A man without honor, he misrepresented (lied!) in public venues that he had served in theater in Viet Nam. He also neglected to mention that he had taken repeated deferments to avoid being drafted during the peak hostilities before joining the Marines. He actually had the chutzpah to make some of his false claims in the halls of veteran’s organizations. Heartfelt thanks are owed to the New York Times for printing the sordid details of Blumenthal’s lies.
To America’s veterans, this is not something one “misspeaks” about. Those who served in any branch, in any war, in any theater, in any duty, clearly remember exactly the details of their service. If they have suffered memory loss, the armed services furnish a DD-214 which clearly outlines forgotten details of their experience. It is a clear, unambiguous record which is supplied every member upon separation. For those who lost the document, the Defense Department will happily furnish a copy to the veteran in about ten days. From personal experience I know it has been in use since at least March of 1955.
It appears that these false claims are not actionable under current statute however, only those who make a false representation of medals given for valorous actions and service fall under that category. Since the Connecticut AG is now running to replace Sen. Chris Dodd, it brings up some strong issues of character which have obviously been previously overlooked. Some pundits are more concerned than others. One came to light today which I admit gave me pause. The conclusion to the article said;
“If he stays in the race, that’s his call – just as it was his call all this time to say he was a courageous combat veteran who “returned” from Vietnam.
But for anyone who lifts a finger to put this man in the United States Senate, for that I find no way to accept. The United States Senate cannot take on the morally dead weight of this candidate without honor.”
That quote comes from one who has a blog but is more easily recognized as a TV show host. Check out his web-site and read his whole piece on the subject. For the first time, this guy and I are in full agreement. Trust me—you won’t believe who wrote it.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Silent Cal
Among twentieth century presidents, one of the most ridiculed has to be Calvin Coolidge. His economy of speech earned him the nick name, “Silent Cal.” The economies of his administration sent the progressives of his day into fits of outrage. He was presented as a “do nothing” president by his critics who thereby shared their lack of knowledge of the founder’s intent with their contemporary counterparts. Coolidge actually understood the US Constitution and the founding principles of the nation—his critics were clueless.
For an example of the former president’s attitudes we look at this quote:
“In a free republic a great government is the product of a great people. They will look to themselves rather than government for success. The destiny, the greatness of America lies around the hearthstone. If thrift and industry are taught there, and the example of self-sacrifice oft appears, if honor abide there, and high ideals, if there the building of fortune be subordinate to the building of character, America will live in security, rejoicing in an abundant prosperity and good government at home and in peace, respect, and confidence abroad. If these virtues be absent there is no power that can supply these blessings. Look well then to the hearthstone, therein all hope for America lies.”
To fully appreciate his remarks, we need to isolate the symbolism of the hearthstone. We may well simply observe the first five letters—h-e-a-r-t. Ninety years ago, that common spot was indeed, the “heart” of many homes. From that isolated location came the warmth against the chill of winter. It was the source of the vital sustenance which provided the energy to face the rigors of life. Above it from various hooks hung vital tools for the maintenance of their very existence: the rifle, the heated water, kitchen tools, a wisk broom, and perhaps a favored picture or two next to the bible on the mantle.
By that reference he assigned the critical importance of family and individual citizens as the driving force for every national purpose. Life has since become far more complex but the original principle has not changed. He fully understood that we are, and continue to be, a nation of laws and not men.
With his parsimonious language, it is unlikely that he could be elected in today’s world of blow dried politicians. It is imperative that on this day, we take his words to heart and follow the lead which he provided if we are to return to the solid greatness of the former nation.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
For an example of the former president’s attitudes we look at this quote:
“In a free republic a great government is the product of a great people. They will look to themselves rather than government for success. The destiny, the greatness of America lies around the hearthstone. If thrift and industry are taught there, and the example of self-sacrifice oft appears, if honor abide there, and high ideals, if there the building of fortune be subordinate to the building of character, America will live in security, rejoicing in an abundant prosperity and good government at home and in peace, respect, and confidence abroad. If these virtues be absent there is no power that can supply these blessings. Look well then to the hearthstone, therein all hope for America lies.”
To fully appreciate his remarks, we need to isolate the symbolism of the hearthstone. We may well simply observe the first five letters—h-e-a-r-t. Ninety years ago, that common spot was indeed, the “heart” of many homes. From that isolated location came the warmth against the chill of winter. It was the source of the vital sustenance which provided the energy to face the rigors of life. Above it from various hooks hung vital tools for the maintenance of their very existence: the rifle, the heated water, kitchen tools, a wisk broom, and perhaps a favored picture or two next to the bible on the mantle.
By that reference he assigned the critical importance of family and individual citizens as the driving force for every national purpose. Life has since become far more complex but the original principle has not changed. He fully understood that we are, and continue to be, a nation of laws and not men.
With his parsimonious language, it is unlikely that he could be elected in today’s world of blow dried politicians. It is imperative that on this day, we take his words to heart and follow the lead which he provided if we are to return to the solid greatness of the former nation.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday Morning Rant 146
The trip to Miami, OK on Sunday had its usual calming affect once the rain stopped. Billy Roberts from Springfield (MO) handled the sermon with accustomed familiarity with the scriptures. He dealt mainly with prophets and concluded that their validation lay in the positive outcome of their predictions and the criteria for designation. It’s great to attend and actually learn something new about subjects so old.
A New and Improved Screen Cleaner
If you want to remove those pesky tiny particles which lurk on the back side of your computer screen, we have found the perfect solution. Just click here and get them cleared up in no time. Go on! Do it! It’s fun!
German Gold Cross of Honor to GI’s in Afghanistan
This story caught my eye because I had not seen it covered by any other news source. It is obviously a praise-worthy moment for both of the nations involved. Here is SFC Chlosta’s account of the event:
“U.S. Soldiers Awarded Highest German Medal for Bravery During Rescue
International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta
05.12.2010 PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAM, KUNDUZ, Afghanistan—Under an overcast sky, on the same airfield where they carried wounded German Soldiers to safety only 5 weeks before, 14 U.S. Soldiers were awarded the highest German medal for bravery, May 12.
International Security Assistance Force Chief of Staff German Army Lt. Gen. Bruno Kasdorf, presented the German Gold Cross of Honor medals to the medical evacuation helicopter pilots and crew from the 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Katterbach, Germany.
The German Gold Cross is equivalent to the U.S. Medal of honor, only four other German Soldiers have ever been awarded it. The medal is for outstanding deeds at the risk of one's life.
The aircrew rescued eleven German Soldiers who had come under attack by insurgents during a dismounted patrol outside the Chahar Dara district, southwest of Kunduz, April 2.”
(continue reading the remarkable account of this rescue---)
National Cowardice
What part of immigration law does the federal government not understand? The illegals understand it well enough to sneak in through the desert where they are less likely to be observed. The leftists understand it well enough to create sanctuary cities where the current laws on foreign traffic are ignored and safety from the feds is provided. The current crop of legal immigrants understand it well enough to realize that they righteously jumped through all the hoops only to see their illegal brethren reap the harvest of benefits with no entitlement. And—to top it all off—the Attorney General, America’s “top cop” is eager to negatively expostulate on a law which he admits he has never read. (SB1070, Arizona)
The people applaud the Arizona response to lack of enforcement of the existing federal statutes while some folks in neighboring states make all sorts of idle threats against the Arizonans who are begging for enforcement. The time is long past for this nation to decide whether it is to be a nation of laws or one ruled by the caprices of men. There are mechanics in place to change the law if one doesn’t like it at the federal level. Failure to enforce is the coward’s way. It is time for the Attorney General to review the oath he swore to.
In this circumstance, boycott is a two way street. If California were to lose the water and electricity supplied by the state of Arizona to their huge population they might become more eager to stay friends with their neighbors plus gaining some appreciation of how childish their behavior in this regard actually is. If you don’t like the law—change it! If you can’t—live with it! Otherwise—live in the dark and thirsty to boot!
And finally,
Years ago, absolute courage was stated as one “who would take on a bear with a buggy whip.” That pretty much describes my dog Maggie. At sixty pounds, with unbelievable agility, stamina, speed, and a highly protective nature, she is a watch dog extraordinaire. Her loyalty to her human family is exceptional. Her little buddy “Gus”, although much noisier acts as her voice and constitutes an early warning system for intruders who would disrupt the peaceful tranquility here on the ridge. Strange autos and trucks, herds (as many as thirty) of strange cattle, assorted wild critters and rare persons on foot are wise to retreat at her appearance. So, where is the chink in her armor?
Our recent spate of storms has provided the recurrence of the only thing which she fears—thunder! During our waking hours she finds a place under one of the computer desks at our feet. Later, after we retire she seeks our bed and settles in between us with the vain notion that she is thereby protected. Therefore, we keep an older light quilt on the bed in anticipation of her activity. Once the tumult is passed she returns to her spot on the floor at the foot of the bed. It is an accommodation which we both agree is the least we can do for her otherwise stellar service.
Although complimented, I never cease to be amazed at her confidence that I could possibly protect her from a rampaging storm. If it eases her fears, that’s good enough for me.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
A New and Improved Screen Cleaner
If you want to remove those pesky tiny particles which lurk on the back side of your computer screen, we have found the perfect solution. Just click here and get them cleared up in no time. Go on! Do it! It’s fun!
German Gold Cross of Honor to GI’s in Afghanistan
This story caught my eye because I had not seen it covered by any other news source. It is obviously a praise-worthy moment for both of the nations involved. Here is SFC Chlosta’s account of the event:
“U.S. Soldiers Awarded Highest German Medal for Bravery During Rescue
International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta
05.12.2010 PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAM, KUNDUZ, Afghanistan—Under an overcast sky, on the same airfield where they carried wounded German Soldiers to safety only 5 weeks before, 14 U.S. Soldiers were awarded the highest German medal for bravery, May 12.
International Security Assistance Force Chief of Staff German Army Lt. Gen. Bruno Kasdorf, presented the German Gold Cross of Honor medals to the medical evacuation helicopter pilots and crew from the 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Katterbach, Germany.
The German Gold Cross is equivalent to the U.S. Medal of honor, only four other German Soldiers have ever been awarded it. The medal is for outstanding deeds at the risk of one's life.
The aircrew rescued eleven German Soldiers who had come under attack by insurgents during a dismounted patrol outside the Chahar Dara district, southwest of Kunduz, April 2.”
(continue reading the remarkable account of this rescue---)
National Cowardice
What part of immigration law does the federal government not understand? The illegals understand it well enough to sneak in through the desert where they are less likely to be observed. The leftists understand it well enough to create sanctuary cities where the current laws on foreign traffic are ignored and safety from the feds is provided. The current crop of legal immigrants understand it well enough to realize that they righteously jumped through all the hoops only to see their illegal brethren reap the harvest of benefits with no entitlement. And—to top it all off—the Attorney General, America’s “top cop” is eager to negatively expostulate on a law which he admits he has never read. (SB1070, Arizona)
The people applaud the Arizona response to lack of enforcement of the existing federal statutes while some folks in neighboring states make all sorts of idle threats against the Arizonans who are begging for enforcement. The time is long past for this nation to decide whether it is to be a nation of laws or one ruled by the caprices of men. There are mechanics in place to change the law if one doesn’t like it at the federal level. Failure to enforce is the coward’s way. It is time for the Attorney General to review the oath he swore to.
In this circumstance, boycott is a two way street. If California were to lose the water and electricity supplied by the state of Arizona to their huge population they might become more eager to stay friends with their neighbors plus gaining some appreciation of how childish their behavior in this regard actually is. If you don’t like the law—change it! If you can’t—live with it! Otherwise—live in the dark and thirsty to boot!
And finally,
Years ago, absolute courage was stated as one “who would take on a bear with a buggy whip.” That pretty much describes my dog Maggie. At sixty pounds, with unbelievable agility, stamina, speed, and a highly protective nature, she is a watch dog extraordinaire. Her loyalty to her human family is exceptional. Her little buddy “Gus”, although much noisier acts as her voice and constitutes an early warning system for intruders who would disrupt the peaceful tranquility here on the ridge. Strange autos and trucks, herds (as many as thirty) of strange cattle, assorted wild critters and rare persons on foot are wise to retreat at her appearance. So, where is the chink in her armor?
Our recent spate of storms has provided the recurrence of the only thing which she fears—thunder! During our waking hours she finds a place under one of the computer desks at our feet. Later, after we retire she seeks our bed and settles in between us with the vain notion that she is thereby protected. Therefore, we keep an older light quilt on the bed in anticipation of her activity. Once the tumult is passed she returns to her spot on the floor at the foot of the bed. It is an accommodation which we both agree is the least we can do for her otherwise stellar service.
Although complimented, I never cease to be amazed at her confidence that I could possibly protect her from a rampaging storm. If it eases her fears, that’s good enough for me.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
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