For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ---Ephesians 6:12


"The age of casual Catholicism is over; the age of heroic Catholicism has begun. We can no longer be Catholics by accident, but instead must be Catholics by CONVICTION." ---Fr. Terrence Henry TOR, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Dole Takes McClellan To Woodshed


When I heard that former Bush press secretary, Scott McClellan, came out with a tell-all book castigating the Bush administration, I yawned. I thought, "that's news???" I've lost count on the number of backstabbers who have served under President George W. Bush and cashed in as if confidentiality or honor did not matter. No, that is not news.

What IS news is that a Republican politician (retired) decided to show some backbone and respond to it. Now it should be noted that it was a Republican from another era who did this (an older species, no longer representative of today's spineless wonders) ; and yet it gives some hope that the recent breed of cravened, noodle-backs might learn from this response and emulate (or at least pretend to have) such fortitude. It was former Kansas Senator Bob Dole, himself once burned by a turncoat, who sent a blistering email to Mr. McClellan telling him what Mr. Dole, and the rest of us who were offended, really thought of him.

From Politico:

["In my nearly 36 years of public service I've known of a few like you," Dole writes, recounting his years representing Kansas in the House and Senate. "No doubt you will 'clean up' as the liberal anti-Bush press will promote your belated concerns with wild enthusiasm. When the money starts rolling in you should donate it to a worthy cause, something like, 'Biting The Hand That Fed Me.' Another thought is to weasel your way back into the White House if a Democrat is elected. That would provide a good set up for a second book deal in a few years" Dole assures McClellan that he won't read the book — "because if all these awful things were happening, and perhaps some may have been, you should have spoken up publicly like a man, or quit your cushy, high-profile job." "That would have taken integrity and courage but then you would have had credibility and your complaints could have been aired objectively," Dole concludes. "You’re a hot ticket now, but don’t you, deep down, feel like a total ingrate?"

He signs the email simply: "BOB DOLE"]

With this email former Senator Dole reminds us just how complacent we've been with how far society has fallen in the last few generations. For there was a time when backstabbing, snitching, opportunism, and rumor mongering were looked down upon and found only in such low-brow publications as Hush-hush or the National Enquirer. But in this day and age when sleaze is mainstream and publishers clean up financially by gleefully feeding literary junk-food to an addicted populous, society's self-respect becomes flabby and corroded. For soon nothing will remain that is sacred.

McClellan responded to Bob Dole's email by standing by his book (naturally! ...the publisher would likely sue McClellan if he didn't) and saying he has "...a lot of respect for Sen. Dole," just none for himself, apparently.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

What I Saw On My Washington DC Vacation





















































The man seen here near the backyard of the White House in the homemade, cardboard burqa would like to subplant our current President by creating a new amendment to our Constitution. He blames President Bush for the 9-11 attacks because they happened, and Bush is therefore culpable.


Cardboard-Burqa Man claims the police like putting him in "compromising positions" in order to keep his amendment from gaining any traction. I didn't ask him for examples of this as I was on my way to lunch at The Occidental. I had a lovely 5pm dinner with Hot and Cold for dessert. If you ever have the chance to dine there outside, do it. The portions are petite but the exploding flavors dance in your mouth. I've made it a tradition the past three visits to D.C..








After him (but before my dining pleasure) I strolled over to a plucky old woman with rotting teeth who hates all things nuclear. We didn't converse, but I was privy to her rambling, scripted diatribe about what's wrong with the world and how it's only Bush's fault. It isn't worth repeating.

Frankly I was a bit disappointed in both the quantity and quality of unhinged, liberal protesting the week of Memorial Day. Perhaps it was Monday's Memorial Day Parade in D.C. that scared the libs away. After all, those who prefer the dark, shun the light. See John 3:19-21.

































Sunday, May 25, 2008

Remembering Those Who Gave All


Although this You Tube video was originally intended as a Veteran's Day tribute, I'd say it makes an as-good-as-or-better Memorial Day video. The music is by Eric Clapton and called Tears In Heaven.

Have a SAFE Memorial Day (drive carefully!!!...or better yet, not at all).

God bless our fallen troops that gave all for our freedom, and God bless the living ones, too, for risking it for our sakes.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Tragedy Hits The Steven Curtis Chapman Family


By now you have probably heard the tragic news of Maria Sue Chapman, the 5 year old daughter of Christian singer/song writer, Steven Curtis Chapman, being accidentally killed by the SUV one of her older teenage brothers was driving when it backed out of their driveway on Wednesday. Michelle Malkin has outdone even herself in writing a wonderful tribute to her and Steven. You can read it HERE. And I share the deeply felt sympathies for Maria and the sudden, tragic end to her short life. While much deserved attention has been given to her on other sites and blogs, I am rather concerned at the moment for the brother who accidentally ended that life.

Maria (shown here sitting on her father's lap) was the little sister of her two older brothers, one of whom was celebrating high school graduation the day of the accident, but I don't know which one was driving. And if I knew I wouldn't want to single him out, either. That poor young man will be branded for the rest of his life, if not by others, then certainly by his own memory of his accidental role in her death. Plus the fact that his father is famous will always draw attention to Wednesday's events, no matter where he goes or what he does in life. There is no more pain now for Maria to endure, as her faith in Jesus has ensured her a reservation in Heaven. But her brother's trial is just starting. It is a nightmare that will never end for him. He will have to find strength in his Christian faith and rely upon the prayers of others (that's you and me) in order to deal with such heavy feelings of guilt.

Many without faith in God have committed suicide over events like this, and some with faith have been so overwhelmed as to lose it, albeit temporarily, putting them at risk for self-destruction. It's a good thing the Chapman family is so grounded in the Lord, as they've probably never needed Him more. My heartfelt prayers are with them all.

(Chapman family picture borrowed from Breathecast)

Thursday, May 22, 2008

I Got Tagged...Again

I just found out I was tagged back in February by non other than the smoking, even-toed, conservative ungulate, Alice The Camel.

The Meme: Share six important or non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself:

1) In April of 2003 after running from God for years, I gave up and reached out to Him. And He reached back. Now I'm beyond the point of no return (no going back to the old ways).

2) On my feet I wear sandals with white socks almost all the time...even with snow outside. I put shoes on when the temp falls below 15 degrees, or when the snow is more than 2 inches deep.

3) I've wanted a Ford Mustang since I owned a matchbox version as a child. By the time I turned 13 I'd already outgrown both. I am big and tall and have been all but the first 11-13 years of my life.

4) A copy of Mein Kampf sits on my bookshelf [strictly for its historical significance as well as its contemporary relevance--Iran and Islamo-fascism]. It sits between John Ransom's Andersonville Diary and DSM-IV.

5) I have a favorite stunt-driver. His was the late Bill Hickman who did the car chases (and some acting) for Bullitt and The French Connection.

6) I live only a block from one of Pennsylvania's many chocolate factories, and enjoy the sweet aroma of coco wafting through my windows almost daily. But it competes with the smell of my cat's litter box, so it's a wash. Eeewwww.


Now it's my turn to tag others--

Blonde Sagacity, if you can come up with 100 things, you can think of six more...

Dr. Tony, why should Ala have all the fun?

Kevin, if you can remember your password. Dust it off, first.

Peter, consider it a cure for "internetlessness," and cheaper than a car accident. Hope you're okay.

Urban Infidel, because you are one of my favorite bloggers and on-the-scene photographers, and because I think you tagged me once.

Michael Fumento, for all of your embedded work with the troops, and for the wonderful way you repond to hate-mail.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Go To NumbersUSA To Fight Amnesty!

Seems like the Democrat-controlled Congress is up to their old tricks in trying to slam amnesty for illegal immigrants down our throats YET AGAIN! I am ashamed to say I was caught napping this time and arrived late to the party. What can I say? I'm on vacation and the weather is nice...finally. And that is just what those Congressmen are counting on.

It's so hard for us full-time, working stiffs to stay abreast of Congressional trickery such as this, which is why websites like NumbersUSA are so important. Not only do they keep you as informed as Michelle Malkin does, but they allow you to put together a FREE FAX that they will gleefully send to your Congressional Representative and your two Senators. I did so late yesterday and felt pretty proud of myself for getting involved. It was easy!

Here is the latest posting from NumbersUSA:

[Amnesty Stripped from Iraq Spending Bill But H-2B Increases Remain

(May 21) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) stripped the AgJOBS amnesty from the Iraq supplemental spending bill (H.R. 2642) last night as well as the increase in visas for employment-based permanent workers. Provisions to increase H-2B visas for unskilled seasonal workers remain in the bill.

The Senate has adjourned for the day, so please call your Senators tomorrow to tell them to remove the H-2B visa increases as well, and to keep the AgJOBS amnesty and employment-based permanent worker increases off the bill.

Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121]


I also recommend the banners kit page where those of you who blog can add some nice banner links to lists of Senators and Representatives, who are trying to ruin our nation with Shamnesty.




Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Dissatisfied? Wear It Proudly!


I found THIS while surfing the web today. It's a place where you can order a bumper-sticker or tee-shirt that says "We're Screwed '08" which is pretty much how I feel these days about our choices in November. Too bad they only go up to 2XL, or I'd buy a couple of tees. Maybe a sticker would suffice...

I don't know anything about who is making these shirts, but they say that Pay Pal is a payment option. That should make on online purchase reasonably secure.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

New Ad From The RNC


This ad was released on You Tube by the RNC on the 16th of this month to appeal to gun owners. It will be effective, I'm sure. But what I'd really like to see from the RNC is something stating what Republicans will do for the country if they were to...say...regain the majority in the House and Senate. We've already heard the latest on what McCain plans to do...

(Hat tip: Dr. Tony @ Blonde Sagacity)


Fred Thompson Now Blogging On TownHall.com






[Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Place to Discuss Our Fundamental Principles
Posted by: Fred Thompson at 9:59 AM
Spending some time on the campaign trail has confirmed a couple of thoughts I’ve had before I entered the Republican primary race.


First, conservatism is alive and well in America; don’t let anyone tell you differently. And by conservatism, I don’t mean the warmed-over “raise your hand if you believe …” kind of conservatism we see blooming every election cycle. No, I’m speaking of the conservatism grounded in principles based upon enduring truths: an understanding of the importance of human nature in the affairs of individuals and nations. Respect for the lessons of history, the importance of faith and tradition. The understanding that while man is prone to err, he is capable of great things when not subjugated by a too-powerful government. These are the principles that inspired our Founding Fathers, and resulted in a Constitution that delineated the powers of the central government, established checks and balances among the branches of government and further diffused governmental power by a system of Federalism.

Second, change – whether it “real change,” “bold change” or the “change we can believe in” variety others are selling – isn’t itself an innovative policy or a particularly strong leadership stance. In fact, from Burke to Buckley, there has been an acknowledgement that change in the political arena is inevitable and necessary, and we in the U.S. tend to experience it in regular, 2, 4 and 6 year intervals, so 2008 is hardly our first rodeo. The challenge for conservatives is calibrating whether the change being proposed is consistent with our principles and our philosophy, and whether that change is appropriate.

Our nation has some serious issues to work through for today … and for the next generation. Now isn’t the time for conservatives to be looking for a tailored message or a politically expedient route to victory if the end result is going to be the inevitable slide toward the liberalization and secularization of America, and the growth of government and loss of freedom that inevitably ensues. For us conservatives it must be about principles and policies that are grounded in freedom, free markets and the rule of law. That’s what I’ve been talking and writing about for the past few years, and that’s what I want to talk write about here on Townhall and in the new Townhall Magazine.

I joined Townhall and am writing exclusive commentaries for Townhall Magazine because I see them elevating the discourse on issues based on these principles -- smaller government, individual liberty, standing for common values that have become all too uncommon, a strong national defense and, most of all, an optimism and belief in America.

I’m glad to be back here in familiar territory, and we’ll be talking to you soon.]


An excellent first posting by Fred Thompson, who makes his case right out of the gate. And to think we could've had HIM instead of Juan McCain. I was proud to blog for him and even vote for him after he pulled out (from lack of support, but pulled out too early IMHO). And yes he can be a little sleepy at times, and appears to have an aversion to hard work, but at least the man has his head on straight! Can we as Republican voters not share the blame for the state of our party and the choice of our liberal candidate? No, I think we must. And what a shame.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Demotivate Your Country...Vote Democrat!!!



Why do I have a disturbing feeling that the Democrat leadership regularly sends their minions to this seminar? Certainly the teachers' unions which back Democrats have been taking this philosophy to heart for decades, as schools turn out less educated Game Boy masters each year.

Yes, there are several gems in this parodied presentation. And the part that brings to mind our Democrat-controlled Congress is this:

[Hard work might pay off in the future. However, by being lazy and undermining other people's hard work-- that'll pay off immediately! Apply mediocre techniques and apply mediocre principles and achieve extraordinary results.]

But have the Republicans been peeking inside the Dems play-book and stealing ideas? Why do the Republicans have no plan to regain seats? The problem seems to be that the Republican minority isn't motivated enough or perhaps confident enough to take advantage of Congress' lowest approval ratings in history to launch their big putsch. They appear to have given up before the fight starts. Read HERE how the future bodes for them so far.

Jim Vandehei and Mike Allen appeared on The Laura Ingraham Show today and discussed the Republican situation and how things could be rectified. Read about it HERE.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day....and other issues


Uh oh. It's late at night (actually early the next morning) and I've been up since the previous morning very early. I feel the urge to ramble a bit...

Some personal thoughts on the economy.

Have you been overseas lately? Have you at least been to Canada...lately??? Our dollar is seven cents short of the Canadian dollar (as of yesterday in Grimsby, Ontario where I ate dinner and paid with Yankee dollars), and I could swear I saw Washington's face blush when I opened my wallet. Although I'm still relieved we elected Bush over Kerry and Gore, there are certain things that have been left woefully unattended. This is one of them. The other is Central and South America. More on the latter some other time...

I received my STIMULUS rebate money of $600, directly deposited into my checking account last week. Aren't we lucky the Fed doesn't send it to us in those awful rebate Visa check cards like AT&T? Anyway, the money will stay in my bank account until the Bush tax cuts run out and my taxes go through the roof again. Really, I don't get those Democrats bragging about giving us stimulus money one moment (to jump start the economy) and then pledging to overturn the Bush tax cuts (to kill the economy again) the next moment. At best it's a wash, right?

Fuel costs are running amok and are expected to go higher. So I went to my storage room and fetched my Schwinn Super LeTour 12.2 (that's 12.2 Kg, which was light for a ten-speed bike in the late '70s) . It has been sitting there collecting dust for 13 years, waiting for the right moment to spring into action. The tires are flat and it smells funny, plus the seat is...well...let's say it's outdated for me. I'm 44 years old and so is my prostate, so I will update the seat with something more...broad and cushy. So rather than make one car trip to the grocery store, I'll get lots of exercise with several bicycle trips there and back, while wearing a backpack.

Don't forget to call your Mothers today. But wait until a decent hour to do so.


(Dollar portrait borrowed from Digerati Life)

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Obama's Troubles Go Well Beyond Reverend Wright


Recently Barack Hussein Obama cut loose his pastor of over 20 years due to a belated recognition by Obama of some controversial statements made by Reverend Wright. At least that's what Obama wants us to think. The all too obvious reason for Obama ditching his mentor and long-time friend was due to his sinking in the polls against both Hillary Clinton and John McCain. But as long as Obama is interested in house-cleaning, there are other associations he may wish to abort.

One of these, Bill Ayers, a current University of Illinois-Chicago English professor and former member of terrorist organization Weather Underground (aka, Weathermen), said in an interview in Chicago Magazine that he had "no regrets" for belonging to such a violent outfit (Weather Underground, not U of I-Chicago). He was also quite happy to pose for the magazine stomping upon an American flag (picture shown here), while wearing on his backpack a button of abolitionist, John Brown.

And what is wrong with John Brown? Well, nothing if you admire him for his stand on abolishing slavery. But if, like Bill Ayers, you spent your youth helping to build bombs to use against your own country and told your fellow students to "kill (their) parents," one might assume you admire John Brown for his more violent side, ie., the Pottawatomie Massacre. That's when John Brown and his sons killed five pro-slavery southerners with broad swords, a sickeningly violent act and not all that justified considering the five weren't slave-owners.

Ayers still preaches Marxism and does so to American college students in both subtle and not so subtle ways. See his blog HERE. And in a recent article in the New York Times Ayers regretted not doing more to overthrow the US Government. Odd, considering he teaches at a state school. After he and his wife turned themselves in in 1980, the FBI botched the case and Ayers walked free while his "partner" plea-bargained her way to minor charges.

This from the Washington Post:

Both Obama and Ayers were members of the board of an anti-poverty group, the Woods Fund of Chicago, between 1999 and 2002. In addition, Ayers contributed $200 to Obama's re-election fund to the Illinois State Senate in April 2001, as reported here. They lived within a few blocks of each other in the trendy Hyde Park section of Chicago, and moved in the same liberal-progressive circles. (my bold)

Obama claims this is nothing more than guilt by association since Ayers' crimes occurred when Obama was only 8 years old. But since Ayers refuses to renounce the violent acts of his youth and claims they "didn't do enough," then he is obviously someone from which a presidential candidate should distance himself.

IBD has an editorial HERE that also shows a Marxist pattern showing up in many of Obama's friends, mentors, and acquaintances, proving that Obama is much too liberal and perhaps radical for the White House.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Reverend Jeremiah Horndog???


Just when you thought there weren't enough bad things to report about Reverend Jeremiah Wright (former pastor for Obama), there's more...

Seems that Rev. Wright stole his wife from a parishioner who sought counseling for his troubled marriage, according to the New York Post. Delmer Reed, a former investigator for the Illinois Secretary Of State, explained it all to reporters about how his marriage was on the rocks for a time, and how he tried to save it by seeking counseling at UCC Trinity. He wouldn't go into too many details for the sake of his children, not wanting them to have a negative view of their step-father. Too late for that.

The Wright family, soon to move into a $2 million house with a $10 million expense account, denied the allegation. Naturally.

(hat tip: Ala)

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Holocaust Remembrance Day

May Day means so many different things to different people. When we were kids our Mother would make us create these May baskets full of candy and what-not. Then we would anonymously leave them on people's doorsteps, knock and run away. With any luck we would return home to find someone had done the same for us.

Today it means so many other things. National Day of Prayer comes to mind along with National Loyalty Day, just to name a couple.

For others it means a Communist holiday, invoking the revolution in which the workers supposedly gained power and influence. These days the radicals (lots of emotion, no brains) who would celebrate May 1st this way add a strong element of anti-Americanism and self-loathing to the mix. See Urban Infidel's Union Square photo shoot HERE.

But for Jewish people it is a day of remembrance for the Holocaust in which six million Jews were systematically put to death for the sake of Aryan racial purity. And even though there are valid accounts of events by those who've passed as well as those still living, the Holocaust-deniers seem to have more power than ever today.

The latest testament of denial comes from the terrorist group, Hamas, the members of whom apparently forgot to read the Holocaust denier's manual in which a denier is supposed to deny it happened. See their latest video below.

Hamas claims that the Jews engineered the Holocaust for Darwinist purposes, in which the weaker Jews would be eliminated from the blood lines making for a better, more powerful race of Hebrews. Of course the fact that the Nazis killed the strong Jews along with the weak ones shouldn't get in the way of the facts as told by Hamas. I just can't help but wonder what the Iranians are thinking when they see that video, being that they were told there was no Holocaust at all. Will their blinding hatred shield them from noticing such discrepancies?