What’s In a Name?

  
At the risk of being declared bigoted, racist, prejudiced, and a complete diversity dunce, I would suggest an observational exercise for the Department of Homeland Security. Rather than seeking silver-haired grannies from Dubuque and red-headed little kids to harass during pre-flight inspections, might they try reading a list of actual terrorists who have put your country and its citizens in danger over the last few years. Just glance at it and see if you don’t agree that they share certain characteristics that might warrant additional scrutiny.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
Mohamed Atta al Sayed
Waleed al-Shehri
Wail al-Shehri
Abdulaziz al-Omari
Satam al-Suqami
Marwan al-Shehhi
Fayez Banihammad
Mohand al-Shehri
Hamza al-Ghamdi
Ahmed al-Ghamdi
Hani Hanjour
Khalid al-Mihdhar
Majed Moqed
Nawaf al-Hazmi
Salem al-Hazmi
Ziad Jarrah
Ahmed al-Haznawi
Ahmed al-Nami
Saeed al-Ghamdi
Abdul Raheem
Nazamuddin Mohammidy


Sounds pretty much like the starting line-up for the Green Bay Packers, right? Maybe it’s closer to the membership list at your local Baptist (Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc.) Church. Oh, I know; it’s your Christmas card list.

Is there a chance that there might possibly be a common thread here? Not in the totally ridiculous world of today’s bureaucrats. They were all weaned on a steady diet of diverse attitudes which provoke ignorance of the actual world in which they live. You don’t have to be carrying a prayer rug and a Koran to be identified as an Islamist—or, be a client of Hertz-rent-a-camel. Your driver’s license is sufficient to at least warrant a nod from the most clueless airport inspector with TSA.

I have, in thinking through the problem, finally figured out a way to insure absolute security for those in the endless lines at the airports. On a purely random basis, select a TSA employee to take the next plane out along with those he has just cleared as not presenting a danger. That should take the emphasis off maple syrup and hair gel and bring a new level of actual security measures into the arena. Prompted by the fear of death at the hands of a likely suspect and not some businessman with a pint of scotch secreted on his person, they might come to realize the importance of racial/religious/national associations. One slip-up by an inspector would then become a matter of concern for each person involved in the process. Profiling might well become the order of the day if the screener’s own precious life is on the line.

You and I don’t invite every nut we can find to ride beside us in our automobiles, why should we condone a lesser security on an airplane? I do not propose this change facetiously. Come at dawn and grab Janet Napolitano and take her to the airport for a ride and watch our internal security improve exponentially. Suddenly, those passengers with residual sand in their shoes would become more obvious candidates for extreme examination.

I am grateful to Hack Wilson for providing the above list of terrorists who posed a threat and met with varying degrees of success in attacking “the great satan.” Check his website for more, and maybe even better, ideas to combat the perils facing America in today’s very dangerous world.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

A Successful Wrecking Ball

  
Granny and I were having a serious discussion this evening on the advent of the new, and hopefully, much improved New Year. The subject matter, as it often does, drifted to a more positive view of the president. After all, we do want to be fair and balanced. Basically, we settled on the proposition that no man, no matter how clumsy, could screw up absolutely everything. What then, were his major accomplishments during his 11 months in office? We scratched our collective heads and put on our thinking caps because the search would require some in-depth cogitation.

Near the top of the list is the fact that when he mistook a White House window for a door and walked into it, he managed the feat without breaking the window. That may not count because it is my understanding that windows in the White House are actually made of a clear bullet proof material which can withstand gunfire.

He managed to pick a family dog, much to the relief of animal lovers, which, even though pedigreed, is still a dog. The best part of the transaction was the fact the mutt had a European (Portuguese water dog) background and wasn’t from Africa or some Islamic country. We were all willing to overlook the fact that there are tens of thousands of dogs nationwide which are in rescue shelters and need a home. At the least now his kids have someone to chase a ball. It does raise the question of whether there is now a resident White House veterinarian on staff.

During the affirmation of the oath of office, he managed to outshine Chief Justice Roberts, who bungled the inauguration ceremony. Would we expect less from a professor of Constitutional Law?

Over the past 11 months he has done wonders to establish the brand identity of “Teleprompter” in the national awareness. In the political arena, it is a ubiquitous but highly necessary device and deserves all the attention it can get. It also provided an opportunity for another acronym; TOPUS. Here, let me be perfectly clear, it eliminates many “ers” and “uhs.” It does not, however, eliminate embarrassing questions from the floor. Oh, that’s right, they are not allowed.

In a remarkable effort to promote civility and diversity, he engineered the famous “Beer Summit” on the White House lawn. In an unusual display he was able to meld academia and law enforcement—and beer. By bringing the “guys” together in a social setting he also deflected the usual anxieties of a “town and gown” culture. One can only assume that all charges were dropped against Gates.

In a major coup, his mere presence in Denmark was able to save Chicago billions of dollars in preparing for an Olympic Games which will now not occur. They could have been saddled with major traffic problems, swollen hotel accommodations, and a severe strain on private businesses to keep up with the increased visitor load. They are now able to continue filling the Chicago River with corpses from “accidental” deaths.

In a rare demonstration of acknowledgment of local customs he made trips abroad and proved that US presidents can bow with the best of them. From vertical to an exact 90º he also served as a physical specimen that millions of Americans may well wish to emulate. His only remaining accomplishment in that department will be to remember which hand you shake when greeting Arabic rulers. I’ll not remind you why that is important. Just take my word for it.

Ever the teacher, he has educated America to the “Chicago Way.” Mired as we were with old-fashioned constitutional mandates, many in Washington have come to learn of intimidation, goon squads, strong-arm tactics, community organizing, and the ever popular “lean on him.” By associating only with the finest instructors—Ayers, Mayor Daley, Rev. Wright, Tony Rezko, et al—he was able to refine the Alinsky techniques in record time. In brief, every one in the US will become familiar with these methods.

In a continuance of “teaching moments,” he has been an inspiration to school children nationwide by inspiring them to seek the Obama-inspired arts. He took the trouble to provide teaching materials, show up in classrooms, inspire videos, have new songs and routines written and generally be a “hands on” role model. Who would not be motivated by such a charismatic leader?

In the process of becoming a populist president, he has invited ordinary citizens on White House tours to join him for a bite of breakfast. He didn’t say but it appears a good way to take the pulse of the people. No comment was available from his Secret Service protectors on the subject.

There now, don’t you feel better knowing that our president has much to recommend him? Although difficult to believe sometimes, there is a real, warm human being beneath the mantle of responsibility which is the presidency. It is amazing what you can do with a couple of beers here, and a breakfast there, to gain the confidence of the people. He might be well advised to further emphasize that approach instead of struggling with balky congress critters.

Gee whiz, I feel better now that we have had an inventory of the great things which our leader in Washington has achieved in his first year in office. Don’t you?

Have a happy new year and remember to vote this coming November. It is our civic duty.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon


This is cross-posted on Conservative Firestorm

All the News that’s NOT Fit to Print

  
New Year’s Eve, the occasion when everybody and his brother who has a keyboard or a camera takes the opportunity to make a list. Generally, it celebrates accomplishments which have occurred over the past year. In this case, it is also appropriate to chronicle the happenings of a decade. We shall concentrate on the year because the decade has become history while the year continues to present current problems.

The purpose then is to fill the gap for those who are dependent upon ABC/CBS/NBC/MSNBC/CNN/New York Times/Washington Post as their sole source of “news.” If you live in some backward area (NYC, Washington, NE corridor or the left coast) and have no access to Fox News or the internet, this is primarily for your benefit. Freedom of the press is limited by what ever pap the various news services choose to shovel your way. On this list, however, Fox News has released major stories which were completely ignored or under reported by the mainstream press.

We say ignored but in some cases they did actually report some of the details—well after the fact. When the general knowledge became saturated in the public mind, then, and only then, did they deign to impart their information and consequent spin.

The Tea Parties are, perhaps, the best example. 800,000 people is a crowd which is hard to cover up and render invisible. On 9/12, the silence from the media was deafening. Most major events attract an armada of sound trucks and camera platforms from every news agency. To their credit, CNN had a bus parked next to the Fox News fleet but that was the only indication they were there.

When challenged to actually mention the attendance at the rally on the Capitol steps which spilled past the reflecting pool and down the mall and the hours-long packed parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, the event was grossly under-reported. The press of the crowd was constant from 8 AM until late in the afternoon. The occasion of simultaneous events staged through out the country never made it to the evening news. Subsequent visits to town hall meetings with congressional representatives and local Tea Parties by outraged constituents were downplayed as minor blips by the media.

As you check on the link and review the other egregious omissions, observe that the mainstream media failures amount to little more than a cover-up. Van Jones, Charles Freeman, NEA, John Holdren and Kevin Jennings are not frequently mentioned except on reportage of their replacement or chastisement. Climate-gate, Acorn, and recipients of stimulus money are non-issues in the mind of the media elite. Apparently their absence in the news is an indication that they are normal, civic minded citizens and create situations which require no scrutiny. Rarely do you hear any of these stories which include words like fraudulent, Marxist, deviant, or un-American. All of their sins are suddenly “washed away” and they become victims of right-wing extremists.

One event which was not included was the exclusion of details which supported the role of Major Hasan at Fort Hood as the radical Islamic extremist murderer which he has proven to be. The media behavior in skirting the obvious truly is one of the best examples of failure on their part. It appears that a B+ is the grade which they would self-apply to be consistent with the president.

The damning evidence then is not what was reported but rather that which was not. While it is not unpredictable that these were not mentioned, it is shameful. Further, it is a childish device to deny reality in the belief it will disappear if not mentioned. As burgeoning interest in the frailty of our current administration is leaked to the population one would think that accurate reportage would gain more readers/viewers and increase the bottom line for these news agencies. All people want to hear and see is the truth. It seems that power is more important than money.

To foolishly wish for a more balanced future political outlook on the part of the media is unrealistic. Continue to keep visiting your favorite blogs, Fox News, and that hand full of print sources which do not fear “hope and change.” It may not make your New Year happier but at least you’ll know the truth.

Happy New Year!


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Interesting Factoids

Polling statistics from Rasmussen are the very best available. We maintain that fact based on past results of polling compared to actual election results and the fact that Rasmussen polls on registered voters who are declared “likely to vote.” In addition, they use an automated telephone polling system which does not involve live operators who would have the opportunity to give either direct or subtle direction to the respondents. Most results are within the 3% +/- range.

For example, they have been polling the approval of Obama by using the “strongly approve” vs. “strongly disapprove” method. On January 22nd, his numbers indicated a strongly approve factor of +30% on that index. On June 23rd, the difference was 0 for the first time and wavered until June 30th when the difference was -2%. It has not been positive as much as one day since. On November 15th, the difference went to minus double-digits and has remained there since. The -21% on December 22, was the lowest recorded and is -15% today. The difference between the starting point and now is 45%. The indicators of consistent trends are more dependable than individual statistics.

To follow this polling on a daily basis, click here for Rasmussen.

One of the more interesting quotes from Rasmussen was this one. “Today, 46% of government employees say the economy is getting better while just 31% say it’s getting worse. Among those who work in the private sector, the numbers are reversed: 32% say better and 49% worse.” Speaking as one whose wife has been unable to work for the last three months, I am more comfortable (or uncomfortable) with the 49% number.

That’s not hard to figure out. If you are employed with a government job and just got a raise or promotion, things are looking pretty good—for you. On the other hand, if you or your brother or your wife just got laid-off, you are probably struggling to see how you can make ends meet. It also informs us as to why the government is so ineffective at solving our current problems. If they foolishly think things are getting better that would mean they are blind to the real problems which surround the citizenry. I believe that is what they mean when they say the “government is out of touch.”

In the “wages of sin” department, the infamous Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska who garnered a sweetheart deal for Nebraskans on Health Care, came up short in the approval/disapproval rankings. When compared to Governor Dave Heineman, it was only 30% for the senator and a whopping 61% for the governor. Apparently, Nebraskans have more character than the senator imagined and are not ruled by self interest.

I highly recommend checking these numbers as therapy. Just when you think that America is in hopeless straits, you find that you share your opinion with millions of your fellow citizens and it raises your hopes for the nation. Perhaps the people are not so much the victims of ignorance as we imagine. Some of the opinion polls demonstrate some very sound thinking.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

“But “Ossifer”, I only Had One Beer!”

  

During the glorious twenty-nine years of recovery from alcoholism I have spent endless hours in meeting rooms, coffee shops, drunk tanks, and private conversations with guys who had to be led to understand that they were booze soaked sots. I have heard every lame excuse for excessive drinking which man can dream up. I recognize the slurred speech, repetition of words, hand waving, illogical arguments and abject self centeredness which typifies a drunk. While not a certified, credentialed, lettered person with sealed diplomas on the wall, I have paid my dues and feel qualified to “call ‘em as I see ‘em.”

In this video we introduce you to another side of the “distinguished” senator from Montana, Max Baucus. Watch this piece and see for yourself the embarrassing spectacle of a United States Senator drunk in that hallowed chamber. It is a classic example of a man who has very obviously had too much to drink and we find him maudlin, hostile, rude, and extremely combative. Please click on this link and see for yourself.

Interestingly, the subject of his remarks was the lack of cooperation he received from “across the aisle” to formulate the absolute worst unconstitutional piece of highway robbery ever presented to that august body. The federal takeover of 16% of the US economy is defended by the drunken Baucus as a boon to the citizens instead of honestly being presented as the socialized medicine boondoggle which it actually is. Especially interesting is that during his last campaign 89% of his available funds came from pharmaceutical and other medically oriented interests outside Montana. In his defense, any one who could defend this atrocious legislation would have to be drunk. He was!

As you view the tape, you will have an unparalleled opportunity to see a familiar figure defeated by booze. He is a man, familiar with argumentation and debate in a sober state, reduced to shouting and hyperbole in his alcohol induced condition.

The sixty-eight year old Baucus has been in public service all of his adult life since graduating from Stanford, with the exception of three years as a lawyer. Although he owns several properties in Montana plus a recently acquired half interest in a home there, he is actually a resident of Georgetown and only “visits” his home state. Earlier this year, he gained considerable attention when he promoted his girl friend, Melodee Hanes for a federal judgeship in Montana and later backed off. He is currently in the process of divorcing his second wife.

As a recovering alcoholic, I hold no animus to those who can drink responsibly and enjoy a toddy now and then. Many of my sane friends can do just that without wrecking cars, going broke and destroying marriages. Those same friends also don’t get up on the floor of the United States Senate and make fools of themselves. There are times in a man’s life when he has to make some serious choices. For Max Baucus, this may well be one of those occasions.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Monday Morning Rant 125

  
Well, did you have a good Christmas? Ours was a time of good rest, faithful friends, and thanksgiving for our many blessings. Our pastor reminded us this morning that it is a “season.” More than just “eve” and “day,” it represents a prolonged exposure to the fulfillment of prophecy and the realization of the Son of God making his first earthly appearance. After all, He is the reason we have this blessed time of year.

I’ll not be asking how your year went. I already know. Superficially, it may have looked normal but we both realize that it went downhill in a number of areas. I will take a look at it in a later post but for now I’ll settle for being alive, having a wife on the mend, not being completely broke, and thanking God for the stamina to put up with things as they are.

On TSA, Homeland Security and other failed enterprises

In the interest of keeping my sanity, my person, and my integrity intact, I do not fly. At my stage of life I have vowed that if I can’t drive there: I don’t go there. I have seen all of the world beyond the seas which I care to. My last flight was one-way to Hawaii to link up with the Fitzgerald (DDG-62) for a Tiger cruise on that destroyer to San Diego. It was well worth the time, trouble and inconvenience.

Over the weekend, an Islamic terrorist from Nigeria made a “failed” attempt to blow up a plane as it landed in Detroit. The explosion didn’t occur but the terror took place anyway. Much has been heard from Washington about how this somehow reflects favorably on the department of Homeland Security.

Apparently the word terrorist is not well understood in DC. It may be safely understood that any attack on any American anywhere causes a measure of fear in all Americans. The assumption that we are all easy targets is at the root of that terror. Each time a radical Islamic extremist slips through the security net, it lessens our confidence in the agencies that are sworn to protect the citizens. This in turn heightens our mutual fears for ourselves and kindred and therefore achieves the desired intent of the terrorist. If this zealot had been successful, it would have been a horrible tragedy but it still damages the country to know that his penetration of our protective wall was accomplished at all.

Mr. Abdulmutallab’s father ratted him out some time ago and firmly identified him as a Muslim extremist. He was then placed on a watch list with 550,000 others with that dubious distinction. Theoretically, his name could be checked on that list and he could be be forbidden to fly on a commercial flight. The president’s press secretary pled that huge number made bringing up the information extremely difficult due to that vast number. To test that theory, I just Googled “Abdulmutallab” and had 411,000 returns in 0.21 seconds. To further emphasize the rank stupidity of Gibb’s remark; I am using Windows 98, with IE 6, on a satellite link which downloads at 56 kps. My computer is an antique! It takes far longer to enter the name than it does to get the information. Yes, this is the same government that just paid $19,000,000 to set up web site on the internet which still doesn’t work.

Mrs. Napalitano, director of DHS, is claiming the airport security system works! Perhaps in some parallel universe it is satisfactory but surely not in this one. If your goal is throwing away granny’s hair gel, seizing a nail clipper from a teenie-bopper or exposing a hole in your sock, it works really well; thwarting terrorists--not so much. One wonders how long it will take her to recommend civilian criminal law to deal with this cretin. Her main thrust has been to seek remedies after the fact to dispose of those charged but encompasses little in the way of actual constructive defensive measures to prevent terrorism. The primary result has been to turn airline travel into a punch line for late night comedians and make little difference in actual security. Mr. Abdulmutallab was on the plane. What further proof is necessary?

The absolute result of this fiasco should be the immediate dismissal of Janet Napalitano to be replaced by one of the many un-employed professionals we have idle. If nothing else, can we now have air marshals on the planes so that we don’t have to depend on some guy from Holland to do the dirty work? Oh, I forgot, Obama has them all committed to join his private army.

Greetings

This was lifted from a piece by Andy McCarthy on NRO and it was too good not to filch:

“To All My Liberal Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To All My Conservative Friends:

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

And Finally

This patch we call home on Buzzard’s Ridge underwent a transformation which started about the time I finished the annual reading of “King Robert of Sicily” on Christmas Eve.

At first it was a light coating of ice and then the temperature dropped to about 15º and the world went white. When we awoke, we had a beautiful 3”+ with a breeze shaping the snow into moraines and gullies. We rolled over and went back to sleep.

When we finally ventured out to walk the dogs we remembered that they were unfamiliar with this rarity. There is nothing quite as funny as a dog using his nose as a snow plow. Shortly thereafter, we discovered that the 100 watt bulb in the well house had burnt out, the water froze and the joy of the winter idyll ended abruptly. We lucked out because after I placed the double wicked propane lantern in the well house we soon had our water back. It was a close call since nothing ruptured, but, also, very good training for the winter to come. Normally a 100 watt bulb will protect to -5º since the tiny house is extremely well insulated. I’m not sure what we’ll do when they are outlawed completely.

The rest of the day was spent rejoicing; gorging on T-bones (we’ll save the turkey for New Years) and pies, and making sure the birds were also well fed. God’s in His heaven and all’s right with the world. Mostly!


On His abiding love,

Cecil Moon