ATTENTION:
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Pearls of Wisdom from Mark Levin
The great Mark Levin has weighed in on the bailout being voted down at NRO's "The Corner". He hits every nail right on the head.
A Money Quote
Heard moments ago on the Rush Limbaugh Program, from the master himself:
"Bipartisanship is like Liberalism: gutless."
Amen!
"Bipartisanship is like Liberalism: gutless."
Amen!
The Failure of Liberalism on Display
Watch this, pay attention to how the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac collapse has led to the current economic crisis, and never forget who asked for more oversight and regulation, and who defended the criminals who have trashed our country.
Remember also, it isn't "Democrats" and "Republicans" - it's Liberals and Americans.
Remember when you enter that voting booth on November 4th also...
Remember also, it isn't "Democrats" and "Republicans" - it's Liberals and Americans.
Remember when you enter that voting booth on November 4th also...
If the Left had their way...
Zach Wincent would probably have been aborted, because folks with Down's Syndrome are such a burden on families and society.
But he wasn't, and our world is better for it.
Choose Life, always.
But he wasn't, and our world is better for it.
Choose Life, always.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Stay calm, folks
October 19, 1987: DJIA closed at 1739, down 508 - 22.6 percent
Today's losses were just under 7 percent (6.98%). Don't panic. Let's let the free market fix itself!
Today's losses were just under 7 percent (6.98%). Don't panic. Let's let the free market fix itself!
Is it a cold day, Satan?
I disagree with every one of his premises, but Jabba the Hut-esqe film maker Michael Moore (an "enemy domestic") is right on one thing - the bailout stinks.
All is reasons are wrong for thinking so, but who knows? When one gets one point right, perhaps they can still be shown the truth on how they got to the right position...NOT!
All is reasons are wrong for thinking so, but who knows? When one gets one point right, perhaps they can still be shown the truth on how they got to the right position...NOT!
Kudos to Congress
Today, 228 of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives honored their oaths to the Constitution of the United States and voted against the evil specter of socialism. To both the Republicans and Democrats who stood today for keeping government out of free enterprise and our financial markets, THANK YOU.
Two of the local Pittsburgh-area reps, Jason Altmire (D) and Tim Murphy (R), both voted against. I am glad that Mr. Altmire listened to his constituents; I was one of the many who contacted his office urging a "NO" vote.
It still won't make me vote for him though...
Two of the local Pittsburgh-area reps, Jason Altmire (D) and Tim Murphy (R), both voted against. I am glad that Mr. Altmire listened to his constituents; I was one of the many who contacted his office urging a "NO" vote.
It still won't make me vote for him though...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
McCain to return to Senate: Brilliant or Foolish?
My initial take on John McCain going back to Washington to help address the finance and banking crisis is positive. He accurately predicted what the consequences would be without regulatory changes three years ago, and wasn't listened to then.
The New Soviet Man, naturally, makes it all about him and insists that the debate Friday still go on.
Dear Senator Obama: get your butt back to your desk in Washington and do the freaking job you were elected to do! Or perhaps is it that you don't want to be on the record of have to make a decision?
On the debate, I think the McCain camp is missing a huge opportunity. They should let the debate Friday go ahead...and send Sarah! First, we know that she'll shred Obama if for no other reason that she can speak coherent sentences on the fly. Second, that'll put to end all of the BS on her not being ready; what better practice than to have to stand in for John McCain - for real. Third, Obama will have to refuse to debate her - who'll be running scared then?
The New Soviet Man, naturally, makes it all about him and insists that the debate Friday still go on.
Dear Senator Obama: get your butt back to your desk in Washington and do the freaking job you were elected to do! Or perhaps is it that you don't want to be on the record of have to make a decision?
On the debate, I think the McCain camp is missing a huge opportunity. They should let the debate Friday go ahead...and send Sarah! First, we know that she'll shred Obama if for no other reason that she can speak coherent sentences on the fly. Second, that'll put to end all of the BS on her not being ready; what better practice than to have to stand in for John McCain - for real. Third, Obama will have to refuse to debate her - who'll be running scared then?
All the news that's fit to...
...FABRICATE. The New York Times doesn't deserve the honor of a link, but here's John McCain's response to the Times' latest endorsement-cloaked-as-news-item of the New Soviet Man.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Who's the racist party again?
Yesterday we saw this story about how many white Democrat voters are judging the New Soviet Man primarily because of his race in deciding whether or not he'd be a good President.
Today, I read this column by Tony Norman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wherein he pens:
Today, I read this column by Tony Norman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wherein he pens:
Barely one generation removed from Jim Crow, it's a miracle that the
percentage of white Democrats who can't bring themselves to vote for a black
candidate isn't higher.
In the previous sentence, Mr. Norman references the Voting Rights Act of 1965, so let's check the record (these counts reflect combined House and Senate votes)
Democrats: 266 for, 71 against - 73.3% to 26.7%
Republicans: 141 for, 21 against - 93.3% to 6.7%
So, Democrats voted against the Voting Rights Act of 1965 at a rate 4 times greater than Republicans. Which party is - and has been - the home of racism? Hint: it isn't mine.
It makes no difference to me what race a candidate is (see my 2008 Pennsylvania primary vote). I'd be perfectly happy to have an African-American President, so long as he was more Clarence Thomas or J.C. Watts...
Unlike up to one-third of Democrats, I can decide on the issues. Mr. Norman does get one thing right:
I will concede this much to my Republican friends. If Gen. Colin Powell were
the Republican nominee for president in their party in 2008, I believe a higher
percentage of white Republicans would support him than there are Democrats
supporting Mr. Obama.
Barack's America?
Everybody remember how during a campaign event in Chester, VA a short while back, the New Soviet Man was praising the wonderful infrastructure and business climate of the ChiComms?
Well, 52,000-plus children who are now sick simply because they drank contaminated milk or milk products and their parents in the glorious workers' paradise of the PRC would beg to differ.
Hey Barack, perhaps they need some "community organizers" to spread some beneficial Communist ideas....oh, wait...they've got them already.
Not here. Not ever.
Well, 52,000-plus children who are now sick simply because they drank contaminated milk or milk products and their parents in the glorious workers' paradise of the PRC would beg to differ.
Hey Barack, perhaps they need some "community organizers" to spread some beneficial Communist ideas....oh, wait...they've got them already.
Not here. Not ever.
TFH 9/23: Corporal James D. Slaton, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations, a story of what one soldier with his rifle, a bayonet, and a couple of grenades is capable of:
SLATON, JAMES D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Oliveto, Italy, 23 September 1943. Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss. Born: 2 April 1912, Laurel, Miss G.O. No.: 44, 30 May 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy in the vicinity of Oliveto, Italy, on 23 September 1943. Cpl. Slaton was lead scout of an infantry squad which had been committed to a flank to knock out enemy resistance which had succeeded in pinning 2 attacking platoons to the ground. Working ahead of his squad, Cpl. Slaton crept upon an enemy machinegun nest and, assaulting it with his bayonet, succeeded in killing the gunner. When his bayonet stuck, he detached it from the rifle and killed another gunner with rifle fire. At that time he was fired upon by a machinegun to his immediate left. Cpl. Slaton then moved over open ground under constant fire to within throwing distance, and on his second try scored a direct hit on the second enemy machinegun nest, killing 2 enemy gunners. At that time a third machinegun fired on him 100 yards to his front, and Cpl. Slaton killed both of these enemy gunners with rifle fire. As a result of Cpl. Slaton's heroic action in immobilizing 3 enemy machinegun nests with bayonet, grenade, and rifle fire, the 2 rifle platoons which were receiving heavy casualties from enemy fire were enabled to withdraw to covered positions and again take the initiative. Cpl. Slaton withdrew under mortar fire on order of his platoon leader at dusk that evening. The heroic actions of Cpl. Slaton were far above and beyond the call of duty and are worthy of emulation.
I hope he went back and got his bayonet, 'cause he certainly knew how to use it! James Slaton, thank you for your gallantry and service in the defense of our Nation and Freedom. September 23, 1943 was your finest hour!
SLATON, JAMES D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Oliveto, Italy, 23 September 1943. Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss. Born: 2 April 1912, Laurel, Miss G.O. No.: 44, 30 May 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy in the vicinity of Oliveto, Italy, on 23 September 1943. Cpl. Slaton was lead scout of an infantry squad which had been committed to a flank to knock out enemy resistance which had succeeded in pinning 2 attacking platoons to the ground. Working ahead of his squad, Cpl. Slaton crept upon an enemy machinegun nest and, assaulting it with his bayonet, succeeded in killing the gunner. When his bayonet stuck, he detached it from the rifle and killed another gunner with rifle fire. At that time he was fired upon by a machinegun to his immediate left. Cpl. Slaton then moved over open ground under constant fire to within throwing distance, and on his second try scored a direct hit on the second enemy machinegun nest, killing 2 enemy gunners. At that time a third machinegun fired on him 100 yards to his front, and Cpl. Slaton killed both of these enemy gunners with rifle fire. As a result of Cpl. Slaton's heroic action in immobilizing 3 enemy machinegun nests with bayonet, grenade, and rifle fire, the 2 rifle platoons which were receiving heavy casualties from enemy fire were enabled to withdraw to covered positions and again take the initiative. Cpl. Slaton withdrew under mortar fire on order of his platoon leader at dusk that evening. The heroic actions of Cpl. Slaton were far above and beyond the call of duty and are worthy of emulation.
I hope he went back and got his bayonet, 'cause he certainly knew how to use it! James Slaton, thank you for your gallantry and service in the defense of our Nation and Freedom. September 23, 1943 was your finest hour!
Monday, September 22, 2008
TFH 9/22: Final Flight of the F-14
Two years ago today, the United States Navy officially retired the F-14 Tomcat from active service. Any of us who came of age during the 80's remember watching this great plane in flicks like The Final Countdown and, of course, Top Gun. Anybody who ever wanted at one time to be a Naval Aviator (myself included) of this generation probably came to that desire because of the F-14, at least in part.
To the Grumman folks who designed and built them, to the brave men and women of the United States Navy who flew them in both peace and war in defense of our freedoms and Nation, I salute you all.
The retirement of an aircraft that served our Nation so well perhaps isn't the best moment to highlight, but the lifespan and service of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a finest hour for all those concerned!
Learn more about this great warplane at the F-14 Association's Site
What's up with the Post-Gazette?
Today, I see this article about how researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have developed a potential treatment based on stem cells - adult stem cells that is.
Yesterday, I saw in the Sunday print edition of the paper's "Forum" section a graphic that shows very dramatically how miniscule the part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is that they want to drill for oil in.
One must wonder how both of these made it past the PG's left-wing editorial staff...
Yesterday, I saw in the Sunday print edition of the paper's "Forum" section a graphic that shows very dramatically how miniscule the part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is that they want to drill for oil in.
One must wonder how both of these made it past the PG's left-wing editorial staff...
Farewell to my Green Cathedral
Last night, the New York Yankees (barring a miracle playoff berth) closed the doors and turned off the lights to the House that Ruth Built.
I almost couldn't watch the coverage last night because, as a life long Yankee fan, it saddened me deeply that I wasn't there last night and that I also couldn't swing getting to at least one Yankee home game this year to bid the venue at 161st Street and River Avenue a farewell, as well as bring my two children to a place that was such a part of my youth.
The first game I attended in 1977 Thurman Munson blasted two home runs. I remember the most amazing home run (wicked line drive into Monument Park) and most amazing throw (385-foot sign in right-center to home, no cut-off) I've ever seen, both courtesy of Dave Winfield. I remember the shock of a sellout crowd at seeing the best player I ever saw - Don Mattingly - drop an infield pop-up.
I remember all those Old Timers' Days watching and cheering at the top of my lungs when Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio came out of the dugout to tip their caps. I remember the Sunday double-headers, and the mid-week Twi-Nights. I remember a game where I said matter of factly to my mother, grandmother, and the other regulars in our section: "Here's what's going to happen: they're going to intentionally walk Winfield to load the bases, bring in a right handed pitcher to face Jack Clark, Jose Cruz will pinch hit and he'll hit a grand slam home run." - and that's exactly what transpired!
Today, I remember being just a kid again, watching my baseball heroes - all of them: Donnie Baseball, Dave Winfield, Ron Guidry, Dave Righetti, Willie Randolph, Bobby Murcer, Graig Nettles, Mike Pagliarulo, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Tommy John, etc., etc., etc. - win over and over and over...the losses I forget, nor do they matter.
I remember dreaming that one day I'd be playing second base on that wonderful field, my lack of hitting ability nonwithstanding.
It's time. Yankee Stadium's day has passed and it's up to Derek, Alex, Mariano, and the rest to build a new tradition at the Bronx Bombers' new home right next door. The monuments to Yankee greats will be moved with the team, but Yankee Stadium will always be a monument in my heart to my love of baseball.
Thanks for the memories. Wish I was twelve again with not a care in the world, nor a want more than to go to another Yankee home game at this storied place.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Us vs. Them
A rather infamous former Secretary of the Interior had the following quote attributed to him:
Remember back during the RNC how some Code Pink Communist America-Haters tried to disrupt John McCain's address? They were promptly and loudly shouted down by the Republican party with cheers of "USA, USA, USA!"
Well, I just took a look at the video linked by HotAir's Allahpundit here - it's of a recent New Soviet Man appearance where he was interrupted by a group of very loud folks calling themselves "Blacks Against Obama". How did the adoring crowd respond?
By yelling "Yes we can! Yes we can!"
You see, for the Left it's all about worshiping the New Soviet Man and his Marxism clothed in "change".
For us, it's about the country first and foremost.
At least with respect to the above quoted characterization, I do think that James G. Watt was pretty much dead on target.
I never use the words Democrats and Republicans. It's liberals
and Americans.
Remember back during the RNC how some Code Pink Communist America-Haters tried to disrupt John McCain's address? They were promptly and loudly shouted down by the Republican party with cheers of "USA, USA, USA!"
Well, I just took a look at the video linked by HotAir's Allahpundit here - it's of a recent New Soviet Man appearance where he was interrupted by a group of very loud folks calling themselves "Blacks Against Obama". How did the adoring crowd respond?
By yelling "Yes we can! Yes we can!"
You see, for the Left it's all about worshiping the New Soviet Man and his Marxism clothed in "change".
For us, it's about the country first and foremost.
At least with respect to the above quoted characterization, I do think that James G. Watt was pretty much dead on target.
If you have nothing to offer, shout "RACISM!"
Rush Limbaugh's Op-Ed in today's Wall Street Journal is dead on in calling out the New Soviet Man for his despicable actions to gin up racial antagonism as part of the campaign.
I'd provide some quotes, but I'd wind up quoting the whole thing - it's that good.
Megadittos...
I'd provide some quotes, but I'd wind up quoting the whole thing - it's that good.
Megadittos...
He Who Would Valiant Be
I personally have been blessed, along with my family, by +Duncan's ministry. We will continue to be. In our hearts, he is still our Bishop! My prayers go out to Bishop Duncan, wife Nara, and to the members of the Diocese of Pittsburgh's Standing Committee - who are now the ecclesiastical authority here until our Diocesan convention early next month when assuredly the Diocese will realign with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone and call +Duncan back as our Bishop.
Christ Jesus, please sustain your faithful servant and Bishop, Robert
Duncan. Continue to guide him in his ministry as you have so well to now. Please
be with our Diocesan Standing Committee as they lead us to convention in October and from there to our new association with the Southern Cone.
I close with the text of what I know to be one of +Duncan's favorite hymns, and it is so fitting. You can listen to it here.
He who would valiant be ’gainst all disaster,
Let him in constancy follow the Master.
There’s no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.
Who so beset him round with dismal stories
Do but themselves confound—his strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might;
Though he with giants fight,
He will make good his right to be a pilgrim.
Since, Lord, Thou dost defend us with Thy Spirit,
We know we at the end, shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away!
I’ll fear not what men say,
I’ll labor night and day to be a pilgrim.
Fresh Hell
From Ed Morrisey at HotAir, an article about how a "highly respected...ethicist" from the United Kingdom thinks the elderly and infirm should be eliminated to save society the cost.
Totalitarian leftists like this are why I'm anti-nationalized healthcare, and most definitely pro-life.
You know, I was reading the other day about how Elizabeth Edwards - wife of can't-keep-his-pants-zipped John Edwards - was bemoaning that the Presidential campaign has been led astray from a debate on health care policy and issues.
As you may have heard, Mrs. Edwards has incurable cancer.
I wonder if she's drawn the connection yet that the inevitable path of socialized medicine and state control of people's health care is that those who can't be cured and are just a drain on society's resources, should well...you know...receive special treatment.
Excuse me, while I go vomit.
Totalitarian leftists like this are why I'm anti-nationalized healthcare, and most definitely pro-life.
You know, I was reading the other day about how Elizabeth Edwards - wife of can't-keep-his-pants-zipped John Edwards - was bemoaning that the Presidential campaign has been led astray from a debate on health care policy and issues.
As you may have heard, Mrs. Edwards has incurable cancer.
I wonder if she's drawn the connection yet that the inevitable path of socialized medicine and state control of people's health care is that those who can't be cured and are just a drain on society's resources, should well...you know...receive special treatment.
Excuse me, while I go vomit.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
TFH 9/18: A Bridge Rises!
A little more than one year ago on August 1, 2007, the I-35W bridge across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed due to structural failure.
Today, the replacement bridge opened - more than three months ahead of schedule.
Their Finest Hour is honoring all of those who contributed to building this new bridge in under a year from the time construction started. It was paid for, but not built by government.
This bridge was built by two private construction firms - Flatiron Construction Corporation (Longmont, CO) and Manson Construction Company (Seattle, WA).
To the owners, managers, and workers of these two American firms: thank you for your dedication and determiniation in completing this vital infrastructure project. This was a great example of how when the purpose is clear, the will is strong, and the regulators, speculators, litigators, and naysayers get out of the way, there is nothing that can restrain the American Spirit of accomplishment and results generation! A finest hour indeed!
This however, can't help but point out that there's still a gaping hole in Manhattan that was the World Trade Center, and we have crumbling infrastructure all around the country...
Memo to Americans: let's get on with it - lead, follow, or get out of the way!
Today, the replacement bridge opened - more than three months ahead of schedule.
Their Finest Hour is honoring all of those who contributed to building this new bridge in under a year from the time construction started. It was paid for, but not built by government.
This bridge was built by two private construction firms - Flatiron Construction Corporation (Longmont, CO) and Manson Construction Company (Seattle, WA).
To the owners, managers, and workers of these two American firms: thank you for your dedication and determiniation in completing this vital infrastructure project. This was a great example of how when the purpose is clear, the will is strong, and the regulators, speculators, litigators, and naysayers get out of the way, there is nothing that can restrain the American Spirit of accomplishment and results generation! A finest hour indeed!
This however, can't help but point out that there's still a gaping hole in Manhattan that was the World Trade Center, and we have crumbling infrastructure all around the country...
Memo to Americans: let's get on with it - lead, follow, or get out of the way!
Why no Medal of Honor?
Sergeant Rafael Peralta, USMC gave his life for our Nation and freedom. He gave his life by shielding his comrades from the blast of a grenade with his own body. Four other Marines have testified to that.
He is being awarded the Navy Cross, the Naval Services' second highest award for bravery.
What's wrong with this picture? Their Finest Hour has brought forth the stories here, here (here too), here, here, here, and here of American servicemen who, with complete disregard for their own survival, have absorbed the blast of grenades at the cost of their lives to protect their brothers in arms. The common denominator of all of them? They all were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Sergeant Peralta's previous status as an illegal immigrant is meaningless. Unless it can be conclusively proved that the grenade just happened to land under an incapacitated or already dead Marine (doesn't sound like it, based on the witnesses) then this brave, selfless, and fallen Marine deserves the Medal of Honor.
E-Mail the President
E-Mail the Secretary of Defense
He is being awarded the Navy Cross, the Naval Services' second highest award for bravery.
What's wrong with this picture? Their Finest Hour has brought forth the stories here, here (here too), here, here, here, and here of American servicemen who, with complete disregard for their own survival, have absorbed the blast of grenades at the cost of their lives to protect their brothers in arms. The common denominator of all of them? They all were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Sergeant Peralta's previous status as an illegal immigrant is meaningless. Unless it can be conclusively proved that the grenade just happened to land under an incapacitated or already dead Marine (doesn't sound like it, based on the witnesses) then this brave, selfless, and fallen Marine deserves the Medal of Honor.
E-Mail the President
E-Mail the Secretary of Defense
Prayers for +Duncan and the Church
Today is the day that the forces of revisionism and liberalism are supposedly going to depose the Episcopal Bishop of Pittsburgh, the Rt. Rev. Robert William Duncan for standing firm in his faith in Jesus Christ and leading our diocese away from the heretical teachings of today's Episcopal Church.
No news from the House of Bishops' meeting in Salt Lake City as of yet.
I am proud that +Duncan is our bishop, and should he be deposed, I wholeheartedly support our diocese calling him back as our shepherd as soon as our realignment with a faithful province of the Anglican Communion comes to pass.
Lord Jesus, we know that through you all things are possible. Even at this late hour, please enter the hearts of those who lead your Church astray, and bring us all back to follow you alone.
Please pray for the Church, and Jesus' faithful servant, Bob Duncan!
No news from the House of Bishops' meeting in Salt Lake City as of yet.
I am proud that +Duncan is our bishop, and should he be deposed, I wholeheartedly support our diocese calling him back as our shepherd as soon as our realignment with a faithful province of the Anglican Communion comes to pass.
Lord Jesus, we know that through you all things are possible. Even at this late hour, please enter the hearts of those who lead your Church astray, and bring us all back to follow you alone.
Please pray for the Church, and Jesus' faithful servant, Bob Duncan!
Left Wing COMINT
COMINT, for those of you who don't know is intelligence community slang for "communications intelligence" (There's also ELINT, HUMINT, and SIGINT, but I digress).
It's clear that for all of the Left's hand wringing and bloviating about how it's an affront to privacy to try and capture and exploit the communications of our enemies, they really only care about it so long as it is one of them who is the target.
Michelle Malkin has the best roundup of the Sarah Palin e-mail hack, as well as another article which delves deeper into the perpetrator(s).
The lack of outrage from the media is a disgrace, but entirely predictable.
Now, there are also these reports that the Associated Press is refusing to cooperate with the Federal criminal investigation into the hack!
Two words: Enemies Domestic.
It's clear that for all of the Left's hand wringing and bloviating about how it's an affront to privacy to try and capture and exploit the communications of our enemies, they really only care about it so long as it is one of them who is the target.
Michelle Malkin has the best roundup of the Sarah Palin e-mail hack, as well as another article which delves deeper into the perpetrator(s).
The lack of outrage from the media is a disgrace, but entirely predictable.
Now, there are also these reports that the Associated Press is refusing to cooperate with the Federal criminal investigation into the hack!
Two words: Enemies Domestic.
Taxes are NOT patriotic!
Plagarist and Senator Joe Biden - the Democrats' second fiddle to the New Soviet Man - has the audacity to say that the wealthy show their patriotism by paying higher taxes!
What an absolute crock, at least from a free market, pursuit of happiness and liberty perspective. Those with capital show their patriotism by investing or spending it, thereby creating new markets, new products, new services, and new jobs. Which incidentally, will then create - gasp! - more tax revenues and an expanding tax base!
It's dead on though from the Marxist perspective.
Joe Biden - the Old Soviet Man to Barack Hussein Obama's New one.
What an absolute crock, at least from a free market, pursuit of happiness and liberty perspective. Those with capital show their patriotism by investing or spending it, thereby creating new markets, new products, new services, and new jobs. Which incidentally, will then create - gasp! - more tax revenues and an expanding tax base!
It's dead on though from the Marxist perspective.
Joe Biden - the Old Soviet Man to Barack Hussein Obama's New one.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Is the dam breaking?
This is huge - a DNC member and huge Hillary supporter and fundraiser is going to endorse John and Sarah.
Recent polling shows that the McCain/Palin surge is not only being maintained, it's spreading.
With the ongoing financial turmoil, the "Country First" message - putting both Democrats and Republicans on notice that Washington, D.C. "business as usual" isn't going to cut it anymore is a winning strategy.
Recent polling shows that the McCain/Palin surge is not only being maintained, it's spreading.
With the ongoing financial turmoil, the "Country First" message - putting both Democrats and Republicans on notice that Washington, D.C. "business as usual" isn't going to cut it anymore is a winning strategy.
TFH 9/17: WE THE PEOPLE...
Today, September 17th, is Constitution Day, celebrating the 221st approval by the Constitutional Convention of the text that defines our Nation!!!!!!
Celebrate it today, as I will, by rereading the best blueprint for a free, just, and equitable society the world has ever known.
If you've never read the most important document in the United States, please do so today for the first time! You'll be uplifted by what's in there - and probably surprised (and hopefully uplifted and enlightened too) by what's not.
Reinforce your learning by dipping into the Federalist Papers as well.
Use today to celebrate your Constitutional rights - blog, buy a gun, practice your religion - and reflect on how an overreaching government, enabled by activist jurists and the left-wing ethos, continues to trample and restrict our freedoms.
Without our Constitution, who knows what that which our Founding Fathers planted on July 4th, 1776 would look like today? I thank God we'll never know.
The finalization of the Constitution of the United States of America guaranteed the longevity and survival of our American experiment and the great Nation that has grown and persists as the greatest Nation to this day. Without the United States, the freedoms our Constitution as amended guarantees, and our national will to protect, defend, and spread the same, I truly believe that liberty and freedom would have perished from the Earth and all humanity - as much of humanity today still endures - would be under the iron fist of tyrrany and oppression.
September 17, 1787 - a FINEST HOUR not only for the United States, but for Human Liberty, and all the world.
Celebrate it today, as I will, by rereading the best blueprint for a free, just, and equitable society the world has ever known.
If you've never read the most important document in the United States, please do so today for the first time! You'll be uplifted by what's in there - and probably surprised (and hopefully uplifted and enlightened too) by what's not.
Reinforce your learning by dipping into the Federalist Papers as well.
Use today to celebrate your Constitutional rights - blog, buy a gun, practice your religion - and reflect on how an overreaching government, enabled by activist jurists and the left-wing ethos, continues to trample and restrict our freedoms.
Without our Constitution, who knows what that which our Founding Fathers planted on July 4th, 1776 would look like today? I thank God we'll never know.
The finalization of the Constitution of the United States of America guaranteed the longevity and survival of our American experiment and the great Nation that has grown and persists as the greatest Nation to this day. Without the United States, the freedoms our Constitution as amended guarantees, and our national will to protect, defend, and spread the same, I truly believe that liberty and freedom would have perished from the Earth and all humanity - as much of humanity today still endures - would be under the iron fist of tyrrany and oppression.
September 17, 1787 - a FINEST HOUR not only for the United States, but for Human Liberty, and all the world.
Economics of the Day
The bailout of AIG by the Fed is an affront to free market economics. Small consolation that it was done by a "loan" rather than an out and out giveaway - but how exactly is a company going under going to turn around fast enough to repay $85 billion in two years?
Even if AIG sold what is by all accounts its most profitable division, ILFC, for what is usually a reasonable amount of ten times earnings, that gets them $6 billion. Where will the other $79 billion come from folks? This of course, doesn't take interest into account...
Now we have the Democratic-controlled House passing a supposed drilling act that accomplishes nothing, except putting new taxes on the energy industry and refusing to open up the most bountiful portions of our available resources to exploration and development. Yet more symbolism over substance.
Here's to hoping that the Democrats' "drilling" legislation is never signed into law. With no action, most if not all off-shore drilling restrictions will expire at the end of the month - which is what this Nation needs.
Even if AIG sold what is by all accounts its most profitable division, ILFC, for what is usually a reasonable amount of ten times earnings, that gets them $6 billion. Where will the other $79 billion come from folks? This of course, doesn't take interest into account...
Now we have the Democratic-controlled House passing a supposed drilling act that accomplishes nothing, except putting new taxes on the energy industry and refusing to open up the most bountiful portions of our available resources to exploration and development. Yet more symbolism over substance.
Here's to hoping that the Democrats' "drilling" legislation is never signed into law. With no action, most if not all off-shore drilling restrictions will expire at the end of the month - which is what this Nation needs.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Truly he's a friend of the working man
The New Soviet Man, once a devotee of public financing for his campaign, holds an event today which completely and sincerely proves he's one of us and looking out for normal, everyday folks.
And it's priced fairly for the wallets or pocketbooks of proletariat masses at just $31,000.
That's just 592 eight-hour working days at the Federal minimum wage of $6.55/hour, assuming no taxes and the entire amount could be spent supporting Mr. Obama.
With friends like these, who needs...
And it's priced fairly for the wallets or pocketbooks of proletariat masses at just $31,000.
That's just 592 eight-hour working days at the Federal minimum wage of $6.55/hour, assuming no taxes and the entire amount could be spent supporting Mr. Obama.
With friends like these, who needs...
Anti-smoking Wackos
Banning smoking from college campuses? Oh yeah, that'll work...
This is just another incidence of the Left wanting to have its cake and eat it. We're so concerned about the health effects of smoking that we're going to make it as hard as possible to smoke, but at the same time we're going to tie lots of health care funding to the taxes generated by tobacco sales.
Like all other liberal solutions, this is another unsustainable near-Ponzi scheme that has nothing to do with people's health, and everything to do with taxation, control, and wealth redistribution.
How long is it going to be before some anti-smoking zealot is going to actually propose ending tobacco sales and put the lie to the real motivations of the anti-smoking movement, i.e. anti-capitalism and command economics?
If I were running a tobacco company, I'd be seriously tempted to do something like this: "Due to the current business conditions in Pennsylvania and the targeting for retail and use discrimination of our legal product by regulatory forces, we are immediately suspending the sale and distribution of our products in Pennsylvania until market conditions improve."
I wonder how the Left would react if their precious tax dollars just went away because they had hammered a business to the point that it just wasn't worth it anymore.
If anything, I bet the Left would need a drink after being hoisted on their own petard - or perhaps a smoke...
This is just another incidence of the Left wanting to have its cake and eat it. We're so concerned about the health effects of smoking that we're going to make it as hard as possible to smoke, but at the same time we're going to tie lots of health care funding to the taxes generated by tobacco sales.
Like all other liberal solutions, this is another unsustainable near-Ponzi scheme that has nothing to do with people's health, and everything to do with taxation, control, and wealth redistribution.
How long is it going to be before some anti-smoking zealot is going to actually propose ending tobacco sales and put the lie to the real motivations of the anti-smoking movement, i.e. anti-capitalism and command economics?
If I were running a tobacco company, I'd be seriously tempted to do something like this: "Due to the current business conditions in Pennsylvania and the targeting for retail and use discrimination of our legal product by regulatory forces, we are immediately suspending the sale and distribution of our products in Pennsylvania until market conditions improve."
I wonder how the Left would react if their precious tax dollars just went away because they had hammered a business to the point that it just wasn't worth it anymore.
If anything, I bet the Left would need a drink after being hoisted on their own petard - or perhaps a smoke...
Monday, September 15, 2008
TFH 9/15: 1st Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez, USMC
Image from WikipediaToday is the 58th anniversary of the Battle of Incheon - the United States' landing deep behind Communist enemy lines on the Korean peninsula. I had intended for Their Finest Hour to honor the entirety of Operation Chromite, but while reviewing the Wikipedia entry for the event, I noticed the above picture. The Marine leading his men over the sea wall is reportedly 1st Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez. Lieutenant Lopez gave his life for his Nation and his Marines very soon after the picture was taken. From Medal of Honor citations:
*LOPEZ, BALDOMERO
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: During Inchon invasion in Korea, 15 September 1950. Entered service at: Tampa, Fla. Born: 23 August 1925, Tampa, Fla. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a marine platoon commander of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. With his platoon 1st Lt. Lopez was engaged in the reduction of immediate enemy beach defenses after landing with the assault waves. Exposing himself to hostile fire, he moved forward alongside a bunker and prepared to throw a hand grenade into the next pillbox whose fire was pinning down that sector of the beach. Taken under fire by an enemy automatic weapon and hit in the right shoulder and chest as he lifted his arm to throw, he fell backward and dropped the deadly missile. After a moment, he turned and dragged his body forward in an effort to retrieve the grenade and throw it. In critical condition from pain and loss of blood, and unable to grasp the hand grenade firmly enough to hurl it, he chose to sacrifice himself rather than endanger the lives of his men and, with a sweeping motion of his wounded right arm, cradled the grenade under him and absorbed the full impact of the explosion. His exceptional courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Lopez and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
For all our Nation's bravest during Operation Chromite and the rest of the Korean War - thank you for your service, sacrifices, and defense of Freedom. Baldomero Lopez, September 15, 1950 was your finest hour!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
TFH 9/13: Francis Scott Key and The Defense of Fort McHenry
Authored today in 1814, and needs no comment other than its own words:
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming!
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Retrieved from "http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner"
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming!
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Retrieved from "http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner"
How long...
...before the Left uses the Metrolink train crash tragedy for political purposes?
Not long is my guess, since after all, Amtrak is just as important to Joe Biden as Iraq, Afghanistan, and veterans affairs.
My heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Reports are that this was hardly an accident, but homicidal negligence on the part of the Metrolink engineer.
Not long is my guess, since after all, Amtrak is just as important to Joe Biden as Iraq, Afghanistan, and veterans affairs.
My heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Reports are that this was hardly an accident, but homicidal negligence on the part of the Metrolink engineer.
Friday, September 12, 2008
TFH 9/12: 1st Lieutenant John J. Tominac, USA
Leadership must always be from the front, and this infantry officer's gallantry is a prime example of what that means. From Medal of Honor Citations:
TOMINAC, JOHN J .
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company I, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Saulx de Vesoul, France, 12 September 1944. Entered service at: Conemaugh, Pa. Birth: Conemaugh, Pa. G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 12 September 1944, in an attack on Saulx de Vesoul, France 1st Lt. Tominac charged alone over 50 yards of exposed terrain onto an enemy roadblock to dispatch a 3-man crew of German machine gunners with a single burst from his Thompson machinegun after smashing the enemy outpost, he led 1 of his squads in the annihilation of a second hostile group defended by mortar, machinegun automatic pistol, rifle and grenade fire, killing about 30 of the enemy. Reaching the suburbs of the town, he advanced 50 yards ahead of his men to reconnoiter a third enemy position which commanded the road with a 77-mm. SP gun supported by infantry elements. The SP gun opened fire on his supporting tank, setting it afire with a direct hit. A fragment from the same shell painfully wounded 1st Lt. Tominac in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. As the crew abandoned the M-4 tank, which was rolling down hill toward the enemy, 1st Lt. Tominac picked himself up and jumped onto the hull of the burning vehicle. Despite withering enemy machinegun, mortar, pistol, and sniper fire, which was ricocheting off the hull and turret of the M-4, 1st Lt. Tominac climbed to the turret and gripped the 50-caliber antiaircraft machinegun. Plainly silhouetted against the sky, painfully wounded, and with the tank burning beneath his feet, he directed bursts of machinegun fire on the roadblock, the SP gun, and the supporting German infantrymen, and forced the enemy to withdraw from his prepared position. Jumping off the tank before it exploded, 1st Lt. Tominac refused evacuation despite his painful wound. Calling upon a sergeant to extract the shell fragments from his shoulder with a pocketknife, he continued to direct the assault, led his squad in a hand grenade attack against a fortified position occupied by 32 of the enemy armed with machineguns, machine pistols, and rifles, and compelled them to surrender. His outstanding heroism and exemplary leadership resulted in the destruction of 4 successive enemy defensive positions, surrender of a vital sector of the city Saulx de Vesoul, and the death or capture of at least 60 of the enemy.
No doubt at all, this was a finest hour!
TOMINAC, JOHN J .
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company I, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Saulx de Vesoul, France, 12 September 1944. Entered service at: Conemaugh, Pa. Birth: Conemaugh, Pa. G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 12 September 1944, in an attack on Saulx de Vesoul, France 1st Lt. Tominac charged alone over 50 yards of exposed terrain onto an enemy roadblock to dispatch a 3-man crew of German machine gunners with a single burst from his Thompson machinegun after smashing the enemy outpost, he led 1 of his squads in the annihilation of a second hostile group defended by mortar, machinegun automatic pistol, rifle and grenade fire, killing about 30 of the enemy. Reaching the suburbs of the town, he advanced 50 yards ahead of his men to reconnoiter a third enemy position which commanded the road with a 77-mm. SP gun supported by infantry elements. The SP gun opened fire on his supporting tank, setting it afire with a direct hit. A fragment from the same shell painfully wounded 1st Lt. Tominac in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. As the crew abandoned the M-4 tank, which was rolling down hill toward the enemy, 1st Lt. Tominac picked himself up and jumped onto the hull of the burning vehicle. Despite withering enemy machinegun, mortar, pistol, and sniper fire, which was ricocheting off the hull and turret of the M-4, 1st Lt. Tominac climbed to the turret and gripped the 50-caliber antiaircraft machinegun. Plainly silhouetted against the sky, painfully wounded, and with the tank burning beneath his feet, he directed bursts of machinegun fire on the roadblock, the SP gun, and the supporting German infantrymen, and forced the enemy to withdraw from his prepared position. Jumping off the tank before it exploded, 1st Lt. Tominac refused evacuation despite his painful wound. Calling upon a sergeant to extract the shell fragments from his shoulder with a pocketknife, he continued to direct the assault, led his squad in a hand grenade attack against a fortified position occupied by 32 of the enemy armed with machineguns, machine pistols, and rifles, and compelled them to surrender. His outstanding heroism and exemplary leadership resulted in the destruction of 4 successive enemy defensive positions, surrender of a vital sector of the city Saulx de Vesoul, and the death or capture of at least 60 of the enemy.
No doubt at all, this was a finest hour!
Return to Civics 101
Memo to Whoopi: Judges do not have the power to amend the Constitution, thank God!
They don't even have the power to make new laws, not that that stops them...
They don't even have the power to make new laws, not that that stops them...
Michelle Malkin on Sarah Palin's ABC Interview
Roundup and assessment here.
From what I've heard and read, Sarah came through with flying colors. I think she could have hit back at Charlie Gibson a little harder, but overall she came off very well.
I still think that the acid reply to the questions about Sarah's faith and how it will guide her public life is to answer a question with a question, that is:
Which Democrat was it that said, "With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."? (My emphasis).
Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
From what I've heard and read, Sarah came through with flying colors. I think she could have hit back at Charlie Gibson a little harder, but overall she came off very well.
I still think that the acid reply to the questions about Sarah's faith and how it will guide her public life is to answer a question with a question, that is:
Which Democrat was it that said, "With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."? (My emphasis).
Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Culture of Death Update
According to the Executive Vice President of the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Canada, apparently 9 out of 10 babies with Downs Syndrome being murdered before birth isn't enough.
And according to him, if more are allowed to be born, it will be Sarah Palin's fault.
God help us.
UPDATE: Stand Firm has picked up on this and has a discussion thread here.
And according to him, if more are allowed to be born, it will be Sarah Palin's fault.
God help us.
UPDATE: Stand Firm has picked up on this and has a discussion thread here.
Honoring our Military with the Best Recruiting Commercial Ever
Had my life taken a different course, I would be an officer in the United States Marine Corps right now. I know now, but not fully why, that that life is not what God intended for me.
In the day, I chose the Marines because I believed then as now that the United States was worth fighting for, and that the Marine Corps was my best chance for actually fighting. Yes, I wanted to go to war for my country. It would have been worth whatever the cost to myself.
Soon after September 11th, the United States Marine Corps produced the following television commercial. I can remember the first time I saw it. It's not about team building, individual achievement, or getting an education or training.
It's about going to war.
Thank you to all the members - past, present, and future - of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Marine Corps. You all have defended our Liberty and Nation, and today you defend myself, my wife, and my two wonderful children who sadly, will never know a pre-9/11 world.
In the day, I chose the Marines because I believed then as now that the United States was worth fighting for, and that the Marine Corps was my best chance for actually fighting. Yes, I wanted to go to war for my country. It would have been worth whatever the cost to myself.
Soon after September 11th, the United States Marine Corps produced the following television commercial. I can remember the first time I saw it. It's not about team building, individual achievement, or getting an education or training.
It's about going to war.
Thank you to all the members - past, present, and future - of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Marine Corps. You all have defended our Liberty and Nation, and today you defend myself, my wife, and my two wonderful children who sadly, will never know a pre-9/11 world.
September 11th - Foul Footsteps and American Greatness
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
-- Francis Scott Key, September 3, 1814
Today is September 11th.
I can remember exactly the morning of September 11, 2001. I can also remember the rage I felt. I can remember the faith in our Nation I felt. I can remember the despair I felt over the loss of so many innocents, and the emergency responders who saved many but could not save all.
I do not know what one felt around lunchtime on the east coast on December 7, 1941 - but I imagine it was quite similar to our feelings on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
I remember praying for the comfort of the victims, guidance for our President and leaders, and deliverance and victory for our Nation.
I knew we were at war - and I knew that whatever the cost would be, our Nation would prevail.
We have achieved much in the seven intervening years. Our Nation has been secure; our enemies have yet to strike on our homeland again. For that, there is one man - and one man only - to thank and credit: George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.
President Bush has been resolute. He has been determined. He has taken the fight to our enemies and has led the efforts and policies that have decimated the Islamofascist foes we face.
Still, our Nation is wounded, and I fear that it has become complacent again.
We are told that showing imagery of 9/11 is painful to the survivors and the families of victims. This is a lie.
We are told that our foreign policies during the Bush Administration have had a negative effect on our security in the world and at home. This is a lie.
Today, seven years on, there is still a gaping, open wound in the heart of the greatest city in the world - why has it not been filled?
The World Trade Center and its Twin Towers should be rebuilt, and it should have been done already.
We are Americans. We do not surrender. We do not cower. We defy our enemies. We do not accept their foul premises. We pick ourselves up and march onward!
We do not languish in sorrow; we take our sorrow and make our enemies pay for it.
It must be said from coast to coast, from Death Valley to the peak of Mt. McKinley, that our enemies have but two options:
Unconditional Surrender or Complete Annihilation
That is what America demands. That is what Freedom demands.
Victory is at hand in Iraq. Victory is coming in Afghanistan. Victory will come on whatever battlefield is next, so long as we look back on 9/11 not with sorrow but with firm belief that the causes of Liberty and Freedom for all men is worth the cost, whatever it may be.
Today is September 11th. This is the day that the greatness of America was to end at the hands of the enemies of Liberty.
They failed.
They will continue to fail.
Henceforth I will hold, and I encourage any who read this to hold, September 11th not as a day of sorrow, but as a day of inspiration. This is the day we saw the worst of our enemies and the best of America. How can that not be inspirational?
Hold September 11th as the day the United States of America realized again our purpose: to defend and protect Freedom and Liberty for all, regardless of nationality, race, color, or creed; to seek out and destroy the enemies of the same; and to carry on the fight regardless of world opinion or human and material costs.
Sixty-eight years ago, Winston Churchill knew in the darkest days of World War II that the United States ultimately was the only hope for the defeat of tyrrany. On June 4, 1940 he said:
We shall never surrender, and even if...[we] were subjugated and starving...[we] would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
That is our charge, and it is a charge the United States of America must keep.
Thank you Lord, for the United States of America and the great opportunity and hope our Nation offers. Defend and protect our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen on battlefields far and near. Watch over and guard our public servants, especially those in law enforcement and emergency first response. Grant our civilian and military leadership the wisdom to prevail and comfort from the stress and trials of their positions. Comfort those who continue to grieve, and restore in them the hope of the future. Continue to bless us all and our Nation with your Grace. We pray this in the name of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just
And this be our motto: "In God is Our Trust".
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
-- Francis Scott Key, September 3, 1814
Today is September 11th.
I can remember exactly the morning of September 11, 2001. I can also remember the rage I felt. I can remember the faith in our Nation I felt. I can remember the despair I felt over the loss of so many innocents, and the emergency responders who saved many but could not save all.
I do not know what one felt around lunchtime on the east coast on December 7, 1941 - but I imagine it was quite similar to our feelings on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
I remember praying for the comfort of the victims, guidance for our President and leaders, and deliverance and victory for our Nation.
I knew we were at war - and I knew that whatever the cost would be, our Nation would prevail.
We have achieved much in the seven intervening years. Our Nation has been secure; our enemies have yet to strike on our homeland again. For that, there is one man - and one man only - to thank and credit: George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.
President Bush has been resolute. He has been determined. He has taken the fight to our enemies and has led the efforts and policies that have decimated the Islamofascist foes we face.
Still, our Nation is wounded, and I fear that it has become complacent again.
We are told that showing imagery of 9/11 is painful to the survivors and the families of victims. This is a lie.
We are told that our foreign policies during the Bush Administration have had a negative effect on our security in the world and at home. This is a lie.
Today, seven years on, there is still a gaping, open wound in the heart of the greatest city in the world - why has it not been filled?
The World Trade Center and its Twin Towers should be rebuilt, and it should have been done already.
We are Americans. We do not surrender. We do not cower. We defy our enemies. We do not accept their foul premises. We pick ourselves up and march onward!
We do not languish in sorrow; we take our sorrow and make our enemies pay for it.
It must be said from coast to coast, from Death Valley to the peak of Mt. McKinley, that our enemies have but two options:
Unconditional Surrender or Complete Annihilation
That is what America demands. That is what Freedom demands.
Victory is at hand in Iraq. Victory is coming in Afghanistan. Victory will come on whatever battlefield is next, so long as we look back on 9/11 not with sorrow but with firm belief that the causes of Liberty and Freedom for all men is worth the cost, whatever it may be.
Today is September 11th. This is the day that the greatness of America was to end at the hands of the enemies of Liberty.
They failed.
They will continue to fail.
Henceforth I will hold, and I encourage any who read this to hold, September 11th not as a day of sorrow, but as a day of inspiration. This is the day we saw the worst of our enemies and the best of America. How can that not be inspirational?
Hold September 11th as the day the United States of America realized again our purpose: to defend and protect Freedom and Liberty for all, regardless of nationality, race, color, or creed; to seek out and destroy the enemies of the same; and to carry on the fight regardless of world opinion or human and material costs.
Sixty-eight years ago, Winston Churchill knew in the darkest days of World War II that the United States ultimately was the only hope for the defeat of tyrrany. On June 4, 1940 he said:
We shall never surrender, and even if...[we] were subjugated and starving...[we] would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
That is our charge, and it is a charge the United States of America must keep.
Thank you Lord, for the United States of America and the great opportunity and hope our Nation offers. Defend and protect our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen on battlefields far and near. Watch over and guard our public servants, especially those in law enforcement and emergency first response. Grant our civilian and military leadership the wisdom to prevail and comfort from the stress and trials of their positions. Comfort those who continue to grieve, and restore in them the hope of the future. Continue to bless us all and our Nation with your Grace. We pray this in the name of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just
And this be our motto: "In God is Our Trust".
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!
Their Finest Hour, September 11, 2008: The Flight Crew and Passengers of United 93
September 11, 2001. The United States has been thrust into a war we did not start, and did not want, but one we will win. The opening front of this war was not on some far flung battlefield, nor was it contested by those in uniform. The first cowardly attacks by Islamofascist terrorists were inflicted upon civilians on airplanes, then the World Trade Center, then the Pentagon.
Due to air traffic delays, United Airlines Flight 93 departed late from Newark, NJ on its trip to California. Those aboard who were able to communicate with authorities or loved ones on the ground learned of the attack on our Nation. They learned about the intent of the hijackers. They deduced that their Boeing 757 was no longer a means of conveyance - it had become a manned cruise missile en route to a likely target in the Nation's capital.
Their situation was clear. They knew that there was only one option.
They rose up. They fought back.
United 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, not that far away from my home in the Pittsburgh area. We don't know all the details about the attempt to retake control of United 93, but while the flight and its passengers were lost, our Nation was saved from a greater tragedy.
September 11, 2001 is a dark day in our Nation's history. It was the beginning of the War on Terror and a day of immesurable tragedy. We must not forget that today was also the day of our first victory in the war, thanks to those aboard United 93.
We owe them much. We honor their sacrifice, and we go forward in knowing that the American Spirit is indomitable in the face of our enemies, even when faced by death.
This was their finest hour.
Due to air traffic delays, United Airlines Flight 93 departed late from Newark, NJ on its trip to California. Those aboard who were able to communicate with authorities or loved ones on the ground learned of the attack on our Nation. They learned about the intent of the hijackers. They deduced that their Boeing 757 was no longer a means of conveyance - it had become a manned cruise missile en route to a likely target in the Nation's capital.
Their situation was clear. They knew that there was only one option.
They rose up. They fought back.
United 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, not that far away from my home in the Pittsburgh area. We don't know all the details about the attempt to retake control of United 93, but while the flight and its passengers were lost, our Nation was saved from a greater tragedy.
September 11, 2001 is a dark day in our Nation's history. It was the beginning of the War on Terror and a day of immesurable tragedy. We must not forget that today was also the day of our first victory in the war, thanks to those aboard United 93.
We owe them much. We honor their sacrifice, and we go forward in knowing that the American Spirit is indomitable in the face of our enemies, even when faced by death.
This was their finest hour.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
"Keep the skeer on 'em"
More brilliance from the McCain/Palin campaign via their YouTube page:
Can't wait to see what's next...keep bringing it!
(Title quote is Nathan Bedford Forrest)
Can't wait to see what's next...keep bringing it!
(Title quote is Nathan Bedford Forrest)
Real Candidates for Real People
Heard yesterday on the Rush Limbaugh program, one family's account of meeting John McCain and Sarah Palin.
Real people relate to John and Sarah because they're real people.
Real people relate to John and Sarah because they're real people.
The last day of normalcy
I look outside, and it's another beautiful late summer/early fall day. Bright sunshine. Nice breeze. Moderate temperature. I remember a day just like this one seven years ago to the day. I also remember that day for its weather forecast saying that the next day, a Tuesday, would be more of the same...
Today is September 10th.
Little did we know then, in our complacency and sleep, that the next morning, our world would change forever.
It is an American tragedy that of the two political parties that drive our discourse and institutions, one of them has put ideology and doctrine in front of Nation and victory. Their collective clock stopped on September 10, 2001.
As much as we might want, we can not go back to September 10, 2001 - nor should we want to. We, as a Nation, must go on through strife and turmoil, through good times and bad, proclaiming Liberty and Freedom as we go.
Our enemies thought September 10, 2001 would be the last day for American greatness. They were wrong, and we must continue to prove them so.
As John McCain said in his convention address last week, "We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history; we make history."
Today is September 10th. Today, as Americans, remember what was taken from us seven years ago. Today, not tomorrow, is the day for rememberance.
Tomorrow is the day to proclaim high and loud: never surrender.
Today is September 10th.
Little did we know then, in our complacency and sleep, that the next morning, our world would change forever.
It is an American tragedy that of the two political parties that drive our discourse and institutions, one of them has put ideology and doctrine in front of Nation and victory. Their collective clock stopped on September 10, 2001.
As much as we might want, we can not go back to September 10, 2001 - nor should we want to. We, as a Nation, must go on through strife and turmoil, through good times and bad, proclaiming Liberty and Freedom as we go.
Our enemies thought September 10, 2001 would be the last day for American greatness. They were wrong, and we must continue to prove them so.
As John McCain said in his convention address last week, "We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history; we make history."
Today is September 10th. Today, as Americans, remember what was taken from us seven years ago. Today, not tomorrow, is the day for rememberance.
Tomorrow is the day to proclaim high and loud: never surrender.
We have met the enemy...
...and they are ours! (Oliver Hazard Perry) Video from the McCain/Palin Campaign at YouTube
UPDATE @ 2:17 PM - YouTube has apparently pulled the video because of the McCain campaign's use of Katie Couric speaking on the CBS Evening News as part of it - i.e. copyright violation. I'm sure the McCain campaign will redo the ad without that...
Perhaps the video was directed at CBS as well as the New Soviet Man and his campaign.
You know, for once the Republicans may be getting it. The way to victory is attack, attack, attack, attack!
The prevent defense only prevents you from winning.
As General George S. Patton once said (redactions for coarse language are mine):
I don't want to get any messages saying, "I am holding my position." We are not holding a Godd***** thing. Let the [enemy] do that. We are advancing constantly and we are not interested in holding onto anything, except the enemy's b***s. We are going to twist his b***s and kick the living s*** out of him all of the time. Our basic plan of operation is to advance and to keep on advancing regardless of whether we have to go over, under, or through the enemy. We are going to go through him like crap through a goose; like s*** through a tin horn!
Keep it up John and Sarah, keep it up!
UPDATE @ 2:17 PM - YouTube has apparently pulled the video because of the McCain campaign's use of Katie Couric speaking on the CBS Evening News as part of it - i.e. copyright violation. I'm sure the McCain campaign will redo the ad without that...
Perhaps the video was directed at CBS as well as the New Soviet Man and his campaign.
You know, for once the Republicans may be getting it. The way to victory is attack, attack, attack, attack!
The prevent defense only prevents you from winning.
As General George S. Patton once said (redactions for coarse language are mine):
I don't want to get any messages saying, "I am holding my position." We are not holding a Godd***** thing. Let the [enemy] do that. We are advancing constantly and we are not interested in holding onto anything, except the enemy's b***s. We are going to twist his b***s and kick the living s*** out of him all of the time. Our basic plan of operation is to advance and to keep on advancing regardless of whether we have to go over, under, or through the enemy. We are going to go through him like crap through a goose; like s*** through a tin horn!
Keep it up John and Sarah, keep it up!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Ouch! Brady done...
The New England Patriots' QB Tom Brady is done for the season after yesterday's knee injury. I was tickled pink to see the Patriots go down to the Giants in the Super Bowl, and was hoping to see them crash and burn this season, but spending the entire NFL season without one of the all-time greats on the field is a bit of a downer...
TFH 9/8: MA2(SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, USN - Revisited
US Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor was previously honored by Their Finest Hour when his posthumous reception of the Medal of Honor was announced. I'm revisiting this young American's heroism today by linking to this video that was shown at the Republican National Convention, with some of Michael's family in attendance. The moving narration is provided by one of the few Patriots in Hollywood, Gary Sinise:
So long as our Nation produces heroes like Michael Monsoor, there will be hope for Freedom in this world. If you can watch this without tears in your eyes, you're not an American.
"Roger that!"
So long as our Nation produces heroes like Michael Monsoor, there will be hope for Freedom in this world. If you can watch this without tears in your eyes, you're not an American.
"Roger that!"
The victory continues...
As if MSNBC really thinks this will end the bias question...
Yeah, I'm sure that Keith Olbermann of the self-proclaimed "Olbermann Broadcasting Empire" (this was the copyright citation on a book he wrote with Dan Patrick) really initiated the conversation about reducing his role in the political coverage.
I believe that as much as I believe that the MSM is unbiased.
Hat tip: Drudge
Yeah, I'm sure that Keith Olbermann of the self-proclaimed "Olbermann Broadcasting Empire" (this was the copyright citation on a book he wrote with Dan Patrick) really initiated the conversation about reducing his role in the political coverage.
I believe that as much as I believe that the MSM is unbiased.
Hat tip: Drudge
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Oh, really...
The New Soviet Man is now saying that he isn't planning to rescind the Bush tax cuts, provided that economy is in recession when he takes office.
Mr. New Soviet Man, can we please have a reality check?
1) The economy expanded as of the last numbers released. If that stays true, raising taxes will put us in recession you fool!
2) So, if a Democrat-majority Congress passes a tax increase, does that mean you'd repeal it?
Mr. New Soviet Man, can we please have a reality check?
1) The economy expanded as of the last numbers released. If that stays true, raising taxes will put us in recession you fool!
2) So, if a Democrat-majority Congress passes a tax increase, does that mean you'd repeal it?
KICKOFF: Steelers vs. Texans
Football is back! Will be updated frequently. Updates at top. HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!!!
15:55: Steelers are running out the clock. Texans score two meaningless late TDs, and Reed added a Steelers' Figgie, so the final is 38-17. Great start to 2008 for the Steelers!!!!
15:02: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Roethlisberger to Ward, easy score. Up to 35-3. Steel city cruisin'!
14:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Steelers open the 2nd half by marching right down the field for Fast Willie's third TD of the game. Steelers 28, Houston 3.
14:23: Halftime, Steelers still lead 21-3
14:07: After two tackles for losses, Houston comes out of their time out to 3rd and 15...DEFENSE HOLDS! Field goal attempt by ex-Steeler Kris Brown is good, so the Black'n'Gold's lead is cut to 21-3.
14:01: INTERCEPTED!!!! Troy Polamalu picks off a bad pass from Schaub and it was an easy one. No return, so the Steelers take over at the Texans' 32. First snap...NOOOOOOO - Big Ben fumbles followed by a big return, plus a Steelers' penalty and the Texans are right back in it.
13:50: INTERCEPTED!!!! Schaub throws into double coverage, and it's picked off one-handed by the Steelers' LaMarr Woodley! 1st and 10 at the Houston 31! Quick run up + 15 yard facemask, then....TOUCHDOWN!!!!! Over the middle, Roethlisberger to Hines Ward. Reed's kick is good again and the Steelers are sailing, 21-0 with 9:03 left in the first half!!!!!
13:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker scores from 13 out, kick good, Steelers up 14-0 on the 76-yard drive! Boy, they looked real sloppy down there (fumbles on 2 consecutive plays) but a TD is a TD!
13:31: Two sacks on the series puts the Texans back to 4th and 24, and they punt!
13:20: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker breaks in from 7 yards out to the right with a great stiff arm...Jeff Reed's kick is up and good! Steelers lead 7-0.
13:14: Kubiak challenges the spot and measurment, and loses - Steelers' ball, 1st and 10 @ PIT48.
13:09: DENIED! Defense tries to hold on 4th and short, QB sneak by Schaub, Referee signals 1st down. Steelers ask for measurement...and...it's SHORT! Steelers take over on downs at their own 49!
13:04: We're on - Jeff Reed kicks off to Houston, and we're underway!
15:55: Steelers are running out the clock. Texans score two meaningless late TDs, and Reed added a Steelers' Figgie, so the final is 38-17. Great start to 2008 for the Steelers!!!!
15:02: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Roethlisberger to Ward, easy score. Up to 35-3. Steel city cruisin'!
14:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Steelers open the 2nd half by marching right down the field for Fast Willie's third TD of the game. Steelers 28, Houston 3.
14:23: Halftime, Steelers still lead 21-3
14:07: After two tackles for losses, Houston comes out of their time out to 3rd and 15...DEFENSE HOLDS! Field goal attempt by ex-Steeler Kris Brown is good, so the Black'n'Gold's lead is cut to 21-3.
14:01: INTERCEPTED!!!! Troy Polamalu picks off a bad pass from Schaub and it was an easy one. No return, so the Steelers take over at the Texans' 32. First snap...NOOOOOOO - Big Ben fumbles followed by a big return, plus a Steelers' penalty and the Texans are right back in it.
13:50: INTERCEPTED!!!! Schaub throws into double coverage, and it's picked off one-handed by the Steelers' LaMarr Woodley! 1st and 10 at the Houston 31! Quick run up + 15 yard facemask, then....TOUCHDOWN!!!!! Over the middle, Roethlisberger to Hines Ward. Reed's kick is good again and the Steelers are sailing, 21-0 with 9:03 left in the first half!!!!!
13:45: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker scores from 13 out, kick good, Steelers up 14-0 on the 76-yard drive! Boy, they looked real sloppy down there (fumbles on 2 consecutive plays) but a TD is a TD!
13:31: Two sacks on the series puts the Texans back to 4th and 24, and they punt!
13:20: TOUCHDOWN!!!! Willie Parker breaks in from 7 yards out to the right with a great stiff arm...Jeff Reed's kick is up and good! Steelers lead 7-0.
13:14: Kubiak challenges the spot and measurment, and loses - Steelers' ball, 1st and 10 @ PIT48.
13:09: DENIED! Defense tries to hold on 4th and short, QB sneak by Schaub, Referee signals 1st down. Steelers ask for measurement...and...it's SHORT! Steelers take over on downs at their own 49!
13:04: We're on - Jeff Reed kicks off to Houston, and we're underway!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
The Left is So Scared...
...about our Sarah, that they're trying to pull out the racism card. Michelle Malkin has the details.
Their Finest Hour - A Preview
Beginning October 3rd, I will be beginning a series that probably won't be daily, but one that will run for over four years, through December 19, 2012. This series will honor the greatest human achievement in history.
Apollo+40: America Goes to the Moon
Forty years ago on October 3, 1968, the Flight Readiness Review for Apollo 7 - the first manned flight after the Apollo 1 tragedy - was held, clearing the mission for launch about a week later. This was the beginning of the final drive that put the only twelve human beings - all of them proud Americans - on the surface of the Moon between July 1969 and December 1972.
To whet all your appetites, here is the trailer for the documentary In the Shadow of the Moon. Enjoy!
Apollo+40: America Goes to the Moon
Forty years ago on October 3, 1968, the Flight Readiness Review for Apollo 7 - the first manned flight after the Apollo 1 tragedy - was held, clearing the mission for launch about a week later. This was the beginning of the final drive that put the only twelve human beings - all of them proud Americans - on the surface of the Moon between July 1969 and December 1972.
To whet all your appetites, here is the trailer for the documentary In the Shadow of the Moon. Enjoy!
TFH 9/6: Sgt. Rodney Maxwell Davis, USMC
From Medal of Honor Citations, another story of self sacrifice in the defense of Freedom:
*DAVIS, RODNEY MAXWELL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967. Entered service at: Macon, Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B, in action against enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt. Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Sergeant Davis, thank you for your courage and service to our Nation. September 6, 1967 was your finest hour!
*DAVIS, RODNEY MAXWELL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967. Entered service at: Macon, Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B, in action against enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt. Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Sergeant Davis, thank you for your courage and service to our Nation. September 6, 1967 was your finest hour!
Friday, September 05, 2008
McCain's Crescendo
I've heard John McCain's words several times over since last night. I've read and reread the text of his speech. His closing rally call, with the cheers and adulation of his party rising in the background, produces a patriotic fervor in my heart that nearly brings me to tears:
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him, that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. And with hard work -- with hard work, strong faith, and a little courage, great things are always within our reach.
Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight.
Nothing is inevitable here.
We're Americans, and we never give up.
We never quit.
We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America.
He is so right. We must never be ashamed of our Nation's greatness. We must never allow the Left to get away with portraying the United States as anything but the greatest Nation on Earth.
Where the world would be today if not for the United States of America, I can not even imagine, nor would I want to be in such a world.
Those were not the cheers of the Republican Party that rose with John's words.
Those were the cheers of the American Spirit.
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your president. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank him, that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. And with hard work -- with hard work, strong faith, and a little courage, great things are always within our reach.
Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight.
Nothing is inevitable here.
We're Americans, and we never give up.
We never quit.
We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America.
He is so right. We must never be ashamed of our Nation's greatness. We must never allow the Left to get away with portraying the United States as anything but the greatest Nation on Earth.
Where the world would be today if not for the United States of America, I can not even imagine, nor would I want to be in such a world.
Those were not the cheers of the Republican Party that rose with John's words.
Those were the cheers of the American Spirit.
TFH 9/5: HC3 Edward C. Benfold, USN
I've been spending all of my recent time blogging on the election, and that will certainly continue. It is time however, to get back to honoring our Heroes. Previously, Their Finest Hour has produced the stories of medics and corpsmen who, unarmed on the battlefield, have shown true indomitable courage in the face of our enemies. Here is another such story, from Medal of Honor Citations:
*BENFOLD, EDWARD C.
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, attached to a company in the 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Korea, 5 September 1952. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 15 January 1931, Staten Island, N.Y. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in operations against enemy aggressor forces. When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, HC3c. Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement. Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed 2 marines in a large crater. As he approached the 2 men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw 2 grenades into the crater while 2 other enemy charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, HC3c Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the on-rushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers. Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, HC3c. Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his 2 comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.
Edward Benfold, I honor your sacrifice and valor in the face of our enemies. September 5, 1952 was your finest hour!
*BENFOLD, EDWARD C.
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, attached to a company in the 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Korea, 5 September 1952. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 15 January 1931, Staten Island, N.Y. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in operations against enemy aggressor forces. When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, HC3c. Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement. Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed 2 marines in a large crater. As he approached the 2 men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw 2 grenades into the crater while 2 other enemy charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, HC3c Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the on-rushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers. Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, HC3c. Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his 2 comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.
Edward Benfold, I honor your sacrifice and valor in the face of our enemies. September 5, 1952 was your finest hour!
Sarah Palin: The Times (UK) Gets It...
Read this story from the Times Online across the pond. (Hat tip: Drudge)
This is priceless:
Question: What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?
Answer: One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy. The other kills her own food.
I love it!
This is priceless:
Question: What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?
Answer: One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy. The other kills her own food.
I love it!
Joe Biden: A Man Who Cannot Tell the Truth
Michelle Malkin has a scathing review of the way Joe Biden is demonizing the unfortunate other driver in the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Biden's first wife and daughter. The Plagiarist claims that the other man was drunk, when none of the contemperaneous information from the police who investigated the accident indicates that.
In Joe Biden's world, everybody is a victim, there always has to be a villian, and true accidents can never be just that.
Disgraceful.
In Joe Biden's world, everybody is a victim, there always has to be a villian, and true accidents can never be just that.
Disgraceful.
Last night's videos
All of these are courtesy of the GOP Convention collection at YouTube:
If anybody has managed to forget why we are at war, please watch:
Future First Lady Cindy McCain addresses the convention. As of right now, they do not have the wonderful introductory video about Cindy's extensive and selfless humanitarian work for the world's children - when it is available, I'll put it here.
Introduction of Senator John S. McCain III:
Address of Senator John S. McCain III, American Hero and future 44th President of the United States:
I will fight with you John, and fight for your election. America needs you and Sarah. Our families need you both. Our children need you both.
God bless America, and "Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n-rescued land praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a Nation!"
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave, o'er the land of the Free and the home of the Brave!
If anybody has managed to forget why we are at war, please watch:
Future First Lady Cindy McCain addresses the convention. As of right now, they do not have the wonderful introductory video about Cindy's extensive and selfless humanitarian work for the world's children - when it is available, I'll put it here.
Introduction of Senator John S. McCain III:
Address of Senator John S. McCain III, American Hero and future 44th President of the United States:
I will fight with you John, and fight for your election. America needs you and Sarah. Our families need you both. Our children need you both.
God bless America, and "Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n-rescued land praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a Nation!"
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave, o'er the land of the Free and the home of the Brave!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
McCain's Speech - First Reaction
Overall, I liked it. John McCain is a great man, and a great American. I could have done with a little less of the "working together" motif, but I'm completely with him on the fact that the Republican Party has lost its principles and has been "Washingtonized".
He kept up the attack. I liked the "FIGHT" theme at the end. Loved the bits on energy policy and education. And BRAVO for thanking President Bush for his post-9/11 leadership and for keeping our nation safe since then. Seven years (minus one week) and no attacks.
Grade: A-
Here's to John and Sarah, the future 44th President and 47th Vice President of the United States!
He kept up the attack. I liked the "FIGHT" theme at the end. Loved the bits on energy policy and education. And BRAVO for thanking President Bush for his post-9/11 leadership and for keeping our nation safe since then. Seven years (minus one week) and no attacks.
Grade: A-
Here's to John and Sarah, the future 44th President and 47th Vice President of the United States!
What I want John McCain to say tonight
John McCain has some high heels, er, uhm, make that big shoes to fill after Sarah Palin's roof-raising, bring-down-the-house whammy of a speech last night. He can do it, and I have these ideas as to how:
1) He needs to shed his well-known reservation about talking about his POW experience. The American people need to be reminded - first hand - of the tyrrany we face in the world. His trials, torture, and suffering at the hands of the enemies of Liberty need to be tied to his unquenchable, indefatigable love of Nation and belief in the greatness of America and how those convictions allowed him to survive what was truly an unimaginable ordeal to any but those who lived it with him. We need to be reminded again - and again, and again, and again - that there is evil in this world that seeks to destroy us and we must defeat it.
I'm reminded now of some dialogue from an episode of TNT's The Closer. A CIA agent is reminiscing that 65 years ago, our enemies quoted from "Mein Kampf" as they marched their victims into gas chambers. During the Cold War, the Communists would quote Marx and Lenin as they shot people in the head. Today, the Koran is misused to justify violence. He concludes his train of thought with: "Same people, different books."
2) He must reject liberal premises on the issues. We will never solve anything by being "Democrat Light".
3) Policy Red Meat: continued and deeper tax cuts, energy independence (starting with "Drill baby, Drill!", and going through nuclear power, clean coal, build pipelines, build refineries, etc.), free market solutions for health care, actually, make that free market solutions for everything.
4) ATTACK. Attack, attack, attack! Do not hold your positions! Slam the New Soviet Man to the ground, and do not let him up. Expose the left for the un-American, capitalist-hating, abortion-loving, anti-family neo-Marxists they are.
5) Repeat (4) above with respect to the media. THEY ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS, JOHN MCCAIN!
6) Attack some more. There are so many options!
Finally John McCain, if he can, must show that he is what Barack Obama and Joe Biden have absolutely no capability to be: just like us. Why does Sarah Palin resonate with us? Because we look at her and our family and we do not see a politician; we see ourselves. Should I meet her in person, my attitude may be different, but right now I'm comfortable referring to her as "Sarah", "our Sarah", et al. for just that reason. She's one of us.
As I saw in one article on line today, she is "Sarah America".
John McCain, well right now he's "Mr." or "Senator" and he - in the eyes and hearts of America - needs to become "John".
I hope he does it.
1) He needs to shed his well-known reservation about talking about his POW experience. The American people need to be reminded - first hand - of the tyrrany we face in the world. His trials, torture, and suffering at the hands of the enemies of Liberty need to be tied to his unquenchable, indefatigable love of Nation and belief in the greatness of America and how those convictions allowed him to survive what was truly an unimaginable ordeal to any but those who lived it with him. We need to be reminded again - and again, and again, and again - that there is evil in this world that seeks to destroy us and we must defeat it.
I'm reminded now of some dialogue from an episode of TNT's The Closer. A CIA agent is reminiscing that 65 years ago, our enemies quoted from "Mein Kampf" as they marched their victims into gas chambers. During the Cold War, the Communists would quote Marx and Lenin as they shot people in the head. Today, the Koran is misused to justify violence. He concludes his train of thought with: "Same people, different books."
2) He must reject liberal premises on the issues. We will never solve anything by being "Democrat Light".
3) Policy Red Meat: continued and deeper tax cuts, energy independence (starting with "Drill baby, Drill!", and going through nuclear power, clean coal, build pipelines, build refineries, etc.), free market solutions for health care, actually, make that free market solutions for everything.
4) ATTACK. Attack, attack, attack! Do not hold your positions! Slam the New Soviet Man to the ground, and do not let him up. Expose the left for the un-American, capitalist-hating, abortion-loving, anti-family neo-Marxists they are.
5) Repeat (4) above with respect to the media. THEY ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS, JOHN MCCAIN!
6) Attack some more. There are so many options!
Finally John McCain, if he can, must show that he is what Barack Obama and Joe Biden have absolutely no capability to be: just like us. Why does Sarah Palin resonate with us? Because we look at her and our family and we do not see a politician; we see ourselves. Should I meet her in person, my attitude may be different, but right now I'm comfortable referring to her as "Sarah", "our Sarah", et al. for just that reason. She's one of us.
As I saw in one article on line today, she is "Sarah America".
John McCain, well right now he's "Mr." or "Senator" and he - in the eyes and hearts of America - needs to become "John".
I hope he does it.
The Success of "Community Organizing"
According to cbs2chicago.com, there have been at least 123 homicides this summer in Chicago, IL - Barack Obama's home town - and only 65 fallen heroes in our Nation's service during the same period in Iraq.
Let's hope and pray that the New Soviet Man doesn't have the chance to "organize" our military like he's helped out his home town.
But hey: Communism has only killed 100 million people; let's give it another chance!
Hat tip: Drudge
Let's hope and pray that the New Soviet Man doesn't have the chance to "organize" our military like he's helped out his home town.
But hey: Communism has only killed 100 million people; let's give it another chance!
Hat tip: Drudge
One More for Sarah
This is the video that was cut last night due to time - the GOP's introduction of Sarah Palin:
Here she is...
They can't help but step in it...
A lot of bloviating on the Left is being based on this story about a speech Sarah Palin made to her former church in Alaska. She's quoted by the AP as saying that the Iraq war and building a pipeline are a "task that is from God" and "God's will" respectively
This is a prime example about how the Left fails to understand Christianity. Christians, myself included, pray daily "Thy will be done." We pray for God's grace to enter our lives, in every area, every day.
I pray daily for our leaders - and yes, for our enemies - that the love of Jesus Christ enter their hearts and transform their lives.
Before the Left gets even more unhinged over Sarah Palin's faith and her belief that God's hand is in all of our daily lives, perhaps they should refer back to the closing words of President John F. Kennedy's Inagural Address:
With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
This is a prime example about how the Left fails to understand Christianity. Christians, myself included, pray daily "Thy will be done." We pray for God's grace to enter our lives, in every area, every day.
I pray daily for our leaders - and yes, for our enemies - that the love of Jesus Christ enter their hearts and transform their lives.
Before the Left gets even more unhinged over Sarah Palin's faith and her belief that God's hand is in all of our daily lives, perhaps they should refer back to the closing words of President John F. Kennedy's Inagural Address:
With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.
Rudy Rocked the House too!
Hope you didn't miss America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, absolutely skewer the Left and their false Messiah last night.
Read it all here...
Better yet, watch it (video from GOPConvention2008):
Rudy's entire address is awesome, but for me, the "money quote" is this:
One final point. And how -- how dare they question whether Sarah Palin has enough time to spend with her children and be vice president. How dare they do that.
When do they ever ask a man that question? When?
Amen, brother!
Read it all here...
Better yet, watch it (video from GOPConvention2008):
Rudy's entire address is awesome, but for me, the "money quote" is this:
One final point. And how -- how dare they question whether Sarah Palin has enough time to spend with her children and be vice president. How dare they do that.
When do they ever ask a man that question? When?
Amen, brother!
More Thoughts on Sarah
Sarah Palin could be the Margaret Thatcher of the early 21st Century. I'm never at a loss to get into a Churchillian mood, and based on the attempt of the Left and the MSM to eliminate her via character assassination, two WSC points come to mind:
She "will have her neck wrung like a chicken. Some chicken; some neck!"
"You do your worst, and we will do our best!"
She "will have her neck wrung like a chicken. Some chicken; some neck!"
"You do your worst, and we will do our best!"
MSM: Out of Touch
CNN just doesn't get it. We conservatives may not have always been John McCain's biggest cheering section, but we do know what our principles are. McCain and Sara Palin are delivering them.
We are not searching for an identity, because we are not ashamed of our identity like the Left is. The Left only succeeds when they hide who they really are. Conservatives only fail when we do not act on our principles.
More than anything, the Left fears conservatives who act on their principles. They know that their own ideology is bankrupt, and anathema to the American Spirit.
We are not searching for an identity, because we are not ashamed of our identity like the Left is. The Left only succeeds when they hide who they really are. Conservatives only fail when we do not act on our principles.
More than anything, the Left fears conservatives who act on their principles. They know that their own ideology is bankrupt, and anathema to the American Spirit.
We're winning
When the MSM starts criticising Sara Palin's hair style (which I absolutely LOVE by the way!), you know they're getting desperate...
(Hat tip: Drudge)
(Hat tip: Drudge)
Sarah Palin - Quick Thoughts
Well, I've slept on Sarah's great speech, and have these quick thoughts:
1) Attack! Keep on the offensive. Attack, attack, attack!!!!!!
2) The Palins are a beautiful American family. Sarah's best point here wasn't made explicitly; by naming her daughter Bristol, with the silent companionship of the father of her child by her side the implication was clear, and it was aimed direct at the Left and their willing media accomplices. "This is our family, and how DARE you attack them."
3) I can't WAIT until the VP debate. She is going to absolutely shred Biden. Why? Because he isn't one of us!
4) McCain now has a pretty high bar to clear speech-wise. Provided he can shed some of his humility regarding his wartime experiences, the potential is there for an address of epic proportions.
More later....
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Wednesday, September 03, 2008
McCain-Palin 2008: ON TO VICTORY
Back when Senator John McCain locked up the Republican Presidential nomination, I was hardly excited, as this post of mine shows. I'd have preferred somebody much more conservative. I've been wondering when, if ever, I'd get excited about this election.
Senator McCain's selection of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska last Friday woke me up. Sarah Palin is everything that so-called "feminists" have said that women are supposed to become. The reason why she has attained that is because she is a conservative!
The next to the last piece of the puzzle came last night during the Republican National Convention. During my in-line web surfing while watching convention coverage, I read in full for the first time this accounting of the absolute horror John McCain endured as a prisoner of war. When Senator Fred Thompson recounted the story during his address, I was nearly moved to tears.
John S. McCain III is an American Hero. I disagree with many of his policy positions. I wish he was more of a straight-to-the-bone conservative. That aside, I do believe now that Senator McCain's time has come. He is a man who has given his life to the service of our Nation, not himself. He is a man who has fought, bled, and nearly died for the United States. He is a man who has already sent one of his sons off to war in defense of our Nation, and has another son who is also in uniform. He is a man of honesty and integrity. There is absolutely no comparison between his record and that of his opponent; this election should be a complete no-brainer.
The final piece has been the absolutely disgusting behavior of the American media with regards to Governor Sarah Palin. We don't have a media; we have a left-wing, radical, liberal propoganda machine. There is no "news" reporting anymore, just liberal slant - and it must be defeated!
The United States is the greatest Nation ever. I wholeheartedly believe that were it not for the United States of America, there would be no Liberty in the world today. I believe that should we elect Barack Obama - in my opinion the embodiment of the New Soviet Man - the "new dark age" that Winston Churchill foresaw in 1940 will once again be on the horizon.
This time however, there is no new world to realize its might and come to the rescue of the old.
We must prevail.
Senator McCain's selection of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska last Friday woke me up. Sarah Palin is everything that so-called "feminists" have said that women are supposed to become. The reason why she has attained that is because she is a conservative!
The next to the last piece of the puzzle came last night during the Republican National Convention. During my in-line web surfing while watching convention coverage, I read in full for the first time this accounting of the absolute horror John McCain endured as a prisoner of war. When Senator Fred Thompson recounted the story during his address, I was nearly moved to tears.
John S. McCain III is an American Hero. I disagree with many of his policy positions. I wish he was more of a straight-to-the-bone conservative. That aside, I do believe now that Senator McCain's time has come. He is a man who has given his life to the service of our Nation, not himself. He is a man who has fought, bled, and nearly died for the United States. He is a man who has already sent one of his sons off to war in defense of our Nation, and has another son who is also in uniform. He is a man of honesty and integrity. There is absolutely no comparison between his record and that of his opponent; this election should be a complete no-brainer.
The final piece has been the absolutely disgusting behavior of the American media with regards to Governor Sarah Palin. We don't have a media; we have a left-wing, radical, liberal propoganda machine. There is no "news" reporting anymore, just liberal slant - and it must be defeated!
The United States is the greatest Nation ever. I wholeheartedly believe that were it not for the United States of America, there would be no Liberty in the world today. I believe that should we elect Barack Obama - in my opinion the embodiment of the New Soviet Man - the "new dark age" that Winston Churchill foresaw in 1940 will once again be on the horizon.
This time however, there is no new world to realize its might and come to the rescue of the old.
We must prevail.
The Media vs. America
No double standards at all, none to see in the MSM.
Texas Rainmaker
Michelle Malkin
Sister Toldjah
Power Line
Texas Rainmaker
Michelle Malkin
Sister Toldjah
Power Line
An Ex-Democrat for McCain/Palin
Read the whole thing.
Finally, I will vote for Sarah Palin, not because I’ve left the Democratic party of my youth and young adulthood, but because that party has left me. In fact, it no longer exists. And no amount of elegant speaking, exciting choreography, and moral alibis will bring it back.
Amen.
Hat tip: Jack Fowler via Michelle Malkin
Finally, I will vote for Sarah Palin, not because I’ve left the Democratic party of my youth and young adulthood, but because that party has left me. In fact, it no longer exists. And no amount of elegant speaking, exciting choreography, and moral alibis will bring it back.
Amen.
Hat tip: Jack Fowler via Michelle Malkin
Chris Muir: On Target
Chris Muir's Day By Day gets it right on. What passes for a news media in our Nation today is simply a disgrace.
Thank you, Joe!
(Image: Yahoo/AP)
Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut is one of the few Democrats I have any respect for. Since the dark day of 9/11, he has been resolute in our Nation's need to destroy our enemies. He gets it. He knows that without destroying tyrrany, there will be no "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
Last night at the Republican National Convention, Senator Lieberman stood up for his colleague John McCain, and chose Nation over party. You can read his speech here, or watch it here. Do so if you haven't seen it.
I am glad we have men of principle and integrity like Joe Lieberman serving our country. It is a shame that of all the Democrats, Senator Lieberman is a lone wolf speaking out against the New Soviet Man in Barack Obama. Some excerpts:
Our Founding Fathers foresaw the danger of this kind of senseless partisanship. George Washington himself - in his farewell address to our country - warned that the "spirit of party" is "the worst eneemy" of our democracy and "enfeebles" our government's ability to do its job...
I'm here because John McCain's whole life testifies to a great truth: being a Democrat or a Republican is important.
But it is not more important than being an American...
...this is no ordinary election, because these are not ordinary times, and John McCain is no ordinary candidate. You may not agree with John McCain on every issue.
But you can always count on him to be straight with you about where he stands, and to stand for what he thinks is right regardless of politics.
Rock on Joe, ROCK ON!
I'm back
Got an email last night from an old co-worker who stumbled across "Their Finest Hour" - I really have got to get back into the swing of things here, and post regularly.
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