Carmichael's Position

Illegal Immigrants to Receive Rebate Funds Too! Remember Folks, You Read it Here First!

Remember last week when I was a bit critical of our Lawmakers use of the word "REBATE" referring to the economic stimulus handout coming not to soon to a mailbox near you?  [Link] I said, fully intending it to be somewhat tongue in cheek,

"For those who did not pay any income tax, you will be receiving a "Hand-Out" of $300.00 negotiated by the "Government knows best" Socialist Democratic Party Leaders Infamous.  As a purchase of your vote in the upcoming election.  Negotiations are still in process to insure that all "Undocumented Residents" are compensated as well (remember, your vote matters too!)..."

I meant that as a somewhat sarcastic stab at our nation's Socialist Democrat party and their willingness to "Accept" not just "Tolerate" every special interest known to man and beast (and vegetable and mineral... many of which are voting members of the Democrat party too.) And cater accordingly.

Well, fast forward to today and the following headline from the Politico:

Lou Dobbs alert: Illegal immigrants may get rebates

"In their bipartisan zeal to quickly cut a deal on an economic stimulus bill, GOP lawmakers overlooked something that will certainly inflame the conservative base _ illegal immigrants could receive a tax rebate check from the government.

The text of the House passed bill contains language making "non resident aliens"  -illegal immigrants-  ineligible for the tax rebates. But every year, hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants use individual taxpayer identification numbers, known as ITINs, to file income tax returns with the IRS. These ID numbers are used instead of Social Security numbers. There are no exact statistics for how many illegal immigrants file tax returns, but this New York Times story from last year details the significant increase in use of ITINs.  This story also lays out the issue.

Immigration advocates point out that many legal immigrants use ITINs, so it would be impossible to outlaw rebates for everyone who uses this form of ID in tax returns.

And our Colorado Representative Ken Salazar expressed the following, illustrating his complacency relating to Illegal Immigration in the United States:

"The reality is that those who filed a tax return will be eligible" for tax rebates of $600 to $1,200, said Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.). "This [issue] has not been addressed" by the senators writing the bill.

Wow!  This is screwed up in so many ways!   A humorous metaphor escapes me.

Recognized for CUTTING DOWN the US FLAG?!!!

Damn Right!

Somewhere I missed this story when it happened back in October... Of course I could have been doing something else at the time... like "getting married."

But here's the poop for those others of you who missed the story.   Evidently an establishment in the Reno NV area was flying a Mexican flag OVER the US flag!  Supposedly the shop owner was flying the flags in this manner as a form of solidarity in the wake of raids on 11 area McDonald's restaurant leading to the arrest of more than 50 undocumented workers.

The flag flying garnered the attention of the local media and a news crew was dispatched to "get to the bottom" of things (and probably provide an excellent soapbox for the shop owner's protest).  Well what the News Crew captured that day was certainly unexpected... but in YHS view heart warming!  Here's the video: [link]

That's Army Veteran Jim Brossard taking ACTION!  That flag and what it represents deserves respect!  And men like Brossard recognize this, they've fought for our honor and still do!  There is NOTHING wrong with being an AMERICAN!  We do not have to apologize and constant Kowtow to every slap in the face we receive.  Yes the store owner has every right to mount a protest, but flying the American Flag in the United States in this fashion is Illegal!... for a reason! 

"If I hadn't done that, then I'm afraid it wouldn't have gotten done," he said. "I was ready and fully willing to accept any consequences, legally or any other, that might have come in my direction."

And I'm with Jim in that I think if you are willing to treat Old Glory without respect, you've lost your privilege to have her!

And it looks like the members of the USS Intrepid Association feel the same way... Because in a small ceremony Jim Brossard was presented with another US Flag, one that has flown proudly over the USS Intrepid.

GERALDA MILLER
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Posted: 11/21/2007

Veterans who served on the U.S.S. Intrepid aircraft carrier presented Jim Brossard with a certificate and flag for cutting down a U.S. flag that was flying beneath a Mexican flag at a Reno bar.

"To fly the American flag underneath the Mexican flag, it just defies everything," said Wayne Erven, West Coast representative of the U.S.S. Intrepid Association Inc. "Our flag goes on top. That's the honor we give our flag."

Erven of Pleasanton, Calif., gave Brossard the appreciation Tuesday at the James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial in Idlewild Park.  (Photo Caption:  Wayne Erven, center, prepares to give a flag that flew over the U.S.S. Intrepid in New York earlier this year to Jim Brossard, left. Looking on at right is Daryl Saldausky of Reno. Erven and Saldausky are members of the U.S.S. Intrepid Association Inc. Photo Credit: David B. Parker/RGJ)

"To go and pull that down, you've got more guts than brains maybe," Erven told Brossard.

And I find it also disturbing that...

Bob Fulkerson, state director for the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, said Brossard does not deserve to be rewarded for stealing property.

Uh... Try the word "Rescuing" or "Protecting the Honor of..." there Bob!

"I think what they're doing is rewarding criminal behavior, and they're rewarding violent behavior," Fulkerson said. "To me, that goes against our Constitution. That goes against the values of our country."

Uh... Yeah.... Well I guess I should consider the source...

Bravo Zulu Mr. Brossard!

Jury Duty

Dozens of minutes of raw boredom interrupted by seconds of intense boredom!  I'm sitting in the jury staging room with a couple hundred others waiting to hear my name called by the 20 something paralegal at the podium.  And this is just the first selection process.  If picked here I advance to the minor leagues where I have the pleasure of being interviewed by the two vultures... er I mean lawyers.

Yep, this looks like its going to take awhile.  At least I get to listen to the every 5 minute phone call placed by the all too considerate, borderline Tourette afflicted, divorce fodder mother in row 7, bitch about her deadbeat-lying-sumbitch!

Find entertainment where you can...

Ain't iPhones great!

More to come... I'm sure!

The Instrument Has Yet to be Built That Can Measure My Disdain for People Like Brian De Palma

Evidently this knucklehead so hates American Troops in the Field that he will go to great lengths to associate an isolated vile incident perpetrated by a gang of dirtbags who just so happened to be in the US Army.

VENICE (Reuters) - A new film about the real-life rape and killing of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl by U.S. soldiers who also murdered her family stunned the Venice festival, with shocking images that left some viewers in tears.

"Redacted", by U.S. director Brian De Palma, is one of at least eight American [?] films on the war in Iraq due for release in the next few months and the first of two movies on the conflict screening in Venice's main competition.

Inspired by one of the most serious crimes committed by American soldiers in Iraq since the 2003 invasion, it is a harrowing indictment of the conflict and spares the audience no brutality to get its message across.

De Palma, 66, whose "Casualties of War" in 1989 told a similar tale of abuse by American soldiers in Vietnam, makes no secret of the goal he is hoping to achieve with the film's images, all based on real material he found on the Internet. [so it must be true! ed.]

"The movie is an attempt to bring the reality [who's reality?]of what is happening in Iraq to the American people," he told reporters after a press screening.

"The pictures are what will stop the war. One only hopes that these images will get the public incensed enough to motivate their Congressmen to vote against this war," he said.

Abeer Qasim Hamza al-Janabi was gang raped, killed and burnt by American soldiers in Mahmudiya, south of Baghdad, in March 2006. Her parents and younger daughter were also killed.   Continued...

There is plenty of blame to be distributed in the particular case. That de Palma has chosen to leverage this tragic and vile incident in his campaign to demonize all things associated with the Iraq War and the US Military and as a representation of the behavior of "US Soldiers" is utterly contemptuous!

Remember the recruitment phrase leveraged by the US Army at the time?  "An Army of One!"  No marketing phrase could better represent these vermin who were and are still individuals, who still have free will.  They inconsiderately wear the uniform and are too STUPID to recognize the whole that they in turn represent!  In my mind, this is one of the most inexcusable and most extreme failings of the US Army, that of not instilling a more resilient sense of DUTY, HONOR, and COUNTRY in the minds of its recruits.  Morality is not a word we need to shy away from, it needs to be engrained.  Which I am quite sure a man of Mr. De Palma's philosophical leanings would have trouble blessing as well!

Where De Palma and his ilk are the most despicable are in their flagrant and willful disregard for Accurate Statistical Representation.  Yes atrocities occur in warfare, and the United States Military has gone to great lengths to reduce the occurrence of these incidents, eliminated? no, but greatly reduced? Absolutely!  But the "oh so sanctimoniously sensationalistic acrimony" piously pontificated by those who so hate the Martial Philosophy of Warriors is sickening and tiresome!  The "feeding frenzy for the surreal"  mentality of today's Hollywood producers and the leftist propagandists  "Reporters" in the Mainstream Media (yes that line has blurred tremendously) has become so paramount the result is to all but censor the overwhelmingly positive behavior, conduct and professionalism in today's United States Armed Forces.

De Palma openly states his vainglorious wish... "The pictures are what will stop the war. One only hopes that these images will get the public incensed enough to motivate their Congressmen to vote against this war"

Propagandist for the Militant Extremists is what this equates to.  It will receive more screenings and lauded support from peaceniks, Al Qaeda, and our (that'd be the United States') other sworn enemy than any other!  The vile vermin who perpetrated this act DO NOT in any way shape or form represent the other 99.999 percent of United States Army Soldiers!  But alas this is what movie makers the likes of De Palma would have you believe.  Which is the bigger lie?  In the illustrated case De Palma uses as his Metaphor for all things military, these scum were tried, and convicted and incarcerated for their crimes!  I would think most intelligent people could easily see why the US Army would not really want to publish commercials on Monday Night Football using these wretched repulsive dregs as spokesmen!

But De Palma chooses to use these individuals as Poster Children for the US Army.  You have to ask yourself,... better yet... go ask a returning veteran, or your serving brother, or father... "So how many innocents did you rape today?"... I'll wait............................... 

When you recover from the physical punctuation of the delivered answer... maybe, just maybe you'll begin to understand the degree of contempt that representative accusations, like Mr. De Palma's tripe, really deserve. 

Be weary of the enemy in our midst... The methods employed by these empowered few, who choose to view life through the narrowest of keyhole, are on the precipice of pernicious propaganda in Machiavellian proportions and cater to the addle mind.

"All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach."
    ---  Adolf Hitler

Now, Hillary Wouldn't Be Part of Something Crooked... ........ Would She?

Looks like the Los Angeles Times (No bastion of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy) is beginning to connect some, none too convenient, dots!

WASHINGTON -- For the last 15 years, California authorities have been trying to figure out what happened to a businessman named Norman Hsu, who pleaded no contest to grand theft, agreed to serve up to three years in prison and then seemed to vanish.
"He is a fugitive," Ronald Smetana, who handled the case for the state attorney general, said in an interview. "Do you know where he is?"

Hsu, it seems, has been hiding in plain sight, at least for the last three years.

Since 2004, one Norman Hsu has been carving out a prominent place of honor among Democratic fundraisers. He has funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions into party coffers, much of it earmarked for presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

Actually he has another talent in obfuscation... called "Bundling"

Records show that Hsu has emerged as one of the Democrats' most successful "bundlers," rounding up groups of contributors and packaging their checks together before delivering the funds to campaign officials. Individuals can give a total of $4,600 to a single candidate during an election cycle, $2,300 for the primaries and $2,300 for the general election.

One example of the kind of first-time donors Hsu has worked with is the Paw family of Daly City, Calif., which is headed by William Paw, a mail carrier, and his wife, Alice, who is listed as a homemaker.

The Paws -- seven adults, most of whom live together in a small house near San Francisco International Airport -- apparently had never donated to national candidates until 2004. Over a three-year period, they gave $213,000, including $55,000 to Clinton and $14,000 to candidates for state-level offices in New York.

So in other words, the fine folks living in this house, who works for the POST OFFICE as a LETTER CARRIER for GOD SAKE!!!!  willingly chose to give $213,000 to Candidates... instead of say... buying a few gallons of another paint color!... and specifically decided to fund the campaigns of New York.  Um... did you catch that the Paw's live in the San Francisco Bay area?  Sure makes sense to me...

Diana DeGette Claims Bush Disregarded the Rule of Law

From The Hill Blog Today comes this shocking post from Colorado Representative (Democrat) Diana DeGette... My tongue firmly ensconced in cheek! 

President Bush Disregarded the Rule of Law (Rep. Diana DeGette) July 3rd, 2007

I am outraged by President Bush’s decision to commute Scooter Libby’s sentence.

President Bush has shown his blatant disregard for the rule of law that our country’s entire judicial system was founded on. Mr. Libby was found guilty by a jury of his peers, and unfortunately, the President has chosen to ignore that decision.

The President’s actions today show this Administration’s disturbing view that they are above the law. I intend to continue to press hard in Congress to insure the integrity of the rule of law throughout all three branches of government.

Too bad Sandy Berger's Pants could not be reached for comment! (shamelessly stolen from Lex)  A couple of things here MZ DeGette...

Constitution of the United States of America (remember that document?) Article II Section II

...and he [the President] shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

Like it or not Diana, President Bush IS following the Rule of Law!  Granted him by the People of this great country expressed clearly in the primary governing document.

"... Chosen to ignore that decision...." Uh... If he chose to ignore the decision, ol' Scooter would be headed for the pokey!  He chose NOT to ignore this decision and act upon it by administering his rights of granting reprieves.  It comes as no wonder that you and your Democrat comrades will dive on this story like a starving man on a Christmas -- sorry politically incorrect reference there--- non-denominational-celebratory-holiday-free range--hormone-free-- Tofu Turkey!

Predictable... and certainly not productive.  As a voter and a Republican to boot, I am not real thrilled with the Bush Administration right now, most assuredly for different reasons than you and your constituents.  But Diana, it is PRESIDENT Bush's prerogative to commute the federal sentence of any damn person he wants!  For what ever reason he wants. And by the way, it is clearly stipulated in the LAWS of this land that he does not have to explain himself one bit!  I do not begin to defend Scooter's violation of the laws of this land especially perjury.  And yes people no matter where they work or for whom, if they violate those law they should be tried and punished... But it is clearly stipulated in the founding laws governing this land that EXCEPTIONS can be made!  Deal with it.  I don't give a crap if it is political!  Move on!

So the sooner we advance beyond these trivialities the better!  How about doing something about Winning the War in Iraq and Afghanistan, Securing our Borders, and enforcing the immigration laws we have on the books?  Or are those items not important to you?

Paris Hilton Going to Jail is a Great First Step to Rebuilding my Faith in Fairness

I had an intriguing conversation with a co-worker of mine last Friday.  Now understand that he and I do not oft see eye to eye, but that is not to say that we are not willing to listen to the ideas the other has on specific issues.

Our conversation that day ranged on a number of politically and sociologically charged topics (Guns, Crime, Drug Legalization, Race Relations, Government Suppression of Freedoms, Death Penalty...etc) yep pretty much every "third rail" you are always warned to avoid discussing in "social" situations.  Of course it has not been my nature to shy away from controversial subjects.  What I do not suffer is purposeless bickering  between ideologues with no hope of learning or educating.

I learned something this Friday.  After ranging on our subjects, I posed a question to him looking specifically for his perspective, as my coworker is of a different race than I and I am curious to learn of why the races unfortunately still have a lack of trust of each other.  Granted he does not (nor does he proclaim to) represent his race in his philosophic position -- no do I mine for that matter.  But I must recognize that he is probably more in tune to the focus of his race, in that I am sure he has heard more than I ever will about the root nature of the apparent distrust, of those who share his same skin color (once again, as I have mine). 

Please know that at no point was this conversation uncomfortable for either of us as far as I could tell.  We were both properly discussing challenging points of our society, and certainly not blaming each other for our society's ills.  Again this approach was very much appreciated.

So the bottom line here... and relating back to the title of this post...  I asked him what has to change in our society to affect real positive change for our respective races to continue our paths to better understanding each other, and putting aside our differences.

His reply... "A sense of FAIRNESS and RESPONSIBILITY!"

Fairness: Our government and our corporations have to really learn to be impartial, truly blind to race, creed, age, sex etc...  This applies to equal pay and opportunity for equally skilled individuals but more importantly in our government's (Local, City, State, Federal) enforcement of our country's laws!   We are a nation of LAWs not privilege.

Responsibility:  People have to stop being "Victims" or "Entitled" we need to be responsible for our actions no matter who we are, where we live, what color we are, what education we have, and how much money we make.  And understand that we are of our own making, we can make our lives better, we do not have to depend on others to hand it to us, nor do we deserve anything... we have to earn it, always!

I thought this perspective intriguing... I could see it... hell I've bitched about it too!  I think most of us have.  Every time we see a politician (regardless of party) not held accountable for the same laws they write.  Every time we watch a Charlatan, Hypocrite, Media  Narcissist the likes of Jessy and Al claim a cause that is truly not the case simply to intimidate and line their pockets... we all lose faith.  Every time those entrusted in our protection abuse that power and intimidate those in lesser social circles... we lose our faith.

And finally every time we watch a Professional Athlete, a Rock Star, Rap Star, or Movie Star get let off of a crime committed simply because of "Who They Are"... we lose faith... in the system we've collectively agreed to be governed by.  Fairness is paramount!  That is why JUSTICE is to be BLIND, it is to make no prejudice outside of the acute facts.

So when I see a judge make a ruling that Paris Hilton is not "Entitled" to softer treatment than that of a "Regular Joe - or Joanne" and she will serve time for her blatant disregard to following the laws of this land because she feels entitled, and above her responsibility... well... it just does my heart good! (although I would have liked to see her have to go immediately.)

It is events like these that cause me to look back on my challenging conversation that Friday, and recognize that yeah, it's minor in the grand scheme of things, but hell, its a start and if we continue down this path, we might stand a chance. 

Jus Say'n

Poor Choice of Words...

Ok, I'm already a bit creeped out by the following article.  Glad they busted the dude, and I'm glad he's going to jail for awhile, looks like 50 years.  And no! It's not because the Air Force Captain in question is gay! Anyone convicted of raping another individual needs to serve time!  It is an evil vial crime!

Anyway... I was amazed to read the quote offered up by the military prosecutor after Capt. Devery L. Taylor was found guilty of raping four men and attempting to rape two others.

From the Navy Times and the AP: Note:  I publish this in it's entirety and provide the screen capture as proof because the article has subsequently been changed , with this quote and many other deleted.  New article here [Link]

Officer found guilty of raping four men

 

The Associated Press

Posted : Wednesday Feb 28, 2007 5:15:48 EST

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — An Air Force officer was found guilty Tuesday of raping four men and attempting to rape two others.

The nine-member military jury deliberated for about seven hours in Capt. Devery L. Taylor’s court-martial. Taylor showed no reaction when the jury of seven male and two female military officers handed down the verdict.

Sentencing was scheduled to begin Wednesday. Taylor faces up to six life terms — one for each victim.

Military prosecutors described Taylor, 38, as a serial rapist who met men in bars, spiked their drinks with the “date-rape drug” gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, and kidnapped them.

“I am pleased. I am emotional, but I am very, very pleased,” said Maj. Kathleen Reder, the military prosecutor. Reder praised the six victims who testified during the week-long trial.

“These men can sit up a little a little straighter now, I am proud of them,” she said.

Taylor’s civilian defense attorney, Martin Regan, declined comment pending the sentencing phase of the court-martial.

Regan had argued that each of the men willingly had sex with his client. Taylor testified that he had consensual sex with five of the men and that the sixth, who is openly gay, raped him.

Regan said his client’s only crime was being gay in the military and violating the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which bans people who are openly homosexual from serving in the armed forces.

Four of Taylor’s alleged victims were in the military when they met Taylor and Regan said they lied to protect their military careers, while a fifth wanted to join the Navy and feared being identified as gay, he said.

Damn!  "These men can sit up a little straighter now!????"  Are you kidding me?  No wonder they changed the article! 

Fart on a Plane... Get arrested! Desert the US Army... Go on a speaking tour!

Nope the world doesn't make sense:

A lady on a plane, blows an ill wind then, doing what many o gaseous friend of mine does, proceeds to light a match to cover up the bouquet.  Not on a plane you don't!  Plane gets diverted to Nashville, passengers get inconvenienced, bags get searched by a (what? sniffing?) dog!  Culprit gets detained and prohibited from traveling.

No Really! I can't make this up...  http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=40210

Then I read:

Army deserter begins West Coast speaking tour against Iraq war

Pfc. Kyle Snyder...The 23-year-old Army deserter from Colorado Springs, who has been absent without leave since April 2005, has embarked on a West Coast speaking tour in which he, and others like him, are expressing opposition to the war in Iraq.

And the really disturbing part...

A warrant is out for his arrest, but the former combat engineer has been traveling the country by plane and by road, and his speaking dates are publicized ahead of time. Among the cities he plans to visit on this tour are San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle.

No Really! I can't make this up either... [ Link ]

About the only message I can derive from these two stories...

If you do something wrong, don't try to cover it up! 

St. Louis, Dying? or Dead?

I just got back this week from the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) show in St. Louis. 

And I have a few takeaways:

The show was great!  Met good folks interested in RSS (Knew what it means and generally how it works) and very interested in Newsgator Enterprise Server!

But, as for the location where it was held... well... St. Louis could use some help.

Some areas of St. Louis are quite nice... The new Busch Stadium for one and around the Arch for two, but other than that, Downtown St. Louis is in trouble!  I sure hope my perspective is wrong, but unlike here in Denver where our Downtown is full of life and action, St. Louis is dead or dying.  I suspect the action is now out in the suburbs, but I was not afforded the opportunity to range out there.  Around the convention center, where one would suspect there would be activity and lots of nice restaurants, I was disappointed, there were few.

Six blocks toward the Mississippi River, there is a area called Laclede's Landing (how to pronounce it, I'm not sure) that caters to the tourists with a few shops, taverns, and restaurants.  Some pretty nice.  But even on a Saturday night, still somewhat dead, such the pity because it could be so much more!

There are also two Riverboat Casinos in the area one on the Missouri side of the river and one on the Illinois side.  Both are ok (I won at both so I can't complain there) but again could be much higher in quality.

But in general if I sat on the St. Louis Tourism Board, I would take some serious actions toward making the area around the Convention Center a little more palatable, especially for dining and entertaining clients.

Arianna Huffington's Blogging Ethics

Like shooting fish in a barrel!

This is too easy of an ethical study!  I will not go off on some categorical rant about how Liberals are so unethical they do not even follow the basics of publishing protocol!  Because I do not think that is necessarily true. 

BUT!

It appears to be true with Arianna Huffington!  Does she not realize that misrepresentation on a public forum destroys credibility for all other representations on her site?  Hell it's not like she has that much to lose!  Representing a blog post as being published by someone famous (or infamous) like George Clooney to gain publicity or notoriety is foolish, and an act of desperation. 

Here's what happened: (from Elizabeth Snead on her Styles and Scenes feed)

"...Arianna Huffington used some of his [George Clooney's] recent answers to political questions in a way that makes it look as if he wrote one for her Huffington Post blog site.

Brilliant!  What did she think?  That because he shares the same political views as she that she could easily represent his opinions in a way that is exceedingly deceptive, without accountability or recourse?  Apparently so...

But, Mr Clooney was none to happy about this.  And rightfully so.  To George Clooney, his greatest asset is his "Well Known Name!"  It brings gravity to a cause or statement, his name is valuable!  Whatever side of the political spectrum you land, one has to recognize that George Clooney gets attention when he states his opinion, right, wrong or indifferent, he has the "Star Power" to draw attention.  George and other Stars in Hollywood may be Dumb as a post when relating to world affairs, politics, geopolitical philosophy and proper governance... or not!  Same with 10's of millions of other Americans, but why does what George says matter in the least?  Because he is a known name! 

Arianna recognizes his popularity (especially as it relates to leaning left causes and issues) and wanted to leverage that.  But rather than simply quoting George, like the rest of us mere bourgeoisie bloggers do... She chose to pretend that George and she are so "well connected" that he would do her the honor of posting on her "Oh so contemporary, and cutting edge Blog" and post an article in his name!

George responded in a public statement:

"Miss Huffington's blog is purposefully misleading and I have asked her to clarify the facts. I stand by my statements but I did not write this blog. With my permission Miss Huffington compiled it from interviews with Larry King and The Guardian. What she most certainly did not get my permission to do is to combine only my answers in a blog that misleads the reader into thinking that I wrote this piece. These are not my writings — they are answers to questions and there is a huge difference."

Arianna Responded to George here:

...So we put together a sample blog from answers he had given on Larry King Live and an interview with the Guardian in London, and sent it to him to rework in any way he wanted.

A publicist who was working on the promotion of Good Night, and Good Luck, emailed back saying, "I will get it to him and get back to you as soon as I hear anything." Three days later, she emailed again, approving, without any changes, what we had sent: "Of course this is fine, Arianna!"

And once we had the approval, that's what we ran: George Clooney's words put into blog form.

This was an honest misunderstanding. But any misunderstanding that occurred, occurred between Clooney and the publicist. We based our decision to post on the unambiguous approval we received in writing. There was no room for misunderstanding in that.

And the response to the response from the Clooney Camp (again, thanks to "The Envelope":

Clooney rep Stan Rosenfield: "I read (Arianna's) response. This wasn't a misunderstanding. It was misrepresentation."

Clooney's camp insists they did not ask HuffPo to take down the item or to release a statement about lying and misrepresentation. They say they only asked for a posted qualifier explaining that the item was not written by Clooney but was a compilation of quotes from past interviews with Larry King and The Guardian.

Is this Arianna's idea of Freedom of speech?

Randy "Duke" Cunningham Proves Pappy Boyington Right!

Lt Col. Greg "Pappy" Boyington, unarguably one of our greatest fighter pilots, is known for closing his memoirs with the quote:

"If this story were to have a moral, then I would say, 'Just name a hero and I'll prove he's a bum.'"

Today, another great fighter pilot proved the theory.  I am sorry to say it is not a proud day for a legend in naval aviation. [source]

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy and tax charges and tearfully resigned from office, admitting he took $2.4 million in bribes to steer defense contracts to conspirators.

Why Duke?!  Damn it! this is why ethics are important!  People need to be able to "Keep the Faith!" Something all Naval  Aviators are well versed in.  Americans are having enough trouble trusting elected officials, these types of careless actions do nothing but exacerbate an already bad reputation.  Do all politicians think that Scruples is a disease that they need a vaccine for?

I guess for some...

Flag Burning and My Discomfort

I do not like when the American Flag is burned in protest, nor do I care that much for those who choose to take this action to make their displeasure with America (and Americans) known to the world through such means. However I find myself somewhat uncomfortable with the direction our legislative branch is taking on this very issue. 

You burn an American flag in front of me and you better damned well be prepared to face some consequences, and for as nonviolent of a person as I am, this is one action I am want for restraint.  Burning an American flag is NOT, in my belief, a statement against our government or sitting political party, rather it is a statement against all that we as Americans believe in as a people, and have fought for as a country.  And as such is an affront to all Americans (Left-Right-Conservative-Liberal).

Having said that, I am not a big fan of mandating "Proper Behavior in Expression,"  and I hold the first amendment of the US Constitution in very high regard.  I do not want a government of the people, by the people and for the people to say how we can voice our grievances against what we may see as injustice.  Yes it breaks my heart when I see someone burning an American flag, especially when that individual enjoys all of the rights that symbol represents.  And I cannot reasonably fathom why I would ever be compelled to take such action.  It astounds me when other Americans do, just because they don't like who was elected president... pitiful! The caption on this photo, I think, illustrates my point,

"AP Photo: A protester burns an American flag to protest President Bush's second inauguration during a march in downtown Portland, Ore., in this Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 file photo.."

I think, however it is a bit of a slippery slope when government starts to decide for us what can and cannot be used in protest.

When someone burns a flag all they illustrate is their complete contempt for the symbolism the flag holds.  They are eliciting a desired response from those of us who see more in the Stars and Stripes than they do.  To me, they are simply illustrating their blatant disregard for respect and proper decorum and because of their choice in this action have degraded their argument that much more.

Why give them credit by passing a constitutional amendment prohibiting such desecration.  You want to see how many flags get burned after such an amendment passes?  And how much press coverage the idiots responsible receive?  And how much emotional blood will be shed (literally and figuratively) by one American to another? I don't.  It's bad enough when our sworn enemies desecrate our flag as a stab against Americans, its worse when a group of Americans do it as a statement of displeasure against the decisions of our government. 

I say screw it!  Let the morons go ahead and burn the flag, it only helps to identify those who do not fully grasp the concept of what America is, they are takers, not givers... they are selfish not gregarious.

You burn a flag in front of me, and yes I'll probably be the one in the county jail.  I'll have the societal sympathy of literally thousands along with their praise for doing what they probably wanted to do, but it wouldn't make either of our actions right or just.  Just as the actions of our national legislature will have the praise of literally millions, but it doesn't make it right or just.

Freedom of expression is exactly what that flag represents, and to prohibit expression (as painful as it may be) does a dis-service to us all as Americans.

Does Illegal Immigration Cost Lives

President Vicente Fox said he would lodge a diplomatic complaint, and was considering complaints to multilateral bodies if Mexico could not unable to resolve the problem bilaterally.

Was this quote in regard to the possibility of Mexico having to extradite a suspected Police Killer?  Nope.

Mexico has reacted furiously to a bill signed into law by the US this week that would fund a border wall and prevent illegal Mexican migrants from obtaining US driving licenses. Financial Times

As much as I hesitate jumping into this debate due to the impending inexcusable overtones and extremely inaccurate accusations of racism, I'm going to anyway.   In Denver today we laid to rest a police officer, Donald R. Young, who was shot numerous times in the back while serving in an off-duty capacity at a party.

The prime suspect in the shooting is 19-year-old Raul Garcia Gomez (And I am posting his photo here to serve as another opportunity to help find this guy) on the run and believed to now be in the Los Angeles area, and it is possible he has fled to Mexico.

This brings me to the gist of this post.  Raul Garcia Gomez is believed to be an Illegal Alien in the United States.  This has ignited a firestorm of debate in Colorado about the apparent lack of concern over the growing population of those who are able to enter our country illegally, and then commit crimes against our society.  (Fortunately, the majority of illegals in this country do not fall into this category and are good, moral individuals drawn illegally to the shining light of opportunity the Unites States has to offer.)

If he is not a legal resident (or citizen) of the United States, he must be a citizen of another country, that country in this case is presumably Mexico.  So working from that presumption, he is a Mexican National.  Assuming that Raul Garcia Gomez has indeed found his way back into Mexico (which again says something about our border security) and is subsequently captured by the local officials, it has been publicly stated that Mexico will not extradite him back to the United States (more specifically Colorado) for trial due to the fact that murder in Colorado is a Capital Crime in which punishment, if convicted, could include the death penalty (and yes there are many here in Colorado who actually celebrate this stance, I do not).

My question to Mexico is...  If he were not a citizen of Mexico, say he was a US Citizen, would you extradite him to face a trial?  If the answer remains "no" then I submit Mexico is no friend to the United States.  Especially if it does not support our trying suspects in a court of law under the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed.  The penalty of which should be irrelevant!  It is not like we are issuing the death penalty for parking violations here in the United States, we execute violent criminals convicted in a court of law by their peers and duly sentenced.

Here is the problem with Mexico harboring capital crime suspects; it creates a haven for the most violent in our society to escape the ultimate punishment our system currently provides for.  Message... Commit murder?  Better run to Mexico!...  Kill a police officer?  Better run to Mexico!... Kill two 9 year old girls by stabbing them numerous times?  Should have run to Mexico!

I'll tell you what!  You can have 'em, keep 'em for all I care.  But don't be surprised when your country's reputation for lawlessness and corruption increases even more from the unfortunate reputation it possesses today.  Fortunately the United States will probably reap the benefits of the misjudgment, as more self-respecting, tired of the corruption, morally stable, good people find their way through the sieve we call a border to live a better life.

Remind me again what type of person is headed which way across the border?

Don't misunderstand me, Mexico is a beautiful country with beautiful people who have created a wonderful culture, and that is the reputation Mexico should have globally.  But with reckless and careless attitudes toward the United States' security and criminal justice system, trouble is afoot.

I would submit we offer an easier method for credentialing those who want to come across the border and work for a good wage here in the US.  I still very much believe we are the land of opportunity, and I certainly understand the drive many from Mexico have to make a better life for themselves here in the United States.  I just want them to do it legally!  File the paperwork!  We need to know who you are for our and your own security.

The United States is a sovereign Nation and we have the absolute right (if not duty!) to protect our borders.  Other countries across the world have much more secure borders and much more restrictive immigration laws but receive significantly less grief from others in the world community than the United States.  Well it's time it stopped!

In closing, to see how perverted this discussion can get: I overheard a conversation this afternoon where it was proposed to increase the penalty for being an illegal alien in the United States to the level of a Capital Crime.  Then those guilty of the crime would flee to the sanctuary of  Mexico!  And Mexico then would not send them back across the border!

Things that make you go "Hmmmm".

NBC's 'Fear Factor' Sued for Rat-Eating Episode...

Well it’s about time this happened!  I have been wondering how long it would take before reading about some poor traumatized soul came forth and sued Fear Factor for duress.  But this one caught me completely off guard!  And it should not have.

In the review of the Apollo 1 fire that killed Astronauts Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffee, and Ed White, it was stated that one of the underlying failures contributing to the accident, was “Failure of the Imagination.”  No one ever thought that in a high pressure oxygen environment test on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Flight Center, something would go terribly wrong and kill 3 of America’s finest aviators.

Well, I just suffered a failure of my imagination.  When I first read this Reuters headline, NBC's 'Fear Factor' Sued for Rat-Eating Episode, I thought, “Duh! Some dumbass contestant didn’t read the fine print in the liability release they no doubt have to sign in sextuplet!”  Boy was I wrong!  And when you read the following, I’m sure you’ll think the very same thing…

NBC's 'Fear Factor' Sued for Rat-Eating Episode

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Watching contestants eat dead rats on NBC's gross-out stunt show "Fear Factor" so disgusted a Cleveland man that he has sued NBC for $2.5 million, saying he could not stomach what he saw.

In a handwritten four-page lawsuit filed in federal court in Cleveland on Tuesday, paralegal Austin Aitken said, "To have the individuals on the show eat (yes) and drink dead rats was crazy and from a viewer's point of view made me throw-up as well an another (sic sic) in the house at the same time."

His suit added, "NBC is sending the wrong message to its TV watchers that cash can make or have people do just about anything beyond reasoning (sic) and in most cases against their will."

He said the show caused his blood pressure to rise so high that he became dizzy and light-headed, and when he ran away to his room, he bumped his head into the doorway.

In a brief telephone interview with Reuters, Aitken said, "I am not at liberty to discuss the complaint unless it is a paid-interview situation."

A spokesman for "Fear Factor" said the show would have no comment until it sees a copy of the complaint. The spokesman said the program did feature an rat-eating scene in New York's Times Square on Nov. 8.

Over the years, contestants on the program have eaten some weird things, including ground-up spiders and live worms.

Reuters/VNU

Everyday I lose just that much more faith in the competency of the American psyche.  PLEASE! Judge, whoever you are, throw this so far out of court that it can sustain its own orbit around the earth.  This type of contrived “Victimization” is bringing all of us down, and the fact that a complaint like this might even begin to see the florescent light of a courtroom is, in its own right, contemptuous.

Fear Factor isn’t Austin’s problem, the list of what apparently is… is so amazingly long, Steven Hawkins would have trouble contemplating it.  But high on that list would have to be that he’s watching too much Jerry Springer!

Fear Factor is no worse than any survival school attended by US military personnel to condition them for the brutal reality of living off the land with what is available.  And our armed forces do not get paid an additional $50,000 dollars for completing this training.  I’ll admit to watching an episode or two and even being somewhat amazed at what the producers could come up with to titillate and yes disgust the viewer, not to mention the participant.

But this complaint is so ludicrous and flagrantly frivolous it tends toward surreal.  Look at the major points of the complaint (my comments alpha-noted):

1.       To have the individuals on the show eat (yes) and drink dead rats was crazy and from a viewer's point of view made me throw-up as well an another in the house at the same time.

a.       Change the Damn Channel!

b.       It’s what this show is all about!

c.       Not “Crazy”… Disgusting? maybe… Delicacy!...in many parts of the world.

d.       To justify this complaint would be to justify a member of PETA filing a similar complaint after having watched a McDonalds commercial!  Hell I might even have some empathy for the PETA member (not much mind you!)

2.       NBC is sending the wrong message to its TV watchers that cash can make or have people do just about anything beyond reasoning (sic) and in most cases against their will.

a.       If they’re doing it for money it is certainly not “Against their will.”

b.       NBC sending the message…Cash can make or have people do just about anything beyond reasoning.  Wow accuracy in the media finally!

c.       “Against their will?”—in every episode I have viewed it is clear to me, and I assume the contestants that they can opt out of any “event” by simply saying “Nope, not gunna do it.”

3.       …the show caused his blood pressure to rise so high that he became dizzy and light-headed, and when he ran away to his room, he bumped his head into the doorway

a.       God please don’t ever watch “Girls Gone Wild!” if this is your response to rat eating!

b.       So if you ran to your room… do we even want to know where you “Threw-up?”

c.       Bumped your head huh?  No Dain Brammage suffered obviously! Klutz!

4.       “I am not at liberty to discuss the complaint unless it is a paid-interview situation.”

a.       Well that says it all, now doesn’t it!

The smartest statement made in this article came from the spokesman for Fear Factor, “No Comment.”

The scariest statement made in this article is, “In a handwritten four-page lawsuit filed in federal court in Cleveland on Tuesday, paralegal Austin Aitken said…”

The American Legal Education System at its finest!