It's the Economy.........stupid

George Will comments on the constant drone of economic whining despite actual near-record economic conditions.

And every election year — meaning every other year — brings an epidemic of dubious economic analysis, as members of the party out of power discern lead linings on silver clouds.

“Worst economy since Herbert Hoover,” John Kerry said in 2004, while that year’s growth (3.9 percent) was adding to America’s gross domestic product the equivalent of the GDP of Taiwan (the 19th-largest economy). Nancy Pelosi vows that if Democrats capture Congress they will “jump-start our economy.” A “jump-start ” is administered to a stalled vehicle.

But since the Bush tax cuts went into effect in 2003, the economy’s growth rate (3.5 percent) has been better than the average for the 1980s (3.1) and 1990s (3.3). Today’s unemployment rate (4.6 percent) is lower than the average for the 1990s (5.8) — lower, in fact, than the average for the past 40 years (6.0). Some stall.

Economic hypochondria, a derangement associated with affluence, is a byproduct of the welfare state: An entitlement mentality gives Americans a low pain threshold — witness their recurring hysteria about nominal rather than real gasoline prices — and a sense of being entitled to economic dynamism without the frictions and “creative destruction” that must accompany dynamism. Economic hypochondria is also bred by news media that consider the phrase “good news” an oxymoron, even as the U.S. economy, which has performed better than any other major industrial economy since 2001, drives the Dow to record highs.

The Jack No. 2 well, in deep water 170 miles southwest of New Orleans, recently discovered a field with perhaps 15 billion barrels of oil — a 50 percent increase in proven U.S. reserves. This news triggered a gusher of journalistic gloom: More oil means more woe — a reprieve for that enemy of humanity, the internal combustion engine, and more global warming, more air pollution, more highway fatalities, more suburban sprawl.

The recent 20 percent decline of the cost of a barrel of oil, from a nominal record of $78.40 (which, adjusting for inflation, was well below the 1980 peak of $92 in 2006 dollars), has produced an 81-cent decline in the average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline in 70 days. For consumers, that is akin to a tax cut of more than $81 billion.

President Bush’s tax cuts were supposed to cause a cataract of red ink. In fiscal 2006, however, federal revenue as a share of GDP was 18.4 percent, slightly above the post-1962 average of 18.2. And the federal budget deficit was $247.7 billion, just 1.9 percent of the $13.1 trillion GDP. That is below the average for the 1970s (2.1), 1980s (3.0) and 1990s (2.2).

It is said that employee compensation has been stagnant. But to tickle that bad news from the statistics you must treat “compensation” as a synonym for wages and then ignore the effect of taxation on individuals’ well-being.

Kevin Hassett and Aparna Mathur of the American Enterprise Institute, writing in National Review, say annual wage growth since 2000 has been 0.6 percent, but the annual increase in real hourly compensation, including benefits — and if you do not include them, why are they called benefits ? — has been 1.3 percent. And taxes — particularly those paid by middle-class families with children — have declined substantially.

Link to full story

Gas prices are way down, the economy is strong, oh, and we haven't been attacked in over 5 years. Protect the future........vote Republican!

UPDATE: Ed Morrissey at Captain's Quarters posted a similar story on the mainstream media's deception:

It's The Economy, Stupid MSM

TWELVE THOUSAND!!

The Dow is at 12,000+ with only minutes to go................hang on.


Update #1..... final close ......12011.73

Update #2 By JOE BEL BRUNO, AP Business Writer : NEW YORK - The Dow Jones industrial average scored its first close above 12,000 Thursday as Wall Street, contending with fresh data that pointed to a weakening economy, managed to hold on to a slim advance.

Great line Joe! This nation breaks the 12,ooo barrier and you come up with "fresh data pointing to a weakening economy"......WITH NO LINKS!

We're sure which party good ol' Joe is cheering for......

Correction: Joe might have been eluding to these two paragraghs in the same story:

Trading was erratic Thursday, with the overall market struggling to sustain an advance gains after a pair of reports signaled the Federal Reserve' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Federal Reserve might have a tougher time orchestrating a soft landing of the economy. Disappointing earnings in the technology sector also weighed on stocks.

The Conference Board' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Conference Board's index of U.S. leading economic indicators rose less than forecast in September. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Fed's general economic index contracted for the first time since April 2003.

But I can't find out what this has to do with a weakening economy???? Say it ain't so Joe.......

Democratic Party Attacking Free Enterprise in America

Wal-Mart 'Has Declared War' on Dems, Union Foe Charges
By Randy Hall
CNSNews.com Staff Writer/Editor
October 16, 2006

(CNSNews.com) - Wal-Mart "has officially declared war on the Democratic Party" just three weeks before the Nov. 7 midterm elections, according to a group that wants to "change" the nation's biggest retail chain by unionizing its 1.3 million employees.

"Rather than embrace our positive vision for a better America, Wal-Mart has officially declared war on the Democratic Party, elected leaders and every American who believes we should pay workers a living wage, provide affordable health care to all, protect American jobs and keep America safe," Paul Blank, campaign director for WakeUpWalMart.com, said in a statement Friday.

Read the full story here

The very concept of free enterprise and a free market are being attacked by these unions and by association the democratic party. Paul Blank and his minions at WakeUpWalMart have no clue how a free market works in a free society. The very concept that Wal Mart created by purchasing goods in volume, and providing entry-level wages to it's workers allows consumers to purchase these goods at affordable prices.

For any institution (government, unions, or a democratic party) to force (mandate) wage scales and benefit packages upon any free market business is an assault on the free market enterprises that we have enjoyed for over two hundred years. This assault borders on socialist/communist ideals that threatens our very core values of a free market.

And don't be fooled by their intentions. The ONLY remedy for these forced polices is to stick it to you, the consumer, by paying more and getting less. The results are simple. Fewer stores, far less employment, lower tax revenues for the local community's, and yes, we will all pay more for those lost revenues.

Sure sounds UN-DEMOCRATIC to me.

Mr. Blank and his co-horts would like you to believe that these mandated wage and benefit increases are for the good of all Walmart employees. What they won't tell you is YOU (the consumer) will foot the bill. The headline suggest that Wal Mart has declared war on the unions and the democratic party. I submit to you that it has been the the other way around. The democratic party and their always faithful unions have declared war on Wal Mart, and Wal Mart (and you, the consumer) are fighting back.

Let the free market remain free. Or we all lose.

A Legend Retires

This man has been a hero of mine for most of my life. When you look in the dictionary under "class", it should say: see Arnold Palmer.

Legend to quit competitive golf at age 77

SPRING, Texas (AP) -- Arnold Palmer tearfully said it was time to stop playing competitive golf after withdrawing from a Champions Tour event early in the first round.

The 77-year-old Palmer hit two balls into the water on the fourth hole Friday, then said he was withdrawing because of a sore lower back. He continued playing with his threesome of Lee Trevino and John Mahaffey but did not keep score the rest of the round.

Palmer said he finished the round because he owed it to his fans.

Can any one say more about how this man has appreciated his fans?

Story and photo via SI and AP

A "NO-BRAINER" or The Evolution of Most College Professors

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
TEACHER: Did you see God up there?
TOMMY: No.
TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. Possibly he just doesn't exist.
A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yessssss!
LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?
TOMMY: Yessssss!
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?
TOMMY: Yes
LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?
TOMMY: No
LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly may not even have one!

(You! Go! Girl!)

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT II CORINTHIANS 5:7

Political Trash and The "Garbage-In" Syndrome

George Soros is claiming to refrain from politics and put more energy into policy, what ever that means.

ANTI-W. $OROS: I QUIT POLITICS

By MAGGIE HABERMAN

September 29, 2006 --

Billionaire liberal financier George Soros, who spent millions of his fortune trying to oust President Bush in 2004, yesterday said he hopes to stay out of politics from now on. "In the future, I'd very much like to get disengaged from politics," Soros said at a Council on Foreign Relations meeting on the Upper East Side. "I'm interested in policy and not in politics."

So does this mean we can stop tracking all the money Georgie? This would be one of the biggest blows to the democratic party since they put Howard Dean in charge of the money-machine, but don't expect Soros to exit politically. His dollars just may not be so transparent. And how does George intend to go about influencing policy?

Woodward Watch

DAVID E. SANGER at the Al-New York Times gets to throw the first punch at the president in a preview of Bob Woodward's book of horrors:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 The White House ignored an urgent warning in September 2003 from a top Iraq adviser who said that thousands of additional American troops were desperately needed to quell the insurgency there, according to a new book by Bob Woodward, the Washington Post reporter and author. The book describes a White House riven by dysfunction and division over the war.

The warning is described in State of Denial, scheduled for publication on Monday by Simon & Schuster. The book says President Bush's top advisers were often at odds among themselves, and sometimes were barely on speaking terms, but shared a tendency to dismiss as too pessimistic assessments from American commanders and others about the situation in Iraq.

The only people in a "State of Denial" are liberal minions such as BW, and media whores who deny that we are in a war. A war in which our enemy has no rules, no uniforms, and so filled with hatred and jeolousy of our prosperous (insert economic news) love for life.

Side-note: Because BW says it's true, then it must be gospel. Right! This ought to keep the left and the MSM busy for weeks publishing excerpts from Woody's book, while he is laughing all the way to the bank. The only problem is Woodward is just a glorified Micky Moore. Woodward thinks this is still seventies where when it was "written" there were no challenges to the truth. Fake but accurate ring a bell? We won't have to waste a dime on his book, the MSM will publish all the pertinent stuff. Keep feeding the terrorist-machine Bob, it's your patriotic duty.

Power-Brokers Dinner

President Bush had dinner last night with the two leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan who haven't been seen as "friends", but the two do share a common goal of stamping out terrorism in their respective countrys.

"We're proud to have you here, Mr. President," Mr. Bush said to Gen. Musharraf, who replied quietly, "My pleasure." "Proud to have you here, Mr. President," Mr. Bush said to Mr. Karzai. "Thanks very much," the Afghan leader said. Mr. Bush offered words of praise for the two leaders, who have been engaged in an increasingly belligerent exchange of words.

Mr. Bush offered words of praise for the two leaders, who have been engaged in an increasingly belligerent exchange of words.

"These two men are personal friends of mine; they are strong leaders who have an understanding of the world in which we live; they understand that the forces of moderation are being challenged by extremists and radicals."

Joining the three leaders at dinner -- billed an "iftar," a meal that breaks the dawn-to-dusk fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, because Gen. Musharraf and Mr. Karzai are Muslim -- were Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Adviser Stephen J. Hadley. The two nations' ambassadors to the U.S. also attended.

If anything, the dinner and the appearance of the three leaders on the front porch of the White House is showing the world that President Bush has some serious allies in the middle east. With the president and his "other guest" attending, one would also assume leaders of our nation were also taking notice. Hey, look, the war-monger can use diplomacy. But don't expect the MSM or the nutty left to notice that.

Note: (photo and story via Washington Times)

Peace through strength (via Washington Times)

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld addressed the annual Keeper of the Flame award dinner Wednesday night at a black-tie affair in Union Station's East Hall. Mr. Rumsfeld reminded the several hundred guests, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace, and NATO commander Gen. Jim Jones about Winston Churchill's remark after the successful evacuation of British troops from the continent at Dunkirk. "Churchill said in the Parliament very simply, 'Wars are not won by evacuations.' And we need to remember that today," Mr. Rumsfeld said. "They're not won by retreat or wishful thinking. They're won by determination, they're won by understanding the nature of the enemies we face, and the consequences, I would say the dire consequences of failing to understand them or failing to defeat them." Mr. Rumsfeld said he met recently with former British Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher, who he noted had been criticized for her outspoken advocacy of "peace through strength," which was the motto for the evening's host, the Center for Security Policy. The dinner honored Rep. Duncan Hunter, California Republican and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, along with five veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Clinton tried and failed: (via U-Tube)

By Michelle Malkin
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com The Associated Press proudly calls itself the "essential global news network" and a "bastion of the people's right to know around the world." But when it comes to the "people's right to know" whether Associated Press employees are cooperating with terrorists overseas, the "essential global news network's" motto is: Bug off.

The October Surprise on CQ: Read full post here and read the comments.

Also from Captains Quarters: NIE: Ending 12-Year Iraqi Quagmire Made Terrorism Worse

President Bush Nails It

President Bush nailed his speech to the United Nations addressing each nation of the middle East with conviction and hope. The President also denounced those who would exploit Islam as a propaganda tool: via Fox News

NEW YORK — In an appeal to the people of the broader Middle East, President Bush said Tuesday that voice must be given to the hopes of decent people in the region who want a peaceful and prosperous future for their children, and denounced those who would exploit Islam as a propaganda tool.

"This propaganda is false and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror. We respect Islam, but we will protect our people from those who pervert Islam to sow death and destruction," Bush told diplomats attending the U.N. General Assembly.

Note: (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Updates Developing.............

WHAT IF?.........

What if, one day, all of the Islamist, Jihadist, Hamas, Hezbollas, and all other Moslems who murder innocent infidels in the name of Allah, just woke up one morning and decided to take the day off? That's right! Take the day off from killing, just went to morning prayer and decided, "I don't feel like bloodshed and mayhem today, so I'll just take the day off." Would Allah be pissed? You know Allah, the father of Islam, the religion of peaceful, accepting, tolerant, and loving ways. Would Allah say "No, you may not take a day off from suicide, murder, and mayhem." "You must kill every day of your life here." "Death of the infidels must be your mission in life and there are NO days off." Would Allah understand if many were so tired of the bloodshed, they just needed a day off?

Better yet, what if all party’s in this struggle, the west, middle east, indeed all regions that wake up in the morning with a weapon beside them just decided to take the day off? Call it a "Life Day". One day, across the whole world, everyone chooses life over death. And, if this one day worked out, everyone decided to try it for a whole week-end. Remember not so long ago when our family’s used to take the weekend off and go do something positively delightful together? Our family used to drive fifteen miles up to Folsom Lake and go swimming, catch perch and bass, and sit around the camp spot and play cards or just read a book. Oh, yeah, we also decided not to kill that whole weekend. Yep, left the weapons at home and simply made up our minds that this would be a "no kill weekend".

I really miss those weekends.

Conservatives Out-breeding Liberals

From the San Francisco Chronicle (another common liberal newspaper) Insight Staff Writer Vicki Haddock writes an article that is good news for Republicans:


Republicans' fertile future: Through the past three decades, conservatives have been procreating more than liberals.

If you're a liberal, here's what you can do to make Karl Rove a very happy man: Get yourself a labradoodle. Or any other kind of dog, for that matter. Even a cat will do. Just don't have children.

That way you'll maintain a fertility gap that already is invisibly working to guarantee the political right will outnumber the left by an ever-growing margin. Over the past three decades, conservatives have been procreating more than liberals -- continuing to seed the future with their genes by filling bassinets coast to coast with tiny Future Republicans of America.

Take a randomly selected sample of 100 liberal adults and 100 conservative adults. According to an analysis of the 2004 General Social Survey -- a bible of data for social scientists -- the liberals would have had 147 kids, while the conservatives would have had 208. That's a fertility gap of 41 percent. Even adjusting for other variables like age and income, there is a gap of 19
percent. COMPLETE STORY HERE

I'd say the future's looking brighter every day/night for our conservative party. Now if we can just find a way to speed up the process. Where's "Bob" when ya need him?

Rules of Engagement

While we, as a nation, continue to soften our resolve with how we fight against an ideology of terrorist that HAVE AND ABIDE BY NO RULES, and wear no uniforms, represent no country, murder the innocent by suicidal means, our "leaders" in our legislative branch of our government are playing political games on how these terrorist are dealt with when captured. That these same terrorist who torture and slit the throats of their captured should be treated
with the same dignity and rules of the Geneva Convention is totally ridiculous and insane. The argument that these directives will some how denigrate how this nation is perceived by the rest of the world is also benign.

Is setting a standard by which we deal with an unrelenting ideology wrong? If we cannot or choose not to set these standards, who does ?The ability to interrogate and prosecute these madmen who abide by NO RULES is being marginalized by our leaders in the Senate. Mr. Warner, McCain, and Graham are so worried about the worlds view on how these terrorist are treated, (and how they are perceived by their electorate), these people are bowing to the political correctness that would re-elect them at the peril of our own destiny.

What part about being at war isn't understood? Is it possible we have become a nation that has not the fortitude to prosecute this war to win? Will sixty year old rules of engagement created by those who wore uniforms be the guiding lines we must abide by today? The complicated framework of how we resolve this may be the deciding factor on how we defeat our enemies. Or how they defeat us.

Or do we just let the liberal lawyers run this war?

NINE-ELEVEN, WHEN EVERYTHING CHANGED

For those who went to work that day with dreams of tomorrow.......for their loved ones who lost them, I bow my head in prayer.

Although we all lost much that day, only those who were too close can feel the real pain inflicted upon them. In their own time, may they find the peace of heart they deserve. We will never forget you.

Ken Crumley (aka Rovin)



And now for the News:

Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, in a speech at Harvard University, condemned Osama bin Laden for committing crimes in the name of Islam and said Jews have the right to live peacefully, but he skirted the issue of whether they have the right to do so in their state of Israel.In response to a question about the notion of suicide bombers gaining entry to heaven as reward for their martyrdom, Khatami said, "Those who put others through hell will never go to heaven." Link

State of Terrorism Address

What would Osama bin Laden say to jihadists five years later?By Brian Michael Jenkins, BRIAN MICHAEL JENKINS has studied terrorism for more than 30 years at the Rand Corp., a nonprofit research organization. He is the author of "Unconquerable Nation."September 11, 2006

OSAMA BIN LADEN has issued many audio- and videotapes to spread his message. But what might he tell his most loyal followers about the state of the global war against the infidels five years after 9/11?

What follows is that fictional speech, using his jihadist ideology as the guide. The sentiments are based on the views Bin Laden is believed to hold. My purpose here is not to parrot Al Qaeda propaganda, but to better understand why it has been so difficult to dent the determination of the jihadists.

"The five years since 9/11 have been difficult. Our Taliban protectors in Afghanistan have been overthrown, our training centers there dispersed and thousands of jihadist brothers worldwide have been thrown into dungeons where the infidels and their henchmen probably tortured them. Our communications are vulnerable to interception. We no longer can move large sums of money easily. Every border crossing is more risky. We face martyrdom daily. READ IT ALL

For all or many of my friends on the left who have gotten in such a lather about ABC's "Path to 9/11", GET OVER IT! I'm not even going to waste my time going thru all the crappola you hippo-crites accepted from the likes of Moore, Gore, and the MSM as the simple "truth".

Oh, and so those of you who are still on the "Bush-Lied" gravey-train, please try out this short vidio and I will wait for your response.


The Anchoress has a great round-up of many of todays news with all the links and more:

Have a great day and God Bless You.................Rovin

The Path to 9/11

While the left will attempt to "google-bomb" this mini-series because this movie will portray the democrats and Bill Clinton in a bad light in fighting terrorism, I will reserve this space for updates and reviews. Path to 9/11 storys can be found here and here.

Here come the comments:

Wow! Talk about people who feel free to make criticisms of something they haven’t seen. As someone who has previewed it, who is neither a liberal OR conservative I must say it gave a different view. Shame on you all for the judgement you feel so free to pass along. So the liberal (and yes it is liberal) media has rogue among them who chooses to show something from the other side… yes boycott them… but remember that is about all you should be calling for in your reaction because after all… Farenheit 911 etc has time and time again shown the other side and no one called for censorship. Use your power of the dollar… don’t watch, but don’t bitch if you don’t watch it
Comment by Jessy — September 7, 2006 @ 6:31 pm

Wow the headline screams in rage over the blog being pulled… but it’s ok to censor the film?At what point do we apply our values???I’m all for free speech, after Bill tells them to tone it down.Show me that First Amendment thingy…. oh never mind…where’s that petition so that I can sign off my dissaproval of somthing Iv’e not seen.Its so confussing….Mabe I’ll just try to let someone else do my thinking….I’m at a loss as when to apply my core beliefs….Poof Comment by seaweaver — September 7, 2006 @ 8:10 pm

And then (of course) we had this nutcase comment:

It’s amazing that people can look at the video footage of 9/11 and not see the same thing. Like not seeing plane wreckage in the Pentagon. Or not see plane wreckage in Pa. Do you really think they just melted away? And as far as not getting attacked again. Don’t worry Bush and “The Dick” Cheney will attack us again and soon.Thats why they have been telling us this last month that the boogieman is still out there. I think a nice October surprise is in the making. It will creat a draft, and it will give the neo-cons more power to claim “National Security” and the November elections will be postponed till further notice. That is so the Democrats won’t have the majority and no impeachment trials will take place. And as far as this docudrama it’s probably bullshit anyway. Just like the movie Flight 93 was a “make you feel good story” and WTC movie too. Comment by The Decider — September 5, 2006 @ 10:28 am

I agree with most all of you! Never. ever, ever watch ABC again. This will drive them into the sewer and they will have to accept money from the same advertising entities that do so well on Fox cable. By god, them damn ABC conservatives will… actually prosper. Must be some damn Carl Rove conspir…wait, got tin foil in my mouth, hurts fillings….there. better… and did I mention that Dick Cheney is reported to own a TV that will actually be able to pick up this ABC illegal transmission? We all know that this conspir……wait, more tinfoil…. that’s better….we all know that Dick Cheney will use this undocumentery as an excuse to launch cruise missiles on the Clinton Library.
Comment by Uncomfortable truth — September 5, 2006 @ 2:48 am

UPDATE: Jay Tea at Wizbang has an excellent post.......... and check out the comments.

State of Our Nation

Evaluating the present administration and the future of our nation.

While our President continues to fight for us against an ideology that intends on ending our way of life, our democratic "friends" on the left believe it is time for a "change in direction". Many have argued that this country is in part responsible for the strife that has evolved thruout the middle east since President Bush took office in 2000. While there may be valid points that this situation has escalated during our current presidents terms, there is plenty of evidence to substantiate that this corrupted ideology has been developing/evolving for decades. While our national security is in a critical state at this time, and no one knows when we will be attacked again, it is inevitable that it will happen. On what scale, and what form of an arsenal that will be used, one can only guess.

A STRONGLY DIVIDED NATION

When the political pendulum began to swing in 1994 with the "Contract with America", conservatives took control of the house, then the senate, and eventually the presidency. While we could spend hours of debate on how and why the nation swung to the right, I believe that each political ideology on both the left and the right went (strongly) in two different directions. While the democratic party has been reeling from their loss of power that they maintained for the better part of forty years, and a portion of that party moved radically to the left, republican conservatives embraced their newfound position in many ways that moved the nation further to the right.

To make matters worse, each time that President Bush was elected, the left has made accusations that were beyond reasonable peoples beliefs. The snake-oil the democrats will try to sell this November will be that some how the Presidents foreign policy has made this nation less safer and (with no plan of their own except cut and run) the left believes we need to change direction.They seem to think that the road to security is thru appeasement and more diplomacy. And that is exactly how we got here in the first place.

We can go back to Jimmy Carter and the 444 days of hell Iran put us through, that show the weakness of a party who preferred to talk. How many times under Clinton have we had agreements with North Korea, Palestinians, and others only to have those "promises" broken simply because we had no teeth. The democratic party wants us to continue to embrace the United Nations and their pathetic excuse for a security force, and the results have been nothing but failure after failure.

While the conservatives on the right, (and many moderate democrats), understand that we are in a global war against a corrupted ideology who's ONLY goal is to exterminate us, our democratic "friends" on the left are determined to regain the power they lost, bring all the troops home and wait for the terrorist to come to a city near you. And this is what they claim is a "change in direction" .

If we drink this "snake-oil" in November, it may well be the poison apple we may never be able to recover from. Can you say "Allah-Amerika"

Rovin

Very Lite Blogging

I am currently working in Sacramento till the 30th, so I might not git to post much.

Found a pc here at the hotel and will try to get a word in when I git home from work.

95 degress here, so the work takes it's toll.

Rovin

NSA Wiretapping / Dems Demise

Scott Johnson and Paul Mirengoff at Powerline rebut the decision of Judge Anna Diggs Taylor in the NSA case here and here.

The democratic party seems to be convinced that they want to take this important national security issue head on. I'm not sure what motivates them to expose such a weakness. While many in this nation may be (justifiably) impatient with the conflicts on the ground in Iraq, most understand what is at stake. The Lefts policy of "change in direction" isn't anything more than "Let us have a go at it" and "we can do better". Their "fold the tent" and bring the troops home now attitude is a recipe for disaster and the weakness in our armor the terrorist are looking for.

And this is a Global War on Terrorism-- and the left just refuse to admit it.

Anna Diggs Taylor, (a Jimmy Carter appointee), and the ACLU,Greenpeace, and Christopher Hitchens gang have got their hands full on Constitutional Law and Presidential Powers in a time of war.

Bring it on!

Update: The Justice Department said the National Security Agency's terrorist surveillance program authorized by President Bush was "an essential tool for the intelligence community" in the nation's ongoing war on terror. It called the program "a critical tool that ensures we have in place an early warning system to detect and prevent a terrorist attack. "In the ongoing conflict with al Qaeda and its allies, the president has the primary duty under the Constitution to protect the American people," the department said. "The Constitution gives the president the full authority necessary to carry out that solemn duty, and we believe the program is lawful and protects civil liberties."

Todays Washington Times reports:

White House spokesman Tony Snow said that the Bush administration's program, implemented after the September 11 terrorist attacks, is "firmly grounded in law and regularly reviewed to make sure steps are taken to protect civil liberties" and that the administration "couldn't disagree more" with the judge's ruling. "Last week, America and the world received a stark reminder that terrorists are still plotting to attack our country and kill innocent people," Mr. Snow said. "United States intelligence officials have confirmed that the program has helped stop terrorist attacks and saved American lives.

"The program is carefully administered, and only targets international phone calls coming into or out of the United States where one of the parties on the call is a suspected al Qaeda or affiliated terrorist," he said. "The whole point is to detect and prevent terrorist attacks before they can be carried out. That's what the American people expect from their government, and it is the president's most solemn duty to ensure their protection."

Demise = Democratic Party

Great Conversations Need Recording

From Powerline:This morning on Bill Bennett's radio show, he and Alan Dershowitz had an excellent discussion of the conflict in Lebanon. Unfortunately, they share our pessimism at the outcome. More than that, they discuss the broader implications of the conflict, and pose the question whether any liberal democracy can effectively combat a conscienceless foe that doesn't mind--indeed, welcomes--civilian casualties. And the question of what happens when that conscienceless foe, like Iran, possesses nuclear weapons, is also raised. The clip is ten or eleven minutes long: Click here for link

BREAKING NEWS

Fox News is reporting that "10 Katyusha Rockets Explode in South Lebanon, IDF Says", The report also notes that the rockets were fired at IDF positions inside Lebonon.

Updates coming: Looks like the hidden-amongst-the-sheep have slithered away.

2 Fox News reporters kidnapped in Gaza

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Masked Palestinian gunmen ambushed a car carrying a Fox News crew in Gaza City on Monday and kidnapped two journalists, according to witnesses and Fox.
"We can confirm that two of our people were taken against their will in Gaza," Fox News said in a statement.

A Fox employee in Gaza, who declined to give his name because he was not authorized to release information about the incident, said reporter Steve Centanni, a U.S. citizen, and a cameraman from New Zealand were kidnapped. Links here, and here.

Update: Michelle Malkin has coverage and updates

Update 2: CAIR Calls for Release of Fox Journalists in GazaAug 14 2:00 PM US/Eastern........ link

GWOT UPGRADING DRAMATICALLY

First and foremost, let's call them what they are. 'Islamic Fascists'

Muslim Group Upset by Bush's Use of 'Islamic Fascists'

Bush called the attempted terrorist attack "a stark reminder that this nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation."Nihad Awad, executive director of CAIR, believes Bush should not even mention Islam when referring to the would-be terrorists.

Middle East expert and Islamic history expert Daniel Pipes told Cybercast News Service that Awad's claim is a "debatable proposition."

Pipes praised Bush specifically for his use of the phrase "Islamic fascists."

"For the president to articulate who the enemy is so clearly and unambiguously is a huge step forward," Pipes said. "You cannot diagnose and treat a disease without first identifying and naming it. So, a strategist cannot defeat an enemy without first identifying it and naming it."

OLMERT HAS A KENNEDY,KERRY,MURTHA MOMENT

Olmert faces backlash over Lebanon warFri Aug 11, 2006 7:29am ETSome Israeli military commanders said an expanded ground offensive, authorized by Olmert and his security cabinet on Wednesday, should not have been put on hold.

They accused Olmert of denying the army a chance to gain more ground militarily to secure a ceasefire that would be more favorable to Israel and less so to Hizbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Excellent Round-up of the GWOT:

The 7 Fronts Of the War On Terror

By YOUSSEF IBRAHIMAugust 11, 2006

"The jihadist skirmishes burning around the world are flaring into a larger firestorm in the summer of 2006, a situation that will surely intensify as we approach the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001."

complete story in the NY Sun HERE

And Bill Bennett brings reality to all of this maddness:

"Yes, Israel’s war is our war. About this, our mutual enemies have no doubt. The same cannot be said of the international community. Now is the time for Israel to clean Hezbollah out of the Middle East, just as we are trying to clean al Qaeda out of everywhere else they have planted their soldiers. This is a long haul, and a dangerous war, but it will be longer and made more dangerous with appeasement and ceasefires being urged upon Israel and, for that matter, the United States."

"Let Kofi Annan condemn Israel. Let ex-State Department officials wring their hands. Let the Security Council issue its condemnations if it must. But at the end of the diplomatic doublespeak and the denunciations of editorial writers here and abroad, let the countries on the frontlines, fighting for their existence, act like any normal country would under attack and save themselves. In so doing, they will save those who also strive to be normal, democratic, and free. For if Iran’s “frontline” succeeds, Israel and the U.S. will cease to exist on the globe below which Hezbollah’s rifle is held. And al Qaeda will cheer the outcome for its newfound ally."

William J. Bennett (Bennetts complete article here)

side-note: I wouldn't let UNFIL and France forces provide security for my mule!
Why would Isreal?

Source of "Smoke" Located

Breaking News!

I have found the source of Adnan Hajj's (former Reuters photographer) smoke.

note: (I added a little more smoke to Ed's picture and I think I did a better job than Hajj)

And you all thought Hajj got all that "smoke" from photo-shopping? Ha! :)

Captain, you gotta stop being such an "inspiration" to all them photographers.

Update: The Best "Photo-Gate" analisis I have found is HERE

Rude Awakening

I woke up at 3 am this morning to a sound I had not heard so close to home. A sort of gurgleing sound out the back deck. Grabbing my maglight and the .38, I stepped out onto the deck and creeped over to the rail. Before I could click on the flashlight, this "critter" not 30 feet away, let out a blood-curdling scream. No, I didn't shoot my foot.

I got the flashlight turned on just in time to see its tail and ass going over the hill and down to the lower property. Instead of firing off a warning round that would have certainly woke up the neighborhood, I just screamed back at that lion that sounded like a cross between a grizzly and a bull elephant. And then I did it again, louder. Every hair on this fellers body was on edge.

Now this cats been around for the better part of a month and my good friend and neighbor Matt has heard it several times and couldn't understand why I hadn't. I sleep pretty sound and my bedroom's farthest away from the back property, but this time it was different.

I am a hunter, and they used to say "seeing a mountain lion in the wild was a once in a lifetime experience". But there's been a moratorium on killing these critters in California for over 30 years. Dave, (a fish and game employee) told me that the population has grown to almost un-manageable conditions.

To clarify, I did not intend on shooting this cat, (especially with a .38), unless it was coming at me. The .44 or the Weatherby would be a more appropriate weapon. But if my "roar" didn't move this critter to other grounds, something will have to be done sooner or later.

This was close enough for my body.

Photo-shopping Terrorism Wars

It appears that the "propaganda media" has been to photo-shop class.Links here, here, here, and here.




Maybe we should re-visit Haditha?

Update: From Hot Air

Agreement Reached with Bolton,France

U.S., France Agree on Draft Cease-Fire Resolution to End Mideast Violence
Saturday, August 05, 2006

UNITED NATIONS — The United States and France agreed Saturday on a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for an end to the fighting between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, but would allow Israel to defend itself if attacked, officials said. U.S. Ambassador John Bolton and French President Jacques Chirac's office confirmed that agreement had been reached.

An official with knowledge of the document said the draft calls for a "full cessation of violence" between Israel and Hezbollah, but would allow Israel the right to launch strikes if Hezbollah attacks it.

"It does not say immediate cessation of violence," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the draft had not yet been made public.

That appeared to be a major victory for the U.S. and Israel. France and many other nations had demanded an immediate halt to the fighting without conditions as a way to push the region back toward stability.

"We're prepared to continue to work tomorrow in order to make progress on the adoption of the resolution but we have reached agreement and we're now ready to proceed," Bolton said. "We're prepared to move as quickly as other members of the council want to move."

Now can some one tell me how a recess-appointed "bully" can find a way to get an agreement with France to bring about a peace process? Jean-Claud-Kerry must be really scratching his head.

UPDATE: My (belated) blogroll addition of the Belmont Club has some of the best commenters on this "Franco-American" deal.

Fight, Don't Fight, Fight and the State of Mind

Bill and Hillery and Tony flew into the left coast yesterday for a power brokers meeting with probably 10 to 20 others...........would have loved to be that fly on the wall.......

It looks like Isreal is gonna run that 15 to 20 mile buffer zone and "Kleen" it out of the rocket launchin sob's range, that hide behind women and children to do their deeds of sacrifice. (It is a war crime to use civilians as human shields) Dana at CSPT has more...And to who's benifit? And when does one country say "enough is enough"? I would expect Premier Olmert will demand a world wide coalition of military to git into that zone, (when he's done good and ready) and maybe differences will subside fur a bit. Not sure , Olmert says "be prepared for pain, blood, and tears before this is over" We can all pray it ain't so, can't we? Short term solutions would be less costly on all.......but this might be our last opportunity for the longterm route, if we have the stomach. It seems appeasment has just about pettered out in this generation.

This is scary, but I thought the second half of John Kerry's interview with Alan Combs was about some if the most sensible things I ever thought I could hear from Kerry. Kerry said, paraphrasing, he was in total support of the actions of Isreal and that it was time for it stop. And he totally condemded Hezbolla for their actions. I swear, I couldn't believe my ears.

Mel's in deep dodo with about half the country with his "exposed bigotry" but we'll furgive him..........someday.........

Fidal's goin in fur surgery and leavin his brother in charge for a bit.......wonder why he's goin to Paris for the surgery? Are there no quality hospitals in Cuba yet? This mans whole life has been funded by mentals without a clue. Hurry back asswipe.......wezz need yur C-gars.

On the lighter side of life........Oil corporations are recording record profits for the 3rd quarter in a row. For those who still don't have a diddly ass clue how tricke down works, the tax coffers of just about every state in this nation is chuck full with money. The only thing the left has to bitch about is (maybe) the division of capital is getting a bit wider. But how can anyone explain how this growth rate is bad for any.........

Protecting this country is still GW's priority and we are at war.......a clash between terror and democracy. Our society must survive and our works is far from done. We have over-come so much with the table set, but we must be willing to look at the long term commitments to our safety and prosperity. Time will tell.

Many have forgotten about the horrors of Sept 11th and have gone about their lives and forgotten that risk are taken, and the protection of this country is the foremost priority of the President. Hezbolla, Al-Qaeda,Hamas is dangerous to the world. And GW know's it.

Thank you Mr. President.........it's my county.......take it or leave it.

Rovinsworld.........stand by

note: you want "sources" and "links".........argue about it......I'll provide them.

Has Hezbollah Folded?

Captain's Quarters has posted:

Has Hezbollah Folded?

Hezbollah politicians have agreed in principle with the Saniora government to an international military force to occupy Lebanon and, more importantly, to disarm the "guerillas" that touched off the war:

Hezbollah politicians, while expressing reservations, have joined their critics in the government in agreeing to a peace package that includes strengthening an international force in south Lebanon and disarming the guerrillas, the government said. The agreement — reached after a heated six-hour Cabinet meeting — was the first time that Hezbollah has signed onto a proposal for ending the crisis that includes the deploying of international forces.The package falls short of American and Israeli demands in that it calls for an immediate cease-fire before working out details of a force and includes other conditions.

Ed's complete post here

And this from ColdWarrior:

Even Islam recognizes that calling for a cease fire/truce is not the earmark of a winner...
We, the US, the West, have failed to recognize this basic tenet, going back to Korea. Perhaps a bit of unconditional surrender should be at the heart of everythnig we do regarding militant Islam? This play acting with truces, and cease fires, and such, over the decades has accomplished what? It has merely strengthened the resolve of militant Islam to press onward, knowing that the West has no stomach for war, for sacrifice and we have a vocal press/media that reinforces this notion, constantly.

Hezzbollah wants an end to hostilities? Sure. When the last Hezzbollah fighter looks skyward aasking Allah "Where in the hell did that F-16 come from???"Come at Hezzbollah, and Syria, and Iran, and all other forms of militant Islam with the steady message....NO truces...NO cease fires...NOTHING until militant Islam is disarmed...disarmed by themselves or by us.

Once this is accepted as a fact of life, militant Islam will be less willing to engage in this sort of garbage, and Moslems may finally see a time when they themselves are no longer held hostage to every wannabe Mahdi that comes down the pike, be it bin Ladin, or Nasrallah, or Ahmadinejad....

We'll trade with you, we'll invest with you, we'll help educate your kids...but fire one shot, set off one bomb, attack one American interest anywhere, and all bets are off. Police yourselves, or we will police you ourselves.

That, my friends, is what needs to be at the root of ALL our diplomatic efforts across the globe.

Posted by: coldwarrior415 at July 28, 2006 10:00 PM

Al Qaeda No. 2 Calls for Muslims to Start Holy War Against Israel Thursday, July 27, 2006

CAIRO, Egypt — Al Qaeda's No. 2 leader issued a worldwide call in a new videotape released Thursday for Muslims to rise up in a holy war against Israel and join the fighting in Lebanon and Gaza until Islam reigns from "Spain to Iraq."
full story here

Earth to Ayman al-Zawahiri.......you're reading out of the wrong scriptures. Isreal will never be defeated..........does it bother you to be referred to as "#2"? Sounds like a "movement" to me.

Ayman al-Zawahiri.........the next time a bullet wizzes by your way.......grab hold. Or better yet, stand right in front of #1, so we don't have to waste the lead. (Would that be called the "one-two punch?)

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate these people........I just hate what they have become.

Middle East Turmoil Continues

Hezbollah Fights Israeli Incursion Into Southern Lebanese Town
Wednesday, July 26, 2006

BEIRUT, Lebanon At least nine Israeli soldiers were killed in heavy fighting with Hezbollah guerrillas in south Lebanon Wednesday, FOX News confirmed.

Hezbollah guerrillas battled to stop Israeli troops from taking one of their southern Lebanese strongholds on Wednesday, inflicting several Israeli casualties, as Arab and Western foreign ministers assembled in Rome for talks on the crisis.

An Israeli bombardment killed at least three U.N. observers in a border post Tuesday. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said he was shocked by the "apparently deliberate targeting by Israeli Defense Forces of a U.N. Observer post in southern Lebanon."
In a phone call to Annan on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed "deep regret" for the deaths of the U.N. peacekeepers.

Olmert said the peacekeepers were killed mistakenly and expressed dismay over Annan's accusation, according to a statement released by his office. The prime minister promised a thorough investigation and said the results would be presented to Annan.

complete story

China Condemns Israeli Strike for Killing Chinese U.N. Observer
Wednesday, July 26, 2006

"We are deeply shocked by this incident and strongly condemn it," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement on the ministry Web site.

complete story

Meanwhile back at home:

Democrats urge al-Maliki to clarify view on Hezbollah
By Christina Bellantoni
THE WASHINGTON TIMES July 26, 2006

Congressional Democrats say Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki should condemn the Hezbollah attacks on Israel if he wants to deliver an address to a joint session of Congress today.
Some members are considering skipping the planned speech, saying Mr. al-Maliki's July 19 remarks urging the world "to take quick stands to stop the Israeli aggression" are "troubling" because Iraq is supposed to be a U.S. ally.

House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois said that he is confident the Israeli-Lebanon conflict will be part of the ongoing dialogue between the United States and Mr. al-Maliki and that he will not disinvite the Iraqi leader. "He should speak and we should all on a bipartisan basis be there to engage him," Mr. Hastert said.

Mrs. Pelosi said the Iraqi leader's comments are "unacceptable," adding, "Unless Mr. Maliki disavows his critical comments of Israel and condemns terrorism, it is inappropriate to honor him with a joint meeting of Congress."

full story here

NEWS FLASH/SPLASH. Nancy Pelosi says something most Americans agree with!

While I can't help but feel the Democrats are doing this for purly political reasons, (because they never seem to get it right), maybe they have finally grasp the fact that we are in a GWOT.

This could be a very "uncomfortable" situation if our "statesmen/people" to embarrass Maliki while we have 130,000 US troops on the ground in Iraq. Personally, I believe the Prime Minister should come out and condemn Hezbollahh for their terrorist activities. If this is the representation of the Iraqi government, the Shia ties with Iran are too strong and need to be cut in the butt. Iran and Syria need to be shaking in their boots/sandals" and should not feel any comfort from any of the world powers. And Kofi Annan needs to retire!

Personal observation: I think Amy Kellogg (the Fox News Correspondent in Isreal) is not only beatuiful, but very good at her job. Get home safe Amy.

UPDATE:

Kofi Annan Could Have Ordered Peacekeepers to Leave

By Julie Stahl CNSNews.com Jerusalem Bureau Chief

July 26, 2006

Haifa, Israel (CNSNews.com) - The four United Nations peacekeepers killed in an Israeli attack on their outpost were required to stay at that post "until they were ordered by the [U.N.] secretary general to withdraw," said a member of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization on Wednesday.

full story here

The UN and especially Kofi Annan need to be suspended/terminated until further notice! (note to Kofi: Get the "peacekeepers" the hell out of there you idiot. In case you didn't notice, there's a war going on..........) Sincere prayers for the familys that lost their loved ones in this preventable travesty.

The Middle East Debate

The other day I was reading comments from a post at one of my favorite sites, Wizbang. While I forget the caption of the thread, I was so fasinated by the comments, I cut them out and would like to share them here. Most of the comments are pro-Isreal, but Andre had a different view:

"Imagine, thinking that Israel isn't always right and has a large part in it's problems. Horrors! Can't ever say anything about Holy Israel. Can't ever suggest that maybe it wasn't the greatest idea to plop a country right in the middle east and drive it's inhabitants out! No, if you do you're an anti-semite! It gets so frustrating to see so many people that just don't get it. There's plenty of blame to go around on BOTH sides and the only thing that will stabalize the region is both groups losing their egos and the creation of an economically secure palestinian state. Continuing to pretend that Israel is just this "poor widdle country" being picked on is nonsense. Continuing to pretend that the Arabs in the area don't have valid grievances against Israel is more nonsense. "

Posted by: Andre at July 19, 2006 11:52 AM

It's this type of arrogance that is the reason why nothing will ever change in the middle east until one side is completely destroyed.

Posted by: Andre at July 19, 2006 12:18 PM

Andre said "It's this type of arrogance that is the reason why nothing will ever change in the middle east until one side is completely destroyed."

FINALLY YOU SAY SOMETHING SMART!!!!!!!!!!!
Hezballah wants Israel destroyed. They dont want peace. They dont want a ceasefire. They want ISRAEL DESTROYED. Dont you get it??? Have you ever heard anyone from Hezballah say "we can live in peace with Israel".

Andre go read the poem the Hangman. Who do you think Hezballah will go after if Israel just up and dies? Do you think that they will simply go away or do you think they will go after US??
Stop helping the hangman. Stop being part of the problem. And stop being STUPID. Israel has gave in to every demand over the years except to go find a hole, crawl in and die and it hasnt brought peace yet. Their enemies have shown time and time again they wont stop until Israel is destroyed. Well if I have to choose between Israel suriving or Hezballah I will take Israel. If you love Hezballah so much why dont you go join them and rail against Israel with your buds.
Posted by: retired military at July 19, 2006 02:17 PM

What I know is this. Each side has what they consider to be valid reasons for disliking the other and continuing to engage in violence against the other side. My problem is pretending that Israel is some innocent little country that has never done it's share of dirty deeds. As long as Israel supporters continue to act this way, these actions will continue and more Israelis will die, and more Arabs will die. The SMART way is to concede that BOTH SIDES have sins to atone for and to try to amicably reach a mutual settlement instead of railing on about how Israel is "justified" in whatever actions it takes.

Posted by: Andre at July 19, 2006 02:34 PM

Here's the point. I can go out and find Palestininan scholars that will document the horrors and unfairness of Israel occupation and existance, as easily as you can find Israeli scholars that will take the opposite opinion. But the only thing that matters is whether each side is going to be willing to put that aside in order to stop the killing. Further, when you have poor, desperate people (like many Palestinians) they are going to lash out against those that they feel are responsible for their plight. The Middle East is a big mess that the US, Israel, the palestinians ALL have a part in. To not concede that is to be intellectually dishonest.
Posted by: Andre at July 19, 2006 04:28 PM

Andre"As long as Israel supporters continue to act this way, these actions will continue and more Israelis will die, and more Arabs will die. The SMART way is to concede that BOTH SIDES have sins to atone for and to try to amicably reach a mutual settlement instead of railing on about how Israel is "justified" in whatever actions it takes."

At the risk of repeating myself.

It doesnt matter ONE WHIT what supporters of Israel say, dont say, do, or dont do, acknowledge or dont acknowledge. It never has and it never will.What matters is that Hezballah wants ISRAEL DESTROYED. Now if someone felt that way about you can I see where as you might be a bit preturbed and not act too nicely towards them. THAT IS WHY HEZBALLAH CAME INTO BEING. TO DESTORY ISRAEL. You are trying to equate "a bad deed" from Israel with MASS GENOCIDE.In short you are saying Well Israel shot one of their soldiers so Hezballah should be excused for using 20 nukes on their country.There is NO MORAL EQUIVALENCE BETWEEN THE TWO. Israel is a COUNTRY who is a part of the UN and recognized as such. HEZBALLAH IS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION WHOSE PURPOSE OF BEING IS TO DESTORY ISRAEL. How freaking DENSE CAN YOU BE????You cant have a discussion with someone who only wants to see you dead and wont stop hounding you until you are dead. You can only do one thing. YOU KILL THEM FIRST. That is the only way PEACE will be established is if one of the two sides is dead.One side is a country.The other side is a TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.

If we were trying to "right the bad acts of the world" we should start with places like Russia, China, and Iran. We arent. We are attempting to resolve a conflict where ONE SIDE WONT STOP UNTIL THE OTHER SIDE IS TOTALLY ANNIHILATED. You cant reason with that you can only kill them before they kill you. GEEZ what an idiot.

Posted by: retired military at July 19, 2006 04:32 PM

Andre
" But the only thing that matters is whether each side is going to be willing to put that aside in order to stop the killing."

EXACTLY GOOD POINT!!!!.

Hezballah ISNT WILLING TO STOP THE KILLING. They have shown this OVER AND OVER AGAIN.Israel is willing but wont be left alone. This has been proven OVER AND OVER AND OVER. So get off your "ITS ISRAEL's FAULT TOO" kick and open your eyes and look at the facts.

If Hezballah disarmed, gave back their Israel captives and moved away from the border of Israel what do you think Israel will do? Continue to attack them? Not likely. They would have to retreat back to their own lines and break off attacks. Hezballah has refused to do this and even your "HOLY OF HOLIES" the UN has stated that they must. They have refused to stop attacking Israel and thave have refused to obey UN DIRECTIVES. Have you seen any UN Directives for Israel to disarm? Stop attacking? ANYTHING? The ANSWER IS NO.
Hezballah is clearly at fault for starting this and clearly at fault for continueing it. Even Ray Charles could see this.

Posted by: retired military at July 19, 2006 04:36 PM

And finally Scott in Ca., (a frequent poster at Wizbang chimed in with this gem:

Andre, grow up. There were nearly a million Jews in the Middle East before Israel existed. Those Jews lived under Arab governments that abused them, restricted their lives and work, made them second class citizens, and barely allowed them to live at all. The creation of Israel was justified for that alone. I do hope you understand the history of the region. Prior to 1920, there were no Arab states in the region. Egypt was the only nominally independent Arab state, and it was under British control until 1922. Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq were all created out of provinces of the dismantled Ottoman Empire. They are products of Europeans drawing lines on a map, not of "national" aspriations. These states were created first of all to give the Europeans control over the region, and secondly to give a form of self-determination to the Arab inhabitants of the regions. But what about the Jewish inhabitants of the region? Well, Isreal came along and gave THEM a state. The European diaspora of Jews and the Holocaust are secondary to that. Jews deserve a state in their native region no less than Arabs do. There are 22 Arab states now. We do NOT need a 23rd.

There will not be another Palestinian state. One exists now, Jordan, and it is sufficient to absorb the remaining Arabs living on Jewish land. After this little theatrical production this week, Israel is not going to allow the Arabs to have a state whose borders are 10 miles from TA and Jerusalem. Deal with it.

Posted by: Scott in CA at July 19, 2006 12:38 PM

While I tend to agree with most of what Retired Military and Scott have to say, there is another "element" that was never mentioned that I feel very strongly about. I will get to that in a bit.

JUST A LITTLE SHAKER

Woke up to a "little movement" in the house. But 38 miles away I'll bet they felt it a little harder. It's being reported as a 5.0 earthquake.

Idiot ?'s in the Washington Press Corps

9:45 AM 07/18/06Listening to Tony Snow (live) on Fox News------- I am expecting the liberal left news media (some idiot reporter or editor) to blame the Bush administration, (Katrina style) for not evacuating American citizens out of Lebanon in a manner befitting their expectations.

Editors note: (I will save space here for the diatribes)
Extra! I forgot liberal polititions......Nancy Pelosi wants Bush to help pay for the exodus when her party (when in control) voted for legislation not allowing this procedure by the government. Sweet Nancy voted in favor. This report just came from the desk of Brit Hume live.

Helen Thomas wants to know why the U.S. has not called for a cease fire. Earth to Helen- send someone over and ask Hezbolots the same question.

Another reporter just asked if this (the conflict by Isreal) is isolating Iran and Syria. Duh! Not only should this be isolation, these two countrys should be under the microscope to see where this "pandemic" is being created.

Up Close and Personal

Joyce Hough...............................Ayanna Hobson & The Soul Mates

Rory Block.......................................... The Alameda Allstars
Eric Bibb ..............................................Lydia Pense & Cold Blood
Jackie Payne & Steve Edmonson ................Shane Dwight
Coco Montoya................................................Tommy Castro
Roomful of Blues ............................................Shemekia Copeland

At our 10th Annual "Blues by the Bay" Festival I had the privilege of introducing myself, shaking hands, and escorting these fine muscians to our hospitality area. Then I made sure they got on stage (on time) and (on some occations) instructed them to move their vehicles, buses, motor homes to make room for others coming in.

Our venue is right on Humboldt Bay where the view and the temperature (65-70) is a slice of heaven. The single most comment I heard from these road warriors was "We just love coming here and getting out of the heat".Some of these people had come from Vegas and Reno where the temp was in the high 90's.

The weekend was a treasure chest of talent most will never forget in their lifetimes. I know I won't.

I'm off to the "California World Music Festival" in Grass Valley, Calif. Will be returning home sometime Monday. Blogging will be "light" to "non-existent".

While I'm gone, I will expect all wars to have ended, peace pipes smoked, and the price of fuel down 30 cents a gallon. Any questions?

p.s. Many thanks to Lindsey, Alan, and Glenn (our director) for making Blues by the Bay a huge success.

Middle East Calamity (Part Two)

From Michael Medved via Hugh Hewlitt:

LAND FOR TERROR?
There's something about a ringing phone at five in the morning that's chilling, not just startling; inevitably, that's the kind of interruption to sleep that one associates with bad news. This morning 's call (July 12) came from my brother Jonathan in Jerusalem. Last time he called me early in the morning with a news bulletin it was nearly five yearss ago; on that Tuesday morning, I was already up, getting coffee, going through the newspapers at about 6.30, when he told me to put on the radio, to watch the news: something horrible was happening in New York City with planes flying into buildings. I remember during the unfolding events of 9/11 thinking of the irony: my brother in Jerusalem called with an alarming update about a terrorist attack not in Israel, but here in the USA -- where we always assumed we were safe.

This morning's call provided another shock to that illusion of safety -- for Americans, for Israelis. Jonathan conveyed the horrible news that Hezbollah had attacked across the Lebanese border, killing Israeli soldiers, kidnapping two of them, and that Israel's decisive response (including the call up of reserves) heralded the prospect of one more major Middle Eastern war. "We're kicking the crap out of Hezbollah," my brother reported. "From air, sea and land. But nobody knows what's supposed to happen next."

Indeed. The Arab fanatics may celebrate (as terrorist mobs in Lebanon danced and cheered, even in the midst of Israeli attacks) but decent people can feel only a sense of dread and helplessness. The only possible good news from the recent developments involves a new sense of clarity-- that quality so cherished by our good friend, Dennis Prager. For years, going back to the bright sunshine surrounding the announcment of the Oslo Accords on the White House Lawn in 1993, Israel has committed itself to a general policy of "land for peace" -- agreeing to the notion (later promoted in the "Road Map" of President Bush) that making territorial concessions to hostile Arabs would lead to greater security and less hostility. The developments of recent weeks should end any confidence in "land for peace" once and for all. Not only did the Oslo Accords, with their establishment of Palestinian control over the territory in which 90% of all Palestinians live, explode after a few years into an horrendous "Intifada" that claimed the lives of nearly a thousand Israelis, but other "disengagements" produced similarly disastrous results. For fifteen years, Israel maintained a "security zone" in Southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah missiles and killers from massing at the border, but in the late '90's Prime Minister Ehud Barak abandoned this buffer in the hopes that the Hezbollah terrorists (the same gang that murdered 243 US Marines in their Beirut barracks) would behave responsibly once the provocative presence had been removed. Yesterday, operating from within the former Israeli buffer zone, these killers invaded a sovereign state, killing and kidnapping its soldiers-- after a barrage of missiles had distracted the commanders.

In the same context, ten months ago Israel evacuated every inch of the Gaza Strip-- going so far as the uprooting of well-established Jewish villages to make sure that the tender sensibilities of local Palestinians need not encounter a single Jewish soul. Since that "disengagement," more than 1,000 rocket attacks have rained down on Israeli villages and cities from Gaza-- showing the Palestinian preference for rockets over rationality, suicide over statehood.

The entire concept of "Land for Peace" is the main casualty of this new war. Israeli policy makers now confront the inescapable reality that rewarding terrorism by abandoning territory only empowers terrorists... and encourages precisely the tactics that led to the withdrawl.In place of "Land for Peace," the Israeli political activist and columnist Yael Amishav (who happens to be married to my father) suggests a new concept of "Land for Terror." For each terror attack across the border, Israel will seize more land --- establishing a publicly declared ratio of acres-per-casualties. The seizures must be firm, decisive and immediate-- and long term, if not permanent. "The Land for Terror" concept guarantees negative consequences for outrageous behavior. If Palestinian leaders refuse to rein in the terrorist mass murderers, then they will see their little empire (established by Oslo) begin to shrink, piece by piece. It's not a pretty concept, or an easy one to enforce. But "Land for Terror" makes more logical sense than "Land for Peace."

In any event, the Israeli government appears to have embraced this new approach -- with its decisive moves into both Gaza and Lebanon. The next steps remain unclear, frightening. But one can only hope for a future morning that might bring the refreshing experience of getting an early overseas phone call that conveys good news-- for a change.

RightWingNutHouse also has an excellent wrap on the whole situation:

Israel has had Enough

The country of Israel has been stung enough for far too long and has bitten back like a tiger swatting a rat.

It is being reported on Fox that Israel has bombed the Beruit Airport.

This could be the "definition" the world has been searching for to end terrorism, or at least bring it the shameful sin it is, because only the scum of the earth are terrorist.

Updates coming:

Israelis Expand Attacks on Lebanon After Hezbollah Rebels Kidnap Two Soldiers Thursday,

July 13, 2006 BEIRUT, Lebanon — Israeli forces intensified their attacks in Lebanon on Thursday, imposing a naval blockade on the country and pounding its only international airport and the Hezbollah TV station in Israel's heaviest air campaign against Lebanon for 24 years.
Fox News via AP

Report: Al Qaeda Claims to Have Kashmir Wing, Applauds Train Bombings
Thursday,
July 13, 2006

SRINAGAR, India - A man claiming to represent Al Qaeda told an Indian news agency on Thursday that the terror network had set up a wing in Kashmir and appealed to Indian Muslims to take up jihad.

Muslims who "take up jihad" are in for a rude awakening. The West and (hopefully) most European Nations will not tolerate this. No civilizeded nation should practice indiscriminate slayings of humans for an ideology or a religion. The global war on terrorism just took a giant step forward. I think those who woke up the sleeping giant (Israel) have lobbed their last rocket into that country without feeling the full wrath of a formally patient nation.
And if Iran is funding these attacks, they may want to think about ducking into a shelter.

The "shouting" is over.

JeanneB, a commenter over at CQ ask some interesting questions:

"Captain Ed:Do you think it's a coincidence that N. Korea drummed up a crisis at the same time Israel's enemies were provoking war---not to mention the deadline facing Tehran?
Two weeks ago Iran faced a looming deadline to respond to the West's proposal. Wouldn't Iran benefit significantly from the opportunity to observe how China/Russia would respond to N. Koreaaggressionon? Why do we never hear any speculation that the NK provocation was coordinated with Iran and timed to distract the world from Tehran's intransigence?
Then add the simultaneous provocations of Israel on two fronts, both of which have Iranian backing. All of this is happening at the exact time Iran was given to answer the proposal on its nuclear program.

Looked at this way, it's hard not to conclude that Iran is pulling the strings and creating worldwide threats meant to obscure its refusal to cooperate.President Bush lumped Iran and N. Korea in an "Axis". I've always thought they collude to create multiple fronts for the U.S. to deal with. (Will Chavez create the next "crisis"?).

I would appreciate your input on this. Did Iran plan these simultaneous crises in N. Korea and Lebanon/Palestine with the goal of softening the impact of its refusal to disband its nuke program?"

Scott Johnson at Powerline has "A four-cornered hypothesis" on the events unfolding.

Number One:

Minneapolis attorney Andrew Jacobson connects the dots among current events in Israel's neighborhood:

1. Iran is trying to build a bomb and moving fast in those efforts. Who knows how long it will take, but the Manhattan project took us less than 4 years, starting from scratch and without computers or prior technology. Difficult to believe that it will take Iran (which has already been working on this program for a number of years) 10 more years to complete. I just have no faith that the Iranians are that dumb.

Read the rest here

Plame,Wilson,Novak, Who Cares?

I'm sorry, but this is just too old and tired for me to get "up" about. I really could give a rats ass if Valerie got outed. Joe Wilson's a pompous ass. It was cool that the moonbats got all worked up about getting Karl Rove and Dick Cheney. Nice try moonies. Do we really need four years of an elected democratic controlled congress that is going to waste the peoples money impeaching the President, Vice President, et al, while we are still in a war? I don't think this is in the best interest of the country. But that is the looney lefts ambition.

Slanted report? The office of Sen. James M. Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican, has accused former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw of a lack of objectivity and balance in the upcoming Discovery Channel documentary "Global Warming: What You Need to Know." "Brokaw's partisan past and his reliance on scientists who openly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004 and who are financially affiliated with left-wing environmental groups, has resulted in a documentary that is devoid of balance and objectivity," said a statement put out by Inhofe aide Marc Morano. Mr. Inhofe is chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Roger Pielke Sr., a climatologists and professor of atmospheric sciences at Colorado State University, viewed an advance copy of the Brokaw special and said it contained "errors and misconceptions."

Sabotage potential. We have no evidence that the U.S. was able to sabotage North Korea's Taepodong-2 missile, which malfunctioned 42 seconds into launch on Tuesday and crashed. But we do note that special operations forces (SOF) are playing an increasing role, overt and covert, in the world under Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's rule. We also note that one of the reasons that SOF procured the powerful .50- caliber Barrett's sniper rifle was to have the capability to disable ballistic missiles. It's a scenario for missile defense you won't see in any literature from the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency: insert a commando behind the lines, who positions himself within shooting range of the launchpad. "One of the original reasons for procuring the .50-caliber sniper system was to disable missiles," a SOF source says. "A round pumped in prior to launch, or during to cover the noise, in the right place would cause a catastrophic malfunction."

Finally......... It has been "entertaining" to say the least reading the Frisch-Goldstein-Greenwald-Patterico saga the past 48 hours. If you missed it, your not surfing the blogs good enough. Even Brit Hume mentioned the resignation of Frisch tonight over the sad comments she said threatening Jeffs kid.

Note: Patterico did go to work.

The rest of these people have way too much time on their hands.

It's Time For The Blues!

The Tenth Annual "Blues by the Bay" kicks off this morning in Eureka, California

Live audio stream via KHUM here starting at 10:30 am (Pacific Time)

A Glorious Fourth!

From a successful shuttle launch and fireworks that dazzled the skys, the pride of Americans celebrating our independence could be seen yesterday all across the fruited plains.

It was also reported that "Old Glory" was displayed with pride across the country, (with the exception of LA and NY City). American pride abounded for most of the day..........

Update: North Korea had a few "fireworks" of their own.

Clueless,Clueless,Clueless

From Powerline:
I went to the trouble of making a mini-podcast of the portion of today's Meet the Press where Bill Bennett appeared along with Dana Priest of the Washington Post, Bill Safire, and others, talking about the LA and NY Times' outing of the terrorist finance tracking program. It is an appalling conversation. Bennett is the only one who makes any sense; Safire plays an especially dishonorable role. And Dana Priest gets in an outrageous cheap shot against Bill which demonstrates, once again, why the words "liberal" and "mean-spirited" go hand in hand.

Please go and listen to this audio.

Follow-up: Bill Bennet's conversation with Jonah Goldberg and the state of the MSM/Elite Media:

Is it suprising to anyone that the "media-elite" has taken it upon themselves to decide what is to be considered classified. Can this "hate-Bush-at-all-cost" include sacrificing the security and safety of this nation for purely political reasons? Because their "in the publics interest" stance doesn't hold water in my opinion. And neither does "the terrorist already knew this" and it was "no secret".

Patterico has an excellent post on the "not a secret" stance the NYT's has taken here.

Happy Independence Day!

Before I surf over to my favorite sites such as CQ, Wizbang, Powerline, CSPT, Patterico, et al, I would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful 4th of July. From our President:

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream. The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations. We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July. Happy Birthday, America!

We are a nation that is truly blessed.

Dana at Common Sense Political Thought has linked a 2005 post he wrote that is compelling. Read it here

NYT: We're Still Above the Law

The National Review takes a well deserved shot at the NYT's and their arrogance:

The duo of Eric Lichtblau and James Risen have published the details of yet another classified national-security program. This time, they exposed the workings of a database of financial records that the administration has used to track al Qaeda's banking transactions:

The Bush administration has made no secret of its campaign to disrupt terrorist financing, and President Bush, Treasury officials and others have spoken publicly about those efforts. Administration officials, however, asked The New York Times not to publish this article, saying that disclosure of the Swift program could jeopardize its effectiveness. They also enlisted several current and former officials, both Democrat and Republican, to vouch for its value.

Bill Keller, the newspaper's executive editor, said: "We have listened closely to the administration's arguments for withholding this information, and given them the most serious and respectful consideration. We remain convinced that the administration's extraordinary access to this vast repository of international financial data, however carefully targeted use of it may be, is a matter of public interest."

Full story here

It may be time for a family who has lost a loved one in this war on terror to file a class-action suit against the NYT's and any other publication that releases classified information that is in place to protect this nation. "public interest" my ass. It's called treason Mr. Keller.