When the Inmates Run the Asylum

The Skipper posted "Disturbing Story Of The Day" and I think The Skipper may have got this one wrong. This isn't disturbing, this is batsh!t crazy!

Student Writes Essay, Arrested By Police
High school senior Allen Lee sat down with his creative writing class on Monday and penned an essay that so disturbed his teacher, school administrators and police that he was charged with disorderly conduct.

...

Allen Lee, an 18-year-old straight-A student at Cary-Grove High School, was arrested Tuesday near his home and charged with disorderly conduct for an essay police described as violently disturbing but not directed toward any specific person or location. The youth’s father said his son was not suspended or expelled but was forced to attend classes elsewhere for now.

...

Disorderly conduct, which carries a penalty of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine, is filed for pranks such as pulling a fire alarm or dialing 911. But it can also apply when someone’s writings can disturb an individual, Delelio said.
Read More

I am completely convinced that the teacher, the school administrators, and the police in this town are completely, totally, clinically insane!

The arresting officers should lose their badges, the school administration should lose their high paying jobs, and the teacher should lose her teaching licence. Period.

Where is Al Sharpton? We need him to pull an Imus on these folks. A persons writings should NEVER EEEEEEEVER be considered disorderly conduct. EVER!

When I was in middle school we were forced to read Edgar Allen Poe. We read morbid tales of murder and deceit. If a student were to turn in something of the same quality for a creative writing class they now can be criminally charged?

Probably the most disturbing then I read when in High School was Johnny Got his Gun.


The book dealt with a soldier who was so grotesquely mutilated in combat (his arms, legs, and face were blown off. He was deaf, had no mouth, and couldn't really move) that when he finally figured out a way to talk to his doctors they refused to notify his family of his status because they didn't want anyone to see what a gross monster he had become.

Nowadays writing about a violence or a gun falls within zero tolerance policies. Disgusting.

Fresh Air Courtesy of Geoff Davis (R-KY)

Here is a breath of fresh air in the stagnant halls of the Democrat controlled Congress. To steal a line from the left, this is speaking TRUTH to POWER:



Some of the Democratic leadership have declared it the job of congress to micromanage the war in Iraq. Yet we learn today that the Speaker of the House has refused to be seen face to face with the very military commanders whose hands will be tied by the Democratic War Funding Bill.

This latest insult to our troops should come as no surprise since others in the Democratic Leadership have declared the war lost despite our military commanders statements to the contrary and before Gen. Petraeus has even gotten the additional resources he has requested. His reinforcement hadn't even been fully implemented before Congressional leaders have called it a failure.

I urge my colleagues to insist on a funding bill that does not give our enemies a date for our surrender. I believe our soldiers when they say, "the war is not lost," and we must give our military the resources it needs to win. Language of surrender is inappropriate with troops in the field and reinforces the perceptions of our enemies.

via blackfive

Thin as a Reid (a poem)

I’ve wondered who’d do the evil deed;
Not surprisingly, it’s Harry Reid.
It was Cronkite stabbed us in the back;
This time it’s a pol not a media hack.
Uncle Walter used his powerful podium
To betray me and mine with nightly odium;
America’s avuncular pontificator,
Now an admitted, liberal, media traitor.

In his lonely grave, FDR must be spinning,
Franklin Delano’s party’s lost all sense of winning,
Focused on feelings rather than thinking,
Their cut’n’run view is that our ship is sinking.
FDR, who stayed firm through our world’s darkest days
Would despair at his party’s current, cowardly ways.
“There is no fear but fear itself?”
Ha! His party’s put courage on its bottom shelf.

Within this old vet a haunting fear lurks
That we may again lose to these liberal jerks.
They control the main airways, most that’s in print;
All the world sees and hears is their wimpish bent.
Belaboring losses in their daily whining,
All that America stands for they’re undermining;
Supplying our enemies with moral support,
Craven quitters inside, opening the gates of our fort.

To witness all this is surely most saddening,
More even than that is how much it is maddening,
That we who go out, lay our lives on the line,
To protect all the rights of these whiners to whine,
Are so seldom portrayed in a positive light,
Are never given credit for winning the fight;
Yet fight on we do to protect even those,
Who never buy us a drink, just give us the hose.

It is my prayer that Senator Reid, will someday account for his treacherous deed,
Kneeling towards Mecca, sore knees on a rug, perhaps he’ll regret he gave in to the thug.

Russ Vaughn
Combat Infantryman
Vietnam 65-66

The Catcher in the Rice Paddy

Hello all, I'm a new contributor to this blog. I hope you find my first post interesting. Forgive a bit of changing voice, I composed this in a hurry, before my mind could lose any of the points I wanted to make.

I found the "manifesto" and videography released by NBC news yesterday to be most revealing. Instantly it was clear to me. For years Cho Seung-Hui has been struggling with unhappiness and an inability to fit in. Eventually he began to find himself blameless for his own faults and shortcomings. It was simply somebody else's fault, somebody was keeping him down. He began fomenting a great hatred against his perceived oppressor until it became all-encompassing. Mr. Cho had decided to put a Marxist twist on the route of J.D. Salinger's famous Holden Caulfield. He became an avenging angel against his perceived enemy, the rich. Mr. Cho railed against decadence and the ills of western society and culture and blamed them for his impending actions.

Those who he saw as spoiled and insatiably greedy "caused" him to purchase two semiautomatic handguns and rob the world of a brilliant researcher combating cerebral palsy (Dr. Kevin Granata), a holocaust survivor and outstanding aerospace engineer (Dr. Liviu Librescu, who's final act was to sacrifice himself blocking Mr. Cho's path long enough for some of his students to jump out the window), a beloved teacher of environmental and civil engineering and mentor/father figure to thousands of undergraduate and graduate students (Dr. G.V. Loganathan), a Fulbright Scholar and German teacher (Jamie Bishop) and a cultural icon to Nova Scotia and teacher of French (Jocelyne Couture-Nowak). The killer also took the lives of students Ross Alameddine, Brian Bluhm, Ryan Clark, Austin Cloyd, Matt Gwaltney, Caitlin Hammaren, Jeremy Herbstritt, Rachael Hill, Emily Hilscher, Matthew La Porte, Jarrett Lane, Henry Lee, Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan, Lauren McCain, Daniel O'Neil, Juan Ramon Ortiz, Minal Panchal, Daniel Perez Cueva, Erin Peterson, Michael Pohle, Julia Pryde, Mary Read, Reema Samaha, Waleed Shaalan, Leslie G. Sherman, Maxine Turner and Nicole Regina White. He stole from us the best and the brightest in their chosen fields, full of the promise and potential of the rising collegiate. The world was their oyster until their paths were darkened by someone "saving" them from decadence, a Catcher in the Rice Paddy of his native Korea where, ironically, his parents took him from as a baby to make a better, richer life for himself here in the United States. I'm sorry Mr. Cho, this is neither fighting the good fight nor freeing the world from oppression, this is lunacy.

Your insanity and irrational mind took the lives of 31 people, without whom the world will be a darker place. You destroyed hundreds more families and altered countless lives by inflicting horrible violence upon what should have been a place of safety, security and tolerance. Just like Holden Caulfield, you thought your self-righteousness entitled you to dictate the course of other people's lives. Unlike Holden, you did not live to find out how wrong you were. A little bit of our nation died because you felt emboldened and empowered to rain your vengeance down upon those who had not wronged you.

Pork Bombs

After reading about the Logistically Pernicious Ham Steak at Protein Wisdom, also known as the Ham Steak of Hate over at LGF, I came up with an idea... Pork Cluster-Bombs.

Just think about it, bombs that do not contain lethal shrapnel, but instead are coated in delicious bacon... mmmmm.... We start first by blowing ham particles all over the West. Pork Bombs over America, Great Britain, maybe Europe. Hotdog chunks covering the continents.

Then, if we want to get really diabolical, we start hitting the Middle East. Cover the entire region in microscopic pork particles. Get the Ham into the air, into the soil, into the water. Cover the whole planet except for ... I dunno, France? Then we just keep the ever-present threat of pork bombs to keep the radical-Islamic element at bay.

Ta-daaa. International problems solved.

Fun Fact about the Religion of Peace

Apparently "Allah" forbids praying for non-Muslims:

...a Muslim student set off a debate when she sent an email to the mailing list of the Muslim Students' Association at Virginia Tech asking the students to pray that Allah have mercy on those killed and wounded in the shooting attack at the university.

According to Aafaq, the dean of student affairs at American International University, Abu Hamza Hijji, responded, writing that Allah the Most Merciful forbids praying for mercy for the non-Muslim dead, or even for the non-Muslim living, and that it is only permitted to pray that they be rightly guided. He added that what happened was a sad occurrence, but that does not give Muslims the right to transgress the laws of Allah the Most Merciful.
Read More.

How could "allah" forbid praying on behalf of non-Muslims? Don't Muslims pray to the same God worshiped by Abraham, David, Moses, and Jesus? If we all share the same God, how could that God allow Christians and Jews to pray on behalf of those of different faiths, but "allah" - allegedly the the same God - would forbid this to Muslims?

The Muslims can keep their false teachings and their impostor god. If "allah" forbids praying on behalf of those with different faiths, then he is not the same God worshipped by Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and David.

I'm going to go have a ham sandwhich and a beer.

Quote of the Day

The Democrats, the war protestors, and the American media have chosen to give their support to terrorism against the United States of America. In doing so, they have chosen to embrace a monster the likes of which they are unable to comprehend.
LindaSoG

Democrat Leaders Boycott Fox News

Democrats, Fox News Channel lock horns
Associated Press

NEW YORK - Democrats running for president seem to find Fox News Channel as ripe a target as President Bush, a development with dangerous implications for both the network and the politicians.

Fox has tried twice, without success, to set up a debate with the major Democratic contenders. Both times they failed because of pressure applied by online liberal activists, who consider Fox biased toward Republicans and conservatives.

The first debate, which was to be co-sponsored by Fox and the Nevada Democratic party, had been set for this August but was canceled. Fox then teamed with the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute for a Sept. 23 debate that is still scheduled, even though John Edwards, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton all said they won't attend.
Read More.

I think that comic probably sums it up for most folks.

Somehow we will manage to move on.

Coulter Cash is Money Well Spent

The primping, preening, beauty queen otherwise known as John "da Fonz" Edwards has been putting your hard earned political contributions, aka "Coulter Cash", to good use:

Edwards' haircuts cost a pretty penny
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Looking pretty is costing John Edwards' presidential campaign a lot of pennies. The Democrat's campaign committee picked up the tab for two haircuts at $400 each by celebrity stylist Joseph Torrenueva of Beverly Hills, Calif., according to a financial report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

FEC records show Edwards also availed himself of $250 in services from a trendy salon and spa in Dubuque, Iowa, and $225 in services from the Pink Sapphire in Manchester, N.H., which is described on its Web site as "a unique boutique for the mind, body and face" that caters mostly to women.

It is money well spent... he is soooo pretty



So pretty...

Democrats, please.... please keep giving this man your hard earned money. He wants to run for President; but more importantly, he wants to look good doing it.

UPDATE:
Awwww, the Coulter Cash is no longer helping make John pretty.
Edwards reimbursing his campaign $800 for haircut

Edwards Pays Homage to Silly Frenchman

Global Warming is a hot topic here at A Perfect Contradiction. Since it is literally freezing today (mid April), and all of the spring flowers have pretty much died from the cold, I thought today would be a good day to review a global warming story I covered back in Feb...

Chirac Threatens U.S. with Trade Sanctions
The self-proclaimed President of the European Union, Jaques Chiraq, the actual President of France - the self-proclaimed capital of the European Union - has recently given the United States an ultimatum: Sign on to the Kyoto protocol or else!

"A carbon tax is inevitable," Chirac is quoted as saying in in the NYT's on Feb 2, 2007, "the countries that do not accept the minimum obligations will be obliged to pay."

This is not an idle threat. The European Union represents the strongest collective economic block in the world. According to wiki (I know, I know... take it with a grain of salt)

The European Union is the largest political and economic entity on the European continent, with around 500 million people and an estimated GDP of US$13.4 trillion (1st in the World if ranked).

The theory behind the EU is something like: Alone vie are tineey and stupeeed, but togetharr we are POWERFUL ... and stupeeed.

The United States will probably be forced into a similar alliance with Mexico and Canada in order to remain competitive in the world economy in the next 25 years or so... but back to Chirac.

The self-proclaimed president of the EU makes a frightening point... that a "carbon" tax is likely to become a reality. There is no real reason for this: Global warming is bogus; however, as long as scientists are given awards and grants for claiming Global warming is real, politicians will be able to use scare tactics in order to gain more of their two favorite things: money and power. In this case, France is trying to use the EU to gain more money and power.

The United States is the world economic superpower. The EU is working to knock the US off this position and to keep America from regaining this title. Global warming is as convenient a justification for tearing down free trade than any other. The EU, in a guise of being a friend to the planet, simply taxes the United States as punishment for our alleged transgressions. We are forced to choose between signing onto a treaty that would cripple our economy, which would help make the EU the world economic superpower, or face economic sanctions, which would help make the EU the world economic superpower.

Keep Chirac in mind next time you go shopping for perfume, wine, cosmetics, etc.

I bolded the relevant section. Back in February, I expressed concern over a possible carbon tax. Chirac said it all when he said, "A carbon tax is inevitable," and I explained it all when I said, "as long as scientists are given awards and grants for claiming Global warming is real, politicians will be able to use scare tactics in order to gain more of their two favorite things: money and power."

This past week the inevitable took one step closer to becoming reality when John Edwards decided that if he becomes President the carbon tax will become a reality.

Edwards proposes greenhouse gas plan
FORT MYERS, Fla. - America should charge industry for creating greenhouse gases to generate money for investing in clean technology, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said Saturday.

"People ought to have to pay that want to generate greenhouse gases," Edwards said at a global warming rally that was part of a nationwide day of demonstrations.

Edwards said charging polluters could generate up to $40 billion to invest in clean technology to "get us off our addiction to oil." He also said the United States should ban the construction of new coal-fired power plants.
Read the full story.

Edwards pulled this one right out of Chirac's playbook. I actually think Edwards has a fairly good chance of getting the Democratic nod, but even if he doesn't, the cat is already out of the bag. He is going to run on this policy, it will gain traction with the enviro-idiots, and pretty soon all of the Dem candidates will be spouting that plan. Great, my worst nightmares are officially starting to happen. Wonderful.

Lest anyone who comes across this post thinks that creating a new tax is the solution to anything:

First, "man made" global warming is a THEORY that HAS NOT BEEN PROVEN!!!!

Second, a planet that is a few degrees warmer IS A GOOD THING!!! (Longer crop cycles = greater prosperity for all mankind)

Third, the "Evil Corporations" will not end up paying one red cent. The "Evil Corporations" will simply raise prices to keep their profit margins in place. This means that a tax on the "Evil Corporations" is really just a hidden tax on your stupid tree hugging @$$es when you pay for the goods and services the "Evil Corporations" provide.

Fourth, this new tax will NOT help fund research. This new tax will simply go into the general fund. From that fund, congress can earmark funds to go to research, but congress does not and will not 1) keep track of how much they are collecting from the carbon tax and 2) ensure that such funds are appropriately dolled out.

Fifth, watch this movie. If you still think global warming is the sort of problem that requires a "carbon tax" to solve it, then there is nothing more I have to say to you except enjoy your koolade, nutjob.

Read More About Global Warming

Selective Outrage

Read this article:

Israel suspends soldier in shield case
By AMY TEIBEL, Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM - The Israeli army said Friday that it was suspending the commander of troops seen using two Palestinian youths as human shields, the latest evidence that its soldiers still protect themselves with civilians in violation of international and Israeli law.
Full Story.

Note the moral outrage at the Israeli's actions. The Israeli soldiers are routinely bombarded with rocks and stones from Palestinian children, who are taught to hate Jews. In an effort to stop the attacks, an Israeli Soldier asked a Palestinian child to ask their friends to stop throwing rocks at them. The child willingly stood between the soldiers and the mob of anti-Semites. Peace activists and the press are now blaming Israel for using the child as a human shield in violation of international law.

Now read this story:

Unconfirmed report says BBC journalist slain

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - A previously unknown Palestinian group said Sunday it had killed a British journalist kidnapped over a month ago by gunmen in Gaza City, but the claim could not be confirmed.
Full Story

Note the lack of outrage. No moral condemnation of the group. No moral condemnation of a people who believe that taking hostages and murdering them is an acceptable form of political/religious expression.

The peace activists and the press are eerily silent when it comes to the actions of Palestinian militant groups who brainwash children into blowing themselves up, kidnap journalists and murder them, etc. But when Israeli's ask a civilian, even a child, to try and help stop the violence, the Israeli's are "violating human rights."

Isn't there a difference between using a civilian who volunteers to be a shield and one who doesn't?

I don't know if I fully support the Israeli use of a child, even a willing participant; but it's not like they took children against their will and brought them into a gun fight. They didn't force the child to stand in front of their vehicle. Besides, don't the Palestinians routinely surround their top commanders with women and children? Why no outrage over that?

Why no outrage at a people who take an unwilling civilians hostage. Why no outrage over the ritualistic murder of Westerners and Jews?

How exactly is it that the press and the peace movement find the Palestinians to be morally superior and unworthy of criticism, but Israel and the West are somehow blameworthy for all sorts of human rights violations? What is is that I am missing?

Delicious Article

If you like coffee this article is an interesting read and a nice change of pace:

... I smiled, and for what would be the first of many times that day, tossed out a metaphorical line in order to save him from drowning again in a sea of burnt and bitter brews...
Read more.

Interesting Read

I came across this article via the Evangelical Outpost

Pearls Before Breakfast
This is a long read, but it is a really interesting article. This is Pulitzer material, IMO.

The article involved an experiment: take perhaps the greatest living violinist, playing 10 of the most highly regarded compositions, on a violin created by the greatest violin maker in history, have him play as a street performer during rush hour in a DC metro station, and judge the crowd response. This is an amazing read, a wonderful experiment, and a great case study on life in America.

It is a long read, but well worth it if you have the time to take a minute and enjoy something beautiful.

Imus Should Apologize

That's right... apologiiiiize!

In all seriousness, though, I think Imus is an idiot. A moron. So what? He said something stupid. He is, in fact, a stupid person. So what?

He called a bunch of black female collegiate basketball players, "dirty, nappy, ho's." What further proof do you need that the man is an idiot? He said something stupid and hurtful. If he were a professor at Rutgers, I would think that firing him would be appropriate, but he isn't affiliated with Rutgers, so why should he be fired?



Black "civil rights" leaders, like Al Sharpton, are demanding Imus be fired. For what? Saying something that is racially insensitive? Imus is a SHOCK JOCK. He is paid to say things that are shocking and offensive. It is his bread and butter. It is supposed to offend some people, some of the time. It is what he does for a living.

How will firing this man make things right? Is referring to a black basketball player as a "dirty, nappy ho" an offense for which someone should automatically lose their job?

What about calling a white, male, lacrosse player a "rapist"?

How about calling our soldier's "murderers"?

How about labeling all Christians as "right-wing nut jobs"?

How about labeling a person who disagrees with allowing homosexuals to adopt children a "bigoted homophobe"?

What about blaming white males for every bad thing that has happened in history, while praising all women and minorities (especially blacks, and not including jews)?

Why are saying things which are divisive, provocative, and hurtful, wrong when it involves a black person, but "ok" when it is a white person, or a Christian, or a conservative, or a soldier?

Civil rights are about equality. I think equality has been accomplished... and then some... and yet the "civil rights" movement continues. To what end? To the end that saying something bad about a black person - placing blacks on a level that is above all other races, a people who cannot be criticized ever, even if it IS due (which in this "nappy hos" thing the criticism was not due) - should result in the loss of one's livelihood.

BUT, calling all white people racist, calling all Christians "nut-jobs," calling conservatives "reich wingers" etc., ad naseum, does not result in a firing, and in fact can result in tenure in a collegiate setting.

Think about what is happening here:
BLACK, FEMALE, COLLEGE ATHLETES.

Blacks, who once upon a time were not even counted as people for census purposes, who once upon a time could not vote, who once upon a time could not be taught let alone go to college...

Females, who throughout history have been oppressed, who once upon a time could not own property, who once upon a time could not vote, who once upon a time could not attend college...

College Athletes.. only recently in the history of American academia have women's sports been guaranteed funding and opportunity to the extent that men's sports receive funding and opportunity. Think about it... women's sports are a topic of discussion on national radio stations!

On an equality scale, where are we today versus where we once were?
It wasn't that terribly long ago that funding wasn't guaranteed for women athletes. It wasn't that terribly long ago that blacks DID have a difficult time getting into colleges.
It wasn't that terribly long ago that blacks had no rights in this country.
Look how far we have come! Look how far we have progressed!

Women are guaranteed funding for NCAA purposes. Qualified blacks are virtually guaranteed admission into colleges, almost always placed ahead of equally qualified white students (in the interests of "fairness").
Blacks can vote. Blacks are found in every economic bracket. Blacks are found at every job level. No where in our country (that I am aware of) is the exclusion of blacks thought to be acceptable.

In what way is this unequal? MLK's dream was that blacks and whites could one day attend the same schools and that black children and white children could play together. MLK wanted blacks to have equality. Blacks have equality. In fact, they have "reverse-racism" working in their favor. Because universities WANT "diversity," in many cases blacks are placed well ahead of whites. That isn't equality. I'm not saying that these programs must end, but I am saying that that is NOT equality.

Equality refers to opportunity. In America, you open your own doors. Sure, some people are born with a silver spoon. I imagine Will Smith's kids aren't going to have to worry too much about how they are going to pay for college. If one of Will Smith's sons wants to get into music or acting one day, his father will be able to help open doors for him. This is true no matter what your color, religion, sex, etc.

Look at the sort of things that were said about the Duke Lacrosse players. Who should have been fired for calling them racists and rapists? Were saying those things any less hurtful? They were males. They were white. They were probably rich.

Now look at what that idiot Imus said. Ok. He is an idiot. We all agree. Should he lose his job? For what? Saying hurtful things about black, female, possibly poor people? Is that equality?

To express outrage over the public ridicule of one group and not the other... is that equality?

McCain HAD One Rght

Five days ago, McCain shocked me by stating,

"I believe that we have a new strategy that is making progress and it’s not to say that things are well everywhere in Iraq; far from it,” McCain said. “We have a long way to go.”

“We read everyday about suicide bombings, kidnappings, rocket attacks and other terrible attacks,” McCain said. “What we don’t read about everyday and what is news since the surge began is a lot of the good news.”

“These and other indicators are reasons for very cautious optimism about the effects of the new strategy,” McCain said. “I believe just as we read about all the negative events in Iraq, the American people must be aware of the positive development under this new plan.”

I was floored by McCain's statements. At the time I said:
It is kind of hard to not to like the guy when you see that he is capable of telling the truth, if only for political points with the Republican base. If McCain acted like this all of the time, I might even like him.

Well I was wrong about McCain. It is easy to not like him.

In what appears to be perfectly implemented "Clintonian-Triangulation" McCain has backed away from his previous statements. According to Drudge:

In two interviews before the Army took McCain and 60 MINUTES on the heavily guarded visit to the al-Shorja market last Sunday, the senator said security had improved in Iraq. Upon his return, he also told a news conference he had just come back from a neighborhood one could walk around in freely. The remarks made headlines and he now regrets saying them. "Of course I am going to misspeak and I've done it on numerous occasions and I probably will do it in the future," says McCain. "I regret that when I divert attention to something I said from my message, but you know, that's just life," he tells Pelley, adding, "I'm happy, frankly, with the way I operate, otherwise it would be a lot less fun."

McCain is a snake... no, he is a worm.

This is a calculated move. First he tells the Republicans something they have been longing to hear - that things aren't as bad as being reported in the press. Then in an effort to appeal to the middle he says he misspoke, but still thinks we can win in Iraq. Finally to appeal to the left, he lashes out against the President, claiming Iraq is all his fault.

He is trying to be everything to everyman, but at what cost to the truth? Truth is not subjective. Either things are getting better in Iraq or they aren't. The press is either being honest, or they aren't.

You can't take each position and try to appeal to everyone.

I take back any nice thoughts I had about McCain. He is scum.

This is what we are fighting for:

I came across this picture in the photo gallery of the Washington Post’s “Today In Photos” for April 6. I had to just sit and stare at it for several minutes. I couldn’t help but think what a contrast this idyllic setting with children playing and their parents resting in the sun in Baghdad’s al-Zawraa public park is with the normal images we get from the media in Iraq.

My first thought was “Hey! This can’t be Central Command propaganda as the anti-war activists would probably claim! This came from the Washington Post, of all places.” My second thought was “Why don’t we see more of these pictures?”
More.

Good question Skipper.

AP Continues Disinformation Campaign on Iraq-Al Qaeda Connection

Consider the following article:

Cheney reasserts al-Qaida-Saddam link
WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney repeated his assertions of al-Qaida links to Saddam Hussein's Iraq on Thursday as the Defense Department released a report citing more evidence that the prewar government did not cooperate with the terrorist group.

Cheney contended that al-Qaida was operating in Iraq before the March 2003 invasion led by U.S. forces and that terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was leading the Iraqi branch of al-Qaida. Others in al-Qaida planned the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

"He took up residence there before we ever launched into Iraq, organized the al-Qaida operations inside Iraq before we even arrived on the scene and then, of course, led the charge for Iraq until we killed him last June," Cheney told radio host Rush Limbaugh during an interview. "As I say, they were present before we invaded Iraq."

However, a declassified Pentagon report released Thursday said that interrogations of the deposed Iraqi leader and two of his former aides as well as seized Iraqi documents confirmed that the terrorist organization and the Saddam government were not working together before the invasion.

The Sept. 11 Commission's 2004 report also found no evidence of a collaborative relationship between Saddam and Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network during that period.

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had requested that the Pentagon declassify the report prepared by acting Defense Department Inspector General Thomas F. Gimble. In a statement Thursday, Levin said the declassified document showed why a Defense Department investigation had concluded that some Pentagon prewar intelligence work was inappropriate.

The report, which had been released in summary form in February, said that former Pentagon policy chief Douglas J. Feith had acted inappropriately but not illegally in reviewing prewar intelligence. Levin has claimed that Feith's intelligence assessment was wrong and distorted but nevertheless formed part of the basis on which President Bush took the country to war.

Although Feith's assessment in mid-2002 offered several examples of cooperation between Saddam's government and al-Qaida, the report said, the CIA had concluded months earlier that no evidence supported the existence of significant or long-term relationships.

This sort of disinformation and rewriting of history ought to be criminal. This AP story is fraught with error and is typical of mainstream reporting on the Iraq-AlQaeda relationship.

Consider the following quotes taken from the 9/11 commission report and reproduced below:

"In building this Islamic army, [Bin Laden] enlisted groups from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Oman, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Somalia, and Eritrea."
Page 76, 9/11 Commission Report

"al Qaeda contacts with Iran continued in ensuing years. Bin Ladin was also willing to explore possibilities for cooperation with Iraq..."
Page 61, 9/11 Commission Report

"In 2001, with Bin Ladin’s help they re-formed into an organization called Ansar al Islam. There are indications that by then the Iraqi regime tolerated and may even have helped Ansar al Islam against the common Kurdish enemy."
Page 61, 9/11 Commission Report

"With the Sudanese regime acting as intermediary, Bin Ladin himself met with a senior Iraqi intelligence officer in Khartoum in late 1994 or early 1995. Bin Ladin is said to have asked for space to establish training camps, as well as assistance in procuring weapons, but there is no evidence that Iraq responded to this request. As described below, the ensuing years saw additional efforts to establish connections."
Page 61, 9/11 Commission Report

"...Bin Ladin sent out a number of feelers to the Iraqi regime, offering some cooperation. None are reported to have received a significant response."
Page 66, 9/11 Commission Report

"In mid-1998, the situation reversed; it was Iraq that reportedly took the initiative.

In March 1998, after Bin Ladin’s public fatwa against the United States, two al Qaeda members reportedly went to Iraq to meet with Iraqi intelligence. In July, an Iraqi delegation traveled to Afghanistan to meet first with the Taliban and then with Bin Ladin. Sources reported that one, or perhaps both, of these meetings was apparently arranged through Bin Ladin’s Egyptian deputy, Zawahiri, who had ties of his own to the Iraqis.

Similar meetings between Iraqi officials and Bin Ladin or his aides may have occurred in 1999 during a period of some reported strains with the Taliban. According to the reporting, Iraqi officials offered Bin Ladin a safe haven in Iraq. Bin Ladin declined, apparently judging that his circumstances in Afghanistan remained more favorable than the Iraqi alternative. The reports describe friendly contacts and indicate some common themes in both sides’ hatred of the United States. But to date we have seen no evidence that these or the earlier contacts ever developed into a collaborative operational relationship. Nor have we seen evidence indicating that Iraq cooperated with al Qaeda in developing or carrying out any attacks against the United States."
Pages 65-66, 9/11 Commission Report

Another interesting quote from the 9/11 Commission Report is on page 128:

The original sealed indictment had added that al Qaeda had “reached an understanding with the government of Iraq that al Qaeda would not work against that government and that on particular projects, specifically including weapons development, al Qaeda would work cooperatively with the Government of Iraq.” This passage led [Richard] Clarke, who for years had read intelligence reports on Iraqi-Sudanese cooperation on chemical weapons, to speculate to [Sandy] Berger that a large Iraqi presence at chemical facilities in Khartoum was “probably a direct result of the Iraq–Al Qida agreement.” Clarke added that VX precursor traces found near al Shifa were the “exact formula used by Iraq.”

9/11 Commission superstar witness Richard Clarke speculated that a large Iraqi Presence at a chemical facility in Khartoum, Sudan - the place where Bin Laden set up shop after being kicked out of Saudi Arabia - was "probably a direct result" of the Iraq-Al Qaeda agreement. A sealed indictment dating from 1998 discussed a cooperative agreement between Iraq and Al Qaeda regarding weapons development.

Yet the AP refuses to acknowledge "connections" or "links" between Iraq and Al Qaeda.

The AP points out that Cheney contended that an Al Qada linked group had been operating in Iraq (supported by 9/11 Commission report, page 61), and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was operating within Iraq (widely known and supported by the Iraq War resolution signed by CONGRESS, which stated, "Whereas members of al Qaida, an organization bearing responsibility for attacks on the United States, its citizens, and interests, including the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, are known to be in Iraq").

Cheney said "They [Al Qaeda] were in Iraq before we invaded" the AP's proof to the contrary is ... what exactly?

The AP is saying that a recently declassified report proves that Iraq and Al Qaeda were not "working together" which is not at all the same charge as "there are no Iraq Al Qaeda connections."

Additionally, this new report directly contradicts the 9/11 Commission report's allegation that the Iraqi government may have worked together with Ansar al Islam, the 1998 sealed indictment mentioned in the 9/11 commission report, and Richard Clarke's Clinton-era speculations about Iraq/Al Qaeda cooperation.

I have not yet had the opportunity to read this recently declassified report; however, if the AP's interpretation of that report is as wrong as their interpretation about the 9/11 commission report, then the report probably adds support to Cheney's position.

Here is a fair question, "are links the same thing as cooperation?"
I point out the links.
You say "no cooperation."

Are we even talking about the same thing? Is no cooperation proof of no links? I am even giving benefit of doubt to the claim of no cooperation. Before there is cooperation, there must first be links. The links are indisputable. That is what Cheney keeps pointing out. The left keeps claiming no cooperation. I believe the left is wrong, but there is only circumstantial evidence of cooperation. And what exactly constitutes cooperation?

We know that Al Qaeda members were given safe passage, medical treatment, etc from Iraq. We know that Iraq offered to let Bin Laden move to Baghdad and set up in Iraq. Does that constitute cooperation? At one time, Bin Laden was seeking to overthrow Saddam, but they essentially called a truce. Is that cooperation? It seems that way to me.

Did Saddam give Al Qaeda guns and ammo? I don't know. Did Saddam help Al Qaeda carry out attacks? I don't know. Is that required in order for the Iraq war to be justified? Is that the standard that must be reached to appease the left?

If so, I guess we can't really make the left happy. Their standards are too high. I recognized Iraq as a threat that in a post 9/11 world that could no longer be left alone. The majority of Americans agreed. We weren't misled. We knew what a threat Saddam posed to the world.

And you know what? I am happy we liberated Iraq. I am proud of my country for doing the right thing. For keeping America safe. For bringing another Democracy to the Middle East.

I know Iran is still a problem. I know Syria is still a problem. I even think the rhetoric coming out of Egypt and Saudi Arabia is troubling, but I believe peace is possible as long as we support victory in Iraq and elsewhere.

I am mad as hell that the AP tries to cast doubt upon Cheney and Bush by claiming as "proof" the higher standard of "operational support" not being certain (therefore not established) against the lower standard of "links" (which have been proven). It is patently dishonest reporting.

Quote of the Day

Imagine the surprise of the veteran Iraqi battalion last November when a young sheik, leader of a local tribe outside Ramadi, offered to point out the insurgents hiding in his hometown. "We have decided that by helping you," he said, "we are helping God."

Source.

Excellent Wash Post Article

Pratfall in Damascus
Nancy Pelosi's foolish shuttle diplomacy

HOUSE SPEAKER Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered an excellent demonstration yesterday of why members of Congress should not attempt to supplant the secretary of state when traveling abroad.

...

In other words, Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were mere propaganda.

... The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president. Two weeks ago Ms. Pelosi rammed legislation through the House of Representatives that would strip Mr. Bush of his authority as commander in chief to manage troop movements in Iraq. Now she is attempting to introduce a new Middle East policy that directly conflicts with that of the president. We have found much to criticize in Mr. Bush's military strategy and regional diplomacy. But Ms. Pelosi's attempt to establish a shadow presidency is not only counterproductive, it is foolish.
Read the Full Article.

I couldn't possibly have said that better myself.

Parsing Words in the Global War on Terror

Democrats in Congress have recently banned the phrase 'global war on terror' from appearing in legislation and have discouraged Democrats from using the phrase when speaking about terrorism.

A new internal memo by a senior Democratic staff member urged aides to drop the term ["global war on terror"] from their legislative dictionaries because it was too broad. The directive quickly led to a linguistic dispute between the parties.

"The attempt by Democrats to erase the words 'global' and 'terror' from our current war is an absurd effort to deny the fact that America is battling terrorism on a global scale," said House Republican leader John Boehner (news, bio, voting record), R-Ohio. "How do Democrats expect America to fight and win a war they deny is even taking place?"
More.

Por qua? To put is simply, Americans overwhelmingly support the War on terror. When a particular crisis is associated with the war on terror, American support for intervening and resolving the incident is very high.

Ex. Fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan is considered by virtually everyone to be part of the global war on Terror. Support for the War in Afghanistan was very, very high.

Iraq is undeniably part of the global war on terror; however, the Democrats, with the help of the press, have successfully convinced the American public otherwise.

As soon as Iraq war was extricated from the global war on terror (never mind that it is universally accepted that Iraq was a state sponsor of international terrorism, Iraq supported Al Qaeda and Hamas, and Iraq's support of Al Qaeda was RECOGNIZED BY CONGRESS as a reason for authorizing war in Iraq the Iraq War Resolution Act)... let me start over. As soon as Iraq was extricated from the global war on terror - labeled a "grand diversion" and a "distraction" from the "real" war on terror - support for the Iraq war began to drop.

Why is this?

American people DO support the war on terror. Furthermore, American people trust the Republicans MORE than the Democrats in carrying out the war on terror.

Americans do not support going to war for no reason. We are a peace loving nation.

As soon as the left wingers were able to extract the Iraq war from the war on terror - instead labeling the Iraq was a "Bush's war" - the war no longer was understood as a matter of national security and instead became a war which could be attacked along partisan lines.

What is going on here is this: The war on terror is bad for Democrats, because the American people do not trust the Democrats to win the war on terror. The solution is to stop associating global terrorism as part of a global war on terror. When each incident is looked at as a single, solitary, unconnected attack - there is no need for the US to intervene and there is no need for Republican leadership to fight the global war on terror.

That's my analysis, anyway.

Progress in Iraq Update

I know these seem like rapid fire posts on the progress in Iraq, but there is a LOT of progress to report lately. Amazingly, aside from ABC airing an occasional piece, the MSM (mainstream media) has been relatively silent on all of the progress. If I can find room for 10-15 stories per week, you think the press could find one worth reporting...

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers bring smiles to schools
Wednesday, 04 April 2007

AZ ZAIDON — The children, wide-eyed at the sight of Iraqi soldiers in their schools, seemed a little frightened at first, but within moments, as the soldiers began handing out cookies and asking questions about the day’s lessons, they warmed up.


Iraqi soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, visited two schools with troops of the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and the military transition team from 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, March 29. The visits, which provided much-needed school equipment like chalkboards and generators, also served to let the children and teachers see that the Iraqi troops serve the country and are available.

“Please give me your phone number,” Ta’if School Headmaster Nafir Abdullah asked the Iraqi troops. “And don’t be a stranger. This school is always open to you, and we would love to have you help educate the children.”

Sgt. Richard Fulham, a native of Toms River, N.J., and a squad leader with Troop A, 1-89, distributed cookies to several classes of youngsters.

“My mother-in-law made them for me, but I just had to give them to the kids,” he said. “I get too many cookies anyway.”

The children shouted and waved, competing for the troops’ attention and photographs before the teachers called them back to class.

“Most of the teachers here work without receiving a salary,” Abdullah explained. The school, while well-kept, is very poor. “There are plenty of terrorist attacks at night, but during the day it’s very safe. But we have no problems with the Iraqi or U.S. soldiers coming; please feel free to come anytime.”

At the Al-Haafaththa school just up the road, the combined patrol again distributed basic supplies and goodies to the children and teachers.

“We’re doing a humanitarian assistance operation here,” said Capt. Joshua Schneider, a native of Phoenix and the staff maneuver adviser to the Iraqi Army for military transition team 0632. “We’ve brought generators, blackboards, book bags filled with school supplies like pens and pencils and notebook paper, and activity books for school.”

About 60 Iraqi soldiers were part of the operation.

“The reception has been very good,” Schneider added. “The teachers and Iraqi soldiers are building stronger relationships, and that’s only going to help this area.”

“It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, helping the children,” said 1st Lt. Kevin Grilo, a native of Millington, N.J., and the executive officer for Troop A. “If we give them the ability to learn and get an education, they’re less vulnerable to other influences -- like extremist views.”

Platoon leader 1st Lt. Adam Robison, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was also upbeat about the mission.

“Seeing the kids respond to us handing out toys and book bags is always great -- they are so happy. It's like we’re Santa Claus to them,” Robison said. “I think doing missions like this with the Iraqi soldiers allows people to see that they (the soldiers) care and that they’re starting to take responsibility for their country so they can start taking over.”

Bush: Troops’ Hard Work in Iraq Will Impact the World
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2007 – The hard work U.S. troops are doing in Iraq is “laying the foundations of peace for generations to come,” President Bush told soldiers and family members today at Fort Irwin, Calif.

“The work that you have volunteered to do will have a lasting impact on the world in which we live,” the president told the troops.

By helping Iraq become a country that can sustain, defend and govern itself -- and become an ally in the war on terror -- the U.S. military will have delivered a significant blow to those who want to harm the American people, he said.

“The amazing thing about our United States military is that thousands and thousands of you have signed up knowing full well that we’re a nation at war,” he said. “You decided to put your country ahead of self in many ways.”
Read the Full Article.

Baghdad ‘Surge’ Produces Early Successes, Official Says
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2007 – Murders and kidnappings, the hallmarks of sectarian violence, have decreased in Baghdad since reinforcements of U.S. and Iraqi security forces began to flow into the city in mid-February as part of Operation Fahrd al-Qanoon, a senior U.S. military official said in Baghdad today.

“A clear reduction in the number of kidnappings and execution-style murders” has taken place across Baghdad since Fahrd al-Qanoon, or “Enforce the Law,” was launched to secure and tamp down violence in Baghdad and western Iraq, Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said to representatives of U.S.-based veterans groups during a telephone conference call.

There are “some preliminary good signs” that security measures are taking hold in Baghdad, Fox said, as U.S. and Iraqi forces continue to make their presence felt as they operate from 31 joint security stations established across the city.

“Our troops now are living and operating in the districts of Baghdad,” Fox said.
Read the Full Article.


Iraqi Security Forces discover weapons cache
BALAD – Iraqi Security forces conducted an early-morning sweep on April 4 in Diyala, seizing a large cache of ammunition and detaining four suspected insurgents.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces raided the suspected site in Imam al-Hajj Yusuf Village in the Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be planning attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens, Coalition and Iraqi Forces.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

Iraqi Police detain suspects tied to Tal Afar attacks
BALAD – Iraqi Security forces conducted a raid operation on April 3 in Nineveh Province, detaining two suspects believed to be involved in insurgent activities.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces raided a residence in the Nineveh Province northwest of Tal Afar and captured their primary targets.

Iraqi forces also detained 19 other suspicious individuals who were present during the operation.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be responsible for the recent vehicle borne improvised explosive device attacks on the people of Tal Afar, as well as attacks on Coalition and Iraqi Forces.

Iraqi Forces conduct raid in Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army forces conducted an early-morning operation on April 4 in Baghdad, capturing 10 suspects believed to be involved in a major terrorist cell.

With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi forces simultaneously raided several residences in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad and captured their primary targets including the leader of the cell.

Coalition and Iraqi Forces encountered enemy-fire upon entry into one of the structures. Well aimed fire allowed Iraqi Security forces to kill one insurgent and wound another during the exchange.

The primary targets of this operation are alleged to be responsible for attacks on
Coalition and Iraqi Forces, as well as Iraqi civilians. The suspects were also linked to manufacturing and storing vehicle borne improvised explosive devices in a separate facility.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

So far the surge is working. Don't let the Democrats rip defeat from the jaws of victory... support our troops, support the war on terror.

One if these things is not like the other....

One of these things just doesn't belong!

New York man pleads guilty to US terrorism charge
NEW YORK (AFP) - A New York martial arts instructor pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring to provide material support to the Al-Qaeda network after a sting operation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Tarik Shah allegedly agreed to provide hand-to-hand combat training to Al-Qaeda operatives in a meeting in 2005 with an undercover FBI agent posing as a recruiter for the Islamic extremist militant group.
Read the Article

Plea in NYC terrorism-support case
LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press
NEW YORK - A cabdriver from Maryland pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to help a terrorist organization after admitting he attended training camps in Pakistan.

Mahmud Faruq Brent Al Mutazzim, of Gwynn Oak, Md., had been scheduled to go to trial April 24 along with a New York musician and a Florida doctor. A New York bookstore owner pleaded guilty to charges in the case in November.
Read the Article

Ariz. teen charged with terrorism
MESA, Ariz. - An eighth-grader faces a terrorism charge for confronting a girl with a knife and later being found with a backpack full of restraining devices and weapons, a prosecutor said.

The 14-year-old told police he planned to hold his class hostage, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas said Monday.
Read the Article

Trust me when I tell you that I am one of the most ardent supporters of the Global War on Terror. I want our police, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies to have the ability to pursue, charge, and convict terrorists.

However, to charge a US citizen as a terrorist, particularly a young teenage boy with no ties to any terrorist organizations whatsoever, and who cannot conceivably be linked to a terrorist cause, is, in my humble opinion, absolute garbage.

We give the State the power to try and convict terrorists on charges of terrorism to keep us safe from terrorists. We do not give the State the power to try ordinary criminals as terrorists when their crime creates fear and panic in others.

Ex. A troubled youth who doesn't want to go to school and so calls in a bomb-threat should not be charged with making terrorist threats, IMO.

However, a troubled youth who wants to engage in Jihad against America and who calls in a bomb-threat in order to strike fear into a community should be charged as a terrorist.

A teenage boy who plans to kill his classmates and himself in order to martyr himself for Allah, is a terrorist.

A teenage boy who plans to take his classmates hostage because he is having trouble with another classmate, however misguided, is not a terrorist.

Maybe I am missing the boat on this, I'm not sure, but I don't believe we should charge ordinary criminals as terrorists unless their actions can be directly linked to some sort of subversive ideology.

An "Eco-terrorist" who sets businesses ablaze because he believes their environmental policies are unsound is using arson as a means to further his subversive ideology.

An Islamo-fascist who plants a bomb on a school bus because he wants to kill "kufar" and further his radical Islamic agenda is a terrorist.

A KKK member who burns down a black church is a terrorist.

A kid who brings a blasting cap onto school grounds as part of a school prank is not a terrorist, the prank would not advance a subversive ideology.

A man who takes hostages during a bank robbery is not a terrorist (unless he is stealing the money to give to terrorists or use in in furtherance of a subversive ideology).

Bombing an abortion clinic would be a terrorist act.

Planting a bomb underneath the car of someone who plans to testify in a criminal case... not a terrorist act. Murder/attempted murder, yes, but not terrorism. Get it?

I would love for others to comment on this. I want to know what other people think about this. Am I crazy? Am I right on?

ABC Bucks MSM Trend, Reports Progress in Iraq

Bucking a long standing tradition, ABC news has broke the mainstream media silence to report some of the recent progress in Iraq. If you haven't seen this, you should wath it now!



Now if NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, C-Span, BBC, and the written press would follow suit, the Amercan people might change their mind, again, about their support for this War on Terror.

Centcom Reaches Out to Bloggers

I was contacted by a representative of CENTCOM today who had come across my Progress in Iraq posts.

The Sgt. informed me that CENTCOM is seeking to establish a relationship with bloggers to develop a dialogue about the Global War on Terror. He informed me of Centcom's weekly newsletter which contains 'stories about the humanitarian, reconstruction and security efforts taking place in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.'

I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the US military to reach out to people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn of the progress our military is making on a daily basis. During WWII, you couldn't watch a movie without seeing the progress reels that played before the movies. The military seemed to have unfettered access to the American people. These days, the mainstream media refuses to report anything positive happening in the middle east.

I understand the need to report the bad news too. The sad realities of war MUST also be reported by the press; however, to report ONLY the negative news does not present the reality of the situation either. The American press may as well be working for Al Qaeda when they openly report terrorist propaganda and refuse to report the progress our military men and women are making in the Middle East.

In any event, I am adding a link to CENTCOM on the sidebar and will add CENTCOM to my daily reader feeds so that I can expand my message about the progress not only in Iraq, but also to the greater global war on terror.

You may visit CENTCOM by clicking on the link below:



If you are a blogger and would like to get in contact with Centcom in order to learn more about the Global War on Terror, email me and I will help you get in contact with a CENTCOM representative.

Quote of the Day

"The heavy condemnatory breathing on the subject of global warming outdoes anything since high moments of the Inquisition."

WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR.




I wish I had known about this article when writing my piece on global warming and human sacrifice.

British Hostages to be Released

In what has widely been described as an act of war, Iran captured and took hostage 15 soldiers from international waters. Iran claimed the soldiers were in Iranian waters, and released the coordinates to prove it... except that the coordinates they gave proved that the British solders were NOT in Iranian waters. When confronted with this issue, Iran released a new set of coordinates to "prove" the British soldiers were in Iranian waters.

Iran held the British soldiers for almost two weeks, creating an international crisis and bringing Britain and Iran to the brink of war.

Today the crisis will be put to rest. Ahmadinejad has decided to "pardon" the British soldiers who were abducted by his country and held hostage for the past two weeks. This "gift" to the people of Briton is nothing more than a calculated political stunt.

Iran was in the wrong. At every step in the process, Iran was wrong and was facing severe consequences for their actions. Iran has now released the soldiers - soldiers they had no right to abduct and take hostage in the first place, so now what will the international response be?

Unfortunately, I fear this will prompt a "no-harm, no foul" response from the international community. If the West takes action against Iran for their discretions, the West will be seen as aggressors despite the fact that this would be a response to Iranian actions.

Meanwhile, Iran is still actively working to pursue the creation of nuclear weapons. Whether this hostage crisis was an attempt to divert attention away from Iran's nuclear aspirations is unclear. What remains to be seen is whether their will be a "honeymoon period" after the British soldiers are released, giving Iran much needed time to work uninterrupted on their Nuclear program.

I say that the moment those British soldiers touch down in England, the international community immediately begin focusing on a response to the hostage taking & further sanctions over Iran's nuclear program.

Wild Irish Rose

Wild Irish Rose

What is that stench wafts ‘neath the nose?
Is it ABC’s Wild Irish Rose?
Must we endure this big broad’s ranting,
That has the liberal loon’s all chanting?
Dubya brought those towers down,
Claims this crazy corpulent clown.
Is our rotund Rose blatantly batty,
Or just hates the world ‘cause she‘s a fatty?

Appears that ABC has found
Ratings come cheaper by the pound;
Need someone hot, to blow and blab?
Hire a has-been encased in flab.
If its controversy that you like,
Broadcast a belligerent blowhard dyke,
Who hates the world because she’s fat,
And a dyke-by-default due to that.

Rose once played with Irish boys,
But boys don’t stay with tubby toys,
So Rosie pinned her heart to girls,
And men became just dogs and churls;
Especially men who act like men,
So Rosie’s out to do them in.
It’s sad to see such intelligence
Warped by hate, no common sense.

I take no pleasure in rhyming odium,
But I lack Rosie’s national podium,
No broadcast forum for rants and raves,
No applauding audiences, witless slaves;
Why denounce her deviance, excess weight?
Because they’re the roots of this Rose’s hate
Of a system where she’s never fit,
And she attacks our nation because of it.

A Rose by any name smells sweet?
Not this bulbous blossom of fatuous heat.

by Russ Vaughn

Editor's Note: The views expressed by Russ in his poetry may or may not express the views of the editors. We happily serve as an outlet for Russ Vaughn's work an will publish everything he submits without censoring his positions and thoughts.

Don't Look Now: More Good News from Iraq

Since the MSM (mainstream media) refuses to cover the good news in Iraq, it has been the job of the bloggers to help get the good word out about the US successes in Iraq. Despite everything the Democrats are telling you, this war in NOT a total failure and is definitely worth seeing out until victory is achieved.

I am going to divide this post into 3 types of stories: Military Achievements, Humanitarian Accomplishments, and Feel Good Stories.

In recent days, there has been a LOT of good news from Iraq. First we will cover some of the military achievements:

Surge shows results in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Though it’s still in its early stages, the surge operation in Baghdad is showing positive results, the Joint Staff’s deputy director for operations said.

Army Maj. Gen. Michael D. Barbero said attacks against Iraqi civilians are down about 20 percent, and civilian deaths are down 30 percent nationwide. In Baghdad, attacks against civilians are down 20 percent, with deaths down 50 percent.

Attacks using explosively formed projectiles are also down, from 38 in December to 22 this month, though the number of attacks against coalition forces has remained constant, Barbero said.

The Iraqi public also shows increasing signs of support, the general said.

Officials measure the support from polling data and from the number of tips they receive from Iraqi citizens, he explained. The number of tips is increasing.

“On 24 March, a tip from inside Sadr City led Iraqi and coalition forces to a cache inside Sadr City of more than 450 deadly anti-tank mines,” Barbero said. The general said he considers the raid especially important because Sadr City is a stronghold of support for radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s militia.

He cited polling data taken March 16-22 that indicates the Iraqi people are beginning to see results. The data shows Iraqis “are hoping the security plan will last and (that it is) showing signs of improvement. Iraqis are expressing greater confidence in the security plan and in their security forces.”

The general said people now are more concerned about basic needs such as electricity, water and sewage treatment rather than security.

The surge is designed to provide security and reduce violence in Baghdad to levels that will allow the Iraqi leadership to make political progress, he said. Barbero acknowledged that while the operation is off to a good start, problems remain.

High-profile attacks, especially those using suicide vests and vehicle bombs, have increased by about 30 percent, but they are less effective now, he said, crediting “increased and more effective security.”

While it is too early for rejoicing, the general said, but he noted that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government continues to fulfill its promises under the new security plan. The security plan calls for five U.S. brigades to be in place when it’s fully implemented.

The trends in Iraq are positive, Barbero said, and coalition and Iraqi forces are working to stay ahead of the enemy.

“We're seeing an enemy who is trying to make a statement and reacting to our operation, which is just … about six weeks old,” he said. “Only two of the brigades are on the ground, so we have a ways to go.”

Joint operation disrupts anti-Iraqi forces
Friday, 30 March 2007

BAQUBAH — Iraqi and Coalition forces began a joint operation targeting an Islamic State of Iraq power base at the Diyala River Valley Saturday.

During the ongoing operation, Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division and U.S. Army 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division killed more than 15 anti-Iraqi forces, detained more than 15 suspected terrorists, and unearthed eight weapons caches.

“The Iraqi security forces, with our support, will maintain an aggressive approach to operations in order to secure the population and defeat the terrorists,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. commander. “Working together, we are attacking the anti-Iraqi forces in their perceived safe havens.”

As Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to successfully hunt terrorists and their strongholds, the population gained confidence in the Iraqi security forces improved abilities to protect them.

“The ISF continues to improve as we conduct these operations together, and the people gain confidence in their security forces’ ability to take the fight to the enemy and secure the population,” said Sutherland.

The Iraqi security forces with the support of Coalition forces weakened the terrorists’ ability to harm the population by finding their weapons caches.

“These terrorist supplies have been used to attack the Iraqi and Coalition forces, and the local population in Diyala to destabilize the area,” said Sutherland. “However, the initiative and ability to seize every opportunity to aggressively attack the terrorists will actually destabilize the terrorists.”

The detainees have been transferred to Forward Operating Base Warhorse detention facility for further questioning.

The operation continues to destroy enemy safe havens, restoring hope and security to the people of the Diyala River Valley.

COALITION FORCES CAPTURE 11 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN RAIDS

BAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces captured 11 suspected terrorists during operations targeting foreign fighter facilitator and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks Friday morning.
During an operation near the Syrian border, Coalition Forces captured six suspected terrorists with alleged links to al-Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitation.
Five more suspects with alleged involvement in foreign fighter facilitation were captured in a raid north of Karmah.

“These and other foreign terrorist facilitators are attempting to undermine the peace and stability the Iraqi people deserve,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.


SIX TERRORISTS KILLED, 10 SUSPECTS DETAINED

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 10 suspects Sunday afternoon and Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq couriers and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices cells.

Monday, ground forces killed six terrorists in Mosul tied to VBIED attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. During the operation, ground forces entered the first of two targeted buildings and engaged three hostile men including one armed with a pistol. As one of the men charged at Coalition Forces, self-defense measures were used killing the three terrorists.

While approaching the second building, Coalition Forces began receiving enemy fire. Coalition Forces returned fire, killing three more terrorists.

In Baghdad, three suspects were detained with alleged ties to al-Qaeda courier operations and three more were detained for alleged involvement with VBIED emplacement operations.

On Sunday, Coalition Forces captured a suspected senior-level al-Qaeda in Iraq courier and an associate in an operation north of Karmah.

Also on Sunday, Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists southeast of Mosul who are allegedly involved in VBIED and rocket attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

“These operations demonstrate that the Coalition continues to whittle away at the Al Qaeda in Iraq network,” said Multi-National Force – Iraq spokesperson, Lt. Col. Christopher Garver. “Al Qaeda continues to demonstrate they are only interested in murder and destruction and are not interested in the peaceful future of a united Iraq. Eliminating the threat of Al Qaeda will make Iraq safer for all Iraqis.”


Two suspected terrorists detained in Sadr city raid

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi forces along with their Coalition advisors detained two suspected terrorists Saturday evening during a raid in Sadr City targeting anti-Iraqi forces.

As ground forces approached the targeted area, they began receiving enemy fire. Ground forces called for air support and Coalition aircraft delivered munitions, suppressing the enemy fire.

No one was wounded during the raid. One building received minor damage during the air strike.

“Coalition forces take exhaustive precautions to mitigate damage to Iraqi property while in pursuit of terrorists,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman.


FOUR-DAY OPERATION RESULTS IN EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED; SEVERAL WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES CACHES DESTROYED
Tuesday, 03 April 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – During a recent four-day operation beginning March 30 in Arab Jabour targeting al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists, Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists, detained 13 suspects, destroyed two explosives production facilities and several weapons caches.

Coalition Forces were engaged by the enemy multiple times during the operation. Coalition Forces used appropriate defense measures to eliminate the threat resulting in eight terrorists killed.

Among the weapons caches discovered, Coalition Forces found six DShK anti-aircraft heavy machineguns, 150 rocket propelled grenades, more than 30 rockets, plastic explosives, and several hundred mortar rounds. The weapons caches were destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.

On Monday, a Coalition Forces air strike destroyed two buildings housing large caches of explosives materials and chemicals used in the production of improvised explosive devices.

A total of 13 suspected terrorists were detained during the four-day operation.
No civilians were injured during the four-day operation.

“Coalition Forces continue to tear apart the al-Qaida network inside Iraq. This operation contributes to the reduction of this VBIED terrorist network’s ability to operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Iraqi citizens aid security forces
Tuesday, 03 April 2007

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi Army general and a spokesman for Multi-National Force-Iraq held a press conference concerning the progress of Fardh Al-Qanoon at the Combined Press Information Center Sunday.

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“We’ve seen some initial progress, but our work will not be accomplished in days or weeks, but will require a sustained effort over the course of many months,” said Fox.

Along with the contribution of over 5,000 tips from Iraqi citizens, Iraqi and Coalition forces seized over 300 weapons caches, detained over 1,400 suspects and cleared over 300 improvised explosive devices in March including the rescue of a kidnapped family in Doura, Iraq, last week.

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As violence decreases in Baghad and other cities, some terrorists have fled to areas surrounding the cities, placing the responsibility of security on tribal leaders.

“Tribal leaders and tribesmen are conducting operations against [terrorists],” said Moussawi. “We have noticed military operations carried out by the tribes in Al-Anbar, Diyala, Hillah, and Nineveh; they have chased and tracked down these terrorists.”

As the Coalition and Iraqi populace aid the Iraqi government, confidence in security is expected to improve the economy and help establish water, sewage and electric facilities.

“The people of Iraq and the people of Baghdad are sick and tired of this violence,” said Fox. “We’re going to accomplish this mission.”

Joint police work toward secure Iraq
Saturday, 31 March 2007

ISKANDARIYAH - ...

"Our mission as a police transition team is to make sure the (Iraqi police) are fully trained and qualified to take on the mission of securing their country and keeping the citizens safe," said Staff Sgt. Johnny Colon, squad leader and native of Guayama, Puerto Rico.

This mission is of the highest priority not only to the Iraqi police who are training but also for the civilians they are training to protect.

"In our area of operation, the important thing is that more of the local population is beginning to trust the IPs," said 1st Lt. Nathan Diaz, platoon leader for the Wolf Pack. "The people are happy to see the IPs going through their villages and towns patrolling the area as well as a large increase of information being given to the IPs to help combat the insurgents in the local areas."

"In the short time that we have been here, the human intelligence has grown dramatically," said Diaz. "We are getting more and more tips on events that could harm Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in the local neighborhoods."
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British, Danish troops arrest members of Iraqi rogue militia
Sunday, 01 April 2007
RAF.AL QURNAH — British and Danish troops successfully detained a number of suspected rogue militants in Al Qurnah, 70 km north of Basrah, Iraq, on March 23.

The search and arrest operation, known as Operation Python 2 involved 450 British and Danish troops. The operation was based on information which suggested that a number of senior figures and members of a rogue militia, involved in attacks against coalition troops, could be found in that location.

The number of suspected rogue militants detained included one individual suspected of involvement in coordinating attacks across Iraq.

At least one member of the rogue militia was killed after opening fire on the Coalition troops.

During the operation a quantity of small arms, ammunition, grenades, night vision equipment and intelligence material were seized.
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Militarily we are routing out terrorists, destroying their weapons caches, and winning over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people... you wouldn't know this to talk to the reporters in Iraq.

Now we will look at some of the Humanitarian Accomplishments

Black Jack performs medical mission
Monday, 02 April 2007
BAGHDAD — As Haifa Street residents begin coming back out into the streets that were once too dangerous to step into, coalition and Iraqi security forces are beginning to lend a much needed hand in many of the basic needs.

So, with hundreds of medical supplies, a few Army medical soldiers and an Iraqi doctor and nurse on hand, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, used an elementary school to perform examinations on hundreds of local citizens during a medical mission in the Haifa Street district of Baghdad, March 24.

"It's really good that they are doing this," said a man who brought his daughter to the clinic. "With the security plan working now, we can come out again."

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Within a five-hour period, the team saw more than 230 patients, who were mostly women and children, according to Rivers.

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The people really like us being there," he said. "Every time we go, we get a really warm reception."


Maternity hospital agreement reached
Monday, 02 April 2007

AN NASIRIYAH — In an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and cooperation, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Provincial Reconstruction and Development Council (PRDC), and the Iraq Ministry of Health (MoH) signed a partnering agreement March 28 to build Al Musayib Maternity Hospital (MMH) in Iraq’s Babil Province.

“The partnering agreement is based on an essential interest in the successful and timely completion of a fully operational 50-bed maternity and pediatric hospital for the MoH,” said Robin Parks, project manager for GRS. “The main goal of the project is to reinforce support to the residents of Musayib and to the Babil Governorate. The community will get an aesthetically pleasing hospital where women can learn the importance of a safe and healthy pregnancy, and a childbirth program.”
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Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers give humanitarian aid to Tal’Afar
Sunday, 01 April 2007

TAL’AFAR – Iraqi security forces and Tal’Afar civic leaders provided aid and humanitarian assistance to Tal’Afar citizens displaced by the terrorist bombing Wednesday. The Iraqi military coordinated and flew a critical airlift resupply mission to Iraqi ground forces who distributed supplies to the population.

Coalition civil affairs teams provided assessments, making sure the aid was funneled through Iraqi leaders to areas who needed it most.

There is no question that part of winning over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people is by providing them much needed humanitarian support. It would be nice if there was more international support for the Iraqi people, but as long as as the United States is able to, I am proud that we are helping the Iraqi people.

Finally, some feel good stories. The Iraq war is full of them, yet the press is reluctant to cover them.

Soldiers strive to make Iraqi village safe
Monday, 02 April 2007

KHAN DARI — On March 25, three improvised explosive devices went off here. Soldiers from Company E, 2nd “Lancer” Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment entered the village in an attempt to find the assailants.

“We know if we can continue getting information from anyone who can help us clean out insurgents here and find weapons caches, we’re making this a safer place down the line for the [citizens of the community],” said Staff Sgt. William Stone, a squad leader from the regiment. “All the people here say the same thing, they want our help, they want safety and they want the insurgents to go away.”

While asking the citizens about the IED strikes; Soldiers collected information about terrorist cells operating in the area, and inquired about the welfare of the people.

On their first stop, an Iraqi family greeted U.S. troops by offering them tea as a sign of friendship. Later an Iraqi man thanked the Soldiers for their help, telling them he felt safe when they were patrolling his neighborhood said Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Pluhar, Co. E, platoon sergeant.

“When you meet people like that you really feel like (you’re) doing some good,” Stone said.

While the mission did not yield much information about the three IEDs, the Soldiers said, it was a success because the trust and cooperation of the villagers led to information on other insurgents.

“It’s a great feeling to know we’re contributing to getting insurgents off the streets so the people don’t have to live in fear from someone killing their children or hurting them,” said Spc. Michael Evans, Co. E mortarman.

As the Iraqi Police and Army stand up and take the lead being able to protect the lives of Iraqi citizens may be considered a rewarding mission.

“I’ll be coming away from this with a lot bigger appreciation of life in general and knowing that I was doing something to help (both) the Iraqi and American people, so what happened on September 11th never happens again,” he added.

Soldiers sacrifice for Baghdad security
Tuesday, 03 April 2007
By Spc. L.B. Edgar,
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Baghdad — ...

Petraeus met with the leadership of the Iraqi army soldiers, who live and work with U.S. troops on a day-to-day basis. He encouraged the commander of 2nd Bn., 3rd Inf., Regt., 10th Iraqi Army Div.

“It’s your country. You’ve got to go out and take it back,” he said to the Iraqi troops. “We need Iraqis to want this as much as we do.”

In order for Iraqi security forces to take back their country from the insurgency, Soldiers like Mankaja, are serving as role models to their Iraqi counterparts.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot of changes. Their tactics are better,” he said. “In a way, it kind of makes you feel good because you’re helping someone else to help their country.”

However, despite the early success, Petraeus said the Baghdad Security Plan is far from complete.

“It’s off to a solid start, but there is a long way to go, and we only have about 40 percent of the additional forces on the ground so far,” he said. “Our Soldiers partnered with Iraqi soldiers and police have made a difference in the neighborhoods in which they’ve become established. The idea is to, in fact, bring better security to the Iraqi people, so they can reopen their businesses (and) send their kids to school without fear.”

To accomplish this objective, Soldiers like Mankaja, have had to sacrifice the relative comforts of large, fortified base complexes for the austere living conditions of Combat Outposts and JSSs like Mansour.

There are no hot showers, Post Exchanges or dining facilities for the Soldiers to enjoy. Though the creature comforts are in the rear and not every meal is a hot one, Soldiers like Mankaja, adapt to their environment and take pleasure in what few amenities they are afforded.

Letters from home help take the Soldiers away from their Spartan conditions, if only for a little while.

“That helps me out a lot,” Mankaja said of receiving letters from home. “It’s a morale builder. It feels good to just sit down and read a letter – see how everyone is back home.”

Iraqi Police graduates key to future
Tuesday, 03 April 2007

BAGHDAD — Recruits of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division graduated from training at Forward Operating Base Falcon, March 28. This is the first group of “shurta,” Arabic for police, to come onto a U.S. forward operating base and receive complete, 24-hour-a-day training by a National Police Training Team.

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The training program includes weapons marksmanship, drill and ceremony, physical training and ethics classes. Once the recruits execute those tasks to standard they move on to team exercises such as precision room clearing and conducting raids.

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“During this time that we spent here on this (base), we got good training,” the Baghdad native said. “They care about us a lot. We want to say thanks for our American brothers.”

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“The men were excited and very proud to get formalized training like this,” he said.

One of the key points Hubbard said he wanted the new police officers to take away from their training cycle is how to treat the Iraqi people.

“The way they treat them as policemen will decide whether (local residents) go against the Iraqi government or if they come on board,” he said. “These people are here to protect them and they need to understand that.”

Hubbard said that police staying involved with their local community is vital to the success of their mission.

“They need to embrace their community, and start doing the right thing from this day forward,” he said. “I believe that they’re ready to do that. They understand this is the key to victory.”

Program sends soccer balls to children
Thursday, 29 March 2007

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA — A program that will provide hundreds of soccer balls to Iraqi children began with a mother who wanted to send them candy.

Spc. Daniel McCoy from Omaha, Neb., a soldier with the 134th Infantry Long Range Surveillance Detachment, said his mother, Sue Behr, wanted to do something for Iraqi children. He mentioned that soccer balls would be a good idea, since the children enjoy the game and are always asking for them.

Behr walks McCoy’s little sister to elementary school each day, and mentioned to a counselor, Nancy Wedberg, about her son being deployed to Iraq. When Wedberg asked what the school could do to support him, Behr suggested the soccer balls. In September, Wedberg began a program she called “Our Child to Child” and began speaking to parents and children at other schools she serves.

“I was talking about the project at the other school I serve as a counselor and the parents there wanted their kiddos to be involved,” Wedberg said in an e-mail interview. “Then the principal of a third school asked, so ultimately students from three elementary schools participated.”

The first of 290 soccer balls were shipped here in December. Many of McCoy’s family and friends donated to the effort and businesses also contributed. One teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, gave $400 to help cover the shipping expense of the $1,800 worth of balls, Wedberg said.

Many of the children were involved from start to finish on the project.

“About half of the 290 balls shipped were bought by students earning $5 to buy a ball for a child in Iraq,” Wedberg said.

Once the soccer balls arrived in Omaha, the students had the opportunity to place a picture of themselves on a ball with their name. Peggy Rupprecht and the District Print Shop Staff worked hard to ensure the student picture and print cards were done for the students, Wedberg said.

The project saw its first products delivered on March 6 in the tiny village of Al Jamiah, Iraq, which is heavily populated with children. After the unit’s regular mission was complete, McCoy invited some children to join him by his Humvee. He proceeded to the trunk, popped the hatch, and dug out a huge bag with several balls.

The children went wild with excitement. While several soldiers from the 134th Infantry, LRSD, kept the area secure and safe, other trunks started to open up. Soon the town was full of youths wanting to get a soccer ball.

Not all of the balls were delivered to Al Jamiah, as the 134th Infantry will be able to visit other towns and villages surrounding Logistical Support Area Anaconda where the 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target and Acquisition) defends the base.

McCoy, who serves as both a gunner and a driver for his unit, said he made sure that the children got a fair share and he purposely made sure that one little girl was given a ball. He said he was looking forward to seeing the children at the schools in Omaha when he returns from his deployment.

“The whole thing was neat. It is amazing how I don’t even know Nancy Wedberg except through e mails,” he said “I have only been to my sister’s school once and I already feel a bond with the school.”

With so much good news from Iraq, why can't the MSM be bothered to give a little front page room for all of the progress our soldiers are bringing to Iraq? As long as the MSM is dropping the ball, we bloggers have no other choice than to devote our pages to the progress being made in Iraq.