I'm not sure if I spelled his name correctly or not...but I suspect anyone reading this knows who I'm talking about.
I've been reading alot of headlines and blogs and comments about the Iranian president's recent visit to our hallowed shores.
What I don't understand, is why everyone is so pissed that we let him come here to talk. We all know the guy has a few screws loose and all he did was make himself look like a complete idiot in front of the world. I'm all for that. Let the guy step on his dick...now the world can see how ridiculous he is.
The problem of course, is that we treated him like crap and the world saw that too. We stepped on our own dicks here a bit as well.
BUT. The Middle East is not America (at least not yet) and our culture and behavior is different from theirs. Our culture does not embrace what we see as evil with open arms. The hospitality ends when we are confronted by an enemy that has proven, according to our standards, to be dishonorable. The Persians and Arabs see things differently. They were appalled by the way we treated the president of iran because in their culture, treating a guest to hospitality whetehr they like them or not is the proper protocol and to do otherwise is dishonorable...we have a different view of honor here.
Should we have been a bit more respectful to the leader of a sovereign nation visiting our shores? Maybe. I can see both sides of the coin on this actually and both have their merits. On the one hand, the way the world views us is important to global relations with other nations. But on the other hand, is our sense of what is right and just compromised by treating an avowed enemy of the west and the US in particular with unwarranted respect and dignity?
I don't think he deserved a warm welcome and I don't think he should have been treated with the respect that the Iranians believe he deserved. He's a tyrant and he's the enemy of our culture and way of life.
Let's not mince words here either...the trouble is that he has made an ass out of himself in font of the world and at the same time strengthened his own support at home.
And although it seems obvious to most that he is gearing the world for war because it fits with his warped superstition about the coming of the hidden Imam, he is most definitely a nutjob.
But he's cunning too. He has done more effectively to us what we've been trying to do to Iran.
He's actually building a solid support base in our backyard.
While we've been intesely focused on the middle east, the natives have become extremely restless. Daniel Ortega is back in power... and is firmly behind the Iranians. Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is also firmly behind Iran as well. Bolivia is also. Lets not forget Russia and North Korea and Syria...and China.
Things are looking pretty scary when you take a look at the global picture nad stop isolating things to one geographic area.
Amahdinejad has effectivley created an Axis of evil...one that was hinted at by the current president in the years before the Iraq war kicked off. I'm not trying to make GW out to be a prophet...more of a Harbinger really. I'm not real thrilled with the way GW has been dealing with things lately and he's definitely on my "shit" list of politicians. I used to like him, but he's caved to leftist pressure and I'm extremely disappointed in him.
My point is, it is becoming a reality. How did things get to this point. Simply put, American arrogance. Venezuela is one of the largest exporters of petroleum and it's in our backyard. We've been extremely negligent in our relations with central and south America. What the hell were we thinking? Is it because they are third world nations? Not worth the time? How could it not be worth our time to ensure the cooperation and economic prosperity of our neighbors as opposed to strangers across the oceans? We've got a serious border problem and with the governments of those countries rallying behind Iran isn't it about time we stood up and took notice?
maybe it's too late for that. I don't know. But it certainly concerns me.
The trouble with Amahdinejad is that he may be the one to usher in world war 3 because we weren't paying attention.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
So you want to say they are a religion of peace?
Folks...I have had it with Islam. I'm done.
I really don't mind an HONEST debate about religion, but I just can't stomach it anymore.
You want a taste of what is brewing in the ME? Check out the link...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8538800341553833868
If you read my previous post, you'll see how screwed up these folks are. The Koran does not specify Christians and Jews...That is the words of Al-Qaeda. But the end result is the same. The muslims want to make us out to be cowards . We've shown the Iraqi's that we mean business and they are with us...it's AQI that is causing trouble....screw them
I really don't mind an HONEST debate about religion, but I just can't stomach it anymore.
You want a taste of what is brewing in the ME? Check out the link...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8538800341553833868
If you read my previous post, you'll see how screwed up these folks are. The Koran does not specify Christians and Jews...That is the words of Al-Qaeda. But the end result is the same. The muslims want to make us out to be cowards . We've shown the Iraqi's that we mean business and they are with us...it's AQI that is causing trouble....screw them
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Why I believe Islam is NOT the religion of peace....
This posting is a follow up to a debate with Fafnir's Hangnail over the issue of religious satire and the effect of offending religious groups. As stated previously in my debate with him, what is really the issue here is freedom of expression versus censorship and the defense of our way of life as American citizens and the western culture in general.
My references to the Koran..or Qu'ran are from:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance
http://quran.al-islam.com/
Anyone who really believes that the religion of Islam is no worse than Christianity or Judaism needs to pick up a Koran and do a little reading.
I have issued this challenge before and i will do so again. If ANYONE can find any passages, verses or books in either the Bible or the Torah...I will concede this point, until then I stand by what I say.
Islam is only peaceful when the world becomes Islam.
Don't spin this wrong either. This is not about people brought up as Muslims that pay it lip service like so many so-called "Christians" or "Jews". This is about the religion itself. There are alot of good people that live in Muslim countries and alot of good "Muslims" as well. This is not meant to be a reflection on ordinary folks...this is a commentary and a criticism of the fundamental beliefs of the Islamic Faith.
I am going to post some of the verses from the Koran below and the reference for your perusal.
Administrating by the Non-Muslims
Al-anfal n.8 v.73-75
[73] The Unbelievers are protectors, one of another: unless ye do this, (protect each other), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief.
[74] Those who believe, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith, in the cause of Allah, as well as those who give (them) asylum and aid, these are (all) in very truth the Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.
[75] And those who accept Faith subsequently, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith in your company, they are of you. But kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allah. Verily Allah is well-acquainted with all things.
An-Nissa 4 v. 95,96
95] Not equal are those Believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) hath Allah promised good: but those who strive and fight hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward.
[96] Ranks specially bestowed by Him and Forgiveness and Mercy, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
An-Nissa 4 v. 100,101
[100] He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah, finds in the earth many a refuge, wide and spacious: should he die as a refugee from home for Allah and His Messenger, his reward becomes due and sure with Allah: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[101] When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers may attack you: for the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.
An-Nissa n.4 v. 141,142
141] (These are) the ones who wait and watch about you: if ye do gain a victory from Allah, they say: "Were we not with you?" But if the Unbelievers gain a success, they say (to them): "Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the Believers?" But Allah will judge betwixt you on the Day of Judgment. And never will Allah grant to the Unbelievers a way (to triumph) over the Believers.
[142] The Hypocrites, they think they are over-reaching Allah but He will over-reach them: when they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen of men, but little do they hold Allah in remembrance;
An-Nissa n.4 v. 144-146
144] O ye who believe! take not for friends Unbelievers rather than Believers: do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
[145] The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire; no helper wilt thou find for them.
[146] Except for those who repent, mend (their life), hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah's sight; if so they will be (numbered) with the Believers. And soon will Allah grant to the Believers a reward of immense value.
On the Jihad....
Al- Anfal 8 v. 60-62
[60] Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the Cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.
[61] But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is the One that Heareth and Knoweth (all things).
[62] Should they intend to deceive thee, verily Allah sufficeth thee: He it is that hath strengthened thee with His aid and with (the company of) the Believers;
At-Touba 9 v. 41
[41] Go ye forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the Cause of Allah. That is best for you, if ye (but) knew.
Al-Hajj 22 v. 58-60
[58] Those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, and are then slain or die, on them will Allah bestow verily a goodly Provision: truly Allah is He Who bestows the best Provision.
[59] Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased: for Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
[60] That (is so). And if one has retaliated to no greater extent than the injury he received, and is again set upon inordinately, Allah will help him: for Allah is One that blots out (sins) and forgives (again and again).
Al I Imran 3 v. 142
[142] Did ye think that ye would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His Cause) and remained steadfast?
[143] Ye did indeed wish for Death before ye met Him: now ye have seen Him with your own eyes, (and ye flinch!)
[144] Muhammad is no more than a Messenger: many were the Messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve him) with gratitude.
Concerning the "molesting" of the prophet (Mohammed)
At-touba 9 v. 12-14
[12] But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith, fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained.
[13] Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Messenger, and took the aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if ye believe!
[14] Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers,
At-touba 9 v. 60-61
[60] Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
[61] Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, "He is (all) ear." Say, "He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the Believers and is a Mercy to those of you who believe." But those who molest the Prophet will have a grievous penalty
And...from the Hadith. This is from the prophet Mohammed and not the Koran...so essentially the words of the prophet not Allah.
From the Hadith
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:
The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Allah has undertaken to look after the affairs of one who goes out to fight in His way believing in Him and affirming the truth of His Messengers. He is committed to His care that He will either admit him to Paradise or bring him back to his home from where he set out with a reward or (his share of) booty. By the Being in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, if a person gets wounded in the way of Allah, he will come on the Day of Judgment with his wound in the same condition as it was when it was first inflicted; its color being the color of blood but its smell will be the smell of musk. By the Being in Whose Hand is Muhammad's life, if it were not to be too hard upon the Muslims, I would not lag behind any expedition which is going to fight in the cause of Allah. But I do not have abundant means to provide them (the Mujahids) with riding beasts, nor have they (i.e. all of them) abundant means (to provide themselves with all the means of Jihad) so that they could be left behind. By the Being in Whose Hand is Muhammad's life, I love to fight in the way of Allah and be killed, to fight and again be killed and to fight again and be killed.
Hadith number in Sahih Muslim [Arabic only]: 3484
So. I am going to leave it up to you to make your own decision. It seems pretty straightforward to me...but maybe I'm way offbase here. It seems a divine mandate to make the world submit to Allah...(Read: become Muslim) or face the Army of Allah...or the Mujahideen. And...until the world is Islam, that is what they will endeavor to do..with and by whatever means necessary.
Yes, Atrocities have been committed in the name of religion for thousands of years. But Christianity has risen above it. The Jews have been persecuted for their entire existence and don't really care about converting anyone at the end of a gunbarrel or the tip of a spear/sword/knife. It is the followers of Islam that are MANDATED, in their Holy book of wisdom to do so. Refute it if you wish. But please do us all a favor and back up your opinion with facts, otherwise it won't be taken seriously and won't even pass the moderation phase.
So this post was a result of a debate about the "Modoggie" illustrations done by the Artist Lars Vilks. The ire from Fafnir's Hangnail surrounded my apparent glee at maybe doing my own illustrations of "Modaggies". The point being that it was interpreted that I was considering this "because I could". And that I was simply being and asshole "because I could".
Fafnir actually was only trying to make me think harder about what I was proposing and was playing "devil's advocate" (Pun intended). Exactly the sort of discourse and debate I encourage.
But, for the record, why shouldn't "because I can" be a good enough reason. If I feel strongly enough about it or even if i don't, it is my right as a US citizen to draw a picture of whatever i want and to also say whatever I want. I am not so shallow as to draw an offensive picture just because I can however. If I do draw some Modoggie cartoons, and post them it will be because I am flipping the proverbial "bird" at the religious authority of Islam...and yes, there most certainly is one. In fact there are several Muslim countries whose Authority is more like tyranny and the average working family must live by a ridiculously outdated standard of living. I for one will not stand by and watch them infiltrate our culture and twist us into an Islamic society by being complacent or totally disregarding situational awareness until it's too late. they can commit horrible atrocities and crimes against humanity and that's ok cause "Allah mandates it be so" yet an artist can't draw a cartoon satirizing the Prophet? I cannot and will not submit. PERIOD. And if that makes me an Asshole, well then By GOD I'll be one. And yes, I am happy to call myself the INFIDEL THEY LOVE TO HATE!
I am an American.
I am also a former soldier and I made an oath to support and defend our constitution from ALL enemies, foreign and domestic.
I take my oath extremely seriously.
For one, I am not Iroquois.
Nor am I Irish.
Nor am I Scottish.
Nor am I Welsh.
Nor am I Swiss.
Nor am I French.
Nor am I German.
I am all of these things but most of all...
I am an American.
To be an American does not constitute being White, Black, Red, yellow or Purple.
To be an American is to embrace a way of life that upholds the rights and freedoms of all people who wish to live free.
To live under the tyrannical yoke of a theocracy or a dictatorship is not freedom.
And I will not abide by that for any reason.
I have chosen to make a stand against ANY threat to my country and my way of life. The most important document to me is the Constitution. Period.
Look to your religious texts for wisdom...
I do on occasion as well, but I look to the Constitution of the United States for my my guidebook on the right way to live. FREE. Period.
God Bless the USA and our soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen who sacrifice so much to defend her.
On that, I will end this post. Feel free to comment. I look forward to seeing what you all have to say about that.
My references to the Koran..or Qu'ran are from:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance
http://quran.al-islam.com/
Anyone who really believes that the religion of Islam is no worse than Christianity or Judaism needs to pick up a Koran and do a little reading.
I have issued this challenge before and i will do so again. If ANYONE can find any passages, verses or books in either the Bible or the Torah...I will concede this point, until then I stand by what I say.
Islam is only peaceful when the world becomes Islam.
Don't spin this wrong either. This is not about people brought up as Muslims that pay it lip service like so many so-called "Christians" or "Jews". This is about the religion itself. There are alot of good people that live in Muslim countries and alot of good "Muslims" as well. This is not meant to be a reflection on ordinary folks...this is a commentary and a criticism of the fundamental beliefs of the Islamic Faith.
I am going to post some of the verses from the Koran below and the reference for your perusal.
Administrating by the Non-Muslims
Al-anfal n.8 v.73-75
[73] The Unbelievers are protectors, one of another: unless ye do this, (protect each other), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief.
[74] Those who believe, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith, in the cause of Allah, as well as those who give (them) asylum and aid, these are (all) in very truth the Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.
[75] And those who accept Faith subsequently, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith in your company, they are of you. But kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allah. Verily Allah is well-acquainted with all things.
An-Nissa 4 v. 95,96
95] Not equal are those Believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) hath Allah promised good: but those who strive and fight hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward.
[96] Ranks specially bestowed by Him and Forgiveness and Mercy, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
An-Nissa 4 v. 100,101
[100] He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah, finds in the earth many a refuge, wide and spacious: should he die as a refugee from home for Allah and His Messenger, his reward becomes due and sure with Allah: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[101] When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers may attack you: for the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.
An-Nissa n.4 v. 141,142
141] (These are) the ones who wait and watch about you: if ye do gain a victory from Allah, they say: "Were we not with you?" But if the Unbelievers gain a success, they say (to them): "Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the Believers?" But Allah will judge betwixt you on the Day of Judgment. And never will Allah grant to the Unbelievers a way (to triumph) over the Believers.
[142] The Hypocrites, they think they are over-reaching Allah but He will over-reach them: when they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen of men, but little do they hold Allah in remembrance;
An-Nissa n.4 v. 144-146
144] O ye who believe! take not for friends Unbelievers rather than Believers: do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
[145] The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire; no helper wilt thou find for them.
[146] Except for those who repent, mend (their life), hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah's sight; if so they will be (numbered) with the Believers. And soon will Allah grant to the Believers a reward of immense value.
On the Jihad....
Al- Anfal 8 v. 60-62
[60] Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the Cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.
[61] But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is the One that Heareth and Knoweth (all things).
[62] Should they intend to deceive thee, verily Allah sufficeth thee: He it is that hath strengthened thee with His aid and with (the company of) the Believers;
At-Touba 9 v. 41
[41] Go ye forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the Cause of Allah. That is best for you, if ye (but) knew.
Al-Hajj 22 v. 58-60
[58] Those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, and are then slain or die, on them will Allah bestow verily a goodly Provision: truly Allah is He Who bestows the best Provision.
[59] Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased: for Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
[60] That (is so). And if one has retaliated to no greater extent than the injury he received, and is again set upon inordinately, Allah will help him: for Allah is One that blots out (sins) and forgives (again and again).
Al I Imran 3 v. 142
[142] Did ye think that ye would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His Cause) and remained steadfast?
[143] Ye did indeed wish for Death before ye met Him: now ye have seen Him with your own eyes, (and ye flinch!)
[144] Muhammad is no more than a Messenger: many were the Messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve him) with gratitude.
Concerning the "molesting" of the prophet (Mohammed)
At-touba 9 v. 12-14
[12] But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith, fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained.
[13] Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Messenger, and took the aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, if ye believe!
[14] Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers,
At-touba 9 v. 60-61
[60] Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
[61] Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, "He is (all) ear." Say, "He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the Believers and is a Mercy to those of you who believe." But those who molest the Prophet will have a grievous penalty
And...from the Hadith. This is from the prophet Mohammed and not the Koran...so essentially the words of the prophet not Allah.
From the Hadith
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:
The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Allah has undertaken to look after the affairs of one who goes out to fight in His way believing in Him and affirming the truth of His Messengers. He is committed to His care that He will either admit him to Paradise or bring him back to his home from where he set out with a reward or (his share of) booty. By the Being in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, if a person gets wounded in the way of Allah, he will come on the Day of Judgment with his wound in the same condition as it was when it was first inflicted; its color being the color of blood but its smell will be the smell of musk. By the Being in Whose Hand is Muhammad's life, if it were not to be too hard upon the Muslims, I would not lag behind any expedition which is going to fight in the cause of Allah. But I do not have abundant means to provide them (the Mujahids) with riding beasts, nor have they (i.e. all of them) abundant means (to provide themselves with all the means of Jihad) so that they could be left behind. By the Being in Whose Hand is Muhammad's life, I love to fight in the way of Allah and be killed, to fight and again be killed and to fight again and be killed.
Hadith number in Sahih Muslim [Arabic only]: 3484
So. I am going to leave it up to you to make your own decision. It seems pretty straightforward to me...but maybe I'm way offbase here. It seems a divine mandate to make the world submit to Allah...(Read: become Muslim) or face the Army of Allah...or the Mujahideen. And...until the world is Islam, that is what they will endeavor to do..with and by whatever means necessary.
Yes, Atrocities have been committed in the name of religion for thousands of years. But Christianity has risen above it. The Jews have been persecuted for their entire existence and don't really care about converting anyone at the end of a gunbarrel or the tip of a spear/sword/knife. It is the followers of Islam that are MANDATED, in their Holy book of wisdom to do so. Refute it if you wish. But please do us all a favor and back up your opinion with facts, otherwise it won't be taken seriously and won't even pass the moderation phase.
So this post was a result of a debate about the "Modoggie" illustrations done by the Artist Lars Vilks. The ire from Fafnir's Hangnail surrounded my apparent glee at maybe doing my own illustrations of "Modaggies". The point being that it was interpreted that I was considering this "because I could". And that I was simply being and asshole "because I could".
Fafnir actually was only trying to make me think harder about what I was proposing and was playing "devil's advocate" (Pun intended). Exactly the sort of discourse and debate I encourage.
But, for the record, why shouldn't "because I can" be a good enough reason. If I feel strongly enough about it or even if i don't, it is my right as a US citizen to draw a picture of whatever i want and to also say whatever I want. I am not so shallow as to draw an offensive picture just because I can however. If I do draw some Modoggie cartoons, and post them it will be because I am flipping the proverbial "bird" at the religious authority of Islam...and yes, there most certainly is one. In fact there are several Muslim countries whose Authority is more like tyranny and the average working family must live by a ridiculously outdated standard of living. I for one will not stand by and watch them infiltrate our culture and twist us into an Islamic society by being complacent or totally disregarding situational awareness until it's too late. they can commit horrible atrocities and crimes against humanity and that's ok cause "Allah mandates it be so" yet an artist can't draw a cartoon satirizing the Prophet? I cannot and will not submit. PERIOD. And if that makes me an Asshole, well then By GOD I'll be one. And yes, I am happy to call myself the INFIDEL THEY LOVE TO HATE!
I am an American.
I am also a former soldier and I made an oath to support and defend our constitution from ALL enemies, foreign and domestic.
I take my oath extremely seriously.
For one, I am not Iroquois.
Nor am I Irish.
Nor am I Scottish.
Nor am I Welsh.
Nor am I Swiss.
Nor am I French.
Nor am I German.
I am all of these things but most of all...
I am an American.
To be an American does not constitute being White, Black, Red, yellow or Purple.
To be an American is to embrace a way of life that upholds the rights and freedoms of all people who wish to live free.
To live under the tyrannical yoke of a theocracy or a dictatorship is not freedom.
And I will not abide by that for any reason.
I have chosen to make a stand against ANY threat to my country and my way of life. The most important document to me is the Constitution. Period.
Look to your religious texts for wisdom...
I do on occasion as well, but I look to the Constitution of the United States for my my guidebook on the right way to live. FREE. Period.
God Bless the USA and our soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen who sacrifice so much to defend her.
On that, I will end this post. Feel free to comment. I look forward to seeing what you all have to say about that.
Isaac Asimov and "The Star Spangled Banner"
This my friends is what really makes you appreciate true intelligence.
Isaac Asimov is a very famous Science Fiction writer...and in my mind I've always considered him to be one of the geniuses of our time.
I am going to post a speech he gave below in regards to our country's National Anthem...
Read it and I hope you're eyes are opened and you begin to appreciate the depth of this song.
Isaac Asimov is a very famous Science Fiction writer...and in my mind I've always considered him to be one of the geniuses of our time.
I am going to post a speech he gave below in regards to our country's National Anthem...
Read it and I hope you're eyes are opened and you begin to appreciate the depth of this song.
By Isaac Asimov
I have a weakness--I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem.
The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time.
I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem--all four stanzas.
This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting. "Thanks, Herb," I said.
"That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."
I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas.
Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before--or had never really listened. I got a standing ovation. But it was not me; it was the anthem.
More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me.
So now let me tell you how it came to be written.
In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.
At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession.
Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack. The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.
The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D. C. Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.
On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release. The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait. It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start.
As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.
As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?"
After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defence of Fort M'Henry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called "To Anacreon in Heaven" --a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.
Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key
Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
W hat so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the
perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
"Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort. The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep.
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream
'Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure.
In the third stanza, I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise.
During World War II, when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n - rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation.Then conquer we must, for our cause is just,
And this be our motto--"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears.
And don't let them ever take it away.
--Isaac Asimov, March 1991
Return of the Tribes...hat tip #2 to Gunslinger...
Another good one from Gunslinger....I highly recommend you all check out her Blog site. You can find it in my links at the bottom of the page.
Return of the Tribes
The Weekly Standard published a piece by Ralph Peters that has an interesting take on the nature of tribalism, and its resistance to globalization—particularly with regard to Islam's ambitions to rule the world.
I never understood why people would identify with their race or ethnicity. It was just an accident of nature, an arbitrary compiling of genes. Why would it matter? Why would it make you particularly fond of others who shared that single genetic trait? There was a boy in my grammar school named Paul who was of Italian descent. He lived and breathed Italian-ness. I thought it was...well...weird.
My grandparents emmigrated from Italy, too. But it never occured to me to consider myself an "Italian". And it never occured to their son, my father, either (whose first language was, in fact, Italian, though he was born in California, because his parents spoke it at home). My dad was just an American Boy who joined the Navy, fought in WWII, (in which one of our enemies was Italy), married an American Girl whose grandparents came from Ireland, worked an American Union Job, and raised an unequivocally, un-hyphenated, American Family. Race and enthicity were simply not issues in my house. Being an American wasn't about that. It was a choice one made, a set of principles one adopted, a voluntary act of identity, a volitional collaboration, not a random genetic doom. It was the American Dream. America is different, and better than other cultures because of this great fact. Anyone can become an American. But BEING an American, because it isn't based on race or ethnicity, is the acceptance of a way of thinking, believing and seeing the world. You have to speak the language, accept the vision of the Founders, and the greatest political document in the history of mankind, the United States Constitution. You have to live and breathe it and be willing to die for it. If you don't, you aren't an American, even if you were born here. It's the only thing that defines a REAL American. There are no other criteria.*
So, naturally, I was always confused by the attitude of the racially-ethnically identified, who supported members of their own tribe, regardless of individual merit; who were Negroes, or Mexicans, or Greeks, first. I was shocked by the attitude of most blacks to the O.J. Simpson verdict. I simply could not understand how they could support an obvious murderer simply because he was black. And there was never a question that that was its basis. They shamelessly admitted it. Indeed, they celebrated it.
But now, as the PC crowd has made it fashionable to consider all Caucasians racists, bigots, greedy imperialists, soulless capitalists, lynchers, land thieves, culture destroyers, etc. I find myself, too, circling the wagons, identifying for the first time as a WHITE PERSON. Going Tribal.
And as non-Americans swarm into my land, demanding changes in my country to accomodate them, using languages I don't understand, praying to gods that are foreign and cruel, despising and criticizing America while demanding she welcome, support and protect them...
...I'm getting very defensive.
I can see—no, I can feel—the Tribal anger rising. My tribe, my land, my culture. I'm getting pissed, and so are those around me. Our tribe, our land, our culture. This might get ugly.
The Gunslinger
(It's a shame we can't just shoot the bastards now and avoid the rush.)
*If you want to displace our values, language and culture, you aren't an American. If you want to substitute religious law for the Constitution, you aren't an American. If you respect Marx, Che, Kofi Anan, Hugo Chavez or some Ayatollah more than George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, you're not an American. If you're a Collaborator**, you aren't a real American. If you believe Cindy Sheehan, Barbara Boxer, Michael Malloy, Al Franken, Nancy Pelosi, the Puffington, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and Ned Lamont are credible and George W. Bush is a liar...you're just an idiot...but that's another story.
Hat tip to Gunslinger
If you've read my blog before, you now how I feel about Immigration and the illegal invasion of our southern border. I was reading Gunslinger's blog today and came across this gem.
This was a letter to the editor that went unpublished...surprise...not! And it really does put things into perspective.
Take a gander and let me know what you think...
Unpublished letter to the editor from a friend--
"My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined.
--Dave LaBonte
Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:
'Dear Editor:
So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer.
Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long linein New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture.
Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought alongside men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hilter, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those villages was looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here.
These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl. And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900s deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work, and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.
And for that suggestion about taking down the Statte of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.
Rosemary LaBonte' "
Comment: Sometimes it just FEELS like we're alone in this. People like Rosemary restore my hope!
The Gunslinger
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
US Security Contractors: who has jurisdiction?
Ok folks...I read this little article today at Miltary.com. The question posed is who has legal jurisdiction over US Security contractors operating in other countries?
Well, the subject is kind of a grey area, but really, they've been doing a fantastic job up to this point and are necessary since our military does not have the personnel to do the job they're doing over there. I read that the number of contractors from Blackwater security is around 1,000 personnel. There are two other firms operating in Iraq besides Blackwater as well...no clue myself as to how many security contractors are actually over there.
The stink has started over a convoy ambush by insurgents that resulted in the death of a few Iraqi civilians. Okay, the Iraqi gov't is pissed off at Blackwater because of this and wants a thorough investigation done and possible criminal penalties for the contractors involved in the defense of the convoy during said ambush.
My opinion is that it was not the contractors that killed those Iraqi citizens, but the assholes that set up the ambush...blowing up a couple of vehicles with IEDs and opening fire with crew serve weapons.
As I was perusing the comments on this particular story, I came across a very poigniant and elucidating comment by an active duty SSG who has been there and understands these sort of ambushes and what they entail firsthand.
I am going to repost his comment below and as you read it, think about it. Before you start crowing with the rest of the "knee-jerk" lawyers and legislators on this one.
"Now then, let me get this straight.
Blackwater security detail (PSD) doing their usual, gets hit by a complex ambush.
In broad daylight. In an area packed full of people. On either a narrow street or at a restrictive turn, or when civilians tread close enough to slow the PSD down. Classic, by-the-OIF-book, event.
Furthermore, the ambushers (who fit a Sunni or foreign group's profile, since Shias love simple events, using EFPs and few if any small-arms), have watched the kill-zone after a day or more of recce, got a tip somewhere that a target was on it's way (from who?,)and decide to set up.
Now, it's a crowded area. Of course, none of the locals saw the handful of guys carry small arms and a crew-served or two into the area. And none of them saw the pair who emplaced the IEDs. No, not one of them. And I'm sure that none of the locals we're told "no, don't worry, we'll wait till the street is clear before we fire." So, of course, the locals had absolutely no idea that an ambush was on the way. Hence, they stuck around...
...because no Iraqi likes to see violence.
And then the Blackwater vehicle(s) are all where they need to be, the IED(s) get detonated, fire comes in from two or three angles, all over the truck (s), and the Blackwater contractors react in the only way any human-being with a gun, adrenaline burst, incoming bullets, and a wish to live, can: they drive straight through, over whatever is in the way (locals, carts, and the mountains of garbage that decorate any given Iraqi street,)shooting everyone who appears, even vaguely, to be a threat.
Threat being either someone within sight; the Iraqis do not carry signs around their neck, announcing their role as 'Trigger (Wo)Man,' or partial sight, like all of the heads that keep peering up over rooftops, and from around corners. And at muzzle and dust flashes from the ambusher's weapons. And at that confused and terrified old woman who rushes back and forth, not knowing how in hell to get down or away.
And so, the locals, who all knew nothing about the presence of the ambush, die. My question:
Who killed those locals?
Was it Mr. Smith, with Blackwater Inc. who was trying like hell to stay alive, and protect his current customer? Or was it the half dozen or more Iraqis, who disregarded the lives of all the locals in the kill-zone, when they cacked of their ambush?
I know the answer, folks, because I've been there. Take your sanctimonious judgements, and your armchair analysis back to the United States of Abractia, where you live, and do a moral compass check.
These men did as anyone of us would, and regardless of whether they wear a set of digitals, or a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, they're part of our team, and deserve NOTHING short of your total support."
I am in full agreement with SSG Winn. What do you think?
Well, the subject is kind of a grey area, but really, they've been doing a fantastic job up to this point and are necessary since our military does not have the personnel to do the job they're doing over there. I read that the number of contractors from Blackwater security is around 1,000 personnel. There are two other firms operating in Iraq besides Blackwater as well...no clue myself as to how many security contractors are actually over there.
The stink has started over a convoy ambush by insurgents that resulted in the death of a few Iraqi civilians. Okay, the Iraqi gov't is pissed off at Blackwater because of this and wants a thorough investigation done and possible criminal penalties for the contractors involved in the defense of the convoy during said ambush.
My opinion is that it was not the contractors that killed those Iraqi citizens, but the assholes that set up the ambush...blowing up a couple of vehicles with IEDs and opening fire with crew serve weapons.
As I was perusing the comments on this particular story, I came across a very poigniant and elucidating comment by an active duty SSG who has been there and understands these sort of ambushes and what they entail firsthand.
I am going to repost his comment below and as you read it, think about it. Before you start crowing with the rest of the "knee-jerk" lawyers and legislators on this one.
"Now then, let me get this straight.
Blackwater security detail (PSD) doing their usual, gets hit by a complex ambush.
In broad daylight. In an area packed full of people. On either a narrow street or at a restrictive turn, or when civilians tread close enough to slow the PSD down. Classic, by-the-OIF-book, event.
Furthermore, the ambushers (who fit a Sunni or foreign group's profile, since Shias love simple events, using EFPs and few if any small-arms), have watched the kill-zone after a day or more of recce, got a tip somewhere that a target was on it's way (from who?,)and decide to set up.
Now, it's a crowded area. Of course, none of the locals saw the handful of guys carry small arms and a crew-served or two into the area. And none of them saw the pair who emplaced the IEDs. No, not one of them. And I'm sure that none of the locals we're told "no, don't worry, we'll wait till the street is clear before we fire." So, of course, the locals had absolutely no idea that an ambush was on the way. Hence, they stuck around...
...because no Iraqi likes to see violence.
And then the Blackwater vehicle(s) are all where they need to be, the IED(s) get detonated, fire comes in from two or three angles, all over the truck (s), and the Blackwater contractors react in the only way any human-being with a gun, adrenaline burst, incoming bullets, and a wish to live, can: they drive straight through, over whatever is in the way (locals, carts, and the mountains of garbage that decorate any given Iraqi street,)shooting everyone who appears, even vaguely, to be a threat.
Threat being either someone within sight; the Iraqis do not carry signs around their neck, announcing their role as 'Trigger (Wo)Man,' or partial sight, like all of the heads that keep peering up over rooftops, and from around corners. And at muzzle and dust flashes from the ambusher's weapons. And at that confused and terrified old woman who rushes back and forth, not knowing how in hell to get down or away.
And so, the locals, who all knew nothing about the presence of the ambush, die. My question:
Who killed those locals?
Was it Mr. Smith, with Blackwater Inc. who was trying like hell to stay alive, and protect his current customer? Or was it the half dozen or more Iraqis, who disregarded the lives of all the locals in the kill-zone, when they cacked of their ambush?
I know the answer, folks, because I've been there. Take your sanctimonious judgements, and your armchair analysis back to the United States of Abractia, where you live, and do a moral compass check.
These men did as anyone of us would, and regardless of whether they wear a set of digitals, or a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, they're part of our team, and deserve NOTHING short of your total support."
I am in full agreement with SSG Winn. What do you think?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Boondock Saints...
" We must all fear evil men...but there is another thing that we must fear most...and that is...the indifference of Good Men..."
What is it about the average man that makes them sheep...?
How can a heinous crime be committed and a multitude will stand by and ignore the crime in denial?
I found a story about a woman who was raped I will link it below. This was a story I found on an anti-islamic site. But the point of this is not really about being anti-islamist. There is a more heinous crime.
How can anyone stand by while a woman is raped? I just don't understand. How can a person stand by while a helpless person is murdered?
These are very serious questions. They deserve answers.
Recently a very good friend of mine was brutally raped, sodomized and beaten. She was fortunate that the police just happened to arrive before she was murdered by a couple of hispanic men that had just taken out a baseball bat to finish the job.
I am going to link the story of the rape by the arab man here...unfortunately you will not find a story about the poor girl I know personally who was brutally raped and beaten. This story will not appear in any newspaper or on any newshow.
Is it because her attackers were Mexican? in a border city in New Mexico? Is it because SHE is white? who knows. I wonder how many other rape and murder cases never make it into the media.
My friend was severely traumatized by the experience. and will not be able to have sex for a lng time...and even when she is healed...she may not want to.
As I was reading the article about the rape that was witnessed by several people and not reported and even worse, noone intervened on behalf of the poor woman, there was a reference to the case of the stabbing of Kitty Genovese. To quote the article..."The lack of intervention in the St. Paul case calls to mind the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, who was stabbed to death outside an apartment building in New York City. Although as many as a dozen people saw parts of the attack, no one stepped in or immediately called for help."
It reminded me of the opening sequence of the Boondock Saints. The priest is recalling that incident and makes a very poigniant statemnt that I quoted in the beginning of this post.
Me must fear the indifference of good men. I want all of you that read this to reflect up[on that statement because it seems the American public has become indifferent to the crimes against us.
Think about the meaning of this and how it applies to us as a society.
After some reflection and deliberation upon your part, i ask you one last thing...
Reach down inside and find the good man( or woman) in yourselves and make a point to not be indifferent. Make a stand and do what is right. Stand up for yourself the people around you and stop letting the enemy that is poised at the gates from gaining any more ground.
I am not asking anyone to be a hero...all I ask for you to be an authentic human being....
The link to the recent rape story is here:
http://www.startribune.com/467/story/1378695.html
What is it about the average man that makes them sheep...?
How can a heinous crime be committed and a multitude will stand by and ignore the crime in denial?
I found a story about a woman who was raped I will link it below. This was a story I found on an anti-islamic site. But the point of this is not really about being anti-islamist. There is a more heinous crime.
How can anyone stand by while a woman is raped? I just don't understand. How can a person stand by while a helpless person is murdered?
These are very serious questions. They deserve answers.
Recently a very good friend of mine was brutally raped, sodomized and beaten. She was fortunate that the police just happened to arrive before she was murdered by a couple of hispanic men that had just taken out a baseball bat to finish the job.
I am going to link the story of the rape by the arab man here...unfortunately you will not find a story about the poor girl I know personally who was brutally raped and beaten. This story will not appear in any newspaper or on any newshow.
Is it because her attackers were Mexican? in a border city in New Mexico? Is it because SHE is white? who knows. I wonder how many other rape and murder cases never make it into the media.
My friend was severely traumatized by the experience. and will not be able to have sex for a lng time...and even when she is healed...she may not want to.
As I was reading the article about the rape that was witnessed by several people and not reported and even worse, noone intervened on behalf of the poor woman, there was a reference to the case of the stabbing of Kitty Genovese. To quote the article..."The lack of intervention in the St. Paul case calls to mind the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, who was stabbed to death outside an apartment building in New York City. Although as many as a dozen people saw parts of the attack, no one stepped in or immediately called for help."
It reminded me of the opening sequence of the Boondock Saints. The priest is recalling that incident and makes a very poigniant statemnt that I quoted in the beginning of this post.
Me must fear the indifference of good men. I want all of you that read this to reflect up[on that statement because it seems the American public has become indifferent to the crimes against us.
Think about the meaning of this and how it applies to us as a society.
After some reflection and deliberation upon your part, i ask you one last thing...
Reach down inside and find the good man( or woman) in yourselves and make a point to not be indifferent. Make a stand and do what is right. Stand up for yourself the people around you and stop letting the enemy that is poised at the gates from gaining any more ground.
I am not asking anyone to be a hero...all I ask for you to be an authentic human being....
The link to the recent rape story is here:
http://www.startribune.com/467/story/1378695.html
Russia is growing a new set of nads...
Well, it was bound to happen eventually....with the sale of so much military hardware to Venezuela, Russia has been reviving her military and has been rather brazen about it of late.
The planting of a Russian flag at the North pole...via submarine aside. Russia has been conducting bomber flights into international waters and causing quite a stir amongst the NATO countries.
There is a great article about this that I am going to link below.
http://formerspook.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html
I encourage you all to read it. If not, your loss.
The planting of a Russian flag at the North pole...via submarine aside. Russia has been conducting bomber flights into international waters and causing quite a stir amongst the NATO countries.
There is a great article about this that I am going to link below.
http://formerspook.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html
I encourage you all to read it. If not, your loss.
RIP Grandma Gillow...
September 6th 2007.
Naomi Inez Keesler Gillow passed on.
She was my Grandmother...and so much more. No one loved their family like Gram did. She should've passed on many years ago. She was a fighter and she held on as long as she could, because she knew her family needed her. She was the matriarch of the Gillow clan.
Born in 1915, she survived her husband Lee by 50 years....amazing.
I was unable to attend the funeral, but I did manage to fly home to be with the family for a few days. The trip was far too short and I was reluctant to leave after so short a time, but responsibilities forced me to.
I know that my grandmother is in the house of her Lord. She lived a very pious life and loved unconditionally. We all carry a piece of her with us now.
God rest her soul.
Wherever you are now Gram....know that your loved and missed.
JJ
Naomi Inez Keesler Gillow passed on.
She was my Grandmother...and so much more. No one loved their family like Gram did. She should've passed on many years ago. She was a fighter and she held on as long as she could, because she knew her family needed her. She was the matriarch of the Gillow clan.
Born in 1915, she survived her husband Lee by 50 years....amazing.
I was unable to attend the funeral, but I did manage to fly home to be with the family for a few days. The trip was far too short and I was reluctant to leave after so short a time, but responsibilities forced me to.
I know that my grandmother is in the house of her Lord. She lived a very pious life and loved unconditionally. We all carry a piece of her with us now.
God rest her soul.
Wherever you are now Gram....know that your loved and missed.
JJ
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The "pink" tide?
There is growing anti-US sentiment in the latin countries of central and south America.
Communism is apparently making a comeback...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2161848,00.html
Whadda y'all think?
Communism is apparently making a comeback...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2161848,00.html
Whadda y'all think?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
On being an American
Ok, I'm just gonna post this quote from Teddy.
I think it speaks for itself.
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
The Guys over at Patriotic Thunder have a great article on Immigration.
Check it out:
http://www.patrioticthunder.com/immigration.html
I think it speaks for itself.
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
The Guys over at Patriotic Thunder have a great article on Immigration.
Check it out:
http://www.patrioticthunder.com/immigration.html
Modoggie and living on your knees
I think I need to clarify my position on Islam and Muslims in general.
Fanfnir's Hangnail pointed out how the sacriligeous depictions of the prophet Muhammed only fan the flames of radical Islam.
I stand by my conviction that it is the Religious Authority in the Muslim world that needs to be put in check. Quite frankly, the average citizen of just about every country in the world wants the same things in life and despite religious and cultural differences, they just want to to be happy, feel safe and provide for their families.
The problem is that they are afraid of the religious authority.
My metaphorical punch in the face of Islam is meant to show that it is the Radical Islam and the totalitarian religious authority of Islam that needs to be dethroned.
I've read some comments that some Muslims, that actually reside in the ME, realize that the Modoggie illustrations so widely publicized now, are just images and that the self-righteous need to get over themselves...this coming form a Muslim.
Now I know alot of folks have done their homework on Islam and the life and times of the "Great Prophet".
I am not about to debate with anyone about the particulars.
Bear in mind, however, that there are plenty of law-abiding muslims that really don't want this senseless violence to continue. The Koran has alot of good wisdom in it, but there are many not so peaceful messages in it.
Muhammed was not a nice man, I think anyone that knows anything about his life would agree. The problem is that the culture of the ME is so intermixed into their religion that it becomes a religious issue whether we like it or not.
So I may actually get around to making some Muhammed drawings to give the religious Authority of Islam the proverbial "bird".
To quantify this, if it were any other religion perpetrating this attack on our way of life, I would do the same thing. I don't care by what name you call God. You have no right to undermine the society and culture of MY country.
So as an addendum to this, all of you MSM journalists and Hollywood commie pukes and socialist idiots, could you stop bashing our way of life and the men and women that defend your rights to do what you want in this country? Could you just wake up and smell the coffee? There is an ideological war being waged against the western culture not just a campaign of violence. there is a Jihad and a Dawa. We in the west are feeling the effects of the Dawa right now...if we weren't taking the Jihad to their front door you would be seeing it waged here as well.
Wake up people.
So for those of you out there that don't think Islamic radicals are a danger to us...follow the links.
http://patdollard.com/2007/09/04/denmark-shuts-down-al-qaeda-terror-attack/
http://patdollard.com/2007/09/05/thwartedthe-biggest-terror-attack-ever-on-german-soil/
And I will reiterate until I am blue in the face...maybe it will sink in.
It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees.
may you die with your boots on....
Fanfnir's Hangnail pointed out how the sacriligeous depictions of the prophet Muhammed only fan the flames of radical Islam.
I stand by my conviction that it is the Religious Authority in the Muslim world that needs to be put in check. Quite frankly, the average citizen of just about every country in the world wants the same things in life and despite religious and cultural differences, they just want to to be happy, feel safe and provide for their families.
The problem is that they are afraid of the religious authority.
My metaphorical punch in the face of Islam is meant to show that it is the Radical Islam and the totalitarian religious authority of Islam that needs to be dethroned.
I've read some comments that some Muslims, that actually reside in the ME, realize that the Modoggie illustrations so widely publicized now, are just images and that the self-righteous need to get over themselves...this coming form a Muslim.
Now I know alot of folks have done their homework on Islam and the life and times of the "Great Prophet".
I am not about to debate with anyone about the particulars.
Bear in mind, however, that there are plenty of law-abiding muslims that really don't want this senseless violence to continue. The Koran has alot of good wisdom in it, but there are many not so peaceful messages in it.
Muhammed was not a nice man, I think anyone that knows anything about his life would agree. The problem is that the culture of the ME is so intermixed into their religion that it becomes a religious issue whether we like it or not.
So I may actually get around to making some Muhammed drawings to give the religious Authority of Islam the proverbial "bird".
To quantify this, if it were any other religion perpetrating this attack on our way of life, I would do the same thing. I don't care by what name you call God. You have no right to undermine the society and culture of MY country.
So as an addendum to this, all of you MSM journalists and Hollywood commie pukes and socialist idiots, could you stop bashing our way of life and the men and women that defend your rights to do what you want in this country? Could you just wake up and smell the coffee? There is an ideological war being waged against the western culture not just a campaign of violence. there is a Jihad and a Dawa. We in the west are feeling the effects of the Dawa right now...if we weren't taking the Jihad to their front door you would be seeing it waged here as well.
Wake up people.
So for those of you out there that don't think Islamic radicals are a danger to us...follow the links.
http://patdollard.com/2007/09/04/denmark-shuts-down-al-qaeda-terror-attack/
http://patdollard.com/2007/09/05/thwartedthe-biggest-terror-attack-ever-on-german-soil/
And I will reiterate until I am blue in the face...maybe it will sink in.
It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees.
may you die with your boots on....
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Die With Your Boots On...part 3
Well, I googled it and this is what I found:
"Where did the saying "die with your boots on" come from and what does it mean?"
This probably comes from the old West. If you died sick and/or old, you died in your bed with your boots off. If you died in a gunfight, you died with your boots on.
I've also heard it used to describe someone who worked every single day of their lives. But, I like the gunfighter meaning best!
Boot Hill A name given to the frontier cemetery because most of its early occupants died with their boots on. The name has had an appeal as part of the romantic side of the West and has become familiar as representing the violent end of a reckless life.
From Western Words: A Dictionary of the American West by Ramon F. Adams (University of Oklahoma Press, 1968)
die with one's boots Also, die in harness. Expire while working, keep working to the end....Both phrases probably allude to soldiers who died on active duty. Until the early 1600s the noun "boot" denoted a piece of armor for the legs, which may have given rise to this usage....From The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer (1997)
I kinda like the "Old West" version...it's kinda cool. But prefer to think of it as not living on my knees. To die with my boots on is to live and die on my feet. As a free man...
What do you think?
"Where did the saying "die with your boots on" come from and what does it mean?"
This probably comes from the old West. If you died sick and/or old, you died in your bed with your boots off. If you died in a gunfight, you died with your boots on.
I've also heard it used to describe someone who worked every single day of their lives. But, I like the gunfighter meaning best!
Boot Hill A name given to the frontier cemetery because most of its early occupants died with their boots on. The name has had an appeal as part of the romantic side of the West and has become familiar as representing the violent end of a reckless life.
From Western Words: A Dictionary of the American West by Ramon F. Adams (University of Oklahoma Press, 1968)
die with one's boots Also, die in harness. Expire while working, keep working to the end....Both phrases probably allude to soldiers who died on active duty. Until the early 1600s the noun "boot" denoted a piece of armor for the legs, which may have given rise to this usage....From The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer (1997)
I kinda like the "Old West" version...it's kinda cool. But prefer to think of it as not living on my knees. To die with my boots on is to live and die on my feet. As a free man...
What do you think?
WoW update
Well, I hit level 40 this weekend and wouldn't you know that despite saving my hard earned gold I am still many, many gold short of purchasing a mount...*sigh*
I have 60g right now and I believe I need 30 more...ugh. I MIGHT get a mount by the time I hit 41...doubtful, but just maybe....
I have 60g right now and I believe I need 30 more...ugh. I MIGHT get a mount by the time I hit 41...doubtful, but just maybe....
Modoggies
Well, I've been seeing alot more news about the Modoggies. The illustrations by Lars Vilks have really created an uproar in the world community.
The Muslim nations, Iran in particular, have called on the Swedish Government to punish the newspaper that published the illustrations and also the artist himself.
At least the Swedes have finally stood up and said "no". It's about time.
Thomas the Wraith has decided to make some drawings of his own and publish them on his blog
It can be found here http://rantwraith.blogspot.com/
Or you can just use the link at the bottom of my page.
Gates of Vienna has been covering the Modoggie chronicles quite extensively so you should take a look over there at Baron Bodissey and Dymphna's blog. They've got alot of great posts.
Oh, and I am going to make a few Modoggie drawings myself and post them here...
The more they scream like spoiled brats, the more I will take pleasure in being the infidel they love to hate.
Cheers!
The Muslim nations, Iran in particular, have called on the Swedish Government to punish the newspaper that published the illustrations and also the artist himself.
At least the Swedes have finally stood up and said "no". It's about time.
Thomas the Wraith has decided to make some drawings of his own and publish them on his blog
It can be found here http://rantwraith.blogspot.com/
Or you can just use the link at the bottom of my page.
Gates of Vienna has been covering the Modoggie chronicles quite extensively so you should take a look over there at Baron Bodissey and Dymphna's blog. They've got alot of great posts.
Oh, and I am going to make a few Modoggie drawings myself and post them here...
The more they scream like spoiled brats, the more I will take pleasure in being the infidel they love to hate.
Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)