August 31, 2005
French Quarter
Decatur Street
Bourbon Street
Jackson Square
I am brokenhearted at the loss of this beautiful slice of America. I cannot bear to post pictures of the destruction. I give you a few more of those I took this summer. What God has not destroyed looters and the scum of the earth are finishing the job. I have been in a state of despair all day. PLEASE HELP! Our citizens, your fellow countrymen desperately need any and all help you can muster. Under the staute of Andrew Jackson is his quote "THE UNION MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED"
Where to help
Truth Laid bear has a comprehensive list of charites assisting in the Katrina aftermath. Please do your part.
August 30, 2005
Alone
Headline: Worldwide outpouring of relief efforts, massive aid comes from the EU.
Headline: OPEC and Mexico pledge stable oil production and vow to stop predatory pricing.
Headline: Muslim Nations unite to help America in its hour of need.
Headline: Annan and UN lead efforts to spearhead disaster relief.
Nevermind...........I know that we are alone
RTR Birthday Edition
This is the American Dinosaur turns one today edition of Round the Reader! Most blogs never make their first anniversary. (this one almost did not either)Thank you both of my readers, I hope to make the second year worth your time.
The Country Store shows us how far civilization has come in Swaziland
Daniel Pipes finds himself on the defensive side of the argument pertaining to the true nature of the ROP
Smug Monkey's Pic O' the Day
Just to show you a dinosaur may be turning into a RINO, I offer this stinging rebuke of GWB by.......you guessed it Pat Buchanan...........I have to agree with him on this, sorry junior.
Contrary to popular belief, Satan did not spawn all Arizona Ranchers
When Mother speaks..........people listen.
Remember what Janet did at Waco? Well our Janet, the governor did THIS piece of handy work and it somehow slipped through the MSM crack.
President Bush and Senator McCain present a birthday cake to American Dinosaur
A good candidate for the old show Whats My Line A Pretend FBI Agent doing his version of a little less talk and alot more action.
Hypocrisy 101 posted under the heading All democrats are lying motherfuckers.
It seems the ACLU will never run out of outrageous bedfellows to keep us on our toes.
If you don't click on any of these links please take the time to read this ONE it is a Blogosphere classic.
Bayou Humor in the wake of Katrina
Good news from Iraq from Flopping Aces
WitNit, away on business in Taiwan is in the middle of Typhoon Talim to get a taste of a hurricane eastern style. Far Eastern Style that is.
Military Cell Phone Discount Information can be found at Two Babes With A Brain.
More later.........
August 29, 2005
Da Rules
US Marine Corps Rules:
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive ENOUGH, quickly ENOUGH.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a "4."
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.
Navy SEALS Rules:
1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Adjust speedo swimwear frequently.
4. Check hair in mirror.
US Army Rangers Rules:
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from "Higher" to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.
US Army Rules:
1. Select a new color of beret to wear.
2. Sew combat patch on right shoulder.
3. Change the color of beret you decide to wear.
US Air Force Rules:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask "what is a gunfight?"
5. Request more funding from Congress with a "killer" PowerPoint presentation.
6. Wine & dine 'key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets "strategic" and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 1345 tee-time.
US Navy Rules:
1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Watch porn.
4. Deploy the Marines
All in good fun guys........thanks Jim
August 28, 2005
The Big Easy
(click the pics)
I was just there a few months ago and tomorrow might destroy a good percentage of New Orleans and the French Quarter. My family, friends and I had a great time there and I was planning a trip back to "Nawlins" next spring....I pray for all those left to face tomorrows Hurricane. It is such a wonderful place I hate to see this happen to the old city.
August 26, 2005
A Little Less Talk And Alot More Action
Counter Terrorism Blog has this to say:
"Changes in DHS Border Security Are Just a Bandage, Not a Strategy
The article in yesterday's "New York Times" (in which I was quoted) on the changes announced at the Homeland Security Department to improve border security enforcement shows that while many of our nation's leaders pay lip service to the critical issue of border security, without a cohesive plan that addresses all of the issues, nothing of significance will change. The Secretary of DHS, Michael Chertoff is still not calling for a real, all inclusive strategy that addresses all of the issues in an effective manner"
The rest is here. This reiterates the need for a physical border before we can address the internal issues.
MORE TALK
NO ACTION
JUST TALK
NO ACTION
BLAH BLAH BLAH
NO ACTION
BLAH BLAH BLAH
August 25, 2005
A King And His Castle
American Dinosaur awoke this morning and rose from the primordial ooze that is Arizona in August. Ninety five degrees and 80 percent humidity makes for a grouchy demanding Tyrannosaurus. I crashed through the castle past the Prince's bedchamber and the Princess' as well. My tail pounding the walls on the way to the great hall, I Shouted " Queen!" My Queen looked up unfazed and undaunted by the appearance of such a formidable Carnivor. "Have your spawn clean their bedchambers before I get home or else!" I roared.
Haughtly the Queen replied with an unintelligible remark that smacked at the Kings place in the hierarchy in his own castle. Furious at this obvious usrpation of the omnipotent mastery of my domain. I belched my retort " What I want is for someone around this Keep to............" Within an instant a character assassin stealthfully and swiftly pulled my codpiece down to my ankles in one merciless fell swoop. The Queen had depants the King and left him humbled, alone, and demoralized. I sadly looked down at my dignity and finished my sentence........respect my authority."
With that I quickly pulled up my pride and left the Castle for the safety and comfort of the battlefield of capitalism. Work.
August 24, 2005
Immigration and Border Reform
We have New Mexico ,Arizona,Virginia all declaring a state of emergency. Even Homeland Security Chief Chertoff finally admits we have a PROBLEM This is nothing new for those of us who live on the frontline of the invasion and see the destruction of our homeland each day.
American Dinosaur's simple thirteen step program to solve America's immigration and illegal alien invasion. Crude but effective.
1.No amnesty! You do not reward illegal behavior. It was a disaster under Ronald Reagan and it would be a disaster now. Just the mention of amnesty has opened the flood gates of illegal immigration.
2. Build the linear obstruction, a wall, or double fence. I call it SAFE borders (Southern American Fortification Enhancement). Good fences make good neighbors is an old adage that still rings true.
3. After the wall is complete you post signs in Spanish "We shoot mules" Mules are the drug smugglers. If we catch you on our side of the fence and you have drugs on you we do not presume you are guilty. YOU ARE guilty and we will SHOOT you and throw your body over the fence. This may cost the lives of twenty or thirty criminals before it starts to work. It will save hundreds of American lives each day.
4. If you are caught in America commiting a crime and you are an illegal alien you immediately forfeit all assets and will be returned to your country of origin.NO EXCEPTIONS.
5. Enforce existing immigation laws and voter approved ones like Arizona's Prop 200 and California's Prop 187 and ones like Arizona'sEnglish Only legislation.
6. Mandate and Enforce english only, immigrants that learn english assimilate into society faster and have a higher standard of living. It worked for two centuries and will today. Take the millions of dollars saved to help build the SAFE border wall.
7. When dealing with Coyotes (human smugglers) a manditory sentence of life without parole or the old Mexican tradition of ley fuga which is shooting them as they try to escape.
8. Steamline and triple the number of applications for citizenship. Allow illegal aliens currently residing here to file an application for consideration based on their employment statis and lack of criminal record.
9. Calculate the current annual cost of the free medical care given to all aliens and send that bill to the country of origin for payment or in the case of Mexico, oil vouchers. Refusal to pay will result in wholesale deportation of those aliens.
10. Fine all companies that hire illegal aliens ten thousand dollars per alien on the first offense, and sieze all assets on the second offense. Use that money to build the SAFE border.
11. Develop Desert Training Bases for our military along our borders for training and interdiction of all illegal activities on those bases.
12. You are either for a souvereign country that controls its borders or you are not. Develop and non-partisan America first coalition to remove those politicians that will not enforce the will of the people and continue to pander to countries and industries that encourage illegal activity.
13. No person born in this country shall be granted citizenship unless a custodial parent is a US citizen. ht: Thirty Second Thoughts
Simplistic? Maybe......Got any better ideas? Cause the way our leaders are handling this mess leaves much to be desired.
Please feel free to add your thoughts on this undeclared war on our country.
August 23, 2005
Round the Reader AM/PM Addition
I have to get up early and dive into my capitalist pastime so ya all get some RTR before then after I get home some more!
Beth has the scoop and the goods on WMAL's suspension and subsequent firing of Michael Graham
The Minutemen do Double Duty
Language barrier leads to Hate speech? Taken from the Freepers
Atzlan elections begin at home
How about a brutally honest look at the Greatest movie line ever!
Acidman on Troll placement.
Princess Kimberley demonstrates the ROP+PA+GAZA=DOA Israelis ASAP
Jeff Goldstein and Reader File Closer Bitchslap a troll aptly named Patton. via Speed Of Thought
The Lone Wacko has a enough stuff on Illegal Immigration to......well drive you wacko!
Cary acting in the New York city Renaissance Faire
More later........
August 21, 2005
Screw You Sunday
1.
The Moral of the Story:
I happened to pass a house with a little red light burning in front, in an alley way in back of the London Hilton, so I stepped inside to see what may be on offer. There was nothing in sight and nothing there but an empty bare hallway, with two doors reading, "Over 35" and "Under 35." I decided to be truthful and entered the door that said, "Over 35."and found myself in another empty hallway, this one with two doors that read, "Over 8 inches" and "Under 8 inches." Truthful again, I went through the "Under 8 inches" door and found myself in another empty hall, with two more doors reading, "Once a night" and "Over 4 times a night." Still wanting to be truthful, I entered the door marked "Once a night" and found myself back out on the street.
The moral of this story is: "Always tell the truth and you'll never get screwed."
2.
Initiation Fee
Bob knocked on the door of the house where a cab driver had told him he could be sexually accommodated. An eye-level panel slid open and a female voice asked what he wanted.
"I want to get screwed," said Bob.
"OK, mister, but this is a private club, so slip $20, as an initiation fee, through the mail slot," answered the voice. Bob put the money in the mail slot, the panel was closed, minutes passed. Nothing happened. He began to pound on the door insistently, and the panel slid open.
"Hey," exclaimed Bob, "I want to get screwed!"
"What," said the female voice, "again?"
3.
A man was sitting on a beach. He had no arms and no legs.
Three women, a blonde, a brunette and a redhead, were walking past and felt sorry for the poor man.
The first woman, the brunette, walked over to the man and said "Have you ever had a hug?"
The man said "No.", so she gave him a hug and walked on.
Next, the redhead went to him and asked "Have you ever had a kiss?"
The man said "No.", so she gave him a kiss and walked on.
Last, the blonde came to him and said "Have you ever been screwed?
The fellow excitedly said "No, I haven't!".
She said "Well, I think you will be when the tide comes in."
All stolen from Here
Playmate Of The Month August 2005
The M1 Garand
(Click the pics)
This is my M1 Garand that I received from the Civilian Marksmanship Program for $200 bucks about ten years ago. After I completed the course the US Postal Service shipped it to my house.
Operation: Semiautomatic, Gas Operated
Caliber: .30 (.30-06)
Length: 43.6 in. (1103 mm)
Weight unloaded: 9 lb 8 oz (4.37 kg)
Barrel: 24 in. 4 grooves, right hand twist
Magazine: 8 round internal box, clip loaded, clip ejected after last round fired
Muzzle: velocity 2800 fps, 2903 ft-lb
500 yds: 1918 fps, 1362 ft-lbs
Ammunition: 174 gr bullet, 50 gr charge, Ball M1
Effective Range: 440 yds
Classification: "Standard" from 1936 until M14 adopted in 1957
Total production: Approx. 4,040,000
A favorite among dog soldiers, the Garand was a very tough reliable rifle that could pack a punch. The eight round clip gave it limited capacity and it was a heavy piece because of its large gas operated ejection system. It still managed a very loyal following and is a favorite among collectors and shooting enthusiasts alike.
Originally designed for a .276 cartridge, the US Army changed it to 30.06 before production started in 1936. The M1 garand was used in WWII, Korea, and even in Vietnam. it was eventually replaced by the M14. More info here and here
When loading the M1 a firm grip and good thumbs help with the 8 round Enbloc clip. It takes a little practice but it not that hard. When the last round is fired the clip ejects automatically. (Many did not like this feature as the sound of the metal clips hitting the ground could compromise your location). I loaded 165 grain Spitzer boattails for accuracy. Most military loads were 150-155 grain ball tips. It is not recommended to shoot anything over 180 grains as it is hard on the ejection system. Just push the lever in front of the trigger guard and the rifle field strips in less than thirty seconds.
The M1 is a blast to shoot with a distinctive bark and a helluva bite! The Metal butt plate can get old, but the gas ejection takes some of the punch out of the recoil. 11 1/4 lbs of good old American shooting history, a great addition to any collection.
August 20, 2005
It's Saturday You Bastards!
This is for BULLSEYE!
Stress Relief and GWB Lite from Young Nationalist.com
August 19, 2005
You Might Be An Asshole
If this does not BRING a tear to your eye......well then you're an asshole.
If this does not make you want to crap a PURPLE TWINKIE.........well then you're an asshole.
If you don't think this dry attempt at HUMOR is funny......well then you're an asshole
If you don't think this asshole is an ASSHOLE.......well then you're an asshole
The incredible melting man John McCain is worried that GLOBAL WARMING is destroying the planet. If you don't think the Republicrat has spent too much time out in the sun..........well then you're an asshole.
If you are pissed about health care costs but think this CACA DEL TORO is righteous.........well then you're an asshole
If you don't think long term SMOKING DOOBIES is bad for you.....well then you're as asshole
The Best of......Government
1) Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member
of Congress. But then I repeat myself
.........Mark Twain
2) I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into
prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift
himself up by the handle
........Winston Churchill
3) A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend
on the support of Paul.
........George Bernard Shaw
4) A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow
man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.
.........G Gordon Liddy
5) Democracy must be something more than two wolves
and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.
.......James Bovard
6) Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from
poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.
.........Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown Univ
7) Giving money and power to government is like giving
whiskey and car keys to teenage boys
..........P.J. O'Rourke
8) Government is the great fiction, through which everybody
endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else.
......Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)
9) Government's view of the economy could be summed up
in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it If it keeps
moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
...Ronald Reagan (1986)
10) I don't make jokes. I just watch the government
and report the facts.
..........Will Rogers
11) If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you
see what it costs whe! n it's free.
....P.J. O'Rourke
12) In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money
as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.
......Voltaire (1764)
13) Just because you do not take an interest in
politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.
.......Pericles (430 B.C.)
14) No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while
the legislature is in session.
......Mark Twain (1866)
15) Talk is cheap ... except when Congress does it.
......Unknown
16) The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a
happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.
........Ronald Reagan
17) The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of
the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal
sharing of misery.
.....Winston Churchill
18) The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist
is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.
.......Mark Twain
19) The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of
folly is to fill the world with fools.
......Herbert Spencer, English Philosopher (1820-1903)
20) There is no distinctly native American criminal
class... save Congress.
.......Mark Twain
21) What this country needs are more unemployed politicians.
.......Edward Langley, Artist (1928 - 1995)
22) A government big enough to give you everything you
want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
........Thomas Jefferson
August 18, 2005
Mustang Memories
Pic from: MustangsMustangs
When I was a young man of 15, I had the opportunity to ride in this P51D Mustang. For years I have searched for information on this plane and found it today!
My father owned a service station here in Tucson for many years. We had a customer named Tony. Tony was a quiet, humble man that drove an old clunker Chevrolet Impala. Rusty and dented it looked like it was ready for the crusher. We kept the old girl running good and he used it primarily to go to and from the airport. Tony loved to talk about planes, I was a WWII buff and suprised him with my knowledge of aircraft of that era.
One day Tony said to me "When the weather gets cooler I'll take you for a ride in my P51." Excited but not holding my breath I put the prospect out of mind. Tony also had a home in Reno Nevada so we did not see him for months at a time. I forgot about the promise and continued my life as a teenage grease monkey.
Out of the blue I received a telephone call "Meet me at TIA (Tucson International Airport) at eight on Saturday." My heart raced and I could not sleep. Saturday finally came and my Dad drove me out to the airport.
There she was in all her glory, sleek and smooth, she was fast just sitting there. Tony told me he had just tuned the Rolls Royce Merlin engine (Built in America by Allison during the war) at a cost of $13,000 dollars. (1970's dollars that is).
1200 horsepower with a supercharger that pumped air into a second supercharger the Mustang was the pinnacle of American fighter technology of the time. Possibly the best fighter of the war it was flown by aces like Chuck Yeager.
The old military radio was removed and a second seat was installed behind the pilot. I was glad I was not full grown yet as it was cramped but comfortable.I shook nervously as I had only flown in a few commercial jets and had no small aircraft experience. Tony gave me a radio headset and went through a long series of checks and tests. The Merlin roared to life and I could not believe the feeling of horsepower and primitive strength the almost forty year old plane still possessed.
I felt the bile rise and I started to sweat despite the cold October morning. At fifteen death is a abstract concept and fear is yet to be learned in contemporary terms. We taxied to the end of the runway. Like a race horse that had to be held in check, I could feel her just itching to run. Tony got clearance and open the throttle...........Off we went like a like a musclecar in all its glory. But we did not take off. Faster and faster we went down the runway finally the tail wheel rose and the world blurred by.
Near the end the Mustang shot skyward and we reached 6000 ft before I could think of an appropriate swear word. The world changed in an instant, the vibration was gone, the engine purred and teardrop canopy flooded with sights mere mortals never see.
We did acrobatics flawlessly, we hedgehopped at fifty feet over Sahauro cacti at 400 mph! We flew over the Rincon mountains then the Santa Catalina mountains. We flew for eternity and only for an instant.
Back to earth and reality. I never have forgotten that day and the chance to experience something many only dream of. All for free from a man who saw a chance to make a young man's dream come true. I will never forget Tony and his Mustang.
This is the entry I found on the website:
This aircraft was owned by Tony D'allesandris of Reno, NV until the mid to late 1970's. He had it converted to receive a modified Allison in addition to other racing "mods" shown in the photo. He had intended to enter it in the races, but that never materialized. It had been on the "back burner" for some time after its completion and was eventually sold to Rick Smith ( a building contractor) who owned/operated the aircraft from the late 70's through the mid to late 80's. It was based in El Monte, CA during Smith's ownership. It was entually acquired by Bill Rheinschild and was raced by he and his Wife-Erin Rheinschild. This was the stock example that they had in addition to "Risky Business" (Race #45) until either the late 80's or early 90's. This Mustang was brought back to stock configuration shortly before it was sold to Rick Smith.
Now that I knew the SN# I found these Pictures as well:
The Mustang was repainted the Jackie C in the 1990's
(click to enlarge)
What it looks like today The Shangri La it is still flying!
(click to enlarge)
Note the invasion stripes, the original Shangri La was a P51B
Sold Surplus from McClellan AFB on Sept. 20, 1957.
- Sold for $879.97.
Boots In Baghdad
The following is taken from Boots In Baghdad, written by a 22 year old National Guard Infantryman that has his shit together. Read it.
an abundance of American ignorance
You can expect some negative comments on Boots In Baghdad. I stumbled across WhyWeHateBush. So, I went there and wrote this:
you are all incredibly stupid
Wow, I don't even know where to start. I suppose I should start with Iraq, because I am here right now. So you say Saddam had no WMD's? Perhaps you should ask the hundreds of thousands of Iranians, Kuwaitis, Kurds and Iraqis that suffered their wrath. So you say that Saddam Hussein didn't have links to terrorism? We have arrested dozens and dozens of members of Al Queida members in Iraq, not to mention the foreign fighters coming in from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and Jordan all linked to various terror cells. If any of you really cared about what was happening in Iraq you would attempt to educate yourselves a little bit. Since the invasion the U.S. and other members of the coalition have helped accomplish the following: Build over 3,000 schools, now there are over 20,000 schools up and running with over 6,000,000 students being taught by over 300,000 teachers. We have given life saving vaccinations to over 3,000,000 children. Over 26,000 Iraqi businesses have been started. The Iraqi people have received over $25 billion dollars in oil revenues. Over 1,000 construction projects have been completed and 2,500 projects are underway. There are over 76,000 soldiers in the new Iraqi Army, another 12,000 in training. There are over 92,000 Iraqi Police Officers on the streets with 3,500 coming out of training every day. Iraq's stock exchange has been up and running for over a year. Not to mention a ruthless tyrant has been jailed and a nation liberated.
I am an American Soldier. I dropped out of college and volunteered to come to Iraq. I have been here for eleven months. I can say without any doubt in my mind that I have accomplished great things this year. I have touched many lives and made a difference. I have defended the people of Baghdad (who want us here) from terrorists that want more than anything for the U.S. to leave prematurely so that democracy fails in Iraq. I have visited hundreds and hundreds of schools and hospitals and given them supplies and medications. I have trained and worked side by side with the brave soldiers of the Iraqi Army. I, with my friends in the U.S. Armed Forces have accomplished great things in Iraq for the people of Iraq. More importantly, we have been defending your freedoms. We have been sacrificing so that you can sit and insult us without consequence. So enjoy it. Because I can tell you first hand it isn't free.
Unfortunately, the majority of my generation shares the ignorant sentiments represented at WhyWeHateBush. I started this web page specifically for them. They, however, are too busy talking to listen
August 17, 2005
The Golden Ticket
New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson declared a state of emergency on August 12th claiming the state of New Mexico is BEING INVADED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS! Clearly a grandstanding move to bring the liberal democrat into the forefront of the immigration issue. Three days later Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano joined Bill and declared a State of Emergency because Arizona is BEING INVADED BY ILLEGAL ALIENS!
Wow! All this coming from the Governor that has blocked, vetoed and fought virtually every piece of immigration legislation to come down the pike.
Janet and Bill have learned from Hillary that Immigation may be the Golden Ticket in the incoming elections. The GOP is lost in a sea of uncertainty, political impotence, and pandering pontification. Other than J.D. Hayworth Arizona is stuck with the Republican version of the three stooges, Kyl, McCain, and Kolbe three emasculated professional politicians that are far too afraid to address the most important issue in Arizona politics since statehood.
Where are our GOP representatives on this issue? Hell if I know! They are suspiciously silent on this issue except for a few photo ops and a milquetoast response now and then. They give the outward appearance of protecting big business and industry like the stereotypical Republicans that they are.
What they fail to realize is the democrats are wisely latching on the one issue that can bring them validation. You see if they embrace immigration reform and talk tough they will trump the Republicans and make them play catch up. Catch up...............The party in power has to play catch up because they refuse to lead with force and vision. Forty years to get here and we do not have clue on how to stay here.
GWB has alienated many conservatives over his confused and illogical stance on securing the border. If he wants to know why his numbers are falling it is most likely because of immigration issues. Most Americans cannot understand why we spend billions on the WOT but won't enforce the very laws that will protect us the most.
There may be hope here.......
Anyone who knows Arizona's political past knows the name Goldwater. Synonymous with the last gasp of real conservative thought in this state, a new day may be here. Like a Phoenix rising from Phoenix, the name Goldwater is back. Don Goldwater, nephew of Barry and candidate for Governor. Plain speaking and not afraid to address the immigration issue, he may have what it takes to get our current Gov. out of office.
We are losing control of our state and we need leadership who will enforce the will of the people. The Republican's failure to command the high ground on this simple issue is astounding. It very well may be the turning point of GOP control and its future.
Hopefully this Goldwater, like the last one will shame his counterparts into action.
Good Fences Make Good Neighbors
Mesa lawmaker calls for border fence
PHOENIX - A state lawmaker believes Arizonans are so frustrated with illegal immigration that they're willing to raise fees - and possibly tax themselves - to build a fence along the state's southern border.
Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, is drafting a measure to ask voters next year to spend the money to erect a climb-proof fence wherever possible from Yuma to east of Douglas.
Pearce acknowledged Tuesday that he doesn't know the price tag. A similar fence erected by federal officials near San Diego cost about $1.7 million a mile; the Arizona border stretches for about 350 miles.
But Pearce said he believes stemming the flow of people crossing the border illegally will end up saving Arizonans far more than what the state spends for health care, education and prison costs on illegal entrants.
He also thinks money can be raised by taxing transfers of money by people to their families in other countries.
Arizona can't legally build a fence right on the border, which is federal land. But Pearce said it could erect it along the southern property lines of individual landowners.
The idea has some support from those who live with the problem of border crossers, like Jack Ladd, whose Cochise County ranch includes about 10 1/2 miles along the border.
"I'm in favor of something that would help,'' said Ladd. He said the state would have permission to use the line along his ranch, which includes both deeded land and property he leases from the state.
Bud Strom, whose ranch comes within a quarter-mile of the border, also likes the idea.
The rest is HERE.
This might end up being the only why we can get thousands of criminals to stop invading our border.
August 16, 2005
Why I like Being A Man
40 Funny Reasons Why It's Wonderful To Be A Woman
1. When a ship sinks, women (and children) get off first.
2. A woman can hug her best friend without worrying she'll think she's gay.
3. Women can talk to attractive members of the opposite sex without having to picture them naked.
4. A woman can never be blamed if it's wet on the floor around the toilet bowl.
5. If a woman cheats on her spouse everyone will assume it's because she was being emotionally neglected.
6. Women are capable of doing at least two different things to a passable standard at the same time.
7. Women live longer than men.
8. Women know how to cover up spots and other facial blemishes.
9. If a woman inexplicably disappears for two weeks, one of her friends will notice.
10. Women mature earlier than men (some men never mature at all).
11. There are times when chocolate is really the answer to all woman's problems.
12. Women don't feel uncomfortable with gay waiters or hairdressers.
13. A woman can fully assess a person just by looking at their shoes.
14. Women know the truth about whether size matters...
15. A woman can take a drive without trying to beat her best time.
16. If a woman forgets to shave, no-one has to know.
17. Women are capable of going longer than five minutes without thinking about either sex or football.
18. Women never lust after a cartoon character or the central figure in a computer game.
19. Women can be groupies. Male groupies are stalkers.
20. Women can cry and get off a speeding ticket.
21. A woman can get a whole new lease on life just by changing her lipstick.
22. A woman can congratulate her team-mate without ever touching her rear.
23. Women don't have to worry about catching anything important in their zipper.
24. If a woman says something stupid, most men will just think she's cute.
25. Women can admit to others when they've made a mistake
26. If a woman cries, she's sensitive; if a man cries, he's a wimp.
27. Women know who their children are without having a DNA test.
28. It's cool to be a daddy's girl. It's sad to be a mummy's boy.
29. Women can wear platforms - which is why there is no such thing as a short woman's complex.
30. Women can watch one TV channel at a time without getting bored.
31. Women have total control over their eyebrows.
32. Women can get drunk quicker and cheaper than men.
33. A woman's friend won't try to persuade her to get a tattoo while she's drunk.
34. A woman won't drive to Hell and back before she asks for directions.
35. Women aren't covered with hair like shag carpeting.
36. Woman don't feel threatened if their partner earns more than they do.
37. For women, a new season means a whole new wardrobe.
38. Women know exactly what buttons to push to get exactly what they want.
39. Women don't think reading the manual is a betrayal of all their species stands for.
40. Women can keep pot plants alive for more than a week.
Yeah but if I am camping and it is cold and raining out and I have to pee, I just unzip the tent a little and have at it! THAT is why it is great to be a man.
Round the Reader Before and After Edition
Since I have to work like normal people today you get some in the morning and some in the evening!
First up I link to myself and this post on Project Valor please read it and support it. The blogs have the power to do good!
Az Governor follows New Mexico Gov. and declares a State of Emergency to embarrass the Feds to get off their asses (election coming up!)
Right Wing Nuthouse on the critical turning point in the War in Iraq
More Sheenanigans
Images from the Battleground, America's other war, the one we are losing.
Grouchy Old Cripple on China
More later..........
Able Danger exposes the fraud the 9/11 commission really was
The apocalypse of the Gaza Pullout will rear its ugly head. Daniel Pipes weighs in as well.
In the Bullpen on Clinton's Caca Del Toro legacy reconstruction.
Stop the ACLU may be hitting the Fishwraps! Good news for all!
Sailor in the Desert has a great post "hide behind Jamie's wall gang"
Princess Kimberley has the skinny on most of the ROP representatives, including those in Gaza
August 15, 2005
Project Valor
Pam at Iraq War Today makes this request:
"Project Valour-IT is a noble enough cause on its own, but if you look at the number of bloggers involved now, it also becomes something else - it's really an unprecedented joint effort to get much needed technology to our wounded heroes - to try to give something back to those who give so much for all of us.
Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss was the inspiration for Valour-IT. In addition to being a Hero, the Captain is also a milblogger, known to many in the blogosphere. And in June, Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss was wounded by an IED. He is currently in Walter Reed. Like so many of our wounded, the Captain and his family are facing a long road of surgeries, ups and downs, expenses, struggles, and hurdles. They're gamely facing it all."
(Click It Please)
Update: I made my donation on PayPal it is fast, easy and feels soooo good!
Book Report 2
Meet You In Hell
By Les Standiford
Meet You In Hell is a very interesting look into the lives of Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick. both men were of modest backgrounds who rose to Captains of Industry that amassed fortunes rivaling Bill Gates. The story winds through their associations as friends, partners, owner/employee, rivals, and then bitter enemies. The book was entertaining and a fascinating look at early American industry. I give the book a solid B+.
Carnegie is known as a great philanthropist and Frick amassed a collection of art that was unrivaled for many decades and is still on display in his New York home now known as "The Frick". It is amazing that these two men that were generous in their later years were ruthless at their peak. The Homestead strike cost thirty-five men their lives and many more wounded. It broke the back of the iron workers union for forty years.
Their business dealings rivaled These Guys through speculating, dirty dealing, and insider trading ( most of it legal at the time) you follow them through a life of wealth and intrigue. At the turn of the century Carnegie Steel was sold for a cool $480 million, billions in todays dollars Carnegie went on to fund the building of over 3000 libraries.
The two men in their old age remained bitter rivals and spent fortunes trying to out do each other. Carnegie wanted to bury the hatchet in his waning years and sent a note to Frick to meet with him and settle their differences before they died. Frick cooly exclaimed "Tell him I'll meet you in hell!"
Next up: The Five People You meet In Heaven, by Mitch Albom
August 14, 2005
Burn Return
(click the pics)
I am back and I did not end up in the pokey. About forty people showed up including G men from three different agencies. I have to admit the meeting was constructive and productive with concessions and apologies and an education for all parties involved. The Mountain is burned but not as badly as originally thought and will recover sooner than expected. The reasons for the burn can be debated, the fact remains "Whats done tis done and cannot be undone". With that in mind we moved forward on a plan for better communication, input, and future direction. I guess I can write some potent emails............
August 10, 2005
High Noon
Well Pards, I am off to Elk Springs, New Mexico. It seems my correspondence with the Forest Death squad has struck a nerve with the Druids of Destruction Central Command. I have a meeting with this Firebug. Because of possible upcoming litigation I would never call him and his minions Domestic Terrorists. THAT would be over the top.
This is what is left of Bull Fire. It states that this was done for Resource Benefit. 70% of the mountain was COMPLETELY DESTROYED. For my benefit I guess.
Commanders of the army of hellfire and conflagration will be there in force to convince the landowners that the moonscape is actually more attractive then Ponderosa pines and hundred year old Oak trees.
Anyway I won't be posting for awhile or if they do not have internet access in the county lockup it could be a very long time. I promised Mrs. Dinosaur I would not pack heat to the meeting..............(matches of course)
The Government just doing "What is best for me."
My last correspondence before I was deemed not fit to speak with:
XXXXXX,
In response to our telephone conversation of 8-04-05 about coordinating a meeting between Forest Service Officials and Elk Springs Landowners. I talked to five of the property owners yesterday to discuss the possibility of meeting on the 13th (Saturday). It appears that it is not possible to gather a sufficient number on such short notice. The suggestion of Labor Day was introduced and that may be the only date in the near future to bring the majority of Landowners together.
The failure to meet in the near future does not appear to merit a sense of urgency that it may have had before the destruction of Elk Mountian. The notion that Forest Service personnel will be able to convince the Elk Springs residents that completely vaporizing a healthy stand of trees is in their best interest. It is a sad state of affairs that divine intervention of a higher authority has been supplanted by a Forest Service lawyer in Washington that feels implementation of Wildland/Urban interface scorched earth policy is good for the forest. To destroy thousands of acres of healthy pristene forest to remove possible future litigation is myopic and defies any logical long term success.
The lack of a sincere effort to explain the "what is best for you" approach to forest management prior to the continued burning of the Bull fire to the residents speaks volumes as to whether this really was sound policy or just fulfilling the expenditure of grant money. It was only when the Bull fire was on our door step was this map http://www2.srs.fs.fed.us/r3/gila/fire/image.asp?fireid=45&image=closure presented to residents that were there at the time. This of course allowed no recourse or discussion on this a matter.
We residents were told at the time that everything was under control and if the rains put out the fire it would be left alone. That and several other untruths were told to keep the residents from an angry attempt to save a Mountain that did not need to burn. This is the third fire in three years and the fuel load had been greatly diminished. The use of flare guns and airborne accelerants to continue to burn trees that put up a fight for their lives is a sickening display of arrogance and an inability to change plans when common sense and field conditions warrant it.
The resulting crown fire has destroyed 70% of a healthy forest that will not recover in our lifetime. This serves the forest, the wildlife, the recreationalist, and the landowner in what way? I thought the old adage "We must destroy the forest to save it" was just a bad dream. Today in Catron county it is reality.
If Rogers Steed thinks it is worth the effort and has the ability to keep a straight face when discussing this lunacy, please contact:
Celebrity Endorsements
Like a rainbow snowcone gaining momentum just look at the Big Dogs coming out to endorse Judge Roberts HERE
Who You Gonna Call?
Father Catches Cop in Bed With His Under Aged Daughter - A Georgia father came home early from working the night shift to find a police car in his driveway at 5:30 in the morning. Where was the cop who drove it? Inside, engaged in an unspecified sex act with his 16-year-old daughter! The two met when Officer Randolph Cobian, 28, served as a volunteer swim coach for the girl's team at an as yet unnamed private school. Cobian has been fired from the Henry County police department and faces one count of sexual molestation and one count of aggravated sexual molestation. (News Daily)
Retrieved from where else? Dumb Ass Daily. I think it would take some serious gun control not to shoot Officer Cobian's nightstick off.
August 09, 2005
Say It Ain't So
I cannot believe Mick and the boys join the ever expanding list of idiots that I have to add to the "Just shut the $%#K up!" and entertain me list. Mick spouts off on GWB to get his chance to make the Moonbat "A" list.
Jagger also only scores a 2 in the Dead Pool tied with Harry
The Good Stuff
David Sears has this article about the men of AFEES an elusive and exclusive band of brothers.
Sgt. William Hamrick III see the birth of his daughter virtually
Iraq War News has this great post about great people helping great people.
If you would like to be a great person too, Books for Soldiers would be a great place to start.
Here is the Wall of Honor of more great people.
Jack Army has a moving account of SPC Peter Sprenger overcoming IED injuries and graduating from Ranger School
Blackfive shows us how we can support the 3/25th after their losses last week
Gitmo not really THAT BAD by comparison
The Stiener Aid is up and running at the the new site stop by and say hello.
Popular Mechanics has an article that honors Marine Sgt. Timothy Connors, a great article from a great magazine that supports our troops and loves this country.
August 08, 2005
Speaking of Dead
Harry ain't you dead yet?
Man when will this commie loving freak of nature kick it?
What are the Dead pool odds on ole Harry?
File under: Another Asshat entertainer with an opinion
UPDATE: Harry only is worth a 2 in the DEAD POOL, about what he is worth in life. Too bad I used to like him.
August 07, 2005
Political Hack Dies
Peter Jennings, Canadian transplant and American wannabe croaked today. The first of the MSM big three to take a dirt nap. Cronkite won't die. Rather and Brokaw will continue to live that fractured existence some where between heaven and hell. Adios you lefty scumbag.
One Down 100 To Go
Sevan Resigns Before Explosive Report
Sunday, August 07, 2005
NEW YORK — The former chief of the Iraqi Oil-for-Food program, Benon Sevan resigned from the United Nations Sunday — just hours before the results of a probe are expected to accuse him of getting kickbacks from the $67 billion operation.
The Independent Inquiry Committee, appointed by the U.N. to probe allegations of corruption in the program, plans to release on Monday its third interim report on the humanitarian program.
Sevan resigned in a letter to Kofi Annan blasting the U.N. secretary-general and accusing him "sacrificing" him for his own political gain.
"I fully understand the pressure that you are under, and that there are those who are trying to destroy your reputation as well as my own, but sacrificing me for political expediency will never appease our critics or help you or the Organization," Sevan wrote.
The rest is here at Fox News along with a Who's Who in the Oil-for-Food scandal.
Kofi and Kojo...........The pendulum swings closer.
Crunch The Numbers
I read the local fishwrap this morning and read this article about how tough it is to do research and enviromental studies and blah blah blah along the border. On page 11 this part of the article comes up very matter-of-factly:
The criminal element
There's no question the border is getting rougher.
"The Tucson Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol - which stretches from the New Mexico border almost to California - has documented 216 assaults against its officers this fiscal year, which started in October. That's up from 118 for all of last fiscal year, 115 in 2003 and 146 in 2002. The numbers are up partly because there are more officers on staff, Border Patrol spokesman Jose Garza said. But they're still worrisome.
"The assaults are also going up in severity," he said. "In the outskirts, they're using the vehicles to try to ram our agents, shooting our agents in an attempt to avoid arrest."
Of 383,413 apprehensions so far this year, records checks on 28,900 of the people involved revealed criminal backgrounds. Because some arrestees are repeat border crossers, the proportion of criminals is actually higher than it looks, Garza said.
"We are catching a lot of bad elements," he said. "We're catching murderers. We're catching sexual predators."
But James Cain, a UA doctoral student who studies desert bighorn sheep at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, said he has encountered crossers just three times in four years - never with any problems.
"Odds are, they're just people coming across to work," he said. "But you never know."
Let's look at some of those numbers, 216 assaults against officers in the Tucson sector alone! We are not talking about Tikrit Iraq here, this is our border. That number is double last year and certainly does not appear to be on the decline.
383,413 apprehensions with 28,900 of those with criminal backgrounds. Wait a minute........They are just here for the jobs. Car theft, drug smuggling, people smuggling, theft, robbery, assault and all the jobs they apparently cannot get in Mexico.
Why is this not on the front page with our Governor calling up the National Guard? Where is McCain and Kolbe and Kyl joining the Minutemen to defend the homeland? This is an invasion and we are on page eleven.
Of course they throw in the idiotic "Odds are, they're just people coming across to work" disclaimer at the end. What the hell is going on here?
Smells Like........Victory
" Orders Son, Orders we must use the Harzard Mitigation Wildland/Land Urban Interface Grant because to save the forest sometimes it is necessary to destroy it!"
August 06, 2005
Egyptian Idol
from:LGF (click)
A catchy tune in the South Park/MTV style from a Egyptian Pop idol. Two billion in American aid and this is as far as we have gotten. Time to pull the plug on this waste of money. If you watch the whole video the Clay Aiken wanna be blames American imperialism and Israel's defense of their homeland for all that ills the "Arab Street". Oh and BTW the WTC was brought down by none other than.......You guessed it GWB and Sharon. This was of course right after the singer (Michael Moore looking fellow) exclaims that Israel and America are really two sides of the same coin.
Uninvited Long Term Tourists
De Lay is no longer an option
Between 100,000-150,000 univited tourist in Wisconsin?
ACLU interested in protecting rights of criminals over law abiding citizens
Commies call Minutemen Nazis
Despite the fact they are only here for jobs you will not doYour Social Security goes with them.
Donde esta Biblioteca? (bad spanish on a bad idea)
Looking for a few good men
Undocumented Immigrant uses illegal documents to become a Border Patrol agent to help undocumented immigants get illegal documents
Gang member math 1000 arrests reveal 90% illegal alien membership = trouble
Local Idiot makes the papers shipping gun stuff south
Arizona's Three Stooges working for the wrong side.
Here is a SITE for sore eyes.
Border Patrol Union unhappy with those pesky politicians
LEGAL immigrants sue farmer for hiring ILLEGAL aliens
August 05, 2005
Too Pissed To Post
I should be in Elk Springs right now.................BUT NO! I am stuck here so I can go up next weekend and meet with the G-men. I am too pissed to post about anything right now, maybe tonight when the Elixar of Lucifer takes the edge of my desire to choke the living shit out of someone!
Waldservice-Sturm Troopers
FS District Ranger called my house and want to have a meeting with me and the rest of the victims...err......benefactors of their divine benevolence. What is in store? A firing squad or a champagne brunch to celebrate the Scorched Earth approach to public land management.
I think my e-mails and phone calls were too close to reality for his comfort. I feel like clock tower material today..........
August 04, 2005
ACLU Insanity!
If you haven't bought my new book The Politics of Stupid, you can find all the Insanity you need from the ACLU right here! BTW, I AM not dead and I have NOT been commited lately.
You would have to be insane not to listen to my Talking Points Memo!
"The Senate voted 98 to zero to allow US military bases to host Boy Scout events. That means even the most liberal senators in the country oppose the ACLU, which wants the Boy Scouts banned from all federal property and have sued to make that happen. The ACLU has been trying to destroy the Boy Scouts ever since the organization decided to ban openly gay scout leaders and require an allegiance to a higher power. As a private organization, the Scouts have a perfect right to do that, as no one is forced to join. The ACLU contends that the Scouts are discriminatory. Clear-thinking people know a vendetta when they see it, and that's exactly what this ACLU jihad against the Scouts is. So the US Senate has made a statement, and we should all applaud that statement. It is obvious that the Boy Scouts help society and give children an opportunity to have fun and develop character. The greater good is served by helping the Scouts, even if you don't subscribe to their philosophy. When people like Ted Kennedy and Barbara Boxer vote against the ACLU, you know the organization has gone mental."
Yo! If you axe me it Ludacris for the ACLU not to defend RAP Music
It will be a cold day in hell before I take theACLU off my payroll!
Scare America
All of you who have been following the Air America scandal, have been underwhelmed by the outrage of the likes of the MSM, Poverty Pimps, the Hollywood Moonbats and the perpetually disfunctional left. Well thank the good lord Al is coming to the rescue. Al franken that is. On his radio program today his guest is Melanie Sloane from Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington CREW . Is it just me or does anyone else find this amusing?
The hypocrisy continues.............
Michelle Malkin has the skinny
Bolton
He Said IT I heard it. What is all the fuss? We NEED more Bolton more of the time. America is desperate for MEN who put America first against all others foreign and domestic.
PIC from Six Meat Buffet
August 03, 2005
Domestic Terrorist
Can stop me from destroying America's forest!
700,000 more acres in Arizona this year and not one incompetent Forest Service manager has lost his job.
16.8 Seconds
It takes the average human 16.8 seconds to find the face in the picture.........how about you?
From Illusions Etc.
August 02, 2005
What Is Best For Me
This Picture is of the Beaverhead fire I took from Elk Mountain, New Mexico several weeks ago. It was a fire that had been burning since 5-29-05 from a lightning strike and was a "controlled burn" of over 66,000 acres.
My wife and I have owned five acres up there for the last four years. I have just finished trimming the hundreds of trees and cleaning up the fuel load on the property. This Picture is of our Redneck cabin (Elk Mountain in the background) that we are using while we laid out the plans for our dream cabin and eventual retirement home. At 7800 feet in the pristene forest the land is covered with Elk, Antelope , and Deer. Paradise and our home away from Tucson in the summer when we can get away.
That has all changed now that the long arm of the government has reached out and snatched my dream away because it is "What is best for me". You see ever since 2001 the Forest service has wanted to burn that mountain for the long term benefit of everyone. The removal of the undergrowth and fuel load will decrease the chance for an out-of-control wildfire. Makes sense? It sure does.
This is where the Catch 22 comes in. You see they received a grant request of over $170,000 dollars to burn that area. Once you get that money you had better use it because if you don't it will reflect badly on your next grant request. The problem is that we already had a lightning strike up there last year that burned for three weeks and removed most of the fuel load on Elk Mountain.
This Picture was taken last summer of that lightning stike.
Two weeks ago as the fire approached the local Ranger assured us that the fire was under control and presented no threat to the immediate area. He also told us that if the monsoon rains put it out it would be left alone. Well I was informed yesterday the the fire did in fact go out.
But because that failed to fulfill the "What is best for me" requirement of goverment intervention in my life even 150 miles out in the middle of no where, the Forest Service brought helicopters in and dropped airborne accelerants on the treetop canopy (Thats a form of Napalm kiddies) because that dang mountain just wouldn't burn.
Well, they burned the WHOLE MOUNTAIN DOWN!
My Thank you letter:
Ms Andrea Martinez,
Please forward information on who made the decision to burn Elk mountain AFTER the controlled burn was out and the residents were explicitly told that the fire would be allowed to burn out? What possible advantage could be attained by destroying pristene Forest that was NOT in danger of burning out of control? The residents were notified of FS intentions when the Beaverhead fire was already pressing the outer boundries of ELK springs when the decision was made to destroy the forest to what end?
This obviously was done with alterior motives to punish the local ranchers or residents on YOUR forest. This disgusting display of the US goverment doing "What is best for us" is not over. The destruction of ELK Mountain for no known advantage is despicable. It will be restored to its previous state in whose lifetime? Certainly not ours.
Wanton disregard of taxpayers and residents concerns and property is a criminal and unforgivable offense. Who is responsible?
Her response:
Mr. Adams, thank you for letting us know of your concern. I have forwarded
this message to the District Ranger on the Reserve Ranger District of the
Gila National Forest. District Ranger Rogers Steed is out on the field at
this time but is expected to return this evening. If he comes in later
than expected, he may not be able to contact you till tomorrow. In either
case, we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
Again, thank you for expressing your concern to us and please contact me if
I can be of further help.
My Reply:
Ms. Martinez,
Concern has to be the understatement of the year. Unfortunately for all
parties involved there is very little left to be concerned about. With a
religious zeal to destroy the very sanctuary your organization was hired to
protect, you have forever altered my plans for the future and those of my
children. I will say to them " No, that was not destroyed by natural causes
, that was intentionally destroyed by your goverment for your long term
benefit."
Sears Support
America Supports You: Sears Earns Defense Freedom Award
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2005 – Excellence deserves to be recognized, and an Alabama National Guardsman made sure it was when he nominated his employer for support above and beyond what the law requires.
"Sears Auto Center customer service adviser John Winkler, center, nominated his employer for a Defense of Freedom Award through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization. District automotive center manager Lee Dierkes, left, and Glenn Bledsoe, manager of the auto center at the Huntsville, Ala., Sears store, both said they're proud of Winkler and Sears policies regarding the nation's servicemembers.
Army Spc. John Winkler nominated the Huntsville (Ala.) Sears, Roebuck & Co. store where he works as a customer service adviser in the automotive department for the support they have shown him when he drills or is deployed. The nomination was made through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Web site, and when ESGR officials checked out the Sears corporate policy toward Guard and Reserve employees, officials decided the company as a whole should be recognized.
"Every time I have been called up, or if I've got drill, they never give me a problem with it," Winkler said. "There's pay when I get back. Sears ... make the difference between what I get paid, my basic pay, and then what I would make if I was here for that two weeks. ... They've always made that up to me." Winkler, part of the 128th Military Police Company under the 31st Chemical Brigade, has worked for Sears, and for automotive center manager Glenn Bledsoe, for nine years. It's only been the last three years, however, that he's also been in the Alabama National Guard."
The rest of the story is Here
"Records indicate Sears provided support to employees serving in the military as early as 1916, the company's Web site said. Additionally, Sears sponsors Operation Purple, a series of summer camps for children of deployed military personnel. "
Let me add that Sears has been doing their part since 1916! All this without fanfare or a photo op. I had heard of this activity early last year through an email about the way they were handling Reserve and Guard deployments. I decided to change some of the buying habits I have. My wife and I have gone out of our way to spend money at Sears. Thousands of dollars that we used to spend at those flag waving super stores has been spent at Sears.
After we made several large purchases I contacted Sears and explained why we had gone to their store and why we will continue to do so. I received an eloquent but humble response stating "That they were proud to serve those who serve for us." In their opinion it was their DUTY.
For almost 90 years Sears has quietly and humbly supported the troops for all the right reasons at considerable cost to themselves. It is refreshing to see chivalry is not dead in the American marketplace. I hope all of you will consider making purchases at Sears to support a business that supports Americans.
FromIraq War Today Thanks Pam!
Blogger Demotion
Guardsman in Iraq Punished Over Blog Post
Associated Press | August 02, 2005
PHOENIX - An Arizona National Guardsman serving in Iraq has been demoted for posting classified information on his Internet Web log, an Army official said Monday.
Leonard Clark, 40, was demoted from specialist to private first class and fined $1,640, said Col. Bill Buckner, a spokesman for the Multi-National Corps-Iraq.
Soldiers in Iraq are allowed to maintain blogs or Web sites but cannot post information about Army operations or movements. They also are barred from posting information about the death of a soldier whose family hasn't yet been notified.
"The intent of the policy is not to violate soldiers' rights, but to safeguard soldiers," Buckner said. Blogs are "a growing phenomenon, I guess. It's something a lot of people do and has some uses."
Buckner said he didn't know what kind of classified information Clark had posted.
Clark's blog contained two posts Monday, one with links to articles on him and one stating Clark would comply with a gag order.
Calls to his home Monday by The Associated Press went unanswered and contact information for him in Iraq wasn't immediately available.
Clark is a Glendale, Ariz., kindergarten teacher who has run for the state Legislature four times. He could have appealed the ruling but declined to, Buckner said.
Clark's company was called to active duty in November and has been in Iraq since around January, said Capt. Paul Aguirre, a spokesman for the Arizona National Guard. The company is expected to be brought home next January.
Source:Military.com
Leonard Clark's BLOG
The reasons for the Clark's demotion are tied to his release of classified material in his posts. However, from what I can tell it appears that his posting was less than complimentary of his current statis in Iraq. Interesting story to watch unfold from here.
August 01, 2005
From His Position
I just received some bad personal news and was going to rant and rave about it until I read this blog. Now I have nothing to say...............................
Except God Bless You Chuck
Book Report
I have decided to give a book report on every book I read because this is my blog and what I think is important to me.
Angels and Demons
By Dan Brown
Written in 2000 this book is the readers introduction to Robert Langdon, the man made famous in Dan Brown bestseller The Da Vinci Code.
Angels and Demons also deals with the Catholic church and the time tested bogeyman the Illuminati. I am not a big fiction reader but I like to throw one in now and then for light reading. The book was readable in the sense that I did finish it but not without an effort. I would rate the overall quality of the novel at a disappointing C-.
Our Hero Robert Langdon is an amalgamation of Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, and the old man Booginhagen from the town of Jezzreal. The murder and mayhem is layed on thick and the sinister involvement of the Illuminati and Catholic Priests and Cardinals is a little hokey.
HOWEVER when Mr. Langdon is forced to jump out of a helicopter that contains a Trekkie anti-matter bomb in the dark of night and he fashions a Parachute out of the helicopter's windshield sunscreen as he falls to earth in the darkness and lands in the Tiber river and lives............The author Mr. Dan Brown LOSES ME AS A READER!
(I did some daytime jumps with an old military T-10 chute in the middle of the day with some rudimentary training and I still almost broke my back for good.)
Since the hero is now dead in my mind at that point all the other incredible highly impossible bull excrement becomes laughable.
I like mysteries, action adventures, and the like this however did not quite fit into any of those things. My Sister-in-law loved the book so I may be over critical of the content. If it was a movie I would enjoy watching it on MST 3000.
Next UP: Meet You In Hell by Les Stanford, a historical account of the relationship between Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick.
Shuttle Future
Shame on NASA for putting American lives in danger in an aging, dilapidated launch vehicle. Risking our future in space to maintain relevancy is absurd and dangerous. I pray they patch the known problems and make it home alive. I know that my opinion is a not popular but it is realistic. It is better to err on the side of caution and work in a new direction than knowingly place people in harms way. This level of ineptitude is criminal.
Pic.= Fark