This is one of those sort of funny stories, where you’d have to be there, to understand why this is so funny.
Back years ago, I was just a know-nothing 14 year old weirdo living in southwest Detroit. I used to attend Detroit Grace Assembly of God. Anyhow, many years ago, there was a guy named Bob Snyder, who was my youth pastor. Anyhow, one year for Christmas, Bob give all the kids tapes with music on it. I believe it was either 1984 or 1985 or somewhere around there! They were, um, ahem, copies. (Yes, Pirating music, in Jesus Name! HEH! 😛 ) Anyhow, I guess everyone got a different tape. I got a tape as well; on one side was Steve Camp’s One on One album, on the other side was Petra’s album called Beat The System.
Anyhow, one night, I was at home, listening to my shiny new tape, which, by the way, I still have and I was listening to the last song on the tape, which was Adonai. So, I’m listening to the song, and yes, I am all into it and it is fading out and I’m really, really, really, into it — and THIS comes roaring through my headphones and just about knocks me out of the bed!:
The reason for the loudness, Petra was recorded at one level and Stryper was recorded at another. Hence the knockage outta beddage! 😀 Also, Bob just put the one song on there to take extra space on the tape.
This most likely explains why I am so weird… or at least half deaf. huh? What? 😉 😛 😀 😆
The excellence of our military is unmatched. But as a result of this war, our forces are under pressure as never before. Our National Guard and reserves have half of the equipment they need to respond to emergencies at home and abroad. Retention among West Point graduates is down. Our powers of deterrence and influence around the world are down. That is a cost of this war.
America’s standing has suffered. Our diplomacy has been compromised by a refusal to talk to people we don’t like. Our alliances have been compromised by bluster. Our credibility has been compromised by a faulty case for war. Our moral leadership has been compromised by Abu Ghraib. That is a cost of this war.
Perhaps the saddest irony of the Administration’s cynical use of 9/11 is that the Iraq War has left us less safe than we were before 9/11. Osama bin Ladin and his top lieutenants have rebuilt a new base in Pakistan where they freely train recruits, plot new attacks, and disseminate propaganda. The Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan. Iran has emerged as the greatest strategic challenge to America in the Middle East in a generation. Violent extremism has increased. Terrorism has increased. All of that is a cost of this war.
Obama does deserve credit, as I wrote earlier, for not snatching defeat from the jaws of victory by implementing his oft-proposed accelerated pullout once in office. In fact, Bush handed Obama a turnkey plan for this drawdown, including the substantial force that still remains in Iraq of almost 50,000 “advisers.” Instead of having all American troops out in 16 months, Obama instead settled for the Bush plan of having American troops out of the cities and out of offensive operations, with a large troop presence to help Baghdad maintain order.
Perhaps Obama will have the grace to admit this when the occasion presents itself next week. If he does, it will reflect well on the current Commander in Chief. If not, Boehner’s video makes the truth obvious anyway.
I got news for you Ed; this guy is such a egomaniac, that he will never give Bush credit for jack crap. Instead, he and Democrats will blame Bush for everything under the sun, including the Economic meltdown; which was the fault of the Democrats. Further more, the Democrats and the far left will continue to bang the drums for Bush and his Administration to be prosecuted for “War Crimes.” Which has been the rallying cry of the far left for eons.
So, while it might be nice to dream that Obama might actually show some class in regards to Iraq. I believe that is about all it will ever be; a pipe dream.
I am very sorry that I allowed this to slip by me.
On August 25, 1945, one the greatest men to ever walk the face of this earth died. I am of course, referring to Missionary John Birch.
Here is a short video detailing John Birch’s life:
Synopsis:
John Birch, missionary and American intelligence officer in China during WWII, spreads a message of hope while risking his life behind enemy lines.
During a chance meeting, he is led to Colonel James H. Doolittle and members of the World War II raiding party that had just completed the dramatic and legendary bombing raid on Tokyo, in April, 1942.
This accidental meeting behind enemy lines proved to be the rescue the airmen had hoped for. With his encyclopedic knowledge of the language, customs, and geography of China, Birch was able to convey Doolittle and the crews of many of the other American bombers to safety in free China.
Birch, an American Baptist missionary serving in China since 1940, then became an intelligence analyst as a second lieutenant with the China Air Task Force of the American Army—General Claire Chennault’s legendary “Flying Tigers.” He was the first American to live and work in the field with a Chinese army fighting against the Japanese. Performing high-risk intelligence-gathering missions on the ground, Birch earned the reputation as “the eyes of the 14th Air Force,” devising an early warning system that enabled U.S. air units to come to the aid of Chinese units under enemy attack. He also organized a rescue system for pilots who were shot down by the Japanese. Chennault credited Birch with the fact that 90 percent of his downed flyers were rescued.
The story of Birch is not as well-known as Doolittle’s raid, but plays an integral role in leading the downed airmen to safety. Without Birch, many more of the raid may not have survived to tell their story nor perhaps would victory come as quickly as it did in then free China. Ten days after the war, Birch was killed by Chinese Communists as he was on his way to rendezvous with small pockets of Japanese soldiers, who were to surrender to him.
Birch would never know the fact that details of his death were kept from the American people. Nor would he know of Robert Welch, who would found an organization bearing his name and who would continue Birch’s quest to spread the message of freedom. He also would not know that his parents would proudly accept life memberships into the organization.
Of course, I am sure most of you know, that the John Birch Society was named after the man. It was, in fact, started by Robert Welch.
What a life, what a man, if only we had men like this today. Sadly, most people today, take for granted our freedoms.
Because man we need it, after all the crazy today man. Here’s a little bit of Flint, Michigan Rock and Roll for ya. From Mark Farner and the boys from the 1970’s.
I remember a time, when you could not turn on the radio, and not hear this song being played.
Robert Wilson, who as the bassist for the funk and R&B group the Gap Band had a string of hits including “You Dropped a Bomb On Me,” has died. He was 53.He died at his home Sunday in Palmdale, Calif., outside of Los Angeles. He is believed to have died of a heart attack, said Karen Lee, publicist for his brother and Gap Band singer Charlie Wilson.
Wilson provided the bass backbone for the trio, which also included another brother, Ronnie. The group, originally from Tulsa, Okla., first hit the charts in 1979 with the songs “Shake” and “Open Your Mind (Wide).”
They had their biggest success in the 1980s, though, with hits like “Outstanding,” “You Dropped a Bomb On Me,” “Oops Upside Your Head” and “Yearning for Your Love,” among others.
“My brother Robert was a bad boy on the bass,” Charlie Wilson said in a statement released Monday. “We shared a bond as brothers, musicians and friends. I loved him, and losing him is difficult for both Ronnie and I. The music world has lost a very talented man.”
Robert Wilson had been touring for the past few weeks, including a stop in his hometown of Tulsa. — Source NPR
There have been millions of words remembering Elvis Presley. There are many opinions about the man. However, there is one indisputable fact. Elvis was self made man. Elvis Presley came from utter poverty and made something of himself. Unlike the so-called “Stars” of today, who essentially have their careers handed to them; Elvis worked his butt off to get where he was.
Sadly, Elvis was a tragic victim of his own excesses and is a tragic, sobering, reminder of what excessive drug use will do to a human body. It was, and still is a tragic loss to the music world and the entertainment industry.
I, as a libertarian-type of “Right of Center,” believe that any politician, who even has the remote thought of starting a war; ought to be strapped to a chair and FORCED to watch this video. (I’m talking to YOU Bill Kristol and John and Norman Podhartz!…..and any other damn Wilsonian Conservative out there!)
I have some advice for Senator Reid. If he wants to find out how someone of Hispanic heritage can be a Republican, he can call Brian Sandoval in Nevada. Reid should be able to recognize Sandoval, because he’s currently beating Reid’s son Rory like a drum in the polls for the gubernatorial race (via Karl in the Green Room). Small wonder Rory has stopped using his dad’s name in his campaign advertising.
At first, when I saw this clip, I resisted posting it. Because I was kind of worried that this might be another Sharrod moment. However, after thinking about it. This is exactly how Democrats think. I have heard the same statements made by blacks, about blacks who decide that the Democratic Party is just not for them and runs against their Conservative Christian values. They are called uncle tom’s, house negro’s and so forth. That is, what is called, “the plantation mentality,” and when you stray off of that plantation, you get scolded by the plantation boss. That is because the Democratic Party and Liberals in general, do not what you to think for yourself. The Democratic Party and the Liberals want to do your thinking for you. They want to be the ones to decide what is good for you and what is not. You do not have an personality; you are just a number and a contributor to our master plan!
That is the tragic thing about the Democratic Party. It claims to the party of the people; when in reality it is nothing but the party of the Government, for the Government, and BY the Government — and the people, of who’s tax dollars pay for this Government, has no say so in what they choose to do. “You will do what you are told and you will like it!” is the thought process behind these socialists. The sick and sad part is this; many hard working, middle class Americans, (Like my Parents) fall into the trap of believing what these bastards tell them. These poor people actually believe that the Democratic Party is on their side. When in all honesty, these people do not give two flips about the American people. They just care about their socialist agenda and the people are just an means to an end. Many socialists have admitted that in the past.
We need to remember this in the coming 2010 elections here in Michigan and in the coming 2012 elections as well and vote accordingly.
Michelle Malkin, whom I do not always agree with politically, but of whom I do respect, has a great write up on this as well. Check it out!
Kathleen: You swore on your precious Bible that you would uphold the interests of this state, and then when cash was waved in front of your face, you quit.
Palin: OH, you WANTED me to be your governor! I’m honored! Thank you!
Kathleen: I wanted you to honor your responsibilities. That is what I wanted. I wanted you to be part of the political process instead of becoming a celebrity so that you could (inaudible). And if that’s the best you could do, then good for you. If that’s the best you could do.
Palin: Here’s the deal. Here’s the deal. (inaudible) That’s what I’m out there fightin’ for Americans to be able to have a Constitution protected so that we can have free speech…And ALSO there…
Kathleen: In what way are you fighting for that?
Palin: Oh my goodness!
Kathleen: In what way?
Palin: To elect candidates who understand the Constitution, to protect our military interests so that we can keep on fightin’ for our constitution that will protect some of the freedoms that evidently are important to you too.
Kathleen: By using your celebrity status, certainly not by political status.
Palin Daughter: How is she a celebrity? That’s my question.
Palin: I’m honored! No, she thinks I’m a celebrity!
Palin Daughter: That’s funny that you think she is.
Kathleen: Well, you’re certainly not representing the state of Alaska any longer…even though…
Palin Daughter: She’s representing United States?
Kathleen: Yes, I know. You belong to America now, and that suits me just fine. Yeah.
Palin: What do you do here?
Kathleen: I’m a teacher
Palin: Oh. (Eye roll and protracted grimace)
Palin Daughter: Oh.
Kathleen: I also have a few other jobs. I’m married to a commercial fisherman. And so I fish.
Palin: Oh that’s cool. So am I! I married to-we probably have a lot in common!
Kathleen: Yeah. You know, I think that we do.
Palin: Hi! (waves to camera) Are we on video?
Kathleen: Too bad. I’m more of a still camera girl myself. (inaudible) I am, I am…I will tell you I’m very pleased to meet you.
Palin: I’m honored to meet you, I really am. And, no we both agree on the freedom of speech and the-
Kathleen: Yes we do.
Palin: you know – the protection of that. So, um, no I and, you know… best of everything to you too and Yeah.
Kathleen was motivated by the fact Palin was using the very place where her family makes a living to fortify the Palin personality cult — pretending to do the very thing they worked so hard to sustain. Initially, Kathleen just wanted to waste a little of the camera crew’s time, since Palin wasted so much of her time purporting to represent Alaska’s interests.
She didn’t imagine Palin would be so easy to draw out.
Saturday morning, Billy Sullivan helped Kathleen tape the banner up on his place of business at the top of the boat ramp. Then here she came. Sarah.
She couldn’t just walk by. Only a few fishermen and tourists would have seen the banner, but Sarah had to stop and protest. I spoke with Kathleen. She said she wanted Palin to know how she felt, but never dreamed she’d get the chance to say to her face, “You’re not a leader, you’re a climber!” Early in the conversation, Sarah actually winked at Kathleen in what seemed to be a case of eyelid Tourette’s Syndrome.
At one point, a Palin daughter chanted, “You’re just jealous”. Kathleen told Sarah she was disappointed that she dropped her responsibility to the state to became a celebrity. Palin said incredulously, “I’m honored. No, she thinks I’m a celebrity!” Really? So the camera crew wasn’t an indicator? How many times do you have to be on magazine covers to gain celebrity status? Something about camping with Kate Plus Eight in rain slickers seems, well, a little celebrity.
Billy Sullivan caught much of the interchange on his cell phone camera. The back of her security guard’s head and Todd Palin attempted to block Billy’s view, continually rotating like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. What were they afraid of? I guess that’s what happens when you’re filming a “celebrity”. He was even told by one of the Palin daughters, “You’re an A-hole”. Charming family values.
I asked both Billy and Kathleen which Palin daughter said what. Neither knew. They don’t have televisions and aren’t interested in Palin’s personal life and dramas.
In what has become typical tragic irony, Sarah initially claimed to support Kathleen’s First Amendment Rights. But as soon as Billy Sullivan walked toward the dock, one of Palin’s entourage tore down the sign to great applause from her group.
Todd Palin approached Billy (who owns a business called Dockside Fish and buys halibut on that dock) and asked him to get out of the Discovery crew’s shot. “You just can’t get enough of her, can you?” he asked. An Alaska State Trooper told Billy he should call the Homer Police Department and report the trespassing and destruction of property.
What the Palin folks don’t seem to understand is simple; if Fred Phelps gets to hold his hateful signs up at military funerals, Billy should be able to put Kathleen’s “WORST GOVERNOR EVER” banner on his building and not have a Palin goon tear it down.
The First Amendment only matters when you say or write something someone else doesn’t like.
For someone who doesn’t hold elected office and denies being a celebrity, Sarah Palin may want to get a “Constitutional Handler”.
You know see why I did not vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin; I could not in good conscience, vote for someone like that, ever.
The LSM has now decided to use this brief encounter for another one of their spin operations. They claim I – wait for it – “appear to roll my eyes” when the lady tells me she’s a teacher. Yes, it’s come to this: the media is now trying to turn my eyebrow movements into story lines. (Maybe that’s why Botox is all the rage – if you can’t move your eyebrows, your “eye rolling” can’t be misinterpreted!) If they had checked their facts first, they would have known that I come from a family of teachers; my grandparents were teachers, my father was a teacher, my brother is a teacher, my sister works in Special Needs classrooms, my aunt is a school nurse, my mom worked as a school secretary for much of her professional life, we all volunteer in classrooms, etc., etc., etc. Given that family history, how likely is it that I would “roll my eyes” at someone telling me that they too work in that honorable profession? Stay classy, LSM.
…and as usual, the stupid bitch does not get why the liberals are on her ass. The reason is; because of this right here:
Freedom of Speech, not in Sarah Palin's World, only when it is friendly speech. Hey Sarah, what about that Constitution you claim to want to defend? Stupid Bitch......
Nuff Said…
Update #2: I know someone is going to mention this; so I will get it out of the way. I realize you might be reading this and noticing the Palin ads. I can do something to remove them. But, I would cut into my revenue. So, I won’t block Newsmax. You can click and vote no, and I will get paid still. 😀 😛
“And we’re suppose to not think nothing of letting a Mosque to be built near ground zero. These people are really quite arrogant and cruel to us…and they have the gall to say we’re arrogant. The people who suffered because of 9/11 deserve to thought of better than this”
…Let me go on the record as saying….
That I totally and wholeheartedly agree. This is not about religious freedom, nor is it about hating Muslims or Islam. It is about protecting the memories of those who died on September 11, 2001; all 2,976 victims.
Now this is very freaking bizarre. This video below, is a send up, of this movie trailer here. The funny thing is; they both look so very real. 😯 Anyhow, one is actual movie about the creators of Facebook. The send up, is about YouTube. One is real, the other — about YouTube — is a parody.
Folks, I am 38 years old. I have seen the future; and it is very strange. 😀