Drunken Kennedy Worth Two in the Drink

You (and I), might ask why are we hearing about this now? But a better question should be why didn't we hear about it in 2002 when it happened??

From Newsmax, an unflinching conservative internet news site blasts the headline,

"Kennedy Yacht dumps oil in Nantucket Sound"

after tracing a link to the author, a writer from CapeCodToday had placed this story in 2002.

http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/headlines

Reading down to the bottom of the page, the comments were numerous and predicably funny as hell. Some pics too...

This bastard is a congressman for life. As if anyone hasn't heard about it already, he got a pass from a murder case after driving drunk and crashing his car and female companion into a waterway. He left the scene, went home and slept off his buzz and returned in the morning, casual and surprised when told of Mary Jo Kopechne's death.

Now comes the conspiracy theory:

November 22, 1963 John Fitzgerald Kennedy assasinated in Dallas.

Longtime secretary Mary Jo Kopechne goes to work for brother Bobby.

Key suspects, witnesses and officials killed or died mysterious deaths.

June 4, 1968 Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy shot in Los Angeles

One year later,

July 18, 1969 on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusettes, after a party with the political family of now-Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy, Mary Jo Kopechne is killed when the car she's riding in swerves off a bridge. The driver, TeddyKingpin tries to cover it up, and waits over 8 hours to officially report the accident to the authorities.

When authorities pull the car from the Chappaquiddick Sound waters, a police diver says Kopechne had found an air bubble and had lasted maybe an hour. Detective on the scene, Flynn says "No way Ted Kennedy was in that car when it went off the bridge. There's no way he would have made it out alive". The coroner rules the cause of death is not drowning, but suffocation.

Ted Kennedy left Mary Jo Kopechne for dead, said he was in shock, but called his lawyer and made 16 other calls but none to the local police, Coast Guard or any authorities. He walked past several homes with lights on, but he didn't ask any to call the police. Nine hours later he handed a written statement to the authorities, but was not interrogated and was later "not prosecuted".

Why the people of Massachusetts allow their credibility to be stained year after year is inconcievable.

Civ Comp Issues Du Jour

Immigration

Though immigration is deeply seeded in the American system, when the illegal immigration problem is allowed to continue and a new economic stimulus pkg planned by our federal government will include a check for those illegals who've paid into the system...this should show us there's a serious problem. The fact that on the border, in 2008, at this late hour, we've begun to finally require actual documents of some kind before entering the United States...should show us there's a serious problem!

Newsflash: No documents required till now. Pictures at 11.

"When remarking on John Edwards' proposed health plan, our buddy Griff exclaimed,

"Oh, Somebody's goin' to the doctor!"

Should Media Matter?

The Media would like us to forget certain things. It has an agenda alongside the Dems and liberals which is to downplay the vital role the US plays to fight human rights abuses while they ignore reports of human rights abuses. The Media's agenda is at odds with the notion that the US needs to take a lead role in this kind of thing. But the media also perpetuates the racial strife that goes on all the time.

Case in point, the Jena 6 which caused such a stir in that small town and across the US on every television. If you believe what you heard from the Media, you were probably of the same mind as the protesters who took a day off from their lives to drive to Jena and fill the streets. It appeared, according to media reports, that 6 black youths were being unfairly prosecuted, and unjustly tried for harsher crimes than they should have. All by a racist white prosecutor, the Media continued, in a racist white town for an incident of a noose having been hung from a local tree.

The fight, inwhich the 6 black youths were charged with assault on a single white youth, was a reprisal, the Media explained, for the noose being hung from the tree: the message of the noose being explicitly to any black who viewed it: "Remember the past" the Media said, "Remember the past" was that message and the media stories flowed like water, there were testimonials of the angry white stain which was still spread over our southern states. A story crafted in the war room of the liberal bastions of the Media machine went onto the wire that six innocent black teenagers were being tried for attempted murder for beating up a lone white youth. But it was really these six youngsters who were treated unfairly, because, after all, it was an inherently racist system, right?

Now Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and local activist Quaanelle X made media condemnations on the steps of Jena Courthouse and City Hall, and the local whites ducked for cover. Thankfully, all the marchers, given their numbers, were completely peaceful.

I knew right away that where there's smoke, there's fire. Those guys weren't still in jail for being mama's boys. At sixteen years old, three had repeat offenses of delinquent behaviour, skipping school, fighting, some larceny, but one, was a violent offender who was being considered for adult court for this violation of a current probation. No mention of that in the Media. I would think it was a fact of the case and they should have considered it when reporting it. But, I guess, it was a story that grew on it's own.

The six on one fight had nothing to do with the noose incident several months earlier. Word was a black kid wondered aloud why he couldn't sit under the big tree out in front of the school if it was a hot day and he needed to rest. The Media told us the "white tree" was a longtime tradition of this small town and its white supremacist history. As if by script, a noose was tied to a low branch and student violence grew into this most recent fight where the victim was seen 'attending a party later that same night'. At every turn, the evidence was damming. The Media had made an airtight case, and Sharptounge, Luscious Jackson and Q'uran-elle X puncuated the flowing scrip.

And then we have the Superdome. Hurricane Katrina plowed into New Orleans and emergency shelters were set up in the Superdome. Wild media accounts of post-storm looting, shootings and lawlessness came out. An established, well-ingrained entitlement-driven economy halted, and revolted. I've seen it before, it's an attitude that comes out in riots where people shed their law-abiding tendencies and participate full-out in looting and vandalism. In a kind of thug-reckoning day, thousands pour into the streets to fight, loot and run rampant for a few fleeting hours until the authorities begin to gain control. In the the Rodney King verdict, white officers were taped beating the black defendant but were found not-guilty of "excessive violence".

What a great opportunity for a riot, what do you say, fellah's?

But the media reported that the local thuggery had actually taken over at the Superdome site, as staff and supplies were in short order.

The unlivable Superdome where toilets were overflowing because there was no water, where women were raped and men were shot execution style.

But none of this happened.

Where shots were reported at individual police patrols soon after the storm passed, and helicopters were shot at to keep them away from the local New Orleans' diamond exchange.

But none of it was true.

But it is the black mentality to buy into this defeatism. Clearly, the word reparations is the culmination of the black need for healing. Problem is, that reparation will probably go the same place the government checks from Katrina's FEMA went: titty bars, big screen t.v.'s and maybe a grill of gold and diamonds to show what a player you are.

But if I believed this is how all blacks feel, I'd be no better than

Michelle Obama says it's the first time she's been proud of her country; I think it's a selfish remark, first of all, but it is the institutionalised soft bigotry perpetuated by the blacks. It's black on black racism, even if it's unstated. A black child is taught from an early age to expect this racism.

They'll treat you different and they'll talk behind your back. Don't trust them.

Then the child grows up and goes to school and guess what, there it is! Just like they said. Well, that does that. Open and shut case: the child's mind is made up.

Yes, this is a racist country.

But hold on.

What if they didn't teach that to that kid. What if instead they told him or her, as many do, but also so crushingly few, that yes, there is racism, but it comes from small minded people, people you don't want anything to do with anyway. Anytime you hear that, you know that's a shallow person perpetuating a stupid mentality. You, child, are better than that and for those people we feel pity as Christ says we should, but not hate.

Clearly this wound is still open, though the healing will come if it is given stiff medicine.

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.

American Foreign Policy: Trials and Tribulations

An Interview with Donald Gregg for Frontline on PBS

Donald Gregg was the U.S. Ambassador to S. Korea during the Clinton Administration and described the 1994 Taepodong missile test by North Korea as “the most dangerous time” in U.S./N.Korea relations.
Back during the Carter administration, we had a more ‘open’ relationship with N.Korea and the diplomatic effort was to bring N.Korea into the international community of well-meaning states. Even then, though, President (for life) Kim Jong Il was duplicitious. President Carter’s Ambassador said to Il, “We’re worried about your nuclear reactor at Yongbyon, obviously it could be used to manufacture weapons as well as power”. Il’s spokesman essentially said, “We’ll shut it down if you’ll build two light-water reactors and give us enough oil to compensate for the power we’ll use to do this”. This was the framework for the agreement the U.S. and N.Korea, or DPRK entered into in the 70’s. The next point of contention came in 1998 when DPRK again tested a ballistic missile, this time firing it across the bow of neighboring nation Japan. This really shook Japan up, since Il condemned anything seen as pro-American. Kim Jong Il dispatched an ambassador to the United States, Jo Myong Rok and his statement, “We two countries do not harbor hostile relations toward each other. We will work toward the improvement of relations", seemed like a useful statement.
When asked why we have failed to learn our lesson talking to them seriously and cooperating where possible, Gregg states,” I think two reasons. I think that Pres. Bush as he acquired a worldview as he ran for office, came into office with very hostile feeling toward four or five world leaders: Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Il, Yassir Arafat, Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez. He also had a very strong antipathy toward Clinton for some of the things Clinton had done while he was president, and for the fact that Clinton defeated his father in ’92. Colin Powell’s first statement on N. Korea was ‘we’re going to take up where the Clinton Administration left off’, but that statement did not stand. When Kim Dae Jung, DPRK's Ambassador to the U.N. pressed for an early meeting with newly sitting President Bush in Washington, Bush delayed the meeting, and a statement to the effect of “ I don’t trust Kim Jong Il, we’re going to have a policy review before we do anything”really put off the DPRK leadership. So there was just a real cutoff of the progress that had been made.”
This assertion is disturbing in several ways: That he didn’t like Clinton because he had defeated his father is silly, and I never bought into that one. That he had a pre-office negative opinions of those 5 leaders is far from outrageous. That we did not follow up on Powell/Gregg’s early work is most surely a mistake, but not to review policy when coming into office would be a mistake too. Gregg asserts that time passed and it ‘put off’ the DPRK, though, I cannot perceive this as our problem. Then Gregg says that since that agreement, Kim Jong Il thought we had “moved the goalpost”. I find that interesting to say the least.

Next post: Bush’s Doctrine and capitulation in the modern world of politics and diplomacy.

Back to Blogging/ American Foreign Policy: I'm a fan

It's been quite a while since I posted on this page, and I'm still inundated with day to day fodder, the scope of which can get me down at times. This is not one of those times, I'm happy to say. I have turned a corner and things sure look swell now, so I figured I'd post something.

One of the things I like to do is make notes on news that comes at me, so I'll remember my thoughts at that moment, and ,call me a sadist, but I cruise the liberal blogs and newspapers every so-often to keep abreast of the mindset and cause celeb' of my twisted counterparts.

One of the most left-leaning sites I've found is the Washington Post's Blog page, with several different writers. A story not long ago invoked some thoughts about our foreign policy with regards to North Korea, and since it's the WaPost, you know they are critical of President Bush and his policy record. I too, am critical of his foreign policy record, but unlike those rabid lefties, I do my own research and suffice to say, I know a thing or two about foreign policy, and what the United States expects from her international counterparts. Of course, it can be summed up in three words: "Our best interests".

With regards to North Korea and their nuclear ambitions, I have no problem with any state acquiring the ability to create power to live without having to pay an outside source. Just try living in the U.S. about now, and pay incredibly high power rates. My electric bill at the height of the summer A/C season was $480. Thats not as high as some, but trust me, it's way too much for this little house. If I could create my own power and kick my provider to the curb I would.
The problem is, we don't trust North Korea's leadership to leave their weapons systems undeveloped. Why should they? After all, as they say, what can they do when/if the U.S. attacks them? They don't have the Bomb! Never mind the fact that the U.S. has no interest, an opinion easily translated to our neighbors around the world, in invading North Korea or any other country. Having said that, if Kim Jong Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinijad were truly transparent and innocent in their nuclear ambitions, they would have nothing to fear. But the simple truth is, we, and our allies, and our un-declared allies fear rougue nations acquiring the ability to wage nuclear war. Already they wage cold war. Several conduct daily operations against us and our interests, and though the situation in Iraq is not where we wish it to be, our motives are sound. But it's become an almost impossible task, since the world's motives have become so murky.
North Korea's stance, in diplomatic circles, is one of need: they are broke. They are starving, yet they have a robust military and conventional weapons arsenal including submarines and missiles. They asked us, during former Secretary of State Madelaine Albright's visit under President Clinton for aid in feeding their poor. Inexplicably, we agreed to do this, and did not pressure them to come up to modern levels of public care. Somehow, our leaders then actually acted suprised and dismayed!

The U.S.'s stance is clear: Come correct with the people in your own borders, and we'll help. Stop spending so much on military hardware-there's no reason to fear an invasion from us- and we'll put our considerable resources towards giving you plentiful, cheap power.

Next post is my notes from a Frontline article I googled after reading a critical argument from a WaPost blogger about our NKorea, or DPRK foreign policy and why we won't talk to them.

As The World Races Towards Nuclear Armageddon...

Israel has declared War!

Israel has incurred well into Lebanon with attacks from land, sea, and air in an attempt to strike a severe blow against Hezbollah.
In the past few weeks, Israel and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have called the Hezbollah's bluff and have pursued the guerilla cowards into the rat holes they've dug for themselves.

Newsflash!! U.S. says: Israel, have at em!


N. Korea Nuclear Threat has Large Footprint

The Pentagon announced today that it has in place an operational missle defense system and considers any launch from N. Korea as a “provocative act”.

11 missles in US ‘interceptor’ program: 9 at Ft.Greeley, Ak., 2 at Vandenberg in SoCal. while 2 Aegis warships patrol off the coast of N.Korea to give early warning.
N. Korea is apparently days away from being able to launch the Taepodong missle, a multi stage ballistic millile some experts say could reach U.S. targets, much less Asia and the S. Pacific.

Japan PM Koizumi says, “ …if they ignore our views and launch a missle, then the Japanese govt, consulting with the U.S., would have to respond harshly”.
Australia to N. Korea: any launch would bring “serious consequences”


Update:
N. Korea has subsequently launched that missile, 7, actually, and although none landed beyond the Sea of Japan, the Southeast Asia community and Japan in particular is exploring it's International options.



Mainichi Daily News
7-13
Japan govt to introduce satellite system for early warnings of missle launches, earthquakes
Fire and Disaster Management Agency to send faxes which will warn public substantially sooner; worries about public
Japanese Foreign Min Taro Aso asks French for help with UN resolution to sanction N. Korea.
Senior Japanese Official Yamasaki on attack-capacity: "Caution". Such an act “would be against Japan’s defense-only policy and amount to a serious violation of it’s pacifist constitution”.

Japan Times Online
7-13
South Korea blasts Tokyo for floating “pre-emptive attacks” issue, saying it revealed Japan’s “expansionist nature” as a former colonial power.
According to the government’s interpretation of the Constitution, Japan is allowed to use military force for self-defense only when attacked. Pre-emptive attacks are not allowed.
The Govt. has three criteria for invoking the right to strike a foreign missile base: An attack must be imminent, there are no other means of defense, and use of force should be limited to the minimum needed.
Under the Japanese-US security alliance, Japan is allowed to have only defensive weapons but can ask the US to use long range weapons for overseas strikes in emergencies, the Defense Agency said.

Ramzy Baroud’s article for Japan Times is the kind of trash we expect from Palestinian and Arab spin-weavers. He criticizes and brands coverage of the recent violence in Lebanon as ‘wholly racist’.
Baroud revives familiar themes in his article which takes the media’s coverage of the Palestinians’ self-imposed predicament as ‘utterly racist’.
Baroud’s first argument, that the kidnapping of the Israeli soldier is actually a ‘capture’ and an act of self-defense is the same argument all Palestinian gangs and thugs give to justify their brutal inhuman acts. ‘ It is in response to Israeli acts of aggression’, they say, and the line is strategically blurred to their advantage.
Israel, however, does not seem blinded and bound by fear of action. Far from it, they have incurred into Lebanese territory in search of Hezbollah fighters, as reported today.
Syria, in stunningly typical fashion, is voicing the loudest complaints and leveling the harshest criticism. Syria controls the interior government in Lebanon and regularly targets opposition politicians for assassination, including high profile newspaper editors and writers who publish anti-Islamic and ProLebanese/AntiSyria rhetoric.
The people of Lebanon have elected their own leaders after Syrian-backed terrorists killed their President Harriri in 2004. Yet, Syria continues to exert control over Lebanese affairs.

Once again, Israel is pressing it’s defense program, which is to aggressively persue terrorists and those who help them achieve operations against the civilian population. Israel shall no longer allow those who aid in their destruction to continue, regardless of the opinion of the outside world.
My guess is anti-Semite Mr. Baroud’s attempt at striking at the conscience of the Japanese population (along with other National newspapers to be sure), will not be successful, in as much as change the Israeli’s actions. I would rather it galvanize the world to reject violence as a way of life, and reject the destruction of a people, with any means possible, for as long as it takes, no matter what the price.


From the Tehran Times
July 17, 2006

Tehran: UN involvement may block agreement

Hamida-Reza Asefi, whose name is among the most difficult to type, much less pronounce, is the Foreign Ministry spokesman for the government of Iran. On Sunday Asefi stated (UN) negotiations would be blocked if Iran’s nuclear dossier is referred back to the Security Council.

The United States and its allies in the UN believe Iran has not and does not intend to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and is outside popular opinion regarding its pursuit of Uranium enrichment and Nuclear Infrastructure which could be used for weapons production as well as civilian energy.
In a reversal, Iran is apparently quite happy with the so-called ‘5+1’ proposal it sniffed at earlier this summer.
The Tehran Times quotes Asefi further, “All parties involved in Iran’s nuclear standoff must clarify whether they are willing to conduct long-term and strategic cooperation with each other”. Boy, does that sound like typical rhetoric.

The 5 Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council: The US, France, Russia, Great Britain and China, along with Germany have had enough of Iran’s stalling and obfuscation. They intend to refer Iran’s case to the Security Council for a vote on sanctions which could bear teeth to Iran’s economy and future bargaining power, although Saddam Hussain proved sanctions can be subverted and circumvented with the help of greedy, morally-bankrupt dogs of war, namely sitting members of Russian and French parliament.
Though they are far from the only government involved in arms sales, war-technology shipments and new-age improvements such as hardened infrastructure, global security and asset maneuvering, Russia has been duplicitous in it’s dealings with the United States and other nations. While soothing US fear’s that it’s not selling technology to rougue nation-states, we find that it had sold weapons to our battlefield enemy, and was selling it at the same time as Putin denied involvement. Imagine that.

Update:

Ahmadenijad is once again considering the package of incentives to return to the terms of the non-proliferation treaty. Hmmm, must be sizing up the opposition and sniffing the wind.

Much speculation has been swirling about the timing of a concerted multi-nation strike against rogue nuclear installations. Although those installations aren't "imminent threat", it would repay North Korea and Iran for aiding Hezbollah and destabilizing their prospective regions.

-Katykarter

GITMO and the Supreme Court/HAMAS Truce

"You can't have a final disposition about Guantánamo until the Supreme Court has ruled on the Hamdan case," said Tony Snow, the White House spokesman, referring to a pending decision on whether detainees at Guantánamo may be tried as war criminals before military commissions and whether they may challenge their detentions in federal courts.


Questions persist regarding the suicides inside the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba detention facility this week. The US Navy’s investigation will reveal if present regulations were followed adequately and if the regulations are in need of change.

Meeting with the media, General Bantz J. Craddock, Commander US Southern Command speculated at a Washington press conference today that the suicides may have been intended to influence the Supreme Court’s ruling.

At stake is the right of the President to wage war as he sees fit. If the combatants captured on the battlefield are allowed to challenge their detention in an American court, then they exercise the same rights afforded to you and I. This access to the courts was granted in 2003, in a court led by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who has subsequently retired and been replaced by a substantially more conservative judge.

With the three successful suicides this week at GITMO, pressure on American authorities to close the detention facility code named “Camp X-Ray” will elevate. If the President cannot press his case as lawful, he may be required to change the detention policy in some way.
If those currently being held are allowed to reinfiltrate the ranks of our enemy across the world, they may come full circle and create terror in your neighborhood.

Much is at stake in the ruling this Supreme Court will make as to the Gitmo detainees, as well as Jose Padilla and other’s accused under US anti-terrorism laws. The first decision will be the most important. Never before have enemy combatants been afforded the rights of the U.S. citizens he deemed fit to kill. Lets hope President Bush’s recent appointee to the country’s highest court will uphold our constitution.

6-13-06













HAMAS Calls Off Truce?

In an action far from comical, HAMAS, the 3-month old political leadership of the Palestinian State, decided to no longer abide by a peace agreement they claim to have largely held to. On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes hit their mark and a high-ranking member of Palestinian leadership and others were killed. With tensions stretched, Israel was reacting to Palestinian gunmen’s mortar fire into Israel with artillery barrages and airstrikes as losses on both sides mount.

Factions struggle for power in the Palestinian leadership, current Fatah president Mahmoud Abbas and HAMAS Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh both condemned Israel’s artillery attack on civilians on a beach on Friday- Israeli military commanders are investigating a possible mistake.

Crippling sanctions have Abbas at the bargaining table with the Israelis, but HAMAS is bent on nullifying any talks, pending language changes in the proposals. Many of the Palestinian people currently bear the day to day hardships of an elected government that can’t get a quorum to enact growth, and take strides to end the people’s suffering. There are many economic enticements that HAMAS hardliners seem to sniff at. Yet the people allow this to go on, ah, they’re still on the honeymoon!

6-9-06


The honeymoon’s over for HAMAS. Fatah loyalists, in reaction to HAMAS’s attack on Fatah headquarters, attacked several HAMAS political offices today and even shot out windows of the Palestinian Parliament building set it afire and attempted to let it burn, shooting at responding firefighters in Ramallah, the capital of the Palestinian Territories.
HAMAS opposes rival political opponent party Fatah's calls for talks with the Israelis, and official recognition of the state of Israel, a recognition HAMAS shuns.
The bullets and grenades haven’t yet stopped flying, but when they do, the propaganda on both sides will resume, politicians will argue, and although Israel, for now, can only stand aside and watch the Palestinian power struggle, it must gird itself for the possiblility of giving back many many square miles of territory it calls its own in the name of peace.

6-13-06

Goodbye, Texas Hammer

Tom DeLay leaves the capitol rotunda for the last time as a lawmaker. He also left the floor of the House with a fiery speech most Democrats couldn't stomach but America needed to hear.

For full text of his Friday speech, click this link:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/3951854.html

ZARQAWI KAPLOWI!

Mark this date! Al Qaeda leader in Iraq killed by airstrike.
Local Iraqi's responsible for intelligence that lead to terrorists' just desserts!

Glenn Beck, on Pat Gray's morning talk show (950 am from 5-9a.m. weekdays) said he wasn't a big Ann Coulter fan. Glenn's new t.v. talk show on CNN (the commie news network) might be the reason why. When asked, Pat said he likes Ann's attitude A LOT (I do too, by the way. Her book titles alone are enough for me to like her: How to talk to a liberal[if you have to], and her new book, The Godless liberals). When Pat asked the same question of him, Glenn backed away from Coulter.
"...she just lobs grenades at the left just for the sake of lobbing grenades: lets see who we can upset"
"well thats what the left does to us, shouldn't we do it back?", says Pat.
"No, Pat, because we're better than that"
Obviously, we know Glenn and we know the same things that bug Coulter and make it into her book are the same things that bug us all about the left, but a cozying-up-to Coulter on the heels of her controversial book debut may have been warned against.

I wonder what Glenn's view of Michael Savage is...hmmmm...

Currents of Events

President George W. Bush, after some urging from the American people, and against the big money interests that lobby groups inside the beltway desire, announced on Monday his Comprehensive Immigration Reform in five steps.

As pundits predicted, he would throw a bone to the conservative base who insist on more secure borders and no amnesty. To my way of thinking, the people who most resist 'amnesty' are those working class legal immigrants who paid the price to be here, and who are disgusted that those who come here illegally speak up now for 'sanctuary'. Yet the Democrats think that it is their base. Legal immigrants think the mujados should be made to pay the high price that it is to come to this country, the price they had to pay. It is no price in comparison to what can be achieved once they're here, just don't shortcut the system.
Well, a proposal from The Senate for 370 miles of fence seems hopelessly inadequate. I know that urban areas will get the fences, but fences can be walked around. Plus increasing the current workforce of 6k border patrol to 12k and then to 18k in several years sounds good. Until you listen to Chris Simcox of The Minutemen Project who estimates 35k troops on both borders are needed. We're not just talking the southern border people, nor are we forgetting our ports.
Putting the Guard on the border is a good move, but they should be ready for live fire patrols and increase troop strength dramatically.
Handling Mexico with kid gloves has got to stop too. Speaking of human rights violations, more Americans are kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo by drug mafia than are taken in Baghdad. Mexico's government can only be seen as an entirely corrupt organization badly in need of house cleaning. Our government should be all over them, but will not due to trade issues, I'll guess. Political correctness and our "world image" also play into this foreign policy. I can't see our young men and women in-training being shot at due to a weak policy on the border. Unfortunately for the Guardsmen and women, they may only have labor tasks to look forward to, another colossal waste by politicians, that and administrative duties.

Unbelievably, the pundits were also right that he would have both sides angry, pleasing neither.

Finally, estimates of greater numbers of immigration applicants' approvals is mind boggling.
We should keep the current rates of immigration application approvals and not increase by gross amounts.
Let this economy recover...oh, I mean my economy, not the one in the papers and in the politicians minds.

And while we're solving the worlds problems, why not end entitlement programs?

Immigration ish reaches fevered pitch

Immigration is the topic of the week, and groups like La Raza and LULAC like to pit Americans against the mujados, while the public feels like it has been disserviced by the politicians.

I think it's fair to say that for the most part, the whole of an average American politicians day goes towards strategy to ensure their re-election!! It's pathetic. The more they percieve the public as apathetic and ignorant, the more they pander to whichever groups need attention at that moment. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
With this immigration debate, it is the huge monster of government that wants to expand itself to encompass these "new" constituents. A government with so many budget clogging regulations and committies and study groups-whos' cost has skyrocketed along with everything else in our society- that in it's need to ensure it's collective survival, 'Big Government' funds itself first. To dare to suggest that we add millions more entitlement-seeking non-documented workers to the taxpayers' burden is unthinkable.

Most of the reason for this breaking point is the rise in everyday costs, most obvious, gasoline.

Gas prices are $3/gal here in Houston, the heart of refining country (or one of the largest), we have historically low prices. I know other parts of the country are much higher, $4 in California.
Why do Senators and Representatives and Congressmen constantly pander to an ignorant public? To offer a $100 rebate, even to me, seemed a poorly designed way to spend the taxes.
It's like the New Orleans-ites attitudes, the ones in the shelters: This is my chance to 'get mines'.
Apply for all kinds of assistance in everyone's name they can dream up, scam their way into our tax contributions, which never should have been sent for 'compensation', then spend it on lap dances, rock cocaine and motel rooms.

Pathetic and sad.

But we in the working class watch all of that go on and wonder, "Is it worth it to continue to try to do my best? Will it even be enough, after all the criminals get through with it, from the top to the bottom, and the criminals at the top are getting paid the most, will I even make a difference?"

My inclination has always been to regard the government with much trepidation, and just as little contact as is humanly possible. The less the government comes into my life, the better.
Waste by those in charge of the cash drawer should be reigned in, like 'pork-barrel' projects which reward people in that politician's district, and so many of the welfare programs and foreign aid cash-cows.

There are many websites that speak out about these issues, and several caught my eye over the weekend.

Loose Controls.blogspot.com
Liberty Post is conservative weblog w/ pertinant story links.
MinutemanHQ, and Minuteman News Sierra Times has many articles of interest.
Powerline Blog is a conservative blog.

Minuteman Update
James Gilchrist, founder of Minuteman Project is reportedly eyeing a presidentaial bid in 2008. In the world of American presidential politics, you have the contenders and the pretenders. The last pretender to contend was Ross Perot. Steve Forbes never achieved more than a cursory look by non-finance types. Gilchrist is undoubtedly floating a test balloon, we'll hear more in the future.
May 1 was the date for a Citizen appreciation day, coinciding with the "Day without Immigrants" day, and Minutemen gathered to begin construction of a modern security fence on the Texas/Mexico border. Initially, no government funding has been given, so private donations and use of private land have given the initiative-taking Minuteman the money to begin. Volunteers showed up for the groundbreaking ceremony and work has begun.
Check out Mark Andrew Dwyer's article, "Venom in the News" in Sierra Times.com, 050206.

I'm organizing a "Hold Your Politicians' Feet To The Fire" Day here in Houston for our lovely local politicians. Some like Mayor Bill White and Councilman Michael Berry are o.k.

Of course, we still have Sheila Jackson-Lee though...

(can you say 'hot foot'?)

On The Hook? Apparently, RI (D) Kennedy had a late night jaunt going home from the bar Wednesday night. Capitol Hill police found Kennedy wrecked into a barricade, and intoxicated. Latest word does NOT include an arrest report. Why is that? Did someone get a pass? He came on the air and admitted to having a problem, but did he get special treatment, treatment you and I couldn't hope to get?
Hit them where it hurts, in the ballot box.


-Ian

Iran and A.Q.Khan's Nuclear Mission

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made a speech last week that brought the world's attention to a piqued state. Along with the standard message that Iran sought only peaceful nuclear capabilities, Ahmadinejad appearently began boasting about his country's ability to make not only reactor-enriched uranium, used for power plants, but on accelerated uranium processing, and a program that is progressing now that had been repeatedly asserted halted since the mid 1990's.

Ahmadinejad, the newly "elected" president of Iran was remarking to the press on a recent appearance at the site of military manuvers. Last week, during naval training operations in the Persian Gulf, Iran announced the successful launch of a new, stealth underwater missle. This week, the incindiary Iranian leader brought up the further enrichment of uranium, a capability Iran denied having, although disclosures about facility construction and secret shipments of precision centrifuge parts have I.A.E.A. inspectors suspicious.

International Atomic Energy Agency's Mohammed El Baradei will brief the U.N. Security council on April 28 in large part about a meeting El Baradei will have tomorrow in Vienna with an Iranian delegation. This meeting will attempt to determine for one, did Iran recieve a shipment of centrifuge parts from a Malaysian firm, parts that are needed to upgrade Iran's current stockpile of centrifuges needed to purify uranium. Already, a jailed associate of A.Q.Khan, the father of Middle East nuclear programs, has maintained Iran recieved much more in the way of actual centrifuges-not just plans- than they are admitting, a key in their ability to manufacture more of the advanced, P-2 centrifuges.

Khan, on the other hand, isn't saying much either. Abdul Qadeer Khan is a Pakistani scientist who brought Pakistan's nuclear-bomb ambitions to reality. Khan was made a hero for pulling Pakistan even with India in the two opposing countries' nuclear weapon's race in the '90's. Since that time, Khan has exported his program to several third-world, nuclear ambitious countries: Iran, North Korea and Libya. Libya has since opened up about it's nuclear program, and has begun to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the United Nations treaty Iran and N. Korea stand in violation of. These countries argue, though, 'If you can have it, then so can I', in response to the U.S.'s role in forcing compliance with the treaty.

Khan is an admitted force in the nuclear advancements of these rougue nations. Technology to enrich Uranium to 'reactor' level is available, but since Khan succeeded in detonating a nuclear device, then passed that information on to those nations who wanted it, trepidation about nuclear weapons reached it's highest levels.

Khan is now back in Pakistan under "house arrest", and according to President Musharaf, can no longer educate others in the art of creating nuclear weapons.

But perhaps the damage is done. With Iran's latest statements, the U.S. and others are taking a hard look at Iran and what they've said and done in the past. Many times, statements made of capabilities are farfetched, yet other times, they have been understatements. Clearly, there is cause for alarm. Israel stands to fear the most, although the U.S., by it's nature, will continue to stand alongside her. The Iranian leader's message has been clear about Israel: That Iran will continue to seek Israel's destruction. It will continue to fund terrorist organizations, specifically HAMAS, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad, the miscreant authors of another atrocity today in Tel Aviv.

At current estimates, Iran, if unchecked, could possess atomic bombs by 2010. If this revelation by Ahmadinejad is true, it would greatly accellerate that estimate.

In this war of religions, remember who fought on the side of life and liberty, and who fought on the side of death and destruction.

posted 5-5-06
by Ian