Well, at least one Democrat gets it

Too bad for the Democrats that they kicked him to the curb. While I don't agree with most of his domestic policy, he at least knows the deal when it comes to foreign policy.

As the hostile regimes in Iran and Syria appreciate -- at times, it seems, more keenly than we do -- failure in Iraq would be a strategic and moral catastrophe for the United States and its allies. Radical Islamist terrorist groups, both Sunni and Shiite, would reap victories simultaneously symbolic and tangible, as Iraq became a safe haven in which to train and strengthen their foot soldiers and Iran's terrorist agents. Hezbollah and Hamas would be greatly strengthened against their moderate opponents. One moderate Palestinian leader told me that a premature U.S. exit from Iraq would be a victory for Iran and the groups it is supporting in the region. Meanwhile, the tens of thousands of Iraqis who have bravely stood with us in the hope of a democratic future would face the killing fields.

In Iraq today we have a responsibility to do what is strategically and morally right for our nation over the long term -- not what appears easier in the short term. The daily scenes of death and destruction are heartbreaking and infuriating. But there is no better strategic and moral alternative for America than standing with the moderate Iraqis until the country is stable and they can take over their security. Rather than engaging in hand-wringing, carping or calls for withdrawal, we must summon the vision, will and courage to take the difficult and decisive steps needed for success and, yes, victory in Iraq. That will greatly advance the cause of moderation and freedom throughout the Middle East and protect our security at home.

You do not beat terrorists by running away like scared little girls. You do not beat terrorists by caving in to their demands. You beat terrorists by hunting them down and killing them where ever you find them.

The terrorists themselves have ensured that there are no other options.

Ding Dong, the Dictator is Dead

Saddam Hussein has been hung. I will forgo the "Dead Parrot" sketch, because he doesn't deserve it. The man was a brutal butcher, and he deserved to swing.

The Left must be sobbing into it's organic hemp hankies, since their hero is now gone and they can't get him re-installed as a final assault against President Bush. Think I'm kidding? Go check out the link to the HuffingGas Post.

There has never been a brutal dictator that the Left didn't love. Well, now there's one less for them to drool over.

Worthless vermin

'ol Rodger has got a snapshot via Van Helsing of the sewers known as DU. The thread in question is in reference to the passing of former President Ford.

As a Catholic, I'm taught that every human life has intrinsic value. And I truly believe that. However, I also believe that you can remove the value from your life, by your own words and actions. Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit to you that the life-forms posting at the DU have devalued themselves to the point that they could all die en mass, and the most this country would do is shrug and continue on it's daily life, most likely with more harmony and less acrimony.

They are truly worthless.

Better than I

Some of the people that I read I do so because they're good at ferreting out nuggets of information that I miss. Some I read because they're so damn funny, some I read just to learn new insults. And there are some I read simply because they are able to take what seems to be plain information and put it in such a way as to make it crystal clear. Bill Whittle. Kim du Toit. And the reason for this post, Francis W. Porretto.

Threats to Americans' well-being, our freedoms, and our accustomed ways are multiplying all around us. Our unease, compounded from weaponlessness and uncertainty, grows in proportion. Scant wonder that so many are so angry about federal inaction over border control, the nonexistent tracking of foreign visitors, the vacillations and switchbacks in our policies toward Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea, and our seeming flaccidity toward Muslim propaganda against us. We are being made to fear outcomes that seem ever more likely with the passage of time.

Worst of all aspects of these fears is that we know, at some level, that the ultimate confrontations with the things we fear cannot be averted -- and that those burdens will not be borne by the forces of the State, but by us private persons whom the State has striven to render defenseless. For the threats of our time are diffuse threats, potentially omnipresent, modulated by individuals and small groups. That's the salient property of both "gradualist oppression" and "low-intensity warfare."

A diffuse threat can only be met with a diffuse defense: a people in arms.

I discovered Mr. Porretto some years ago, and I continue to read his blog on a regular basis. He's on the blogroll. And I would suggest to each and every one of you that you go read his latest essay.

An open spot

The Watcher of Weasels has a spot open on the Watcher's Council.

Those of you who have been here for a while might remember that this blog was once part of the council, but due to the fact that I re-enlisted in the Army, I couldn't post regularly enough to retain our spot. However, it's a great chance to get some traffic to your blog, and a way for people to read what you write. So if you're interested in being part of the Watcher's Council, go over and let the Watcher know.

Hot diggity!

The very name should make people happy: Pin-ups for Vets.

*drool*

Found at Cold Fury.

By the way....

The only people who are shocked, shocked at this development are those who have purposely been ignoring the facts.

Iran will have to be dealt with, either before they nuke Israel or after. I prefer before, but then I'm not a member of the Democrats American Communist Party.

I smell corruption

There is indeed a culture of corruption in Washington D.C. Someone at the Grunt Military Forums was nice enought to compile a list for us. Here is just a small sampling of it.

Several Senior Enron Officials "Spent Election Night At Vice President Gore's Headquarters In Nashville." "Several senior Enron officials spent election night at Vice President Gore's headquarters in Nashville." (Dan Morgan, "Enron Also Courted Democrats," The Washington Post, January 13, 2002)
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President Bill Clinton (D) and VP Al Gore (D) – In 1996, in return for millions in donations to the DNC, arranged for the illegal transfer of nuclear material, supercomputers and missile technology to China despite the protestations of the Secretary of State.
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Cynthia McKinney (D) Georgia- March 2006, the Representative from Georgia physically assaults a Capitol Police Officer who attempted to stop her from entering the House offices after observing that she was not wearing her identification.
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Allen Mollohan (D) W. Va. – Resigned from House Ethics Committee after being implicated in an FBI investigation concerning his relationship to the recipients of a quarter of a billion dollars in funds steered from his committee
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Gary Studds (D) Mass. – ACTUALLY HAD SEX WITH AN UNDERAGE HOUSE PAGE!
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Nancy Pelosi (D) Ca. - A controversial fundraising committee run by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was slapped with a $21,000 fine by the Federal Election Commission for enabling Pelosi to funnel more than $100,000 in illegal contributions to Democratic candidates in late 2002 as she was vying to become Democratic leader. (and this wasn’t the first or last time she was directly involved in violating campaign finance laws)
===============================================

Nancy Pelosi (D) Ca. - Filed delinquent reports Friday for three trips she accepted from outside sponsors that were worth $8,580 and occurred as long as seven years ago, according to copies of the documents. The most expensive trip was not reported on Pelosi's annual financial disclosure statement or on the travel disclosure form that is required within 30 days of a trip. ...The unreported trip was a week-long 1999 visit to Taiwan, paid for by the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce, for "meetings with government, military and business officials," according to a filing Pelosi signed June 30. The flights cost $3,400 each for Pelosi and her husband. The hotel cost was $940. The sponsor, which has picked up trips for leaders of both parties, paid $300 for meals.
===============================================

Rep. William Jefferson (D) La. - Accepted $400,000 bribe from Kentucky businessman Vernon Jackson for an African telecom deal. Jefferson was caught following Hurricane Katrina using military vehicles to evacuate his residence in New Orleans, allegedly for the purpose of removing documents critical to his office, but was caught with, literally, $90,000 in cold hard cash, in the freezer of his residence!
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Harry Reid (D) Nev – Collected $1.1 Million on a land deal when he hadn’t even owned the land for over 2 years! He also “conveniently” neglected to inform Congress of his participation in the land deal in direct contradiction of Senate rules of conduct.
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Harry Reid (D) Nev. - Backed funding for a bridge between Nevada and Arizona that could affect the value of property he owns nearby. The planned span over the Colorado River between Laughlin, Nev., and Bullhead City, Ariz., got an $18 million boost in last year's massive federal transportation bill.
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Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash. - Convicted of violated ethics standards by giving reporters access to an illegally taped telephone call involving Republican leaders.
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Rep. Frank Balance (D) N.C. - Former Rep. Frank Ballance was sentenced Wednesday to four years in prison for conspiring to divert taxpayer money to his supporters and family through a charitable organization he helped start.
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Rep. Alcee Hastings (D) Fl. – Impeached and removed from office for corruption and perjury while a District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida
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Sen. Ted Kennedy (D) Mass. – Chappaquiddick, need I say more?
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Sen. Daniel Inouye (D) Hawaii – Accused by numerous women throughout the 90’s of sexual harassment. (ANOTHER sexual predator)
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Rep. Gus Savage (D) Ill. – Accused of fondling a Peace Corps volunteer during a trip to Africa in 1989. (and yet ANOTHER sexual predator)
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Rep. Barney Frank (D) Mass. – Hired a male prostitute and allowed him to run a prostitution ring out of Barney’s home in the 80’s. (this guy is just plais SICK!)
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Sen. Brock Adams (D) Wa. – Accused of drugging, assault and rape in 1987 by a House Aide as well as 8 other women (and yet ANOTHER sexual predator!)
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Rep. Fred Richmond (D) NY – Arrested for soliciting sex from a 16 year old and was forced to resign after pleading guilty to tax evasion and drug possession (can we say ANOTHER sexual predator?) ===============================================

Rep. John Young (D) Tx. – Increased the salary of a staffer after she had sex with him. (and ANOTHER!)
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Rep. Wayne Hays (D) Oh. – Hired an unqualified secretary strictly for sexual purposes. (and yet ANOTHER!)
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Rep. Mel Reynolds (D) Il. – Convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault on a 16 year old girl, obstruction of justice and solicitation of child pornography. Also convicted of 15 counts of bank fraud and lying to SEC investigators. (ANOTHER one that ACTUALLY had sex with an underage girl) ===============================================

Sandy Berger (D) former National Security Advisor to President Clinton – Convicted of illegally removing and destroying documents from the National Archives.
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Walter Jenkins (D) Top aide to President Lyndon Johnson (D) – Arrested in a homosexual liaison at a Washington DC YMCA, and Johnson tried to have the story buried, but it eventually was printed in the Washington Star (oops, ANOTHER Dimocrap pervert!)
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Gov. Neil Edward Goldschmidt (D) Or. – Former Governor of Oregon admitted in 2003 that in the mid 70’s while Mayor of Portland he had engaged in a lengthy sexual relationship with a 14 year old girl. (and ANOTHER one who likes little girls!)
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Rep. Allan Howe (D) Ut. – Arrested for soliciting two undercover Police Officers posing as prostitutes. (what is it with these 'people'? Can't they do their jobs and keep their pants zipped?)

There's more where that came from. Very EEEEEEEEEEEnteresting!

Good stuff from Captain Ed

First up, there's a lesson here for the spineless parasites in Washington D.C. - when you actually fight the Islamofacists, you win.

The Islamist forces who have controlled much of Somalia in recent months suddenly vanished from the streets of the capital, Mogadishu, residents said Wednesday night, just as thousands of rival troops massed 15 miles away.

In the past few days, Ethiopian-backed forces, with tacit approval from the United States, have unleashed tanks, helicopter gunships and jet fighters on the Islamists, decimating their military and paving the way for the internationally recognized transitional government of Somalia to assert control.

Even so, the Islamists, who have been regarded as a regional menace by Ethiopia and the United States, had repeatedly vowed to fight to the death for their religion and their land, making their disappearance that much more unexpected.

Fortified checkpoints across the city — in front of the radio station, at the airport, at the main roads leading into Mogadishu and outside police stations — were abruptly abandoned Wednesday night, residents said.

We're not fighting a real army, we're fighting 13th century barbarians who's only weapons are fear and intimidation. When you actually fight them, instead of kow-towing like frightened little sissies, you take away their main weapon of fear. And they run away. They don't care about "diversity", or "tolerance". They're the schoolyard bullies who run the place until someone actually stands up to them.

Not that I expect the gutless shitstains in Congress to learn that lesson.

Second, a perfect one-word description of the Democrats American Communist Party: Classless.

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will miss the state funeral for former President Gerald Ford at the Capitol Rotunda on Saturday night, opting instead to lead a delegation to South America with an expected stop at the Machu Picchu Inca ruins.

Reid, D-Nev., left Wednesday afternoon from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland with a bipartisan group of five other senators, including Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the incoming assistant majority leader, for what has been described as a weeklong visit to Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.

I guess tourism is more important than honoring a former president, if you're a Dimocrat.

The only bright spot that I can see coming up in the next two years is that since the Dimocrats are in power, they might finally be unable to hide just what classless, weak, spineless, lying, corrupt fucksticks they are. Reid and Durbin don't have the grace that G-d gave a dung beetle.

In other news, the sky is blue

The Brady Campaign to Destroy the 2nd Amendment has issued their list of "grades" for states. The more gun control, the better the "grade".

Of course, as national trends have shown, less private gun ownership leads to more crime. Not that the truth will deter those who seek to take away Constitutional rights.

Gerald Ford, RIP

Died at 93 years old. While I hesitate to make light of anyone's death, I would say that he had a good run, didn't he?

I only hope he did everything he wanted to do before he died.

Gosh, they had no idea!

But we did. We knew for years that Jack Murtha was a dirty, corrupt Defeatocrat. And it looks like the Broken Media knew as well, they just didn't want to say anything until a day when nobody was reading the newspapers.

I mean, why tell anyone until after the elections? Hmmmmmm..... agenda? What agenda?

And since we're mucking around over at the Dane's place....

BWAAA HAAA!

James Brown, RIP

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the passing of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. There are plenty of musical acts that have come and gone, but I don't think you'll find many others that influenced people like James Brown. Hell, I don't know if Funk would have ever happened without him.

I think I need to go find a copy of "I Got You" and play it non-stop for a while.

OOPS

Belated Merry Christmas to all of my readers (You ten people know who you are). So, what did ya get?

The Raging Mrs. (who shall currently be known as She who must be worshipped at all possible moments), having witnessed my flailing around at the local golf course with rented clubs, saw fit to buy me my own set.

Hot diggity!

There was also several other golf related items, but the clubs were the main thing. I can now go play golf without having to use a set that someone else has beat the heck out of. Plus, since I no longer have to pay rental fees, and only have to pay the green fee, that means I can go golfing even more! WOO HOO! There are few advantages to living in PR. Being able to golf year round is one of them. I have a free day tomorrow, so I might just go out and hit the links. Or at least the driving range, cash being a bit tight right now.

I in turn got her several things that she's been wanting for some time but couldn't justify spending the money on. I have no problem justifying the expense. She now has her own set of clubs, (the family that plays together stays together), as well as jewelry, and other sundry items.

The holiday dinner was spectacular as always. We cooked up a home-cured and smoked ham, as well as a duck stuffed with a garlic cranberry stuffing. The neighbors roasted a turkey that was unbelievably tender. There was home-baked bread, mashed potatoes, veggies, fresh pastries and cookies, pies, more food than you could shake a stick at. I had to be rolled into my house because I ate too much to be able to walk.

Singing in the church choir was rather busy this year, since we had the regular Sunday Mass, then Midnight Mass that evening, and Christmas Day Mass on Monday Morning. Perhaps in a larger parish I would be able to cut down on the number of masses I had to sing at, but when the church choir consists of me, my wife, and whoever else we can beg to join us, yer kinda stuck, yaknow? And it wouldn't be Christmas without the carols and hymns that are sung. Besides, if my soon-to-retire chaplain can do all the masses (plus others off post!) then the least I can do is show up and sing.

Didn't get much sleep though. Ah well. I can sleep when I'm dead.

On the "bad news" note, my laptop has decided that it no longer enjoys working, and has crapped out on me. After chatting with the manufacturer, the diagnosis is that it's a memory problem coupled with a malfunctioning motherboard which probably caused the memory problem to begin with. So in a few days it's going to be shipped back to the manufacturer for refurbishing, after which I'll get it back in an unspecified amount of time. I say unspecified because we are dealing with the mail service in Puerto Rico, which seemingly keeps it's own schedule, and moves somewhat slower than a sedated three-toed sloth. I have no doubt that the computer will get repaired in a timely manner once it gets to where it needs to go. It's the transit times in between that worry me. So I can't guarantee any real blogging unless I'm at work or I can steal my wife's computer when her back is turned.

Anyways, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Why I have to excercise every day

The wife and I had just finished a hearty dinner, and were watching the Food Network before going to bed.

They had the "Iron Chef America" running, and it was a re-run of Battle Big Eye Tuna. And I'm talking tuna so damn dark red that it was almost purple. It was BEE-YOU-TEE-FUL looking fish, and both the Raging Mrs. and I started salivating. We weren't hungry, we just so enjoyed the thought of eating fresh, perfect tuna that we were practically drooling all over the living room.

We're foodies. I love food, I love eating, and because of that I have to run my ass off in order to not get fat.

Top that off with the fact that the Raging Mrs. is a chef?

Gym, here I come.

It's kinda hard

to get into the Christmas Spirit when it's 80+ degrees outside and there's nary a flake of snow to be found, unless you go into the ghetto and check out the local coke pusher.

I guess what I'm trying to say is "Bah, Humbug". I've only had one time where it just didn't feel like Christmas, and that was when I was in Korea pulling 12 hour midnight shifts for a couple of weeks straight.

Oh, we've got the lights up, and presents under the tree, but it just doesn't feel like Christmas, ya know?

Oh, there are a lot of things missing down here. Christmas carols, for one. Hell, I couldn't even get the chapel choir to practice Christmas songs. For that matter, I can't get them to practice much at all. The colors I'm used to seeing around Christmas time just aren't there. Of course, no snow. Kinda hard to get snow down in the tropics. There's just too much missing for me to get into the real Christmas spirit. The Raging Mrs. is having the same problem.

Ah well. I hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas, even those of you who don't celebrate it. Just enjoy being with your family and friends.