Playing Music

"One never knows, do one?" ~ Fats Waller

My wife just bought a brand new car, a Kia Spectra. She gave me her old car, a Ford Taurus. While I was going through the mountain of CD's, separating hers from mine, I came across a CD I had burned on my old desktop computer. It is a compilation of some of my favorite old time jazz and pop songs recorded by various artists from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, to Linda Ronstadt and Fats Waller.

Here is a video of one of the recordings by Fats Waller:

Vincent

"And when no hope was left in sight, on that starry starry night, you took your life as lovers often do" ~ Don McLean

I found this video while searching for another one by Don McLean (which I didn't find). It's just too beautiful not to share.



For those of you who don't already know. This song is about Vincent Van Gogh, who created a painting called "Starry Night". This is what it looks like:

I Am A Kool-Aid Drinker

"Oh, Yeah!" ~ Kool-Aid Man

I've been planning on saying this for a long time. I really hate it when I hear people calling other people Kool-Aid drinkers to describe them as crowd followers.

Conservatives refer to Liberals as Kool-Aid drinkers. Liberals refer to Conservatives as Kool-Aid drinkers. In my humble opinion, Liberals may drink Kool-Aid, but it must be laced with hallucinogens. That's the only logical explanation I know of for their lunatic notions.

And I understand the origin of the term. I know the term originated with Jim Jones and Jonestown, when he managed to convince over 900 of his followers to drink poisoned Kool-Aid in a mass suicide.

I get it.

I understand the term now applies to all those people so committed to a political cause or candidate that they senselessly ignore facts in conflict with their political viewpoint.

But I like Kool-Aid.

I am a Kool-Aid drinker and proud of it. But it has nothing to do with my political ideology.

If you want to classify Sheeple Liberals with some kind of catchy term, how about using the phrase, "Lemming mentality bleeding heart Liberal sob sisters"?

Oh Yeah! Works for me!

Empathy: A Judicial Qualification?

"I figure it must be the will of the Lord because it seems so right to me." ~ Dan McBride

It's indeed gratifying to discover that old men can still learn new things. In my case, I have learned my readers are not Opera fans. Or maybe I've learned I no longer have readers. I certainly can't blame anyone for giving up on me. I have been derelict in my blogging duty.

Be that as it may, there have been a lot of events transpire since I last did a serious entry on this blog. I will now comment on a couple of them.

The Supreme Court, by judicial fiat, has determined that the Constitution is not a valid document by a ruling stating non-uniformed enemy combatants have some kind of previously unknown right to be tried in a civilian district court of law during a time of war.

Needless to say, the basis for this ruling is found nowhere within our Constitution, which basically means it's not a Constitutional ruling. Which means our esteemed Supreme Court of the United States is once again roving around outside the bounds of their jurisdiction.

And Obama wants to appoint more of these renegade judicial activists to the bench, if he is elected President, to wit:

"We need somebody who's got the heart, the empathy, to recognize what it's like to be a young teenage mom," Obama told a Planned Parenthood conference in Washington, D.C., in 2007 "The empathy to understand what it's like to be poor, or African-American, or gay, or disabled, or old. And that's the criteria by which I'm going to be selecting my judges."

What does he mean by the word, "empathy"?

I don't know how Obama understands it, but Webster defines empathy (partially) as:

"The action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner; also: the capacity for this."

In other words, empathy is like sympathy, but it's more intense than mere sympathy. Occasionally, men who's wives are expecting a baby experience what is called sympathy pains. They actually experience contractions and morning sickness as if they themselves are pregnant.

That's the best way of describing empathy I can think of.

This is typical of the Liberal mindset here in America. And if anyone fits the description of Liberal, it's B. Hussein Obama.

Liberals feel. Conservatives think.

But I thought Obama was an attorney. Was he somehow missing the day his professors explained how justice is dispensed in America? Was he snoozing when the rest of his classmates learned that Justice is supposed to be blind? Or is he just an idiot?

Empathy has nothing to do with the judicial process. It has no place in a court of law. No matter how unfair it appears to be. After all, in a court of law, fairness is objective. The law has no sympathy, let alone empathy. Ideally, it has only justice. Often times sympathy and justice are in direct juxtaposition to each other.

Whenever there is a point of law being argued, one side always loses. If a judge has empathy, he cannot decide in favor of either side for fear of hurting the other side's feelings. It is not a judge's job to have empathy. It is the judge's job to impartially dispense justice as defined by the Constitution of the United States.

And that's the point. The Supreme Court must dispense impartial justice as defined by the Constitution of our country, not by some legal code of some other country.

And not by their own personal perception of what seems to be right regardless of what is set forth within the Constitution.

Only by our Constitution.

I don't like the fact that sometimes guilty people go free. I don't like it when innocent people get sentenced to prison. I can, and often do, sympathize with people who get the shaft from the legal system.

But it's the law. That's the system designed by the framers of our Constitution.

Is it always fair? Is it always right?

Not always. But one thing is sure:

If Obama has his way, the Constitution will have no relevance to the courts in this country.

What Was In My Head When I Awoke (Sorta)

"Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak" ~ William Congreve

I'm not a big Opera fan, but here's the background: I woke up this morning with a J.G. Wentworth commercial running through my head. I don't know if Wentworth is nationwwide or local, but the commercial is an opera singer singing, "I have a structured settlement, and I need cash now!" Then a chorus of Opera singers sing, "J.G. Wentworth, 877-CASH NOW!" and so on.

J.G. Wentworth is one of those attorneys who advertise their office on TV.

But, instead of that commercial, I decided to find some real opera to post. My sister, who graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in Music Education appeared in a couple of opera there with the great Metropolitan Opera star Samuel Ramey. Seems he got his degree from Wichita State, also, but unlike my sister, who went on to teach middle school music, he went on to fame and fortune at the Met.

I tried to find a video of him singing the part he played in WSU's production, but I was hindered by the fact that I don't remember the name of the Opus he and my sister were in, nor the names of any of the arias he sang.

I do remember my sister had a line in that Opus. I don't remember if she had more than one line, but it was either, "Wast ist Das?" or "Das ist der Mont!"

Incidentally, At one point during the Opus, the stagehands neglected to turn off the back lighting after Mr. Ramey (playing St Peter) sang, revealing the stepladder he was standing on to appear as if he was floating in the clouds. At this point, Ramey invoked the name of God, not knowing the microphone, like the lights, was not yet turned off. It went something like this: "G--D--- it! Turn off the lights!"

He didn't sing the words, either.

So anyway, here, for your enjoyment (or agony) is Sam Ramey , Metropolitan Opera Basso extraordinaire:

How To Destroy America

"There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

I recently received this in my e-mail from my daughter, who, I just found out, is expecting her third child. She has a boy and a girl already. Soon she will be able to say, "I have three children. One of each!"

We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, DC , filled to capacity by many of America 's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, "Mexifornia" explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal was destroying the entire state of California . He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.

Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America.

The audience sat spellbound as he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States. He said, "If you believe that America is too smug, too self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy America It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall and that 'an autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide."

"Here is how they do it", Lamm said:

"First, to destroy America , turn America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country. History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict, and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar, Seymour Lipset, put it this way: 'The histories of bilingual and bicultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and tragedy.' Canada, Belgium, Malaysia, and Lebanon all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons, Corsicans and Muslims."

Lamm went on:

"Second, to destroy America , invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. Make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal; that there are no cultural differences. Make it an article of faith that the Black and Hispanic dropout rates are due solely to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds".

"Third, we could make the United States a 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the Atlantic Monthly recently: 'The apparent success of our own multi-ethnic and multicultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentricity and what it meant to be an American, we are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together.' Lamm said, "I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have various cultural subgroups living in America enforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities."

"Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated, and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high school".

"My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology'. I would get all minorities to think that their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all minority failure on the majority."

"My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship, and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other - that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful, or stable society is against most historical precedent. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation together. Look at the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greece took part in the Olympic Games. A common enemy, Persia , threatened their liberty. Yet all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors: local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions. Greece fell. 'E. Pluribus Unum' -- from many, one. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus' instead of the 'Unum,' we will 'Balkanize' America as surely as Kosovo."

"Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits. Make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of 'diversity.' I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century - that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate. Having made America a bilingual/bicultural country, having established multi-culturism, having the large foundations fund the doctrine of 'Victimology', I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: That because immigration has been good for America, it must always be good. I would make every individual immigrant symmetric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them."

In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow. Profound silence followed. Finally he said, "Lastly, I would censor Victor Hanson Davis's book 'Mexifornia'. His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America. If you feel America deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book."

There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference. Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today. Discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Even barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate "diversity". American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as corporations create a Third World in America. Take note of California and other states. To date, ten million illegal aliens and growing fast. It is reminiscent of George Orwell's book "1984" . In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: "War is peace", "Freedom is slavery", and "Ignorance is strength".

Governor Lamm walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy are deeply in trouble and worsening fast.

If we don't get this immigration monster stopped within three years, it will rage like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially The American Dream.

Will Obama Tempt Fate And Hillary?

"If you wish to make a man look noble, your best course is to kill him. What superiority he may have inherited from his race, what superiority nature may have personally gifted him with, comes out in death." ~ Alexander Smith

So now, the other shoe has dropped and it is now confirmed that Barry Hussein Obama will be the Presidential nominee of the Democratic party.

As if we didn't see that coming.

But what of Hillary Rodham Clinton? Well, according to the Liberally biased AP, she refuses to concede, but has finally suggested she would be open to the vice presidential slot on Obama's ticket.

Of course, Hillary wants the VP slot. Vice President is a literal heartbeat away from the most powerful position in the world. For someone who we all know will stop at nothing to attain the presidency of the United States, it's common sense.

If she can't be President by election, she may have hopes of securing the office by succession.

What? Am I saying Hillary might carry out an assassination plot on her dear friend, B. Hussein, just to be President?

Not at all.

That, of course, is unthinkable.

But, if there is anybody in the world who is both capable and ambitious enough, it is the Clintons, Bill and Hillary. One only has to go back to the link Lone Ranger left in my comments section a while back to find the list of people linked to the Clintons who died under mysterious and suspicious circumstances. I especially like the one who died of decapitation that the Clinton backed coroner determined to be "natural causes" and the one who committed suicide by shooting herself in the back of the head.

It doesn't have to be the Clintons, though. Since the Democratic party was founded by white racists with a party platform to keep the blacks enslaved, and under the domination of the white race in this country, it is not a stretch of the imagination to conclude some loyal racist Democrat somewhere may just do the job for Hillary without her pre-knowledge or (official) consent.

There may be some people in this country who will take drastic measures to prevent a black man from being President.

Hillary, of course, is well aware of the racist attitude that permeates the Democratic party even today. She may very well be counting on some extremist Democrat nutcase to usher her into the Oval office. But, in deference to her position as a well-respected leader of Democrats, let's assume she wouldn't personally approve of such drastic and final action, even from extremists.

That's not to say she wouldn't take full advantage of the opportunity to become President, even if it is by such extreme measures.

She has even indicated that the possibility of Obama being assassinated exists, and drew no small amount of indignation for her comment, but she was merely saying what many others were thinking.

Hmmm. telling the truth. What a novel concept for Hillary!

If Obama has any common sense at all (and the jury is still out on that one), he will recognize the fact that choosing Hillary as a Vice Presidential candidate could be a fatal mistake for him.

Literally fatal.

If It Bleeds, It Leads

"The papers said, These are the worst of times. I do believe it's true. When people lock their doors, and hide inside. Rumor has it it's the end of Paradise" ~ Dennis DeYoung

Millions of people across this country lock all the locks on all the doors and windows in their houses. Even if they are home. Not just when they go to sleep or when they are gone. All the time. I think this is excessive, and sometimes I think, "You know--if the house ever catches fire, you could burn to death trying to unlock all these locks in your panic to get out."

It's not obsessive or overly paranoid. It is cautious. There is nothing wrong with being cautious. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

I will admit to having more of a fear of fire than an act of random violence.

However, I have been thinking about the odds of any type of violent crime ever happening to us.

I think the chances of our family being a victim of some random violent crime are almost nil. I think the chances of anyone being a victim of a violent crime anytime in their lifetime to be very minimal at the most.

Of course, there are locations throughout our country in which the chances are greater, but on the average, I believe violent crime is no where near as prevalent as we are led to believe.

And who leads us to believe we are living on borrowed time?

Well, of course, the media does. The newspapers and television newscasts and radio news and magazines all tell us horror stories about violent crimes that happen on a daily basis. We cannot open a newspaper without seeing, on the front page and above the fold, as they say, some story about a murder or a rape or horrendous battery, usually right in our city or county. Violent crimes most often are the lead story in any given newscast.

Fictional movies and television shows exaggerate the problem. Oftentimes sensational movies and television shows re-create, for the viewers amusement, true stories of real crimes perpetrated on innocent victims. They are usually very liberal with their "poetic license", and we as a people react with the grim realization that "It could happen here." In fact, often the movie trailers intone those very ominous words.

"Be afraid. Be very afraid, This could happen to you."

Movies and television shows are part of the formidable beast we call media in this country.

It has the impact it is intended. It scares us into locking our doors, and keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

The media has helped to create a climate of fear in this country. The media and actual random acts of violence.

But really. How often do violent crimes really happen randomly to innocent people? Do we really need to be so afraid? I am 56 years old. When I was about 17, I was unsuspectingly attacked by a neighborhood tough just because he thought I would be easy to beat up. He tried, but he just wasn't as tough as he wanted everyone to think he was. That was the first and last time I have ever been the victim of a violent crime. But it wasn't random, and it wasn't violent enough to count as a violent crime. I mean, I wasn't even injured. Not even an abrasion. So, even if we count that incident as a random violent crime, one incident in fifty-six years doesn't make a dent in crime statistics.

I've been in fights as a teen, (and I never lost one, I might add) but schoolyard fights don't count as a random violent crime statistic, either.

So, let's expand our sampling, shall we?

The most recent study I have found came from 2004 and states, "In 2004 America's crime rate is roughly the same as in 1970, with the homicide rate being at its lowest level since 1965. Overall, the national crime rate was 3982 crimes per 100,000 residents..."

Note that this study includes random violent crimes perpetrated on innocent victims not known by the perpetrator along with non-random crimes committed by family members, friends and known enemies of the victims. Also note that this particular study doesn't differentiate between random violent crimes and run-of-the-mill everyday non-violent crimes. It simply refers to all crime.

But let's analyze these statistics and see if we are all indeed in imminent danger of being randomly, viciously attacked.

3982 crimes per 100,000 residents is approximately 3.98 % of the entire population of the United States. Go ahead and round it off to 4% to make it easier. Now remember, that this is a sampling that includes all crimes, you know, like shoplifting, drug possession, extortion, all types of white collar crimes, etc.

And that also includes crimes committed by people the victim knows, with a specific motive. Crimes that cannot be classified as random, and/or committed against unsuspecting innocent victims.

So now, the incidence of random acts of violence decreases significantly.

Wait a minute. Does that sound right to you?

If that is true, in a city the size of say--Topeka, Kansas--one might find about 5 crimes committed per year.

"Oh", you must be saying, "Those statistics only reflect reported crimes." And you would be right! As one of my readers (who never comments) pointed out, victims of rape, spousal abuse, and violent crimes committed in economically disadvantaged urban areas (or ghettos, if you will) go largely unreported. I read a CBS news report that stated 49% of all sexual crimes go unreported. But, just to show how confused CBS is, the headline on that report read "Over half of Violent crimes go unreported," a statistic not found in the article. (Uh--CBS--I hate to tell you this, but, 49% is not over half)

So. Assuming that half of all crimes go unreported, that would mean that in Topeka, Kansas, there would have been 10 crimes committed in 2004. That's all crimes, not only violent crimes.

That can't be accurate, can it? Of course it isn't.

Our sample city, Topeka, Kansas, while relatively small in comparison to most U.S. cities with a population of over 100,000, is still an urban area. It has more violent crime than cities or counties of over 100,000 with predominately suburban residents. For instance, I once lived in Johnson County, Kansas. Same state as Topeka, but Johnson County is much more suburban than Topeka. Johnson County, overall, has over double the population of Topeka, but much less violent crime.

My point is, it evens out. Lumping cities and counties with low and suburban (or both) populations together with overpopulated urban areas the 4-10% statistic may very well be accurate.

Conclusion? Incidents of random violent crimes are not nearly as likely to happen to you as media sources would have you believe. In all likelihood, you could literally leave your doors and windows unlocked and sleep peacefully in your house for the rest of your natural life without being victimized even once by a random violent crime.

That doesn't mean you should be foolhardy. Go ahead and lock your doors. By doing so, you decrease the chances, however slim, of a crime being perpetrated against you or your family.

Now, we are left to question, "Why?" Why does the media continue to terrorize the people in this way?

Well, it's the old adage, "If it bleeds, it leads". Comforting news simply doesn't sell. But is that the only reason they want to keep us afraid to leave our houses?

Could it be that they realize what kind of power the pen wields, and are using it to control the people? Could it be that they know as long as we are afraid to venture beyond our comfort zones we won't drive them from their positions of power? Positions from where they dictate our every move?

Is it something more insidious, or is it just human nature to blow every threat to our personal safety out of proportion?

Maybe there is no motive other than their projection of their own fears upon the rest of us.

Maybe it's because our human nature, with it's inherent sense of survival, creates a protective bubble around us, even when few threats exist.

Do you feel manipulated?

Taking into consideration our analysis of the crime statistics, are you still frightened?

One other thing:

Doesn't living in fear lessen our quality of life? How much more rewarding and abundant could our lives be if we freed ourselves from the shackles of unwarranted fear?

Perhaps it's time we free ourselves and begin to rage against the machine that is media.

Memorial Day

"All gave some. Some gave all." ~ Various authors

OK. I wrote another post in place of this one, but since then, I found this video, and I can't let Memorial Day go by without posting this. You can read the other post below this one.



As you attend your cookouts and picnics today, try to pause for a moment to remember the reason for the day.

Mixed Feelings

"I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." ~ Sir Winston Churchill

Today being Memorial Day, I feel I must create some sort of tribute for the men and women who have fallen in the service of our country. I found a wonderful such tribute in a magazine I picked up in the church lobby a couple of weeks ago, and I was going to use it as a basis for my post, but I lost the magazine. So, I was going to fly solo.

Then, this morning, when I sat down at the keyboard, I first had to visit Lone Ranger's blog, which has become a daily first stop for me. There I found a link back to an entry on Tug's blog, which, before his long sabbatical, used to be the other one I never failed to visit daily.

LR's right (as usual). It is an excellent article about Senator Edward M. Kennedy's recent discovery of a brain tumor. So, then, I just had to write the blog post I had considered writing but didn't. Since becoming domesticated, I just haven't been able to find the time to write anything. Here is my comment on Tug's piece (read his first):

I too, wanted to write something about Kennedy's brain tumor and inevitable death.

I too, wanted to write something compassionate without expressing glee at the promise of his exit from the Senate and the world.

I too, hoped to refrain from behaving like a Liberal when expressing my thoughts on the impending demise of this man.

I too, feel a sense of sorrow at the travails of a fellow human being in a time of great personal trial. I wanted to express that sense of sorrow with my comment without celebrating his debilitating illness.

After all, I am a Christian and I do have compassion for all of God's creatures. I really can hate the sin without hating the sinner. Really.

I can and I do.

I can also forgive and often do. Even when I am not asked forgiveness. It is how I've managed to stay sane.

That said, do you want to know what my first thoughts were when I heard the news of Kennedy's tumor? Here they are:

Usually when one is diagnosed with some some terminal illness and knows he has little time left to live, one wants to beg forgiveness, both to God and man, for whatever real or perceived sins one has committed in the course of their life. Particularly Catholics, who feel they must do penance for their sins.

With that in mind, I wonder if Teddy has asked God for forgiveness for his murder of Mary Jo Kopechne and the many other transgressions he has committed in his life.

So far, it doesn't appear he has yet begged forgiveness from man.

I do know one thing for sure: When he at last finds himself on his knees, and has to give account of his life before God, he will most assuredly beg.

Here is the one compassionate thing I will say in his behalf:

May God have mercy on his soul.

Folding The Flag

"Showing respect for the flag shows respect for American ideals...every action you take will will strengthen the bonds of community that unite all Americans, and extends the promise of American life to another citizen." ~ George W. Bush

This Monday is Memorial Day, one of several National holidays in which the American flag is displayed. If you display the flag on Memorial day, there are several web sites that will instruct you in the proper and legal way in which the flag may be hoisted, displayed, and even folded.

Here are the instructions for displaying the flag.

Here are official,legal facts about how and when to display the flag. Other web sites have additional information should you not find what you are specifically looking for on the linked pages.

Here are instructions in the proper way to fold the flag.

While the most accepted flag folding ceremony is the Air Force's ceremony, I personally like the National Flag Foundations ceremony better, because The Air Force's ceremony was changed to appease some bleeding heart Liberal anti-religious objection to the religious content, which cited the mythical "violation of the establishment clause" in the Constitution in the original ceremony.

So, submitted as a courtesy to those readers who still respect the American flag, and the country for which it stands, the following is copied and pasted from the National Flag Foundation's website:

NATIONAL FLAG FOUNDATION'S FLAG FOLDING CEREMONY

National Flag Foundation presents its own special flag folding ceremony, incorporating several of the virtues attributed to the colors of the Flag as specified in 1782 by Charles Thomson, then Secretary of Congress. National Flag Foundation recommends that this ceremony be read prior to the actual folding of the flag.

The first fold stands for liberty. In America, we are free to own property, to elect our government representatives, to attend the church of our choice, to openly disagree, to travel freely without restriction, to pursue an education and the “American Dream”. The white stripes of the Flag symbolize our liberty.

The second fold represents unity. Abraham Lincoln stated that a house divided against itself cannot stand. National unity in the face of natural disasters and external threats, such as those posed on September 11, 2001, has preserved our constitutional republic.

The third fold stands for justice. In America we believe that every person stands equal before the law and is deserving of just and fair treatment. The laborer and the lawyer are both entitled to justice in America. The blue of the Flag embodies justice.

The fourth fold symbolizes perseverance. To persevere means to endure, to remain steadfast despite severe hardship and obstacles. The Continental Army suffered repeated setbacks before claiming any significant victory. Yet throughout the brutal winter of 1777 at Valley Forge, they persevered.

The fifth fold represents hardiness. Hardiness is the ability to withstand difficulty while remaining resolute despite adversity. The aggressors in World War II underestimated American hardiness. They thought that Americans were soft, incapable and unwilling to endure hardship. Our soldiers and sailors such as those who fought at Normandy and in Korea proved them wrong.

The sixth fold stands for valor. Valor means courage, the act of defending what is right even in the face of opposition. Nathan Hale, the Revolutionary War patriot, was convicted of spying by the British in 1776. Before he was hanged, Hale displayed great valor with his words, "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." The red color in the flag represents valor, symbolic of the blood shed by all the American heroes who sacrificed for our freedom.

The seventh fold symbolizes purity. A pure nation is free from taint, from what weakens, pollutes or renders it ineffective. Our Founding Fathers illuminated freedom's path for us when they created the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The pure intent of these documents enabled the United States of America to become the greatest of all nations, a land of liberty which beckons to all who are seeking asylum from persecution and oppression.

The eighth fold represents innocence. Innocence implies that one is unacquainted with evil and is thus free from sin. George Washington once stated, "The love of my country will be the ruling influence of my conduct." Americans pay tribute to him and to all those who give devoted service to uphold freedom's ideals without selfish or evil motivations.

The ninth fold signifies sacrifice. To sacrifice is to give up something valued for an ideal, belief or goal. America exists today because of the sacrifices of countless Americans. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in battles waged during the Revolution, the World Wars, in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. We pay tribute to them and to the firefighters, policemen, soup kitchen volunteers, members of our armed forces and numerous others who continue to sacrifice for freedom.

The tenth fold stands for honor. One who possesses honor possesses a keen sense of ethical conduct. To honor a person or ideal is to display respect for them. We give thanks for all who have acted with honor in the founding and growth of America. We pray that each citizen and all those who represent us in government will conduct themselves in a manner that will continue to bring honor to our nation and to our Flag.

The eleventh fold symbolizes independence. Independence is the state of being free, of being able to make unrestricted choices within the law as free individuals and as a free nation. Ever since our nation’s birth, Americans have fiercely defended their independence against all oppressors. Patrick Henry articulated the sentiments of his fellow Americans past, present and future when he uttered those famous words, "Give me liberty, or give me death." America stands as an icon of freedom and independence for the oppressed of the world. May it always remain so.

The twelfth fold represents truth. Truth is the body of real events and facts. It is preserved through adherence to reality and the avoidance of falsehoods. America was built upon God-given truths articulated in the Declaration of Independence "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Adherence to these truths has made America a great nation. We pledge to continue this noble legacy of truth so that in America, every man woman and child may forever be free.

Democrats Say The Darndest things!

"Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles." ~ Ambrose Bierce

While canvassing a local neighborhood last night collecting donations for the local volunteer fire department, I walked up one driveway, and remarked to myself, "I probably won't get anything from these people."

The reason I was so skeptical that the occupants of the home would be generous was because the two cars in their driveway both had "Hillary for president" bumper stickers on them.

I've seen this movie enough times to guess the ending.

I was right. They refused to donate.

I'm not saying Democrats aren't generous. In fact, I'll go so far as to say they are even more generous than Republicans. The only difference is that Democrats prefer to be generous with other people's money. Democrats have often told me they believe the government should fund Fire departments and rescue squads. When I have pointed out that it would mean a precipitous increase in taxes, they acknowledged that, but stated they don't mind paying higher taxes as long as the rich had to pay their share, too.

The particular Democrats I was having these conversations with were all very much wealthier than I.

But I digress.

As I walked to the next house on the street, the Hillary supporters walked past me on what I presume to be their nightly power walk around the neighborhood. As they passed, I said, "Doesn't look too good for your candidate right now, does it?"

"No, it doesn't" Mr. Hillary supporter dejectedly replied.

"So, if Obama wins the nomination, will you go ahead and vote for him for President?" I queried.

"No way!" He said, passionately.

Then, his wife added, "I wouldn't vote for the anti-Christ"
(I assume she was referring to B. Hussein Obama, but I didn't ask)

"So", I shouted, as the distance between us increased, "if Obama is the candidate, who will you vote for?"

As they power walked around the corner, they both shouted back to me, "We'll vote for McCain before we'll vote for Obama!"

Now, this would be shocking if McCain were truly a Conservative, but as it is, voting for a Hillary or an Obama vs. voting for McCain is like flipping a coin.

They are on two sides of the same Liberal coin.

Hillary/Obama vs John McCain.

Heads, Democrats win. Tails, Republicans lose.

What Was In My Head When I Awoke

"There ain't no bugs on me." ~ Unknown



We have two pugs. Everytime I hear this song on TV, (Well, most of the time)I sing along, but instead of singing "some of you mugs", I sing "some of you pugs". I'm silly like that sometimes.

By the way, the other night when I was sleeping, I don't know what I did, but I must have accidentally kicked my older pug, Beast, the Democrat dog, in my sleep, because he let out a yelp, and then bit my left big toe. Hard. I was bleeding from both the top and bottom of my toe.

Dog bites really hurt.

Still Here

"The report of my death was an exaggeration." ~ Mark Twain

Trader Rick sent me a message asking, "Where are you?"

I am here.

I've been either too busy or I've already commented on every current event about which I've been passionate.

It's nice to know I'm missed, though. Thanks, Rick.

The presidential campaign goes on, with the Democrats continuing to shoot themselves in the foot, and McCain in the wings, just sitting the fray out and probably smiling, because so far, he doesn't have to actively campaign. The Democrats are running his campaign for him.

My wife e-mailed me some Democrat blog (believe me, if she hadn't, I never would have read it myself. I have no interest in what idiots have to say), and many Democrats are saying if Obama wins the nomination, they'll either vote for McCain or sit this one out.

Little difference as far as I can see. A vote for McCain is very much the same as a vote for a Democrat.

Some Democrats are speculating that Obama will choose Hillary as his running mate.

Not gonna happen. Presidential contenders never choose a rival for their running mate. Never.

Others are speculating that he will choose Ted Kennedy. Maybe. But if Kennedy wanted to be in the executive branch of Government he would have run for President long ago. It isn't because he hasn't been asked, for sure.

Wait. I do have one event that I feel deserves my comment:

Where is Adrian Monk when we need him?

The "suicide" of D.C. Madam Deborah Jean Palfrey.

I said in a couple of previous posts (here and here), when her client list is finally revealed, Americans will not be surprised to find the names of many high profile Democratic politicians within.

Then I corrected myself.

Democrats would never allow their names to be released, and their friends in the Liberal biased media would scramble like Warren Moon to make sure it stays that way.

I also said if any Republican names were on her list, we will soon find out, and that proved to be true. Republican Senator David Vitter (LA) and an aide to President Bush were listed.

We will never know if my prediction about Democrats being on the list will come true because, as I already mentioned, Democrats and their willing accomplices in the media will squash that news.

I believe the "suicide" death of MS Palfrey is about as much validation we're going to get that Democrats were indeed on the list.

This is my theory:

I know I risk being called a conspiracy theorist, but I think some high ranking Democrats who's names are on Ms. Palfrey's list had her killed, and made it look like suicide.

I guarantee you one thing:

If there was any indication that any Republicans had anything at all to do with Ms. Palfrey and her list, the media would be all over this story, implying and downright accusing Republicans of dirty dealings.

Why has there not been any criminal investigation? Because the media will not reveal Democrat involvement. It's that simple.

Mark my words. It might take a couple of decades, but it will eventually be revealed that some high ranking Democrat politician had her murdered. Probably not until after that politician is dead and buried, though.

Wait and see.

Reverend Wright? Just Go Away Already.

"Can't we all just get along?" ~ Rodney King

AARRRGGGGGHHHHH! I am so sick of this racist, separatist Jeremiah Wright crap, I can't find the words!

Well, I can find some.

Usually, I ignore all the incessant blather from fools like Wright but even I am offended by this jerk. Why are the networks and talk shows even wasting their airtime on this lunatic? Why am I up at 4:30 in the morning writing about the idiot?

Why?

Because he has offended me so much I can't sleep! We've all heard and read the racist, separatist comments from this creep. "United States of KKK America". "God Damn America". "Aids was created by white Government to kill blacks".

And on and on and on ad infinitum.

But last night, I heard some sound bites on the Laura Ingraham show from the wrong reverend Wright that I hadn't heard on other talk shows. This pathetic excuse for a human mocked the way white people talk, and the way white people sing, and even mocked President John F. Kennedy.

Do I even have to remind Reverend Wrong that it is his race, the black race, that spawned Ebonics?

Give me a break! If you want to sound stupid and uneducated, learn to speak in Ebonics.

And just like Ebonics, Reverend Jeremiah Wright has created antipathy between the races that mere racism couldn't manage on it's own.

However, he isn't the only one. He's just the most ridiculous. This time.

Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Lewis Farrakhan, Malcolm X, to name a few. And what's the name of that stupid black racist separatist college professor idiot who said the white race needs to be exterminated? I seem to remember he teaches at some college in the south somewhere. It doesn't matter. Strip off the titles of Professor, Reverend, and Minister and they are all racist separatist idiots.

The only significant divide between races present in this country today is the divide perpetuated by these so-called civil rights activists.

And the only thing worse than a racist is one who purposely divides the races for monetary gain. Like the aforementioned "Reverends" and professors.

Listen. The dictionary defines racism as: 1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination.

I disagree. That definition would imply that if one recognizes certain cultural differences in people of other races, that one is a racist. As I have explained in a previous post, that isn't racist. That is merely recognizing facts and not running from them for fear of being called a racist.

I believe racism is a manifestation of hatred for all people of another race simply because of their color or religion.

According to the dictionary's definition, I am a racist. But I am not a racist. I don't hate all black people. I hate some black people. I hate black thugs. Of course, I also hate white thugs. And Hispanic thugs. And Asian thugs. And Islamic thugs.

And I hate purveyors of racist separatism. Like the Wrong Reverend Jeremiah Wright. He needs to go back to where he came from.

Obscurity.

He has served his purpose. That of exposing the hypocrisy, racism, and elitism of Barack Hussein Obama.

Now he needs to fade back into the woodwork from whence he came. And he needs to take all the other racist separatist you-know-what's with him.

And the sooner the better.

Signs The Apocolypse Is Upon Us

"All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach." ~ Adolf Hitler

The world is coming to an end.



This, to my mind, is disturbing evidence that Pat Robertson is not Christ motivated, but money motivated. I have always believed he is a phony, and only in ministry for the money, and this ad appears to confirm my belief. If he truly believes in the power of God, he would believe man is not capable of destroying what God has made. He has, however, often demonstrated that he is more interested in the almighty dollar than the almighty God. Al Sharpton's presence in the ad is no surprise.

I'm not saying Robertson is not a man of faith. After all, it takes more faith to believe in Global Warming than it does to believe in God.



What's more troubling than the fact that two political opposites are appearing in an ad together for one cause is the cause itself.

I cannot state it often enough.

Global Warming is a myth.

And "Climate Change" is just a term for Global Warming that the Global Warming nuts use to cover their behinds in the inevitable case their wacky theories turn out to be wrong and the globe actually cools. If they say "Climate Change" instead of "Global Warming", they are right either way, and then they can say, "Nyah Nyah Nyah! We told you so!"

It's craziness that will end the world, not Climate Change.

What Was In My Head When I Awoke

The Case Against Obama

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear. The traitor is the plague.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero




The Dictionary defines Circumstantial Evidence as "(Law), evidence obtained from circumstances, which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature, from which arises presumption. According to some authorities circumstantial is distinguished from positive evidence in that the latter is the testimony of eyewitnesses to a fact or the admission of a party; but the prevalent opinion now is that all such testimony is dependent on circumstances for its support."

In a court of law, circumstantial evidence isn't usually enough to secure a conviction, but it is enough to create a presumption of guilt. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but on the surface, Barack Hussein Obama is looking more and more like someone who is attempting to destroy this country from within. When one begins to put certain circumstantial evidence together, a picture of an anti-American begins to emerge.

Let's consider the evidence, shall we?

Exhibit 1: Obama refusal to wear an American flag lapel pin. On it's own, refusal to wear a simple lapel pin of any kind isn't necessarily indicative of un-American sentiment. Perhaps he just doesn't wear any kind of lapel pins as a matter of personal taste. After all, I won't put bumper stickers on my car. That doesn't mean I don't have any opinions. It's simply a matter of personal taste.

But that isn't the only evidence.

Exhibit 2: Obama has been photographed with his hands folded in front of him while the National anthem was being sung. This while the other Democratic candidates were all standing at attention with their hands over their hearts. Again, in and of itself, not proof of un-Americanism.


However...

Exhibit 3: His wife, Michelle announces she has never really been proud to be an American until her husband decided to run for President. Could that be because she knows he intends to undermine the America she apparently hates? Husbands and wives usually share ideals.

Exhibit 4: Obama was born to a Muslim father and partially educated in Muslim schools. He is as familiar with Islam laws and tradition as with Christian traditions. Perhaps, in view of the type of sermons heard in his "church" that he has been exposed to over the last 20+ years, he actually understands Islam teaching more accurately than Christian. And that brings up...

Exhibit 4: His self admitted "spiritual advisor" is an anti-Semitic, anti-American racist hate monger who blames White America for everything he thinks is wrong with the world. Obama has been seen not only attending and listening to these hate filled sermons, but nodding his head in agreement.

Exhibit 5: Obama is close friends with an admitted unrepentant domestic terrorist, William Ayres, of the infamous Weather Underground radical activist organization that bombed the Pentagon, the Capitol building, and other "establishment" structures in the 60's. Mr. Ayres has admitted he committed these crimes and feels he didn't do enough.

Exhibit 6: Obama has stated when president, he will sit down with terrorist nations and terrorist leaders to negotiate a peace. Anyone who pays even cursory attention to the news knows there is no negotiation with terrorists, short of agreeing to their demands, which are: 1. Convert to Islam or--2. Die. They offer no other option. If Obama intends to negotiate a peace with terrorists, he will have to agree to their demands or he will not succeed.

Exhibit 7: He has stated he will invade and attack our allies and talk to our enemies.

Exhibit 8: He has announced his intent to cut Defense funding, to the point where our military will be woefully unable to defend America in case of attack.

Exhibit 9: He wants to outlaw all guns, leaving Americans without an ability to defend ourselves against attacks from forces who will have become emboldened by the decimation of our military.

Exhibit 9: He is in favor of amnesty for illegal aliens, many of whom are not just flooding across our borders in search of a better life for their families, but instead, have insidious terrorist plots in mind.

Exhibit 10: Obama has been quoted saying, "I revere the flag. I revere America." The word "revere" Means respect. Am I the only one who thinks "revere" is an odd choice of words?

Why can't Obama say he loves America? How difficult can pronouncing that word, "love" be? Could it be because he doesn't?

If Obama were on trial for treason, would there be enough evidence to convict him? Probably not, but it certainly raises some compelling questions about him.

As I said, I am not a conspiracy theorist, but if I was, it seems I could make a pretty strong case, based on circumstantial evidence, that Barack Hussein Obama is involved in some insidious plot to destroy America and hand us over to the Islamic Jihadists for destruction.

Ridiculous? Wild conjecture? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Hillary And Hussein's Goal

"Communism doesn't work because people like to own stuff." ~ Frank Zappa

I found this on Five Boxes, a blog Lone Ranger discovered.

I have highlighted in Bolshevik red the things which they have already achieved and in blue, the things they are in the process of achieving, and my own thoughts in green.

The following was entered into the Congressional record by Albert Herlong, Jr. (a Floridian who served in Congress from 1949-69) in 1963. The list was published in the 1958 book The Naked Communist, by Cleon Skousen.

1. US acceptance of co-existence as the only alternative to atomic war

2. US willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament by the US would be a demonstration of "moral strength"

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long term loans to Russia and Soviet Satellites (I don't know about this one)

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination

7. Grant recognition of Red China, and admission of Red China to the UN.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the Germany question by free elections under supervision of the UN

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the US has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress (I'm not sure about this one, either. I welcome knowledgeable input by more informed readers)

10. Allow all Soviet Satellites individual representation in the UN

11. Promote the UN as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the UN as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party

13. Do away with loyalty oaths

14. Continue giving Russia access to the US Patent Office(Again, this has probably already been accomplished but I don't know)

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the US (this certainly explains the Democratic party platform well)

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions, by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for Socialism, and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers associations. Put the party line in text books.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers (this may or may not be already accomplished. I am not sure)

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV & motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all form of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings", substitute shapeless, awkward, and meaningless forms.
Control art critics and directors of art museums. " Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art". (I don't know what this would accomplish, and since art is in the eye of the beholder, I can't say if the prevalence of senseless art in our culture is a result of this directive or not)

23. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. (Almost there, but thankfully, not quite yet.)

24. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography, and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV.

25. Present Homosexuality, degeneracy, and promiscuity as "normal, natural, and healthy". (I wish I could make this double red)

26. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch"

27. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the grounds that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state"

28. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

29. Discredit the American founding fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man". (I don't think we're there yet, but I could be wrong)

30. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of "the big picture:" Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

31. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture - - education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

32. Eliminate all laws or procedures, which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

33. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. (I don't think there is any longer such a committee, but if there isn't, they have accomplished this goal)
34. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI

35. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of big business ( would say this could be amended to "Discredit big business", and that would make it red)

37. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand or treat.

38. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

39. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

40. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

41. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special interest groups should rise up and make a "united force" to solve economic, political, or social problems.

42. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. (Not sure about this one, unless we could categorize the push by some Democrats to surrender in Iraq here)

42. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

43. Repeal the Connally Reservation so the US can not prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over donations and individuals alike. (I am unfamiliar with the Connally reservation but the rest of this sounds like what's going on now)

Many of these are subjective according to our interpretation of ideologies, I admit, but even if I am wrong on as many as 2/3 of them, I think it's pretty obvious that we are perilously close to losing America's sovereignty.

What's In My Head

"Is you is or is you aint?" ~ Jesse Stone