Story: "A Muslim convert who talked about his desire to wage jihad against civilians was charged Friday in a plot to set off hand grenades at a shopping mall during the Christmas rush, authorities said.
Investigators said Derrick Shareef, 22, of Rockford, was acting alone and never actually obtained any grenades.
"He fixed on a day of December 22nd on Friday ... because it was the Friday before Christmas and thought that would be the highest concentration of shoppers that he could kill and injure," said Robert Grant, the agent in charge of the Chicago FBI office.
Authorities said Shareef had been under investigation since September, when he told an acquaintance that "he wanted to commit acts of violent jihad against targets in the United States as well as commit other crimes." "
Well, glad the FBI has brought this muslim terrorist in. 4 grenades in a mall would do some damage, but it would be rather difficult to set, time, and escape. Although, his being an muslim would take the fear out of sucide.
The key to this story is his friend telling the FBI, a regular citizen warning of a friend on Jihad.
Works for me.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Dems to block pay raise
Story: "Members of Congress are in line for a $3,300 pay raise effective Jan. 1 unless they block it, and Democrats said Thursday they intend to try.
Officials said Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California and Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the party's leaders, had notified Republicans they will try to add the anti-pay-raise provision to a bill that provides funds for most government agencies through Feb. 15.
Congress must pass the funding bill before it adjourns for the year, and the target for that is Friday.
Democrats won control of Congress in last month's elections after a campaign in which they frequently criticized majority Republicans for taking pay raises while blocking numerous attempts to raise the minimum wage.
"It is unconscionable that members of congress would get yet another pay raise while the minimum wage has been stuck at $5.15 an hour for the last 10 years. Senator Reid intends to do all he can to ensure that Congress won't get a raise until working families do," said his spokesman, Jim Manley. "
While their reasoning is flawled, I support the result.
Weird that the republicans are the ones pegging for a pay raise here, considering they did a lousy job while in control of the house and senate.
Officials said Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California and Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the party's leaders, had notified Republicans they will try to add the anti-pay-raise provision to a bill that provides funds for most government agencies through Feb. 15.
Congress must pass the funding bill before it adjourns for the year, and the target for that is Friday.
Democrats won control of Congress in last month's elections after a campaign in which they frequently criticized majority Republicans for taking pay raises while blocking numerous attempts to raise the minimum wage.
"It is unconscionable that members of congress would get yet another pay raise while the minimum wage has been stuck at $5.15 an hour for the last 10 years. Senator Reid intends to do all he can to ensure that Congress won't get a raise until working families do," said his spokesman, Jim Manley. "
While their reasoning is flawled, I support the result.
Weird that the republicans are the ones pegging for a pay raise here, considering they did a lousy job while in control of the house and senate.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
14% of Mexican workforce, Employed in the US
Story: "One in seven Mexican workers have left their country and are working in the United States, an immigration study said on Tuesday.
There were more than 7 million workers from Mexico in the U.S. labor force this year, 2 million more than six years ago, said the report's author, Jeanne Batalova of the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington think tank.
Batalova said the increase in numbers had to do with economic reasons, with more immigrants looking for a better life in the United States, but also with the increased enforcement at the U.S.-Mexican border.
"It became more dangerous to cross the border, and that caused a 'lock in' effect," Batalova told Reuters in a telephone interview.
Up to 9.4 percent of the all persons born in Mexico were living in the United States in 2005, according to the report. In the same year, 14 percent of Mexican workers had jobs on U.S. soil, compared to 2.5 percent of Canadians."
Yikes... Thats a very large number of people.
There were more than 7 million workers from Mexico in the U.S. labor force this year, 2 million more than six years ago, said the report's author, Jeanne Batalova of the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington think tank.
Batalova said the increase in numbers had to do with economic reasons, with more immigrants looking for a better life in the United States, but also with the increased enforcement at the U.S.-Mexican border.
"It became more dangerous to cross the border, and that caused a 'lock in' effect," Batalova told Reuters in a telephone interview.
Up to 9.4 percent of the all persons born in Mexico were living in the United States in 2005, according to the report. In the same year, 14 percent of Mexican workers had jobs on U.S. soil, compared to 2.5 percent of Canadians."
Yikes... Thats a very large number of people.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Senator Inhofe
Story: "Sen. James M. Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican and chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, will hold a full committee hearing tomorrow on "Climate Change and the Media." The hearing will look at how the media has presented scientific evidence regarding predictions of human-caused catastrophic global warming, the senator's office said. "Senator Inhofe believes that poorly conceived policy decisions will result from the media's nonstop hyping of 'extreme scenarios' and dire climate predictions," said committee Communications Director Marc Morano. "This hearing will serve to advance the interests of sound science and encourage rational policy decisions." "
Finally, some good news out of Congress. While the republicans still have control of the comitees, now is the time to do this.
Inhofe, I'm starting to like. Even if he is from Oklahoma. :D
I've got several papers I wrote for english class that I think I'll post in the near future, dealing with Terrorism, Global Warming, and the War in Iraq.
Finally, some good news out of Congress. While the republicans still have control of the comitees, now is the time to do this.
Inhofe, I'm starting to like. Even if he is from Oklahoma. :D
I've got several papers I wrote for english class that I think I'll post in the near future, dealing with Terrorism, Global Warming, and the War in Iraq.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Immigration circus
Story: "Congress will approve an immigration bill that will grant citizenship rights to most of the 12 million to 20 million illegal aliens in the U.S. after Democrats take control next month, predict both sides on Capitol Hill. While Republicans have been largely splintered on the issue of immigration reform, Democrats have been fairly unified behind the principle that the illegals currently in the country should get citizenship rights without having to first leave the country. "Years of dawdling have worsened our border security and made it harder to fix this broken system," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, the Vermont Democrat who will lead the Judiciary Committee next year. "We should not let partisan politics and intolerance continue to delay and derail effective reform." Democrats in both chambers say they will start with some form of legislation first drafted by Sens. John McCain, Arizona Republican, and Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat, which was the basis for the bill that was approved earlier this year by the Senate. "
I wish this didn't concern me nearly as much as it does. However, I have almost no faith in either the Senate, or the President, to block this bill. Those that commit crimes should be punished according to their actions, not allowed to walk free of their crimes.
I wish this didn't concern me nearly as much as it does. However, I have almost no faith in either the Senate, or the President, to block this bill. Those that commit crimes should be punished according to their actions, not allowed to walk free of their crimes.
Back
Hey,
Got back in last night, had an interesting trip. My team didn't win anything, but we had a ton of fun nonetheless.
Got back in last night, had an interesting trip. My team didn't win anything, but we had a ton of fun nonetheless.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
I'll be back
Ok, I am now leaving for the weekend, I may or may not post in the mean time.
God speed to your ventures.
And in the mean time, here is an interesting story.
http://www.newsobserver.com/145/story/515756.html
Btw, it is cold here!!! Dude, there is Ice on the ground! In texas!!!
God speed to your ventures.
And in the mean time, here is an interesting story.
http://www.newsobserver.com/145/story/515756.html
Btw, it is cold here!!! Dude, there is Ice on the ground! In texas!!!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Newspapers can't merge?
Story: "Suspicious about possible alliance among competitors, a federal judge barred The San Francisco Chronicle from consolidating some of its business operations with newspapers owned by MediaNews Group Inc.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued the temporary restraining order Tuesday, upon seeing a previously undisclosed memo saying that the Chronicle's parent company, Hearst Corp., intended to collaborate with the newspaper's rivals on Bay Area distribution and national advertising sales.
The judge ruled the deal would possibly violate antitrust laws."
Government violation of the free markets... How on earth does two newspapers merging create and anti-trust situation? Espessially with the access to the news over the internet, this is just a stupid ruling.
Sorry about the lack of posts recently, and there maybe over the next few days, as my Robotics team is going to compete at the state level this weekend. Pray for us, I'm sure we're going to need it.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued the temporary restraining order Tuesday, upon seeing a previously undisclosed memo saying that the Chronicle's parent company, Hearst Corp., intended to collaborate with the newspaper's rivals on Bay Area distribution and national advertising sales.
The judge ruled the deal would possibly violate antitrust laws."
Government violation of the free markets... How on earth does two newspapers merging create and anti-trust situation? Espessially with the access to the news over the internet, this is just a stupid ruling.
Sorry about the lack of posts recently, and there maybe over the next few days, as my Robotics team is going to compete at the state level this weekend. Pray for us, I'm sure we're going to need it.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Cool site
Cooking for Engineers is a website I found via the RabenStranger, and has caught my fancy.
Its essentially a cooking website, but with a more analytical view of the process and the outcome, rather then a focus on the ingredients and presentation.
I like it.
Quick question: Any one put up christmas lights yet?
Its essentially a cooking website, but with a more analytical view of the process and the outcome, rather then a focus on the ingredients and presentation.
I like it.
Quick question: Any one put up christmas lights yet?
Saturday, November 25, 2006
PETA targets christmas, mistaken identity
Story: "The Rev. Jason Armstrong was confused by an e-mail this week from PETA, which admonished him for subjecting animals "to cruel treatment and danger," by forcing them into roles in the church's annual manger scene.
"We've never had live animals, so I just figured this was some spam thing," Armstrong said. "It's rough enough on us people standing out there in the cold. So we're definitely not using animals."
Jackie Vergerio, PETA's captive animals in entertainment specialist, said her organization tracks churches nationwide that use real animals in "living nativity scenes."
Seems the confusion started with the church's choice of phrase. PETA flagged Free Methodist's display as a "living nativity," and indeed, that's how the church describes it on its Web site.
...
In the letter to Armstrong, Vergerio shared some sad fates of previous nativity animals - like Brighty the donkey, snatched from a nativity scene in Virginia and beaten by three young men. Ernie the camel fled a creche in Maryland but was struck and killed by a car. Two sheep and a donkey had to be euthanized after a dog mauling at a manger scene in Virginia.
Free Methodist's display is peaceful, Armstrong said.
The congregation erects the stable. Members spread straw and don costumes. Some even dress as manger animals."
Ok... What PETA is doing protesting manger scenes is beyond me, but to notify a pastor via email? Crazy.
And I'm betting you would have a very hard time getting a camel to put in a manger in Alaska.
"We've never had live animals, so I just figured this was some spam thing," Armstrong said. "It's rough enough on us people standing out there in the cold. So we're definitely not using animals."
Jackie Vergerio, PETA's captive animals in entertainment specialist, said her organization tracks churches nationwide that use real animals in "living nativity scenes."
Seems the confusion started with the church's choice of phrase. PETA flagged Free Methodist's display as a "living nativity," and indeed, that's how the church describes it on its Web site.
...
In the letter to Armstrong, Vergerio shared some sad fates of previous nativity animals - like Brighty the donkey, snatched from a nativity scene in Virginia and beaten by three young men. Ernie the camel fled a creche in Maryland but was struck and killed by a car. Two sheep and a donkey had to be euthanized after a dog mauling at a manger scene in Virginia.
Free Methodist's display is peaceful, Armstrong said.
The congregation erects the stable. Members spread straw and don costumes. Some even dress as manger animals."
Ok... What PETA is doing protesting manger scenes is beyond me, but to notify a pastor via email? Crazy.
And I'm betting you would have a very hard time getting a camel to put in a manger in Alaska.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Makes me think...
Ok, so this is a photograph from Reuters. A former warrior here at Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance, David, showed me the picture. I said
"Dude, that is such a photoshop hack job against Sheehan." (Ok, mildly embelished).
"Dude, its Reuters!"
"Dude, it is! Just like I said."
Me again: "Looks like a russian spelling. I knew the former commies were behind all the peace protests!"
"riight..."
Moseying right along...
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
University group fights Racsism
Story: "Looking to draw attention to what they call the "worst form of bigotry confronting America today," Boston University's College Republicans are circulating an application for a
"Caucasian Achievement and Recognition Scholarship" that requires applicants be at least 25 percent Caucasian.
"Did we do this to give a scholarship to white kids? Of course not," the scholarship reads. "Did we do it to trigger a discussion on what we believe to be the morally wrong practice of basing decisions in our schools and our jobs on racial preferences rather than merit? Absolutely.
"The scholarship, which is privately funded by the BUCR without the support of the university, is meant to raise awareness, group members say. BUCR member argue that racial preferences are a form of "bigotry." The group has a similar view on affirmative action.
"If you give out a white scholarship, it's racist, and if you give out a Hispanic scholarship, it is OK," the College of Arts and Sciences senior said. "It is the main point. We are not doing this scholarship as a white-supremacy scholarship."La Fuerza Co-Chair Sara-Marie Pons, who is also on the Admissions Student Diversity Board, said although she agrees with BUCR's claim that racial preference is "contradictory to our American ideals of freedom and equality," she feels American history justifies today's affirmative action." "
I love it. Finally, some attention to the racsism that exists in America, the affermative action system that helps people because of their skin color. Not only is it wrong, but its an insult that someone would need extra help, just because they are black.
$250 isn't much, but the point it makes is far greater.
"Caucasian Achievement and Recognition Scholarship" that requires applicants be at least 25 percent Caucasian.
"Did we do this to give a scholarship to white kids? Of course not," the scholarship reads. "Did we do it to trigger a discussion on what we believe to be the morally wrong practice of basing decisions in our schools and our jobs on racial preferences rather than merit? Absolutely.
"The scholarship, which is privately funded by the BUCR without the support of the university, is meant to raise awareness, group members say. BUCR member argue that racial preferences are a form of "bigotry." The group has a similar view on affirmative action.
"If you give out a white scholarship, it's racist, and if you give out a Hispanic scholarship, it is OK," the College of Arts and Sciences senior said. "It is the main point. We are not doing this scholarship as a white-supremacy scholarship."La Fuerza Co-Chair Sara-Marie Pons, who is also on the Admissions Student Diversity Board, said although she agrees with BUCR's claim that racial preference is "contradictory to our American ideals of freedom and equality," she feels American history justifies today's affirmative action." "
I love it. Finally, some attention to the racsism that exists in America, the affermative action system that helps people because of their skin color. Not only is it wrong, but its an insult that someone would need extra help, just because they are black.
$250 isn't much, but the point it makes is far greater.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Coke Submarine, drug runner ingenuity
Story: "U.S. Coast Guards have seized a submarine carrying 3.5 tons of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean off Costa Rica and arrested three Colombians on board, the Costa Rican Coast Guard said on Sunday.
The submarine appeared to be a makeshift vessel unlike military submarines or those used by oceanographers. It could only submerge 6 feet under water, Costa Rican Coast Guard spokesman Jose Antonio Fallas told Reuters.
The 45-foot-long vessel was found last Wednesday near the remote Coco Island, southwest of the Central American mainland, and had traveled hundreds of miles from Colombia on its way to the United States."
That's pretty ingenous, hundreds of miles in a home made submarine.
Glad the USCG caught it.
The submarine appeared to be a makeshift vessel unlike military submarines or those used by oceanographers. It could only submerge 6 feet under water, Costa Rican Coast Guard spokesman Jose Antonio Fallas told Reuters.
The 45-foot-long vessel was found last Wednesday near the remote Coco Island, southwest of the Central American mainland, and had traveled hundreds of miles from Colombia on its way to the United States."
That's pretty ingenous, hundreds of miles in a home made submarine.
Glad the USCG caught it.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Girls beheaded, but it was revenge
Story: "Prosecutors allege that he and two other defendants ordered the Oct. 29, 2005, murders of the girls as they walked to school on Sulawesi, the scene of religious clashes that left at least 1,000 people dead from 1998 to 2002.The men are being charged under Indonesia's tough anti-terrorism laws and face possible death sentences if convicted.
"I was indeed involved in the beheadings," said Hasanuddin, who goes by only one name, adding that he was motivated by anger "because authorities did nothing to avenge the massacres of Muslims."
Prosecutors said Hasanuddin was the ringleader — buying the machetes and plastic bags to put the girls' heads in — and leaving a handwritten note at the scene vowing more killings."
Evil... Kidnap 4 teenage girls off the street as they walk to school, one escapes, and slowly behead the other 3 with a machete, dump the heads into plastic bags and leave a note warning others? And all of this, for an alleged incedent that happened about 6 years ago!
What sick, evil mind takes three innocents off the streets, and beheads them because they are christian, 'uncovered' girls, and considers that justice for the incedent 6 years ago?
And in response:
""We are not cold-blooded killers," Hasanuddin, 34, told the Central Jakarta District Court. "We just wanted revenge.""
Right, that makes a huge difference. You still killed 3 innocent teenagers for no reason.
Thankfully, Indonesia is taking the hard line on its justice.
"I was indeed involved in the beheadings," said Hasanuddin, who goes by only one name, adding that he was motivated by anger "because authorities did nothing to avenge the massacres of Muslims."
Prosecutors said Hasanuddin was the ringleader — buying the machetes and plastic bags to put the girls' heads in — and leaving a handwritten note at the scene vowing more killings."
Evil... Kidnap 4 teenage girls off the street as they walk to school, one escapes, and slowly behead the other 3 with a machete, dump the heads into plastic bags and leave a note warning others? And all of this, for an alleged incedent that happened about 6 years ago!
What sick, evil mind takes three innocents off the streets, and beheads them because they are christian, 'uncovered' girls, and considers that justice for the incedent 6 years ago?
And in response:
""We are not cold-blooded killers," Hasanuddin, 34, told the Central Jakarta District Court. "We just wanted revenge.""
Right, that makes a huge difference. You still killed 3 innocent teenagers for no reason.
Thankfully, Indonesia is taking the hard line on its justice.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
French lab messed up. Big time.
Story: "The French anti-doping lab that tested American cyclist Floyd Landis' urine samples made an "administrative error" when reporting its findings on his backup "B" sample, the French newspaper Le Monde reported Wednesday.
The newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying the Chatenay-Malabry laboratory gave the wrong number in its report about Landis' second sample. Tests on the rider's two samples indicated that Landis had elevated levels of testosterone in his system when he won the Tour de France in July."
Man... Take someone's reputation, drag it through the mud, and then say later that it was a mess up? Landis has said the entire time he didn't do it, and no one believed him.
And the french didn't have a grudge that the Americans won for the 8th time?
The newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying the Chatenay-Malabry laboratory gave the wrong number in its report about Landis' second sample. Tests on the rider's two samples indicated that Landis had elevated levels of testosterone in his system when he won the Tour de France in July."
Man... Take someone's reputation, drag it through the mud, and then say later that it was a mess up? Landis has said the entire time he didn't do it, and no one believed him.
And the french didn't have a grudge that the Americans won for the 8th time?
Squirt Gun Policy
“Following zero-tolerance policies against weapons in schools, officials at a Kansas City, Mo., elementary school suspended a 6-year-old first-grader for 10 days for bringing an orange plastic squirt gun to school. According to the school district, the two-inch hollow bright-orange toy with no trigger was a simulated weapon.”
However, isn’t the punishment a bit harsh? This guy’s six years old and the squirt gun was orange and triggerless! So maybe the gun would scare some people, or he may think it was okay to bring guns to school and the next day bring a real gun. But a ten days suspension? Back when I was in elementary, if you had something that you shouldn’t, the teacher would glare at you for a while and then take the item away, only to give it back at the end of the day or, for more extreme cases, the end of the school year. Surely it is more important to tell the kid that he violated the policy and take away the toy (which for the average six-year-old is unbearable) than to “reward” him with a ten day break?
DDL is a staff writer for Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance
Article source: World Magazine, “Quick Takes”, Oct. 7 issue
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Economy roars, nation prospers
Dow: "In late afternoon trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 93.09, or 0.77 percent, to 12,224.97. Blue chips hit a trading high of 12,228.01, putting them on track to finish above the closing high of 12,176.54 reached Wednesday."
New high, followed by more good news:
"Inflation at the wholesale level plunged at a record pace in October, led by big declines in the price of gasoline and new cars.
Wholesale prices fell 1.6 percent last month, tying the record decline set in October 2001, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. It was the second consecutive big decrease, following a 1.3 percent fall in September. "
How did this happen, despite 2 record setting hurricanes, record gas prices, and a war?
Tax cuts. Take the government out of the market, and the market grows.
New high, followed by more good news:
"Inflation at the wholesale level plunged at a record pace in October, led by big declines in the price of gasoline and new cars.
Wholesale prices fell 1.6 percent last month, tying the record decline set in October 2001, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. It was the second consecutive big decrease, following a 1.3 percent fall in September. "
How did this happen, despite 2 record setting hurricanes, record gas prices, and a war?
Tax cuts. Take the government out of the market, and the market grows.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Don't Mess with Texas: Town gets immigration right
Story: "Vandalism hit close to home this weekend for Farmers Branch Mayor Bob Phelps.
As CBS 11 first reported at 6 p.m. Saturday, the mayor discovered Friday morning vandals had spray painted "viva Mexico" on the side of his house.
By Saturday afternoon, the bright red letters had been blasted off with a high pressure wash, but some say the damage to community may be harder to fix. "
Shame, but what do you expect from people who are here illegally? It may or may not have been an illegal immigrant, but come on. Who else but citzen of Mexico would be painting this?
This was rather disturbing news to wake up to. I live less then an hour from this place, and if it could happen there, why not here?
So, how did the little haven of common sense react tonight?
"Leaders of this Dallas suburb unanimously approved tough new anti- immigration measures Monday evening, including one that makes English the official language.
In a series of unanimous votes, the city council also approved fines for landlords and businesses that deal with illegal immigrants, and decided to allow local authorities to screen suspects in police custody to see whether they are in the country illegally.
The votes were made in a room in City Hall packed with people who clapped as the votes were tallied in favor of the measures. In a parking lot outside, hundreds of protesters against the rules hoisted U.S. flags and sang the Pledge of Allegiance in English before the votes were taken."
The way they should, but attempting to enforce the laws that are on the books, as well as striking at another part of the problem, those who support the illegals.
Why having english as an official language is such a problem is beyond me, but it was a large issue in the debate.
As CBS 11 first reported at 6 p.m. Saturday, the mayor discovered Friday morning vandals had spray painted "viva Mexico" on the side of his house.
By Saturday afternoon, the bright red letters had been blasted off with a high pressure wash, but some say the damage to community may be harder to fix. "
Shame, but what do you expect from people who are here illegally? It may or may not have been an illegal immigrant, but come on. Who else but citzen of Mexico would be painting this?
This was rather disturbing news to wake up to. I live less then an hour from this place, and if it could happen there, why not here?
So, how did the little haven of common sense react tonight?
"Leaders of this Dallas suburb unanimously approved tough new anti- immigration measures Monday evening, including one that makes English the official language.
In a series of unanimous votes, the city council also approved fines for landlords and businesses that deal with illegal immigrants, and decided to allow local authorities to screen suspects in police custody to see whether they are in the country illegally.
The votes were made in a room in City Hall packed with people who clapped as the votes were tallied in favor of the measures. In a parking lot outside, hundreds of protesters against the rules hoisted U.S. flags and sang the Pledge of Allegiance in English before the votes were taken."
The way they should, but attempting to enforce the laws that are on the books, as well as striking at another part of the problem, those who support the illegals.
Why having english as an official language is such a problem is beyond me, but it was a large issue in the debate.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
What in tarnation...?
Story: "Student leaders at a community college voted to drop the Pledge of Allegiance after a tense meeting in which one flag-waving pledge supporter berated them as anti-American radicals.
Orange Coast College's student trustees voted Wednesday not to recognize the pledge, with three of the five board members saying it should be dropped from their meetings.
Board member Jason Ball argued that the pledge inspires nationalism, violates the separation between church and state with the phrase "under God," and is irrelevant to the business of student government. He cited a 2002 San Francisco federal appeals court ruling — later dismissed by the Supreme Court on a technicality — that the pledge is unconstitutional when recited in public schools.
Sophomore Chris Belanger, one of several students who attended the meeting to support keeping the pledge, waved an American flag and accused the board of "radical views and anti-Americanism."
Yeah. Californa, land of the fruits, nuts and flakes.
Orange Coast College's student trustees voted Wednesday not to recognize the pledge, with three of the five board members saying it should be dropped from their meetings.
Board member Jason Ball argued that the pledge inspires nationalism, violates the separation between church and state with the phrase "under God," and is irrelevant to the business of student government. He cited a 2002 San Francisco federal appeals court ruling — later dismissed by the Supreme Court on a technicality — that the pledge is unconstitutional when recited in public schools.
Sophomore Chris Belanger, one of several students who attended the meeting to support keeping the pledge, waved an American flag and accused the board of "radical views and anti-Americanism."
Yeah. Californa, land of the fruits, nuts and flakes.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Working together?
Story: "We both extended the hand of friendship, of partnership to solve the problems facing our country."
She was accompanied by Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House's second-ranking Democrat. Bush was accompanied by a stony-faced Vice President Dick Cheney."
Story: "Rep. Nancy Pelosi plans to sideline colleagues who are hawkish on national security in the Democratic leadership in the House.
Democratic Party sources said as House Speaker, Ms. Pelosi plans to block moves that would place hawks into important chairmanships. The sources said a key casualty would be Rep. Jane Harman, a six-term member of Congress who has cooperated with Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee.
"Nancy Pelosi wants total party discipline," a source in the Democratic Party leadership said. "If you played ball with the Republicans during this session, then you're not going to be given an important chair in the next session.""
Yeah. Thats how we work together to save the country. Try to stop the war on terror.
She was accompanied by Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House's second-ranking Democrat. Bush was accompanied by a stony-faced Vice President Dick Cheney."
Story: "Rep. Nancy Pelosi plans to sideline colleagues who are hawkish on national security in the Democratic leadership in the House.
Democratic Party sources said as House Speaker, Ms. Pelosi plans to block moves that would place hawks into important chairmanships. The sources said a key casualty would be Rep. Jane Harman, a six-term member of Congress who has cooperated with Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee.
"Nancy Pelosi wants total party discipline," a source in the Democratic Party leadership said. "If you played ball with the Republicans during this session, then you're not going to be given an important chair in the next session.""
Yeah. Thats how we work together to save the country. Try to stop the war on terror.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Republicans: Now 3 out of 4
Well, we lost the house yesterday by a 'Razr ' margin, and unfortunatly, we'll get to listen to Nancy Pelosi round the clock for a few weeks.
Couple of positives:
The house passed the immigration law already
Tax cuts are essentially non-negiotable, courtesy Bush.
The Senate and the president will hold the course on the War on Terror.
Bad:
Dems control the house!!!
Otherwise, conservatives control the West Wing, the Senate, and the courts.
3 out of 4 isn't bad.
Couple of positives:
The house passed the immigration law already
Tax cuts are essentially non-negiotable, courtesy Bush.
The Senate and the president will hold the course on the War on Terror.
Bad:
Dems control the house!!!
Otherwise, conservatives control the West Wing, the Senate, and the courts.
3 out of 4 isn't bad.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Bush Speech, rd. 2
Finally got the cranky old uploading software to work.
Enjoy, its rather long.
Election results should all be in by morning. I'll comment on the results then.
Whats your plan?
Whats your plan? That was the war cry of Bushes speech last night, asking the liberals what the plan was, rather then just negative rhetoric.
So, I walked out of the arena last night, and found this batch of protesters, about 300 of them. Here's the vid.
Kinda anoying how the police busted us up...
Anyways, we're an unconstitutional country, conservative b@%#^@(!), and supporting a nazi regime.
All in a day's work. :D
President Speech at Reunion Arena
Last night, I had the great privlage of hearing President George W. Bush speak, live, at Reunion arena. For those of you who couldn't make it, yet would like to watch/hear it, I took video. Its rather shaky because I was zoomed in 120x, but you should be able to hear it.
I'm going to remember a few things frm the rally last night.
1. The absolute roar of the crowd when Rick Perry walked in to the arena, and then the deafening, incredibly loud cheer that lasted for quite a while when W came in.
2. Texas is the best state in the Union.
3. The worlds largest phone bank. (more on that later)
4. Texas is the greatest state in the Union.
5. Bush has returned to the base: Tax Cuts and the War on Terror. He was pushing the economy, the tax cuts, the patriot act, and the central battle ground in this current fight, Iraq. We are going to stay the course, we will not waver.
Video may be coming later, YouTube is acting like a cranky old Jawa this morning. Yegads, that was awful... *re-rendering*
I'm going to remember a few things frm the rally last night.
1. The absolute roar of the crowd when Rick Perry walked in to the arena, and then the deafening, incredibly loud cheer that lasted for quite a while when W came in.
2. Texas is the best state in the Union.
3. The worlds largest phone bank. (more on that later)
4. Texas is the greatest state in the Union.
5. Bush has returned to the base: Tax Cuts and the War on Terror. He was pushing the economy, the tax cuts, the patriot act, and the central battle ground in this current fight, Iraq. We are going to stay the course, we will not waver.
Video may be coming later, YouTube is acting like a cranky old Jawa this morning. Yegads, that was awful... *re-rendering*
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saddam's verdict in, Iraqis dance
Story: "Thousands of Iraqis sang, danced and unleashed celebratory bursts of gunfire yesterday as Saddam Hussein finally faced the consequences of his tyrannical rule in a Baghdad courtroom.
Despite yesterday's verdict, hearings into a second case against Saddam, involving genocide against the Kurds in the 1980s, will continue and he may not face execution until the conclusion of proceedings next year.
Fears remain that Saddam loyalists behind the insurgency will take comfort that their inspiration could be alive for months. But Mr Maliki declared the Saddam "era" over. In an address to the nation he called for unity. He added: "The Iraqi martyrs now have the right to smile and celebrate a little by this death sentence against this criminal and his aides.
Mr Bush hailed the verdict as a "milestone" that represented a "move to democracy" for Iraq. The British Government welcomed the verdict but did not comment on the death sentence.
"Appalling crimes were committed by Saddam's regime," said Margaret Beckett, the Foreign Secretary. "It is right that those accused of such crimes against the Iraqi people should face Iraqi justice."""
Very good... Justice is carried out, and the people rejoice.
Making progress in the War on Islamic Terrorism.
Despite yesterday's verdict, hearings into a second case against Saddam, involving genocide against the Kurds in the 1980s, will continue and he may not face execution until the conclusion of proceedings next year.
Fears remain that Saddam loyalists behind the insurgency will take comfort that their inspiration could be alive for months. But Mr Maliki declared the Saddam "era" over. In an address to the nation he called for unity. He added: "The Iraqi martyrs now have the right to smile and celebrate a little by this death sentence against this criminal and his aides.
Mr Bush hailed the verdict as a "milestone" that represented a "move to democracy" for Iraq. The British Government welcomed the verdict but did not comment on the death sentence.
"Appalling crimes were committed by Saddam's regime," said Margaret Beckett, the Foreign Secretary. "It is right that those accused of such crimes against the Iraqi people should face Iraqi justice."""
Very good... Justice is carried out, and the people rejoice.
Making progress in the War on Islamic Terrorism.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
US Troops
Democrats have a history of insulting the troops.
Never forget what this sign is in response to.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Election Week: Dean moves further into the deep end
Story: "Let me think carefully about this," Dean said in a political riff reminiscent of his days as governor. "I think George Bush is the most incompetent president we've had in our lifetime. I mean, nobody would accuse President Nixon of being incompetent."
Dean was quick to point out that Nixon was dishonest, and that he wasn't endorsing that president's conduct in office. Still, he said Bush and his administration share some of characteristics of Nixon and his administration."I think there's a lot of similarities between Nixon and Agnew and Bush and Cheney," Dean said, referring to vice presidents Spiro Agnew - also forced to resign from office - and Vice President Richard Cheney.
"They're both using the IRS for political purposes. They're both spying on people they don't like and not just terrorists, but also American citizens. Neither one of them particularly believes in judicial rights. They've both been dishonest with the American people.""
Right, thats the kind of rhetoric that will win elections. Keep it up, and it will be helping the republican.
Dean was quick to point out that Nixon was dishonest, and that he wasn't endorsing that president's conduct in office. Still, he said Bush and his administration share some of characteristics of Nixon and his administration."I think there's a lot of similarities between Nixon and Agnew and Bush and Cheney," Dean said, referring to vice presidents Spiro Agnew - also forced to resign from office - and Vice President Richard Cheney.
"They're both using the IRS for political purposes. They're both spying on people they don't like and not just terrorists, but also American citizens. Neither one of them particularly believes in judicial rights. They've both been dishonest with the American people.""
Right, thats the kind of rhetoric that will win elections. Keep it up, and it will be helping the republican.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Election Week 06: Smear tactics in effect
Story: "Nevada's race for governor was barely a contest at all until it took a scandalous turn a few weeks ago, when a cocktail waitress accused Rep. Jim Gibbons of trying to sexually assault her in a parking garage after a night of drinking just off the Las Vegas Strip.
The lurid allegations in the closing weeks of the campaign have put the race back in play and put the one-time Republican front-runner on the defensive. Policy issues have taken a back seat to dueling news conferences, a burgeoning criminal investigation and a mystery over what exactly is on the parking garage's surveillance video.
Gibbons, a conservative five-term congressman from Reno and the only member in the House to have served in both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, had held a nine-point lead in September
...
It was three weeks before Election Day when 32-year-old Chrissy Mazzeo made three 911 calls after leaving a Las Vegas restaurant where she had been drinking with a friend, the married congressman, his top adviser and others. Alternately breathless and laughing, the single mother who recently left the Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino to work at the Bellagio hotel-casino told police that Gibbons grabbed her arms and tried to force himself on her.
Gibbons told police it "didn't happen." He said he walked Mazzeo toward her truck and helped her catch her balance after she tripped at the garage entrance. At a news conference with his wife at his side, insisted he had behaved like "an officer and a gentleman."
Mazzeo dropped the complaint the day after the alleged incident and told police it was because she did not want to start a media circus and "because of who he is."
But last week, Mazzeo, having retained a lawyer, called a news conference to claim she was threatened, pressured and offered money through an intermediary to change her story. Mazzeo said the intermediary was a friend who told her her life was in danger and "if you don't drop this, Chrissy, they will kill you, your baby and your family.""
1. DON'T HANG OUT WITH STRIPPERS IN A BAR, ESPESSIALLY IF YOUR MARRIED AND IN OFFICE.
2. This lady is nuts, I think she's looking for some fame and love from the democrats for crashing an honest man's election.
3. The democrats have not taken the time to examine the evidence. After all, its not the evidence that matters, but the seriousness of the charge that is the issue.
4. If this incedent really happened, why on earth did she drop the charges?
My prediction: Gibbons will still win, and he is definatly handling this the right way.
The lurid allegations in the closing weeks of the campaign have put the race back in play and put the one-time Republican front-runner on the defensive. Policy issues have taken a back seat to dueling news conferences, a burgeoning criminal investigation and a mystery over what exactly is on the parking garage's surveillance video.
Gibbons, a conservative five-term congressman from Reno and the only member in the House to have served in both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, had held a nine-point lead in September
...
It was three weeks before Election Day when 32-year-old Chrissy Mazzeo made three 911 calls after leaving a Las Vegas restaurant where she had been drinking with a friend, the married congressman, his top adviser and others. Alternately breathless and laughing, the single mother who recently left the Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino to work at the Bellagio hotel-casino told police that Gibbons grabbed her arms and tried to force himself on her.
Gibbons told police it "didn't happen." He said he walked Mazzeo toward her truck and helped her catch her balance after she tripped at the garage entrance. At a news conference with his wife at his side, insisted he had behaved like "an officer and a gentleman."
Mazzeo dropped the complaint the day after the alleged incident and told police it was because she did not want to start a media circus and "because of who he is."
But last week, Mazzeo, having retained a lawyer, called a news conference to claim she was threatened, pressured and offered money through an intermediary to change her story. Mazzeo said the intermediary was a friend who told her her life was in danger and "if you don't drop this, Chrissy, they will kill you, your baby and your family.""
1. DON'T HANG OUT WITH STRIPPERS IN A BAR, ESPESSIALLY IF YOUR MARRIED AND IN OFFICE.
2. This lady is nuts, I think she's looking for some fame and love from the democrats for crashing an honest man's election.
3. The democrats have not taken the time to examine the evidence. After all, its not the evidence that matters, but the seriousness of the charge that is the issue.
4. If this incedent really happened, why on earth did she drop the charges?
My prediction: Gibbons will still win, and he is definatly handling this the right way.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Pakistan takes down 80 muslim terrorists
Story: "Pakistani troops and helicopters firing missiles killed as many as 80 militants training at a religious school used as an al-Qaida training center near the Afghan border, officials said.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan said initial estimates based on intelligence sources on the ground indicated that the attack killed about 80 suspected militants, who appeared to be in their 20s and were from Pakistan and other countries."
I like how they did this, unilaterally destroying 80 potiental terrorists, who were training in a elementary school, by the way.
And Pakistan isn't our ally? Please.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan said initial estimates based on intelligence sources on the ground indicated that the attack killed about 80 suspected militants, who appeared to be in their 20s and were from Pakistan and other countries."
I like how they did this, unilaterally destroying 80 potiental terrorists, who were training in a elementary school, by the way.
And Pakistan isn't our ally? Please.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Backpacking
Ok, so I haven't been camping in many many moons, so this was a great chance for me to recharge and have some fun.
I was in a group of 6, and we treked 5 miles on friday afternoon, made camp, and then slept. Saturday morning, we took off and hiked 8 miles to another marina, and because one our crew members had a sprained ankle, we caught a pontoon boat back to the camp, or as close as we could get, which was 5 miles. So, after the 13 miles on saturday, we had to wake up really early sunday to rendevous with the other group at 9am.
The Daylight savings time was a welcome change, because we got extra sleep on a night we needed it most.
And trying to find who won Game 5 of the World Series was a chore. I had to ask 6 people before I found out on Sunday morning that the St. Louis Cardinals are the World Champions of Baseball.
All in all, it was the most fun I've had camping in a really long time, and I'm ready to plow back into school and work, because I'm starting a job today.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Rapers not at fault, its the women.
Story: "Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali, the nation's most senior Muslim cleric, compared immodestly-dressed women who do not wear the Islamic headdress with meat that is left uncovered in the street and is then eaten by cats.
...
In a Ramadam sermon in a Sydney mosque, Sheik al-Hilali suggested that a group of Muslim men recently jailed for many years for gang rapes were not entirely to blame.
There were women, he said, who 'sway suggestively' and wore make-up and immodest dress "and then you get a judge without mercy and gives you 65 years. But the problem, but the problem all began with who?" he said, referring to the women victims.
...
The uncovered meat is the problem."
He went on: "If she was in her room, in her home, in her hijab (veil), no problem would have occurred."
Women, he said, were 'weapons' used by Satan to control men."
Ok, this cleric is crazy. Its not the men who raped the wormes fault, its her fault for walking in public without being covered from head to toe in cloth, and walking with her head bowed submissivly along the side of the street. If she hadn't gone outside, then she would have been safe, because you can't blame the men for assulting and violating her.
And perhaps, fundamentally, this is one of the reasons we have a large culture clash taking place.
Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance side note:
Sorry for the lack of posts recently, some of my scholarly pursuits are beginning to catch up with me. This weekend won't be different, as I'll be treking in the wilderness with a backpack and some friends. I should be back by sunday evening.
God bless your endevours over the weekend, and contine ue to push back the frontiers of ignorance.
...
In a Ramadam sermon in a Sydney mosque, Sheik al-Hilali suggested that a group of Muslim men recently jailed for many years for gang rapes were not entirely to blame.
There were women, he said, who 'sway suggestively' and wore make-up and immodest dress "and then you get a judge without mercy and gives you 65 years. But the problem, but the problem all began with who?" he said, referring to the women victims.
...
The uncovered meat is the problem."
He went on: "If she was in her room, in her home, in her hijab (veil), no problem would have occurred."
Women, he said, were 'weapons' used by Satan to control men."
Ok, this cleric is crazy. Its not the men who raped the wormes fault, its her fault for walking in public without being covered from head to toe in cloth, and walking with her head bowed submissivly along the side of the street. If she hadn't gone outside, then she would have been safe, because you can't blame the men for assulting and violating her.
And perhaps, fundamentally, this is one of the reasons we have a large culture clash taking place.
Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance side note:
Sorry for the lack of posts recently, some of my scholarly pursuits are beginning to catch up with me. This weekend won't be different, as I'll be treking in the wilderness with a backpack and some friends. I should be back by sunday evening.
God bless your endevours over the weekend, and contine ue to push back the frontiers of ignorance.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Dow breaks record. Again
Story: "the Dow rose 10.97, or 0.09 percent, to 12,127.88, eclipsing the record close of 12,116.91 set Monday. The Dow also set a new trading high of 12,133.80, edging past a day-old record of 12,125.16 before giving back some of its gains. "
Freedom people, its what propels our economy. Keep the republicans in office, and we'll be seeing more numbers like these.
Moving right along...
Freedom people, its what propels our economy. Keep the republicans in office, and we'll be seeing more numbers like these.
Moving right along...
Monday, October 23, 2006
Multible Terrorist strikes kill 44
Story: "In Sunday's bloodiest attack, gunmen in five sedans ambushed a convoy of buses carrying police recruits near the city of Baqouba 35 miles northeast of Baghdad, killing at least 15 and wounding 25 others, said provincial police chief Maj. Gen. Ghassan al-Bawi. The recruits were returning home after an induction ceremony at a police base south of Baqouba.
A series of bombs also ripped through a Baghdad market and bakery packed with holiday shoppers, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens, police said. The attack came a day after a massive bicycle-bomb and mortar attack on an outdoor market killed 19 and wounded scores in Mahmoudiyah, just south of the capital.
The Iraqi Islamic Party issued a statement blaming Shiite militiamen for the attack in Mahmoudiyah, 20 miles south of Baghdad. The Sunni organization claimed Shiite militiamen had killed 1,000 residents in the town since the start of the year."
Ok, can we stop calling them 'insurgents'? They are officially terrorists and criminals now, killing police officers and innocent, islamic, Iraqi civilains.
Is this what islam teaches? Reckless killing across a nation, with no discrimination as to the target?
To emphasize this point:
"Sunday's killings raised to at least 950 the number of Iraqis who have died in war-related violence this month, an average of more than 40 a day. The toll is on course to make October the deadliest month for Iraqis since April 2005, when The Associated Press began tracking the deaths.
Until this month, the daily average had been about 27. The AP count includes civilians, government officials and police and security forces, and is considered a minimum based on AP reporting. The actual number is likely higher, as many killings go unreported. "
And in the likely event you didn't know this, because I didn't, this last month has been Ramadan for muslims. Interesting that the killings of other muslims has doubled in the most religious month of the year for Islam.
And yet, through this entire month, we have not read or heard the outrage coming from the 'peaceful' section of the middle east, they just turn a blind eye to the situation, or in the case of Iran, aggrivate it with the spewing of hatred of the 'two satans', Isreal and the United States.
We're at war people.
A series of bombs also ripped through a Baghdad market and bakery packed with holiday shoppers, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens, police said. The attack came a day after a massive bicycle-bomb and mortar attack on an outdoor market killed 19 and wounded scores in Mahmoudiyah, just south of the capital.
The Iraqi Islamic Party issued a statement blaming Shiite militiamen for the attack in Mahmoudiyah, 20 miles south of Baghdad. The Sunni organization claimed Shiite militiamen had killed 1,000 residents in the town since the start of the year."
Ok, can we stop calling them 'insurgents'? They are officially terrorists and criminals now, killing police officers and innocent, islamic, Iraqi civilains.
Is this what islam teaches? Reckless killing across a nation, with no discrimination as to the target?
To emphasize this point:
"Sunday's killings raised to at least 950 the number of Iraqis who have died in war-related violence this month, an average of more than 40 a day. The toll is on course to make October the deadliest month for Iraqis since April 2005, when The Associated Press began tracking the deaths.
Until this month, the daily average had been about 27. The AP count includes civilians, government officials and police and security forces, and is considered a minimum based on AP reporting. The actual number is likely higher, as many killings go unreported. "
And in the likely event you didn't know this, because I didn't, this last month has been Ramadan for muslims. Interesting that the killings of other muslims has doubled in the most religious month of the year for Islam.
And yet, through this entire month, we have not read or heard the outrage coming from the 'peaceful' section of the middle east, they just turn a blind eye to the situation, or in the case of Iran, aggrivate it with the spewing of hatred of the 'two satans', Isreal and the United States.
We're at war people.
Friday, October 20, 2006
MEXICAN PLEDGE???
Story: "The father of a third-grader at Velasco, who wished to remain anonymous, said Tuesday that some students surrounding him at the assembly were saying the pledge. “I was telling them you don't have to stand for the pledge of allegiance to the Mexican flag," he said. He noted that only some students — not all — were reciting the pledge. "That's treason ... you're not supposed to say the pledge of allegiance to any flag other than the American and Texas flags," the father added. "It broke my heart to see the kids doing that.”"
WHAT IN TARNATION???
A group of third graders, in Texas, being taught about how to celebrate the independance day of MEXICO??? What is wrong with you people? The mexican independance went from a monarchy to a dictatorship, as we're supposed to celebrate that??? And this is a groupd of students being told to say the pledge, to the flag of a FORIGN NATION, in a Federal School???
This is so wrong, I cannot begin to describe how appaling this is to me.
WHAT IN TARNATION???
A group of third graders, in Texas, being taught about how to celebrate the independance day of MEXICO??? What is wrong with you people? The mexican independance went from a monarchy to a dictatorship, as we're supposed to celebrate that??? And this is a groupd of students being told to say the pledge, to the flag of a FORIGN NATION, in a Federal School???
This is so wrong, I cannot begin to describe how appaling this is to me.
Saddam's bad day in court
Story: "It was really unbelievable, the number of people being killed like this. A detainee called Anwar recited the Islamic prayers before death and asked for forgiveness," the man testified, speaking from behind a curtain to conceal his identity for fear of reprisal.
He said he was in a group of detainees who thought they were being taken to another detention center during the military offensive that Saddam's government waged against the Kurds in northern Iraq in 1988.
"It was dark when they brought a group of people (prisoners) in front of the vehicle. The drivers got out of our vehicles and turned on the headlights."
He said some prisoners tried to snatch an automatic rifle from one of their guards, but the prisoners failed to grab the gun because "we were so weak."
He said soldiers opened fire, spraying the prisoners with bullets.
"I ran and fell into a ditch. It was full of bodies. I fell on a body. It was still alive. It was his last breath," he said.
He was lightly wounded. He took off his clothes in the ditch, thinking he was more likely to blend into the color of the sand if he were naked. He then began running again.
"As I was running, I saw many pits, I saw many mounds, and I saw lots of people who had been shot," he said. "The desert was full of mounds that had people buried underneath."
...He said a detainee who was a doctor was taken away and never seen again. The guards assaulted a man with a beard.
"They broke two of his teeth because he had a beard," he said. "They told him 'if you don't take this beard off by tomorrow morning, you will be executed'.""
This is what we stopped.
In other news, this is the 600th post in the history of Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance, and we're looking forward to another 600 posts with ya'll.
He said he was in a group of detainees who thought they were being taken to another detention center during the military offensive that Saddam's government waged against the Kurds in northern Iraq in 1988.
"It was dark when they brought a group of people (prisoners) in front of the vehicle. The drivers got out of our vehicles and turned on the headlights."
He said some prisoners tried to snatch an automatic rifle from one of their guards, but the prisoners failed to grab the gun because "we were so weak."
He said soldiers opened fire, spraying the prisoners with bullets.
"I ran and fell into a ditch. It was full of bodies. I fell on a body. It was still alive. It was his last breath," he said.
He was lightly wounded. He took off his clothes in the ditch, thinking he was more likely to blend into the color of the sand if he were naked. He then began running again.
"As I was running, I saw many pits, I saw many mounds, and I saw lots of people who had been shot," he said. "The desert was full of mounds that had people buried underneath."
...He said a detainee who was a doctor was taken away and never seen again. The guards assaulted a man with a beard.
"They broke two of his teeth because he had a beard," he said. "They told him 'if you don't take this beard off by tomorrow morning, you will be executed'.""
This is what we stopped.
In other news, this is the 600th post in the history of Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance, and we're looking forward to another 600 posts with ya'll.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Terrorist Lawyer convicted, lefties protest
Story: "In 1996, Rahman was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the first attack on the World Trade Center, in 1993, and for his part in failed plots to blow up the United Nations building and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels in New York.
After his conviction, Rahman's followers threatened a series of terrorist attacks against American targets unless he were released. In 1998, the U.S. government reportedly had intelligence that Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda were plotting to hijack aircraft in the United States in order to demand freedom for Rahman and other convicted terrorists.
Because of those threats, the government issued a special order that the imprisoned Rahman not be allowed to communicate with his followers, to prevent his inciting them to further violence. He was allowed to communicate only with his wife and with his lawyers, who were not allowed to relay his wishes to his followers.
Stewart promised to abide by those rules. But at her trial, the government produced evidence showing that Stewart and two codefendants on a number of occasions used their privileged access to Rahman to help transmit Rahman's orders to his followers in the Islamic Group.
On February 10, Stewart was convicted on two counts of providing material aid to terrorists and three counts of lying to federal investigators. She is planning to appeal.
Before the verdict, officials of the Open Society Institute characterized Stewart's work as that of a "human rights defender." In an October 2004 speech in Norway, Gara LaMarche, head of OSI programs in the United States, said, "The right to counsel, and its erosion in the United States since September 11, strikes with particular force at the role of human rights defenders. One troubling trend has been the arrest and prosecution of lawyers and other defenders as 'material witnesses' to terrorism. These include Lynne Stewart, attorney for Sheik Abdel Rahman..."
So basically, this woman compleatly violated the justice system, and brought a terrorist back into contact with his islamic breathren, potientally spawning violence around the world. And not just one person, but 3 people. And not just one or two times, but repeatetly.
And she/they gets 28 months. TWENTY-EIGHT MONTHS???? FOR ASSISTING A TERRORIST???
I don't care if she represents him legally, but to put him back in contact with his underlings, so as to plot more terror, is quite simply criminal, almost to the degree of treason.
And to protect this person as a civil rights warrior? This is beyond the pale, even for the left.
I should know better, but even coming from the moveon.org crowd, this is astounding.
After his conviction, Rahman's followers threatened a series of terrorist attacks against American targets unless he were released. In 1998, the U.S. government reportedly had intelligence that Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda were plotting to hijack aircraft in the United States in order to demand freedom for Rahman and other convicted terrorists.
Because of those threats, the government issued a special order that the imprisoned Rahman not be allowed to communicate with his followers, to prevent his inciting them to further violence. He was allowed to communicate only with his wife and with his lawyers, who were not allowed to relay his wishes to his followers.
Stewart promised to abide by those rules. But at her trial, the government produced evidence showing that Stewart and two codefendants on a number of occasions used their privileged access to Rahman to help transmit Rahman's orders to his followers in the Islamic Group.
On February 10, Stewart was convicted on two counts of providing material aid to terrorists and three counts of lying to federal investigators. She is planning to appeal.
Before the verdict, officials of the Open Society Institute characterized Stewart's work as that of a "human rights defender." In an October 2004 speech in Norway, Gara LaMarche, head of OSI programs in the United States, said, "The right to counsel, and its erosion in the United States since September 11, strikes with particular force at the role of human rights defenders. One troubling trend has been the arrest and prosecution of lawyers and other defenders as 'material witnesses' to terrorism. These include Lynne Stewart, attorney for Sheik Abdel Rahman..."
So basically, this woman compleatly violated the justice system, and brought a terrorist back into contact with his islamic breathren, potientally spawning violence around the world. And not just one person, but 3 people. And not just one or two times, but repeatetly.
And she/they gets 28 months. TWENTY-EIGHT MONTHS???? FOR ASSISTING A TERRORIST???
I don't care if she represents him legally, but to put him back in contact with his underlings, so as to plot more terror, is quite simply criminal, almost to the degree of treason.
And to protect this person as a civil rights warrior? This is beyond the pale, even for the left.
I should know better, but even coming from the moveon.org crowd, this is astounding.
UN Security Council 'punishment'
Story: "The United Nations Security Council endorsed on Saturday international sanctions aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear program.The Stalinist state rejected the document, accusing the United States of having "manipulated" the Security Council's other 14 member states.The Security Council’s unanimous move, which was also designed to ensure North Korea suspends efforts to build a ballistic missile, followed intensive last-minute negotiations in which the United States aimed to allay Russian and Chinese concerns the sanctions package contained provisions that could lead to war."
Hat tip to Seth Jackson.
I wonder how the UN plans to enforce this 'punishment'. The same way they did with Saddam and Iran?
In that case, nothing will come of this but a broken UN resolution.
Hat tip to Seth Jackson.
I wonder how the UN plans to enforce this 'punishment'. The same way they did with Saddam and Iran?
In that case, nothing will come of this but a broken UN resolution.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Deficit & The US Economy
Recently, Daniel was complaining about the Federal deficit, and the general state of the economy. Comin out of left field is the New York Post:
"President Bush took a moment yester day to point with pride at a re election campaign promise kept: He vowed two years ago that his tax cuts would produce enough new revenue to cut the federal deficit by half in five years, and the latest figures show they've done just that - three years early.
It now stands at $247.7 billion - down from $520 billion in 2004.
And it's continuing to drop.
"These budget numbers are proof that pro-growth economic policies work," Bush said.
You'd think that Democrats - they are patriotic Americans, after all - would revel in the good news. Ha!
"Only a president with such a historically bad economic record would be this excited about a $248 billion deficit," said Manhattan Rep. Carolyn Maloney. "Under his watch . . . record surpluses turned into record deficits as far as the eye can see."
Really?
A recession was already under way when Bush took office in 2001, and 9/11 severely damaged the economy (especially in New York).
But then came the tax cuts - and swiftly the economy was growing at a 4 percent annual clip.
Some 6.6 million new jobs were created since 2003 - and unemployment has practically hit rock bottom. "
The article is a great read, and I would recomend it.
But think about it. In 2 years, the Republican House, Senate and White House have cut the deficit by more then 50%, and if they get a check on spending, we can have a non-debted federal government.
One can dream.
"President Bush took a moment yester day to point with pride at a re election campaign promise kept: He vowed two years ago that his tax cuts would produce enough new revenue to cut the federal deficit by half in five years, and the latest figures show they've done just that - three years early.
It now stands at $247.7 billion - down from $520 billion in 2004.
And it's continuing to drop.
"These budget numbers are proof that pro-growth economic policies work," Bush said.
You'd think that Democrats - they are patriotic Americans, after all - would revel in the good news. Ha!
"Only a president with such a historically bad economic record would be this excited about a $248 billion deficit," said Manhattan Rep. Carolyn Maloney. "Under his watch . . . record surpluses turned into record deficits as far as the eye can see."
Really?
A recession was already under way when Bush took office in 2001, and 9/11 severely damaged the economy (especially in New York).
But then came the tax cuts - and swiftly the economy was growing at a 4 percent annual clip.
Some 6.6 million new jobs were created since 2003 - and unemployment has practically hit rock bottom. "
The article is a great read, and I would recomend it.
But think about it. In 2 years, the Republican House, Senate and White House have cut the deficit by more then 50%, and if they get a check on spending, we can have a non-debted federal government.
One can dream.
Terrorist stopped
Story: "Dhiren Barot was planning ``to kill as many innocent people as possible'' by detonating explosives at five U.S. financial institutions, Prosecutor Edmund Lawson QC told a London court today. In Britain, he was plotting to carry out a ``dirty'' bomb attack with radioactive substances to spread ``fear, terror and chaos,'' Lawson said.
Barot, 34, admitted one count of conspiracy to murder at a high-security hearing at Woolwich Crown Court, southeast of the city. Flanked by armed police guards, Barot told the court ``I plead guilty.''
Barot was arrested with a group of men in Britain in August 2004 and has since been held at Belmarsh prison, adjacent to Woolwich Crown Court. "
Glad they stopped him. I wonder how many 'patriot act' survalence techniques were used to catch this guy. Wouldn't be suprised if quite a few were used, and these are prescisely the kind of things the Democrats try to stall or stop in the Senate. And thats why they are considered weak on terror.
Barot, 34, admitted one count of conspiracy to murder at a high-security hearing at Woolwich Crown Court, southeast of the city. Flanked by armed police guards, Barot told the court ``I plead guilty.''
Barot was arrested with a group of men in Britain in August 2004 and has since been held at Belmarsh prison, adjacent to Woolwich Crown Court. "
Glad they stopped him. I wonder how many 'patriot act' survalence techniques were used to catch this guy. Wouldn't be suprised if quite a few were used, and these are prescisely the kind of things the Democrats try to stall or stop in the Senate. And thats why they are considered weak on terror.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Fence going up, Mexico whines
Story: "Mexico's foreign secretary said Monday the country may take a dispute over U.S. plans to build a fence on the Mexican border to the United Nations.
Luis Ernesto Derbez told reporters in Paris, his first stop on a European tour, that a legal investigation was under way to determine whether Mexico has a case.
The Mexican government last week sent a diplomatic note to Washington criticizing the plan for 700 miles of new fencing along the border. President-elect Felipe Calderon also denounced the plan, but said it was a bilateral issue that should not be put before the international community.
Derbez said Monday after meeting with French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy that it was a "shame" U.S. immigration policy had been used for what he claimed was a short-term political gain in the lead-up to midterm elections in the U.S. in November."
Weird. Mexico seems not to care about keeping their citizens, rather then loosing them to another nation. Although, since they are illegal in the US, what has Mexico got to lose with the status quo?
Luis Ernesto Derbez told reporters in Paris, his first stop on a European tour, that a legal investigation was under way to determine whether Mexico has a case.
The Mexican government last week sent a diplomatic note to Washington criticizing the plan for 700 miles of new fencing along the border. President-elect Felipe Calderon also denounced the plan, but said it was a bilateral issue that should not be put before the international community.
Derbez said Monday after meeting with French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy that it was a "shame" U.S. immigration policy had been used for what he claimed was a short-term political gain in the lead-up to midterm elections in the U.S. in November."
Weird. Mexico seems not to care about keeping their citizens, rather then loosing them to another nation. Although, since they are illegal in the US, what has Mexico got to lose with the status quo?
Angry Voters take to the street
BBC Story: "Tens of thousands of people have marched through the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in support of the main opposition candidate, Manuel Rosales.
Mr Rosales will face President Hugo Chavez in December's presidential poll.
The march, which filled the main avenues of the city centre, was the biggest opposition rally Venezuela has seen since early 2004.
Young and old took to the streets to throw their weight behind the campaign of Mr Rosales, a middle-class Social Democrat who governs the state of Zulia, on the Colombian border. "
So apparently it isn't all love in the comunist dictatorship of Venezula. Click on the article, and look at the picture. This was at least as big as the Criminal protestings in LA and Dallas.
Mr Rosales will face President Hugo Chavez in December's presidential poll.
The march, which filled the main avenues of the city centre, was the biggest opposition rally Venezuela has seen since early 2004.
Young and old took to the streets to throw their weight behind the campaign of Mr Rosales, a middle-class Social Democrat who governs the state of Zulia, on the Colombian border. "
So apparently it isn't all love in the comunist dictatorship of Venezula. Click on the article, and look at the picture. This was at least as big as the Criminal protestings in LA and Dallas.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Theologian Goes Off the Deep End
“Theologian David Ray Griffin, Professor emeritus at Claremont School of Theology, has written a book arguing that President Bush committed the 9/11 attacks. In his words, “9/11 was a ‘false-flag’ attack, orchestrated by forces within the U.S. government who made it appear to be the work of Arab Muslims. According to Griffin’s [book], the alleged terrorists who hijacked those planes were not really Muslims, were not on the planes, and are still alive. Osama bin Laden is a “legend,” whom Griffin variously describes as a CIA agent or a framed innocent.
The Osama bin Laden who took credit for the attacks is an American-sponsored Osama impersonator. The planes, according to this theologian, did not bring the buildings down. That was done by demolition charges set by President Bush and his minions… Griffin’s argument is full of “could haves” and “would haves.” For example, he says that the Secret Service would not have allowed the president to finish reading that picture book to the schoolchildren if the United States was really under attack. Therefore, they knew that the president was not in any kind of danger. Therefore, the Secret Service and the president were all in on it.
Griffin ignores the big picture and the obvious questions. So what is his explanation of those planes flying into those buildings, as recorded on tape and seen by millions? If the terrorists didn’t do it, who did? Does he think the Secret Service has suicide brigades? And why do the jihadists to this day proclaim 9/11 as a great victory if they had nothing to do with it? And what of all the other terrorist attacks since 9/11? Did Tony Blair blow up the London subways?
Did Australian president John Howard bomb the Bali nightclub? Does he think the Israelis really run Hizbolla? Or did President Bush plan these, too? [Why] did President Bush do all of these nefarious deeds? According to Griffin, the plot was launched so that the United States… [could] establish [a world empire].
But this is not the biggest conspiracy Griffin claims. The second half of his book maintains that the message of Jesus was really ‘anti-Empire,’ something obscured by the conspirators who wrote the Bible. Griffin… says the doctrine of God’s omnipotence is also to blame.”
How could anyone believe a tale like this? It is beyond my own comprehension, yet I’ve seen it even in my own family. I rate this one right up there with “remote viewing” (if you haven’t heard of that one, you aren’t missing anything).
Not only is it incredible that anyone could write a book describing events in that manner, but also that someone could publish it (Westminster John Knox Press USA). And then for Griffin to say that fundamental Christian beliefs are also behind it – when a religion blatantly hostile to Christianity is the real culprit – it shows how far off the deep end he, as a scholar, has gone.
Article source: “Nutty Professor”, World Magazine.
Friday, October 06, 2006
If the democrats take the house...
Story: "House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi is thinking 100 hours, time enough, she says, to begin to "drain the swamp" after more than a decade of Republican rule.
...
Day One: Put new rules in place to "break the link between lobbyists and legislation."
Day Two: Enact all the recommendations made by the commission that investigated the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Time remaining until 100 hours: Raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, maybe in one step. Cut the interest rate on student loans in half. Allow the government to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare patients.
Broaden the types of stem cell research allowed with federal funds — "I hope with a veto-proof majority,"
...To do that, she said, Bush-era tax cuts would have to be rolled back for those above "a certain level." She mentioned annual incomes of $250,000 or $300,000 a year and higher, and said tax rates for those individuals might revert to those of the Clinton era. Details will have to be worked out, she emphasized.
"We believe in the marketplace," Pelosi said of Democrats, then drew a contrast with Republicans. "They have only rewarded wealth, not work."
"We must share the benefits of our wealth" beyond the privileged few, she added"
The similarities to the communist rhetoric is astounding. But it is the modern liberal party.
So, they support the market place, but wish to raise the minimum wage, meaning more people won't be able to have a job.
Tax the succesful and those who pay for those jobs, because somehow, taxing them makes me feel better.
Kill more children with scientific reaserch, because you know, thats one of the winning issues in this election cycle.
Raise medicare and lower the interest rate on loans... More spending.
Enact the recomendations of the flawed Sept. 11 commision... If Nancy Pelosi wants to do that, it should tell us the quality of their opinion.
...
Day One: Put new rules in place to "break the link between lobbyists and legislation."
Day Two: Enact all the recommendations made by the commission that investigated the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Time remaining until 100 hours: Raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, maybe in one step. Cut the interest rate on student loans in half. Allow the government to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices for Medicare patients.
Broaden the types of stem cell research allowed with federal funds — "I hope with a veto-proof majority,"
...To do that, she said, Bush-era tax cuts would have to be rolled back for those above "a certain level." She mentioned annual incomes of $250,000 or $300,000 a year and higher, and said tax rates for those individuals might revert to those of the Clinton era. Details will have to be worked out, she emphasized.
"We believe in the marketplace," Pelosi said of Democrats, then drew a contrast with Republicans. "They have only rewarded wealth, not work."
"We must share the benefits of our wealth" beyond the privileged few, she added"
The similarities to the communist rhetoric is astounding. But it is the modern liberal party.
So, they support the market place, but wish to raise the minimum wage, meaning more people won't be able to have a job.
Tax the succesful and those who pay for those jobs, because somehow, taxing them makes me feel better.
Kill more children with scientific reaserch, because you know, thats one of the winning issues in this election cycle.
Raise medicare and lower the interest rate on loans... More spending.
Enact the recomendations of the flawed Sept. 11 commision... If Nancy Pelosi wants to do that, it should tell us the quality of their opinion.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Breaking Foley News
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX THU OCT 5 2006 2:53:48 ET XXXXX CLAIM: FILTHY FOLEY ONLINE MESSAGES WERE PAGE PRANK GONE AWRY**World Exclusive** **Must Credit the DRUDGE REPORT** According to two people close to former congressional page Jordan Edmund, the now famous lurid AOL Instant Message exchanges that led to the resignation of Mark Foley were part of an online prank that by mistake got into the hands of enemy political operatives, the DRUDGE REPORT can reveal. According to one Oklahoma source who knows the former page very well, Edmund, a conservative Republican, goaded an unwitting Foley to type embarrassing comments that were then shared with a small group of young Hill politicos. The prank went awry when the saved IM sessions got into the hands of political operatives favorable to Democrats. The primary source, an ally of Edmund, adamantly proclaims that the former page is not a homosexual. The prank scenario was confirmed by a second associate of Edmund. Both are fearful that their political careers will be affected if they are publicly brought into the investigation. The prank scenario only applies to the Edmund IM sessions and does not necessarily apply to any other exchanges between the former congressman and others. The news come on the heels that Edmund has hired former Timothy McVeigh attorney, Stephen Jones. Developing...
http://www.drudgereport.com/page.htm
http://www.drudgereport.com/page.htm
US Economy
Story
Dow Jones Index Value: 11,850.61
Thats a record people, the highest the US stock market has ever been in history. And the economy is in terrible shape, my foot.
Dow Jones Index Value: 11,850.61
Thats a record people, the highest the US stock market has ever been in history. And the economy is in terrible shape, my foot.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Iran wants to work with France
Story: "French nuclear company Areva SA could oversee uranium enrichment in Iran as a way to break a deadlock with the U.S. and other countries over its nuclear program, an Iranian official said.
``We propose that France create a consortium for the production in Iran of enriched uranium,'' Mohammad Saeedi, deputy head of Iran's nuclear agency, said in an interview with France Info radio. ``France, through Eurodif and Areva, can monitor our activities in a tangible way.''
The station carried his interview in Farsi with a French voiceover.
Iran ignored an Aug. 31 deadline set by the United Nations Security Council to freeze uranium enrichment or face the possibility of sanctions, prompting the U.S. to seek support for imposing penalties.
The U.S. alleges the work is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. The Iranian government says the program is peaceful and intended for nuclear power stations. "
If the french accept this, and begin building the nuclear material for the Islamic Nazis, then they will forever be in the 'enemy' list for me. If they're thinking clear headed, they should say "No, we're not going to build a bomb for you that will lead to the death of millions of innocents". However, in the diplomatic interests of the world, they will probably accept.
Iran, and with it, North Korea and Terrorism, are the biggest outside threats we face today. China and Global warming? Please... Illegal immigration and federal spending? Those are the domestic threats we should be worried about, not hunting accedents.
``We propose that France create a consortium for the production in Iran of enriched uranium,'' Mohammad Saeedi, deputy head of Iran's nuclear agency, said in an interview with France Info radio. ``France, through Eurodif and Areva, can monitor our activities in a tangible way.''
The station carried his interview in Farsi with a French voiceover.
Iran ignored an Aug. 31 deadline set by the United Nations Security Council to freeze uranium enrichment or face the possibility of sanctions, prompting the U.S. to seek support for imposing penalties.
The U.S. alleges the work is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. The Iranian government says the program is peaceful and intended for nuclear power stations. "
If the french accept this, and begin building the nuclear material for the Islamic Nazis, then they will forever be in the 'enemy' list for me. If they're thinking clear headed, they should say "No, we're not going to build a bomb for you that will lead to the death of millions of innocents". However, in the diplomatic interests of the world, they will probably accept.
Iran, and with it, North Korea and Terrorism, are the biggest outside threats we face today. China and Global warming? Please... Illegal immigration and federal spending? Those are the domestic threats we should be worried about, not hunting accedents.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Border fence, round 2.
Story: "Mexico pleaded with President Bush on Monday to veto a Senate proposal to build a fence to keep illegal immigrants out, saying it could backfire by making the border less secure.
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly backed a bill on Friday to put up about 700 miles of fence, a project Republicans hope will impress voters calling for tougher immigration control ahead of November 7 congressional elections.
"The Mexican government strongly opposes the building of walls in the border area between Mexico and the United States," President Vicente Fox's spokesman Ruben Aguilar told reporters.
"This decision hurts bilateral relations, goes against the spirit of cooperation needed to guarantee security on the common border, creates a climate of tension in border communities," he said.
...
Mexicans are livid about the fence plan, which is seen as a slap in the face to efforts during Fox's near-completed six-year term to come to an agreement with Washington on immigration.
President-elect Felipe Calderon, who takes office December 1, also has lambasted the fence plan
..."
Hardly suprising Mexico doesn't like the fence. After 20 years of freely, and illiegally, crossing the southren border, the US is finally doing something to stop this trespassing. I'm sure Bush will sign this bill into law.
Why does mexico like the open border? Illigals work in the US, earn money, and send it back to mexico. The influx of capital helps their economy, while keeping many citizens who would otherwise be turning to domestic crime in the US.
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly backed a bill on Friday to put up about 700 miles of fence, a project Republicans hope will impress voters calling for tougher immigration control ahead of November 7 congressional elections.
"The Mexican government strongly opposes the building of walls in the border area between Mexico and the United States," President Vicente Fox's spokesman Ruben Aguilar told reporters.
"This decision hurts bilateral relations, goes against the spirit of cooperation needed to guarantee security on the common border, creates a climate of tension in border communities," he said.
...
Mexicans are livid about the fence plan, which is seen as a slap in the face to efforts during Fox's near-completed six-year term to come to an agreement with Washington on immigration.
President-elect Felipe Calderon, who takes office December 1, also has lambasted the fence plan
..."
Hardly suprising Mexico doesn't like the fence. After 20 years of freely, and illiegally, crossing the southren border, the US is finally doing something to stop this trespassing. I'm sure Bush will sign this bill into law.
Why does mexico like the open border? Illigals work in the US, earn money, and send it back to mexico. The influx of capital helps their economy, while keeping many citizens who would otherwise be turning to domestic crime in the US.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Potiental cost of idiocy: $1,000,000,000,000
$1 x 10^12. In the common tounge, 1 Trillion US dollars.
Story: "The cost of curbing the soaring emissions of harmful gases that are blamed for causing global warming has been estimated at $1 trillion by a major study of the cost of climate change.
The volume of emissions of the gases that cause global warming will double by 2050 unless rich countries agree to take significant policy steps to cut energy use, it shows."
Such a stupid idea. If we wanted to melt the earth, we couldn't. Why on earth do liberals think we can stop a natural process, which we do not understand?
Edit: Link:
Hat tip to Seth Jackson for the link, which I forgot.
Story: "The cost of curbing the soaring emissions of harmful gases that are blamed for causing global warming has been estimated at $1 trillion by a major study of the cost of climate change.
The volume of emissions of the gases that cause global warming will double by 2050 unless rich countries agree to take significant policy steps to cut energy use, it shows."
Such a stupid idea. If we wanted to melt the earth, we couldn't. Why on earth do liberals think we can stop a natural process, which we do not understand?
Edit: Link:
Hat tip to Seth Jackson for the link, which I forgot.
Friday, September 29, 2006
China messing with US satellites
Story: "China has secretly fired powerful laser weapons designed to disable American spy satellites by "blinding" their sensitive surveillance devices, it was reported yesterday.
...
The document said that China could blind American satellites with a ground-based laser firing a beam of light to prevent spy photography as they pass over China.
According to senior American officials: "China not only has the capability, but has exercised it." American satellites like the giant Keyhole craft have come under attack "several times" in recent years.
Although the Chinese tests do not aim to destroy American satellites, the laser attacks could make them useless over Chinese territory.
The American military has been so alarmed by the Chinese activity that it has begun test attacks against its own satellites to determine the severity of the threat.
Satellites are especially vulnerable to attack because they have predetermined orbits, allowing an enemy to know where they will appear.
"The Chinese are very strategically minded and are extremely active in this arena. They really believe all the stuff written in the 1980s about the high frontier," said one senior former Pentagon official."
China... You steal our planes, and shoot at our satilites. And yet, trading with them is still in our best interest, because we save a lot of money.
Weird.
...
The document said that China could blind American satellites with a ground-based laser firing a beam of light to prevent spy photography as they pass over China.
According to senior American officials: "China not only has the capability, but has exercised it." American satellites like the giant Keyhole craft have come under attack "several times" in recent years.
Although the Chinese tests do not aim to destroy American satellites, the laser attacks could make them useless over Chinese territory.
The American military has been so alarmed by the Chinese activity that it has begun test attacks against its own satellites to determine the severity of the threat.
Satellites are especially vulnerable to attack because they have predetermined orbits, allowing an enemy to know where they will appear.
"The Chinese are very strategically minded and are extremely active in this arena. They really believe all the stuff written in the 1980s about the high frontier," said one senior former Pentagon official."
China... You steal our planes, and shoot at our satilites. And yet, trading with them is still in our best interest, because we save a lot of money.
Weird.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
7-11: Score 1 for America
Forbes: "The sulfur Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez smells these days isn't the residue of George Bush at the United Nations, but profits from the sale of fuel to 7-Eleven stores going poof.
The convenience store operator is dropping Citgo, a subsidiary of Venezuela's government-owned oil company, at about 2,100 stores.
...
The decision follows Chavez's strident denunciation of Bush last week at the United Nations.
Chavez made it clear that he thought Bush was a racist, imperialist "devil" out to oppress the world's poor -- when he wasn't killing them.
Standing at the podium where Bush had earlier addressed the United Nations General Assembly, Chavez said he could smell sulfur -- the scent of the devil.
Convenience store chain 7-Eleven said it feared a boycott of Citgo would hurt about 4,000 7-Eleven employees who have nothing to do with Chavez or his politics.
The company's 20-year contract with Citgo Petroleum Corp. ends next week. It covers about 2,100 of 7-Eleven's 5,300 stores in the United States. The retailer has considered creating its own brand of fuel for more than a year.
"Regardless of politics, we sympathize with many Americans' concern over derogatory comments about our country and its leadership recently made by Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez," said Margaret Chabris, a spokeswoman for 7-11."
So, 7-11 drops communist oil, and scores one for the home team, doing what the democrats won't do, and rebuking Hugo Chavez for his Anti-American, and evil comments. 3 cheers for 7-11.
The convenience store operator is dropping Citgo, a subsidiary of Venezuela's government-owned oil company, at about 2,100 stores.
...
The decision follows Chavez's strident denunciation of Bush last week at the United Nations.
Chavez made it clear that he thought Bush was a racist, imperialist "devil" out to oppress the world's poor -- when he wasn't killing them.
Standing at the podium where Bush had earlier addressed the United Nations General Assembly, Chavez said he could smell sulfur -- the scent of the devil.
Convenience store chain 7-Eleven said it feared a boycott of Citgo would hurt about 4,000 7-Eleven employees who have nothing to do with Chavez or his politics.
The company's 20-year contract with Citgo Petroleum Corp. ends next week. It covers about 2,100 of 7-Eleven's 5,300 stores in the United States. The retailer has considered creating its own brand of fuel for more than a year.
"Regardless of politics, we sympathize with many Americans' concern over derogatory comments about our country and its leadership recently made by Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez," said Margaret Chabris, a spokeswoman for 7-11."
So, 7-11 drops communist oil, and scores one for the home team, doing what the democrats won't do, and rebuking Hugo Chavez for his Anti-American, and evil comments. 3 cheers for 7-11.
Religious Discrimination in Schools
“When two students sought to hang up flyers detailing information on Bible clubs, church activities, and after-school religious activities at their Charlottesville, VA., school., they were told they could not do so. The father of the students, twins Gabriel and Joshua Rakoski, contacted the Liberty Counsel after school officials said the district’s literature policy prohibits ‘distribution of literature that is for partisan, sectarian, religious, or political purposes.’ Liberty Counsel then sent a demand letter informing the Albemarle Country Public Schools that its literature distribution policy was unconstitutional… The district quickly reversed its religious literature ban… The district violated well-established constitutional principles by prohibiting the Rakoski twins from distributing fliers about their church-sponsored event.”
Incredibly, many times something like the occurrence described above happens – but people don’t always have such a good ending.
A lot of times, parents end up pulling their children out of the school in particular and enrolling them elsewhere. Sometimes, despite their rights clearly stated in the constitution, kids end up with the short end of the stick. For instance, in a recent holiday celebrating homosexuality, children at a public school were allowed to wear shirts promoting the event. However, when other kids decided to choose their own day to wear shirts stating their own beliefs about homosexuality and abortion, they got suspended until they got rid of the shirts.
Make sure you let everyone know that their rights are protected – and not just to say things that are politically correct.
DDL is a staff writer for Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance.
Article source: National Liberty Journal
Monday, September 25, 2006
Frist comes around on Immigration
Story: "Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist on Sunday said he wants a Senate vote soon on an immigration bill focusing primarily on border security, but acknowledged that quick passage is doubtful.
Frist, R-Tenn., said he's willing to push ahead with the bill favored by House Republicans, which is narrower than the version he and other senators favor. Even so, action may not be possible before the November elections, he said.
"If you're going to address immigration reform, you have to first and foremost secure our borders," he said on ABC's "This Week.""What I've done, and hopefully what we'll be voting on the floor of the Senate this week, is take the common parts of the House bill and the common parts of the Senate bill."
In December, the House passed legislation that concentrated on border security and enforcement of laws banning employment of undocumented workers. The Senate in May then passed a broader bill, generally endorsed by President Bush, that included provisions for a guest worker program and ways for the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to work toward legal status and eventual citizenship."
House Bill: Secure the borders, and begin tracking and exporting the illegals currently in the country.
Senate bill: Amnesty!!! w00tz!! Forgive the crimes of 12 million with a broad, vote garnering measure.
The house bill acctually begins to solve the problem for the long term. Up till now, the republicans haven't done any work to pass the house bill, but I'm guessing the frustration from the base is starting to take its toll. The republicans have the majority in both houses and the White House, they should be taking full advantage of this to pass the house bill.
This does appear to be the start of this.
I do find this all interesting, after the RNC told the NY Times that the house was going to ignore criminal immigration till after november, and place the focus on The War on Terror, that this is now happening. Flying under the radar to pass this may be what is nessecsary.
Frist, R-Tenn., said he's willing to push ahead with the bill favored by House Republicans, which is narrower than the version he and other senators favor. Even so, action may not be possible before the November elections, he said.
"If you're going to address immigration reform, you have to first and foremost secure our borders," he said on ABC's "This Week.""What I've done, and hopefully what we'll be voting on the floor of the Senate this week, is take the common parts of the House bill and the common parts of the Senate bill."
In December, the House passed legislation that concentrated on border security and enforcement of laws banning employment of undocumented workers. The Senate in May then passed a broader bill, generally endorsed by President Bush, that included provisions for a guest worker program and ways for the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to work toward legal status and eventual citizenship."
House Bill: Secure the borders, and begin tracking and exporting the illegals currently in the country.
Senate bill: Amnesty!!! w00tz!! Forgive the crimes of 12 million with a broad, vote garnering measure.
The house bill acctually begins to solve the problem for the long term. Up till now, the republicans haven't done any work to pass the house bill, but I'm guessing the frustration from the base is starting to take its toll. The republicans have the majority in both houses and the White House, they should be taking full advantage of this to pass the house bill.
This does appear to be the start of this.
I do find this all interesting, after the RNC told the NY Times that the house was going to ignore criminal immigration till after november, and place the focus on The War on Terror, that this is now happening. Flying under the radar to pass this may be what is nessecsary.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
9/11 Memorial: Political Play
Story: "A timeline and record of key events and quotes are etched onto a giant angled ring reflected by sunlight in what designers said was intended to capture how Arizona and the nation responded to the attacks, and to remember the strong emotions.
But this week, blog visitors have said they’re shocked at some of the inscriptions, which they describe as political statements against the Bush administration and its war on terror. One inscription states, “You don’t win battles of terrorism with more battles.”
Another: “Congress questions why CIA and FBI didn’t prevent attacks.” And another reads, “Erroneous US air strike kills 46 Uruzgan civilians,” referring to a wedding reportedly hit by mistake in Afghanistan.
“It’s a worldview that is critical of America, and in many cases cheapens 9/11,” said Greg Patterson, a lobbyist and consultant who operates the EspressoPundit blog, where he and his readers have been critical of the memorial.
“It is bent on attacking the Bush administration’s take on the war, at the expense of the memory of 9/11.” Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said he was stunned to learn of the inscriptions. “To politicize it to me is absolutely outrageous, instead of a memorial to remember those who have sacrificed their lives,” he said. "
I find this so appalling, I don't know what to say. But the blatant liberalism bleeding through this memorial is just sickening.
But this week, blog visitors have said they’re shocked at some of the inscriptions, which they describe as political statements against the Bush administration and its war on terror. One inscription states, “You don’t win battles of terrorism with more battles.”
Another: “Congress questions why CIA and FBI didn’t prevent attacks.” And another reads, “Erroneous US air strike kills 46 Uruzgan civilians,” referring to a wedding reportedly hit by mistake in Afghanistan.
“It’s a worldview that is critical of America, and in many cases cheapens 9/11,” said Greg Patterson, a lobbyist and consultant who operates the EspressoPundit blog, where he and his readers have been critical of the memorial.
“It is bent on attacking the Bush administration’s take on the war, at the expense of the memory of 9/11.” Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said he was stunned to learn of the inscriptions. “To politicize it to me is absolutely outrageous, instead of a memorial to remember those who have sacrificed their lives,” he said. "
I find this so appalling, I don't know what to say. But the blatant liberalism bleeding through this memorial is just sickening.
Religion of Peace contiues protesting
Story: "Thousands of Muslim worshippers staged marches against Pope Benedict XVI in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza on Friday, waving green Hamas banners and denouncing him as a "coward" and an "agent of the Americans."
...
At Islam's third-holiest shrine, the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, hundreds of worshippers hoisted black flags and banners that read, "Conquering Rome is the answer." Protesters chanted, "The army of Islam will return." The march dispersed peacefully.
...
"If I get hold of the pope, I will hang him," Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, a senior MMA leader, told protesters in Islamabad, who carried placards reading "Terrorist, extremist Pope be hanged!" and "Down with Muslims' enemies!"
...
After the meeting, a statement was issued demanding the West "change its stance regarding Islam (or) it will face severe consequences." It did not elaborate.
It also said that jihad was not terrorism and that "Islam was not propagated with the sword."
Malaysia's opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party staged demonstrations outside mosques nationwide, calling for the pope to fully retract his remarks. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, some 150 party members chanted "Stop the insults" and held a banner that read "We Muslims are peace-loving people.""
While these protests sound absolutely horrible, the total number of people reported in this article adds up to less the 10,000 muslims. And yet, these 10,000 people, spread across the Gaza, pakistanie villiages, and various other sundry locations, get a lot of coverage. I am perfectly content to call them extremists.
...
At Islam's third-holiest shrine, the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, hundreds of worshippers hoisted black flags and banners that read, "Conquering Rome is the answer." Protesters chanted, "The army of Islam will return." The march dispersed peacefully.
...
"If I get hold of the pope, I will hang him," Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, a senior MMA leader, told protesters in Islamabad, who carried placards reading "Terrorist, extremist Pope be hanged!" and "Down with Muslims' enemies!"
...
After the meeting, a statement was issued demanding the West "change its stance regarding Islam (or) it will face severe consequences." It did not elaborate.
It also said that jihad was not terrorism and that "Islam was not propagated with the sword."
Malaysia's opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party staged demonstrations outside mosques nationwide, calling for the pope to fully retract his remarks. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, some 150 party members chanted "Stop the insults" and held a banner that read "We Muslims are peace-loving people.""
While these protests sound absolutely horrible, the total number of people reported in this article adds up to less the 10,000 muslims. And yet, these 10,000 people, spread across the Gaza, pakistanie villiages, and various other sundry locations, get a lot of coverage. I am perfectly content to call them extremists.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Army exceeds recruiting goal
Story: "The Army is ending its best recruiting year since 1997 and expecting similar success in 2007
...
the Army will enlist its 80,000th soldier on Friday, reaching its goal for the year with eight days to spare. That is a considerable turnaround from last year when the Army missed its target for the first time since 1999 and by the widest margin in more than two decades.
At the start of this recruiting year, which began Oct. 1, 2005, many questioned whether the Army would reach 80,000, given the many alternative career options available to young people and the growing unpopularity of the Iraq war. But a package of new financial incentives, new recruiting approaches and a bigger recruiting corps did the trick."
Sounds good.
...
the Army will enlist its 80,000th soldier on Friday, reaching its goal for the year with eight days to spare. That is a considerable turnaround from last year when the Army missed its target for the first time since 1999 and by the widest margin in more than two decades.
At the start of this recruiting year, which began Oct. 1, 2005, many questioned whether the Army would reach 80,000, given the many alternative career options available to young people and the growing unpopularity of the Iraq war. But a package of new financial incentives, new recruiting approaches and a bigger recruiting corps did the trick."
Sounds good.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
United Nation Round-up
Or was that just the Democrat convention?
In any event, the three main speakers were President of the United States, George W. Bush, Modern Day Hitler, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, and the crackpot leader of Venezula, Hugo Chavez.
Tuesday, Bush spoke at 11:00 to the general assembly. Some Highlights of his speech:
- "Some of the changes in the Middle East have been dramatic, and we see the results in this chamber. Five years ago, Afghanistan was ruled by the brutal Taliban regime, and its seat in this body was contested. Now this seat is held by the freely elected government of Afghanistan, which is represented today by President Karzai. Five years ago, Iraq's seat in this body was held by a dictator who killed his citizens, invaded his neighbors, and showed his contempt for the world by defying more than a dozen U.N. Security Council resolutions. Now Iraq's seat is held by a democratic government that embodies the aspirations of the Iraq people, who's represented today by President Talabani. With these changes, more than 50 million people have been given a voice in this chamber for the first time in decades. "
- "Some have argued that the democratic changes we're seeing in the Middle East are destabilizing the region. This argument rests on a false assumption, that the Middle East was stable to begin with. The reality is that the stability we thought we saw in the Middle East was a mirage."
-"Freedom, by its nature, cannot be imposed -- it must be chosen. From Beirut to Baghdad, people are making the choice for freedom. And the nations gathered in this chamber must make a choice, as well: Will we support the moderates and reformers who are working for change across the Middle East -- or will we yield the future to the terrorists and extremists? America has made its choice"
I heard this speech on the radio, and I thought it was pretty good. The people at the UN, however, clapped only once, at the very end, and that was just a speckling of polite aplause.
Enter Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
- "I am emphatically declare that today's world more than ever before longs for just and righteous people with love for all humanity, and above all longs for the perfect, righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and brotherhood on the planet. [The Twelfth Imam] Oh Almighty God, all men and women are your creatures and you have ordained their guidance and salvation. Bestow upon humanity that thirst for justice, the perfect human being promised to all by you, and make us among his followers among those who strive for his return and his cause"
Essentially, praying for the end of the world. Lovely thought.
Then, we've got Chavez.
- ""And the devil came here yesterday. Yesterday the devil came here. Right here." [crosses himself]"
And it smells of sulfur still today."
Yesterday, ladies and gentlemen, from this rostrum, the president of the United States, the gentleman to whom I refer as the devil, came here, talking as if he owned the world.
Truly. As the owner of the world. I think we could call a psychiatrist to analyze yesterday's statement made by the president of the United States.
As the spokesman of imperialism, he came to share his nostrums, to try to preserve the current pattern of domination, exploitation and pillage of the peoples of the world.
An Alfred Hitchcock movie could use it as a scenario. I would even propose a title: "The Devil's Recipe." "
And thats the gist of Chavez's speech.
And the UN continues down a steep down hill path. The US should pull out.
In any event, the three main speakers were President of the United States, George W. Bush, Modern Day Hitler, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, and the crackpot leader of Venezula, Hugo Chavez.
Tuesday, Bush spoke at 11:00 to the general assembly. Some Highlights of his speech:
- "Some of the changes in the Middle East have been dramatic, and we see the results in this chamber. Five years ago, Afghanistan was ruled by the brutal Taliban regime, and its seat in this body was contested. Now this seat is held by the freely elected government of Afghanistan, which is represented today by President Karzai. Five years ago, Iraq's seat in this body was held by a dictator who killed his citizens, invaded his neighbors, and showed his contempt for the world by defying more than a dozen U.N. Security Council resolutions. Now Iraq's seat is held by a democratic government that embodies the aspirations of the Iraq people, who's represented today by President Talabani. With these changes, more than 50 million people have been given a voice in this chamber for the first time in decades. "
- "Some have argued that the democratic changes we're seeing in the Middle East are destabilizing the region. This argument rests on a false assumption, that the Middle East was stable to begin with. The reality is that the stability we thought we saw in the Middle East was a mirage."
-"Freedom, by its nature, cannot be imposed -- it must be chosen. From Beirut to Baghdad, people are making the choice for freedom. And the nations gathered in this chamber must make a choice, as well: Will we support the moderates and reformers who are working for change across the Middle East -- or will we yield the future to the terrorists and extremists? America has made its choice"
I heard this speech on the radio, and I thought it was pretty good. The people at the UN, however, clapped only once, at the very end, and that was just a speckling of polite aplause.
Enter Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
- "I am emphatically declare that today's world more than ever before longs for just and righteous people with love for all humanity, and above all longs for the perfect, righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and brotherhood on the planet. [The Twelfth Imam] Oh Almighty God, all men and women are your creatures and you have ordained their guidance and salvation. Bestow upon humanity that thirst for justice, the perfect human being promised to all by you, and make us among his followers among those who strive for his return and his cause"
Essentially, praying for the end of the world. Lovely thought.
Then, we've got Chavez.
- ""And the devil came here yesterday. Yesterday the devil came here. Right here." [crosses himself]"
And it smells of sulfur still today."
Yesterday, ladies and gentlemen, from this rostrum, the president of the United States, the gentleman to whom I refer as the devil, came here, talking as if he owned the world.
Truly. As the owner of the world. I think we could call a psychiatrist to analyze yesterday's statement made by the president of the United States.
As the spokesman of imperialism, he came to share his nostrums, to try to preserve the current pattern of domination, exploitation and pillage of the peoples of the world.
An Alfred Hitchcock movie could use it as a scenario. I would even propose a title: "The Devil's Recipe." "
And thats the gist of Chavez's speech.
And the UN continues down a steep down hill path. The US should pull out.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
I have found 1 good man. (In the senate, no less)
Story: "A U.S. senator compared Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Hitler and made fun of his name on Tuesday during a congressional hearing on the U.S. strategy to end Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program.
"Ahmadinejad -- I call him Ahmad-in-a-head -- I think he's a Hitler type of person," Ohio Republican Sen. George Voinovich said during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.
"He has made it clear that he wants to destroy Israel. He has made it clear he doesn't believe in the Holocaust. He's a, he's a -- we all know what he is," the senator added.
Ahmadinejad, who took office in August 2005, has issued threats to Israel, compared its offensive in Lebanon this summer to the behavior of Nazi Germany and called the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews died, a myth.
The United States accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, of supporting terrorism and of aiding the insurgency in Iraq. Iran says its nuclear program is to generate nuclear power.
"I don't believe that as long as he's there that we're ever going to solve Iraq," Voinovich said. "There seems to be a very deliberate, premeditated effort on their part to expand their influence in that area and this nuclear issue is just part of it.""
At last, a senator I agree with. Of course, he's a republican and he sees this war for what it is: A war on Israel and the West, and Iran is now in the forefront of this conflict.
"Ahmadinejad -- I call him Ahmad-in-a-head -- I think he's a Hitler type of person," Ohio Republican Sen. George Voinovich said during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.
"He has made it clear that he wants to destroy Israel. He has made it clear he doesn't believe in the Holocaust. He's a, he's a -- we all know what he is," the senator added.
Ahmadinejad, who took office in August 2005, has issued threats to Israel, compared its offensive in Lebanon this summer to the behavior of Nazi Germany and called the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews died, a myth.
The United States accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, of supporting terrorism and of aiding the insurgency in Iraq. Iran says its nuclear program is to generate nuclear power.
"I don't believe that as long as he's there that we're ever going to solve Iraq," Voinovich said. "There seems to be a very deliberate, premeditated effort on their part to expand their influence in that area and this nuclear issue is just part of it.""
At last, a senator I agree with. Of course, he's a republican and he sees this war for what it is: A war on Israel and the West, and Iran is now in the forefront of this conflict.
Wal-Mart awakens, Democrats ask 'what have we done?'
Story: " Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest employer, is planning to launch a voter registration and education campaign this fall targeted at its 1.3 million employees in an effort to combat growing criticism from Democrats and labor unions.
By doing so, the world’s largest retailer is striding into the national political arena, which until this election cycle it has taken pains to avoid.
Wal-Mart’s voter registration and education programs could be among the biggest in the country, though not as big as those of its labor union opponents. The AFL-CIO, for example, has nearly 13 million members.
The company’s decision appears to be a response to several high-profile Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and four 2008 Democratic presidential hopefuls, who participated in a labor-organized anti-Wal-Mart campaign this summer."
And so the sleeping giant awakens. Back a few weeks ago, the Democrats declared war upon Wal-mart, and we discovered it was at the behest of the Unions.
Well, now Wal-Mart is rallying its employees to vote, for the first time ever. The Unions have been driving voters since their inception, so it should be very interesting to see the results of this drive.
By doing so, the world’s largest retailer is striding into the national political arena, which until this election cycle it has taken pains to avoid.
Wal-Mart’s voter registration and education programs could be among the biggest in the country, though not as big as those of its labor union opponents. The AFL-CIO, for example, has nearly 13 million members.
The company’s decision appears to be a response to several high-profile Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and four 2008 Democratic presidential hopefuls, who participated in a labor-organized anti-Wal-Mart campaign this summer."
And so the sleeping giant awakens. Back a few weeks ago, the Democrats declared war upon Wal-mart, and we discovered it was at the behest of the Unions.
Well, now Wal-Mart is rallying its employees to vote, for the first time ever. The Unions have been driving voters since their inception, so it should be very interesting to see the results of this drive.
Parents try to force an abortion
Story: "A Maine couple upset that their 19-year-old daughter was pregnant tied her up, loaded her in their car and began driving to New York to force her to get an abortion, police said.
The daughter, Katelyn Kampf, escaped Friday at a shopping center and called police, who arrested her parents, Nicholas Kampf, 54, and Lola, 53, of North Yarmouth, Maine. They were jailed on a kidnapping charge and were being held on $100,000 bail each.
...
"Her parents chased her out into the yard, grabbed and tied her hands and feet together," Salem Police Officer Sean Marino wrote in a court affidavit. "Katelyn states that her father then carried her to their car and they headed toward New Hampshire."
Investigators said rope, duct tape, scissors and a .22-caliber rifle were found in the Kampfs' Lexus and Nicholas Kampf had a loaded .22- caliber magazine clip in his pants pocket.
The Kampfs were upset that their daughter was pregnant by a man who is now in jail, police said, and before leaving Maine on Friday they had an argument at the parents' home.
"Katelyn stated to me that upon her parents finding out that she was pregnant, they told her she had no choice but to get an abortion," Marino wrote in his court affidavit.
Katelyn Kampf escaped from her parents in Salem after persuading them to untie her so she could use a Kmart bathroom. After her father went into the men's room, she used a cell phone to call for help, then ran to a nearby Staples store, where police found "a hysterical female hiding in the back of the store," "
I don't know what to make of this... The parents are trying to force an abortion, and the daughter refuses, so they kidnap her to kill the baby in another state? Why????
The only conclusion I can come to: The mother is a militant feminist, the father a wimp who does whatever his wife tells him, and the daughter stuck in the middle trying to save a life.
Still, kidnapping your daughter and threatening her with a rifle strikes me as very wrong.
The daughter, Katelyn Kampf, escaped Friday at a shopping center and called police, who arrested her parents, Nicholas Kampf, 54, and Lola, 53, of North Yarmouth, Maine. They were jailed on a kidnapping charge and were being held on $100,000 bail each.
...
"Her parents chased her out into the yard, grabbed and tied her hands and feet together," Salem Police Officer Sean Marino wrote in a court affidavit. "Katelyn states that her father then carried her to their car and they headed toward New Hampshire."
Investigators said rope, duct tape, scissors and a .22-caliber rifle were found in the Kampfs' Lexus and Nicholas Kampf had a loaded .22- caliber magazine clip in his pants pocket.
The Kampfs were upset that their daughter was pregnant by a man who is now in jail, police said, and before leaving Maine on Friday they had an argument at the parents' home.
"Katelyn stated to me that upon her parents finding out that she was pregnant, they told her she had no choice but to get an abortion," Marino wrote in his court affidavit.
Katelyn Kampf escaped from her parents in Salem after persuading them to untie her so she could use a Kmart bathroom. After her father went into the men's room, she used a cell phone to call for help, then ran to a nearby Staples store, where police found "a hysterical female hiding in the back of the store," "
I don't know what to make of this... The parents are trying to force an abortion, and the daughter refuses, so they kidnap her to kill the baby in another state? Why????
The only conclusion I can come to: The mother is a militant feminist, the father a wimp who does whatever his wife tells him, and the daughter stuck in the middle trying to save a life.
Still, kidnapping your daughter and threatening her with a rifle strikes me as very wrong.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Italian Nun murduered in the streets
Story: "Gunmen killed an Italian nun at a children's hospital in Mogadishu on Sunday in an attack that drew immediate speculation of links to Muslim anger over the Pope's recent remarks on Islam.
The bodyguard died instantly, but the nun, from the Missionaries of the Consolation order based in Nepi near Rome, was rushed into an operating theater after being hit by three or four bullets in the chest, stomach and back.
"She died in the hospital treatment room," doctor Ali Mohamed Hassan told Reuters. "She was shot outside the hospital, going to her house just across the gate."
A nun from the Missionaries order identified her as sister Leonella Sgorbati, born in 1940, in Piacenza in northern Italy. In Somalia since 2002, she trained nurses at the SOS Kindergarten hospital."
Ok. A nun who has trained nurses for TWENTY-ONE YEARS was shot, and along with her body gaurd, murduered in a flurry of bullets while crossing the street. While the article 'speculates' about the cause, there is no other reason for the muslim targeting of a Catholic nun, other then that she is an infel, a woman, and the pop recently state the truth, and they hate the truth.
Look at it this way: An image of Christ is stuck in a jar of urine. Do Christians riot in the streets and run out to shoot artists? No.
Or the Da Vinci code. A story that calls Christianity the largest conspiracy in history, did it have the same reaction a danish cartoon of muhamed had? No.
Thats what peaceful religons do.
The Religion of Islam does not, rather it marches in the streets and kills innocents.
The bodyguard died instantly, but the nun, from the Missionaries of the Consolation order based in Nepi near Rome, was rushed into an operating theater after being hit by three or four bullets in the chest, stomach and back.
"She died in the hospital treatment room," doctor Ali Mohamed Hassan told Reuters. "She was shot outside the hospital, going to her house just across the gate."
A nun from the Missionaries order identified her as sister Leonella Sgorbati, born in 1940, in Piacenza in northern Italy. In Somalia since 2002, she trained nurses at the SOS Kindergarten hospital."
Ok. A nun who has trained nurses for TWENTY-ONE YEARS was shot, and along with her body gaurd, murduered in a flurry of bullets while crossing the street. While the article 'speculates' about the cause, there is no other reason for the muslim targeting of a Catholic nun, other then that she is an infel, a woman, and the pop recently state the truth, and they hate the truth.
Look at it this way: An image of Christ is stuck in a jar of urine. Do Christians riot in the streets and run out to shoot artists? No.
Or the Da Vinci code. A story that calls Christianity the largest conspiracy in history, did it have the same reaction a danish cartoon of muhamed had? No.
Thats what peaceful religons do.
The Religion of Islam does not, rather it marches in the streets and kills innocents.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Pledge Protection Act – One Step Closer to a Reality
“In July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Pledge Protection Act, which shields the Pledge of Allegiance from rulings by federal courts declaring the Pledge unconstitutional because of the phrase “under God.” The amendment (H.R. 2389) was overwhelmingly passed.
…[Rep. Todd Akin, (R-Mo.)] said the House had acted to check the Judiciary from ignoring its “proper constitutional role.”
“For federal courts to suggest that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional because of the words ‘under God’ and to therefore prohibit children from reciting it would be to turn the first amendment upon its head to use it as an instrument of censorship,” said Rep. Akin.
The bill was a reaction to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which declared the Pledge unconstitutional because it contains the words ‘under God’.”
That’s right – slowly but surely the Pledge Protection Act is making its way through the system. So what’s next in the process? The Senate. For the Pledge Protection Act to be passed,
“A bill cannot become a law of the land until it has been approved in identical form by both houses of Congress. Once the Senate amends and agrees to a bill that the House already has passed, the two houses may begin to resolve their legislative differences by way of a conference committee or through an exchange of amendments between the houses. If the Senate does not accept the House’s position, one of the chambers may propose creation of a conference committee to negotiate and resolve the matters in disagreement between the two chambers. Typically, the Senate gets to conference with the House by adopting this standard motion: "Mr. President, I move that the Senate insist on its amendments, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes thereon, and that the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees.” This triple motion rolled into one–to insist (or disagree), request, and appoint–is commonly agreed to by unanimous consent. The presiding officer formally appoints the Senate’s conferees. (The Speaker names the House conferees.) Conferees are traditionally drawn from the committee of jurisdiction, but conferees representing other Senate interests may also be appointed. There are no formal rules that outline how conference meetings are to be organized. Routinely, the principals from each chamber or their respective staffs conduct pre-conference meetings so as to expedite the bargaining process when the conference formally convenes. Informal practice also determines who will be the overall conference chair (each chamber has its own leader in conference). Rotation of the chairmanship between the chambers is usually the practice when matched pairs of panels (the tax or appropriations panels, for example) convene in conference regularly. For standing committees that seldom meet in conference, the choice of who will chair the conference is generally resolved by the conference leaders from each chamber. The decision on when and where to meet and for how long are a few prerogatives of the chair, who consults on these matters with his or her counterpart from the other body. Once the two chambers go to conference, the respective House and Senate conferees bargain and negotiate to resolve the matters in bicameral disagreement. Resolution is embodied in a conference report, signed by a majority of Senate conferees and House conferees. The conference report must be agreed to by both chambers before it is cleared for presidential consideration. In the Senate, conference reports are usually brought up by unanimous consent at a time agreed to by the party leaders and floor managers. Because conference reports are privileged, if any Senator objects to the unanimous consent request, a nondebatable motion can be made to take up the conference report. Approval of the conference report itself is subject to extended debate, but conference reports are not open to amendment. Almost all of the most important measures are sent to conference, but these are only a minority of the bills that the two houses pass each year.”
Where does this leave us? Basically, first, we wait for the Senate to get to the amendment. After that, the Senators will vote on the issue. This can take awhile. The President of the Senate must also vote in favor of the bill or the Senators have to vote as a majority to overrule the President’s veto.
Don’t forget to let your state representatives and senators know how you feel on the subject - support the Pledge Protection Act.
DDL is a staff writer for Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance.
Article source: “House Passes Pledge Protection Act”, The National Liberty Journal
Senate Legislative Process: www.senate.gov
Follow-up to “Terrorism – no longer a concern?”
Although I have promised a second article on a different subject to Palm boy, I had to address some issues that one of my friends brought up.
My friend, a teen boy in a career military family, read my article entitled “Terrorism – no longer a concern?” and promptly told me how much it irritates him when people get the facts wrong.
“I mean, having lived there, and being an American, I know the entire story. Nobody gets it!” he said, commenting on the full year he spent while his dad was stationed in the Middle East and the two weeks he had had in Israel.
“Yes, Al-Quada needs to stop, but so does the US. Total troop withdrawal, and just get out of foreign affairs with the Middle East. We leave them alone, and they'll leave us alone. They have the right to rule their land however they want to,” he continued.
After I pointed out that our troops enlisting their aid would save many Israelis’ lives, he replied:
“I'm not saying that I hate Israel and all, I love that country. It's beautiful and is the most important country in the world. But, they can hold out on their own.”
Many people share the same philosophy: leave the Middle Easterners alone and they won’t bother us. Does anyone see the problem with this?
I told him that the Muslims will kill anyone that is friendly towards Israel, and he said that if we don’t help Israel any, the Muslims won’t bother us.
First of all, we are under obligation to help Israel – it’s part of the United Nations. Secondly, President Bush professes his friendliness towards Israel blatantly; what kind of friends would we be if they were under attack and we sat back and watched?
Thirdly, the terrorist groups have cells stationed all along the US, waiting for the time to strike. These “sleeper cells” have one mission: blow something up and take as many people down with you as possible. The terrorist groups hate us, and have stated on national television that they would welcome World War III. In fact, they believe in doing so, it will usher in Allah’s return to rule the land with an iron-grip and to remove any non-believers.
So, my friend, you’re still one of the best guys around, and I don’t deny that you’ve had much more groundwork experience than I have, but this one has too many variables saying this: even if we leave the Middle East alone completely, it would be impossible to disentangle ourselves from the web of hatred that is concentrated in those countries.
DDL is a staff writer for Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance.
Terrorism - no longer a concern?
Thank you for the welcome, Palm boy. I hope my contributions make a good impact on the blog.
As a companion article to Palm boy's posts about 9/11 and the Muslims' "religion of peace":
As a companion article to Palm boy's posts about 9/11 and the Muslims' "religion of peace":
“…Those who believe that those 19 terrorists did the worst that terrorists could ever realistically do to the country might believe that one lucky attack – one piercing of the homeland defense – does not justify the forward defense involved in the invasions of Afghanistan or Iraq. They see the various surveillance programs as overkill, and the London arrests as evidence not of the need for continued and increased vigilance, but of the effectiveness of in-place programs.
Those who think that 9/11 could have been worse, and that the terrorists plan other attacks, recoil from the prospect of letting down our collective guard or decreasing the sense of urgency.
The urgency in the president’s, vice president’s, and the secretary of defense’s speeches over the past fortnight has been dismissed by their political opponents as fear-mongering, cynical posturing in the run-up to the November elections.
President Bush strikes his supporters as committed to completing his tenure without another devastating attack, one perhaps exponentially more deadly than the last. They understand his addresses to be the plain-spoken warnings of a leader who wakes up every day to a briefing about terrorist plotting around the globe.
President Bush’s most powerful argument: the words of our enemies. Americans who believe the worst of the president and his administration have to believe as well that our enemies are either blowhards or incompetents. But Americans who take seriously those threats hope they will never be unarguably proven right.”
With our enemies already taunting us with threats of what they will do when they develop their nuclear bomb (namely, blowing Israel and anyone who sides with Israel off the map), it’s a wonder that anyone can still be blinded to their aggressive plots to damage our homeland. Almost every day we hear about how someone was put in danger due to terrorism, whether it be the plans to hijack planes or to blow up centers of activity.
So how can anyone believe otherwise?
It all comes down to the well-known adage: “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
Sometimes we get too caught up in internal battles (wars over abortion, skirmishes with global warming, debates regarding homosexual "rights") to realize how important and pressing the matter at hand is: protecting our homeland from any more attacks and working to control the fires of hate in the Middle East.
DDL is a staff writer for Pushing Back the Frontiers of Ignorance.
Article source: “Interpreting 9/11”, by Hugh Hewitt, World Magazine.
Official Announcement: New comrade in the war on Ignorance
Some of you may have noticed a new name on the sidebar, or you may not of. You probably didn't. In any case, the veteran warriors Daweed and Durandal have retired from reserve duty. Replacing them: *Drum roll please...*
Katherine D, a young homeschool lady, with an eye on the future as an aerospace engineer with the US Air Force.
After an exhaustive look into her political, economic and social views, Kathline has been welcomed with open arms into the Border Patrol, to help push back the frontiers of ignorance.
She's smart, dedicated, and well versed in the art of debate.
That is all.
Katherine D, a young homeschool lady, with an eye on the future as an aerospace engineer with the US Air Force.
After an exhaustive look into her political, economic and social views, Kathline has been welcomed with open arms into the Border Patrol, to help push back the frontiers of ignorance.
She's smart, dedicated, and well versed in the art of debate.
That is all.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Muslims mad, but its a religion of peace. Really.
Story: "Across the Islamic world Friday, Benedict's remarks on Islam and jihad in a speech in Germany unleashed a torrent of rage that many fear could burst into violent protests like those that followed publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad."
Right. And Islam is a religion of peace, dedicated to preserving life and peace. But then we have these random protests over the pope, and danish cartoons, not to forget the muslim nazis who fly planes into buildings.
Right. And Islam is a religion of peace, dedicated to preserving life and peace. But then we have these random protests over the pope, and danish cartoons, not to forget the muslim nazis who fly planes into buildings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
