This isn't Nazi Germany...........................................yet

"You can't have 100% security and also then have 100% privacy and zero inconvenience. We're going to have to make some choices as a society." -President Obama on NSA surveillance controversy

 

This concept that the world can and should be 100% secure is ludicrous. Life is not suppose to be without risk or pain or hurt. As the saying goes you cannot have a rainbow without some rain. It is amazing that Americans have become so complacent and straight up lazy that the normal expectation is that the government is responsible for your safety always and that giving up your freedoms and rights that our fore- fathers gave their lives for means so very little now. Benjamin Franklin along with all the other founding fathers are rolling over in their graves and shedding tears of anguish and disappointment. The founding fathers knew that to keep a country free the primary and necessary ingredient was active, informed, involved and motivated citizens. It is this understanding that is the basis for the most famous words “of the people, by the people, for the people.” While most Americans seem to be all about for the people when the person is themselves they seem to have lost the other two parts of the foundation. With knowledge and wisdom our founding fathers in the writing of the Constitution insured that we were to always have the means to keep the government in line.

Apparently our lovely education system is failing in its goal of educating our citizens to take their place in this country as active and informed members of society that keeps our government limited and in check. Of course that is because the public education system in this country is by design and method trying to create socialist subjects of a corrupt, ever expanding government. But that is fodder for a whole other post. Back on track the Constitution was written in a way to limit the federal government. Yes, I am telling you that it a fact, the federal government is supposed to limited. That is to ensure that we never become subjects again but always remain citizens. The preamble of the Constitution states our duties and responsibilities as citizens. Yes, we as citizens have duties and responsibilities and very few of us live up to those responsibilities. As a means for us, the citizens, to fulfill our duties we were given the method and means by which to keep the government in check. They are known as the Bill Of Rights. And there is NEVER a good reason to limit those rights. Once you allow those rights to be limited, especially for the sake of security, you have given up both your rights and your security. The difference is that if you give those rights to the government and not keep them for yourselves then you have just made the whole country weaker and you have helped in the corruption of the government and started the rotting process. When this country fails, you need to stand up tall and proud and say, “Yes, this is my work, this is what I have helped to create.” When your family members are imprisoned for something stupid, do not get upset, remember you wanted your government to keep you 100% safe. When you cannot go to your local library or bookstore and pick up any book of your choice you should feel happy in the realization that you are being protected by your government. When you see nothing bad about the government in the news, cheer for joy cause you wanted to be taken care of like a serf instead of stepping up and acting like a free man.

There are some of you that are reading this and saying, that would never happen here. You sound like the Germans of the 1920's and 30's. It can and will happen as long as you ignore your duty and responsibilities to yourself, your family and your country. The only thing that evil needs to flourish is for good men to do nothing. That is exactly what happened in Germany with Hitler. He was charismatic and had all the answers and promised to restore the glory of Germany and to create a job for everyone. He promised to create a perfect, safe society where everyone would go to school, have a job, have a home, be fed. And he started by growing the government to create jobs and then in the schools he taught only what he wanted the children to know and created a subject population that was completely loyal to him. Then he instigated gun registration “for the safety of the society” and created a nation where anyone could be jailed or removed for the most insignificant of offenses. He encouraged neighbors to not be involved but to spy and rat on their neighbors. He created division between the sub-cultures that made up German society. He kept people so focused on little details that even outsiders missed the grand plan until it was too late.
The smart members of society see these same things happening in the name of security and are speaking out and of course the government is going to call them crazy and paranoid, they do not want the masses to see the truth. They want the masses to be so focused on the next new gadget that you just HAVE TO HAVE or else you are no one, so that they can further watch you and control you and label you and know when they will need to contain you. Welcome to 1984 and you have NO ONE to blame, you asked and begged the government to take away your rights and to enslave you, so do not cry out in despair when you are taken away in shackles or when your children are the ones that have turned you in. For you were too busy with your petty money and things collecting to be bothered with being involved in your community and being responsible for your rights and the rights of your family. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITIY AND YOUR FAULT! YOU CANNOT SAY YOU DID NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN! YOU DID! Doing nothing is more damaging than doing the wrong thing this time.

An Open Letter for Different Option for the Nation of Serbia without the EU

It is desire to see Serbia improve its current conditions and to elevate its economy as well as the standard of its people that demands the composition of this Open Letter stating that there is NO positive to joining the EU and many negatives.

In looking at the recent history of Europe and the area that was formerly the state of Yugoslavia, the first thing that needs to be taken into account is that Yugoslavia was the most stable and established and healthy economy to emerge from the Iron Curtain after the Cold War. This primary fact presents a very real threat to the EU and specifically to the countries of Germany, France and Britain. The big 3 of the EU have enjoyed a patriarchal regime within the EU since its conception. In their eyes there was and will never be room for any dissenting voices. And certainly not one that was aligned with Russia.

In looking at the events that led up to the destruction of Yugoslavia it is very logical to see that there was in place certain feelings and wishes and even goals by the Big 3 of the EU. There can be NO doubt that they saw the benefit of a shattered Yugoslavia. It would be much easier to control and manipulate 6 plus small weak and beholden countries than to try to control one larger stable united country.

It is our opinion that if you look at the facts of how the EU with the support of all the members of NATO acted, there has been NO equality or fairness in conduct and treatment with regard to Serbia and Serbs. You need only look at the actions of The Hague to see the complete and total basis. There are uncountable Serbians whose demise has never been investigated nor acknowledged in those parts of Yugoslavia that were taken away from Serbia by the force or manipulation of the EU and NATO. There has been no real accountability for the torture and death of Serbians in any of the Balkans. The short answer is that the EU and NATO supported or at least turned a blind eye to what must have been considered “justified revenge genocide”. There is NO valid argument against this statement.

Based on the above remarks, there is absolutely NO justification for ANY benefit for the Serb peoples or the nation as a hold to be under the jurisdiction and authority of the same group that willing allowed the destruction and dismemberment not only of the nation of Yugoslavia but also of the Serbian people. And any member of the current government that would argue the contrary should be questioned extensively about their loyalty to the nation and her citizens as well as to what personal benefit they have received or been promised for supporting handing the nation over to the same body that supported the disembodiment of the nation.

This letter not only shows true and valid cause against joining the EU, it also now offers better options for the nation and people outside the confines of the EU. The people and nation would do much better to reestablish their own economy on their own, working with other countries and peoples outside the borders and influence of the EU. The best example for the belief that this is the right route for Serbia; look at what has happened in Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia. To support the argument we suggest several areas of improvement and development that will benefit all of Serbia.

The first of these ideas is to overhaul expand and completely and comprehensively rebuild the tourism industry. This would not be successful under the auspices of the EU. The greatest projections would support much better success outside the EU. This is done by promoting Serbia as a more economical option for a true and realistic European experience for non-Europeans. This is best done with the current currency of Serbia. There is an advantage to having a currency that is NOT the Euro.

The next idea includes developing trade agreements in new markets. There are whole areas of the world that are looking for ways to improve their own economies or that are ready to be emerging nations. Through comprehensive trade agreements with these new and improving markets; and by not being a super economy, Serbia is better able to understand and share in the experience of bringing these new economies into their own. This will increase the positive view of Serbia as well as provide a future customer base for the innovative tourism industry that was suggested as the first idea. In addition in cooperation with the new and emerging economies lays the opportunity for Serbia to increase its standing in the academic and intellectual fields. Which leads to the third part of this proposal.

There are top rate countries, which due to political differences, have untapped riches and talents in the form of their people and ideas. This provides another area that can be exploited for the benefit of Serbia and her people. That would be the improvement and expansion of her education system. Again, by not joining the EU and in cooperation with other similar states, Serbia can in the future offer a more economical education to international students and thus receive mutual benefit of this international collaboration.

These ideas are just the primary or initial foundation that will allow overflow into all other areas of the Serbian economy. And THIS success, is REAL success, and can only be accomplished if Serbia respectfully and graciously DECLINES the implementation of the Brussels agreement over Kosovo and stays out of the EU.

Typical Hypocrisy

The insanity in regards to Syria continues full force. Today it has been reported that the UN Human Rights Council has issued a report that "has condemned Syrian troops' attacks on the town of Qusair, and the use of foreign fighters in the offensive."   Yet there is NO mention for the condemnation of foreign fighters in the rebel ranks. This report was drafted by Quatar, which has foreign fighters inside Syrian on the rebel side. This gives ALL anti-American factions world-wide just one more justification to hate the US.
I find it ironic that the most recent scandal in the US is over the Justice Department gaining warrants for journalists' emails and phone records; in justifying their actions they allude to the possibility of treason or other criminal activity and of course they are playing the national security card. However, over the weekend Senator John McCain, of all politicians, pulled a Jane Fonda. I have been steadily loosing respect for the Senator over the last decade and his stunt this weekend sealed the coffin in my opinion. How dare he go and meet with rebels and just take their word that they are not extremist. How dare he say we should support these rebels whom are possibly even more guilty of war crimes than the Syrian government. 
I'm curious, Sen. McCain, what do you think about the honor of your favored rebels' action in this video? If you can watch this video with your wife, children and grandchildren and look them in the eye and say that the rebels should be supported then I think you and your whole family should go on an extended visit to the rebel held area of Syria. I also challenge President Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron, and President François Hollande to do the same. Gather your family for movie night and watch that video and tell your wives and children how good the rebels are and how they deserve our support. But there is ONE rule....you have to watch the WHOLE video and your have to make sure your wives and children don't turn away or cover their eyes either, cause after all the rebels are fighting the good fight just like we have for over 200 years. 
Any American government official that supports arming the "moderate" rebels, cause we can prevent the weapons from falling in the hands of terrorists and extremists; I have three words for you..."Fast and Furious"....that was such a stellar example of American control of weapons in the hands of criminals. 
If the West had truly wanted to support the "real" or "true" Syrian rebels, then they should have stepped up on day one of the revolution/civil war, before the extremists and terrorists flooded into the war zone. It isn't like we are not aware of this activity. Terrorists, radicals, extremists, whatever label you want to give to them have been flooding into the war zones that involve Muslim peoples for over 40 years. 
Once again the West has made a total mess by stomping into the affairs of a sovereign state. It can be understood how Britain and France do not respect the sovereignty of another state considering they have given up theirs to the EU and the arrogance of the current US government is also well documented. The real crime is that once again it is not American or British or French citizens that are paying the price. The afore mentioned leaders need to ask themselves one question before they stick their noses into the affairs of others "What if the table were turned?" The answer to that question should be their guide for their actions.
As a footnote, let it be known that I absolutely NEVER accept that a government has the right to violate the human rights of their own citizens. And when that violation occurs as the normal approved practice of a government I do expect the governments of other countries to step in swiftly and effectively and remove the government with the least amount of collateral damage and protect the population until the new government is in place and then leave.

Keeping Balance in Syria

Today Russia announced that it would proceed with fulfilling orders with the Syrian government against the wishes of some western nations. I have to say BRAVO Russia!!!!
Britain and France pushed for the EU to lift the arms embargo against Syria so that "moderate rebels" could be supported in their revolution. This revolution officially started 2 years ago, but there is reason to believe that the idea of revolution in Syria was being nurtured as long as a decade ago. But as per the efficient what if scenario planning we have seen with the west in recent history, or even not so recent history, they had half a plan or a really bad plan and winged it in application. 
If the primary, yes I am being sarcastic, reason for supporting revolution in Syria was the state of the citizens in Syria; then waiting 2 years after the revolt to openly and officially decide to support the rebels with arms is too late. The official statement of the western supporters of the rebels is they want to support the "moderate" rebels. I am curious as to how they expect to insure that the weapons are only used by "moderate" rebels. Just what does a "moderate" rebel look like? How does the "moderate" talk? Or walk? More importantly how do you tell the "moderate" rebels, once you have labeled them, that they cannot give the weapons to the "radical" or "extremist" rebels. That would be a great conversation to overhear..... Western Powers....we support you but you cannot share your weapons with all the kids on the play ground, only the other "moderate" rebels get to share with you. Rebels (with fingers crossed behind their backs)... sure we understand, only the "good" rebels will get these weapons, thank you so much.
The fact that the leaders of the Western Powers that want to further arm the rebels feel that stating they are only going to arm moderates and anyone believes that NO radicals, NO extremists will have access to the weapons is proof positive that they are totally deluded and so far removed from reality and the rest of the world that they are totally and completely unqualified to lead or to handle the current situations with any true hope of outcomes that will benefit anyone.
What we have to remember is that there is NO world leader in power that sincerely has any concern for the betterment of the world or even their own country. The world leaders have so removed themselves from the real world that even if they wanted to do something sincerely good they would not have the means or the capacity to do so. There is not one world leader that cares about the citizens of Syria, the only concern is if they can control or influence the new Syrian government once al-Assad has been forcibly removed from office. 
The West has started more fires than it can control or put out. They have lost the reality that to ensure stability there needs to be a balance of power....when everyone is on the same side or are of the same ilk then stability has totally been undermined and while the leaders are so diluted with their own greed and egos it will be rest of us that will pay the price.

Something TOTALLY new. . .

a book review. Actually this is more a strong recommendation if you care about anyone who puts their lives, not only on hold, but, on the line in defense of this nation and her people.  The book, The Good Soldiers written by David Finkel, a staff writer for The Washington Post, is a gritty, in your face look at current warfare.

In the book Finkel follows the 2-16 IN BN, from Ft. Riley, Kansas through their deployment to Iraq, where, instead of escorting convoys and securing roads in the western part of the country, they become part of The Surge to increase security in Baghdad. The view is very direct and forward. There is no sugar coating to be had, just ass deep in the shit, not only, with the troops on the ground but, also the aftermath of IEDs and EFPs sent home to the families.

You get a first hand look at not just the external face of war, but the internal face as well. While the external face is gritty and sometimes gory to the point of destroying the prospective of the bigger picture; the internal face is raw and tormenting, struggling in a life and death battle that pits compassion against sheer existence. Finkel does a copious accounting of warfare on the people right in the middle of the blast crater.  The journey that starts with honor and motivation ends with acceptance and resignation, yet hope while metamorphosed manages to survive in some corners.

While, this read is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, if you can handle it, it should be a must read for ALL Americans.

9th Court of Appeals - "Court Jester" AGAIN. . . .

If you want the most ludicrous decisions in our justice system, one needs not look further than the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. They have a history of overturning the most solid cases and letting stand the most outlandish, but their most recent ruling regarding the Stolen Valor Act is a total and complete farce.

If it is your freedom of speech to state that you are a war hero and have earned medals that you have never even been put in for then every American can put on their resume that they were President of this country. I can claim anything that I want and if my employer or anyone else tries to correct me I can claim violation of my rights. Can you be anymore absurd? The court claims that stating such things does not hurt anyone. What planet are they living on? Of course it hurts people, it hurts everyone. It hurt the other people trying to hold the same position, since normal people with common sense look at having earned the Medal Of Honor as showing something of  a person's character and moral fortitude. Xavier Alvarez, stole the trust imparted in him by the people of Pomona, California, whom believed in him - - you CANNOT put a price or tangible quality on destroying someone's trust. He limited the rights of ALL the citizens of Pomona from their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. If he lied about the Medal of Honor, what else did he lie about - - how poorly did he do his job? How has his lack of moral guidance and character effected the safety of the water that ALL citizens depend on in the city? How many people has he put in danger by his lying and deceit? How many other lies have yet to be found out?

The 2-1 majority that stated it was his constitutional right to state that he is someone that he is not have literally opened a flood gate. People charged with Identity Thief can now claim freedom of speech. People charge with fraud can also claim freedom of speech. And former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich would have absolutely no criminal charges standing against him based on this decision.

The 9th US Circuit has proven once again that they are the laughing stock of the American Justice System.

Kazari bans private security firms

President Kazari, whom earlier this year stated that he wanted to see all private security firms out of Afghanistan by the end of 2011 has now set the time line for 4 months hence. Keep in mind that private security firms work hand in hand with the NATO forces and with the State Department and if they didn't we would not have the man power to continue the mission. So we need to look at what Kazari is really asking for. Does he want to support the corruption within his own government and is looking to fill the coffers of tribal elders and government leaders? Does he want a complete withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan? That will end his career and more than likely his life by the end of the year and I am being generous in that assessment. Currently private security not only helps maintain security of various compounds, they are also very important with regards to security of convoys and VIPs.

The security firms that provide these services to US and NATO forces are not all foreign either almost 40 are Afghan. Kazari apparently wants to over-burden his Army and police forces as the primary security with in the country. This is an expected goal to set, however you have to work to it. At this point neither the Afghan police forces nor the Afghan Army is up to the task in the least.

When the shit hit the fans the Afghans are more likely to consider removing themselves from the area and wait for it to become safe. There needs to be more motivation from the Afghans to take the matter of their security into their own hands. Do not get me wrong, many Afghans, at risk to life and the lives of family, have stepped up to the challenge and even succeeded. However, the numbers are not there for our troops' compounds and the compounds of NATO forces to be secure along with the secure transportation of goods, troops and VIPs within the country, not yet. This is a position where ALL politicians seem to be ignorant across the board - - you CANNOT set arbitrary deadlines on political whims for personal gain.

Instead what needs to proceed here is open and continuous dialogue between Kazari's military and police leaders and the NATO forces' leaders on what personnel and equipment and training is required to complete the mission and updates on how Afghans are progressing in meeting those standards. Then when the Afghan military and police can state that they meet all the requirements for ensuring security for NATO forces' compounds and convoys, as well as the movement of VIPs within their borders, they will still need to prove themselves with joint missions and a gradual and seamless turnover of mission.

So Kazari, what is it that you are really wanting? The palms of your leaders and yourself greased? Or the destruction of what so many brave men and women from Afghanistan and around the world have fought so hard to attain for you and your people? Because your haste ensures one or the other or both and denies the Afghan people what they so rightly deserve - - a safe and secure country to live and raise their families.

Steven Slater is not worth . . . .

the ticker at the bottom of the screen. Much less to be in the headlines of FOXNews numerous times this week when I hit my iGoogle page. I have no use for my time being wasted by the likes of this arrogant, rude, attention whore. Cause that is really all Slater is. He is a grown man whose fame is for acting like a spoiled little brat. Of course the impatient passenger on the flight was a spoiled little brat of the first order as well. But needless to say this man has gotten more than his share of attention and for what? Doing the wrong thing!!!

How bout FOXNews giving attention to those this week that paid the ultimate price for what; DOING THE RIGHT THING!!!

I missed your headline that spoke about  Army Pfc. Paul O. Cuzzupe II and his unit being hit with an IED. I also, missed the headline about Army Pfc. Bradley D. Rappuhn and Army Sgt. Andrew C. Nicol both members of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment whom died from another IED attack after they were supposed to be home. Their unit was extended another 45 days.

All three of these warriors perished the day before Slater's tantrum. Yet 4 days and I can still find Slater on my FOXNews headlines, but no mention of  the above mentioned servicemen. What they did was news worthy! What Slater did was trashy!

Not only did these young men not make FOXNews.com headlines this week, they are not even buried in the depths of articles on the website. So much for fair and balanced News.

For those of you that would like some real news here are the links to 3 heroes that did the right thing;

Army Pfc. Paul O. Cuzzupe II - Honor the Fallen - MilitaryTimes.com.

Army Pfc. Bradley D. Rappuhn - Honor the Fallen - MilitaryTimes.com.

Army Sgt. Andrew C. Nicol - Honor the Fallen - MilitaryTimes.com.

14th Amendment not the problem

You have got to love politicians that spend their time and effort coming up with gimmicks instead of real solutions. Illegal immigration is a hot topic and should be to a degree, but I guess most of us have forgotten that most of our forefathers got here by immigrating and most Indian Nations would tell you that the 'Colonization' of this hemisphere by Europe was illegal.  But the notion that changing the 14th Amendment will fix any of the issue is just absurd, it is the answer of lazy, ignorant, arrogant politicians who lack the common sense that god gave dogs.

Now, I am totally for sending back every criminal illegal alien that we can get our hands on, and I think we should stop playing nice about it with other countries. Here is a little known wrinkle that most citizens don't know about the deportation process. We have to have the permission of the native country to send back the criminal. Guess what, most countries do not want to take their criminals back. They are more than happy to let them stay here. That is how illegal aliens are arrested and released numerous times in this country. So you have to do one of two things, either decide to fund more holding facilities for deportation detainees or push to play hard ball with countries that are denying the return of their criminals. How can you play hard ball, most of these countries receive financial aid from us - - that aid can be adjusted to accommodate the detention of their citizens in our land or adjusted to reflect their cooperation, or we can become callous and just send these persons back and dump them in their homelands. Now while the later sounds like the best policy it really isn't, however, the former could provide some leverage in speeding up the process of returning criminal aliens to their respectful homelands.

Illegal immigration is a complex issue that will require a complex solution. In most instances illegal immigrants come to this country out of desperation, looking for a better way of life. Most of them leave families behind that depend on them for support as well as hope and dreams. Least we forget how most of us got here, we have a shinning reminder located in New York Harbor, her name, Lady Liberty and her decree is;

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

We seem to have forgotten our birth and founding. We have become fat, greedy and lazy. We want quick fixes to the issue of the day and then we don't want to be bothered. Our politicians have followed our lead and only want something that can make a great sound bite, and changing the 14th Amendment makes a great sound bite. Not to mention that most people do not realize that the probability of changing an amendment are slim to nill and closer to nill. Baring this in mind, the rhetoric about changing the 14th will probably be gone with the mid-term elections on Wednesday morning.

Creating or changing immigration laws in a knee-jerk reaction is like gun control. When you pass more laws you are only inhibiting the law abiding not interfering with the actions of criminals. The more morally abhorrent practice is to lump ALL illegal immigrants into the same group of being violent drug smuggling criminals bent on destroying the American way. Illegal immigration is a very emotional topic for lots of reasons, but the solutions need to have a logical basis. We need to work with our border countries and work out solutions that allow all sides to move forward instead of constantly creating hype and outrage so that the issue is bogged down in the mire of extremist rhetoric that provides NO forward momentum. If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem; however, if you are not willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty and maybe even work up a little sweat then stay outta the way.

Hey Castro the Cold War is OVER!!!!

Our bad, guess Castro didn't get the memo. Well here you go:

Señor Fidel Castro,

We take this opportunity to catch you up on the last couple decades of history. The Cold War ended in 1991. This end began with the fall of the Wall in Berlin in 1990 and culminated with the dissolution of the Soviet Union into its component republics in 1991. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc governments the threat of nuclear war has diminished dramatically. Not  to mention that it was the Soviet Union not the United States that had a first strike policy. And to think that we need to result to such dramatic action to handle the insane antics of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is just as insane as his antics are.

Respectfully,

The Normal and Sane Citizens of the United States

Now, seriously we know that Ahmadinejad is crazy, but hell he is just too entertaining. He is like the really bad train wreck that you know you should not look at but you just can't tear your eyes away. You never know what outlandish statement he is going to make next. From the denial of the Holocaust to charging that we padded the number of dead from 9/11.  Not to mention that while, yes, Ahmadinejad is dangerous to peace and the stability of the Middle East, he has his own hands full at home. Even his own people are not happy with him in power, unfortunately he is able in most instances to oppress those that speak out against him or the government.

Back to the appearance of Castro in public and speaking in front of Parliament, that was not something that held a candle to his legendary standard. This speech lasted a very short 10 minutes, instead of the hours that he is famous for, a very telling fact. And I would wonder at his mental acuity, since he seemed to have his memories all mixed together combining the Cold War and Nixon and the present. As much of a living legend as Castro is in Cuba, it might be time for him to completely give up public appearances, otherwise he might end up detracting from Raul's rule and Cuba's image. He is certainly past his time.

Treason or Whistle-blowing. . . . . .

There is a lot of controversy over the posting on WikiLeaks of the 'Afghan War Diary' . The most focal of these arguments seems to be what to do with PVT Manning. The question that comes to my mind is, was he  looking for his 15 minutes of fame or was he 'doing little evil to do greater good'? The only way to know for sure is to be inside the mind of PVT Manning. IF he was whistle-blowing, his method was not super smart, in all honesty if he was attempting to save lives then he should have secured the names of persons that he knowingly put at greater risk. Regardless of his initial intent, his final accomplishment seems to show a lack for compassion for the Afghan people and no loyalty or commitment to his fellow soldier. I have to wonder if maybe his reasoning got lost in the possibilities of being some kind of distorted hero.

Representative Mike Rogers (Rep. MI), has stated that if PVT Manning isn't charged with treason, which carries a death sentence if found guilty, then he should be charged with murder. I think that Rep. Rogers need a couple law courses. According to the Constitution of the United States, treason against the United States consists only in levying war against the country/government, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid or comfort. So to charge PVT Manning they would have to show that he gave aid to our enemy, now most that are against the accused will say that by releasing the information that he has aided the enemy. While that reach is certainly a factual argument, I would hope that the Supreme Court would be more cautious in its interpretation of the Constitution's definition. If what PVT Manning did, unless certain malicious intent is confessed or proven, is considered as treason then a very dangerous precedent will have been set and the broadness of the definition will be too wide for well-intended individuals to work within.

As for the other charges of murder for the deaths of any Afghans or service-members, while hopefully PVT Manning understands the implication of leaving names visible in the documents and is willing to assume the moral responsibility for those deaths, it would be an investigative nightmare to prove a direct connection between PVT Manning and the deaths of any persons named in the "Afghan War Diary." Furthermore, that connection will be required to properly convict PVT Manning of murder or even conspiracy to commit murder. Now if you want to look at something doable in the legal system, not with-standing the numerous charges under federal law and the UCMJ that he will face, you can certainly charge and probably convict him of reckless endangerment for each and every person named in the leaked documents. Under reckless endangerment you do not have to prove intent just that the actions of one placed another in danger of life or injury. There are other charges that could also be leveled against PVT Manning for the recklessness of his actions in regards to the Afghan people and service members stationed in the combat zone.

While, I feel that PVT Manning should be held completely accountable for his actions, the greater issue is just how a private in the United States Military was able to gain access, authorized or not, to such documents. These documents should not, at least in their full bodies, been in positions accessible to just anyone. The DOD and State Department may want to proclaim to the ends of the earth that those documents were not accessible, their publication on the Internet clearly show that not only were they accessible they were not even cleaned. Yes, whole original documents should be maintained in some form that is absolutely secure for thousands of reasons including protecting innocent lives and actions, not to jeopardize those same innocent lives and actions. As of today that is not the situation, but hopefully will be the primary focus of the intelligence arms of  both the State and Defense departments.

As a footnote, I find Julian Assange's complete dismissal of allegations that innocent persons are now in greater danger with the release of these documents to be totally callous and ignorant. Of course every citizen of Afghanistan that is mentioned in the leaked documents that is still alive will be placed in greater danger now, not to mention the innocent family members of said individuals and that does include children. If Mr. Assange thinks that the insurgents do not use the internet to further their activities then he is either incredible stupid or he lives with his head stuck in the sand. In all honesty, I find Mr. Julian Assange to be negligent in his responsibilities to innocent citizens of the world by not having in place a review of submissions that insure that no innocent lives are  threatened. Had such a review been in place, the names could have been removed from the documents before their publication. That in no way would have distracted from the impact of information contained in the documents but would have proven to be of humane and moral responsible action.  If Julian Assange is fortunate he will never be on the receiving end of the danger that those Afghan citizens now find themselves, however if he does, at least in my direction, any pleas from him will fall on half deaf ears.

FOX News announces BP going for "KILL" Shot in Gulf. . . .

Isn't that headline like 110 days too late or so? Wasn't the "kill" shot when the rig blew and the spill started? If the mud and cement that didn't work weeks ago works now - - I do not see any life dying as a result. It was the explosion and subsequent spill that did the killing. Eliminating the addition of oil to the gulf is not a killing action but a much delayed life action. Stopping the oil spill and permanently blocking the well access won't even kill  BP's bottom line.

I have to say that I have NO sympathy for any oil company that loses any profit. When gas prices first soared 5 years ago and congress called the CEOs and other executives from the major oil companies to Capital Hill to explain themselves, they whined about profits dropping to millions per quarter from the billions that they had been enjoying.

If Obama truly wants to promote alternative fuels then he should have rallied his very left leaning supporters in Congress to pass regulations that limit the increase of the prices of products and services such as gas and coal fueled electricity to no more than the increase in the cost of living per year. Therefore, even during the alleged oil shortage from Hurricanes Ivan and then Katrina, the oil companies would have had to take the hit like the rest of us did - - in their OWN pockets and bottom lines.

Don't get me wrong - - in general I believe in a capitalist market, however, I do believe that government should protect its citizens from tyranny from any and every direction. There are certain basic necessities that are required for ALL persons to be able to pursue life, liberty and happiness and it is here that government should focus its meddling into our free market. The oil companies have been allowed to run rampant for far too long and  in some manners see themselves being in a position to dictate to governments instead of governments dictating to them.

The oil spill in the gulf shows this very clearly, in the reply by the oil industry where they openly confessed that not only do they not have tested and tried responses to disasters but they gamble with our world that they are above disasters both natural and man-made. Worse still, there were some procedural safe-guards in place so that a well-head can be shut down before catastrophe strikes. The workers manning the rig did their job and reported those early warnings that alerted BP of pending problems. How did BP executives reply to these reports from the persons on the ground? They ignored them, cause no profit will be made from a shut down well-head and profit is worth the minimal risks (as they determined the reports to reflect).

We are a society of greed and reaction instead of respect and responsibility. We are all about personal increase and never self-sacrifice. We will face our bill from Mother Nature at the end of the dance. How many of you are ready to pay the bill, after all you have enjoyed every waltz played. Just don't look surprised or complain about the cost, for you racked up the bill yourself and have NO ONE to blame so don't try!

More Brutality in the Name of God . . . .

So a day or so ago Brazil's president offered asylum to Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva appealed to his "friend Ahmadinejad" to allow Brazil to take in the imprisoned woman. Most people are probably not aware of the story of Sakineh.
Mrs. Ashitani is a widow and was arrested 5 years ago and convicted and punished for "illicit relationship" with 2 men. All parties were flogged for this crime. Later her case was "reviewed" and she and one of the men were charged with the murder of her husband and adultery. While Mrs. Ashitani was not found guilty of the murder of her husband she was found guilty of adultery and sentenced to death by stoning. Now if just the mere statement death by stoning doesn't seem like over kill for adultery then wait till you hear how stoning is to be carried out as a sentence.
According to the Iranian penal code all guilty persons are bound in 'robes' which inhibit their movement. Then males are to be buried up to their waists and females up to their necks. According to the penal code the size of the 'stones' to be used are not to be so large that death may occur after only 2 stones, however they are not to be so small as to be considered 'pebbles'.
Now if the concept is not uncivilized enough as a general concept then the unfair and discriminatory way it is carried out makes it barbaric. First off in general men are more physically developed, especially in the upper body, than women, yet it is the women that are buried up to their necks not the men. Secondly, if by some miracle the victim escapes from their hole they are still killed. And before you even get to this stage the method for convicting persons of adultery do not really require much and again women are discriminated against. For the testimony of one 'just' man it would take the testimony of two women to equal it and more than likely there isnt any number of female testimony that would outweigh the testimony of one 'just' male. Secondly it only takes the testimony of 4 'just' men to support the charge of adultery for conviction.
In all strict Islamic states, you will find that women are severely discriminated against and oppressed. They suffer great injustices and are the victims of hidieous crimes on a very common occurrence. Their lives are totally and completely controlled by the male members of their family. In stark contrast most justice system of these Islam countries exploit instead of protect the weak, innocent, and less fortunate of their societies. For, example while the females of the family have no control and no say in their lives they are the sole responsible party for any charge brought against them. In some Islamic countries girls and women can be killed by male family members simply for bringing 'shame' to their families. And this 'shame' does not have to be proved or real just the belief of the male members/head of the family.
I think that it should be the male family members that control these females' lives that should suffer the punishment for any 'shame' brought to their families. These males are after all all-powerful and all-knowing and all-controlling; therefore if a female of their house causes some 'shame' it can only occur because the 'all-powerful male' wasn't capable of preventing it. So stone him, murder him, flog him, beat him and you will see a swift change in what is required to 'prove' and 'convict' women and girls of crimes that are mostly out of their control and of which they are usually a victim.
Most non-Muslims think that all this violence and discrimination and hate is found in the Qur’an, that is not the case. If you were to compare the Torah, Bible and Qur’an for their condoning of violence you will find that the Qur’an is the most peaceful of the Religious mantels. Then what makes Islam such a harsh and violent society? It is the fatāwā of Mufti of power and influence that promote the ideas and concepts and actions that non-Muslims so often associate with the Qur’an and Islam and find so negative.
Like every other religion, when mean or cruel or just plain evil persons gain power the whole religion suffers. Yet, as society and within world religions there is very little house cleaning aimed at these persons that defame and destroy religions from the inside out through their personal desercration of those religions that they profess to embrace. There has never been one source which can claim the incitement and conclusion of more violence in this world than that done in the name of God.