Born during the administration of Herbert Hoover, I confess I have no recollection of him. Roosevelt’s inauguration was about two months before my first birthday and he was the only president our country had for the next twelve years. In the interval, the presidents have been Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush (G.H.W.), Clinton, Bush (G. W.), and Barack Hussein Obama.
Of these fourteen men, we note that there is an even split of party affiliation with consecutive shared result due to elevation of the vice president because of either death or resignation with only one exception—Reagan/Bush. May we assume that incumbency is no guarantee of re-election to the nation’s highest office? We are a fickle people who appear to be looking for solutions by installing new management. Unfortunately, few folks really examine the potential chief executive based upon facts which indicate policy and governing style and it has often turned into little more than a beauty contest. In some cases, that has had a successful result—in others, not so much.
Depending upon your personal politics, you will probably view the list from that perspective and your approval of these men will vary from your neighbor. No matter how wise or bone-headed they may appear, consistent with your personal view, almost all shared at least momentarily, a measure of patriotism and support for the stated goals sought for America by its founders. They came equipped to honor our traditions and history in public and appeared unembarrassed to do so. All came to the office with substantial executive or legislative experience and picked vice-presidents of capable stature as well. Only one, Roosevelt, chose a running mate with legitimate Communist credentials, Henry A. Wallace (’41-’45,) to be replaced by Truman in ’45. Wallace was the highest person in government with that background until the present day. Collectively, their service in time of war either as former participants or as Commander in Chief was worthy of notice and expressed their feelings for their country as defenders. In some cases, that experience was the making of the man as it often is.
With that exceptional shared background, one might seriously question the results of the latest addition to the oval office roster. If ever there was a “beauty contest” gone wrong, we are currently experiencing it. Even among the most wrong-headed of former presidents, there were none so blatant in expressing disdain for our country, its system of laws, and the will of the people.
As a conservative, I found Jimmy Carter a distasteful president but was never tempted to accuse him of plotting the intentional destruction of the republic. Like the sainted Jack Kennedy, he was a Navy veteran, and understood the underpinnings of a constitutional republic. Lyndon Johnson, although not a favorite during his time in office, proved to be removed from the push to cede Viet Nam and did a worthy thing by refusing to seek another term rather than send more men to their deaths in that war. Each of these individuals demonstrated a singular characteristic—conscience. They were each man enough to stand against the enemies of the nation at one time or another. For all his faults, even Clinton understood the requirements of a patriotic stance. This is a character component which is not to found in the current president.
Recognizing American exceptionalism does not depend upon prior military service although it is a plus. A severely handicapped Roosevelt could hardly have been expected to “join up.” Many of our earliest presidents found themselves thrust into the heat of battle at one time or another whether by choice or not. America has been the object of aggression from its earliest days and avoiding conflict has been nearly impossible. Ever since the American Revolution a huge variety of nations have sought to take unfair advantage of our growing pains. There is little evidence to support any desire on the part of this president to sustain the military superiority of our nation. Rather than a sustained and mighty effort he has offered instead a “time line” for the cessation of hostilities. That comprises then a “get of jail free” card for an ambitious aggressor.
Hostile action is only one of the ways which are utilized to destroy our exceptionalism. The continued “Balkanization” of our society through emphasis on the differences among our peoples whether through focusing on color, national origin, economic structure, or gender serve only to weaken our mutual strength. Rather than recognize the importance of how well such a diverse nation’s people get along he has chosen the path of separation of each individual group. It is an age old strategy of divide and conquer. His prior significant experience was with ACORN, an organization dedicated to a unilateral approach to solving social problems of a favored group. To counter this dangerous attitude, we must as a people, exercise our opportunity for free association and recognize the worth of individuals based upon their unique assets and their contribution to society regardless of those characteristics which he would use to divide us. We cannot afford prejudice in any of its ugly presentations.
We can no longer afford to indulge our tendencies to “go along to get along.” When faced with lies, deception, and unreasonable fiscal activity, we must become aroused and do every thing in our power to protest. We have reached a point where prudence does not allow us to just say, “Let George do it.” The long stifled conversations with family and friends must come to a halt. We must, as true Americans, take the fight for the restoration of this republic directly to our enemy. Our nation was founded by men of peace who recognized a threat to their God given rights and gave of their best to correct those wrongs. Are we less than the men of Concord, Lexington, and Bunker Hill?
I truly believe that the American people, once informed and alert will come to their own rescue. It has been thus since the day of our founding and this nation will only continue if we can manage to defend ourselves from our own leaders. We are not a democracy. We are a constitutional republic with a sacred documnet which outlines our rights given by nature’s God. These rights are well understood by those who seek to destroy us and we, as citizens, must understand them also.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thoughts in Passing
Upon reading the list of thirteen charges of unethical behavior which the ethics committee found Congressman Charlie Rangel guilty, it appears that they will deliver a “reprimand.” Not all of the Democrats agree. Murphy (D-PA-08), Sutton (D-OH), and Minnick (D-ID) all registered a preference for the resignation of the congressman. It is safe to believe that each one has a view overshadowed by the presence of a very real threat from the Republicans in their home district with the challengers each looking good in the polls and strongly favored in the upcoming election. Did anyone seriously expect more from the Democratically controlled committee? Ah there’s nothing quite like the hint of hot breath on your neck in a race to get your attention.
So the president decided to go on “The View.” With things going swimmingly around the White House he ventured out to “people” land to share his wisdom with “just folks.” He then proceeded to horrify the world by describing his “black” heritage as mongrel. Give him credit; he did not refer to himself as a cur. Considering his well-established background as half white, 43.75% arab and 6.25% black perhaps “mutt” would have been a better word. What is this guy thinking? After eighteen months may we now conclude that he is helpless without a teleprompter?
I happen to share my quarters with a marvelous friend of mixed ancestry—Rottweiler and red-bone hound. She is an absolutely beautiful slick coated reddish brown creature who I adore. Even though of mixed ancestry, I would never refer to her as a mongrel. It has a pejorative sense in current usage which insults her and our relationship. The president on the other hand—not so much.
Before we leave “The View” let’s give some thought to why the president went there in the first place. Nothing happens without a reason and in this case it is clear: they draw an audience which is made up of 79% women. This demographic has been sagging over the last year from 59% approval in 2009 to a mere 46% approval currently. One can only wish to ever see the demographic which describes the unemployed who watch “The View.” While we are at it: who are the 21% of guys who watch that show?
Ed Morrissey has an interesting piece on Hot Air which concerns the US Coast Guard response to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig fire, subsequent explosions and finally the sinking of the platform and rupture of the pipe. For his in depth look, click here.
For the short version, it appears that the USCG did not follow their own strictly drawn procedures for an occurrence such as Deepwater. The Coast Guard does not allocate manpower and equipment to actually fight fires but rather puts an expert on the scene to direct the existing personnel and manage the fire. This did not happen in this particular circumstance. During the vital early hours of the fire, with proper equipment not immediately available, they were left to fight only with the readily available sea water at hand. In a mile deep well, one does not use a “planted” rig but rather one which floats. As the huge volume of water was doused on the flames, an imbalance was created on the “craft” by leakage into areas not intended to hold water. This no doubt created the problem which eventually sunk the rig. Under ideal circumstance they would have used AFFF (Aqueous film forming foam) which does not create the problems of imbalance. By using the sea water, everything was thrown out of kilter and the rig sank, tearing the pipe in two and dumping tens of thousands of gallons of oil into the sea.
In the course of investigation we learn that Coast Guard resources have been under budgeted and drastic reductions in men, ships and other equipment and management capacity have occurred as a result. With current government attempting to manage each and every miniscule aspect of our lives one can only question why the Coast Guard was unable to furnish their “expert.” We also question the failure by the administration to accept the appropriate vessels offered by foreign entities who generously offered them early on. This was accompanied by resistance by the White House to use skimmers, booms, and ships dedicated to oil retrieval from the sea with pointless insistence on equipment presence and general nitpicking became the norm.
After all of this we are now informed that there is little evidence of problems still existing which reconcile with the predicted immensity of the tragedy. How is that possible? Did the oil not cooperate and just form a huge bubble and steadily seep to the top to be recovered? This entire matter will continue to fascinate as more investigations reveal even more irreconcilable facts and questionable behavior.
At one point the president asserted he would continue “to hold his foot on the necks” of those responsible. It is beginning to appear that this will require a gymnastic maneuver of Olympic proportions since much of this is beginning to point at him. He is the Commander in Chief you know.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
So the president decided to go on “The View.” With things going swimmingly around the White House he ventured out to “people” land to share his wisdom with “just folks.” He then proceeded to horrify the world by describing his “black” heritage as mongrel. Give him credit; he did not refer to himself as a cur. Considering his well-established background as half white, 43.75% arab and 6.25% black perhaps “mutt” would have been a better word. What is this guy thinking? After eighteen months may we now conclude that he is helpless without a teleprompter?
I happen to share my quarters with a marvelous friend of mixed ancestry—Rottweiler and red-bone hound. She is an absolutely beautiful slick coated reddish brown creature who I adore. Even though of mixed ancestry, I would never refer to her as a mongrel. It has a pejorative sense in current usage which insults her and our relationship. The president on the other hand—not so much.
Before we leave “The View” let’s give some thought to why the president went there in the first place. Nothing happens without a reason and in this case it is clear: they draw an audience which is made up of 79% women. This demographic has been sagging over the last year from 59% approval in 2009 to a mere 46% approval currently. One can only wish to ever see the demographic which describes the unemployed who watch “The View.” While we are at it: who are the 21% of guys who watch that show?
Ed Morrissey has an interesting piece on Hot Air which concerns the US Coast Guard response to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig fire, subsequent explosions and finally the sinking of the platform and rupture of the pipe. For his in depth look, click here.
For the short version, it appears that the USCG did not follow their own strictly drawn procedures for an occurrence such as Deepwater. The Coast Guard does not allocate manpower and equipment to actually fight fires but rather puts an expert on the scene to direct the existing personnel and manage the fire. This did not happen in this particular circumstance. During the vital early hours of the fire, with proper equipment not immediately available, they were left to fight only with the readily available sea water at hand. In a mile deep well, one does not use a “planted” rig but rather one which floats. As the huge volume of water was doused on the flames, an imbalance was created on the “craft” by leakage into areas not intended to hold water. This no doubt created the problem which eventually sunk the rig. Under ideal circumstance they would have used AFFF (Aqueous film forming foam) which does not create the problems of imbalance. By using the sea water, everything was thrown out of kilter and the rig sank, tearing the pipe in two and dumping tens of thousands of gallons of oil into the sea.
In the course of investigation we learn that Coast Guard resources have been under budgeted and drastic reductions in men, ships and other equipment and management capacity have occurred as a result. With current government attempting to manage each and every miniscule aspect of our lives one can only question why the Coast Guard was unable to furnish their “expert.” We also question the failure by the administration to accept the appropriate vessels offered by foreign entities who generously offered them early on. This was accompanied by resistance by the White House to use skimmers, booms, and ships dedicated to oil retrieval from the sea with pointless insistence on equipment presence and general nitpicking became the norm.
After all of this we are now informed that there is little evidence of problems still existing which reconcile with the predicted immensity of the tragedy. How is that possible? Did the oil not cooperate and just form a huge bubble and steadily seep to the top to be recovered? This entire matter will continue to fascinate as more investigations reveal even more irreconcilable facts and questionable behavior.
At one point the president asserted he would continue “to hold his foot on the necks” of those responsible. It is beginning to appear that this will require a gymnastic maneuver of Olympic proportions since much of this is beginning to point at him. He is the Commander in Chief you know.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
All Together Now ...
Please join Granny and me and we’ll sing one more “Happy Birthday” to Zion Beckons. Yep, we have reached the ripe old age of three.
In late July of 2007, we had a conversation about starting a blog. Actually, she brought it up and I reminded her that it was an undertaking fraught with duty. I protested that once you start, you gain a reader here and there and the next thing you know, people come to depend upon you to keep going. Others, of course, say “who cares” and never really get started. I know this because my favorites list is bulging with sites I don’t read regularly. But, thankfully, we do have a few folks who stubbornly continue to check on our opinions—some daily.
Ever since our first post (by Granny) on July 29, 2007, we now, mostly I, have managed to gain a readership from every state and a couple of dozen foreign countries scattered over every inhabited continent.. Of the 755 posts published (so far) we find the most often checked upon is a continuing pre-Super Bowl feature celebrating the “Puppy Bowl.” Animal Planet does it every year for those who find puppies cavorting on a faux football field more entertaining that watching millionaires from the NFL crack heads. Through clever camera placement, you even get to see what a puppy looks like from his water bowl’s perspective. Our counter also reveals that 35% of you hang around long enough to read more than one post. This information comes from our “Statcounter” software which keeps us in touch with the statistical side of maintaining a website.
As we enter our fourth year we shall remain dedicated to opinionating on the exceptionalism of America; it’s constitution, which protects our God-given rights and privileges and those men and women in the armed services who serve to insure the continuation of the republic. We shall also find fault with those who for whatever reason can’t quite understand the fundamental premise upon which the country was founded. In their ever-increasing numbers, they represent a “target rich” group which has rightfully earned our scorn.
In the near term, at least until November 2nd, we shall also concentrate on those members of the congress who need to be replaced if we are ever to rebuild the nation. I say “we” because in the end, it is those of us, who vote, pay taxes, work, invest, buy and sell, and remain aware of affairs of government who will ultimately be responsible for the outcome. Whether it sits well with the current administration or not, we continue to be “We the people.”
As a reminder; Zion Beckons is for you. Criticism, correction of error, and comments are always welcome from our readership. We are a small and insignificant voice in the clutter of today’s blogosphere so trolls stand out and will probably be ignored.
Thank you for your support and for allowing us to continue. Always keep in mind that even though he has demonstrated that “he can’t,” through the grace of God and working with His purposes in mind, “We Can” restore this country to its former glory and prosperity.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
In late July of 2007, we had a conversation about starting a blog. Actually, she brought it up and I reminded her that it was an undertaking fraught with duty. I protested that once you start, you gain a reader here and there and the next thing you know, people come to depend upon you to keep going. Others, of course, say “who cares” and never really get started. I know this because my favorites list is bulging with sites I don’t read regularly. But, thankfully, we do have a few folks who stubbornly continue to check on our opinions—some daily.
Ever since our first post (by Granny) on July 29, 2007, we now, mostly I, have managed to gain a readership from every state and a couple of dozen foreign countries scattered over every inhabited continent.. Of the 755 posts published (so far) we find the most often checked upon is a continuing pre-Super Bowl feature celebrating the “Puppy Bowl.” Animal Planet does it every year for those who find puppies cavorting on a faux football field more entertaining that watching millionaires from the NFL crack heads. Through clever camera placement, you even get to see what a puppy looks like from his water bowl’s perspective. Our counter also reveals that 35% of you hang around long enough to read more than one post. This information comes from our “Statcounter” software which keeps us in touch with the statistical side of maintaining a website.
As we enter our fourth year we shall remain dedicated to opinionating on the exceptionalism of America; it’s constitution, which protects our God-given rights and privileges and those men and women in the armed services who serve to insure the continuation of the republic. We shall also find fault with those who for whatever reason can’t quite understand the fundamental premise upon which the country was founded. In their ever-increasing numbers, they represent a “target rich” group which has rightfully earned our scorn.
In the near term, at least until November 2nd, we shall also concentrate on those members of the congress who need to be replaced if we are ever to rebuild the nation. I say “we” because in the end, it is those of us, who vote, pay taxes, work, invest, buy and sell, and remain aware of affairs of government who will ultimately be responsible for the outcome. Whether it sits well with the current administration or not, we continue to be “We the people.”
As a reminder; Zion Beckons is for you. Criticism, correction of error, and comments are always welcome from our readership. We are a small and insignificant voice in the clutter of today’s blogosphere so trolls stand out and will probably be ignored.
Thank you for your support and for allowing us to continue. Always keep in mind that even though he has demonstrated that “he can’t,” through the grace of God and working with His purposes in mind, “We Can” restore this country to its former glory and prosperity.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
US CODE: Title 8, Chapter 12, Sub-Chapter II, Part viii
One does not have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to understand the US Code as it pertains to those who abet the entry of illegal aliens to our country. The penalties for complicity in the crimes they commit subsequent to that abetment are abundantly clear. Here follows an extract from the US Code.
“TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 12 > SUBCHAPTER II > Part VIII >
§ 1324. Bringing in and harboring certain aliens
(a) Criminal penalties
(1)
(A)
Any person who—
...(iv) encourages or induces an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law; or
(v)
(I)
engages in any conspiracy to commit any of the preceding acts, or
(II)
aids or abets the commission of any of the preceding acts,
shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (B).
...
(B) A person who violates subparagraph (A) shall, for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs—
(i)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i) or (v)(I) or in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), or (iv) in which the offense was done for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain, be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both;
(ii)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)(II), be fined under title 18, imprisoned
not more than 5 years, or both;
(iii)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) during and in relation to which the person causes serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of title 18) to, or places in jeopardy the life of, any person, be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both; and
(iv)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) resulting in the death of any person, be punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined under title 18, or both.”
Inasmuch as agents of the federal government are busy at the moment stifling Arizona SB 1070 and its attempt to reduce the illegal alien presence in that state to lessen the criminal actions of those individuals, might we not find them in violation of the US Code? It would appear that encouraging illegal immigration regardless of whatever guise one might attempt would still put you in violation of the code and complicit in any crimes committed by them.
The attorney general, who serves at the direction of and the pleasure of the president, has done exactly that. The criminal actions of a variety of the illegals are well established. It is about time that the full code is implemented and all the miscreants are prosecuted.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
(Thanks for material contribution to this piece goes to Stormin' Norm'n.)
“TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 12 > SUBCHAPTER II > Part VIII >
§ 1324. Bringing in and harboring certain aliens
(a) Criminal penalties
(1)
(A)
Any person who—
...(iv) encourages or induces an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law; or
(v)
(I)
engages in any conspiracy to commit any of the preceding acts, or
(II)
aids or abets the commission of any of the preceding acts,
shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (B).
...
(B) A person who violates subparagraph (A) shall, for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs—
(i)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i) or (v)(I) or in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), or (iv) in which the offense was done for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain, be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both;
(ii)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)(II), be fined under title 18, imprisoned
not more than 5 years, or both;
(iii)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) during and in relation to which the person causes serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of title 18) to, or places in jeopardy the life of, any person, be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both; and
(iv)
in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) resulting in the death of any person, be punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined under title 18, or both.”
Inasmuch as agents of the federal government are busy at the moment stifling Arizona SB 1070 and its attempt to reduce the illegal alien presence in that state to lessen the criminal actions of those individuals, might we not find them in violation of the US Code? It would appear that encouraging illegal immigration regardless of whatever guise one might attempt would still put you in violation of the code and complicit in any crimes committed by them.
The attorney general, who serves at the direction of and the pleasure of the president, has done exactly that. The criminal actions of a variety of the illegals are well established. It is about time that the full code is implemented and all the miscreants are prosecuted.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
(Thanks for material contribution to this piece goes to Stormin' Norm'n.)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Come on Doug; don't Sugar Coat it.
A sometime contributor and frequent commenter on Knowledge is Power has no history of modulated speech. He has a special talent for getting down to the nitty-gritty on matters political and has target acquisition skills regarding liberals and other false patriots. The following is an extract from Knowledge is Power which I found especially compelling. Rather than just link it, here is the whole piece:
“Because I’m getting’ more’n more pi==ed off at Obolshevik treachery, that’s why.
The following is for you state-worshiping jackasses of every stripe:
I don’t give a flying fig if you, personally, are willing to trade your freedom and liberty for some fantasy government system or program that promises peace or comfort or socio-economic “justice” or oneness with the universe or a better mommy or whatever delusion you host. I understand, really. I know people like you. Forgive my bluntness, but you are the lowest form of H.sapiens on the planet (i.e. anywhere). You are traitors to civilized man’s eternal quest for freedom. You are traitors to the millions who toiled, still toil, fought, still fight, suffered, still suffer, died, and will die for freedom. You are traitors to the millions who lost their family, their freedom, their ambitions, and everything they had in order to attain, preserve, or improve freedom. You are traitors to your fellow Americans who know what freedom is. You are traitors to new Americans and free men in spirit around the World who know what non-freedom is, perhaps even your own brain-dead version of it. You hold your freedom cheaply. Understand this, you treacherous cowards: I . do . not! Most of the people I know do not! Real Americans do not! Free men in spirit around the World do not! Some of us value it equal to our lives and our way of life (see: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) and have volunteered to die for it (including yours) and to kill for it (including you, if it ever comes to that).
My point is this: you may cede your natural rights and your personal freedom, but you have no right to ask the rest of us to sacrifice ours for any reason, not even for “our best interests” or “the good of all” (the bold-hand signatures of tyrants throughout history) but especially not to ease your petty senses of guilt or self-loathing or to bolster your ego or image as a good person. Do not even hint that you represent us, and do not boast to those that would crush our freedom that you and those as delusional as you can succeed in overcoming our selfish resistance to your distopian nightmares. You are a scavenger on human misery, misfortune, and historical injustice. You are a disease on human civilization. Worst of all, you are my hated enemy; because you threaten the things I love and value above all else. Be warned.
Thatisall. “
Doug M
In a world of political correctness, I found Doug’s comment quite refreshing. It will not gain many loyal friends at your next cocktail party inside the beltway but certainly leaves little doubt about his true feelings.
For other opinions on KisP, feel free to click here for that website.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
“Because I’m getting’ more’n more pi==ed off at Obolshevik treachery, that’s why.
The following is for you state-worshiping jackasses of every stripe:
I don’t give a flying fig if you, personally, are willing to trade your freedom and liberty for some fantasy government system or program that promises peace or comfort or socio-economic “justice” or oneness with the universe or a better mommy or whatever delusion you host. I understand, really. I know people like you. Forgive my bluntness, but you are the lowest form of H.sapiens on the planet (i.e. anywhere). You are traitors to civilized man’s eternal quest for freedom. You are traitors to the millions who toiled, still toil, fought, still fight, suffered, still suffer, died, and will die for freedom. You are traitors to the millions who lost their family, their freedom, their ambitions, and everything they had in order to attain, preserve, or improve freedom. You are traitors to your fellow Americans who know what freedom is. You are traitors to new Americans and free men in spirit around the World who know what non-freedom is, perhaps even your own brain-dead version of it. You hold your freedom cheaply. Understand this, you treacherous cowards: I . do . not! Most of the people I know do not! Real Americans do not! Free men in spirit around the World do not! Some of us value it equal to our lives and our way of life (see: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) and have volunteered to die for it (including yours) and to kill for it (including you, if it ever comes to that).
My point is this: you may cede your natural rights and your personal freedom, but you have no right to ask the rest of us to sacrifice ours for any reason, not even for “our best interests” or “the good of all” (the bold-hand signatures of tyrants throughout history) but especially not to ease your petty senses of guilt or self-loathing or to bolster your ego or image as a good person. Do not even hint that you represent us, and do not boast to those that would crush our freedom that you and those as delusional as you can succeed in overcoming our selfish resistance to your distopian nightmares. You are a scavenger on human misery, misfortune, and historical injustice. You are a disease on human civilization. Worst of all, you are my hated enemy; because you threaten the things I love and value above all else. Be warned.
Thatisall. “
Doug M
In a world of political correctness, I found Doug’s comment quite refreshing. It will not gain many loyal friends at your next cocktail party inside the beltway but certainly leaves little doubt about his true feelings.
For other opinions on KisP, feel free to click here for that website.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Ra smussen, -20, -12
Every morning at 9 sharp (CDT) I take the public pulse from the most reliable and proven polling source I know; Rasmussen Polls. As a reminder, they poll only potential voters and express presidential approval first by their results for those who “strongly approve/disapprove” and then by a simple “approve/disapprove” number. Given their track record by comparing their numbers with actual results of elections, they render the most reliable predictions. For a comprehensive report on their polling data, click here.
Obviously, there is a margin of error which must be factored into any evaluation. The president’s numbers have long since exceeded that qualifier. The single day reporting then becomes important only in the trends which one may gain from following the numbers.
The above link will take you to that report which covers the entirety of this presidential term. I urge you to scroll to the early days, note the ups and downs, and try to remember the dates of the immediate crisis which affected the numbers.
This morning the “strongly approve/disapprove” index stood at -20%. While, as a far right partisan, I find that gratifying, I have come to believe that the more general “approve/disapprove” numbers which are less spectacular are a more dependable indicator of the general public mindset. Today that index stood at -12%.
It is heartening to watch more and more Americans expressing themselves with collective disdain for this administration. -20,-12 is good (and coincident with an import year) but it will require even stronger numbers to dislodge this pox upon our house.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Obviously, there is a margin of error which must be factored into any evaluation. The president’s numbers have long since exceeded that qualifier. The single day reporting then becomes important only in the trends which one may gain from following the numbers.
The above link will take you to that report which covers the entirety of this presidential term. I urge you to scroll to the early days, note the ups and downs, and try to remember the dates of the immediate crisis which affected the numbers.
This morning the “strongly approve/disapprove” index stood at -20%. While, as a far right partisan, I find that gratifying, I have come to believe that the more general “approve/disapprove” numbers which are less spectacular are a more dependable indicator of the general public mindset. Today that index stood at -12%.
It is heartening to watch more and more Americans expressing themselves with collective disdain for this administration. -20,-12 is good (and coincident with an import year) but it will require even stronger numbers to dislodge this pox upon our house.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday Morning Rant 157
The disposition of Arizona SB1070 will be preliminarily determined on Thursday, July 29th and whatever result will undoubtedly be contested. Neither side will go calmly into the night if they do not prevail. Both are firmly committed to their positions and it is safe to anticipate a continuous—and expensive—round of appeals.
Regular readers know that I do indeed, have a “dog in this fight.” The posture of Zion Beckons and your host is wrapped in the necessity of maintenance of sovereignty for the state (or any state for that matter) of Arizona and their subsequent right to protect their citizens. The federal government has obviously abrogated its responsibility by failures to substantially enforce the laws on illegal immigration.
This is not a criticism of those dedicated officers currently charged with keeping that law. Their numbers are too few for the job at hand and the nebulous promise to increase their roster has turned out to be just that—promise. Give or take a few miles, the border is 380 miles from California to New Mexico. Most of this is unfenced, unprotected, and in some cases, unmarked. Normal shift work to cover one man per mile would require four agents on three shifts with one off. To increase the staff by just one man on duty per mile would require the addition of 1,520 men for increased coverage of our border with Mexico. Any veteran serviceman will also assure you that for every man on the “front-line” in any struggle, there are nearly a dozen others backing him up with supply, administration, transportation, communication, intelligence, medical services, translators and others in support of field services.
While the border patrol cannot be directly compared to the military it can indeed become lethal and destructive to both men and equipment on both sides of any encounter. These exchanges have mounted in recent history, thus providing sufficient cause for the federal government to join willingly in the pursuit of border protection and not fight the sincere efforts of any state to assist. We find their suit repugnant and their foot dragging on the issue wholly without merit.
Most of the publicized criticism of the efforts in Arizona have centered upon the Mexican nationals involved. Just as important is the opportunity for other illlegals, not Mexican, to take advantage our porous border. We clearly have persons who would do the country harm from a myriad of other nations in central America, the mid-east, and other countries who seek to disrupt our system by illegal entry. Legal avenues exist for legitimate immigrants. There is little evidence that the federal government is eager to stop that flow either. It is long past time for those in charge in Washington to review the solemn oaths which they vowed upon taking office. God help us all!
Allen West, a real man for Congress
For a look at a genuine American who seeks higher office, I recommend you check out this brief video of an Allen West campaign event. In the process, observe the tender care for the questioner and his eloquent response. I could only wish that he was one of the choices on my ballot this coming November. If he is on yours, you know what to do. (check out this brief video)
Action vs. Reaction
Two words, so similar, but each are miles apart in reality. Being president requires a clear understanding of both. This has obviously escaped the grasp of the current office holder. His overkill response to the Shirley Sherrod address to the NAACP has exposed his visceral desire to appear to be on top of every issue. His “beer summit” with Gates and the Cambridge cop, an unnecessary interruption to the health care debate, obviously taught him nothing. He duplicated that foolishness with the call to Sherrod. Rather than exercise a thorough vetting of both incidents, his response was damagingly reactive. As further details of the activities of Mrs. Sherrod surface we find much to condemn and some to condone. Trust me; the sacrificial lamb will soon be Ag Secretary Vilsack who had the temerity—albeit prematurely-- to fire an employee for alleged racist remarks. It will be a miracle if he avoids that crowded area “under the bus.”
While urging action on the part of others involved in the oil spill, we found him unable to stir his stumps to clear the federal bureaucracy from the path of the clean up. As president, he had the tools available to suspend by executive order those impediments which stood in the way of so many actions which were delayed or never ever implemented. Refusal of offers of vessels from foreign nations, EPA regulations, overly cautious safety concerns which delayed dispatch of vessels, embargo placed on future exploration and drilling could have been disposed of temporarily to assure immediate response to the tragic spill. In each case, the president’s reaction was inaction. It is now 98 days.
His defenders claim these are the errors of a “rookie” in office. Come on! This guy has been with us now for eighteen months. Enough with the “on the job training” schtick; it is possible that I give him credit for more intelligence than he actually has but I see it as a calculated response to destroy a valuable industry. Even James Carville, the Clinton attack dog agrees with me on this one; and I with him.
The choice between either action or reaction then boils down then to what is consistent with the agenda. If it serves a predisposed agenda to instantly react—do it. If it serves to sit on your hands and take no positive and easily available steps to ameliorate an agenda driven situation—do it. The question then remains; can we survive thirty more months of this?
And finally
Life here on the ridge has returned to its usual abnormal state. The heat continues without respite or rain. The birds at both feeders keep on munching and sucking manmade nectar. The dogs and cats sleep more than usual—is that possible? Outside chores are limited to very short time intervals. And—if I hear one more person say: “It’s not the heat it’s the humidity,” I shall explode.
I should rejoice that I have marked 12 of the 21 chores outlined for mid-year off the list. If I need a lift I have only to bring the list up on the screen and review that which has been accomplished. With roughly three months of pre-solstice remaining, the balance should be easily done before the frost.
For all my complaining, I am willing to admit that we have much to be thankful for here in the Ozarks. Our prayer is that all is equally as well with each of you.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Regular readers know that I do indeed, have a “dog in this fight.” The posture of Zion Beckons and your host is wrapped in the necessity of maintenance of sovereignty for the state (or any state for that matter) of Arizona and their subsequent right to protect their citizens. The federal government has obviously abrogated its responsibility by failures to substantially enforce the laws on illegal immigration.
This is not a criticism of those dedicated officers currently charged with keeping that law. Their numbers are too few for the job at hand and the nebulous promise to increase their roster has turned out to be just that—promise. Give or take a few miles, the border is 380 miles from California to New Mexico. Most of this is unfenced, unprotected, and in some cases, unmarked. Normal shift work to cover one man per mile would require four agents on three shifts with one off. To increase the staff by just one man on duty per mile would require the addition of 1,520 men for increased coverage of our border with Mexico. Any veteran serviceman will also assure you that for every man on the “front-line” in any struggle, there are nearly a dozen others backing him up with supply, administration, transportation, communication, intelligence, medical services, translators and others in support of field services.
While the border patrol cannot be directly compared to the military it can indeed become lethal and destructive to both men and equipment on both sides of any encounter. These exchanges have mounted in recent history, thus providing sufficient cause for the federal government to join willingly in the pursuit of border protection and not fight the sincere efforts of any state to assist. We find their suit repugnant and their foot dragging on the issue wholly without merit.
Most of the publicized criticism of the efforts in Arizona have centered upon the Mexican nationals involved. Just as important is the opportunity for other illlegals, not Mexican, to take advantage our porous border. We clearly have persons who would do the country harm from a myriad of other nations in central America, the mid-east, and other countries who seek to disrupt our system by illegal entry. Legal avenues exist for legitimate immigrants. There is little evidence that the federal government is eager to stop that flow either. It is long past time for those in charge in Washington to review the solemn oaths which they vowed upon taking office. God help us all!
Allen West, a real man for Congress
For a look at a genuine American who seeks higher office, I recommend you check out this brief video of an Allen West campaign event. In the process, observe the tender care for the questioner and his eloquent response. I could only wish that he was one of the choices on my ballot this coming November. If he is on yours, you know what to do. (check out this brief video)
Action vs. Reaction
Two words, so similar, but each are miles apart in reality. Being president requires a clear understanding of both. This has obviously escaped the grasp of the current office holder. His overkill response to the Shirley Sherrod address to the NAACP has exposed his visceral desire to appear to be on top of every issue. His “beer summit” with Gates and the Cambridge cop, an unnecessary interruption to the health care debate, obviously taught him nothing. He duplicated that foolishness with the call to Sherrod. Rather than exercise a thorough vetting of both incidents, his response was damagingly reactive. As further details of the activities of Mrs. Sherrod surface we find much to condemn and some to condone. Trust me; the sacrificial lamb will soon be Ag Secretary Vilsack who had the temerity—albeit prematurely-- to fire an employee for alleged racist remarks. It will be a miracle if he avoids that crowded area “under the bus.”
While urging action on the part of others involved in the oil spill, we found him unable to stir his stumps to clear the federal bureaucracy from the path of the clean up. As president, he had the tools available to suspend by executive order those impediments which stood in the way of so many actions which were delayed or never ever implemented. Refusal of offers of vessels from foreign nations, EPA regulations, overly cautious safety concerns which delayed dispatch of vessels, embargo placed on future exploration and drilling could have been disposed of temporarily to assure immediate response to the tragic spill. In each case, the president’s reaction was inaction. It is now 98 days.
His defenders claim these are the errors of a “rookie” in office. Come on! This guy has been with us now for eighteen months. Enough with the “on the job training” schtick; it is possible that I give him credit for more intelligence than he actually has but I see it as a calculated response to destroy a valuable industry. Even James Carville, the Clinton attack dog agrees with me on this one; and I with him.
The choice between either action or reaction then boils down then to what is consistent with the agenda. If it serves a predisposed agenda to instantly react—do it. If it serves to sit on your hands and take no positive and easily available steps to ameliorate an agenda driven situation—do it. The question then remains; can we survive thirty more months of this?
And finally
Life here on the ridge has returned to its usual abnormal state. The heat continues without respite or rain. The birds at both feeders keep on munching and sucking manmade nectar. The dogs and cats sleep more than usual—is that possible? Outside chores are limited to very short time intervals. And—if I hear one more person say: “It’s not the heat it’s the humidity,” I shall explode.
I should rejoice that I have marked 12 of the 21 chores outlined for mid-year off the list. If I need a lift I have only to bring the list up on the screen and review that which has been accomplished. With roughly three months of pre-solstice remaining, the balance should be easily done before the frost.
For all my complaining, I am willing to admit that we have much to be thankful for here in the Ozarks. Our prayer is that all is equally as well with each of you.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
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