Track Palin NOT Involved in Vandalism Incident

The MSM and left seem determined to do anything to make Gov Palin look bad, including going after her kids. "Rumor" has been floating around that Track Palin, Gov. Palin's son who is being deployed today with the US Army, was involved in some sort of "vandalism" some 3 years ago involving air being let out of school bus tires and block heaters being unplugged in the winter --which I understand can be bad in Alaska.

The New York Daily News has published an article today stating that the rumors are false.

"Despite snowballing reports and rumors, Sarah Palin's eldest son, Track, was not part of the gang of four teenagers who criminally vandalized 44 Alaska school buses in 2005, a key culprit told The News.

"Track wasn't with me. Track had nothing to do with it," participant Deryck Harris, 20, said Wednesday in an exclusive interview.

Citing an anonymous judicial source, the Anchorage radio station 1080 KUDO was the first to report last week that Track Palin was the unidentified 16-year-old delinquent who not only trashed the buses but also swiped the bottle of alcohol that fueled the teen rampage.

The National Enquirer will report his "involvement" in the "notorious" attack in its issue out Thursday.

"I was friends with him. We hung out. But he wasn't there," Harris said, describing the incident as a senior prank gone awry. "It was my high school mistake. It was a really bad choice. I've paid my restitution."

First, Track Palin is NOT running for Vice President of the United States.

Second, for those that will jump up and say, "well it reflects how good of a parent..." BS!!!! At 16 or 17 years old, teenagers have "free-will." THEY tend to make decisions for themselves DESPITE what their parents say or do. In fact, they most often do the OPPOSITE of what the parents say. You can be the greatest parent in the world, and your kid may still make a mistake.

Third, and perhaps the most important... HE DIDN'T DO IT.

Track Palin NOT Involved in Vandalism Incident

Matt Damon on Gov Palin: Why Care What He Thinks?

For some reason, the MSM believes that it is important that we, the little people hear the opinions of "the Important People" from Hollywood.

Therefore, we have been blessed with the wisdom of Matt Damon. Damon apparently has been studying up for his insurance agent license, because he quotes actuarial tables and states that there is a good chance that Sen. McCain would die before the end of a term.

He also goes off on some bizarre tangent asking if Gov. Palin believes that dinosaurs walked the earth 4000 years ago. Where in the WORLD did that come from? Yes, I understand that there are some who believe in taking every word of the Bible quite literally, and they believe that the earth is only 6000 years old. But, that is 6000 years, not 4000. Get your facts straight Damon...

Frankly, I don't think that Gov Palin believes anything close to this. But, Damon IS an Actor (or so they tell me). So he MUST know what is best.

Of course, one should keep in mind the character, Janeane Garofalo's statements to the Film Actors Guild-- "As actors, it is our responsibility to read the newspapers and then say what we read on television like it's our own opinion." (Team America World Police).

Matt Damon on Gov Palin: Why Care What He Thinks?

We Must Never Forget- September 11, 2001

The phone rang shortly after 7:50 AM CDT. My last day at work had been not too long before. I had been working for a firm with offices in New York and Tokyo, and my position was eliminated in August. So, at the end of August I had flown from Tokyo to New York City and cleaned out my office and came back to Overland Park. My severance check had been sizable, I had no meetings scheduled that morning and I was planning on sleeping in. My wife had taken the kids to school and was on the way to work herself.

"Turn on the TV, they just said on the radio that a plane crahed into the World Trade Center." I hung up the phone and reached for the remote. We, the family and I, had just been to the World Trade Center less than 6 months before. We had been planning on a relocation to the NYC area for my job, and the kids had all come out and we had done the tourist things. Actually, the WTC stop was just a spur of the moment idea. We had been out at Liberty Island and were walking north from Battery Park, when we passed the towers. One of the kids complained about being hungry, and someone suggested that we visit the towers and eat there. They were close, it was Sunday afternoon and it seemed like a good idea.

I turned on one of the cable news networks. Smoke was showing from WTC 1. I remember thinking that Newark was close, and it must have been a small plane either heading in or out of Newark that had some issue. Then I saw a close up and knew this wasn't a small plane. Still, I wondered if there had been some malfunction in an ILS system or Flight Management System that caused the crash.

At 8:03 CDT, I saw the second plane (Flight 175) flying too low and too fast on the TV Screen. For a slit second, I wondered what kind of computer malfunction could cause two accidents. Then I saw it hit.

I picked up my phone. I called my dad in Phoenix. I remember saying, "Turn on the TV… I think we are at war."

It has been seven years since that morning. Seven years of wins and losses in a war that may last for years to come. Today is a day to stop and remember. Remember where we were that morning. Remember what we thought. Remember those that we lost.

As we remember we must also fill ourselves with resolve. Terrorists started this that morning; Evil attacked us- but we MUST finish it- no matter what it takes. We must continue the fight.

We must always remember. We must NEVER Forget.

(Photos taken by Matt Carden, March 2001 from NY Harbor and from the Top of WTC2)

We Must Never Forget- September 11, 2001

Obama on O'Reilly - Energy

Again, this was another night of softball on O'Reilly, with regard to Energy policy this time.

We did find out that Sen. Obama has met with T. Boone Pickens. Ok, so I think that Mr. Picken's ideas are interesting, and I particularly like his latest statement- "Drill, drill, drill" AND have alternative sources for energy.

Where O'Reilly failed tonight, was he allowed Sen. Obama to get away with the "protect ANWR for future generations" and "that is a beautiful area" lines. The fact is that yes, technically the area of the North Slope where new oil has been discovered crosses into ANWR. HOWEVER the area where they are talking of drilling is fairly desolate (see picture). There is virtually nothing there.

The best part of the O'Reilly show was Dennis Miller's comments. In regard to Gov. Palin getting under Obama's skin Miller said:

"Sarah Palin doesn't exists if he [Obama] picks Hillary Clinton. He's let her in and now you can tell She is thunder around inside his head, he doesn't know whether to defecate or wind his watch at this point."

It took me a bit to stop laughing.

Obama on O'Reilly - Energy

Obama Plagiarism

Stop the ACLU brought to our attention a bit of an issue about Obama's lipstick comment yesterday. Here is the transcript from Obama yesterday:

John McCain says he’s about change too. Exce- and and so I guess his whole angle is - watch out, George Bush - except for economic policy, healthcare policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy, and Karl-Rove-style politics, we’re really gonna shake things up in Washington.

That’s not change.

That’s that’s just callin’ sumpin’ the same thing somethin’ different.

But you know, you can’t, you know, you you can put, ah, lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig.

Here is a political cartoon from Tom Toles from September 5--BEFORE Obama's comments:

Plagiarism?

Obama Plagiarism

Obama on O'Reilly - Obama's Associations

The interview was pure "soft-ball," which is suprising from O'Reilly. O'Reilly let Sen. Obama off the hook with "I know thousands of people" and allowing Sen. Obama to make the assertion that all of Sen. Obama's association are "tangental."

Sen. Obama has still not explained some of his more "questionable" associations. Sen. Obama STILL maintains that during his ENTIRE association with Rev. Wright, Wright NEVER said anything "offensive."

Further, Sen. Obama maintained that his relationship with Ayers was only about education. Curious that Sen. & Mrs. Obama are part training left wing activists at a left wing activist Boot Camp, including training on how to protest, and Ayers definately has a background in that area. Of course, The Messiah Sen. Obama says there is absolutely nothing to his relationship with Ayers, so of course, we should just let the whole thing go.

Obama on O'Reilly - Obama's Associations

Obama on O'Reilly - The Economy

Two interesting items, in my humble opinion, from tonight's "The Factor" interview with Sen. Barak Hussien Obama.

First, and probably the most interesting is that Sen. Obama VOLUNTEERED that there WAS economic growth during the Bush administration. As a person who on occassion listens to the Democrats, I thought the mantra was that NOTHING good happened under Satan's President Bush's administration.

Second, Sen. Obama promised to raise the top tax bracket ($250K) back to 39% and then used the arguement that "Teddy Roosevelt supported the progressive taxes." He compared the US to the ChiComms-- stating that the Olympics showed they have a great infrastructure and we have crumbling sewers. Interesting that he compared the US to a communist country AFTER O'Reilly stated that Obama's tax plan of wealth redistribution was socialist.

Tomorrow, O'Reilly and Sen Obama talk about Rev. Wright.

Obama on O'Reilly - The Economy

Big Bounce!

In a poll taken by USA Today/Gallup this past weekend, Sen. McCain gets a HUGE bounce from his convention.

In the new poll, taken Friday through Sunday, McCain leads Obama by 54%-44% among those seen as most likely to vote. The survey of 1,022 adults, including 959 registered voters, has a margin of error of +/— 3 points for both samples.

Note that this was amoung LIKELY voters, not just registered voters.

Obviously, Sen. McCain got something right at his convention.

Stop the ACLU has more on this poll.

Big Bounce!

A Night In a Future Obama Presidency

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A Night In a Future Obama Presidency

Obama: "I Don't Have the Votes In Congress" to Take Your Guns Away

The Messiah Barak Hussien Obama promised a crowd in Duryea, PA, that he would not take guns away... after all, he doesn't have the votes in Congress. From the Wallstreet Journal:

“If you’ve got a gun in your house, I’m not taking it,’’ Obama said. But the Illinois senator could still see skeptics in the crowd, particularly on the faces of several men at the back of the room.

So he tried again. “Even if I want to take them away, I don’t have the votes in Congress,’’ he said. “This can’t be the reason not to vote for me. Can everyone hear me in the back? I see a couple of sportsmen back there. I’m not going to take away your guns.’’

So, if he had the votes in Congress would he take guns away? Probably.

The other thing to note in his statement is his wording, "if you have a gun in your house, I'm not taking it."

So, as long as the gun is "in your house" he won't take it. So much for the right to "bear arms."

He also never says he "doesn't" want to take guns away. He states specifically, "Even if I want to take them away." Note he is not saying, "I DON'T want to take them away." Some may say I am parsing words here, however, The Messiah Barak Hussein Obama is perhaps one of the most eleoquent speakers of the day. The man is nothing but careful with his words. The way he made the statement is intentional.

As John at Stop the ACLU points out, he also specifically addresses his comments to sportsmen. So although The Messiah Obama MAY allow an exception for hunting, he definately is opposed to all other ownership. Just look at his record.

There is of course, one last statement to look at- "I’m not going to take away your guns." Of course HE personally won't take them away- He will leave that to the BATF.

Obama: "I Don't Have the Votes In Congress" to Take Your Guns Away

Gov Palin Destroys Obama's Bounce (Poll Results)

Poll results are now coming in that reflect opinions after Gov. Palin's Speech on Wednesday night.

This morning, Rassmussen released its daily tracking poll showing Obama 46% and McCain 45%.

What is important to note is this comment from Rassmussen:

Virtually all of the interviews for today’s update were completed before McCain’s speech last night. Roughly two-thirds of the interviews were completed before Palin’s speech on Wednesday night. Tracking Polls are released at 9:30 a.m.

Both Obama and McCain are now viewed favorably by 57% of the nation’s voters. However, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is viewed favorably by 58%--a point more than either Presidential hopeful. Forty percent (40%) have a Very Favorable opinion of her.\[emphasis added]

So, in my analysis, we have Gov. Palin wiping out any bounce that Obama had from his convention with just 1/3 of the people surveyed having heard her speech! We also have no results showing from Sen. McCain's speech last evening. This will be important to remember when later today the MSM starts "implying" that McCain is still behind "after" his convention-- the results are not all in.

Ace agrees with me that the bounce is gone!

Gov Palin Destroys Obama's Bounce (Poll Results)

Gov. Palin vs. Sen. Barak Hussien Obama- Who is More Qualified

I know what my personal opinion is, but I will let you, the reader be the judge.

Gov. Palin vs. Sen. Barak Hussien Obama- Who is More Qualified

Thoughts on Sen. McCain's Acceptance

Sen. McCain gave a speech tonight that is probably the best of his political career.

Instead of talking about what is wrong with America it was about how much he loved America. He spoke of how he found the right partner to shake up Washington. He spoke of unity. He promised Independents and Democrats in is administration. He took the mantel of change right out of the hands of Sen. Barak Hussien Obama.

He spoke on issues- regardless of what the Democrats will say.

He spoke very personally of his time in Vietnam.

"We are Americans, We Never Give Up, We Never Hide for History."

As the crowd went wild, I personally started flashing back to hearing about "the Shining City on the Hill."

It was outstanding. It will win votes.

I will post a video of the speech as soon as it is available.

Michelle Malkin provided live blogging during the speech. Her thoughts are here.

Thoughts on Sen. McCain's Acceptance

Link Between Solar Activity and Weather Obscure?

UPDATE: I have received a communication from Mr. Fox, stating, in no uncertain terms, that his comments were taken out of context in the interview with The Bristol Press. Mr. Fox further states that I have exacerbated the situation. Therefore, in the interest of fairness and integrity, I have made some edits to my original post.

I have also sent an email to Mr. Fox asking him if he would like to clarify his quotes. I stated in my email to him that I will post his clarification and actual opinions here, should he wish to clarify. I am sure he is a busy person, and replying to me may not be on the top of his priority list, so please check back to this story for any reply from Mr. Fox.

Edited Post:

I guess that things that are obvious to your "everyday, guy next-door," are not as obvious to people that are "in the know."

Geoff Fox, a meteorologist with WTNH-TV in Connecticut, is quoted in an interview with The Bristol Press, that "he is intrigued by a possible link between solar activity and weather." Then, Fox is quoted saying, "No one knows what one has to do with the other."

It appears that Mr. Fox has been misquoted or at least edited (in my opinion) to appear that he does not see a connection between solar activity and weather, which he was not saying. So, it would seem The Bristol Press has an agenda to push a certain point of view, and it would seem that their view is that ManBearPig Global Warming Climate Change is totally man made or at least that it has no connection to Solar Activity.

To those that question any linkage of solar activity to weather or climate I ask, "What if the Sun went out tomorrow? Would that affect the weather?" or "What if the Sun started burning hotter by millions of degrees? Would that affect weather?" Most kids in kindergarten would probably say yes to both questions! There must be at least some linkage of solar activity to weather and climate, or there would be no changes if these events happened.

Perphaps "they" do know there is a linkage, but are just afraid to admit it.

If "they" were to admit that solar activity has "something" to do with weather, then "they" might have to admit that ManBearPig Global Warming the Climate Change that AlGore and his zealots "warn" us about, may not be "man made" after all. "They" might not be able to collect millions in Carbon Credits. "They" might loose political influence.

To be understood-- I care about the environment. I am a conservationist and I am a Hunter. I believe that the two things go hand in hand. I believe in preserving nature and the planet for myself, my family and future generations. I also believe in alternative fuels and power-- not to "stop ManBearPig Global Warming" -- but to reduce costs and create energy independence for our nation.

Fortunately, not everyone is confused about if the Sun has anything to do with weather...

All my readers should check out the work of Anthony Watts. He is on my daily read list and is a meteorologist that I trust.

And if you have the time or are so inclined, read about the SurfaceStations.Org project, volunteer and/or donate if you can. It is definitely a worth while project and cause.

Link Between Solar Activity and Weather Obscure?

Biden: Obama May Pursue Criminal Charges Against Bush

According to a report in The Guardian, an administration run by The Messiah Barak Hussien Obama would investigate and pursue criminal charges against President Bush and his administration.

From The Guardian:

"If there has been a basis upon which you can pursue someone for a criminal violation, they will be pursued," Biden said during a campaign event in Deerfield Beach, Florida, according to ABC.

"[N]ot out of vengeance, not out of retribution," he added, "out of the need to preserve the notion that no one, no attorney general, no president -- no one is above the law."

I suppose I should not be amazed but, sometimes, the hatred that these people express is beyond belief.

If there was really something there, the Democratic Congress would have already issued articles of impeachment. This is a witch hunt. This is an attempt to "get-even" with "W" for the election of 2000 and for having the audacity to LEAD the country, and not just follow opinion polls. This is an attempt to re-write history and say, "this was all Bush's fault- he lied- he committed felonies to get us to where we are now" when the fact remains, that the President's actions were authorized by Congress.

Fortunately, as Ace points out, this is all theoretical at this point.

Biden: Obama May Pursue Criminal Charges Against Bush

Let "The Games" Begin

Today it began. From across the world the athletes have gathered for the one event in sports at seems to bring the world together, the Olympic Games.

I am not a huge sports fan, but, I do always watch the Olympic Games, winter or summer, and I always feel a sense of pride in my country as I watch team USA take the medal stands.

These Olympic Games are even more exciting, I personally believe, because of where they are-- the People's Republic of China.

I remember fondly the Olympic Games of the 80's at the end of the Cold War. There was excitement as Team USA went up against athletes with CCCP on their uniforms. It was us against the Soviets and even if the finals of an event did not include an America, we could always root for the British, or Aussies or for ANY NATO/Allied Country… all to beat the commies and the Warsaw Pact.

In the 90's and through 2004 some of that rivalry was lost… There was no Communist Evil Empire for us to compete against. I mean I just could not get as excited about us against the Australians, or the Japanese or British.

But these Olympics bring some of the "Old Rivalry" back for me. Team USA is once again in a Communist Country. Again, Team USA will have the chance to show that FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY can prevail over Totalitarianism and Communism…

GO TEAM USA!!!

Lest we forget about the host country and lest we think from the Opening Ceremonies that they are open, free, and respect people and human rights… just a quick note from news I have archived--

February 5, 2008- BEIJING - A court Tuesday sentenced a Chinese democracy activist who wrote about corruption to four years in prison on subversion charges, his wife and lawyer said.

Lu Gengsong was convicted of "inciting subversion of state power" by the Intermediate People's Court in Hangzhou, a resort city near the eastern commercial center of Shanghai.

And, of course, we should never forget what happened just down the street from the new Olympic Stadium--

Let "The Games" Begin

Barack Obama- "The One"

So, I have not posted in several months... The reason for this is simple. I have been working in a contract for hire position, and I was advised by a friend that perhaps I should back off for a while, so that my opinions would not influence my prospective employer.

However, I have been assured recently that it really was ok for me to write-- so I am back-- as often as I have time for-- sharing my "wisdom" with the world.

So, to kick off this new era, I am sharing a new video of "the Devine One, the Great, the All Mighty, he who shall save us all, He who shall bless us all, he who shall deliver us from the Valley of the Shadow of Bush"-- Barak Hussien Obama.



"The One" from the John McCain 2008 Campaign

Barack Obama- "The One"

Flying to Phoenix on US Airways

So, tonight I am flying to Phoenix on a US Airways flight. Normally I don't worry about flying, and I really am not "that" worried.

But, I have to ask, if you are a US Airways Pilot, and you are on final approach in a Boeing 737, Airbus 320 series or a Boeing 757, don't you usually keep your hands on the yoke (or stick in the Airbus case)? If you are reaching around the cockpit, isn't that usually just to flip a couple of switches on the overhead or maybe to retard the throttle? I realize that cockpits are pretty automated, but shouldn't a pilot on final be pretty busy?

So what in the WORLD could have happened to allow a US Airway's Pilot's pistol to discharge on final???? Should I wear Kevlar when I fly tonight?

Flying to Phoenix on US Airways

Community College Considering Armed Security

A good first step for Johnson County Community College. Perhaps a next step would be to consider allowing Concealed Carry Permit holders to carry on college Campuses.

From Kansas Progress:

“On university campus you see a world view that in my opinion does not deal with reality. I think they deal with the reality of evil two ways on campus. One, they pretend it doesn’t exist, and two, to the extent that they do believe it exists they believe that human reason and the power of the human mind can combat all evil. I just don’t think that’s where most Americans are on the issue.

“We lock our doors at night, we teach our daughters self-defense practices, just in case something happens, we know that evil is out there and we need to protect ourselves from it.

“In the event that we have an unfortunate incident on campus I don’t believe it would be in the best interest of the taxpayers that we would have to wait for outside forces to come before we could react in kind.”

-State Representative and JCCC Board Trustee Benjamin Hodge

Community College Considering Armed Security

Emergency Powers Bill Passes Kansas House

From the NRA....Emergency Powers legislation, House Bill 2811, was passed to final action Thursday, March 20 in the House and a vote will likely take place on Monday, March 23. HB2811 would prevent the State of Kansas from confiscating, registering, or regulating the lawful sale, possession, transfer, transport or carry of firearms during a state of emergency, such as occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This bill would protect Kansans' right to self-defense, even during a declared state of emergency.

Emergency Powers Bill Passes Kansas House

DC v. Heller- The Oral Arguments

The official transcript of the oral arguments from District of Columbia v. Heller can be downloaded here.

Far be it from me to second-guess "the Court," but based on my reading of the oral arguments in DC v. Heller, I am optimistic that the DC ban on handguns will be overturned.

It seems to me that Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Scalia, Justice Kennedy, and Justice Alito will come down on the side of Heller, against DC. Justice Thomas, who rarely ever asks questions during argument, has somewhat libertarian views, and will, I am sure, down on the side of Heller as well.

The only other Justices that I a believe I am sure of are Justice Stevens and Justice Souter. There is no doubt in my mind that he will side with DC. Justice Stevens spent time during the arguments going back to the 1700's and stressing that only two of the original states had SPECIFIC clauses in their constitutions which acknowledged an individual right.

Justice Breyer and Justice Ginsburg, by my reading, may take the view that yes, there is an individual right to keep and bear arms, but that the District of Columbia ban is reasonable. Justice Ginsburg seemed to be suggesting this in her statement to Solicitor General Clemet:

"If we're going back to the English Bill of Rights, it was always understood to be subject to the control and limitation and restriction of Parliament. And I don't think there's any doubt about that. And that's what we're talking about here, are legislative restrictions." (Transcript 34:2)

The biggest question that I now have is what the Court will decide on the issue of how laws are to be scrutinized going forward assuming the Court rules that the Second Amendment is an individual right.

Justice Scalia seemed to me to favor strict scrutiny, while the Chief Justice asked why that needs to be decided now and why would they decide it now.

So, now we wait until June to find out what the Courts opinion really is.

A couple of interesting notes-- When Alan Gura, arguing for Mr. Heller, was using the Miller case to discuss types of guns that would be allowed stated that even though Gura was being faithful to Miller, that "Miller may be deficient"(62:22).

Another was Justice Scalia on a limit to the number of guns a person may have:

"You mean you can't have any more arms than you would need to take with you to the militia? You can't have a -- you can't have a -- you know, a turkey gun and a duck gun and a 30.06 and a 270 and -- you know, different -- different hunting guns for different --" (88:8).

It is nice to see that at least one of our Justices hearing this case, can actually name the caliber of some guns.

UPDATE: I just ran across THIS article at Concurring Opinions. It is a very good article to read.

DC v. Heller- The Oral Arguments

DC v Heller: What Did the Founders Really Mean?

Tomorrow District of Columbia v. Heller will be heard before the Supreme Court. Tomorrow, at the beginning of the 21st Century, the Nine members of The Court, all born in the 20th twentieth century, will listen to argument and debate over what the members of the Constitutional Convention meant in the 18th Century, when they arranged 27 words and 3 commas into the 2nd Amendment.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed

After over 200 years, it is amazing that we, as a people, do not appear to know what these words mean.

I remember grade-school US History. I remember having to memorize what each of the 10 Amendments in the Bill of Rights were. Things were simple. We have freedom of speech, religion, press, the right to bear arms, trial by jury, etc. These were our Rights. They were from God. They were non-negotiable.

In High School and College classes discovered that what I learned in grade-school was not exactly true. I learned that The Court said that what the Founders wrote was not exactly what the Founders meant. I learned that "The Court" has looked at the words the Founders wrote and answered the question "what did they REALLY mean."

However, has "The Court," when looking at the MEANING of what the Founders SAID, left out what the Founders REALLY meant?

The Court has looked at what "freedom of speech, press, and religion" has meant. But, did The Court forget too look at the FIRST five words of the Amendment and forget what THEY really meant?

"CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW…." I am not a legal scholar, but a plain text reading to me says, "Congress shall make NO LAW…" To me that means "Congress shall make NO LAW" regarding freedom of speech or religion or freedom of the press or of the right to petition the government.

Over hundreds of years and hundreds rulings, The Court has created a situation where every one of the rights listed in the Bill of Rights now has an "asterisk." Free Speech only means Free Speech under certain circumtances. The Right to Bear arms, according to some, does not mean that at all. Police can go "door to door" to search for guns and drugs because it is "voluntary." The powers not EXPRESSLY granted to the Federal Government are reserved to the States or to the people, except when the Federal government wants to create new regulations.

Tomorrow the Court will look at the Second Amendment and argue over the first 23 words. However, I would venture to say that the last FOUR words, will be ignored. The last four words of the Second Amendment are just as important. The words "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED" should specifically limits to what the government may do with regard the "right of the people to keep and bear Arms."

So I return to the central question: What did the Founder's Really Mean?

In my opinion, I think the Founders would say, "Look at what we wrote-It's simple: The People's rights--all of them--SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED. PERIOD."

DC v Heller: What Did the Founders Really Mean?

Missing WWII Battle Cruiser Found

The HMAS Sydney, missing since November 19, 1941 has been found. She went down with all 645 hands during a fight with the German DKM Kormoran, who had been disguised as a Dutch merchant vessel. The Kormoran was also sunk in the battle, although 317 of her 397 man crew survived and were taken prisoner when they rowed to shore in Australia.

HMAS Sydney was found in 8,100 feet of water sitting up-right. She was the largest vessel from any country to be lost with all hands during WWII.

Kormoran survivors had reported that they had last seen the Sydney ablaze but heading toward Perth. Although it was assumed that she had sunk, there was no confirmation of this and her exact fate had not been known.

The Sydney was found by David Mearns.

Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea.

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,
and calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea

-Eternal Father [The Navy Hymn]

Missing WWII Battle Cruiser Found

Juan Williams On Obama

Link: sevenload.com

Juan Williams On Obama

"May I Search Your Home?- It is Completely Voluntary"

It is early evening. You have just pulled perfectly cooked "Nathan's Hot-Dogs" off the grill. There is the usual pre-dinner rush in the kitchen as the meal is being brought to the table. The kids are washing their hands. You usually keep the TV off during dinner, but tonight is an exception. There is a baseball game on and your team is doing well this season. You decide to grab a beer from the fridge. You smell the apple pie your wife has put into the oven for desert. Your dog is sitting patiently beside the table, knowing that sooner or later one of the kids will drop something from their plate-or hoping that you might give in and let him have that last bite of your second hot-dog.

You look around you. Baseball, hot-dogs, your family with you, your dog at your side, the smell of apple-pie in the kitchen- there is nothing that can ruin this All-American, Norman Rockwell moment- Except the three rapid knocks at the door that jolt you back to reality.

You get an uncomfortable feeling in your gut. The knocking was loud- with a purpose, not the way salesmen knock, or the way the next-door neighbor kid knocks, when she comes over to tell you about the latest reason she is selling candy for school or that her mother would like to borrow an egg. No, this knock was confident and definitely had a purpose.

You reach the door. Outside you hear a voice, but it is mixed with static. You realize the voice is coming from a two-way radio. You peer out the peep hole and see two men dressed in blue and the badge of your local police department. The uncomfortable feeling in your gut grows. What could be wrong, you wonder. Has their been an accident? Has someone died?

You open the door. "Can I help you officers," you ask with a hint of concern in your voice.

Both officers smile. One of them takes a slight step forward. "Good evening," he says. "We are here in your neighborhood as part of the "Safe Homes Initiative." We would like to know if we can come inside and perform a quick walk through of your house as part of "Safe Homes." We would just like to help you out by verifying that you don't have any guns that are not locked up in the house and help you check to make sure that your kids haven't accidently picked up a handgun in the park and hidden it from you. I am sure you are concerned about your kids safety and making sure you home is safe. You won't mind if we come in and take a quick look around? We are checking all the homes in the neighborhood. And this is completely voluntary."

You stand there staring at both officers, unsure of what to do next. Both officers are smiling, but you notice their hands are resting on their service pistols.

The second officer reaches into his shirt pocket and pulls out his note pad. "Can I get your name please," he asks. "just for my paperwork of course."

So now what? Do you let the police in to do a "voluntary" search of your home? Do you refuse, and then wonder if you have made some "list?"

Think this can never happen here? It starts, in the District of Columbia, March 24, 2008. To me, this sounds like something from a 1930's Gestapo playbook.
District of Columbia police will be asking parents/guardians for permission to conduct "voluntary" searches of their homes and children's bedrooms to search for firearms and drugs. Supposedly the search will only be for illegal firearms and drugs. However, I am sure that these searches will lead to prosecution for other matters, based on what they see in plain sight, even though some amnesty is supposed to be involved for the voluntary search. If a found gun has been used in a crime- prosecution will follow.

I have huge concerns about this program. Will people be too intimidated by the police to not allow them into the house? What happens if people refuse? Will the cops just say, "Thanks, have a great day" or will the next question be "Do you have something to hide?"

DC already has the strictest gun control laws in the nation, and NOW they need to go door to door to perform warrantless searches.

Boston and Philadelphia-- Guess what guys, You are next…. (Boston program starts this month, Philadelphia is still working on their program).

"May I Search Your Home?- It is Completely Voluntary"

Psoriatic Arthritis- Starting Methotrexate

Earlier this week I wrote about being diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis.

I saw the doctor again today. After a lot of discussion we came up with a treatment plan that will hopefully keep me from loosing the use of my hands and keep me out of a wheelchair-- Enbrel and Methotrexate. Enbrel is an injection that I will take twice a week… it suppresses the immune system. Methotrexate is oral. It is a chemotherapy drug for certain leukemia's, lung cancer and some other cancers, but it also works for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA). I take six pills over the course of 24 hours and then no more for a week. I have to wait for the insurance to approve the Enbrel, plus there is a bunch of blood tests, a chest X-ray, TB test and other stuff they have to do before I can start taking it.

So, I started my first course of Methotrexate today. All I can say is I wonder if the cure is worse than the disease. The literature was right about the nausea, achiness, being worn out, feverish (low grade), dizziness. Fortunately, from what I have read, I only need to put up with these side affects for 24-36 hours, then I will be back to normal.

Unfortunately, one of the other side affects is slow hair loss. Hopefully that one won't affect me.

If there are any of my readers out there who have PsA or have taken methotrexate, please feel free to email me if you are comfortable. If you have found this post because you have PsA or think you might have Psoriatic Arthritis, again, please feel to email or comment below and I will gladly share any information I know or experiences I have had.

Psoriatic Arthritis- Starting Methotrexate

No Sunspots- Sun Still Quiet

Again this week Sunspot activity has been next to (if not at) zero. This quiet has persisted for the entire month and according to reports, it may continue for some time to come.

The NOAA 'low view' is projecting Sunspot activity to be at zero for the rest of the year!

I am really beginning to wonder about what is happening. NASA heralded the arrival of Cycle 24 in January. Yet all of the sunspots that have occurred since the January announcement have been from Cycle 23. Nothing has been seen of Cycle 24 since the sunspot in January.

The NOAA report and projections are indicating the possibility of a minimum last through December 2008 with activity not starting until January of 2009. Others at NOAA (in the same report) are saying that the minimum has passed and that we should start seeing activity in April.

With global temperature and solar activity linked, I am wondering what does this minimum mean for temperature for the balance of the year? NOAA reported that this winter was the 54th coldest since they began keeping records in 1895. Is this a sign of things to come?

Are we in fact now heading for another Maunder or Dalton Minimum?

(This Post has a "near real time" picture of the Sun and Sunspot Activity from the SOHO Satellite)

No Sunspots- Sun Still Quiet

Obama's Free Pass: How Much Longer

How much longer will Barack Hussein Obama get a free pass and when will the public wake up to the fact that this guy is bad news.

He get takes office as a US Senator in 2005. A few months later his wife gets a 200% salary bump from her employer and then her employer gets a $1 Million earmark, courtesy of Barack Hussein Obama. (The Hospital of course says the two were not related.)

He is old friends with "the Weathermen."

He does land deals with Tony Rezko and his staffers get great jobs.

Now we find that his "spiritual advisor," friend, and Pastor is a blatant racist that blames 9/11 on US Support for Israel. He states that blacks should not say God bless America, the should say God damn America. This "pastor" is spewing the same sort of crap as Fred Phelps!

However, if ANY Republican candidate said that Fred Phelps was their pastor and that they had consulted him before running for office, they would be crucified by the press and would be resigning the campaign the next day. I am not the only one who thinks so!!


How much longer does Barack Hussein Obama get a free pass?

Benjamin Franklin put it best: "He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas."

Obama's Free Pass: How Much Longer

U-Va: Children of Illegals Not Legal Residents

The University of Virginia is telling students that if your parents are illegal aliens, they are NOT legal residents of the state and therefore out-of-state tuition should apply.

The Virginia AG's office last week said that the schools in Virginia must consider parents legal status because students are considered dependant until age 24. However, the University can review cases to determine if a student's status should be considered separate from the parents.

Despite what I am sure the left will say, this is NOT a bad thing. A parent's legal residence has ALWAYS been an issue when determining a student's residency status. Schools have always been strict on this issue. If the parent is NOT a LEGAL RESIDENT AND TAXPAYER of the state, why should they get tuition breaks for their kids.

I sure wish Kansas would get the message.

U-Va: Children of Illegals Not Legal Residents

Congress: Sell Israel the F-22

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) plan on making anther bid (I didn't know they made previous bids) to purchase the Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor next month. Apparently, they were denied previously due to a congressional restriction on selling the F-22 overseas.

There are several reasons why we SHOULD sell the F-22 to Israel.

First- We need the jobs in the US. Increasing the production of the F-22 would increase jobs in the US- plain and simple.

Second- I am sure the Israeli's will do a great job "testing" the F-22 in "adverse conditions"- just like they tested the F-16 back in June of 1981.

Third- Stealth will make it much easier to take out Iranian Nuke facilities… But I am sure that this has never crossed anyone else's mind.

Fourth- We need the jobs!!! (ok, I may have mentioned that one already)

Call or write Congress. Ask them to support lifting the restriction on the sale of the F-22. Tell them to let Israel buy the F-22 and create US jobs.

Congress: Sell Israel the F-22

DC v. Heller- 5 Days To Go

It is now less than five days to go before oral arguments are heard in the case, District of Columbia v. Heller. Oral arguments before the Supreme Court will be heard on March 18, 2008 and I will provide a link to the audio and transcripts just as soon as they are available.

This morning Robert Novak wrote an interesting article about the case and some of the "Washington Insider" information that he always seems privy to.

Mr. Novak states that the President was fully aware, and gave his blessing, to the Vice President signing on to the Amicus Brief from the Congress in support of Heller, despite the fact that this brief is contrary to the "government" position. Mr. Novak also states that the Solicitor General will "amend" his brief during oral arguments on Tuesday. There is some speculation as to whether that will actually be the case.

There has been a lot of attention paid to this case, and this case is generating a variety of questions that probably never occurred to Mr. Heller or his counsel when they first filed.

As I have previously written, this is the case of a generation. There is certainly not another case on the Court's docket this session that is more significant and I do not believe there has been another case in the last several years that has the potential to fundamentally decide the meaning of the Bill of Rights.

The decision of the Supreme Court in this case will be a landmark in the political landscape. This case will be the "Roe v Wade" of the twenty-first century. If the Court rules for DC, the "Right" will be "up at arms," so to speak. There will be cries for new Justices and a new litmus test for candidates as well as for the Supreme Court.

Should the Supreme Court side with Heller, the "Left" will be equally frustrated, and cries will go out for new Justices and a new Litmus test.

This case will truly be the case of the decade.

Click Here for More from The Carden Chronicles on DC v. Heller.

DC v. Heller- 5 Days To Go

Don't Avoid the Doctor

I usually do not use this blog to post personal information, but I feel the need to share with everyone what is going on and encourage readers not to put off doctor's visits or avoid the doctor.

This week was given a "life changing" diagnosis from my doctor.

Several years ago, I discovered that I had psoriasis. Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin disorder that causes patches of redness and causes areas to build into a silvery scale and flake. Mine is fairly mild and certainly not as bad as many other cases. Generally, I use a topical ointment that keeps it under control and, up until a few months ago, I never really gave it much of a second thought.

A few months ago, I started noticing joint discomfort. This would come and go. The discomfort was in my fingers, my shoulders, and other joints, but I always had an excuse for it. I would think, "oh, I just typed to much," or "I need to clean out my laptop bag," or things along that line. At first, it would last a short while and go away. I avoided the symptoms. I ignored the symptoms. I hoped the problem would just go way. Then, I noticed that it was virtually constant. I also noticed that this was no longer discomfort, it was pain.

Finally, after a lot of encouragement from my wife (and pleading and arguing), I gave in and went to the doctor.

We discussed the pain I was having. He poked and prodded. He went over my history with me. Then he said, "it looks like you have psoriatic arthritis… I'm going to refer you…" This started me down a path of researching what this condition was and what I needed to do.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PA) is a condition that occurs in 10 to 30% of people who have psoriasis. It is somewhat similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis. PA can cause a variety of symptoms. Joint pain is common These symptoms can include deterioration of the joints, deterioration and fusing of bones in the spine, swelling of fingers to a "sausage" appearance, swelling and inflammation of the whites of the eyes (conjunctiva), deterioration of the bones in the fingers, inflammation of the lungs (pleurisy), inflammation of the heart and inflammation of the kidneys. Sometimes people with PA eventually need knee or hip replacements because of the damage to the joints. PA symptoms can be treated, but it cannot be cured or reversed. Treatment will slow, but not stop, PA.

After reading about all of this, I was, needless to say, not pleased. I am still young (I will turn 40 this year) and I enjoy being active. I enjoy hunting, backpacking, camping, and all sorts of outdoor activities. Additionally, I work in Information Technology. Typing is a big part of my profession and livelihood. Having a condition that will cause deterioration of my fingers is not something that will help career growth. To say I was upset about the diagnosis would be a bit of an understatement.

I am not giving in to this diagnosis. I am learning everything I can about PA and things I can do to make my life better. I am seeing a couple of specialists and making some lifestyle changes to be a healthier person.

I will continue to write. There are days when typing is not easy to do or comfortable to do. However, this is something that I love doing. So, there may be days where I do not write much, but it is not because I am not wanting to write. Rest assured, on those days, I will write what I can, and I will continue to research, read and look for material that will hopefully encourage thought, discussion and debate.

In the mean time….

Readers, especially men, don't put off that physical or trip to the Doctor. I am thankful that for me, the delay did not cause irreparable damage. But, there are other conditions and other symptoms that men tend to ignore or avoid. Putting off a doctor's visit can make things worse and can even be deadly. When you hear your wife or significant other say, "you really need to see the doctor about that" take the suggestion to heart. Avoiding the doctor will probably not make symptoms go away…and putting up with a bit of discomfort at the doctor's office may just save your life.

Don't Avoid the Doctor

ACLU: NO Regulation of Prostitution

Governor Spitzer has resigned. As far as Gov. Spitzer goes, for me this is simple. Spitzer violated state law and he should have resigned and should be prosecuted. I would also question if he may have abused his office and cut any back room deals. He was prosecuting prostitution rings at the same time he was seeing prostitutes. That leads me to wonder if there was something "fishy" going on.

But, since Gov. Spitzer brought up the issue, it is appropriate to discuss the issue of prostitution and the published views of the ACLU.

I PERSONALLY DISAGREE WITH PROSTITUTION ON MORAL GROUNDS.

However, I do not believe that prostitution should in any way, shape or form be federally regulated. This would fly in the face of the 10th Amendment.

State regulation is another matter. If the people of a given state decide that they want to regulate prostitution, then, the will of the people should prevail. Historically, prostitution has been regulated dating back to ancient times. Rome had various laws and taxes surrounding prostitutes and prostitution. This regulation has historically played an important role in the protection of public health.

The people at the ACLU have a different opinion. They seem to believe that prostitution should be legalized and unregulated. From Stop the ACLU:

The ACLU's Policy 211 is straightforward. "The ACLU supports the decriminalization of prostitution and opposes state regulation of prostitution". They base their argument on several points, including that existing laws are discrimination against women, and the right of individual privacy. They argue that what two consenting adults in private do is their own business. However, when you also oppose zoning laws, and regulation you can hardly argue that prostitution is a private business.

This yet another issue that the ACLU is on the wrong side of.

ACLU: NO Regulation of Prostitution

Here We Go Again: Free Speech and School

Freedom of Speech, the Second Amendment, Draconian Dress Codes, Anti-terrorism, Patriotism, School Authority vs. Student speech, Post-Columbine Panic, and Prior Precedent where the ACLU was on the same side as the NRA-- This case has it all!!! I am almost giddy! This will be another case to watch- another case about Free Speech vs. Public Schools. This case is MILLER v. PENN MANOR SCHOOL DISTRICT et al.

Donald Miller III, 14, wore a T-shirt to Penn Manor High School in Pennsylvania last December, depicting a semi-automatic pistol with the words, "Volunteer-Homeland Security-Special issue Resident Lifetime License — United States Terrorist Hunting Permit — Permit No. 91101 — Gun Owner — No Bag Limit." The shirt, which Donald says he wore to support his uncle who is a soldier in Iraq, violated the "vague Orwellian policy" of the school and Donald was asked to turn his shirt inside out. Donald refused, and received detention. The parents have filed suit in the Pennsylvania Eastern District Court.

If ANY of this sounds familiar, it is because this has all happened before. The case I refer to is Newsome v. Albermarle.

In the Newsome case, Alan Newsom wore a "NRA Shooting Camp" t-shirt to his middle school in the Albermarle School District in Virginia. He too was told to turn his shirt inside out because the shirt showed pictures of people shooting guns and the teacher who saw it immediately had visions of Columbine. Alan complied, after being warned that he should not refuse.

The parents filed suit, saying that this was a violation of the First Amendment. The lower court basically said, no harm was done and ruled against Newsome. The parents appealed. The Virginia ACLU joined the suit in favor of Newsome. The 4th Circuit ruled that in fact, the schools dress code was too vague and that Mr. Newsome's rights had been violated.

In their opinion, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals pointed out, "Ironically, Albemarle County High School, which is located across the street from [the middle school where Newsome attends], uses the image of a patriot armed with a musket as its own mascot. Various clothing depicting support for the University of Virginia and Albemarle County High School by way of the schools’ mascots would be banned under the 2002-2003 ... Dress Code."

Further the Circuit Court of Appeals said, "Similarly, [the dress code] would prevent a student from wearing a t-shirt bearing the insignia of many of the fighting units engaged in overseas operations in which parents or siblings may serve," and went on to state that banning support for an institution that just happens to have a weapon in their logo is "hardly related" to maintaining a safe school.

Because Newsome was a 4th Circuit case, and Pennsylvania is not in the 4th Circuit, I do not believe that the precedent will directly apply as case law, but I am sure the case will be mentioned.

(I have not been able to find out if the ACLU is going to do the right thing in this case as well.)
I personally wonder when these liberal school districts will realize that just because THEY don't like the War, guns, and the Second Amendment, they do not have cause to violate the First Amendment.

This is definitely a Case to Watch!

Here We Go Again: Free Speech and School

Followup: Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

UPDATE 3/13/2008- The Washington Post is reporting that the UK will "re-evaluate" Kazemi's case and that for the time being, he will not be deported.

The case of Mehdi Kazemi, 19, got worse for him today. Dutch officials are now deporting him back to Great Britian.

Kazemi had applied to Great Britain for political asylum because he (rightfully) fears execution if he his forced to return to Iran where he is from. When Great Britain denied his request, he fled to The Netherlands. Now, the Dutch are returning him to Great Britain, where he faces deportation to Iran, and then death by strangulation from a noose.

Kazemi's crime is that he his gay. His former boyfriend has already been hung by the Iranians.

His family is planning an appeal in Great Britain.

Followup: Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

Politicians: Eventually They Learn

It looks like Prime Minister Gordon Brown is now having to admit that he has learned a hard truth. Political campaigns and Political Reality are two different things. Like the some of the Democrats here in the United States, Gordon Brown campaigned for the PM seat saying that he would bring the troops home.

Now, it looks like military and political reality is setting in. The British will NOT be bringing troops home early according to a story in the Telegraph.
Apparently, Mr. Brown is discovering that the Ministry of Defense and real world security concerns trump political promises and that candidates don't always have all the answers.

I wonder when the Democrats will learn the same thing?

Politicians: Eventually They Learn

Kuwait Analyst: Best if Israel Takes Out Iranian Nukes

It is called Realpolitik. It is defined as "politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives." In other words, "we may disagree, but there are practical matters to consider."

I have heard stories of Saudi or Kuwaiti intelligence services being trained by Mossad, some Arab countries privately expressing thanks and relief when Israel took out Iraq's reactors in 1981 and other incongruities in the complex relations of the Mideast. This appears to be another one.

A Kuwaiti Analyst and former government adviser said in an interview with Al-Siyassah that having Israel take out any Iranian nukes would not be a bad thing and that it would be much better for the region for Israel to take action than for the US to do it.

"Honestly speaking, they would be achieving something of great strategic value for the [Gulf Cooperation Council] by stopping Iran's tendency for hegemony over the area," he said, adding that "nipping it in the bud by Israeli hands would be less embarrassing for us than if the Americans did it"

GCC countries are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

There is no way that this comment was just made arbitrarily. This has got to be a back-door signal to the Israeli Government. I don't think that "freedom of the Press" rates as high in the Mideast as it does here.

So, sometime in the future, Israel may send F-15 I's to Iran. The mission will be secret until the moment it is carried out. There will be no leaks. The Israeli Air Force will be completely successful. Iran will protest. The UN will meet in emergency session. The Security Council will vote to condemn Israel- but stop at a condemnation. The US and Great Britain might abstain if they don’t veto.

But, quietly, the leaders of the world, and the leaders of Arab countries in the Middle East will call Israel, and say "Great job! Thanks…." And the world will breath a sigh of relief.

Maybe President Ronald Reagan's immediate reaction to the 1981 Israeli attack on Iraq said it all. When he was told of the attack, his said, "Well, Boys will be Boys!"

Kuwait Analyst: Best if Israel Takes Out Iranian Nukes

Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

UPDATE: See my followup with news from 11 March 2008.

This is one of those cases that I am sure will give heartburn to some of my readers, however, I ask everyone to take a deep breath and look through the surface issue and look instead at the barbarity of Iran.

Mehdi Kazemi, 19, came to Great Britain in 2005 to attend school. However, his situation has changed from being a student to running for his life. Kazemi is gay. His boyfriend was arrested, tortured and then hanged by the Government of Iran- not for murder, or rape, but simply because he was gay. Now Kazemi has been told by his father, that if he returns to Iran, he will be tortured and hung as well.

Kazemi applied for asylum in Britain but was denied. Now he has fled to The Netherlands. where the Dutch police are holding until he can be returned to Britain where he faces deportation to Iran and certain death.

Kazemi wrote to the British Home Secretary,

"I wish to inform the Secretary of State that I did not come to the UK to claim asylum. I came here to study and return to my country.
"But in the past few months my situation back home has changed. The Iranian authorities have found out that I am a homosexual and they are looking for me."

This is not a case about this kid being gay. I could care less who he sleeps with or what he does in bed. This is a case about the BARBARITY of a TOTALITARIAN REGIEME. This a case about a THEOCRACY that will EXECUTE anyone that disagrees with it. This a case about BARBARISM from a religion that calls itself the "Religion of Peace."

This is a case where all of us, no matter our personal feelings or personal opinions need to stand up and call on Great Britain and the Netherlands to save this poor kid's life and stop this execution.

Teen Faces Execution if Amnesty Refused

Missouri Lawmakers Want Official Beer

Why Not?

Missouri State Representative Curt Dougherty has proposed that Budwieser be named the "Official Beer" of the State of Missouri.

From the Kansas City Star:

"We've got a state dinosaur, a state frog, a state reptile, a state flower, a state nut, but no one has given a thought to a company that's been in Missouri for many, many years and is bring prosperity to our state and manufacturing a product in our state that many people enjoy," Dougherty, D-Independence, said Friday.

This is one Democratic piece of legislation that I will support...

Missouri Lawmakers Want Official Beer

Lefty Judge Crosses the Line

A judge in the Peoples Republic of California has decided that foster children should not be allowed to join the US Marines.

From the LA Daily News.:

"The judge said she didn't support the Iraq war for any reason why we're over there," said Marine recruiter Sgt. Guillermo Medrano of the Simi Valley USMC recruiting office.

"She just said all recruiters were the same - that they`all tap dance and tell me what I want to hear.' She said she didn't want him to fight in it."

Apparently this is not the first time that this judge has pulled this kind of stunt. She also denied a request of another person to join the US Navy, according to the the story.

This type of left wing legislation from "the bench" and using a court room as a political soap box must be stopped.

Of course, then again this did happen in the Peoples Republic of California.

For more on this see Stop the ACLU and Gribbit's Word

Lefty Judge Crosses the Line

Oil Prices Down Before Elections?

The International Affairs Director of the Iranian National Oil Company today said "In view of the US presidential elections and considering the fact that the US is the world's biggest oil consumer, we expect oil prices to drop late summer."

So the question becomes just who exactly are they trying to influence?

Oil Prices Down Before Elections?

When Asked If You are a Civilian Jet Say YES!

A crew from a Lufthansa jet is in a bit of hot water this morning in Israel. Apparently they failed to identify themselves when they entered the airspace of Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. This was probably not the smartest thing that an aircrew can do.

The Israeli Air Force "showed they cared" by sending up a pair of fighters to provide the Lufthansa bird with a "warm welcome" to Israeli Airspace. Y'Net states that the crew will be "questioned" at the airport.

No word on whether the flight crew needed to change their shorts after being "approached" by IDF fighters.

When Asked If You are a Civilian Jet Say YES!

February Cool- Solar Minimum Continues

February was another cool month with only a very slight increase in temperature over January.

Anthony Watts breaks down the data and shows that there was a change of .062°C upwards.

The Sun is still very quiet, with no visible sunspots as of today.

I personally hope this solar cycle starts soon… Costco has already put all its winter gear away!

February Cool- Solar Minimum Continues

Causus Belli? Shots Fired From Venezuela to Columbia?

It's all over-- Nothing to see-- Move along--- Peace has broken out-- See Updates Below--

This is just Breaking (14:26 CST):

Fox news is reporting that shots have been fired by Venezuela across the boarder into Columbia and that Venezuelan troops have crossed the border into Columbia and may have returned back to Venezuela.

Apparently Columbia TV is showing Video of the troops crossing the border.

UPDATE (15:19 CST):
There is now confirmation from Columbia that they have killed FARC leader Ivan Rios.

“We can confirm that Ivan Rios, a member of the FRAC’s secretariat, died in this
operation by the army and the CTI,” said a Colombia official.

This from Fox:

Local Colombian media showed live pictures from the border where a few
Venezuelan troops allegedly crossed into Colombia and fired shots.

UPDATE (16:20 CST):
The BBC is NOW reporting that everything is now fine in South America, and that the leaders of Columbia, Venezuela and Ecuador are all going to sit down and sing "Kum-By-Ya." (Ok, I made up the Kum-By-Ya part) I guess I can start my weekend in peace.

UPDATE (16:24 CST):
Now Nicaragua is getting into this Give Peace a Chance/Kum-By-Ya moment... They have re-established diplomatic ties with Columbia.

Causus Belli? Shots Fired From Venezuela to Columbia?

Hamas Claims Responsibility

Those of the "Religion of Peace" known as Hamas have now claimed responsibility of the vile and brutal attack on the school in Jerusalem yesterday. Most of those killed were just kids.
From Haaretz:

"The Hamas movement announces its full responsibility for the Jerusalem
operation. The movement will release the details at a later stage," the official said.

At this point President Bush should walk into the Rose Garden, grab the nearest microphone and state very plainly, that since Hamas has now claimed responsibility for this, the US will FULLY SUPPORT any action that Israel would like to take, and that Iran better just shut up or they are next.

READERS: Go to WhiteHouse.gov, Senate.gov and House.gov. Call or Email the President, The Vice President and your Congressmen. Tell them to FULLY SUPPORT ANY action that Israel will take. As your Congressmen to call for a Joint Resolution that supports ANY AND ALL action that Israel takes against Hamas.

Remember, this Hamas scumbag targetted children and walked through this House of God CONFIRMING HIS KILLS. Remember, these were mostly children.

Read first hand reaction/aftermath from Israelly Cool.

Hamas Claims Responsibility

Skewed Reporting in Jerusalem Massacre

It seems that some of the Jerusalem Massacre has been skewed, making the event seem less horrific than it was and placing a slant on how the Massacre was stopped.

Some of the reporting has called the school a "college" or a "seminary." While these descriptions may be "technically" accurate, they present the image of an educational institution that is full of "older" students- at least in their early twenties. Little of the US reporting that I have seen has discussed how old the victims really were. Two were 15 years old. Two were 16, two were 18, one was 19 and one was 26. (Source here and here). I was actually was surprised that CNN seemed to get the ages right.

These were CHILDREN. These were CHILDREN IN SCHOOL that were gunned down by Terrorist who follow the "Religion of Peace."

Additionally, reporting has stated that the "gunman" was killed by an off-duty army officer. Only Fox reported that a STUDENT shot back. From Fox News:

One of the students, Yitzhak Dadon, said he shot the attacker twice in the head. "I laid on the roof of the study hall, cocked my gun and waited for him. He came out of the library spraying automatic fire," he said.

Could it be that some of the media does NOT want Americans to get the idea that Concealed Carry on College Campus may be a GOOD idea? It has actually been proposed in the Arizona Senate. It sure seems to have worked in Jerusalem.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that news has been skewed as it relates to Terrorists and Israel.

Skewed Reporting in Jerusalem Massacre

Terrorist Attack on Jerusalem School- Student Kills Terrorist

The basics are that so far, at least 8 Israeli Students at Mercaz Harav yeshiva were killed when two or possibly 3 terrorists dressed in jeans walked into the dining hall of the religious school and fired 300 to 500 rounds from an AK-47. Dozens have been wounded, some seriously. Most of the students that were attacked were high school aged.

At least one terrorist is dead. Israeli police are searching for the others.

Although US Press is reporting differently, Israeli reports(both Y'net and Jerusalem Post) are that a student at the school capped one of the terrorists... Says he dropped him with his pistol with two shots to the head! From YNet-

“We realized something happened so I cocked my handgun,” Yitzhak Dadon told Ynet Thursday evening.

“I went up on the roof and waited for the terrorist. Meanwhile, I saw blood and shattered glass,” Dadon said. “The terrorist continue firing in the air, so I waited to see him again, and then I shot him twice in the head.”

During the attack, terrorists also opened up on rescue workers responding to the scene. There where 80 or so gathered in the dining hall where the attack occured.

Of course, there was rejoicing in Gaza over the attacks.

This whole situation leads me to wonder how much worse this situation could have been. This situation is NO DIFFERENT than the campus shootings that we have seen in the US- except for ONE BIG FACTOR.

The School was not in a "[Law Abiding Citizens Only] Gun Free Zone." The liberals who come up with these "Gun Free" areas are perhaps the craziest people on the planet. These Liberals need to get a clue-- BAD GUYS DON'T CARE IF YOU SAY THIS IS A GUN FREE AREA! The ONLY people who will not carry a firearm in a gun free zone are law abiding citizens.

Yes, this is a tragedy, but it could have been MUCH worse. However, a STUDENT who was armed capped a terrorist. Maybe US Colleges can learn from this.

One last thought-- I wonder what pistol the student was using? I am sure it was one that was Made in Israel-- Probably the same one that is sold in the US as the Baby Eagle from Magnum Research... Maybe MR should adopt the slogan, "Baby Eagle- Made in Israel by Israeli Weapon Industries- Combat Tested....Daily"

If anyone is wondering, I have been wanting the Baby Eagle in .45 ACP to use as my carry weapon.

More Coverage:
The Jawa Report- Who always has exceptional coverage and discussion of stopping terrorists
Israelly Cool- Who has been live blogging the events of today as they unfold.

Terrorist Attack on Jerusalem School- Student Kills Terrorist

Russian Bomber Plays Chicken with USS Nimitz

It seems that the Soviet Union Russia is trying to resurrect the days of the Cold War. For the second time in the last 30 days, Soviet Russian bombers have approached the USS Nimitz carrier group while it has been operating near Korea.

Today, a Soviet Russian bomber flew within 3 to 5 nautical miles and 2100 feet of the USS Nimitz. The carrier group "showed they cared" by sending up some F/A-18's- just in case the Soviet Russian bomber was lost, had old faulty navigation equipment or was just sight seeing, and helped the bomber find its way to different airspace.

Last month, two "Bears" approached the same carrier group. The Nimitz responded by sending up F/A-18's to escort them from away from the carrier. (Photo is a US Navy released photo of an F/A-18 escorting a Soviet Russian Bear that approached the Nimitz on February 9, 2008).

The Soviet Russian Government has said they want to regain the strength they had as the Soviet Union. The US Navy says it was neither worried or concerned (or in other words, "yeah, right, whatever! Why don't you get some REAL bombers instead of those 50 year old prop jobs! At least OUR 50 year old bombers have JET engines!").

Russian Bomber Plays Chicken with USS Nimitz

Arab League to Israel: Ssshhh! Don't Tell!

This is perhaps the most insane piece of diplomatic news I have heard in a while. "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" has reached the Mid-East-- But not in regard to sexual orientation-- in regard to Israeli Nuclear Weapons.

The Arab League released a statement today from its meeting in Cairo. The statement said that if Israel ever officially announces that it has nuclear weapons, members of the Arab league will withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and ask the UN to have Israel destroy its Nukes.

Why is this insane? Because everyone KNOWS that Israel has nukes-- Including the members of the Arab League. They are not saying, if we DISCOVER that Israel has nukes, or if we have OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE that Israel has nukes, or if we SUSPECT that Israel has nukes, we will take action. The Arab League stated that if Israel ADMITS it has nukes they will take action…

In other words, Yes, we all KNOW that you have Nuclear Weapons, just PLEASE, keep it quiet and don't ever tell us and we will all just get along. We won't ask, and you won't tell!

Israel of course responded with "Nukes? What Nukes?"

Arab League to Israel: Ssshhh! Don't Tell!