The fact that Saddam was capable of using chemical weapons against his own people is proof he is a megalomaniac. Saddam was also the type of leader that had no qualms executing anyone that took an opposing position to his. One final facet giving a VVS clarity to this gem of a megalomaniac is, well, read on:

So you read, from this FMSO document, that Saddam’s idea was to enshrine hairs from his mustache, right? And, this letter is to be written on solid gold! (without the dancers - you’d have to have lived in the ’80s, people)

Oh, right, you didn’t know how his “cookie crumb duster” was to be kept safe from the elements and thieves so read on:

Lead, glass, gold, and mustache hairs. Uh-huh, megalomaniac.

I wonder if Kim Jong Il has some spiky locks from the top of his head in one of his “Paper Dong II” missiles … ???

Also posted at California Conservative

Have any of you been reading any of the recently released documents on the Foreign Military Studies Office, Joint Reserve Intelligence Center - Operation Iraqi Freedom Documents? I have been reading, well, a ton! Umm, that also is why you aren’t seeing me post as often lately. There really is a huge gold mine of information that so many have just turned a blind eye to - well, in the Drive By Media.

What I posted last is not as significant as what I found this evening. While browsing more of the FMSO files, I noticed a document by the Iraqi Intelligence Service (IIS) regarding a meeting. This was no tea and crumpets chat, this is a meeting between Osama Bin Laden, the Taliban Group, Afghanistan, and the Iraqis!

I kid you not! LOOK!

Here is the text, just so you can see the whole letter:

In the Name of God the Most Merciful the Most Compassionate
Office of the Presidency
Intelligence Service
M5/3/9/2

The Honorable Mr. General Director Manager M5

Subject: Information

Our Afghani source numbered 11002 had provided us with the information on the denotation paper number -1- )

The Afghani Consul Ahmad Dahstani (the information on the denotation paper number (2)) had mentioned in front of him with the followings:

1. Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban Group in Afghanistan were in touch with the Iraqis and that group of the Talibans and Osama Bin Laden had visited Iraq.
2. The United States of America has evidence that the Iraqi government and Osama Bin Laden’s group expressed cooperation among themselves in bombing targets in American.
3. In case Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban were proven to have been involved in carrying out these terrorist operations, it could be possible that the United Stated will attack both Iraq and Afghanistan.
4. The Afghani consul heard about the connection between the Iraqis and the Osama Bin Laden group during his stay in Iran.
5. Upon what has been presented we suggest writing to the Intention Committee with the above information.

Please revise…Your recommendation…With appreciation,

Director, M5/3
15/9/2001 Khalid
15/9
Immediately to be
presented to the
Intention Committee President

Did you happen to notice the date on this missive? It is SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2001 ! ! !

Folks, how many more dots do these people need? And, why is it this information isn’t out there? Am I the only person reading this stuff, and NOT in the administration?

Thanks to bRight & Early’s Open TB

Also posted at California Conservative

Every time I hear and see Madeline Albright on the TV, I just have to laugh out loud! I cannot believe that her cute stories are taken for great diplomacy! Everyone in the Clinton’s Camp Runamuk thinks they had the tiger by the tail when it comes to Hamas, North Korea, China, and yes, Iraq. Yet their brand of appeasement actually got them nothing but sneers, the bombing of the World Trade Center (the first time) and the USS Cole, and machinations behind their backs that proves they were lost.

Want some proof? Keep on readin’ folks!

I found a little gem, an off-handed remark, hidden deep within the Foreign Military Studies Office, Joint Reserve Intelligence Center - Operation Iraqi Freedom Documents. Saddam Hussein and Tariq Aziz are talking about the situation in the UN Security Council around Iraq’s hiding information about their chemical and biological weapons program. As they are sizing up the alliances in the Security Council, Tariq Aziz makes the following comment regarding the US, Argentina, and Madeline Albright:

The Ambassador of Chile appears to be an educated, wonderful person according to his representation. According to my observation, he is fair, imperial and has modern ideas and ahhh … if you will allow me to say, unlike the dog, the Argentinean, who used to be Albright’s servant.

Now, if I were the Ambassador from Argentina, and I were called, “Albright’s servant”, I think I’d be a bit tweaked. You? I mean, that there is some “head buttin’ fuel” wouldn’t you say?

This file store is chock full of amazing insight regarding Iraq’s political process. The way that Saddam’s team sized up their alliances, paid for some, negotiated some to stronger bonds, and ignored some. Obviously, those having tighter ties with the US and Britain were ignored or hopefully played into a tighter corner. Let me drop some comments on ya:

Tariq Aziz to Saddam on South Korea

TARIQ ‘AZIZ: … the meetings were good in general [ INTERRUPTED]
SADDAM: Except Korea
TARIQ ‘AZIZ: South Korea … The Ambassador of South Korea, we know each other, came and told me, I am here to visit you and to visit Baghdad. He appears to be one of the people who keep up with the bilateral relations and he said that we have an interest in Iraq and lifting the sanctions off Iraq and he said we want to buy oil from you. From the beginning, he has been supporting a company that is part of the Oil Ministry and he said, we are ready to pay you a down payment of $50 million dollars if you sign this contract … [INTERRUPTED]
MV ?: A Hundred Sir …
TARIQ ‘AZIZ: It is a hundred now! My information is outdated. Anyway, the possibility of this country being concerned about Iraq and lifting the sanctions, is because they have an interest in it [Iraq]. Ultimately, we can reverse the situation.

Tariq Aziz to Saddam on Eqypt

TARIQ ‘AZIZ: Sir, the new assembly for the Security Council next year, is clearly better than the current assembly is. I mean, Egypt will enter [the assembly], they report with us and you know, your Excellency, Egypt’s politics are much better. Their Ambassador, Nabeel Al-Arabi, is truly a good man, I mean, in the midst of the crisis, he used to come over and visit me years ago, for example, at my residence. By the way, he is also the brother-in-law of Hikeel, they are relatives and friends, I mean, and his demeanor as a human is good. I mean, his staff came over and they met … Dr. ‘Amir has told me that they all arrived, sat and prepared themselves to negotiate, which means that they are taking the issues very seriously, in a helpful way. Al-Arabi is the new replacement.

Tariq Aziz to Saddam on Guinea Bissau

TARIQ ‘AZIZ: When Guinea Bissau arrived, they said, “we are among the people who honor our relation with Iraq, and we remember when you helped us in our time of need”. When I asked them if they have close ties with France, their reply was yes.

Tariq Aziz to Saddam on France

TARIQ ‘AZIZ: After the General Assembly, when meeting with the French Prime Minister in private, I asked him, “how is your relation with Guinea Bissau?” He replied, “very good”. Thereafter, I told him, “I would like you to take care of that … that is to say, for them to take our side. Therefore, he promises to do just that. We are expecting the atmosphere in the Security Council to change relatively from last year, to our advantage, especially if we achieve greater progress with Ekeus’s file. The French, was reserved [firm] in regards to Ekeus or to the issue of Resolution 986, that is to say, he has a firm attitude. He told me, “when you go to Paris you can discuss the issues”. Thereafter, when I arrived in Paris, two days before the official meeting, I observed through my discussion with their Ambassador and [UNINTELLIGIBLE] which they are our close friends from the French Foreign Ministry, that the atmosphere in France is firm, that is to say, it is firm with us … I told my friend, which is the person who we communicate through, to setup a secret meeting with Jacques Chirac, so we finish … [INTERRUPTED] … They said that it could be difficult. I told them to talk to him and see, at any rate, if he could not see me, let us talk on the phone … By God, the next day he contacted me and said, I am coming to see you right now, ahhh … meaning, I am on my way right now. He brought a phone with him when he came. However, Sir, this happened because of the stipulations on us to …
SADDAM: [Yes]
TARIQ ‘AZIZ: Your Excellency, I must tell you this to complete the picture, he brought the phone with him and I talked with the President [Jacques Chirac] At the beginning, he started by saying, I want to help you. You are … [INTERRUPTED] Truthfully, I told him in so many words ahhh … what these issues require and what we are now asking. I also told him that we have not met for eleven months; we need to meet so we can provide you with information about Ekeus. He [Ekeus] will not present his report unless you apply pressure against the American pressure, which is the past Italian pressure. I explained other points to him and honestly, without hesitation, he said, “I will give instructions to the Foreign Ministry now to be completely open with you and to exchange and analyze the information, we will help you. We will call to give instructions to our Ambassador in New York to work in complete coordination with you in regards to this specific issue”. When I met with the Prime Minister on the evening of the next day, after my meeting with the Foreign Minister, during the private interview, he said, … I said, I ahhh … I mean, this issue was … I mean, when I met with the Foreign Minister, he was excited, I mean, not bad … [Laughing] … Foreign Minister? This is what we need from you, to pressure Ekeus, scrutinize him, and ask him when he will be finished and to tell him that this is what Iraq has provided, also for your Ambassador in New York to do whatever he is able to do. He told me yes, especially at the time when the Foreign Relations are warm, and the leadership is cold. Now it is the opposite, the situation has been reversed, the leadership is warm, and the Foreign Relations are cold, however, he told me that this has been solved. Chirac met with me today and told me to take the procedures and tell the Minister and the Ambassador and assure them that this issue has been solved. Therefore, the man was sure of his promise over the phone and put the Prime Minister in charge of giving the instructions. The Foreign Minister was friendly and serious at the meeting. We know the Minister, we met him before, however, we reached a level of understanding and he followed the instructions. I mean, at the end, when I was leaving, he assured me of his support, encouraged me, and said, if you are able, even by phone, call me and inform me if anything should happen. I mean, he encourages quick communications. Therefore, if they did not have the will for teamwork and cooperation, I believe, after my visit to Paris, the French position has been restored.

Tariq Aziz to Saddam on Russia

TARIQ ‘AZIZ: … The Russian position remains the same, it is a generous position, I mean, and I have not seen hesitation or coldness in all the issues that we have discussed between him and me, at all. He welcomed and greeted comrade ‘Amir Al-Sa’di. They paid attention to our information that … [INTERRUPTED]
SADDAM: He does not have a position change. Meaning? …
TARIQ ‘AZIZ: Negative.
SADDAM: Are you meaning that he does not have a negative change?
TARIQ ‘AZIZ: Yes.
SADDAM: Do you mean that he was positive?
TARIQ ‘AZIZ: Positive.
SADDAM: Hmmm [good]

And, speaking of Russia, in another file the Security Council issue and Russia gets pretty intense. In a conversation between Saddam and Lt. General ‘Amir, I found this teensy-weensy little bit of, graft:

LT GENERAL ‘AMIR: Sir, truthfully now [UNINTELLIGIBLE] we have put a defense plan in place and your Excellency was aware of the full picture, where the confidence of the success level is seventy percent and fifty percent, depending on the UN paragraphs. Truthfully, we have worked on it [the plan], but now sir, our effort is solely focused on the subject of the Biological Program. In addition there is a special team of inspectors in which all of their efforts are now concentrated on the Biological Program and the passing time during these few weeks has given them the chance to collect and examine the information. I mean, are we neglecting here …? [INTERRUPTED]
SADDAM: Are you talking about the Biological Program or are you talking [rambling] about another subject?
LT GENERAL ‘AMIR: No sir … sorry, it is not that, if I may say?
SADDAM: Yes.
LT GENERAL ‘AMIR: There are grounds for that, but there are no credible grounds left for the Chemical Program and missiles. However, there are grounds for the Biological Program. Sir … one could be suspicious of it [the Biological Program] if we concentrate on it [UNINTELLIGIBLE] and the trafficking effort and dodging everything in regards to it. Therefore … if one does not have anything or have anything left, for example, one should concentrate on their efforts to achieve results. Now, there is a strong ground for achievement on the subject of the Biological Program. Now, sir, the subject of the Biological Program has become a subject that was adopted by [UNINTELLIGIBLE] I mean I am sorry to say that we are responsible for this subject, I mean, we want to succeed. We have succeeded in a few of the UN paragraphs, we have won Russia, ahhh … we have convinced Russia by way of generous accounts [payoffs] in which, you remember how and why it happened … [INTERRUPTED]
SADDAM: Have you asked the Russians if they have any new information?
LT GENERAL ‘AMIR: Yes sir, I will answer that now sir … God bless you and keep you … The only hope we have in our present dilemma, is to extract the technical event to prevent the implementation of UN paragraph 22, I mean, [UNINTELLIGIBLE]. Sir, getting back to the subject of the difficulties that your Excellency has mentioned, I mean, without exaggeration it is consuming us day and night, I mean … it is choking and disturbing us and if we are late for our main work, it could be … Sir, this subject, I mean, it is causing us an effect and a cost … cost. Such a possibility could result in a positive outcome with a high percentage … not bad … it could be seventy or eighty percent. Sir, we must sit down with your Excellency and maybe we will be able to calculate and organize this effort. However sir, without doing this, the possibility to succeed in UN paragraph 22 will be zero and this is what they would like to see happen.

Did ya catch that, the bit about a payoff?

Uh-huh, the reason ALL these documents are not being released is the pure embarrassment that will befall all those that have either paid Saddam or were paid by Saddam. The alliances are thick and the UN is not the place to settle chemical and bilogical weapons issues with Iraq.

I’m still searching these archives for information on transportation of weapons out of Iraq. I have, however, found lots of great stuff regarding biological and chemical weapons development from 1995 to 2003. And, all roads are leading to Iran, I gotta tell ya …

FMSO OIF REFERENCE MATERIAL

1. ISGQ-2003-M0004694-JCOA-HT.pdf

2. ISGQ-2003-M0004667-JCOA-HT.pdf

Stand-To! Carries Us Again! HOOAH!

Soldiers’ Angels supports Soldier Ride and lends it’s support in the way of volunteers and money.

(PRWEB) July 7, 2006 — Wounded servicemen and women cycling across the United States From Montauk, New York to San Diego, California to spread their inspirational message of courage and hope. The brave men and women participating in this event are cycling in support of their injured comrades recovering in military hospitals across the country. All of the participants are provided the adaptive equipment they need to cycle though missing one or more limbs.

Soldier Ride is a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for our injured soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. This organization is 100% non political. It’s not about the war it’s about the soldiers. Soldier Ride organizes cross country and local bicycle trips used as rehab opportunities for soldiers recovering from major injuries and also to raise awareness.

Funds raised go out to such organizations as the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) and Disabled Sports USA (www.dsusa.org) You can learn more about us at www.soldierride.org or please feel free to contact Nick Kraus at 516 994 5907.

Soldier Ride began in East Hampton , NY as an effort to raise money and consciousness for soldiers who were severely wounded overseas. Last year Chris Carney a local bartender embarked on his second cross-country Soldier Ride, cycling from Los Angeles to Montauk, New York. Soldiers from the current conflict and veterans, both disabled and not, rode with Carney on Soldier Ride. Over the last two years Soldier Ride helped raise millions of dollars for the WWP. These funds are being used to:

• Purchase thousands of comfort backpacks for wounded soldiers on their return (including guidebooks on discharge from service and entitlement benefits). These packs include such basic comfort items as phone cards, Fresh clothing, Portable CD players and small items that make a big impact for a returning injured soldier.
• Hire full-time benefits counselors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical to distribute comfort backpacks to amputees.
• Conduct adaptive sporting events and clinics to build self-esteem and independence for those who suffered catastrophic injuries, for example the Breckenridge Colorado Ski Spectacular and our recent Florida bicycle program.
• Develop peer-mentoring programs where rehabbed soldiers can lend support to their newly injured comrades. Organize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symposia to help the estimated one in six soldiers who suffer from this disorder. Transport soldiers and their families between home and hospital, as well as purchase a van to transport soldiers to functions in the Washington D.C. area.

Soldier Ride has received extensive media coverage in The New York Times, New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Newsday. The project has also appeared on NBC’s Today in New York, The O’Reilly Factor, Fox News Radio’s Tony Snow Show, HBO’s Inside the NFL and CNN’s Larry King Live.

Several notable people have helped with Soldier Ride fundraising efforts, including Jimmy Buffett, Jon Bon Jovi, Pat Lofaintane, Gary Sinise, Alec Baldwin, Tony Snow, Harris Yulin, Stephen Lang, Bill O’Reilly, Congressman Tim Bishop, Senator Bob Kerrey, and many more.
www.soldiersangels.org

Soldiers’ Angels will be hosting the closing ceremonies and beach party for the riders at Semper Fi Park in San Clemente on July 29, 2006 at 3 pm. Adam’s Attic, The Bader Band, and Jillian Russell will be performing at the beach party. Mayor Wayne Eggleston and the community are excited and happy to help Soldiers’ Angels honor these riders. Please join us in welcoming the riders by lining the streets and showing your support as they ride into San Clemente.

Soldiers’ Angels is an all volunteer, 501 (c) (3) non-profit based in Pasadena, Ca. Donations to help offset the costs of the closing ceremonies can be sent to:

Soldiers’ Angels
150 North Loop 1604 West, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
Attn: Soldier Ride

Please make checks and money orders out to Soldiers’ Angels. You can also donate on-line or adopt a soldier at www.soldiersangels.org. Include what your donation is for in the comments section.

It’s the Fourth of July!

Today, two people I enjoy reading have written very different pieces. I just realized that their subjects intersect perfectly. This intersection, in a nutshell, is that we have chipped away at our freedoms by trying, in excess, to be fair. In one hand we have those that aspire to bring political correctness to the fore, without regard for everyone’s freedom. And, in the other hand there are those that have made a mockery of protecting others and instituting a Nanny State that is surely causing Benjamin “Kid Gloves” Harrison to spin faster than if he were in a salad spinner! When ya slap both hands together they end up being shackled - we still have the key, you know.

It’s true that many situations can be misconstrued. Often times those that are hypersensitive seek errors in ones ways before they truly grasp any situation. And, it is our current attempt to make things even that so many have taken fair to an unfair level. Political Correctness has placed a major shackle on one hand in such a way that personal expression has been eroded. And, please, don’t bring up burning the flag as expression, that is a tired position and not expression but destruction laced with hatred. I’m referring to compliments and kindness, like kudos for the choices made in a career goal or even holding the door open for another. Today, while people that we elect continue to strip away what freedom truly is in the pursuit of fairness, we get inequality.

We also have a Nanny State that is getting more unbelievably out of control. How is it that protecting others from harm has become so restrictive? How can freedom for all allow those in high places to shackle the other hand without reproach?! As Jonathan Hoenig writes today in Smartmoney.com:

As we’ve pointed out in the past, free countries are always the most prosperous countries. From the former Soviet Union to still-communist China, every inch a society takes towards free-market capitalism results in unheralded prosperity and improved quality of life.

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is now appreciated primarily for fireworks and barbeque. Yet more than any other celebration, Independence Day is the quintessential American holiday because it clearly enunciates liberty and individual rights as the basic premises on which this country was founded. The Declaration of Independence, presented on July 4, 1776, put forth that all men are endowed with the rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” In America, man functions as an independent entity, free to live his own life independent of the church, government or so-called “public good.”

For many years, this country honored and preserved those principles. Yet, slowly, we’ve been steered away from the rugged individualism towards a collectivist free-for-all in which individual rights are routinely compromised, challenged, or tossed out the window altogether.

This country was FOUNDED on the principles of Godliness, God’s love and respect for us all, and His being the example we must all follow. If we follow His example, and His only Son’s examples, fair is but a given.

We are being shackled because we cannot see beyond the trees. These are the trees sown by those that have no love of God and this country’s principles. The trees are getting thicker out there, and so many have decided the forest is the trees - and visa versa. It’s truly shameful that this translates into a life without happiness, full of darkness and dread, where around every bark-strewn giant something evil lies in wait.

On this Fourth of July, our country’s 230th Birthday, I choose light. Well, light with a few alders, birches, Bushes (41 and 43), and a Mount McKinley or two for color and a break in the horizon!

Cross Posted at California Conservative

The above snippet is just a taste of Jonathan’s points. If you are a subscriber you can get all the benefit, ’cause it costs money for a Smartmoney.com membership. Or, watch him on Fox Channel’s Cashin’ In - he’s the pro-Capitalist on the panel. OK, the ONLY pro-Capitalist you’ll see on TV or in print!

You thought you were a blogger, a milblogger, with the tiger by the tail? There are some guys out there bloggin’ away and they each have long histories. And, as they like to say over at Old War Dogs:

“For those who have fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know.”

And that’s not all. Here’s a short snippet from Russ Vaughn’s post on June 30th:

Those who toughed out those runs, stood in that door,
Don’t understand those who won’t fight anymore;
Can’t fathom their calls for retreat from Iraq,
Calls to pull out our troops, to bring them all back,
Thank goodness we’ve men who’ll stand in that door
And go all the way till the fight is no more.
Paratroopers are winners, who’ll stay ‘til it’s done,
But most Libs are quitters, who won’t finish the run.

I agree!

Thanks, Laurie of Soldiers’ Angels New York for showing me the way to the Old War Dogs site!

I hope all of you are having a great 4th of July Weekend! Now, GO PET THE DAWGS!

GUEST POST FOR: CAII - Coalition Against Illegal Immigration
CROSS POSTED FROM: Morning Coffee

From NBC6

AVON PARK, Fla. — Avon Park, a Highlands County city, is poised to crack down on undocumented immigrants.

It is proposing fines for businesses and landlords that accommodate them and making English the city’s official language. The city council is expected to vote July 10 to approve the Illegal Immigration Relief Act Ordinance. The measure got initial approval Monday.Mayor Tom Mackline says this is something the majority of the community would support. Avon Park has about 88-hundred residents.

He says establishing English as the official language of the city would apply to all official city business, not to private businesses or conversations on the street.

Critics say such a law amounts to discrimination and question whether it can be enforced.

Avon Park is about 85 miles southeast of Tampa.

Avon Park Fl joins other communities nationwide that are at various stages of passing local laws to deal with illegal immigrants, those who illegally hire them, and those that provide housing to them. States like Georgia, and Colorado are also seeking to pass laws to address the problem.

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration - CAII. If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, e-mail the coalition and let them know at what level you would like to participate.

This is a follow-on, of sorts, from Amy’s previous post over at California Conservative and at her home blog Bottom Line Up Front. She says more than this one question I am taking out of context, but follow me here on this one key point.

Amy asks this question:

“What is someone saying who burns the flag?”

They burn Old Glory because they know that it offends so many of us to the core. If they were burning the flag in glee I suspect it would be noticeable - that the act is a happy event and a form of celebration. Yet, the hard looks on their faces, the venom in their speech, and the stamping on the flag in flames is exactly what it is - the flag is us.

If they could get away with it, they would be lighting us on fire and stamping us to death. That is what they are doing, make no mistake. There really is nothing there of any major substance, they just want us all to go away, die, expire, be null.

It is as basic as gutting you and I to the core.

And if I tried to defend the flag, which is my right and duty as a citizen of the United States of America, I would be arrested and thrown in jail for harming another person protesting. I am ex-US Air Force and I fought to keep the flag safe. No man, no team, no battalion is to leave our standard unprotected! If one must retreat, never forget the standard! Leave no man behind, and take our precious Old Glory with you - or be damned!

And, would there be any justice for me, the man that rescued Old Glory from being lit on fire and trampled?

Justice?

I say that has gone out the window. There is no one left to protect our standard, our banner, Old Glory. She has been left on that hill with no one there to protect her. She has been left unprotected on Capitol Hill. Not one but 34 men and women with more respect for the almighty vote and their pursuit of power and money left her undefended. She stands there, battered and in disgrace, left to the curs that they are with more time on their hands than most - and more money and benefits than the richest we know.

Our bravest get paid a paltry sum, and not one would leave our standard in the shape she is in now!

Oh, and it is more than the 34, my friend. It is the whole lot of ‘em inside the Beltway, in the Big Cities, and teaching in our Nation’s Universities.

Also posted at California Conservative

You may have received these jokes in e-mail from your Dad. Someone at work may have said, “Hey, ya gotta see this joke!”

Well, here ya go, these just made me laugh! Gunn Nutt has moved to Semper Gratus, and posted these yesterday. I asked if I could steal ‘em and post here. Without delay:

2 Pigs in a Poke
As President Bush gets off the helicopter in front of the White House, he is carrying a baby pig under each arm. The squared away Marine guard snaps to attention, salutes and says, “Nice pigs, sir.”

The President replies, “These are not pigs, these are authentic Texas Razorback Hogs. I got one for Representative Jack Murtha, and I got one for Senator John Kerry.”

The squared away Marine again snaps to attention, salutes and says, “Nice trade, sir.”

72 Virginians
When Abu al-Zarqawi died, George Washington met him at the Pearly Gates. He slapped him across the face and yelled, “How dare you try to destroy the nation I helped conceive!”

Patrick Henry approached, punched him in the nose and shouted, “You wanted to end our liberties but you failed!” James Madison followed, kicked him in the groin and said, “This is why I allowed our government to provide for the common defense!”

Thomas Jefferson was next, beat al-Zarqawi with a long cane and snarled “It was Evil men like you who inspired me to write the Declaration of Independence.”

The beatings and thrashings continued as George Mason, James Monroe and 66 other early Americans unleashed their anger on the terrorist Leader.

As al-Zarqawi lay bleeding and in pain, an Angel appeared. Al-Zarqawi wept and said, “This is not what you promised me.”

The Angel replied, “I told you there would be 72 Virginians waiting for you in Heaven. What did you think I said?”

Ha! So, stop by Gunn Nutt’s new digs at Semper Gratus!

Also posted at California Conservative

One thing that most of us know, those that seem to love to write at tireless rates, is words and their formation can impart different messages. I may not wield the pen as well, and I may spend more time in the passion of writing where the words come more from the gut than out of a need to truly communicate a clear point. But, I do pay close attention to my use of certain words where more than one meaning can belie a separate meaning from my intent.

In today’s Stand-To article, Today’s Focus, the US Army is paying close attention to how words are used in communicating everything related to the Global War on Terror. It is clear that our enemies are using our words against us. When such learned members of the Beltway use terms in an elitist attempt to speak over our heads, they actually provide more support and in turn embolden the enemies of the United States of America.

We, however, should not make the same mistake!

Let’s take this as an example:

A case in point is the term “jihadist.” Many leaders use the term jihadist or jihadi as a synonym for Islamic extremist. Jihad has been commonly adapted in English as meaning “holy war.” But to Muslims it means much more. In their article, Streusand and Tunnell said in Arabic - the language of the Koran - jihad “literally means striving and generally occurs as part of the expression ‘jihad fi sabil illah,’ striving in the path of God.”

This is a good thing for all Muslims. “Calling our enemies jihadis and their movement a global jihad thus indicates that we recognize their doctrines and actions as being in the path of God and, for Muslims, legitimate,” they wrote. By countering jihadis, the West and moderate Muslims are enemies of true Islam.

In English, there are some important terms that can be misinterpreted. I can say that for me, regarding terms not in my native tongue, I try to stay far away from using the much over used word jihadist. Once I knew that it’s root means one thing and the power it can impart is motivating, I figured it’s a word that can stay in the bag for a while.

The two gentlemen from the National Defense University at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., Dr. Douglas E. Streusand and Army Lt. Col. Harry D. Tunnell IV, have only just begun this training process. Their paper was promoted on June 22nd of this year on the DefenseLINK site. The DefenseLINK article, Loosely Interpreted Arabic Terms Can Promote Enemy Ideology, is written by Jim Garamone of the American Forces Press Service. Dr. Streusand and Lt. Col. Tunnell have been taking careful aim at terms being used and getting a better understanding out to the rest of us. Let’s take jihadists again, yet here is what their research has found:

The men asked Muslim scholars what the correct term for Islamic extremists would be and they came up with “hirabah.” This word specifically refers to those engaged in sinful warfare, warfare contrary to Islamic law. “We should describe the Islamic totalitarian movement as the global hirabah, not the global jihad,” they wrote.

And, this is a very enlightening paragraph:

The men point out that an al Qaeda caliphate would not mean the establishment of just rule, but rather a global totalitarian state where women would be treated as chattel, music banned and any kind of difference severely punished. “Anyone who needs a preview of how such a state would act merely has to review the conduct of the Taliban in Afghanistan before Sept. 11, 2001,” they wrote.

The correct term for the al Qaeda goal is global totalitarian state - something no one in the world wants.

If you use terms like jihadist, mujahdeen, and caliphate, you might want to go peruse the Stand-To, DefenseLINK, or National Defense University sites. We all need to use the correct terms to put the Global War on Totalitarianism on it’s heels, big time!

RELATED SITES:
US Army’s Stand-To, Today’s Focus
DefenseLINK article, Loosely Interpreted Arabic Terms Can Promote Enemy Ideology
National Defense University, Choosing Words Carefully: Language to Help Fight Islamic Terrorism

Also posted at California Conservative

Folks, this Sunday, the 25th of June, is the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Khobar Towers. At a time where this country had returned to the ways of men like Neville Chamberlain and Jimmy Carter, we get one more big appeaser. And, appeasement gets you, what?

This:

AF.mil Courtesy Photo

And this:

U.S. Air Force photo by SrA. Sean Worrell

Ronald Reagan didn’t end the Cold War by making sure that the Europeans loved us and that the USSR was ready for a big group hug and a shot of vodka! Real, true force, a determined effort to develop new defensive technology, and having no fear to step into the fray prevents scenes like …
This:

U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Cesar Rodriguez

And, in the end, we never fired a shot at the USSR. We put enormous pressure on the Europeans, we made sure that the USSR knew we meant business, and we provided enough evidence that no matter how much you throw at us, we’re still gonna kick some ass!

So, Sunday, please pay special attention and pray for our departed brothers in arms from the Khobar Towers bombing. I’ll leave you with this shot of the memorial for our fallen at the former Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia:

AF.mil Courtesy Photo

God Bless and God Speed.

Also posted at California Conservative

OK, AF.mil and I gave you a quick look at what has been happening to the U-2 lately. The Dragon Lady has been going through some amazing upgrades over the years. I remember that the Blackbird would sit in her hangar, same old guts-N-glory equipment, without too many changes. There were quite a few upgrades, but I remember the flightline always abuzz across the way while U-2s were gettin’ a new look! Well, in AF.mil’s new story posted today, U-2s boast new, improved cockpit by SSgt. Andrea Knudson of the 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs, we get some great photos and a great description of how she lands, and why a “chase car”.

Last time I showed you all some far away shots of the pilot egressing from the U-2. The cool thing is that the following shot is a little more realistic (the stairs are not plain old engine run lifts for a C-130). Here’s a closer look at the pilot, Lt. Col. Lars Hoffman:

U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Andrea Knudson

Now, if you look closely, at the top of the stairs, you’ll see a gig bag. Here’s a tight shot:

Adapted from a U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Andrea Knudson

I blurred the name on the case. But, if you look at the image, it’s a dragon wrapping itself around a U-2. Oh Yeah!!! I always remember the cool patches and art for both the U-2s and the SR-71s. Squadron patches are always cool.

Now, for the gravy - the Dragon Lady’s New Look! Here’s a shot of the new control panel. And, being an ex-Avionics guy, I am DROOLING! This is so amazing to see in the U-2! You have to understand, my memories go back to the original dials and BDHI/HSI equipment.

(BDHI = Bearing, Distance, Heading Indicator)
(HSI = Horizontal Situation Indicator)

U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Andrea Knudson

Here’s some great info from the AF.mil article:

“The Block 20 aircraft is a new, modern cockpit with a computer on board that analyzes and displays a lot more information on three, 6-by-8-inch multi-function displays and two smaller displays,” said Lt. Col. Lars Hoffman, 5th Reconnaissance Squadron commander.

“The (displays) can be configured for information pilots desire in the layouts they prefer,” the colonel said. “Examples of information include altitude and navigation information, engine performance, moving map with mission course overlay, electronic checklists, diagnostic information on all aircraft systems and reconnaissance sensors, and multiple radio frequencies and settings.”

Ahhhhhhhh!!!

Adapted from a U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Andrea Knudson

Look at that, soooo pretty. I brought the shot in tight so that you could get a closer look.

Oh my, this is so great! I’ve been having to watch all these new birds come off the line and enter service, while an old work horse did the best with what she was given. Now, she’s got some new claws and some mighty teeth. As John Cleese says in Monty Python’s The Holy Grail, “Look at the teeth! Loook!”

Here’s a bit more from AF.mil:

“The Block 10 was a classic cockpit with round dials. Information was spread all around the cockpit and not easily readable by a pilot wearing a full pressure suit,” the commander said. “This up-front design of the Block 20 makes it easier for the pilot to read information while flying an aircraft that always requires a pilot’s full attention.”

The U-2, which has provided high-altitude reconnaissance for more than 50 years, has one of the highest mission completion rates in the U.S. Air Force despite the fact that the aircraft is one of the most difficult to fly because of its challenging takeoff and landing characteristics.

“It’s a very complicated aircraft. Depending on configuration, you may need 10 to 30 people needed to launch the U-2,” said Maj. Ramsey Sharif, a U-2 pilot from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., who is temporarily assigned at Osan. “A mobile pilot is in charge of getting the pilot airborne and back on the ground. They act as a safety observer and ensure a safe launch and recovery.”

Now, as you watch her taxi out, there is some interesting characteristics with a U-2. The wingspan is so broad that there are skids on the tips for landing and pogos (these are little flexible bars with wheels about a quarter the way in from the tip) for taxi and take off. Here, the U-2 has her pogos in place while taxiing:

U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt. Andrea Knudson

If you look just behind is her chase car, or “mobile pilot”. Chase cars were always racing around Beale AFB runways. It was sooo cool the first time I saw this muscle car RACING down the runway! The U-2 always had escort at take off and landing. Landing is a very crucial part of the operation. I cannot tell the story any better than AF.mil:

The colonel said the U-2 is the most difficult to land aircraft in the Air Force inventory. The landing gear configuration is unique so the “chase car” concept is used. Typically, a second U-2 pilot, the mobile pilot, is designated as the mission’s backup pilot who waits in a high-performance chase car at the end of the runway as the aircraft makes it landing approach. As the U-2 passes, the chase car follows it at high speed, with the “mobile” calling out the aircraft’s altitude via radio to the pilot.

“The pilot must maneuver the aircraft to two feet above the runway, and then stall the wings to touch down tail-wheel-first,” Colonel Hoffman said. “The pilot continues to keep the wings level as the aircraft slows to a stop and then allows one wingtip to touch the ground.”

This makes for a total team effort operation. The U-2 community is a tight-knit group with less than 850 pilots since 1955.

Did you catch that, 850 pilots since 1955! This is a very small team of pilots and ground crews. Personnel rotation for the ground folks was tricky business. I was so very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to rotate in to the 9th SRW. I’ll never forget those days - ever.

Here’s a quote from one of those lucky airmen:

“We’re an operational squadron doing real-world missions,” said Senior Airman Joshua Joyce, an avionics specialist with the 5th RS. “We’re providing critical intelligence information to senior leaders.”

Now, OK, so maybe I was a bit partial to the fact that SrA Joyce is an AVIONICS TECHNICIAN! Can’t knock a guy for getting one of his own in print, right?!

This last bit from AF.mil is how I’ll sign off on this piece:

The U-2 was specifically designed to carry reconnaissance payloads to extremely high altitudes. The Block 20 U-2 can carry thousands of pounds of reconnaissance sensors to more than 70,000 feet, and remain aloft for more than 10 hours.

Pilots wear a full pressure suit and helmet, similar to those astronauts wear in space, because of the U-2’s high-altitude mission.

For Immediate Release
6/21/06

Contact:

Sara Horn, Publisher
AGreaterFreedom.com
sara@agreaterfreedom.com

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Hoppin’ around the blogosphere and I found my other favorite girl, and she’s a Dragon Lady! AF.mil has a short piece on the Dragon Lady getting a face-lift. Here’s a short quote:

Airmen from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., help their pilot out of a U-2 Dragon Lady at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, on Tuesday, June 13. The aircraft is en route to South Korea. U-2s are undergoing a $1.5 billion upgrade. Cockpit instruments will be modernized with full-color displays that replace gauges and dials with state-of-the-art, touch-screen technology.

Egress from the U-2 on the ground is tricky business. There are tons of sharp edges everywhere. Those suits are tough, but you still don’t want to take a chance with any type of degradation of the fabric. It is a very hostile environment at altitude for the pilot.

Here she is, wingtip to wingtip:

U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo

If you look carefully, to the left of the photo, you see the pre-post-flight debrief. The environmental team does some early talking to get anything out of the way now. Especially if there is a quick-turn for the bird. Every team is very possessive (in a good way) when it comes to the pilot. We all make sure everything is safe and the mission is a success.

Now you see the pilot being escorted by an environmental team member - notice he is completely sealed:

U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo

Both teams, SR-71 and U-2/TR-1, go through extensive preparation prior to flight. A perfect analogy is if you know anything about what the NASA Space Shuttle or Apollo Teams went through, well, pretty much the same. The Dragon Lady pilot has so much more to do, as it is a one seater, and must handle both the flight and mission profiles. There’s so much going on, it is a very stressful duty.

And, here’s a snap I found of the Dragon Lady in flight:

Photo Courtesy AF.mil

I can’t tell you where this was taken - I’d have to kill you.

DoD DVIDS Photo by Spc. Ferdinand Thomas, 214th MPAD, Richmond, VA

Your freedom to hate the US Military,
Your freedom to vilify those prosecuting the Global War on Terror,
Your freedom to burn Old Glory, our standard, the banner of freedom,
Your freedom to key my truck because you hate my showing pride in my service,
Your freedom to be born and later carelessly take the life of the unborn,
Your freedom to feel guilt for your own success because others are not,
Your freedom to stand in awe of this great country,

This is your freedom, paid for by 480,000 servicemembers being honored at the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. Each star represents 100 souls and the memorial has 4,800 stars.

DoD DVIDS Photo by Spc. Ferdinand Thomas, 214th MPAD, Richmond, VA

Will you continue to disrespect this man, someone’s Dad, someone’s GrandPa, someone who truly knows what freedom means? Can you take for granted, with all you have today, the freedom this man’s brothers in arms sacrificed? Are you so bent on being right that you have forgotten the fact that previous governments and regimes would snuff an inconsequential person such as yourself without a care? Has the value of freedom paid by so many been lost on you, ’cause you forgot? Do you not see that freedom is costly, requires commitment and sacrifice, and cannot be taken lightly?

Freedom is earned. It is blood, sweat, tears, and long periods of time alone in foreign lands and at home. It is a path not all take. It is the families left behind that continue to pay the day to day sacrifices for freedom.

Your freedom must be cherished, because you have been given the greatest gift.

God Speed to all before me. God Bless those left behind.

Also posted at US Army: Stand-To!

Also posted at California Conservative

I’ve been spending time on the CENTCOM site for months. There are so many stories about what our brave men and women really do today. It is true that any military has a primary role when at war. After the opposition has been vanquished, there are so many more things that can be done after the major fighting has ended. I believe that no matter what, we need to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

Some think that because the current administration has been successful in Iraq, every photo is a photo-op only. And, if the activity we are engaged in right now is not captured on film, there is room to cast aspersions or spin fabrications that we are failing at our ultimate mission. Leaving any negative spin to take hold threatens the entire mission (GWOT) as well as our men and women on the ground. It is a double edged sword for CENTCOM to capture the moments that should be something in which we all can be proud:

US CENTCOM DVIDS Photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Sherry Eaton

And then make those moments, which are powerful and illustrative, taken in the correct light to provide clear proof we are successful in Iraq. Yes, maybe to some of the elites in the US, delivering some water and a few toys is a joke. It’s just sad that all this poo-pooing we get from those with an axe to grind, or a plank to set for an election, takes center stage.

I, on the other hand, see our efforts in a multi-faceted way. Yes, the bad guys must be vanquished. And yes, we need to win the hearts and minds to provide an excellent foundation from which freedom can take root. There are some very small things that can be done to bring about a smile or laugh:

US CENTCOM DVIDS Photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Sherry Eaton

And we can all stamp out tyranny with smiles, laughter, water, protection, training, and good old fashioned friendship. It may be that the following small group of minds is not strong enough to topple an evil and maniacal regime:

US CENTCOM DVIDS Photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Sherry Eaton

But by touching so many families, and religious groups, and the policemen and soldiers, we can ultimately create the most powerful force from which freedom is sure to grow.

I’m positive, yes I am. Maybe some day being positive will begin to take hold again here at home. I am holding my breath so don’t take too long, people!

Remember I asked at the beginning, to cut and run does what?

Cut and run, if we followed the time table originally proposed by the Democrats, would never have provided friendship building like you’ve seen here. Cut and run would never have allowed us to get Zarqawi. Cut and run would only get more votes for the likes of John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, or Charlie Schumer. Cut and run will take us back to the days of a leaders that gave us bombing aspirin factories as a show of force, or not being able to rescue hostages in Iran, or the likes of present day Neville Chamberlains selling our country for some paltry price. Are more friends in the MSM or on Comedy Central a cost that today’s narcissists are willing to pay?

I think you’ve witnessed the answer to that last question. I think you all know what cut and run does. I think we all know what is at stake and why we press on under the weight of such negativity and selfish public gluttony.

Carry on, God Bless, and God Speed.

Also posted at California Conservative

Alright, I get regular calls from the RNC on their “membership drives” (worse than KQED!). I also used to get calls from the RNC Small Business Council. Uh-huh, I was a member, but since they made four tries to get cash from me, with no result, they must have just stopped calling.

Now, it’s a different story for the RNC. Three times now I have let them have it, and I do apologize to the callers, it isn’t their fault. They are, after all, just the messenger. This time, in fact about 15 minutes ago, I joked around with the caller (she was a very nice woman) and made sure she knew I wasn’t mad at her. Then I said, “Hey, if they let you send them messages, tell them to wake up on more than just this amnesty thing! They’re not getting another dime from me until they wake up!”

She chuckled - I mean, who wouldn’t? The RNC is looking for more than just a dime from me!

Is there no decency anymore in the RNC? I mean, I think Ronnie is turning in his grave right now (God rest his soul). Do these dolts not get that we really do know what they are up to? I love my party, and I love those that have the ethics and the guts to do what’s right - pun intended. But I gotta say, I’m so close to telling them to put me on the DO NOT CALL list.

Sheesh. Even if I were made of money, these guys still wouldn’t get a dime.

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration - CAII. If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, e-mail the coalition and let them know at what level you would like to participate.

Also posted at California Conservative

GUEST POST FOR: CAII - Coalition Against Illegal Immigration
CROSS POSTED FROM: BLOGMEISTER USA

We all know there are people out there who are willing to provide fake documentation to illegal immigrants. That in and of itself is appalling. What’s more appalling, however, is when state employees decide to get in on the action:

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — A fifth employee of the state Department of Motor Vehicles has been arrested on charges of selling driver’s licenses to illegal aliens and criminals.

Cynthia White, 42, of Bridgeport was charged Tuesday with two counts of violating the state Corrupt Organizations and Racketeering Act, three counts of bribe taking, two counts of conspiracy to commit second-degree forgery and one count of second-degree forgery.

Superior Court Judge Patrick Carroll ordered her held in lieu of $150,000 bond and continued the case to June 30.

Conrod Davy, 21, of Hartford was charged Tuesday with acting as a middleman in the transactions.

Police said White sold 110 driver’s licenses and 36 IDs for $2,000 each. A number of the sales were made through Davy at area strip bars, police said.

The arrests came as part of a wide-ranging investigation by state police into the illegal selling of Connecticut driver’s licenses. The probe has led police all over the country, where illegal aliens and felons have been picked up with Connecticut licenses in their pockets.

In addition to White, state police arrested four other Bridgeport DMV employees, Venita Bines, Tracy Lucas-Stevenson, Karin Birch and Jannette Rodriguez. Authorities say they sold more than 1,500 licenses and nearly 1,000 Connecticut identification cards from June 2000 to December 2004.

Police said on some days illegal aliens were lined up 10 deep at the women’s windows to buy driver’s licenses for between $1,000 and $2,000. All five were fired before their arrests.

Bines and Lucas-Stevenson have since pleaded guilty and are facing up to 10 years in prison. The other cases are pending.

A number of the sales were made at strip bars? Well, at least we know the illegals are enjoying their time in between day jobs.

It feels so good knowing that employees on the public’s dime have taxpayers’ best interests at heart. As a Connecticut resident, I feel truly blessed.

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration - CAII. If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, e-mail the coalition and let them know at what level you would like to participate.

It’s Flag Day today. Here is my flag out front, as she always is, flying free! She’s not out just this one day a year. She’s a grand old flag and she remains free, as her colors portray.

You may know what the 13 red and white stripes symbolize. And, you may know the field of blue that contains all 50 precious states - the bright white stars. I’ll give you all a snippet from the USA Flag Site:

Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.

I have a slightly different take on our flag, our banner, our standard, or just Old Glory.

The red and white stripes are the blood and tears of past wars, conflicts, and periods of growth this country has experienced in her time. These stripes stream from the field of blue, as each and every star has had their own struggles, internal and external, to remain free. Although the trials and tribulations have been severe at times, we as a country grow stronger - bound by the field of blue.

And that brings us to the field of blue. I believe that for me, the field of blue has always been the most powerful force. While binding those 50 stars together, creating a safe haven for all of us, the field of blue signifies the power of freedom enabled by our collective strength to be “one nation, under God”. I’ll grant that “under god” was not added until June 8th, 1954 - 52 years and 6 days ago! These words were added because our country had lost sight of the primary force behind the founding of this country, and our core belief that God protects us all and wants us all to be free. One courageous Senator, Homer Ferguson, (R-MI), and one brave President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, took up the challenge and put forth that we add those two awesome words - the words that bind those 50 stars, our 50 states, our country.

Our country, for which many tears and rivulets of blood have been shed, provided brave men an women from our great 50 states to take up arms in the name of freedom. On foreign soil for our own safety and security, we have answered the call. On our own soil, when we repelled forces dead set on occupying and destroying what is in our hearts. That blue field, binding the stars together, flanked by red and white stripes, well, she is our banner, our standard, our Old Glory.

The flag of the United States of America is freedom. Celebrate Flag Day, it is very important whether you realize it or not. If you’re here reading this blog, I think you realize it!

God Bless, and God Speed.

Also posted at California Conservative

We just got back from a short trip to “The Happiest Place on Earth”!

Now, whoever said that all day, every day, is “happy”? Have you stood in those lines on a hot summer day in Southern California? If you have, and you are a parent, then you know what it must be like to be an illegal alien waiting for a kai-yoh-tee (coyote) to take you across the border, or you make a run for it all on your own!

Here, lemme ’splain:

• You cough up tons of cash just for the opportunity to ride the rides (nothing’s free)
• You stand around in hot temperatures with little or no concept how long it’s gonna take (another hidden cost)
• There are tons of people around you looking for the same fun and excitement (hundreds a day cross)
• Once in a great while a fairy with pixie dust or a prince or princess (politicians) makes your day with free stuff
• There is the “Fast Pass” (coyote) way to get to the USA - sometimes not worth the trouble
• If the lines are short you can just jump the chain and end up right next to the last person in line (amnesty)
• You’re jammed into the smallest spaces, subjected to noise, and left wanting (smuggled in a car or truck)
• Food’s expensive and you hope for water in this heat (water stations and maps)

OK, so that’s a funny way of seeing this whole mini-vacation! But, while traipsing around SoCal, I really did have a few observations that sorta, stick. And, being a Native Californian, I’ve seen a serious trend emerging that no longer threatens this great state of California - we’re already down for the count and the ref is on number 8.

We drove the whole way. It’s a hot, and kinda boring, drive from the Bay Area to Anaheim. You can see all walks of life on your journey, and often times wonder if these folks are also on vacation. But, to be honest, I was interacting with folks that just did not adequately communicate in English. Here’s a list of everywhere I HAD to repeat myself or received the wrong thing:

• Gas Stations
• Fast Food (ok, McDonalds and Wendy’s is really not a joke)
• Hotels and Motels (especially the motel)
• Restaurants
• Stores
• Rides and Attractions

For some people this is the biggest vacation they have once a year, or maybe once every five years. Kids are wide-eyed and amazed at all the things going on around them - parents just wanna take a nap! Sometimes you can be tolerant and look the other way when someone doesn’t understand you. And, if you are not constantly immersed in the communication mismatch saga, you’ll be nice and smile and repeat yourself until understood. I mean, you’re a good Christian or were raised with good manners, so it’s wrong to get frustrated - just try a little harder.

For those of us that live this day to day - you start to get short tempered. For those of us that have been beaten over the head with ESL and screwed up lesson plans, ya start to fume just a bit. And then, when you have someone close to you (or you yourself) needing the services of a local hospital, and illegals are in front - you get down right mad! Why is it that you are to be second-citizen to someone that has placed undue burden on your state?

And, folks, that is the crux of this whole issue. We all have become second-citizens because our government and its representatives, held hostage and threatened by the Drive By Media, haven’t the strength to take a stand. These spineless dolts continue to play Three Card Monty with us - and all we get is taken, time and again.

We need a change. Keep a close eye on your representatives. And, enjoy “The Happiest Place on Earth” if you haven’t already! I still had fun - as long as the ibuprofen kept coming!

**This was a production of The Coalition Against Illegal Immigration - CAII. If you would like to participate, please go to the above link to learn more. Afterwards, e-mail the coalition and let them know at what level you would like to participate.