Nightmares in the front yard

I sometimes wonder, while I cruise the various news sources, what it must be like to be confronted with these scenes. What it must be like to witness the horrible events and the escalating chaos in every corner of the globe.

Pictured here are some images, which together represent a pretty good idea what's wrong with the world today.

First, above, is the modern US Counter-terrorism force about to breach a room. The US takes it's counter-terrorism seriously and these men and women will be among the best trained and fitted. But it wasn't too long ago, a point was made to me as to what freedom consists of: those who trade freedom for security deserve neither. What's the point of a free country if there are secret death squads and thugs loyal to opposition carrying out kidnappings and executions. A hotspot for that now, surprisingly is not in the mid east, or in Palestine, where anti-US protests are pictured above, no the kidnapping capital is in northern Mexico.

In Gaza, the government chosen by the people cannot achieve a secure situation. As a consequence, families flee to neighboring countries that will accept them, like these two Palestinian boys in Lebanon. To watch my sons drink from these filthy faucets and dodge landmines, rocket attacks and disease would drive me to find a better place too.

In the United States, drugs are a very profitable trade. The appetite for cocaine, heroin and other drugs that are imported drives this black market business. From the poppy fields of Afghanistan to the bloody streets of Neuvo Laredo, Mexico, drugs finance large parts of the resistance we face across the world. Drugs we buy.

In Iraq, factions held together in a rickety, crumbling alliance impede the security of the people. The politics of the middle east come in a bit here, as Shia and Sunny ideologies clash. Under Saddam, there wasn't as much sectarian violence mainly because Saddam himself was a Baathist partymember, which is athiestic. He had no God or religeous agenda. His government was pro Sunni, however, and the Shia in his population bore the brunt of many killings and unfair court rulings.

Now, children caught in the crossfire of war look up to whoever they can, and in this picture, an Iraqi policeman looks down at the boy and the boy looks unafraid. Children are the most adaptable of all of humanity. They will survive great trials, but they are also the most malleable- the most shapable. As in the picture above of the Palestinian protesters, they are all young men, interested in the ritual of protest for the western cameras, but out of the whole group in the picture, most look nonplussed: only one wails and throws his hands up. Another smiles, such as a propagandist might when his photographer captures a useful image. But most look on with mild interest, as if to say, yawn! not much to see here today...been there done that!

In Lebanon last year, as you may have read in this blog, the hand of Syria was strongly evident: popular president Harriri was assasinated as was another critic of Syria, the editor of the national newspaper in Lebanon. Beruit has always been a city teeming with discontent and conflict. When Hezbollah captured and kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, IDF forces waged a short campaign into Lebanon to find them. They engaged well armed fighters who blended into the civilian population before and after their attacks. Israel, and Prime Minister Olmert had egg on their faces when opinion turned against them and they quit without achieving their objective. Here, a Lebanese soldier is helping erect roadblo9cks to isolate movement in an area of Beruit. The Lebanese military is a small force with limited morale and loyalty. The hand of Syria is threatening the population, just as terrorists are wont to do, with reprisals if anyone is disloyal to Hezbollah, Hamas or the IRG. Notice the soldier holds an M-16.

One of the most sickening aspects to the overall condition of the middle east, is the corruption. The leaders of many, many militias, cities and nations seem to have the very same thing in common with the politicians of the US: first- make sure you'll stay in power for life. Then, if there's time between the feasts, lazy pampered spas and luxury cars, maybe we'll do something that benefits the people. But I doubt it.

Here is Muqtada al Sadr giving a speech, or proclimation as these religeous/spiritual leaders are wont to do, and up until recently, it was probably an anti-US speech. Everything that was wrong was because of the presence of the US. This rhetoric has faded recently, I'm thinking because al Sadr has gotten onto the US payroll just as all the other leaders there. Unbeleivable amounts of money are being given away there to people who we want to "play ball". So you see, everyone just wants to get paid.

Unfortunately, the people are the ones who never get paid. They labor on at their jobs, and barely make ends meet and fight through stress from not having enough to keep the family happy, losing family members who leave in search of work. What kills me is that right up the street, is a palace where the ruler stays. Dirt huts...palace.

Here is a dog and pony show on the streets of Iraq. Iraqi police commanders tour rough neighborhoods in Baghdad, but their ability to maintain security here is far from established. Political infighting and factional treachery are the norm.

In northern Iraq, the Kurds are waging war with their neighbor, Turkey. It has long been known that the Turks and the Kurds don't get along. While the US-led multinational force struggles to maintain stability, the Kurds make sure the violent outreach continues in their appalling ethnic hatred.

The amount of foreign aid the United States spends each years is a staggering amount. Here, students from universities in Seoul, South Korea demonstrate against US imperialism. They want the US's military hardware removed from their country. The US has several military bases with South Korea, we have since the Korean war and the DeMilitarizedZone was established with the communist North. Yet these students indict US foreign policy in other places and want to punish the US by evicting the military. Problem is, the South Korean government has no intention of separating from the flowing teat of Uncle Sam. The riot police were called in as a cordon, as shown in the pictures, but aside from the collective wills of the well-organized protesters and the resolve of the police, only pushing and shoving ensued.

Our collective will is formidable. But splintered and fractured by infighting is the rule of the day in the middle east. Let's keep our eye on the prize and make proud those who handed control of this country to us. Let's make it a better, freer, wealthier, and more philonthrapic nation.

Let's continue to lead the world in the best and brightest, shining a light on the worst and ugliest.

-Katykarter

Our world extends beyond this country's borders. The United States of America has enjoyed a rich history of success. We lead the world in many categories although economic rivals gain ground every day.

All around the world, deep into the farthest reaches, everyone loves America...or hates it.

In reality, I suspect the ones who hate us really just yearn to be like us: they wear American clothes, talk on cell phones and drink Coke. But true Americanism is becoming rare.

Refer, I think, to the preamble to the constitition for the essense of Americanism:

" We the people of the United States,

in order to form a more perfect union,

establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility,

provide for the common defense,

promote the general welfare,

and secure the blessings of liberty

to ourselves and our posterity,

do ordain and establish this constitution for

The United States of America."

You see, it really is and has always been...by the people. By the people and for the people; that's who the politicians work for, that's who the police work for, and that's what each one of us works for. It's the common good, and prosperity for our progeny.

The Civil Compliance Network was founded to confront apathy to this Americanism. The values once described as "fundamental and almost required" to be an American have become an endangered species, and it's the old timers that remember it best. For those of us with parents from "the greatest generation" as Tom Brokaw tells it, we know what it is to hold these principles up to the mirror every day: our parents did it. They yelled at us to shape up and shunned the oncoming future of America with it's MTV and WalMarts.

Pretty soon, being American didn't mean the same thing anymore. Too many people were tuning out to it, Veteran's Day parades had waning attendance.

Well this is a warning to those who still can't see the fabric of the US: Everyone should be expected of a minimum of behavior standards.

At the very least, you'll keep your pants up around your waist.

At the very least, you will honor your parents and love your neighbors.

We look out for each other, but who want's a criminal looking out for them?

Nobody, not even criminals.

So don't be a thug, because Civ Comp is ready to check that.

When you've had it with lowering standards...

extremists of any stripe...

and the just-plain-wrong attitude that leads to political correctness.

Become a CivComp Steward.

Get active in your community, give something back if you can.

Lead by example: what was important before still is.

We are all Americans, but the best are called

All-Americans.

Religious Currency

I have seen and heard an escalating chorus against the faithful in our country. The United States was formed oh, so long ago on a solid foundation of Christian ethics and moral practices. Now, that morality has eroded from the fabric of our nation. We are, by generation, nowhere near as morally sound by and large as our preceeding generation. A greater sense of restraint, decorum and honor was everywhere- including our urban areas, although desperation forces it's own hand.

In recent days our ferocious media attempts to create a feeding frenzy on salacious reports whenever they emanate from our churches and it's leaders- the latest... an inquisition on corruption within massive churches and the millions they get in contributions.

And in my friend's typical fashion, Griff reminded me of the essence of faith. That it's belief in Him that will guide the path you'll take.

-Katykarter





November 9, 2007

The Power of Imposition

J.A.Griffin

I agreed with Mike Gallagher when he said “we can never stop human exploitation”, and in the same sentence I’ll add “we can never truly determine if it exists in the ministry”

now hang on before you spew…

What I am saying is this…you and I know that there is corruption at ALL levels... the human agency is capable of great feats of manipulation. However, considering the “Christian” ministries, the Christian doctrine commands the Church to “spread the gospel throughout the world”,

“…to all the nations…to the corners of the earth”.

This is a command, not an option. As a Christian, you are to “share” the Gospel whenever possible; get the message out there is principally what Jesus said.

Sooooooooo…

These doctoral guidelines leave absolutely no opportunity for dispute by the state or any other entity for that matter. Whether corruption exists or not in some ministries, their Holy Doctrine instructs them to do business as they see fit as long as they are “spreading the Gospel.”

Now I am not standing up for anyone, in fact, I suspect persecution of religion will be a growing movement in the days to come, and will become more visible, evident…especially Christian…Why? Christianity and its doctrine imposes the greatest responsibility on us, it asks us to follow our doctrine to the letter, check ourselves, go out of our way…”love your neighbor”, “bless those who persecute you?”

seriously? YES, seriously.
That's why Christianity will be the least popular gig going.

But in retrospect, I would hate to get up in the morning and have the task of spreading anything to the corners of the earth! Think about how much that would cost for a minute…and again I am not sticking up for anyone, just conceding to the enormous financial impediments these ministries face to get the job done and to continue getting it done on paper.

The monetary value of these ministries is of no consequence to me really, I guess because I believe in God and Jesus and I have experienced Christianity in its pedant form, and it tells me that there are a lot of folks out there looking for answers... looking for help. People that just need to hear a voice that says “someone cares about what you are going through” So I send my dollar, I listen steadfastly and then.. I pray.

And if I feel good about it , I do it again.

"I asked the man whose 9 yr. old son was dying of cancer if he cared that the preacher drove a fancy sports car, he replied 'No, as long as it gets him to the hospital on time'.

There is hope in God… when times are tough and we can’t do it ourselves , we go to God. When we feel helpless… We find comfort and peace there.

God and everything about God is very mysterious, hence the need for faith. If my neighbor found peace and comfort in the midst of his battles by sending a dollar and praying with a stranger over the phone, good for him. I believe that lives are turned around and people have experienced miracles due to these ministries.

Corruption will exist in every form and at every level, but the Gospel in ageless, the Word of God is alive and it speaks to us given the opportunity, the same opportunity these ministries provide, but on a grand scale.

Let us spend more time being thankful for the good, rather than always leaning on the bad. “Gratitude is the Holy Grail of Happiness” try being thankful more often and you will find that you are happy more often… I dare you.

Imagine if we went to Him when things were not so tough... that is real faith!

Deadly Security for Blackwater

On September 16, 2007, Blackwater security teams were stationed at Nisour Square in Western Baghdad to secure an intersection a nearby diplomat would be traveling soon. Before the diplomat, in a three-SUV convoy can enter the square, a Blackwater gunner begans firing on a white sedan as it approached. Reportedly the car contained a family including a mother with an infant, and a student who was driving. Blackwater, under combat operations, provide mobile security with trucks with machine guns mounted on top. The gunner continued to fire at the vehicle which kept approaching, apparently the driver was atop the accelerator. Other gunners joined in and civilians near the car were killed and wounded.

Blackwater testified recently that an internal conflict began at this point, when another team member began to shout for a cease fire, repeatedly yet the first gunner continued fire. Airborne guns from small helicopters above began to fire on ground positions, killing more civilians. At some point in the melee a Blackwater guard pointed his weapon on the shooting gunner and demanded he stop firing.

Blackwater is a security firm based in Washington, D.C. whose members are largely ex-military from elite units within: Navy Seals, Rangers and Special Forces. Blackwater provides security to targets of opportunity for enemy forces, some American diplomats, some from other countries. Even in extreme circumstances, the security team is urged to fire only in defense and when attacked, and to use restraint. Glaringly, there is no established oversight involved with security firms in war zones.

When the initial fire hit the sedan, and it kept rolling towards their position, other units joined in fire, but apparently nearby civilians on foot and other vehicles received fire. When the second team member called a cease fire and the fire wouldn’t stop, he did the right thing and placed the team member under arrest, and would have used deadly force if necessary. Area fire, both ground and air was under-justified: tighter control of the team should have been maintained with communications.

Unfortunately it seems Blackwater has a systemic problem with out of control personnel up to and including management, with one principle involved with developing scandal.

We’ve been hearing that firms like Blackwater are needed to fulfill missions like this in which combat security may be needed. It’s a mission most army units aren’t trained or equipped to do, and those who are qualified are in short supply and already in use as they are best utilized. Yet hundreds of such missions are carried out each day all over the world where an American target moves about and carries out his duties. The Diplomatic Security Service is the primary escorts of our top chain of command, but the DSS is not a large unit and many American interests need to move and operate as well.

This type of security firm is necessary in today’s combat theatre, and unless they are properly accounted for, they will suffer under bad leadership, and vague rules of engagement. For the unforgivable crime of murder, even in a war scenario, if there is no oversight, then there is no punishment and no justice.

Iraq Update and Advice from Fouad Ajami

General Keane's Iraq Troop Surge Report Card


General Keane came on the radio with Bill Bennet recently,(1070 a.m.) and if you know Bill, you know he is the former Secretary of Education under President Reagan and gets the important info from his guests. From the General, we found out several facts about the troop surge in Iraq and it's effectiveness.

Political Movement is what is necessary in Iraq, and if you heard that their legislature plans on taking a three month vacation this summer, you feel as I do, angry that our men and women are in harm's way there and these politicians don't think it important enough to find a solution before taking their priveledged leave. As Keane says, "Political reconciliation is essential in Iraq", where Sunni, Shiite and Kurd factions in the government can seem to find NO common ground. Keane submits that the people, however, are rejecting Sunni extremism and are resisting Shiite calls for revenge killings in response to violence upon them by agents of destruction that may or may not be Sunni. Although, Iranian hegemony is still a big problem.

In the mixed provinces of Dihyala and Sulhaddin the sheik and tribal mentality has been modified by moderate views being sent out by mullahs, and their great gains are being, like you didn't know this- under reported in the U.S.

In Baghdad, steady, slow improvement and progress in security in neighborhoods once held by Al Qaeda is becoming the norm while extended periods of calm and relative security in other neighborhoods are getting more and more common. The most marked improvements have come in Anhbar Province, once a stronghold of extremists, now has completely turned with leaders actually wanting to be associated with our country's efforts.

When asked what he thought of Senator Biden's remarks that "all is lost" in Iraq, Keane says the real security situation is improving Iraqi's lives and even in neighborhoods such as those war-torn pockets in cities such as Ramadi see a big difference now that territory that has been cleared now has soldiers staying behind to retain control. This is the big difference where the troop surge is most evident, although the question still remains, "can the Iraqi National Government enact reconciliation between Shiite, Sunni and Kurd factions".



Dennis Prager interviews Mid East expert Fouad Ajami

I don't know if you all have heard Dennis, but he's on mid day on 1070 a.m. and he's a great centrist with strong tactical-thinking skills. Dr. Ajami is a professor of Middle East Studies at an academic university in America, was born in Lebanon, grew up there and began his lifelong education at the U.S. University there, then transferred into the U.S.

Dennis reminds us that "there is an adulation of power removed from moral consideration...", a quote he credits to David Price Jones. This statement seems to say that when challenged, most people think it's okay to act in an immoral fashion if they are in a position of power as percieved by their peers. Such as our leaders, and those in other parts of the world, this is how they seem to overlook the suffering their people are going through, and as some lawmakers in countries taking lavish vacations while their people fight, kill and die for freedom and the suppression of liberty.

Dr. Ajami describes a "...belligerent self pity..." in the Arab world, a "...floating aggression, a disappointment in Arab life...". Arabs prettify their history and exaggerate how brilliant and how great it was... the more they look at their sordid present situation, the more they become despondent.

"There is enormous gratitude for America and a strange odd reluctance for people to own up to that gratitude. George Bush has brought to this Arab world, which is addicted to failure, addicted to trouble, he brought them a message of hope and he sacked this terrible regime in Baghdad...", yet most Arabs are reluctant to openly thank him and to thank Americans.

As we all suspected, Arabs really want to experience liberty and, as Americans do, experience the persuit of happiness, they just fear the extremists and cowards who inform on their neighbors who would embrace this "western" mentality. To the extremist, to the Wahabbi-ist, this yearning for freedom of thought is their worst enemy and it is tightly controlled by threats and fear.

This juggernaut that is the mind of the modern Arab is still unexplained.

Hopefully more and more will embrace the openness and freedoms of their western brothers and sisters.


-Katykarter

Cruel World

After an extended absence, I'm back to peddle my thoughts and preach to you, the choir, about the pitfalls and shortcomings of the world we live in.

Recently, I left one of the bands I play in to make room in my schedule for other things. I'd been with them for over 10 years and although we had built ourselves a nice following and a good reputation on the Houston/West Side barscene, I wanted to persue an 'original' project, and I decided to part ways with this strictly 'cover' band. It was and still is difficult...one gets used to the routine of their life, I do, and not playing almost every Friday night with Jeff, Chuck, Pat and Bobby will be, well, strange. With the schedule of my job right now, there isn't time to start up another project just yet: it's in the planning stages, but to my former bandmates, its a kick in the gut, I guess. Its the change that is the hardest to get used to, we are all comfortable with the routine "as-is" and don't often willingly "change".

Many things in this world don't willingly change, it is widespread in almost every facet of our lives.

My Uncle Ralph visited Houston and I met him for the first time I can remember. I was told we'd met before, but he held his hand down by his knee to show how tall I was when that happened.

To say my Uncle Ralph is a sharp cookie is a masterpiece of understatement. At close to 80 years old, he is still just as sharp as ever, and still holds the same job he's had for many, many years. He is a professor teaching graduate students at UC Berkley in San Diego and in Los Alamos. The subject? Rocket science. I am not kidding, but I wanted to ask him, "what are you a rocket scientist or something?"

In the fourties and fifties, after coming back from the war, he was enlisted, along with the other "best and brightest" by President Kennedy to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The mission was to harness nuclear power and he was part of the then-secret Manhatten Project.

Since then his life's work has been in this field, and is culminating in an achievement that's out of this world. I am not kidding. There will be much ballyhoo about this project, and in due time they will release to the press the full details, but their project has been written up in scientific journals as legitimate discoveries and accomplishments and will change the way the human race views their planet: You see, he has built the plasma motor, the motor that will take mankind to Mars.

I plan to interview him for these pages soon, but during our short visit, I didn't ask him any questions about it. Instead we talked about their (my Mom's, her sister and his) recent trip to their native Norway and some about one of his daughter's experiences as a nanny in Europe. One of the Florida Gator's basketball team is a former ward of her's and she characterized his parents as typical of jet-setting, rich parents in Europe: disassociated with thier kids. Spending precious little time with them- certainly not enough to her way of thinking, she is a former nun and current caretaker and advocate for the poor. Ralph says she found the same too-busy, hand the kids off to someone else-attitude in a lot of places, but the rich Arab families were unique because they threw outrageous bids to get her to become permanant nanny for their kids. She always refused: in her words, there was the most prevalent, morally bankrupt, disgusting side to these rich families, and one that carried on the "old ways".

One young son of one of these families was met by Ralph one day, and when Ralph asked him what he wanted to be, he said an engineer. He wanted to learn about physics and theory. Not long afterwards when Ralph bumped into this same kid, the kid came up to him again and told him he'd changed his mind: now he wanted to be a rocket scientist. Why?, asked Ralph, and was stunned by the simple answer: So I can make rockets to kill Israeli's.

This seven year old boy is an example of the vile form of "not-thinking" that is going on in our world, under our noses. Yes this boy probably heard this hate at home, and saw the violence bequeathed upon his mother and sisters in this male-dominated Arab household. But this despicable attraction to continue to hate this other race is so prevalent in that part of the world, I don't think it will ever be laid to rest forever. What he didn't hear at home, he heard on Al Jazeera, or from his school-chums, or even his teachers.

What is not understood by us westerners is the ease with which they flow into this hate-pool.

The conditions are still in place to indoctrinate young people to continue these hate-filled practices and evil beliefs and customs. The Arabs know we are revolted by these acts of destruction and murder. There seems to be no limit to the atrocities they continue to commit unto each other, while we shake our heads and wonder how it can be that a mother sends her child away knowing it will commit suicide soon and murder as many innocent people as possible in the process. How do we fight this? How do you fight a state-of-mind?

You need to figure it out, America, and fast.

(Photo Explanations)

Top Photo: HAMAS posters inside Palestinian refugee camps this week in Lebanon

2nd Photo: 85 year old Palestinian man injured in HAMAS clash with Lebanese military

3rd Photo: Ali Al Sistani, perpetuated the hardline; he's dead now

4th Photo: A Palestinian boy getting a haircut inside a refugee camp this week in Lebanon

Re-establishing Contact

Hi and sorry it's been so long since I last wrote, but sheesh! I've been busy.

I will make new posts now that the new Blogger is installed, but here's all of your homework:

Tune in to Mark Levin on the conservative radio dial. He's worth the listen.