The Lewandowski Issue or Fanatisism and Trump

This late in the campaign season, I usually am wrapping my head around the GOP nominee's positions and reconciling my posisitions vs the candidate's positions and trying to figure out what I can do to support my party's nominee.  

This is an unusual political season, but I think the most interesting part of this Presidential campaign cycle are the accusations of conspiracy.  We are not talking about the usual accusations of conspiracy: the vast right-wing conspiracy, or the left conspiring with the media to destroy everything Republican. This presidential election cycle, it's right on right conspiracy-or another words Republicans eating their young.

First we have the Trump and Meghan Kelly, then Trump calling out McCain (I really hate defending McCain), and Trump quoting verbatim  from the Code Pink playbook about President George W.  Bush during a GOP debate. Now we have the Michelle Fields and Corey Lewandowski situation.    

I'm not positive for what happened and Mr Lewandowski is innocent until proven guilty.   Yet Michelle Fields has bruises on her arm - apparently caused by Donald  Trumps's campaign manager.  First Lewandowski says It never happened, I don't know who you are and I never touched you.   Trump says "She made it up".  But now there's video. 

Maybe Michelle Fields bruises easy.   

Maybe it was a rushed event and it was an honest mistake by Lewandowski.  

It seems to me that when all this first came up that maybe a quick apology- "Hey, I'm sorry I grabbed your arm..." Probably could have resolved the issue.  

Instead we have several news cycles, with Trump saying "she made it up" followed by, pictures of the bruise followed by (eventually) a mug shot or footage of Lewandowski walking out of a Police station after turning himself in on the battery charges.  And we have the Trump campaign and many of his supporters now saying it's all a conspiracy to get Trump.  

Those making the accusations of conspiracy are bordering on fanatisism. 

If Trump thinks that this is not all going to resurface after the convention once we are into the General Election Campaign- he is a nut job. He is handing the DNC material for 30 second spots, again and again and again.  

The worst part of this entire situation, is this sparring is conservative on conservative.  This is more Republicans eating their young. Michelle fields is not a member of the "liberal press."She worked for Breitbart which is about an conservative as the press gets. 

Donald Trump says he wants the Republican nomination.  He continually viciously and unnecessarily attacks fellow conservatives. He's attacked John McCain (who I hate defending) on his Vietnam record. He attacked President George W. Bush in a primary debate with a tirade worthy of Code Pink. If I didn't know better, I would swear Donald Trump is running for the democratic nomination for president.  Perhaps he's spending his money to make sure Hillary WILL win the Presidency. 

Donald Trump says he wants the Republican nomination for president. He says he expects the support of the party for his run and expects to receive the parties nomination at the convention.  

Maybe it's time Mr. Trump stops the constant  attacking of the Republican Party if he expects to get Republican votes for the presidency. 

Otherwise he's just another RINO (a Republican in name only); and is far worse than the establishment he attacks on one hand and yet expects the support of on the other.

The Lewandowski Issue or Fanatisism and Trump

BREAKING- The Bizarre Hijacking of EgyptAir 181 (MS-181)

UPDATE :

Hijacker now identified as Saif al-Din Mustafa  (not a professor of veterinary medicine?) and he is now asking for the release of all female prisoners in Egypt 

Original Post:

Something is very wrong about the hijacking of EgyptAir 181 (MS181).  It makes no sense.  A Veterinarian and Professor from Egypt (reportedly with dual Egyptian-American citizenship) is hijacking a plane to request asylum in Cyprus and get a letter to his ex-wife? Keeping four (or five) foreigners as  hostages but letting all other passengers go? Something is VERY odd about this story and it just does not add up... apparently  this all may be a guy who is hijacking a plane because he likes a girl.  If John Hinkley could shoot Ronald Reagan because he had a crush on Jodi Foster, hijacking a plane for "love" is possible. 

An EgyptAir A-320 aircraft (MS181) with about 81 (reports have also said 85)  passengers was hijacked this morning.  The flight was originally supposed to go from Alexandria to Cairo, Egypt.  The plane landed at Larnica, Cyprus.  

Supposedly the hijacker is wearing a "bomb belt/Suicide belt." 

Cyprus state radio is reporting that the hijacker has asked a letter he has written be carried/delivered to his ex-wife may live in Cyprus But, the original demand was to go to Istanbul so his ex-wife may live there- another very confusing part of this hijacking.

The crew of seven and supposedly four or five passengers are still onboard (at the time I am writing this).    

Why just keep four (or five) passengers an release the rest?  The passengers still onboard are being referred to a foreigners (presumably that would mean not Cypriot or Egyptian?). There were Americans onboard but it is not indicated what nationality the remaining hostages are.  

There has been no demand for money, just that this "letter" he wrote be delivered to his ex-wife who apparently lives on Cyprus. To my way of thinking, there are a huge number of ways to get a letter to ones ex that are more simple than hijacking an aircraft.  

The hijacker is identified as one "Doctor" Ibrahim Samaha and several news outlets and the President of Cyprus are at stressing this is "not terrorism"!  Well, what else do you call forcibly taking an aircraft and holding it and passengers with a "bomb belt"- it is at minimum "air piracy." There are also better ways to ask for asylum than threatening lives. 

It is being reportes that he originally wanted to go to Istanbul- but was told the plane did not have the fuel.  

There is also a question of how the hijacker managed to get a bomb belt onto a plane in Egypt.  After the terrorist attack taking down the aircraft at Sharm El-Sheikh this past winter, Egypt increased their security at airports - they rely on tourism. 

What we are left with is this "Doctor" (reportedly a Professor of Veterinary Medicine) hijacking an A-320.  The first hijacking in many years.  Taking the plane to Cyprus and demanding a letter be taken to his ex-wife.   

Why not just buy a ticket for a flight to Cyprus or Istanbul and ask for asylum on landing? Why wear a suicide belt? Why keep only four-five passengers and release the rest? Why become a hijacker at all? Most countries do not look favorably on Air Piracy under any circumstances  Does he really think he would get a "warm welcome" after putting lives at risk and basically "stealing" an A-320?

At this point a LOT of this story makes no sense at all.  

UPDATE AT 0927 ZULU (0228 MST)-  according to the Egyptian Aviation Authorities there are 4 crew and 3 "foreign" passengers being held by the hijacker.  

UPDATE AT 0955 ZULU (0255 MT)- 

According to a press conference with Egyptian Civil Aviation an "Air Marshal was on board? Why didn't he intervene? Isn't that what they are there for?

Also - Mrs brahim Samaha, the alleged ex-wife of the alleged hijackers says the guy on the picture is NOT her ex. She has no idea who the guy in the picture is- so the identity of the hijacker is unconfirmed.  

UPDATE AT 1011 ZULU (0311 MST) - Reportedly a statement from a senior official of EgyptAir - "This guy is not a terrorist - He's an idiot!"

UPDATE AT 1035 ZULU (0335 MST) - Hijacker now identified as Saif al-Din Mustafa and he is now asking for the release of all female prisoners in Egypt - not sure how real that demand is or if he is just making it up as he is going

H/T to @bodhibrian for the live update feed:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/mar/29/egyptair-hijack-plane-from-alexandria-to-cairo-lands-in-cyprus-live?CMP=share_btn_tw

BREAKING- The Bizarre Hijacking of EgyptAir 181 (MS-181)

Understanding ISIS - At Least A Little

In this post I will attempt to explain some of the things I have learned of late about ISIS - not that I understand all of ISIS or a majority of it. But what I have learned is so frightening, I must share what I know..  Understanding ISIS maybe one of the most important things Americans can do- for no other reason than to understand what must be done to defeat them and understand what Presidential candidates plan to do about ISIS and what will or will not work.  

President Obama's approach of ignoring ISIS as "just terrorists" or calling them weak or "the JV team" will do nothing to defeat them.  In fact it might serve only to encourage them to increase their actions- it is difficult to tell. 

ISIS is an Apocalyptic sect.   They believe it is their purpose to bring about the end of days. A good analogy would be ISIS is to Islam as David Koresh is to Christianity.

The  caliphate is based on the possession of territory. As long as they have territory they have legitimacy in their way of thinking.  They believe in the purest and most stringent Sharia.  Apostates are subject to two possible punishments. - Christians who do not submit are to be crucified.  All other apostates- including Christians (depending on interpretation) are to be beheaded (Crucifixion is still possible) .   They don't care about the President's words as they are convinced the Koran directs them to hold territory until the final battle against the armies of Rome (some interpret literally as the armies of the Pope others the armies of the "modern Rome" - meaning the US). The end will come with 5000 soldiers of Islam being left near Jerusalem and Jesus (yes Jesus - in Islam he is the 2nd highest prophet) coming from heaven to Jerusalem to lead the 5000 to a victorious battle - the battle of Dabiq in Syria.  

ISIS Territory
(From "What ISIS Really Wants" by Graeme Wood; The Atlantic)

Any group such as this with vast territory and weapons beyond just small arms  will not be conquered with words or even with air power.  To destroy ISIS they must be dislodged and stripped of their territory. Unfortunately that means boots on the ground.  Once they have lost their territory the caliphate no longer exists.  Until then the faithful of ISIS will attempt to move to Syria and Iraq. Until then ISIS faithful in foreign lands will "burn the crops and fields and not spare them."  ISIS will continue to take the women and children and subject them to slavery.   

ISIS believes to participate in politics or to vote in any election- even for another Muslim or Muslim candidate is Apostasy- as God is the "only" authority and to vote is to select a leader other than God.  And again Apostates must be beheaded.  Christian or Jewish apostates must be Crucified.  

They TRULY believe in 7th Century rules of warfare and TRULY desire a return to a 7th Century way of life - until they can reach that way of life, they will use modern communications.  

They do not believe in borders (God's Kingdom is the entire Earth) and they will not accept the UN as Hamas has- again this is accepting an "authority" other than God alone.   

Although they hold Bin Laden in high regard (referring to him as Sheik Bin Laden) they generally do not respect Al Qaeda- as it tended to function politically as does the Taliban.   This may be a difficult distinction for westerners to accept or understand - but to them it is huge.  

Additionally they WILL NOT accept President Obama- in fact they consider him to be an apostate- if for no other reason than he is the son of a Muslim who has rejected or does not publicly practice Islam.   

ISIS is also Sunni. They believe the Shi'ite have "altered" or "added" to Islam - which again is a sin in their way of belief.   This is perhaps the most unusual aspect of ISIS as they appear- at least in the press - as having the support of Tehran - which is Shi'ite - apparently they disagree with Tehran.  

Perhaps the most interesting thing is they will allow Jews and Christians to live in their territory as long as they submit to the authorities of ISIS and pay a tax.  They do not, in particular, hate the US over the establishment of Israel- unlike Hamas, Islamic Jihad etc.  Although "the Levant" is an old name for the lands of Syria, Lebanon and Israel - so every time Obama refers to ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) as ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) he is including Israel in their claimed territory- which is a backhanded insult to the Israelis

Because ISIS wants to bring about the Apocalypse- it is important to realize that actions such as "searching of Mosques" would be considered a sign of the coming of the end of the world - with the forces of "Rome" persecuting Muslims. Water-boarding etc is also not necessarily an effective tactic as they believe in a return to 7th Century warfare and rules of engagement. 

It is also important to realize that ISIS will NOT observe the Geneva Conventions.  The return to 7th Century rules of engagement for them will mean the torture and death of any person captured in the field.  US or NATO forces captured by ISIS should not expect to be treated respectfully.  Women captured should expect to be raped and sold into slavery.  Men should expect to be beheaded.   Christian troops captured should expect crucifixion.  Torture for the sake of torture (as opposed to torture for information) should also be expected.  

Should ISIS obtain access to chemical, biological or nuclear weapons it should be expected that they WILL be used- as this would expedite the apocalypse   

As ISIS will only accept the authority of God, negotiations or treaties will not be accepted or recognized.  

The only way to discredit and destroy the Islamic State - is to destroy the "state" and take all territory under their control.  Only then will the purpose of ISIS be stopped, recruitment end and attacks cease.  

Unfortunately the only way this will be accomplished will be by boots on the ground.  At this point perhaps the best option would be for Belgium or France to request action under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which has only happened once- after September 11, 2001.  A massive, rapid and sudden invasion of hundreds of thousands of NATO troops engaging in unrestricted air and ground war  - so there is no chance for the Islamic State to regroup and reorganize- with nothing but complete and unconditional surrender without a single square inch of territory remaining in their control.  Short of this ISIS will continue- until the apocalypse- which they may end up bringing about unless we stop them.

More on ISIS: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/03/what-isis-really-wants/384980/

Understanding ISIS - At Least A Little

A Different View of the Border Patrol - One We Should All Agree On

I will not support Trump for the GOP Presidential nomination .   But I have recently  had an epiphany about another way to look at border protection.  It is important to remember that Border Patrol saves lives of those who would cross the border illegally; sometimes with something as simple as a bottle of water .  

In the 15 years between 1998 and 2013, there were over 2700 bodies of humans found in the Arizona desert- many are just skeletal remains, others "naturally" mummified.  Rarely can the bodies be identified beyond a possible age and sex from the bones that remain.  They are in all age groups- from children to seniors.  The vast majority appear to die in perhaps the most horrific way possible here--- dehydration. But others die from being drowned partially buried in the bottoms of arroyos, being caught in flash floods during the monsoon season.   

And those are just the ones that are found.  Each year hundreds are found.  Thousands of more remains go unfound, the victim laying under a bush  to seek shade, not realizing that shade alone cannot protect one from searing desert heat... Worse, nothing can protect one from a lack of water.

When Coyotes walk people across from Mexico into the US, the Coyotes say it is only a one day walk from Mexico to their destination, when really it is a minimum of a three to five day walk.  Only rarely can anyone survive more than a couple days in the Arizona desert without water, especially in summer.  

Water stations have been set up on established routes through the desert, but these are sometimes avoided for fear of being caught- believing Border Patrol may stake out the water stations (wether they really do or not).

There are some years where interdiction numbers decrease that are attributed to few crossings... Presumably there are fewer deaths those years but on one really knows for sure.  

The point of Border Patrol that is forgotten is that they do save lives... Interdiction or not, the Border Patrol provides water and has officers who can start an IV if needed for more severe dehydration. No one deserves to die of dehydration in the Arizona desert (ok, I might make an exception for Gary Gene Tison getting what he deserved).   

We are a country of laws and those laws must be enforced.  We are also a country of dreams, and people will risk their lives for the chance of the dream.   No mater how many are allowed into the country on immigrant visa's others will still try to cross illegally. 

As long as people will continue to try to cross the Sonoran Desert  to seek a new life- without always fully understanding the serious risk to their lives or their children and grandchildren's lives, we must have border protection.   Not just to protect our border, but to also protect the lives of those who would illegally cross the border from themselves and from the desert they cross.

A Different View of the Border Patrol - One We Should All Agree On

HYPOCRISY from the Left- Contempt for Davis but Not DC?

There is nothing I hate more than blatant hypocrisy, and a perfect example of it is the contempt case of Kim Davis.

Kim Davis has been jailed for contempt of court because she has refused to issue marriage licenses to ANYONE. Her decision is a result of the same-sex marriage ruling this past June. She has defied the court, and now she has been held in contempt.

The "Left" is having a field day saying she refused to obey the "law of the land" and she deserves what she gets for disobeying the Supreme Court. Her mug shot has been posted online, with the headline "Justice Served." This is hypocrisy in its purest form.

These same people who are rejoicing over her contempt ruling have been silent over the contempt the District of Columbia has shown in response to the ruling in D.C. v Heller.

From District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008)- "the District must permit Heller to register his handgun and must issue him a license to carry it in the home."

How did DC respond to the Supreme Court? It is 2015. The case was ruled on 7 years ago. The City Council passed a new ordinance that made the handgun Mr Heller wanted to register illegal.

Dick Heller is a licensed special police officer for the District of Columbia. His job required he carry a gun in federal office buildings, but DC said he was not allowed to have one in his home. The gun the DC made illegal AFTER the Supreme Court order that he be allowed to register the gun? The same as his Service Weapon! Where is the outrage against the City Council and Mayor of DC for DEFYING the Supreme Court continuously for the the last 7 years!!!

It is time for the District of Columbia to held accountable and for them to acknowledge fully and recognize that "the Right of the People to Keep and Bear Arms shall not be Infringed."

(Please feel free to share with everyone the "meme" below. Click image or here to download)

#DCContempt

HYPOCRISY from the Left- Contempt for Davis but Not DC?

Maybe It's Time to Bring Back Dueling

I have been watching a documentary on the history of dueling pistols (somewhat on dueling but mostly about the pistols themselves). These flintlock pistols were gorgeous with their carving, inlays and scroll work.

This leads me to think, maybe it's time to bring back dueling. 

Dueling may not have made people have better manners or be more polite- there are plenty of examples of some very nasty political campaigns and statements from the early 1800's especially.  But people did realize that there were possible consequences for what they said. 

Dueling also kept collateral damage down.  Imagine- instead of a drive-by shooting because of a grievance- and the deaths or wounding of bystanders and innocent people in their homes, the two persons who are quarreling (and their seconds), show up in an empty field, dressed in a nice suit or formal wear, select their single shot flintlock pistol, and following the rules of dueling take their shot- violate the rules and you are charged with murder or attempted murder... 

It would also greatly help reduce the current field of candidates for the Presidency.   Trump insults McCain- a nice civilized dual in the middle of Wesley Bowlin Plaza settles the issue- Trump stops insulting McCain after that- one way or the other and a problem is solved (I am not going to get into wether McCain or Trump is the problem because in different ways they both are).  And it reduces the "news cycles" we have to bear with stories of the insult, response, backlash, denial, "clarification," polling on the insult, etc etc etc

Until dueling is brought back- I'll settle for single shot paint ball guns at 10 paces... I am still one hell of a good shot.

Maybe It's Time to Bring Back Dueling

Please, Don't Wish Me A Happy 4th of July

"We hold these truths to be self evident..."

Several times already this week, I have heard something that bothers me. It is not "spin" on particular legislation. It is not the latest theory of why a Justice voted the way he or she did. It is not an interpretation of some obscure policy or Executive Order.

It is being wished a "Happy 4th of July"

"...that All men are created equal..."

Over the years, it seems to me that almost every one of our Holidays has lost some of its meaning. Merry Christmas has been replaced by Happy Holidays in an effort to become more "sensitive" and "politically correct." Thanksgiving has become less about a day of thanks and time with family and more about looking at the store ads, who is opening when for Black Friday, and what is the plan to make the most of the biggest shopping day of the year. Memorial Day has ceased to be a day where we remember the fallen, or visit the graves of the departed, and has become "the Official Launch of Summer."

Unfortunately, as have gone these aforementioned days, so is going Independence Day.

"...and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..."

Of all Holiday's on the American Calendar, Independence Day is unique. With Independence Day, no American can complain of "religious" overtones as they do with Christmas and for a few Thanksgiving. It is not about whether one supports the Troops or necessarily remembering those who gave "the last full measure of devotion." It is not a day where we celebrate our right to freely assemble and associate ourselves with others like us to demand concessions in the workplace (Labor Day- for those who have forgotten the original intent of that day as well). Nor is it a day set aside for the celebration of the foundations of Christianity.

Rather it is the day we set aside to Celebrate the declaration of those Rights that include our Freedoms to Celebrate or Protest all other Holidays.

"...that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness..."

Independence Day is just that…the day where we celebrate our Independence. Recently, a radio show I listen to was talking about the US Citizenship test that immigrants are required to pass before they become citizens and how many natural born Citizens would fail that test. That conversation caused me to question how many know what it is we celebrate on Independence Day.

"...That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed..."

We are not celebrating the beginning of the Revolution- that began in 1775. We are not celebrating the birth of our Republic, as the Republic was not truly formed until the Constitution was ratified in 1789. We are not even celebrating the founding of our Government, for it can well be argued that our first Government, under the Articles of Confederation, was a dismal failure. Most surprising of all, we are not even celebrating the day when the Continental Congress voted to Declare Independence from the Crown (John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail after the vote to declare independence, “The second of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival”). New York did not approve the Declaration until July 19, 1776, and the actual signing (for most of the signers) was on August 2, 1776.

“...That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it..."

We celebrate Independence Day on July 4th because on that day the final wording was approved, and the document was sent to be printed and distributed to We the People.

Independence Day is about Freedom. It is about Self-Evident Freedoms which are Endowed to us by our Creator-not given to us by Man. It is about those freedoms which are both Enumerated and Unenumerated in our Constitution and exercised each and every day by each and every one of us, no matter our Political, Religious, or other affiliations.

“...But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security..."

It is about the hundreds of thousands who shed their blood and gave their lives, to fight for the very freedoms we exercise when we disagree with each other and our Government. It is about Celebrating the right to express ourselves and our differences.

And yes, it is about Celebrating the Freedom to say, “Happy 4th of July” instead of “Happy Independence Day.”

Gone are the days when Independence Day was "commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty;" when the day was celebrated by the whole town, gathering in the square, listening to a reading of the Declaration of Independence; A day "solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other."

“…That these united Colonies, are and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States…"

But the reason for our celebrations remain, the Divine and Self-Evident right, endowed to us by our Creator, to be Free and Independent.

So the next time someone wishes a “Happy 4th,” reply, “Happy Independence Day”

“…for support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes , and our sacred Honor.”

Please, Don't Wish Me A Happy 4th of July

Lighting Strike More Likely than Murder by AK-47

The leftist have again started calling for an "assault weapons ban"- saying it is sensible and reasonable gun control. They suggest there is a grave crisis and anyone who does not support a ban on these scary looking guns is anti-children, pro-violence, pro-death, and all sorts of evil.

Interesting Fact: in the US, you are about 1.24 times more likely to be STRUCK BY LIGHTNING AND SURVIVE, than you are to be murdered with ANY TYPE Rifle (all rifle types- bolt action, lever action, grandpa's .22 rifle, dad’s .30-06 he uses for deer hunting, John Wayne's Winchester and so called “assault rifles”) based on most current complete year data from the FBI.

According to the FBI 2012 extended homicide data (table 8) the total number of murders using a rifle was 322 (that is "three hundred twenty-two" so no one thinks I typed the number wrong). Again, that is for ALL TYPES OF RIFLES - not just so-called "assault rifles." The number of murders with shotguns are even less. These numbers do not include persons killed with a rifle by law enforcement (justified death).  There were 30 total for 2012. It also does not include the 20 persons killed with a rifle in self defense by private citizens- defined by FBI as "the killing of a felon while committing a felony, by a private citizen.” This does not include the number of times a felon was wounded by a private citizen using a rifle, and this figure does not include handguns used in self defense. (table 15). 

The lightning data came from National Geographic "Flash Facts About Lightning." According to this article about 400 people are struck by lightning each year and survive.

The fact is that according to data from the FBI, more people were murdered by blunt objects including hammers, clubs, etc. (518) , knives (1,589), and even using hands, feet and fists (678)  than were murdered by ALL rifles, not just “assault rifles.”  The FBI data for year 2012 also provides four previous years data for reference.  The number of murders with any type rifle was lower for each year than for knives, blunt objects or hand to hand.  On top of it all, the number of murders using a rifle as a weapon has decreased each and every year.

The FBI data is publicly available.  The leftist in Congress, the administration, Brady and Bloomberg ALL have access to this data.  They KNOW that an “assault weapons” ban would do very, very, little.

So I ask, what is the REAL reason the leftist are calling for an “assault weapons” ban?

(No NRA sources were used in the compiling of this data or writing this article).

Lighting Strike More Likely than Murder by AK-47

Air Space Over Bundy Ranch Closed by FAA

There has been a new, and pehaps omnimous development in the Bundy Ranch Standoff.

The FAA has now closed the airspace around the Bundy Ranch in Clark County, Nevada.  This closer was published in a NOTAM (notice to airmen) by the FAA at 2138 UTC (2:38 pm in Nevada) and became effective two minutes later.  The Temporary Flight Restrictions extend in a radius of 3 miles around the ranch up to an altitude of 3000 feet above ground level.

Sectional of Restricted Area (TFR) from NOTAM 4/1687

Effectively the FAA has closed the area to all news helicopters and aircraft or anyone else that might want to see what is happening from the air.  This points to the possibility of serious escalation of the situation.

NOTAM 4/1687 is effective 2140 UTC April 11 through May 11.  The text of the NOTAM is as follows:

FDC 4/1687 ZLA NV..AIRSPACE MESQUITE, NV..TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS WITHIN AREA DEFINED AS 3NM RADIUS OF 364624N/1141113W (MMM71 RADIAL AT 4.3NM) SFC-3000FT AGL LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATION. PURSUANT TO 14 CFR SECTION 91.137(A)(1) TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT. ONLY RELIEF AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS UNDER DIRECTION OF BLM ARE AUTHORIZED IN THE AIRSPACE. BLM TELEPHONE 702-335-3191 IS IN CHARGE OF ON SCENE EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITY. LOS ANGELES /ZLA/ ARTCC TELEPHONE 661-265-8205 IS THE FAA COORDINATION FACILITY. 1404112140-1405111434

The NOTAM can be found here.

Air Space Over Bundy Ranch Closed by FAA

Obama Approval Numbers

According to Gallup, the rolling approval of Our Great Leader, HRH Barack the Petulant (Peace be Upon Him) has dropped to 39%.

Currently, Gallup is showing 39% approve and 53% disapprove.

Apparently, 8% said, “Barack who? Ummm… I’m too ignorant to have an opinion one way or another”

Obama Approval Numbers

Another Intel Leak from the White House- This Time Creating Chaos in Middle East

Chaos and confusion in the Middle East is not really that unusual. However, chaos and confusion in the Middle East that is being caused by, or at minimum exacerbated by, the US, is something that gets my attention- especially when that chaos could lead to a new shooting war.  

First, I will start with what is known for sure. On Wednesday, October 30, 2013, an air defense base in the Syrian port of Latakia, was attacked from the air.  Reports say that Russian SA-125 Neva/Pechora and SA-8 Gecko/Dgreen mobile missiles/launchers were at the base and that those missiles, and other related equipment were being transferred to Hezbollah. 

From this point on, the chaos and confusion starts.  There is something  weird with this tale and the nations involved.  There are parts of this whole mess that seem out of pattern or out of character at best- at worst there is another story here or "something else going on" altogether.

After the Port of Latakia gets hit, Syria basically does nothing.  In fact, they seem to downplay the entire attack. The Dam Press, loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad says, "Yes, Latakia was hit- but no one was hurt.” That has been the response so far from Syria.  To give some background, Israel has bombed, or is believed to have bombed, locations in Syria in January 2013 and May 2013.  After this bombing, Syria just shrugs off the attack.  That might be a little weird, but maybe Assad has a bit too much on his plate right now, with is country being in a civil war, the world accusing him of using chemical weapons on his people, the UN wanting destruction of the chemical weapons. A non-response type response may be the best thing for him to do.  I can buy into Syria doing nothing for now.

After the attack the confusion and likely disinformation begins. There are reports on Lebanese TV saying, Turkey was behind the attack. “Ankara acted in response to a downed Turkish jet [and death of pilots] from last year."  Perhaps this might be plausible- but the Lebanese TV source? An unnamed Israeli official- and the report could not be independently confirmed.  Why would Beirut run an unconfirmed report from anonymous Israeli Officials that points to Turkey?

Now the fun REALLY begins. An unnamed White House source says, Yes, Israel did it!  The United States, long known to be Israel’s strongest ally, throws Israel under the bus in front of the entire world- supposedly because the White House did not want the world to have the impression that the US knew about or sanctioned the attack.  

Yet, at the same time we are sticking it to our friends from the White House, US Secretary of Defense Hagel announces in an address to the Anti-Defamation League in New York, that the US will be providing Israel with six V-22 Osprey's- and the order will be EXPEDITED. The next six Osprey’s to hit the assembly line will go to Israel- moving ahead of an existing US Marine Corp order—The Marines will get their Osprey’s later.

So now we have the US leaking potentially damaging information about Israel one minute and announcing expedited sales of military aircraft the next. Yes, I know that there is, perhaps, a certain level of animosity between "Our Great Leader, HRH Barack Hussein Obama (Peace be upon him)" and Israel. I also know that SecDef is not known to be a supporter of Israel- but a leak to damage relations in the Middle East at the same time as an announcement of expedited military aircraft??? This is getting "ODD" here.

The next “out of character” response/reaction comes from the Israeli press reporting Israel is furious with the US leak- again from unnamed sources. Why is that odd? Because Israel does not usually acknowledge that the type of action they are accused of ever happened! At worst they deny everything. Other times when they have been accused by the world of covert action- like in the case of the assassination/mysterious death of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai- Israel just says nothing—no leaks, no hints—nothing. The fact that even "unnamed officials" are saying "we are furious at the US leak" is significant by itself!

Just when you thought this all may be over, another country is denying everything.  Turkey is denying “reports claiming [they] gave Israel 'critical intelligence' prior to [Israel's] alleged strike” in Latakia.  What is really interesting, is they are denying they gave Israel ‘critical intelligence’—at stressing how great a relationship they have with IRAN. 

At this point, it looks like the only country not making accusations or denials is Syria—and they are the country that was  attacked.

Something odd is going on in the Middle East and the White House has pushed the US right into the middle of it, while shoving our closest ally in the region away from us. The Big Picture is not clear.  I am certain there is more data and information that is not public yet and that this crisis is not over.   Events this complex, controversial, dangerous and chaotic don't just happen on accident. Something is happening and I am sure the next part of it will be "interesting"- whatever it turns out to be.

Another Intel Leak from the White House- This Time Creating Chaos in Middle East

Shutdown 13- Lessons to Learn

With the possible deal announced by Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, it appears that this round of the budget fight might be over. With the apparent end of "Shutdown ’13" there are lessons that need to be remembered from the last two weeks.

1. -Our Great Leader, King Barack, the Petulant (Peace be Upon Him) will use the power of his office to attack the American People and use the power of his office to cause pain to average Americans. The biggest example of this are the actions of the National Park Service- closing open air memorials (such as the WWII Memorial and Vietnam Memorial) and attempting to close private property – such as Mt Vernon. These actions were, at best, extra-constitutional. More accurately, these actions differ little from the actions of King George III during the 1770’s and are no less Tyrannical. Since the long term memory of most Americans seems to be almost non-existent, and many who would read this will say “King George who?” I will also say that the actions of the President were NIXON-IAN at best. 


2. -The Main Stream Media will ignore the extra-constitutional actions, illegal activities, and down- right atrocities on the left. When the MSM cannot avoid reporting on actions that appear “bad for the left” they will spin the events or actions to make sure the left appears in the best light possible. For example- ABC News brushed over the conflict over the WWII memorial on October 1, stating the vets were allowed into the memorial - vs. the Stars and Stripes report that the Vets “stormed” the memorial- there is a huge difference between the two. 


3. -GOP “Leaders”- or better stated, those GOP Senators who are “approved” or “liked” by the MSM and Left- Senator McCain for example- will spend their time attacking members of their own party, rather than standing for principle. Put it another way- the GOP “Leadership” would rather “eat their young” than stand on principle. Senator McCain’s attack on Senator Cruz over the “sort of filibuster” is a prime example. In response to Senator McCain’s comments – Senator McCain, take a Civics Class- we DO NOT live in a Democracy- we live in a Republic. (Not that Senator McCain would care what I have to say- I am only one of his constituents). It is time for the rank and file of the GOP to change the leadership and vote the bums out! 


4. -The Shutdown showed the excess of the Federal Government. Besides the closure of National Parks and Monuments- done mostly to “cause pain” to the average American, the impact on the average American was negligible. Now I am sure someone will be screaming, “But Federal Employee’s did not get paid!” Actually- they will. Federal Employees just got two weeks off, paid, and car manufacturers are saying federal employees can “defer” up to 3 months of payments on their vehicles! WOW! I wish I could get that the next time I am laid-off or furloughed from a private organization!


5. -The GOP "Leadership" in the Senate is the best there is at "grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory."   

These are just a few lessons that could be learned from Shutdown ’13. Hopefully these lessons will be remembered when it is time to vote in November 2014-but I fear they will not. I am quite sure there are many more lessons that can be learned, and I invite readers to comment and add or discuss lessons that should be learned.

Shutdown 13- Lessons to Learn

Who Really Owns the Parks?

Before this last week, I thought that National Parks belonged to the "People" of the United States- that National Parks were lands set aside and held in Trust for not only those alive now, but for future generations- that the purpose of the National Park Service was to serve the People, maintain the parks and to serve as guides to help people enjoy the Parks.

Apparently, I am wrong.  Apparently the Executive Branch owns National Parks- not the People.  The Parks are lands set aside for the President to use for two things:

1st- the lands are set aside to serve as a rally location for those that agree with the current Regime - like the Pro-Amnesty rally on the Mall this last week (despite the shutdown).

2nd- Parks exist for the President to use to inflict personal pain on Americans and visitors - the "make it hurt strategy"- by preventing people from "looking" at things within the Parks from private areas (such as shutting down road pull off areas in South Dakota that are outside a national park so people could not even see Mt Rushmore), or closing access roads to allow people to look at one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world by closing sidewalks that pass a wall that lists the names of those that died serving their country (Vietnam Memorial).

Apparently the Park Service exists to close roads, sidewalks, harass citizens, and to do the bidding of the President, to "make it hurt."

A great number of our National Parks are natural wonders- they existed LONG before there was a US Government and will continue to exist long after the US Government is gone.  These Parks were not "built" by the Government.  Yes, at these parks, roads, visitor centers and other structures were built- sometimes before the park was a "Park"- but the fact remains that with these natural wonders, people are more interested in viewing the "handiwork of Almighty God" than they are in looking at the wonders of the visitor's center or the fee collection booth. The Grand Canyon does not get covered with a big tarp or filled in with dirt just because  Our Great Leader, Barack the Petulant (Peace be Upon Him) said the Government is closed.

These parks could ALL be open now- the US House passed a bill to fund the National Park System- but the Democrats in the Senate have said no as has the President.

Many of the States offered to fund their Parks as soon as the shutdown began- however, His Royal Petulantcy said no.   Finally, the Regime has told the states that the Parks may open, if the State foots the bill - instead just approving the Park Service funding bill and opening all the parks in every state and territory.

Last evening on the news we saw Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona hand over a check (ransom payment) to the National Parks to allow Arizona to re-open Grand Canyon.

Maybe now that the Parks are starting to open, we will stop seeing the Parks being used as Political Weapons.

After all, these parks don't belong to the politicians, and they are not even "property" of the United States. They belong to US...

They belong to We the People

Who Really Owns the Parks?

Debt Ceiling? What "Ceiling?"

Earlier today, I saw a question posed about "raising of the Debt Ceiling" The question asked, was, "do you think we should raise the Debt Ceiling because it's really just increasing the amount that each of us will have to pay for Government spending?"

Great question.... But, In thinking of this I began to wonder why we even call it a Debt Ceiling?

Ceiling in this context is defined as "a maximum limit." Ceiling implies a stopping point. However, in discussing the Debt Ceiling, it never really is a Ceiling.  

Every time the Debt "Ceiling" is approached, there is a flurry of activity and excitement in the media and Congress.  There is wringing of the hands, wailing and gnashing of teeth. The "Talking Heads" on the Networks all repeat the same mantra- "If Congress does not vote to increase the "Debt Ceiling" by midnight on <insert date here>, the world will end- and not just the normal "World Coming to an End-  We are talking about:

A disaster of biblical proportions.  Old Testament, real wrath of God type stuff.  Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling! Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes...The dead rising from the grave! Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria! (Yes, this quote is from Ghostbusters)

Finally, a calm Constitutional scholar points out, "Of course Congress will raise it, the 14th Amendment says they must."   Then in the very nick of time, Congress votes, Washington breathes a sigh of relief, the sun comes out, rainbows appear and all is well again- until the "Ceiling" is reached again, and the cycle starts over.

Why? Because Congress has spent all of OUR MONEY they are allowed to spend;  and Congress must grant themselves permission to keep spending more- of OUR MONEY.        

But is it REALLY A DEBT CEILING?  If it were a CEILING wouldn't Congress hit the limit and be required to stop?  CEILING after all means "Maximum Limit."  

In the case of Congress and spending Our Money there certainly does not seem to be a limit- in fact there is not even really a pause or hiatus- Congress just moves from one INTERVAL of INCREASING THE PEOPLE'S DEBT to another, with barely a hiccup. 

And when it is all over- actually when the next INTERVAL OF INCREASING THE PEOPLE'S DEBT begins- Washington will breathe a sigh of relief and "the People" will relax, because Congress passed a new Debt Ceiling.  

Throughout this crisis (of our own making), there are those that wonder, how do we prevent this vicious cycle from happening again?  Perhaps if we reduced spending? Heaven forbid!  Congress is addicted to bribing the people with their own money (spending).  And like a drug, the amount (of the bribe) must be increased in each interval.  To be fair, We The People, allow Congress to bribe us with our own money, and with each bribe we ask for more- hiding behind such "safe sounding" terms as "raising the Debt Ceiling" instead of acknowledging the truth- we allow another INTERVAL OF INCREASING THE PEOPLE'S DEBT and BRIBING THE PEOPLE WITH OUR OWN MONEY.

As Alexis de Tocqueville said: 

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years.

Debt Ceiling? What "Ceiling?"

Godspeed, Cdr Scott Carpenter, USN (Ret) 1925-2013

Cdr. Scott Carpenter, USN (Ret.) 1925-2013

Cdr. Scott Carpenter, USN (Ret.), Mercury Astronaut and Commander of Aurora 7, died today. He was 88 years old. Cdr. Carpenter was the fourth American to fly in space and the second American to orbit the Earth. He was awarded the Navys Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

 "High Flight"

 Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,

I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.

Where never lark, or even eagle flew —

And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

-Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

--John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Godspeed, Cdr Scott Carpenter, USN (Ret) 1925-2013

Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Shut Down

Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will close on Thursday, October 10, 2013 due to the Government shutdown.  The NRC had been operating on "carry-over" funds but will run out of those funds on Thursday.

The "resident" inspectors at the 100 US Nuclear Plants will remain on the job however. 

And here we were told that life/safety operations would not be affected.  Yes, inspectors will remain on-site and the inspector general of the NRC will remain working, but aren't there other vital functions performed by the NRC? Perhaps it is time for the President to stop worrying about pushing vets out of memorials (the "make it hurt" campaign) and start negotiating with the GOP. 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Shut Down

Arizona Game & Fish Meeting to Deal with Federal Shutdown Issues

The last attack by the Administration of Our Great Leader, Barack Hussein Obama (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Democrats in their "make it hurt" campaign is against Anglers and Hunters.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is meeting for the second time this week in emergency session to discuss impacts of the Federal Shutdown. Monday, the Commission voted unanimously to provide personnel, funding and other needs to the Federal Government so that Lees Ferry boat ramp on the Colorado River could be opened.  The Federal Government has also closed the "banks" of the Colorado River at Lees Ferry.

Today's emergency meeting will discuss closures at Roosevelt, Apache, Saguaro, Bartlett and other lakes in central Arizona. These lakes are part of the Salt River Project. The meeting will be available live by telephone or web. Information on attending is in the Agenda. 

Of greater concern is the commision will take comments from Hunters about apparent  closures in National Forrest areas.  It is not clear what areas have been closed specifically to hunters. 

Again the administration is attempting to "make it hurt" by closing areas that normally are never closed and were not closed in the 1995-1996 shutdown.  The administration is SPENDING money to close areas that are Private or State funded by barricading access roads to these private or state lands and parks that cross federal land.  

At the same time that the administration is thinking of new things to close and ways to "make it hurt," they are turning around and blaming Ted Cruz and the House Republicans for the closures.  

Enough is Enough.  The House should keep passing funding bills, and forcing the Democrats to say no.  At the same time, citizens should demonstrate and disobey if needed to access lands, lakes and parks that the Federal Government has no reason to close to begin with.  

The Government derives its JUST POWERS FROM CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED. Its JUST POWERS.  The Government is using its powers in UNJUST ways. Maybe it is time for the people to withdraw their consent. 

(Mobile post)

Arizona Game & Fish Meeting to Deal with Federal Shutdown Issues

Breaking: Navy-Air Force Game Will Be Played -Despite the Government Shutdown

The Service Academy Football teams WILL be allowed to play this weekend!  Future games are still up in the air.   Navy will beat play Air Force at Annapolis and Army will be playing Boston College.

Navy-Air Force is traditionally played on the First Saturday of October and will be aired on CBS.

These games are allowed to be played because they are paid for by "non-appropriated" funds.

GO NAVY!

Prior Posts on Navy Football and the Army-Navy Game- Click Here

Breaking: Navy-Air Force Game Will Be Played -Despite the Government Shutdown

Tom Clancy 1947-2013

Rest in Peace

Tom Clancy 1947-2013

From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of ...Washington DC.

As the Federal Government shutdown at midnight, someone in the Administration decided to spend money to deploy barriers to close the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. However, a group of Veterans of World War II, stormed the barricades and showed the Park Police that they can still take and hold ground.

For those who have never been to the World War II Memorial, it is an open-air "plaza." There is no gate, no admission, no "entrance." There is no "cost to operate" the Memorial; no one stands guard or takes admission. The Memorial is open 24x7x365- or it had been until today - when the Administration decided to SPEND money to deploy Park Police and move in barricades to block sidewalks that lead into the plaza area .

The barricades were set up in advance of the pre-planned, scheduled and announced arrival of a group of World War II Veterans from Mississippi. While the Park Police were distracted by Rep. Steve King, the men and women of the Greatest Generation stormed the barricade; and with bagpipes playing these Veterans who once stormed Normandy and Iwo Jima, took the Memorial and stood their ground as they once did in the forests of the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge...

I would be willing to bet that when the Park Police told them to stand down, at least one of them replied, "NUTS!"

North Africa, Italy, Normandy, Guam, Iwo Jima... Did anyone ever think we would one day add to the list Washington, DC?

Everyone of us should thank the Almighty for these Veterans- these Heroes- but in addition, we all should work and pray, that this Country and  this Government that this Greatest of Generations fought and died to protect and defend is NEVER able to try to shut these HEROES out again!

From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of ...Washington DC.