Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal

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

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

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

Chris Christi Response to Reporter

What I have to say about this is well covered by the newly elected governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, in this tape.   It’s short but guaranteed to cause your heart to swell with pride to hear a Republican governor respond as he does to the reporter’s question.  I am supplying this link to Ace of Spades and once there, scroll down to Thursday, 5/13 in the 8:34 AM time slot.  Just click on the arrow and settle back for the finest two minutes in video.

It has been picked up by several of the regulars I read each day. Thanks to Knowledge is Power, Ace of Spades and Michelle Malkin. This is “must see” material. Incidentally, watch the aide’s response to the governor’s remarks; it is priceless.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Got Some Time On Your Hands?

One of the problems for the average bear these days is his inability to relate to numbers in current usage. Oh certainly, our elementary school teachers did their best to encourage us to understand the relationship but they were hampered. We were unable to take the huge sums and relate them to practical application. We lived in a world of a dozen eggs, nine innings, a hundred yard football field and a nose that grew one additional inch if we told a lie. Even our age was in the high single digits.

As time went by, our numerical concepts increased as well. Dad bought the “new” place and that “section” was 640 acres, an area we knew well from plowing a single acre with a mule. It was also one square mile. The talk around the grange hall in 1940 was about the disgrace of the reported national debt of $42 billion, nearly a three time increase from the $16.1 billion just a decade previous. If you had it, you could buy a decent pick-up for $800.

Nothing has changed much in the intervening seventy years; teachers still teach, farmers still farm and Congress continues to increase the national debt. The major difference is the steep increase in the size of the numbers. For the teachers, the alarming drop in the level of educational achievement is the story. For the farmers, it is a combination of huge increases in yield per acre along with the constant battle against governmental controls. For the congress, it is a race to achieve whatever number it is which marks the next milestone after “trillion.”

Just exactly what do these “-ion” numbers mean? They are certainly not something you can count on your fingers. Why don’t we look at what it would take to count, out loud, to the easiest of the group—the million? As a standard, we shall assume that a workable situation would allow us to comfortably speak a single number per second on average. One person doing this would require sleep, sustenance, response to nature’s calls and other occasional refreshment. Therefore, our enumerator will work 12 and half hours a day, seven days a week, saying the numbers and have 11 and a half to take care of maintaining his health. By so doing, he would finish his assignment in exactly one year.

The next challenge is a little tougher. Using the same standard, counting to one billion would then require the next 1000 years. Had that person started counting in 1010 AD, he would now be finished and also be older than Methuselah. (ED. Perhaps, even older than Robert Byrd.)

Accomplishing this exercise with the increasingly popular trillion would take exactly one million years! By then the national debt, at its current rate of increase, would require a time frame older than the universe to express. Let us then be reminded that $1,000,000,000,000.00 is not just another 13 digit number but a practical example of government gone mad. By the way, can you say, “nine hundred ninety nine billion, nine hundred ninety nine million, nine hundred and ninety nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety nine” in one second. I tried it and it took 7 seconds so my examples may be a little shy of the actual requirements. You know, maybe a few million years short.

Hey, it’s only money—right?

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Putting Lipstick on the Pig!

What do you do when you are a huge national organization with a highly recognizable name and you find yourself rightfully accused of crime, deception, and immoral acts? It’s simple; you just change your name, go on about your business, and continue on the same path. This is the situation with ACORN. Some functions of the national organization and many of the state affiliates have taken that action to dis-associate with the well-earned bad reputation of the original organization.

At the national level, ACORN Housing Corp., Inc. has become “Affordable Housing Centers of America, Inc... The original which was largely responsible for the current housing market crisis is currently under investigation by HUD.

At the state level, we find the following equivalents:

AR – Arkansas Community Organizations

CA – Alliance of Californian’s for Community Empowerment (ACCE)

CT, MA, RI – New England United for Justice

LA – A Community Voice

MN – Minnesota Neighborhoods Organizing for Change

MO – Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment (MORE)

NY – New York Communities for Change

PA – Pennsylvania Neighborhoods for Social Justice and Pennsylvania Communities Organizing for Change

TX – Texas Organizing Project

WA – Organization United for Reform (OUR) Washington

There are a dozen states (AZ, CO, DE, FL, MI, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, SC, & TN) which have not as yet managed to come up with a new name.

Through it all, Project Vote, American Institute for Social Justice and Acorn Institute have not bothered with a name change at the national level.

I would suggest, to avoid confusion, that the list be carefully reviewed and in some cases committed to memory to avoid the fallacious thinking that their high sounding names are now attached to a legitimate organization. A new name is insufficient to wash away the past sins of these organizations.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Show Me Your Papers!

In January, 2009, I made a delightful trip to Arizona to watch my daughter run in the Phoenix marathon (she finished!) and to do my “grandpa thing” in the desert Southwest. As is my habit, on such adventures, I am alone and drive until I sense the approach of fatigue, find a spot and retire to my sleeping space in the back of the Explorer. Don’t waste any thought of concern for my comfort because I have fashioned a standard mattress with normal bedding which has proven satisfactory at temperatures below freezing.

On my way back to the Ozarks, I left late in the evening on I-10, made the northbound turn at Las Cruces, New Mexico to the junction with east bound US 70 toward Alamogordo across the White Sands Missile Range. Under the waxing gibbous moon, the mountains and the playa were exceptionally beautiful in that light. Traffic was near zero and the ride put me in an especially good mood.

As I approached White Sands National Monument, at about 3 AM, I remembered as I saw the unnatural warning lights that there was an immigration check station ahead. As I approached, it seemed deserted but I dutifully came to a stop. Two officers came out with a German Shepard on a leash. The beautiful animal jumped up on the side of the car and I instinctively started to pet her through the window. As it slowly dawned on the officers that my overtures to the animal were unexpected and her reaction was untoward, they ordered her to get down and she reluctantly complied. She had great difficulty matching the detached business-like manner of the officers.

At that point one officer asked me to produce the usual paperwork. My driver’s license, registration, and the insurance card appeared to satisfy their requirements. Meanwhile, the other one was using his flashlight to examine the contents of the back of the SUV through the near opaque rear windows. Due to the bedding, baggage, golf clubs and other miscellany in the mess in the back he apparently felt further inspection was necessary. He asked if I minded if the dog did a search. I replied it would be a pleasure and opened the passenger side door and the dog jumped in. After a thorough “get acquainted” face licking by my new friend, they requested I leave the car and she then went into the back to discover that nothing which she had been trained to recognize was there.

Once her inspection was over and I had passed muster, I departed with a lasting memory of my encounter with that marvelous dog. By current standards I should have had some great resentment of the intrusion upon my privacy that the request for “my papers” should have fomented. Instead, I had thanked them for their procedures and willingness to man such a forsaken post in the middle of the night. In all, I found it reasonable and proper.

Had I been an illegal immigrant, I doubt I would have welcomed the intrusion.

Our country has changed in so many different ways in the abridgement of our liberties that I have little patience with those who mis-understand this historical alteration of our life. It is, in part, a result of our exploding population. Since the census less than two years before my birth (1932), we have gone from 123 million to a projected 320 million this year. The areas mentioned above had only been states for twenty years when I was born. Two other states (AK and HI) have been added since that date as well. In itself, the population boom has only exacerbated the problems of border enforcement. It would seem a hopeless enterprise to attempt to keep track of such a burgeoning population. Therefore, we may expect to hear those golden words, “show me your papers” ever more often. This is even more likely when the federal government demonstrates the cavalier attitude which is normal for them to exhibit. White Sands check point notwithstanding, our border security is extremely lax and hopelessly outnumbered.

Be assured that the protests to the recent Arizona law represent enforcement far milder than that I experienced in New Mexico by the ICE (INS.) We have little objection to the detention of those who run stop lights and break into our homes. The same people who commit those offenses are no more or less criminal than those who do not respect our borders. My hearty applause to the legislature of Arizona and Governor Jan Brewer for being willing to do a job that other Americans are unwilling to do.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon