According to the attorneys who have argued before the US 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals as cited in the Almanac of the Federal Judiciary, just one of the 21 judges on the court is rated unfavorably for their temperment and conduct on the bench.
It can't be Sonia Sotomayor. No way. She's the shining star of the Federal Courts. Who cares how she acts as a judge anyway? It's just her "life story" that's important here!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The California Supreme Court Gets One Thing Right
I'm not commenting on Proposition 8, up or down. Here is the one thing the California Supreme Court got right, whatever your feelings on the decision:
From the court's ruling, on page 3:
Regardless of our views as individuals on this question of policy, we recognize as judges and as a court our responsibility to confine our consideration to a determination of the constitutional validity and legal effect of the measure in question. It bears emphasis in this regard that our role is limited to interpreting and applying the principles and rules embodied in the California Constitution, setting aside our own personal beliefs and values.
In other words, justice - as it should always be - is blind.
From the court's ruling, on page 3:
Regardless of our views as individuals on this question of policy, we recognize as judges and as a court our responsibility to confine our consideration to a determination of the constitutional validity and legal effect of the measure in question. It bears emphasis in this regard that our role is limited to interpreting and applying the principles and rules embodied in the California Constitution, setting aside our own personal beliefs and values.
In other words, justice - as it should always be - is blind.
A Victory for the Tenth Amendment
I haven't seen the text of the decision yet, but I'm very pleased that the California Supreme Court has decided to follow the will of the voters and not impose their will by judicial fiat.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Apollo+40: Go Apollo 10!
Today at 12:49 EDT, we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the launch of Apollo 10. Follow along as Their Finest Hour honors the dress rehearsal for America's moon landing!
More will follow later, and I promise that I'll be better about posting the history than I was with the flight of Apollo 9.
More will follow later, and I promise that I'll be better about posting the history than I was with the flight of Apollo 9.
Friday, May 15, 2009
The effect of abortion on the course of history
...or rather, the effect of not "choosing" on history:
Hat tip: Stand Firm
UPDATE 11:49 - oh, and what if another young mother to be had made a different "choice"?
Hat tip: Stand Firm
UPDATE 11:49 - oh, and what if another young mother to be had made a different "choice"?
Is the tide turning?
Well, well. I'm sure this Gallup poll result published today that found that 52 percent of Americans consider themselves "pro-life" vs. 42 percent "pro-choice" will be the lead story on MSNBC and CNN today.
Or not. I just did searches against both MSNBC and CNN's web sites for "Gallup abortion" and didn't find any references to the poll result. (And in fairness, it doesn't look like Fox News has picked up on it yet either.)
Gallup's "Bottom Line" on the poll may rank as one of the understatements of the year:
With the first pro-choice president in eight years already making changes to the nation's policies on funding abortion overseas, expressing his support for the Freedom of Choice Act, and moving toward rescinding federal job protections for medical workers who refuse to participate in abortion procedures, Americans -- and, in particular, Republicans -- seem to be taking a step back from the pro-choice position. However, the retreat is evident among political moderates as well as conservatives.
It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be "pro-choice" slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction.
No, it has pushed the understanding of "pro-choice" to be what it really is, which is "pro-abortion" - hardly "slightly" to the left. The New Soviet Man is the most virulently pro-abortion politician we have ever seen elected to national office.
Life should never be viewed as a cost to the state, as Mr. Obama has demonstrated by his words and actions. Life is a blessing and an opportunity for greatness and achievement.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
"I'd like a book on chutzpah, and I want you to pay for it."
This post's title is a caption from a Charles Addams cartoon published many years ago. I was remined of it because today, our President, New Soviet Man Barack Obama, had this to say at a town hall meeting in New Mexico:
Can you believe this guy? This is the President who has proposed unheard of levels of deficit spending and wants to dump our Nation into more debt than his 43 predecessors in the office - combined, and today, he now thinks it's "unsustainable"?
I continue to be amazed at the absolute gall of this man. Even if he confiscated 100% of the wages earned by Americans as taxes he couldn't finance all of his pipe-dream socialist tyrrany without borrowing more, and more, and more.
If I had the chance to talk to Mr. Obama today, I think I'd simply say: "Hello pot, let me introduce you to kettle."
May 14 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama, calling current deficit spending “unsustainable,” warned of skyrocketing interest rates for consumers if the U.S. continues to finance government by borrowing from other countries.
“We can’t keep on just borrowing from China,” Obama said at a town-hall meeting in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, outside Albuquerque. “We have to pay interest on that debt, and that means we are mortgaging our children’s future with more and more debt.”
Can you believe this guy? This is the President who has proposed unheard of levels of deficit spending and wants to dump our Nation into more debt than his 43 predecessors in the office - combined, and today, he now thinks it's "unsustainable"?
I continue to be amazed at the absolute gall of this man. Even if he confiscated 100% of the wages earned by Americans as taxes he couldn't finance all of his pipe-dream socialist tyrrany without borrowing more, and more, and more.
If I had the chance to talk to Mr. Obama today, I think I'd simply say: "Hello pot, let me introduce you to kettle."
TFH 5/14: Private First Class James H. Diamond, USA
On May 8, 1945 the world celebrated V-E Day and the end of war in Europe. That day, thousands of brave Americans were still fighting the evil forces of the Japanese Empire across the Pacific. The indomitable heroism of one such American soldier began that day, and six days later on May 14th, he gave his life in service to our Nation.
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
*DIAMOND, JAMES H.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mintal, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 8-14 May 1945. Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss. Birth: New Orleans, La. G.O. No.: 23, 6 March 1946. Citation: As a member of the machinegun section, he displayed extreme gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty . When a Japanese sniper rose from his foxhole to throw a grenade into their midst, this valiant soldier charged and killed the enemy with a burst from his submachine gun; then, by delivering sustained fire from his personal arm and simultaneously directing the fire of 105mm. and .50 caliber weapons upon the enemy pillboxes immobilizing this and another machinegun section, he enabled them to put their guns into action. When 2 infantry companies established a bridgehead, he voluntarily assisted in evacuating the wounded under heavy fire; and then, securing an abandoned vehicle, transported casualties to the rear through mortar and artillery fire so intense as to render the vehicle inoperative and despite the fact he was suffering from a painful wound. The following day he again volunteered, this time for the hazardous job of repairing a bridge under heavy enemy fire. On 14 May 1945, when leading a patrol to evacuate casualties from his battalion, which was cut off, he ran through a virtual hail of Japanese fire to secure an abandoned machine gun. Though mortally wounded as he reached the gun, he succeeded in drawing sufficient fire upon himself so that the remaining members of the patrol could reach safety. Pfc. Diamond's indomitable spirit, constant disregard of danger, and eagerness to assist his comrades, will ever remain a symbol of selflessness and heroic sacrifice to those for whom he gave his life.
James Diamond, thank you for your courage and sacrifice. Freedom-loving people across our Nation and the world are forever in your debt. May 14, 1945 was your finest hour!
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
*DIAMOND, JAMES H.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 21st Infantry, 24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mintal, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 8-14 May 1945. Entered service at: Gulfport, Miss. Birth: New Orleans, La. G.O. No.: 23, 6 March 1946. Citation: As a member of the machinegun section, he displayed extreme gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty . When a Japanese sniper rose from his foxhole to throw a grenade into their midst, this valiant soldier charged and killed the enemy with a burst from his submachine gun; then, by delivering sustained fire from his personal arm and simultaneously directing the fire of 105mm. and .50 caliber weapons upon the enemy pillboxes immobilizing this and another machinegun section, he enabled them to put their guns into action. When 2 infantry companies established a bridgehead, he voluntarily assisted in evacuating the wounded under heavy fire; and then, securing an abandoned vehicle, transported casualties to the rear through mortar and artillery fire so intense as to render the vehicle inoperative and despite the fact he was suffering from a painful wound. The following day he again volunteered, this time for the hazardous job of repairing a bridge under heavy enemy fire. On 14 May 1945, when leading a patrol to evacuate casualties from his battalion, which was cut off, he ran through a virtual hail of Japanese fire to secure an abandoned machine gun. Though mortally wounded as he reached the gun, he succeeded in drawing sufficient fire upon himself so that the remaining members of the patrol could reach safety. Pfc. Diamond's indomitable spirit, constant disregard of danger, and eagerness to assist his comrades, will ever remain a symbol of selflessness and heroic sacrifice to those for whom he gave his life.
James Diamond, thank you for your courage and sacrifice. Freedom-loving people across our Nation and the world are forever in your debt. May 14, 1945 was your finest hour!
People Don't Starve Because of the United States
Yesterday, I heard Jim Quinn refer to an event that the school district (Pine-Richland) in which I reside held about two weeks ago on Friday, May 1. The event was sponsored by and raised money for Oxfam America and had the purpose of "raising awareness" of world hunger. The event was publicized in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on April 30 and was described as follows:
Raising awareness? No, the purpose of this event is to make us feel guilty for our prosperity.
Now, let's examine some facts:
First, some foundational information on population:
Estimated US Population, February 2009: 306 million
Estimated World Population, 2008: 6,707 million (6.707 billion)
Total non-US Estimated Population: 6,401,000,000
The United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service has published summary statistics for the United States' agricultural trade. The statistics for calendar year 2008 paint a very interesting picture:
United States Food Exports: $115,437,000,000
United States Food Imports: $80,465,000.000
United States Net Food Exports: $34,972,000,000
So you don't have to do the math yourself, our net food exports are $114 per every person in the United States, and $5 per every non-US person in the world. Now, I know what you're going to say: "We're the richest country, and we're only exporting $5 per person of food to the rest of the world? That's a disgrace."
Well, let's look at the issue from the perspective of quantity, not cost.
I used the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's statistical query engine to find out how much the United States exported of four key staple agricultural products to the rest of the world during calendar year 2008: corn, wheat, soybeans, and rice. This is what I found:
US exports of corn: 51,897,526 tonnes = 114,414,459,845 pounds
US exports of rice: 3,588,160 tonnes = 7,910,538,707 pounds
US exports of soybeans: 32,162,159 tonnes = 70,905,423,304 pounds
US exports of wheat: 29,099,778 tonnes = 64,154,028,874 pounds
Total US exports for those four: 116,747,623 tonnes = 257,384,450,731 pounds.
Two-hundred and fifty-seven billion, three-hundred and eighty-four million, four-hundred and fifty thousand, seven-hundred and thirty-one pounds of just four agricultural products were exported by the United States in 2008.
By the way, that works out to 841 pounds of exports for every man, woman, and child in the United States, and 40 pounds of exports for every man, woman, and child in the rest of the world. And again, that's just for corn, rice, soybeans, and wheat.
The United States already feeds the world. There are not starving people in the world because of our largesse, or wastefulness, or selfishness, or consumption. There are starving people in the world because many are enslaved in poverty by the tyrannical governments that rule over them. There are starving people in the world because starving, not to mention unarmed, populations can not rise up and challenge the power of the tyrants.
Perhaps our schools should be teaching our children how many more would be starving if it was not for the greatness of the United States, you think?
More than 100 participants will attend the Oxfam America Hunger Banquet at
Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, 3900 Bakerstown Road in Pine to experience a meal as a low, middle income or upper income global citizen. This event is one
of the thousands taking place across the country.
This is typical liberal symbolism over substance, but don't worry, the coverage gets worse. Today, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has published a summary of the event:
On a recent Friday night, Pine-Richland senior Cassie Muzzonigro enjoyed a
sumptuous dinner at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, where servers waited on her hand and foot.Superintendent James Manley spent the evening on the cafeteria's cold tile floor eating rice with his fingers...
Sophomore Samantha Shipeck, who sat on the floor with her poverty-stricken
peers, said the experience was eye-opening. She played a Vietnamese farmer
surviving on loans from local money lenders who charged 30 to 40 percent
interest a month."It's not living another person's life, but getting a glimpse at what it's like," she said. "Even if I don't get into international relations or see any of these different countries, it's important to be aware of what's going on in the world."
The event was organized by high school students in Matt Roberts' Asian studies class. Senior Emily Sisk introduced her teacher to Oxfam America, an international relief and development organization founded in 1970 that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and injustice.
Last summer, while attending a program sponsored by Americans for Informed
Democracy, Sisk participated in a hunger banquet. "I wanted to recreate it in this area because I know there are a lot of students who are politically active," she said. "I wanted to show them that they should go out and do things because it is possible to pull things off like this, to get an event together if you really try."
Raising awareness? No, the purpose of this event is to make us feel guilty for our prosperity.
Now, let's examine some facts:
First, some foundational information on population:
Estimated US Population, February 2009: 306 million
Estimated World Population, 2008: 6,707 million (6.707 billion)
Total non-US Estimated Population: 6,401,000,000
The United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service has published summary statistics for the United States' agricultural trade. The statistics for calendar year 2008 paint a very interesting picture:
United States Food Exports: $115,437,000,000
United States Food Imports: $80,465,000.000
United States Net Food Exports: $34,972,000,000
So you don't have to do the math yourself, our net food exports are $114 per every person in the United States, and $5 per every non-US person in the world. Now, I know what you're going to say: "We're the richest country, and we're only exporting $5 per person of food to the rest of the world? That's a disgrace."
Well, let's look at the issue from the perspective of quantity, not cost.
I used the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's statistical query engine to find out how much the United States exported of four key staple agricultural products to the rest of the world during calendar year 2008: corn, wheat, soybeans, and rice. This is what I found:
US exports of corn: 51,897,526 tonnes = 114,414,459,845 pounds
US exports of rice: 3,588,160 tonnes = 7,910,538,707 pounds
US exports of soybeans: 32,162,159 tonnes = 70,905,423,304 pounds
US exports of wheat: 29,099,778 tonnes = 64,154,028,874 pounds
Total US exports for those four: 116,747,623 tonnes = 257,384,450,731 pounds.
Two-hundred and fifty-seven billion, three-hundred and eighty-four million, four-hundred and fifty thousand, seven-hundred and thirty-one pounds of just four agricultural products were exported by the United States in 2008.
By the way, that works out to 841 pounds of exports for every man, woman, and child in the United States, and 40 pounds of exports for every man, woman, and child in the rest of the world. And again, that's just for corn, rice, soybeans, and wheat.
The United States already feeds the world. There are not starving people in the world because of our largesse, or wastefulness, or selfishness, or consumption. There are starving people in the world because many are enslaved in poverty by the tyrannical governments that rule over them. There are starving people in the world because starving, not to mention unarmed, populations can not rise up and challenge the power of the tyrants.
Perhaps our schools should be teaching our children how many more would be starving if it was not for the greatness of the United States, you think?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
TFH 5/13: Major Kern W. Dunagan, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
DUNAGAN, KERN W.
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, Americal Division. Place and date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 13 May 1969. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 20 February 1934, Superior, Ariz. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. (then Capt.) Dunagan distinguished himself during the period May 13 and 14, 1969, while serving as commanding officer, Company A. On May 13, 1969, Maj. Dunagan was leading an attack to relieve pressure on the battalion's forward support base when his company came under intense fire from a well-entrenched enemy battalion. Despite continuous hostile fire from a numerically superior force, Maj. Dunagan repeatedly and fearlessly exposed himself in order to locate enemy positions, direct friendly supporting artillery, and position the men of his company. In the early evening, while directing an element of his unit into perimeter guard, he was seriously wounded during an enemy mortar attack, but he refused to leave the battlefield and continued to supervise the evacuation of dead and wounded and to lead his command in the difficult task of disengaging from an aggressive enemy. In spite of painful wounds and extreme fatigue, Maj. Dunagan risked heavy fire on 2 occasions to rescue critically wounded men. He was again seriously wounded. Undaunted, he continued to display outstanding courage, professional competence, and leadership and successfully extricated his command from its untenable position on the evening of May 14. Having maneuvered his command into contact with an adjacent friendly unit, he learned that a 6-man party from his company was under fire and had not reached the new perimeter. Maj. Dunagan unhesitatingly went back and searched for his men. Finding 1 soldier critically wounded, Maj. Dunagan, ignoring his wounds, lifted the man to his shoulders and carried him to the comparative safety of the friendly perimeter. Before permitting himself to be evacuated, he insured all of his wounded received emergency treatment and were removed from the area. Throughout the engagement, Maj. Dunagan's actions gave great inspiration to his men and were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Maj. Dunagan's extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Kern Dunagan attained the rank of Colonel before leaving the Army. He survived the Vietnam War and passed away at an all too young 57 years in 1991. He rests in peace in San Francisco National Cemetery. (Wikipedia)
Colonel Dunagan, I honor your sacrifice, service, and courage. All Americans are forever in your debt. May 13, 1969 was your finest hour!
DUNAGAN, KERN W.
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, Americal Division. Place and date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 13 May 1969. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 20 February 1934, Superior, Ariz. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. (then Capt.) Dunagan distinguished himself during the period May 13 and 14, 1969, while serving as commanding officer, Company A. On May 13, 1969, Maj. Dunagan was leading an attack to relieve pressure on the battalion's forward support base when his company came under intense fire from a well-entrenched enemy battalion. Despite continuous hostile fire from a numerically superior force, Maj. Dunagan repeatedly and fearlessly exposed himself in order to locate enemy positions, direct friendly supporting artillery, and position the men of his company. In the early evening, while directing an element of his unit into perimeter guard, he was seriously wounded during an enemy mortar attack, but he refused to leave the battlefield and continued to supervise the evacuation of dead and wounded and to lead his command in the difficult task of disengaging from an aggressive enemy. In spite of painful wounds and extreme fatigue, Maj. Dunagan risked heavy fire on 2 occasions to rescue critically wounded men. He was again seriously wounded. Undaunted, he continued to display outstanding courage, professional competence, and leadership and successfully extricated his command from its untenable position on the evening of May 14. Having maneuvered his command into contact with an adjacent friendly unit, he learned that a 6-man party from his company was under fire and had not reached the new perimeter. Maj. Dunagan unhesitatingly went back and searched for his men. Finding 1 soldier critically wounded, Maj. Dunagan, ignoring his wounds, lifted the man to his shoulders and carried him to the comparative safety of the friendly perimeter. Before permitting himself to be evacuated, he insured all of his wounded received emergency treatment and were removed from the area. Throughout the engagement, Maj. Dunagan's actions gave great inspiration to his men and were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Maj. Dunagan's extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Kern Dunagan attained the rank of Colonel before leaving the Army. He survived the Vietnam War and passed away at an all too young 57 years in 1991. He rests in peace in San Francisco National Cemetery. (Wikipedia)
Colonel Dunagan, I honor your sacrifice, service, and courage. All Americans are forever in your debt. May 13, 1969 was your finest hour!
The Lawless President
This column from today's The Wall Street Journal, "Chrysler and the Rule of Law" by Todd J. Zywicki, is an alarming summary of the complete disregard for our Constitution and the laws enacted under it by our President, New Soviet Man Barack Obama.
Professor Zywicki sets the stage:
Professor Zywicki sets the stage:
Fleecing lenders to pay off politically powerful interests, or governmental
threats to reputation and business from a failure to toe a political line? We
might expect this behavior from a Hugo Chavez. But it would never happen here,
right?
Until Chrysler.
A recitation of the facts surrounding President Obama's strong-arm of the Chrysler bankruptcy and the relevant Constitutional and legal provisions follows. He succintly points out that Chrysler's secured creditors are being shafted in favor of the United Auto Workers - not conicidentally one of Mr. Obama's favored constituency groups. He continues:
By stepping over the bright line beween the rule of law and the arbitrary
behavior of men, President Obama may have created a thousand new failing
businesses. That is, businesses thay might have received financing before but
that now will not, since lenders face the potential of future government
confiscation. In other words, Mr. Obama may have helped save the jobs of
thousands of union workers whose dues, in part, engineered his election. But
what about the untold number of job losses in the future caused by trampling the
sanctity of contracts today?The value of the rule of law is not merely a matter of economic efficiency.
It also provides a bulwark against arbitrary governmental action taken at the
behest of politically influential interests at the expense of the politically
unpopular...And what if the next time it is a politically unpopular business...that's on
the brink? Might the government force it to surrender a patent to get the White
House's agreement to get financing for the bankruptcy plan?
A dire, dangerous question indeed. In fact, it echoes of Ayn Rand's "Directive 10-289".
At this time, I'd like to call Mr. Obama's attention to the text of Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution:
"He shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed."
I made the assertion around Election Day that if - and as it has turned out to be - when Barack Obama took the Oath of Office, the entire statement would be a lie.
Sadly, tragically, I was right.
Pray for our Nation.
(Hat tip: Drudge)
Congratulations Atlantis!
(Image: NASA)The crew of Space Shuttle Atlantis has successfully rendezvoused with, captured, and berthed the Hubble Space Telescope! The first of five space walks to service the observatory takes place tomorrow.
Great job to all!
The real lesson of Carrie Prejean
In her own words, Miss California USA on the First Amendment and what our forefathers sacrificed to protect:
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
TFH 5/12: Second Lieutenant Charles W. Shea, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
SHEA, CHARLES W.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 350th Infantry. 88th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Mount Damiano, Italy, 12 May 1944. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Birth: New York, NY. G.O. No.: 4, 12 January 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, on 12 May 1944, near Mount Damiano, Italy. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machinegun nests in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail of machinegun fire at first pinned him down, but, boldly continuing his advance, 2d Lt. Shea crept up to the first nest. Throwing several hand grenades, he forced the 4 enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender, and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second machinegun position, and after a short fire fight forced 2 more German soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machinegun fired at him, and while deadly small arms fire pitted the earth around him, 2d Lt. Shea crawled toward the nest. Suddenly he stood up and rushed the emplacement and with well-directed fire from his rifle, he killed all 3 of the enemy machine gunners. 2d Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company.
Charles Shea survived World War II and continued in the service of our Nation in the Army, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. He passed away at age 72 in 1994 and now rests in peace at the Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. (Wikipedia)
Colonel Shea, thank you for your indomitable courage and gallant service to our Nation and the cause of Freedom. May 12, 1944 was your finest hour!
SHEA, CHARLES W.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 350th Infantry. 88th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Mount Damiano, Italy, 12 May 1944. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Birth: New York, NY. G.O. No.: 4, 12 January 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, on 12 May 1944, near Mount Damiano, Italy. As 2d Lt. Shea and his company were advancing toward a hill occupied by the enemy, 3 enemy machineguns suddenly opened fire, inflicting heavy casualties upon the company and halting its advance. 2d Lt. Shea immediately moved forward to eliminate these machinegun nests in order to enable his company to continue its attack. The deadly hail of machinegun fire at first pinned him down, but, boldly continuing his advance, 2d Lt. Shea crept up to the first nest. Throwing several hand grenades, he forced the 4 enemy soldiers manning this position to surrender, and disarming them, he sent them to the rear. He then crawled to the second machinegun position, and after a short fire fight forced 2 more German soldiers to surrender. At this time, the third machinegun fired at him, and while deadly small arms fire pitted the earth around him, 2d Lt. Shea crawled toward the nest. Suddenly he stood up and rushed the emplacement and with well-directed fire from his rifle, he killed all 3 of the enemy machine gunners. 2d Lt. Shea's display of personal valor was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company.
Charles Shea survived World War II and continued in the service of our Nation in the Army, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. He passed away at age 72 in 1994 and now rests in peace at the Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. (Wikipedia)
Colonel Shea, thank you for your indomitable courage and gallant service to our Nation and the cause of Freedom. May 12, 1944 was your finest hour!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Godspeed STS-125!
Image: NASASpace Shuttle Atlantis, carrying a crew of seven, has succesfully attained orbit after launch this afternoon from Kennedy Space Center! Commander Scott Altman and his six crewmates are in pursuit of the Hubble Space Telescope for its fifth and final on-orbit service.
TFH 5/13: Captain Seymour W. Terry, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
*TERRY, SEYMOUR W.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company B, 382d Infantry, 96th Infantry Division. Place and date: Zebra Hill, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 11 May 1945. Entered service at: Little Rock, Ark. Birth: Little Rock, Ark. G.O. No.: 23, 6 March 1946. Citation: 1st Lt. Terry was leading an attack against heavily defended Zebra Hill when devastating fire from 5 pillboxes halted the advance. He braved the hail of bullets to secure satchel charges and white phosphorus grenades, and then ran 30 yards directly at the enemy with an ignited charge to the first stronghold, demolished it, and moved on to the other pillboxes, bombarding them with his grenades and calmly cutting down their defenders with rifle fire as they attempted to escape. When he had finished this job by sealing the 4 pillboxes with explosives, he had killed 20 Japanese and destroyed 3 machineguns. The advance was again held up by an intense grenade barrage which inflicted several casualties. Locating the source of enemy fire in trenches on the reverse slope of the hill, 1st Lt. Terry, burdened by 6 satchel charges launched a l-man assault. He wrecked the enemy's defenses by throwing explosives into their positions and himself accounted for 10 of the 20 hostile troops killed when his men overran the area. Pressing forward again toward a nearby ridge, his 2 assault platoons were stopped by slashing machinegun and mortar fire. He fearlessly ran across 100 yards of fire-swept terrain to join the support platoon and urge it on in a flanking maneuver. This thrust, too, was halted by stubborn resistance. 1st Lt. Terry began another 1 -man drive, hurling grenades upon the strongly entrenched defenders until they fled in confusion, leaving 5 dead behind them. Inspired by this bold action, the support platoon charged the retreating enemy and annihilated them. Soon afterward, while organizing his company to repulse a possible counterattack, the gallant company commander was mortally wounded by the burst of an enemy mortar shell. By his indomitable fighting spirit, brilliant leadership, and unwavering courage in the face of tremendous odds, 1st Lt. Terry made possible the accomplishment of his unit's mission and set an example of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Seymour Terry received a battlefield promotion to Captain. He was gravely injured by a mortar attack later on May 11, and died of his wounds two days after his Medal of Honor heroics on May 13, 1945. He was 26 years old and today rests in peace in his home town of Little Rock, Arkansas. (Wikipedia)
May 11, 1945 was Seymour Terry's finest hour! We are all eternally grateful for his courage, sacrifice, and service to our Nation and the cause of Freedom.
*TERRY, SEYMOUR W.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company B, 382d Infantry, 96th Infantry Division. Place and date: Zebra Hill, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 11 May 1945. Entered service at: Little Rock, Ark. Birth: Little Rock, Ark. G.O. No.: 23, 6 March 1946. Citation: 1st Lt. Terry was leading an attack against heavily defended Zebra Hill when devastating fire from 5 pillboxes halted the advance. He braved the hail of bullets to secure satchel charges and white phosphorus grenades, and then ran 30 yards directly at the enemy with an ignited charge to the first stronghold, demolished it, and moved on to the other pillboxes, bombarding them with his grenades and calmly cutting down their defenders with rifle fire as they attempted to escape. When he had finished this job by sealing the 4 pillboxes with explosives, he had killed 20 Japanese and destroyed 3 machineguns. The advance was again held up by an intense grenade barrage which inflicted several casualties. Locating the source of enemy fire in trenches on the reverse slope of the hill, 1st Lt. Terry, burdened by 6 satchel charges launched a l-man assault. He wrecked the enemy's defenses by throwing explosives into their positions and himself accounted for 10 of the 20 hostile troops killed when his men overran the area. Pressing forward again toward a nearby ridge, his 2 assault platoons were stopped by slashing machinegun and mortar fire. He fearlessly ran across 100 yards of fire-swept terrain to join the support platoon and urge it on in a flanking maneuver. This thrust, too, was halted by stubborn resistance. 1st Lt. Terry began another 1 -man drive, hurling grenades upon the strongly entrenched defenders until they fled in confusion, leaving 5 dead behind them. Inspired by this bold action, the support platoon charged the retreating enemy and annihilated them. Soon afterward, while organizing his company to repulse a possible counterattack, the gallant company commander was mortally wounded by the burst of an enemy mortar shell. By his indomitable fighting spirit, brilliant leadership, and unwavering courage in the face of tremendous odds, 1st Lt. Terry made possible the accomplishment of his unit's mission and set an example of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Seymour Terry received a battlefield promotion to Captain. He was gravely injured by a mortar attack later on May 11, and died of his wounds two days after his Medal of Honor heroics on May 13, 1945. He was 26 years old and today rests in peace in his home town of Little Rock, Arkansas. (Wikipedia)
May 11, 1945 was Seymour Terry's finest hour! We are all eternally grateful for his courage, sacrifice, and service to our Nation and the cause of Freedom.
Friday, May 08, 2009
TFH 5/8: Lieutenant Junior Grade William E. Hall, USNR
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
HALL, WILLIAM E.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Naval Reserve. Place and date: Coral Sea, 7 and 8 May 1942. Entered service at: Utah. Born: 31 October 1913, Storrs, Utah. Citation: For extreme courage and conspicuous heroism in combat above and beyond the call of duty as pilot of a scouting plane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. In a resolute and determined attack on 7 May, Lt. (j.g.) Hall dived his plane at an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier, contributing materially to the destruction of that vessel. On 8 May, facing heavy and fierce fighter opposition, he again displayed extraordinary skill as an airman and the aggressive spirit of a fighter in repeated and effectively executed counterattacks against a superior number of enemy planes in which 3 enemy aircraft were destroyed. Though seriously wounded in this engagement, Lt. (j.g.) Hall, maintaining the fearless and indomitable tactics pursued throughout these actions, succeeded in landing his plane safe.
William Hall survived World War II, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He passed away at age 83 in 1996 and rests in peace at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. (Wikipedia)
We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his sacrifices, service, and courage in the face of the enemies of our Nation and of freedom itself. May 8, 1942 was his finest hour!
HALL, WILLIAM E.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Naval Reserve. Place and date: Coral Sea, 7 and 8 May 1942. Entered service at: Utah. Born: 31 October 1913, Storrs, Utah. Citation: For extreme courage and conspicuous heroism in combat above and beyond the call of duty as pilot of a scouting plane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. In a resolute and determined attack on 7 May, Lt. (j.g.) Hall dived his plane at an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier, contributing materially to the destruction of that vessel. On 8 May, facing heavy and fierce fighter opposition, he again displayed extraordinary skill as an airman and the aggressive spirit of a fighter in repeated and effectively executed counterattacks against a superior number of enemy planes in which 3 enemy aircraft were destroyed. Though seriously wounded in this engagement, Lt. (j.g.) Hall, maintaining the fearless and indomitable tactics pursued throughout these actions, succeeded in landing his plane safe.
William Hall survived World War II, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He passed away at age 83 in 1996 and rests in peace at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. (Wikipedia)
We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his sacrifices, service, and courage in the face of the enemies of our Nation and of freedom itself. May 8, 1942 was his finest hour!
Economic Growth Stupidity
According to this article (Breitbart, via Drudge), the European Union economic brain trust is considering limiting the work week, i.e. reducing the hours that existing employees work so unemployed folks can be hired to fill the gaps.
This is the absolute height of lunacy and denial of basic economic prinicples. Here's what will happen:
1) They cut back on the hours productive people work, thereby reducing the wages they earn and the money they have to spend.
2) The productive people therefore spend less and reduce their consumption.
3) The businesses where the productive were spending now have reduced revenue and will have to either raise prices or reduce costs. What's the easiest way for them to reduce costs? Reduce manpower.
4) The value of the money that people have to spend is now even less still because prices are higher.
5) All in all, this will lead to more unemployment, not less.
What should they do?
1) Reduce taxes.
2) Remove regulation.
3) Let the free market stretch its legs and grow.
The economic masters of the European Union need to read up on the "broken window fallacy".
In the mean time, "John Galt, please call your office."
This is the absolute height of lunacy and denial of basic economic prinicples. Here's what will happen:
1) They cut back on the hours productive people work, thereby reducing the wages they earn and the money they have to spend.
2) The productive people therefore spend less and reduce their consumption.
3) The businesses where the productive were spending now have reduced revenue and will have to either raise prices or reduce costs. What's the easiest way for them to reduce costs? Reduce manpower.
4) The value of the money that people have to spend is now even less still because prices are higher.
5) All in all, this will lead to more unemployment, not less.
What should they do?
1) Reduce taxes.
2) Remove regulation.
3) Let the free market stretch its legs and grow.
The economic masters of the European Union need to read up on the "broken window fallacy".
In the mean time, "John Galt, please call your office."
Thursday, May 07, 2009
TFH 5/7: PFC Kenneth Michael Kays, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
KAYS, KENNETH MICHAEL
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. place and date: Thua Thien province, Republic of Vietnam, 7 May 1970. Entered service at: Fairfield, Ill. Born: 22 September 1949, Mount Vernon, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. (then Pvt.) Kays distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division near Fire Support Base Maureen. A heavily armed force of enemy sappers and infantrymen assaulted Company D's night defensive position, wounding and killing a number of its members. Disregarding the intense enemy fire and ground assault, Pfc. Kays began moving toward the perimeter to assist his fallen comrades. In doing so he became the target of concentrated enemy fire and explosive charges, 1 of which severed the lower portion of his left leg. After applying a tourniquet to his leg, Pfc. Kays moved to the fire-swept perimeter, administered medical aid to 1 of the wounded, and helped move him to an area of relative safety. Despite his severe wound and excruciating pain, Pfc. Kays returned to the perimeter in search of other wounded men. He treated another wounded comrade, and, using his own body as a shield against enemy bullets and fragments, moved him to safety. Although weakened from a great loss of blood, Pfc. Kays resumed his heroic lifesaving efforts by moving beyond the company's perimeter into enemy held territory to treat a wounded American lying there. Only after his fellow wounded soldiers had been treated and evacuated did Pfc. Kays allow his own wounds to be treated. These courageous acts by Pfc. Kays resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired others in his company to repel the enemy. Pfc. Kays' heroism at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
This great American died in November, 1991 at an all too young 42 years. Kenneth Kays, thank you for your courage, service, and sacrifices. May 7, 1970 was your finest hour.
KAYS, KENNETH MICHAEL
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. place and date: Thua Thien province, Republic of Vietnam, 7 May 1970. Entered service at: Fairfield, Ill. Born: 22 September 1949, Mount Vernon, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. (then Pvt.) Kays distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division near Fire Support Base Maureen. A heavily armed force of enemy sappers and infantrymen assaulted Company D's night defensive position, wounding and killing a number of its members. Disregarding the intense enemy fire and ground assault, Pfc. Kays began moving toward the perimeter to assist his fallen comrades. In doing so he became the target of concentrated enemy fire and explosive charges, 1 of which severed the lower portion of his left leg. After applying a tourniquet to his leg, Pfc. Kays moved to the fire-swept perimeter, administered medical aid to 1 of the wounded, and helped move him to an area of relative safety. Despite his severe wound and excruciating pain, Pfc. Kays returned to the perimeter in search of other wounded men. He treated another wounded comrade, and, using his own body as a shield against enemy bullets and fragments, moved him to safety. Although weakened from a great loss of blood, Pfc. Kays resumed his heroic lifesaving efforts by moving beyond the company's perimeter into enemy held territory to treat a wounded American lying there. Only after his fellow wounded soldiers had been treated and evacuated did Pfc. Kays allow his own wounds to be treated. These courageous acts by Pfc. Kays resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired others in his company to repel the enemy. Pfc. Kays' heroism at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
This great American died in November, 1991 at an all too young 42 years. Kenneth Kays, thank you for your courage, service, and sacrifices. May 7, 1970 was your finest hour.
Prediction: Arlen Specter will not be the Democratic candidate in 2010
We're starting to learn more about the background machinations behind Benedict Arlen's party flop. It is real interesting how quickly the Left is throwing him under a bus rather than a bone, now that they've got him.
Who's going to stick their neck out to elect Arlen Specter as a Democrat? Harry Reid? "Chuck You" Schumer? Specter believes only in Specter and political expediency, not in "the cause".
Once the New Soviet Man or his handlers determine who the good, solid, Pennsylvania Marxist is for our 2nd Senate seat, Specter will be dumped by the wayside.
Who's going to stick their neck out to elect Arlen Specter as a Democrat? Harry Reid? "Chuck You" Schumer? Specter believes only in Specter and political expediency, not in "the cause".
Once the New Soviet Man or his handlers determine who the good, solid, Pennsylvania Marxist is for our 2nd Senate seat, Specter will be dumped by the wayside.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Benedict Arlen's getting no love
Tee hee! Arlen Specter has been warmly welcomed by his new, self-described, ideological compatriots - they've stripped him of all his senority, so now he's the most junior Democratic senator.
Great job Senator Specter! Congratulations on your traitors' welcome. I'm sure you thought that the Leftist thugs you've chosen to align with would be in your debt and would want to reward you. However, you've just learned that what Harry Reid, et al.'s sole care is their own personal power.
On the down side, this makes it much less likely that Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe won't make the same selfish jump across the aisle. RINOs beware: the Left still hates you, and we conservatives are going to challenge you with ideals, not try to seduce you with political expediency.
Since Specter is now the most junior, does he come behind Bob Casey in the order of precedence now? Does he have to stand when Casey enters the room? Wouldn't that be sweet justice...
Great job Senator Specter! Congratulations on your traitors' welcome. I'm sure you thought that the Leftist thugs you've chosen to align with would be in your debt and would want to reward you. However, you've just learned that what Harry Reid, et al.'s sole care is their own personal power.
On the down side, this makes it much less likely that Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe won't make the same selfish jump across the aisle. RINOs beware: the Left still hates you, and we conservatives are going to challenge you with ideals, not try to seduce you with political expediency.
Since Specter is now the most junior, does he come behind Bob Casey in the order of precedence now? Does he have to stand when Casey enters the room? Wouldn't that be sweet justice...
Look who's on our side!
Children of the Cold War will remember Pravda, the Soviet Union's mouthpiece. From those days, "Pravda" ironically is the Russian word for "truth". Pravda ceased publication in 1991.
Well, the Internet remnant of what was Pravda has better insights into the destruction of American economy and society by the Obama Administration and our Congress then our own media: "American capitalism gone with a wimper"
Ironic again, that now we get the truth from Pravda and not our own media isn't it?
Hat tip: Quinn & Rose
Well, the Internet remnant of what was Pravda has better insights into the destruction of American economy and society by the Obama Administration and our Congress then our own media: "American capitalism gone with a wimper"
Ironic again, that now we get the truth from Pravda and not our own media isn't it?
Hat tip: Quinn & Rose
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Complete disregard for National Security
By now, I'm sure you've seen the reports on President Obama and Vice President Biden's lunch outing to Ray's Hell Burger in Arlington, VA.
Contrived political opportunism? Of course. All politicians do that - and generally I don't criticize them for it - when they want to appear in tune with the "common man". Unless of course, the politician is a real common (wo)man (Sarah Palin, 2007 AGI of $166,080 with husband Todd), in which case they're simply a target for ridicule and destruction.
No, where I take offense to the New Soviet Man's lunch with his Plagiarist Veep is the fact that they were both in the same public place at the same time. Planned or not, unannounced or not, this showed callous disregard for security, safety, and continuity of the United States Government.
Let me be absolutely clear on one point: I am not a supporter of the Obama Administration - I hope they and their policies fail miserably - but at the same time I do not want to see any physical harm or even the risk thereof come to President Obama or Vice President Biden.
It is unconscionably reckless for the two of them to have been at the same place like that, especially in a post-9/11 world. This wasn't the White House, the Capitol Building (i.e. State of the Union Address), a military base, or some other controlled, secure environment - it was a burger joint.
Here's a scary way to look at it: at lunch time today, the United States of America was one hand grenade away from...President Pelosi.
And the Left wonders why we believe Barack Obama isn't serious about National Security...
Contrived political opportunism? Of course. All politicians do that - and generally I don't criticize them for it - when they want to appear in tune with the "common man". Unless of course, the politician is a real common (wo)man (Sarah Palin, 2007 AGI of $166,080 with husband Todd), in which case they're simply a target for ridicule and destruction.
No, where I take offense to the New Soviet Man's lunch with his Plagiarist Veep is the fact that they were both in the same public place at the same time. Planned or not, unannounced or not, this showed callous disregard for security, safety, and continuity of the United States Government.
Let me be absolutely clear on one point: I am not a supporter of the Obama Administration - I hope they and their policies fail miserably - but at the same time I do not want to see any physical harm or even the risk thereof come to President Obama or Vice President Biden.
It is unconscionably reckless for the two of them to have been at the same place like that, especially in a post-9/11 world. This wasn't the White House, the Capitol Building (i.e. State of the Union Address), a military base, or some other controlled, secure environment - it was a burger joint.
Here's a scary way to look at it: at lunch time today, the United States of America was one hand grenade away from...President Pelosi.
And the Left wonders why we believe Barack Obama isn't serious about National Security...
Saturday, May 02, 2009
An Obama reality check?
Candidate Obama railed repeatedly on the Bush policies that established Guantanamo and Military commissions to try our terrorist enemies for their crimes. Now, President Obama has examined all of his rhetoric and found that...Bush was right?
Who'd have ever thought that Barack Obama's beliefs had absolutely no relationship to the realities of the world? I'm shocked, shocked I say!
Who'd have ever thought that Barack Obama's beliefs had absolutely no relationship to the realities of the world? I'm shocked, shocked I say!