The BIGGEST Game of the Year (Repost)

It is the biggest event of the year for the two colleges involved. Their entire season has been about the three hours today when the schools meet. For them, every other game has been practice. For the coaches and players, their previous record has not mattered, this game, is it. Even if the teams have lost every other game of the year, winning THIS game, makes it a winning season.

For years to come, the players will be asked the outcome of this game. Millions of fans around the world will watch this game. All other activity will stop or be delayed. The play by play will be broadcast to every spot on the globe, by video, by audio, by text; some by clear transmission and in other cases by broadcast so secure, no other nation on earth can break the code. The game will be followed at homes, in tents, trucks, on ships, in the air, in mountain and desert camps, and under the oceans.

This game will be played until the very last second. If one side is down by more than a touchdown with less than a minute to play, the stands will NOT start to empty. Anyone who has followed this game through the years knows that lead of this game can change at any moment, and has, in the past, been decided with mere seconds remaining. The players will give their all and never give up hope, despite what the scoreboard reads.

Yet professional Football careers will likely not be in the future of any player. Unlike other games played today, their will be no thoughts of next years NFL draft or about an NFL signing bonus. This game is being played by young men who are playing only for their teams and not for personal glory. This game is likely the only game today where the game is being played only for love of the game.

When this game ends, there will be tears, of joy and sadness, but there will be no ill will toward the other side. Immediately, both teams will gather, side by side, and sing their Alma Matter's and become brothers once again.

This game is about more than just Football. THIS game is about Duty; about Honor; about Country.

This game is the 109th meeting of Army and Navy.

Other games played today may receive more hype, and they will receive more coverage by print, by bloggers, and by the media in general, but no other game will be played with more emotion. No other game will be played with more spirit. No other game will be played with more honor.

Soldiers and Sailors around the globe will stop for this game. Televisions and radios on bases, on ships and in the Pentagon will be tuned to this game. Soldiers hidden in valley's and mountains running secret missions will radio to ask the score. For the time this game is played they will be rivals, but when this game ends, again they will be brothers in arms.

Next year, at this time, the seniors that play this game today will be serving our country, for every player today is a Soldier, Sailor or Marine.

In the years to come, each of these players will serve our country with honor and distinction, and some may be called upon to give The Last Full Measure of Devotion. But for them, and for us, no matter what the future holds, and no matter what success and sacrifices...

...there will always be this game.

The 109th Army-Navy Game-- Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 11:00 AM CST (noon eastern) on CBS.

The BIGGEST Game of the Year (Repost)

A New Nightmare Scenario

According to reports Senator McCain will be meeting with Former Senator Obama (soon to be, but NOT YET President-Elect) today, November 17, 2008 about cooperation.

Rumor has it that Former Senator Obama may offer Senator McCain the post of Secretary of Defense. The idea of a Republican SecDef, with a Democratic President is not that far-fetched- after all, Sec. McNamara was a Republican.

However, this appointment would be an INCREDIBLE VICTORY for the Democrats, and a NIGHTMARE for the GOP.

If Senator McCain leaves the Senate, his seat will be fill by appointment by the DEMOCRAT Governor of Arizona. This would, as things now appear to be standing, put the Democrats at, or over the 60 seat Super Majority.

It appears that Stevens' seat is gone. The "recount" in Minnesota is a joke and appears to be headed for a Franken win-- especially if they keep finding "missing" ballots. The GOP could hold 41 seats if Saxby Chamblis wins in Georgia.

However, if Senator McCain leaves the Senate-- the Democrats have total control...

By the way-- is this Obama plagiarizing the "Seventh Season of West Wing"-- the "Maverick Republican Senator" gets appointed to the "First Minority President's cabinet."

Later today I am flying to Minneapolis-- anyone want to bet whether I am asked to fill out a Democratic Absentee Ballot for Franken when I land????

A New Nightmare Scenario

Own A Gun? Don't Apply to Work for Obama

The President-Elect and the Former Clintonista's and Kool-Aid Drinkers who are in his transition team, are making it clear that restricting gun ownership will be a big part of the agenda.

The new administration's "vetting" questionnaire, asks about gun ownership. Question 59- "Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage."

Either the President-Elect does not want gun-owners in his administration, or more likely, he wants to make sure there are as few as possible, and that none have ever been involved in a self-defense situation that those of us on the "evil right" could point to.

He does not ask about violation of firearms laws. He asks about ownership. He asks about registration (which is only required in five states). He asks about registration lapsing (you only have to renew a registration in New York and a couple of it's surrounding counties).

He also asks how, and by whom it is used. Why would this matter? Is this so that he can say, "No one in my administration has a concealed carry permit" when he and his liberal Congress attempt to pass a federal ban on Concealed Carry, or pass a federal ban on "shall issue" laws.

His website (this link is provided as proof of source material only. I personally discourage people from reading lies and unconstitutional promises) makes it clear that he wants to create a "permanent" "assault weapon's ban" -- in other words, a permanent ban on all firearms that are not single shot.

His website states he wishes to make sure all gun's are child-proof-- In other words, he wants to create legislation so restrictive as to eliminate all guns currently owned by law-abiding citizens in the United States.

The President-Elect LIED out-right on his website, by saying the Tiahart amendment keeps law-enforcement from accessing gun-trace information. The Tiahart amendment actually RESTRICTS trace information to ONLY law-enforcement for bona-fide investigations, rather than allowing anyone and everyone from accessing the database. The President-Elect states he will repeal the Tiahart amendment.

Bottom-line- this President-Elect is the most Anti-Gun liberal we have ever elected. With the liberal majority in the House and a possible super-majority in the Senate, soon there may be nothing to stop him.

Our only hope, is to Save Saxby Chamblis and prevent the liberal super-majority in the Senate.

Own A Gun? Don't Apply to Work for Obama

Attacking Ammunition

Since The Court has said gun ownership is a RIGHT, the Left has decided to go after our ammunition.

In the last couple of days, a report has surface from the CDC and North Dakota Department of Health regarding eating wild game that was shot with lead projectiles. North Dakota has issued cautions on wild game, but the state of Wyoming said they find nothing significant in the study.

Some in the MSM(and on left-wing anti-gun sites which I have a policy that I will not link to) are claiming that the report says that eating game causes increase lead in the blood.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation disagrees with what the MSM is saying. This is from their press release on this study:

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study on human lead levels of hunters in North Dakota has confirmed what hunters throughout the world have known for hundreds of years, that consuming game harvested with traditional ammunition poses absolutely no health risk to people, including children, and that the call to ban lead ammunition was and remains a scare tactic being pushed by anti-hunting groups to forward their political agenda.

Fortunately, the facts seem to get in the way of what the MSM and Anti-gun crowd would like us to believe. The MSM and Left are playing with numbers to make the numbers show what they want.

The report states that a lead level (Pb) higher than 10.0 micrograms/deciliter is not healthy. The geometric mean lead level of the entire population of the US is 1.67.

According to this study the geometric mean Pb (lead) in micrograms/deciliter for those adults who consumed venison was 1.27. HOWEVER, the Pb for those who lived in houses built before 1977 was 1.31, house before 1946 was 1.39. Therefore, can't we say that living in a house built before 1977 is a greater risk for increase Serum Pb than eating game?

Further, the Pb of those who only had a High School Education was 1.57 and High School drop-outs (those who did NOT have education higher than high-school) was 1.95!!! So, can we conclude that College prevents elevated Pb in the Blood? Post hoc ergo propter hoc.

The study also appears to show that those who had been eating venison for 10 years or more, had lower Pb levels than those eating for only a year or less (-0.114 decrease from those who had only eaten venison for one year) I wonder how that works? The more venison you eat, the lower your Pb levels are?

It does not appear that his study has been peer reviewed, and it certainly seems as though Wyoming is right, there is nothing significant related to eating of game. It IS likely that other factors are causing the increases that are seen and eating wild game is just coincidental. It should be noted that there was ONE person in the study with lead levels at about 9.86, which is about 9 times higher than the group mean. In other words, this one person could certainly affect the study.

Just because one thing follows another, it does necessarily mean that the one thing is caused by the other. The author of the study seems to have forgotten that.

Click HERE for the full text of the report.

Attacking Ammunition

Save Saxby!!!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO SEN. SAXBY CHAMBLISS, REPUBLICAN FROM GEORGIA WHO FACES A RUN OFF ON DEC. 2


It appears that Senator Saxby Chambliss, Republican from the State of Georgia will be heading to a run-off election because he has not gotten a majority (50% +1) of votes in his re-election bid.

This is a seat that Republicans MUST save.
Currently the Senate make up is 57 Democrat (or Democratic Caucus) and 40 Republican with 3 seats, including Chambliss', outstanding. The three seats are Sen. Stevens of Alaska, who was recently convicted of corruption (although he plans to appeal), Sen. Coleman of Minnesota, who is barely ahead of Al Franken and headed for a recount, and Sen. Chambliss.

In Alaska, they are still counting, and victory is not certain. In Minnesota, the recount could go either way. In both these situations, there is nothing that anyone can do. The votes have been cast.

But Georgia is another story. This run-off elections gives us a last chance to STOP a Democrat Super-Majority. Currently, the ONLY thing that can be done to stop Democrat extreme leftist laws, is a Republican filibuster. However, if the Democrats gain 60 seats, the game is up. There will be NOTHING that anyone can do to stop them.

I challenge ALL my readers and Fellow Bloggers to contribute just $10 to the Chambliss Campaign. That is a small amount-- less than what you would pay at Starbucks for two venti mocha's and a danish! Please remember that ANY size contribution will help!

The Democrats are going to pull out all stops. The "Obama Machine," Unions and every liberal special interest group will be doing everything possible to defeat Sen. Chambliss. The country just went from 470 Congressional races to 1. The Democrats will not just ignore this race. This may be the last chance we have to save our Republic from a leftist onslaught.

Save Saxby!!!

UPDATE: Hot Air gives another reason why Saving Saxby may be our only hope!

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Save Saxby!!!

South Park and My First Good Laugh Post Election

Wednesday, November 5, Comedy Central aired the South Park episode, "About Last Night..." It is probably the best South Park of this season. It was hilarious, and gave me my first laugh since election night. It was definately topical, and definately timely.

I especially enjoyed the Obama supports getting carried away. Keep in mind that the creators of South Park are equal opportunity offenders. However, the show definately has a right-wing slant.

This episode is a must see. Below is a short clip from the show. The full episode can be watched here
Warning: Some Language May be Offensive

South Park and My First Good Laugh Post Election

First Moves by President-Elect

President-elect Obama tapped Rep. Rahm Emanuel to serve as his White House Chief of Staff today. Rep. Emanuel also served under President Clinton.

Rep. Emanuel is certainly a "die-hard" partisan and is a hard-core liberal based on his voting record.

We will just have to wait and see if President-Elect Obama's other choices are as partisan, or if he is really going to reach across the aisle like he has said he would.

Wall Street did react today, though, to the election, and the reaction was not good. The drop was the largest post election drop in history. Is "the Street" betting on economic failure by the new President? Are they anticipating future economic disasters?

The good news is that gas prices are down. But, back in March, the Iranian government said that oil prices would be down in advance of the US Elections.

I guess we will just have to wait to see what tomorrow brings.

First Moves by President-Elect

What Now?

So the results are in. It is 10:01 CST and California has just been called for Sen. Obama, making him the next President-Elect of the United States. Next month, the Electoral College will vote, and the House will validate the results, making Sen. Obama the President-Elect. On January 20, 2009, Sen. Obama will become the 44th President of the United States.

I did not vote for Senator Obama. I do not believe in his political views. I believe he is too liberal. I believe his views border on socialism. I do not believe he is remotely qualified to be President of the United States. However, the electorate has spoken. Perhaps we can put away the thinking that this is a racist country.

Now the question becomes what now for the Republican Party?

It is time for the Republican Party to reflect on who we are, where we have come from and where we must go from here.

It was a Republican President who signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It was a Republican Congress that passed the "Freedman's Bureau" and the first protections for African Americans. It was a Republican President that broke the back of the original "klan." It was a Republican President who was the first President to ask an African American to dinner in the White House. It was a Republican President who started the Conservation movement. It was a Republican President who pushed through legislation that guaranteed clean water and safe food. It was a Republican President who taught us that it was o.k. to be a patriot and wave the Red, White and Blue and that America is the "Shining City on a Hill". It was a Republican President who made the final, great stand against the Soviets, and told them to "tear down this wall." It was a Republican President who told us from ground zero in New York, "I hear you... and the people that tore these buildings down are going to hear all of us soon."

But, these things are our past. Now we must look to our future and where we must go.

We have lost our way as a party, and in losing our way, we have lost not only the White House, but we have lost additional seats in the House and the Senate. We must somehow find our way again. We must return to being the party of responsible reform. We must return to being the party of small government. We must return to being the party of fiscal responsibility.

For now, though, the ball is in the court of the Democrats. The Democrats have control, in the House, the Senate and the White House. They can no longer blame the Republican Party for their failures. Now we will see who and what they really are.

God save the President of the United States. God save the United States of America.

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What Now?

More Military Moves By Iran

Iran has decided to perform a bit of a "show of force" starting today (Monday in Iran). They have announced they are going to be running joint military exercises, maneuvers and performing "domestic" weapons testing. The location of the maneuvers was not announced.

Iran also stated their navy has developed new submarine technology to prevent their subs from being picked up on "radar" (personally I thought sonar was the bigger concern).

Iran stated that their air forces and revolutionary guard will be involved in the maneuvers. From PressTV.ir (Iranian Media)-

The Islamic Republic Air Force will test Iran's domestic-made warfare in a joint military exercise with the IRGC, the Defense Ministry says.

The joint aerial maneuver will be held on Monday and is aimed at boosting Iran's defensive capabilities and operational tactics, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said.

The military exercise, which involves The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), comes in the wake of escalating US and Israeli threats to strike the country's nuclear facilities...

...Tehran has warned that Israel and 32 US bases in the region will be targeted should the country come under attack. (Emphasis Added)

This is right along with my earlier statement--1+1=3. Something is not adding up in Iran.

More Military Moves By Iran

Houston: Help is On the Way

I was out this afternoon doing some shopping. While crossing over I-35, I noticed a convoy of utility trucks headed south-bound. All total there were 20 to 30 trucks in this convoy. I pulled to the side of the road and got a quick photo with my cell phone. Unfortunately, I could not get a picture of all of them without causing a major traffic issue.

Now, we have not had any type of event in the Kansas City Metro that would necessitate that large of a convoy of utility vehicles heading south on I-35. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is they are headed to Texas.

Houston, help is on the way!

Readers, please remember to make a donation if you are able to the American Red Cross or your favorite relief organization. A link to the Red Cross is at the top of this page.

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Houston: Help is On the Way

Russia: I Love the 70's (or 80's)

Russia has made some interesting moves lately, making me wonder personally if they are trying to resurrect some of the "good ole' days" of the Soviet Union.

Several months ago, Russian bombers decided to "play games" with US Forces, including "playing chicken" with the USS Nimitz- something that was a bit unusual at the time.

Last week, Russia decided to send Tu-160 strategic bombers into Venezuela. Then they ran exercises with those bombers, and Russian naval assets in the Caribbean. (Is it just me or does the Tu-160 look almost exactly like a B-1B, down to the four engines and sweepable wings? -- I wonder if they "borrowed" the plans. Pictures Below.)

Russia has struck a deal with Syria to renovate and re-equip a Syrian port for use by the Russian Navy. The port is in Tartus, Syria. From the DEBKAfile:

Russian naval contingent, led by the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, left Murmansk on the Barents Sea Aug. 18 to dock at the Syrian Mediterranean port of Tartus Saturday, Aug. 23. It includes the Russian Navy’s biggest missile cruiser Moskva and at least four nuclear missile submarines.

Israel is expressing "concern" about Russian sales of arms to Iran.

Replace the word Russia, with "Soviet Union" and this reads like something from the 1970's or 80's.

Russia: I Love the 70's (or 80's)

US Selling Bunker Busters to Israel

The Department of Defense announced that the US will be selling "Bunker Buster" bombs to the Israeli Air Force. The Pentagon will be selling Israel 1000 of the "Guided Bomb Unit-39" (GBU-39) for a total of $77 million. The weapons are GPS guided. According to the report, the bombs can penetrate over 1.8 meters of concrete with an accuracy of 5-8 meters.

The bombs each way about 250 pounds and can be carried by smaller aircraft, such as the F-16 or F-15. The light weight of the bombs allows for longer range missions. The bomb is built by Boeing, who refers to it as a "Small Diameter Bomb" (SDB).

The US will also be upgrading Israel's "Patriot" systems and provide additional LAW rockets. Now the DOD just needs to include some F-22 Raptors to complete the package!

Even though the US is providing precision guided bunker busting bombs, I am sure Israel was likely told to only use them for "practice." 

The video below is a demo of the GBU-39.

US Selling Bunker Busters to Israel

Updated Information from Houston

UPDATE: I have not yet heard from Mark in Houston, but with the power down, it may be a while until I hear anything. John Little appears to have come out the storm ok, but has some damage to his home.

I received this from Mark in Houston:

I was just looking at the track and it looks like it is heading straight for my house! I still don’t think the winds will be any worse here so far inland, than it was for Rita three years ago. However, it does appear that the storm surge, like a tsunami, will inundate our low-lying coastal areas. Predicting a 20 foot surge for Galveston island, which would completely cover the island. Homeland security actually issued a warning to the people left on the island of “certain death” if they stayed. Pretty much says it all.

NASA is in the Friendswood / Clear Lake area here and is also in a low lying area and is threatened as well. Apparently, they have protected all of their buildings and will continue operation during the storm and don’t expect much damage from wind or water. It will be hitting late tonight and blow until midday tomorrow.

Connectivity permitting, I will update you then

Also- John Little is Live Blogging the Storm from Houston- His site is http://www.blogsofwar.com/

Updated Information from Houston

Moves by Iran: 1+1=3

It appears that Iran has been making unusual purchases of monkeys, enough so that the "dealers," who are actually dealing in an endangered breed and are in violation of international law, are concerned.

Iran is purchasing the monkeys in the hundreds, and are purchasing a size that is apparently not able to be used for vaccine research as they claim. The purchases are being made by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute. Opposition groups in the past have claimed in the past that this was actually a biological weapons facility. Iran is going so far as to send scientists to the countries in Africa to review the shipments before accepting them. The monkeys are being sold for £60 each. From Iran Focus News:

Manji said scientists at the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute in Iran had bought 215 vevet monkeys from him this year but he had become suspicious about their true motive, athough he was still trading with them. They had “spent a lot of money” on getting the monkeys, even sending over scientists to check on each consignment.

“Iran is very secretive,” said Manji, who has been exporting monkeys for 22 years. “They said it [the monkeys] was for ‘our country’, for vaccine. [They said] ‘We don’t buy vaccine from anywhere; we prepare our own vaccine’.

“But I think they use it for something else. You know why? Because they don’t go on kilos. Iran wants [monkeys weighing] 1.5kg to 2.5kg, [but] 1.5kg for vaccine is not possible.”

The other "interesting" news out of Iran is the announcement from their space agency that they are planning to put a man into orbit (and presumably bring him back alive). While this may be a project to boost the moral of the country and purely for scientific purposes, it is also a statement of military capability. Placing an object into a precise orbit, especially an object large enough to carry a man, also means that you can deliver a warhead to a precise target, ANYWHERE on the planet.

Finally, T. Boone Pickens has been saying on his commercials that Iran is converting it's cars to natural gas, so that it can sell more oil on the world market. However, production and sales of oil is from Iran is controlled by OPEC. Perhaps they are wanting to keep it in the ground to extend their ability to sell in the future.

But it is also possible that they are conserving oil for military use. You do not convert your military vehicles to natural gas. It is more difficult to transport than oil, and if your military moves into another country, you can use the oil they have or gas they have in your military vehicles- living off the land- so to speak. You can not do this as easily with natural gas.

So, Iran is importing endangered monkeys for "vaccine" research, they are running a "peaceful and scientific" space program, and they are conserving oil, "to make sure the supplies are" available for future generations."

1+1=3

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Moves by Iran: 1+1=3

IKE: Off Shore

Hurricane Ike is starting to affect the Texas coast. Landfall is expected tonight at about 11 pm CDT-- Which coincides with high tide. Aparently they are expecting a surge of more than 25 feet, with the seawall being only 17 feet. This is accordingto the live repors that are showing on Fox News right now.

The other big news from this storm so far is the fate of the M.V. Antalina. The Antalian is a 584 foot freighter who lost propulsion in the Gulf in the path of Ike. The Coast Guard attempted a rescue but was turned back. There are 22 souls aboard. They will be riding out the storm on board.

IKE: Off Shore

UAV Missile Strike in Pakistan

An unmanned US Drone fired multiple missiles at a village in northwestern Pakistan near the town of Miran Shah. According to reports, the house of an Al Badr Mujahideen commander Shahdam was targeted in the attack. This area is a stronghold and called safe haven for Al-Qaida and the Taliban. Some reports are saying at least 10 were kill, others are saying as many as a dozen were killed, and still others are saying eight. News reporting of the attack started at about 12:30 AM CDT or what would be about 10:30 AM in Pakistan.

According to Agence France, the attack was before dawn.

This attack is part of a recent upsurge of attacks across the Pakistani border. President Bush is said to have recently authorized the attacks. It has been suggested that Bin Laden or Ayman al-Zawahri may be hiding in the area of northwestern Pakistan. This area is an al Qaeda stronghold and is largely ungoverned or ruled by tribal war-lords. This area, up until the alleged new orders from President Bush, would have been "out of bounds" for US military forces because it is in Pakistan.

The strike used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), probably a Predator and probably firing Hellfire missiles. This would indicate that there was a specific target, the target was watched for some time (the UAV's are not fast, generally) and then taken out with intent-- this was not a cruise missile that went astray.

So-- THEORETICALLY (but also logically) -- the "target" was followed to the house by the UAV or was identified entering the house- possibly before nightfall. Operators of the UAV ID'd the target. The ID was sent up the chain of command to National Command Authority (NCA). Authorization was probably not immediate-- There was probably some discussion of collateral damage. Iran is reporting women and children were killed. This is also being reported in India. Once NCA was 100% sure of who they had AND that it was a target worth a several million dollar Hellfire Missile AND that the target was important enough that collateral damage would not matter, they likely gave the order to take out the target before dawn-- before the target would wake up and leave the house.


This is all just conjecture but it is logical. The US would NOT risk strike on a house that MAY have children in it for "Ackmed the Terrorist." The US WOULD however risk the collateral damage and take out a house, rather than wait for the guy to leave and try to hit him on the move, for someone very important.

Now we just have to see who was killed.

UAV Missile Strike in Pakistan

Tale of Two Bills: Enforcing the Second Amendment or The Fox Guarding the Chicken Coop

Two bills will be coming to the floor of the House within the next few weeks. HR 6691- The Second Amendment Enforcement Act and HR 6842- The National Capital Security and Safety Act.

While both bills were introduced by Democrats in the House, and both bills "allege" that they are intended to enforce The Court's ruling from Heller, they are as different as night and day.

The first bill, HR 6691- The Second Amendment Enforcement Act, was introduced by Rep Travis Childers (D-MS) and has 51 co-sponsors. The bill, based on my reading, is correctly named.

This bill does several things. First and foremost, it removes from the Mayor and Council of DC the ability to make gun laws. From the bill:

The District of Columbia shall not have authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms

The bill also repeals the ban on semi-automatics, it repeals the registration requirement, it repeals the ban on Handgun Ammunition, it repeals all criminal penalties for carrying a gun in your own home, it restores the right to self defense, and authorizes DC residents to purchase firearms in Maryland or Virginia.

From The Washington Post:

It would abolish the city's gun registration requirements and allow residents to own semiautomatic pistols and rifles. It also would permit them to buy guns in Virginia and Maryland and would scrap a regulation that firearms in homes be kept unloaded and safeguarded except in cases of imminent danger.

This, I believe is what the Court intended with the Heller decision.

The second bill, HR 6842- The National Capital Security and Safety Act, is a weak attempt to pay lip service to Heller, but leaves the fox guarding the chicken coop. It was introduced by Delegate (not Congresswoman) Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and is co-sponsored by Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) (need I really say more?).

The bill gives D.C. 180 days (from passage of the bill, in theory) to comply with Heller. It also leaves the Mayor and Council of DC in charge of making any and all regulations regarding firearms in D.C. To date, the D.C. council has done virtually NOTHING with regard to the requirements of Heller. In fact, their "interpretation" of Heller seems to be that they need to make no changes.

DC is, of course, in favor of the second bill, HR 6842, and against HR 6691. They are attempting to paint the picture that if HR 6691 becomes law, citizens would be able to walk the streets of the capital with .50 caliber sniper rifles and have machine guns on their persons.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier told Congress, "Imagine how difficult it will be for law enforcement to safeguard the public, not to mention the new president at the inaugural parade, if carrying semiautomatic rifles were to suddenly become legal in Washington."

Strange, SatanPresident Bush, allegedly the most hated man in America, has been to the Kansas City area several times, and there has been no difficulty to protect him here and yet the area allows the carry of firearms.

The truth is that they hate the Second Amendment, and hate the people who seek to exercise their rights under the Second Amendment.

HR 6691 The Second Amendment Enforcement Act is a law that MUST be passed. Although this legislation only directly affects the citizens of D.C., it is sends an important message. The first being that the Supreme Court ruling in Heller actually had meaning and that it cannot be disregarded. Second, the legislation keeps the people who would seek to destroy the Second Amendment from continuing to write laws that keep Americans from their Constitutional Rights.
Although HR-6691 is expected to pass, everyone who believes in the Second Amendment should call or write their Congressman to ask for their vote. The NRA is backing this bill.

There is some concern that the bill will not have time to make it through the Senate before end of session. This is probably good for Senators Obama and Biden; they will not need to actually make a stand before the election. Neither of them supported the Individual Right to Bear Arms. But then again, with Sen. Obama's record, he would probably just vote "present" anyway.

Tale of Two Bills: Enforcing the Second Amendment or The Fox Guarding the Chicken Coop

9-11 Outrage from Syria

I thought the 9-11 conspiracy theorist were bad. I thought the comments by Rosie O'Donnell were horrible. But this borders on outrageous.

A former Information Minister of the Terrorists Government of Syria has issued a statement BLAMING the United States for the attacks on 9/11. This reads like something from a "nut-job" website. From the Jerusalem Post:

According to Mahdi Dakhlallah, in a piece that appeared Wednesday, the intelligence agencies were behind the September 11, 2001 attacks to provide a pretext for a preplanned US plan to invade Iraq and Afghanistan.

"These plans were ready and prepared [in advance] - and all that was needed was to find a pretext to begin their immediate implementation," wrote Dakhlallah, in a piece of which excerpts were translated by MEMRI, the Middle East Media Research Institute.
...
"What is important, always, is the use of the events in order to carry out a strategy planned in advance - which raises the possibility that the injured party itself carried out the deed, especially if the matter concerns a country with great strategic interests such as the US."

I guess it's no wonder that websites that speak the truth, like our Friends over at The Jawa Report have been banned in places like Syria.

My hope and prayer is that someday The Carden Chronicles will also be banned by Syria, North Korea, Iran and with luck the People's Republic of China. Then I know I will be doing a good job.

9-11 Outrage from Syria

Taliban Statement (i.e. Load of S#!+)

UPDATE: Today, a former Minister of Information of the TerroristGovernment of Syria accused the US of planning and conducting the 9-11 attacks. More here.

So, the Taliban decided to issue a statement today, saying how close to victory they are:

"Doesn't America stand at the edge of historical defeat in Afghanistan? Don't the NATO forces get defeated by Mujahideen at every step?" Taliban said in a statement released to mark the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

"Afghans have never surrendered to foreign interference and have always united against the infidel invasions and have defeated the invaders unitedly," it added.

Yeah, right- In your dreams-

The Taliban leaves out the fact that another 100 of them were killed today on the border with Pakistan.

Perhaps it is time to remind folks of what the situation REALLY is:



Video posted at The Jawa Report.

Taliban Statement (i.e. Load of S#!+)

Ike Cometh

While it is appropriate today to spend as much time as possible in reflection and thoughts on what happened seven years ago over Shanksville, PA, at the Pentagon and in New York City, it is also important to note a disaster pending in the Gulf of Mexico. Ike is on the way.

I emailed a colleague from work who lives in Houston. He is far enough inland that he is staying put. This will be his sixth hurricane. I also have an uncle who lives in Houston. I am waiting for a call from my mom to see if she has heard anything.

Meteorologist Anthony Watts is keeping the track up on his site. I am anticipating a good scientific discussion at his site regarding Ike- his site is one of the best there is on all things weather related.

Another place I am monitoring is Blogs of War. John Little, the author, lives near downtown Houston. John is reporting some gas stations being out of fuel . He also reports overflowing parking lots at the local Kroger.

I took another quick tour of Houston’s Midtown and the stores and gas stations are nuts. The one above, which I said two hours ago was mobbed and running low, is now completely out of gas.

Kroger’s on West Gray, just down the street from me, was mobbed - completely. The huge parking lot was overflowing on to Gray and other nearby streets. As bad as it is now I expect it to be far worse this evening when even more people leave work and start their preparations far later than they should have.

I will continue to update as I find out any more information from friends and family in the Houston area.

Ike Cometh

Track Palin NOT Involved in Vandalism Incident

The MSM and left seem determined to do anything to make Gov Palin look bad, including going after her kids. "Rumor" has been floating around that Track Palin, Gov. Palin's son who is being deployed today with the US Army, was involved in some sort of "vandalism" some 3 years ago involving air being let out of school bus tires and block heaters being unplugged in the winter --which I understand can be bad in Alaska.

The New York Daily News has published an article today stating that the rumors are false.

"Despite snowballing reports and rumors, Sarah Palin's eldest son, Track, was not part of the gang of four teenagers who criminally vandalized 44 Alaska school buses in 2005, a key culprit told The News.

"Track wasn't with me. Track had nothing to do with it," participant Deryck Harris, 20, said Wednesday in an exclusive interview.

Citing an anonymous judicial source, the Anchorage radio station 1080 KUDO was the first to report last week that Track Palin was the unidentified 16-year-old delinquent who not only trashed the buses but also swiped the bottle of alcohol that fueled the teen rampage.

The National Enquirer will report his "involvement" in the "notorious" attack in its issue out Thursday.

"I was friends with him. We hung out. But he wasn't there," Harris said, describing the incident as a senior prank gone awry. "It was my high school mistake. It was a really bad choice. I've paid my restitution."

First, Track Palin is NOT running for Vice President of the United States.

Second, for those that will jump up and say, "well it reflects how good of a parent..." BS!!!! At 16 or 17 years old, teenagers have "free-will." THEY tend to make decisions for themselves DESPITE what their parents say or do. In fact, they most often do the OPPOSITE of what the parents say. You can be the greatest parent in the world, and your kid may still make a mistake.

Third, and perhaps the most important... HE DIDN'T DO IT.

Track Palin NOT Involved in Vandalism Incident

Matt Damon on Gov Palin: Why Care What He Thinks?

For some reason, the MSM believes that it is important that we, the little people hear the opinions of "the Important People" from Hollywood.

Therefore, we have been blessed with the wisdom of Matt Damon. Damon apparently has been studying up for his insurance agent license, because he quotes actuarial tables and states that there is a good chance that Sen. McCain would die before the end of a term.

He also goes off on some bizarre tangent asking if Gov. Palin believes that dinosaurs walked the earth 4000 years ago. Where in the WORLD did that come from? Yes, I understand that there are some who believe in taking every word of the Bible quite literally, and they believe that the earth is only 6000 years old. But, that is 6000 years, not 4000. Get your facts straight Damon...

Frankly, I don't think that Gov Palin believes anything close to this. But, Damon IS an Actor (or so they tell me). So he MUST know what is best.

Of course, one should keep in mind the character, Janeane Garofalo's statements to the Film Actors Guild-- "As actors, it is our responsibility to read the newspapers and then say what we read on television like it's our own opinion." (Team America World Police).

Matt Damon on Gov Palin: Why Care What He Thinks?

We Must Never Forget- September 11, 2001

The phone rang shortly after 7:50 AM CDT. My last day at work had been not too long before. I had been working for a firm with offices in New York and Tokyo, and my position was eliminated in August. So, at the end of August I had flown from Tokyo to New York City and cleaned out my office and came back to Overland Park. My severance check had been sizable, I had no meetings scheduled that morning and I was planning on sleeping in. My wife had taken the kids to school and was on the way to work herself.

"Turn on the TV, they just said on the radio that a plane crahed into the World Trade Center." I hung up the phone and reached for the remote. We, the family and I, had just been to the World Trade Center less than 6 months before. We had been planning on a relocation to the NYC area for my job, and the kids had all come out and we had done the tourist things. Actually, the WTC stop was just a spur of the moment idea. We had been out at Liberty Island and were walking north from Battery Park, when we passed the towers. One of the kids complained about being hungry, and someone suggested that we visit the towers and eat there. They were close, it was Sunday afternoon and it seemed like a good idea.

I turned on one of the cable news networks. Smoke was showing from WTC 1. I remember thinking that Newark was close, and it must have been a small plane either heading in or out of Newark that had some issue. Then I saw a close up and knew this wasn't a small plane. Still, I wondered if there had been some malfunction in an ILS system or Flight Management System that caused the crash.

At 8:03 CDT, I saw the second plane (Flight 175) flying too low and too fast on the TV Screen. For a slit second, I wondered what kind of computer malfunction could cause two accidents. Then I saw it hit.

I picked up my phone. I called my dad in Phoenix. I remember saying, "Turn on the TV… I think we are at war."

It has been seven years since that morning. Seven years of wins and losses in a war that may last for years to come. Today is a day to stop and remember. Remember where we were that morning. Remember what we thought. Remember those that we lost.

As we remember we must also fill ourselves with resolve. Terrorists started this that morning; Evil attacked us- but we MUST finish it- no matter what it takes. We must continue the fight.

We must always remember. We must NEVER Forget.

(Photos taken by Matt Carden, March 2001 from NY Harbor and from the Top of WTC2)

We Must Never Forget- September 11, 2001

Obama on O'Reilly - Energy

Again, this was another night of softball on O'Reilly, with regard to Energy policy this time.

We did find out that Sen. Obama has met with T. Boone Pickens. Ok, so I think that Mr. Picken's ideas are interesting, and I particularly like his latest statement- "Drill, drill, drill" AND have alternative sources for energy.

Where O'Reilly failed tonight, was he allowed Sen. Obama to get away with the "protect ANWR for future generations" and "that is a beautiful area" lines. The fact is that yes, technically the area of the North Slope where new oil has been discovered crosses into ANWR. HOWEVER the area where they are talking of drilling is fairly desolate (see picture). There is virtually nothing there.

The best part of the O'Reilly show was Dennis Miller's comments. In regard to Gov. Palin getting under Obama's skin Miller said:

"Sarah Palin doesn't exists if he [Obama] picks Hillary Clinton. He's let her in and now you can tell She is thunder around inside his head, he doesn't know whether to defecate or wind his watch at this point."

It took me a bit to stop laughing.

Obama on O'Reilly - Energy

Obama Plagiarism

Stop the ACLU brought to our attention a bit of an issue about Obama's lipstick comment yesterday. Here is the transcript from Obama yesterday:

John McCain says he’s about change too. Exce- and and so I guess his whole angle is - watch out, George Bush - except for economic policy, healthcare policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy, and Karl-Rove-style politics, we’re really gonna shake things up in Washington.

That’s not change.

That’s that’s just callin’ sumpin’ the same thing somethin’ different.

But you know, you can’t, you know, you you can put, ah, lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig.

Here is a political cartoon from Tom Toles from September 5--BEFORE Obama's comments:

Plagiarism?

Obama Plagiarism

Obama on O'Reilly - Obama's Associations

The interview was pure "soft-ball," which is suprising from O'Reilly. O'Reilly let Sen. Obama off the hook with "I know thousands of people" and allowing Sen. Obama to make the assertion that all of Sen. Obama's association are "tangental."

Sen. Obama has still not explained some of his more "questionable" associations. Sen. Obama STILL maintains that during his ENTIRE association with Rev. Wright, Wright NEVER said anything "offensive."

Further, Sen. Obama maintained that his relationship with Ayers was only about education. Curious that Sen. & Mrs. Obama are part training left wing activists at a left wing activist Boot Camp, including training on how to protest, and Ayers definately has a background in that area. Of course, The Messiah Sen. Obama says there is absolutely nothing to his relationship with Ayers, so of course, we should just let the whole thing go.

Obama on O'Reilly - Obama's Associations

Obama on O'Reilly - The Economy

Two interesting items, in my humble opinion, from tonight's "The Factor" interview with Sen. Barak Hussien Obama.

First, and probably the most interesting is that Sen. Obama VOLUNTEERED that there WAS economic growth during the Bush administration. As a person who on occassion listens to the Democrats, I thought the mantra was that NOTHING good happened under Satan's President Bush's administration.

Second, Sen. Obama promised to raise the top tax bracket ($250K) back to 39% and then used the arguement that "Teddy Roosevelt supported the progressive taxes." He compared the US to the ChiComms-- stating that the Olympics showed they have a great infrastructure and we have crumbling sewers. Interesting that he compared the US to a communist country AFTER O'Reilly stated that Obama's tax plan of wealth redistribution was socialist.

Tomorrow, O'Reilly and Sen Obama talk about Rev. Wright.

Obama on O'Reilly - The Economy

Big Bounce!

In a poll taken by USA Today/Gallup this past weekend, Sen. McCain gets a HUGE bounce from his convention.

In the new poll, taken Friday through Sunday, McCain leads Obama by 54%-44% among those seen as most likely to vote. The survey of 1,022 adults, including 959 registered voters, has a margin of error of +/— 3 points for both samples.

Note that this was amoung LIKELY voters, not just registered voters.

Obviously, Sen. McCain got something right at his convention.

Stop the ACLU has more on this poll.

Big Bounce!

A Night In a Future Obama Presidency

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A Night In a Future Obama Presidency

Obama: "I Don't Have the Votes In Congress" to Take Your Guns Away

The Messiah Barak Hussien Obama promised a crowd in Duryea, PA, that he would not take guns away... after all, he doesn't have the votes in Congress. From the Wallstreet Journal:

“If you’ve got a gun in your house, I’m not taking it,’’ Obama said. But the Illinois senator could still see skeptics in the crowd, particularly on the faces of several men at the back of the room.

So he tried again. “Even if I want to take them away, I don’t have the votes in Congress,’’ he said. “This can’t be the reason not to vote for me. Can everyone hear me in the back? I see a couple of sportsmen back there. I’m not going to take away your guns.’’

So, if he had the votes in Congress would he take guns away? Probably.

The other thing to note in his statement is his wording, "if you have a gun in your house, I'm not taking it."

So, as long as the gun is "in your house" he won't take it. So much for the right to "bear arms."

He also never says he "doesn't" want to take guns away. He states specifically, "Even if I want to take them away." Note he is not saying, "I DON'T want to take them away." Some may say I am parsing words here, however, The Messiah Barak Hussein Obama is perhaps one of the most eleoquent speakers of the day. The man is nothing but careful with his words. The way he made the statement is intentional.

As John at Stop the ACLU points out, he also specifically addresses his comments to sportsmen. So although The Messiah Obama MAY allow an exception for hunting, he definately is opposed to all other ownership. Just look at his record.

There is of course, one last statement to look at- "I’m not going to take away your guns." Of course HE personally won't take them away- He will leave that to the BATF.

Obama: "I Don't Have the Votes In Congress" to Take Your Guns Away

Gov Palin Destroys Obama's Bounce (Poll Results)

Poll results are now coming in that reflect opinions after Gov. Palin's Speech on Wednesday night.

This morning, Rassmussen released its daily tracking poll showing Obama 46% and McCain 45%.

What is important to note is this comment from Rassmussen:

Virtually all of the interviews for today’s update were completed before McCain’s speech last night. Roughly two-thirds of the interviews were completed before Palin’s speech on Wednesday night. Tracking Polls are released at 9:30 a.m.

Both Obama and McCain are now viewed favorably by 57% of the nation’s voters. However, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is viewed favorably by 58%--a point more than either Presidential hopeful. Forty percent (40%) have a Very Favorable opinion of her.\[emphasis added]

So, in my analysis, we have Gov. Palin wiping out any bounce that Obama had from his convention with just 1/3 of the people surveyed having heard her speech! We also have no results showing from Sen. McCain's speech last evening. This will be important to remember when later today the MSM starts "implying" that McCain is still behind "after" his convention-- the results are not all in.

Ace agrees with me that the bounce is gone!

Gov Palin Destroys Obama's Bounce (Poll Results)

Gov. Palin vs. Sen. Barak Hussien Obama- Who is More Qualified

I know what my personal opinion is, but I will let you, the reader be the judge.

Gov. Palin vs. Sen. Barak Hussien Obama- Who is More Qualified

Thoughts on Sen. McCain's Acceptance

Sen. McCain gave a speech tonight that is probably the best of his political career.

Instead of talking about what is wrong with America it was about how much he loved America. He spoke of how he found the right partner to shake up Washington. He spoke of unity. He promised Independents and Democrats in is administration. He took the mantel of change right out of the hands of Sen. Barak Hussien Obama.

He spoke on issues- regardless of what the Democrats will say.

He spoke very personally of his time in Vietnam.

"We are Americans, We Never Give Up, We Never Hide for History."

As the crowd went wild, I personally started flashing back to hearing about "the Shining City on the Hill."

It was outstanding. It will win votes.

I will post a video of the speech as soon as it is available.

Michelle Malkin provided live blogging during the speech. Her thoughts are here.

Thoughts on Sen. McCain's Acceptance

Link Between Solar Activity and Weather Obscure?

UPDATE: I have received a communication from Mr. Fox, stating, in no uncertain terms, that his comments were taken out of context in the interview with The Bristol Press. Mr. Fox further states that I have exacerbated the situation. Therefore, in the interest of fairness and integrity, I have made some edits to my original post.

I have also sent an email to Mr. Fox asking him if he would like to clarify his quotes. I stated in my email to him that I will post his clarification and actual opinions here, should he wish to clarify. I am sure he is a busy person, and replying to me may not be on the top of his priority list, so please check back to this story for any reply from Mr. Fox.

Edited Post:

I guess that things that are obvious to your "everyday, guy next-door," are not as obvious to people that are "in the know."

Geoff Fox, a meteorologist with WTNH-TV in Connecticut, is quoted in an interview with The Bristol Press, that "he is intrigued by a possible link between solar activity and weather." Then, Fox is quoted saying, "No one knows what one has to do with the other."

It appears that Mr. Fox has been misquoted or at least edited (in my opinion) to appear that he does not see a connection between solar activity and weather, which he was not saying. So, it would seem The Bristol Press has an agenda to push a certain point of view, and it would seem that their view is that ManBearPig Global Warming Climate Change is totally man made or at least that it has no connection to Solar Activity.

To those that question any linkage of solar activity to weather or climate I ask, "What if the Sun went out tomorrow? Would that affect the weather?" or "What if the Sun started burning hotter by millions of degrees? Would that affect weather?" Most kids in kindergarten would probably say yes to both questions! There must be at least some linkage of solar activity to weather and climate, or there would be no changes if these events happened.

Perphaps "they" do know there is a linkage, but are just afraid to admit it.

If "they" were to admit that solar activity has "something" to do with weather, then "they" might have to admit that ManBearPig Global Warming the Climate Change that AlGore and his zealots "warn" us about, may not be "man made" after all. "They" might not be able to collect millions in Carbon Credits. "They" might loose political influence.

To be understood-- I care about the environment. I am a conservationist and I am a Hunter. I believe that the two things go hand in hand. I believe in preserving nature and the planet for myself, my family and future generations. I also believe in alternative fuels and power-- not to "stop ManBearPig Global Warming" -- but to reduce costs and create energy independence for our nation.

Fortunately, not everyone is confused about if the Sun has anything to do with weather...

All my readers should check out the work of Anthony Watts. He is on my daily read list and is a meteorologist that I trust.

And if you have the time or are so inclined, read about the SurfaceStations.Org project, volunteer and/or donate if you can. It is definitely a worth while project and cause.

Link Between Solar Activity and Weather Obscure?

Biden: Obama May Pursue Criminal Charges Against Bush

According to a report in The Guardian, an administration run by The Messiah Barak Hussien Obama would investigate and pursue criminal charges against President Bush and his administration.

From The Guardian:

"If there has been a basis upon which you can pursue someone for a criminal violation, they will be pursued," Biden said during a campaign event in Deerfield Beach, Florida, according to ABC.

"[N]ot out of vengeance, not out of retribution," he added, "out of the need to preserve the notion that no one, no attorney general, no president -- no one is above the law."

I suppose I should not be amazed but, sometimes, the hatred that these people express is beyond belief.

If there was really something there, the Democratic Congress would have already issued articles of impeachment. This is a witch hunt. This is an attempt to "get-even" with "W" for the election of 2000 and for having the audacity to LEAD the country, and not just follow opinion polls. This is an attempt to re-write history and say, "this was all Bush's fault- he lied- he committed felonies to get us to where we are now" when the fact remains, that the President's actions were authorized by Congress.

Fortunately, as Ace points out, this is all theoretical at this point.

Biden: Obama May Pursue Criminal Charges Against Bush

Let "The Games" Begin

Today it began. From across the world the athletes have gathered for the one event in sports at seems to bring the world together, the Olympic Games.

I am not a huge sports fan, but, I do always watch the Olympic Games, winter or summer, and I always feel a sense of pride in my country as I watch team USA take the medal stands.

These Olympic Games are even more exciting, I personally believe, because of where they are-- the People's Republic of China.

I remember fondly the Olympic Games of the 80's at the end of the Cold War. There was excitement as Team USA went up against athletes with CCCP on their uniforms. It was us against the Soviets and even if the finals of an event did not include an America, we could always root for the British, or Aussies or for ANY NATO/Allied Country… all to beat the commies and the Warsaw Pact.

In the 90's and through 2004 some of that rivalry was lost… There was no Communist Evil Empire for us to compete against. I mean I just could not get as excited about us against the Australians, or the Japanese or British.

But these Olympics bring some of the "Old Rivalry" back for me. Team USA is once again in a Communist Country. Again, Team USA will have the chance to show that FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY can prevail over Totalitarianism and Communism…

GO TEAM USA!!!

Lest we forget about the host country and lest we think from the Opening Ceremonies that they are open, free, and respect people and human rights… just a quick note from news I have archived--

February 5, 2008- BEIJING - A court Tuesday sentenced a Chinese democracy activist who wrote about corruption to four years in prison on subversion charges, his wife and lawyer said.

Lu Gengsong was convicted of "inciting subversion of state power" by the Intermediate People's Court in Hangzhou, a resort city near the eastern commercial center of Shanghai.

And, of course, we should never forget what happened just down the street from the new Olympic Stadium--

Let "The Games" Begin

Barack Obama- "The One"

So, I have not posted in several months... The reason for this is simple. I have been working in a contract for hire position, and I was advised by a friend that perhaps I should back off for a while, so that my opinions would not influence my prospective employer.

However, I have been assured recently that it really was ok for me to write-- so I am back-- as often as I have time for-- sharing my "wisdom" with the world.

So, to kick off this new era, I am sharing a new video of "the Devine One, the Great, the All Mighty, he who shall save us all, He who shall bless us all, he who shall deliver us from the Valley of the Shadow of Bush"-- Barak Hussien Obama.



"The One" from the John McCain 2008 Campaign

Barack Obama- "The One"

Flying to Phoenix on US Airways

So, tonight I am flying to Phoenix on a US Airways flight. Normally I don't worry about flying, and I really am not "that" worried.

But, I have to ask, if you are a US Airways Pilot, and you are on final approach in a Boeing 737, Airbus 320 series or a Boeing 757, don't you usually keep your hands on the yoke (or stick in the Airbus case)? If you are reaching around the cockpit, isn't that usually just to flip a couple of switches on the overhead or maybe to retard the throttle? I realize that cockpits are pretty automated, but shouldn't a pilot on final be pretty busy?

So what in the WORLD could have happened to allow a US Airway's Pilot's pistol to discharge on final???? Should I wear Kevlar when I fly tonight?

Flying to Phoenix on US Airways

Community College Considering Armed Security

A good first step for Johnson County Community College. Perhaps a next step would be to consider allowing Concealed Carry Permit holders to carry on college Campuses.

From Kansas Progress:

“On university campus you see a world view that in my opinion does not deal with reality. I think they deal with the reality of evil two ways on campus. One, they pretend it doesn’t exist, and two, to the extent that they do believe it exists they believe that human reason and the power of the human mind can combat all evil. I just don’t think that’s where most Americans are on the issue.

“We lock our doors at night, we teach our daughters self-defense practices, just in case something happens, we know that evil is out there and we need to protect ourselves from it.

“In the event that we have an unfortunate incident on campus I don’t believe it would be in the best interest of the taxpayers that we would have to wait for outside forces to come before we could react in kind.”

-State Representative and JCCC Board Trustee Benjamin Hodge

Community College Considering Armed Security

Emergency Powers Bill Passes Kansas House

From the NRA....Emergency Powers legislation, House Bill 2811, was passed to final action Thursday, March 20 in the House and a vote will likely take place on Monday, March 23. HB2811 would prevent the State of Kansas from confiscating, registering, or regulating the lawful sale, possession, transfer, transport or carry of firearms during a state of emergency, such as occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This bill would protect Kansans' right to self-defense, even during a declared state of emergency.

Emergency Powers Bill Passes Kansas House

DC v. Heller- The Oral Arguments

The official transcript of the oral arguments from District of Columbia v. Heller can be downloaded here.

Far be it from me to second-guess "the Court," but based on my reading of the oral arguments in DC v. Heller, I am optimistic that the DC ban on handguns will be overturned.

It seems to me that Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Scalia, Justice Kennedy, and Justice Alito will come down on the side of Heller, against DC. Justice Thomas, who rarely ever asks questions during argument, has somewhat libertarian views, and will, I am sure, down on the side of Heller as well.

The only other Justices that I a believe I am sure of are Justice Stevens and Justice Souter. There is no doubt in my mind that he will side with DC. Justice Stevens spent time during the arguments going back to the 1700's and stressing that only two of the original states had SPECIFIC clauses in their constitutions which acknowledged an individual right.

Justice Breyer and Justice Ginsburg, by my reading, may take the view that yes, there is an individual right to keep and bear arms, but that the District of Columbia ban is reasonable. Justice Ginsburg seemed to be suggesting this in her statement to Solicitor General Clemet:

"If we're going back to the English Bill of Rights, it was always understood to be subject to the control and limitation and restriction of Parliament. And I don't think there's any doubt about that. And that's what we're talking about here, are legislative restrictions." (Transcript 34:2)

The biggest question that I now have is what the Court will decide on the issue of how laws are to be scrutinized going forward assuming the Court rules that the Second Amendment is an individual right.

Justice Scalia seemed to me to favor strict scrutiny, while the Chief Justice asked why that needs to be decided now and why would they decide it now.

So, now we wait until June to find out what the Courts opinion really is.

A couple of interesting notes-- When Alan Gura, arguing for Mr. Heller, was using the Miller case to discuss types of guns that would be allowed stated that even though Gura was being faithful to Miller, that "Miller may be deficient"(62:22).

Another was Justice Scalia on a limit to the number of guns a person may have:

"You mean you can't have any more arms than you would need to take with you to the militia? You can't have a -- you can't have a -- you know, a turkey gun and a duck gun and a 30.06 and a 270 and -- you know, different -- different hunting guns for different --" (88:8).

It is nice to see that at least one of our Justices hearing this case, can actually name the caliber of some guns.

UPDATE: I just ran across THIS article at Concurring Opinions. It is a very good article to read.

DC v. Heller- The Oral Arguments

DC v Heller: What Did the Founders Really Mean?

Tomorrow District of Columbia v. Heller will be heard before the Supreme Court. Tomorrow, at the beginning of the 21st Century, the Nine members of The Court, all born in the 20th twentieth century, will listen to argument and debate over what the members of the Constitutional Convention meant in the 18th Century, when they arranged 27 words and 3 commas into the 2nd Amendment.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed

After over 200 years, it is amazing that we, as a people, do not appear to know what these words mean.

I remember grade-school US History. I remember having to memorize what each of the 10 Amendments in the Bill of Rights were. Things were simple. We have freedom of speech, religion, press, the right to bear arms, trial by jury, etc. These were our Rights. They were from God. They were non-negotiable.

In High School and College classes discovered that what I learned in grade-school was not exactly true. I learned that The Court said that what the Founders wrote was not exactly what the Founders meant. I learned that "The Court" has looked at the words the Founders wrote and answered the question "what did they REALLY mean."

However, has "The Court," when looking at the MEANING of what the Founders SAID, left out what the Founders REALLY meant?

The Court has looked at what "freedom of speech, press, and religion" has meant. But, did The Court forget too look at the FIRST five words of the Amendment and forget what THEY really meant?

"CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW…." I am not a legal scholar, but a plain text reading to me says, "Congress shall make NO LAW…" To me that means "Congress shall make NO LAW" regarding freedom of speech or religion or freedom of the press or of the right to petition the government.

Over hundreds of years and hundreds rulings, The Court has created a situation where every one of the rights listed in the Bill of Rights now has an "asterisk." Free Speech only means Free Speech under certain circumtances. The Right to Bear arms, according to some, does not mean that at all. Police can go "door to door" to search for guns and drugs because it is "voluntary." The powers not EXPRESSLY granted to the Federal Government are reserved to the States or to the people, except when the Federal government wants to create new regulations.

Tomorrow the Court will look at the Second Amendment and argue over the first 23 words. However, I would venture to say that the last FOUR words, will be ignored. The last four words of the Second Amendment are just as important. The words "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED" should specifically limits to what the government may do with regard the "right of the people to keep and bear Arms."

So I return to the central question: What did the Founder's Really Mean?

In my opinion, I think the Founders would say, "Look at what we wrote-It's simple: The People's rights--all of them--SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED. PERIOD."

DC v Heller: What Did the Founders Really Mean?

Missing WWII Battle Cruiser Found

The HMAS Sydney, missing since November 19, 1941 has been found. She went down with all 645 hands during a fight with the German DKM Kormoran, who had been disguised as a Dutch merchant vessel. The Kormoran was also sunk in the battle, although 317 of her 397 man crew survived and were taken prisoner when they rowed to shore in Australia.

HMAS Sydney was found in 8,100 feet of water sitting up-right. She was the largest vessel from any country to be lost with all hands during WWII.

Kormoran survivors had reported that they had last seen the Sydney ablaze but heading toward Perth. Although it was assumed that she had sunk, there was no confirmation of this and her exact fate had not been known.

The Sydney was found by David Mearns.

Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea.

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,
and calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea

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Juan Williams On Obama

Link: sevenload.com

Juan Williams On Obama

"May I Search Your Home?- It is Completely Voluntary"

It is early evening. You have just pulled perfectly cooked "Nathan's Hot-Dogs" off the grill. There is the usual pre-dinner rush in the kitchen as the meal is being brought to the table. The kids are washing their hands. You usually keep the TV off during dinner, but tonight is an exception. There is a baseball game on and your team is doing well this season. You decide to grab a beer from the fridge. You smell the apple pie your wife has put into the oven for desert. Your dog is sitting patiently beside the table, knowing that sooner or later one of the kids will drop something from their plate-or hoping that you might give in and let him have that last bite of your second hot-dog.

You look around you. Baseball, hot-dogs, your family with you, your dog at your side, the smell of apple-pie in the kitchen- there is nothing that can ruin this All-American, Norman Rockwell moment- Except the three rapid knocks at the door that jolt you back to reality.

You get an uncomfortable feeling in your gut. The knocking was loud- with a purpose, not the way salesmen knock, or the way the next-door neighbor kid knocks, when she comes over to tell you about the latest reason she is selling candy for school or that her mother would like to borrow an egg. No, this knock was confident and definitely had a purpose.

You reach the door. Outside you hear a voice, but it is mixed with static. You realize the voice is coming from a two-way radio. You peer out the peep hole and see two men dressed in blue and the badge of your local police department. The uncomfortable feeling in your gut grows. What could be wrong, you wonder. Has their been an accident? Has someone died?

You open the door. "Can I help you officers," you ask with a hint of concern in your voice.

Both officers smile. One of them takes a slight step forward. "Good evening," he says. "We are here in your neighborhood as part of the "Safe Homes Initiative." We would like to know if we can come inside and perform a quick walk through of your house as part of "Safe Homes." We would just like to help you out by verifying that you don't have any guns that are not locked up in the house and help you check to make sure that your kids haven't accidently picked up a handgun in the park and hidden it from you. I am sure you are concerned about your kids safety and making sure you home is safe. You won't mind if we come in and take a quick look around? We are checking all the homes in the neighborhood. And this is completely voluntary."

You stand there staring at both officers, unsure of what to do next. Both officers are smiling, but you notice their hands are resting on their service pistols.

The second officer reaches into his shirt pocket and pulls out his note pad. "Can I get your name please," he asks. "just for my paperwork of course."

So now what? Do you let the police in to do a "voluntary" search of your home? Do you refuse, and then wonder if you have made some "list?"

Think this can never happen here? It starts, in the District of Columbia, March 24, 2008. To me, this sounds like something from a 1930's Gestapo playbook.
District of Columbia police will be asking parents/guardians for permission to conduct "voluntary" searches of their homes and children's bedrooms to search for firearms and drugs. Supposedly the search will only be for illegal firearms and drugs. However, I am sure that these searches will lead to prosecution for other matters, based on what they see in plain sight, even though some amnesty is supposed to be involved for the voluntary search. If a found gun has been used in a crime- prosecution will follow.

I have huge concerns about this program. Will people be too intimidated by the police to not allow them into the house? What happens if people refuse? Will the cops just say, "Thanks, have a great day" or will the next question be "Do you have something to hide?"

DC already has the strictest gun control laws in the nation, and NOW they need to go door to door to perform warrantless searches.

Boston and Philadelphia-- Guess what guys, You are next…. (Boston program starts this month, Philadelphia is still working on their program).

"May I Search Your Home?- It is Completely Voluntary"