The Howling Wilderness Shall Subside

Always counterproductive at best, The "Palestinian" bloodbath is now turning against its architects. This should come as no surprise, since wanton mayhem and murder never solves anything. And in a game of tit-for-tat, the stronger party usually wins. I am in no way equivocating between the "Palestinians" and the Israelis. I see no comparison between deliberately targeting the innocent, and striking back at child-killers and bloodthirsty monsters. If you think I sound simplistic, fine. But no matter the injustices heaped upon you, no matter the legitimate grievances, nothing justifies killing innocent men, women, and children with premeditation. Nothing. Ever.

Hillary Clinton: Elitist Extraordinaire

From WorldNetDaily: Traveling with her husband on his book tour, Clinton headlined an appearance with other women Democratic senators in San Francisco, where donors gave as much as $10,000 to California Sen. Barbara Boxer's campaign.

"Many of you are well enough off that ... the tax cuts may have helped you," Clinton said, according to the Associated Press. "We're saying that for America to get back on track, we're probably going to cut that short and not give it to you.

"We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good."


Can you believe the unmitigated gall of this statement? In typical Democrat fashion, she's telling us: "You poor, stupid little people. I, in all of my splendor and wisdom, have deemed it necessary to liberate you of your funds, so that I may use them as I see fit, since you are too mind-numbingly stupid to utilize them for worthy goals." And take note: She is the one defining the term, "common good." How rich.

Keith Maupin, R.I.P.

From Associated Press:

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Militants shot an American soldier held hostage in the back of the head saying the killing was because of U.S. government policy in Iraq, Al-Jazeera television said Tuesday, hours after Washington transferred sovereignty in Iraq to an interim government.

The Arab-language station reported that the slain soldier was Spc. Keith M. Maupin, but the U.S. military said it could not immediately confirm whether a man shown being shot in a murky videotape was indeed Maupin, who was taken hostage after an April 9 attack outside Baghdad.

The report did not say when Maupin, 20, of Batavia, Ohio, was killed.


Reports on this depressing subject have been strange. The military continues its line that we can't be sure it was, in fact, Maupin, but the media continues reporting that he is definitely dead. Either way, this is a sad turn of events, and I wish his family the best. He died serving his country, and they should be proud of that. As for his cowardly murderers, may they reap the reward they so justly deserve.

Iraqi Sovereignty?

From WorldNetDaily: In a surprise move that apparently caught insurgents off guard, the United States-led coalition handed power over to the interim Iraqi government two days before its deadline.

"This is a historical day," Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said. "We feel we are capable of controlling the security situation."

A senior coalition official said on condition of anonymity that the transfer took place early because Allawi had indicated his ministries already were fully staffed, NBC News reported.

Call me cynical, but I can't help thinking this early turnover of power signifies a desire on our government's part to wash its hands of the whole affair. I've never been a fan of the occupation and its attendant dangers, though I supported the initial war to ouster Saddam. But doesn't it seem a strange coincidence that just when terrorist attacks are heating up, we hand over the reigns a wee bit early?

At any rate, It'll be good to see our troops leave that place. I don't think American lives are worth Iraqi stability.

Helping His Mother Live

God bless this little boy. Sometimes, our Lord acts through the sacrifice of a child.

A Nation of Laws?

What's the point of proposing a bill, squabbling over it in the House and Senate, making concessions and last-minute changes and additions, passing it, having the president or governor sign it into law, then ignoring it's plain meaning?

By the way, if you're in this country illegally, you absolutely have no right to drive a vehicle, or receive a "driving certificate," in my opinion. Gimme one reason why you deserve that. And isn't this funny? Politicians feel leery about issuing driver's licenses to immigrants of questionable legal status, but they harbor no compunction in issuing a driving certificate. When ya get down to brass tacks, what's the difference? What a crock!

Look, Mommy! No Head!

I realize kids will be kids, but this is sick. The sad realization is that some of these children will grow up to perpetrate the very acts they mimic on the video. This is a far cry from playing cowboys and Indians.

"Look! Up in the air! It's SUPERBRAT!"

Ok, ok, I'm being a tad melodramatic, here. I read this story, and it tickled my funnybone. But ya know, I'm starting to respect the creator of X-Men, more and more.

Space Elevators

Click on the title of this post to link to this story. Amazing, isn't it? Science fiction edging ever closer on reality. When you make it to the top floor, though, watch your step. The view's a bit daunting. Hope you ain't 'fraid of heights.

"Religion of Peace" Persecutes Christians in Iraq

Doesn't this story warm your heart? Apparently, George W. Bush is allowing totalitarianism to run amok in Iraq, while prattling on about the benevolent nature of Islam. His version of a democracy--an erroneous term in the first place, when speaking of Iraq--is to set up Islam as the state religion, while giving Christians miniscule power. As he jabbers about freedom for the Iraqi people, the pacifists of which he brags are murdering or expelling their Christian neighbors. So, if you don't support the "resistance" against the evil American occupiers, and/or you don't practice Islamic customs, you're a nonentity in Iraq. Smell that? It ain't freedom.

WMDs--Even Nonexistent Ones Can Kill You

From WorldNetDaily: The head of the CIA weapons team in Iraq says insurgents are seeking chemical arms left over from the Saddam Hussein regime to use against coalition troops.

Charles Deulfer said in a television interview his inspectors have discovered as many as a dozen chemical-filled bombs, the Washington Times reported.

"We're not sure how many more are out there that haven't been found, but we've found 10 or 12 sarin and mustard rounds," he said. "I'm reluctant to judge what that means at this point, but there's other aspects of the program which we still have to flush out."

In May, U.S. military officials found a bomb containing chemicals to form sarin gas and another with a mustard agent -- weapons Saddam was required to destroy under U.S. sanctions and terms of the cease-fire from the 1990-91 Gulf war.


Now wait jest a dern-tootin' minute! This makes no sense. I thought there were no WMDs!

Subtle Serpents

From WorldNetDaily: The Palestinian National Charter, written by Arafat in 1964, calls for a "phased destruction" of Israel through violence and acquiring territory through "peaceful negotiations" to be used to launch a final onslaught against the Jewish state.


Sounds like the Palestinian leadership is aching for peace, doesn't it? How do you ever achieve good relations with people who won't be happy, until you're dead?

". . .And the WORD Was Rewritten, so that Even Idiots Might Understand"

From WorldNetDaily: A brand-new translation of the Bible –praised by Britain's archbishop of Canterbury, that nation’s senior Christian voice – flatly contradicts traditional core Christian beliefs on sex and morality.

Titled "Good as New," the new Bible is translated by former Baptist minister John Henson for the "One" organization, to produce what the group calls a "new, fresh and adventurous" translation of the Christian scriptures.

"Instead of condemning fornicators, adulterers and 'abusers of themselves with mankind'," says Ruth Gledhill, the London Times religious affairs correspondent, "the new version of his first letter to Corinth has St. Paul advising Christians not to go without sex for too long in case they get 'frustrated.'"

The One organization that produced the new Bible translation is dedicated to "establish[ing] peace, justice, dignity and rights for all." It is also focused on "sustainable use of the earth's resources," challenging "oppression, injustice, exclusion and discrimination" as well as accepting "one another, valuing their diversity and experience."


A lovely, poetic example:


Matthew 23:25


Authorized version: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"

New version: "Take a running jump, Holy Joes, humbugs!"


Another example, for the discriminating taste.


1 Corinthians 7:8-7


KJV: "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."

New: "If you know you have strong needs, get yourself a partner. Better than being frustrated."


Rather than the "Good as New" translation, I propose naming it the "B.S." translation.

As you can see, the first verse example above shows that not only do we have a new translation to enjoy, but it was produced for intellectual appeal.

The danger of the second retranslated verse is that Paul's original meaning has been subtly changed. Read in context, Paul clearly was speaking of marriage. However, the "new and enlightened" translation makes no mention of a marital union.

Apparently, a coupla hippies from Woodstock had entirely too much time on their hands. And idle hands make the devil's workshop.

Jesus and the Army

From WorldNetDaily: The U.S. Army is returning private-sector medallions designed to memorialize fallen American soldiers due to a Bible verse on the back of the items.

According to WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., Bob Parker of the non-profit group "Fallen Friend" has been sending the special medallions the survivors of soldiers and police officers killed in the line of duty since 1996.

The front side of the medallions features an image of the Liberty Bell and two quotations: "Liberty Rings For All Nations" and "United We Stand, Divided We Fall."

The back side says "John 15:13" and "A Fallen Friend," and it includes a space for the name of the person who was killed.

"That is Jesus' word, John 15:13," Parker told the NBC affiliate. The verse states: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Military officials from all branches of the Armed Forces reportedly provided Parker with the names, ranks and addresses of servicemen and women so he could send the items out.

But Parker recently received a letter from the Army, stating the branch would no longer help because of the Bible chapter and verse on the back.


Yes, we wouldn't want evil verses like this one printed on the backs of medallions. Heaven forbid that someone might be inspired to selfless feats and kind acts. The horror! The horror!

Post-Traumatic Slavery Syndrome

Last night on Hannity and Colmes, the hosts aired a story about a man who beat his 2 year old son to death. He plead not guilty, due to suffering from Post-Traumatic Slavery Syndrome. What is this, you might ask? According to his lawyer, and I paraphrase, this condition is characteristic only of black people, whose ancestors spent so much time in servitude that the ill effects exist today. This murder is an example of the aforementioned effects.

Today's new word: POPPYCOCK!

I laughed aloud when I first heard about this. The idea that an institution which became nonexistent almost 140 years ago could cause a man to commit murder today is insane. And what about all the white people whose forebears lived in servitude--as indentured servants or slaves to Muslims--just two of many examples? May they use this excuse to justify wicked acts? If not, why not? And please, someone, harmonize this absurd rationale with the actions of all the people who were born into slavery, yet never harmed a hair on their children's precious heads! What kind of judge would entertain such nonsense? Truly, we live in the Age of Stupidity.

The Devolution of Thought

Evolution is unproven and unprovable. We believe it because the only alternative is special creation, and that is unthinkable.

That is a direct quote from Sir Arthur Keith, a leading evolutionist of the 20th Century. Sadly, it's also an admission of a deficiency in critical thinking skills. His acceptance of evolution is not arrived at through facts, but from a refusal to acknowledge the possibility of its alternative. What if I said: "I am a Christian--not because the facts of history or my senses lead me to the conclusion of God's existence, but because the possibility of descent from apelike ancestors terrifies me." Most people would call me superstitious, foolish, or a plethora of worse names. No one would ever accuse me of being "rational," or "scientific." In fact, arriving at conclusions in such a way is the antithesis of science and reason.

The Day After Bizarro

Am I the only one who thinks a movie about global warming triggering a new ice age is counterintuitive? My admittedly limited knowledge on this topic leads me to believe this is unlikely--if not impossible--but if it did happen, it would occur over centuries or millennia, not hours or days. Alternate title for the film: Al Gore's Vindication.

Sudan and Genocide

Regarding the situation in Sudan, WorldNetDaily gives this bleak description:


The conflict between mainly black rebels in Western Sudan and government-backed Arab militiamen has led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of as many as 1 million people in what human rights groups are calling "ethnic cleansing."

Sudan's cleric-backed National Islamic Front regime in the Arab and Muslim north declared a jihad on the south in 1989. Since 1983, an estimated 2 million people have died from war and related famine. About 5 million have become refugees.

This is one of the most important events of our time; and one of the saddest. This largely is a war waged against people for their Christian beliefs. It it not uncommon for those who refuse conversion into Islam through intimidation to be burned alive on huge pyres by the Sudanese Muslims. And of course the mighty U.N., spreader of world peace and enlightenment, has done next to nothing to stop this horror. But they are very concerned about our expenditures of oil revenues in Iraq. Interesting where their priorities lie, no?

Miracle

Ever seen this movie, about the Olympic Winter Games defeat of the Soviet Union's hockey team, by none other than the U.S. of A.? It's a true story, from 1980. I highly recommend this one. Kurt Russell really breathes life into his character, the U.S. team's coach. Best of all, there's a sense of patriotism, here, not found in most contemporary films. Every bit as good as the trailer led me to believe. Three-and-a-half stars.

Happy Father's Day

I never had a chance to wish everyone well, until now. But for all you fathers out there (you know who you are!), I hope you had a great day with your children.

Interesting Historical Fact

On occasion, I'll post on what I consider fascinating, humorous, or just plain bizarre events of history.

During the Third Crusade, Richard the Lionheart's naval fleet fell prey to a vicious storm. A few vessels, including a treasure ship, became shipwrecked on the coast of Cyprus.

Isaac Comnenus, a Byzantine rebel who ruled the island at the time, heard the news and looted the treasure, imprisoning some of the survivors.

When Richard arrived, he demanded the return of all his monies, supplies, and prisoners. Isaac refused, and prepared to wage battle for his prize.

The King of England gave him his heart's desire, attacking the island. When Isaac's men witnessed the ferocity of Coeur de Leon's men, they broke and fled. Without much in the way of resistance, Richard quickly captured the whole island.

In May 1191, Isaac surrendered, on the condition that he not be clapped in irons.

Richard granted his wish...

and placed him in shackles of silver.

UPDATE--Paul Johnson

Apparently, Paul Johnson's body has yet to be recovered. I was under the impression that it had. I'm sure his family will rest easier after he's given a decent burial.

"No Justification. . ."

From the Associated Press: Russian intelligence agents shared information with their American counterparts in 2002 that Iraqi secret services were organizing terrorist attacks against U.S. facilities outside the United States, Interfax quoted an unidentified intelligence agent as saying Thursday.

The agent said that Russia had received a report early in 2002 that Iraqi secret agents were planning attacks on U.S. diplomatic and military facilities.

"This information was more than once passed on to our U.S. partners in oral and written form in the fall of 2002," the source said, Interfax reported.

The agent said that "in investigating the causes of the Iraq crisis, it is necessary to take into account all of the aspects, including the direct threat to the United States from the Saddam Hussein regime," Interfax reported.

Russia strongly opposed the U.S.-led war on Iraq, challenging the American administration's claims about the threat from Hussein, and was critical after the war about Washington's failure to find any weapons of mass destruction.

The agent's statement was made in response to a finding by the U.S. federal panel investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that there was no evidence of a "collaborative relationship" between al-Qaida and Hussein. The commission held its final public hearing Thursday.

The agent said that Russia, too, possessed no evidence of a link between Hussein and al-Qaida, but he suggested that the panel's findings failed to "draw a comprehensive picture," Interfax reported.


OK, so Saddam and Osama weren't bosom buddies. So what? Iraq clearly harbored homicidal tendencies toward our country. Does this come as a surprise? And what's the difference between this and catching Osama sipping pina coladas at Saddam's palace?

A brief aside for you who thought the war was unjustifiable: I realize all you flower children are busy making love, not war, but let's stop for a minute, and raise a glass to your boundless insight and prophetic flair.

UPDATE

From Reuters: The leader of al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz al-Muqrin, has been killed, Al Arabiya television reported on Friday.

Muqrin claimed responsibility for the beheading of a U.S. engineer on Friday and the killing of other Westerners in the kingdom, which has battled Osama bin Laden's group for over a year. Arabiya gave no further details.


And they say violence never solves anything.

R.I.P. Paul Johnson

American hostage Paul Marshal Johnson was murdered, today. In a typical display of benevolence, adherents of the "Religion of Peace" decapitated him and placed his head on his back and took photos, after sticking a knife in his eye. His body was found in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The people responsible for this evil have earned a long, slow death, but I'd be satisfied with even a quick one, just as long as their putrid blight is eradicated from this planet.

Mr. Johnson was an innocent, just working for an honest wage.

Rest well, my fellow countryman. I'm sorry this happened to you.

I Pledge Allegiance. . .

This week, the U.S. "Supreme Court" ruled that Michael
Newdow--avowed atheist and hater of Christianity--could not bring suit against the Pledge of Allegiance in schools on his daughter's behalf, since he isn't a custodial parent. Just to clarify how intolerant this clown is, understand that his daughter didn't even mind saying the pledge in school. And his former wife (who does have custody) had no problem with it, either. This is simply one man's crusade, if you will, against our religious foundation.

As for the Court, they copped out on a technicality, revealed the quaking legs under their robes, and tucked tail and ran for the hills, evading the real issue: Is the Pledge Constitutional, or not?

Take a wild guess what I think about that.

Californy's Slidin' into the Ocean

In a letter to WorldNetDaily, Paul Wade writes:

"California, as a whole, has changed. I was stationed at the Naval base in Monterey in the mid '50s. A friend and I used to go into the hills looking for uranium. Back then, the government wanted it. You didn't go into the hills unarmed.

If we ran out of money and went to a nearby village, we would just walk into a bank and ask to cash a check. Heck, we had a revolver strapped to our hip and a rifle hanging on our shoulder. A question was never asked if we had illegal intentions.

If we wanted to go ping with our guns, we would just go out to the beach and shoot into the ocean. We were never questioned what we were doing.

I would hate to try those activities out there now."

Our country sure ain't what she used to be. The irony here is that back in the gun-totin' days, the crime rate was lower, even accounting for population growth.

Islam and Individuality

From WorldNetDaily:


"Public-order police under Sudan's Islamist regime fined and whipped a Christian woman for not wearing a headcovering in 100-degree heat."

That'll teach her to be different.

Southern Baptist Convention Kowtows to Government

From WorldNet Daily:

"Saying the church must not usurp parents' authority in the home, the Southern Baptist Convention today voted down a resolution that urged members to pull their children out of government schools."


Yep, we wouldn't want all those children deprived of a liberal indoctrination, now would we?

Woes of a Novice

As most of you might imagine, I'm not experienced at running a blog. This is my first. So for now, anyone who wishes to post a comment, just post anonymously, then sign your name. This cuts the neccessity of signing in, darnit! I hope to alleviate this problem, soon. If not, then oh well. I'll figure out something.

The Last Samurai: or, Dances with Wolves, Revisited

This is a perfect example of a movie that could've achieved greatness, but fell short and remained only decent.

Pros:

Lush cinematography, excellent acting all around, good special effects, interesting storyline--technically well-done.

Cons:

Where to begin? This film reminded me so much of Dances with Wolves.Man is disillusioned and bitter about life. Man is discarded by his own people. Man meets folk of a different culture. Man learns they are far more benevolent and civilized than his people. Man joins them. Man aids them in fighting those whom he originally worked for/lived with. Get the picture?

Cruise's character served in the Indian wars in the past, reluctantly taking part in an Indian village's massacre. The movie gives no real context to these events, and portrays the Indians as peaceful victims. Additionally, the colonel he serves under, who plays a role in the later acts of the film, has no inner life or motivations for his actions. He's the typical cartoonish villain, committing evil acts for the mere pleasure of doing so.

Worse, the colonel visits Cruise later, asking him why he hates his own people so much. Here, the director could've redeemed his earlier lapses by having Cruise explain that he hates how events have played out, but doesn't hate his people or country. Instead, Cruise refuses to answer him.

Lastly, the tactics of the Samurai in battle were puzzling. One minute, they'd devise an ingenious method of wreaking casualties on the enemy; the next, they'd do something outlandishly stupid. I had a hard time believing men who trained for battle all their lives would be so foolish.

All in all, a disappointment. Two-and-a-half Stars.

Master and Commander

I saw this in the past week. Let me assure you, it's a great movie. Besides the fine acting, special effects, and sets, it has a good (albeit simple) storyline. I loved the musical score, as well. If you dig swashbuckling stories, or yarns about life on the ocean, or just have a soft spot for historical dramas, this movie provides all the above. Very realistic and entertaining. And a movie about character and the leadership of men. Four Stars.

Reviews

I'll post movie reviews here, occasionally. Sometimes I may hate the flick, other times I may love it. Ya never know. I think it's a good way to let people know what they're in for, when they go to see Friday the 13th Part 27: Jason in Neverland.

Ronald Reagan: A Belated R.I.P.

I know he passed on over a week ago, and I know I'm late on this topic. But, hey, I just started this blog today, so gimme a break!

Mr. Reagan inspired me to love my country. That's my fondest memory of him. He loved this nation, and that love literally glowed in his face. For all his faults, he was a great leader of men. He unapologetically revealed the Soviet Union's ideology as morally bankrupt, and drove it to financial bankruptcy. He popularized patriotism. And he cut taxes. He deserves honor and remembrance for those three items, alone. I know this is simplistic, but it's also true.

So goodbye, Mr. President. I'm glad I lived during your administration. You're in your Father's house, now. Someday, I hope to meet you in Heaven, and shake your hand.

This Blog is a Work-in-Progress

So be patient, and I'll fill in the canvas.

Anyone from Vox's or Nate's blog is most welcome, here!

Welcome and a Word of Caution

Hello, all! Ye who enter here are welcome to browse within the convolutions of my brain. Sometimes the road is forbidding and treacherous. Other times, steady and straight, with flowers by the wayside. So take my hand, and by hook or crook, we shall find our destination of Reason together.