Sneakeasy's Joint

Dialog on the issue of being Gay 2

This is a follow-up to an exchange of e-mails I published in this post.

Let me begin by addressing one of the most important issues in America these days with regards to being Gay in our country.

The issue of Gay Marriage.

Due to medical advances over the last decade concern over Aids in and out of the Gay Community isn't what it once was, what with sufferers of the disease living longer lives, remaining productive citizens in the bargain, thanks to medications.

Hell, the Aids Quilt sits in a warehouse in Atlanta, rarely being added to, and only appearing in public in bits, and pieces if at all.

In 2004, when San Francisco caused a year long stir by sanctioning Gay Marriage, covered the issue here.

My views were expressed here: The Valentine's Day Hitchin' Spree.

I also spread the word about an essay by Orson Scott Card that touched on the subject.

Forgotten in all the furor and debate over the place Gays have in American Society, and Culture, Religiously, and Civily, is that there are people very much desiring to commit to each other, caring for each other, wanting all the responsibilities that belong with marriage.

They are concerned about the effects of  the laws of the land, national, state, and local, in all sorts of situations, on their lives.

In a day and age where wanton sex is the norm, the do what feels good with no responsibilities attitude prevails.

Gay couples wanting to get hitched are, in many cases, a better moral example than many of the people who have their panties in a bunch over their wish.

I'm of the opinion that Civil Unions will eventually become law, in some form, in every state of the Union, and no amending of the constitution will be needed to "Protect the Institution of Marriage".

On the issue of Civil Rights I believe that the laws of the land, from the Constitution on down to the local level are there for all citizens, regardless of Race, Ethnicity, Religion, or lack of it, or Sexual Orientation, and that people who feel that their rights are being violated  have legal ways to address their concerns.

Trying to create special "rights", and "priviledges" is a pasttime of the Political Correctness crowd, and has no place in America.

Now let me get to the e-mail Beth, of The Beth Zone, wrote.

The Watcher's Council Votes!

The Council of Bloggers behind the Watcher of Weasels and the Watcher's Council, rendered its verdicts this morning....

My submission got a vote!!!

I was tied for 3rd, and listed 4th ( Don't know the meaning of that, if anything, and it don't matter anywhoo ) out of 14 nominees. ;-D

This collection of nominees includes a handfull of my favorite big name Bloggers, and so it means a lot to get the recognition of even just 1 vote..

Very cool, indeed. ;-D

New York Times accurately assesses consequences of its actions?

Stranger things have happened I suppose, but the Times and other papers still need to be reminded, by watching this old cartoon, of the consequences of their reporting.

The Times reporting is clear - this is a good program; ending it would harm national security; publicity may kill it.

So says Tom Maguire, of JustOneMinute, in a link filled piece.

A nice roundup on the New York Times issue, from Pajamas Media.

A Tip of the Hat to Instapundit.

Technorati Tags: New York Times

Murder and Media Hypocrisy

Norm Geras makes a very important point on the issue.

A Tip of the Hat to Instapundit.

The Flag Burning Amendment Fails by 1 vote

Freedom of Speech won.

You ban Flag Burning then sooner or later folks will start demanding that turning the flag into a fabulous shirt design is desecratiion ( A Cycling Jersey I'm buying soon, for instance ), and people thus making the shirt all dirty and sweaty by wearing it are desecrating the flag.

Designs for cake frosting, and the folks who thus cut up the cake, and eat it, are desecrating the flag.

A piece of art work that some might find disagreable, for whatever reason, can be called a desecration of the Flag.

The possibilities are endless, on the serious, and the silly sides.

I think Americans need to re-awaken their patriotic spirit, and start waving the Flag again to show the world we will not be defeated by the enemies of Freedom, and Democracy.

At the same time we need not be afraid of the actions of the Moonbats who must resort to flashy, attention getting, acts of incitement such as Flag Burning to show their displeasure because what they have to say makes no sense, or otherwise does nothing to intelligently, and coherently, make their case to the American Public, and the world, for them.

By our allowing them to do what they do, and by the media holding up their actions to the light of day for all to see, and judge, the freedoms that Old Glory proudly stands for are upheld, and I think that is the most important thing.

Here's coverage on this important story from the last few days.

The Passion.

The Honor.

As James Taranto writes:

Burning the flag is a stupid and ugly act, but there is something lovely and enlightened about a regime that tolerates it in the name of freedom. And of course it has the added benefit of making it easier to spot the idiots.

Amen!

The Vote.

Technorati Tags: Flag Burning, American Flag, Old Glory, , Flag

The Watcher's Council Begins Deliberations

The Watcher of Weasels, and the Watcher's Council, are a group of Bloggers who for the last 3 years or so have been doing their bit to honor, and spread the word about, some of the best writing in the Blogosphere, their own, and that of others.

The members nominate, and vote on, posts by Council Members, and Non-Council Bloggers, each week, and also consider submissions, under ccertain rules, for inclusion in the Non-Council Grouping.

This morning I learned that a post of mine that I submitted, was accepted!!

I am one of the 14 to be voted on in the Non-Council Section this week. ;-D

I am honored to be in such company ( 25 other entries, , and 1 Honorable Mention, in all this week ).

The last week has been a most amazing one from the moment I decided to do what I did, and Emperor Misha linked to me at the start, thus causing a Rottweilerlanche of Biblical Proportions that, while it has slowed has not stopped, as others continue to link ( Including the Bloggers behind a new Conservative Radio Network about to be born ) , and just about everyone who stops by is taking the time to read many, if not all, of the essays I linked to.

I am humbled, and in awe, yet again, of the power of the Blogosphere.

Bubba of Bombast added to Great Blogroll in the Sky

I don't ever remember checking out Gut Rumbles, but from just his last few posts, and the tributes of his friends, and readers, I think I would have enjoyed the place, and the writings of the Blogger known as Acidman.

He proudly had this on his sidebar:

If my blog does not meet your standards, then LOWER YOUR STANDARDS. Who the hell do you think you are, anyway?

Hee, hee. ;-D

The man was obviously opinionated, often brutally honest ( According to 1 blogger I know who knew him ), but was knowledgeable on a lot things, and had a great sense of humor, and an outspoken, irreverant attitude, was known for his kindness, and even was thought a Gentleman by many.

He also had other things going on I admittedly know nothing about, I gather, that may have rubbed some people the wrong way, on occasion, and a past with some issues such as being a recovering alcoholic.

Yet, despite all that, he had friends, and admirers.

And, boy, could he write a blog post, or what? ;-D

Oh, and he was a musician!

I hope that when I am eventually added to the Great Blogroll in the Sky, say about 2070 or so, that I get the great send off from friends, and readers that he has been getting, and will get at his Services this week.

3 million visitors couldn't have been wrong. ;-D

The 23rd, and 24th were his last days of posting.

The Penis Post, alone,  will make the time, and effort, well worth it, trust me. ;-D

It really sounds to me that the dumbass never learned to operate it correctly. A jury should have told that whining bastid to go home and practice.

NOT award him $400,000...

LMFAO!!! ;-D

The Dog Post comes in 2nd.

That "teaching them boundaries" works just fine until a female goes into heat anywhere within three miles of an ungelded male. If a male dog gets a whiff of ripe coochie in the wind, he'll forget all about those "boundaries" and follow his dick wherever it leads him. Hell, sometimes they'll even climb a six-foot cyclone fence when pussy nature calls.

Hee, hee. ;-D

And the Chicken post is a close 3nd. ;-D

It is his next to last post, and the long collection of comments with it, over the following day or so, however, that will break your heart, and maybe make you more than a bit angry, as this blog comes to its tragic end.

Acidman was found dead around 2am on the morning of the 26th.

The main page has all the posts from the 23rd thru to today, and any updates after, including the announcement of his passing ( 518 comments, and 54 trackbacks! ), and about upcoming services.

Rube, at You Bitch.org, has a wonderful, and quite original, tribute, that is a gloriously funny read. ;-D

I learned about this story thru posts at Emigre with a Digital Cluebat, and the tributes by his wife, Mama Montezz.

Dialog on the issue of being Gay in 21st Century America

Early last week I read a column by John Leo that prompted me to write an essay in response: The New Protected Class.

As the week went on and  I worked on collecting links for my piece on Americans outage over the murders of 2 American Soldiers, I had contact with a woman who, you will see, had reason to take a little issue with my response to Leo.

Beth, of The Beth Zone, calls herself a libertarian lesbian writer/singer-songwriter, and hadn't been sure I'd link to her poetic expression of outrage.

I had no problem whatsover. ;-D

Anyway, I wote her back, and among other things I wrote:

The other day I read a piece by John Leo of US News, on the question of Gays supposedly being the new "Protected Class " or something, that inspired me to create some new Amendments to the Constitution as a satirical response, and to stir the pot, of debate, and discussion, Leo had already filled to the brim.

I am kind of suprised that all of San Francisco, or at least West Hollyweird, has not descended on my Blog to call me a rascist hate monger. ;-D

When I said that while I may have issues with Gays on some points that the important thing is that we are all AMERICANS, she wrote:

To my mind, that means having an orientation toward wanting to live and let live, and for appreciating neighbors who are decent--meaning we deal with each other fairly, show mutual respect, etc.  I think it's terrible that there's so much mistrust when so many folks want to find ways to get along.

Anyway, this led me to tell the story of 2 Gay customers who I considered friends, from when I worked in a bookstore in the 80's and 90's.

The Right to Know

The New York Times  Bill Keller responds in his papers defense, in a two page letter to readers that stirs up things even more.

Freedom of the press is a very important right, and it is one most feel should be vigorously preserved. But all rights have reciprocal responsibilities for those they protect.

It is fair to say, given the fact that the government objected and the papers published anyway, that right was acknowledged on the one side. However, it isn't as clear that the press itself exercised it's responsibility properly or responsibly. As one commenter asked, who gave Bill Keller the right to unilaterally decide based on 'the public's right to know' when it was appropriate to disclose national secrets?

Q AND O: Did the NY and LA Times abuse Freedom of the Press?

BILL KELLER ISN'T VERY BRIGHT, or else he thinks you aren't. How else to explain this passage in his apologia for the Times' publication of classified information about the terrorist financial surveillance program:

Some of the incoming mail quotes the angry words of conservative bloggers and TV or radio pundits who say that drawing attention to the government's anti-terror measures is unpatriotic and dangerous. (I could ask, if that's the case, why they are drawing so much attention to the story themselves by yelling about it on the airwaves and the Internet.)

I realize that the Times' circulation is falling at an alarming rate, but it hasn't yet reached such a pass that its stories are only noticed when Rush Limbaugh mentions them.

A deeper error is Keller's characterization of freedom of the press as an institutional privilege, an error that is a manifestation of the hubris that has marked the NYT of late.

Instapundit: Bill Keller isn't very bright.

Follow the links  in Glenn's piece to more writing on the subject.

The Gray Lady thought she could get away with something in publishing this story, but the firestorm thus created has only pissed off the public even more than they are already.

***UPDATE - 9AM***

The L.A. Times, on top of the firestorm caused by their participation in the leak outrage, has much bigger problems to worry about:

The Times does an outragous "HIT" piece in which the editors of the Los Angeles Times EAT their own, and blame the "right wing" Chandlers ( The Clan that ran the paper for decades, and has membrs on the Board of the current owner, the Tribune Co.. ).

Today, Jeffrey Chandler, 64, is at the center of power within the Chandler family, which sold Times Mirror six years ago to Tribune Co. of Chicago. As one of three family representatives on the Tribune board, he is a key player in the Chandlers’ fight to force the sale or breakup of the giant media company and could ultimately help determine the future of the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Baltimore Sun, Newsday, KTLA-TV and other Tribune properties.

Fellow Bear Flagger, Fullosseousflap, writes:

This is an interesting piece indeed from the editors of the Los Angeles Times.

If the Tribune Company does not clean house (FIRE the Los Angeles Times Senior Editors and Publisher) then Flap is sure the Chandler family will.

Go here for the link to the Times piece, and more -- Los Angeles Times Watch: Conservative Members of Chandler Family “HIT” by Los Angeles Times Editors.

***END UPDATE***

***UPDATE - NOON***

THE PREZ WAGS HIS FINGER AT THE NEW YORK TIMES for publishing classified material: Gateway Pundit has a nice, informative, roundup.

A Tip of the Hat to Instapundit, who has 3 more related links.

***END UPDATE***

Technorati Tags: N.Y. Times, L.A. Times, Bill Keller, Freedom of the Press, Traitor

Check out the Watcher's Council

As you may or may not already be aware, members of the Watcher's Council hold a vote every week on what they consider to be the most link-worthy pieces of writing around... per the Watcher's instructions, I am submitting one of my own posts for consideration in the upcoming nominations process.
Here is the most recent winning council post, here is the most recent winning non-council post, here is the list of results for the latest vote, and here is the initial posting of all the nominees that were voted on.

Looking for a Terrorist to Kill

This day, like yesterday, has been an all day Blogfest as I continue to find, and catalog, eloquent expressions of outrage against the murder of our 2 brave soldiers.

Pardon me while I take a break to read some poetry:

The marines went down to Baghdad, they was looking for a terrorist to kill.
They were in a bind 'cos They was way behind: And had a body bag to fill.
When they came across this old house in a city named Baqubah,
And a marine jumped up on the missile launch and said: "Boy let me tell you what:
"I bet you didn't know it, But Zarqawi is in that hut,"
"And if you'd care to look in there, Theres a whole bunch of Muslim nuts ."
"Now they've got a pretty good hideout, boy, but this day will be his last"
"I bet you 500 pounds of warplane missiles, I'll hit his sorry ass. "
The marine said: "My name's Johnny and it might be a sin,
"But I'll take my chances, They're gonna regret, 'cos I'm the best that's ever been."

Read the rest of this wonderful piece by the Little Orange Fox, of The Outlaw Republican:

Marines Went Down to Baghdad.

Technorati Tags: Marines, Baghdad, Zarqawi

Jihadists Execute Russians on Video

Michelle asks "Where's the Outrage?"

Hell, darlin', I'VE been catalogueing it  FOR 4 DAYS NOW at my place!

Ordinary Americans ARE angry!

The Video is brutal, just as the Nick Berg one was.

I think this video should be seen by everyone.

Watch it if you have the stomach.

Visit Michelle Malkin

A Tip of the Hat to Conservative Blog Therapy.

***UPDATE - 820PM pst***

Beth, at Blue Star Chronicles, says it plain, and simple:

For those who feel if the United States just backed out of this war and everything would just be ‘back to normal’ again (whatever back to normal means), you might want to take note of this. These are not Americans and the jihadists didn’t even claim it was the fault of the United States. They blamed Russia for their actions on this one.

They are at war with the Western world. I don’t know what is so difficult to understand about that.

It is outrageous. When will we get so tired of the actions of these monsters that we are willing to put a stop to it?

You tell 'em, Sister! ( Post includes exerpts from news coverage, and more links to reaction. )

Oh, and yes, people are blaming Bush for this. ( Thanks Beth for the heads up! )

***END UPDATE***

***UPDATE - 6/26***

I agree with David, of Thunder Run.

Technorati Tags: Jihadists, Russians, Execution, Islam, Terrorists, Terrorists, Russian Diplomats Executed, Video

Rush, Sean, and Bill, oh my!

I should have done this long ago!

Official Rush Limbaugh Website.

Official Sean Hannity Website.

Official Bill O'Reilly Website.

Radio America is more Conservative Talk

Hey, how come no one told me about THIS?

Jeez, people, do I have to find EVERYTHING myself?

Radio America's home on the web. Radio America's programs feature high profile guests, hard hitting interviews and lively debate. The network is driven by its commitment to traditional American values, limited government and the free market.

Filling in where the mainstream media stops, Radio America addresses the issues of the day in an entertaining and informative fashion with intelligent discussion that gives all sides an equal hearing.

There are a few of the Big Boys in Conservative Talk, including G. Gordon Liddy, and Michael Reagan.

America Will Soon be Wide Awake

Not that it isn't already, after this week full of Outrage, and Media Treachery.

I just learned of a new online Media effort by Conservative Bloggers that will, one hopes, have great success.

It is called Wide Awakes Radio.

Here you will find true conservative political discussion, not like that crap that comes out of D.C.

We have some of the hottest Right Thinking Political Bloggers, lined up and ready to explain why left sucks, why Bush is wrong on immigration and what we can do to make it all better.

We launch on July 4th at 6 A.M. Pacific.

Watch yer ratings backs Rush, and Sean, hee, hee. ;-D

I'll be adding a link to their  website, and Blog. ;-D

***UPDATE - 6/27***

A hearty welcome to readers of the Blogs of the Wide Awakes, and a humble, heartfelt, thank you to said worthies for spreading the word about yours truly, The Mad Macedonian.

Make yerselves, at home folks, and feel free to take a leisurely look around if you are so inclined to do so. ;-D

***END UPDATE***

Does Congress have spine to investigate Times?

The same goes for the Administration.

Those responsible for leaking should be prosecuted.

What they did, as many point out, is essentially commit treason in time of war.

Austin Bay : The Axis of Abuse: The NY Times and Washington, DC leakers.

Jim Dunnigan: Treason You can get Away With.

Hugh Hewitt challenges Congress to do a few things.

In the meantime....

The New York Times publishes an account of a classified briefing at the Pentagon.

The ball is now in Congress court, and this morning comes news that at least 1 Lawmaker Wants Papers Probed Over Stories.

A Tip of the Hat to Instapundit.

Technorati Tags: N.Y. Times, Traitor

Zinging the New York Times

The New York Times ( The LA Times and others, too ) is the Big Loser by giving aid, and comfort, to the enemy, as Good Old Yankee Ingenuity meets Photoshop, and Americans Outrage grows by the day.

Those old posters still have their uses, and retain the potent power of their important messages, to this day. ;-D

These reporters, and the 2 Times, are just more examples of the minions of the World Allied Conspiratorial Kongress of Idiotarians Everywhere ( better known as W.A.C.K.I.E. ).

Technorati Tags: N.Y. Times, L.A. Times, Traitor

America and Islam: The collision

There is a must read essay in the NY Sun that includes the following:

Islam as practiced today in virtually all Muslim countries does not fashion itself merely as a spiritual value, but as a conquering force with a need to dominate - not so far from the next step of Islamic fundamentalist theology, which motivates jihadis.

This overwhelmingly hostile orientation, relayed to the faithful by texts and preachers, has led to Islamic regimes such as Saudi Arabia, which is barricaded in deep isolation but uses its huge wealth to export reactionary Wahhabi ideologies to the world, setting up madrassas, mosques, and theological seminaries across the globe.

In Europe, America, Canada, and Australia, it has been easy for Muslim fundamentalists to take over Muslim immigrant communities because Islam promotes confrontation with others. Mosques, religious schools, and the imposition of the veil are tools of domination, not assimilation.

These issues must be dealt with. Much of the task falls to Muslim scholars in Muslim nations, and the work is imperative. Darkness, fear, and xenophobia are the understudy of terror.

The West does not have to bend backward. Indeed, it is time to push back - at the edge of the sword, if need be.

America and Islam: Collision Inevitable? By YOUSSEF IBRAHIM

A Tip of the Hat to The Muslim Question.

Technorati Tags: America, Islam, Muslim, Wahhabi, madrassas, mosques

Much needed moment of laughter amongst all the Horror

Has reading, and thinking, about all this got you on edge, stressed out, ready to just SCREAM in your outrage?

I've been chasing more links down all day, and have been inspired by what I have found, but then I stumbled upon something, at Silflay Hraka, that let me sit back, relax, and laugh for a good 4 minutes.

A video version of the wonderful Abbott and Costello routine called Who's on 1st that is one of the most outstanding things to appear on YouTube yet. ;-D

The Terror Threat is NOT on American Soil yet

Go back to sleep, America, all is well, all is calm.

NOT!!

Despite efforts to seal U.S. borders against terrorists, the threat may already be here, according to counterterror officials worried about Americans seeking to attack the country from the inside.

Seven Nabbed in Miami on Terror Charges in Plot to Hit Sears Tower .

Seven Men Accused of Terror Plot Against Sears Tower and FBI in Court Friday.

Are you paying attention yet?

Are you concerned yet?

Are you outraged yet?

Technorati Tags: Terror Plot, American Soil, U.S. Borders, Miami, Terrorists, Terrorism, America

Minions of W.A.C.K.I.E. found at Atlanta Newspaper

Editorial Cartoonist Mike Luckovich and, by virtue of their running this utterly despicable cartoon, the Atlanta Urinal-Constipation, are utterly contemptable.

Just another example of the minions of the World Allied Conspiratorial Kongress of Idiotarians Everywhere ( better known as W.A.C.K.I.E. ).

They have lost all right to call themselves objective journalists with this obscene, despicable, and anti- American piece of bullshit.

And people all across America ARE letting them, and any paper that published this crap in syndication, know what they think.

Accompanying the cartoon is an opportunity for viewers to express their opinion in 2 ways.

The 1st is by Voting:

Do You like this cartoon, Yes, or No?

As of this posting ( 145am ) the vote is as follows...

YES = 1652 ( 10.37% )

NO = 14,274 ( 89.63% )

The 2nd way is to leave a comment:

So far 556 comments have been left.

Needless to say the Moonbats are getting their collective Asses kicked here as well.

'Tis Glorious to behold! ;-D

***UPDATE - 6/25***

2 days after outrage swamped the paper the artist issued a non-apology in an attempt at a defense.

By the way the original title for the cartoon was “Pot meet Kettle”, but overnight it was changed to “Book of Torture”.

If there is nothing WRONG with his depiction, why did he change the title of the cartoon?

***END UPDATE***

Technorati Tags: Mike Luckovich, Journalists, Cartoon, Anti-American, Moonbats, Minions of W.A.C.K.I.E., Atlanta Urinal-Constipation

Americans Need to be Outraged

Two American Soldiers were brutally tortured, and murdered.

Where's the Outrage?

Here, and here, for starters. ( Bless you BOTH!! )

Oh, and here, too! ;-D

( Morning- 6/22- PLEASE see the end of this essay for an IMPORTANT update to a growing, powerful, show of outrage, and know that a few links, posted yesterday, and today, have also been added within my original essay. )

As Mr. Stokely says: We must hunt these dogs down and eradicate them from the face of this earth!

Finally, can we let our military take the gloves off and clean up Iraq?

Do that, and then move on to chasing down Osama, and all the other terrorists, where ever they may be hiding around the world, and to hell with the America Haters, appeasers, and whiners in our country, and in Europe.

Brutal Murder of Soldiers Makes War Personal

I was watching FOX last night, after getting home from work, and was appalled by the news of the slaughter of those 2 brave soldiers.

Will our Military finally get to finish these bastards off for good so the Iraqi Government, and people, can get on with the business of Democracy, and continued rebuilding of the national infrastructure, and society?

As GayPatriot writes:

The barbarity of the murder of Pfcs. Kristian Menchaca and Thomas Lowell Tucker shows the evil nature of the opponents we face. These terrorists show no respect for conventions of warfare or for human life. And no respect for the dead, booby-trapping bodies in order to use them to kill even more people. It’s just too bad that some bloggers are using the murders of these servicemen as just another excuse to attack the Administration.

Once again, we see the evil of our enemies in Iraq for what it is. As our hearts go out to the families of these two brave young men, let’s not mince words and call their murderers what they are. And do what we can do defeat them.

Well said!

I agrees that  what Andrew Sullivan wrote is despicable.

Our terrorist enemies have been killing people, including their own neighbors, long before we sent our troops over there to kick their ass.

Technorari Tags: terrorists, Iraq

The New Protected Class

Amendment  XXVIII to the Constitution of the United States of America:

Congress shall make no law that does not respect  non-heterosexual sexual orientations, or prohibits the free exercise thereof; or abridges the freedom of Gays, or the Transgendered; or the right of such people peaceably to make whoopie, march in St. Patrick Day, and other parades, dressed any way they want, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances against those of the heterosexual persuasion.

Amendment XXVIIII:

The right of Gays and Transgendered, to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place, and/or orofice, to be searched, and the persons, critters, or things to be seized.

Amendment XXX:

No Gay, or Transgendered, person shall be held to answer for an odd, or otherwise infamous, act of Sexual Intercourse, except in cases arising in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and National Guard when in actual service in time of war or public danger, when the success of the war effort, and the fate of the nation are at stake; nor shall any such person be subject for the same act to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any such case to be a witness against himself, herself, or itself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, property, or partner, without due process of law; nor shall any home videos of such activity be confiscated for public exhibition, without just compensation.

Amendment XXXI:

A well regulated Aids Medication Distribution System, being necessary to the health of the nation, the right of the people to access to said drugs, shall not be infringed.

Amendment XXXII:

No Gay, or Transgendered, person shall, at any time, be denied quartering in any house, apartment, or condo, despite the protestations of the owner, or manager, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

A Blog Truly for the Birds

Actually, thanks to a comment left at my other blog, I found an interesting new Blog about Birds, and Bird Watching. ;-D

Ryan Kulla is a young man, living in San Bernardino, CA., after a lifetime in the OC, who began rkbirding in January.

His blog is full of interesting writing, and wonderful photos of the birds he has seen, and the places where they were seen.

One post showcased over 20 different birds!

Another has pics of Common Ravens attacking a Red-tailed Hawk and an American Kestrel.

Technorati Tags: Birds, Birding

My Assembly District abandoned by the GOP?

It sure looks like it when the only Republican in the race for the 69th Assembly District is a 20 year old college student no-body with supposedly ( in the mind of the OC Weekly, among others ) absolutely no chance of waging a winnable campaign.

When the Lefty OC Weekly is impressed enough with him to interview him you have to wonder which is the stronger of the 2 reasons they would do so:

Do they genuinely feel sorry for him?

or

Are they leaping at the chance to needle the local GOP?

Probably both.

I love the intro:

Ryan Gene Williams moved from Houston to Orange County two years ago to attend Orange Coast College, and by November he’ll be dead.

The Santa Ana resident is running for state Assembly—a white guy in an assembly district that includes parts of Garden Grove and Anaheim (whose residents are likely to have been born in Mexico or Vietnam), and all of Santa Ana, the most Mexican big city in America. He’s a political science major at OCC, but has no formal political experience. In this, his first campaign, he’s running against José Solorio, a veteran Democratic pol and Santa Ana council member. Ethnicity and inexperience are enough to explain why Williams, a Republican, doesn’t expect any support from his party, but there’s also this: he opposed the re-election of GOP favorite Mike Carona in last week’s race for sheriff.

And he’s just 20 years old.

But we can dream.

And probably laugh at the OC Right.

English is the Language of this Country: Learn it!

Why should we be concerned that in the years to come it might become far less so?

It should bother everyone that, today, when you go into a McDonalds, or some other store, all the employees are speaking only Spanish among themselves, and the cashiers, charged with taking your order, or otherwise handling your transaction, cannot properly communicate with you because he or she does not speak English well or, more frighteningly, not at all.

Should we also be asking how many of these employees are also here illegally?

From the Christian Science Monitor:

According to the 2000 Census, 92 percent of the US population age 5 and older has no difficulty speaking English. And a recent Zogby poll shows that a vast majority (84 percent), supports English as the national language, including 71 percent of Hispanics. English is the most studied second language in the world, preferred in many venues.

But this reassuring big picture obscures a troubling close-up. The same Census reported that only a little more than half of those who speak only Spanish at home - by far the largest foreign language group in the US - reported speaking English "very well." That's a worrisome skill deficit. Also, a 2004 poll by the Pew Hispanic Center shows 41 percent of Hispanic immigrants do not think newcomers have to speak English to be part of American society. That's a significant minority for whom a melting-pot recipe lacks flavor.

It's no wonder that state and national politicians are unsure whether to pass English-only laws that are purely declaratory or ones that require official government communication to be in English - the latter having been successfully challenged in court. Last month, US senators couldn't decide, and passed two English-language measures, one tougher than the other.

Complicating the issue are factors that encourage large and long-lasting Spanish-only enclaves: The size and duration of Hispanic immigration - legal and illegal - is historic, with no pause for full integration.

The Monitor thinks that education is a better way to prevent erosion than laws.

Laws are as important a component as education, in my view, in protecting our language in this country.

Technorati Tags: English, Spanish, English-only, Immigration

Vengeance is mine Sayeth the Sheriff

The race for OC Sheriff was a contentious one with the incumbent Mike Carona, up to his ears in hints of, and some say actual, corruption for years, being challenged by one of his most important subordinates, Lt. Bill Hunt.

Carona barely survived, and within hours struck back, thus angering the Sheriffs Union, the County Supervisors, and, um, the mighty city of San Clemente.

Peggy Lowe, of the OC Register Blog, Total Buzz, wrote on the 9th:

"The rumors of more demotions by Carona and a "hit list" of Hunt supporters are still circulating wildly today, but no one's talking on the record."

Gettiing your Noctilucent on

Nature can be so damn cool.

"Noctilucent clouds are a mystery. They float through the outer reaches of Earth's atmosphere at the very edge of space. Some scientists think the clouds are seeded by space dust and fed by rocket exhaust. Others suspect they're a sign of global warming.

Want to see them yourself? Look west after sunset for sinuous, blue-glowing ripples in the sky."

So say the folks at a website mentioned in a piece by the OC Register's Sciencedude, with a really cool photo of the phenomenon.

Another thing I learned while visiting this Blog is that Earth has its own "planetary protection officer"....

And it ain't AlGore! ;-D

The Animated Artistry of Mike Shelton

Cartoonist Mike Shelton, of the OC Register has a Blog.

His cartoons on the Opinion Pages of the paper are a must.

Recently he's ventured into the world of Animation, with the assistance of Jocelyn Leger, to outstanding effect.

With the help of a former Prez the debut went off without a hitch. ;-D

Obviously, with this in mind, the folks on the ground in Iraq chose to go with Plan B last week. ;-D

Showing why some Hollywood types should stick to their day jobs. ;-D

And, most recently, a comment on the high price of gas. ;-D

The Canada 17 have some interesting backrounds

So wassup with these terrorists?

The Canada 17 bust is tied to an arrest made in April in Bangladesh, which is also tied to a couple of students at Georgia Tech. Somehow the FBI managed to get custody of the Bangladesh individual, which has raised the hackles of Pakistani public opinion. The two Georgia Tech students recently traveled to Canada and somehow drew attention to themselves. The RCMP were either montoring the mosque, key members of the mosque or the training camp itself and were able to spring a very nice "sting" where the members of the 17 attempted to buy 3 tons of the highest caliber ammonium nitrate.

Oh, and a few members wer already in custody months ago.

Varifrank Blog has a veritable linkfest to information on past activities of some of the Canadian Terrorists, and profiles of some of the groups members.

Will You Look at This!

When I wrote a review about the film United 93, a month ago, I included parts of an essay by George Will.

I decided to write him about my review:

Dear Mr. Will,

I have been a fan, and avid reader, of yours for many years.

I never dreamed I'd have reason to write to you, but your recent column was compelling, and neccessary, and I wanted to tell you that, and thank you for it.

This evening I saw United 93, and it affected me greatly.

I wrote a review on my Blog, Sneakeasy's Joint, and incorporated parts of your important essay into what I had to say:

Again, THANK YOU!

Sincerely yours,
KIRIL KUNDURAZIEFF
Santa Ana, CA.

The Mad Macedonian!

I knew the chances were slim of getting a reply.

The Omen for a New Millenium

The original was a creepy, and moody, classic, with a wonderful music score to match.

Gregory Peck was excellent, as was Lee Remick, Patrick Troughton as Father Brennan, and Billie Whitelaw as the protective Nanny ( Did you know Billie was a Quaker? hee, hee ).

Little Harvey Stephens was a true find.

So I was curious to see what would be done here, and was pleasantly suprised.

The best thing going in was knowing that the original screenwriter was on hand to handle the remake.

There were a few changes in plot to bring it into the 21st century, but for the most part the major touchstones in plot from the original are re-done, with a modern take.

This time Thorn is the Ambassadors #2, before, um, being thrust into the top job by circumstance.

The worst thing about the film was that the creepy music of the original is absent, until the closing credits.

The music used was moody, but not the best choice.

The film gets its "Armageddon is nigh" point across right off the bat with a nifty Priestly Powerpoint Presentation for the Pope that uses recent events as harbingers. ;-D

I did not find myself comparing how each plot developement in the re-make compared to the original, and so was able to enjoy this film in its own right.

Of all the deaths the finest moment comes with the most original decapitation in film history. ;-D

The death of Father Brennan comes in a close 2nd.

As for the Acting:

Liev Schreiber, as Thorn, is no Gregory Peck, but he is not the wooden actor some critics claim he is here either.

By having him not start out as the Ambassador they handle the age difference nicely.

His acting becomes more expressive as the plot developments pile up, and I found that a plus.

Julia Stiles, as Mrs. Thorn, is no Lee Remick, but she still does a decent job in the role of a mother who realizes too late that her boy ain't exactly "right".

Pete Postlethwaite is flat out wonderfully fanatical as Father Brennan, and steals every scene he is in.

Mia Farrow, she of Rosemary's Baby fame, in an inspired bit of stunt casting, plays Mrs. Baylock with a wonderful, scene stealing, gusto, and has a scene that is one of the most erotic, and creepy, sequences ever filmed.

David Thewlis, and that odd looking face of his, is the photographer, and is good.

I liked the way he played the role better than the version of the original.

I also think that Michael Gambon was the better Bugenhagen.

Little Shamus Davey-Fitzpatrick, is very good, but not near as creepy, as the new Damien, and truly creepy was what was needed.

In a way I think this impression is due to the difference in music.

In a film like this the music truly matters, and I think they missed a beat by not using the original score, or some variation on it.

Speaking of the original Damien... In a very nice touch Stephens is here in a brief role as a Tabloid Reporter.

As for the cute little Rottweiller that is the family, um, pet.... what happens to him is funny, yet embarrassing to all Rotties everywhere. ;-D

An 8 out of 10.

Technorati Tags: Omen

Happy Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia Day!

It's gonna be a hell of a day...

Good, or bad...

For all of us, which ever way ya look at it.

So... in those immortal words...

What? ME worry?? ;-D

Now go to the polls and VOTE! It's Election Day! ;-D

Fear of the numbers 666.

If you look hard enough, you start seeing 666s everywhere. In bar codes at the supermarket — mark of the beast? In product logos. Encoded in the names of the famous and the infamous. And, of course, on the calendar.

June 6, 2006. Sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of this century. Spooky, no?

No.

To some Jihad is the Protest flavor of the Decade

There is an aspect of the make-up of our terrorist enemies that we must not lose sight of as we continue the fight abroad, and watch for infiltration into our country:

While there very well may be Sleeper Cells of Eastern Islamists in our midst, there is also, as the Canadian story showed this weekend,  the threat of "Homegrown Cells" of an interesting sort.

Canadian intelligence officials make the point. From the National Post:

CSIS reports that some of those getting involved in homegrown terror networks are Canadians who have converted to the intolerant, extremist version of Islam.

"We have cases of white Anglo-Saxon male Protestants converting to the most radical forms of Islam," Mr. Hooper said.

"These are people who blend in with us and our neighbours."

From the Canadian Press:

RCMP assistant Commissioner Mike McDonell said Western youths who have never set foot in Afghanistan can be "inspired" and radicalized by al-Qaida in many ways.

"They can be inspired through the use of the Internet, though library, through books and through their own proselytizing to each other and recruiting and radicalizing individuals," he said.

While it's hard to understand why any educated person would embrace this doctrine, we ignore the evidence at our peril.

Screw the Truth, get Bush!

God... I love reading a good Fisking in the morning.

And the one of the NY Times by Don Surber, this morning, is a classic that deserves the widest audience possible.

What happened in Haditha is undeniably horribly tragic, whatever the facts, but those soldiers deserve the presumption of innocence until they are proven guilty.

The Gray Lady, however, is leading the usual charge from the Left that, for political purposes, including Anti-Liberation of Afghanistan, and Iraq, Anti-War on Terror, Anti-Bush, and Anti-Conservative reasons is all that Liberals, and Democrats, have to offer the American people in the 2006 and 2008 Election Seasons.

As Don writes: "The NY Times lead editorial today is a delicious example of early 21st century elitists saying one thing, meaning another."

Read his full essay: A Hard Look  at a Haditha Editorial.

Dan Riehl compares the amount of coverage target="_blank" of Haditha and the terror busts.

Thanks to Dan, as people consider those numbers in his piece, something else that should be remembered is this:

Before the Internet Age the people of the world would have had no clue of the enormity, and complexity, of contrasts in coverage, and opinion, such as this.

Knowing things like this, and knowing what others are thinking, and writing, in the timely manner Home Computers allow, makes all the difference in having an informed citizenry.

A Tip of the Hat for both to Instapundit.

Technorati Tags: Haditha,, Iraq,, Afghanistan,, Terror,, Soldiers,, Liberals,, Democrats,, Conservative,, Bush

Oh Canada, Good on Thee

Hurrah for the Mounties!

Canadian police foiled a homegrown terrorist attack by arresting 17 suspects, apparently inspired by al-Qaeda, who obtained three times the amount of an explosive ingredient used in the Oklahoma City bombing, officials said Saturday.

The FBI said the Canadian suspects may have had "limited contact" with two men recently arrested on terrorism charges in Georgia. About 400 regional police and federal agents participated in the arrests Friday and early Saturday.

"These individuals were allegedly intent on committing acts of terrorism against their own country and their own people," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement. "As we have said on many occasions, Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism."

.... FBI Special Agent Richard Kolko said in Washington there may have been a connection between the Canadian suspects and a Georgia Tech student and another American who had traveled to Canada to meet with Islamic extremists to discuss locations for a terrorist strike.

Syed Haris Ahmed and Ehsanul Islam Sadequee, U.S. citizens who grew up in the Atlanta area, were arrested in March.

This is HUGE.

This story, coming on the heels of a similar bust in Britain strikes close to home, and shows just how important it is that the West stay vigilant, and not back down in The War Against Terror.

More coverage than you can shake a stick at ( Just follow the links in, and after, each. ) gathered by:

Instapundit: Here, and Here.

Stop the ACLU.

***UPDATE***

From Powerline:

Hmm. Do you suppose that breaking up these terrorist gangs may have involved intercepting some international phone calls and emails? No need to speculate:

Linking the international probes are online communications, phone calls and in particular videotapes that authorities allege show some of the targets the young extremists considered blowing up.

News reports also indicate that the Canadian authorities first became aware of the Toronto group through surveillance of password-protected web sites that promoted Islamic extremism. So the dark night of fascism is falling on Canada, too.

Read the full piece: Canadian Terror Suspects Linked to International Groups.

***END UPDATE***

Technorati Tags: Terrorist, Canadian, Canada, al-Qaeda, Terrorism, Islamic

Nailing Michael Moore

Michael Moore manipulates the truth in his documentaries for his political purposes, we all suspect that.

Now comes someone who is setting out to nail him on it, and make him pay.

He, more than most, has just cause:

A double-amputee Iraq-war vet is suing Michael Moore for $85 million, claiming the portly peacenik recycled an old interview and used it out of context to make him appear anti-war in "Fahrenheit 9/11."

Sgt. Peter Damon, 33, who strongly supports America's invasion of Iraq, said he never agreed to be in the 2004 movie, which trashes President Bush.

In the 2003 interview, which he did at Walter Reed Army Hospital for NBC News, he discussed only a new painkiller the military was using on wounded vets.

"They took the clip because it was a gut-wrenching scene," Damon said yesterday. "They sandwiched it in. [Moore] was using me as ammunition."

NY POST: GI'S BIG FAT SUIT VS. MOORE.

A Tip of the Hat to Stop the ACLU, and Hot Air.