Friday, December 29, 2006

Death Watch

According to the latest news, the execution of Saddam Hussein will take place with in the hour. In typical cable news fashion, several commentators are discussing "the issue." Most seem to agree that he was given his day in court and that his crimes warrant death. The fact that anyone would question whether or not the death penalty is the right course action baffles me.

An elected Iraqi government will execute a man who brutally oppressed his country men for decades in an orderly and dispassionate manner. This is justice.

UPDATE

As of 9:10 CT, 6:10 Baghdad time, Al-Arabiya is reporting that Saddam Hussein was executed 10 mins ago.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Why am I not surprised?

I knew it was only a matter of time before something like this happened. President Ford, who was a Republican, has passed away. Therefore, it must be time for some extremist ideology to begin making outrageous claims about him.

Enter Cindy Sheehan. Apparently in her world Ford is responsible for the war in Iraq because he pardoned Nixon. That pardon is responsible for every President since then thinking he is above the law. Here is the full text of her latest break from reality.

This statement is about as logical as saying "Birds fly, and I flew in a plane; therefore, I am a bird." I wish I could run around making stupid comments all the day long and still be covered by the media like I was the next Martin Luther King Jr.

There was a time when I felt sorry for Cindy Sheehan. She seemed blinded by her grief. I'd imagine that if anything would turn me into a peace activist, losing my child in war would. Then she started making a host of fanatical statements, camping out in Crawford and visiting people like Hugo Chavez. I have no pity left for her. She is a disgrace to her son's memory.


Hat tip: Wizbang

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Merry Christmas!

I know I am a day late, but I wanted to wish the few people who read this blog a Merry Christmas. I was away from a computer all Christmas day and did not get to post any Holiday greetings.

Personally, December 26 is my least favorite day of the year. All the excitement is over. Oh well, time to make those New Year's Resolutions. Maybe I will manage to keep one in 2007, LOL.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Michael Yon/HFM Update

According to the New York Post, HFM (Hachette Filipacchi Media) is canceling Shock Magazine. The details of the story are here. I imagine HFM is regretting the day it used Michael Yon's photograph with out permission. It's unfortunate that HFM still plans on keeping Shock on line, but the fact that Shock magazine will no longer be on any shelves makes me smile.

Many people participated in Michael Yon's campaign against HFM, its distributors, and the businesses that refused to pull Shock magazine off their shelves. It's great to see that the efforts paid off and that individuals can get involved and make a difference.

I hope this sends a message to all the magazine and papers who have violated the copy rights of photographers because most of them will not fight a legal battle over a picture that is worth a few hundred dollars at the most. You can't step on the little guys forever.

Hat tip : Pajamas Media

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Giving Thanks

Today is the day that most of the people in American eat more food in a few hours than many in this world eat in a week. To say that I have many things to be grateful for is an understatement. I have freedom, family, health, a good job, abundant opportunities, and a myriad of small, daily blessings. Today is the day that American’s are supposed to stop and give thanks, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving I would like to express my appreciation to several people.

First, I must give thanks to God for all He has blessed me with; blessings that I often fail to see in anything but hind-sight. Everything that I have, I have by His good grace.

Second, I would like to thank my parents who have made more sacrifices than I can count on my behalf. I cannot say thank you to the two of you enough.

Third, I would like to thank the men and women who serve their country or their communities as members of the U.S. military, law enforcement, and fire departments. Your sacrifices are not forgotten.

Finally, I would like to thank the rest of my family and friends for there constant support and encouragement; especially my sister who has done so many things for me over the years.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Straw Poll

Below is the link for the GOP Bloggers Straw Poll for 2008. Go cast you vote.

GOP Bloggers Straw Poll 2008

Monday, October 09, 2006

Dilbert Weasel Awards

Click here to participate in the Dilbert Weasel Awards. The results will be announced on November 2nd.

On a side note, Dilbert is one of my favorite cartoons. Sadly, the humor is often lost on those who have never worked with incompetent management and or company. It's a particular punishment that should only be reserved for the 9th ring of hell.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Just for Fun

Just for fun, I though that I would link the latest edition of "News of the Weird." My favorite entry is the one about Subway worker who told police that he was a CIA agent and the 500 plus dollars that he took would be reimbursed by the CIA. Believe it or not, I've actually read stupider excuses offered by criminals to the police.

File Under "Proving My Point for Me."

The Pope gave a speech 3 days ago concerning the differences between Islam and Christianity. In it he quotes some dialog that goes back to the days of the Byzantium Empire when Emperor Manuel Paleologos II and a Persian scholar were discussing the same subject. The Emperor believed that the forced conversions to Islam were evil. As you can imagine, many Muslims found this offensive. Instead of calmly explain why the Pope is wrong, more than a few Muslims have resorted to hysterical rhetoric and mob like behavior. Read about it here.

Note to hysterical "protestors" calling themselves "moderate" Muslims: responding to criticism that your prophet was violent and cruel with hateful word only helps prove Manuel Paleolgos's point. It's time to learn to take some criticism and stop screaming about the Crusades. The West is not interested in forced conversions or conquest for the Roman Catholic Church. Another thing, stop blaming the West for negative perceptions of Islam. Your pyrotechnic don't help. Comparing the Pope to a man who killed millions doesn't score you brownie points either.

In all fairness many Muslims aren't burning things in the streets or calling the Pope Hitler and it would behoove more of them to speak up. Like the article here . I realize that in many places speaking up could get you killed by your fanatic of a neighbor, but sitting on fence just delays the inevitable.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Alfred Vukosa - 9.11.01


Today I remember Alfred Vukosa. Alfred was the typical American family man. He meet his wife Annette on the floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange. Annette's family was Guyanese and Alfred's was Croatian. According to his wife, Alfred learned about Hinduism and blended into her family. Alfred and Annette were close to their families, both of which lived in New York.

Annette and Alfred made their home in Brooklyn, where they raised their two sons, Adam and Austin. According to the people who knew Alfred, he was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them. His sons looked forward to his returning home from work because he would take them on walks. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacation, and traveled to Hawaii, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and Disney World in Florida.

Like so many Americans, Alfred was a man with dreams and was striving to reach them. He loved computers and technology and was earning a degree in computer engineering. Often Alfred and his oldest son Austin would do their "homework" together. He was employed at Cantor Fitzgerald, whose offices were on the 103rd floor of Tower One at the World Trade Center, as an Information Technology Specialist.

On September 11, 2001, Alfred went to work as usual and became one of the 2,996 who perished that day. His niece Stacy Lalman said the following of him: "I truly thought that he would get out because he was a very strong man; but I also believed that if he had the opportunity; he would rather try to help someone else's life than his own!" His wife remembered him as a man who, "was always there to please us." She says that "he was a good husband."

Alfred Vukosa was a hard working man who loved his family and was motivated to improve his life and theirs. His family was a melting pot of people from different ends of the earth who blended together in love and support. He was an ordinary American who in so many ways epitomized the American Dream. On this, the 5th anniversary of 9/11, let us remember the way he lived his life. A life that stands in stark contrast to those of the terrorist who sought to destroy American by murdering men and women like Alfred Vukosa.

My sources of information about Alfred Vukosa are here and here. My source for the photograph is here.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Treason in a Cup of Tea?

Who in the world would see a cup of tea as a sign of treason? Apparently Hezbollah does.

According to a report by CNN, the Israeli army entered a barracks in Marjeyoun which had a white flag flying outside of it. While inside the barracks they were served tea by members of the Lebanese army.

Hezbollah, being a terrorist organization, does not understand the way armies historically behave under a white surrender flag. It's not an act of treason to honor the white flag you are flying and show a little bit of courtesy. But in all fairness, Hezbollah was not the only upset party.
The Lebanese government cannot decide how to react. The interior ministry reportedly had the commander of the base arrested. However, the acting interior minister spoke up for the members of the barracks. The Lebanese government is in a sticky situation due to its own inability and/or refusal to squash Hezbollah. Welcome to the special "hell" for fence sitters.

Read the whole thing here. (Hat tip: Pajamas Media)

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Comment Moderation

I never thought that I would have to enable my comment moderation. It's not like I get that many comments in the first place. I don't even mind the rare snarky comment. However, what I do mind are advertisement links in the comments sections, especially when the post is a memorial one. Don't leave a link to whatever crap of the day you are selling in a post about a family member who passed away. It's rude and disrespectful.

To those of you who would leave a comment on this blog, please tolerate the word verification and the delay in approval of your comments which will be sent to my email.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Luke Armstrong

Yesterday was the funeral of my cousin, Luke Armstrong. He died on August 2nd and was 23 years old. He had been battling testicular cancer. Luke's cancer was diagnosed in June at stage 3. Because the testicular cancer cell is a week cancer cell the doctors were hopeful of a recovery. For a while he seemed to improve, but on Wednesday his heart gave out. I was not very close to him, but I will miss him.

Luke had taken courses in Veterinary Assistance Technology and was enrolled in the University of Nebraska at Kearney for this fall semester before the diagnosis. He was very excited about attending UNK and was planning to re-enroll this spring when his treatments were over. Luke loved animals and I won't ever think of him without thinking of his little dog Simon.

Rest in Peace Luke.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

One Year Ago

One year ago Steven Vincent, blogger and author, was murdered and his translator, Nour, nearly killed in Basra, Iraq. I loved his blog and was stunned last year when I read that he was killed.

His old blog has a tribute to him and links to NRO articles about him. His book In the Red Zone is available at Amazon.com. I'm embarrassed to say it’s still on my list of books to read.

Kesher Talk has a round up of bloggers remembering Steven Vincent.

My prayers are with his family and friends. RIP Steven Vincent.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Independence Day

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence indeed, will dictate, that Governments long established, should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security.

And so it began 230 years ago. Happy Independence Day! God bless all those fighting for freedom and let us never forget the noble ideals upon which America was founded.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Between Past and Present.

“Of this I am quite sure, that if we open a quarrel between the past and the present, we shall find that we have lost the future.” – Winston Churchill.

Winston Churchill said a lot of things that are frequently quoted, but this little bit of wisdom rarely ever is. It stand in opposition to so much of the historical revision that goes on in today's classes and textbooks. It is important for us to learn from past wrongs and not repeat them. In order to do this we must first acknowledge them. However, our current self-deprecation and loathing of our history ignores those things in our heritage which are noble; and thus undermines our future buy persuading us that nothing we did in the past that is worth carrying through this present day.

My weekly, sometimes bi-weekly post, on this blog have been mostly about current political and social issues. They are usually written when I am irritated, excited, or distraught about some bit in the news and want to sound off. In addition to all I currently rant about, I've decided to start posting about events and people in times past that ought to be remembered and honored. I promise that they will not dull and long-winded historical essays, the likes of which most people will avoid like the plague.

At worst comments on this blog will go from zero to zero. At best, we all learn something, especially myself as I will be doing the research necessary for this series, which will be called Between Past and Present.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

What's the French Word for "Copyright Violation?"

The French publishing company, HFM, apparently does not understand the concept of copyrights. They also think that they can use someone's material without their permission and not have to face any legal consequences. Michael Yon has had one of his photographs used without permission on the 1st edition of Shock magazine. For those of you not familiar with the photo or Michael Yon, here is his website. The photograph is of Major Bieger cradling a little Iraqi girl named Farah who was fatally wounded in a terrorist attack.

On top of violating the copyrights Michael Yon has to this photograph, the magazine attempts to use it for anti-war propaganda. They miss the entire point of the photo and the context in which it was shot. Michael Yon's site has a list of ways in which you can help put HFM in its place.

Apparently bashing the war in Iraq is more important that good standards of journalism or obeying the law. Unfortunately, this sort of outrageous behavior has become the s.o.p for the media around the world.

Voice of Iran

Yesterday I caught the broadcast of a new addition to Rightalk radio. The program is called Voice of Iran and is hosted by Roya Teimouri. The program will air every Monday at 4pm Eastern time. Take the time to listen to her program. You can listen over the internet at http://www.rightalk.com/ .

The topic of this week's program was the need for regime change and the support that exists in Iran for getting rid of the current regime. One of the many interesting things mentioned on the program was the fact that people in Iran took to the streets with candles to mourn on 9/11. This evoked the wrath of the government. The vigils were dispersed with the usual tactics.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

D-Day

Today marks the 62nd anniversary of the D-Day. Operation Overlord was a monumental undertaking and it remains the largest seaborne invasion in history. The exact number of Allied casualties is not known, as accurate record keeping was difficult. It is believed that the Allied casualties were around 10,000 with over 4,000 dead.

Every man who went ashore that day is a hero. Many of those heroes went beyond the call of duty. Listed below are the names of the soldiers who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their actions. Here is a site that lists their Medal of Honor citations.

BARRETT, CARLTON W.
*BUTTS, JOHN E.
*DEGLOPPER, CHARLES N.
EHLERS, WALTER D
*COLE, ROBERT G.
*DEFRANZO, ARTHUR F.
*KELLY, JOHN D.
*MONTEITH, JIMMIE W., JR.
OGDEN, CARLOS C.
*PEREGORY, FRANK D.
*PINDER, JOHN J., JR.
ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, JR.
* Denotes a posthumous award

Fallen but never forgotten.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Fortune Cookie

Two days ago I ate Chinese food for lunch. My favorite part of Chinese food is the fortune cookie. That day mine read "Face facts with dignity." It's trite but true. Most of us could use a little more practice in how we deal with facts, especially the unpleasant and painful ones.

I can think of so many people who don't know how to deal with facts. The MSM, the Bush equals Hitler crowd, Fred Phelps and his "church," and many members of Congress. I know I haven't always faced fact with dignity.

However, I can also think of people who do face facts with dignity. In fact, two of them blog at Iraq the Model. Read their post entitled "Kill us, but you won't enslave us," and then send them your condolences.

The more I think about it the more I realize how many problems would be solved, or at least minimized if people faced the facts with dignity. None of us like to lose, be wrong, or hear unpleasant news, but how we deal with these things is a measure of who we are; and apparently a fortune cookie gets it right when many of us don't. Scary.

Where are the Feminist?

An Iranian woman named Nazanin has be sentenced to death for murder. The man she killed was one of the men attempting to rape her and her niece. Because she defended herself she is to be killed. Here is a petition to sing on her behalf.

This story begs the question, "Where are the feminist?" No outcry from NARAL or NOW, or the MSM for that matter. This is not new news either. You'd think that the self-proclaimed defenders of a woman's right to say what happens to her body would be all over this. Just one more indication that today's advocates of "women's rights" don't care about women as much as they care about their agenda.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Watching History

A few days ago Abdul Rhaman was released from prison and left Afghanistan for Italy, which offered him asylum. Here are the details.

Unfortunately, the grounds for his release were not religious freedom and human rights. That fight will and must come another day if Afghanistan is truly going to become free nation. It's not going to be pretty either, but I wouldn't give up on Afghanistan. The idea of religious freedom is only a few centuries old in the West.

Realistically, Afghanistan may have a democratically elected government, but they are not a democracy as we think of one. However, the ground work has been laid. I don't envy Karzai who must deal with the medieval minded in his country while trying to move it forward and not look like a puppet. Watching history unfold is amazing. Nerve racking, but amazing.

Update on Hunger Strike III

Guillermos Fariñas Hernandez has ended his hunger strike. Here are the details. I'm glad he will live to protest another day.

Hat tip: Babalu blog.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Giant Step Backwards

Abdul Rhaman is facing the death penalty in Afghanistan for his conversion to Christianity. Read the details here.

This is not why we freed Afghanistan from the Taliban. Afghanistan has made some important steps towards becoming a free society, but if this man is executed they will take one giant step backwards.

Here is a petition to sign on his behalf. Also Michelle Malkin's site had updates on this and the contact information for the Afghan and US embassies. I'm going to be very disappointed in our President if he does not address this.

Note to Afghanistan: the Roman empire couldn't kill off Christianity by executing its followers. Ironically, America's democratic republic can trace it's philosophical roots back to the Roman Republic and further still to the Greek city- states like Athens.

Hat tip: Michelle Malkin

Friday, February 17, 2006

More from the Mullahs of Iran

Just when you think the leaders of Iran cannot be any more two-faced, evil, or insane, they prove you wrong. Today, Iran's foreign minister Mottaki felt it was his place to tell the British to leave Basra, which is in Iraq. Oh, but remember, they don't interfere at all with Iraq. Here are the details.

Iraq the Model has a great post about this. Funny how Iran feels the need to criticize Britain for the bad actions of a few soldiers, when the government of Iran violates human rights on a 24/7/365 basis. This level of idiocy and arrogance is ought to merit electro-shock therapy.

Also, go read the latest post at Regime Change Iran . It's a start.

Update on Hunger Strike II

Guillermo Farinas Hernandez has not ended his hunger strike after all. Here is a petition to sign on his behalf. All he wants is to be able to use the internet without government interference or restriction.

Free access to information is something that most of us in the US take for granted. Let us not forget those who don't have the blessing of living in a nation that respects human rights and embraces freedom.

Hat tip: Babalu blog.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Update on Hunger Strike

It looks like the hunger strike of Guillermo Farinas Hernandez is effective over. He agreed to be feed intravenously. I'm glad that he is going to live, even if it means he did not achieve his goal.

The bigger issue is this. When will all Cubans be able to exercise their God given rights without fear of reprisal from Castro's government?

Overlooked

In all the uproar over the Mohammed cartoons and the values of freedom of the press and freedom of speech many of us have forgotten that the Islamofascist are not the only people who want to dictate what others can say, read, and print. The communist government of Cuba, for example, dictates what is and is not printed and what is and is not read, right down to the internet.

Guillermo Farinas Hernandez, an independent journalist in Cuba, is on hunger strike to get unrestricted access to the internet. Here are the details. Our, U.S. media has not noticed this story, and it needs to be noticed if anything but starvation is to come of this hunger strike.

Please contact your Congressman, your paper, or anyone who can get this story out. God alone knows how many men and women like Hernandez are out there.

Hat tip: Babalu blog

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Viva la France

One of my favorite bloggers is back at it. The Dissident Frogman has new posts. Apparently he started posting again a couple of months ago. If only the French government had his grasp of reality.

His latest post is about Denmark and the uproar over a few, albeit rude, cartoons making fun of Muhammad. When cartoonist poke fun of Christ/Christianity I find it insulting and offensive. If I was offended enough I might boycott the paper or complain to the editor. I would never boycott an entire country, burn embassies and flags, and carry around signs that call for the death of anyone that offends what I consider sacred. I would never dream of trying to limit free speech because of it.

Back to Iraq

My sister's husband, SRA Nathan Rice, has once again been sent to Iraq. For those of you unfamiliar with my family, Nathan is a member of the U.S. Air Force's TACP (Tactical Air Command Party) and deploys with the Army. He will be in Iraq for 6 months or so and is currently stationed in Talafar.

A lot goes into his job, but the short of it is that he calls in air strikes and makes sure that friendly forces don't get hit. He will also have the opportunity to help with the training of the Iraqi Army. This is the third time he has been sent to Iraq. Good Luck Nathan, you'll be in my prayers.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Google Ban

I have removed the link to Google news from my side bar. In order to do business in China Google has agreed to comply with censorship requirements. I find this disgusting.

I've rarely ever used Google as a search engine, but now its off limits. The fact that a American company would help a communist government control its populace by participating in censorship for money is appalling.

What's next? An American company selling weapons to the religious police in Iran?

Arrgh!!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

At Random

I've added a couple of new blog links and I would highly recommend that the few readers of this blog check out Babalu Blog. Scroll down and read his post about Ramon Saul Sanchez and his hungry strike. Personally, I would find another way to get my point across because I hate being hungry.

The left now has their own Pat Robertson. Unfortunately, Mayor Ray Nagin has not been vilified by the MSM for his outrageous comments. His explanation for his "chocolate city" comment is almost laughable. Michelle Malkin is all over this. Scroll down and read all the post regarding Nagin's MKL day comments.

Another related bit of insanity is Senator Clinton's comparison of the Republican control of Congress to the running of a plantation.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Under the Bus

Here is a link to a post signed by several of the bloggers I like best. The corruption issues in Congress are serious and as the majority party the Republican party holds the most responsibility for fixing the mess. It doesn't matter how many corrupt Republican there are as opposed to how many corrupt Democrats. Those who have the most power have the most responsibility.

It's time for a change in Congress. A couple of weeks ago I got a flyer in the mail ask for my support for a potential congressional candidate. He's new which just might be why I vote for him in the primary elections. Perhaps we should throw 90% of Congress (Republican and Democrat) under the figurative bus.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Tallmansville

Things aren't looking so good for the 13 miners trapped in Tallmansville. Here is the most recent development of this sad story. My prayers are with the miner and their families.

While most of us are to busy hoping and praying that these men are alive, some people are already blaming the President. Here is a manifestation of one individual's Bush Derganement Syndrome.

What's next, blaming Bush for every job related accident in the U.S.? Or maybe every stubbed toe and broken finger nail? This level of hysteria ought to merit medication.