Monday, November 13, 2006

We all knew the implications of a Democratic victory in the past election. Now we are starting to see the results. It seems our enemies In Tehran and Damascus have certainly taken notice:

"The perceived results of the midterm elections in the U.S. were read as positive by Tehran and its allies, in the sense that it froze vigorous reactions by the U.S. against any Iranian-Syrian move in Lebanon via Hezbollah. The feelings in Tehran and Damascus, have been that if in the next weeks and months a "thrust" takes place in Lebanon to the advantage of the pro-Syrian camp, Washington will be in no position to react or counter."

From the article: Hezbollah's offensive in Lebanon has begun - World Defense Review
http://worlddefensereview.com/phares111306.shtml

It seems Iran is continuing their strategy to surround and eventually attempt to destroy Israel. Hezbollah is making moves to complete a takeover of Lebanon and if that happens, Iran will have two countries bordering Israel that are virtual puppets of Iran and sworn enemies of Israel.

Thankfully, George Bush is President for at least two more years. But with the "cut & runners" now running the Hill, will he have to fight both the terrorists and Congress?

Monday, July 03, 2006

Independence Day...

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness..."

When those 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence over 200 years ago, they were considered traitors by the British. Many of them were wealthy and respected in their communities. Throughout the war several lost their lives, families and fortunes. But none lost their resolve that what they did was, and always would be the correct course of action. Oh, if they could only see the great country that grew from their courage!

As we celebrate another Independence Day, let us never forget their courage. May they always inspire future generations to always be fearless in the face of evil. May future leaders' courage in the time of crisis be as steadfast as our Founding Fathers!

Happy Independence Day!!!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Bring the boys home?...

Imagine its December 1944. The Allied advance in Western Europe has stalled due to supply and logistic problems. Back in the US, the House of Representatives debates the merits of World War II. Representative Murtha, who is old enough to have served back then, demands an immediate withdrawal of all US military from Europe proclaiming that, "We can't win this war!"

In Berlin, the Germans are hard at work planning one final massive Winter offensive in the West. But when Adolf Hitler gets news of the pull out, he sees an opportunity. Instead of an immediate attack, he pulls his forces back to stronger defensive positions and delays the attack until after the US "redeployment".

Murtha and the "cut and run" Democrats have their way and the US pulls all of its forces out of Europe. 15 days later Hitler unleashes the German army in a massive operation that overwhelms and destroys the remaining English and Canadian forces in the West. The Allies sue for peace leaving Germany in control of all of Western Europe. They are now free to focus all their military might on the Soviet Union who they fight to a stalemate at approximately the 1939 borders between the two countries.

Fortunately none of that is true. But it is interesting to consider what would happen if the US had adopted Murtha and the Democrat's strategy in previous conflicts. You would think that members of Congress, especially those that have served in the military, would understand that conflicts must be won in a decisive manner. Wars are never won by retreating. Victory is never gained by giving up. True and lasting peace can only be obtained by completely destroying the enemies' will and ability to wage war.

A "cut and run" strategy will only encourage our enemies. Osama Bin Laden is on record as saying this after observing Clinton's disgraceful exit in Somalia. Our enemies saw American forces quit after enduring a few casualties at the hands of a ragtag bunch of thugs. An embarrassment and probably the single biggest event that convinced Osama that a major attack like 9-11 would cause the US to pull all of its forces out of the Middle East and abandon Israel.

Thankfully, Osama did not realize that George Bush is not Bill Clinton. And mercifully, the Democrats are not in power. Hopefully, they will never be in power. Because they have proven time and again that they cannot be trusted with defending America, or protecting our interests in a dangerous world.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Your Tax Dollars At Work...

God Bless our government. They bent over backwards to try and help after Hurricane Katrina only to have a large percentage of people work the system. The GAO audit reports are out and its not surprising that the payment program was filled with corruption and theft.

Here are some examples of what was found:

- As of March 2006, over 90 percent of money funded to the debit card program has been used by recipients to obtain cash which did not allow the GAO to determine how the money was actually used.

- Examples of debit card purchased goods and services that did not appear to meet legitimate disaster needs - The understatement of the week!

Jewelz - Arlington, TX - Diamond jewelry including watches, earrings, and a ring $3,700

Vacation Express - Atlanta, GA - All inclusive 1 week Caribbean vacation resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic $2,200

Lesea Broadcasting - South Bend, IN - Donations to a faith based charity $2,000

New Orleans Saints - New Orleans, LA - 5 New Orleans Saints football season tickets $2,000

Mark Lipkin Attorney - Houston, TX - Divorce lawyer services $1,000

Legends - Houston, TX - Gentleman's club $600

The Pleasure Zone - Houston, TX - Adult erotica products $400

Hooters - San Antonio, TX - Alcoholic beverages including $200 bottle of Dom Perignon champagne $300

GGW Video - Santa Monica, CA - Girls Gone Wild videos $300

Alamo Fireworks - San Antonio, TX - Fireworks $300

- As of May 26, 2006, FEMA can only account for 10,608 cards of the 10,989 cards JPMorgan Chase claimed that it has distributed. As a result, FEMA cannot properly account for 381 debit cards, worth about $760,000.

- Rental assistance payments were sent to individuals living in FEMA-paid-for hotels! Here are a couple of the more egregious examples:

Marriott Courtyard - (Lafayette, LA) - Registrant stayed at hotel from September 2005 to February 2006 at a cost of $109 to $122 per night. FEMA paid registrant two rental assistance payments in September 2005 and December 2005. Rental Assistance total: $5,208 - Hotel Payments total: $18,000

Ramada Plaza - (Corona, NY) - Registrant stayed at hotel from September 2005 to March 2006 at a cost of $149 per night. FEMA paid registrant rental assistance in September 2005. Rental Assistance total: $2,358 - Hotel Payments total: $31,000

- FEMA paid millions of dollars to over 1,000 registrants who used names and SSNs belonging to state and federal prisoners. Here are a few examples:

Case 1 involves a convicted felon, housed in a Louisiana prison from April 2001 to the present, who registered for assistance by telephone. FEMA paid over $20,000 to the registrant even though the damaged property address on the registration was a post office box address and the registrant was incarcerated throughout the disaster period.

Case 2 involves a registrant who has been incarcerated in a Mississippi correctional facility since 2004. The registrant used his name and SSN over the telephone to apply for and receive $2,000 in expedited assistance and $2,358 in rental assistance. The individual listed his correct current address, at the prison, to receive these payments.

These are just a handful of cases that permeate the "disaster" relief effort. There is potentially $1 billion in waste and fraud that is under review!

Guess what? Its hurricane season again...

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/06/14/fema.audit/index.html

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

A little perspective on June 6th...

As we continue to hear the shrill rantings from "peace mom/dance on my son's grave" Cindy Sheehan, the media, and the rest of the loons on the left, it behooves us to consider the historical significance of casualties in previous battles.

June 6, 1918 Battle of Belleau Wood - WWI - The first major engagement of US troops in Europe. The 20 day battle resulted in 10,000 American casualties. The Germans lost 300,000 men during the battle.

June 6, 1944 D-Day Invasion - WWII - The Allies' long expected invasion of France started on this day. Total Allied casualities on D-Day were estimated at 10,000 dead, wounded or missing. It is estimated that over 1400 American soldiers lost their lives during that first day. German casualties have been estimated as high as 9,000.

By the end of the Battle of Normandy, approximately 90 days, the Allies had lost over 53,000 men. Between 15,000 and 20,000 French civilians lost their lives during the battle. The Germans reported over 70,000 deaths.

In over 3 years of fighting in Iraq, there have been only 2,475 US deaths and 292 in 5 years of fighting in Afghanistan. To put this in perspective with previous US conflicts:

US Casualties By Conflict
Revolutionary War (1775-83) - 4,435
War of 1812 (1812-15) - 2,260
Mexican War (1846-48) - 13,283
Civil War (1861-65) - 498,000 est
Spanish American War (1898) - 2,446
World War I (1917-18) - 116,516
World War II (1941-45) - 405,399
Korean War (1950-53) - 36,574
Vietnam War (1964-75) - 58,200
Persian Gulf War (1990-91) - 382
Afghanistan War (2001 thru 6/6/06) - 292
Iraq War (2003 thru 6/6/06) - 2,475

By comparison with civilian deaths in the US, in 2003 there were 109,277 deaths reported attributed to accidents or unintentional injuries. Suicide resulted in 31,484 deaths. Homicide accounted for 17,732 deaths.

What does this all mean? Well for one, the US military is doing a pretty darn good job avoiding casualties while being stuck in a "Vietnam-like quagmire".

The real point is we are in a fight we must win. And it is far better to engage your enemy in his backyard than fighting a bunch of suicidal fanatics in our own.

While we mourn every death, soldiers and civilians alike, we will not surrender or retreat. To do so would set us up for eventual destruction. Our enemy will stop at nothing to destroy Western civilization and anyone who will not accept their fanatical views. Any erosion of support for this effort will only be seen as a sign of weakness by them.

The left, who have at times been celebrated as defenders of freedom, now find themselves in an interesting spot. They are attacking the very country, government and military that allows them to express their opinions without fear. If the maniacs that run Iran and Syria were in charge here, they would never enjoy this freedom.

Friday, April 28, 2006

Let 'em play the game...

I was fortunate to play sports throughout my life and have won a few championships along the way. Rarely did any of those teams go undefeated. There were almost always a few setbacks like injuries or players missing games for various reasons. But at the end of every season, at every level and in every sport, there was always an opportunity for redemption in the form of a playoff. Never did I have to look to computer nerds or sportswriters and have them select who was the best team in the league.

Unfortunately, that is the case when it comes to one of my favorite sports, college football. A handful of the wealthier conferences banded together and created this travesty known as the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Or as I call it the BS CS - "championship" my foot! When you have effectively prevented almost half of the NCAA 1A teams even a shot at the title, you cannot claim that you have a true champion.

At least before the BSCS was invented the Bowl system, as flawed as it was, left the door open for upsets and some drama leading up to the final poll. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of sportswriters making the decision either. But the way things played out was at least more interesting for the fans. Now, the BSCS gods pick two teams and declare the winner between them to be the "champion". This makes every other bowl game a complete waste of time.

The reality is the BSCS is about money and power. The big conferences want all the money and the power. They argue that the outsiders can't compete - which is laughable considering what always happens in every other NCAA sport like March Madness. But the system itself helps perpetuate this myth by the windfall that is hoarded by the same power conferences. Only a liberal could love this system!

Next year we may have as many as 32 bowls. That means 64 teams will get to go to a bowl - whoopee!!!. Only one bowl will mean anything. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see SMU in a bowl game - I've waited long enough!! But I would much rather see them have a shot at winning everything through a playoff. Since every other level and sport can do it I would think the NCAA 1A teams could figure it out too!

Here is my simple plan for a playoff - 16 teams - 4 weeks - 1 true champion
ACC Champion
Big 10 Champion
Big 12 Champion
Big East Champion
CUSA Champion
MAC Champion
MWC Champion
Pac 10 Champion
SEC Champion
Sunbelt Champion
WAC Champion
5 - deserving (based on performance not alumni size) at large teams

The first round games can be played at the school's stadiums. I would prefer to avoid bowls altogether because they are part of the problem we have now. Maybe the latter rounds could be awarded by bid.

Where possible, I would also require all conferences to expand to at least 12 teams and have a championship game. No goofy 3-way ties where the 3 teams never played each other. Have every conference produce a true champion. No special waivers for Notre Dame or anyone else. Everyone must earn their way into the playoff. There could still be bowl games for the other deserving teams. With this method, EVERYONE has a legitimate shot at being the national champion. Nothing less will do.

With this system, we would have a TRUE NATIONAL CHAMPION by the start of the Spring semester. How cool would that be!!

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Sign, sign everywhere a sign...

Here is a great blog featuring nutty signs from around the world. Good clean fun for the kids...

http://sillysigns.blogspot.com/

An ode to spam...

Not the tasty meat-like stuff in a can, but the junk that fills up your inbox no matter how much protection you have in place. It would be one thing if they sent you some useful information on products that you might actually purchase. Instead I get stuff like this:

1. Prescription Drugs - Best Prices Online!!! - Is there anyone who has actually bought their prescription drugs from a spammer?

2. Hot Stock Tip - Yes, random spammers are who I trust to invest my hard-earned money.

3. Natural Penile/Breast Enlargement - I think my breasts are just fine - thank you very much!!

4. Mutual Business Arrangement - Some guy in the Middle East dies leaving millions pining away in some asian bank. Let me see, a guy from the Middle East with NO relatives!? No relatives in the land of multiple wives, children and massively large extended families!? And all I have to do is give you my personal information to make millions? I'm in!!

AND THIS JUST IN FROM SOMEONE CALLED TYLER FOUNTAIN:

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!

We provide a concept that will allow anyone with sufficient life experience to obtain a fully verifiable university diploma. Bachelor, Master or even a Doctorate. Think of it, within a month you too could be a college graduate.

Many people share the same frustration, they are all doing the work of the person that has the degree, and the person that has the degree is getting all the money. Don't you think that it is time you were paid fair compensation for the level of work you are already doing?This is your chance to finally make the right move and receive your due benefits.

If you are like most people, you are more than qualified with your experience, but you are lacking that prestigious piece of paper known as a diploma that is often the passport to success.Go Here TODAY, to fill out an online application form AND GIVE YOUR LIFE A CHANCE!http://www.h8su.com/mba.asp

I'm waiting for my PhD right now. Though you can start calling me Dr. Harrison right away!

Friday, March 31, 2006

Parenting 101...

I'm sure you heard about the zombie party murders in Seattle. This was a tragic crime where some nutcase shows up armed to the teeth and starts shooting people for no apparent reason before taking his own life. Six people were killed and two wounded. Among the dead was a 14-year old girl.

As horribly tragic as this was, what really struck me was this one line in the Seattle paper:

"(The Parents) said they allowed their 14-year-old daughter, to go to raves as long she came home by her 3 a.m. curfew. "

The shooting started at 7 a.m.! Its bad enough that it is 4 hours past curfew and your daughter is not home. But what amazes me is who would ever allow a 14-year old to be at a rave where drugs, alcohol and older predatory boys might be present? And who would give a 14-year old girl a 3 a.m. curfew in the first place!? I think my curfew was dark until about16!

I can't imagine the pain that the family is experiencing. But this is a tragedy that should have never happened.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/264580_shootfolo28.html

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Hard Times For Lefist Media Types...

Low ratings and declining circulation. You can blame it on the Internet, talk radio or the proliferation of cable networks, but I believe Americans are just plain sick and tired of hearing Demi-rat talking points delivered as news. Most of us love this country and support are leaders and military. Maybe some of these guys will figure it out before they all go out of business.

GALLUP POLLING DROPS CNN AFTER 'LOW RATINGS'; FULL MEMO REVEALED - March 21, 2006
'Washington Post' To Cut 80 Newsroom Jobs, Sources Say - 03/10/2006
Gannett January ad revenue slips - 02/15/2006
E.W. Scripps Reports 4Q Loss of $603,000 - 02/02/2006
Knight Ridder profit declines 22% - 01/31/2006
TIMES BOMBS ("paper of record" 2001-04 daily circulation off 19%) - 01/11/2006
TIMES' 4Q PROFIT OFF (attributes costs of 500 job cuts) - 12/22/2005
Gannett Nov. Revenue Drops 2.1% (Other MSM sinking, too) - 12/08/2005
L.A. Times Drags on Tribune Revenue (200 *more* layoffs expected) - 12/02/2005
Newspaper circulation down. Sanfrancisco Chronicle down 17% - 11/08/2005
Newspaper Circulation Continues to Decline (NY Daily News DOWN 1.5% - May 2005) - 10/24/2005
Bored readers cutting off Globe’s circulation - 10/20/2005
Time Inc. Gets A U.S. Subpoena About Circulation - 09/24/2005
Denver papers use liberal rules to boost circulation - 08/08/2005
Advertisers Sue 'Minneapolis Star Tribune' Over Circulation Inflation - 06/29/2005
Arrests made in Newsday circulation scandal - 06/16/2005
Los Angeles Times Reports March Circulation (Down, down, down) - 05/02/2005
Belo Begins Refunding Advertisers Over Inflated Circulation Figures (Texas) - 05/02/2005
Why Can’t the Washington Post Keep Circulation Up? - 07/23/2004
Newsday, Hoy publishers retire amid circulation scandal - 07/19/04
Publishers Seek Scapegoats for Circulation Woes - 07/05/2004
Tribune Company (LA Times parent) Admits Inflated Circulation Numbers At Two Papers - 06/23/2004

Monday, March 20, 2006

Paging General Robert E Muhammed...

And something new from the Demi-rats.

It seems the faxes went out from Demi-rat headquarters to all their leftist media allies: "As we reach the 3rd anniversary of the Iraq invasion, let's claim that there is a civil war brewing. Let's forget the fact that the Kurdish region is prospering and peaceful, along with large parts of the country. And ignore the fact that both Iran and Syria have a vested interest in not having a stable, democractic neighbor next door. Or that radical Islamic nuts are trying their best to destroy freedom for the Iraqi people."

You don't need to read the articles. They are all boilerplate Demi-rat talking points. Simply look at the headlines:

Civil war fears grip Iraq on 3rd anniversary - Reuters via Yahoo

Iraq risks civil war three years after invasion - AFP via Yahoo

Myriad factors are moving Iraq toward civil war - Dallas Morning News via Contra Costa Times

Allawi Says Iraq in Middle of Civil War - AP via Yahoo

Debate rages on civil war in Iraq - Fort Wayne Journal

Is Iraq In Civil War? - CBS News - The noted beacon of truth and integrity in news [/sarcasm]

No wonder ratings and readership continues to plummet at all the old media outlets.

Do what the media is suppose to do investigate and report.

We all get it. You hate Bush and desire him to fail in whatever he does. The sad part is if we ultimately fail (which will not happen under present and similar conservative leadership), it would mean the end of a free media. That is the irony for me. If the left had their way they would submit to the Islamic facists and lose the very rights they claim they cherish. Their hatred of Bush blinds them to the ultimate cost of us NOT winning the WOT.

With all the negative news the old media always reports, it must be really depressing being a liberal. No wonder they are so angry.

The Internet Age...

I post this without comment:

http://www.augmentlauren.com/

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Religion of Peace?

It seems in our nation building in Afghanistan someone forgot to mention one of the most important of our freedoms, religion.

An Afghan is facing the death penalty for of all things - converting to Christianity. It appears that the ROP doesn't have the confidence to debate the merits of its religion. Instead through fear and intimidation they force people to miss out on the freedom found in Christ.

If you believe that your religion is indeed the truth, you shouldn't be afraid of anyone questioning or challenging those beliefs.

You can read Abdul Rahman's sad story here:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-03-18-voa7.cfm

A prayer for his release and safety would be very helpful and appreciated.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Mystery of Life #4

Mystery of life #4 is something that has puzzled me for most of my adult life. For a few years I had forgotten about it. But being single again, I am confronted by it as I interact in the "singles scene".

Whenever I would go out it seems I only meet women who are in their early 20s or in their 40s. It is very rare to meet any women from about 25 to 35. Where do they all go?

Don't get me wrong. 21 year old women are gorgeous. But generally they want to introduce you to their mother. Which can be pretty tough on ones' self-confidence.

Of course the answer is pretty easy. They are involved in their careers, dating, getting married, having/raising kids etc. They then emerge back on the scene divorced 40ish single moms who hate men - I'm kidding of course.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

January's Hot 5...

These are my favorite women for the month of January...

1. Alessandra Ambrosio - A supermodel that never seems to take a bad photo and at the same time looks like she might be your best friend next door.

2. Kate Beckinsale - Maybe its the English accent or the eyes, but Kate rocks! Dress her up in 40s era nurse outfit, black leather with vampire teeth, or even a 17th century gown and she always looks good.

3. Josie Maran - She was "LuLu" the French model in "Little Black Book". The actress/model is one of the newest additions to my top 5.

4. Audrey Hepburn - Yes, she is no longer with us. But she will always be one of my favorites. What a wonderful actress and a very beautiful woman.

5. Natalie Portman - Natalie just keeps getting better. In some ways, she reminds me of Audrey. One of the prettiest faces in Hollywood IMHO.

Honorable Mention: Jessica Alba, Tyra Banks, Kona Carmack, Rachael Leigh Cook, Elisha Cuthbert, Eliza Dushku, Jennifer Ellison, Keira Knightley, Eva Longoria, Vanessa Marcil, Kelly Monaco, Patricia Velasquez, Mayra Veronica

Run Hillary Run...

Does anyone else think that if Hillary runs for president the Republicans will win in the largest landslide in the history of the United States? She may very well cause the destruction of her party.

Oh well, no loss there. Maybe another party will emerge made up of people with integrity and some sort of vision for the future instead of "Bush lied"!

Oops, I shouldn't have typed that. She may still have my FBI file...

I think its time to bring back the Free Soil Party. Since slavery isn't an issue anymore, maybe they could focus on the abolition of reality TV.

I Hit The Jackpot!!!

Just received this in my email. Woohoo!!!!

FROM: MR. CHEUNG PUI

Dear Friend,

Let me start by introducing myself. I am Mr. Cheung Pui director of operations of the Hang Seng Bank Ltd. I have an obscured business suggestion for you. Before the U.S andIraqi war our client Major Fadi Basem who was with the Iraqi forces and also business man made a numbered fixed deposit for 18 calendar months, with a value of Twenty Four millionFive Hundred Thousand United State Dollars only in my branch. Upon maturity several notice was sent to him, even during the war early this year. Again after the war another notification was sent and still no response came from him. We later find out that the Major and his family had been killed during the war in bomb blast that hit their home. After further investigation it was also discovered that Major Fadibasem did not declare any next of kin in his official papers including the paper work of his bank deposit. And he also confided in me the last time he was at my office that no one except me knew of his deposit in my bank. So Twenty Four Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollar is still lying in my bank and no one will ever come forward to claim it. What bothers me most is that according to the laws of my country at the expiration 4 years the funds will revert to the ownership of the Hong Kong Government if nobody applies to claim the funds. Against this backdrop, my suggestion to you is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand as the next of kin to Major Fadi Basem so that you will be able to receive his funds.

WHAT IS TO BE DONE:I want you to know that I have had everything planned out so that we shall come out successful. I have contacted an attorney that will prepare the necessary document that will back you up as the next of kin for you to provide me with your Full Names and Address so that the attorney can commence his job. After you have been made the next of kin,the attorney will also fill in for claims on your behalf and secure the necessary approval and letter of probate in your favor for the move of the funds to an account that will be provided by you. There is no risk involved at all in the matter as we are going adopt a legalized method and the attorney will prepare all the necessary documents.

Please endeavour to observe utmost discretion in all matters concerning this issue. Once the funds have been transferred to your nominated bank account we shall share in the ratio of 70% for me, 30% for you . Should you be interested please send me your full names and current residential address and I will prefer you to reach me on the email address below. And finally after that I shall provide you with more details of this operation.Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Mr. Cheung Pui

I don't think Mr. Pui will be hearing from me any time soon...