ATTENTION:
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Looks like the Yankees get 3 extra home games
Just tried to get tickets for the Yankees coming to Pittsburgh on June 24-26. Got tickets to the June 24 game, but the other two sold out before I could get them too. Considering what tickets at PNC Park are vs. Yankee Stadium, there'll be a whole bunch of out-of-town Yankee fans there I'm sure.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Enemies Domestic
The US Armed Forces Recruiting Station in Times Square was attacked with an explosive device this morning. I'm sure some sicko thought that this was a valid form of protest, but sorry, it's actually treasonous.
Las Vegas: Giving ammo to the socialized medicine drive
This story about a clinic in Las Vegas resuing hypodermic needles and potentially infecting thousands with Hepatitis or HIV (and who knows what else could have been transmitted) is absolutely disgusting and tragic.
The article (and it's hardly the only one; the story is all over the news - as it should be) cites "cutting costs" as the reason why the clining reused needles, medication vials, and likely other items that are supposed to be single use only.
I'm shocked that The Cackler and The Empty Suit haven't jumped on this one yet as why we have to completely nationalize and socialize health care. Obviously, the government could have done better. Yeah, right.
Health care costs can be controlled by free market principles, not government control. Right now, health care costs are dictated by the insurance companies, because "networked" health care practices are required to accept what the insurance company offers as full payment - even if the amount does not meet their costs, much less allow for profit. That logic breaks down very quickly.
What should happen all the time is what is going occur to when I get a endodontic procedure done. The endodontist I'm seeing isn't part of my insurance plan, so I have to pay out of pocket. My insurance is going to reimburse me what they would have paid a "network" endodontist for the same thing. The difference is that what my insurance company is reimbursing me is about 1/2 what the actual fee is for the procedure! Yeah, I could stay in business if I only got paid for 1/2 of what my goods or services were worth.
Want to fix health care? Allow providers to recover full economic cost of their services. At that point, competition between providers will control prices - not insurance companies.
Trust the free market; it works every time it's tried.
The article (and it's hardly the only one; the story is all over the news - as it should be) cites "cutting costs" as the reason why the clining reused needles, medication vials, and likely other items that are supposed to be single use only.
I'm shocked that The Cackler and The Empty Suit haven't jumped on this one yet as why we have to completely nationalize and socialize health care. Obviously, the government could have done better. Yeah, right.
Health care costs can be controlled by free market principles, not government control. Right now, health care costs are dictated by the insurance companies, because "networked" health care practices are required to accept what the insurance company offers as full payment - even if the amount does not meet their costs, much less allow for profit. That logic breaks down very quickly.
What should happen all the time is what is going occur to when I get a endodontic procedure done. The endodontist I'm seeing isn't part of my insurance plan, so I have to pay out of pocket. My insurance is going to reimburse me what they would have paid a "network" endodontist for the same thing. The difference is that what my insurance company is reimbursing me is about 1/2 what the actual fee is for the procedure! Yeah, I could stay in business if I only got paid for 1/2 of what my goods or services were worth.
Want to fix health care? Allow providers to recover full economic cost of their services. At that point, competition between providers will control prices - not insurance companies.
Trust the free market; it works every time it's tried.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
TFH 3/5/2008: 2nd Lieutenant Robert John Hibbs, USA
From Medal of Honor Citiations:
*HIBBS, ROBERT JOHN
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Don Dien Lo Ke, Republic of Vietnam, 5 March 1966. Entered service at: Des Moines, Iowa. Born: 21 April 1943, Omaha, Nebr. G.O. No.: 8, 24 February 1967. Citations: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Hibbs was in command of a 15-man ambush patrol of the 2d Battalion, when his unit observed a company of Viet Cong advancing along the road toward the 2d Battalion's position. Informing his command post by radio of the impending attack, he prepared his men for the oncoming Viet Cong, emplaced 2 mines in their path and, when the insurgents were within 20 feet of the patrol's position, he fired the 2 antipersonnel mines, wounding or killing half of the enemy company. Then, to cover the withdrawal of his patrol, he threw hand grenades, stepped onto the open road, and opened fire on the remainder of the Viet Cong force of approximately 50 men. Having rejoined his men, he was leading them toward the battalion perimeter when the patrol encountered the rear elements of another Viet Cong company deployed to attack the battalion. With the advantage of surprise, he directed a charge against the Viet Cong, which carried the patrol through the insurgent force, completely disrupting its attack. Learning that a wounded patrol member was wandering in the area between the 2 opposing forces and although moments from safety and wounded in the leg himself, he and a sergeant went back to the battlefield to recover the stricken man. After they maneuvered through the withering fire of 2 Viet Cong machine guns, the sergeant grabbed the dazed soldier and dragged him back toward the friendly lines while 2d Lt. Hibbs remained behind to provide covering fire. Armed with only an M-16 rifle and a pistol, but determined to destroy the enemy positions, he then charged the 2 machine gun emplacements and was struck down. Before succumbing to his mortal wounds, he destroyed the starlight telescopic sight attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong. 2d Lt. Hibb's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Lieutenant Hibbs, I honor your service and sacrifice. March 5, 1966 was your finest hour!
*HIBBS, ROBERT JOHN
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Don Dien Lo Ke, Republic of Vietnam, 5 March 1966. Entered service at: Des Moines, Iowa. Born: 21 April 1943, Omaha, Nebr. G.O. No.: 8, 24 February 1967. Citations: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Hibbs was in command of a 15-man ambush patrol of the 2d Battalion, when his unit observed a company of Viet Cong advancing along the road toward the 2d Battalion's position. Informing his command post by radio of the impending attack, he prepared his men for the oncoming Viet Cong, emplaced 2 mines in their path and, when the insurgents were within 20 feet of the patrol's position, he fired the 2 antipersonnel mines, wounding or killing half of the enemy company. Then, to cover the withdrawal of his patrol, he threw hand grenades, stepped onto the open road, and opened fire on the remainder of the Viet Cong force of approximately 50 men. Having rejoined his men, he was leading them toward the battalion perimeter when the patrol encountered the rear elements of another Viet Cong company deployed to attack the battalion. With the advantage of surprise, he directed a charge against the Viet Cong, which carried the patrol through the insurgent force, completely disrupting its attack. Learning that a wounded patrol member was wandering in the area between the 2 opposing forces and although moments from safety and wounded in the leg himself, he and a sergeant went back to the battlefield to recover the stricken man. After they maneuvered through the withering fire of 2 Viet Cong machine guns, the sergeant grabbed the dazed soldier and dragged him back toward the friendly lines while 2d Lt. Hibbs remained behind to provide covering fire. Armed with only an M-16 rifle and a pistol, but determined to destroy the enemy positions, he then charged the 2 machine gun emplacements and was struck down. Before succumbing to his mortal wounds, he destroyed the starlight telescopic sight attached to his rifle to prevent its capture and use by the Viet Cong. 2d Lt. Hibb's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Lieutenant Hibbs, I honor your service and sacrifice. March 5, 1966 was your finest hour!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
It's McCain, so I'm voting for the least worst
Well, John McCain is officially the Republican nominee for President now as he's gone over the top in the number of delegates required.
I will be voting for him in November.
Even though it will be meaningless, I am going to be writing in Bobby Jindal's name for President in the Pennsylvania primary in April. We could have done so much better than the Bob Dole (i.e. "it's his turn") of 2008.
While I'd hardly call him an across the board conservative, he'd be less damaging to our Nation than either "The Cackler" (as I'll call her, ever hear her laugh?) or "The Empty Suit" (as I'll call him, for as Rush says: "Nobody says nothing better").
It's going to be hard to be enthusiastic about Senator McCain though, but I'll try. Did bring myself to add the links to his campaign at right...
I will be voting for him in November.
Even though it will be meaningless, I am going to be writing in Bobby Jindal's name for President in the Pennsylvania primary in April. We could have done so much better than the Bob Dole (i.e. "it's his turn") of 2008.
While I'd hardly call him an across the board conservative, he'd be less damaging to our Nation than either "The Cackler" (as I'll call her, ever hear her laugh?) or "The Empty Suit" (as I'll call him, for as Rush says: "Nobody says nothing better").
It's going to be hard to be enthusiastic about Senator McCain though, but I'll try. Did bring myself to add the links to his campaign at right...
Monday, March 03, 2008
Indy is back, and I can't wait!
He protected the power of the divine...
He saved the cradle of civilization...
He triumphed over the armies of evil...
On May 22, the adventure continues:
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
(above material is from the trailer)
Watch the trailer for the movie at the Indiana Jones site!
According to what I've read, the movie is set in 1957 - 19 years after the events of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Thankfully, that puts the character's age closer to Harrison Ford's 65 years.
The trailer looks awesome. Can't wait to see Indy do to the Commies what he perfected against the Nazis. Frome the trailer, it also appears that we're going to be revisiting the famous warehouse shown at the end of Raiders.
May 22nd can't come soon enough for me!
Congratulations to Grace Anglican!
Yesterday Grace Anglican Fellowship - a Slippery Rock, PA church plant of my parish, St. Christopher's Church - switched to mission church status and has become Grace Anglican Church!
Congratulations to the Rev. Ethan Magness and his congregation! The Holy Spirit is assuredly doing wonderful things in northern Butler County!
Please pray for Ethan+ and the other leaders of Grace Anglican Church, as well as for their whole congregation and their work of spreading His Gospel.
Congratulations to the Rev. Ethan Magness and his congregation! The Holy Spirit is assuredly doing wonderful things in northern Butler County!
Please pray for Ethan+ and the other leaders of Grace Anglican Church, as well as for their whole congregation and their work of spreading His Gospel.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Don't blame the Air Force, blame Boeing
Part of the big news of the day is the United States Air Force's decision to procure Northrop Grumman's KC-45A tanker aircraft instead of Boeing's KC-767 offering as the replacement for aging KC-135 (in service since 1957) - and eventually KC-10 (in service since 1981) - air refuelling tankers.
The "scandalous" aspect to this decision is that the KC-45 is based on the Airbus A330 commercial airliner and is not manufactured in the United States! Airbus, of course, is owned by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Corporation (EADS). Northrop Grumman will be doing final assembly of the KC-45 in Alabama, and will be using domestically-produced jet engines for the planes, but most of the airframe components will be manufactured in Europe.
My first reaction to this decision was surprise (Boeing had been the favorite to win the deal) and then concern that we are sourcing a critical component of the United States' ability to project air power worldwide to a foreign supplier. However, I've done some research and:
1) The per aircraft acquisition cost for both the KC-45 and the KC-767 are essentially the same.
2) The KC-45 is a larger aircraft than the KC-767 and can carry both more cargo (in that role) and more fuel for transfer to "primary mission" aircraft.
3) The Boeing 767 is a 1970s era design - it originally entered airline service in 1982. The aircraft is being retired as a commercial airliner in the next 12-18 months by Boeing in favor of the new 787 Dreamliner. Effectively, had they chosen the KC-767, the USAF would have been the only remaining customer of the plane.
4) The A330 entered service in 1994 and is still in full production. Its replacement, the A350, is still in the early design phase, and won't be flying until 2013 at the earliest.
Sorry, but once I got past my knee jerk reaction to this, it's obvious that the KC-45 is a better option for the United States Air Force, based on the only alternative being the KC-767. Would I have preferred a majority-American constructed aircraft, absolutely.
In my opinion, it is completely Boeing's fault. Why they based their "future" tanker offering on a late 1970s aircraft design when they could have either used either the aforementioned 21st Century 787 is beyond me. The 787 could have carried more than an A330-based platform since it's a comparably sized, and lighter aircraft.
Boeing could have even made their offering based on the even larger 777 aircraft (introduced 1995), which would have dwarfed the capabilities of any alternative. Based on my research, the per unit acquisition cost for either a 777 or 787-based tanker aircraft would have been comparable, if not identical, to that of either the KC-45 or the KC-767!
Great move Boeing; real smart move to try and saddle the best Air Force in the world with 30-year old airplane designs when you could have presented modern, top-of-the-line airframes that are at the cutting edge of civil airliner designs.
As a taxpayer, I'm glad the Air Force chose the KC-45.
The "scandalous" aspect to this decision is that the KC-45 is based on the Airbus A330 commercial airliner and is not manufactured in the United States! Airbus, of course, is owned by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Corporation (EADS). Northrop Grumman will be doing final assembly of the KC-45 in Alabama, and will be using domestically-produced jet engines for the planes, but most of the airframe components will be manufactured in Europe.
My first reaction to this decision was surprise (Boeing had been the favorite to win the deal) and then concern that we are sourcing a critical component of the United States' ability to project air power worldwide to a foreign supplier. However, I've done some research and:
1) The per aircraft acquisition cost for both the KC-45 and the KC-767 are essentially the same.
2) The KC-45 is a larger aircraft than the KC-767 and can carry both more cargo (in that role) and more fuel for transfer to "primary mission" aircraft.
3) The Boeing 767 is a 1970s era design - it originally entered airline service in 1982. The aircraft is being retired as a commercial airliner in the next 12-18 months by Boeing in favor of the new 787 Dreamliner. Effectively, had they chosen the KC-767, the USAF would have been the only remaining customer of the plane.
4) The A330 entered service in 1994 and is still in full production. Its replacement, the A350, is still in the early design phase, and won't be flying until 2013 at the earliest.
Sorry, but once I got past my knee jerk reaction to this, it's obvious that the KC-45 is a better option for the United States Air Force, based on the only alternative being the KC-767. Would I have preferred a majority-American constructed aircraft, absolutely.
In my opinion, it is completely Boeing's fault. Why they based their "future" tanker offering on a late 1970s aircraft design when they could have either used either the aforementioned 21st Century 787 is beyond me. The 787 could have carried more than an A330-based platform since it's a comparably sized, and lighter aircraft.
Boeing could have even made their offering based on the even larger 777 aircraft (introduced 1995), which would have dwarfed the capabilities of any alternative. Based on my research, the per unit acquisition cost for either a 777 or 787-based tanker aircraft would have been comparable, if not identical, to that of either the KC-45 or the KC-767!
Great move Boeing; real smart move to try and saddle the best Air Force in the world with 30-year old airplane designs when you could have presented modern, top-of-the-line airframes that are at the cutting edge of civil airliner designs.
As a taxpayer, I'm glad the Air Force chose the KC-45.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
TFH 2/28: James Watson & Francis Crick
According to Wikipedia, February 28, 1953 is the day that James Watson and Francis Crick told friends and associates that they had determined the chemical structure of the DNA molecule. This certainly has had wide reaching implications for much of daily life, medical science, and law enforcement - rarely does a day go by that one doesn't hear something in the news or other media relating to genetics.
Today, 55 years on, "Their Finest Hour" recognizes Watson and Crick's discoveries - certainly a finest hour!
Today, 55 years on, "Their Finest Hour" recognizes Watson and Crick's discoveries - certainly a finest hour!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Two greats have passed...
Father of Modern American Conservatism
November 24, 1925 - February 27, 2008
Voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers
January 23, 1929 - February 27, 2008
May they both rest in peace.
Monday, February 25, 2008
TFH 2/25/2008: Corporal William D. Morgan, USMC
Fitting that I restart tributes to moments of greatness with somebody from my adopted home town/region of Pittsburgh, PA.
From Medal of Honor Citiations:
*MORGAN, WILLIAM D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 February 1969. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pa. Born: 17 September 1947, Pittsburgh, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandergrift Combat Base, 1 of the squads of Cpl. Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Cpl. Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Cpl. Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Cpl. Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Corporal Morgan, I am forever grateful for your service, heroism, and sacrifice for the cause of Freedom. February 25, 1969 was your finest hour!
From Medal of Honor Citiations:
*MORGAN, WILLIAM D.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Company H, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 February 1969. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pa. Born: 17 September 1947, Pittsburgh, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandergrift Combat Base, 1 of the squads of Cpl. Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Cpl. Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Cpl. Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Cpl. Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Corporal Morgan, I am forever grateful for your service, heroism, and sacrifice for the cause of Freedom. February 25, 1969 was your finest hour!
Rush Hits the nail on the head
As is usually the case, Rush was right on with today's opening monolouge.
I really got to get back into posting...
It is an election year...
My church and diocese are in ecclesiastical turmoil...
There are lots of stories out there I can find talking about individuals' finest hours...
And I've got opinions, and you're going to hear 'em...
My church and diocese are in ecclesiastical turmoil...
There are lots of stories out there I can find talking about individuals' finest hours...
And I've got opinions, and you're going to hear 'em...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Who's the racist?
I'll let Governor "Less Red" Ed Rendell (D-PA) speak for himself. Interesting that even though the remarks were made to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a Google search for "Rendell" and "Obama" against "post-gazette.com" only produces a reference to Mr. Rendell's slur in a columnist's piece, not as news.
Hat tip: Drudge
Hat tip: Drudge
America's Dog!
Image from the New York TimesCongratulations to Uno, the 15-inch Beagle, 2008 Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! He's the first ever Beagle (my favorite dog breed, by the way) to win at Westminster. FINALLY, a winner that looks like somebody's pet and companion and NOT one of those ridiculous poodles or other silly looking dogs.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Common Cause Partnership Statement
The bishops of the Common Cause Partnership have concluded their conference in Pittsburgh and have issued a wonderful statement outlining the direction ahead for Biblical, orthodox Anglicanism in North America.
Discussion thread at Stand Firm.
Thanks be to God for the faithful leadership of the assembled bishops! Please continue, as I am, to pray for all of Christ's Church and for all of our faithful bishops, priests, and deacons. The way forward will be frought with difficulties and strife. The forces of revisionism will assuredly stop at nothing in attempt to keep the faithful under their secular non-Gospel of so-called "social justice".
In the words of Martin Luther, "A Mighty Fortress is our God":
Did we in our strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbaoth, His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
Amen, and AMEN!
Discussion thread at Stand Firm.
Thanks be to God for the faithful leadership of the assembled bishops! Please continue, as I am, to pray for all of Christ's Church and for all of our faithful bishops, priests, and deacons. The way forward will be frought with difficulties and strife. The forces of revisionism will assuredly stop at nothing in attempt to keep the faithful under their secular non-Gospel of so-called "social justice".
In the words of Martin Luther, "A Mighty Fortress is our God":
Did we in our strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbaoth, His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
Amen, and AMEN!
TFH 9/27-28: Captain Robert E. Roeder, U.S. Army
From Medal of Honor Citations:
*ROEDER, ROBERT E.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mt. Battaglia, Italy, 27-28 September 1944. Entered service at: Summit Station, Pa. Birth: Summit Station, Pa. G.O. No.: 31, 17 April 1945. Citation: for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Roeder commanded his company in defense of the strategic Mount Battaglia. Shortly after the company had occupied the hill, the Germans launched the first of a series of determined counterattacks to regain this dominating height. Completely exposed to ceaseless enemy artillery and small-arms fire, Capt. Roeder constantly circulated among his men, encouraging them and directing their defense against the persistent enemy. During the sixth counterattack, the enemy, by using flamethrowers and taking advantage of the fog, succeeded in overrunning the position Capt. Roeder led his men in a fierce battle at close quarters, to repulse the attack with heavy losses to the Germans. The following morning, while the company was engaged in repulsing an enemy counterattack in force, Capt. Roeder was seriously wounded and rendered unconscious by shell fragments. He was carried to the company command post, where he regained consciousness. Refusing medical treatment, he insisted on rejoining his men although in a weakened condition, Capt. Roeder dragged himself to the door of the command post and, picking up a rifle, braced himself in a sitting position. He began firing his weapon, shouted words of encouragement, and issued orders to his men. He personally killed 2 Germans before he himself was killed instantly by an exploding shell. Through Capt. Roeder's able and intrepid leadership his men held Mount Battaglia against the aggressive and fanatical enemy attempts to retake this important and strategic height. His valorous performance is exemplary of the fighting spirit of the U.S. Army.
Captain Roeder, I honor your supreme sacrifice in the defense of freedom. Thank you for your service and your courage in the face of our enemies. September 27-28, 1944 was your finest hour!
*ROEDER, ROBERT E.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mt. Battaglia, Italy, 27-28 September 1944. Entered service at: Summit Station, Pa. Birth: Summit Station, Pa. G.O. No.: 31, 17 April 1945. Citation: for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Roeder commanded his company in defense of the strategic Mount Battaglia. Shortly after the company had occupied the hill, the Germans launched the first of a series of determined counterattacks to regain this dominating height. Completely exposed to ceaseless enemy artillery and small-arms fire, Capt. Roeder constantly circulated among his men, encouraging them and directing their defense against the persistent enemy. During the sixth counterattack, the enemy, by using flamethrowers and taking advantage of the fog, succeeded in overrunning the position Capt. Roeder led his men in a fierce battle at close quarters, to repulse the attack with heavy losses to the Germans. The following morning, while the company was engaged in repulsing an enemy counterattack in force, Capt. Roeder was seriously wounded and rendered unconscious by shell fragments. He was carried to the company command post, where he regained consciousness. Refusing medical treatment, he insisted on rejoining his men although in a weakened condition, Capt. Roeder dragged himself to the door of the command post and, picking up a rifle, braced himself in a sitting position. He began firing his weapon, shouted words of encouragement, and issued orders to his men. He personally killed 2 Germans before he himself was killed instantly by an exploding shell. Through Capt. Roeder's able and intrepid leadership his men held Mount Battaglia against the aggressive and fanatical enemy attempts to retake this important and strategic height. His valorous performance is exemplary of the fighting spirit of the U.S. Army.
Captain Roeder, I honor your supreme sacrifice in the defense of freedom. Thank you for your service and your courage in the face of our enemies. September 27-28, 1944 was your finest hour!
If you are stranded, stay with your car!
I'm a big CSI fan, and the season premiere was last night. The story line picked up with Sara Sidle pinned where we saw her at the end of the last season, underneath a wrecked car by the hands of the "Miniature Killer".
Well, the character managed to free herself, and then proceeded to trek off into the desert, injured, with no supplies or knowledge of her whereabouts. Yes, it was raining heavilly. Yes, she almost drowned before freeing herself. Yes, she was in dire straits. However, she should have stayed close to the vehicle. As the storyline had it, Sara's colleagues with the LVPD found the car in fairly short order. Meanwhile, Sara is off miles away dying from hyperthermia and dehydration in a 110-degree Nevada desert. Fortunately, they found her before death, so perhaps Jorja Fox's contract was renewed. Fictional story, yes. Bad example of basic survival skills, yes.
I blogged last December about the tragic story of the Kim family. Had they all stayed with their car, they would most likely all be alive today. Your chances of survival increase dramatically if you can stay with or close to your vehicle.
If you are stranded in a vehicle, stay with it if you are in no immediate danger. If you are in immediate danger, move to safety as close by as possible, then return to your vehicle as soon as conditions improve. Cars and trucks in the wild are easier to find; people aren't. Never go seeking help unless you can see it nearby (within 100 meters distance is a good rule of thumb).
Well, the character managed to free herself, and then proceeded to trek off into the desert, injured, with no supplies or knowledge of her whereabouts. Yes, it was raining heavilly. Yes, she almost drowned before freeing herself. Yes, she was in dire straits. However, she should have stayed close to the vehicle. As the storyline had it, Sara's colleagues with the LVPD found the car in fairly short order. Meanwhile, Sara is off miles away dying from hyperthermia and dehydration in a 110-degree Nevada desert. Fortunately, they found her before death, so perhaps Jorja Fox's contract was renewed. Fictional story, yes. Bad example of basic survival skills, yes.
I blogged last December about the tragic story of the Kim family. Had they all stayed with their car, they would most likely all be alive today. Your chances of survival increase dramatically if you can stay with or close to your vehicle.
If you are stranded in a vehicle, stay with it if you are in no immediate danger. If you are in immediate danger, move to safety as close by as possible, then return to your vehicle as soon as conditions improve. Cars and trucks in the wild are easier to find; people aren't. Never go seeking help unless you can see it nearby (within 100 meters distance is a good rule of thumb).
Headline should be "Criminal gets what he deserves"
This article on CNN's website entitled "Mistake costs dishwasher $59,000" caught my attention because I figured, "What, did the guy break a real expensive dish or a whole lot of dishes?" Turns out that the "victim" here is an illegal immigrant who tried to get out of the country with $59,000 in violation of U.S. laws!
CNN's reporting here disgusts me on several levels. Quotes from the article in italics:
For 11 years, Pedro Zapeta, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, lived his version of the American dream in Stuart, Florida: washing dishes and living frugally to bring money back to his home country.
Note "lived his version of the American dream". What is that "version"? Well:
Zapeta, who speaks no English...
Zapeta admits he never paid taxes.
Zapeta said his goal in coming to the United States was to make enough money to buy land in his mountain village and build a home for his mother and sisters.
Let's get this straight: the American Dream is NOT:
"They are treating me like a criminal when all I am is a working man," he said.
No, Mr. Zapeta, you are being treated like a criminal because you are one! You entered the country illegally. You worked illegally. You ignored U.S. laws with regards to taxation (yes, even illegally obtained wages are subject to taxation). You ignored or were ignorant of U.S. laws with regards to transporting cash. Since you were getting on an airplane, you obviously have also illegally obtained some form of photo ID.
On a side note, I'd love to know if the restaurant proprietors who employed Mr. Zapeta have been charged yet. They are just as culpable; more so, even.
I am frankly sick and tired of bleeding hearts for criminals who have both entered this country illegally and refused to truly be "immigrants" - e.g. individuals determined to become Americans.
My solution:
This country was built on immigrants who came legally, worked hard, obeyed our laws, and became Americans. Period.
CNN's reporting here disgusts me on several levels. Quotes from the article in italics:
For 11 years, Pedro Zapeta, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, lived his version of the American dream in Stuart, Florida: washing dishes and living frugally to bring money back to his home country.
Note "lived his version of the American dream". What is that "version"? Well:
Zapeta, who speaks no English...
Zapeta admits he never paid taxes.
Zapeta said his goal in coming to the United States was to make enough money to buy land in his mountain village and build a home for his mother and sisters.
Let's get this straight: the American Dream is NOT:
- Entering the country in violation of United States Law.
- Isolating one's self by not learning English and assimilating into American society and culture.
- Violating the laws of this country by working illegally and not paying taxes on wages earned.
- Sucking what you think you can out of the United States and running back to the third world.
- Mr. Zapeta should have applied for an immigrant visa and entered the country legally
- Mr. Zapeta should have enrolled in ESL classes
- Mr. Zapeta should have been working legally and paying his taxes
- Mr. Zapeta should have been using his savings in order to bring his family to the United States so they can share in the American Dream and build a better life here
"They are treating me like a criminal when all I am is a working man," he said.
No, Mr. Zapeta, you are being treated like a criminal because you are one! You entered the country illegally. You worked illegally. You ignored U.S. laws with regards to taxation (yes, even illegally obtained wages are subject to taxation). You ignored or were ignorant of U.S. laws with regards to transporting cash. Since you were getting on an airplane, you obviously have also illegally obtained some form of photo ID.
On a side note, I'd love to know if the restaurant proprietors who employed Mr. Zapeta have been charged yet. They are just as culpable; more so, even.
I am frankly sick and tired of bleeding hearts for criminals who have both entered this country illegally and refused to truly be "immigrants" - e.g. individuals determined to become Americans.
My solution:
- Close the borders with fences, walls, and even land mines if necessary.
- Deport all illegal immigrants; deported illegals may never return to the United States, even with a tourist visa. Violations of U.S. Law must NEVER be rewarded.
- Promote legal immigration; increase the amount of available immigrant visas.
- Any immigrant visa holder who has not completed basic ESL by the end of their first 18 months in the United States should have their visa cancelled and be deported.
- Prosecute vigorously all employers who break employment laws.
- Use economic sanctions - possibly even complete trade embargos - against countries that do not do their part to control outbound illegal immigrants.
This country was built on immigrants who came legally, worked hard, obeyed our laws, and became Americans. Period.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The HOB Statement
Text of the statement available at Stand Firm.
My reaction:
1) By and large the liberals like it, which can't be good.
2) It does nothing to shelter or remove faithful dioceses, parishes, clergy, and laity from under the authority of revisionists. Their extended DEPO isn't good enough.
3) There is no repentance involved.
I'm going to write more extensively on the topic shortly, but in the end, the revisionists fail to admit (although I am sure they know the facts full well) publicly that the divide is not over homosexuality, but over Biblical truth. They deny it, and we will never surrender the one, true faith in Christ Jesus.
Let's see what comes out of the Common Cause meeting. Keep checking Stand Firm, TitusOneNine, and Anglican TV. And of course, continue to pray for the Church!
Father, please pour out your Holy Spirit upon the Bishops meeting in Pittsburgh. Strengthen their resolve. Show them the path You intend for us. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
My reaction:
1) By and large the liberals like it, which can't be good.
2) It does nothing to shelter or remove faithful dioceses, parishes, clergy, and laity from under the authority of revisionists. Their extended DEPO isn't good enough.
3) There is no repentance involved.
I'm going to write more extensively on the topic shortly, but in the end, the revisionists fail to admit (although I am sure they know the facts full well) publicly that the divide is not over homosexuality, but over Biblical truth. They deny it, and we will never surrender the one, true faith in Christ Jesus.
Let's see what comes out of the Common Cause meeting. Keep checking Stand Firm, TitusOneNine, and Anglican TV. And of course, continue to pray for the Church!
Father, please pour out your Holy Spirit upon the Bishops meeting in Pittsburgh. Strengthen their resolve. Show them the path You intend for us. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
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