The Mexican government is threatening to use international courts to stop Arizona law from limiting public benefits and voting eligibility to legal residents of the U.S.
Mexican officials have repeatedly complained about Proposition 200, which went into effect Tuesday. The statewide measure denies most taxpayer benefits to illegal aliens and requires state workers to report applicants for such benefits who may not be eligible. It also requires anyone registering to vote in the state to show proof of citizenship and bring a government-issued ID to the polling place.
AP reported Derbez expressed regret that, according to polls, about 40 percent of Mexican-Americans in Arizona supported Prop. 200. The measure passed with 60 percent of the vote.
Can you believe the audacity of these people? An American border state takes action to defend itself against bankruptcy caused by such criminals, and the Mexican government tries to thwart this reasonable endeavor.
Here's another beautiful story, on similar subject matter.
MSNBC.com research and government reports suggest hundreds of thousands of American citizens are in the same spot -- unknowingly lending their identity to illegal immigrants so they can work. And while several government agencies and private corporations sometimes know whose Social Security numbers are being ripped off, they won't notify the victims. That is, until they come after the victims for back taxes or unpaid loans owed by the imposter.
An undocumented immigrant worker managed to use Steve Millet's Social Security number for more than 10 years before the incident was discovered. Millet said the imposter managed to obtain a dozen credit cards, buy a car, and even a house using the stolen number and his own name. All the while, that imposter paid taxes, paid into Social Security, and took out loans using the stolen Social Security Number. All of those agencies had a record of the abused SSN; none bothered to tell Steve Millet.
Our government is trying to scare everyone to death about Islamic terrorists. Certainly, they're a serious problem, and should be dealt with. The terrorism situation--as it affects us domestically--is only a corner of a bigger picture. The immigration issues plaguing this country are a far more nefarious, corrupting problem. As I have said before, Mexico is not our friend. Its government is making active, unsubtle attempts to destroy our way of life. It has declared war on the United States, whether our government admits it, or not.
If we fall, it won't be due to the efforts of Islamic terrorism. America faces a much greater threat, right here, at home. Our "leaders'" response? Do nothing. Just ignore it. Be obedient little drones and focus on winning the "War on Terror." Good grief.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
A Big Difference
From Vox's blog, yestiddy:
The difference between a man who fights in order to be left alone and live in freedom and a man who fights in order to gain ascendancy over others and exert power over their lives is polar.
Bingo. This is an important truth to set to memory. I've been sayin' that for a long time. Just remember this, the next time folks start shoutin' about the "cycle of violence" in Israel; or the "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" nonsense, regarding the "Palestinians;" or when they compare the killers in Iraq with the Minutemen of the Revolution. This morally relativistic tripe needs consignment to the ash heap of history, right next to polyester and communism.
The difference between a man who fights in order to be left alone and live in freedom and a man who fights in order to gain ascendancy over others and exert power over their lives is polar.
Bingo. This is an important truth to set to memory. I've been sayin' that for a long time. Just remember this, the next time folks start shoutin' about the "cycle of violence" in Israel; or the "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" nonsense, regarding the "Palestinians;" or when they compare the killers in Iraq with the Minutemen of the Revolution. This morally relativistic tripe needs consignment to the ash heap of history, right next to polyester and communism.
Founding Quotes of Note XXIV
"As riches increase and accumulate in few hands, as luxury prevails in society, virtue will be in a greater degree considered as only a graceful appendage of wealth, and the tendency of things will be to depart from the republican standard. This is the real disposition of human nature; it is what neither the honorable member nor myself can correct. It is a common misfortunate that awaits our State constitution, as well as all others." --Alexander Hamilton
Monday, January 24, 2005
Sincere Belief
Ever heard the old argument, "It doesn't matter what religion you have faith in, so long as you believe in something."? Boy, I sure have--many times, on the internet and within other print media. I realize this view exhibits the quintessence of ecumenism, i.e., the idea that all religious beliefs should be in harmony.
Allow me to demonstrate the absurdity of such an outlook. Sincerity does not equal correctness. For example: Suppose that you and I board a small plane and ascend to 25,000 feet. Snug in our seats, I look over at you and say: "I sincerely believe that, if I jump out of this plane and flap my arms hard enough, I'll be able to achieve flight." Of course, you'd probably roll your eyes and denounce me as an idiot; or even more likely, you'd assume I'm joking. But a few minutes later, while your attention is averted, I slip out of my retraints, rip open the cabin door, and leap out of the plane. Slicing through mid-air and plummeting to the earth, I begin flapping my arms just as hard as I can.
I sincerely believe I can fly. . .and in just a couple of minutes, I'll be sincerely dead. The point of this ridiculous story is that a person may be sincere in his beliefs, and be sincerely wrong.
The sinister idea lurking behind this notion is that there is no absolute truth, no distinct right and wrong. The key to understanding the problem is in recognizing that truth is not dependent upon belief. For example, the law of gravity is real--demonstrable, in fact. If every human being alive stops believing in gravity and its effects tomorrow, will that make its reality less true, its effects less real? Of course not.
Belief, however, is dependent upon truth. In other words, belief is important, yes, but only if what you believe is true.
Look at the contest between the prophets of Baal and God, in the Old Testament. Pieces of a dead ox were placed on an altar. The god who responded to his worshippers' petitions would burn up the sacrifice with fire. The prophets of Baal prayed, pled, danced, mutilated themselves, and performed other foolish, fruitless rituals all day.
Nothing happened. But were these men insincere in their beliefs? Quite to the contrary. They believed in their god so strongly that making fools of themselves in public was an acceptable risk.
Later, when the Lord God of Israel was invoked, He rained fire down out of Heaven, consumed the sacrifice, and even incinerated the very altar upon which it lay.
Baal's false prophets were slain for their evils. So if belief is all that matters, why were these men not spared?
Because faith's value depends on the object of that faith.
Allow me to demonstrate the absurdity of such an outlook. Sincerity does not equal correctness. For example: Suppose that you and I board a small plane and ascend to 25,000 feet. Snug in our seats, I look over at you and say: "I sincerely believe that, if I jump out of this plane and flap my arms hard enough, I'll be able to achieve flight." Of course, you'd probably roll your eyes and denounce me as an idiot; or even more likely, you'd assume I'm joking. But a few minutes later, while your attention is averted, I slip out of my retraints, rip open the cabin door, and leap out of the plane. Slicing through mid-air and plummeting to the earth, I begin flapping my arms just as hard as I can.
I sincerely believe I can fly. . .and in just a couple of minutes, I'll be sincerely dead. The point of this ridiculous story is that a person may be sincere in his beliefs, and be sincerely wrong.
The sinister idea lurking behind this notion is that there is no absolute truth, no distinct right and wrong. The key to understanding the problem is in recognizing that truth is not dependent upon belief. For example, the law of gravity is real--demonstrable, in fact. If every human being alive stops believing in gravity and its effects tomorrow, will that make its reality less true, its effects less real? Of course not.
Belief, however, is dependent upon truth. In other words, belief is important, yes, but only if what you believe is true.
Look at the contest between the prophets of Baal and God, in the Old Testament. Pieces of a dead ox were placed on an altar. The god who responded to his worshippers' petitions would burn up the sacrifice with fire. The prophets of Baal prayed, pled, danced, mutilated themselves, and performed other foolish, fruitless rituals all day.
Nothing happened. But were these men insincere in their beliefs? Quite to the contrary. They believed in their god so strongly that making fools of themselves in public was an acceptable risk.
Later, when the Lord God of Israel was invoked, He rained fire down out of Heaven, consumed the sacrifice, and even incinerated the very altar upon which it lay.
Baal's false prophets were slain for their evils. So if belief is all that matters, why were these men not spared?
Because faith's value depends on the object of that faith.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Playing Politics and Using Political Correctness For a Ball
Here's an excerpt from Bush's Second Inaugural Address. I've read no commentary on this particular portion, so I thought I'd chime in:
In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character – on integrity and tolerance toward others and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self.
That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before – ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today and forever.
What a crock! This an obvious attempt to be "inclusive," driven to the point of absurdity. This from the man who repeatedly declares that "Islam is a religion of peace." Historically, Islam has been a religion of intolerance taken to an extreme level. It's character is steeped in degrading women, forcibly suppressing all viewpoints but its own, and killing opponents of this methodology. Islam played zero role in the founding of our nation, and its worldview is antithetical to peace, freedom, or Western civilization. "Convert, submit, or die" is not a legacy I want bequeathed to my children. I find his comparison between Islam and the great events of Judaism and Christianity insulting.
Has he actually read the Q'uran? I've read large portions of it. Though it does elaborate on many good things, it also calls for the deaths of infidels. Pair this with its blood-drenched history--from its inception--and you have a picture that would turn Stephen King's stomach.
How may we ever properly understand the nature of our enemy, when Mr. Bush refuses to describe it accurately?
I'll leave this topic with a final question: Is it a coincidence that every single terrorist group stabbing at us from the darkness is Islamic?
In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character – on integrity and tolerance toward others and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self.
That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before – ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today and forever.
What a crock! This an obvious attempt to be "inclusive," driven to the point of absurdity. This from the man who repeatedly declares that "Islam is a religion of peace." Historically, Islam has been a religion of intolerance taken to an extreme level. It's character is steeped in degrading women, forcibly suppressing all viewpoints but its own, and killing opponents of this methodology. Islam played zero role in the founding of our nation, and its worldview is antithetical to peace, freedom, or Western civilization. "Convert, submit, or die" is not a legacy I want bequeathed to my children. I find his comparison between Islam and the great events of Judaism and Christianity insulting.
Has he actually read the Q'uran? I've read large portions of it. Though it does elaborate on many good things, it also calls for the deaths of infidels. Pair this with its blood-drenched history--from its inception--and you have a picture that would turn Stephen King's stomach.
How may we ever properly understand the nature of our enemy, when Mr. Bush refuses to describe it accurately?
I'll leave this topic with a final question: Is it a coincidence that every single terrorist group stabbing at us from the darkness is Islamic?
U.N. Efficiency
From The Federalist Patriot, regarding the tsunami relief efforts:
As one unidentified U.S. Foreign Service Officer on duty in Indonesia said concerning UN bureaucrats criticizing U.S. relief efforts: "As we come up on two weeks since the disaster struck, the UN is still not to be seen where it counts -- except when holding well-staged press events. ... Ah, yes, but the luxury hotels are full of UN assessment teams and visiting big shots from New York, Geneva, and Vienna. The city sees a steady procession of UN Mercedes sedans and top-of-the-line SUV's -- a fully decked out Toyota Land Cruiser is the UN vehicle of choice; it doesn't seem that concerns about 'global warming' and preserving your tax dollars run too deep among the UNocrats. ... I realized that if not for Australia and America almost nobody in the tsunami-affected areas would have survived more than a few days. If we had waited for the UNocrats to get their act coordinated, the already massive death toll would have become astronomical. But, fortunately, thanks to retrograde racist war-mongers' such as John Howard and George W. Bush, as we sat in air conditioned meeting rooms with these UNocrats, young Australians and Americans were at that moment 'coordinating' without the UN and saving the lives of tens-of-thousands of people."
Yet another great reason for why we all should perform ablutions at the altar of the U.N.
As one unidentified U.S. Foreign Service Officer on duty in Indonesia said concerning UN bureaucrats criticizing U.S. relief efforts: "As we come up on two weeks since the disaster struck, the UN is still not to be seen where it counts -- except when holding well-staged press events. ... Ah, yes, but the luxury hotels are full of UN assessment teams and visiting big shots from New York, Geneva, and Vienna. The city sees a steady procession of UN Mercedes sedans and top-of-the-line SUV's -- a fully decked out Toyota Land Cruiser is the UN vehicle of choice; it doesn't seem that concerns about 'global warming' and preserving your tax dollars run too deep among the UNocrats. ... I realized that if not for Australia and America almost nobody in the tsunami-affected areas would have survived more than a few days. If we had waited for the UNocrats to get their act coordinated, the already massive death toll would have become astronomical. But, fortunately, thanks to retrograde racist war-mongers' such as John Howard and George W. Bush, as we sat in air conditioned meeting rooms with these UNocrats, young Australians and Americans were at that moment 'coordinating' without the UN and saving the lives of tens-of-thousands of people."
Yet another great reason for why we all should perform ablutions at the altar of the U.N.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Founding Quotes of Note XXIII
"It may perhaps be said that the power of preventing bad laws includes that of preventing good ones; and may be used to the one purpose as well as to the other. But this objection will have little weight with those who can properly estimate the mischiefs of that inconstancy and mutability in the laws, which form the greatest blemish in the character and genius of our governments." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 73
One of Life's Little Questions
Why do arabs carry two pieces of sandpaper in their pocket?
One is a map of the area, the other is a picture of their house.
--Courtesy of JamieR
One is a map of the area, the other is a picture of their house.
--Courtesy of JamieR
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Why the Islamic World Hates Us
Let me preface my remarks by acknowledging that not all Muslims hate the U.S. or the Western world. Not all adherents to Islam want to see us vaporized. I'm well aware of that. I'm also aware that not all Japanese soldiers relished torturing prisoners during WWII, not all Italians love spaghetti, and not all communists sport Van Dyke beards like Lenin. The point is, that's irrelevant. What is germane to the discussion, though, is that Islam is a religion in conflict with all other religions--particularly that of Christianity, which has been its chief opponent, historically. Further, judging by the doctrines and agenda it espouses, its followers largely are our enemies. The very nature of this religion sets it against everyone else.
That said, I believe there are three basic reasons that most of the Islamic world loathes us:
1. The Western world is not Islamic. The United States, Europe, and South America all have long histories steeped in Christianity. Islam has never been a dominant force in the West--though that may change in the near future, if the study of European demographics has any significance. Needless to say, this fact in and of itself creates contention between the two regions, since the ultimate goal of Islam is global rule through Sharia law.
2. The U.S. is a grave threat to future Islamic domination. Militarily, the U.S. is the most powerful country on earth. In the past two years, two predominantly Islamic countries have had long-standing regimes overthrown by our military. I realize Iraq's ruling elite was secular in its outlook, but the populace was Islamic, in the main. Also, Hussein's pan-Arab vision followed a similar path to that of Islam's expansion. Since the U.S has little tolerance for forced religious conversion, beheadings of helpless prisoners without trial, or terrorist tactics (the Islamic method of gaining attention du jour), I don't see a lasting bond of friendship usurping our current relationship with the Middle East, The Bush Administration's PC portrayal of Islam notwithstanding.
3. The United States is the world's most staunch supporter of Israel. We've always been in their corner, at the very least agreeing with their right to exist in the region. Our government has taken many wrong turns in its relationship with Israel, giving the "Palestinians" far too much creedance and respect; but it is unquestionable that Israel has no more formidable--or loyal--friend. Since Israel is hated and reviled almost universally throughout the Middle East, putting two and two together is far from rocket science.
Can we do things to exacerbate this hatred? Sure. Have we commited such acts? Perhaps. But keep in mind that these people hated us long before the current Iraq war, and they will hate us long after it is a receding memory. Worse, they subsist on a daily diet of propaganda and outright lies about us. So whether the injustices they've suffered are perceived or genuine matters little in terms of their future actions. Personally, I think most of them are false or self-inflicted, but I digress.
They'll kill us, if they can. If the Islamic world had been as strong as the U.S. is, now, for the past two hundred years, the world would be a very different place.
That said, I believe there are three basic reasons that most of the Islamic world loathes us:
1. The Western world is not Islamic. The United States, Europe, and South America all have long histories steeped in Christianity. Islam has never been a dominant force in the West--though that may change in the near future, if the study of European demographics has any significance. Needless to say, this fact in and of itself creates contention between the two regions, since the ultimate goal of Islam is global rule through Sharia law.
2. The U.S. is a grave threat to future Islamic domination. Militarily, the U.S. is the most powerful country on earth. In the past two years, two predominantly Islamic countries have had long-standing regimes overthrown by our military. I realize Iraq's ruling elite was secular in its outlook, but the populace was Islamic, in the main. Also, Hussein's pan-Arab vision followed a similar path to that of Islam's expansion. Since the U.S has little tolerance for forced religious conversion, beheadings of helpless prisoners without trial, or terrorist tactics (the Islamic method of gaining attention du jour), I don't see a lasting bond of friendship usurping our current relationship with the Middle East, The Bush Administration's PC portrayal of Islam notwithstanding.
3. The United States is the world's most staunch supporter of Israel. We've always been in their corner, at the very least agreeing with their right to exist in the region. Our government has taken many wrong turns in its relationship with Israel, giving the "Palestinians" far too much creedance and respect; but it is unquestionable that Israel has no more formidable--or loyal--friend. Since Israel is hated and reviled almost universally throughout the Middle East, putting two and two together is far from rocket science.
Can we do things to exacerbate this hatred? Sure. Have we commited such acts? Perhaps. But keep in mind that these people hated us long before the current Iraq war, and they will hate us long after it is a receding memory. Worse, they subsist on a daily diet of propaganda and outright lies about us. So whether the injustices they've suffered are perceived or genuine matters little in terms of their future actions. Personally, I think most of them are false or self-inflicted, but I digress.
They'll kill us, if they can. If the Islamic world had been as strong as the U.S. is, now, for the past two hundred years, the world would be a very different place.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
U.N. Funds Terrorists
It seems the U.N.--at least indirectly--is aiding and abetting terrorist organizations:
Citing documents captured by Israeli Defense Force personnel, Ambassador Dore Gold says funds flowed from the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, to two leading Hamas front organizations.
This should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the U.N.'s history--particularly that of recent times. In fact, I shook my head and almost laughed ruefully, upon reading the linked article, such was my disgust at the less-than-surprising nature of this revelation.
One of the great mysteries of our time is not that the U.N. exists, but that the U.S. acknowledges its existence.
I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
Citing documents captured by Israeli Defense Force personnel, Ambassador Dore Gold says funds flowed from the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, to two leading Hamas front organizations.
This should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the U.N.'s history--particularly that of recent times. In fact, I shook my head and almost laughed ruefully, upon reading the linked article, such was my disgust at the less-than-surprising nature of this revelation.
One of the great mysteries of our time is not that the U.N. exists, but that the U.S. acknowledges its existence.
I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
My Favorite Bible Verse
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. --John 3:16
This one verse sums up everything the Bible is about. Not only did God love the world, but He loved the world so much that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our wretched sins. All we have to do is believe it and accept this free gift, and we'll dwell forever in His presence, after we die.
If you only memorize one Bible verse, this should be it. It tells the story of the Old and New Testaments, in only twenty-five words.
Amazing.
This one verse sums up everything the Bible is about. Not only did God love the world, but He loved the world so much that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our wretched sins. All we have to do is believe it and accept this free gift, and we'll dwell forever in His presence, after we die.
If you only memorize one Bible verse, this should be it. It tells the story of the Old and New Testaments, in only twenty-five words.
Amazing.
Inaugural Niceties
With an uplifted voice, and in words that may well ring through the ages, the lead singer of Fuel had this to say at the inaugural youth concert:
"Welcome to the greatest ----ing country in the world."
Don't get me wrong. I like the guy's patriotism (also called jingoism in liberalese). But to have the attention of millions, to appear on national television, to have the honor of performing at a concert celebrating a president's inauguration--this was the best he could do?
Wouldn't George Washington be proud?
"Welcome to the greatest ----ing country in the world."
Don't get me wrong. I like the guy's patriotism (also called jingoism in liberalese). But to have the attention of millions, to appear on national television, to have the honor of performing at a concert celebrating a president's inauguration--this was the best he could do?
Wouldn't George Washington be proud?
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
The Antenna
Arielle's started herself a blog. Check it out, here. You guys remember her, doncha? She's the one who sprang on the scene a few weeks ago, making intelligent comments and sending the liberals and atheists running for the hills.
Welcome to the blogosphere!
Welcome to the blogosphere!
Monday, January 17, 2005
Border Patrol Successes
Fingerprint scanners deployed on the U.S.-Mexican border to detect terrorism suspects have caught not would-be bombers but thousands of other criminals, including murderers, kidnappers and sex offenders.
Border Patrol agents have snared 33,000 criminals - most of them along the 2,000-mile border with Mexico - since the digital fingerprinting system linking immigration and FBI databases went live nationwide in early September.
Did you catch that, folks?: 33,000, since September!
Officials say the technology has allowed the Border Patrol to catch more than 100 homicide suspects and more than 200 sex offenders in the last four months, singled out from more than 200,000 undocumented migrants detained during the period.
Rank-and-file Border Patrol agents like the technology, which is used at border crossings and by agents who pick up illegal migrants in the desert.
"You have a guy who looks like a harmless grandfather, but lo and behold, when you run his prints through IAFIS it turns out that he's a three-times-convicted child molester from Fresno," said Steve McPartland, a Border Patrol spokesman in San Diego, Calif.
"It's the best thing that's happened to us, as it's closed a loophole that in the past allowed potential criminal aliens to be released from our custody," he added.
Felons identified by the system are handed over to federal authorities, if it is a serious crime, or are passed on to police in the state where an outstanding warrant was issued.
Border Patrol agents have snared 33,000 criminals - most of them along the 2,000-mile border with Mexico - since the digital fingerprinting system linking immigration and FBI databases went live nationwide in early September.
Did you catch that, folks?: 33,000, since September!
Officials say the technology has allowed the Border Patrol to catch more than 100 homicide suspects and more than 200 sex offenders in the last four months, singled out from more than 200,000 undocumented migrants detained during the period.
Rank-and-file Border Patrol agents like the technology, which is used at border crossings and by agents who pick up illegal migrants in the desert.
"You have a guy who looks like a harmless grandfather, but lo and behold, when you run his prints through IAFIS it turns out that he's a three-times-convicted child molester from Fresno," said Steve McPartland, a Border Patrol spokesman in San Diego, Calif.
"It's the best thing that's happened to us, as it's closed a loophole that in the past allowed potential criminal aliens to be released from our custody," he added.
Felons identified by the system are handed over to federal authorities, if it is a serious crime, or are passed on to police in the state where an outstanding warrant was issued.
God bless the Border Patrol. Every day, they go to work and do a thankless job--a job fraught with dangers--and become objects of hate for many in our society (like advocates of open borders). Successes such as those mentioned above all too often come in spite of our elected officials.
This information demonstrates the dire need for a different immigration policy than the one currently in effect. Locked borders, deportations, and careful selectivity of persons entering our country are the only solutions to this astronomical problem.
Remembering MLK, Jr.
On Sunday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson told a church gathering near Atlanta that war, poverty and social injustice were damaging King’s legacy.
“It’s easy to admire Dr. King,” Jackson told 650 people at Dixon Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro. “It’s a challenge to follow him.”
Listen up, folks. The Jesster knows of what he speaks. When he says,"It's a challenge to follow him," he ain't jest whistlin' Dixie. His entire career as a self-appointed black "leader" demonstrates the point, since his outlook and worldview is not representative of MLK's beliefs.
“It’s easy to admire Dr. King,” Jackson told 650 people at Dixon Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro. “It’s a challenge to follow him.”
Listen up, folks. The Jesster knows of what he speaks. When he says,"It's a challenge to follow him," he ain't jest whistlin' Dixie. His entire career as a self-appointed black "leader" demonstrates the point, since his outlook and worldview is not representative of MLK's beliefs.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Uh-Oh
"Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government." --James Madison
And there was great wailing and gnashing of teeth amongst the liberal/socialist establishment.
And there was great wailing and gnashing of teeth amongst the liberal/socialist establishment.
Koffi Trojan
In a moving act of charity, the U.N. is sending condoms to tsunami victims:
UNPFA (United Nations Population Fund) is asking for $28 million for the reestablishment of “reproductive health services” in areas devastated by the earthquake and tidal wave.
They may not have food, they may not have homes, they may no longer have a family, they may not have a single stitch of clothes, besides the ones they're wearing--but darn it, they will have access to condoms!
Doesn't it make ya feel all gooey inside, just knowing the U.N.'s out there, somewhere, in all its glory, lookin' out for the world? Sigh.
UNPFA (United Nations Population Fund) is asking for $28 million for the reestablishment of “reproductive health services” in areas devastated by the earthquake and tidal wave.
They may not have food, they may not have homes, they may no longer have a family, they may not have a single stitch of clothes, besides the ones they're wearing--but darn it, they will have access to condoms!
Doesn't it make ya feel all gooey inside, just knowing the U.N.'s out there, somewhere, in all its glory, lookin' out for the world? Sigh.
Scientific Objectivity
The new "scientific method":
“At this point, it is necessary to reveal a little inside information about how scientists work, something the textbooks don’t usually tell you. The fact is that scientists are not really as objective and dispassionate in their work as they would like you to think. Most scientists first get their ideas about how the world works not through rigorously logical processes but through hunches and wild guesses. As individuals they often come to believe something to be true long before they assemble the hard evidence that will convince somebody else that it is. Motivated by faith in his own ideas and a desire for acceptance by his peers, a scientist will labor for years knowing in his heart that his theory is correct but devising experiment after experiment whose results he hopes will support his position.”
– Boyce Rensberger, How the World Works, William Morrow, NY, pp. 17–18, 1986. Rensberger is an ardently anti-creationist science writer.
“At this point, it is necessary to reveal a little inside information about how scientists work, something the textbooks don’t usually tell you. The fact is that scientists are not really as objective and dispassionate in their work as they would like you to think. Most scientists first get their ideas about how the world works not through rigorously logical processes but through hunches and wild guesses. As individuals they often come to believe something to be true long before they assemble the hard evidence that will convince somebody else that it is. Motivated by faith in his own ideas and a desire for acceptance by his peers, a scientist will labor for years knowing in his heart that his theory is correct but devising experiment after experiment whose results he hopes will support his position.”
– Boyce Rensberger, How the World Works, William Morrow, NY, pp. 17–18, 1986. Rensberger is an ardently anti-creationist science writer.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Pray For the Chief Justice
News reports suggest that Chief Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist's health is deteriorating.
I offer my prayers to God for his safekeeping and healing. May the Lord touch him with his kindness and make him whole, as only the Great Physician can.
I offer my prayers to God for his safekeeping and healing. May the Lord touch him with his kindness and make him whole, as only the Great Physician can.
No Apologies Necessary
President Bush is backpedaling about some early comments on the war effort. His recent comments touched upon several areas, but the one I want to focus upon is the area of Osama bin Laden.
In the week after the Sept. 11 attacks, Bush was asked if he wanted bin Laden, the terrorist leader blamed for the attacks, dead.
"I want justice," Bush said. "And there's an old poster out West, that I recall, that said, 'Wanted, Dead or Alive."'
Recalling that remark, Bush told the reporters: "I can remember getting back to the White House, and Laura said, 'Why did you do that for?' I said, 'Well, it was just an expression that came out. I didn't rehearse it.'
"I don't know if you'd call it a regret, but it certainly is a lesson that a president must be mindful of, that the words that you sometimes say. ... I speak plainly sometimes, but you've got to be mindful of the consequences of the words. So put that down. I don't know if you'd call that a confession, a regret, something."
Regarding bin Laden, I see no need for the president's apologies--unless he apologizes for not being harsh enough. Rather than saying "dead or alive," he should've stopped with "dead." If bin Laden has not justly and earnestly earned death, then no man has.
You were right the first time, Mr. President. You worry too much about the consequences of your words. You concern yourself with the perceptions of people who already hate you, and will continue hating you, no matter what words you utter, no matter what actions you take. So stand on principle; and if your popularity decreases, if the ad hominem attacks increase, at least you'll know that you unapologetically said the right thing. Now, sir, go to it, and give bin Laden the fake martyrdom to which he aspires.
In the week after the Sept. 11 attacks, Bush was asked if he wanted bin Laden, the terrorist leader blamed for the attacks, dead.
"I want justice," Bush said. "And there's an old poster out West, that I recall, that said, 'Wanted, Dead or Alive."'
Recalling that remark, Bush told the reporters: "I can remember getting back to the White House, and Laura said, 'Why did you do that for?' I said, 'Well, it was just an expression that came out. I didn't rehearse it.'
"I don't know if you'd call it a regret, but it certainly is a lesson that a president must be mindful of, that the words that you sometimes say. ... I speak plainly sometimes, but you've got to be mindful of the consequences of the words. So put that down. I don't know if you'd call that a confession, a regret, something."
Regarding bin Laden, I see no need for the president's apologies--unless he apologizes for not being harsh enough. Rather than saying "dead or alive," he should've stopped with "dead." If bin Laden has not justly and earnestly earned death, then no man has.
You were right the first time, Mr. President. You worry too much about the consequences of your words. You concern yourself with the perceptions of people who already hate you, and will continue hating you, no matter what words you utter, no matter what actions you take. So stand on principle; and if your popularity decreases, if the ad hominem attacks increase, at least you'll know that you unapologetically said the right thing. Now, sir, go to it, and give bin Laden the fake martyrdom to which he aspires.
Dinosaurs For Lunch
The fossilized remains of a dinosaur have been found. . .in the stomach of a mammal:
In China, scientists have identified the fossilized remains of a tiny dinosaur in the stomach of a mammal. Scientists say the animal's last meal probably is the first proof that mammals hunted small dinosaurs some 130 million years ago.
It contradicts conventional evolutionary theory that early mammals couldn't possibly attack and eat a dinosaur because they were timid, chipmunk-sized creatures that scurried in the looming shadow of the giant reptiles.
In this case, the mammal was about the size of a large cat, and the victim was a very young "parrot dinosaur" that measured about 5 inches long.
Wow, this contradicts conventional evolutionary thinking? Time to break out the picks and spades, boys and girls. Let's bury this new information, in the interests of "science."
Move along folks; nothing to see, here.
In China, scientists have identified the fossilized remains of a tiny dinosaur in the stomach of a mammal. Scientists say the animal's last meal probably is the first proof that mammals hunted small dinosaurs some 130 million years ago.
It contradicts conventional evolutionary theory that early mammals couldn't possibly attack and eat a dinosaur because they were timid, chipmunk-sized creatures that scurried in the looming shadow of the giant reptiles.
In this case, the mammal was about the size of a large cat, and the victim was a very young "parrot dinosaur" that measured about 5 inches long.
Wow, this contradicts conventional evolutionary thinking? Time to break out the picks and spades, boys and girls. Let's bury this new information, in the interests of "science."
Move along folks; nothing to see, here.
Hello, Titan
A European probe has touched down on the surface of Saturn's largest moon, Titan:
Huygens was spun off from Cassini on Dec. 24 to begin its free-fall toward Titan, the first moon other than the Earth's to be explored by spacecraft.
Named after Titan's discoverer, the 17th century Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens, the probe carries instruments to explore what Titan's atmosphere is made of and find out whether it has the cold seas of liquid methane and ethane that have been theorized by scientists.
Timers inside the 705-pound probe awakened it just before it entered Titan's atmosphere. Huygens is shaped like a wok and covered with a shield to survive the intense heat of entry.
On the way down, it was to shed its heat shield and use a special camera and instruments to collect information on wind speeds and the makeup of Titan's atmosphere. The data will be transmitted back to Cassini, which will relay them to NASA's Deep Space Network in California and on to ESA controllers in Darmstadt, Germany.
Titan is the only moon in the solar system known to have a significant atmosphere. Rich in nitrogen and containing about 6 percent methane, its atmosphere is believed to be 1 1/2 times thicker than Earth's.
I always find stories like this fascinating. We're likely to learn information about this moon previously unknown to science, since peering through its thick veil of atmosphere with telescopes is impossible.
No word yet on the validity of reports that the probe's initial video recordings reveal footage of Jimmy Hoffa.
Huygens was spun off from Cassini on Dec. 24 to begin its free-fall toward Titan, the first moon other than the Earth's to be explored by spacecraft.
Named after Titan's discoverer, the 17th century Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens, the probe carries instruments to explore what Titan's atmosphere is made of and find out whether it has the cold seas of liquid methane and ethane that have been theorized by scientists.
Timers inside the 705-pound probe awakened it just before it entered Titan's atmosphere. Huygens is shaped like a wok and covered with a shield to survive the intense heat of entry.
On the way down, it was to shed its heat shield and use a special camera and instruments to collect information on wind speeds and the makeup of Titan's atmosphere. The data will be transmitted back to Cassini, which will relay them to NASA's Deep Space Network in California and on to ESA controllers in Darmstadt, Germany.
Titan is the only moon in the solar system known to have a significant atmosphere. Rich in nitrogen and containing about 6 percent methane, its atmosphere is believed to be 1 1/2 times thicker than Earth's.
I always find stories like this fascinating. We're likely to learn information about this moon previously unknown to science, since peering through its thick veil of atmosphere with telescopes is impossible.
No word yet on the validity of reports that the probe's initial video recordings reveal footage of Jimmy Hoffa.
The Problem With Miracles
As I'm sure most of my regular readers are aware, I am a Bible-believing Christian. I accept that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. I believe that God used human beings to transfer His message to us. This He accomplished for our benefit. Furthermore, I believe the scriptures are inerrant. I'm not suggesting that minor translational discrepancies do not exist; I'm familiar with them. When I say "inerrant," I mean that God's Word is correct, accurate, and filled with truth.
Having briefly summarized my view, let's address a different aspect of this topic: If one accepts the above as true, why would one find difficulty in accepting the reality of miracles? I make this inquiry because, on a number of occasions, I have read or heard about self-proclaimed Christians doubting that certain miracles actually happened. Examples of Noah's Flood, the story of Jonah, and the wedding feast at Cana spring to mind.
The keynote, here, is that many people critical of biblical miracle stories claim Christian status. Probably the most well-known group in this category is the Jesus Seminar--a group of about two hundred New and Old Testament scholars. Many of its members proclaim themselves Christians, and are active in their respective churches. Yet a study of the Seminar's findings reveals that--of 176 separate events (many miraculous) involving Jesus and described in the Gospels--it found only ten of these deserving of a high rate of confidence as having actually occured. Another nineteen were termed probable, for a grand total of only sixteen percent receiving "likely" or "probable" rankings.
But all of this begs the question: If you believe in God's existence; if you believe that He created the universe and everything in it, including human beings; if you believe the Bible is His inspired Word, then why would you have difficulty with believing in miracles?
For a God who created life from nothingness--merely by speaking it into existence--it seems to me that bringing a universal deluge, or turning water into wine, or having a prophet survive three days in the belly of a great fish are all small potatoes, indeed.
In the end, I suppose it all boils down to what you believe. Do you believe the Bible is God's holy and inspired Word, or not? If so, then you have no basis for denying miracles, since they are biblical, and frequently demonstrated throughout the scriptures.
Having briefly summarized my view, let's address a different aspect of this topic: If one accepts the above as true, why would one find difficulty in accepting the reality of miracles? I make this inquiry because, on a number of occasions, I have read or heard about self-proclaimed Christians doubting that certain miracles actually happened. Examples of Noah's Flood, the story of Jonah, and the wedding feast at Cana spring to mind.
The keynote, here, is that many people critical of biblical miracle stories claim Christian status. Probably the most well-known group in this category is the Jesus Seminar--a group of about two hundred New and Old Testament scholars. Many of its members proclaim themselves Christians, and are active in their respective churches. Yet a study of the Seminar's findings reveals that--of 176 separate events (many miraculous) involving Jesus and described in the Gospels--it found only ten of these deserving of a high rate of confidence as having actually occured. Another nineteen were termed probable, for a grand total of only sixteen percent receiving "likely" or "probable" rankings.
But all of this begs the question: If you believe in God's existence; if you believe that He created the universe and everything in it, including human beings; if you believe the Bible is His inspired Word, then why would you have difficulty with believing in miracles?
For a God who created life from nothingness--merely by speaking it into existence--it seems to me that bringing a universal deluge, or turning water into wine, or having a prophet survive three days in the belly of a great fish are all small potatoes, indeed.
In the end, I suppose it all boils down to what you believe. Do you believe the Bible is God's holy and inspired Word, or not? If so, then you have no basis for denying miracles, since they are biblical, and frequently demonstrated throughout the scriptures.
The "Law of the Land"
Remember Alberto Gonzales, President Bush's pick for the next Attorney General, currently in hearings for confirmation? Here's a snippet of a question and answer session he participated in, with Senator Richard Durbin. It's informative, to say the least:
Sen. Durbin: The last question is a brief one, and it may have been touched on earlier. But when Senator Ashcroft in your position aspired to this Cabinet-level appointment, he was asked about Roe versus Wade, which he disagreed with on a political basis, and his argument was he would enforce, in his words, "settled law," and Roe versus Wade was "settled law" in America. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but could you articulate in a few words your position about the enforcement of Roe versus Wade or any other court decision that you personally or politically disagree with?
Judge Gonzales: Thank you, Senator. Of course, the Supreme Court has recognized a right of privacy in our Constitution, and in Roe the court held that that right of privacy includes a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. A little over a decade ago, the court, in Casey, had an opportunity to revisit that issue. They made a -- they declined to overturn Roe, and of course made a new standard that any restriction that constituted an "undue burden" on a woman's right to choose could not be sustained. My judgment is that the court has had an opportunity -- ample opportunities -- to look at this issue. It has declined to do so. And as far as I'm concerned, it is the law of the land and I will enforce it.
Of course, at no point in his statement does Gonzales address the unconstitutional and utterly arbitrary nature of this ruling. He simply accepts that the Supreme Court has reached this decision--whether he likes it, or not--but then goes a step further in stating that he will enforce this "law of the land."
Is this the kind of man we need in this powerful position? Do we want a man who has no public criticism of Roe v. Wade, when given a perfect opportunity to expound upon his beliefs? I don't really know if Alberto Gonzales is pro-abortion, or anti-abortion, in his personal philosophy. And in the greater scheme of things, it doesn't really matter. For what I do know is this: when it comes to taking an open, public stand against the evil of abortion, he has chosen the acquisition of power, in its stead. And in truth, that's all I need to know.
Sen. Durbin: The last question is a brief one, and it may have been touched on earlier. But when Senator Ashcroft in your position aspired to this Cabinet-level appointment, he was asked about Roe versus Wade, which he disagreed with on a political basis, and his argument was he would enforce, in his words, "settled law," and Roe versus Wade was "settled law" in America. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but could you articulate in a few words your position about the enforcement of Roe versus Wade or any other court decision that you personally or politically disagree with?
Judge Gonzales: Thank you, Senator. Of course, the Supreme Court has recognized a right of privacy in our Constitution, and in Roe the court held that that right of privacy includes a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. A little over a decade ago, the court, in Casey, had an opportunity to revisit that issue. They made a -- they declined to overturn Roe, and of course made a new standard that any restriction that constituted an "undue burden" on a woman's right to choose could not be sustained. My judgment is that the court has had an opportunity -- ample opportunities -- to look at this issue. It has declined to do so. And as far as I'm concerned, it is the law of the land and I will enforce it.
Of course, at no point in his statement does Gonzales address the unconstitutional and utterly arbitrary nature of this ruling. He simply accepts that the Supreme Court has reached this decision--whether he likes it, or not--but then goes a step further in stating that he will enforce this "law of the land."
Is this the kind of man we need in this powerful position? Do we want a man who has no public criticism of Roe v. Wade, when given a perfect opportunity to expound upon his beliefs? I don't really know if Alberto Gonzales is pro-abortion, or anti-abortion, in his personal philosophy. And in the greater scheme of things, it doesn't really matter. For what I do know is this: when it comes to taking an open, public stand against the evil of abortion, he has chosen the acquisition of power, in its stead. And in truth, that's all I need to know.
Saturday, January 8, 2005
The U.N.'s "Peace-Keeping" Thugs
The U.N.--never an organization of impeccable credentials--has made sullying itself a new art-form. This article goes into quite a bit of detail about the corruption, brutality, and barbarism characteristic of the U.N.
A French U.N. logistics expert in the Congo shot pornographic videos in his home, in which he had converted his bedroom into a photo studio for videotaping his sexual abuse of young girls. When police raided his home, the man was allegedly about to rape a 12-year-old girl sent to him in a law enforcement sting operation. As the Times reported, a senior Congolese police officer confirmed the bed was surrounded by large mirrors on three sides, with a remote control camera on the fourth side.
U.N. officials are worried that the scandal, which already has netted 150 allegations of sex crimes by U.N. staffers, will explode if the pornographic videos and photos, now on sale in Congo, becoming public.
U.N. "peacekeepers" from Morocco based in Kisangani – a secluded town on the Congo River – are notorious for impregnating local women and girls. In March, an international group probing the scandal found 82 women and girls had been made pregnant by Moroccan U.N. staffers and 59 others by Uruguayan staffers. One U.N. soldier accused of rape was apparently hidden in the barracks for a year.
Despite the fact that the U.N.'s sexual code of conduct is prominently displayed on U.N. facilities Congo – forbidding sex with prostitutes or women under 18 – the U.N. continues to hand out free condoms to "peacekeepers" to protect them from AIDS.
. . .previous revelations of peacekeeping abuses have only been revealed by news organizations. Such was the case in Cambodia in the early 1990s and later in Somalia, Bosnia and Ethiopia.
The list goes on. Keep in mind that this is the same organization that our government officials kowtow to, licking its boots and scampering to make sure that this august body sees us in a favorable light. Remember when the U.N. looked down its nose at us over Iraq, criticizing our every move? Remember when it tut-tutted at us over Abu Ghraib? What brazen hypocrisy. Isn't it fun receiving moral lectures from the morally reprehensible?
The U.N. is a despicable, worthless institution. Our continued alliance with it is unjustifiable and ill-considered. This has been true for a long time, now--at least since the occasion when its illustrious members gave Idi Amin a standing ovation, yet denounced Israel as a racist entity. Any decent person--no matter where one stands on the political spectrum--should be disturbed by our government's unwillingness to kick these rats out of our country and cease all funding and involvement with them.
A French U.N. logistics expert in the Congo shot pornographic videos in his home, in which he had converted his bedroom into a photo studio for videotaping his sexual abuse of young girls. When police raided his home, the man was allegedly about to rape a 12-year-old girl sent to him in a law enforcement sting operation. As the Times reported, a senior Congolese police officer confirmed the bed was surrounded by large mirrors on three sides, with a remote control camera on the fourth side.
U.N. officials are worried that the scandal, which already has netted 150 allegations of sex crimes by U.N. staffers, will explode if the pornographic videos and photos, now on sale in Congo, becoming public.
U.N. "peacekeepers" from Morocco based in Kisangani – a secluded town on the Congo River – are notorious for impregnating local women and girls. In March, an international group probing the scandal found 82 women and girls had been made pregnant by Moroccan U.N. staffers and 59 others by Uruguayan staffers. One U.N. soldier accused of rape was apparently hidden in the barracks for a year.
Despite the fact that the U.N.'s sexual code of conduct is prominently displayed on U.N. facilities Congo – forbidding sex with prostitutes or women under 18 – the U.N. continues to hand out free condoms to "peacekeepers" to protect them from AIDS.
. . .previous revelations of peacekeeping abuses have only been revealed by news organizations. Such was the case in Cambodia in the early 1990s and later in Somalia, Bosnia and Ethiopia.
The list goes on. Keep in mind that this is the same organization that our government officials kowtow to, licking its boots and scampering to make sure that this august body sees us in a favorable light. Remember when the U.N. looked down its nose at us over Iraq, criticizing our every move? Remember when it tut-tutted at us over Abu Ghraib? What brazen hypocrisy. Isn't it fun receiving moral lectures from the morally reprehensible?
The U.N. is a despicable, worthless institution. Our continued alliance with it is unjustifiable and ill-considered. This has been true for a long time, now--at least since the occasion when its illustrious members gave Idi Amin a standing ovation, yet denounced Israel as a racist entity. Any decent person--no matter where one stands on the political spectrum--should be disturbed by our government's unwillingness to kick these rats out of our country and cease all funding and involvement with them.
Founding Quotes of Note XXII
"Law and liberty cannot rationally become the objects of our love, unless they first become the objects of our knowledge." --James Wilson
Thursday, January 6, 2005
The Poetry of G.K. Chesterton
Chesterton is a famous Christian apologist/writer/poet from the early 20th Century. Here's one of my favorite poems, period, and in my opinion, his best.
A Hymn
O God of earth and altar,
Bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide,
Take not thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.
From all that terror teaches,
From lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches
That comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation
Of honour and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord.
Tie in a living tether
The prince and priest and thrall,
Bind all our lives together,
Smite us and save us all;
In ire and exultation
Aflame with faith, and free,
Lift up a living nation,
A single sword to thee.
A Hymn
O God of earth and altar,
Bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide,
Take not thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.
From all that terror teaches,
From lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches
That comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation
Of honour and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord.
Tie in a living tether
The prince and priest and thrall,
Bind all our lives together,
Smite us and save us all;
In ire and exultation
Aflame with faith, and free,
Lift up a living nation,
A single sword to thee.
Round 'Em Up, Rein 'Em In, Ship 'Em Out
Sign this petition, if you're sick and tired of the federal government's laxity, regarding illegal immigration. The site gives some useful information about amnesties past, and the possible consequences of a future amnesty, or quasi-amnesty.
Do it for your country.
Do it for your own sake.
Or as the Demonscats say: Do it for the children.
Do it for your country.
Do it for your own sake.
Or as the Demonscats say: Do it for the children.
Nonsense in the News
Kid Rock may headline the youth concert at Bush's inauguration. Maybe he'll treat us to a little freestyle rap duo with Laura Bush--or better yet, Barbara. Wouldn't that be a hoot?
Barney the dinosaur--and his friend, Spongebob--comes out of the closet. Grab a barfbag for this one, folks. You'll need it.
The Wisconsin state government began a new program, in which it will fund mortgage loans to--you guessed it--illegal aliens. Manuel may not be able to speak Eeengleesh; but darn it, he'll have a five-bedroom house!
We've started 2005 off with a bang! Call it the Year of the Absurd.
Barney the dinosaur--and his friend, Spongebob--comes out of the closet. Grab a barfbag for this one, folks. You'll need it.
The Wisconsin state government began a new program, in which it will fund mortgage loans to--you guessed it--illegal aliens. Manuel may not be able to speak Eeengleesh; but darn it, he'll have a five-bedroom house!
We've started 2005 off with a bang! Call it the Year of the Absurd.
Monday, January 3, 2005
Compassion For Border Jumpers
I'm truly touched by this display of concern:
The government of Mexico is raising eyebrows with a new comic book offering advice on how to cross the border into the U.S. illegally.
Called "The Guide for the Mexican Migrant," the 32-page book published by Mexico's Foreign Ministry uses simple language to offer information on safety, legal rights and living unobtrusively in America.
"This guide is intended to give you some practical advice that could be of use if you have made the difficult decision to seek new work opportunities outside your country," the book says, according to the Arizona Republic.
Illustrations depict illegals wading into a river, trying to evade U.S. Border Patrol and crouching near a hole in a border fence. Immigrants are also shown hiking through the desert with rock formations similar to those in Arizona and being caught by an American agent.
Among the tips offered:
"Try to walk during times when the heat is not as intense";
"Salt water helps you retain your body's liquids. Although you'll feel thirstier, if you drink water with salt the risk of dehydration is much lower";
"Thick clothing increases your weight when wet, and this makes it difficult to swim or float."
It also says if migrants get lost, they should follow train tracks or power lines. It warns of walking for days to reach towns or roads in the desert.
If caught by Border Patrol, the book says, "Don't throw stones or objects at the officer or patrol vehicles because this is considered a provocation. Raise your hands slowly so they see you are unarmed."
It also recommends not running away from agents in pursuit.
"It's better to be detained a few hours and repatriated to Mexico than to get lost in the desert," the guide states.
The book includes a disclaimer stating it doesn't promote crossing the border illegally, but it doesn't give information about legal steps to seek a U.S. visa.
Let me be clear: I consider this a direct attack on the United States by Mexico. Already, illegal immigration has had dire effects on our economy; this promises to grow worse, over time. The Mexican government sees no need for reform, or increased freedom for its citizens. Rather, it encourages its poor, its downtrodden, its criminal elements to close up shop and head north. Kinda like Pontius Pilate washing his hands of the whole sordid business, as if doing so cleanses all guilt and culpability. I don't think so, Julio.
The Mexican government encourages its people to evade the Border Patrol, and what about that "don't throw stones or objects" statement? Are they serious? Of course that's a provocation. For anyone in doubt, walk up to the nearest cop and lob a rock at him. See what happens. Oh, and if you're still alive, afterward, report your results. I'll post 'em on my blog for all to see. By the way, notice that the author never says that hurling missles at security agents is wrong--only that it's a "provocation."
As far as I'm concerned, this is the Mexicans spitting at us, drawing a line in the sand, and daring us to step over it. It's not even subtle contempt. It's blatant, in-your-face disdain and subversion of our laws.
Mexico, you are not a friend of the United States. Nor have you been, for a long time--if ever.
The government of Mexico is raising eyebrows with a new comic book offering advice on how to cross the border into the U.S. illegally.
Called "The Guide for the Mexican Migrant," the 32-page book published by Mexico's Foreign Ministry uses simple language to offer information on safety, legal rights and living unobtrusively in America.
"This guide is intended to give you some practical advice that could be of use if you have made the difficult decision to seek new work opportunities outside your country," the book says, according to the Arizona Republic.
Illustrations depict illegals wading into a river, trying to evade U.S. Border Patrol and crouching near a hole in a border fence. Immigrants are also shown hiking through the desert with rock formations similar to those in Arizona and being caught by an American agent.
Among the tips offered:
"Try to walk during times when the heat is not as intense";
"Salt water helps you retain your body's liquids. Although you'll feel thirstier, if you drink water with salt the risk of dehydration is much lower";
"Thick clothing increases your weight when wet, and this makes it difficult to swim or float."
It also says if migrants get lost, they should follow train tracks or power lines. It warns of walking for days to reach towns or roads in the desert.
If caught by Border Patrol, the book says, "Don't throw stones or objects at the officer or patrol vehicles because this is considered a provocation. Raise your hands slowly so they see you are unarmed."
It also recommends not running away from agents in pursuit.
"It's better to be detained a few hours and repatriated to Mexico than to get lost in the desert," the guide states.
The book includes a disclaimer stating it doesn't promote crossing the border illegally, but it doesn't give information about legal steps to seek a U.S. visa.
Let me be clear: I consider this a direct attack on the United States by Mexico. Already, illegal immigration has had dire effects on our economy; this promises to grow worse, over time. The Mexican government sees no need for reform, or increased freedom for its citizens. Rather, it encourages its poor, its downtrodden, its criminal elements to close up shop and head north. Kinda like Pontius Pilate washing his hands of the whole sordid business, as if doing so cleanses all guilt and culpability. I don't think so, Julio.
The Mexican government encourages its people to evade the Border Patrol, and what about that "don't throw stones or objects" statement? Are they serious? Of course that's a provocation. For anyone in doubt, walk up to the nearest cop and lob a rock at him. See what happens. Oh, and if you're still alive, afterward, report your results. I'll post 'em on my blog for all to see. By the way, notice that the author never says that hurling missles at security agents is wrong--only that it's a "provocation."
As far as I'm concerned, this is the Mexicans spitting at us, drawing a line in the sand, and daring us to step over it. It's not even subtle contempt. It's blatant, in-your-face disdain and subversion of our laws.
Mexico, you are not a friend of the United States. Nor have you been, for a long time--if ever.
Sunday, January 2, 2005
Snapshots From the Tsunami Belt
With all the hullabaloo over the recent tragedy in parts of Asia and beyond, I thought I'd offer a little perspective on the event--a perspective seldom mentioned, during the pleas for yet more and more financial aid.
Here's an interesting article. I wonder how much airplay this received on tv? My guess is little or none.
A LEADING geologist repeatedly warned Indonesian officials that an earthquake and tsunami would soon strike their shores, it emerged this weekend.
Kerry Sieh, professor of geology at California Institute of Technology, has been studying the region for nearly a decade.
Last July he became so concerned at the likely massive loss of life that he printed and distributed 5,000 posters and brochures around some of the islands later hit by the earthquake.
He addressed church congregations and schools to tell people what to do in an earthquake. His main advice was for people to live away from shorelines.
Sieh had been due to meet Indonesian officials last month to discuss a wider education programme but the meeting was cancelled at the last minute because the officials said they had no money.
Two weeks ago he expressed his fear that a big earthquake and tsunami were overdue in the region at a conference in San Francisco.
“We told them it would kill people, wreck infrastructure and destroy livelihoods. But our warnings were falling on deaf ears.
So numerous warnings were given--and summarily ignored or downplayed. The lonely voice crying in the wilderness went unheeded.
Anti-human nonsense from the earth worshippers:
Two days after the tragedy, the executive director of Greenpeace UK (search) told the British newspaper The Independent, "No one can ignore the relentless increase in extreme weather events and so-called natural disasters, which in reality are no more natural than a plastic Christmas tree."
A spokesperson for the Indonesian arm of Friends of the Earth told the Agence France Presse, "We can expect in the coming years similar events happening as a result of global warming and therefore help and prevention are the responsibility of the Northern countries as well."
Isn't that a nifty, fact-free assertion from Greenpeace? And blaming well-developed overseas nations for supposed "global warming" problems is a tired rabbit pulled from the environmental movement's moth-eaten hat. It's debatable whether global-warming is occuring. When I was a kid, the overriding concern in the news was the oncoming ice age, supposedly headed our way at quite a bit more than a glacial pace. And as the article points out, the tsunami originated from an earthquake, not erratic weather patterns. So what caused the earthquake? An SUV collision? Flatulent dairy cows? A corporate CEO dropping his bank roll?
Earthquakes aren't caused by the weather or greenhouse gas emissions; they're caused by tectonics — that is naturally moving geological faults. While tectonics may cause climate changes, the reverse is not true.
In the near future, if a comet or other heavenly body collides with our planet, don't be surprised if the grass-smoking tree-huggers point the finger and say: "See, look what happened. If we'd only not ticked off the aliens with all our factories' toxic emissions, this never woulda happened!"
Here's an interesting article. I wonder how much airplay this received on tv? My guess is little or none.
A LEADING geologist repeatedly warned Indonesian officials that an earthquake and tsunami would soon strike their shores, it emerged this weekend.
Kerry Sieh, professor of geology at California Institute of Technology, has been studying the region for nearly a decade.
Last July he became so concerned at the likely massive loss of life that he printed and distributed 5,000 posters and brochures around some of the islands later hit by the earthquake.
He addressed church congregations and schools to tell people what to do in an earthquake. His main advice was for people to live away from shorelines.
Sieh had been due to meet Indonesian officials last month to discuss a wider education programme but the meeting was cancelled at the last minute because the officials said they had no money.
Two weeks ago he expressed his fear that a big earthquake and tsunami were overdue in the region at a conference in San Francisco.
“We told them it would kill people, wreck infrastructure and destroy livelihoods. But our warnings were falling on deaf ears.
So numerous warnings were given--and summarily ignored or downplayed. The lonely voice crying in the wilderness went unheeded.
Anti-human nonsense from the earth worshippers:
Two days after the tragedy, the executive director of Greenpeace UK (search) told the British newspaper The Independent, "No one can ignore the relentless increase in extreme weather events and so-called natural disasters, which in reality are no more natural than a plastic Christmas tree."
A spokesperson for the Indonesian arm of Friends of the Earth told the Agence France Presse, "We can expect in the coming years similar events happening as a result of global warming and therefore help and prevention are the responsibility of the Northern countries as well."
Isn't that a nifty, fact-free assertion from Greenpeace? And blaming well-developed overseas nations for supposed "global warming" problems is a tired rabbit pulled from the environmental movement's moth-eaten hat. It's debatable whether global-warming is occuring. When I was a kid, the overriding concern in the news was the oncoming ice age, supposedly headed our way at quite a bit more than a glacial pace. And as the article points out, the tsunami originated from an earthquake, not erratic weather patterns. So what caused the earthquake? An SUV collision? Flatulent dairy cows? A corporate CEO dropping his bank roll?
Earthquakes aren't caused by the weather or greenhouse gas emissions; they're caused by tectonics — that is naturally moving geological faults. While tectonics may cause climate changes, the reverse is not true.
In the near future, if a comet or other heavenly body collides with our planet, don't be surprised if the grass-smoking tree-huggers point the finger and say: "See, look what happened. If we'd only not ticked off the aliens with all our factories' toxic emissions, this never woulda happened!"
Happy New Year
I hope everyone had a good time, whether spent away from home, with family and friends, or sitting in front of the tube and watching the ball drop. New year's usually is a time for new resolutions--losing weight, exercising more, sloughing off leftist ideology, attending church more regularly, living a better life, etc. Whatever your resolutions, this year, if they be wholesome and beneficial (ay, there's the rub!), may all of you succeed. And don't make 'em, unless ya plan on keepin' 'em!
All of my regulars (Erik, Monster, Will, Bill, JAC, you know who you are) and all the lurkers, God bless each and ever one of you with happiness and prosperity!
All of my regulars (Erik, Monster, Will, Bill, JAC, you know who you are) and all the lurkers, God bless each and ever one of you with happiness and prosperity!
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