This is bizarre and silly.
A private Canadian group has plans for constructing a monument to draft-dodgers of the Vietnam era, in British Columbia.
It's been estimated some 125,000 Americans fled to Canada during the Vietnam War to avoid the U.S. draft. About half returned to the U.S. when President Jimmy Carter granted them amnesty in 1977.
American soldiers--whether drafted or not--who went overseas and served in combat deserve our honor and respect. But what about those who evaded the draft?
Let me make one point clear: I am against any and all drafts. They violate the Constitution, and are unnecessary. That said, why do draft-dodgers deserve a monument in their honor? What actions did they take, what sacrifices did they make, to earn such a distinction? Regardless of one's view of the Vietnam War or the draft in general, I see no need for a monument in their names. It makes no sense, when one considers the typical criteria for the erection of monuments, or the placing of plaques. I could make a better case for honoring those who refused to serve in the military and chose prison, instead. At least they had the courage of their convictions to face the consequences of their rejection of the war and the draft.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Founding Quotes of Note X
"But if we are to be told by a foreign Power...what we shall do, and what we shall not do, we have Independence yet to seek, and have contended hitherto for very little." --George Washington
Hm, it seems our illustrious first president shares my dim view of the U.N., and other foreign entanglements that necessitate sacrificing American sovereignty.
Hm, it seems our illustrious first president shares my dim view of the U.N., and other foreign entanglements that necessitate sacrificing American sovereignty.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Oliver Loves Fidel
Have you ever wondered, out of purely morbid curiosity, what manner of thoughts lie festering in the mind of an insane asylum inmate? Sort of like a scientist examining a bug under a microscope?
Well, ta-da! Here's your chance to peek behind the veil, as it were!
Director Oliver Stone ripped President Bush while praising Cuban dictator Fidel Castro before the premiere of his movie "Looking for Fidel," at the 52nd San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain.
Stone charged that Bush stole the election with the help of anti-Castro Cuban-Americans in Florida, according to a report in Cuba's Granma newspaper.
On the other hand, Stone had nothing but praise for Castro, who has clung to authoritarian power with no elections in Cuba for half a century.
Well, ta-da! Here's your chance to peek behind the veil, as it were!
Director Oliver Stone ripped President Bush while praising Cuban dictator Fidel Castro before the premiere of his movie "Looking for Fidel," at the 52nd San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain.
Stone charged that Bush stole the election with the help of anti-Castro Cuban-Americans in Florida, according to a report in Cuba's Granma newspaper.
On the other hand, Stone had nothing but praise for Castro, who has clung to authoritarian power with no elections in Cuba for half a century.
This is only a glimpse of his pro-Castro fawning. I suggest that we institutionalize this troubled man, now, before it's too late. He is a walking embodiment of the cliched notion that great artists are invariably unhinged. Except for the "great" part.
The Curtain Rods
Here's a story my mother emailed me. I thought it was pretty humorous, so I decided I'd share it:
THE CURTAIN RODS
She spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candlelight, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, and a bottle of Chardonnay. When she had finished, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimp shells dipped in caviar, into the hollows of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.
When the husband returned with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days. Then slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything, cleaning, mopping, and airing the place out. Vents were checked for dead rodents, and carpets were steam cleaned. Air fresheners were hung everywhere.
Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which they had to move out for a few days, and in the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting.
Nothing worked. People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit. Finally, they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move. A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they could not find a buyer for their stinky house. Word got out, and eventually, even the local realtors refused to return their calls. Finally, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place. The ex-wife called the man, and asked how things were going.
He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely, and said that she missed her old home terribly, and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back. Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was, he agreed on price that was about 1/10th of what the house had been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day. She agreed, and within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork.
A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home, including the curtain rods.
THE CURTAIN RODS
She spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candlelight, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, and a bottle of Chardonnay. When she had finished, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimp shells dipped in caviar, into the hollows of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.
When the husband returned with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days. Then slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything, cleaning, mopping, and airing the place out. Vents were checked for dead rodents, and carpets were steam cleaned. Air fresheners were hung everywhere.
Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which they had to move out for a few days, and in the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting.
Nothing worked. People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit. Finally, they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move. A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they could not find a buyer for their stinky house. Word got out, and eventually, even the local realtors refused to return their calls. Finally, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place. The ex-wife called the man, and asked how things were going.
He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely, and said that she missed her old home terribly, and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back. Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was, he agreed on price that was about 1/10th of what the house had been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day. She agreed, and within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork.
A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home, including the curtain rods.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Home-Schooled Terrorists
This story makes my blood boil:
In a federally funded exercise to prepare emergency responders for a terrorist attack, a Michigan county concocted a scenario in which public-school children were threatened by a fictitious radical group that believes everyone should be homeschooled.
The made-up group was called Wackos Against Schools and Education.
The exercise in Muskegon, Mich., yesterday simulated a situation in which a bomb on board a bus full of children knocks the vehicle on its side and fills the passenger compartment with smoke.
Can you believe this? What outrageous trash. Our government is so PC, it makes me nauseous. Never, in the history of the United States, has a homeschool organization ever perpetrated such an act. Most of these organizations are founded and run by Christians. But we have Islamic terrorist groups galore--groups that pose a real and legitimate threat to innocent civilians--but God forbid that our government would ever mention such a thing! The truth is an annoying trip-hazard for those who tout this consciously-deceitful anti-homeschooling agenda. Do you see where all this is going? How long before the government, in all its benevolence and wisdom, decides it's time for a ban on homeschooling. After all, it's "for the children," and the elitists know what's best for our kids, don't they?
Dan Stout, director of Muskegon County Emergency Services, told WorldNetDaily the choice of the fictitious group certainly was not meant to offend homeschoolers.
"I don't think there was any particular objective other than to just have a name," he said.
"If somebody is offended, I feel bad about that and sorry about that," he said. "There wasn't any offense meant to anybody who homeschools."
Mr. Stout, with all due respect, you're a filthy liar. Of all the extant terrorist groups one could choose for this exercise, you settled on an invented piece of rubbish--obviously offensive-- with no more basis in reality than Santa or the Easter Bunny. Next time, since we're taking wild flights of fancy through Never-neverland, why don't you beaureacrats make it Geriatrics for Jesus, in an attempt to topple the Empire State Building, since such a monument to man's ingenuity is so reminiscent of the Tower of Babel. How's that for realism?
In a federally funded exercise to prepare emergency responders for a terrorist attack, a Michigan county concocted a scenario in which public-school children were threatened by a fictitious radical group that believes everyone should be homeschooled.
The made-up group was called Wackos Against Schools and Education.
The exercise in Muskegon, Mich., yesterday simulated a situation in which a bomb on board a bus full of children knocks the vehicle on its side and fills the passenger compartment with smoke.
Can you believe this? What outrageous trash. Our government is so PC, it makes me nauseous. Never, in the history of the United States, has a homeschool organization ever perpetrated such an act. Most of these organizations are founded and run by Christians. But we have Islamic terrorist groups galore--groups that pose a real and legitimate threat to innocent civilians--but God forbid that our government would ever mention such a thing! The truth is an annoying trip-hazard for those who tout this consciously-deceitful anti-homeschooling agenda. Do you see where all this is going? How long before the government, in all its benevolence and wisdom, decides it's time for a ban on homeschooling. After all, it's "for the children," and the elitists know what's best for our kids, don't they?
Dan Stout, director of Muskegon County Emergency Services, told WorldNetDaily the choice of the fictitious group certainly was not meant to offend homeschoolers.
"I don't think there was any particular objective other than to just have a name," he said.
"If somebody is offended, I feel bad about that and sorry about that," he said. "There wasn't any offense meant to anybody who homeschools."
Mr. Stout, with all due respect, you're a filthy liar. Of all the extant terrorist groups one could choose for this exercise, you settled on an invented piece of rubbish--obviously offensive-- with no more basis in reality than Santa or the Easter Bunny. Next time, since we're taking wild flights of fancy through Never-neverland, why don't you beaureacrats make it Geriatrics for Jesus, in an attempt to topple the Empire State Building, since such a monument to man's ingenuity is so reminiscent of the Tower of Babel. How's that for realism?
Cold Mountain
The local movie rental place was having a "rent two get one free" deal, so I took 'em up on it and got this one, free of charge. I had heard so many bad and good things about this movie, I was very suspicious, going in. Interestingly, after watching it, I've decided it's neither as good--nor as bad--as many folks have said.
The Good: Great cinematography, realistic battle scenes, interesting characters, good special effects, and excellent acting--particularly on the part of Renee Zellweger, who I believe won the special "Redneck Girl" award given out by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. An' she deserved it. Also, the screenplay did a fantastic job of showing how the Civil War tore apart families, devastated the countryside, turned brother against brother, and generally created havoc and mayhem on a scale never experienced before or since, in the continental U.S.
The Bad: The main character embarks upon an odyssey across the rural landscape, but only after leaving his troop division, abandoning his compatriots, and becoming a fugitive deserter from the Confederate Army. His reasons for doing so--other than the obvious desire to be reunited with his woman--were vague, and mainly consisted of "It's not my war." Finding sympathy for his attitude was difficult for me, since the man volunteered to go fight the Yankees.
Our hero meets a preacher en route, and though the man is semi-likeable, he is a roguish individual who knocked up his black slave and fled from the local townsfolk, who want to string him up in the town square. Worse, it later turns out that he's as promiscuous as a hutch full of rabbits. It takes lots of courage to portray a supposed man of God as a lecherous lout in Hollywood, eh? And we see this soooo rarely, too, right? The movie's end seems like piling on. I won't say more on that. Just watch it, and see for yourself.
The Ugly: The worst aspect of this film was its treatment of the South and Southerners. Throughout the movie, we see The Confederate Home Guard--militias, if you will--portrayed as mere gangs of murdering cutthroats, who will kill anyone that they deem a possible deserter, with no trial and no mercy. I know that such things did happen, but these events were the exception, not the rule. The Yankees raped and pillaged the South, robbing people blind, killing on whims, having their way with the womenfolk, and laying whole regions waste, yet the movie barely touches on this in only one scene. Three Yankee soldiers come to a woman's farm to help themselves to her food supplies--and more. This is the only point in the movie in which Yankees are portrayed in a negative light, and it's a short scene. The rest of the film focuses on the Southerners preying on each other. But in reality, the Northern Aggressors caused far more death and destruction amongst the civilian populace of the South than Southerners did. So I thought this was a bizarre portrayal, to say the least. Additionally, every Southerner in the movie, without exception, was shown as naive, stupid, or evil. This is fiction in its purest form, without a trace of truth in it.
In conclusion, the film could have been far worse; but it also could've been far better. The gushing reviews were unjustified and exaggerated. Of course, with all the criticism I've heard about this movie, I expected to see Confederates acting like Nazis on horseback, lynching black children for the sheer joy of racism-in-action. But there was none of this. In fact, there were no major black characters in it. But tread easy when you watch this one. If you know your history well, everything will be all right, and you'll get a good glimpse of how awful and hellish the war was. If you're unclear about the history of the time, though, skip Cold Mountain and rent Gods and Generals or Ride With the Devil, instead.
The Good: Great cinematography, realistic battle scenes, interesting characters, good special effects, and excellent acting--particularly on the part of Renee Zellweger, who I believe won the special "Redneck Girl" award given out by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. An' she deserved it. Also, the screenplay did a fantastic job of showing how the Civil War tore apart families, devastated the countryside, turned brother against brother, and generally created havoc and mayhem on a scale never experienced before or since, in the continental U.S.
The Bad: The main character embarks upon an odyssey across the rural landscape, but only after leaving his troop division, abandoning his compatriots, and becoming a fugitive deserter from the Confederate Army. His reasons for doing so--other than the obvious desire to be reunited with his woman--were vague, and mainly consisted of "It's not my war." Finding sympathy for his attitude was difficult for me, since the man volunteered to go fight the Yankees.
Our hero meets a preacher en route, and though the man is semi-likeable, he is a roguish individual who knocked up his black slave and fled from the local townsfolk, who want to string him up in the town square. Worse, it later turns out that he's as promiscuous as a hutch full of rabbits. It takes lots of courage to portray a supposed man of God as a lecherous lout in Hollywood, eh? And we see this soooo rarely, too, right? The movie's end seems like piling on. I won't say more on that. Just watch it, and see for yourself.
The Ugly: The worst aspect of this film was its treatment of the South and Southerners. Throughout the movie, we see The Confederate Home Guard--militias, if you will--portrayed as mere gangs of murdering cutthroats, who will kill anyone that they deem a possible deserter, with no trial and no mercy. I know that such things did happen, but these events were the exception, not the rule. The Yankees raped and pillaged the South, robbing people blind, killing on whims, having their way with the womenfolk, and laying whole regions waste, yet the movie barely touches on this in only one scene. Three Yankee soldiers come to a woman's farm to help themselves to her food supplies--and more. This is the only point in the movie in which Yankees are portrayed in a negative light, and it's a short scene. The rest of the film focuses on the Southerners preying on each other. But in reality, the Northern Aggressors caused far more death and destruction amongst the civilian populace of the South than Southerners did. So I thought this was a bizarre portrayal, to say the least. Additionally, every Southerner in the movie, without exception, was shown as naive, stupid, or evil. This is fiction in its purest form, without a trace of truth in it.
In conclusion, the film could have been far worse; but it also could've been far better. The gushing reviews were unjustified and exaggerated. Of course, with all the criticism I've heard about this movie, I expected to see Confederates acting like Nazis on horseback, lynching black children for the sheer joy of racism-in-action. But there was none of this. In fact, there were no major black characters in it. But tread easy when you watch this one. If you know your history well, everything will be all right, and you'll get a good glimpse of how awful and hellish the war was. If you're unclear about the history of the time, though, skip Cold Mountain and rent Gods and Generals or Ride With the Devil, instead.
Gangs of New York
I saw this film recently, and it definitely had its moments. First, the good:
The cinematography, musical score, and basic storyline were all good. The actors performed competently, especially Daniel Day-Lewis, in the role of the main villain. He made the movie, as far as I'm concerned, and his acting was a sight to behold. The sets were pretty incredible, as well--and extensive.
In many ways, this was a politically incorrect movie. The director (Scorsese) didn't try to sugar-coat the Civil War setting. Nor did he glorify the Yankee soldiers, which I liked. Rather, he portrayed it as a grim, horrible affair that corrupted and ruined everything it touched. One sequence showed the famous Draft Riots in all their butchery and chaos. It was pretty clear to me that the film looked down upon the draft, which I think is the appropriate response. Finally, the wanton and evil abuse suffered by the Irish as they stepped off the boats was shown accurately. This is a side of racism and bigotry most people know little about. It was not unusual for the Irish to labor for slave wages--earning less than many other immigrants.
The movie had some problems, though: I realize it takes place in a bloody, violent time, without a doubt. But some elements were exaggerated, in my opinion. If New York City had been as violent and corrupt as the movie shows, it's hard to imagine the city surviving into the 20th Century. So what I'm saying is that real events were dramatized, but made larger-than-life, in some areas. For example, in an opening scene, two gangs do battle in the streets. We know from newspaper clippings that people died in these turf wars, but not in vast numbers, all at once. Yet the scene I referred to was like an epic battle scene lifted from Braveheart, with blood, brain matter, and other assorted bits of anatomy spewing and flying everywhere. Again, an embellishment on known facts.
Another problem was the main character--the protagonist, if you will. Played by DeCaprio, he was not a very likeable character. He frequently did stupid, foolish things, and his face was etched in a permanent scowl throughout the movie. DeCaprio did his best with the character, but he was just not very empathetic.
The worst problem I found was the anti-Christian bent in the film. DeCaprio spends a good deal of his childhood in a Catholic-run reformatory, and I know these places were tough on kids. But he acts as if he likes the priest who runs the place, hugging him goodbye and thanking him, when he strikes out on his own. The man gives him a Bible as a gift, which he immediately chucks into the Hudson River upon departing. Later in the movie, a preacher treats him kindly and invites him to Sunday services. He impolitely tells the man to go to Hell. However, the film does show him revering and practically praying to a medal with St. Michael the Archangel on it, as his father had done. So for some reason, the director shunned Christianity and opted for paganistic elements for his focus. This disturbed me more than anything else in the movie, because it seemed senseless and unjustified. Of course, what should I expect from the man who made The Last Temptation of Christ--a piece of sickening heresy and blasphemy that never should have seen the light of day?
The cinematography, musical score, and basic storyline were all good. The actors performed competently, especially Daniel Day-Lewis, in the role of the main villain. He made the movie, as far as I'm concerned, and his acting was a sight to behold. The sets were pretty incredible, as well--and extensive.
In many ways, this was a politically incorrect movie. The director (Scorsese) didn't try to sugar-coat the Civil War setting. Nor did he glorify the Yankee soldiers, which I liked. Rather, he portrayed it as a grim, horrible affair that corrupted and ruined everything it touched. One sequence showed the famous Draft Riots in all their butchery and chaos. It was pretty clear to me that the film looked down upon the draft, which I think is the appropriate response. Finally, the wanton and evil abuse suffered by the Irish as they stepped off the boats was shown accurately. This is a side of racism and bigotry most people know little about. It was not unusual for the Irish to labor for slave wages--earning less than many other immigrants.
The movie had some problems, though: I realize it takes place in a bloody, violent time, without a doubt. But some elements were exaggerated, in my opinion. If New York City had been as violent and corrupt as the movie shows, it's hard to imagine the city surviving into the 20th Century. So what I'm saying is that real events were dramatized, but made larger-than-life, in some areas. For example, in an opening scene, two gangs do battle in the streets. We know from newspaper clippings that people died in these turf wars, but not in vast numbers, all at once. Yet the scene I referred to was like an epic battle scene lifted from Braveheart, with blood, brain matter, and other assorted bits of anatomy spewing and flying everywhere. Again, an embellishment on known facts.
Another problem was the main character--the protagonist, if you will. Played by DeCaprio, he was not a very likeable character. He frequently did stupid, foolish things, and his face was etched in a permanent scowl throughout the movie. DeCaprio did his best with the character, but he was just not very empathetic.
The worst problem I found was the anti-Christian bent in the film. DeCaprio spends a good deal of his childhood in a Catholic-run reformatory, and I know these places were tough on kids. But he acts as if he likes the priest who runs the place, hugging him goodbye and thanking him, when he strikes out on his own. The man gives him a Bible as a gift, which he immediately chucks into the Hudson River upon departing. Later in the movie, a preacher treats him kindly and invites him to Sunday services. He impolitely tells the man to go to Hell. However, the film does show him revering and practically praying to a medal with St. Michael the Archangel on it, as his father had done. So for some reason, the director shunned Christianity and opted for paganistic elements for his focus. This disturbed me more than anything else in the movie, because it seemed senseless and unjustified. Of course, what should I expect from the man who made The Last Temptation of Christ--a piece of sickening heresy and blasphemy that never should have seen the light of day?
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Two Jokes
1. Four jackrabbits go strolling on the prairie. Suddenly, a gang of coyotes begins chasing them. Terrified, the four rabbits run under a huge cactus for refuge.
The hungry beasts surround them. One rabbit says to the others, "Ok, should we make a run for it, or wait till we outnumber them?"
2. New arrivals at the Pearly Gates compare tales of how they died.
First Woman: "I froze to death."
Second Woman: "I had a heart attack. I suspected my husband was cheating on me, so I came home early to catch him. He was alone, but I was suspicious that another woman was there, somewhere. I ran all over the house looking, from attic to basement, in every closet and under every bed. Then, I keeled over dead."
First Woman: "Too bad you didn't look in the freezer--we'd both still be alive."
***
I found these jokes in Reader's Digest.
The hungry beasts surround them. One rabbit says to the others, "Ok, should we make a run for it, or wait till we outnumber them?"
2. New arrivals at the Pearly Gates compare tales of how they died.
First Woman: "I froze to death."
Second Woman: "I had a heart attack. I suspected my husband was cheating on me, so I came home early to catch him. He was alone, but I was suspicious that another woman was there, somewhere. I ran all over the house looking, from attic to basement, in every closet and under every bed. Then, I keeled over dead."
First Woman: "Too bad you didn't look in the freezer--we'd both still be alive."
***
I found these jokes in Reader's Digest.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Over 1,000 Served
Well, it's official. As of today, I've had 1,016 visits to my blog. To those of you who are my regulars (you know who you are!), and to those who just drop by on the occasional whim, for a dip in the literary morass--Thank you very much for your interest! I'm learning as I go, gaining more knowledge every day. I very much enjoy the insights of those who comment, as well.
I've noticed a trend lately, though. My blog traffic keeps increasing, and yet the number of people making comments decreases proportionally. Is that bizarre, or what? (Twilight Zone theme music plays in the background).
So all you Folks of the Fringe--SPEAK UP, and let your voices be counted! You don't have to worry about being swatted by an intellectual giant, or being verbally roughed up and tossed out on your keister. I may be a bit ragged around the edges, at times--and I may even have a little fun at someone's expense, on occasion--but it's all with a smile and a friendly slap on the back. No harm intended.
And in conclusion, Lord willin' an' the creek don't rise, I'll be around for a while, yet, wise-crackin' an' tryin' ta make a few valid points fer y'uns ta mull over.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
I've noticed a trend lately, though. My blog traffic keeps increasing, and yet the number of people making comments decreases proportionally. Is that bizarre, or what? (Twilight Zone theme music plays in the background).
So all you Folks of the Fringe--SPEAK UP, and let your voices be counted! You don't have to worry about being swatted by an intellectual giant, or being verbally roughed up and tossed out on your keister. I may be a bit ragged around the edges, at times--and I may even have a little fun at someone's expense, on occasion--but it's all with a smile and a friendly slap on the back. No harm intended.
And in conclusion, Lord willin' an' the creek don't rise, I'll be around for a while, yet, wise-crackin' an' tryin' ta make a few valid points fer y'uns ta mull over.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
Disarming Freedom
As promised, here's a somewhat different list of quotations, taken from "leaders"and prominent liberals of the 20th and 21st Centuries, on the subject of gun control:
Adolf Hitler: "This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead." (Chancelor's Speech, 1935)
Charles Shumer: (US Congress, has sworn an oath to defend the US Constitution) "All we ask for is registration, just like we do for cars." (Press conference, 1993,)
Adof Hitler: "The most foolish mistake we could make would be to allow the subject peoples to possess arms. So let's not have any talk about native militias." (Hitler's Secret Conversations, 1941-44, Farrar, Strauss and Young, 1953)
Mao Tse Tung: "All political power comes from the barrel of a gun. The communist party must command all the guns, that way, no guns can ever be used to command the party." (Problems of War and Strategy, Nov 6 1938, published in "Selected Works of Mao Zedong," 1965)
Diane Feinstein: "US Senator, If I could have banned them all- 'Mr. and Mrs. America turn in your guns' -I would have!" (Statement on TV program 60 Minutes, Feb 5 1995)
Bill Clinton: (US President, has sworn an oath to defend the US Constitution) "When we got organized as a country, [and] wrote a fairly radical Constitution, with a radical Bill of Rights, giving radical amounts of freedom to Americans, it was assumed that Americans who had that freedom would use it responsibly...When personal freedom is being abused, you have to move to limit it." (April 19 1994, on MTV)
These folks are not on the side of our Founders (obviously)--or on the side of freedom. Period.
Adolf Hitler: "This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead." (Chancelor's Speech, 1935)
Charles Shumer: (US Congress, has sworn an oath to defend the US Constitution) "All we ask for is registration, just like we do for cars." (Press conference, 1993,)
Adof Hitler: "The most foolish mistake we could make would be to allow the subject peoples to possess arms. So let's not have any talk about native militias." (Hitler's Secret Conversations, 1941-44, Farrar, Strauss and Young, 1953)
Mao Tse Tung: "All political power comes from the barrel of a gun. The communist party must command all the guns, that way, no guns can ever be used to command the party." (Problems of War and Strategy, Nov 6 1938, published in "Selected Works of Mao Zedong," 1965)
Diane Feinstein: "US Senator, If I could have banned them all- 'Mr. and Mrs. America turn in your guns' -I would have!" (Statement on TV program 60 Minutes, Feb 5 1995)
Bill Clinton: (US President, has sworn an oath to defend the US Constitution) "When we got organized as a country, [and] wrote a fairly radical Constitution, with a radical Bill of Rights, giving radical amounts of freedom to Americans, it was assumed that Americans who had that freedom would use it responsibly...When personal freedom is being abused, you have to move to limit it." (April 19 1994, on MTV)
These folks are not on the side of our Founders (obviously)--or on the side of freedom. Period.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Guns and the Founders
Here's a list of quotes taken from our Founding Fathers, on the subject of gun control and militias. I think you'll find it quite illuminating with regards to their intentions, and the whole phony argument of the present that the militia is merely the National Guard. Tomorrow, I'll post some quotes taken from totalitarians and liberals on the same subject.
Thomas Jefferson: "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms...disarm only those who are neither inclined or determined to commit crimes. Such laws only make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assassins; they serve to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." (1764 Letter and speech from T. Jefferson quoting with approval an essay by Cesare Beccari)
John Adams: "Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at individual discretion in private self defense." (A defense of the Constitution of the US)
George Washington: "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the people's liberty teeth (and) keystone... the rifle and the pistol are equally indispensable... more than 99% of them [guns] by their silence indicate that they are in safe and sane hands. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference [crime]. When firearms go, all goes, we need them every hour." (Address to 1st session of Congress)
George Mason: "To disarm the people is the most effectual way to enslave them." (3 Elliot, Debates at 380)
Noah Webster: "Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed, as they are in almost every country in Europe." (1787, Pamphlets on the Constitution of the US)
George Washington: "A free people ought to be armed." (Jan 14 1790, Boston Independent Chronicle.)
Thomas Jefferson: "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." (T. Jefferson papers, 334, C.J. Boyd, Ed. 1950)
James Madison: "Americans have the right and advantage of being armed, unlike the people of other countries, whose people are afraid to trust them with arms." (Federalist Paper #46)
George Mason: "I ask you sir, who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people." (Elliott, Debates, 425-426)
Richard Henry Lee: "A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves...and include all men capable of bearing arms." (Additional letters from the Federal Farmer, at 169, 1788)
James Madison: "A WELL REGULATED militia, composed of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country." (1st Annals of Congress, at 434, June 8th 1789, emphasis added.
Patrick Henry: "The people have a right to keep and bear arms." (Elliott, Debates at 185)
Alexander Hamilton: "...that standing army can never be formidable (threatening) to the liberties of the people, while there is a large body of citizens, little if at all inferior to them in the use of arms." (Federalist Paper #29)
Samuel Adams: "The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." (Convention of the Commonwealth of Mass., 86-87,
Thomas Jefferson: "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms...disarm only those who are neither inclined or determined to commit crimes. Such laws only make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assassins; they serve to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." (1764 Letter and speech from T. Jefferson quoting with approval an essay by Cesare Beccari)
John Adams: "Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at individual discretion in private self defense." (A defense of the Constitution of the US)
George Washington: "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the people's liberty teeth (and) keystone... the rifle and the pistol are equally indispensable... more than 99% of them [guns] by their silence indicate that they are in safe and sane hands. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference [crime]. When firearms go, all goes, we need them every hour." (Address to 1st session of Congress)
George Mason: "To disarm the people is the most effectual way to enslave them." (3 Elliot, Debates at 380)
Noah Webster: "Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed, as they are in almost every country in Europe." (1787, Pamphlets on the Constitution of the US)
George Washington: "A free people ought to be armed." (Jan 14 1790, Boston Independent Chronicle.)
Thomas Jefferson: "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." (T. Jefferson papers, 334, C.J. Boyd, Ed. 1950)
James Madison: "Americans have the right and advantage of being armed, unlike the people of other countries, whose people are afraid to trust them with arms." (Federalist Paper #46)
George Mason: "I ask you sir, who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people." (Elliott, Debates, 425-426)
Richard Henry Lee: "A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves...and include all men capable of bearing arms." (Additional letters from the Federal Farmer, at 169, 1788)
James Madison: "A WELL REGULATED militia, composed of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country." (1st Annals of Congress, at 434, June 8th 1789, emphasis added.
Patrick Henry: "The people have a right to keep and bear arms." (Elliott, Debates at 185)
Alexander Hamilton: "...that standing army can never be formidable (threatening) to the liberties of the people, while there is a large body of citizens, little if at all inferior to them in the use of arms." (Federalist Paper #29)
Samuel Adams: "The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." (Convention of the Commonwealth of Mass., 86-87,
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Deport Asa Hutchinson
Isn't this fellow a prince among men?
Mr. Hutchinson believes that Americans "lack the will" to rid ourselves of illegal aliens, that the task is "unrealistic." Of course, his job description includes securing the border, and he is, in fact, the top border-security official in the country, though you wouldn't know it from his words and actions.
"We don't set goals like that (referring to deportations). Our goal is to enforce the law as we see violations of the law. ..."
That's just good old-fashioned gibberish. Last time I checked, entering the U.S. illegally is a violation of the law. How silly of me to point that out. Just to translate his nonsense, he's saying that violating the law by entering the country outside legal parameters is not sufficient reason for prosecution or deportation. Only additional crimes will draw his attention.
"I don't think America has the will. I think they have too much compassion to tell our law-enforcement people to go out there and uproot those 8 million here -- some of whom might have been here eight or 12 years, who got kids here that are American citizens -- and to send them out of the country."
Folks this is just conscious deceit. The man's a complete phony, a fraud. Back in early June of this year, the U.S, Border Patrol conducted very popular illegal-alien roundups in California, and the twelve-man team located and captured 450 aliens. Showing his gratitude, Hutchinson iced the program and publicly criticized the efforts. So let's consider the situation carefully:
1. The Border Patrol voluntarily rounded up illegals in a highly successful sweep in California.
2. The state's citizens backed them every step of the way.
3. After shutting down the efforts, Hutchinson received so many outraged emails from Californians and others that he was forced to terminate his email address.
Conclusion: America has the will. Hutchinson and his underlings don't.
And just touching on the issue of illegal aliens who have been in-country for 8 to 12 years: should criminals get off scot-free because they evaded the law for years? That's irrational. In the present case, these people are committing a crime daily, just by being here. I don't see how a statute of limitations comes into play. Furthermore, if such a limit was legally viable, I'm sure Hutchinson would've trotted it out as an excuse from the beginning. But he hasn't. Instead, he whines about how we should all just get along, hold hands, and sing "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony. . ." He ignores the colossal drain on our medical field, welfare system, and what about employment opportunities? How many American citizens can't find jobs because of the 8 to 12 million illegal aliens in our country? The list of problems goes on, and no one knows for sure just how many illegals reside in the U.S.
In August, the National Border Patrol announced that almost two-thirds of their workforce is demoralized, and that half have considered leaving their jobs in the past two years.
The council noted: "Almost three years after the terrorist attacks of 9-11, despite the expenditure of billions of dollars and endless rhetoric from the top about how anti-terrorism is our foremost priority, only about half of these officers believe that our nation is any safer from terrorist threats."
Isn't that disgraceful? Yet Hutchinson assures us that Americans "might be afraid" to learn how much it would cost to succeed in such an endeavor. But how much do we pay for doing nothing? Ah, those are costs Mr. Hutchinson deems unworthy of counting.
I'll leave you with the words of L.A. talk-show host, John Kobylt:
"I don't care if [Hutchinson's] a nice guy or not. I don't care if he gives mouth-to-mouth to dying dogs. It doesn't matter to me. Is he going to do the job on something that is extremely important that three-quarters of the state wants enforced?"
Excellent question. It seems we already have our answer.
Mr. Hutchinson believes that Americans "lack the will" to rid ourselves of illegal aliens, that the task is "unrealistic." Of course, his job description includes securing the border, and he is, in fact, the top border-security official in the country, though you wouldn't know it from his words and actions.
"We don't set goals like that (referring to deportations). Our goal is to enforce the law as we see violations of the law. ..."
That's just good old-fashioned gibberish. Last time I checked, entering the U.S. illegally is a violation of the law. How silly of me to point that out. Just to translate his nonsense, he's saying that violating the law by entering the country outside legal parameters is not sufficient reason for prosecution or deportation. Only additional crimes will draw his attention.
"I don't think America has the will. I think they have too much compassion to tell our law-enforcement people to go out there and uproot those 8 million here -- some of whom might have been here eight or 12 years, who got kids here that are American citizens -- and to send them out of the country."
Folks this is just conscious deceit. The man's a complete phony, a fraud. Back in early June of this year, the U.S, Border Patrol conducted very popular illegal-alien roundups in California, and the twelve-man team located and captured 450 aliens. Showing his gratitude, Hutchinson iced the program and publicly criticized the efforts. So let's consider the situation carefully:
1. The Border Patrol voluntarily rounded up illegals in a highly successful sweep in California.
2. The state's citizens backed them every step of the way.
3. After shutting down the efforts, Hutchinson received so many outraged emails from Californians and others that he was forced to terminate his email address.
Conclusion: America has the will. Hutchinson and his underlings don't.
And just touching on the issue of illegal aliens who have been in-country for 8 to 12 years: should criminals get off scot-free because they evaded the law for years? That's irrational. In the present case, these people are committing a crime daily, just by being here. I don't see how a statute of limitations comes into play. Furthermore, if such a limit was legally viable, I'm sure Hutchinson would've trotted it out as an excuse from the beginning. But he hasn't. Instead, he whines about how we should all just get along, hold hands, and sing "I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony. . ." He ignores the colossal drain on our medical field, welfare system, and what about employment opportunities? How many American citizens can't find jobs because of the 8 to 12 million illegal aliens in our country? The list of problems goes on, and no one knows for sure just how many illegals reside in the U.S.
In August, the National Border Patrol announced that almost two-thirds of their workforce is demoralized, and that half have considered leaving their jobs in the past two years.
The council noted: "Almost three years after the terrorist attacks of 9-11, despite the expenditure of billions of dollars and endless rhetoric from the top about how anti-terrorism is our foremost priority, only about half of these officers believe that our nation is any safer from terrorist threats."
Isn't that disgraceful? Yet Hutchinson assures us that Americans "might be afraid" to learn how much it would cost to succeed in such an endeavor. But how much do we pay for doing nothing? Ah, those are costs Mr. Hutchinson deems unworthy of counting.
I'll leave you with the words of L.A. talk-show host, John Kobylt:
"I don't care if [Hutchinson's] a nice guy or not. I don't care if he gives mouth-to-mouth to dying dogs. It doesn't matter to me. Is he going to do the job on something that is extremely important that three-quarters of the state wants enforced?"
Excellent question. It seems we already have our answer.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Founding Quotes of Note IX
"An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy; because there is a limit beyond which no institution and no property can bear taxation." --John Marshall
Taxation was one of the factors that led us in our revolt against the British. I hope those in elected office ponder such facts, from time to time, and take them into account.
Remember "No taxation without representation!"?
Taxation was one of the factors that led us in our revolt against the British. I hope those in elected office ponder such facts, from time to time, and take them into account.
Remember "No taxation without representation!"?
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Great Literature
In honor of the new public school year that recently began--and as a supplement for my post of September 10, I'm offering this poem, written a while back. I typed it in the comments section of Vox's blog, a couple of months ago; but for those of you who missed it, here it is:
Skewl Daze
Skewl daze, skewl daze
Shun the Golden Rule-daze.
Readin', 'ritin', an' 'rithmatic--
Tryin' ta spell 'em makes me sick.
Read me some Seuss like The Cat in the Hat.
Someday I'll say: "Ma'am, want fries with that?"
See Dick run and see Jane run
Behind the bleachers for some fun.
Hey, wait! I think she has a gun!
Dem ol' skewl daze.
Skewl daze, skewl daze
Spent in a drug-induced haze.
Roll a joint using my homework.
2 + 2 drives me quite berserk.
Quote me some Shakespeare; it's all Greek ta me.
Won't have no trouble catchin' VD.
Nothin' at all 'tween my ears.
Stayed in the ninth grade years and years.
Politics makes a great career.
Dem ol' skewl daze.
The End
Skewl Daze
Skewl daze, skewl daze
Shun the Golden Rule-daze.
Readin', 'ritin', an' 'rithmatic--
Tryin' ta spell 'em makes me sick.
Read me some Seuss like The Cat in the Hat.
Someday I'll say: "Ma'am, want fries with that?"
See Dick run and see Jane run
Behind the bleachers for some fun.
Hey, wait! I think she has a gun!
Dem ol' skewl daze.
Skewl daze, skewl daze
Spent in a drug-induced haze.
Roll a joint using my homework.
2 + 2 drives me quite berserk.
Quote me some Shakespeare; it's all Greek ta me.
Won't have no trouble catchin' VD.
Nothin' at all 'tween my ears.
Stayed in the ninth grade years and years.
Politics makes a great career.
Dem ol' skewl daze.
The End
Saturday, September 11, 2004
September 11, 2001 Remembered
Hard to believe it's been three years since that dreaded day. Just thinking about the loss and grief pains me.
May those who died find comfort and rest in our Father's arms.
May those who lost loved ones find peace and the will to struggle on.
May those who gloated over the events of this day--or helped perpetrate them--be pounded into dust.
Amen.
May those who died find comfort and rest in our Father's arms.
May those who lost loved ones find peace and the will to struggle on.
May those who gloated over the events of this day--or helped perpetrate them--be pounded into dust.
Amen.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Education Ain't Whut She Used To Be
From The Federalist:
"A most intriguing school test appears in the current issue of Education Reporter, describing what eighth-graders in the United States were expected to know in 1910. Among 10 grammar questions: 'In what must a pronoun agree with its antecedent? Illustrate.' Under orthography, spell: 'laudanum, beneficent, declension.' A few from the U.S. and civic history category: 'State the qualifications of a U.S. senator ... What has made the names of each of the following historical: Alexander Hamilton, U.S. Grant, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Cyrus W. Field, Clara Barton? ... Give an account of the framing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence.' After students got through rather tough questions in geography, arithmetic and physiology, there was this easy (for students of yesteryear, at least) question: 'Quote two stanzas of "America".'" --John McCaslin
Whew! And you thought eighth grade was hard!
Of course, to be fair, there's no time these days for such minutiae. Kids have more important subjects to delve into, such as: learning that our Founders were all racist pigs; gaining dexterity in putting a condom on a cucumber; understanding the insight that our Constitution is a living, breathing document (just take its pulse, if you doubt me); and taking political correctness 101, certainly not an elective in today's public school system.
"A most intriguing school test appears in the current issue of Education Reporter, describing what eighth-graders in the United States were expected to know in 1910. Among 10 grammar questions: 'In what must a pronoun agree with its antecedent? Illustrate.' Under orthography, spell: 'laudanum, beneficent, declension.' A few from the U.S. and civic history category: 'State the qualifications of a U.S. senator ... What has made the names of each of the following historical: Alexander Hamilton, U.S. Grant, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Cyrus W. Field, Clara Barton? ... Give an account of the framing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence.' After students got through rather tough questions in geography, arithmetic and physiology, there was this easy (for students of yesteryear, at least) question: 'Quote two stanzas of "America".'" --John McCaslin
Whew! And you thought eighth grade was hard!
Of course, to be fair, there's no time these days for such minutiae. Kids have more important subjects to delve into, such as: learning that our Founders were all racist pigs; gaining dexterity in putting a condom on a cucumber; understanding the insight that our Constitution is a living, breathing document (just take its pulse, if you doubt me); and taking political correctness 101, certainly not an elective in today's public school system.
Longwindedness Explained
A woman can talk with less effort than a man because her vocal cords are shorter than those of the male. Not only does this cause her voice to be higher pitched, it also requires less air to agitate the cords, making it possible for her to talk more, yet expend less energy.
I obtained this informative tidbit from a book in my possession, entitled A Fun-Filled Collection of 1800 Tantalizing Facts, by E.C. McKenzie.
Explains quite a lot, doesn't it? Now, where's my bullet-proof vest?
I obtained this informative tidbit from a book in my possession, entitled A Fun-Filled Collection of 1800 Tantalizing Facts, by E.C. McKenzie.
Explains quite a lot, doesn't it? Now, where's my bullet-proof vest?
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Immigrant Influx in Tennessee
I live in the eastern portion of the state, in a medium-sized town, and I've noticed some changes in the past two or three years.
Every day, more and more, I'm seeing people who look like their nationality is Mexico, or at least south of the Rio Grande. Such folks always have been around, but I've noticed a marked increase in their numbers, recently.
Some examples of this trend:
When I go anywhere--whether it's the mall, Wal-Mart, the grocery store, a restaurant, etc., I see them--and sometimes in large numbers.
One of the local Taco Bells now is populated almost exclusively by Mexican employees.
Signs are going up here and there, written in Spanish, where once no such signs existed.
My wife worked at Cracker Barrel, a few years ago, and almost every individual who worked in the dishroom was a Mexican. Only one of them spoke English, and not very well. The rest verbally could neither communicate with, nor understand, their coworkers.
Now let me make something clear. I am not against legal immigration, if said immigrants want to assimilate with our culture and become loyal to our country and way of life. Neither am I against Mexicans. Not at all.
But based on my own experience in observing the immigration situation in my neck of the woods, I've drawn some conclusions:
1. The sheer number of these people, coupled with the time-frame involved, indicates a high likelihood that many are here illegally.
2. Rather than protesting such changes or showing the merest concern, local businesses embrace the immigrants, asking few if any questions, and catering to their deficiencies.
3. The majority of them that I run across speak either broken English, or zero English. This indicates a disinterest in assimilating with the greater population. (Anecdote: My wife currently works with a woman who immigrated from Mexico. She speaks almost no English, and has exhibited no interest in improving her skill in speaking the language. They have been coworkers for over a year.)
I know there are exceptions, and I've limited my remarks to the region in which I live, but this makes good food for thought about the direction our country is headed.
Every day, more and more, I'm seeing people who look like their nationality is Mexico, or at least south of the Rio Grande. Such folks always have been around, but I've noticed a marked increase in their numbers, recently.
Some examples of this trend:
When I go anywhere--whether it's the mall, Wal-Mart, the grocery store, a restaurant, etc., I see them--and sometimes in large numbers.
One of the local Taco Bells now is populated almost exclusively by Mexican employees.
Signs are going up here and there, written in Spanish, where once no such signs existed.
My wife worked at Cracker Barrel, a few years ago, and almost every individual who worked in the dishroom was a Mexican. Only one of them spoke English, and not very well. The rest verbally could neither communicate with, nor understand, their coworkers.
Now let me make something clear. I am not against legal immigration, if said immigrants want to assimilate with our culture and become loyal to our country and way of life. Neither am I against Mexicans. Not at all.
But based on my own experience in observing the immigration situation in my neck of the woods, I've drawn some conclusions:
1. The sheer number of these people, coupled with the time-frame involved, indicates a high likelihood that many are here illegally.
2. Rather than protesting such changes or showing the merest concern, local businesses embrace the immigrants, asking few if any questions, and catering to their deficiencies.
3. The majority of them that I run across speak either broken English, or zero English. This indicates a disinterest in assimilating with the greater population. (Anecdote: My wife currently works with a woman who immigrated from Mexico. She speaks almost no English, and has exhibited no interest in improving her skill in speaking the language. They have been coworkers for over a year.)
I know there are exceptions, and I've limited my remarks to the region in which I live, but this makes good food for thought about the direction our country is headed.
Founding Quotes of Note VIII
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism." --George Washington
I think this is a very timely quote, especially in the context of our current political cycle. John Kerry, Michael Moore, the Left, and most of the Democrat Party--take note.
I think this is a very timely quote, especially in the context of our current political cycle. John Kerry, Michael Moore, the Left, and most of the Democrat Party--take note.
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Miracles
Here's an amazing story, about a possible miracle.
It seemed at first that Alice Mowatt didn't have a prayer of a chance of surviving being struck by a car on a busy Hollywood street.
Authorities listed her as a probable fatality when the teenage British tourist was rushed to the hospital with severe head injuries.
But an hour later there was one prayer. And soon after that there were thousands.
As doctors struggled to save Mowatt, the Los Angeles police sergeant assigned to investigate the crash was so moved that he stepped out of the emergency room and launched an international prayer circle on her behalf.
I believe in miracles, personally. I believe in those that the Bible describes, and I believe that they still occur, today, albeit with more subtlety.
What do you think about miracles? If you've ever experienced one--or know someone who has --I'd enjoy hearing about it.
It seemed at first that Alice Mowatt didn't have a prayer of a chance of surviving being struck by a car on a busy Hollywood street.
Authorities listed her as a probable fatality when the teenage British tourist was rushed to the hospital with severe head injuries.
But an hour later there was one prayer. And soon after that there were thousands.
As doctors struggled to save Mowatt, the Los Angeles police sergeant assigned to investigate the crash was so moved that he stepped out of the emergency room and launched an international prayer circle on her behalf.
I believe in miracles, personally. I believe in those that the Bible describes, and I believe that they still occur, today, albeit with more subtlety.
What do you think about miracles? If you've ever experienced one--or know someone who has --I'd enjoy hearing about it.
Nuns on the Run
A group of nuns have donated money to a well-known pro-abortion group, Emily's List.
The donation to Emily's List, says the nuns' vice president, was simply meant to help women in the political process.
My initial response to this was: Huh?
"We weren't making a political statement in terms" of abortion, Sister Mary Katherine Hamilton told the Detroit Free Press.
Say what?
Let me get this straight. You donate money to an organization dedicated to aiding and abetting pro-abortion women in gaining elected office, and you weren't making a political statement regarding abortion? What muddled garbage.
The Roman Catholic Church vehemently opposes abortion. So at best these people are guilty of rank incompetence in choosing a group to send their money. At worst, well, it says something about their dedication to Catholic--and Christian--principles, doesn't it?
The donation to Emily's List, says the nuns' vice president, was simply meant to help women in the political process.
My initial response to this was: Huh?
"We weren't making a political statement in terms" of abortion, Sister Mary Katherine Hamilton told the Detroit Free Press.
Say what?
Let me get this straight. You donate money to an organization dedicated to aiding and abetting pro-abortion women in gaining elected office, and you weren't making a political statement regarding abortion? What muddled garbage.
The Roman Catholic Church vehemently opposes abortion. So at best these people are guilty of rank incompetence in choosing a group to send their money. At worst, well, it says something about their dedication to Catholic--and Christian--principles, doesn't it?
Founding Quotes of Note VII
"[A] wise and frugal government...shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government."--Thomas Jefferson
Monday, September 6, 2004
Back in Action
I'm back, with a nice, crispy sunburn. If you've ever seen a lobster after it comes out of the boiler, you know how I look, right now. Even my scalp is sunburned, under my hair. Yowch.
I had fun--sleeping in a tent, no electricity, no tv, no radio. My wife and siblings, and their children, and my mother and stepfather all went. We played horseshoes, shuffleboard, miniature golf, went swimming in the lake, and just generally had a good time goofing off. We picked a lovely camping spot, under some trees with low-hanging branches. Sitting in a chair under those trees early in the morning was heavenly, with the breeze blowing through the leaves and making a soft sighing sound. I find contentment in the little things.
Last, but not least, we had the sunburn grill-a-thon, which I won hands down, as I'm sure you've guessed. But a coupla others came close in the running, I assure you. The contest prize was lots of pain, peeling skin, and a week's supply of aloe.
Life is good. I hope all of you had a great weekend.
I had fun--sleeping in a tent, no electricity, no tv, no radio. My wife and siblings, and their children, and my mother and stepfather all went. We played horseshoes, shuffleboard, miniature golf, went swimming in the lake, and just generally had a good time goofing off. We picked a lovely camping spot, under some trees with low-hanging branches. Sitting in a chair under those trees early in the morning was heavenly, with the breeze blowing through the leaves and making a soft sighing sound. I find contentment in the little things.
Last, but not least, we had the sunburn grill-a-thon, which I won hands down, as I'm sure you've guessed. But a coupla others came close in the running, I assure you. The contest prize was lots of pain, peeling skin, and a week's supply of aloe.
Life is good. I hope all of you had a great weekend.
Friday, September 3, 2004
Happy Camper
Folks, I'll be gone camping for a few days, with my wife and other family members. So you won't hear from me for a brief time. Buck up, and dry your tears; it'll be okay. I expect to be back Monday, blogging away as usual.
In the meantime, now's a great opportunity to exercise your rights and read my archives, if you already have not taken that wise step. There you will have enlightenment seared--seared--into your minds.
God bless all of you. Be happy and well, until we talk again.
I shall return.
In the meantime, now's a great opportunity to exercise your rights and read my archives, if you already have not taken that wise step. There you will have enlightenment seared--seared--into your minds.
God bless all of you. Be happy and well, until we talk again.
I shall return.
Thursday, September 2, 2004
Cuckoos Escape the Clock
This person managed a corruption of the language and brazen stupidity in a single statement--a feat worthy of at least a passing mention:
A featured performer at a National Organization for Women rally accused President Bush of having "savagely raped " women "over and over" by allegedly stealing the 2000 presidential election.
Poet Molly Birnbaum read aloud to a crowd of feminists gathered in New York's Central Park on Wednesday night, as part of a NOW event dubbed "Code Red: Stop the Bush Agenda Rally."
"Imagine a way to erase that night four years ago when you (President Bush) savagely raped every pandemic woman over and over with each vote you got, a thrust with each state you stole," Birnbaum said from the podium. (If something is pandemic, it affects many people or a number of countries.)"
A smack with each bill you passed, a tear with each right you took until you left me disenfranchised with hands shackled and voice restrained. Thanks for that night, Mr. President, I can barely remember my tomorrows," Birnbaum said to applause.
Interestingly, Ms. Birnbaum made no mention of the Idiocy Pandemic, sweeping the globe, its contagion emanating from leftist circles.
In the same article, this gave me a good laugh:
Birnbaum's reading was followed by a performance by Gina Young, described as a singer of "feminist folk punk."
Young's song included the following verse about Bush:"I got better grades than you, you stupid boy W. Your dad was a killer, too, and you know that nobody voted for you," Young sang as the crowd erupted in applause."I object not just to this war, but to all of the things that you stand for, like dropping bombs to lower the price of gas. I guess the Constitution is just some piece of scrap paper you use to wipe you're a**, you bastard," Young sang to more applause.
I knew schoolyard bullies who harbored more poetic with than this imbecile. Can you believe people actually applauded such a moron? These NOW creatures live in a world of emotional overload, where facts and logic, reason and common sense are spat upon, and passion in The Cause is deified--whether it makes sense or not.
A featured performer at a National Organization for Women rally accused President Bush of having "savagely raped " women "over and over" by allegedly stealing the 2000 presidential election.
Poet Molly Birnbaum read aloud to a crowd of feminists gathered in New York's Central Park on Wednesday night, as part of a NOW event dubbed "Code Red: Stop the Bush Agenda Rally."
"Imagine a way to erase that night four years ago when you (President Bush) savagely raped every pandemic woman over and over with each vote you got, a thrust with each state you stole," Birnbaum said from the podium. (If something is pandemic, it affects many people or a number of countries.)"
A smack with each bill you passed, a tear with each right you took until you left me disenfranchised with hands shackled and voice restrained. Thanks for that night, Mr. President, I can barely remember my tomorrows," Birnbaum said to applause.
Interestingly, Ms. Birnbaum made no mention of the Idiocy Pandemic, sweeping the globe, its contagion emanating from leftist circles.
In the same article, this gave me a good laugh:
Birnbaum's reading was followed by a performance by Gina Young, described as a singer of "feminist folk punk."
Young's song included the following verse about Bush:"I got better grades than you, you stupid boy W. Your dad was a killer, too, and you know that nobody voted for you," Young sang as the crowd erupted in applause."I object not just to this war, but to all of the things that you stand for, like dropping bombs to lower the price of gas. I guess the Constitution is just some piece of scrap paper you use to wipe you're a**, you bastard," Young sang to more applause.
I knew schoolyard bullies who harbored more poetic with than this imbecile. Can you believe people actually applauded such a moron? These NOW creatures live in a world of emotional overload, where facts and logic, reason and common sense are spat upon, and passion in The Cause is deified--whether it makes sense or not.
Zell Miller's Dilemma
Zell Miller said a few choice words at the Republican National Convention:
No one should dare to even think about being the Commander in Chief of this country if he doesn't believe with all his heart that our soldiers are liberators abroad and defenders of freedom at home.
But don't waste your breath telling that to the leaders of my party today. In their warped way of thinking America is the problem, not the solution.
They don't believe there is any real danger in the world except that which America brings upon itself through our clumsy and misguided foreign policy.
It is not their patriotism -- it is their judgment that has been so sorely lacking. They claimed Carter's pacifism would lead to peace.
They were wrong.
They claimed Reagan's defense buildup would lead to war.
They were wrong.
Zell Miller is an admirable man, in many ways. He's courageous, having broken ranks with his party's herd mentality. And he's an unabashed patriot. My only question is: Mr. Miller, when will you dump the Democrat Party, and choose a group of people more worthy of your association?
No one should dare to even think about being the Commander in Chief of this country if he doesn't believe with all his heart that our soldiers are liberators abroad and defenders of freedom at home.
But don't waste your breath telling that to the leaders of my party today. In their warped way of thinking America is the problem, not the solution.
They don't believe there is any real danger in the world except that which America brings upon itself through our clumsy and misguided foreign policy.
It is not their patriotism -- it is their judgment that has been so sorely lacking. They claimed Carter's pacifism would lead to peace.
They were wrong.
They claimed Reagan's defense buildup would lead to war.
They were wrong.
Zell Miller is an admirable man, in many ways. He's courageous, having broken ranks with his party's herd mentality. And he's an unabashed patriot. My only question is: Mr. Miller, when will you dump the Democrat Party, and choose a group of people more worthy of your association?
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
The Passion of the Christ
Mel Gibson's film went on-sale, yesterday. By midday, more than 2.4 million copies had been sold.
Isn't that amazing? I realize this movie was imperfect, but what a powerful testimony to the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us, to lift and cleanse us from the filthy pit of our sins. If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend it. A warning, though. It's tough on the emotions, but worth every moment.
Isn't that amazing? I realize this movie was imperfect, but what a powerful testimony to the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us, to lift and cleanse us from the filthy pit of our sins. If you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend it. A warning, though. It's tough on the emotions, but worth every moment.
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