Thursday, May 31, 2007

Reaction Post of the Day to a Blog: JenBee -- “Where Has Common sense Gone?”

Hat Tip: Dhimmiwatch
After Reading this article blogged on Jihad Watch, reader Jen Bee gave the best reaction that I have read in quite a while:

“CAIR would love to bury this sort of story because it really puts their whining about ISLAMOPHOBIA here in America in perspective.
Non-muslims not allowed into parts of Saudi Arabia.
No opting out of Islam; death for apostates.
Death (DEATH!!) to a Christian for making derogatory remarks (HE CALLED OLD MO BAD NAMES FOR GOODNESS SAKE!) against Islam.
Public beatings and stonings for women who are raped in muslim countries.
And here we have CAIR whining because some airport somewhere is making muslim taxi drivers transport customers carrying alcohol.
And we have the moonbat left crying over animals in Gitmo who are being 'tortured' by being forced to listen to rap music or whatever the 'torture du jour' is today.
Sometimes I feel like I am in some weird, bizarro, twilight world.
I mean, how can this be? This is our world?
Where has common sense gone?
If there were at least some outrage on a larger public level than a few hundred blogs on the internet scattered around the world, I wouldn't feel we are doomed.

Posted by: JenBee at May 31, 2007 10:47 AM “

With all the debates had here about so-called torture on the part of the U.S., and the continuing “whacked-out” accusations about the Iraq war (“lives and money wasted,” “mess,” “disaster,” yada, yada, yada) I too, sometimes feel the same way. She was just able to put it into words better than me.

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An Open Letter to LGF Readers By Duncan Hunter

Stop by Little Green Footballs and read a letter sent to Charles Johnson, LGF founder by Presidential candidate Duncan Hunter: Says Charles:
“GOP Presidential candidate Duncan Hunter’s campaign contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in posting a message from him, on the subject of Israel. Just to be clear, this isn’t an LGF endorsement of Congressman Hunter (and no, he isn’t paying me to post it)—but I think the lizard army will really appreciate his straightforward assessment of the situation.”
Here is an excerpt from Duncan Hunter’s open letter:

“… While the United States should do what it can to resolve the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, it’s simply not possible for the Israelis to make peace with people who refuse to recognize their existence, kidnap their soldiers, and blow themselves up in crowds of Israeli civilians. So, until the Palestinians renounce terrorism and stop their attacks on the Israeli people, peace will be out of reach.” [Emphasis added.]

Read the whole thing.

One can only hope that all of his stances hold true.

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Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Ready For Freddy?

2007 Commonwealth Gala
with special guest
Former Senator of Tennessee

Fred Thompson

Saturday, June 2, 2007
Greater Richmond Convention Center

5:30 p.m. - Leadership Reception for Gala Sponsors with

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
Attorney General Bob McDonnell
Speaker Bill Howell
RPV Chairman Ed Gillespie
Photo opportunity with Fred Thompson

6:30 p.m. - Dinner (Business Attire)

Individual tickets are $125.00. More info here and here.

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Memories of Memorial Day Weekend: Rolling With the Thunder

What a weekend this has been! Here is an “after-action brief” on the events of this weekend.

Friday:
Friday for me began with making last minute preparations to the motorcycle for the big Rolling Thunder XX (twenty) Rally in Washington DC. I checked all my gear, and made sure the ad-hoc uniform was straight. Then, for the evening, I took the bike out on the highway for a test run up I95. I took it up to Ashland and back: no problems – traffic was good, no problems with the bike, everything was ready.


Saturday:
Got up early and did some grocery shopping. The UCV cookout was Saturday at 1pm. It was great to see some very old friends come back to see us, and it was even better meeting new people. Saturday was hot and steamy with unusually high humidity for this time of year. But, the barbecue was great, the company was excellent, what more could I ask for?
What was the best part? The best part of the day had to be seeing Cargo Squid back at home with his family again. (The T-shirts he gave us weren’t bad either.)
Squid, one last time – WELCOME HOME BUDDY FROM A JOB WELL DONE!

After returning home, I wiped some of the stickiness off, and spent the rest of the day with Mrs. F22 ("The General") and “Small-bird” watching movies. Family time is great. Then, it was an early “turn-in” for the high-point of the weekend: Rolling Thunder.

Sunday:
Reveille was at 5am. I wanted to be on the road by 7am so I might miss the heavy traffic.
Being at a Rolling Thunder Rally in DC is something that can barely be described.
On the ride into town, there were fire trucks and firefighters and everyday people who were at the overpasses coming into DC that were waving at the bikers as we rode into town. Once we were there, there were people out in the streets who greeted the bikers as we came in. I quoted someone as describing “an ocean of bikes.” That is true. I tried to take a photo of the entire crowd and had to take four separate pictures to get the area where I was at – and that was just ONE parking lot! There were at least one full lot IN FRONT of us, and one full lot BEHIND us! By the time my area pulled off to participate in the parade portion of the event, we had been waiting for an hour and a half – think of how many bikes it took to cause that kind of delay time! There was so much more than this to show and explain, that I will do a section specifically on “R.D. Twenty” and post it to the web site.

Monday:
I spent the afternoon at the Virginia War Memorial. I didn’t see the ceremony there, but my intent was to come and spend some quiet time reflecting on, and saying thanks to all those who gave their life to protect and serve this country. It is humbling to see the names of those that are there, and all of the mementos that were left by loved ones for their fallen soldiers.
While there, I ran into an old friend of UCV; Hawgske from our local A.B.A.T.E. group.
He and some of his riding friends were there doing a poker run to some local spots and to some of the veteran cemeteries and war memorials. I followed them to The Dog House bar in Shockoe Bottom for a quick drink and conversation, then we all headed in our own directions. I’m looking forward to catching up with them and doing some roads with them one day. Polished the day off with another barbecue at home.

All together, it was a weekend that I will never forget. I did take pictures of the Rolling Thunder event and of the War Memorial. Those are to come soon.

--f22strike

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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Five Marines And One Sweet Ride

John Favorite joined the Marines and served in Viet Nam a long time ago. Now another generation answers the call but he hasn't forgotten what it was like and how hard it can be.

John never met Karl Linn yet he has turned his Harley into a beautiful memorial to Karl and three other young Marines killed in the War on Terror.

On Memorial Day, John rode to Culpeper, VA to pay his respects at Karl's grave. Karl's dad (USMCPOP) was there to meet him and he was truly honored and touched by the tribute John paid his son.



USMCPOP and John Favorite


Karl Linn on left





More pictures!!!
Ohio biker visits Culpeper National Cemetery

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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Emoticons For Comments

Here at UCV we pride ourselves for the no-nonsense approach we apply to solving the problems of a troubled world. Always on the lookout for tools to make our job easier as well as enabling readers to comment quickly and concisely we are proud to give you

SMILEYS FOR COMMENTS
(Be sure to remove the spaces)
: ) will yield a Reagan smiley
: ( will yield a Tom Daschle smiley
: o ( will yield a Kennedy smiley
; - ) wink
: + : thumbs up
: - : thumbs down
: lol : animated laugh
: ? : question mark icon
8 ) cool dude

How's that for HiTech?

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Friday, May 25, 2007

Memorial Day Weekend: With Rolling Thunder

This weekend, I'll be in Washington DC with many other veterans for the Memorial Day demonstration by Rolling Thunder. Members of Rolling Thunder will ride from the Pentagon parking lot to Washington DC in what some people have described as "a sea of bikes."

People from all over the nation come to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and those who are missing in action. This will be my first time at a Rolling Thunder event. As a motorcycle enthusiast and a veteran of Gulf War One, I feel a need to be there this weekend. I feel the need to be with the people who have worn the uniform and have been through war -- one far worse than mine -- and have come through it with a deeper respect for patriotism, and respect of freedom. I want to be with people who don't feel that the American flag is something to be ashamed of. I want to be with people who, like me, have sat in the foxhole and faced death head-on and know what the true value of "you watch my back, I'll watch yours" is.

I want to tell a veteran from WW2 "thanks for protecting my parents so I could be born." I want to tell a veteran from the Korean War that he and his sacrifice are not forgotten. I want to tell a veteran from Vietnam that "I love and respect him for doing what he had to do, when called to do his duty. I want to give him a belated hug and a "welcome home hero" that he so much deserves. I want to say "What's up, brother?" to a fellow Gulf War vet who went over to Kuwait and ate M.R.E.s and sand just like I did, in order to turn back a dictator's agression. I want to say "Thanks for protecting me and my wife and kids" to a kid just out of high school or college who has avenged the death of thousands of innocent Americans, drove a murderous sheik into hiding in a mountainous moonscape in Afghanistan, toppled a ruthless dictator and deprived him of the opportunity to kill thousands more with weapons of mass destruction, held radical Islamic terrorists at bay, and offered the chance to have true peace and freedom to the people of Iraq. If I can do all of these things, I will be a happy man. But if I do only one of these things this Memorial day, I will be a changed person, forever.

But most of all, I want to stand with all these people and say thanks to those who answered the call, but didn't come home. I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with my veterans and say to ours who have fallen, that you are not forgotten. In all of lifes comings and goings, your sacrifice is remembered.-- f22strike

Video: by jeffmcshay
Posted on YouTube: 04/04/07

Crossposted at "Alpheus Pope" blog

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Just Wondering… Election ’08 Watch

I have a question: For the Rudy, Romney, and McCain supporters – if a candidate that is farther to the right than either of these men gets the “nod” for the party’s presidential run, will you support that candidate, or will you stay home? Seriously. Now is the time to answer this question.

I seriously find myself leaning toward Duncan Hunter. As of now, he is the candidate that is closest to my own beliefs as a conservative. Huckabee and Tancredo are in the running for my vote but they are farther back, and Fred Thompson still has not officially announced that he will run.

Often, those of us with more conservative views are told that we have to give up our candidate because we need to chase Democrat voters or the mysterious “middle of the road” voter. If the primary gives Duncan Hunter as the Republican candidate, will those “moderate” Republicans follow the advice they have given us over the years, or will they subject their more moderate beliefs in favor of a stronger stance to save us from a “President Hillary” or “President Hussein?”

I need to know.

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Hillary and Obama: Support The Troops, Leave Them Broke

Here's more from the Democrats who want your vote in November '08:

"WASHINGTON - Courting the anti-war constituency, Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama both voted against legislation that pays for the Iraq war but lacks a timeline for troop withdrawal.
"I fully support our troops" but the measure "fails to compel the president to give our troops a new strategy in Iraq," said Clinton, a New York senator.
"Enough is enough," Obama, an Illinois senator, declared, adding that President Bush should not get "a blank check to continue down this same, disastrous path."
Their votes Thursday night continued a shift in position for the two presidential hopefuls, both of whom began the year shunning a deadline for a troop withdrawal."


Now where did I put those John Kerry flip flops....

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Thursday, May 24, 2007

The Real Meaning of Torture (Update)

Update: Torture Methods Used by the Islamics

I CAN share this with you: a list of methods that the "militants" use for their “interrogation.”

Drilling [of] hands
Severing [of] limbs
Dragging behind cars
EYE REMOVAL[!]
Blowtorch to the skin
Suspend from ceiling and electrocution
Breaking limbs and restricting breathing
Binding and beating
Suspend and whipping
Clothes iron to skin
Victims head in vice

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The Real Meaning of Torture

Drudge just posted a link to “The Smoking Gun” who have excerpts from an al-Qaida torture manual captured “in a recent raid on an al-Qaeda safe house in Iraq.” The documents and images were made available by the Department of Defense as it declassified items for public viewing. Says TSG:

“The images… also include a ramshackle Bagdad safe house described as an ‘al-Qaeda torture chamber.’ It was there, during an April 24 raid, that soldiers found a man suspended from the ceiling by a chain. According to the military, he had been abducted from his job and was being beaten daily by his captors. In a raid earlier this week, Coalition Forces freed five Iraqis who were found in a padlocked room in Karmah. The group, which included a boy, were reportedly beaten with chains, cables, and hoses. Photos showing injuries sustained by those captives can be found here.”

I did not include the links to TSG’s photos of the torture methods. You SHOULD go look for yourself, though. You need to see 1.) what torture by the “freedom fighters” in Iraq looks like, to 2.) confirm in your mind that they ARE torturing people there in Iraq (military and civilian.) and 3.) give yourself something to compare what we in this country call “torture” with people who truly practice torture methods. These are not harmless sheepherders who were forced into war by an imperialistic America. These are cold hard murderers who study and physically train to kill, in order to serve their version of a religion that glorifies death, and permits true torture of those it deems as its enemies – the West, Israel, and anything NOT Islamic.

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Another Pretty Face

If you are conservative, you’ve probably learned to approach things with a good bit of skepticism. If so, you are in luck; I’m far from being another pretty face. Despite being small and somewhat furry, I can be rather grim at times. Hopefully I can provide a meaningful contribution to this site. I’m certainly in good company.

I found my way here by a rather circuitous route. The best I can recall, I found out about a local counter-protest in Richmond on the third anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom, via FreeRepublic.com. I was referred to the FR site by a friend who lost her Marine son in a car accident that occurred stateside while he was heading back to base, just prior to a third deployment to Iraq. I went to the event because it was held at Monroe Park at VCU, which my son attended until he was deployed to Iraq with the Marines. I felt it was my duty to be there, as my son would have done, had he not been killed in action in January of 2005. That’s where I met ConcreteBob, FMcDonald and F22Strike.

So there you know a little about me and why I’m here.

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Monday, May 21, 2007

How To Save Face When You Fall Flat On Your Keister

The Democratics have another war funding bill in the works and supposedly this one has no time line for surrender. Those letters, phone calls and emails from the Home Front Warriors (normal citizens) must be working. They even are considering dropping some of the pork.

To cover their defeat at the hands of the President and the People, the most radical congress to sit in my lifetime intends to insert more totally unrelated legislation into the package and raise the Minimum Wage by a whopping $2.10 per hour.

By tasering the economy, the Democratics no doubt hope to slow things down in the business sector leading up to the '08 election, at least enough so they can cry "recession" and "depression" in their campaign ads and at the same time boast that they voted to raise the Minimum Wage.

Now that's a sweet deal for the clown posse if you ask me.
Dems set war bill without Iraq timeline
By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent
~excerpt~

WASHINGTON - In grudging concessions to President Bush, Democrats intend to draft an Iraq war-funding bill without a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and shorn of billions of dollars in spending on domestic programs, officials said Monday.

The legislation would include the first federal minimum wage increase in more than a decade, a top priority for the Democrats who took control of Congress in January, the officials added.

While details remain subject to change, the measure is designed to close the books by Friday on a bruising veto fight between Bush and the Democratic-controlled Congress over the war. It would provide funds for military operations in Iraq through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.

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Interview With A Warrior: JawBreaker 2 Delta


JawBreaker2Delta
Thanks to the guys at Centcom, UCV was hooked up with a great Warrior Blogger for an interview. He is JawBreaker 2 Delta, one of America's finest, a good writer and funny as hell. JB2D will be deployed again soon and with everything he's got going on in his life, we truly appreciate the time he took to answer our questions.

So without further ado, here 'tis:

F MCDONALD: As a mom, I'll get a little personal. Are you married or single? Children? How is your family coping with the news of another deployment?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: Married just before my first deployment in 2004. 2 kids, 2 ½ and 6 months. My wife likes me being deployed as it means more money to pay for the house we are now buying. She worries, but knows I can get the job done and come back safe. My extended family is still freaking about the first one, let alone the up-coming one.
CARGOSQUID: As a blogger, are you having any restrictions other than operational security placed on your blogging?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: Well, I’ve been pretty well trained as to the Op-Sec issue. So no worries there. I’m also pretty sure that no-one in my current chain of command even knows about my little corner of the interweb. My old team knows, but not my new one.
CARGOSQUID: Have you thought about connecting with a local paper and being a freelance embed while deployed?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: I would love that idea. I also work at a television station, but I don’t think they could handle the truth.
CARGOSQUID: What would Your advice be for any green troop on his first deployment? What should he take/expect/etc?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: Well, you’ll get a ridiculous number of briefings. Some will apply and some won’t. Pay attention to them all, you’ll be able to determine what information is current and applies once you get there. Drink LOTS of water. If you’re not sure what gear to take, pack it, take it, you can ship it home after you determine you don’t need it. Chances ore, you’re gonna need it. Pancho, rain gear, gortex, poly-pros and the like. You’ll get a lot of stuff at RFI (Rapid Fielding Initiative) in Kuwait . Ask a LOT of questions of your counterpart/team you’re replacing. Get their SOP and look it over. It’ll help your team develop one that applies to your AO.
F22STRIKE: Do you have any contact with the embedded reporters that come to Iraq/Afghanistan, and if so, do they seem as if they do have an "agenda" when they cover the stories or ask questions of our military people?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: No. The majority of the “slanted” reporting seems to come from back here in the states ironically enough. You want the real deal, check out Michael Yon’s website or The Mil-Blogs. They’ll get you in the right direction.
F22STRIKE: In your opinion, what has been the most important thing to come out of the war so far?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: In my opinion, the most important thing that SHOULD come out of this WAR is that you can NOT win a war in 100 days(Desert Storm). Wars are long, hard, brutal and bad for your health. Once the American public realizes what it takes to WIN, it will make this a lot more understandable. Rome wasn’t built in a day and you sure as shootin don’t rebuild Iraq in a couple years.
F22STRIKE: In your opinion, are the people of Iraq (not the terrorists, or anyone supporting them) 1.) truly happy that Saddam is gone, and 2.) angry with America for our involvement in toppling Saddam?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: Just about EVERYONE is glad Saddam is gone. The only ones who are mad are the ones he gave power to. They had a very easy life. And they are ticked off they are one of the common folk.
F22STRIKE: Many politicians here have made loud and boisterous speeches about our troops having a lack of appropriate body armor. Some from the theatre have argued that we are in danger of adding too much body armor to the point that it impairs tactical performance.
Was there a crisis in the amount of available body armor to our troops?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: With the Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP) and the average (sad that I can say that) 155mm artillery shell types of IED, there is no real effective armor, just varying degrees of safer. Case in point, before I left Baghdad , it was brought to my attention that turret gunners were going to begin wearing an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) type suit. Complete with it’s own air conditioner. Go ahead, Google that. I’ll wait…… What do you think? Wanna wear one in 120 degree weather in the turret of a Humvee flying down the highway at 70 mph trying to keep vehicles off your tail while dodging rocks thrown by kids and trying to win their hearts and minds? No. I didn’t think so. Thank you, next.
F22STRIKE: In your opinion, is the amount of body armor currently available to our troops more adequate, and do you feel the need to add more body armor to what you already have available?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: See above. Also, more armor can be a bad thing. It can get in the way and make it impossible to fire a rifle. I’m just fine with the Interceptor Body Armor.
F22STRIKE: If you could host a 15-minute interview on national television about this war, what message would you give to the American people?
JAWBREAKER 2 DELTA: Be patient. This is, not only a learning experience, but we are doing this the best way possible. To set a deadline would make things worse. You do this to STANDARD. NOT TIME. Don’t set these people up for failure. We don’t need another Saddam/Mahmoud/Qadafi. This is our chance to show all of them what we are capable of. Not only can we kick a country's ass, we can then fix said kicked ass and make it better.

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Just Read It

Here.
God help me, I've had the same thoughts.

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Sunday, May 20, 2007

Thompson Calls Kennedy Immigration Bill A "Pig In Lipstick"

Town Hall has a great article from Fred Thompson about our impending immigration policy implosion at the hands of Ted Kennedy and (unfortunately) the President.

(I didn't know this but it seems Fred Thompson has a blog: The Fred Thompson Report)

"The fact is our border and immigration systems are still badly broken. We were reminded of this when Newsweek reported that the family of three of the men, arrested last week for allegedly plotting to kill American military personnel at Fort Dix, New Jersey, entered the U.S. illegally more than 20 years ago; filed for asylum back in 1989, but fell off the government’s radar screen when federal bureaucrats essentially lost track of the paperwork. Wonder how many times that’s been replicated?

Is it any wonder that a lot of folks today feel like they’re being sold a phony bill of goods on border security? A “comprehensive” plan doesn’t mean much if the government can’t accomplish one of its most basic responsibilities for its citizens -- securing its borders. A nation without secure borders will not long be a sovereign nation.

No matter how much lipstick Washington tries to slap onto this legislative pig, it’s not going to win any beauty contests. In fact, given Congress’s track record, the bill will probably get a lot uglier -- at least from the public’s point of view. And agreeing to policies before actually seeing what the policies are is a heck of a way to do business.

We should scrap this “comprehensive” immigration bill and the whole debate until the government can show the American people that we have secured the borders -- or at least made great headway. That would give proponents of the bill a chance to explain why putting illegals in a more favorable position than those who play by the rules is not really amnesty."


Read his whole article. The more I find out about this thing, the more I don't like it. But, what can you expect with Ted Kennedy at the helm.

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Blogging the Barbecue

It was such a great day outside that we at the f22 household decided to break out the grill and do some barbecue.
This puts me in a great frame of mind for the Memorial Day weekend coming up along with the UCV Memorial Day Barbecue next weekend. I'll try out some recipies and let you know how they come out.



Update: The finished product!

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Saturday, May 19, 2007

The Lion of Fallujah Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec


Photo by Union-Tribune
Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec was killed in action in Iraq on May 10th, 2007. Only 34 years old when he died, he had attained legendary status among Marine warriors during the battle of Fallujah in 2004. Semper Fi, Major.


Photo by: Sgt. Jose E. Guillen
Lion of Fallujah is laid to rest
Marine Corps News
May 19, 2007
Story ID#: 200751813921

By Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva, MCB Camp Pendleton

U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY, ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 19, 2007) -- The Lion of Fallujah is at rest
~excerpt~
They came to honor a man who roared life, who led them into combat in Fallujah and who climbed upon a tank to gain a greater perspective of the battlefield, all the while defying rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire smashing around him. They honored a man who considered it his greatest honor to fight in combat with his Marines.

Zembeic told Los Angeles Time reporter Tony Perry that battling insurgents was “the greatest day of my life. I never felt so alive, so exhilarated, so purposeful. There is nothing equal to combat, and there is no greater honor than to lead men into combat. Once you’ve dealt with life and death like that, it gives you a whole new perspective.”

At times during the battle, Zembiec’s Marines tossed grenades within 20 feet of insurgents.

“My Marines have fought like lions and will continue to do so,” he said following the battle. “Ten million insurgents won’t even begin to fill the boots of one of my men.”

Shortly before 9 a.m. and under blue skies and puffy white clouds, Zembiec’s lions brought their leader home.
Bostonmaggie
freerepublic.com
SignOnSanDiego.com
Blackfive

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Home is the sailor, home from the ......sand?


I AM HOME!!!!!
I can't thank you enough for that entry with the picture. My wife loved it. I'm home for the weekend, but I'm on medical hold until further notice. That means I'm in Norfolk for the next few weeks. I don't have easy access to the "net." Thank you all for your support. It made my deployment that much more bearable.
One good thing about being on med hold is that I get to attend my daughter's birthday party tomorrow. So as I said earlier,


YEEEEEHHHAAAAAAA!!!!!

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Thursday, May 17, 2007

To CargoSquid



Here's hoping this post finds you in the arms of your wife and daughter at long last. Thank them both from all of us for their sacrifices and the time this long war took from all of you. God bless and keep you and your family safe always. See you soon!

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THE LEE BROTHERS ON WRVA AT 3PM THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

UPDATE: Call in number (804) 345-1140

Scott and Richard Lee

HOSTS FOR
Richmond Morning News -Weekend Edition
invite youto please listen to 1140 WRVA on
Thursday May 17th and Friday 18th
as they fill in for Mac Watson from 3-6 p.m.

There will be a very special Patriot Radio segment and the Attorney General Bob McDonnell will be participating.

www.theleebrothers.com
www.1140wrva.com

VIRGINIA CITIZENS-AMERICAN PATRIOTS

WHY WRITE TO THE PAPER OR SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR WHEN YOU CAN VENT DURING THE COMMON MAN SEGMENT EVERY SATURDAY ON RICHMOND'S MORNING NEWS! SEND YOUR REQUEST TO PATRIOTS@THELEEBROTHERS.COM

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Reaction to the Second Republican Debates

I watched the Fox News web stream of the Republican presidential debates last night.
Here are some of the things that stood out in my mind.


Ron Paul is an absolute nut!!!!! (IMHO)
His position on Iraq is one that I TOTALLY do not support and want no part of.
It was a shame because some of his positions on the size of government I did like. He might have been a great person to have on tap for a special committee whose task was to downsize a bloated government. As it stands now, I would not come within 10 feet of him. Rudy Giuliani should thank him for opening his mouth; Giuliani’s hard-hitting slam at Paul will, out of all his answers that night, be the one thing that he will be remembered for. They gave him extra time to explain himself, which only made the others want to engage him more on his wrong-headed idea on why America is responsible for what happened on September the 11th.

Jim Gilmore stood out as the only person that I know of that had any kind of a record that would lead me to believe that after they were elected, they would continue to be a strong model of conservativism. He seemed a bit timid answering the question on minorities in the Republican Party -- which if he was, there was no need for.

Duncan Hunter did well. He answered the questions that were put to him in a way that led me to believe he did mean what he was saying. He just has to beat that perception that he is a long shot, and with the cameras in love with “Ruddy McGiuliani” as Gov. Gilmore called him, he has a totally uphill fight going on.

Mitt Romney looks good, but as I have with Rudy, there is something in me that wonders just how conservatively he will govern once all the votes are counted.

Fox news’ handling of the debate blows away anything Chris Matthews and his ilk could have done. The questions were more relevant, and the organization and conduct of the meeting were not appearing to be something “slapped together” at the last minuet as the first debate did. They spent way too much time on abortion for my taste: each person seemed to answer questions on abortion 3 times at least. But other than that, it was good.

Last, but certainly not least: John McCain. I will try not to cuss. With all due respect to the Senator’s former status as a prisoner of war, I DO NOT need him to reach across the aisle to Ted Kennedy and the Democrats! That is not why I would have him there. I would have him there to enact a conservative agenda, and if elected to the White House, I would CERTAINLY want him working on a TRUE conservative agenda, not the self self-aggrandizing, “John the maverick,” “Pirates of the DC Caribbean” follies that I have observed thus far .
Tell me, if you believe that you are on the right side of an argument or cause and your loony liberal left opposition (like Ron Paul) is on the opposite side of that argument, why would you compromise with them? What good would come from it? That’s like trying to create a half-truth. Combine this with the fact that he voted against the tax cuts (both times) and DID nearly nullify my Second Amendment Right with his kooky campaign finance law and you will know why I have a special place that I would like to reserve for our media darling “maverick” Republican RINO.

That is a quick summation of what stood out in my mind, what stood out in yours?

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Republican Debate Live Stream On Fox

UCV will not be doing a live thread on the debate tonight. We recruited three new blog contributors at a great meeting at the Capital AleHouse last night but unfortunately they are still waiting for their tab. Hopefully they will be able to join us for the next debate.

You can watch the latest Republican Presidential Debate online on Fox.com by clicking here. Then click the link on the orange bar near the top.

So far all I can say is:
Duncan Hunter and Jim Gilmore are a-ok in my book.

Mitt Romney is hilarious. He sounds like an info-mercial for one of those slicer/dicer gadgets.

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Club For Growth Announces Senate Endorsements

The Virginia Club for Growth PAC endorsed six candidates for the Virginia Senate today, all of them worthy.

One of these candidates, Patricia Phillips, I am especially proud to see listed as I have known her for several years and from our first meeting I have been impressed with her honesty, sincerity and integrity. She has never disappointed. Her intelligent, logical approach to problem solving was sorely needed in the General Assembly last session and I pray the voters in her district will recognize these qualities and put her to work for them next session.
Joe Blackburn: Joe is challenging longtime pro-tax Republican Walter Stosch. Virginia Club for Growth PAC is pleased to join Virginia Conservative Action PAC in addition to former congressman Tom Bliley, and Delegates Jack Reid and Bill Janis in supporting Joe Blackburn. For more information on Joe’s candidacy please visit www.joeblackburnforsenate.com.

Tricia Stall: Tricia is challenging Marty Williams, who was a staunch supporter of the 2004 assault on Virginia families’ pocketbooks. Tricia has been a long time Republican activist who will provide great conservative leadership and has currently received the endorsement of two of the four local committees against her incumbent opponent. Please visit www.triciastallforvasenate.com/ to find more information on her race.

John Van Hoy: John Van Hoy faces a firehouse primary, on May 19, to fill the open seat of former Senate Finance Chairman John Chichester. The retirement of Chichester sent a wave of excitement throughout conservative activists in Virginia. Van Hoy will be a huge step up from the former Senator from Stafford. Virginia Club for Growth is proud to join Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and several other conservatives in supporting John Van Hoy. Please visit www.vanhoy4senate.com for more information on John’s race.

Bob Fitzsimmonds: Virginia Club for Growth PAC is pleased to join Republican State Victory PAC in their endorsement of Bob Fitzsimmonds. In addition to being a leader in business, Bob has been an institution in Prince William County politics and served several years as a Legislative Aide in Richmond. More information on Bob’s candidacy can be found at www.vote4bob.org.

Patricia Phillips: Virginia Club for Growth PAC is pleased to announce its endorsement of lifelong Virginian Patricia Phillips, who will have a firehouse primary on May 19. Patricia has been active at the grassroots level for several years as a defender of fiscal liberties and a champion to conservatives. For more information on Patricia’s candidacy please visit her website at www.phillipsforsenate.com.

Ralph Smith: Virginia Club for Growth PAC is pleased to announce its endorsement of former mayor of Roanoke Ralph Smith, against liberal Republican Brandon Bell. Ralph brings success as both a legislator and a businessman into his run for State Senate.For more information on Ralph’s race, please visit www.ralphsmithsenate.com.

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Monday, May 14, 2007

ONE MORE NIGHT


THIS IS IT! THE LAST NIGHT IN KUWAIT! NEXT POST WILL BE FROM:
THE UNITED
STATES
OF AMERICA!!!!!!
NOW THAT'S A BIRTHDAY PRESENT!
TOMORROW, WE LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT!
YEEEEEEHHAAAAAAA!
REMEMBER, STILL USING KUWAITI TIME.....

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Sunday, May 13, 2007

Celebrate! Cargosquid Is Coming Home!

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I Resemble That Remark

I'm doing some blog cleaning this evening in the draft folder. This probably came in an email awhile back.

=================================
Tech support: What kind of computer do you have?
Female customer: A white one...
===============

Customer: Hi, this is Celine. I can't get my diskette out.
Tech support: Have you tried pushing the Button?
Customer: Yes, sure, it's really stuck.
Tech support: That doesn't sound good; I'll make a note.
Customer: No , wait a minute... I hadn't inserted it yet... it's still on my desk... sorry....

===============

Tech support: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer: Your left or my left?

===============

Tech support: Good day. How may I help you?
Male customer: Hello... I can't print.
Tech support: Would you click on "start" for me and...
Customer: Listen pal; don't start getting technical on me! I'm not Bill Gates.

===============

Customer: Hi, good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print. Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find it...

============== =

Customer: I have problems printing in red...
Tech support: Do you have a color printer?
Customer: Aaaah....................thank you.

===============

Tech support: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at the 7-11.

===============

Customer: My keyboard is not working anymore.
Tech support: Are you sure it's plugged into the computer?
Customer: No. I can't get behind the computer.
Tech support: Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back
Customer: OK
Tech support : Did the keyboard come with you?
Customer: Yes
Tech support: That means the keyboard is not plugged in. Is there another keyboard?
Customer: Yes, there's another one here. Ah...that one does work...

===============

Tech support: Your password is the small letter "a" as in apple, a capital letter V as in Victor, the number 7.
Customer: Is that 7 in capital letters?

== =============

Customer: I can't get on the Internet.
Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five stars.

===============

Tech support: What anti-virus program do you use?
Customer: Netscape.
Tech support: That's not an anti-virus program.
Customer: Oh, sorry...Internet Explorer.

===============

Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screen saver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears.

===============

Tech support: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Tech support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address, but how do I get the circle around it?

===============

A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
Tech support: Are you running it under windows?
Customer: "No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his printer is working fine."

===============

And last but not least...

Tech support: "Okay ! Bob, let's press the control and escape keys at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the screen. Now type the letter "P" to bring up the Program Manager"
Customer: I don't have a P.
Tech support: On your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: What do you mean?
Tech support: "P".....on your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT!

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Almost there......


ONE MORE FREAKING DAY!!!!!

JUST ONE! UNO MAS! WOOHOO!!


ahem, uh, as I was saying, I'm almost home.

Uh, looking forward to seeing y'all.

remember, I'm using Kuwaiti math......

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Saturday, May 12, 2007

Fund the Troops! Now!!!

Unfortunately, this cartoon is true. WE need to put our collective foot up the @$$&$ of the Democrats in congress and get the funding for our toops taken care of, once and for all.

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMS EVERYWHERE!!




I know the special day is not till tomorrow, but I did not want to take the chance of being late with the greeting:

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL MOMS EVERYWHERE!!


****

For those who are traveling, drive safely. You can check traffic conditions here.
You can find some great poems for mom here.
Last minuet shopping? You know where to go.
Need photos developed? I do it online here.

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Friday, May 11, 2007

Naaahh, I'm not counting......


FOUR MORE DAYS!!!!
And, yes, my math still works. Its 45 minutes into the new day, here.

Additionally, I was just awarded the
Expeditionary Warfare Pin.
The above article describes what the first batch earned. We are the second batch to get pinned.

Our headquarters did not expect so many to qualify.
We are the first Cargo Handling command to earn the pin. The Navy term is "plankowner".

Here's a pic of the first pinning, at FreeRepublic.

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Thursday, May 10, 2007

UCV: We've Only Just Begun!

Exciting News!

Over late spring and early summer you will see some exciting changes in UCV.

Video “Blog-porting”
Perhaps the most exciting news, within the next week, you will begin to see the implementation of “blog-porting.”

UCV “blog-porters” will be going where the action is, to bring you raw footage of things that you won’t get to see on mainstream newscasts; these reports will be shot through the prism of conservative principles.


UCV Call-In
Starting in June, UCV will begin it’s first live, internet-based call-in show. We will bring you the exciting news of the week, with conservative ideas and principles put to the newsmakers. You will have the chance to call in to our live show and add your opinion, and even speak to some of the newsmakers – live!


UCV Podcast
On the horizon for July, UCV will begin to podcast three times a week. We will have commentary on the outstanding news of the day, and events of note, both locally and nationally.

So, stay tuned.

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Wednesday, May 09, 2007

It's a tool for responsible adults

Many people have discussed the carrying of handguns on the news and on the blogs, recently. Here is the best quote I've found on the attitude that gun owners usually have towards the carrying of a weapon. Open carrry or concealed. The Munchkin Wrangler carrys concealed.

Yes, carrying a weapon is a big pain in the ass on the best of days, and it's a downright burden when the temperature outside tops a hundred degrees.Still, it wouldn't occur to me to leave the house without all that gear any more than it would to ride a motorcycle without helmet and armor, or to drive the car without using a seatbelt. It has nothing to do with machismo, or paranoia--it's just another piece of safety gear. There's a fire extinguisher under our kitchen counter, there's an airbag in my steering wheel, and there's a revolver on my belt. It's as simple as that.

Go read the rest of his stuff.

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Who's counting



It's one minute after midnight, my time.

6 MORE DAYS !

See y'all soon.

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Just Wondering...

If liberals are FOR the so-called “separation of church and state” why are they being such useful tools for radical Islam, a sect which believes it is destined to subjugate the world and wishes to impose it’s religious beliefs on all those around it – without exception?

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Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Is Ed Gillespie Leading The Charge For Universal Health Care?

I'm saying a few Hail Mary's, tossing down shots and reaching for the duct tape.



The Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, Ed Gillespie, is also a lobbyist for a team calling themselves the Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform (CAHR). They seem bound and determined to give us Universal Health Care Coverage and to mandate our lifestyles.
Burd also confirmed that one of the coalition’s officers in Washington will be the longtime Republican Party operative Ed Gillespie —
Links to articles:

Reforming Health Care

Over 40 Top Business Leaders Form CAHR In Hopes To Solve World Health Care Issues

Big health insurance push by coalition

After reading these articles this evening my initial reactions are:

1. What the...?

2. Oh my God!

3. Over my dead body!

4. Odd similarity of acronyms: CAHR and CAIR (an islamo-fascist front organization). Hard to believe no one caught that before they went public.

5. And the inevitable: AAARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!

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Virginia Attorney General to Appear on "The O'Riley Factor"

A media advisory just crossed my desk:

**********
Date: 5/8/07

*Advisory*

Attorney General Bob McDonnell Appears on The O’Riley Factor on fox News Tonight

Attorney General Bob McDonnell will be a guest on “The O’Riley Factor tonight on Fox News. He will have a conversation with host Bill O’Riley on the subject of gun laws and mental health reform in the wake of the Virginia Tech shooting. Other topics may be discussed as well. The O’Riley Factor airs at 8pm and 11pm in Virginia and this segment is currently scheduled to run at roughly 8:20PM and 11:20pm.

For more information: http://www.foxnews.com/oriley/

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Sunday, May 06, 2007

Surprise for the Milbloggers

Updated:Army Girl has some thoughts worth reading.
As does Matt over at Blackfive
JR Salzman and his lovely wife Josie were there, and I had a chance to meet both.
I couldn't make it to the conference, and I'll be slowly sharing all my experiences as soon as I get my laptop right again, I have to at least share this with all of you. Click the title.
Andi did a FANTASTIC job as usual.
I had the opportunity to personally thank Soldiers Angels for thier generous donation to VA Tech and for their help with one of my adopted soldiers.
Patti, Holly, Mary Ann and the rest of Soldiers Angels have done so much. It's hard to express how I really feel.
Maggie and I took a tour of the Capitol Buiding Friday afternoon. A first for me. THANKS MAGGIE!!!! You're OK for a Yankee Girl. (She hates it when I call her a Yankee, but she's on a plane back to Boston as I write this.)

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Cargosquid.....Arriving...ding ding


Cargosquid,
arriving.....
16 May.
Anchors will be dropped (well, the aircraft will land) and shore leave granted for the Echo "Eagles" in
9 days.
But who's counting....
Update: MY math is correct. Your mileage will vary.
I'm 7 hours ahead.

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Take A Guess

I found this post on MySpace.com. After reading it, take a guess as to what type of person wrote it before scrolling down further.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

I hate

Current mood: sleepy

I hate all of those stupid surveys everyone seems to be posting

I hate back pain

I hate the war on terrorism

I hate too much responsibility

I hate cat scratches

I hate humidity

I hate the government

I hate yellow jackets (not a coat)

I hate crazy ultra-conservatives

I hate discrimination

I hate squash and liver

I love my life

8:41 PM - 3 comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment



Ready? Would you anticipate an adolescent? The writer at the time of the post was 37 years old. His is a male and currently teaches government classes for public high school seniors in what is arguably the most conservative county in Virginia. He is the faculty advisor to the Gay Straight Alliance at that high school and campaigned openly and unsuccessfully against the Marriage Amendment in 2006.

He certainly strengthens the case for Home Schooling.

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Saturday, May 05, 2007

Rebecca Hoeft

Jim Hoeft, a Virginia blogger at Bearing Drift, lost his sister Rebecca this past week.

Jim had given a bit of himself, a kidney, to her. I know that Rebecca and her family treasured every bit of hope, every moment of time that that wonderful blessing gave them. It was no little thing. It was every thing. It was an act of pure and beautiful love.

Rest in peace, Rebecca.

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Friday, May 04, 2007

Help DMV Fight Driver License And I.D. Fraud

I got this in the mail with my license renewal and thought I would pass it along to readers as well as offer my thanks to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for their efforts to combat the issuance of fraudulent licenses and I.D.'s, a type of CRIMINAL activity associated with illegal immigrants, terrorists, and identity thieves.
Zero Fraud
Our Pledge

The employees of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles are committed to protecting our neighborhoods, our communities and our nation through the lawful issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards.

Report suspicious activities.
The information you provide
protects everyone.

You do not have to leave your name;
however, to be eligible for a cash reward,
please tell us how we may
contact you. The information you provide
by telephone or email will
remain confidential and could be worth
up to $1,000 in a cash award.

1-877-ZERO-FRAUD
(1-877-937-6372)
email: zerofraud@dmv.virginia.gov
web: zerofraud.dmv.virginia.gov
(You do not have to leave your name.)

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Lee Brothers On WRVA 1140AM Saturdays 6:00 a.m.


Start the weekend off with ATTITUDE!
Tune in The Lee Brothers
Richmond VA
Saturday mornings
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Call in number (804) 345-1140
Streaming live on www.1140wrva.com

www.theleebrothers.com
Scott and Richard Lee
"Right Wing, Pro-Life, Pro-Business... Any Questions?"

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Thursday, May 03, 2007

I Think Its A Go

My sources in DC, who are in a position to know, have told me that we can expect an announcement from former Senator Fred Thompson the third week in May.
The key phrase used was "contractual agreements".
In other words, as soon as his contract with L&O is over, he is in.
We all knew this, but I now have solid confirmation.
Look for more over at Conservative Revolution

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Wednesday, May 02, 2007

More comic relief

A couple from my QMCS, in the
training office. He's a fellow conservative, but, not from VA.

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Tuesday, May 01, 2007

More posters







Ok, Ok, here's a few more. Also borrowed from the guys at gunthing.com


Disclaimer: This website does not promote actual violence. The poster is a joke. Get a sense of humor.

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Make your own Demotivator poster



Stolen, uh, borrowed, from the humor forum at gunthing.com. Click above to go see the rest and then go make your own.
Update:
Link fixed.

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Winning the war...Fancy that

Here is Rich Lowery ,in National Review Online, reporting on the insurgency in Anbar province as reported by the NYTimes.
Some quotes:

2) It was a political change that made the difference, with the sheiks shifting their allegiance. That made the military picture entirely different:
With the help of the Anbar sheiks, the military equation immediately became simpler for the Americans in Ramadi.

3) If the political piece of the puzzle was crucial, so was the military. The tribes wanted "financial and military" support. We wouldn't have military support to give unless we were on the ground in Iraq.

So, the tribes wanted financial and MILITARY support. Hey Harry, what happened to "the war can't be won militarily"? It sure as hell can't be won WITHOUT the military. Go read the whole thing.

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Biden: We're Going to Shove It Down His Throat

Joe Biden must have eaten his Wheaties this moring. He's feeling so frisky that he thinks he can MAKE the President sign their surrender package. Via Drudge:

" "Blunt talk from Joe Biden, picked up by C-Span answering a man's question at Jim Clyburn's fish fry April 27 in Columbia, S.C.
Biden is asked what he'll do when Bush, as is expected, vetoes the Iraq funding bill.
First, he talks about his son, and the equipment soldiers need -- "The idea that we're not building new Humvees with the V-shaped things is just crap. Kids are dying that don't have to die."
And: "Second thing is, we're going to shove it down his throat." "

This is what happens when a liberal can't win an argument or force you to do what THEY think you should do: the purveyors of peace advocate violence.

Empy words from an empty-headed man.

Just sickening.

Anyone who cares: Biden's contact info.

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First, Do no harm

We are all saddened by the Viginia Tech tragedy. And we all want to do things that will prevent any future tragedies. Unfortunately, American politicians always feel the need to do ANYTHING, equating any action as a good action. Gov. Kaine has "closed the medical loophole" that "allowed" Cho access to weapons. Has he done so legally however, while protecting the rights of his citizens? The civil rights group, VCDL, emailed me with this alert describing the ramifications of Gov. Kaine's executive order.

Earlier today, Governor Kaine signed an Executive Order (EO) prohibiting another category of people from owning firearms. Kaine's EO would take away gun rights for life of any person adjudicated dangerous, but only ordered to be treated as an OUTPATIENT. (Anyone who is committed as an inpatient currently loses their gun rights already.) So, what's the problem?

1. Kaine's action is probably unconstitutional! If Kaine can just issue an Imperial Decree changing existing law without any debate from our elected representatives, why not just disband the General Assembly, if they aren't needed any more? :-( The proper way to handle a situation like this is for the Governor to call a special session of the General Assembly to address this issue and ask the the General Assembly to modify the law.

2. His EO may appear to be a reasonable restriction because no one wants a violent, insane person to have a gun or any other weapon for that matter. However, what judge in HIS right mind would allow a person who the judge KNOWS to be a danger to himself or to others to be sent home and allowed to do outpatient treatment?!? The judge should commit himself to inpatient treatment for doing such a thing! That's like sending serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer back home but requiring him to attend weekly counseling sessions! If a person is adjudicated dangerous to himself or others, he should be confined, NOT sent home! So you might ask, why would there be ANY patients who were both dangerous AND ordered to do outpatient treatments? Because the judge might believe that the person isn't really 'dangerous,' but the judge feels that the person does desperately need mental help and that the person wouldn't seek such help on his own. So the judge declares the person to be 'dangerous' so that the person can be forced to take the outpatient treatment. Should a person who is not believed to be dangerous by a judge be banned from having guns for the rest of his life?

3. The Governor's edict is retroactive! Thus, if you were treated as an outpatient under a court order thirty years ago and have been fine ever since, you can now no longer BUY, OWN, or POSSESS any firearms. If you do you can be charged with a federal FELONY!

4. The Governor has falsely promised that gun rights could be restored. NOT true. There is no way to get your name off the federal list once Virginia has added you to it, even if you are now perfectly normal. You will be prohibited by federal law from buying or possessing a firearm for the rest of your life. And you may not even realize you are a 'prohibited' person, so when you attempt to purchase a firearm, you may be shocked when you are arrested for lying on the 4473, which is a FELONY.

5. Once you are on the federal mental defect list, you could lose more than your gun rights. Your security clearance could be at risk. Your job too.

6. According to the Washington Post, Attorney General McDonnell said, "We are still in a state of mourning, but now is the time for action." What he's really saying is that he's got to do something, anything, to make it look like the government is doing something. Just another "feel good" measure - and one embraced by Governor Kaine! And talk about rushing to do something - Kaine JUST APPOINTED a commission to look at the mental health problem and make suggestions, but Kaine didn't even wait for the commission to meet! He just charged forward on his political hobbyhorse!

So how did we get into this situation?

Simple - the Court system failed us by not committing the VT murderer to involuntary treatment. As if that wasn't bad enough, the Governor comes along with a knee-jerk solution and compounds the problem by throwing out a huge net to catch such a very rare person. That huge net brings in all kinds of unintended consequences. And it still won't guarantee more government failures that could lead to more murders and mayhem down the road. Lest you think I am exaggerating the negative impact that the Governor's actions will have on those who need help, want help, and are willing to seek help, I will share with you an email I just received from one of our brave Armed Forces members. I have left off the person's name for obvious reasons:

"I came back [from my tour of duty] last fall. I'm very worried that getting advice, counseling, or treatment could have ramifications on my ability to carry, own, and use firearms. I've been diagnosed with "mild PTSD" [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder] and am very anxious that treatment it is going to put me on some list. I believe I can handle the PTSD, if necessary, but it'd be a whole lot easier if there weren't that Sword of Damocles hanging over my head. As it is, I'm treating myself based on information from public sources."

I'll be honest - that email tore me up. Just watching the news and seeing what those men and women go through in protecting this county is enough to give ME mild PTSD! I can't even imagine being at war and living through all that our fighting men and women live through. Yet we put them in a position of being afraid to seek a helping hand in adjusting back to normal, peacetime life! Is this what those who are suffering from emotional stress and trauma, or have common things like depression, get to look forward to? The additional worry of becoming a second-class citizen, disarmed by their own government for seeking help? And what about employment? Those in a position to lose their guns unfairly will now also be in a position to lose their security clearances unfairly, too.

For now, VCDL needs to investigate the whole situation and its implications in more detail. I have been talking to the Attorney General's Office, as well as to the aides of House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith and Delegate John Welch. Things like a temporary injunction come to mind, so that the law can be changed carefully and not in a knee jerk reaction. Letting the General Assembly change the law, if it needs changing at all, in a constitutional way is a necessity, too. ;-) This alert for now is just a 'heads up.' The implications of what is happening could have grave consequences for a lot of innocent people and we are going to be monitoring the situation carefully.

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