Outpost Shocker, the base hardly comes as a pleasant surprise to Iran that the United States will have a new base just 8 km from their border.
Col. Mark Mueller, of the 3rd U.S. Army Infantry Division, said it is the first time the U.S. military will be that close to Iran.
"Obviously, they probably won't be very happy about it," Mueller told ABC News.
The Shocker base will be home to about 200 soldiers, as well as to agents from the U.S. Border Patrol, at a location where about 300 trucks now cross the border each day.
At the moment, the United States can only fully search three or four of them each day, but with more manpower and technology, they will know better where to look for weapons transactions.
The new base is part of a bigger struggle for influence between the United States and Iran in Iraq.
While the United States and Iran are not engaged in a shooting war for now, a "war of wills" has already begun, and Combat Outpost Shocker will be right on the frontline, analysts said.
Wild Thing's comment........
Tick tock Ahmadinejad! Prayers for our troops and for their safety.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (10)
First Deployed Navy Riverine Unit Since Vietnam War
Navy’s MIO joins Corps in ground combat operations
HADITHAH DAM, Iraq
For decades, Marines have protected and fought for the United States and her allies on the ground, utilizing stealth and skill to become known as one of the world’s most elite fighting forces. Now, the U.S. Navy is striving toward that goal in the Corps’ footsteps with their new riverine force.
The Navy officially stood up the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, responsible for fielding a new Riverine force in Iraq, Jan. 13, 2006, in Little Creek, Va. Sailors in the new command began training June 2006, in preparation for their upcoming deployment. Less than a year later, during March 2007, Riverine Squadron 1, Riverine Group 1, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, deployed to Iraq’s waterways in support of Regimental Combat Team 2, in Al Anbar Province.
The numerous islands, wadis (oases), inlets and coves throughout Iraq’s waterways posed a problem to the naval patrol unit, but they were prepared. The squadron has a Maritime Interdiction Operations Team attached to each of its three detachments as support for ground combat operations.
“Basically, our team covers anything within range of the boat’s crew-served weapons,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Garrick A. Bowles, the lead petty officer with the MIO team attached to Detachment 3. “Our purpose is to deny enemy access to the shoreline and islands, find and destroy caches, and search and sweep buildings near or on the coastline.”
“We’re proud to carry on the tradition of riverine warfare. The last time the Navy had this type of specialized unit, other than the Seals, was during Vietnam, but we’re hoping it sticks around for a while this time,” said Bowles, a Virginia Beach, Va., native.
A Riverine Patrol Boat with Riverine Squadron 1, Riverine Group 1, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, in support of Regimental Combat Team 2, powers down the Euphrates River as the sun goes down. As the first deployed Navy riverine unit since the Vietnam War, the squadron had the responsibility to not only accomplish the mission, but to also pave the way for future riverine forces.
When the riverines began operations along the Euphrates River, their huge level of success was a surprise even for those within the unit.
“Those guys found so much stuff it was incredible,” said Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Bennett, a boat captain with the detachment. “They got a lot of weapons, huge caches with anti-aircraft guns, arty shells and a lot of dangerous stuff.”
“This is going to sound unbelievable,” explained Bowles, “but we probably destroyed over a ton of weapons and ordinance, literally a ton. We searched over 150 clicks (about 94 miles) of islands and shoreline, all the way from the (Hadithah) dam to the Syrian border.”
As the first deployed Navy riverine unit since the Vietnam War, the squadron had the responsibility to not only accomplish the mission, but to also pave the way for future riverine forces.
“Although we got rid of weapons and did the usual ground combat thing, we also created (standard operating procedures) to help the guys who come along after we leave,” said Bowles, who is serving on his fifth deployment.
Wild Thing's comment........
This is great and it is making another differnce for all our troops.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (5)
Boulder Students To Protest Pledge of Allegiance
Boulder students to protest Pledge of Allegiance Rocy Mountain News
Boulder High School students are planning a protest against the Pledge of Allegiance in the courtyard of their school tomorrow morning.
Students with the activist club "Student Worker" organized the protest for 8:30 a.m., when the pledge is recited over the intercom.
They're concerned that it takes away from school time and that the phrase "one nation, under God" violates the separation of church and state, club President Emma Martens wrote in an e-mail.
"Boulder High has a highly diverse population, not all of whom believe in God, or One God," she wrote.
She said the group would rather the school hold the recitation — which the school must make available by state law — during lunch break, or at another time when students who don't participate wouldn't have to listen to it
Wild Thing's comment........
Students with the activist club “Student Worker”
Of course. A pro-commie high school club that allows mini-Maxists to trash patriotism.
Hello parents, what the heck are you allowing your kids to join? I blame the teachers as well, but it does not stop there it is also the parents that allow this shit. Hippie parents perhaps or more followers of the Progressive Party that so many of our leftie politicians belong to.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (17)
Ted Kennedy On Why He Supports Amnesty
The "Hero of Chappaquiddick" speaks" .... ????Ted Kennedy on why he supports amnesty for those sneaking across the Rio Grande
....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (9)
A Hero and His Bride
The US marine Ty Ziegel suffered horrific burns in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq. After months in hospital, he was eventually able to return home — and marry his childhood sweetheart.
When Marine Sergeant Ty Ziegel woke up from his coma, he was still in a fog of drugs. He knew his fiancée, Renee, was there and sensed her love for him. She had been playing with his feet because there was so little of him she could touch. He was told of his injuries but was so out of it, he thought: “Whatever.”
As the scale of his injuries sank in, his heart tightened. One arm was a stump and his remaining hand had only two fingers. Later, his big toe was grafted on in place of a thumb. One eye was blind and milky, as if melted, and his ears had been burnt away. The top of his skull had been removed and inserted by doctors into the fatty tissue inside his torso to keep it viable and moist for future use. He was a mess.
Renee received the news that he had been blown up from his mother and father, who asked her to come over. They didn’t dare tell her until she reached their house. The next morning, on Christmas Eve, they flew together to the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas and set up a vigil at his bedside.
“He was a strange charcoal colour, but Ty still looked like himself,” says his mother, Becky. By the time his burnt flesh had been removed, he didn’t.
“I don’t remember saying it to Renee, but I’d have understood if she’d said, ‘Yeah, I’m out of here,’” Ty says.
He had seen other badly wounded soldiers and marines get dumped by their girlfriends in hospital. Sometimes they would be cruel to their girlfriends and chuck them pre-emptively to spare themselves hurt. But quietly and with little fuss, Ty, 24, and Renee, 21, resolved to stick it out.
They were married in October, in their home town of Metamora, Illinois, a small farming community in the Midwest. Friends, family and Marines were present: it was as if the whole town had turned out. The wedding was planned to the last exquisite detail by Renee and her mother, Donna, who spoke regularly on the phone because Ty was still undergoing operations in Texas.
“I did the male part of the wedding planning,” says Ty. “They’d ask me questions, but I always gave the wrong answer, so eventually they stopped asking me about it.”
Renee felt sick with nerves before going up the aisle, but she had no second thoughts. She looked radiant in a white dress. “You’re beautiful,” Ty told her. He wore his combat medals and a Purple Heart for being wounded in action.
Donna had been shocked when she found out the extent of Ty’s injuries, but she told her daughter she simply had to “follow her heart, and that we’d make it work, if she wanted it”. Today she is convinced that they will never part.
Ty was on his second tour of duty in Iraq and had been patrolling the streets in a truck with six marines around al-Qaim, an entry point for foreign fighters on the Syrian border. He had been there for five months, and the mission had become routine.
“Mostly we just rode around and came back. The atmosphere was not particularly menacing. They weren’t shooting guns at us any more.”
Suddenly a suicide bomber blew himself up by his truck. “It felt like somebody just blasted me in the face really hard,” Ty recalls. “I was rolling around on the bed of a truck, yelling the whole time I was conscious. The guy next to me kept putting me out – I guess I kept relighting.”
He was put in a helicopter and his clothes were cut off.
“I kept saying I was cold, and they put a poncho liner on me.” He continued to shiver under the flimsy covering.
“I remember saying, ‘Oh, thanks, a poncho liner!’ before passing out.” Ty had taken the full force of the blast. The marines travelling with him mostly escaped injury, though one had to have a foot amputated when it failed to heal.
Ty’s sense of humour kept his spirits up through the long months of recovery. His deadpan wit was one of the reasons Renee had fallen for him. She was just 15 when Ty, an athletic, handsome 18-year-old, began working as a mechanic at her dad’s garage.
They were barely more than children then, and kept their relationship a secret from Renee’s family. It was more of a flirtation. They would mess around at the garage, both in their greasy overalls and T-shirts. It changed when Ty, a reservist, invited Renee to the Marine Corps ball in nearby Peoria. He looked dashing in his dress uniform; she stepped out of a green pick-up truck in a beautiful long, red gown.
“He wouldn’t let me leave his side,” Renee remembers. “I never said, ‘Do you want to go out with me?’” Ty chips in, “but it was clear I wasn’t going to be hanging out with any other girls.”
When Ty was sent to Iraq for the first time, they had just started dating. Renee avoided watching the news and carried on with life as a schoolgirl, while Ty experienced the excitement of the Iraq invasion, storming through the desert to Baghdad. It was thrilling to be part of such a successful operation.
Three weeks after Ty returned home from his first tour, Renee’s father died in a freak quad-bike accident. She was devastated. “I made Ty stay with me, whether he wanted to or not,” she says. “I was sure he’d get sick of me.”
On her 18th birthday, Ty arranged for a single rose to be sent to Renee every hour for four hours. The first note said: “Happy birthday.” The second: “I love you.” The third: “Renee Nicole Kline, will you…” By then, she guessed what was coming. The last words were: “marry me”. And then he walked in with more roses. “They are hopeless romantics,” says Becky, who tended her son with Renee and grew to know her future daughter-in-law inside out.
Becky recalled that on Valentine’s Day in hospital in 2005, Ty was so wounded he could hardly speak. She and Renee taped a pen to the splint on his hand and he wrote as best he could on a dry erase board: “Ty and Renee”.
“Well, we think it said ‘Ty and Renee’,” Becky laughs. “Then doctors removed his ‘trake’ – the tracheostomy tube in his neck that had been feeding him when his lips were too burnt – and he said, ‘Renee, will you be my valentine?’ I cried.” His next words were: “Do you want to make out?” Months passed before they could, but at that moment she knew that he hadn’t really changed.
Renee had feared that while Ty was in a coma, he would emerge brain-damaged. In addition to his burns, shrapnel had entered his brain.
“The only thing that might have changed my mind or made me leave him was if the brain injury had made him into some sort of psycho.”
Ty gets headaches sometimes, but he just takes an aspirin and gets on with it. In hospital he saw soldiers and marines with fewer injuries than him behave more self-pityingly. “Anger has a lot to do with the person,” he says. “I’ve seen guys who had no complaints, really, act pretty pissed off.”
Ty has a plastic skull now, and the old one is still stuck in his insides. He taps the side of his waist, where there is a slight bulge. The lump of bone will be removed one day but he is in no hurry to undergo another operation. There will be plenty of those ahead: he hopes the sight in his blind eye can be restored, though he doubts he is going to rebuild his nose – it involves too many awkward skin grafts.
In Metamora, people know him well enough not to stare a lot, but he gets plenty of looks elsewhere. Mostly he shrugs it off. “I give people the benefit of the doubt. If you were me, I might look at you.” If they are particularly rude, he will turn and say: “So what were you going to ask me?”
On the plus side, Ty claims: “I can be a lot more of an ass and get away with it.” It is also a long time since he has bought dinner. “I tried to take Renee out on her birthday and somebody paid for it. People know you are in the military and they want to thank you.”
He did not join the marines to get thanks and he does not feel strongly about the war one way or the other.
“I’m not political and I don’t complain.” His younger brother is also in the marines and may be deployed in Iraq. Sometimes it bothers Ty, but they both signed up, so that’s that, he says stoically. At one stage he hoped to remain in the marines, but when he thought seriously about it for 10 minutes, he decided to quit. He is living on his pension now while Renee works part-time in a bar. In the spring, he hopes to build a house on a plot of land near his family: “When that’s done, it will be the last house I’ll live in.”
Renee and Ty are thinking about having children soon. “We want to be young, cool parents,” says Rene.
Wild Thing's comment.........
I was born in Peoria, Illinois, and grew up there till I moved to Dallas, Texas. I still have a few distant relatives that live in Peoria. Metamora is just across the Illinois river. It is a very small town and surrounded by a lot of farms. I used to go to Metamora and spend some of my summer weeks of vacation at a farm my sister lived on that my Dad owned. From visiting there and meeting people at the local stores and coffee shop everyone knew someone else that knew someone is the best way to describe the town of Metamora. If you know Joe then Joe knew someone else that you knew...like that.
I am sharing about all of that because even though I have been away from this area for so many years, since my parents passed away, I remember a family in Metamora with the last name of Ziegel. They would never remember me I am sure, but the last name is familar.
Either way the important thing is that this man is a Hero and we here at TW want to thank Ty Ziegel and wish him and his bride all the best in their future as one.
The awesome wedding photos were done by Nina Berman. There are more photos at her site of the couple.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (8)
September 26, 2007
Hostages Saved By The SBS
Hostages saved by the SBS
The Sun .co.uk
Crack Special Boat Service commandos snatched two Italian hostages from the Taliban yesterday in a dramatic helicopter shoot-out.
Elite Navy unit troops in choppers chased an insurgent gang fleeing across the remote Western desert in the Afghan badlands, trading bullets as they flew.
All nine rebels were killed after airborne snipers shot out the engines of their two vehicles.
A second Special Boat Service team dropped on the ground to help out.
The Sun has been given an exclusive account of the daring rescue — dubbed “a classic, textbook counter- terrorism operation”.
Politicians in Rome heaped glowing tributes on the Poole-based special forces for their heroics last night.
The 48-hour-long mission to recover the two soldiers — believed to be military intelligence officers — was launched on Saturday as soon as they were snatched alongside their Afghan interpreter.
It is thought they were betrayed by their local driver, who delivered the three-man team to a Taliban ambush near the town of Shindand, in the Iran border province of Herat.
Coalition spy chiefs used electronic intercepts to trace the captives to a remote compound in next-door Farah province.
The base was swiftly staked out by Italian special forces who parachuted into the area at night to avoid detection.
At dawn yesterday, the SBS team waiting with four Lynx helicopters was scrambled when the hostages were seen being driven out of the compound in two 4x4 jeeps.
The four Lynxs — top speed 210mph — carried a total of 20 commandos and swiftly caught up with the convoy.
They began to “buzz” the jeeps with low passes to force them to stop — but the gunmen refused, and opened up on the Lynxs with AK47s and machine gun fire.
Immediately returning rounds, two SBS snipers — armed with jumbo .5inch calibre rifles — then disabled the two speeding vehicles with pinpoint shots through their engine blocks. The marksmen moved on to take out the fighters individually as they ran to cover from the death-trap vehicles.
At the same time, two choppers landed nearby and dropped off 16 commandos who finished off the remaining members of the gang.
A medivac helicopter hovering high above the Lynx choppers then landed seconds later to evacuate the two Italians and interpreter, who had gone missing two days earlier.
They were all wounded — either in the original firefight when they were snatched or during the shootout.
One Italian soldier was critically ill in hospital last night suffering from a head wound. An Italian diplomat in Kabul said it was not clear who the abductors were.
Taliban insurgents, who have been behind a series of abductions, said they had not kidnapped the Italians.
But the militants are on the run and do not have regular contacts with their comrades.
NATO spokesman in Kabul Major Charles Anthony said the alliance had evidence showing the kidnappers were Taliban.
He added: “This successful operation is evidence of the International Security Assistance Force’s resolve to deal with acts of terrorism in Afghanistan. It was a very well executed rescue mission.”
As word of the extraordinary success spread in Rome last night, Italian senator Alfredo Mantovano added: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the British troops who made a decisive contribution to the rescue of the two Italians.”
Italian PM Romano Prodi said the rescue represented “a bad defeat for the kidnappers and also a warning for the future. We never had a moment of uncertainty”.
The kidnap of Westerners in Afghanistan is a tactic used more and more by the Taliban. Western Afghan police chief Ali Khan Husseinzada said: “According to our intelligence information Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Hamid had taken the Italians.”
There was uproar a year ago when the Rome government allegedly paid a £1million ransom to free an Italian journalist snatched in Helmand province.
Like Army sister-service the SAS, the SBS practice for months until their hostage rescue drills are perfect.
The daring rescue follows a series of successes by the SBS in Afghanistan. Top of the list of fatal blows against the fanatical fighters was the assassination of the Taliban’s notorious military chief Mullah Dadullah in May after months of painstaking surveillance.
Their heroics have come at a price. In July, L/Cpl Michael Jones, 26, was killed and three comrades wounded in a raid to take out a senior Taliban leader in remote Nimruz province.
One of its four sabre squadrons of 80 men is permanently based there, operating across the south. The 7,700 regular British troops there concentrate on opium-swamped Helmand. Last night it emerged the rescue had been carried out by C squadron. Most of the unit’s men were ex-Royal Marines.
In line with normal policy, the MoD refused to discuss the operation to protect the troops’ identities and tactics.
Wild Thing's comment........
Congratulations to the SBS for their mission accompolished and prayers for those that paid a high price in this mission. Thank you to all our troops and to those fighting in this war along with us.
To those in Italy that read this blog, please know how much it means to we Americans to have allies in this fight for what has to be done to make this world a safe place.
....Thank you Tom for sending this to me.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (11)
Loo Installed With No One To Use It
LOO WITH NO ONE TO USE IT
Bakery installs a Muslims-only toilet, despite the fact that no Muslims work there
daily express
BAKERY giants Greggs have installed a Muslims-only toilet at their new Scottish headquarters - despite the fact that no Muslims work there.
Workers at the state-of-the-art factory were shocked when they were given a tour of the building and told a cubicle had been fitted for the use of Muslim employees. The staff said they are baffled at the decision because they are not aware of any Islamic workers at the base in Cambuslang, near Glasgow.
Last night, management at the bakery said they had received several requests from all over the country for the exclusive facility. All their new buildings will now be fitted with the specialised toilet regardless of the number of Muslims in the workforce.
But staff at the new £15million plant labelled the decision "political correctness gone mad".
One said: “We were being given a guided tour of the new factory before moving there when they told us that they had a toilet for use only by Muslims.
"I couldn’t believe, everybody was stunned because we don’t know of any Muslims who are working here. I don’t think anybody is really angry about it, but there just doesn’t seem to be any need for it. This sort of things is just political correctness gone mad."
Another worker said: "The toilet just looks like a ceramic hole in the ground. I don’t think it will be getting much use and I don’t see why we couldn’t all just use the same toilet anyway.
"This sort of thing creates divisions between the workers."
The Islamic faith has particular rules regarding personal hygiene when going to the toilet, including squatting, washing feet, remaining silent and limited use of toilet paper. However, these rules are not compulsory to all Muslims and many believe they are outdated since, in modern times, toilets have become clean tiled areas.
Last month, it was revealed that bosses at two Scottish NHS boards had banned staff from eating at their desks to avoid offending Muslims during Ramadan.
NHS Greater Glasgow and NHS Lothian also recommended that vending machines and lunch trolleys be removed from hospitals, offices and clinics during the 30-day fasting period.
Wild Thing's comment........
LOL this is so silly and it is only going to make matters worse. By doing this they might as well scream it out their fear of Muslims and give in to them on all levels. These holes-in-the-ground are mileposts along the road of the de-evolution of western civilization.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (11)
Who Are They? ~ This is Awesome!
I LOVE this, the music the whole thing.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (5)
Congress Debate Begins on North America Union
Congress debate begins on North America Union Resolution calls for end of NAFTA superhighway, abandonment of integration with Canada, Mexico
A House resolution urging President Bush "not to go forward with the North American Union or the NAFTA Superhighway system" is – according to its sponsor Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., "also a message to both the executive branch and the legislative branch."
Jan. 22 Goode introduced H.C.R. 40, titled "Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should not engage in the construction of a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Superhighway System or enter into a North American Union with Mexico and Canada."
The bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Goode was asked if the president was risking electoral success for the Republican Party in 2008 with his insistence on pushing for North American integration via the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, or SPP.
"Yes," Goode answered. "You won't hear the leadership in the Republic Party admit it, but there are many in the House and Senate who know that illegal immigration has to be stopped and legal immigration has to be reduced. We are giving away the country so a few very rich people can get richer."
How did he react when President Bush referred to those who suggest the SPP could turn into the North American Union as "conspiracy theorists"?
"The president is really engaging in a play on words," Goode responded. "The secretary of transportation came before our subcommittee," he explained, "and I had the opportunity to ask her some questions about the NAFTA Superhighway.
Of course, she answered, 'There's no NAFTA Superhighway.' But then Mary Peters proceeded to discuss the road system that would come up from Mexico and go through the United States up into Canada."
"So, I think that saying we're 'conspiracy theorists' or something like that is really just a play on words with the intent to demonize the opposition," Goode concluded.
Goode stressed that the Bush administration supports both a NAU regional government and a NAFTA Superhighway system:
"The Bush administration as well as Mexico and Canada have persons in the government in all three countries who want to a see a North American Union as well as a highway system that would bring goods into the west coast of Mexico and transport them up through Mexico into the United States and then in onto Canada," Goode confirmed.
The Virginia congressman said he believes the motivation behind the movement toward North American integration is the anticipated profits the large multinational corporations in each of the three countries expect to make from global trade, especially moving production to China.
Some really large businesses that get a lot from China would like a NAFTA Superhighway system because it would reduce costs for them to transport containers from China and, as a result, increase their margins," he argued.
"I am vigorously opposed to the Mexican trucks coming into the country," Goode continued. "The way we have done it and, I think, the way we should do it in the future, is to have the goods come into the United States from Mexico within a 20-mile commercial space and unloaded from Mexican trucks into U.S. trucks. This procedure enhances the safety of the country, the security of the country, and provides much less chance for illegal immigration."
Why, WND asked, do so many congressmen and senators insist on writing and telling their constituents that they don't know anything about the Security and Prosperity Partnership, or that SPP working groups are really just to increase our competitiveness?
"In the House, a strong majority voted to provide no money in the transportation funding bill," Goode responded. "I commend Congressman Duncan Hunter for submitting an amendment to the Department of Transportation funding bill [which] got over 360 votes that said no funds in the transportation appropriation measure, prohibiting Department of Transportation funds from being used to participate on working groups that promote the Security and Prosperity Partnership."
Hunter's amendment to the FY 2008 Department of Transportation funding bill prohibiting DOT from using federal funds to participate in SPP working groups creating NAFTA Superhighways passed 362 to 63, with strong bipartisan support. The House approved H.R. 3074 by 268-153, with the Hunter amendment included.
"So, I think a majority the House, if you had an up or down vote on the SPP, would vote down on the SPP," Goode concluded.
"But some still say, and it's a play on words, that we don't have a Security and Prosperity Partnership that will lead to a North American Union. I don't think they can say anymore that we don't have a Security and Prosperity Partnership arrangement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, because that was done in Waco, Texas, on March 23, 2005, and the recent meeting at Montebello was to talk about it further."
***** This is a very long article, if you would like to continue reading the article in full just go here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57817
Wild Thing's comment........
If Bush hadn't been pushing his anti-conservative and Globalist Agenda non-stop since '04...he would still have been over 50% approval. And he only has himself to blame. If of course he even cared that he has done this.
To anyone that says this is not for real or that it is ok with them. I pray they think harder about this and the effect it will have on our country, our security and American jobs among other things.
"Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives."
--Ronald Reagan
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (8)
Bacon Given To Muslim Inmate Cost Prison $2,000
Prison fries for serving bacontoronto sun
A Muslim inmate has won $2,000 and a partial human rights victory over a Correctional Service of Canada policy not to replace bacon with a halal diet for Islam-worshipping cons.
Duane David, who is serving time in Kingston's Joyceville Institution for an unknown crime, had complained to the Canadian Human Rights Commission that his rights were being violated as the prison failed to offer a halal replacement for bacon served to inmates with breakfast every Wednesday.
The court heard Muslims are forbidden from eating pork for religious reasons.
A Federal Court of Canada hearing was told the breakfast included three pieces of bacon, two eggs, three slices of toast, jam, ketchup, milk, coffee, juice and cereal.
"Muslim inmates who follow a halal diet (usually) receive all of these items, except the bacon," Madame Justice Eleanor Dawson was told. "Mr. David had requested a substitute for the three pieces of bacon, but the request was refused by the institution."
Court heard that an internal grievance filed by David for a bacon replacement was denied at all levels and then a complaint was filed to the commission, whose investigator ruled the matter had been properly dealt with.
David appealed the investigator's decision to the federal court, who this month ordered the attorney general to pay David $2,000 for damages and that the commissions' decision be set aside as a new hearing is launched into the matter.
During the grievance hearing, Joyceville's chief of food services said his department didn't have the budget to offer a bacon replacement and another official called for the banning of the food from all Ontario jails.
Wild Thing's comment........
This guy is an inmate, thus he did something to break the law and be punished for his crime. But jails are to cater to their needs no matter what?? So does that mean if a prisoner has needs like a TV, a computer, maybe a high fiber diet, a low fat diet, the list could go on and on of NEEDS imposed on prisons for prisoners. So what if it is a so called religious rule not to eat bacon.
We have all read how other prisons have catered to Muslim inmates in the USA and the UK. Why oh why do people cave in to these horrible vile people and their death cult!!!!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (13)
September 25, 2007
Coyote Ugly Denies Marines Permission To Film Ad in S.F.
.
Marines Denied Permission To Film Commercial On The Streets Of San Francisco
abc local
New York said "yes," but we said "no." Why were the U.S. Marines denied permission to film a recruiting commercial on the streets of San Francisco?
San Francisco is, once again, the center of a controversy over how city leaders treat the U.S. military. This time, it involves an elite group of Marines who wanted to film a recruitment commercial in San Francisco on the anniversary of 9/11.
The tension has been building in the two weeks since the city turned away members of the Silent Drill Platoon, and it boiled over Monday afternoon at a meeting of the San Francisco Film Commission.
The U.S. Marine Silent Drill Platoon performed Monday morning in New York's Times Square. They filmed part of a recruitment commercial through the start of the morning rush hour -- something they could not do in San Francisco on the anniversary of 9/11.
"It's insulting, it's demeaning. This woman is going to insult these young heroes by just arbitrarily saying, 'no, you're not going to film any Marines on California Street," said Captain Greg Corrales of the SFPD Traffic Bureau.
Captain Greg Corrales commands the police traffic bureau that works with crews shooting commercials, TV shows and movies in the city. He's also a Marine veteran and his son is serving his third tour of duty in Iraq.
He says Film Commission Executive Director Stefanie Coyote would only allow the Marine's production crew to film on California Street if there were no Marines in the picture. They wound up filming the empty street and will have to superimpose the Marines later.
"Ms. Coyote's politics blinded her to her duty as the director of the Film Commission and as a responsible citizen," said Captain Corrales.
We asked Stefanie Coyote why they're not allowing the Marines to shoot on California Street. She wouldn't answer our questions.
At today's Film Commission meeting, she said she wouldn't let the Marines film because of rush hour.
"Traffic control was the issue," explained Stefanie Coyote.
However, the Marines would have just shut down one lane of California Street for a few minutes at a time, and Captain Corrales points out the Film Commission often approves shoots for rush hour.
"If they want to get the job done, they find a way to get it done," said Captain Corrales.
The city's treatment of the Marines is making many people angry, from local conservatives like Christine Hughes with the San Francisco Republican Party who told us, "it's an embarrassment. I'm a fourth generation San Franciscan and I don't even recognize my city right now."
To current and former Marines like Vince Rios, a Vietnam veteran.
"I'd like to say, 'does your mother know you're doing this? And if so, is she proud of you for that?'" said Vince Rios.
"The city of San Francisco made a statement saying, 'we don't like the war' by shutting down the troops. I don't think that was the right thing to do," explained Eric Snyder, a U.S. Marine.
"I wish to hell she would leave her politics at home and take care of the city business and the bridge business on an even keel basis," said Mike Paige, a Korea veteran.
The Marines also applied for permits to shoot on the Golden Gate Bridge that same morning, but were turned down because of similar traffic concerns.
The end result -- the crew didn't film the Marines in San Francisco at all. They had to go to the National Park Service for permission to shoot in Marin overlooking the bridge and at Kirby Cove.
"Golden Gate National Recreation Area is steeped in military tradition and we're honored to be a part of their continued military traditions so we're glad that we could accommodate the shoot," said Amy Brees with the National Park Service.
Captain Corrales and several other Marine veterans came to the Film Commission Monday afternoon. They see this as just the latest insult along with the city blocking the USS Iowa from docking here, banning the junior ROTC from high schools, and trying to ban the yearly Blue Angels air show.
"This -- a slap in the face of every veteran and every parent of men and women who are doing their duty -- is shameful," said Captain Corrales.
The Marines we spoke with also make the point that the city allows street demonstrations, anti-war protests and other events which snarl traffic, such as Critical Mass. They still don't understand why the Marines got turned away.
Wild Thing's comment........
This is outrageous!
Hey San Fran. When you get in trouble call Ghost Busters, the Marines will be too busy protecting real Americans.
The Marines were turned away because people like this woman are more aligned in their thinking with our enemies than they are with the very people who lay their lives on the line to defend their life and liberty. That's why...plain and simple..and disgusting, revolting, sickening, and pathetic too.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (22)
A Tribute - The Sacrifices US Military
The sacrifices US Military Tribute
.
........Thank you so much John.
John is the son of John (VN 89-70), and I would like to thank you and also welcome you to Theodore's World blog.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (2)
Columbia students applaud Ahmadinejad's Reaction to Introduction Speech
Ahmadinejad Reacts to Bollinger, Students Applaud
Columbia students applaud Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's reaction to Lee Bollinger's introduction speech and his questions to Ahmadinejad. Not sure how many were applauding, but I don't care, ONE is too many.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (7)
Obama: I Would Still Meet With Ahmadinejad
Obama: I Would Still Meet With Ahmadinejad cbs news
Despite the controversy that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to New York City has triggered, Senator Barack Obama still vows to meet with rogue leaders if he is elected, reports CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic.
“Nothing has changed with respect to my belief that strong countries and strong presidents talk to their enemies and talk to their adversaries,” Obama told reporters at a press conference after receiving an endorsement from the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association.
Obama said he would not have invited Ahmadinejad to speak at Columbia University, but he believes in academic freedom. “They have the right to invite people to speak.
As I said, it’s not a choice that I would have made but we don’t need to be fearful of the rantings of somebody like Ahmadinejad.” Obama says the United Nations provides an adequate forum for Ahmadinejad to speak.
Obama was asked if his statements about Ahmadinejad were contradictory – why would he meet with the Iranian leader as U.S. president but not invite to speak if he were the Columbia University president?
“There are two different functions, as president of the United States, my job is to look out for the national security interests of this country,” Obama said. “In the same way that Nixon met with Mao and that past presidents met with people that we don’t like.”
Wild Thing's comment..........
This jerk Obama is not going to be elected but he is still dangerous to our country. What a difference in what our counrtry breeds! The likes of this POS Obama and then men like all of you Veterans here at this blog, and those serving now. It is a night and day difference!!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (12)
September 24, 2007
Moslem Security Agent Checking Out A Nun At Detroit Concourse
Detroit Metro Concourse, and the elderly Catholic nun being frisked by a Muslim security agent.
Wild Thing's comment........
What the hell are we doing letting Muslims work for TSA in the first place? Isn’t that like putting the fox in charge of security of the henhouse????
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (22)
Israel Throws Down The Gauntlet Again
Israel to Syria: Use chem weapons & we'll wipe you off map
ny daily news
Israeli officials vowed to wipe Syria off the map if it is attacked with chemical weapons like one that reportedly exploded in July at a secret Syrian base staffed with Iranian engineers.
Politicians in Israel said yesterday they were not picking a fight with their neighbor, but pledged to forcefully retaliate if chemical warheads come screaming across its shared border.
"We will not attack them first. But if they ever use these weapons against Israel, then we must be clear — it will be the end of this evil and brutal dictatorship," Yuval Steinitz, a right-wing member of the Israeli parliament, told the Daily News yesterday.
Sparking shock waves across the Middle East was a report in Jane's Defence Weekly about an accidental explosion at a top secret Syrian base in July.
Citing Syrian intelligence sources, the report claimed a team of Iranian and Syrian engineers were killed July 26 while trying to arm a Scud-C missile with a mustard gas warhead.
Syrian official news agency, SANA, reported that least 15 Syrian military personnel had been "martyred" and 50 others injured in the blast near the northern city of Aleppo on the Turkish border. It claimed the early morning explosion was caused by the high temperatures.
The SANA report mentioned nothing of Iranian personnel killed in the mishap.
Jane's said dozens of Iranian workers were among those who died when a fire in the missile's engine triggered the explosion and release of a toxic cloud of lethal chemical agents banned under international law.
U.S. intelligence sources played down the report saying they've seen no credible evidence chemical weapons were involved in the Syrian accident.
Wild Thing's comment........
The gauntlet was thrown decades ago... Muslims responded by avoiding the gauntlet and bombing civilians.
Isaiah 17:1 — "The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."
translation if needed.....All your mosque are belong to us!!
And another verse that Israel's enemies will not like.
Ezekiel 39:4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
One thing is for certain, gas or bio used against Israel, they won’t wait for anybody’s approval. They will strike, hard and fast. They have no choice because doing nothing invites only much, much more of the same.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (12)
Veterans Disarmament Act Will It Pass
Veterans Disarmament Act To Bar Vets From Owning Guns gun owners.org
Hundreds of thousands of veterans -- from Vietnam through Operation Iraqi Freedom -- are at risk of being banned from buying firearms if legislation that is pending in Congress gets enacted.
How? The Veterans Disarmament Act -- which has already passed the House -- would place any veteran who has ever been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the federal gun ban list.
This is exactly what President Bill Clinton did over seven years ago when his administration illegitimately added some 83,000 veterans into the National Criminal Information System (NICS system) -- prohibiting them from purchasing firearms, simply because of afflictions like PTSD.
The proposed ban is actually broader. Anyone who is diagnosed as being a tiny danger to himself or others would have his gun rights taken away... forever. It is section 102(b)(1)(C)(iv) in HR 2640 that provides for dumping raw medical records into the system. Those names -- like the 83,000 records mentioned above -- will then, by law, serve as the basis for gun banning.
No wonder the Military Order of the Purple Heart is opposed to this legislation.
The House bill, HR 2640, is being sponsored by one of the most flaming anti-Second Amendment Representatives in Congress: Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY). Another liberal anti-gunner, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), is sponsoring the bill in the Senate.
Proponents of the bill say that helpful amendments have been made so that any veteran who gets his name on the NICS list can seek an expungement.
But whenever you talk about expunging names from the Brady NICS system, you're talking about a procedure that has always been a long shot. Right now, there are NO EXPUNGEMENTS of law-abiding Americans' names that are taking place under federal level. Why? Because the expungement process which already exists has been blocked for over a decade by a "funds cut-off" engineered by another anti-gunner, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY).
So how will this bill make things even worse? Well, two legal terms are radically redefined in the Veterans Disarmament Act to carry out this vicious attack on veterans' gun rights.
One term relates to who is classified a "mental defective." Forty years ago that term meant one was adjudicated "not guilty" in a court of law by reason of insanity. But under the Veterans Disarmament Act, "mental defective" has been stretched to include anyone whom a psychiatrist determines might be a tiny danger to self or others.
The second term is "adjudicate." In the past, one could only lose one's gun rights through an adjudication by a judge, magistrate or court -- meaning conviction after a trial. Adjudication could only occur in a court with all the protections of due process, including the right to face one's accuser. Now, adjudication in HR 2640 would include a finding by "a court, commission, committee or other authorized person" (namely, a psychiatrist).
Forget the fact that people with PTSD have the same violent crime rate as the rest of us. Vietnam vets with PTSD have had careers and obtained permits to carry firearms concealed. It will now be enough for a psychiatric diagnosis (a "determination" in the language of the bill) to get a veteran barred -- for life -- from owning guns.
Think of what this bill would do to veterans. If a robber grabs your wallet and takes everything in it, but gives you back $5 to take the bus home, would you call that a financial enhancement? If not, then we should not let HR 2640 supporters call the permission to seek an expungement an enhancement, when prior to this bill, veterans could not legitimately be denied their gun rights after being diagnosed with PTSD.
Veterans with PTSD should not be put in a position to seek an expungement. They have not been convicted (after a trial with due process) of doing anything wrong. If a veteran is thought to be a threat to self or others, there should be a real trial, not an opinion (called a diagnosis) by a psychiatrist.
If members of Congress do not hear from soldiers (active duty and retired) in large numbers, along with the rest of the public, the Veterans Disarmament Act -- misleadingly titled by Rep. McCarthy as the NICS Improvement Amendments Act -- will send this message to veterans: "No good deed goes unpunished."
CO-Sponsors:
Rep Bishop, Timothy H. [NY-1] - 6/11/2007
Rep Boucher, Rick [VA-9] - 6/11/2007
Rep Capps, Lois [CA-23] - 6/11/2007
Rep Castle, Michael N. [DE] - 6/11/2007
Rep Christensen, Donna M. [VI] - 6/13/2007
Rep Dingell, John D. [MI-15] - 6/11/2007
Rep Emanuel, Rahm [IL-5] - 6/11/2007
Rep Lowey, Nita M. [NY-18] - 6/11/2007
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] - 6/11/2007
Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] - 6/11/2007
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8] - 6/11/2007
Rep Ross, Mike [AR-4] - 6/13/2007
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 6/11/2007
Rep Shays, Christopher [CT-4] - 6/11/2007
Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] - 6/12/2007
Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] - 6/11/2007
Rep Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [FL-20] - 6/11/2007
some quotes about the bill...
from www.gunowners.org
“Through the years, we’ve had our differences with the National Rifle Association.... Today, we write in praise the NRA.” — The San Francisco Chronicle 06/15/07
“The Virginia Tech shootings were a horrific reminder of the gaps in U.S. gun laws. The [NRA] knew its usual opposition to any and every solution we brought forward would be unacceptable to the American public so it made this concession.” — Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence e-mail alert
“For the first time [in history, HR 2640], if enacted, would statutorily impose a lifetime gun ban on battle-scarred veterans.” — Military Order of the Purple Heart 06/18/07
“The NRA has told its members in the past that Carolyn McCarthy is one of the worst of the gun banners and now the NRA has crawled in bed with her!” — Virginia Citizens Defense League
“We’re hopeful that now that the NRA has come around to our point of view in terms of strengthening the Brady background checks, that now we can take the next step after this bill passes [to impose additional gun control].” — Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign on CNN 06/13/07
Wild Thing's comment........
When I was 7 years old, my Dad would take me to the pasture, far away from the stables and set up a target practice shooting range. He taught me how to use a gun, to respect it and what it was capable of doing, to not be afraid of it, that it was and is the person with the gun not the gun that is dangerous. He taught me how important it is to have a gun or guns for protection always and.............................He told me that one day, it was very possible that in our country the government would knock on our door, or any door of a citizen and come for the guns in the household.
I pray this Veterans Disarmament Act does not pass.
Thank you John (VN 89-70) so much for the information below. VERY Importan to read this below everyone, thank you so much.
UPDATE:
The NRA has addressed this article and has actually cleared up some of the information in the article.
http://www.nraila.org//Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?ID=246
Please click on the link from the NRA to read what they are saying about this bill.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (20)
September 23, 2007
First Day of Autumn
Earth Tone TreasuresOrange tints fade to yellow rust
and cold fall rains pull them down
and the ground carpeted with summer past
its just the same here all over town
summer fled warm times now bustCrisp crackling leaf piles to jump in,
and wade through in happy moments
in our inner childlike joy long as they last
a vivid gift of the passing season sent
missed until they finally come againwild thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:55 AM | Comments (18)
Iran President Ahmadinejad Rips US
Iran's President Lashes Out at US
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)
A day before flying to New York to speak directly to the American people, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad struck a confrontational tone Saturday with a parade of fighter jets and missiles and tough warnings for the United States to stay out of the Mideast.
Three new domestically manufactured warplanes streaked over the capital during the parade marking the 27th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Iran, which sparked a 1980-88 war that killed hundreds of thousands of people. The parade also featured the Ghadr missile, which has a range of 1,120 miles, capable of reaching Israel.
Some of the missile trucks were painted with the slogans "Down with the U.S." and "Down with Israel." The parade also featured unmanned aerial surveillance drones, torpedoes, and tanks.
Tensions are high between Washington and Tehran over U.S. accusations that Iran is secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons and helping Shiite militias in Iraq that target U.S. troops.
"Those who prevented Iran, at the height of the war from getting even barbed wire must see now that all the equipment on display today has been built by the mighty hands and brains of experts at Iran's armed forces," Ahmadinejad said.
Protests against his Columbia appearance are planned at the university and the United Nations by demonstrators angry at his questioning of the Holocaust and declarations that Israel will cease to exist.
Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic ties since militants took over the U.S. Embassy following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since then, the cleric-led regime has vilified the United States as the "Great Satan."
At the parade, Ahmadinejad repeated his demand for foreign forces to leave the region and urged the United States to acknowledge it has failed in Iraq. Outside the 160,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, there are 40,000 troops on U.S. bases in Persian Gulf countries and another 20,000 in Mideast waters.
On the sidelines of the parade, the head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Ali Jafari, said the event highlighted the "might of Iran's armed forces to its enemies," adding that Iran is ready to retaliate if attacked.
"Iran has drawn up plans to confront enemies in the face of any possible attack," the official IRNA news agency quoted Jafari as saying.
The Bush administration is expected to soon blacklist a unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, subjecting part of the vast military operation to financial penalties. The step would be in response to Iran's involvement in Iraq and elsewhere.
"Learn lessons from your past mistakes. Don't repeat your mistakes," he said in a warning to the United States over its push to impose more sanctions.
**** RESPONSES but only a few that could be found ****
Hunter warns Columbia University Cancel Invitation to Iranian President
September 22, 2007 Mackinac Island, MI...Congressman Duncan Hunter issued a statement this morning from Mackinac Island directed to Columbia University."To host the leader of Iran when he supports terrorists that are moving deadly roadside bombs across the Iraqi border to be used against American troops is a slap in the face for the entire 165,000 men and women in Iraq and to those that have served before them," said Hunter.
"If President Lee Bollinger follows through with this hosting of the leader of Iran, I will move in Congress to cut off every single type of Federal Funding to Columbia University. If the left-wing leaders of academia will not support our troops, they, in the very least, should not support our adversaries."
"This event, following the slanderous action of MoveOn.org, depicting General Petraeus as "General Betray Us," in the New York Times represents the emergence of the extreme left-wing in American politics." Concluding, "I think it is time for the Democrat party to denounce this fringe element in their party," said Hunter.
Fred Thompson has issued this stern statement regarding Iranian Leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, his upcoming visit to the United Nations, and what we must do regarding the threat Iran poses:
"Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, president of the world's premier terrorist state, is speaking before the United Nations next week. He has also asked to visit Ground Zero. If I were President of the United States none of this would have been an issue--I wouldn't have let him into the country in the first place."It's time for the world to finally send a stern message to Iran. Ahmadinejad has called for the destruction of Israel, is supporting terrorist groups throughout the Middle East, and is responsible for supplying weapons to extremists who are killing US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. And with Iran's ongoing pursuit of nuclear weapons and development of long-range missiles, that country is a threat not only to the region and our allies, but to the entire free world. It's time for the United Nations to take more serious action against this terror regime.
"The Security Council needs to begin placing comprehensive, multilateral sanctions on Iran's economy, to include banning foreign investment, stopping export credits to companies doing business there, and prohibiting any business dealings with Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Iranian banks should be denied access to international banking and financial institutions, and World Bank loans should be suspended. All arms sales to Iran need to be halted. And travel by Iranian officials should be stopped and their assets frozen. Cutting off Iranian access to refined gas imports will certainly get Tehran's attention and cause them to reconsider their priorities. If the UN can't reach agreement on these measures due to continued Russian, Chinese or others' intransigence, then we need to work directly with our allies and go around the UN roadblock.
"The international community has been negotiating with Iran for more than four years to no avail in seeking to halt the mullahs' nuclear program. I believe strongly in diplomacy, but it has its limits, especially when the other side is made up of extremists. If we don't get serious and act now--before they build atomic weapons--the stakes will be even higher, and our hand much weaker. The United States and its allies cannot afford to let that happen. As president, I certainly will not."
Mitt Romney's letter to the UN
( this is a pdf file)
http://www.mittromney.com/img/pdf/UN_Letter.pdf
...Thank you Jack for the pdf file of Romney's letter to the UN
Wild Thing's comment........
Reagan kept Arafat from going to the U.N. I realize Ahmadinejad is a head of state. And Arafat at the time was the leader of the terrorist organization, the PLO. But Ahmadinejad is a terrorist also even if he is the President of Iran.
Reagan knew what an insult the appearance of Arafat on US soil would be to the citizens of the country he loved. Unlike today’s ‘leaders’ he chose pride in his country over politics. Just like when he walked out of the talks in Iceland and insisted the “tear down this wall” line be left in a speech. And let’s not forget his little ‘joke’ when he was asked to test the microphone and responded with ‘the bombing begins in five minutes’!
I’ll never understand why would-be leaders don’t catch on that they can do so much to lead without ever firing a shot or invading a country. Like it or not, we set the tone for the rest of the civilized world when it comes to dealing with the increasing threat of Islamofacism. Great Britain would have been much more forceful in dealing with the kidnapping of their sailors in international waters, an open act of war, had they not seen us playing with PC ROE for four years.
Nope, God bless the Gipper for being one of a kind. I can only pray that the Lord will once again send us the leader we need for the times we are in.
And just this............
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
- Winston Churchill
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:47 AM | Comments (20)
Football Third Week
To those serving now in our military that visit here, you are in our prayers and we all thank you with all our hearts.
.
New England Patriot Cheerleader who are visiting deployed U.S. troops in Iraq
Andrea Lindholm greets sailors onboard the USS Harry S. Truman
Here are the matchups for today Sunday 9/23/07
STL @ TB 1:00 PM
SD @ GB 1:00 PM
MIA @ NYJ 1:00 PM
ARI @ BAL 1:00 PM
IND @ HOU 1:00 PM
DET @ PHI 1:00 PM
MIN @ KC 1:00 PM
BUF @ NE 1:00 PM
SF @ PIT 1:00 PM
CLE @ OAK 4:05 PM
CIN @ SEA 4:05 PM
JAC @ DEN 4:05 PM
NYG @ WAS 4:15 PM
CAR @ ATL 4:15 PM
DAL @ CHI 8:15 PM
Monday Night Game
TEN @ NO 8:30 PM
These are the teams I think everyone is for. I will add to this as you tell me your favorite teams.
(Some names are those deployed in Iraq)
Lynn - Broncos, Bears, Browns
Tom - Cowboys
Darth - New York Giants, Tampa Bay Bucs, (ABP - 'anybody' but Philly )
Mark - Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Bears
Bob - Buffalo Bills
Billy - Jets, NY Giants, Bears
Nick - Cowboys, Rams and Raiders
Karsten - Tampa Bay Bucs, NY Giants
navycopjoe - Chicago Bears
Chrissie - Bears, Broncos and Cowboys
Deployed:
Andy ( USMC) - Colts
Mike ( USARMY) - Seattle Seahawks
Sand Man ( (USMC) - Bronco's
Dawn (USARMY) - ( Bronco's)
Finale Scores:
MIA 28 @ NYJ 31
DET 21 @ PHI 56
BUF 7 @ NE 38
MIN 10 @ KC 13
SF 16 @ PIT 37
SD 24 @ GB 31
IND 30 @ HOU 24
ARI 23 @ BAL 26
STL 3 @ TB 24
CLE 24 @ OAK 26
CIN 21 @ SEA 24
JAC 23 @ DEN 14
CAR 27 @ ATL 20
NYG 24 @ WAS 17
DAL 34 @ CHI 10
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:45 AM | Comments (12)
September 22, 2007
Ahmadinejad to speak to National Press Club
Ahmadinejad to speak to NPC
First-ever Videoconference Luncheon
NPC
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will speak and take questions at the National Press Club's first-ever videoconference luncheon at noon on Monday, Sept. 24.
Ahmadinejad will appear in the NPC Ballroom in Washington via videolink from New York, where he will be attending the UN General Assembly. After Ahmadinejad's speech, NPC President Jerry Zremski will ask questions handed up from the audience for a minimum of a half-hour.
"This will be, in essence, the first dialogue that President Ahmadinejad has had with the Washington press corps," Zremski said. "We're looking forward to hearing what the president has to say, and I am sure that plenty of Washington reporters have plenty of questions for him."
Zremski said he proposed the videoconference luncheon after the Club hosted a successful videoconference Newsmaker event with Taiwanese President Chen Shui-Bian in May. Chen was in Taipei as he answered questions from a room full of journalists in Washington.
"For a century now, the National Press Club's world-renowned luncheon series was limited to newsmakers who travel to Washington," Zremski said. "Now, though, thanks to our new Broadcast Operations Center, we can do a videoconference with important leaders anywhere in the world. We're pleased that President Ahmadinejad has made the time in his schedule to meet with us in this way."
The National Press Club's Newsmaker Luncheon series is one of the world's foremost speaker programs. Guests so far this year have included Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, First Lady Laura Bush and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Please note: the format of the luncheon with President Ahmadinejad will differ from the typical NPC luncheon program in many ways. President Ahmadinejad will be introduced at noon. His speech will last a half hour, and will be followed by 45 minutes of questions. Lunch will be served after the speech and question period.
Attendance at this luncheon will be limited to NPC members, their guests and accredited media only. Luncheon tickets are $16 for members and $28 for their guests. To reiterate, the only nonmembers to be admitted to this event will be accredited media.
To reserve a seat at the luncheon, call the NPC reservation line at 202-662-7501. Accredited media with questions should email Melinda Cooke at mcooke@press.org to reserve a seat.
Wild Thing's comment........
Why is America allowing this terrorist on American soil???? The president could stop this insanity, the decision rests exactly, squarely at the feet of the president.
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:55 AM | Comments (15)
"Think About It"
Video Dedicated to US Troops: "Think About It."
........Thank you Rhod for sending me the photos and the writing about each of the photos. This is truly awesome and it says so much as to how it really is.
Later the same day, I saw this video at Pat Dollards site. I am so glad because I wanted to much to show you the photos that Rhod had sent to me. Isn't that something for it to work out that way, it is so perfect.
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:47 AM | Comments (7)
NYC Rep. Calls on Condi to Deny Ahmadinejad Entrance to US
This graphic above is from NYC Rep. Vito J. Fossella website
NYC Rep. Calls on Condi to Deny Ahmadinejad Entrance to US
Human Events
Congressman Vito J. Fossella (R-NY) sent a letter to Secretary Rice yesterday asking the State Department to deny Ahmadinejad's visa. HUMAN EVENTS couldn't agree more with Rep. Fossella's sentiments. The letter is posted below.
The Secretary
Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Madame Secretary,
It has been reported that Iranian President Mahmound Ahmadinejad has requested that he be allowed to visit the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks when he travesl to the opening of the United Nations later this month. I believe that Mr. ahmadinehad has only one motivationfor wanteing to tour Ground Zero -- to mock the nearly 3,000 Americans who were killed on that day.
Mr. Ahmadinejad is the president of a country that is considered one of the world's most egregious state sponsors of terrorism. He is also a Holocaust denier who is committed to the destruction of Israel and fomenting terror and instability in the Middle East and beyond. He as American blood on his hands dating back decades from his alleged participation in the 1983 bombing of the marine barracks in Lebanon, which killed 241 soldiers, and his alleged role in the 1979 embassy hostage crisis. Evidence also links the Iranian regime to the delivery of improvised explosive devices (IED) to Iraq, which have killed countless American soldiers.
The last part of the letter I had to get from a PDF file...........
Wild Thing's comment........
Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism across the world, and the primary source in Iraq. To even think that we would entertain him visiting this country, even to talk the UN, is preposterous.
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:45 AM | Comments (13)
Carter's War Against The Jews
5 min. video was produced by Terrorism Awareness Project which is a program of the David Horowitz Freedom Center.
This one is Carter's war against the Jews, and his lies and the history of Israel.
Please note: Warning: Graphic Images
http://www.terrorismawareness.org/jimmy-carters-war/
Posted by Wild Thing at 01:40 AM | Comments (9)
September 21, 2007
POW-MIA Recognition Day
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is by law, the 3rd Friday in September every year. This date honors those men and women still held in enemy hands or buried on foreign soil.
On August 10, 1990, the Congress passed a bill recognizing the black and white, POW/MIA flag as “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fate of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia…”
In 1997, bills passed the House and Senate mandating the POW/MIA flag be flown on specific holidays.
The 1998 Defense Authorization act noted that the flag MUST be flown on: Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day.In 1998, the Veterans Administration noted the flag will fly EVERY day at their facilities.
A Pentagon ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day will be held on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. This ceremony will feature troops from each of the military services. The president will issue a proclamation commemorating the observances and reminding the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country.
Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities.
POW PrayerPlease hear me ,Lord…..
It’s the dead of night…..It is dark and cold,
the night surrounds me Like a blanket of hope.
As long as it is night, they will stay in their corner.
I lie here wondering ~
how long is it again?
I cling to the dream of my family ~
I see them in my mind.
It is another Independence Day at home.
When will my independence come?
I will NOT believe that they have forgotten me!!
I look in the hole I have dug here,
for the things that I hide from them.
A little smile across my lips~
in all this time they have never found my little stash!I pull out a little scrap of shredded red and white.
For me, it waves in the breeze of home!
It is my salvation ~
it tells me there is hope.
There is a tiny piece of cloth,
a remnant of the uniform worn with the pride
only a soldier knows.
Ah, here is that little corner of the photo I once had!
They think they destroyed it ~
It is my private joke on them.
For I can still see the face of my little boy. But ~~~
he must be almost a man by now...I am not sure?
How long has it been again?
They could not have forgotten me,
as they go from one day to the next without me.
I will not believe that!
If they have, I shall surely be swallowed
up in the mists of this hell!How long has it been again?
No ~
they have not forgotten ~
how could they have?
Have they ?
My God?
Have they?By Joanna Mckenzie Henshaw
If you would like, please visit my POW MIA page at my website.
I have many friends who served in Vietnam. Many that died there, many that died after they came home from Agent Orange. I pray each day for our POW’s and MIA’s that they will be brought home! You are NOT forgotten! As long as I breathe I will be thinking and praying for you. - Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (12)
*~* Thank you ~*~ Blog Is Two Years Old Today *~*
Two years ago today I started my Blog. Thank you Linda of Something......and Half of Something is my Blog Mom. Thank you Linda for helping me put it all together and for all the support. I could never have had a Blog if it wasn't for you.
And to my Blog Uncle Vinnie, at Vince aut Morire the best Blog Uncle a girl could ever have.
It has gone by so fast, these last two years and I owe each one of you that are part of Team Theodore so much. Your comments and input make this blog what it is, a home online.
The stats show we have readers from every country in the world. Even places I have never heard of and it is wonderful how many of our troops have been able to peek in and write to me they appreciate each one of you, the comments and graphics.
Thousands of individuals come here daily to read what we all have to say. It is amazing to me how this blog reaches so many. And I am forever grateful.
So I want to thank YOU, each one of you for touching my life everyday. I love your hearts so much, and when I am offline or working on posts for the next day, my heart smiles when I think of each one of you and how much you mean to me.
Thank you,
((((hugs))))
Chrissie
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (14)
Drunkard Murderer Kennedy Wants Socialized Medicine So Bad
Socialized Medical Care
KENNEDY ON THE PRESIDENT’S THREAT TO VETO SCHIP
Kennedy site press release
WASHINGTON, DC
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following statement in response to President Bush’s threat to veto the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
“This is a cruel threat to needy children and I urge the President to reconsider. It’s outrageous that there are nearly 9 million uninsured children in America and over 600,000 more since 2005. This Administration has failed on healthcare and our children are paying the price. Congress has been working in a bipartisan way to get a Children’s Health Insurance Program bill that will make quality health care available to children of working families. This bill will allow children to get the quality healthcare they deserve, and should be signed into law before the program expires next week. After watching hundreds of thousands of children lose their health coverage on his watch, it's incomprehensible that President Bush would veto the bill that fixes the problem. This is a cruel threat to needy children and I urge the President to reconsider."
Wild Thing's comment........
All these people live in states and cared for locally, there is no need for any federal health care program. The only constitutional legislation the feds could be involved in would be transportability across state lines. We need to tell our federal representative to limit all discussion to that. Their is no need for federal, Washington DC health care.
And one more thing, before our government takes one breath, one step toward socialized health care, how about soomething new and different like..........KEEPING YOUR PROMISES TO OUR VETERANS!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (10)
Close Call From An IED ~ Amazing
Check out this close call from an IED that was either buried too deep or didn't have enough fire power.
http://shock.military.com/Shock/videos.do?displayContent=149477&ESRC=navy-a.nl
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (4)
From Britain New Armored Truck
September 19, 2007:
Britain is equipping its commando and infantry units with a new armored truck, the four ton Supacat MWMIK 4x4. It is armored on the bottom to give protection from mines, but is largely open up top.
The vehicle mounts 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine-guns, as well as a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The Supacat chassis has been around for a while, and comes in 6x6 versions as well. It has excellent cross country capabilities. Top speed of the MWMIK is 80 kilometers an hour, and the vehicle normally carries four people.
The initial buy, mainly for the SAS commandos, was 130, but more are planned.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (10)
September 20, 2007
Ahmadinejad Is Pure Evil
I saw this write up below at Drudge
AHMADINEJAD SAYS HE WILL NOT PUSH TO VISIT GROUND ZERO; 'AMAZED' GESTURE WOULD INSULT AMERICANS
Thu Sept 20 2007 16:11:22 ET
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will not press his plan -- just denied by New York City Police for security reasons -- to visit Ground Zero in New York City, he tells 60 MINUTES' Scott Pelley in an exclusive interview conducted today in Iran. The Iranian leader says he's "amazed" and skeptical that most Americans view his visit there as insulting as his intention was only to show respect. The interview will be broadcast on 60 MINUTES, Sunday Sept. 23 (7:00-8:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS television Network.
An excerpt from the interview follows:
PELLEY: Mr. President, do you intend to press your request to visit the World Trade Center site?
AHMADINEJAD: Well, it was included in my program. If we have the time and the conditions are conducive, I will try to do that.
PELLEY: But the New York Police Department and others do not appear to want you there. Do you intend to go there anyway?
AHMADINEJAD: Well, over there, local officials need to make the necessary coordinations. If they can't do that, I won't insist.
PELLEY: Sir, what were you thinking? The World Trade Center site is the most sensitive place in the American heart, and you must have known that visiting there would be insulting to many, many Americans.
AHMADINEJAD: Why should it be insulting?
PELLEY: But the American people, sir, believe that your country is a terrorist nation, exporting terrorism in the world. You must have known that visiting the World Trade Center site would infuriate many Americans.
AHMADINEJAD: Well, I'm amazed. How can you speak for the whole of the American nation?
PELLEY: Well, the American nation--
AHMADINEJAD: You are representing a media and you're a reporter. The American nation is made up of 300 million people. There are different points of view over there.
Posted by Wild Thing at 07:37 PM | Comments (6)
Jason From YAF Getting In NON Marine Murtha's Face
Jason from the Young American’s Foundation got in Murtha’s face over his slandering of the Haditha Marines.
Video of the confrontation is here.
Wild Thing's comment........
This is GREAT! Thank you Jason for doing this. This video is so good at showing Murtha up, it is priceless!!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (9)
Ahmadinejad to Speak on Columbia University Campus
Ahmadinejad to Speak on Campus (Columbia University)
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, president of Iran, has accepted an invitation to speak at Columbia from School of International and Public Affairs interim dean John Coatsworth, according to a spokesman.
The event is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 24--the same day that Ahmadinejad is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly--as part of the World Leaders Forum and will be sponsored by SIPA.
"Necessarily, on occasion this will bring us into contact with beliefs many, most, or even all of us will find offensive and even odious," University President Lee Bollinger said in a statement. "We trust our community, including our students, to be fully capable of dealing with these occasions, through the powers of dialogue and reason."
"Opportunities to hear, challenge, and learn from controversial speakers of different views are central to the education and training of students for citizenship in a shrinking and still dangerous world. This is especially true for SIPA students, many of whose careers will require them to confront human rights and security issues throughout the globe," Coatsworth said in a statement.
Registration for the event was closed down less than an hour and a half. A university spokesman said that 600 people could fit in the event.
Almost exactly one year ago, then-Dean of SIPA Lisa Anderson invited Ahmadinejad to speak on campus during the week of the World Leaders Forum on behalf of the School. Bollinger, upon learning of the event, chose not to lend it the sponsorship of the University as a whole. One day after news of the invitation broke, Anderson rescinded it, but not before many students and alumni spoke out both in favor and against the event.
Several student leaders received invitations today to speak tomorrow with University President Lee Bollinger regarding the event. Many leaders, including the heads of class councils, several club funding boards, and a number of clubs went into a discussion last soon after hearing the news of the invitation to form a statement.
"I think that first and foremost any dialogue is positive, so even though I may not agree with what Ahmadinejad says, I think any dialogue between him … and the U.S. is a positive step," Iranian-American Sheena Shirakhon, CC '08 and a member of Students against MIlitary Intervention in Iran, said of the invitation. "Mostly, that’s the result of my belief that war in Iran … would be horribly detrimental to the Iranain people, whether you support Ahmadinejad or not."
Wild Thing's comment.........
WTH is happening with this country??!!
Could you folks at Columbia University ask Ahmadinejad a question for me? When does he plan nuking Columbia University ???
I can't believe this. Columbia is a PUBLIC university? Spending OUR tax dollars to venue a man killing US troops?
Am I hallucinating???? Damn you Columbia students! This is war, we are at war with Islam and this country of mine had better start to WAKE UP! I have had it with traitors to our country, traitors to our troops, and these jerks think it is OK to do this kind of crap. It is NOT!
Amanda Murphy
Alumni Relations Director
am2629@columbia.edu
954-240-4865
Julia Feldberg
Alumni Relations Associate
Speaker Series Contact
jef2121@columbia.edu
Kristen Kramer
Alumni Relations Associate
kek2121@columbia.edu
Emily Lampert
Alumni Relations Junior Associate
ebl2108@columbia.edu
DEAN OF THE COLLEGE
212-678-3050 TC* 3050
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (22)
Russia and China Warn Against War With Iran
Russia and China warn against war with Iran
Russia and China have criticised France's foreign minister Bernard Kouchner for talking of "war" with Teheran.
After meeting his French counterpart in Moscow, Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, gave warning of the possible consequences of any military strike designed to disable Iran's nuclear programme.
"We are convinced that no modern problem has a military solution, and that applies to the Iranian nuclear programme as well," said Mr Lavrov.
"We are seriously concerned about increasingly frequent reports that military action against Iran is being seriously considered."
Mr Lavrov added that Russia supported the recent agreement reached between Iran and nuclear inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Earlier, China's foreign ministry also criticised Mr Kouchner for raising the possibility of war.
"We believe the best option is to peacefully resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations, which is in the common interests of the international community," said Jiang Yu, an official spokesman.
"We do not approve of easily resorting to threatening use of force in international affairs."
America is now pressing for another UN Resolution which would tighten economic sanctions on Iran.
The trigger for this move was Teheran's continued enrichment of uranium, a process which could give Iran the essential material for a nuclear bomb.
While Russia and China have already supported two earlier sanctions resolutions, both are signaling that their support for a third cannot be taken for granted.
Yesterday, Mr Kouchner called for tougher 'precise' sanctions against the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme.
However, the French foreign minister also said that "everything should be done to avoid war."
"War is the worst that could happen," he said. "Everything should be done to avoid war. We have to negotiate, negotiate, negotiate - without cease, without rebuff."
Wild Thing's comment........
Interpretation: Russia and China will stomp their feet and throw a tantrum to try and protect their proxy in the Midle East.
"We are convinced that no modern problem has a military solution" said Mr Lavrov.
The Chechens thank you.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (6)
Immigration Through History ~ How Times Change
2,000 years ago, Moses said,
"Pick up your shovel, pack your ass,
mount your camel and I shall lead you to the
Promised Land."
200-plus years ago, George Washington said,
"Get off your ass, use your shovel, clear the land,
grow plants for camels and it will be the
Promised Land."
This year, the Congress of the United States said,
"Si, Amigos, throw away your shovel, sit on your ass,
light your Camels, we're giving you the
Promised Land."
.......Thank you Robert
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (6)
September 19, 2007
U.S. May Escort Ahmadinejad to Ground Zero!?!
I was just reading about this about an hour ago, and thought I would post it now instead of in the morning. LOOK at this........ sheesh!
U.S. May Escort Ahmadinejad to Ground Zero
Talks Underway After Iranian Requests a Visit
In a move that has stunned New York, the Bloomberg administration is in discussions to escort the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to ground zero during his visit to New York next week, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said today.
The Iranian mission to the U.N. made the request to the New York City Police Department and the Secret Service, which will jointly oversee security during the leader's two-day visit. Mr. Ahmadinejad is scheduled to arrive September 24 to speak to the U.N. General Assembly as the Security Council decides whether to increase sanctions against his country for its uranium enrichment program.
Mr. Kelly said the NYPD and Secret Service were in discussions with the Iranian Mission about the logistics for the possible visit, and whether it will take place at all. He said that for safety reasons related to ongoing construction at ground zero Mr. Ahmadinejad would not be allowed to descend into the pit.
"There has been some interest expressed in his visiting the area," Mr. Kelly said. "It's something that we are prepared to handle if in fact it does happen."
Mr. Kelly said Mr. Ahmadinejad had not indicated why he wants to visit the site of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
"It is an insult to the memories of those who died on 9/11 at the hands of terrorists, and those who have fought terrorism for years, to allow the president of the world's top state sponsor of terrorism to step foot at ground zero," a spokeswoman for Senator Thompson, Karen Hanretty, said. "Iran is responsible for supplying weapons and supporting extremist who are killing U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to this very day."
Not sure what is going on about this. But here is another article saying differently.
Iranian Leader Was Denied Ground Zero Visit
The New York Times
(Apoparently this is an UPDATE but with a diferent newspaper)
Updated, 5:15 p.m.
An advance team for the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, asked earlier this month that he be allowed to lay a wreath at the World Trade Center site during the opening of the United Nations General Assembly next week, but the request was denied, New York City police officials said today.
Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly caused considerable confusion earlier today when he suggested that the request was still pending. In fact, police officials said later, the request — made at a meeting that included the Secret Service and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — was denied for reasons of security and safety. They added that Mr. Ahmadinejad’s aides had asked that he be allowed into the pit, where construction is taking place.
Wild Thing's comment........
To even consider it is anti-American. Good Lord what kind of world is this?? I know, but I just had to say that.
This sack of dog feces should not even be allowed into our country. If we feel we have to let Ahmawhackjob visit the UN then that should be the ONLY place he sets foot, nowhere else. Allow him to be driven to the UN and back the the airport, nowhere else, and for heaven’s sake do not allow one of the world’s leading terrorists to go make Islamo-terrorist propaganda at Ground Zero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Wild Thing at 07:44 PM | Comments (10)
Arab Work Accident With Syria-Iran missile 'test'
'Dozens died in Syria-Iran missile test'
Proof of cooperation between Iran and Syria in the proliferation and development of weapons of mass destruction was brought to light Monday in a Jane's Magazine report that dozens of Iranian engineers and 15 Syrian officers were killed in a July 23 accident in Syria.According to the report, cited by Channel 10, the joint Syrian-Iranian team was attempting to mount a chemical warhead on a scud missile when the explosion occurred, spreading lethal chemical agents, including sarin nerve gas.
Reports of the accident were circulated at the time, however, no details were released by the Syrian government, and there were no hints of an Iranian connection.
The report comes on the heels of criticism leveled by the Syrains at the United States, accusing it of spreading "false" claims of Syrian nuclear activity and cooperation with North Korea to excuse an alleged Israeli air incursion over the country this month.
According to Global Security.org, Syria is not a signatory of either the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), - an international agreement banning the production, stockpiling or use of chemical weapons, or the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Syria began developing chemical weapons in 1973, just before the Yom Kipper War. Global Security.org cites the country as having one of the most advanced chemical weapons programs in the Middle East.
Wild Thing's comment........
Man, I hate it when that happens. LOL “Ok, wait a minute. What’s this wire for?”
But um Syria and Iran are just innocent countries being wrongly harrassed by the US and Israel. NOT! I guess they were building it for peaceful civilian use. Ya think?
Global Security.org cites the country as having one of the most advanced chemical weapons programs in the Middle East.
They certainly don't seem very well advanced in how to use them without killing themselves.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (11)
U.S. Bans Travel of Officials Outside of Green Zone
U.S. Bans Travel of Officials Outside of Green Zone
Fox News ....for complete article
BAGHDAD
The United States on Tuesday suspended all land travel by U.S. diplomats and other civilian officials in Iraq outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, amid mounting public outrage over the alleged killing of civilians by the U.S. Embassy's security provider Blackwater USA.
The move came even as the Iraqi government appeared to back down from statements Monday that it had permanently revoked Blackwater's license and would order its 1,000 personnel to leave the country — depriving American diplomats of security protection essential to operating in Baghdad.
"We are not intending to stop them and revoke their license indefinitely but we do need them to respect the law and the regulation here in Iraq," government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told CNN.
The U.S. order confines most American officials to a 3.5-square-mile area in the center of the city, meaning they cannot visit U.S.-funded construction sites or Iraqi officials elsewhere in the country except by helicopter. The notice did not say when the suspension would expire.
The Iraqi Cabinet decided Tuesday to review the status of all foreign security companies. Still, it was unclear how the dispute would play out, given the government's need to appear resolute in defending national sovereignty while maintaining its relationship with Washington at a time when U.S. public support for the mission is faltering.
Wild Thing's comment........
Whenever I hear the term innocent Iraqi's involved, the first thing I think of is doubt. Doubt of not taking that at face value. Too many times we know in war the so called innocent are not that, but women and children with weapons seeking to kill our troops. Sorry but Islam teaches one to lie, it is in their Quran to do so.
Private security firms are the new Halliburton for the Left. They can do no good, only harm, and work only for greed, in their view. Realistically, they fulfill a critical function in operations that fills the gap between what the regular military can do and what must be done but cannot because of the PC limp-wrists who would rather have us put down our arms and try to coexist with those who have and are continuing to try to kill us.
My friend with Halliburton in Iraq, living in the Green Zone, wrote me that nothing can be said right now, but just wanted us to know that not everything in the media about all of this is true. I can only guess that Blackwater is being bashed by the leftie media and there are more facts to this then we know. Just a guess though as I will not put anything here without the person's permission.
I just hope and prayit all works out ok.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (3)
Cartridge vs Bullet ~ LOL
The video is an attempt to educate the media.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (9)
September 18, 2007
Park Police Say Vietnam Memorial Was Vandalized
Oily Substance on Wall Was Vandalism, Not Accident, Police Say
washington post
The unidentified substance that was found splashed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial earlier this month was the result of vandalism, the U.S. Park Police said today.
Sgt. Robert Lachance, a spokesman for the Park Police, said the investigation into the incident is continuing, but the detective on the case had ruled it an act of vandalism. Lachance said he could provide no more details because the probe is still underway.
The oily substance was first reported to police the evening of Sept. 7, National Park Service officials have said. Dark blotches were found along a stone curb at the base of the memorial for most of its length, and at least two of the wall's panels appeared to have had something splashed on them.
Park Service officials said they did not know what the substance was, and at first said it was unclear if it was the result of vandalism or some kind of accident.
Park Service spokesman Bill Line said today that maintenance and preservation crews were still working to remove the stains and marks, but were proceeding with caution to avoid further damage. He said the crews were trying to avoid pushing any residue into cracks or grout in the stone.
"We're purposefully going to take our time," he said.
Line said it could take another week or more to clean, but officials remain confident they can remove all the stains.
"It's deplorable that someone would vandalize what's really a national shrine," said Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Memorial Fund. "It's an outrage. It's sad."
He said the memorial is open 24 hours a day year-round and has been visited by an estimated 80 million people.
"No organized group would ever be a part of anything like this," he said. "But there are deranged individuals in our society, and I think one has visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial."
Wild Thing's comment........
Confirming the obvious!
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is continuing to monitor the situation and has offered its help to both NPS and the Park Police. It has contacted the stoneworkers who work on The Wall to get their expert advice.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (13)
Iraq Expels American Security Firm
Iraq Expels American Security Firm
Yahoo news
BAGHDAD
The Iraqi government announced Monday it was ordering Blackwater USA, the security firm that protects U.S. diplomats, to leave the country after what it said was the fatal shooting of eight Iraqi civilians following a car bomb attack against a State Department convoy.
The order by the Interior Ministry, if carried out, would deal a severe blow to U.S. government operations in Iraq by stripping diplomats, engineers, reconstruction officials and others of their security protection.
The presence of so many visible, aggressive Western security contractors has angered many Iraqis, who consider them a mercenary force that runs roughshod over people in their own country.
Sunday's shooting was the latest in a series of incidents in which Blackwater and other foreign contractors have been accused of shooting to death Iraqi citizens. None has faced charges or prosecution.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice telephoned Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki late Monday and the two agreed to conduct a "fair and transparent investigation" and hold any wrongdoers accountable, said Yassin Majid, an adviser to the prime minister. Rice was expected to visit the Mideast on Tuesday.
Deputy State Department spokesman Tom Casey said Rice "told the prime minister that we were investigating this incident and wanted to gain a full understanding of what happened."
"She reiterated that the United States does everything it can to avoid such loss of life, in contrast to the enemies of the Iraqi people who deliberately target civilians," Casey said.
Majid made no mention of the order to expel Blackwater, and it was unlikely the United States would agree to abandon a security company that plays such a critical role in American operations in Iraq.
The U.S. clearly hoped the Iraqis would be satisfied with an investigation, a finding of responsibility and compensation to the victims' families — and not insist on expelling a company that the Americans cannot operate here without.
Details of Sunday's incident were unclear.
Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul-Karim Khalaf said eight civilians were killed and 13 were wounded when contractors believed to be working for Blackwater USA opened fire on civilians in the predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Mansour in western Baghdad.
"We have canceled the license of Blackwater and prevented them from working all over Iraqi territory. We will also refer those involved to Iraqi judicial authorities," Khalaf said.
He said witness reports pointed to Blackwater involvement but added that the shooting was still under investigation. One witness, Hussein Abdul-Abbas, said the explosion was followed by about 20 minutes of heavy gunfire and "everybody in the street started to flee immediately."
U.S. officials said the motorcade was traveling through Nisoor Square on the way back to the Green Zone when the car bomb exploded, followed by volleys of small-arms fire that disabled one of the vehicles but caused no American casualties.
Blackwater said the company had not been formally notified of any expulsion.
"Blackwater's independent contractors acted lawfully and appropriately in response to a hostile attack in Baghdad on Sunday," spokeswoman Anne E. Tyrrell said in a statement late Monday.
"The `civilians' reportedly fired upon by Blackwater professionals were in fact armed enemies and Blackwater personnel returned defensive fire," she said. "Blackwater regrets any loss of life but this convoy was violently attacked by armed insurgents, not civilians, and our people did their job to defend human life."
American officials refused to explain the legal authority under which Blackwater operates in Iraq or say whether the company was complying with the order. It also was unclear whether the contractors involved in the shooting were still in Iraq.
The incident drew attention to one of the controversial American practices of the war — the use of heavily armed private security contractors who Iraqis complain operate beyond the control of U.S. military and Iraqi law.
The events in Mansour also illustrate the challenge of trying to protect U.S. officials in a city where car bombs can explode at any time, and where gunmen blend in with the civilian population.
"The Blackwater guys are not fools. If they were gunning down people, it was because they felt it was the beginning of an ambush," said Robert Young Pelton, an independent military analyst and author of the book "Licensed to Kill."
"They're famous for being very aggressive. They use their machine guns like car horns. But it's not the goal to kill people."
In one of the most horrific attacks of the war, four Blackwater employees were ambushed and killed in Fallujah in 2004 and their charred bodies hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River.
But Iraqis have long complained about high-profile, heavily armed security vehicles careering through the streets, with guards pointing weapons at civilians and sometimes firing warning shots at anyone deemed too close. And Iraqi officials were quick to condemn the foreign guards.
Al-Maliki late Sunday condemned the shooting by a "foreign security company" and called it a "crime."
Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani described the shooting as "a crime about which we cannot be silent."
"Everyone should understand that whoever wants good relations with Iraq should respect Iraqis," al-Bolani told Al-Arabiya television. "We are implementing the law and abide by laws, and others should respect these laws and respect the sovereignty and independence of Iraqis in their country."
Defense Minister Abdul-Qadir al-Obaidi told Iraqi television that "those criminals" responsible for deaths "should be punished" and that the government would demand compensation for the victims' families.
Despite threats of prosecution, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told Alhurra television that contractors cannot be prosecuted by Iraqi courts because "some of them have immunity."
In April, the Defense Department said about 129,000 contractors of many nationalities were operating in Iraq — nearly as many as the entire U.S. military force before this year's troop buildup.
About 4,600 contractors are in combat roles, such as protecting supply convoys along Iraq's dangerous, bomb-laden highways.
Blackwater, a secretive North Carolina-based company run by a former Navy SEAL, is among the biggest and best known security firms, with an estimated 1,000 employees in Iraq and at least $800 million in government contracts.
Regarding Blackwater, the wartime numbers of private guards are unprecedented _ as are their duties, many of which have traditionally been done by soldiers. They protect U.S. military operations and have guarded high-ranking officials including Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Baghdad.
Wild Thing's comment........
He said witness reports pointed to Blackwater involvement but added that the shooting was still under investigation. One witness, Hussein Abdul-Abbas, said the explosion was followed by about 20 minutes of heavy gunfire and "everybody in the street started to flee immediately."
U.S. officials said the motorcade was traveling through Nisoor Square on the way back to the Green Zone when the car bomb exploded, followed by volleys of small-arms fire that disabled one of the vehicles but caused no American casualties.
The Americans were attacked by a car bomb followed by small arms fire. They were ambushed by insurgent/terrorists who wanted to kill them all.
I would expect that, according to this account, a fire fight ensued, inside what appears to be a fairly heavily populated area and I expect there were deaths. My guess is the Blackwater people used extreme prejudice in defending themselves in that situation, and I cannot blaim them. If they had not, it is likely that they would be the ones dead.
If security for our diplomats and civilians in Iraq is pulled by this action of stopping Blackwater then we are in deep trouble. And besides that will show a weakness that will get more of our troops killed as well by showing we will back down so easily.
If I were President - I would inform the sonuvabitch - that HIS security is also going to get pulled and he can rely upon Iraqi security for the ENTIRE country.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (8)
Police Use Taser On UF Student During Kerry Speech
Police Use Taser On UF Student During Kerry Speech
Police used a Taser on and arrested a University of Florida student Monday when he attempted to speak at a forum with U.S. Sen. John Kerry during a question and answer session, university officials said.
Andrew Meyer, 21, asked Kerry why he did not contest the 2004 presidential election, which he lost to President Bush, and why there had been no moves to impeach Bush.
"He apparently asked several questions -- he went on for quite awhile -- then he was asked to stop," university spokesman Steve Orlando said. "He had used his allotted time. His microphone was cut off then he became upset."
While as many as four police officers tried to remove Meyer from the forum, he yelled for help and asked, "What did I do?" Minutes after Meyer started speaking, he was stunned.
Meyer was charged with resisting an officer and disturbing the peace, according to Alachua County jail records. No bond had been set. Meyer was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning, a jail official said.
Orlando said university police would conduct an internal investigation on the incident.
"The police department does have a standard procedure for when they use force, including when they use a Taser," Orlando said. "That is what the internal investigation would address -- whether the proper procedures were followed, whether the officers acted appropriately."
The event was sponsored by the UF student government speaker's bureau, according to a news release. A telephone message left at the speaker's bureau office was not immediately returned Monday evening.
Part ONE
Part TWO
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (12)
September 17, 2007
Alan Keyes Wants Another Try To Be President
Keyes looks to rescue GOP, announces run for president
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
After two previous runs for U.S. president, former Reagan diplomat Alan Keyes has announced he's again seeking the White House in the 2008 election, and he'll take part in Monday night's Republican presidential debate here.
Keyes told syndicated radio host Janet Parshall he's "unmoved" by the lack of moral courage shown by the other candidates, among whom he sees no standout who articulates the "key kernel of truth that must, with courage, be presented to our people."
He added, "The one thing I've always been called to do is to raise the standard ... of our allegiance to God and His authority that has been the foundation stone of our nation's life" – and he decried the lack of "forthright, clear, and clarion declaration" from the current crop of presidential contenders.
As a result, Keyes said, "We're putting together an effort that's not going to be like anything before, because it's going to be entirely based on citizen action. We're going to be challenging people to take a pledge for America's revival," and elevate them from spectators in the political arena to participants.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., is the scene of the Values Voter Presidential Debate Monday night.
Monday's night's Values Voter Debate in Florida wil be held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
In addition to Keyes, Republicans participating include Sam Brownback, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul, Tom Tancredo and John Cox. Candidates who declined are Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson.
The three-hour event begins at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, and will be broadcast live on Sky Angel and Dish Network channel 262, and will also be streamed live on websites including ValuesVoterDebate.com and the American Family Association.
Wild Thing's comment.........
What I can I say LOL, I am sorry but really this is so silly. I am all for anyone running at least for a first time. But my gosh does it never end with Keyes?
Posted by Wild Thing at 02:55 AM | Comments (18)
The Dream Act Is No Dream It's A Nightmare
A Sleeper Amnesty: Time to Wake Up from the DREAM Act
Just three months after the Senate immigration bill met its well-deserved end, amnesty advocates in the U.S. Congress resumed their efforts. Recently, Senator Richard Durbin (D–IL) announced on the Senate floor his intention to offer the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act as an amendment to the defense authorization bill.
Just three months after the Senate immigration bill met its well-deserved end, amnesty advocates in the U.S. Congress resumed their efforts. Recently, Senator Richard Durbin (D–IL) announced on the Senate floor his intention to offer the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act as an amendment to the defense authorization bill.The DREAM Act (S. 774) is a nightmare. It is a massive amnesty that extends to the millions of illegal aliens who entered the United States before the age of 16. The illegal alien who applies for this amnesty is immediately rewarded with "conditional" lawful permanent resident (green card) status, which can be converted to a non-conditional green card in short order. The alien can then use his newly acquired status to seek green cards for the parents who brought him in illegally in the first place. In this way, it is also a backdoor amnesty for the millions of illegal aliens who brought their children with them to the United States.
What is less well known about the DREAM Act is that it also allows illegal aliens to receive in-state tuition rates at public universities, discriminating against U.S. citizens from out of state and law-abiding foreign students. It repeals a 1996 federal law that prohibits any state from offering in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens unless the state also offers in-state tuition rates to all U.S. citizens.
On its own, the DREAM Act never stood a chance of passing. Every scientific opinion poll on the subject has shown over 70 percent opposition to giving in-state tuition benefits to illegal aliens.
Not surprisingly, the DREAM Act languished in committee for five years after it was first introduced in 2001—until the opportunity arose to hitch it to the Senate's "comprehensive" immigration bills of 2006 and 2007.
For detailed article...............you can CLICK HERE at The Heritage Foundation to read the rest of the article.
Many of the Senators who helped us kill the Comprehensive Amnesty in June are indicating they are in favor of these preferences for illegal foreign workers and new foreign workers over American workers.
And there is THIS................
Immigration Again
National Review
Senate Democrats plan to use the defense authorization bill next week to revive a provision from the failed immigration overhaul that would put some children of illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship.
Meanwhile, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., is working to bring to the floor another provision from the immigration bill (S 1639) that would create a guest worker program for up to 1.5 million agricultural workers (S 340).
Both efforts are likely to rekindle the kind of heated debate that engulfed the Senate when the immigration overhaul measure was being considered in June.
Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., is expected to offer an amendment to the defense bill (HR 1585) that would attach legislation (S 774) to allow children of illegal immigrants who entered the United States before age 16 and lived here at least five years to gain conditional legal status and eventual citizenship if they attend college or join the military for at least two years.
Durbin said Wednesday he is working on the amendment and contacting colleagues to gauge support.
“The Department of Defense has endorsed this, and I think it would be of value,” he said in an interview.
Durbin said Feinstein is searching for the right vehicle. One possibility could be the upcoming five-year farm bill, which is expected to reach the Senate floor next month.
Injecting immigration into the defense debate could be a risky move, with Republicans likely to accuse Democrats of tying up legislation needed to help U.S. troops.
Moreover, even supporters of more lenient treatment of illegal immigrants have expressed doubts that any such measure could pass after the crushing blow it suffered June 28, when proponents failed to get even a majority of votes to end debate on the comprehensive bill.
Durbin said he’s aware of such reservations, but he suggested that waiting until next year, when election-year politics will be in full bloom, would make it even more difficult to act.
He noted that senators from both parties had approached him immediately after the broader bill fell and encouraged him to move forward with the education legislation, known as the DREAM Act.
“I think there is room here for senators who opposed the comprehensive bill to still support the DREAM Act,” Durbin said.
Among those working with him to advance the measure will be Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., sponsor of the broader immigration bill. An aide to Kennedy said Durbin’s amendment is relevant to the defense bill because it would offer an incentive for children seeking legal status to join the military.
“There will be a strong effort to get this done this year,” the aide said.
Wild Thing's comment...........
I am sick and tired of this crap. This means more phone calls and Fax's again to these jerks that will NOT see laws for immigration are meant to mean something.
So I am going to be back once again telling them anyone who votes for it is a traitor.
This one is even worse since they are trying to attach it to a defense spending bill. They have to know that we are watching. And that any immigration bill should not be slipped thru tied to any other bill. If they are sooooo proud of it let stand on its own. In front of God and everyone. Either way they will see the outrage it will get, but at least show us a tiny bit of respect and do it out in the open for pete's sake.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (16)
Bush Picks Mukasey As Attorney General
Bush picks Mukasey as attorney general
President Bush has settled on Michael B. Mukasey, a retired federal judge from New York, to replace Alberto Gonzales as attorney general and will announce his selection Monday, a person familiar with the president's decision said Sunday evening.
Mukasey, who has handled terrorist cases in the U.S. legal system for more than a decade, would become the nation's top law enforcement officer if confirmed by the Senate. Mukasey has the support of some key Democrats, and it appeared Bush was trying to avoid a bruising confirmation battle.
The 66-year-old New York native, who is a judicial adviser to GOP presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani, would take charge of a Justice Department where morale is low following months of investigations into the firings of nine U.S. attorneys and Gonzales' sworn testimony on the Bush administration's terrorist surveillance program.
Key lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans alike, had questioned Gonzales' credibility and competency after he repeatedly testified that he could not recall key events.
The White House refused to comment Sunday. The person familiar with Bush's decision refused to be identified by name because the nomination had not been officially announced.
Bush supporters say Mukasey, who was chief judge of the high-profile courthouse in Manhattan for six years, has impeccable credentials, is a strong, law-and-order jurist, especially on national security issues, and will restore confidence in the Justice Department.
Bush critics see the Mukasey nomination as evidence of Bush's weakened political clout as he heads into the final 15 months of his presidency. It's unclear how Senate Democrats will view Mukasey's credentials, but early indications are that he will face less opposition than a more hardline, partisan candidate like Ted Olson, who was believed to have been a finalist.
Mukasey has received past endorsements from Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, who is from Mukasey's home state. And in 2005, the liberal Alliance for Justice put Mukasey on a list of four judges who, if chosen for the Supreme Court, would show the president's commitment to nominating people who could be supported by both Democrats and Republicans.
"While he is certainly conservative, Judge Mukasey seems to be the kind of nominee who would put rule of law first and show independence from the White House, our most important criteria," Schumer said Sunday. "He's a lot better than some of the other names mentioned and he has the potential to become a consensus nominee."
Last week, some Senate Democrats threatened to block the confirmation of Olson, who represented Bush before the Supreme Court in the contested 2000 election. Democratic senators have theorized that Bush might nominate Mukasey, in part, because he wanted to avoid a bruising confirmation battle.
The possibility that Bush would pick Mukasey, however, angered some supporters on the GOP's right flank, who have given Mukasey less-than-enthusiastic reviews. Some legal conservatives and Republican activists have expressed reservations about Mukasey's legal record and past endorsements from liberals, and were drafting a strategy to oppose his confirmation even before it became known that Bush had chosen him.
Wild Thing's comment........
Why turn this into a rocket science project? I still think that John Bolton would do a good job in that position. Put in as AG on a recess appointment, the Donks would go ballistic.
Gonzales was a pro-illegal alien advocate. I wonder where this guy stands on the Illegal issue? Anybody know?
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (14)
September 16, 2007
Support Our Troops Gathering of Eagles
Duncan Hunter was there
The LEFT had been organized by the ANSWER Coalition, which stands for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism. It formally began at noon at Lafayette Park, on the north side of the White House, with speeches from at least two dozen speakers ranging from former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and Ralph Nader to Washington Wizards player Etan Thomas and Michael Berg, whose son Nicolas was a contractor killed in Iraq.
A costumed protester stands on the steps of the Cannon House office building
At the U.S. Navy Memorial, members of the Gathering of Eagles set up a command post in anticipation of counter protesters who planned to line Pennsylvania Avenue near 7th St. NW.
1,000 counter-protesters gathered near the Washington Monument, frequently erupting in chants of “U-S-A” and waving American flags.
They planned to line both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue to confront anti-war protesters as they marched by and follow them to the Capitol.
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert “Buzz” Patterson, speaking from a stage to crowds clad in camouflage, American flag bandanas and Harley Davidson jackets, said he wanted to send three messages.
“Congress, quit playing games with our troops. Terrorists, we will find you and kill you,” he said. “And to our troops, we’re here for you, and we support you.”
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., made a surprise visit to the counter-protest, which was organized by the group Gathering of Eagles. The group was created this year by veterans who wanted to challenge war protesters.
“We’re a people of faith, courage and fidelity,” said Hunter, a 2008 presidential candidate. “It’s for this generation that we will win this war on terror.”
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (18)
Football Second Week
Here are the matchups for today Sunday 9/16/07
BUF @ PIT 1:00 ET
HOU @ CAR 1:00 ET
NO @ TB 1:00 ET
ATL @ JAC 1:00 ET
CIN @ CLE 1:00 ET
SF @ STL 1:00 ET
GB @ NYG 1:00 ET
IND @ TEN 1:00 ET
DAL @ MIA 4:05 ET
MIN @ DET 4:05 ET
SEA @ ARI 4:05 ET
KC @ CHI 4:15 ET
NYJ @ BAL 4:15 ET
OAK @ DEN 4:15 ET
SD @ NE 8:15 ET
Monday night game
WAS @ PHI 8:30 ET
These are the teams I think everyone is for. I will add to this as you tell me your favorite teams.
(Some names are those deployed in Iraq)
Lynn - Broncos, Bears, Browns
Tom - Cowboys
Darth - New York Giants, Tampa Bay Bucs, (ABP - 'anybody' but Philly )
Mark - Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Bears
Bob - Buffalo Bills
Billy - Jets, NY Giants, Bears
Nick - Cowboys, Rams and Raiders
Karsten - Tampa Bay Bucs, NY Giants
navycopjoe - Chicago Bears
Chrissie - Bears, Broncos and Cowboys
Deployed:
Andy ( USMC) - Colts
Mike ( USARMY) - Seattle Seahawks
Sand Man ( (USMC) - Bronco's
Dawn (USARMY) - ( Bronco's)
Finale Scores
HOU 34 AT CAR 21
CIN 45 AT CLE 51
IND 22 at TEN 20
NO 14 at TB 31
SF 17 at STL 16
BUF 3 at PIT 26
GB 35 at NYG 13
ATL 7 at JAC 13
SEA 20 at ARI 23
DAL 37 at MIA 20
MIN 17 at DET 20
OAK 20 at DEN 23
KC 10 at CHI 20
NYJ 13 at BAL 20
SD 14 at NE 38
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (13)
60th Anniversary Celebration Of Air Force
CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- Coalition servicemembers and Airmen assigned to the Combine Security Transition Command-Afghanistan gathered to pay tribute to six decades of air and space power by celebrating the Air Force's 60th anniversary Sept. 14 here.
The celebration, titled "Heritage to Horizons: Commemorating 60 years of Global and Space Power," began with the raising of the Air Force flag. The event included a moment of silence in observance of POW/MIA Day, a cake-cutting ceremony and a video presentation highlighting the service's history, contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Air Force, past and present.
Army Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone, CSTC-A commanding general, who served as guest speaker for opening ceremonies of the celebration, said the Air Force's commitment to core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do -- "is inspiring."
"Together with the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard forces, the United States Air Force is the best in the world," General Cone said. "Although the Air Force is the youngest of the four services, it's achieved so much in such a short time due to its ability to travel and cross boundaries at the speed of sound and, in my opinion, was naturally postured to captured the new technologies of the 'new age' which increased its lethality, capabilities and relevancy."
"Thank you for your service to the armed forces of the United States, your service to Operation Enduring Freedom, and your commitment to carry your full share of responsibility for the United States."
Wild Thing's comment........
God bless our US Air Force and a big thank you to everyone of you for all you do.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (9)
Chief Machinist’s Mate Ervin Mateer, 85, Retires
070908-N-8148P-385 SAN DIEGO (Sept. 8, 2007) - Chief Machinist’s Mate Ervin Mateer, 85, of Riverside, Calif., passes through the sideboys during his retirement ceremony on board Navy Operational Support Center San Diego. Mateer entered the Navy on April 17, 1942, in Los Angeles and served his country for 65 years. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Margaret A. Peng (RELEASED)
Chief Machinist’s Mate Ervin Mateer, 85, of Riverside, Calif., escorts his twin brother through the sideboys during his retirement ceremony on board Navy Operational Support Center San Diego. Mateer entered the Navy on April 17, 1942, in Los Angeles and served his country for 65 years. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Margaret A. Peng (RELEASED)
Wild Thing's comment........
Way to go CMM Ervin Mateer! Woo Hoo! I would love to know more of his story, but this is all I could find.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (6)
KC Chiefs Cheerleaders Visit
Ashley, Katie, and Kristin, cheerleaders with the Kansas City Chiefs, listen as Sgt. Supriya Vidic, of the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, briefs them on the Joint Network Node and its capabilities. (Photo by Spc. Anthony Blagg)
Football team’s cheerleaders visit with soldiers on the fort
FORT HUACHUCA
The 11th Signal Brigade got a taste of football fever last Friday when four of the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders visited them.
Prior to coming to the brigade area, the cheerleaders went out to the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion field exercise-training site.
While out there, the unit showed the cheerleaders their signal capabilities and what soldiers do on a daily basis. The cheerleaders also had the opportunity to try on some of the soldiers tactical gear.
“I could not believe how heavy the gear is!” said Ashley, who is in her second year with the Kansas City squad. “I feel I am in really good shape, but don’t think I could wear that around all the time.”
Soldiers were able to have their pictures taken with the cheerleaders and receive autographed pictures.
After they were finished in the field, the cheerleaders went to brigade area of operations, and more than 20 soldiers greeted them.
Soldiers filed in the Cpl. Victor Langarica Conference Room so they could have a chance to have their pictures taken with the women and receive an autographed picture.
The cheerleaders expressed their gratitude for the soldiers.
“We want you to know how proud of you we are,” said Katie, who is currently in her first year with the Chiefs.
Wild Thing's comment.......
I love to see people going to see our troops, and thanking them. It can never happen enough and it should happen more often.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (10)
September 15, 2007
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
Sometime during the evening hours of September 8th, 2007, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. was defaced with a petroleum based acid liquid. There needs to be better security for the memory of these 58,249 killed during the Democrat war in Vietnam.
Washing this off with a pressure washer is a futile task. Oil seeps into tiny pores and crevasses in the stone and even though it appears clean after pressure washing the oil in these pores will in time wick back up to the surface and it will look the same as before.
Lisa Gough, Director of Communications for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, who stated in her press release of Sept. 11, 2007: “The United States Park Police has begun an investigation into the matter, and that investigation is ongoing. Until this investigation is completed, it is premature to speculate whether any intentional act was committed.”
NPS put out a statement also yesterday:
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070911/METRO/109110043/1004
....claiming they still didn’t know and were still investigating.
Also, NPS is misrepresenting the amount of damage. From that link, they state, “50 to 60 feet mostly on the paving stones”.
Also this......along the East Wall Panel 15E that it had multiple deep, long, vertical scratches/gouges.
Then there is this one in Andover.....................
Vietnam Veterans Memorial defaced
Many veterans in town were disappointed to learn last week that someone had vandalized the town's Vietnam Veterans Memorial, requiring the 15-month-old memorial to be sandblasted Wednesday.
"We know that in no way does this reflect how the community feels about our veterans," said Michael Burke, director of veteran services.
The lyrics of a 1970s protest song and a reference to Iraq were scrawled on the monument in the Park. "War, what is it good for, absolutely nothin'," was written in red marker along with a peace sign.
The lyrics are from "War," a song that Motown soul singer Edwin Starr popularized in 1970.
Near the base of the memorial where the phrase "our cause is just" is etched, a vandal wrote "just like in Iraq."
The markings were made with some kind of felt marker, which soaked into the stone, Burke said yesterday. Methuen Monument is helping the town repair the memorial, which was dedicated May 29, 2006.
While there was no structural damage, "the stone does need to be sandblasted," Burke said. He was not sure how much the work would cost, if anything, but said the town was grateful to the Methuen business for stepping in to help.
Police Lt. Harry Collins said the vandalism was under investigation.
Burke said this week he has talked to several veterans and longtime residents, and that no one could remember something like this happening in Andover.
"This is a disappointing event," he said. "This is an anomaly. If someone does have opposition, there are other ways to vocalize that."
In Haverhill earlier this summer, vandals ruined parts of a Korean War Memorial and spray-painted a World War II monument.
Wild Thing's comment........
All of this is very upsetting, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall needs to be protected much better then it is. Times have changed and no longer are Memorials of any kind safe. There should be more camera's and better lighting at night. This is just horrible what people are capable of doing to the Vietnam Memorials. I can't even write this without crying just from the anger I feel.
....Thank you Tom for the link to information about this.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (27)
To Democrats - STOP Playing Politics With Our Troops!
09/10/2007 - Strong Man - Sgt. Lester Peterson with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, Task Force Military Police, reaches deep down inside for everything he has to hold two ATVs during the Hercules Hold event of the Al Asad (Iraq) Strongman Competition, Aug. 12, 2007. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony Guas
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (8)
Travel Agents To Allah
This is very well done, awesome photos and great music too.
Freedom is not Free video. Just CLICK HERE to watch video.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (10)
September 14, 2007
People Crossing Border From Terrorism-Related Countries
Terrorists have been arrested on the border, security chief says The Monitor
DALLAS
Texas' top homeland security official said Wednesday that terrorists with ties to Hezbollah, Hamas and al-Qaida have been arrested crossing the Texas border with Mexico in recent years.
"Has there ever been anyone linked to terrorism arrested?" Texas Homeland Security Director Steve McCraw said in a speech to the North Texas Crime Commission. "Yes, there was."
His remarks appear to be among the most specific on the topic of terrorism arrests along the Texas-Mexico border. Local and elected officials have alluded to this happening but have been short on details.
Leticia Zamarripa, a spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement in El Paso, said Wednesday she was unaware of any border arrests of people with terrorist ties. An ICE spokeswoman in San Antonio did not return phone messages left by The Associated Press. U.S. Border Patrol spokesman Lloyd M. Easterling was unable to comment.
However, McCraw's remarks are similar to those made recently by National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell, who last month told the El Paso Times that a small number of people with known links to terrorist organizations have been caught crossing the border.
McCraw identified the most notable figure captured as Farida Goolam Mahomed Ahmed, who was arrested in July 2004 at the McAllen airport. She carried $7,300 in various currencies and a South African passport with pages missing. Federal officials later learned she waded across the Rio Grande.
After her arrest, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a release saying she was wanted for questioning about the bombing of a U.S. Consulate office, jibing with similar statements from a U.S. congressman.
But the department quickly retracted the terrorism connection, calling it "inaccurate on several levels." Michael Shelby, then the U.S. attorney in Houston, said in January 2005 that any suggestion Ahmed was involved in terrorism "is in error."
According to federal court records, Ahmed pleaded guilty to improper entry by an alien, making a false statement and false use of a passport. She was sentenced to time served and deported to South Africa. Other details of the case were sealed.
But on Wednesday, McCraw described Ahmed as having ties to an insurgent group in Pakistan and whose specialty was smuggling Afghanis and other foreign nationals across the border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Michael Friel could not confirm details about Ahmed on Wednesday.
McCraw also said that since March 2006, 347 people from what he called "terrorism-related countries" have been arrested crossing the border in Texas. The number of Iraqis captured at the border has tripled since last year, he said.
"A porous border without question is a national security threat," he said.
"Terrorism isn't the only concern for homeland security officials in Texas, McCraw said. The state's size, population and geography make it susceptible to all sorts of disasters, both natural and man-made. Emergency responders must also be prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires," he said.
The state has made significant strides in emergency planning since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Rita, McCraw said. Plans include cooperating with large private companies, including grocery stores, Wal-Mart and the oil industry, to help the state respond during disasters.
"This is not a shot at FEMA, but we can't depend on FEMA to protect Texas," McCraw said. "The governor's mandate has made it clear: If those buses don't come, we better have our own buses. If that food doesn't come,we better have our own food. If that water doesn't come, we better have our own water to take care of Texas."
Good grief.............
FBI's Mueller: Hezbollah Busted in Mexican Smuggling Operation
newsmax
FBI Director Robert Mueller said this week that his agency busted a smuggling ring organized by the terrorist group Hezbollah that had operatives cross the Mexican border to carry out possible terrorist attacks inside the U.S. "This was an occasion in which Hezbollah operatives were assisting others with some association with Hezbollah in coming to the United States,” Mueller told a House Appropriations subcommittee during a Tuesday hearing on the FBI's budget.In a stunning revelation, Mueller admitted that Hezbollah had succeeded in smuggling some of its operatives across the border, telling the House committee: "That was an organization that we dismantled and identified those persons who had been smuggled in. And they have been addressed as well.”
Hezbollah was responsible for the single most deadly terrorist attack against the U.S. before 9/11 - the Oct. 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, which killed 243 U.S. troops.
In November, an al-Qaida operative who was on the FBI's terrorist watch list was captured near the Mexican border, housed in a Texas jail and turned over to federal agents, according to Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas.
"A confirmed al-Qaida terrorist, an Iraqi national, was held in the Brewster County jail," Rep. Culberson told ABC Radio host Sean Hannity. "He was captured in Mexico. This was within the last six weeks. He was turned over to the FBI."
Wild Thing's comment........
What do they expect? Why should terrorists try to come in legally when they can just walk across the border and no one’s the wiser?
This is what we’ve been saying all along but would they believe those of us who live on the border? Nooooooooooooo!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (17)
Democrats They Speak For Their Terrorists Friends
These comments were made before Gen. Petraeus testified, as required by Congress:
“We cannot take any of this administration’s assertions about Iraq at face value anymore. The fact remains, gentlemen, that the administration has sent you here today to convince the members of these two committees and the Congress that victory is at hand. With all due respect to you, I must say: I don’t buy it.” —Rep. Tom Lantos
“Gen. Petraeus has made a number of statements over the years that have not proved to be factual.” —Harry Reid
“The stay-the-course strategy by General Petraeus and the president to leave all troops in Iraq has been rejected by the American people..[who are tired of this kick-the-can approach and are demanding a new direction in Iraq.” —Nancy Pelosi
“If in fact the circumstances on the ground are exactly what they are today in March of next year, will you recommend the continuation of somewhere between 130 to 160-thousand troops being shot at, killed and maimed everyday?” —Hillary Clinton
“I was against the war, I continue to be against the war, and I’m going to do everything I possibly can to bring American troops home at the earliest possible time.” —Ted Kennedy
“None of us should be fooled—not the American people, not you in the media, not us in Congress. We should not be fooled into this tactical success debate... There is no military solution.” —John Kerry
“I think the American military certainly made a difference there, but they were working in conjunction with the Sunni tribal leadership who made a determination that they needed to do something to stop al-Qa’ida, that al-Qa’ida was a bigger threat than the American presence, and so they began to cooperate with us.” —John Edwards
“The fact of the matter is that American lives remain in jeopardy and... if every single jihadi in the world was killed tomorrow, we’d still have a major, major war on our hands.” —Joe Biden
"If every jihadi were dead, who would we be fighting? “I feel the United States is engaging in an illegal occupation of Iraq.” —Dennis al-Kucinich on Syrian TV
And this during the questioning of Petraeus and Crocker:
Hillary opened her questioning of Petraeus and Crocker with the standard "I honor you for your service." And then she let the two of them have it."You have been made the de facto spokesmen for what many of us believe to be a failed policy" in Iraq, Clinton said. "Despite what I view is your rather extraordinary efforts in your testimony both yesterday and today, I think that the reports that you provide to us really require a willing suspension of disbelief."
Clinton added that "any fair reading of the advantages and disadvantages accruing post-surge, in my view, end up on the downside."
Wild Thing's comment........
I love what Rush said:
“It’s getting close to the point where Osama bin Laden could deliver the keynote speech at the Democrat National Convention.” —Rush Limbaugh
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (10)
Awesome Video About Islam
Please CLICK HERE to see this awesome video about Islam.
Thank you so much it is well worth it.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (8)
Democrats On The Prowl
These are some of the photos taken at the "U.S. Out of Iraq Now" anti-war rally sponsored by ANSWER.
Wild Thing's comment........
Just some things I am noticing from these moron's. And why aren't they arrested. Oh wait it's in San Francisco maybe that is why.
What is the YAH on the bottom of each poster? Maybe it is his initials and stands for
You A**Hole.
Doesn’t he mean “their” house, not “there” house? These peacecreeps don’t even know simple grammar and English. No wonder they live in Mom’s basement and/or Section 8 housing!
Conservatives usually don’t have time to demonstrate because we have these things called “jobs” or businesses to run.
Also note that the moron’s shirt identifies him correctly: “Stupid”.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (6)
September 13, 2007
A Vote For Clinton's Is A Vote For More 'GATES'
Report: $40 Million Borrowed by Dirty Democratic Fundraiser Norman Hsu is MissingFox News
NEW YORK
The mystery of where a dirty Democratic fundraiser got the money to lead a lavish lifestyle, fund political campaigns and post a $2 million bond to get out of jail appears to have a Woodstock connection, according to a report published in Wednesday's Wall Street Journal.The newspaper reports that a company run by Norman Hsu, who donated nearly $2 million to Democratic candidates since 2004 — including presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton — recently received $40 million from a Madison Avenue investment fund run by Joel Rosenman, one of the creators of the fabled Woodstock rock festival in 1969.
Now, that $40 million is missing, Rosenman reportedly told investors this week.
Hsu reportedly told Rosenman the funds provided by Source Financing Investors would be used to manufacture apparel in China for top designers such as Gucci and Prada, and would yield a 40 percent profit, according to documents examined by the newspaper.
Rosenman now says that when Source Financing tried to cash checks from Hsu's company, Components Ltd., the checks bounced.
Rosenman reportedly now wants Hsu to repay the entire $40 million.
Source Financing's dealings with Hsu appear similar to the 1991 fraud case in which Hsu was convicted of grand theft for failing to repay investors in a Chinese latex gloves deal.
He was scheduled to be sentenced in 1992, but fled before the hearing. He turned himself in Aug. 31 after 15 years on the run, only to become a fugitive once again last week when he failed to appear for a bail reduction hearing.
He was arrested last Thursday in Colorado.Rosenman told his investors that the Manhattan District Attorney's office is looking into the case. The Wall Street Journal, however, reported that a spokesman for the district attorney did not respond for comment.
The newspaper reported that its analysis of Hsu's campaign finance reform records shows he has links to more than $1.8 million in donations to Democrats since 2004.
He also is credited with raising $850,000 for Clinton's presidential campaign, which announced Monday that it would return all donations linked to Hsu.
.
Wild Thing's comment........
Again it all goes back to mainland China somehow. What a bunch of clowns! Let’s hope that the witch is really going to melt this time! IMO ........that cool 40mil is first and foremost ChiCom money sent to the USA, to be laundered thru Wall Street into the Clinton’s pockets.
So, connecting the dots. Hsu borrows 40 million, and donates it to demcorats over the years in the names of people that have no money.
Now, Hillary thinks she will give almost a million of it back. But not to Hsu (or more rationally, Hsu’s creditors), but instead to the people Hsu listed as the donors.
Then these people, having received free money, will be asked by Clinton if they want to donate it back to her.
And we are supposed to believe that these people, who illegally lent their names to Hsu to use in this scheme, will not just give the money back? Or at least part of it, while keeping the rest as a “payment” for their services?
So now we go from $23,000 from Hsu, to $850,000 being returned by Hillary, to $40 MILLION possibly being laundered into Hillary's campaign!!! My God. I didn't think even Terry McAuliffe was capable of that!!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (17)
Democrats Saying No To Iraq Plan
Democrat Reid: Iraq plan unacceptable
yahoo news
WASHINGTON
Senate Democratic leaders on Wednesday rejected the call by the top U.S. general in Iraq for a reduction of up to 30,000 U.S. troops in Iraq by next summer, saying it does not go far enough.
"This is unacceptable to me, it's unacceptable to the American people," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Reid said the recommendation by Gen. David Petraeus, expected to be embraced on Thursday by President Bush in a speech to the nation, "is neither a drawdown or a change in mission that we need. His plan is just more of the same."
"I call on the Senate Republicans to not walk lockstep as they have with the president for years in this war. It's time to change. It's the president's war. At this point it also appears clear it's also the Senate Republicans' war," Reid told a Capitol Hill news conference.
Democrats have rallied against the plan.
"We will continue the fight," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday. "I always try to find common ground with the president. ... I am asking him to give an explanation to the American people as to why our country should be engaged in a war without end without end, at least a 10 year commitment to the war in Iraq."
Wild Thing's comment.........
Harry Reid, I know the American people and you do not represent the American people. Harry Reid and most of the democrats realize that they have painted themselves - and the democrat party - into a corner with the bet on defeat. They will stop at nothing to pull a defeat from the jaws of victory. Despicable, and playing with us and our families security for the sake of votes.
"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday. "I always try to find common ground with the president"
LOL hat a LIE!
Yo Harry, you miserable corrupt son of a misbegotten tator tot, you don’t speak for me. I trust Petraeus. I don’t trust you. And I assure you that I’m part of the “American people.”
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (4)
Reid Vows To Block Possible Bush Nominee
Top Democrat vows to block possible Bush nominee
Yahoo news
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid vowed on Wednesday to block former Solicitor General Theodore Olson from becoming attorney general if President George W. Bush nominates him to replace Alberto Gonzales.
Congressional and administration officials have described Olson as a leading contender for the job as the nation's chief U.S. law enforcement officer, but Reid declared: "Ted Olson will not be confirmed" by the Senate.
"He's a partisan, and the last thing we need as an attorney general is a partisan," Reid told Reuters in a brief hallway interview on Capitol Hill.
"I will do everything within my power as majority leader to stop Ted Olson from being confirmed," Reid told Reuters.
Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Tony Snow, amid word that Bush was nearly ready to pick a new attorney general, told reporters, "We don't have a decision yet."
Olson was confirmed by the Senate in 2001 as solicitor general on a largely party-line vote of 51-47. Democrats had accused him of underplaying his role in a multimillion-dollar conservative effort to dig up scandals to undermine Democrat Bill Clinton when he was president.
Olson played a key role in defending the administration's controversial legal strategy in the war on terrorism as solicitor general from 2001 to 2004.
His then-wife, Barbara Olson, a conservative television commentator and author, died in the September 11 attacks when the hijacked plane she was on crashed into the Pentagon. Olson has since remarried.
Wild Thing's comment........
It’s time the GOP stop playing nice with Dirty Harry and just hammer this little scumbag. Obstructionist traitors, all of them.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (14)
L'Shana Tovah! To All Our Jewish Troops, IDF and Friends
Rosh Hashanah Day My very best wishes for the coming year.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM
NAFTA Superhighway Plans Advance South
NAFTA Superhighway plans advance south
Texas governor, Mexico agree to extend Trans-Texas Corridor
September 10, 2007
wnd ....for complete article
Official Mexican government reports reveal Mexico has entered discussions with the state of Texas and top officials in the Bush administration to extend the Trans-Texas Corridor into Mexico, with a plan to connect through Monterrey to the deep-water Mexican ports on the Pacific, including Manzanillo and Lazaro Cardenas.
The official website of the Mexican northeastern state of Nuevo León contain multiple reports that José Natividad Gonzáles Parás, governor of the Mexican state of Nuevo León, has actively discussed with numerous U.S. government officials, including Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the extension of the Trans-Texas Corridor into Mexico to create what's called a "Trans North America Corridor."
In an August trip to Mexico, Perry made news in U.S. media by calling the idea of building a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border "idiocy."
Largely unreported in the American press were meetings Perry held in Mexico with Gonzáles Parás in which the two discussed extending the corridor into Mexico.
We have had interaction with the governor of Texas," Gonzáles Parás said. "We have had a very productive relationship with Rick Perry, who is also interested in what we can do to continue that which is known as the Trans-Texas Corridor, that in reality is the corridor of North America, the Trans North America Corridor, that includes railroads, bridges, passenger automobile highways, and truck highway lanes."
Gonzáles Parás further explained the extension of TTC-35 into Mexico would connect through Monterrey, a city which he suggested would function as a hub for truck-freight traffic. Monterrey is the capital of Nuevo León.
Gonzáles Parás is reportedly pursuing plans to establish Monterrey as an "inland port" where international container freight cargo, largely delivered into Mexico via the Mexican ports on the Pacific, could be transported via a Trans North America Corridor into the United States via Laredo, Texas.
Once on I-35, the Mexican trucks transporting the Chinese containers could travel north, heading toward U.S. inland ports.
At the recent Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) third summit held in Montebello, Quebec, President Bush and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper ridiculed the idea that SPP might result in the creation of a North American Union or NAFTA Superhighways.
These reports in Spanish published on the Nuevo León government website suggest that discussions about extending TTC-35 into Mexico are much further advanced that have been admitted by the Bush administration or reported upon in the U.S. mainstream media.
North American Union by 2010...this video report is dated June 21, 2007
Wild Thing's comment........
Well, "super highway" or call it "super corridor" either way it spells a completely different America and not for the better.
Link to maps of The North Americain Trade corridors:
This has images of the various maps apparently being planned for the future of different super highways.
Just CLICK HERE
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (10)
September 12, 2007
Bill Clinton's Wife Ms. “I loath the military” Spars With General on Credibility
It's Clinton Versus Petraeus
The New York Sun ....article is 3 pages, to read complete article just click on the link. Thank you.
WASHINGTON
Senator Clinton.........came closer than any of her colleagues to calling the commander of the multinational forces in Iraq a liar.
Using blunter language than any other Democrat in the last two days, Mrs. Clinton told General Petraeus that his progress report on Iraq required "a willing suspension of disbelief."
Referring to the charts General Petraeus brought to the House and Senate this week, Mrs. Clinton said:
"Although the charts tell part of the story, I don't think they tell the whole story." She said the "bottom-up" political reconciliation was "anecdotal" and that the success in Anbar province, where sheiks turned on Al Qaeda, started before the surge.
At the end of her speech, Mrs. Clinton pointed to what she saw as a discrepancy in the general's responses to questions from other senators about whether he would recommend that America keep 130,000 troops in Iraq a year from now if no progress was made toward national reconciliation.
"Don't you think the American people deserve a very specific answer about what is expected from our country in the face of the failure of the Iraqi government and its failure to achieve its political agenda?" she asked.
General Petraeus responded calmly. "I don't see quite as big a difference as you do," he said. "I would be very hard pressed at that time to recommend a continuation of our current troop levels" if conditions on the ground were the same in a year as they are now. He added that Mrs. Clinton's question was "quite a bit hypothetical."
Wild Thing's comment........
In a perfect world this Hitlery scum would not be allowed to be in the same room with a member of our awesome military. At least in my world if things could be how I would want them.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (23)
Senate Votes to Kill Mexican Truck Demo
Senate votes to kill Mexican truck demo The U.S. Senate has dealt a likely death blow to the Bush administration plans to give Mexican long-haul trucking rigs free access to United States roads and highways. A bi-partisan majority voted 74-24 tonight to pass an amendment offered by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., to remove funding from the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Transportation appropriations bill for the Department of Transportation Mexican trucking demonstration project. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Penn., joined Dorgan as a co-sponsor of his amendment. Tonight's vote is a vote for safety," Dorgan said. "It also represents a turning of the tide on the senseless, headlong rush this country has been engaged in for some time, to dismantle safety standards and a quality of life it took generations to achieve." Teamster General President Jim Hoffa praised the Senate for "slamming the door on the Bush administration's illegal, reckless plan to open our borders to trucks from Mexico." A counter amendment offered by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, was submitted in an effort to keep the Mexican truck demonstration project alive, even if on life support. Cornyn had proposed to allow the demonstration project to go forward, while reserving the right of the Senate to pull the plug if safety problems developed in the initial phases of the program roll-out. Cornyn's proposal was killed by a strong bi-partisan 80-18 vote to table his amendment. Repeatedly, in arguing from the floor of the Senate for his amendment, Cornyn mischaracterized NAFTA as having created a "treaty obligation" requiring the United States to allow Mexican trucks free access to U.S. roads. Dorgan objected, pointing out that NAFTA was passed in 1993 as a law, not a treaty. The vote, taken on the evening of the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, represented a strong sentiment in the Senate that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the DOT inspector general had failed to make the case in their eleventh hour reports submitted to Congress late last Thursday that adequate inspection procedures were in place to insure that Mexican trucks would meet U.S. safety standards. Speaking in favor of Dorgan's amendment, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said the issue really was "free trade" agreements advanced by the Bush administration that advantaged only the multi-national corporations. Brown compared the safety concerns of allowing Mexican trucks to enter freely into the United States with the safety risks raised by lead paint use by the Chinese on imported toys and Chinese pet and human food that contained poisonous or otherwise toxic elements. In May, the House of Representatives passed the Safe American Roads Act of 2007 (H.R. 1773), by an overwhelming, bipartisan 411-3 margin. The majority in the House opposing the DOT Mexican trucking demonstration project makes almost certain that the Dorgan amendment will survive when a conference committee reviews the DOT funding bill that will go to President Bush for his signature. The trucking program allows up to 100 Mexican carriers to send their trucks on U.S. roadways for delivery and pickup of cargo. None can carry hazardous material or haul cargo between U.S. points. So far, the Department of Transportation has granted a single Mexican carrier, Transportes Olympic, access to U.S. roads after a more than decade-long dispute over the NAFTA provision opening up the roadways. One of the carrier's trucks crossed the border in Laredo, Texas last week and delivered its cargo in North Carolina on Monday and was expected to return to Mexico late this week after a stop in Decatur, Ala. Wild Thing's comment........ It's a real shame that it took the Democrats to block what never should have been proposed. I’m amazed that Arlen magic bullet Specter cosponsored this bill. He was a big supporter of amnesty. Maybe he heard some angry words from his constituents! I think the Senate fools know they are under the microscope with their ratings in the toilet. Half of them are traitors to America, no matter what, and the other half have one slippery foot on their proverbial political term-less careers. This is a big win FOR THE AMERICAN CITIZEN. I am not going to drop my guard. It is a very long way to a respectable Senate that can be trusted with the REAL America. The two aggravating things about this amendment are: * First, the list of co-sponors, and * Second, the list of Senators voting NAY or not voting: S.AMDT.2797 COSPONSORS(6): Sen Clinton, Hillary Rodham [NY] - 9/10/2007 Senators voting NAY: Allard (R-CO) Not Voting - 2 Craig (R-ID)
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM
| Comments (9)
Bush 'Open Borders' agenda dealt serious bi-partisan blow
wnd ...for complete article"Tonight, commerce – for a change – did not trump safety," Dorgan said in a news release issued after the vote.
"The American people have spoken, and Congress has spoken," Hoffa said. "Now it's time for the Bush administration to listen. We don't want to share our highways with dangerous trucks from Mexico."
"We need to vote for our children, for our families, for our pets, and for ourselves," Brown charged, urging in an emotional plea that the Senate pass Dorgan's amendment.
Amends: H.R.3074
Sponsor: Sen Dorgan, Byron L.
Sen Obama, Barack [IL] - 9/10/2007
Sen Brown, Sherrod [OH] - 9/10/2007
Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] - 9/10/2007
Sen Inouye, Daniel K. [HI] - 9/10/2007
Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA] - 9/10/2007
Bennett (R-UT)
Bond (R-MO)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Cochran (R-MS)
Cornyn (R-TX)
DeMint (R-SC)
Dole (R-NC)
Domenici (R-NM)
Grassley (R-IA)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagel (R-NE)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Lieberman (ID-CT)
Lott (R-MS)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Stevens (R-AK)
Sununu (R-NH)
Vitter (R-LA)
McCain (R-AZ)
"Freedom isn't Free but Membership Is" ~ Patriot Guard Riders
I have had this in my sidebar since last year. They are such a wonderful group. I joined and I don't have a motorcycle but anyone can join and it is great to be a part of it.
"The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all."
To join.....http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/ctl/Register/Default.aspx
When you join you will get announcements in your email of events they are doing in your area. I get these annoncements in mine and have been able to go to a couple of them here in the Sarasota and Tampa area.
This one below is an example of what they send. Thank you soooo much Tom for sending me one of yours so people can see what they look like. The PRG do not send spam in your email and notices only are sent when they are going to be attending one of the funerals for our soldiers that was killed.
Friends, Venus, TX is a small town south of Mansfield and they have lost their first son in the Global War on Terrorism. The CPL Thomas L. Hilbert Mission is going to be a difficult one for many of us. Glen Carlisle, who grew up in Venus, will serve as the overall Mission Ride Captain. He and I were at the parent's home today, assisting them with the details of his memorial.The whole town wants to make sure that the family knows that the sacrifice that
Thomas made was appreciated. So on Wednesday, September 12th, there will
be a tribute to him on the town square and the PGR has been invited to be
there. We will stage at the David's Supermarket, on the SW corner of Hwy 67
and FM 157, from 6:30-7:00, KSU at 7:15.The program will last about an hour. CPL Hilbert arrived at Dover AFB Saturday,
so he could be landing at any time.Probably by tomorrow night we'll have the details of his arrival,
visitation, funeral and internment. Right now, the only thing we know for
sure is that he will arrive at Spinks Airport, 450 Alsbury Ct Burleson, TX
76028. Bill "RotorHead" Holcomb is RCing that portion of the Mission.
Visitation will be held at Midlothian Funeral Home, 200 E Avenue E
Midlothian, TX. Internment will be at Venus Memorial Park, East 5th Street,
Venus, TX.The location of the funeral and all the dates and times are
pending. The family wants us there for every moment and we will do our best
to fulfill this request. If you have not attended a Mission in a small
town, brace yourself, as it is a very emotional event. We ask for your
support and prayers, this one hurts more as it is "family" for us.God bless all as we ride to Stand Tall and Silent,
Rick
Deputy State Captain
North Texas
.....Thank you Tom for sending this to me. I really appreciate it.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (5)
Hunter On O'Reilly About The Fence and Petraeus
Duncan Hunter with Bill O'Reilly (September 11th) ....discusses Illegals, the fence and General Petraeus.
Wild Thing's comment........
Good answers from a good man.
O'Reilly is the typical ass that he is, but Hunter did a great job. I wish O'Reilly would let him finish a thought instead of cutting him off like he does. But that is O'Reilly and it is his show, I just have to say how I feel about it. haha
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:44 AM | Comments (4)
Response To Lefties
To those anti-war, military bashers that tried to make comments in the 9-11 post yesterday nice try. Your comments will never be allowed in a post about September 11th, 2001.
And to those sending emails slandering the military and demanding that your comments be allowed on this post I mentioned above ( the 9-11 post) the same goes for you. Your attempt to intimidate me did not work. I am backed up by thousands upon thousand of brave men and women serving now, and those that went before them our Veterans.
- Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (4)
September 11, 2007
Where Were You On 9-11
.
Those delivering death and destruction, the terrorists
"I don't think you can overstate the importance
that the rise of Islamic fundamentalism
will have to the rest of the world in the
century ahead-especially if, as seems possible,
its most fanatical elements get their
hands on nuclear and chemical weapons
and the means to deliver them
against their enemies." --Ronald Reagan
.
The USA responds to the terrorist's
Wild Thing's comment........
We were having breakfast and the TV was on in the family room. I had gone back into the kitchen to get something and Nick went to get the paper. As he walked into the family room he looked at the TV and called out to me. As I got to the room he was pointing at the TV....." LOOK Chrissie, we are being attacked!".
We knew one of our nephews would be there, he is a firefighter in New York and his fellow firefighters had been to our home many times. We had all become good friends.
I realize we are only one of many families effected by the attack, the whole country had been attacked. Later we found out that our nephew was safe, some injuries but would be ok physically. The other news of the 11 friends of his that we had gotten to know did not make it. They died in the towers that day, one of them was one of their Chief's. He was decapitated as he tried to help other get down the stairs.
Six years later, our nephew is just now able to talk about all of this.
Six years later we have men and women in our government that care more about their hate for a man that is President then they do about supporting our troops fighting the enemy. Six years later our borders are still not secure.
Six years later there are actually people in our leadership of this great and mighty Nation that complain about the Patriot's Act, profiling, wire taps, doing all they can to make this a PC fought war, complaining about the hassle of flying now, and not being able to just pack like they used to.
Six years later we have had to hear the likes of Murtha lie about our troops. And those in both Houses aiding the enemy in their speeches and actions. Not giving a hoot about the morale of our troops.
Six years later we have more mosques on our soil then ever before. More Saudi schools here then before 9-11.
Six years later we have people that think getting fed, clothed and pampered prisoners at GITMO is not enough and that putting some underwear on the heads of terrorists at GITMO is a freakin war crime.
I could go on longer then this, but we also have this.
Six years later, Saddam is dead, many of the names on the list hunted for are caught or killed. We have won in Iraq and Afghanistan thanks to our awesome troops. We won the war in Iraq, and the Taliban, many have been killed or captured. Schools and so many other things have been built. Water is running where Saddam would not allow it before. People got to vote without their lives being threatened and many Iraqi's now have successful business's up and running. This list also could go on and on.
Is it perfect, is everything all done and ready for our troops to leave. NO sorry but not yet. I don't think it ever will be. Heck we are not perfect here in the USA, we are a divided country more then ever before. But the war the one that is world wide fighting Islam and tracking down terrorists that want to kill us goes on, and that war is bigger then Congress or the Senate and their cowardly terrorist ass kissing agenda of the left. That war is why we can never give up, never back off.
You are invited to visit my Tribute Page for September 11, 2001
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (8)
September 11, 2006 ~ What We Saw
What We Saw
Warning this video contains people falling or jumping from the world trade center. Alot of questions been coming in about the man on the phone. Yes he was in tower 2 on the 105 floor top right corner of the video when it falls.
Also the SONG in this video is Requiem for a dream by Lux Aterna.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:50 AM | Comments (8)
UPDATE: General Petraeus One Hour Interview On Fox News Tonight
Following their testimony to Congress, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker will appear exclusively on FOXNEWS Monday at 9pm EDT for one hour live interview with Brit Hume.
I am going to watch it, I want to hear what he has to say. And not get it from some leftie newspaper.
UPDATE:
I was able to watch General Petraeus giving his report. My blood was boiling as the whole thing began and the way he was being treated by Lantos and others before General Petraeus even uttered one word.
Duncan Hunter was ticked too and spoke up about it which was great. but no one can stop these lefties, they are a train wreck zooming and no breaks.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (8)
Mortar Fire Karma ~ LOL
......Thank you so much Bob and John for this video.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (7)
A Note To Our Politicians
.
....Thank you so much John 5 (VN 69-70) this is so good.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (4)
September 10, 2007
A 200-year-old lesson on 9/11
A 200-year-old lesson on 9/11
wnd ...for complete article
by Chuck Norris
With the 6th anniversary of 9/11 among us, as well as the imminent report on the status of the war from Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, America continues to face the fallout and frontlines of the war on terror.
Despite debates over the success of surges and the truths behind 9/11, one of the most significant deliberations remains how many Americans are still in denial about the depth and breath of extremists' hatred for our nation, liberties and way of life. Do people really think ceasing a war in Iraq will quench their fire to destroy our country?
Radical Muslims' guile existed far before 9/11, and it will be there far after an Iraqi war. In fact, it was apparent from the beginning of our nation, as seen in the Barbary Powers Conflict, a confrontation between the five Barbary nations (Tripoli, Turkey, Tunis, Algiers and Morocco) and what they considered the "Christian nations" (England, Denmark, France, Spain and the new United States).
Though I am not a historian or a military strategist, I believe now is a good time to recall this 200 year-old lesson on extremist Muslim-American relations.
((( Skipping to next part of article.......)))
Diplomacy lessons from long ago
While I am neither an alarmist nor a pessimist, I do believe we need to hear the voice of our Forefathers before it is too late. They cry out from the Barbary Powers Conflict in hope of imparting some wisdom to us. As the adage goes, we will either learn from history's mistakes or be doomed to repeat them.
1. Muslim extremists have always had a disdain for America. Before America was a new nation, Muslim extremists hated the West. When America was born, she was aligned with the Western ("Christian") countries and therefore became an enemy of them as well.
2. Negotiations and treaties don't work with extremists and terrorists. Our primary problem today, again like back then, is not our lack of international relations or communications. Seeking to clear misperceptions about America might work with some, but not radicals and terrorists. Tribute and treaties are only a temporary temperance at best; they didn't stop them from declaring war against us, and they won't stop them now. In the Barbary Conflict we caved into their demands and empowered them in so doing. Paying them only encouraged further attacks. Negotiating with extremists and those who harbor and support them is still bad international business.
3. Once a religious war, always a religious war. Whether justified as vengeful sentiment for the Crusades or not, Islamo-fascism cannot see any argument or altercation with the West outside the lens of a religious one.
4. The best defense is a good offense. For 30 years, from roughly 1785 through 1815, America fought by sea and land Muslim extremists in the form of pirate slave traders. Today, that fight continues with Muslim pirates who capture our planes and use them as weapons.
In a post-9/11 age of globalization, multi-ethnic societies and possible suitcase nukes, containment is impossible. Pre-emption is still our best solution. Our offense must be as strong as our defense. It took military might, leadership ingenuity and fortitude, and national perseverance to win the day against those Muslim extremists 200 years ago. And it will take the same today. If it took our Forefathers 30 years to resolve the Muslim-American conflict then, do we think we can settle it in six?
Nothing new under the sun
Years before 9/11, we tragically forgot these and other similar history lessons, dropping our guard to a monumentally shocking end. When 3,000 innocent American citizens were brutally murdered by parasitic pirate counterparts, we were delivered a devastating wakeup call. We relearned the same lessons from the Barbary Powers Conflict: that despite negotiations and even bribes, Muslim extremists are still engaged with America in a jihad or holy war.
Islamo-facism continues to seek to rob us of our liberties, cripple us by fear and destroy our country. Proof is found by simply asking how many of us will still not fly on 9/11. They've stolen a day of liberty from our calendar. Let's not allow them to seize another.
And they won't – as long as we stay resilient, learn from the lessons of history and remember the God of 911, Psalm 91:1 that is, for "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
Above all, this truth still stands, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).
Wild Thing's comment.......
I thought this good, I didn't know that Chuck Norris wrote a column. Anyway I hope you find it interesting as I did.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (15)
Happy Birthday Mark from Team Theodore
Have a great day and mamy healthy and happy years ahead.
Chrissie and all of Team Theodore
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (7)
MoveOn.org Calls Petraeus a Traitor
MoveOn.org Calls Petraeus a Traitor
Daily Standard
written by
Pete Hegseth, he is executive director of Vets for Freedom and an Iraq War veteran
As General David Petraeus provides his Iraq assessment to Congress--the antiwar group MoveOn.org is running a full-page advertisement in the New York Times under the headline: "General Petraeus or General Betray us? Cooking the books for the White House."Let's be clear: MoveOn.org is suggesting that General Petraeus has 'betrayed' his country. This is disgusting. To attack as a traitor an American general commanding forces in war because his 'on the ground' experience does not align with MoveOn.org's political objectives is utterly shameful. It shows contempt for America's military leadership, as well as for the troops who have confidence in him, as our fellow soldiers in Iraq certainly do.
General Petraeus has served this country for over 35 years with honor, distinction, and integrity. And this is not just about General Petraeus. After all, if General Petraeus is "cooking the books," then the entire military chain of command in Baghdad, and all the staff, military and civilian, who have been working with General Petraeus are complicit, since Petraeus did not write his report in isolation. They are all, apparently, 'betray[ing] us.'
MoveOn.org has been working closely with the Democratic congressional leadership --as an article in today's Sunday New York Times Magazine makes clear. And consider this comment by a Democratic senator from Friday's Politico: "'No one wants to call [Petraeus] a liar on national TV,' noted one Democratic senator, who spoke on the condition on anonymity. 'The expectation is that the outside groups will do this for us.'
So, veterans who served in Iraq ask the Democratic leaders in Congress: Does MoveOn.org speak for you? Do you agree with MoveOn.org? Or do you repudiate this despicable charge?
MoveOn.org has helped frame the core choice: Whom do we trust to run this war--MoveOn.org and its allies in Congress, or Gen. David Petraeus and his colleagues?
Wild Thing's comment........
We live in a time where the TRAITORS who want America defeated in the war call the General who is winning the war for us a traitor! When will we start putting US Executioners ropes around these leftist traitors necks?
They ALL voted to confirm him unanimously and now they want to crucify him even before they hear the report.
I think that the MoveOn psychos and their Democrat enablers have made a BIG mistake. For 6 years they have insisted that it was not acceptable to use the word 'traitor' to refer to those who oppose the war. By introducing the term into national political discourse they have legitimized its use by anyone who wishes to use it to describe others.
We have far more evidence to use the term against them than they do to use it against Gen. Petraeus. Since Democrat members of Congrss have been conspiring with MoveON in this campaign, it is fair to apply the term to them and all those who align with them.
IF TREASON IS THE QUESTION, THEN MOVEON.ORG IS THE ANSWER!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (11)
September 09, 2007
YEAH Football starts today!!!
Here are the matchups for today Sunday 9/9/07
DEN at BUF 1pm ET
TEN at JAC 1pm ET
MIA at WAS 1pm ET
CAR at STL 1pm ET
NE at NYJ 1pm ET
ATL at MIN 1pm ET
PIT at CLE 1pm ET
PHI at GB 1pm ET
KC at HOU 1pm ET
TB at SEA 4:15pm ET
CHI at SD 4:15pm ET
DET at OAK 4:15pm ET
NYG at DAL 8:15pm ET
MONDAY 9/10
BAL at CIN 7:00pm ET
ARZ at SF 10:15pm ET
These are the teams I think eveyrone is for. I will add to this as you tell me your favorite teams.
Tom Cowboys
Darth New York Giants
Nick Cowboys, Rams and Raiders
Chrissie Bears, Broncos and Cowboys
.
This one is for 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2
Finale Scores:
DEN ~15 at BUF~14 (DENVER WINS)
TEN~13 at JAC~10 (TEN WINS)
MIA~13 at WAS~16 (WAS WINS)
CAR~27 at STL~13 (CAR WINS)
NE~38 at NYJ~14 (NE WINS)
ATL~3 at MIN~24 (MIN WINS)
PIT~34 at CLE~7 (PIT WINS)
PHI~13 at GB~16 (GB WINS)
KC~3 at HOU~20 (HOU WINS)
TB~6 at SEA~20 (SEA WINS)
CHI~3 at SD~14 (SD WINS)
DET~36 at OAK~21 (DET WINS)
NYG-35 at DAL-45 (DAL WINS)
Posted by Wild Thing at 11:47 AM | Comments (9)
What Do Ya' Talk ~ Sunday Morning Talk Shows
There's really only one major topic this week, the Petraeus report.
Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows:
ABC's "This Week" ...(George Step-on-all -of us)
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
Sen. John F'n Kerry, D-Vietnam Mass
NBC's "Meet the Press" ..(Tim Russert)
(The war in Iraq may be won or lost this week in Washington... we will tell you what you must think)
Retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones
Charles Ramsey, former Washington, D.C., police chief
Sen. Joe " plugs" Biden, D-Del. ( expound ... and expound ... and expound ... and expound ... and expound ... ad nauseum. )
CBS's "Face the Nation" ....(Bob Schieffer)
(The war in Iraq may be won or lost this week in Washington... we will tell you what you must think)
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.
Brent Scowcroft, Former national security adviser
CNN "Late Edition" ...(Wolf Blitzer)
The war in Iraq may be won or lost this week in Washington... we will tell you what you must think.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.
Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.
Mowaffak al-Rubaie, Iraqi national security adviser
Retired Army Gen. George Joulwan
Fox News Sunday ...(Chris Wallace)
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Frances Townsend, White House homeland security adviser
Michael DuHaime, Rudy Giuliani's campaign manager
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (6)
Paratroopers Take Fight to Taliban
Maj. Christopher Milstead, attached to Task Force Bayonet, watches as a 500-pound bomb lands on a Taliban position after a small firefight during Operation Destined Strike in Chowkay Valley, Afghanistan
Paratroopers Take Fight to Taliban
BY Sgt. Brandon Aird, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team
American Forces Press Service, Sept. 5, 2007) - The tense paratroopers and Afghan National Army soldiers sat in silence surrounded by darkness.
The previous hours were spent huddled together rehearsing the mission, "Destined Strike," which was to be an air-assault into the Taliban's backyard.
The whoop, whoop, whoop sound of the CH-47 "Chinook" helicopter's rotary wings reverberated in the Soldiers' ears drowning out all chance of another sound. Some of the Soldiers said last minute prayers while others day dreamed of loved ones back home. Squad leaders made last minute checks in the dark.
When the Chinook landed all thoughts came to the task at hand. The Soldiers jumped off the noisy helicopter onto a quiet, moon-lit mountain above the Chowkay Valley in Kunar province. The mountain is over 7,000 feet above sea level.
The Taliban's biggest advantage in past firefights has been their ability to dominate the high ground, but not this time.
Soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team's 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment and elements of the Afghan National Army's 2nd Kandak, 201st Corps, conducted Operation Destined Strike Aug. 21-25. The U.S. Soldiers were members of the 2nd platoons of the 2nd Battalion's A, C and D companies.
"We came here to show the local populace that coalition forces aren't afraid to come into the Chowkay Valley," said 1st Lt. Kareem F. Hernandez, Company A, 2nd Platoon leader.
After the initial insertion, the Soldiers pulled security and waited for daybreak. During the night, they searched with night vision devices for 15 individuals spotted earlier near their position by an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Once dawn broke, the U.S. and Afghan Soldiers put their gear-laden rucksacks on, and broke trail down the mountain to the first farming village. The village and fields were hand cut out of the mountainside.
1st Lt. Hernandez said he was surprised at the reaction he received from the first villager he encountered.
"It was the first time in this country I had someone admit he knew who the Taliban were. He showed me where they had been coming through to attack us," 1st Lt. Hernandez said. "I've never had that happen before. They always act like they have no clue what I'm talking about."
1st Lt. Hernandez learned the Taliban in the area were from the Korengal Valley. The trip from the Korengal Valley to the Chowkay Valley takes the insurgents two to three hours, according the local villager.
As Company A's 2nd Platoon continued to the next village, rain started falling, along with bolts of lightning. During the ensuing storm, Taliban fighters attacked Company A's landing zone, which was now occupied by the company commander and an overwatch element.
"They took small arms-fire and two RPG's from the northwest," 1st Lt. Hernandez said.
In response, Soldiers fired small arms, 120mm mortars and 155mm artillery at the Taliban positions. The Soldiers called in for air support, and fighter jets dropped four 500-pound bombs on enemy positions, ending any plans the Taliban had to move the Soldiers from their position.
After the short firefight, 1st Lt. Hernandez's platoon and C Company's 2nd Platoon spent the next few days moving to their extraction point for pick up by a helicopter.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (4)
First Strike Ration Heading to Warfighters
First Strike Ration Heading to Warfighters
Army News Service
A new compact, eat-on-the-move assault ration is well on its way to warfighters' hands.
"The First Strike Ration is intended for the first-on-the-ground, first-to-fight warfighter," said Barbara Daley, food technologist and FSR project officer, Combat Feeding Directorate, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center.
Usually when warfighters are issued two or more Meals, Ready-to-Eat they "field strip" them to lessen the bulk and weight they are carrying.
Personnel at NSRDEC found that not only were warfighters tossing what they considered extra weight, such as the flameless ration heater and Tabasco sauce, but they were also tossing food items. According to the Product Optimization and Evaluation Team at NSRDEC, if a warfighter is given 3,600 calories, he or she will often strip it down to 2,500 calories.
The FSR attempts to reduce this stripping by providing a lighter, smaller package with eat-on-the-go items that also enhance performance. These items are calorically dense and provide appropriate nutritional content and energy to warfighters for short durations of highly mobile, highly intense combat operations.
Items included in the FSR include:
pocket sandwiches
First Strike energy bars
Zapplesauce a carbohydrate-enhanced applesauce
high-energy drinks
pouches of tuna and chunk chicken
and caffeinated gum.
The FSR is designed to be about half the size of the three MREs it replaces and it provides, on average, 2,900 calories per day. "It is not intended to sustain the warfighter for long periods of time," Ms. Daley emphasized.
Because of its lower caloric content, the FSR is classified by the Office of the Surgeon General as a restricted ration. As such, it can only be used as a sole source of food for ten days or less in accordance with Army Regulation 40-25.
CFD conducted user evaluations on the FSR in Nevada and Germany in fiscal 2004, and in Afghanistan and Iraq in fiscal 2005. When compared with a field-stripped MRE in Iraq in 2005, more than 70 percent of Soldiers said the FSR was more convenient to carry and consume than the MRE.
"The best feedback we have received to date has been from warfighters participating in OIF/OEF in the mountains of Afghanistan and Iraq. They loved it," Ms. Daley said.
More than 6,500 FSRs have been used in theater in response to urgent requests by 25th Infantry Division and the Marine Corps, and modifications have been incorporated based on warfighter's feedback.
Lt. Col. David Exton, 25th Infantry Division, told CFD: "You have created something great here. Do not fail in this ration. Need to make these happen for the Soldiers who go outside the wire. Could not get enough of them into theater."
In July 2006, CFD conducted an operational test at Fort Bragg, N.C. With more than 100 Soldiers participating from an Airborne Infantry Battalion, one group consumed the FSR for three days while the other group consumed MREs for three days. Then the groups switched. From monitoring what the Soldiers ate and what they threw out, CFD saw less waste and greater consumption with the groups eating the FSR.
Based upon these successful tests, and the introduction of this ration in-theater, the demand for the FSR is immense.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (6)
September 08, 2007
Bin Laden Says US Should Convert ~ LOL No Way!
Bin Laden says US should convert
BBC
A new video tape purportedly made by al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has urged the American people to embrace Islam in order to stop the war in Iraq. Unnamed US officials said they believed the speaker, who makes no overt threats against the US, was indeed Bin Laden. It is his first video in three years.
The release of the tape comes near the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. A short excerpt from the 30-minute tape was aired by al-Jazeera TV on Friday evening.
The speaker makes no overt threats to the US and did not directly call for attacks, according to transcripts of the tape obtained by several media organisations in the United States.
Instead, he tells the American people that they have failed to persuade the Bush administration to stop the war in Iraq.
"You made one of your greatest mistakes, in that you neither brought to account nor punished those who waged this war," the speaker in the tape says, according to the transcript obtained by ABC News.
"You permitted Bush to complete his first term, and stranger still, chose him for a second term, which gave him a clear mandate from you... to continue to murder our people in Iraq and Afghanistan".
The speaker tells the American public that there are two ways to end the war in Iraq: "The first is from our side, and it is to continue to escalate the killing and fighting against you."
The second way, he continues, is to reject America's democratic system and convert to Islam.
"It has now become clear to you and the entire world the impotence of the democratic system and how it plays with the interest of the peoples and their blood by sacrificing soldiers and populations to achieve the interests of the major corporations".
"I invite you to embrace Islam," the speaker says.
The transcript also makes reference to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, which indicates that the tape was recorded after Mr Sarkozy's victory in May.
Wild Thing's comment........
No way jose Osama, you can keep your death cult and one day we will celebrate your finding out that your moon god allah was a bunch of BS. LOL Enjoy you last meal you freakazoid!
Convert or die, now much of a choice there. Hahaha The more videos he releases using Democrat talking points, the better. And he forgot the talking points of Al Gore and global warming.
Letter to Bin laden.
Renounce your ways and eat some pork. Preferably bratwurst soaked in beer. Watch some football. Get a dog, play some fetch. Tell all your followers that want to blow themselves up for you to do in their own private homes away from us, simply as a surefire way to remove dangerous explosives. Embrace capitalism, it’s what makes oil so expensive and ultimately benefits your fellow friends. Tap your feet in a mens stall instead of having sex with your goats.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (17)
Chuck Hagel To Call It Quits
Chuck Hagel is calling it quits
Omaha.com
WASHINGTON
Chuck Hagel will announce Monday that he is retiring from the U.S. Senate and will not run for president next year, people close to the Nebraska Republican said Friday.
Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel plans to leave the Senate after two terms as a Republican Party maverick, people close to him say.Hagel plans to announce that "he will not run for re-election and that he does not intend to be a candidate for any office in 2008," said one person, who asked not to be named.
Hagel has scheduled a press conference for 10 a.m. Monday at the Omaha Press Club.
According to one person interviewed, Hagel told Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky on Friday morning that he had decided to retire. Hagel's staff learned of his decision that afternoon.
The North Platte native earned national recognition as perhaps the most vocal, at times angry, GOP critic of the Bush administration's Iraq policies.
His outspokenness on Iraq and other key issues, including Social Security and foreign policy, fueled national interest in Hagel as he flirted with a possible presidential bid.
His national profile reached its zenith in March, when he headed to Omaha to hold a press conference on his political future.
But amid wide speculation that he was leaning toward a White House run, Hagel announced that he would disclose his plans later in the year.
His pending retirement leaves another GOP Senate seat without an incumbent at a time when the Republican Party is struggling to stem potential losses and must defend more seats than Democrats.
In Nebraska, the news will trigger a scramble among possible successors.
Early this year, his frustration erupted after Bush announced plans for a troop buildup to try to curb violence in Iraq. Hagel labeled it "the worst foreign policy blunder since Vietnam - if it's carried out."
That and other criticism triggered a backlash from some conservatives, who viewed him as disloyal to the Republican president and potentially jeopardizing troops abroad.
Wild Thing's comment........
Hoohah! Two RINOs - Warner and Hagel GONE! Things are looking up.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (10)
Treasonrats Jumping The Gun
House Democrats are already dismissing the Petraeus findings -- which are not due for another five days.
Chuck Schumer, “This is a policy of last resort! This is a policy of desperation!” Working hard on his attempt to rewrite recent history, Schumer continued his diatribe with: “And let me be clear: the violence in Anbar has gone down despite the surge, not because of the surge!” Then, in a decidedly mean-spirited, patently lying attack against our own soldiers, Schumer continued his invective with: “The lack of protection for these tribes from al Qaeda made it clear to these tribes, ‘We have to fight al-Qaeda ourselves’. It wasn’t that the surge brought peace here. It was that the warlords had to create a temporary peace here on their own. And that is because there was no one else there [US soldiers] protecting them!”
Congressional Democrats are trying to undermine U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus' credibility before he delivers a report on the Iraq war next week, saying the general is a mouthpiece for President Bush and his findings can't be trusted.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pointedly referring to the Petraeus testimony as "the Bush report presented by General Petraeus," as opposed to an independent assessment by the top military man in Iraq that has been billed for months now. "Progress is not being made," Pelosi insisted in a Capitol presser this afternoon, no matter how some people might want to "cherry pick" stories of success. "The plural of anecdotes is not data," she added. "We will see what the Bush report will be at the end of next week," Mrs. Pelosi said. "The facts are self-evident that the progress is not being made. They might want to find one or two places where there has been progress but the plural of anecdote is not data."
The Bush report?" Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin said when asked about the upcoming report from Gen. Petraeus, U.S. commander in Iraq. "We know what is going to be in it. It's clear. I think the president's trip over to Iraq makes it very obvious," the Illinois Democrat said. "I expect the Bush report to say, 'The surge is working. Let's have more of the same.' "
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California — also referred to the general's briefing as the "Bush report."
Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Gen. Petraeus' report was potentially compromised by the White House's involvement in drafting it. "If the same people who were so wrong about this war from the start are writing substantial portions of this report, that raises credibility questions," he said.
Democrats said they put more faith in a report Tuesday by the Government Accountability Office that showed Iraq failed to meet 11 of 18 political and security benchmarks set by Congress.They also favored an analysis due today by Gen. James L. Jones, former U.S. commander in Europe, that is expected to say security gains have been "uneven" and Iraqi security forces are ill-prepared to stand alone, according to a CNN report.
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And this from those that respect our military and the awesome work our troops have been doing and accompolishing.
"Are these leaders asking the American people to believe that the testimony of a commanding four-star general in the U.S. Army should be discarded before it's even delivered?" said Brian Kennedy, spokesman for House Minority Leader John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican. "If so, these statements completely ignore what's truly at stake in this war and suggest that neither the commander in chief nor our chief commander on the ground have any regard for the lives of the men and women fighting for this country," he said. "It's appallng, and I think the American people — rightfully — will continue to stick by the decisions of our commanders and troops on the ground when it comes to what is best for their safety and security."
Sources for my notes above:
Wild Thing's comment........
The Democratic party is the Party of Treason!!
And Chucky the Schmucky and the rest of the Dems are a total disgrace to America. Schmucky would stick a shiv into the backside of any US solider to gain more media attention for himself.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (12)
September 07, 2007
Woooohoooo! Football season! Let the road to Super Bowl XLII begin
A couple of football stories
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Donnie Edwards (left) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (right) pose for a photo with Petty Officer 3rd Class Corey Adam at the Expeditionary Medical Force – Kuwait hospital at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Adam, a Navy medical corpsman, said his dad, Delwin, is a diehard Saints fan. The NFL stars are touring the Middle East as a part of the Active NFL Players Tour sponsored by the United Service Organizations. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Moes
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Seahawks duo blitzed by Bush backlash
Seattle ...for complete story
The Seahawks quarterback and fullback gave the 43rd president a No. 43 jersey with his name on it at a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser for Rep. Dave Reichert at the Hyatt.At the time, Hasselbeck called it a thrill and said it was a win-win, this opportunity to meet the president and get out of a team meeting.
But as soon as he saw the picture of the two players with Bush, Gary Wright, the team's vice president of administration, said he was concerned about negative reaction.
Maybe in really red Republican states, it would not have been a big deal. But Washington is a blue state, and deep, deep Democratic blue in King County. So objections were raised, and Hasselbeck heard them and read them. He got nasty voice mails, e-mails and text messages.
"I had no idea," Hasselbeck said.
One guy told him: "I hate you, I'll never wear your jersey, I'll never like the Seahawks again."
"Huh?" Hasselbeck thought. "Seriously?"
"Politics can be very mean and dirty," he said. "The things politicians say about each other, and what activists say, I had a brief glimpse of that for a couple of days.
"If I ever had any questions about whether I wanted to run for office, I now know the answer -- I don't."
As a quarterback, he's used to getting booed. "But this was a whole new level," he said. "I was very surprised how mean (they were)."
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (12)
Response To An Ambush
Anti-Iraqi forces, emplacement engaged
Coalition forces engaged an ambush site and fighting positions of anti-Iraqi forces near Ba'qubah on June 9, 2007, in response to an ambush launched from the location earlier in the day.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (4)
September 06, 2007
Murtha Shows Appetite For Pork
Murtha's district grateful for the pork
washington times ....for complete article
The largess of Rep. John P. Murtha — hundreds of millions of dollars in pork projects over the years — is on display around his district in southwestern Pennsylvania.
From the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport to the stretch of U.S. 219 named Jack Murtha Highway, the Pennsylvania Democrat leaves his mark with federal taxpayer dollars.
The money helped build the stunted economy in and around Mr. Murtha's hometown of Johnstown, a Rust Belt community about 65 miles east of Pittsburgh, by cultivating a defense-contracting industry, transplanting federal jobs there and subsidizing public-works projects.
"He is a key political leader, and he's been in a position to help in a lot of areas," said Robert F. Layo, president of the Greater Johnstown Chamber of Commerce, who credits Mr. Murtha with helping save the town after the steel mills closed.
"You just can't deny that."
Critics say Mr. Murtha, 75, is squandering taxpayer money, giving away federal dollars to handpicked businesses and projects without competitive bids or independent oversight.
"Murtha is a poster child for what is wrong with Congress," said Leslie K. Paige, spokeswoman for Citizens Against Government Waste, a group targeting Washington mismanagement. "There are shenanigans going on behind the scenes, and it leads to corruption."
The budget watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense says Mr. Murtha, chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on defense, slipped at least $163.8 million in earmarks into 2008 spending bills.
Mr. Murtha, known for brokering backroom earmark deals, insists that it is Congress' job to appropriate funds and that members know what is best for their districts.
"We go over every single earmark," he said on the House floor before the August recess. "We don't apologize for them because we think the members know as much about what goes on in their district as the bureaucrats."
House ethics rules adopted in January to shed light on the secretive earmark process did not curb Mr. Murtha's appetite for pork.
His share of earmarks more than doubled from $80 million in the 2007 budget and topped $121 million from 2006, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense.
It's less about him supporting his community than him supporting businesses and lobbyists that are giving him campaign contributions," said Steve Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense.
Mr. Murtha touts the center's accomplishments in compiling data on illegal drugs and related crimes, though the administration says the work is redundant and could be conducted at other offices of the Justice Department, which runs the center.
He also funneled $1.5 million to Concurrent Technologies Corp. (CTC), a Johnstown-based research center, the top executives of which have given tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to Mr. Murtha, according to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC).
Wild Thing's comment........
With all of this pork going to Murtha’s district, does anyone have the census of the Muslim population there? Maybe this is just the Murtha anti-terrorist program? LOL
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (14)
Fred Thompon's Announces his Candidacy for President
Fred Thompon's Announces his Candidacy for President
He appeared on Jay Leno last night, I am posting it here in case you missed it and wanted to see it.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (9)
Ciao Luciano ~ Pavarotti Passes Away
Hearing him always made me cry, but tonight was different. I cried because the world just lost one of it's greatest talents. Rest In Peace Luciano ~ Wild Thing!
Luciano Pavarotti Dies at Age 71, Manager Says
Fox News
ROME — Luciano Pavarotti, whose vibrant high C's and ebullient showmanship made him one of the world's most beloved tenors, died Thursday, his manager told The Associated Press. He was 71.
His manager, Terri Robson, told the AP in an e-mailed statement that Pavarotti died at his home in Modena, Italy, at 5 a.m. local time. Pavarotti had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and underwent further treatment in August.
"The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. In fitting with the approach that characterised his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness," the statement said.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (4)
Jihad! The Terror Awareness Project
This is really something, it must have taken a lot of work to put together. It was done by David Horowitz.
Here is the ......LINK.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM | Comments (8)
September 05, 2007
Germans Arrest 3, Thwart "Imminent Threat"
Germans Arrest 3, Thwart "Imminent Threat"
Three men have been arrested for planning attacks on Frankfurt's international airport and the U.S. military base in Ramstein, the German Defense Minister said Wednesday.
"There was an imminent threat," Franz Josef Jung told Germany's ARD broadcaster. He declined to elaborate.
Two of the suspects had German citizenship while the third was Pakistani, Germany's Sudwestrundfunk public broadcaster said.
German federal prosecutors said they had arrested three suspected members of "an Islamic motivated terrorist organization." It was not immediately clear whether the three were suspected of having links to al Qaeda.
Sudwestrundfunk said the men were arrested Tuesday evening and were close to carrying out the attacks. German and U.S. officials have warned of the possibility of a terrorist attack, and security measures have been raised, they said.
Government sources told the AFP news agency that the three had links to Pakistan and had been experimenting with explosives and trying to build car bombs.
German television reported that explosive materials had been found in an apartment in a town in the northern state of Hesse. It said " the planning was at an advanced stage.”
Two of the suspects were Germans who had converted to Islam while the third held Turkish and German passports.
The arrests come a day after Denmark's intelligence service arrested eight Islamic militants linked to leading al Qaeda figures in anti-terror raids in the Danish capital, according to the head of the agency.
The men, between ages 19 and 29, were suspected of preparing a terror act involving explosives, said Jakob Scharf, the head of Denmark's PET intelligence service.
BERLIN, Germany (CNN)
“At U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Capt. Jeff Gradec said German authorities had alerted them of a possible terrorist threat to American installations, but not specifically Ramstein. Suspects said to be part of an "Islamist-motivated terrorist group"
And this from Forbes.com
UPDATE: Germany: 3 Terror Suspects Arrested
"German and U.S. officials have warned of the possibility of a terrorist attack, and security measures have been increased. Navy Capt. Jeff Gradeck, spokesman for the U.S. military’s European Command in Stuttgart, said German authorities had contacted them concerning the alleged plot, but had no further information.“We extend our gratitude to Germany for their efforts in protecting us,” Gradeck said.
The group had been under observation by authorities for many months and all three men are considered radical Islamists with contacts to terror cells abroad, Der Spiegel reported online.
Authorities decided to move in on the group after members were observed moving a stock of chemicals easily obtainable in Germany, but which can be used for making a bomb, from a storehouse to another, Der Spiegel said.”
Wild Thing's comment........
I wonder when we’re going to get around to banning Islamic immigration? Just wondering.......
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (12)
Weapons Anyone? From Russia With Love ??
Malaysia to receive brand-new Russian SU-30MKM fighters
MOSCOW. (Yury Zaitsev for RIA Novosti)
Malaysia will receive the first 12 of its order of 18 Sukhoi Su-30-MKM Flanker fighters, the most advanced versions of the Su-27 warplane, before the year is out. The Su-30-MKM embodies the best achievements of the Russian aircraft industry and has the most advanced European avionics.The Malaysian version is based on the Su-30-MKI, earmarked for India, but features different equipment and an electric remote control system.
Reports of sale to Iran of Su-30s rattle Israelis
Geostrategy
Russia’s arms export agency Rosoboronoexport disclosed recently that it plans to sell Iran up to 250 advanced Su-30 fighter bombers, dramatically increasing the power projection capability of Iran and possibly giving it a nuclear delivery vehicle other than missiles.The sale was disclosed at the Paris Air Show and reports stated that the sale could include advanced S-300 air defense missiles as part of a modernization aimed at upgrading the aging Iranian air force.
U.S. sources said the sale of Su-30s in such large numbers to Iran would open up sales to Iran of Chinese versions of the jet, known as the J-11 that would include new precision guided missiles and munitions that the Chinese are building for its aircraft.
Iran may also purchase Il-78 refueling tanker aircraft that would be part of the long-range aerial assault capability.
Wild Thing's comment........
Well these that Iran is going to buy could be Raptor food maybe. Putin is first and foremost KGB, and Israel has a right to be rattled. Also this is very short-sighted on Russia’s part, the Iranian government is not trustworthy. Well heck few governments are, so I better take that part back. haha
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (4)
Excerpt From Ghosts of Anbar
Excerpt From Ghosts of Anbar, Part III of IV A Model for Success ~~ The Persuasive Power of Character
written and presented by Michael Yon
This footage shows SSGT Rakene Lee, USMC, as he clears a culvert under a road that is in the area where an IED has reportedly been planted. It was taken by writer/photographer Michael Yon, while embedded with US Marines in Anbar Province. It is included in the 4-part "Ghosts of Anbar" dispatch and is best viewed within that context.
Read the full article here
From Michael's reporting:
Back in 2005, many Iraqi Soldiers and Police preferred to hide their identities.Today it seems that most Iraqi Soldiers and Police want their photos taken. Their confidence is growing and their attitude toward the terrorists is increasingly one of being more the hunter than the hunted.Now I started to understand why the Army officers had been telling me the Marines are more advanced in counterinsurgency.
Normal Marines have morphed into doing vintage Special Forces work. Many of our Army units are excellent at this work, but the Marines, at least these particular Marines, did seem to have an edge for it.
They were even studying Arabic in their filthy little compound. Lightweight study, but they were showing the Iraqis they were making the effort. The Iraqis appreciated it. I have yet to see an Army unit undertake such a clear effort to learn Arabic.
The Marines there live in disgusting conditions. They have two toilets. One is a tube. For more serious business, there are the small plastic baggies called WAG bags. Do your business, seal it up and put it into a garbage can. They don’t complain.
Iraqi Soldiers and Police constantly emulate Marines and Soldiers. When he got back from missions, SSG Lee would work out. The Iraqis would watch and start doing their own exercises. This form of mentoring happens naturally because Lee is just being Lee, and the young Iraqis see it and want to be it.
It’s a cultural touchstone. A man like SSG Rakene Lee is not someone they would overlook. Physically, the man is amazingly strong. But what is most amazing is the strength of his moral fiber. Whatever the man talked, he walked. After all of al Qaeda’s false promises, the people here have learned a hard lesson about the true value of character.
U.S. forces start with a built-in challenge because of their reputation for accomplishment, what some call the “man on the moon syndrome.” This refers to the expressed disbelief that a nation able to put a man on the moon cannot quickly restore basic services. U.S. agencies trying to fan enthusiasm for their efforts should avoid making unrealistic promises.
In some cultures, failure to deliver promised results is automatically interpreted as deliberate deception, rather than good intentions gone awry. In other cultures, exorbitant promises are normal and people do not expect them to be kept. Effective counterinsurgents understand local norms; they use locally tailored approaches to control expectations.
Managing expectations also involves demonstrating economic and political progress to show the populace how life is improving. Increasing the number of people who feel they have a stake in the success of the state and its government is a key to successful COIN operations. In the end, victory comes, in large measure, by convincing the populace that their life will be better under the HN government than under an insurgent regime.
Over the next several days, I saw how much the Iraqis respected Rakene Lee and the other Marines who were all courageous, tactically competent, measured, and collectively and constantly telling even the Iraqis to go easy on the Iraqis.
Over days of operations, I found Lieutenant Hamid to be courageous, intelligent, and with natural leadership abilities. Hamid asked me to publish his photo. He said he wants al Qaeda to come to Sadr City and look for him.
One night, after a long day out in the sun, when we were all were exhausted, I sat talking with Hamid. He told me how he’d lost his girlfriend of two years.
She’d been studying banking in Baghdad, and when Hamid told her of his intentions to join the Iraqi Army, she replied that not only would she not marry him, but that she would break up. He said it was a very tough decision. Hamid’s father had been a soldier in Saddam’s Army, as had other relatives including uncles, some of whom died fighting.
When he told his girlfriend that he must go to the Iraqi Army, she left him. He told me, with remarkable sadness, “Women are crazy.”
Hamid said that he was so sick for two weeks he could hardly eat, and finally he went to a hospital and a doctor gave him an IV. When Hamid returned to duty, he decided he would be a soldier for life and might not ever get married. And then he said it again, “women are crazy,” but this time we laughed.
The Marines and his own commanders think highly of Hamid.
Wild Thing's comment........
Thank you Michael for bringing us this great progress on the ground .. one soldier .. one heart .. at a time. God bless our troops and keep them safe.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (2)
September 04, 2007
Modesty Gowns for Female Mulsim Patients
.......................
Gown for Female Muslim Patients .......................................... Hanoi Kerry
Modesty gowns for female patients
BBC news
A gown designed for female Muslim patients who wish to preserve their modesty for religious reasons is being introduced to hospitals in Lancashire.
The £12 outfits - made in Yorkshire - cover the entire head, neck and body, leaving just a slot for the eyes.
The burqua-style gowns come with trousers, two styles of head-dress and elasticated cuffs to prevent women's arms from being revealed.
Karen Jacob, linen services manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, came up with the idea.
She said: "I noticed a gap in the market and thought that it would be great if there was a gown that helped to preserve a patient's modesty."
The gowns are believed to be a world first - and TrusTECH, the NHS organisation which manages innovation for the North West NHS - has the patent.
It means the market for the gowns among the globe's billion-plus Muslims is immense.
Tim Meadows, customer service manager for Interweave, the West Yorkshire-based firm which makes the garments, believes the demand for the gowns could be huge.
"We think there is a large market out there," he says.
"We hope it will be a success. We have invested a lot of time and money."
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Wild Thing's comment........
LOL My first thought was that photo of Kerry when I saw this story. hahaha
That thing has to create problems with breathing while the patient sleeps. And speaking of breathing, it seems like a liability because if the patient does stop breathing, when the patient becomes cyanotic you won't be able to tell. Except for looking at the hands, but if they are under a blanket or something like that....hmmmm It just does not make sense to me. If the patient has IV's, where are you going to put them and how are you going to moniter the injection site?
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (14)
Video of Bush's Surprise Visit to Iraq and Democrats Can't Stand It
The Commander-in-Chief along with the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and many high ranking generals, gave a speech to the troops in a surprise visit to Iraq. The sound is somewhat distorted by some of the applause and cheers from the troops in the audience
Bush Makes Surprise Visit to Iraq AL-ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AP) .....for complete article if you can stand the typical liberal writings of this article
President Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq on Monday, using the war zone as a backdrop to argue his case that the buildup of U.S. troops is helping stabilizing the nation.
The president secretly flew 11 hours to Iraq as a showdown nears with Congress over whether his decision in January to order 30,000 more U.S. troops to Iraq is working. He landed at an air base in Anbar province west of Baghdad.
Next week, Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad, testify before Congress. Their assessment of the conflict, along with a progress report the White House must give lawmakers by Sept. 15, will determine the next chapter of the war.
Bush stopped in Iraq ahead of his visit to Australia for an economic summit with Asia-Pacific leaders. The trip was a closely held secret for obvious security reasons.
Wild Thing's comment........
To our troops, we’re proud of you and will never forget your courage and sacrifice.
Other links to this stoyr along with the one I used at the top with the article:
Yahoo News and also photos and video
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (9)
September 03, 2007
~ Happy Labor Day ~
Today is a day to honor all who work,
but I'd like to say a special thanks to our brave men and women
in the Armed forces, who work long,
hard hours each and every day to keep us safe and
to make sure we keep all that is so important to us.
I would also like to thank all workers for their hard labor
and in making this country still the BEST in the world.
I would also like to take a minute of silence to honor those
who have given their
lives in the line of duty. God Bless them
God Bless all of you, our men and women of the
Armed Forces and GOD BLESS THE USA.
Have a safe and wonderful day!
Wild Thing
Posted by Wild Thing at 10:30 AM | Comments (4)
In Country With Our Troops
....Thank you to SSgt Steve, USMC for this awesome graphic you see at the top of this post.
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Smoke bellows from an 81mm mortar tube while Marines with Mobile Assault Platoon 3, Weapons Company, Task Force 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, cover themselves for protection during a Fire Support Coordination Exercise here. Many Marines were new to forward scout observing and firing from a mortar tube. Photo by Cpl. Eric C. Schwartz.
Anatomy of TF 1/4's indirect firepower
By Cpl. Eric C. Schwartz
2nd Marine Division
The ground shook ferociously as the 81 millimeter mortar round ripped through it, propelling debris everywhere and destroying any living thing in its area of impact. Forward observers up on a hill viewed this destructive force through their binoculars, ready to call in air support.
Weapons Company, Company C, and Headquarters and Support Company, Task Force 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, proved their devastating capability of denying any offensive against Camp Al Qa’im during the Fire Support Coordination Exercise.
“It’s like the hand of God,” said Sgt. Randy L. Whitmore, a Reno, Nev., native, and forward observer field instructor with Headquarters and Support Company. “It reaches down from the heavens and brings death to the wicked.”
“Indirect fire is a combined team effort,” said Gunnery Sgt. J Boyle, an artillery operations chief with the battalion’s Mobile Assault Platoon 3, Weapons Company.
Unlike a rifle, considered an extension of a rifleman, indirect fire is a being combined of three parts.
“Forward observers are the eyes, fire-directional control is the brain, and the gun line is the brawn,” Boyle said.
As much as this mechanical life-taker destroys the enemy’s spirit and fighting force, it is also a savior to its allies.
“In battle, infantry units can use this long-range weapon to give them a bigger cushion, saving lives and keeping people out of harm’s way,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Walk, a fire-directional controller and Sierra Vista, Ariz., native, with MAP 3.
Marines who were new to calling-for-fire trained in the art of forward observation while communicating with fire-directional controllers near the gun line. The FO would use a compass to find the distance and direction for their chosen target, communicating this information to the FDC.
“This is these Marines’ first time calling for fire and they are making a good effort,” said Whitmore.
The FDC would input the direction and distance of the target into a specially designed notebook computer, which outputted data explaining air temperature, barometric pressure, air density and wind speed.
“All four of these affect the trajectory of the mortar,” Boyle said.
The computer can also find the accurate target location comparing the distance of the mortar’s location to the inputted information. This new system gives much more information to the FDC than the M16 plotting board, traditionally used by FDCs.
“You still want to check your grid with the M16 plotting board because the mortar ballistic computer is usually correct but it’s good to double-check your coordinates,” Walk said.
Mortarmen adjusted their M252 81mm mortar tubes to the FDC’s new coordinates. One Marine dropped the 81mm mortar round down the tube, crouching down below the explosive noise while another Marine simultaneously braced the bottom of the tube for a more accurate impact.
”I was really nervous the first time I dropped the mortar down the mortar tube,” said Lance Cpl. Blake Gorecki, a Minneapolis Native, and machine gunner with MAP 3. “My hands were sweating and my heart was racing.”
This long-armed creature, in theory, should work perfectly, hitting the target on precisely the same spot each time; but it is still effective even when it doesn’t hit the target, as long as it impacts near the enemy. The thunderous noise smashes easily through the sound of rifles cracking, reminding the enemy how fragile their bodies really are; if they are still alive after impact.
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Marines train Iraqis to keep judges safe
BAGHDAD
It’s not news to read that politicians, famous athletes and even entertainers have bodyguards protecting them from dangerous people, but in Iraq, judges need protection from the same people they sentence.
This is why the Al Qa’im court system has a new personal security detachment trained by Marines of Viking Red Section, Mobile Assault Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 2.
“Part of setting up Iraq’s infrastructure is creating a normal working society,” said U.S. Marine Cpl. Dustin Barlag, a Cincinnati, Ohio, native, and vehicle commander with MAP. “A normal working society protects its people by sentencing criminals in a court of law.
“As these judges are sentencing criminals, their lives get endangered more and more,” Barlag said. “If Iraq’s judicial system is to be fair, but stern, the judges need to feel safe from any reprisals. This is why there was a PSD created for the judges.”
The newly appointed PSD of Al Qa’im’s courts were eager to learn from the experienced Marines, who had been trained in personnel-protection techniques by a private security firm.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (6)
Legal and Illegal Immigrant Surge Leads U.S. Toward Half Billion People
Immigrant surge leads U.S. toward half billion people
Long Beach Telegram
WASHINGTON
Immigrants and their children will account for more than half the country's population growth over the coming half-century, according to a study released Thursday.
The examination of new census figures by the Center for Immigration Studies found U.S. population levels, currently around 300 million, will shoot up to 468 million by 2060. California alone could be home to more than 60 million.
Immigrants - both legal and illegal - as well as their descendants are expected to make up about 105 million, or 63 percent, of the national increase.
"It's important to understand where we're headed in population size and why. The why is largely, but not exclusively, immigration," said Steven Camarota, author of the report.
The Center for Immigration Studies, a D.C.-based think tank, openly advocates immigration restrictions. While demographers across the ideological spectrum verified the group's numbers, opinions vary on what they mean for America's future.
William A.V. Clark, a geography professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, called 468 million "a really huge number, and it's being driven by immigration, there's no doubt about that."
Neither politicians nor city planners are preparing for or even discussing immigration's impact on population growth, he said.
Meanwhile, the impact in California, which is home to about 10 million foreign-born, will be particularly acute.
"If you think the 405 is bad now, it won't be moving unless they put a double-decker bus on it," Clark said.
"This is like the elephant in the bathtub," he said. "We're not building the infrastructure for the population we have now, much less this kind of growth."
But Jeff Passell, spokesman for the Pew Hispanic Center, which also is preparing population projections based on immigration, noted that without newcomers the U.S. could not have a growing labor force.
Dowell Myers, a professor of urban planning at USC, agreed.
Myers studies aging trends and called immigration part of the solution to the graying of America.
He noted that the ratio of senior citizens to working-age people will go up 30 percent in the next decade and spike another 30 percent after that.
"That is the central policy question America has to solve, and we have to solve it now," he said. Because foreigners who come to the U.S. tend to be young, he said, immigration can reduce the aging problem by about a quarter.
Myers also cast doubts on the study, noting that the analysis hinges on the assumption that fertility and immigration rates will both remain high.
Currently, the nation sustains an immigration rate of about 1.2 million annually, according to the study. Researchers based their projections partly on the past five decades, during which there has been a net immigration increase.
Wild Thing's comment........
It seems we are becoming the wretched refuse of our own teeming shores. The RATs must love this! More votes for more socialism.
Regarding the illegals in this growth:
Invasion: \In*va"sion\, n. [L. invasio: cf. F. invasion. See Invade.] [1913 Webster]
1. The act of invading; the act of encroaching upon the rights or possessions of another; encroachment; trespass.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (17)
I removed this post it was messing something up
I noticed the comments were not working for this post for some reason so I removed it. All is well now.
It must have just been one of those weird computer things or something in the code not liking my server. haha
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM | Comments (2)
September 02, 2007
Give Up My SUV? No Way!
Edwards: Americans should sacrifice their SUVs The former North Carolina senator told a forum by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, yesterday he thinks Americans are willing to sacrifice. Edwards says Americans should be asked to drive more fuel efficient vehicles. He says he would ask them to give up SUVs. Edwards got a standing ovation when he said weapons and equipment used by America's military needs to be made in the United States. He says tanks and ammunition for M16 rifles are being made in other countries. He says jobs that provide equipment for America's defense need to be made in the United States. Wild Thing's comment........ Edwars, Gore, name any of them it does not matter. They are not going to make any sacrifice's. But they want all of us to.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM
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Cat to make diesel engines in China Peoria Caterpillar Inc. announced Tuesday it will begin making small and medium-sized diesel engines in China, including some from a new manufacturing facility it plans to build there. The company said the engines will be made at facilities in Wuxi in the Jiangsu province, according to a memorandum of understanding reached with the Wuxi National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone. It's part of a multi-year investment to develop and manufacture the engines, which will be sold under the Caterpillar and Perkins brands. The first of the planned operations will be the production of the Perkins 400 Series three- and four-cylinder engines from Perkins Shibaura Engines, a joint venture between Perkins - a Caterpillar subsidiary - and IHI Shibuara Machinery Corp. of China. Next will come medium-sized engines for use in Caterpillar's core construction equipment manufactured in China, for power generation and marine applications. Should the memorandum of understanding be finalized, pending Wuxi government and other regulatory approvals, the engines would be made at a new plant that would be completed in 2012 and bring Caterpillar's Wuxi employment to 400 to 600 people, Dunn said. The engine facilities in Wuxi would be able to produce up to 100,000 engines annually that would be sold to customers - original equipment manufacturers - in China and the Pacific Rim region. Dunn said the company would not disclose how much it is investing in the projects. The company said it plans to focus on engines that will meet the emissions requirements in China and for other customers.
Wild Thing's comment........ "Caterpillar’s commitment to China”? How about their “commitment” to the workers in the United States? "Cat to Make Diesel Engines in China" Should read...Political prisoners to make diesel engines in China. I grew up in Peoria, and this really ticks me off. So what is it gonig to be?? Make the engines in China, ship them to Mexico and have them tranported up the nifty NAFTA super highway, instead of making them in the US and supporting the homeland economy. "This is about increasing our global capacity to meet customer demand,” Bullshit. It’s about kowtowing to the commie scum so you can sell in their market,
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM
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All those considered "top tier" are pro-amnesty, pro-open border, pro-illegals and would put a price on US citizenship rather than enforcing current laws.
Wild Thing's comment........ First let me say this, this video I am showing you is not meant to strike out at our side, the Republican side. It is meant to show quotes of things that have been said by various people running for President in the Republican party for this next election. I am NOT working for anyone running, this is just to give us a good comparison and contrast at the difference so we can all make the correct decision. For too long now, we’ve kept electing RINOS because they would change their platform and say what we all wanted them to say. This is the reason the GOP is in the trouble it’s in today imo. We’ve got to elect people with a record that doesn’t need sanitizing. All I can say at this time is that I never prayed like I am now, for our country and it's future. And also praying that the right person is elected in this next election that will be a strong leader. So rather than jump on the bandwagon of someone who I think can win, I had much rather vote for the one I think is the best and one which it will actually mean something to conservatives when he does win. I suppose some of us are just tired of supporting the same old same and expecting them to be different, as if by magic, this time. Prayers for our troops and for our country. We live in the best country in the entire world. She is worth fighting for, protecting and praying for too. She has been good to all of us and given us opportunities like no other country could have done. I have no idea if Fred Thompson will enter or not. I know he has given a date to announce and we will see. For right now and I have felt this all along I have confidence in Duncan Hunter, his voting record and the things he has said and never flip flopped. There are many Veterans groups that are also for Hunter, also Rolling Thunder, Gen. Chuck Yeager, many others. This whole post is meant as information. There is still a lot of time before we will be asked to vote. I just want to make sure I get information honestly stated on all those on our side running for President. Because this time might be one of the most important elections in my lifetime, and I am just so fed up with rino's.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:45 AM
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This Day in U.S. Military History September 2, 1945 1945 - Aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan formally surrenders to the Allies, bringing an end to World War II. By the summer of 1945, the defeat of Japan was a foregone conclusion. The Japanese navy and air force were destroyed. The Allied naval blockade of Japan and intensive bombing of Japanese cities had left the country and its economy devastated. At the end of June, the Americans captured Okinawa, a Japanese island from which the Allies could launch an invasion of the main Japanese home islands. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur was put in charge of the invasion, which was code-named "Operation Olympic" and set for November 1945. On July 16, a new option became available when the United States secretly detonated the world's first atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert. Ten days later, the Allies issued the Potsdam Declaration, demanding the "unconditional surrender of all the Japanese armed forces." Failure to comply would mean "the inevitable and complete destruction of the Japanese armed forces and just as inevitable the utter devastation of the Japanese homeland." On July 28, Japanese Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki responded by telling the press that his government was "paying no attention" to the Allied ultimatum. U.S. President Harry Truman ordered the devastation to proceed, and on August 6, the U.S. B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing an estimated 80,000 people and fatally wounding thousands more. After the Hiroshima attack, a faction of Japan's supreme war council favored acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, but the majority resisted unconditional surrender. On August 8, Japan's desperate situation took another turn for the worse when the USSR declared war against Japan. The next day, Soviet forces attacked in Manchuria, rapidly overwhelming Japanese positions there, and a second U.S. atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese coastal city of Nagasaki. Just before midnight on August 9, Japanese Emperor Hirohito convened the supreme war council. After a long, emotional debate, he backed a proposal by Prime Minister Suzuki in which Japan would accept the Potsdam Declaration "with the understanding that said Declaration does not compromise any demand that prejudices the prerogatives of His Majesty as the sovereign ruler." The council obeyed Hirohito's acceptance of peace, and on August 10 the message was relayed to the United States. Early on August 12, the United States answered that "the authority of the emperor and the Japanese government to rule the state shall be subject to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers." After two days of debate about what this statement implied, Emperor Hirohito brushed the nuances in the text aside and declared that peace was preferable to destruction. He ordered the Japanese government to prepare a text accepting surrender. The United States immediately accepted Japan's surrender. President Truman appointed MacArthur to head the Allied occupation of Japan as Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers. For the site of Japan's formal surrender, Truman chose the USS Missouri, a battleship that had seen considerable action in the Pacific and was named after Truman's native state. MacArthur, instructed to preside over the surrender, held off the ceremony until September 2 in order to allow time for representatives of all the major Allied powers to arrive. On Sunday, September 2, more than 250 Allied warships lay at anchor in Tokyo Bay. The flags of the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union, and China fluttered above the deck of the Missouri. Just after 9 a.m. Tokyo time, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed on behalf of the Japanese government. General Yoshijiro Umezu then signed for the Japanese armed forces, and his aides wept as he made his signature. Ten more signatures were made, by the United States, China, Britain, the USSR, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, respectively. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed for the United States. As the 20-minute ceremony ended, the sun burst through low-hanging clouds. The most devastating war in human history was over.
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:40 AM
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Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards told a labor group he would ask Americans to make a big sacrifice: their sport utility vehicles.
Cat to make diesel engines in China
Peoria Journal Star"This is about increasing our global capacity to meet customer demand," said spokesman Rusty Dunn. "It's a significant symbol of Caterpillar's commitment to China and the region."
"As the global technology leader in the production of clean diesel engines, Caterpillar is committed to establishing a major investment to manufacture these world-class and clean diesel engines in China," said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar group president responsible for engines. "As Chinese customers face future emissions reduction requirements, Caterpillar will utilize its technology leadership to provide machines and engines that will meet their needs as well as enable sustainable development."
"For more than 30 years, Caterpillar customers in China have benefited from the unparalleled value that comes with owning and operating Caterpillar machines and engines," said Rich Lavin, Caterpillar vice president responsible for Asia Pacific manufacturing operations. "The plan to build these engines in China demonstrates our long-term commitment to this critically important market and to our customers."
Compare and Contrast
Japan Surrendered On This Day Sept.2, 1945
At noon that day, Emperor Hirohito went on national radio for the first time to announce the Japanese surrender. In his unfamiliar court language, he told his subjects, "we have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable."
Supreme Commander MacArthur next signed on behalf of the United Nations, declaring, "It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out the blood and carnage of the past."
September 01, 2007
9th Circus Court says 'Let 'em roll!' To Mexican Trucks!
Court: Mexican trucks program to proceed
SAN FRANCISCO
(AP)
The Bush administration can go ahead with a pilot program to allow as many as 100 Mexican trucking companies to freely haul their cargo anywhere within the U.S. for the next year, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request made by the Teamsters union, the Sierra Club and the nonprofit Public Citizen to halt the program.
The appeals court ruled the groups have not satisfied the legal requirements to immediately stop what the government is calling a "demonstration project," but can continue to argue their case.
The trucking program is scheduled to begin Thursday.
In court papers filed this week, the Teamsters and Sierra Club argued there won't be enough oversight of the drivers coming into the U.S. from Mexico.
They also argued that public safety would be endangered in a hasty attempt by the government to comply with parts of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The trade agreement requires that all roads in the United States, Mexico and Canada to be opened to carriers from all three countries.
Canadian trucking companies have full access to U.S. roads, but Mexican trucks can travel only about 20 miles inside the country at certain border crossings, such as ones in San Diego and El Paso, Texas.
The government contends that further delays in the project will strain the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.
In court filings this week, government lawyers said that the program is an important interim step in fulfilling the United States' obligations under NAFTA. They said that Mexican trucking companies would have to meet the same regulations governing U.S. trucking companies, and that in some cases the requirements are stricter.
Representatives of the Teamsters did not immediately return calls late Friday from The Associated Press, and a Sierra Club spokeswoman declined to comment immediately.
The program is designed to study whether opening the U.S.-Mexico border to all trucks could be done safely.
Congress ordered the Department of Transportation this year to launch a pilot program to investigate the issue. As the start date neared, the Teamsters and the Sierra Club claimed the public wasn't given enough opportunity to comment on a program that, as proposed now, won't yield statistically valid results.
The government says it has imposed rigorous safety protocols in the program, including drug and alcohol testing for drivers done by U.S. companies. In addition, law enforcement officials have stepped up nationwide enforcement of a law that's been on the books since the 1970s requiring interstate truck and bus drivers to have a basic understanding of written and spoken English.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation agency charged with managing the program, said Friday that the court's decision is "welcome news for U.S. truck drivers anxious to compete south of the border and U.S. consumers eager to realize the savings of more efficient shipments with one of our largest trading partners."
However, the agency said it must still wait for final report by the inspector general and for Mexico to begin giving U.S. trucking companies reciprocal access before the program can begin.
The Teamsters had complained that the government has provided not details of the reciprocal agreement.
Wild Thing's comment........
Of course the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says it’s OK. American Black Robed MULLAHs! According to the most current count, the Ninth Circuit has the highest percentage of active judges appointed by Democratic presidents, with 59%. Until 2003, this percentage was much higher; a political stalemate over judicial nominations subsequently kept several vacancies on the court for several years.
Critics point to this preponderance of appointees of Democratic presidents as evidence that the court has a liberal bias.
50 million more illegals and 200 million more anchor babies. And according to those that are FOR this BS......
If you don't like that idea, you are a racist, bigoted, homophobic, know-nothing, unappeasable, mouth-breathing, anti-American, 2 percenter fringe conservative with neo-nazi leanings, and your mother wears army boots!!!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:55 AM | Comments (18)
Press # 2 For Jihad?
Nokia has launched a special-edition cell phone for Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa that features....
“a unique portfolio of pre-loaded applications including a collection of Azkars for the morning and the evening, an Islamic Organizer with audible alarms for the five daily prayers, a Qibla direction indicator and a Hijri calendar,”
Nokia launches Nokia N73 Special Edition designed specifically for the Arab market
United Arab Emirates
Nokia today announced the launch of the Nokia N73 Special Edition which will be initially exclusively available in the Middle East and North Africa markets.
The launch coincides with the Holy month of Ramadan and the offer includes a full range of applications, carefully tailored to meet the needs of consumers in the Arab world.
In addition to the pre-loaded content consumers using the Nokia N73 Special Edition can also download other additional applications directly from the Download! feature on the device. Downloadable content includes the Name of Allah application, exclusively available for Nokia users as well as a third e-book.
Wild Thing's comment........
Maybe we should make a grenade that looks like a cell phone just for the ragheads.
Hello, Achmed? BOOM!
Posted by Wild Thing at 12:47 AM | Comments (7)
“When we get people who are more concerned about reading the rights to an Al Qaeda terrorist than they are with protecting the United States against people who are absolutely committed to do anything they can to kill Americans, then I worry,” - VP Dick Cheney
A toast to each of you 
