Carmichael's Position

Looks Like the RACE is On!

JEEZUSSS PEOPLE!!!!

News flash!  Barack Obama is BLACK!  Or African American, or whatever the most inoffensive politically correct flavor of the day is!  GET OVER IT!  This means all y'all! 

You friggn' backwards ass rednecks who judge a man on the color of his skin need to get a life! Or better yet, just go away all together!

You Arian Caucasian Liberal Elitist Apologetics, sipping your Gin and Tonics claiming "It is about time an African American became President... yada yada yada..."  need to get a life, that doesn't pretend to mimic the last episode of Sex in the City meets the Sopranos!

And (reaching toward the third rail here) all you all of color need to stop with this Victim Based, "I can not gain any ground because..."  insert favorite "Because of the MAN" metaphor here!  You're no better if you are judging me, on my color too!

I was taken aback by a number of articles I read today about RACE in the current campaigns.  Unfortunately I think we're going to hear a lot more of it!  In one case reported in the Washington Post, Obama campaign workers were shocked at the blatant racism displayed by many white people approached... now understand, many campaign workers were themselves "white."

..."The first person I encountered was like, 'I'll never vote for a black person,' " recalled Ross, who is white and just turned 20. "People just weren't receptive."

and another

...Victoria Switzer, a retired social studies teacher, was on phone-bank duty one night during the Pennsylvania primary campaign. One night was all she could take: "It wasn't pretty." She made 60 calls to prospective voters in Susquehanna County, her home county, which is 98 percent white. The responses were dispiriting. One caller, Switzer remembers, said he couldn't possibly vote for Obama and concluded: "Hang that darky from a tree!"

If an accurate recounting of the experienced faced by these campaigners (and I have no reason to doubt, other than my usual filter of skepticism in the face of any political victimology represented that may benefit a candidate) it is telling and despicable!

In another article it is reported that a Cobb County Georgia bar is selling "Questionable" tee-shirts:

...Marietta tavern owner Mike Norman says the T-shirts he's peddling, featuring cartoon chimp Curious George peeling a banana, with "Obama in '08" scrolled underneath, are "cute." But to a coalition of critics, the shirts are an insulting exploitation of racial stereotypes from generations past.

Again in my view, satirist attempts at humor such as this are disgusting, degrading, and downright dehumanizing!

Grow up!  I'm a white guy!  I happen to be white by either luck of the Darwinian draw,or because GOD saw fit to torture my parents with a dude like me!  And hey wow!  Two Caucasian parents usually conspire to make a Caucasian offspring!  I had nothing to do with it!!!!  And neither did you in your color choice!

Your color is simply that!  Yours!  You can chose your life and what you do with it!  You can associate with others who are of similar color or other attributes or not, and if someone gives you grief for it!  Tell them to pound salt! 

Racism is all about doing something or judging someone based on their color!  It is not about who has the power to oppress!!!  That in America is archaic! Black, White, Yellow, Green, Purple no matter you can all be racists and once we recognize that!  Well hell, we might begin to gain some ground on this bastard RACISM!  Until that time, if you consider yourself immune from racism because you are a person of ... well... race!  You're an idiot!  And that is certainly not because of the color of your skin!  Its because of the color of your mental filters!

Do I judge people on appearance?  You bet I do!  Usually based on what you're wearing and how you wear it! Am I always accurate in my assessment of a person's character based on this visual judgement... nope!  But I continue to have my opinions, however, I make a concerted effort to not base my judgements on race, sex or age... but honestly it is impossible to dismiss recognition of any of these traits in another... it is what you do with that information that is important!

Which brings me to my point... FINALLY!!!!... I know!

Voting for any of the candidates because of what color he is, what sex she is, or how old and what color he is!  IS COSMICALLY STUPID!!!!  I feel I get dumber every time I hear someone utter She should vote for Hillary because she's a woman!  Or that "I'm going to vote for Barack, because it's time for a Black man to be in the White House!" 

Uh... Why? Because he's Black?... Now there's a credential.  Um... so I leave you with the following... who below is more qualified to be president?

Seriously!  Where does he stand on the issues?  If he aligns with your interests in National Security, the Economy, Foreign Affairs, Taxes, and Domestic Programs... Great, vote for him, but if you don't know crap about his positions on issues and you vote because "Its time for a "Black Man" to be in the White House!"  You're a fool... besides he's 1/2 white!

And the same applies if you "Refuse to Vote for a Black Man!"  because of his color!  You're a fool too!... besides he's 1/2 white!

But if you do not, agree with his policies and you are any color... don't vote for him out of guilt about, or obligation to race.  It is time we moved on from our obsession with race!  For every idiot in a race group I can show you brilliance!

Republicans Don't Riot!

A lot of hubbub has been raised about Rush Limbaugh's purported encouragement of Rioting in Denver at this year's upcoming Democratic National Convention.

Look... Get real!  Rush in no way would be encouraging his listeners or anyone else for that matter to riot.  However he is stating a premise that bears some honest analysis.  If a riot does happen (a very real possibility being properly planned for by local police) perpetrated by any number of the extremist leftist, anarchist organizations it will have a negative effect on the Peace Love and Understanding, "I feel your pain" Democratic party.

Republicans do not protest in violent actions... it takes too much effort!  First, We would have to take time off of our JOBS!  We would have to buy a new suit!  We'd have to get a haircut, so we looked good on FOX News!  We would have to get or BMW's cleaned so we looked good doing it!  AND... We would have to actually sell some of our Exxon-Mobile or Haliburton stock to pay for our Hotel Rooms at the Magnolia or the Brown Palace.  Nope... we won't be there!  We have a tee time!

Both parties have extremists... The "Ultra" direction of the "Left" or "Right".  And like an "Old weird uncle" when we in the party, hear the rants and ravings of our own extremists like a tourette's syndrome sufferer in church, we become a bit... well... uncomfortable.

This brings me to Recreate 68.  A group I suspect makes the "mainstream" Democrats (if there is there such a thing?) uncomfortable. I have long been of the belief that today's "Progressives" are idealistic nostalgics getting fat on Brady Bunch and Partridge Family reruns!  They want a return to their "Glory" days of 1968, Burning Bras, Burning Draft Cards, Burning the American Flag, and Burning Hemp!  Ah what a great time to be had by all!  Unfortunately they are now a bit frustrated with their previously supportive party.  No longer can the radical left Burn anything without first acquiring a Carbon Off-set from Al Gore.  Remember this convention is to be GREEN!

I am suspicious of groups who state on their website:

Sometimes we need to look back to move forward. In 1968 there existed a spirit of change, the Paris Rebellion, Prague, Chicago, Vietnam, etc. People believed, around the world, that they were capable of taking over the institutions that controlled their lives. The smell of revolution was in the air.

Join us in the streets of Denver as we resist a two-party system that allows imperialism and racism to continue unrestrained.

...We intend to recreate that revolutionary feeling and pick-up where our predecessors left off. It is time to reclaim the ideals that we have forgotten and leap forward by stepping back and using that voice inside of us that has been telling us something is seriously wrong, a voice that is shouting for change, a voice that has realized we live in a police state and we have stopped moving forward 40 years ago.

Uh... Sound like the words of a group bent on PEACFUL statements?  Not to me. 

1968 is not commonly recognized as a "Good Year" for the world.  And to want to return to the "Spirit" of '68 is dangerously misguided!  Anarchy is never a good idea!  Let's briefly recap the events of 1968, shall we?

• Vietnam Battle of Khe Sanh
• North Korea seizes the USS Pueblo, claiming the ship violated its territorial waters while spying.
• Tet Offensive begins, as Viet Cong forces launch a series of surprise attacks across South Vietnam.
• Viet Cong soldiers attack the United States Embassy in Saigon.
• A Viet Cong officer is executed by Nguyen Ngoc Loan, a South Vietnamese National Police Chief. The event is photographed by Eddie Adams. The photo makes headlines around the world, eventually winning the 1969 Pulitzer Prize, and sways U.S. public opinion against the war.
• A civil rights protest staged at a white-only bowling alley in Orangeburg, South Carolina is broken-up by highway patrolmen, leading to the deaths of 3 college students.
• My Lai massacre -
• A demonstration in London's Grosvenor Square against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War leads to violence - 91 people injured, 200 demonstrators arrested.
• Students at Howard University in Washington, D.C., signal a new era of militant student activism on college campuses in the U.S. Students stage rallies, protests and a five-day sit-in, laying siege to the administration building, shutting down the university in protest over its ROTC program, and demanding a more Afrocentric curriculum.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. is shot at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Riots erupt in major American cities for several days afterward.
• A shootout between Black Panthers and Oakland police results in several arrests and deaths, including 16-year-old Panther Bobby Hutton.
• Student protesters at Columbia University in New York City take over administration buildings and shut down the university
• "May of 68" is a symbol of the resistance of that generation. Agitations and strikes in Paris lead many youth to believe that a revolution is starting. Student and worker strikes, sometimes referred to as the French May, nearly bring down the French government.
• U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy is shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California by Sirhan Sirhan. Kennedy dies from his injuries the next day.
• The Prague Spring of political liberalization ends, as 200,000 Warsaw Pact troops and 5,000 tanks invade Czechoslovakia.
• Police clash with anti-war protesters in Chicago, Illinois, outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention,
• 150 women protest against the Miss America Pageant, as exploitative of women. It is one of the first large demonstrations of Second Wave Feminism.
• Tlatelolco massacre: A student demonstration ends in a bloodbath at La Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Tlatelolco, Mexico City, Mexico,

Seriously, Rush in this case is right.  If, there are riots in the streets of Denver this year, it will not reflect negatively on REPUBLICANS! It will illustrate in vivid 24hour a day news coverage, that the "Left" is violently out of control!  And questions among most Americans who are not dedicated party participants will ask, "Do we want these types of people or those perceived as sympathetic to these types (The Democratic Party) running our country?"

If a violent protest does happen in Denver, perpetrated by the extreme anarchist left groups the likes of Recreate '68, Code Pink, or similar (Not something desired by any law abiding Democrat or Republican) Republicans will be the political beneficiary... Democrats (the de facto party of tolerance of these idealistic special interest groups) will have a difficult time pointing an accusatory finger or distancing themselves from the association.  After all, Colorado has a Democrat Governor, A Democratic  majority in their State Congress, and Denver has a Democrat Mayor, all who are responsible for the safety of the DNC.

For the record... I would prefer the macramé heads of the extreme left, remain calm, peaceful and blissfully insane.  Protest what you want in your jubilant costumes and drum banging chants.  But if they choose to follow their anarchist instincts followed by the obligatory "Blame the Man!" accusations... my desire is for them to be fire hosed all the way to the pokey for a long stay! Hell, it'll probably be the first shower many of them will have had in a month!

Peace Out Man!

Move Over Murtha, Pelosi and Reid, There's a New Democratic Party Spokesman in Town!

And his name is Ayman al-Zawahri!  The second in command, behind Osama Bin Laden.

Quoting directly from the MoveOn.org, Code Pink, Democratic Party HQ talking points memo, the Democratic party spokesman, al-Zawahri...

"...in a new audiotape released on a militant Web site early Friday [said] that five years of U.S. occupation of Iraq brought only "failure and defeat," which the Bush administration will pass on as a "problem" to the next American president.

In the recording, Ayman al-Zawahri alleged that by acting on the advice of his top commanders in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, and halting further U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq until after July, U.S. President George W. Bush was "covering up for the failure" of his Iraq policies...."

..."Bush declared that he will grant Petraeus all the time he needs, a ridiculous show to cover up for the failure in Iraq and to allow Bush to evade the decision to withdraw the forces, which is an admission of the failure of the crusader invasion of Iraq, by passing the problem on to the next president..."

Hmmm... And here I though all this type of talk was nothing more than Leftist Amerikan, presidential debate propaganda.  Well! Now I'm convinced, if anyone knows how to cut the head off of the Bullshit, it's Al Gore Qaeda!

And in another show of Solidarity with the Democratic Party and specifically the Obama camp, Ahmed Yousuf, the terrorist organization Hamas' top political adviser in the Gaza Strip had this to say:

"We like Mr. Obama, and we hope that he will win the elections,"... "I understand American politics and this is the season for elections and everybody tries to sound like he's a friend of the Israelis," he said. All that would change if Obama would get elected. "I hope Mr. Obama and the Democrats will change the political discourse.... I do believe [Obama] is like John Kennedy, a great man with a great principle. And he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community, but not with humiliation and arrogance,"

All this was stated before meeting the former President Jimmy Carter to discuss how to best neuter Israel.

At Least Your Mother Named You Appropriately... Dick!

I would normally confess that I cannot believe I missed this when published on April 11th... but then again since when to I make a habit of reading the intellectually bankrupt opinion section of the New York Times?

In a piece of shit written by Dick Cavett (yes that Dick Cavett) he takes on the oratory skills of General Petraeus and Ambassador Cocker in their recent testimony before Congress on the progress in Iraq.  Now I too have been critical of public figures oft ignorance of proper oratory, our current sitting president leaps to mind.  However, even if I were to critique someone who's politics I disagreed with (Al Gore and his three step inflection cadence) I would try to focus on the technical aspects of the presentation.  I would not stoop to the insulting degree the "Oh So Perfect" DICK.... Cavett did in penning the following paragraph:

I can’t look at Petraeus — his uniform ornamented like a Christmas tree with honors, medals and ribbons — without  thinking of the great Mort Sahl at the peak of his brilliance. He talked about meeting General Westmoreland in the Vietnam days. Mort, in a virtuoso display of his uncanny detailed knowledge — and memory — of such things, recited the lengthy list (”Distinguished Service Medal, Croix de Guerre with Chevron, Bronze Star, Pacific Campaign” and on and on), naming each of the half-acre of decorations, medals, ornaments, campaign ribbons and other fripperies festooning the general’s sternum in gaudy display. Finishing the detailed list, Mort observed, “Very impressive!” Adding, “If you’re twelve.”

FRIPPERIES!  FRIPPERIES????  You SOB!  for those of you who do not want to waste your time looking it up, Fripperies are "Something trivial or nonessential".

What is it with Liberal Elitist Media Cretins of your ilk that cannot recognize that these Fripperies, are conferred, not handed out freely!  These ribbons, epaulettes, insignia all convey immediately to the KNOWLEDGABLE the service rendered by the one wearing them.  One does not have to know the details of the actions taken by the wearer, to recognize that the Bronze Star!  Is not given for a good one liner right before the commercial break!  You try earning one.. DICK!

And as for your reference to ... “Very impressive!” Adding, “If you’re twelve.” 

Or maybe... Just Maybe!!!...  If you were raised to respect sacrifice?  Dedication to Duty?  Honor? Courage? Commitment? Bravery? Selflessness?  All words of which you appear to be completely ignorant... DICK!

Here's some of what is on the General's Chest (an Oak Leaf signifies additional times the medal was awarded, and "V" device signifies "Valor" in Combat):

  Defense Distinguished Service Medal

  Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)

  Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)

  Legion of Merit (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)

  Bronze Star (with “V” Device)

  Defense Meritorious Service Medal

  Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)

You sanctimonious venal elitist... You sicken me!  I used to find you mildly amusing.  Now that you have unveiled your true colors in your contempt for men like General Petraeus and by proxy all men and women in uniform, I have no use for you or your opinion.  Go sip your Gin and Tonic at the local MoveOn cocktail party cracking malicious mean spirited grammatically accurate vocabulary rich jokes at the Military's expense.  But understand this... those who serve in the Armed Forces get paid to protect YOU and YOUR fellow liberal intellectual's FREEDOMS... All other Americans, they protect because they want to!

Nice... DICK!

Daily Show Interviews Code Pink! Telling... Very Telling!

An interesting take on the Marines in Berkeley...

The following clip was called to my attention by my good friend Linda, via her father Richard who currently resides in Berkeley and is admittedly not on the same political side of the fence where I choose to reside.  Richard and Linda evidently had been discussing my earlier post about the Mayor and City Council wanting no part of your United States Marine Corps and declaring them personas non grata in the city of Berkeley and even going so far as to grant Code Pink a designated parking space immediately in front of the recruiting station.

I have no idea what either of their (Linda or Richard's) positions are on the subject and there are times I choose not to find out... friends and politics can be a lot like farts and church, best not to combine the two.  But knowing both of them, I'm sure they had a thoughtful and intellectual discussion regarding the climate in Berkeley.

Anyway, as I mentioned at the top of this post Linda and Richard evidently thought I would find the following clip from the "Daily Show" entertaining if not poignant.  I did (on both accounts) and would like to share it with you here.

 

I would also like to share with you a response to an earlier Code Pink Editorial Attack against our Brothers in Green, written by Capt. Richard Lund USMC.  It illustrates an interesting dichotomy between the perception of Peaceful Protesting Intellectuals (so accurately portrayed in the Daily Show video) and the supposed mindlessly violent warmongering Marines... I leave it to you to decide:

An Open Letter to Code Pink

By Richard Lund

While the protest that you staged in front of my office on Wednesday, Sept. 26th, was an exercise of your constitutional rights, the messages that you left behind were insulting, untrue, and ultimately misdirected. Additionally, from the comments quoted in the Berkeley Daily Planet article, it is clear that you have no idea what it is that I do here. Given that I was unaware of your planned protest, I was unable to contest your claims in person, so I will therefore address them here. First, a little bit about who I am: I am a Marine captain with over eight years of service as a commissioned officer. I flew transport helicopters for most of my time in the Marine Corps before requesting orders to come here. Currently, I am the officer selection officer for the northern Bay Area. My job is to recruit, interview, screen, and evaluate college students and college graduates that show an interest in becoming officers in the Marine Corps. Once they’ve committed to pursuing this program, I help them apply, and if selected, I help them prepare for the rigors of Officer Candidate School and for the challenges of life as a Marine officer. To be eligible for my programs, you have to be either a full-time college student or a college graduate. I don’t pull anyone out of school, and high school students are not eligible.

I moved my office to Berkeley in December of last year. Previously, it was located in an old federal building in Alameda. That building was due to be torn down and I had to find a new location. I choose our new site because of its proximity to UC Berkeley and to the BART station. Most of the candidates in my program either go to Cal or to one of the schools in San Francisco, the East Bay, or the North Bay. Logistically, the Shattuck Square location was the most convenient for them.

Next, you claim that I lie. I have never, and will never, lie to any individual that shows an interest in my programs. I am upfront with everything that is involved at every step of the way and I go out of my way to ensure that they know what to expect when they apply. I tell them that this is not an easy path. I tell them that leading Marines requires a great deal of self-sacrifice. I tell them that, should they succeed in their quest to become a Marine officer, they will almost certainly go to Iraq. In the future, if you plan to attack my integrity, please have the courtesy to explain to me specifically the instances in which you think that I lied.

Next, scrawled across the doorway to my office, you wrote, “Recruiters are Traitors.” Please explain this one. How exactly am I a traitor? Was I a traitor when I joined the Marine Corps all those years ago? Is every Marine, therefore, a traitor? Was I a traitor during my two stints in Iraq? Was I a traitor when I was delivering humanitarian aid to the victims of the tsunami in Sumatra? Or do you only consider me a traitor while I am on this job? The fact is, recruitment is and always has been a part of maintaining any military organization. In fact, recruitment is a necessity of any large organization. Large corporations have employees that recruit full-time. Even you, I’m sure, must expend some effort to recruit for Code Pink. So what, exactly, is it that makes me a traitor?

The fact is this: any independent nation must maintain a military (or be allied with those who do) to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Regardless of what your opinions are of the current administration or the current conflict in Iraq, the U.S. military will be needed again in the future. If your counter-recruitment efforts are ultimately successful, who will defend us if we are directly attacked again as we were at Pearl Harbor? Who would respond if a future terrorist attack targets the Golden Gate Bridge, the BART system, or the UC Berkeley clock tower? And, to address the most hypocritical stance that your organization takes on its website, where would the peace keeping force come from that you advocate sending to Darfur?

Finally, I believe that your efforts in protesting my office are misdirected. I agree that your stated goals of peace and social justice are worthy ones. War is a terrible thing that should only be undertaken in the most dire, extreme, and necessary of circumstances. However, war is made by politicians. The conflict in Iraq was ordered by the president and authorized by Congress. They are the ones who have the power to change the policy in Iraq, not members of the military. We execute policy to the best of our ability and to the best of our human capacity. Protesting in front of my office may be an easy way to get your organization in the headlines of local papers, but it doesn’t further any of your stated goals.

To conclude, I don’t consider myself a “recruiter.” I am a Marine who happens to be on recruiting duty. As such, I conduct myself in accordance with our core values of honor, courage, and commitment. I will never sacrifice my honor by lying to anyone that walks into my office. I will never forsake the courage that it takes to restrain myself in the face of insulting and libelous labels like liar and traitor. And, most importantly, I will never waver from my commitment to helping individuals who desire to serve their country as officers in the Marine Corps.

Captain Richard Lund is the United States Marine Corps’ officer selection officer for the northern Bay Area.

Nuff said!

What was I Thinking... Of Course Obama Can Save The World! Besides... "He Makes Manure Taste Good!"

My buddy Tommy defended his political stances the other day after receiving a somewhat unfair and somewhat juvenile (sorry I was impersonating the candidates and talking heads I see and hear on TV and radio) lambasting from me and my bride about the concerns we have about Senator Obama becoming president.  Fair enough... Tommy and I agree to disagree.  I do not think he is an idiot for his beliefs and values, nor do I see him as incompetent or shallow or uninformed, not by a long shot.  He is a thoughtful contemplative rational man.  We simply take the same information and derive different solutions to the problems facing the world.   Tommy is an "Earthling" first who happens to be an American Citizen.  Believe me, I do understand that philosophical premise and have no qualms if your view is that way. Me?... I'm an American first in my mind, I do not apologize for that, and unlike some I have always been proud to be an American!

Have I always been proud of the actions of other Americans?... Nope! Not by a long shot!  But on the whole I think we do ok!  My liberal brothers would probably say I have my head in the sand, and can't I see the catastrophic harm America is bringing to the world in our Imperialistic Arrogance? 

Simple... Nope, I do not! 

In Barak (no mention of his middle name) Obama, I see another Jimmy Carter coming, one who promises "Change" declaring that the sitting administration and Party (In Carter's Time it was the Ford Administration-- the unfortunate follow-on to the Nixon Administration Republicans in a war weary nation) is Evil incarnate and has done NOTHING positive.  NOTHING mind you!  I am one who believes history will illustrate otherwise once the partisans go away much like they have with both the Nixon and the Ford Administrations. 

So along comes the "Change Messiah," who, using hope and inspiration, will save us from those evil Americans Republicans.  Obama lets fly with promises like farts at a 8-bean Chili Cook-off!  And many of them have the same lingering smell.  He is an idealist in a party that covets Utopian Communes, where ALL the world will willingly "Play Nice," where everyone is a "Special Interest Group", just like everyone else!  Where evil ideas like competition, and free enterprise are banned from the lexicon!  Artisans, muses, and narcissistic intellectuals rule the day!  Fair is the LAW!!! Peace is everywhere because obviously caring loving Liberals who understand and accept alternate views lifestyles would not pose a threat to anyone ever again.  Peace would blossom and flourish like those heady days at Haight and Ashbury.

As a Speech Communication Degree holder, I have a great appreciation for Barak's oratory and rhetorical skills.  He is indeed a damn sight better at presenting prepared text than our current sitting president, and I too long for the days when our elected leaders could string a sentence together using real words.

But for the most part his orations lack substance (hmmm imagine that with a politician) and I would really respect the candidate who came forward and said... "Ya know, right wrong or indifferent, we are in Iraq now, we did this and we have an obligation to make that country a stable prosperous land.  We will not abandon you, we will stand side by side with those seeking peaceable solutions.  Improvements have been made and we will work to expand those while striving to eliminate any negative effects of our presence.  Abu-Ghraib was a travesty and does not represent America, American Values, or 99.99% of our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors or Marines!  It represents idiocy in human beings, and that is all!!!  It was not a product of the Bush administration, it was the product of poor leadership, and stupidity.  Its a good thing no-one will ever do anything stupid while Obama is President!  He Promises!!!

Anyway... I'm not going to tick away at Tom's premises, as Tom states he has his beliefs, and I have mine... they are different, we see through a different lens and different experiences we bring to the table.  We'll continue to discuss our views and try to remain civil in our discourse.  And our discourse always goes better with Guinness!  Here's to you Tom.  For hanging 'em in the breeze for all the world to punch at.

William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008) Farewell...

One of my favorite writers, commenter and thinkers has passed, and the world will be a lesser place for it.

Bill Buckley founded one of the stalwarts of conservative thought and commentary with the publication of National Review in 1955.  And from that time has provided our citizenry excellent mentorship in the ways of Conservative Thinking.

Some of my favorite quotes are from this man.  Here are but a few:

• “Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views.”
• “Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich.”
• “It had all the earmarks of a CIA operation; the bomb killed everybody in the room except the intended target!”
• “Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.”
• “I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.”

All continue to have merit... especially in today's desert of political rhetoric, void of intellect, creativity and substance.

You will be missed Bill -- albeit more so by those of us on the right... those on the left on the other hand are just bummed the news of your passing interrupted the Oprah show!  Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Goodnight Bill...

Ummm.... Yeah.... OoohKaaaayy!

I'm speechless! 

His own words... hard to confuse his stance...

What's next? In an effort to bring a re-unification to our Divided America, Barak will plan to remove both the Democrat (Blue) and Republican (Red)reference colors from the American Flag... that ought to help!

Or he could always replace the flag with this one found in one of his more fervent campaign supporters in Houston!

Yep, you can judge a man by the company he keeps...

US Marines Not Welcomed in Berkeley California

I put this on the Tailhook Daily Briefing also:

"The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here, and they should leave..." 

This is not a quote from some Afghani rebel, or some Iraqi insurgent.  No, these are the words of the MAYOR! of Berkeley California (still a United States city last I checked...)

Seriously though, is anyone really surprised by this? 

From the Contra Costa Times:

Berkeley Council Says Marine Recruiting Center is not Welcome

BERKELEY, Calif.—Local officials in this liberal city say it's time for the U.S. Marines to move out.

The City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday to tell the Marines their downtown recruiting station is not welcome and "if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests."...

Not surprising to many readers of my site, our Marines are pretty accustomed to the status of "Uninvited and Unwelcomed Guests". Seldom however is this the prevailing opinion anywhere between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! 

But wait there's more!

...In a separate item, the council voted, also 8-1, to give protest group Code Pink a parking space in front of the recruiting office once a week for six months and a free sound permit for protesting once a week.

..."I believe in the Code Pink cause. The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here, and they should leave," said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates....

I commented on another of my favorite blogger's site on this subject, "Wouldn't this equate to giving a 'Reserved' parking space to the Neo-Nazis outside of a synagogue?

The entire Bay Area of the great state of California has melded into a melting pot of pacifists and the more vile, "passive aggressive's" toward those who CHOOSE to defend the freedoms we all enjoy in our great nation.

Must be nice to relax in the Barko-Lounger of freedom provided by those who serve!  And then snipe at those who do!

But alas I would not worry about our Brother's in Green.  They are fairly used to, and conditioned to be amidst Hostile Situations!

I think Chesty said it best:

It is a good thing our Marines understand Semper Fidelis because the self proclaimed intellectuals of Berkeley obviously need to study up on their Latin.

Good Night Chesty Wherever You Are...

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.

Vocabulary Lesson!... "REBATE"

re·bate  (rbt)

• n.  A deduction from an amount to be paid or a return of part of an amount given in payment.
• A partial refund following a purchase.
• : a return of a part of a payment
• n 1: a refund of some fraction of the amount paid [syn:discount]

Ok those definitions are gathered from 4 separate and distinct sources across the net.  Not one of the definitions or thesaurus look-ups connects the word Rebate with "Hand-Out".

Functionally the word rebate by definition implies discount on amount previously paid or due to be paid!

So how in the hell can the giving -- That's right "GIVING" -- $300.00 to people who did not pay one dime (or were they expected to!) toward an Income Tax be described as a REBATE!!!!

Tax Rebates Deal Announced

Individuals who pay income taxes would get up to $600, working couples $1,200 and those with children an additional $300 per child under the agreement. Workers who make at least $3,000 but don't pay taxes would get $300 rebates.

Quit parsing words you elected twits!  The proper statement would and should be:

Tax Rebate and Welfare Hand-Out Announced

American Income Tax payers (not those evil rich and corporations from whom our paychecks come from...) will be receiving a $600.00 Rebate on their 2007 income tax.  And an additional $300.00 per miniature "House Ape" you decided to conceive.

Albeit not a fair percentage based on the amount of what each individual actually contributed to the government coffers; No...  rather an arbitrary amount established by "We-not-the people" to allow the bourgeoisie to acquire a new xBox 360, iPhone or similar device (maybe two!). 

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!)

This will serve to stimulate our already prosperous economy for at least a couple of days in May and June 2008 when we have long forgotten that the Dow Industrials lost a few hundred points for a few days in January (which, the savvy investor recognized as equating to nothing more than his favorite components going on SALE! And purchased as many new stocks as he could.)  Alas it was certainly not reported this way by the hyper-sensationalistic-sky-is-falling pinko liberal economically ignorant free media outlets!

My God!  How can we expect to advance as a country when we Marketeeringly Spin everything we say!  If it looks like crap, smells like crap, squishes like crap... it's the AMERICAN WAY!

I've Gotta Git Me One of These!

A genuine Hillary Nut Cracker!

 

That's gotta be right up there with the Ted Kennedy combination "Life Vest- Martini Shaker", and the "Dan Quale Speak and Spelle!"

Y'all are welcomed to add it to your "John Carmichael Christmas List" here's the link http://hillarynutcracker.com/completelynuts.html .

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!

Hey Al! You Catch'n this? Or is this Information a Bit too... Well... INCONVENIENT?

NASA Sees Arctic Ocean Circulation Do an About-Face
11.13.07

PASADENA, Calif. – A team of NASA and university scientists has detected an ongoing reversal in Arctic Ocean circulation triggered by atmospheric circulation changes that vary on decade-long time scales. The results suggest not all the large changes seen in Arctic climate in recent years are a result of long-term trends associated with global warming.

Yep, from the same NASA you claim as an independent scientific resource.

Reporting in Geophysical Research Letters, the authors attribute the reversal to a weakened Arctic Oscillation, a major atmospheric circulation pattern in the northern hemisphere. The weakening reduced the salinity of the upper ocean near the North Pole, decreasing its weight and changing its circulation.

"Our study confirms many changes seen in upper Arctic Ocean circulation in the 1990s were mostly decadal in nature, rather than trends caused by global warming," said Morison.

"While some 1990s climate trends, such as declines in Arctic sea ice extent, have continued, these results suggest at least for the 'wet' part of the Arctic -- the Arctic Ocean -- circulation reverted to conditions like those prevalent before the 1990s," he added.

Ok folks watch and learn as the Global Warming Extremists take to the airwaves discrediting where they can.  Remember, MAN! is at fault!  100% ALWAYS!!!! 

Why? Because if the gross affect of Global Warming is due to forces outside man's influence or creation... well then there pretty much is no need for a "CAUSE" now is there?  And what do causes gain?  Notoriety and MONEY!  Without cause, both go away. Back to the commune with you now...

This is why I have problems with how the "War" is reported.

I'm sure the AP, CNN, NBC the NYT and the usual suspects in the media were as giddy as a 5 year old waiting for Santa's visit on Christmas, waiting in grotesquely eager anticipation for the number 853 to arrive!  Knowing they would be able to publish the following headline!

"2007 Is Deadliest Year for US in Iraq"

BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military on Tuesday announced the deaths of five more soldiers and one sailor, making 2007 the deadliest year for U.S. troops despite a recent downturn, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 853 American military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year—the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures.

The grim milestone passed despite a sharp drop in U.S. and Iraqi deaths here in recent months...

"Sharp Drop..." here's just how sharp! [From the Department of Defense]

 

And I might add that is with a significant increase in the number of Americans in country beginning in June!  Remember the much criticized "Surge" that had failed according to "Give-up" Harry?

Why the drop off?  Well it would appear based on IED explosions (what killed the 5 that triggered the "Headline Alarm!") the US and coalition forces have begun to succeed in their efforts to get to the cowards before they get to us!

Yes, it is truly tragic to have lost 853 Americans in the efforts to bring freedom to the people of Iraq, but to leverage their deaths to advance the questionable slant of the left and their media lap-dogs is a disgrace!

Look at the "Trend!"  our efforts are dramatically IMPROVING!!! or would that be detrimental to the nay-sayers and surrenderists? 

Now, excuse me... I have to go lick my cat's butt to get this taste out of my mouth!

Why I Love Ben Stein

Looks like I have a book to buy...

-Nuff Said...

I Don't Care What Party You're Affiliated With... This is Funny!

HT to Jerah for the following:

Video Link for the above: [Link]

And for those of you un-initiated on the "Chocolate Rain" reference Obama makes in the spoof above... I provide the following... holding your dogs ears is highly recommended!

[Chocolate Rain Vid Link]

USS Normandy practices for a Clinton-Obama Admin

The USS Normandy in an overabundance of "Preparing for the Worst" begins "Less than Lethal Force" drills in the Indian Ocean (Not Native American Ocean!). 

The US Navy posted a Training Ops Memo about a week ago mandating that all Surface Combatants begin planning and training operations in preparation for a Clinton-Obama win in November of '08.  Noting that it takes time to transition "Well trained fighting men and women with the best WarFighting Equipment on the Seas... into United Nations Wait Staff and catering service"  Also recommends, that all efforts must be made to modify the US Navy's current focus on Dominating the Battle Space to now offering to "Clean the Windshield with fill-up!" 

Real story here:  [link] however, your captions are welcomed!  Add in the "Comments" section below.

Oh the Places One Can Go...

But it turns out... I don't have to.  The British Media pretty much... uh... ehm.... er.... a.... "Handles" the commentary in their "quote" selection.

See if you can identify the topic of discussion based on the quotes selected for the article.

1. "I have to say [it] smacks of a government out of touch."
2. "We do consider the broader needs of our people, both physical and psychological,"
3. Brigadier Andrew Nikolic said the "holistic needs" of service personnel were considered under defence policy.
4. An armed forces spokesman defended the operations, saying they were carried out for psychological reasons, not to make sailors "look sexy".

Yep... the subject at hand of the article is:

Australia navy in breast op row

Australia's opposition Labor Party has questioned the need for female sailors to be given breast enlargements paid for with public money.

And it was the opinion of Labor defense spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon

"On the face of it, taxpayer-funded breast enhancement is a questionable practice," ... "I have to say [it] smacks of a government out of touch."

TOO.... MANY.... JOKES!...MUST..... NOT..... COMMENT!!!!!!

HT: Lex