'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. 

 

• We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.  
• We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
• We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
• We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. 
• We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
• We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.  
• We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. 
• We have abused power and called it politics.
• We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.  
• We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.  
• We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. 

 

Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. 

 

Amen.

 

(hat tip Freddie Langston )

---

 

The "Prayer for Our Nation" piece reproduced above has in recent years come to be attributed to venerable evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham, and before that it was circulated as "Paul Harvey's Prayer" (or "Paul Harvey's On Air Prayer").  However, it was neither written nor first presented by either of those men.

 

This prayer burst into the public consciousness back in January of 1996, when the Rev. Joe Wright, senior pastor of the 2,500-member Central Christian Church in Wichita, was invited to deliver the opening prayer at a session of the Kansas House of Representatives. On that occasion he offered the following "Prayer of Repentance" (which was not entirely of his own crafting but rather was a version of a prayer written in 1995 by Bob Russell, who had offered it at the Kentucky Governor's Prayer Breakfast in Frankfort):   (source) 

 

Here is what's really wrong with the federal "guv-ment"!

 

Our newly elected Democrat House member Alan Grayson has vowed to bring home more federal dollars - pork for the "beggar vote" thus hoping to ensure the safety of his house seat from reclamation by Central Florida Republicans.

 

In the "Orlando Sentinel (locally known as "The Slatinel") a dying Tribune Property that never met a socialist it didn't like, Mr. Grayson using the Orlando Phone books as an example is quoted as saying

 

"There's only one page for federal [services]," he said. "If you look at Chicago, it would be a dozen pages. People in Orlando need more from the federal government. . . . I want to try and increase the amount."

 

Of course with the ensuing "Tsunami of Socialists" entering Congress in January, there should be plenty of opportunity to feast at the public teat - at least until the milk runs dry.

 

Meanwhile the "Office of the President Elect", Pelosi and Read, are fermenting a new "brew of stimulus" that could be another $850 Billion bucks!!! Sweet mother of pearl - just how much money is that anyway? 

 

---

As a gentle reminder, Alan Grayson is a Democrat, carpet-bagging, opportunistic Copperhead, DC Attorney who, backed with party money and plenty of his own, moved to Orlando to unseat a politically vulnerable Rick Keller.

 

It is my belief that the United States of America was never intended to have a permanent political class. Instead, we're all supposed to do our civic duty which might include representing our fellow citizens locally, at the state and maybe even the federal level. Then, after our " our turn in the barrel"  we are supposed to leave, come home and  to get back to doing what we do! Mr. Grayson and his ilk represent probably the best reason for Term Limits -  in that without long term connections to a community they are funded and "moved in" by outsiders for both political gain and economic advantage.

Central Floridians can bet it won't be their best interests represented in Washington by this outsider. Instead, it will be the far away political interests and other fellow travelers and merry pranksters on "progressive bus" that will win the day.

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Isaac Watts / George Frederick Handel

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiance, who was obviously pregnant by this time.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.


The Shepherds and Angels

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!"

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God:


    "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
        and peace on earth to all whom God favors."

(NLT Luke 2 1-14)

Okay, so the Apostles of Ignorance have outdone themselves today!

 

With a  sputtering economy and companies shedding jobs like a sycamore in a snow storm, Congress has decided to say "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche" - "Let them eat cake"!

  

In a move that would make Marie Antoinette seem like the great philanthropist, Lawmakers have determined they deserve a pay raise.  Quickly, overlooking the fact that they had the chance to do the "right thing" and freeze their pay, instead, Lawmakers "pimped their pocketbooks" and voted themselves a raise.

 

While I supposed we should take heart that congresses has confidence that there will indeed some taxpayers left and we all won't be in breadlines, this certainly is a biter pill to swallow when 2 million Americans have lost their jobs - so far this year.

 

The hypocrisy of these "congressional confiscators" is unbelievable, their "over-the-top" histrionics while forcing auto exec to accept a one dollar a year salary - yes, I mean a buck a year - is beyond any sane understanding. And it's obvious that their hubris knows no bounds. It's okay for us to "tighten our belts" yet their ever expanding appetite for our money shows no sign of satiation.

 

Instead of representatives, we now seem to have  "Washingtonian monsters" whose hunger for money and the power it buys is unquenchable.

 

Regrettably we just missed the most recent opportunity to make things right with the voter's equivalent of 'pitchforks and torches' known as the ballot box.  Will it be too late to set things right in 2010? And, with such Congressional Jackassery on proud display, when might the need arise to switch the ballot box for the real pitchforks and torches to chase these monsters out of office?

Russian warships bound for Cuba in new show of strength

MOSCOW (AFP) - A group of Russian warships will from December 19-23 visit the Communist island of Cuba, a long-time adversary of the United States and Moscow's ally in the Cold War, the Russian navy said on Monday. Source1

 

 

Latin America summit excludes U.S. and welcomes Cuba

COSTA DO SAUIPE, Brazil (Reuters) - Latin American leaders on Tuesday blamed the global economic crisis on rich countries and welcomed Communist-run Cuba at a summit meeting designed to weaken U.S. influence in the region. Source2

And posse Comitatus?

 

A new report by the U.S. Army War College talks about the possibility of Pentagon resources and troops being used should the economic crisis lead to civil unrest, such as protests against businesses and government or runs on beleaguered banks.

 

"Widespread civil violence inside the United States would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities in extremis to defend basic domestic order and human security," said the War College report.

 

The study says economic collapse, terrorism and loss of legal order are among possible domestic shocks that might require military action within the U.S. Source3

 

 

There will be wars and rumors of wars

 

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.  Mathew 24:4 - 13

 

Be ready!

 

---

 

So when I admonish  us to be ready - what do I mean? 

 

Since the beginning of time soothsayers, seers and prophets' even guessers have been foretelling the End of the World. And whether or not we are in the end times, we might be in for some 'tough sledding'.  

 

That's why it is vital that we all focus on what is really important -  our faith, our families  and our friends! All of life is about relationships (with God, with yourself and with others) and how you manage those relationships. It uncertain times, it is essential that you replenish your soul and nourish your friendships and as my friend Freddie sez; "Keep the main thing, the main thing!"

 

The apostle Paul wrote [writing is what they what they did before they blogged]

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."  KJV Philippians 4: 11 -12

And knowing "how to live in plenty AND in want" may be the great challenge for our post-modern generation.

Taxes verses Services - Guns verses Butter, similar argument differing context.

 

In our local paper the Orlando Sentinel - one of the bankrupt properties of the Tribune Company [earlier Harangue] - who never met a 'socialist cause' it didn't embrace, is now reporting "Florida faces stark choice: Taxes vs. services".  Source 

 

Of course the real problem is that the state has promised too many goodies to those who aren't paying for them and is telling the rest of us, the taxpayers - which is an ever shrinking number - mind you, that we "'gotta' pay more"!!!

 

As an example:

That fact that they payer-vote is already paying double and sometimes triple for some services - already should be enough to stop the "Jeopardy Clock"; but, regrettably it's not. For example: your public school system delivers a defective product  - in that 50% of those graduating can't read and at least 30% of the students drop out before graduation - so you send your kinds to private school to offset the dumb-mass gap. You are force to pay twice: once on your tax bill, then on your children's tuition. Then the school board in it's infinity wisdom decides it needs more administrators and a new building to house them in so they impose an impact fee on new construction essentially taxing new home buyers a third time for the same defective services.

 

Florida is more than just 'Blue hairs' and Mickey Mouse. It's made up of real people trying to get things done. But; when the Apostles of Ignorance try to confiscate money from "Blue Hairs", Mickey or the rest of us, vis-à-vis taxes they disincentive 'getting things done'.  

 

Another example of what Frederic Bastiat wrote;  "the state is that great fiction by which everyone tries to live at the expense of everyone else"  [so who owns you?]

Anarchy au deux

 

As thousands of protestors descend on Athens police headquarters, riot squads move to protect targeted State institutions from coordinated assaults on public buildings, state radio broadcast and actions to disrupt traffic and occupy schools.

 

 The protests mark court appearances of six of militants arrested following the police shooting of a Molotov cocktail throwing teenager earlier this month. Source1  

 

These clashes are no mere spontaneous upraising of disaffected youth, instead it appears to be an orchestrated attempt to bring down the conservative government of  Costas Karamanlis, all the while the Socialist opposition leader George Papandrou demands new elections!

 

With anarchy as the lever, left-wing activists are calling for more "rallies" as an attempt to show solidarity with the militants facing arrest.

 

The real question is:

Are the Greek riots a blueprint for coordinated actions in our own country? And are actions like the squatter sit-in at the Chitown window factory just the warm up act? Or, like the Chicago Haymarket Riots from 100 years before, just another salvo in the 'history of the class struggle"?

 

And just what does George Soros have to do with it anyway?

• By his own admission Soros helped finance the July 2000 riots in Peru source2
• Spent 25 mil in 2004  trying to affect American regime change by supporting Kerry's campaign source3

 

Time magazine has characterized financier George Soros as a "modern-day Robin Hood," who robs from the rich to give to the poor countries of eastern Europe and Russia. It claimed that Soros makes huge financial gains by speculating against western central banks, in order to use his profits to help the emerging post-communist economies of eastern Europe and former Soviet Union, to assist them to create what he calls an "Open Society." Source4

 

George Soros is well on record with wishing to Burst the Bubble of American Supremacy source5 . He has the will and the means to finance much. And as Soros has said; "The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States."

 

Dare I say it? There is much nefarious deed afoot. Be ready.

Car-pocalypse and your Big Labor future with Card Check as an added bonus.

 

In our country Labor Unions are a Monopoly that should be referred by the epithet "Big Labor". They artificially inflate wages above market value and this cost is passed on to consumers.

 

Like  a Middle Eastern Oil Cartel, Labor unions can arbitrarily and artificially restrict supply. When Big Labor desires to severely restrict supply, they call it a strike!

 

Big Labor enjoy a unique set of privileges including: immunity from taxation, immunity from antitrust laws, the ability to restrict other from working at a lower wage, often engaging in coercion, intimidation and outright violence against strikebreakers. Since the Police are themselves unionized, enforcement of existing laws or protection against illicit Big Labor activities can not be guaranteed. Moreover, interpretations of the Nation Labor Relations Board suppress management from communicating wage offers directly to labor union members - NOT being able to communicate offers directly to member is known as "good faith" negotiations!  As if that's not enough, Big Labor has positioned itself to shake down employees with COMPULSORY DUES - for both union and nonunion members alike as an actual requirement for employment. It should be noted that often these dues, extorted from members are used for overt political purposes like; political campaigns, voter registration instead of typical activities such as collective bargaining or employee grievances issues.  Source

 

In collusion with congress [the new mafia], Big Labor along with Gettelfinger as point man and its franchisee - the UAW are attempting to force the national equivalent of COMPULSORY DUES, on the entire country, by insisting that relief given to the 'Big 3'  not be done "on the backs of big labor - instead relieve for the Big 3 should be done on the back of the American Taxpayer.

 

Like that idea having the US taxpayer underwriting Big Labor's promises? If so, then you will really be pleased with Big Labor's scheme to leverage their resurging influence with the incoming administration by bring Employee Free Choice Act (Card-Check) to businesses near you.

"We urge the United States government to reject the global warming agreement that was written in Kyoto, Japan in December, 1997, and any other similar proposals. The proposed limits on greenhouse gases would harm the environment, hinder the advance of science and technology, and damage the health and welfare of mankind.

There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gasses is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth's atmosphere and disruption of the Earth's climate. Moreover, there is substantial scientific evidence that increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide produce many beneficial effects upon the natural plant and animal environments of the Earth."



The preceding is a petition that has been signed by over 19,000 American scientists.  I might add that none of them have asked for, or received government grants totaling $2 billion to study "global warming."  Also, for the record, the warmest year on record was 1997.  Between 1997 and 2001 the average global temperature per year either remained steady or declined.  From 2001 to the present, average global temperatures have steadily declined.  Now we are being told by the "global warming" alarmists it is a sign that it really is getting warmer.  What!  That's like saying that Exxon's huge profits really indicate that it's losing money.  Duh!

In spite of the evidence, the incoming administration and the overwhelmingly Democratic Congress has said that combating "global warming" will be its number one priority.  Hold onto your wallets folks, the taxman cometh.

We're through the looking glass Alice.

(hat tip Chris Casler)

An actor walks upon the floodlit stage of life
wearing a mask of an angel beneath a demon's gown.
Pretence smiles upon the crowded hall of life
holding out hope as bright as it is false.
Son of a woman in whose veins flows the blood
of ancient Ireland and dark Africa's plains.
You are Obama, nick-named the standing king
You are Barack, oh, son born to deceive
The suffering hoards of Africa look up to you,
See a black saviour where nought but a Judas strides.
An entrapper of nations, bringer of dismal war
Behind the robes and the nylon wings of hope
Oh, may those who look upon you, see you as you are.
May those who hope in you behold you as you be
A prince deceitful to bring down Africa's shrines
A siren who leads Africa's ships onto rocks of obliteration.
Your rule my lord will not be one of peace
Your reign my king will not be one of smiles
Even as we speak in caves both dark and dank
Enraged fanatics plot your dark demise
They will put around your head a bloodwet martyr's crown.
Oh black Kennedy following the one before
May God forgive thee and thy fiery spouse
As you walk in silence from the stage of life
Barack Obama, blessed son, Oh standing king.

Credo Mutwa

Quiz Time

 

A labor union is:

 

Answer A:

Workers bind together to form Unions so that they together can fight for better work conditions. Without the power of the Union workers would completely be at the mercy of the employers. But sticking together they got a better change to fight for their interests.

 

Answer B:

Outdated social construct perverted from a once noble mission into socioeconomic virus destined to usher in the next great depression.

 

Answer C:

An association that uses thuggery, hooliganism, bribery, extortion and blackmail to get the wage level raised above its true value for its workers and the real reason jobs are shipped overseas.

 

Answer D:

The reason why  the "Big 3" auto maker's cars cost, on average, $2000 more than the same type car made domestically by their Japanese competitors  everything made in blue states cost so much.  

 

Answer E:

All of the Above.

 

No matter how you answer the question above, labor unions impact have had a deleterious affect on a free-market and apparently and probably only temporarily, on their own the bail-out future.

 

To their credit, Senate Republicans refused to back federal aid for Detroit's Big Three without some guarantee that United Auto Workers would agree to wage cuts to match pay with prevailing market value - that is to be more inline with the pay of Japanese car makers. The UAW refused!  Even though these cuts would not occur until the end of 2009!

 

As similarly blogged in Shark Diving many people do NOT have a understanding of business - except that they believe that the purpose of business is to provide jobs (jobs, jobs, jobs baby.). And if a business fails and the jobs go away, then the assumption is; " well okay I'll just get another  job". . .

 

So the "Big 3 Bailout" or Car-pocalypse if you will, fails -  due to UAW intransigence  and the Republicans will get the blame. 

A half a world away, cities in Greece burn while our own friends, neighbors  and family  apparently - asleep at the switch - cast only a glancing eye toward elected officials rushing headlong to embrace National Socialism.

 

So, a fifteen year-old kid tosses a Molotov Cocktail, Greek Police, in self defense fire on the perpetrator, he is killed and Flash!  A spark ignites suppressed tensions?/! And cities in Greece go up like a tipped turkey fryer at Thanksgiving.

 

 

Now reports are in that the Greek Protests are spreading across Europe

Demonstrations against the killing were seen in cities across the continent with left-wing radicals and other sympathisers taking to the streets.

 

In Spain, 11 protesters were arrested and several police officers injured when clashes took place in Madrid and Barcelona.

 

In Copenhagen, 32 people were arrested when their protest in support of the Greek protests turned violent.

 

In neighbouring Turkey, about a dozen left-wing protesters daubed red paint over the front of the Greek consulate in Istanbul.

 

Around 150 people belonging to a Danish underground movement took to the streets, throwing bottles and paint bombs at buildings, police cars and officers. In Moscow and Rome, protesters threw petrol bombs at Greece's embassies.   Source   

 

I've been saying for some time that there is much nefarious activity afoot, whether it is, the tainting of the last election cycle with 100rds of millions of dollars foreign campaign contributions, west bank  boys  bombing Israel by day and making campaign phone calls for b. Hussein at night, the Gas crisis - like the old Airplane pyramid scheme - where oil is artificially bid up in price only to return to saner levels AFTER the election - The Credit Crisis, the Car-apocalypse, the  unfurled flag of beggars everywhere demanding unearned plunder from those still productive in society.

 

Absent the question of the what was the original reason for protest - presuming of course that Molotov Cocktail throwing isn't some sort of new national sport: what would it take to 'set off' the most recent Greek style anarchy in your neighborhood?

 

And are you ready?

 

---

I am compelled to note: that as a member of the western world, I feel a deep sense of appreciation and  gratitude for the Greek Civilization. So much of what we are is from the legacy hand down to us from them. Not to mention that I am forever teaching "Greek" to my students  in the form of  'ecclesiastical modes' or guitar scales for the chord changes to tunes ;)

 

 

Criminal mischief: or ricco violations?

 

So, it turns out that the political incubator that nurtured "the office of the president elect"  has sired yet another 'Frankensteinian' political 'soup-sandwich". As they say "power begets power" and I'll extrapolate; "power corrupts" and "corruption begets corruption". The irresistible snare of the weak-willed: authority!

 

Another fine mess congress has gotten us into: National Socialism and sanctioned loan-sharking, gambling and extortion vis-à-vis Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the bailout of everything else . . .  

 

As if thunderstruck - some - in congress have finally had an epiphany - that there is a problem with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Even heard Henry Waxman on the 'old media box'  giving the 'what for' to current execs.

 

 

 

For years credit Risk officers at Freddie Mac have been warning that; "they were not even close to having proper control processes for credit, market and operational risk . . ."

 

Yet, as late as 2004 we had Maxine Waters, Gregory Meeks, Barney Frank and fellow conspirators, in  congressional hearings  assuring fellow Americans that there was nothing wrong with Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae. Make no mistake about it, these supposed congressional leaders must have known there were "issues". Instead they colluded with the vary same institutions to swept the problems under the rug, keep the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae afloat and suckled at the teat of their very own cash cow.

 

Now what we have here is a failure to communicate:

This illegal activity when NOT performed by congress used to be vigorously prosecuted by the FBI and the perpetrators jailed for corruption, extortion, fraud and flagrant violations of the Ricco Act

.

Why aren't Waters, Meeks, Franks, et al,  "frog marched out" out of congress and tried in the public square?

 

I can only pray that congress will go after all of these willing co-conspirators with as much enthusiasm as they have pursued the CEOs of private enterprise. 

 

 

News from b. Hussein's political incubator: More Chi town Thug or should I say Thuggee politics. . .

 

Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges alleging that they and others are engaging in ongoing criminal activity: conspiring to obtain personal financial benefits for Blagojevich by leveraging his sole authority to appoint a United States Senator; threatening to withhold substantial state assistance to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members sharply critical of Blagojevich; and to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for official actions - both historically and now in a push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1, 2009.   Source

b. Hussein through his 'office of the president elect', transition team and others who wish to arm criminals(*) 'sez;' don't stock up on guns!/? 

 

WTF?  ["what the fa.." < -insert fav expletive here]  

 

As I said in the Blessing of Liberty, the US Constitution guarantees the right of US citizens to buy and keep guns. Much obfuscation is underway regarding this sacrosanct right.

 

Meanwhile b. Hussein's anti self-protection record is well documented, let's recap just  the highlights: as both a state and U.S. Senator he voted for some of the most repressive forms of gun control including:  

1. supporting a state ban on the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns, is consistently on record as opposing concealed carry  laws
2. voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting (United States Senate, vote no. 217, S. 397, July 29, 2005)
3. Obama voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense.  (Illinois Senate, SB 2165, vote 20, March 25, 2004)
4. Voted against confirming Supreme Court Justices who have affirmed individual rights to keep and bear arms.

 

 B. Hussein went on to say; "I believe in common-sense gun safety laws and I believe in the second amendment" - Parse this carefully!!!! -Common-sense by whose standards?

 

Irrespective of what the "office of the president elect" says his actions indicate that he does NOT support individual rights to bear arms and also believes that the "State" has the authority and duty to impose regulations on that right for the "safety of the community". . . .

 

Sweet Mother of Pearl, I can see where this is going - a disarmed population and the revocation of Posse Comitatus  but I digress!

 

Anecdotally, evidence is up that sales are booming for gun shop owners all across the nation - many are reporting the best year ever!! While 'spinners' for the "office of the president elect" suggest that this increase in sales are not new gun owners but instead are previous owners who already have enough guns to protect themselves and family. . . . Absent the question of who is the arbiter of "enough" I must say 

au contraire mon ami

 

I personally know several people who - until know - never in their wildest imaginations would feel the need to own and KNOW HOW TO OPERATE a firearm for personal protection.

 

My, my, look - already :  "Change we can believe in"

 

---

(*) Moreover, I can only surmise that anyone wishing to keep guns out of the hands of law abiding, FBI background checked, severely scrutinized and often vilified citizens can only wish to arm criminals - in that they send a signal to those law breaking criminals, "Come and GET'em" - 'cause they can't protect themselves.

It was with a mixed sense of sorrow and schaedenfreud that I read that the Tribune Company is broke and may be preparing for bankruptcy.  Source! and Source Deux

 

The Tribune Company as a conglomerate owns several media properties - including our local hometown newspaper "The Orlando Sentinel".

 

I have always loved reading the news in paper - there is something that is classic old school about reading it - first thing in the morning with a 'cup of joe' or  being able to fold it up cram it in a laptop case and take it anywhere, save a relevant article or even tear out a coupon for an oil change.

 

For at least four generations the Orlando Sentinel - and before the merger, the Evening Star were staples in our home. Back in the day - before cable news, let alone the "24 hour news cycle" there was always something comfortable - about daily delivery. Like a trusted friend, like a part of the family the paper was eagerly welcomed into our home.

 

For our household, getting the news delivered in paper stopped when I was forced to cancel our home delivery. Breach of trust issues and an almost subversive embrace of every liberal cause and politician possible were the main culprits. That and the now constant leaking of editorial content into the news copy were the final straw.

 

Often, I would lament to a dear friend who actually works for Tribune in new-media - that a particular idea as embraced by the editorial side would have a negative long term impact on readership only to be met with a resigned response "Yea I know".

 

The solution to "declining circulation" and it's companion; "falling revenue" is simple: more fact and less opinion! However, in our post-modern culture were truth has become relative, "facts" are subjective and honesty has been sacrificed to spin, there is little likelihood that we will see more veracity and less duplicity.

 

 "The Truth is out there" and does exist independently of our own ability to "self delude".

 

 

In 2002 congress was influenced - okay, pressured, by ACORN  and other liberal 'community organizations' to  issue new Affirmative Action lending Quotas - to increase 'minority' homeownership by 5.5 million by 2010. Contrary to traditional lending standards, or any sort of best management practice, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae allowed many of these loans to be made with NO MONEY DOWN, no security and nothing vested. - (Why do I hear strains of the Dire Straights song - "Money for Nothing" in my head. . .)

 

In 2004  'maverick politicians' urged reformed of such idiocy only to be 'whack-a-moled' like some sort of congressional gangsta beat-down.

 

 

 

In 2008 - we are witnessing a financial condensation of an already managed economy; hobbled by government restrictions, environmental advocacy and union racketeering; perpetrated by the very congressional nitwits now in charge of fixing same.

 

Like the Politburo or some Venezuelan junta, these apostles of ignorance have presided over the State's seizing Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, confiscation of your money - via taxes - to bail out companies "too big to fail". But wait, there's more . . . there is the persistent rumors that these plunderers will attempt to 'spread the wealth" by merging YOUR 401K plans with an already insolvent Social Security System and b. Hussein isn't even inaugurated yet!

 

Look of the invisible hand of government to be ungloved and fortified and even more meddlesome in the next year.

 

In the meantime the current rush toward National Socialism - a la the 1930s German model is astonishing both in it's rapid pace AND acceptance.

 

The mere consideration of a taxpayer bail-out of the big three US auto makers is so absurd its like an excerpt from a Michael Moore movie -  except it's true. Yet no one will call it what it really is:  Bailout of a primary democrat constituency.

 

And make no mistake, even given the staggering amount of money involved, it is but a mere down payment in a blackmail scheme where the CEO's of the  US auto makers have become "Fixers" an the largest union extortion plot ever. And of course the politicians benefiting from this voter-block are only all too happy to oblige - with the transfer your money to someone else.

Awesome, no awestruck would probably be a better word.

 

Today I was fortunate enough to have breakfast with Captain Jeff Struecker, Army Chaplin,  and former member of  75^th Ranger Regiment.  Yes, the same Jeff Struecker prominently featured in both the book and major motion picture "Black Hawk Down". . . .

 

I and several hundred other fellas were spellbound by an account of Jeff's experiences in Mogadishu and blessed by a very powerful testimony of his faith.

 

Completely recharging to hear some "bullet-proof faith" dispensed by a man of consequence!

 

 

 

We as a nation are truly blessed to have men like this doing what they do - so that we can - still do what we do!  May God continue to pour out his rich blessings on Jeff Struecker and all those who follow in his path.

 

 

---

 

Jeff's appearance was hosted by The Gathering of Men for their annual Outreach Breakfast. Kudos for an excellent event!

by Michael Marks

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight;
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood; his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said, "It's really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
Or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To insure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone;
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

©Copyright December 7, 2000 by Michael Marks

Author's Note: In loving appreciation of the countless Americans who have, and continue to serve in the Armed Forces and those who gave their life for their country. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. We look forward to the day you come home. God bless and keep you always, and God Bless America.

-------------------------------------

A Soldier's Christmas was the first in this series of patriotic writings, drafted on Pearl Harbor Day 2000 when in the wake of the 2000 Presidential Election our nation saw the right of US Armed Forces personnel openly questioned and debated. I felt it unconscionable that at the onset of the Christmas season, those serving to defend our nation would hear anything but our love and support. It is our challenge to stand for their rights at home while they stand for our lives and safety overseas. This poem went out and quickly spread around the world in emails, letters, and magazines. I received letters from Marines in Bosnia, soldiers in Okinawa, from a submariner who xeroxed a copy for everyone on his sub. Moms wrote, dads, brothers and sisters. I have saved and cherish every letter and set out to continue writing throughout the year.

=================

(Hat tip Kevin Graves) I've received this story from several friends and family. Thought I would source it back to the original writer. More info can be found here: http://iwvpa.net/marksm/a_soldie.php

The financial meltdown, government seizing Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and using tax payer monies to bail out companies "too big to fail", the possibility of 'spreading the wealth" by merging my AND YOUR 401K plans with the already insolvent Social Security, the Corinthianization of our culture,  and many others apocryphal signs are enough  to keep even narcoleptics wide eyed.  

 

Now here is more fuel for the fire - the 'stuff' that keeps me awake at night are things like: The Mumbai Islamic Terrorist Attacks !  There is nothing more graphic than dead bodies to remind us all of the stakes!

 

Below is a link to a video of Hamas Leader Khaled Mash'al asserting that : "Within Several Years, the World Will Submit to Arab and Islamic Will". Originally broadcast on Al -Jazerra  TV October 12, 2008. It is in Arabic with translations provided by the Middle East Media Research Institute

 

http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1929.htm

 

Excerpts below:

 

Khaled Mash'al: All the peoples say "no" to American hegemony. Therefore, our nation is doing well, and is capable of achievements, even in difficult times. Great nations always face many challenges.

 

[...]

 

The world today is turning to an international policy that is based on multipolarity. Look how Allah made a laughingstock of America. I tell you, brothers and sisters, the Arabs and the Muslims are second only to Allah in transforming international policy from unipolarity to multipolarity. This is taking place thanks to Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and to all the steadfast resistance forces of our nation. Today, Chavez defies the U.S, even though he lives in its backyard, while we, tens of thousands of miles away, fear America?

 

[...]

 

It has been proven that this oppressive world, which is based on usury and tyranny... Within moments, Allah makes all these systems collapse. What is important is that when Allah observes his slaves, He sees that they are taking action on the ground. Then, He mobilizes the entire universe to help them. Otherwise, how are we to believe the hadith that tells us that the trees and the stones will fight on our side? The day will come, within several years, when this world will change, submitting to the Arab Islamic will, Allah willing.

 

These terrorists do not play, they will kill you, kill your family and dance on your grave if given the chance.

Chris Matthews, yes, that same 'tingly feeling leg-furrower' alleged journalist and former W. 'hardballer' who recently dispensed with any vestige of impartiality declared that it was his "job to make Obama Presidency Successful" ;

 

 

has recently intimated at a senate Seat in Pennsylvania in 2010

 

 

Though the Fox and Friends video with a more entertaining discussion can be seen here:

 

Leg furrowing aside, perhaps that - meaning the senate seat - would be a better position to enable that desired success Matthews so "desperately seeks".

 

Hey, we all know that nearly all of the mainstream media is 'in the tank' for most liberal causes including this past US election for president and the former 'hardballer' now 'leg furrower' more than most..

 

The real story isn't that Matthews is a democrat supporter. It is in his new found sense of "obligation for the country" and a "need for a successfully presidency" - now of course that b. Hussein has been elected.

 

Sweet Mother of Pearl pal, where was your sense noble obligation for the country during  the past eight years? It certainly wasn't dribbled and drooled out over the airwaves where you heaped all manor of vituperation and vile invective on Bush, Cheney, the War on Terror, conservatism, Sara Palin, and everything but American Pie.

 

In fact, the derision provided by you and your ilk for the past eight years allowed you to function as a fifth column for our country's enemies abroad and functioned as fallacious purveyor of propaganda for the Apostles of Ignorance.

 

My opinion is that most Americans would really appreciate your desire for a successfully presidency regardless of party in power.  

I loved Google - even laughed when it was "verbed" in a movie plot. Google, now a venerable web brand, so entrenched in our daily lives, it is both a noun and an 'action word'!

 

It has grown so fixed and so ubiquitous that nearly every windows based computer has "it" - a Google toolbar. And whether it is installed by default in your Internet Explorer browser, preinstalled on your new Dell computer or downloaded with the latest version of Adobe Flash Player - there is no getting around it. It's everywhere. Business analysts often refer to Google's domination of the market space.

 

Without raising the specter of what is being done with all of that Google Toolbar data, Google Ad Planner/Ad Sense data or Google.com data currently being captured AND collected, or possibilities of what the b. Hussein's "Change-State" could do with the result of every Google search from everywhere much should be made of the relationship of Google's CEO Eric Schmidt and Obama's campaign AND possible inclusion of Schmidt into the b. Hussein Administration.  What a team - huhh - Obami-Google!

 

To those outside the IT field, it should be a worrying sign the Google can and does control the information that it displays through a multiplicity of metrics, and a scheme of 'double secret' algorithms know as page ranking.

 

Moreover, Google's 'do no evil' policy much akin to the United Nations' 'do no harm' mandate actually has the converse affect - just ask those poor souls dying in Africa how 'do no harm' is working for them!   - Do no evil has Google willingly censoring itself for more market share in China,  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4645596.stm . . .

 

In this context, stories appeared last week that Google is censoring anti-Obama bloggers:  http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=82113 .

 

And as I 'riffed' in my Acolytes of Idiocy  post, the nature of "Change" as we know it may be nothing more than good old fashion  retribution!!!

 

Or is there something more sinister afoot - a systematic ploy to control information not only through the MSM (mainstream media ) ; but, on every desktop near you?

 

It is important to know that one of our 'formerly trusted' web tools has become an apparatus of the body politic.   And information or at least information (or lack thereof) of a political nature dispensed from that source is at best - tainted.