A Tribute to Our Military Personnel Everywhere

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq



The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,
'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'
'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'

'So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

BOYCOTT EVERYTHING FOX NEWS!!!!!

http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/

This is the content of the above link:

October 23, 2008 9:32 PM

Moment of Truth

It had to happen.

Less than two weeks before we vote for a new president, a white woman says a black man attacked her, then scarred her face, and says there was a political motive for it.
Ashley Todd, a 20-year-old white volunteer for John McCain’s presidential campaign, says she was mugged at an ATM machine in Pittsburgh (my hometown) by a big black man. She further says he threw her down, then disfigured her by carving the letter “B” into her face with a sharp implement when he saw that she supported McCain, not Barack Obama.
Part of the appeal of, and the unspoken tension behind, Senator Obama’s campaign is his transformational status as the first African-American to win a major party’s presidential nomination.
That does not mean that he has erased the mutual distrust between black and white Americans, and this incident could become a watershed event in the 11 days before the election.
If Ms. Todd’s allegations are proven accurate, some voters may revisit their support for Senator Obama, not because they are racists (with due respect to Rep. John Murtha), but because they suddenly feel they do not know enough about the Democratic nominee.
If the incident turns out to be a hoax, Senator McCain’s quest for the presidency is over, forever linked to race-baiting.
For Pittsburgh, a city that has done so much to shape American history over the centuries, another moment of truth is at hand. (Author Note: reprinted from Fox News Blog Board w/o permission)


AMERICA WE DO NOT NEED THIS KIND OF CRAP. THE STORY WAS A LIE!!

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/24/mccain-campaign-volunteer-admits-alleged-attack-hoax/

McCain Campaign Volunteer Admits Alleged Attack Was a Hoax
A woman who lied about being attacked because of the McCain bumper sticker on her car will face charges of filing a false report.

America We are EMPOWERED. We can stop this hate from spreading by doing exactly what FOX News did to Pepsi, Ludacris and Jay Zee. http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/feature/2003/02/08/ludacris/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,61546,00.html

Boycott Fox News!

Sean Hannity has been spewing this type of discord, discontent, distrust and misinformation since the primaries. Sean Hannity is an uneducated, wimp in comparison to Karl Rove. Yet week after week, and night after night Hannity implies that there is something wrong with the Democratic nominee for President because he is black, or he has had a brief association with Professor William Ayers, whom most people don’t know or care about, or attacking Senator Obama’s former minister. STOP WATCHING, STOP LISTENING TO THE SPREAD OF FEAR!!!

This fear mongering has lead to a young woman doing something as foolish as to maim her own face and for what to falsely claim that a Black Man had attacked her because she was a McCain Supporter. Give me a f****ing break. REAL AMERICA will not buy the BS anymore Sean. REAL AMERICA, We are DONE with you and your ilk. REAL AMERICA will need every REAL AMERICAN WORKING TOGETHER to positively progress through the next decade.

B O Y C O T T F O X N E W S !! NOW!!!

V O T E ! V O T E ! V O T E ! V O T E ! V O T E !

$150,000.00 Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue Shopping Spree --

This is how it works in “Real America”…Ex-beauty queen, becomes mayor of small Alaska town, becomes Governor of Alaska and until now she is a hometown hockey mom, with a twist. Then she becomes the running mate for the Republican Presidential nominee, and “BAM” new designer wardrobe, Saks and Neiman Marcus right down to her Jimmy Choo’s; no longer just the Governor, and hockey mom, now the designed “elitist”. If you think otherwise, then I have a foreclosed home on my circle I can sell you for $320,000.00 to keep the value of our home from dropping.

But why should a $150,000.00 price tag surprise anyone, after all, Ms. McCain was wearing a $350,00.00 haute couture outfit (bet Cindy paid for her own outfit) during the final night of the RNC Convention and let us not forget the $1800.00 Ferragamo Nour 2 Loafers that John McCain wears every day (I bet Cindy paid for those too). As we know and respect, Cindy and John McCain can afford expensive designer stuff, after all Cindy reported she earned $4.2 million in income in 2007 http://www.johnmccain.com/mccainfinancial/default.htm. According to Todd and Sarah Palin’s 2007 income tax return http://www.johnmccain.com/downloads/2007TaxForms_Palin.pdf the two of the together grossed $166,000 including $3300 in per diem paid by the state of Alaska. No way she can afford a $150,000.00 shopping spree. So who paid? No wonder Senator McCain looked so stressed sitting next to Governor Palin during their recent interview. But the comments McCain made some years ago that really bring this wholly Real-American form of socialism, as my favorite radio talk show host Randi Rhodes http://www.novamradio.com is fond of saying, “privatize profits and socialize losses; In good times, the profits remain private, making the rich even richer. In dark hours, after years of bad loans and choices, the losses become everyone's problem.” http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/index.php?/archives/83-Monday,-Septemeber-15,-2008.html

Thank you Keith Olbermann



How many of you can go on any shopping spree? How many of you can plan you Christmas shopping now? Have you figured out how to tell your children they will not be receiving that Wii console they have been waiting for three years to have under the tree?

Tell John McCain and Sarah Palin that you are paying attention to what they do as well as what they are saying by casting your VOTE!!!

Politics - A Weekly Review Rant

Senator McCain claims that Bill Ayers and Senator Obama are friends and demands that Senator Obama “come clean about the relationship”. Mr. McCain what about your association with G. Gordon Liddy, Charles Keating, Oliver North, George W. Bush, and Karl Rove. No one is talking about or reporting on any of these associations of John McCain’s. Additionally, has anyone investigated or reported on the membership of Todd Palin in an Alaskan Secessionist Organization whose intent is to secede from the United States. Are not these issues just as important as what relationship Barack Obama has with Bill Ayers; Senator Obama was eight and Bill Ayers was a member of the “Weatherman”. Remember John McCain’s outrage, as he demanded an apology when Congressman Lewis expressed his concerns regarding the tone of the rallies in comparison to the tenor stirred by George Wallace in his heyday.



Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachman wants mainstream media to investigate her accusations of Senator Barack Obama’s Anti Americanism along with other unnamed members of Congress.



Retired Five Star General Colin Powell on “Meet the Press” with Tom Brokaw announces his support and endorsement for Senator Barack Obama for President, for all the multiple legitimate reasons he identified. Tom Brokaw wanted to know if General Powell was making this endorsement simply because Senator Obama was black. General Powell’s answer reflected honesty, deep thought, dignity, resounding succinctly and without hesitation.



Rush Limbaugh and Pat Buchanan each attempted to denigrate General Powell and his decision to endorse Senator Obama.

Please, Don't Forget to VOTE!

USING ALSKA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR PERSONAL GAIN

I listened as the reporters and media discussed how the McCain Palin campaign was not allowing the press present during Governor Palin’s meetings with world leaders during the UN General Assembly. The campaign had originally decided to have a pool reporter present until at the last minute, the Palin forces decided they only wanted a still photographer present. The media had been shut out by the McCain/Palin campaign. The media’s response…

The media carried the story of the “shut out,” along with the still photographs that the McCain/Palin campaign wanted the public to see in the first place. So what was the point? Having Sarah Palin’s name in the news (if this can be considered news), and to have photos of Sarah Palin conversing with multiple world leaders; shaking hands with various world leaders. And the fell right into step and did exactly what they were supposed to do, following the direction of the McCain/Palin campaign while appearing to be kicking and screaming as the media continues to do what it is told.

NOW WE KNOW WHY!!! SARAH PALIN CAN’T BE TRUSTED! She lied about her own abuse of power. That’s why she didn’t want to talk to reporters. Sarah Palin has had the audacity to question Senator Barack Obama’s credibility, judgment and character; “Guilt By Accusation”…watch out for those who throw stones. Who do you want to trust now for the White House for the next four years?????

Tonight, it is very strange that only MS-NBC, AP and Reuters are the only news covering this tonight.

McCain and Palin Attempt to Divert Your Attention From The Issues

I had planned to comment on Governor Palin’s interviews, debate and speeches from the past week, but tonight Keith Olbermann of Countdown on MSNBC, had a “Special Comment” which covers much of what I would write so I am just expressing my thoughts below.

Sarah Palin discussed Senator Barack Obama’s association with William Ayers as – …pals with a known terrorist who attacks America and the Pentagon and kills people. William Ayers was a radical in the sixties. He has never been prosecuted for any crime; he is a respected professor. Mr. Ayers has not been charged as a terrorist in the United States or elsewhere. I suggest that Ms. Palin stop calling people out of their names, her comments could be considered slanderous and/or defamation of character.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/04/palin.obama/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

As law breakers go, Governor Palin, you have obstructed justice in an investigation into your own behavior as a Governor concerning abuse of power. You encouraged your subordinates to defy a court ordered subpoenas and your own husband has refused to acknowledge a subpoena issued to him to appear to testify under oath. Sarah Palin, Who Exactly is the LAW BREAKER HERE?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26906256/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080920/cm_thenation/45362590

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/us/politics/19trooper.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

Let us not fall for the bull puckey America; don’t let the Republican Campaign Committee, Fox Cable News and Sean Hannity, or Rush Limbaugh DIVERT our attention from the real issues. America we are facing the biggest economic crisis of the century. Our lawmakers have just enslaved most of us for a major portion of our lives to an additional trillion dollar debt. America vetted Senator Barack Obama during the Primaries against Senator Clinton. We don’t really need a rehash of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers or Rezko; most of us have already done our own homework on these issues.

Sarah Palin and John McCain this country needs a true and honest discussion about our economy and where you intend to take us should you become Vice President and President. Not the bull that you intend to divert our attention toward. If you truly want the positions, your auditions are not making the grade.

And now… Keith Olbermann’s “Special Comment”...

Palin Homework for the VP Debate on Thursday

Over the past several weeks since the end of the Republican Convention, there has been a lot of news about Governor Sarah Palin…Senator John McCain's choice for Vice President. I have watched and listened to learn what I could about the Governor. I listened to her acceptance speech; I did my own homework on the Governor including her time as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska. I also did a little research on Governor Palin as a woman, wife, mother and person. The first thing that jumps out is how easily this person lies. The lying words slip; slide and glide out of Governor Palin’s mouth with such ease, practiced skill and little or no hesitation.

Governor Sarah Palin instantly reminds you of the type of American woman you know (from the neighborhood, the play ground, the church or meet in the grocery store, on occasion), who knows what is best for everyone and has no problem letting everyone know exactly what is best for everyone…everyone, except herself. Governor Palin is the kind of woman that you really don’t like very much right from the beginning. Including that very phony accent, which didn't exist during her time as a sportscaster or as a beauty contestant. Let us not forget that annoying WHINNNE in her voice.

Remember the bridge to nowhere, the jet on eBay and the personal cook that was fired. Didn’t happen! That’s right those were lies once stated by Governor Palin, were then repeated over and over by the media. There was also the bomb shell that the Governors sixteen year old daughter was pregnant but would soon be marrying the father of the baby; however, this fact should not be a dynamic in deciding who to vote for in November.

As stated in the past, it would be very nice to have the right, competent female as President or Vice President, but women have standards, Hillary Clinton did not make the cut and neither does Sarah Palin. Do some of your own homework and you will find, as mayor, Sarah Palin began office with a balanced budget and no deficit for a town of less than ten thousand people. Upon leaving office, the town was some 23 million dollars or more in debt. This after receiving some 50 million dollars in government ear marks.

Similarly, Hillary Clinton mismanaged her campaign and financing; everyone thought she was the logical choice for Democratic nominee. Loosing to Senator Obama, Senator Clinton found herself over 11 million dollars in debt; proving that neither of these females has the ability to successfully manage a budget.

However unlike Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and her husband (The First Dude) are already ducking for cover, employing the current administrations favorite line “executive privilege”, when confronted with their wrong doing; and yes, just flat refusing to honor subpoenas issued by the Alaska State Legislation; Bill Clinton was President when Hillary Clinton was subpoenaed to appear before Congress and the Special Prosecutor. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/us/politics/19trooper.html?ref=politics)

Governor Palin refuses to comply with subpoenas for freedom of information or co-operate with investigations. According to the Republican Campaign Committee, “The coverage last week was ``not what I would call objective journalism,'' Davis said. ``So until at which point in time we feel like the news media is going to treat her with some level of respect and deference, I think it would be foolhardy to put her out into that kind of environment.''

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=ago4M1JBOr_Q&refer=home

Deference and respect…two words that are never applied when Republicans are referring to the American people; we have been reduced to a nation of whiners (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HU36YAucSk) and more recently Americans have become the fundamentals of the economy.

“At the same time, in Sarah Palin news, Sarah Palin tells Sean Hannity that when John McCain says the "Fundamentals of the economy are strong," he's talking about American workers and their strength.

Poor Sarah Palin. McCain himself, after repeating his "fundamentals" comment, knew he was in trouble, so he tried to lie his way out of it and say that, by "fundamentals," he meant the strength of the American worker.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-littman/are-you-a-fundamental_b_127533.html

Governor Palin appears very proud of her time as Mayor of Wasilla even though Wasilla is known to be the meth capital of Alaska; has the highest high school drop out rate per capita; has the highest rate of rape, incest and sexual related assaults against minors per capita. Additionally, rape victims in Wasilla were forced to pay for there own rape kits because the kits include the "morning after" pill, by Mayor Palin. Does America really want Palin and McCain (yes, that is what she said) ticket to win?

Governor Palin, have you listened to yourself speak? My questions to you are; does the Gnome of the North Pole bring that accent to you every two years? After attending, what, five or was it six different colleges you finally graduated with a degree in journalism; did they teach you English? Are you attempting to manipulate the American people into believing you are something you are not? Are you attempting to portray women as inept, ill informed, and unintelligent? If so, you are doing a great job, just watch this clip from CBS News with Katie Couric as she spends time with the Governor.

Watch CBS Videos Online

That should hold us until after the debate on Thursday, but there is more America…DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

WHO IS WHINNING & HIDING NOW?????

Where is Phil Gramm now that his plan to deregulate every marketable commodity in this country has successfully failed? Where is the man that called America a “Nation of Whiners”? Where is the man that said that the economy of the U.S. was strong and any problems where the imaginations of Americans? Where are you now Phil Gramm; Be a Man! Face us Whiners! Show yourself Phil! Don’t hold your breath waiting for Gramm to show, you will probably kill yourself. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=5835269&page=1

That is what the McCain Campaign does, run and hide…cancel the debate, suspend the campaign, don’t let your running mate be interviewed by the press (The main stream media is being played so well that even though they are being shut out, the airwaves are full of her photos and name. If the main stream media really wanted to show who is in charge, they would truly boycott both McCain and Palin); suppress investigations; refuse to comply with subpoenas, lie, lie, lie, and hope no one learns the truth. Failure to realize the world has moved into the twenty first century, lies can be disproved, researched, traced and there is video, internet newspapers and cameras.

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS273&=&q=the+fundamentals+of+the+economy+are+sound%2C+says+john+mccain&btnG=Google+Search

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign.wrap/index.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26885268/

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/us/politics/19trooper.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/17/palin.investigation/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080916/cm_thenation/1361247

Confession by accusation; lies told by the McCain/Palin campaign in ads, interviews and speeches have been exposed for what they are; in truth the lies told about Senators Obama, Biden and the Democratic National Committee are usually the truth about Senator McCain, Governor Palin and the Republican National Committee. Accusing others of one's own misdeeds, just as done by preschool children. These liars truly believe that Americans are too stupid to see through the games and slight of hand campaign tricks they employ. These liars truly believe that Americans are too stupid to find out that campaign members are still ripping off the American public at the tune of $15,000.00 per month from Freddie Mac.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080912/ap_on_el_pr/mccain

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/election/2008/09/04/gop-convention-palin-sold-alaska-jet-at-a-loss-and-not-on-ebay/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/06/thrown-away-flags-story-f_n_124499.html

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/17/america/mccain.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/us/politics/w24davis.html?em

http://www.newsweek.com/id/160561?from=rss

And the lies keep coming…this new economic crisis and the $700 billion U.S. tax payer money for a bailout of Wall Street. Congress has one week to give Bush $700 billion or else. Or else what; that is what America wants to know. This is the same tactic used by George W. Bush to get us into the Iraq war. The same tactic used to bailout oil companies, savings and loans, airlines, investment companies, junk bonds, Mexico, Amtrack and auto companies; all while these same companies defaulted on pension plans and paid CEOs millions in golden parachutes. Deregulation of everything that could be sold as a commodity on the stock markets; privatization of every public infrastructure that used tax payer dollars to build from telephone companies to power and utility companies to television stations so that the crony friends could buy them up cheap and scam and overcharge Americans while stealing and looting the company, to ultimately fail; only to be bailed out by the tax payer.

America we have to take back our government in a very legitimate way…we have to VOTE.

America we have to have transparency, control and oversight in government. And we have to have it now. No one in government can precisely answer the questions – what is the problem? How did we get here? Who is responsible and what do we have to do to fix it so that it doesn’t happen again? LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS; LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, VOTE!

3rd Infantry 1st BCT to Homeland Security

Brigade homeland tours start Oct. 1
(For the full story -- http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/army_homeland_090708w/">)

3rd Infantry’s 1st BCT trains for a new dwell-time mission. Helping ‘people at home’ may become a permanent part of the active Army
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 8, 2008 6:15:06 EDT

The 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team has spent 35 of the last 60 months in Iraq patrolling in full battle rattle, helping restore essential services and escorting supply convoys.

Now they’re training for the same mission — with a twist — at home.
Why is the President assigning the 3rd Infantry 1st BCT to Homeland Security effective 1 October 2008?

Remember what happened when President Hoover sent General Douglas MacArthur and the Regular Army to contain the Bonus Marchers? Read about Federal Hill, Baltimore, MD and remember a Governor controls the National Guard in each state; the President of the United States controls the Regular Army.

The ‘Bonus Army’ War in Washington

(read full account -- http://www.historynet.com/the-bonus-army-war-in-washington.htm">)

“…As many as 20,000 former soldiers and their families had converged on Washington in the summer of 1932, the height of the Great Depression, to support Texas Congressman Wright Patman’s bill to advance the bonus payment promised to World War I veterans. Congress had authorized the plan in 1924, intending to compensate the veterans for wages lost while serving in the military during the war. But payment was to be deferred until 1945. Just one year earlier, in 1931, Congress overrode a presidential veto on a bill to provide, as loans, half the amount due to the men. When the nation’s economy worsened, the half-bonus loans were not enough, and the unemployed veterans now sought the balance in cash. Known as Bonus Marchers, they came in desperation from all across the nation, hopping freight trains, driving dilapidated jalopies or hitchhiking, intent on pressuring Congress to pass the legislation. The administration vehemently opposed the measure, believing it inflationary and impractical given the $2 billion annual budget deficit.

Hoover, upset by the continued presence of the Bonus Marchers, now had the excuse he was looking for to expel them from the capital. He directed Secretary Hurley to unleash MacArthur, who received the following instruction: ‘You will have United States troops proceed immediately to the scene of the disorder. Surround the affected area and clear it without delay. Any women and children should be accorded every consideration and kindness. Use all humanity consistent with the execution of this order.’

Having driven the veterans from the downtown area, MacArthur had fulfilled his mission. But whether his blood was up, or he merely sensed a need to inflict a coup de grâce against the purported Communist element — an enemy he considered more insidious than disgruntled veterans — MacArthur did not rest on his laurels. He ordered his troops to advance upon the 11th Street bridge leading to Anacostia Flats. Someone, waving a white shirt as a flag of truce, came racing across to plea for time to evacuate the women and children. MacArthur granted an hour’s reprieve.
Though accounts differ, the president now seemed suddenly to exhibit an untimely case of nerves. Fearing repercussions, he twice sent word that the Army was not to cross the bridge. MacArthur refused to listen, saying he hadn’t time to be bothered by people coming down and pretending to bring orders. He sent the troops across against explicit instructions. Using more gas, the soldiers moved into Bonus City. Its occupants fled in terror, refugees rousted from their pitiful camp.
‘One of the soldiers threw a bomb,’ said one woman hiding in a nearby house with her family. ‘…[W]e all began to cry. We got wet towels and put them over the faces of the children. About half an hour later my baby began to vomit. I took her outside in the air and she vomited again. Next day she began to turn black and blue and we took her to the hospital.’ Either veterans or soldiers torched the entire area — no one knows for sure. In the confusion, one baby was left behind, dead from gas inhalation.”

Baltimore Riot (1861)
(for full story -- http://www.civilwarhome.com/baltimoreriot.htm
“…A clash between pro-South civilians and Union troops in Maryland's largest city resulted in what is commonly accepted to be the first bloodshed of the Civil War. Secessionist sympathy was strong in Baltimore, a border state metropolis.

Before his inauguration, rumors in the city of an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln, who was on his way to Washington, D.C., forced the president-elect to sneak through Baltimore in the middle of the night. Anti-Union sentiments there only increased once the hostilities commenced at Fort Sumter on April 12. A week later, one of the first regiments to respond to Lincoln's call for troops arrived in Baltimore by train, en route to the capital. Because the rail line did not pass through the city, horse drawn cars had to take the Massachusetts infantrymen from one end of Baltimore to the other. An angry crowd of secessionists tried to keep the regiment from reaching Washington, blocking several of the transports, breaking windows, and, finally, forcing the soldiers to get out and march through the streets. The throng followed in close pursuit. What had now become a mob surrounded and jeered the regiment, then started throwing bricks and stones…”

What is the real truthful reasons behind the move to bring the 3rd Infantry Division 1st BCT under Homeland Security’s control at this time? Do President Bush and Vice President Chaney have some unprecedented information that they are not sharing with the rest of the country? Do Bush and Chaney have information on some upcoming terrorist attack in the US they are not telling the American People? Is there some impending doom in the form of natural disaster, like the super volcano at Yellowstone National Park about to blow and the government doesn’t want to tell Americans? Perhaps there is a meteor or asteroid about to collide with the planet? Or maybe, Bush and Chaney are anticipating Americans reactions to the final ruthless plan that they intend to perpetrate against the country.
Be prepared people, this does not bode well for us.

BABIES HAVING BABIES --

At Age 13 She Was Impregnated…

While watching the news the other night, I heard this story on the local news. Immediately as a woman and a mother, I was angered that this young child had become impregnated she could barely be in puberty; but as the story progressed, I became even more angry, as the school officials, the principle, the nurse, the teachers, didn’t seem to know she was pregnant; the young child gave birth (probably alone) and the new born infant ended up in the trash can at school with the umbilical cord still attached; but at the end of the story it was announced the young child who is 14 now may face charges because she abandoned the new born infant. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/09/18/20080918newbornfollo0918.html

There are so many wrong things about this incident that need addressing. First of all – Who abandoned this young child as if she is currently 14 years old, she could not have been when she became pregnant. Was the person who impregnated her arrested, charged and convicted of statutory rape? Sorry at age 13 a young child can not decide/consent to have voluntary sex.

Second – we don’t teach sex education to our youth. If you can have a baby at 13, you should know what sex is all about at 13. Obviously parents, churches, and government’s messages of abstinence are failing to be heard by 13 year old children. If only one child gives birth to a child, we have failed to get the message that sex, intercourse results in babies or worse, death.

Third – What kind of nurse, school or otherwise, can’t recognize the signs of pregnancy. Why didn’t the parents alert the school to the situation with the young child? Did the parents know the child was pregnant? Did the child know she was pregnant?

Fourth – Today, there is much discussion regarding Pro Life and Pro Choice. This discussion upsets me most because it puts far less importance on the lives of the children already in existence than in those that may or may not exist in the future. Lets face it people. Far less importance is placed on the lives of children who everyday are at risk simply by going to or from school and church. Oh no you don’t, this is for real, and everyone is aware that this is the case. If you are Pro Life, please be Pro Life for those young children who are alive and facing what this young child will have to face, most likely, ALONE.

Fifth – Many scoffed at Senator Obama’s attempts to provide legislation to educate kindergarten students how to protect themselves from sexual predators; it is turned into something sinister, cheap and dirty by John McCain. Where is Senator McCain to help this young lady, she is after all an Arizona citizen. We need realistic comprehensive programs that educate parents, teachers, faculty, staff, and students about SEX, the responsibilities, the risks and the consequences. The Life We Save May Already Exist! This education is not intended for just females, but also extends to males, who also need to know about SEX, the responsibilities, the risks and the consequences.

Sixth – Who is responsible for the welfare and care of both of these minors? Who will teach this young child how to take care of her self ? Who will teach her how to care for her child? Who will support the education and subsequent room, board, heath care of these two minors through college? Who is going to house them, John McCain? He has homes he can’t remember how many or where they are, maybe Senator will allow this young child to live in one of his homes.

There is more to be learned, more to be said, but right now it is important to recognize BABIES SHOULDN’T BE HAVING BABIES!

The Anniversary of 9-11

Every American remembers exactly where they were on that fatal day seven years ago today when two commercial airliners flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, quickly followed by another commercial airliner flying into the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C. In all the confusion everyone held their breath waiting for the location of the fourth commercial airliner that no one knew its location. When we learned this airliner had crashed somewhere in Pennsylvania instead of its intended target, the White House, America collectively released that breath.

Today once again, America grieves for all the innocent lives lost on this tragic day. Today, once again America, we mourn and we cry. Today, like every day may God Bless America.

Tomorrow America will reflect on what has been done in the seven years since 9-11, and what still needs to be done.

Review -- The Daily Show Convention Coverage

Jon Stewart and the Best ****ing Fake News Team in the world performed with excellence covering both the Democratic and Republican Conventions. In the event you didn’t get the opportunity to catch the shows live, please visit their web site www.thedailyshow.com to view the shows you missed.

Upon his arrival in Colorado on Monday at a breakfast at the University of Denver Jon blasted 24 hour cable news by telling them exactly what he thought about them: No Joke: Jon Stewart Takes Aim At 24-Hour Cable News 'Beast', by Howard Kurtz Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 26, 2008; Page A20
“Wearing a gray T-shirt, khaki pants and a healthy stubble, the "Daily Show" host told reporters at a University of Denver breakfast that Fox's "fair and balanced" slogan is an insult "to people with brains" and that only "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace "saves that network from slapping on a bumper sticker. . . . Barack Obama could cure cancer and they'd figure out a way to frame it as an economic disaster."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/08/25/ST2008082503384.html for the entire article, go to this link. Since this is one of my pet peeves, it was a pleasure to read that Jon Stewart and I think an awful lot alike (scary actually).

But my hat really tipped when Jon presented the following "John McCain's Big Acceptance Speech", his last night of the Republican Convention. No matter what anyone may think of Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, it is easy to see why he is “the most trusted man in America”, as noted by the NT Times http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/arts/television/17kaku.html?_r=1&oref=slogin. Consider...according to main stream media, more people watched McCain's acceptance speech than watched Obama's acceptance speech; really... it was the same night as the U.S. Open Tennis Men's semi final matches and opening night for NFL Football, could the numbers be right?

Review -- BOOTS ON THE GROUND BY DUSK MY TRIBUTE TO PAT TILLMAN BY MARY TILLMAN WITH NARDA ZACCHINO

Living in Arizona and so close to the ASU campus, I watched Pat Tillman play football both in college and as a NFL Arizona Cardinal. It was not surprising to hear the announcement that he would forego his NFL career to join the Army Rangers following “9-11”; not to me or most Arizonians. When word came that he had been killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan, I don’t think anyone in Arizona believed it at first. But then it began to sink in. Several memorials were held in Tempe by the Sun Devils and fans; the Cardinals and fans, as well as the NFL to honor Pat Tillman and his family. When word came that he had died in other circumstances by friendly fire, Arizonians became upset and angry.



To this day, only those present at the time of Pat Tillman’s death know what actually transpired, many differing versions were told to the public and we know now that many differing versions were given to the Tillman family. The U.S. Government completely failed this family for several years yet, Pat Tillman’s mother Mary Tillman persevered in her effort to obtain truthful answers to the circumstances of her oldest son’s death. The result, this book, is a wonderful, powerful, informational account as a mother’s tribute to her son’s life.

I highly recommend all Americans read this book, it will make you laugh, get angry, feel sadness, and a whole host of other emotions as you relieve Pat Tillman’s Mother’s perspective of her son’s life, his death, and the lies the government told about how he died. You learn and feel all the emotions this family experienced in coming to terms with the end of the life of one who gave much for his country. You also realize that the Tillman family is only one of many military families that are experiencing similar situations resulting in those angry emotions returning once more. Mrs. Tillman’s account forces you to experience all the emotions imaginable in the telling of this story.

After reading this and being aware of all that has transpired since Americans were hoodwinked into a war in Iraq instead of completing the job America began in Afghanistan, it is absolutely necessary that America have new leadership in the White House. Of course, this is just my opinion you must read the book yourself.

MEGHAN MCCAIN -- NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WAR IS ABOUT BUT...

“No one knows what war is about, but my family, period!” Meghan McCain declared in an interview with Meredith Vieira on the Today Show (9/9/08). Meghan (23) a graduate of Columbia University, was not born when her father was a POW in Vietnam, there is no information available on the military status of her brothers Doug (48) an American Airlines pilot or Andy (46) an executive at Hensley & Co (Cindy McCain’s family business), or sister Sidney (41) who is in the music business in Toronto, Canada; however younger brothers Jack (22) recently graduated from the Naval Academy, Jimmy (20) is a Marine deployed to Iraq and sister Bridget (17) is still in school.

What exactly does Meghan know about war better than anyone? Meghan McCain has not served in the military much less in combat during a war. What does she know about being shot at by an unknown enemy? What does Meghan McCain know about being shot at by your own comrades? Does her family know about war better than Pat Tillman’s family? Suggestion read Mary Tillman’s book “Boots on the Ground by Dusk”, she might truly learn a little about war. Maybe she should speak with the family of Lori Piestewa, who died during an ambush in Nasiriyah in Southern Iraq, just three days after ground engagement began in Iraq. Lori was a single Mother with two young children, Brandon and Carla. There are over 4,000 families in the United States who know a hell of a lot more about war than Meghan McCain who is old enough, and educated enough to know better than to make declarations of this nature. Megan’s father was shot down in Vietnam, held as a POW for five and one half years, tortured during that time, but he is alive; as stated above Meghan was not born than and today she can still speak to her father. What does Megan McCain know about war? Meghan knows as much about war, as her Father knows about being President of the United States.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES A PRESIDENT NEED?

The main stream media talking heads expend a lot of energy questioning Senator Obama’s Vice Presidential selection and then in the most negative form of journalism questioning Senator Obama’s qualifications for President. The manner the questions are asked is negative, the tone of the questions are negative, all conducted in a manner that doesn’t appear to apply when John McCain is front and center in the news.

Most offensive “Does Barack Obama have enough experience to be President?” Since neither candidate has ever been President of the United Sates, why is this question never presented about Senator McCain’s experience to be President? Shouldn’t the correct question be “What qualifies either candidate to be President?” Do you ever hear a commentator ask that question or how about “What in either candidates experience disqualifies them to be President?”

Does America need a candidate who has military experience? (Bill Clinton comes to mind) Why does John McCain’s POW experience elevate his qualifications? Both candidates are Senators; shouldn’t their voting records and their actions in their home states count for something? Rarely, if ever do you hear any commentator discuss John McCain’s voting record for his home state of Arizona.

Does America need a President with POW experience? What toll has Senator McCain’s POW experience had on his mental capacity? We know he endured great physical torture for instance because the Republicans have no problem informing us on a regular basis over and over every time they have an opportunity. One never hears anyone, John McCain, his wife, the Republicans, nor the main stream media ever mention or have anything to say about the mental torture John McCain endured. What impact the POW mental torture has had on his psyche? What about the long term affects of POW mental torture which could potentially impact his decision making should he become President. Additionally, has Senator McCain been checked for Alzheimer’s disease? Just because his Mother does not show any problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease at 96 years old (a great thing), but she was never tortured either.

A realistic threat to this country would be if John McCain was to become President in 2008, as we have not truly vetted him. Senator McCain did not allow the press to see all of his medical records, ever wonder why?

THE DAILY SHOW AT THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

Considering the speeches can be boring and main stream media can be tiring and at times annoying, check out the Daily Show with Jon Stewart broadcasting from the Republican Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

Peter Kramer/AP File

After a full day of listening to the main stream media talking heads, Jon Stewart and the Daily Show Team will offer that much needed and unique perspective on the convention that will have you rolling on the floor, laughing out loud.

The Daily Show brought some great and much needed laughs to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and to the Democrats Convention in Denver, CO last week. Stewart had no problem lecturing reporters on coverage and regurgitated campaign spin when it came to the main stream media’s political coverage.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/25/jon-stewart-lectures-reporters-on-coverage/

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the most trusted man in television, and his Daily Show Team shows from the Republican Convention will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Check your local listings for The Comedy Channel, Daily Show times in your area.

I Have a Dream

45 Years Ago today, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream…” speech in Washington, D.C. http://www.mlkonline.net/sounds.html. (Excerpts of the speech follow courtesy of the Martin Luther King Foundation)

I Have a Dream - Address at March on Washington

August 28, 1963. Washington, D.C.

Watch the Full 16-min video of Martin Luther King's famous I Have a Dream Speech

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. [Applause]

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Today, Martin Luther King, Jr. will be happy to know that this day has finally happened. Tonight the Democratic Party will hear the acceptance speech of the first African American candidate nominated for President of the United States. King’s dream has been realized and the check is being cashed.

Congratulations Barack Obama!!