This was an outrageously silly issue.
Senate Says McCain Is Qualified
By CARL HULSE
Published: May 1, 2008
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday delivered its judgment on a constitutional question involving one of its own and formally declared that Senator John McCain is eligible to be president — at least from a citizenship perspective.
Weighing in on an arcane question that has arisen because of Mr. McCain’s birth in the Panama Canal Zone, the Senate without opposition approved a nonbinding resolution recognizing that Mr. McCain is a natural-born citizen. (emphasis, Princess Crabby)
Among the basic qualifications the Constitution lays out for president is that the person be a natural-born citizen, a phrase not defined and one that has been subjected to various interpretations.
At the request of Mr. McCain’s campaign, two constitutional lawyers studied the issue and found in favor of Mr. McCain, whose father was stationed in the zone with the Navy when the future candidate was born. Colleagues of both parties in the Senate, including his two potential Democratic rivals, concur.
“There is no evidence of the intention of the framers or any Congress to limit the constitutional rights of children born to Americans serving in the military nor to prevent those children from serving as their country’s president,” the resolution said.
It does not have the power of law. Its authors, chiefly Senators Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont and Claire McCaskill of Missouri, both Democrats, said they wanted the Senate clearly on record.
H/T the Corner
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Congressman Ramstad comes out in opposition to the Flight 93 memorial
Congressman Ramstad comes out in opposition to the Flight 93 memorial
Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-MN) gave a House speech this month, supporting Mr. Burnett's opposition to the crescent design. The speech is entered in the Congressional Record here, along with supporting statements from Tom Burnett Sr. (father of murdered Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett Jr.).
That makes two Congressmen now who have come out publicly against the crescent memorial. (Tom Tancredo took the lead last November, asking the Park Service to choose a completely new design.)
News coverage revs up confrontation at this Saturday’s public meeting
Ramstad's speech, and our ongoing petition drive, netted a full width banner headline on the front page of the Somerset Daily American, with the story continuing full width on an inside page as well. This high profile local news coverage should make for an interesting Memorial Project meeting at the Somerset County Courthouse this Saturday. Several critics will be speaking during the public comment period, and the first batch of petitions will be delivered in bulk (over 5000 signatures to date, 4700 online and 500 on paper).
The Daily American article includes lots of powerful language from Mr. Burnett and other critics of the crescent design, along with some remarkably disingenuous evasions from the usual defenders. Most egregious is Patrick White, vice president of Families of Flight 93, who tries to pretend that the criticisms of the design are all about Mr. Burnett trying to get an undemocratic "do over" after failing to stop the Crescent of Embrace design when he served on the design competition jury.
While on the jury, Mr. Burnett only complained about the giant Islamic shaped crescent and the minaret-like Tower of Voices . No one on the jury, including Mr. Burnett, knew anything about the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent; or about the placement of the 9/11 date in the exact position of the star on an Islamic crescent and star flag; or about the 44 glass blocks on the flight path; or about the fact that the Tower of Voices turns out to be a year-round accurate Islamic prayer-time sundial.
Not that the jury is beyond reproach. It was bizarre for these family members and design professionals to plant a bare naked crescent and star flag on the graves of our murdered heroes, but given everything that the jurors did NOT know, this configuration at least COULD have been an accident. What came out after the design was selected is absolute proof of terrorist memorializing intent, with every Islamic and terrorist memorializing feature being repeated in the Tower of Voices portion of the memorial.
One example is the 38 Memorial Groves. (There were supposed to be 40.) By itself, it is merely suspicious that the arc of 38 groves can be seen as a set of 19 nested crescents: one for each 9/11 hijacker. But architect Paul Murdoch proves this terrorist memorializing intent by surrounding the Tower of Voices with a second set of 19 nested crescents. And on it goes. EVERYTHING gets repeated in the Tower of Voices , and the 93 foot tall Islamic sundial is itself a very precise structure that could NEVER occur by accident.
Patrick White wants to dodge all this by pretending that the controversy is about the initial jury decision, instead of the ensuing blindness to voluminous evidence of terrorist memorializing intent. No one exemplifies this willful blindness better than Patrick White himself.
Patrick White denies the Mecca orientation in public while admitting it in private
At the July 2007 Memorial Project meeting, a critic of the crescent design engaged Mr. White in private conversation, asking how he could be unconcerned about the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent. White's reply was to suggest that this orientation cannot be seen as a tribute to Islam because the inexactness of it would be "disrespectful to Islam." (The crescent points 1.8° north of Mecca , ±.1°.)
But this isn't what White was telling the public. That same week, Patrick White told the press that all of the claims about Islamic symbolism had been thoroughly investigated and been found to be untrue and "preposterous." In private, White was acknowledging the almost exact Mecca orientation of the crescent and making excuses for it, while issuing sweeping denials in public.
He is still doing the same thing. He KNOWS that the giant crescent points almost exactly to Mecca , yet claims that such "assumptions," have been "repeatedly shown-to-be-false." In fact, not a single factual claim about what is in the design has ever been rebutted. If the crescent did not point to Mecca , it would be trivially easy to demonstrate. This is a simple geometric claim. But all the Memorial Project has ever offered is unsupported denials, denials that they acknowledge in private to be FALSE.
Patrick White’s dishonest attack on Tom Burnett
The jury process is irrelevant. No one is criticizing it. The jurors bear no responsibility for hidden Islamic and terrorist-memorializing features that they knew nothing about when they chose the crescent design. If it were not for two ugly bits of misinformation, put forward by Patrick White in his effort to make the jury process the issue, there would be no reason to mention the jury process at all. Both of White’s falsehoods are aimed at discrediting Tom Burnett Sr.
1. In the Daily American article (half way down) White claims that Mr. Burnett: “gave his consent to support what the majority picked.”
Mr. Burnett was incensed in 2005 when the Memorial Project announced that the jurors had united behind the majority choice. Without ever consulting with Mr. Burnett, the Memorial Project wrote in their jury report that: "By consensus the Stage Two jury forwards this section of the Flight 93 memorial to the partner [Paul Murdoch] with the full and unqualified support of each juror." Tom has been trying to correct the record ever since, and Patrick White OUGHT to know it.
2. White also claims that: “No one agreed then with Mr. Burnett’s preferred choice for a final design.”
"To the contrary" says Mr. Burnett, "the vote not unanimous; it was 9 to 6." Five people were with Mr. Burnett in rejecting the crescent design. This on a jury made up of 8 design professionals and 7 family members. It could even be that a majority of family members opposed the Crescent of Embrace. Tom requested the vote tally in a formal letter to the Memorial Project which was never answered. Now Patrick White throws the vote tally in Tom’s face, and completely misrepresents it.
3. Bonus badness. White claims that: “Jurors gave all of Mr. Burnett’s concerns a complete airing.”
In fact, the design professionals on the jury tried to shut Mr. Burnett up. Tom Sokolowski, director of Pittsburgh 's Andy Warhol Museum called Mr. Burnett “asinine” just for noticing that the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam. This overt hostility to Mr. Burnett’s concerns is not what most of us would call “a complete airing.”
So no, the jury process is not the issue here, but if it were, it couldn't stand up to scrutiny either.
Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-MN) gave a House speech this month, supporting Mr. Burnett's opposition to the crescent design. The speech is entered in the Congressional Record here, along with supporting statements from Tom Burnett Sr. (father of murdered Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett Jr.).That makes two Congressmen now who have come out publicly against the crescent memorial. (Tom Tancredo took the lead last November, asking the Park Service to choose a completely new design.)
News coverage revs up confrontation at this Saturday’s public meeting
Ramstad's speech, and our ongoing petition drive, netted a full width banner headline on the front page of the Somerset Daily American, with the story continuing full width on an inside page as well. This high profile local news coverage should make for an interesting Memorial Project meeting at the Somerset County Courthouse this Saturday. Several critics will be speaking during the public comment period, and the first batch of petitions will be delivered in bulk (over 5000 signatures to date, 4700 online and 500 on paper).
The Daily American article includes lots of powerful language from Mr. Burnett and other critics of the crescent design, along with some remarkably disingenuous evasions from the usual defenders. Most egregious is Patrick White, vice president of Families of Flight 93, who tries to pretend that the criticisms of the design are all about Mr. Burnett trying to get an undemocratic "do over" after failing to stop the Crescent of Embrace design when he served on the design competition jury.
While on the jury, Mr. Burnett only complained about the giant Islamic shaped crescent and the minaret-like Tower of Voices . No one on the jury, including Mr. Burnett, knew anything about the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent; or about the placement of the 9/11 date in the exact position of the star on an Islamic crescent and star flag; or about the 44 glass blocks on the flight path; or about the fact that the Tower of Voices turns out to be a year-round accurate Islamic prayer-time sundial.
Not that the jury is beyond reproach. It was bizarre for these family members and design professionals to plant a bare naked crescent and star flag on the graves of our murdered heroes, but given everything that the jurors did NOT know, this configuration at least COULD have been an accident. What came out after the design was selected is absolute proof of terrorist memorializing intent, with every Islamic and terrorist memorializing feature being repeated in the Tower of Voices portion of the memorial.
One example is the 38 Memorial Groves. (There were supposed to be 40.) By itself, it is merely suspicious that the arc of 38 groves can be seen as a set of 19 nested crescents: one for each 9/11 hijacker. But architect Paul Murdoch proves this terrorist memorializing intent by surrounding the Tower of Voices with a second set of 19 nested crescents. And on it goes. EVERYTHING gets repeated in the Tower of Voices , and the 93 foot tall Islamic sundial is itself a very precise structure that could NEVER occur by accident.
Patrick White wants to dodge all this by pretending that the controversy is about the initial jury decision, instead of the ensuing blindness to voluminous evidence of terrorist memorializing intent. No one exemplifies this willful blindness better than Patrick White himself.
Patrick White denies the Mecca orientation in public while admitting it in private
At the July 2007 Memorial Project meeting, a critic of the crescent design engaged Mr. White in private conversation, asking how he could be unconcerned about the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent. White's reply was to suggest that this orientation cannot be seen as a tribute to Islam because the inexactness of it would be "disrespectful to Islam." (The crescent points 1.8° north of Mecca , ±.1°.)
But this isn't what White was telling the public. That same week, Patrick White told the press that all of the claims about Islamic symbolism had been thoroughly investigated and been found to be untrue and "preposterous." In private, White was acknowledging the almost exact Mecca orientation of the crescent and making excuses for it, while issuing sweeping denials in public.
He is still doing the same thing. He KNOWS that the giant crescent points almost exactly to Mecca , yet claims that such "assumptions," have been "repeatedly shown-to-be-false." In fact, not a single factual claim about what is in the design has ever been rebutted. If the crescent did not point to Mecca , it would be trivially easy to demonstrate. This is a simple geometric claim. But all the Memorial Project has ever offered is unsupported denials, denials that they acknowledge in private to be FALSE.
Patrick White’s dishonest attack on Tom Burnett
The jury process is irrelevant. No one is criticizing it. The jurors bear no responsibility for hidden Islamic and terrorist-memorializing features that they knew nothing about when they chose the crescent design. If it were not for two ugly bits of misinformation, put forward by Patrick White in his effort to make the jury process the issue, there would be no reason to mention the jury process at all. Both of White’s falsehoods are aimed at discrediting Tom Burnett Sr.
1. In the Daily American article (half way down) White claims that Mr. Burnett: “gave his consent to support what the majority picked.”
Mr. Burnett was incensed in 2005 when the Memorial Project announced that the jurors had united behind the majority choice. Without ever consulting with Mr. Burnett, the Memorial Project wrote in their jury report that: "By consensus the Stage Two jury forwards this section of the Flight 93 memorial to the partner [Paul Murdoch] with the full and unqualified support of each juror." Tom has been trying to correct the record ever since, and Patrick White OUGHT to know it.
2. White also claims that: “No one agreed then with Mr. Burnett’s preferred choice for a final design.”
"To the contrary" says Mr. Burnett, "the vote not unanimous; it was 9 to 6." Five people were with Mr. Burnett in rejecting the crescent design. This on a jury made up of 8 design professionals and 7 family members. It could even be that a majority of family members opposed the Crescent of Embrace. Tom requested the vote tally in a formal letter to the Memorial Project which was never answered. Now Patrick White throws the vote tally in Tom’s face, and completely misrepresents it.
3. Bonus badness. White claims that: “Jurors gave all of Mr. Burnett’s concerns a complete airing.”
In fact, the design professionals on the jury tried to shut Mr. Burnett up. Tom Sokolowski, director of Pittsburgh 's Andy Warhol Museum called Mr. Burnett “asinine” just for noticing that the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam. This overt hostility to Mr. Burnett’s concerns is not what most of us would call “a complete airing.”
So no, the jury process is not the issue here, but if it were, it couldn't stand up to scrutiny either.
The Great & Powerful Princess Crabby!
So I get this email about a new ad from the Democrat's attacking McCain on Iraq. I know it's overblown and misleading. So, how to respond? I forward it to the Armorer.
Viola!
The Current Dem attack ad on McCain.
Go read, it's the perfect response. This is why I love the Armorer. He is the best! I love having an expert like him in my back pocket. I might not be as big as Jonah Goldberg......but I look better in the Castle tank top than he does.
Viola!
The Current Dem attack ad on McCain.
Go read, it's the perfect response. This is why I love the Armorer. He is the best! I love having an expert like him in my back pocket. I might not be as big as Jonah Goldberg......but I look better in the Castle tank top than he does.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I Owe The Phibian A Drink!!!!!!!!
I am swiping this from his place. I love him!
It's funny when I really like something I am wont to say "That's the balls!", or "This is the balls!" LOL and in this case.....yes it is!
It's funny when I really like something I am wont to say "That's the balls!", or "This is the balls!" LOL and in this case.....yes it is!
This Proves My Sisters Right On Soooooo Many Levels.
They think my taste in clothing is boring.
They think I am too disorganized and scattered.
Last night, after work, I popped into the local nail salon for a manicure. Then it was back to the house for a quick shower before going to dinner. Frank & Bill were playing video games, Tom was on the computer. There was music playing, phones ringing. The boys showed me where they have started ripping the paneling out of my room (after they finish, my Dad & brother are drywalling it). My bed is askew, my bureau is in the kitchen....just the usual chaos.
So........I shower, I dress, I fix my hair, I'm ready to go, right?
Wrong. I can't find my bank card, license and cash. I have to leave right that minute or I will be late.
I check the bureau.
I check the bathroom.
I check my car.
I check my bathrobe pockets.
I check the bed.
Now the boys are helping.
Frank tells me to check my pants pockets. I go to the back porch and pick up the olive green cargo pants and stick my hand in every pocket. Nothing. Frank comes out and picks the pants back up off the floor and checks the pockets. A few minutes later, Bill goes out and checks the pants. Nothing.
Frank points out that I have a spare license and he has cash. He presses money in my hand and growls "Go!" LOL! You realize my presence is not welcome, right? They can't play the game with their usual enjoyment if I am there.
So, I take the money and the extra license and go to dinner.
Fast forward to this morning. I wake up and go out the the back porch to put on a load of laundry. when I pick up the green pants, I pat them down one more time. Nothing. Then, Frank's jeans, Tom's shirt, my shirt, and......................my other pair of green pants.........and in the pocket of those pants...........my cash, my license, my bank card, lol!
That's right, I have two of the exact same olive green pants, several similarly colored tops and sweaters. It's a color I am so drawn to that my sisters laugh when they pass it in a clothing store and point it out to me.
So, should I expand my color palette, or just try to remember to check all the pockets of all the pants?
Or just try to be more organized? Nah, that's ridiculous.
They think I am too disorganized and scattered.
Last night, after work, I popped into the local nail salon for a manicure. Then it was back to the house for a quick shower before going to dinner. Frank & Bill were playing video games, Tom was on the computer. There was music playing, phones ringing. The boys showed me where they have started ripping the paneling out of my room (after they finish, my Dad & brother are drywalling it). My bed is askew, my bureau is in the kitchen....just the usual chaos.
So........I shower, I dress, I fix my hair, I'm ready to go, right?
Wrong. I can't find my bank card, license and cash. I have to leave right that minute or I will be late.
I check the bureau.
I check the bathroom.
I check my car.
I check my bathrobe pockets.
I check the bed.
Now the boys are helping.
Frank tells me to check my pants pockets. I go to the back porch and pick up the olive green cargo pants and stick my hand in every pocket. Nothing. Frank comes out and picks the pants back up off the floor and checks the pockets. A few minutes later, Bill goes out and checks the pants. Nothing.
Frank points out that I have a spare license and he has cash. He presses money in my hand and growls "Go!" LOL! You realize my presence is not welcome, right? They can't play the game with their usual enjoyment if I am there.
So, I take the money and the extra license and go to dinner.
Fast forward to this morning. I wake up and go out the the back porch to put on a load of laundry. when I pick up the green pants, I pat them down one more time. Nothing. Then, Frank's jeans, Tom's shirt, my shirt, and......................my other pair of green pants.........and in the pocket of those pants...........my cash, my license, my bank card, lol!
That's right, I have two of the exact same olive green pants, several similarly colored tops and sweaters. It's a color I am so drawn to that my sisters laugh when they pass it in a clothing store and point it out to me.
So, should I expand my color palette, or just try to remember to check all the pockets of all the pants?
Or just try to be more organized? Nah, that's ridiculous.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Southie Pays Tribute Charlestown
Yesterday at St. Francis de Sales we began our 18 month celebration of our Church's 150th anniversary. Bishop Hennessey came and gave the homily. He said something very relevent to today's news. He told us that St. Theresa said that you get the pastor you deserve and we must have done something very right to get Father Mahoney. We all applauded. I applauded heartily because I love Father Mahoney.
**(But then I thought about what this says about Obama. People ask why it matters what his pastor says............well there you go. What can I say? Go, go, go baby! Everytime you open your mouth it helps my Bad Boyfriend!)**
**(But then I thought about what this says about Obama. People ask why it matters what his pastor says............well there you go. What can I say? Go, go, go baby! Everytime you open your mouth it helps my Bad Boyfriend!)**
St. Francis de Sales Parish Marks Milestone 150th anniversary
St. Francis de Sales Parish marks milestone 150th anniversary
by Dan Murphy
Sunday Mass rings in “Jubilee 150: Rejoice and Be Glad!” in observation of St. Francis de Sales Parish hitting the century and one-half mark. The 18-month-long program will culminate with a Remembrance Mass on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, honoring all parishioners, friends, benefactors and visitors who have come to the church since its inception. In honor of this milestone, Fr. Daniel J. Mahoney sat down with the Patriot-Bridge to reflect on the history of the parish, as well as the more than 40 years he has spent as pastor to Charlestown so far.
Building the church “On Top of Bunker Hill” St. Francis de Sales Parish was established on Sept. 11, 1859, by the third bishop of Boston, Bishop John Bernard Fitzpatrick. The parish separated from St. Mary Parish, and Rev. George Hamilton was appointed its first pastor. St. Francis de Sales Church was designed by Patrick Charles Keely, a native of Tipperary who began his career as an apprentice architect in Limerick, Ireland, and went to become the most prolific church architect in the U.S. Despite Keely’s achievements, which include the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End and approximately 700 other churches, he died penniless in 1896, having donated all his money to Boston’s Catholic Home for Homeless Children (now Nazareth House) and other charities for the poor. Nearly as soon as construction got underway on St. Francis de Sales Church (which was eventually dedicated on June 17, 1862), vandals began tearing it down, stone by stone. The destruction continued until the Commonwealth’s governor resorted to calling in the National Guard to watch over the church from sunset to sunrise. Regarding the opposition that early St. Francis de Sales parishioners faced, Fr. Mahoney likened their plight to that of immigrants today.
Despite the early resistance, St. Francis de Sales Church was completed in approximately 18 months by hand and using a pulley system. Modeled after St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick, Ireland, the church’s unique features include the steeple, which sits in the middle of the building, and the ornate, colorful stained-glass windows that were crafted in Munich, Germany. The Rood Crucifix, suspended from the nave of the church, was given to the parish by Saint Pius X. When the American Society of Architectural Engineers held its national convention in Boston in 1982, the program featured a seminar on Keely’s influence and a tour of St. Francis de Sales Church as a prime example of his architecture. “This church is the best example of the Irish influence in Keely’s work,” Fr. Mahoney said.
Fr. Mahoney joins the parish On Jan. 16, 1968, Fr. Mahoney was assigned to St. Francis de Sales Parish by Richard Cardinal Cushing. Ten years after coming to the parish, Fr. Mahoney was appointed the eighth pastor in St. Francis de Sales history by Cardinal Medeiros on June 2, 1978. “You usually stay here until you go to Heaven,” Fr. Mahoney said of the tradition of longstanding pastors at the church.
St. Francis de Sales Church was a special place for Fr. Mahoney long before he delivered his first sermon there. As a boy, he used to visit Charlestown with his family on Bunker Hill Day and stand outside the church to watch the parade. But the church has an even more personal significance for Fr. Mahoney, since it was the first place where his father attended Mass in the U.S. after emigrating from Ireland in 1912. When his father died at age 94 in 1986, St. Francis de Sales church was the site of the Funeral Mass. “The Cardinal said you brought your father home to go home to God,” Fr. Mahoney recalled. Fr. Mahoney was named chief chaplain of the Boston Fire Department in 1991, after serving as a division chaplain since Oct. 1, 1964. In 1982, he helped firefighters recover the five Torah scrolls of Temple Tifereth Israel in Everett while the synagogue was ablaze. Fr. Mahoney helped bridge the gap between the two faiths again circa 1999, when he held a Jewish-Catholic interfaith service at Sr. Francis de Sales Church that successfully quelled tension between the two groups surrounding the controversial naming of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge. “The Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee consider St. Francis de Sales Parish the Jewish-Catholic connection,” Fr. Mahoney said.
The faith of Charlestown For Fr. Mahoney, the devotion of the community isn’t limited to religious services. Instead, it’s a spirit that can be felt throughout Charlestown. “It’s the faith of all the people of Charlestown, not just St. Francis de Sales Parish,” Fr. Mahoney said in describing what makes the community so unique. Fr. Mahoney said this faith is evident in community events like the Michael P. Quinn Dinner Dance, an annual scholarship fundraiser held in honor of a Charlestown-born Marine who was killed in combat in Vietnam in 1969, and the work of the Bunker Hill Associates, which raises money for neighborhood youth programs. “In spite of the change in society and culture, the people of Charlestown have always extended themselves to others,” Fr. Mahoney said. “We’re all moved by God and we’re all brothers and sisters to each other, regardless of faith, creed or language.” As Fr. Mahoney often says: “We’re all in this together.”
“Jubilee 150: Rejoice and Be Glad!” kicks off with the Opening Mass at St. Francis de Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St., on Sunday, April 27 at 11 a.m. The Jubilee Mass will be celebrated with Bishop Robert F. Hennessey, Fr. Mahoney, Con-Celebrating Priests and Rabbi Samuel Chiel, formerly of Temple Emanuel in Newton. A reception immediately follows at the Bishop Lawton Hall.
This is my absolute favorite picture of Father Mahoney, it was from his Jubilee Mass. A picture perfect day of Father with his beloved BFD.
by Dan Murphy
Sunday Mass rings in “Jubilee 150: Rejoice and Be Glad!” in observation of St. Francis de Sales Parish hitting the century and one-half mark. The 18-month-long program will culminate with a Remembrance Mass on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, honoring all parishioners, friends, benefactors and visitors who have come to the church since its inception. In honor of this milestone, Fr. Daniel J. Mahoney sat down with the Patriot-Bridge to reflect on the history of the parish, as well as the more than 40 years he has spent as pastor to Charlestown so far.
Building the church “On Top of Bunker Hill” St. Francis de Sales Parish was established on Sept. 11, 1859, by the third bishop of Boston, Bishop John Bernard Fitzpatrick. The parish separated from St. Mary Parish, and Rev. George Hamilton was appointed its first pastor. St. Francis de Sales Church was designed by Patrick Charles Keely, a native of Tipperary who began his career as an apprentice architect in Limerick, Ireland, and went to become the most prolific church architect in the U.S. Despite Keely’s achievements, which include the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End and approximately 700 other churches, he died penniless in 1896, having donated all his money to Boston’s Catholic Home for Homeless Children (now Nazareth House) and other charities for the poor. Nearly as soon as construction got underway on St. Francis de Sales Church (which was eventually dedicated on June 17, 1862), vandals began tearing it down, stone by stone. The destruction continued until the Commonwealth’s governor resorted to calling in the National Guard to watch over the church from sunset to sunrise. Regarding the opposition that early St. Francis de Sales parishioners faced, Fr. Mahoney likened their plight to that of immigrants today.
Despite the early resistance, St. Francis de Sales Church was completed in approximately 18 months by hand and using a pulley system. Modeled after St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick, Ireland, the church’s unique features include the steeple, which sits in the middle of the building, and the ornate, colorful stained-glass windows that were crafted in Munich, Germany. The Rood Crucifix, suspended from the nave of the church, was given to the parish by Saint Pius X. When the American Society of Architectural Engineers held its national convention in Boston in 1982, the program featured a seminar on Keely’s influence and a tour of St. Francis de Sales Church as a prime example of his architecture. “This church is the best example of the Irish influence in Keely’s work,” Fr. Mahoney said.
Fr. Mahoney joins the parish On Jan. 16, 1968, Fr. Mahoney was assigned to St. Francis de Sales Parish by Richard Cardinal Cushing. Ten years after coming to the parish, Fr. Mahoney was appointed the eighth pastor in St. Francis de Sales history by Cardinal Medeiros on June 2, 1978. “You usually stay here until you go to Heaven,” Fr. Mahoney said of the tradition of longstanding pastors at the church.
St. Francis de Sales Church was a special place for Fr. Mahoney long before he delivered his first sermon there. As a boy, he used to visit Charlestown with his family on Bunker Hill Day and stand outside the church to watch the parade. But the church has an even more personal significance for Fr. Mahoney, since it was the first place where his father attended Mass in the U.S. after emigrating from Ireland in 1912. When his father died at age 94 in 1986, St. Francis de Sales church was the site of the Funeral Mass. “The Cardinal said you brought your father home to go home to God,” Fr. Mahoney recalled. Fr. Mahoney was named chief chaplain of the Boston Fire Department in 1991, after serving as a division chaplain since Oct. 1, 1964. In 1982, he helped firefighters recover the five Torah scrolls of Temple Tifereth Israel in Everett while the synagogue was ablaze. Fr. Mahoney helped bridge the gap between the two faiths again circa 1999, when he held a Jewish-Catholic interfaith service at Sr. Francis de Sales Church that successfully quelled tension between the two groups surrounding the controversial naming of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge. “The Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee consider St. Francis de Sales Parish the Jewish-Catholic connection,” Fr. Mahoney said.
The faith of Charlestown For Fr. Mahoney, the devotion of the community isn’t limited to religious services. Instead, it’s a spirit that can be felt throughout Charlestown. “It’s the faith of all the people of Charlestown, not just St. Francis de Sales Parish,” Fr. Mahoney said in describing what makes the community so unique. Fr. Mahoney said this faith is evident in community events like the Michael P. Quinn Dinner Dance, an annual scholarship fundraiser held in honor of a Charlestown-born Marine who was killed in combat in Vietnam in 1969, and the work of the Bunker Hill Associates, which raises money for neighborhood youth programs. “In spite of the change in society and culture, the people of Charlestown have always extended themselves to others,” Fr. Mahoney said. “We’re all moved by God and we’re all brothers and sisters to each other, regardless of faith, creed or language.” As Fr. Mahoney often says: “We’re all in this together.”
“Jubilee 150: Rejoice and Be Glad!” kicks off with the Opening Mass at St. Francis de Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St., on Sunday, April 27 at 11 a.m. The Jubilee Mass will be celebrated with Bishop Robert F. Hennessey, Fr. Mahoney, Con-Celebrating Priests and Rabbi Samuel Chiel, formerly of Temple Emanuel in Newton. A reception immediately follows at the Bishop Lawton Hall.
This is my absolute favorite picture of Father Mahoney, it was from his Jubilee Mass. A picture perfect day of Father with his beloved BFD.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
GO. SEE. EXPELLED.
I highly recommend Expelled. I have not paid attention to this debate and this movie was a huge eye-opener.
Ben Stein's point is not so much that one side (Darwinism vs. Intelligent Design) is right or wrong. But the fact that academia is shutting down the discussion is disturbing and it is.
In the movie "1776" there is a fictionalized quote from Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island that covers my thoughts here.
"I’ve never seen, heard, nor smelled an issue that was so dangerous it couldn’t be talked about. Hell yes, I’m for debating anything!"
That's the attitude that should reign supreme in academia.
Ben Stein's point is not so much that one side (Darwinism vs. Intelligent Design) is right or wrong. But the fact that academia is shutting down the discussion is disturbing and it is.
In the movie "1776" there is a fictionalized quote from Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island that covers my thoughts here.
"I’ve never seen, heard, nor smelled an issue that was so dangerous it couldn’t be talked about. Hell yes, I’m for debating anything!"
That's the attitude that should reign supreme in academia.
I Was Going To......
Work.............
Blog...............
Clean the house...........
Get a manicure.........
but now, I'm just going to the movies.
Expelled.
Blog...............
Clean the house...........
Get a manicure.........
but now, I'm just going to the movies.
Expelled.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Will You Buy My Excuse of Busy Day?
Or will you hold out for the truth of lazy day?
I am just going to crib from the Castle. After all in the first post, nobody does this stuff better than the Armorer.
Anzac Day
On the next one, words just fail me.
From the H&I Fires for April 25th
Over at National Review, there has been a brief kerfuffle over Representative Broun's (R-Ga) bill to ban the sale of Playboy, etc, in military exchanges. He does not approve of federal funds being expended to provide this service. When he was told the Exchanges were self-funded, he and his staff didn't blink an eye. They said "soldiers are paid with federal funds, therefore..."
No, really. I've been contemplating a response. While I've been dithering, Patrick Lasswell of Moderate Risk put up something I can live with as a response. I would note that troops buy tobacco and alcohol and fatty foods, fast cars, and motorcycles with those *federal* dollars. As do I, as a retiree. Perhaps the Congressman wishes me to account for all my purchases, and find another source of funds for those things he might find offensive.... -the Armorer
From one Republican to another..........Congressman Broun, you are an asshat. Shit like this is why non-Republicans assume we are all prudish, Bible-thumping, narrow jackasses. Thanks a lot buddy!
For the record most us understand that once a person is paid their wage, no matter the source, they are free to spend it as they wish. If you want the buy Playboy and having it in the PX is good for you, then it's good for me. You know, Congressman Broun, life is a balancing act. You are out of whack. You want the Playboy in a discreet place so little children don't see the pics. On the other hand you want it accessible to the adults who wish to view it. You are free to never buy Playboy, but your rights end at the tip of someone elses nose. If you can't process these things in a coherent way.............THEN GET THE HELL OUT OF CONGRESS!!!!!
Again, this is an example of people who do not get the line. The boundary. The place where their rights end and anothers begins. The place where the government's influence ends and the private citizen should be left to his or her own devices.
Go read Patrick Laswell and Rachel Lukas on this subject.
And now (04/30/08) Patrick has gotten Skippy (of Skippy's List fame) to chime in on this.
My favorite part?
Now to answer some of the obvious responses to my statement.
“Pornography is harmful to women”-How so? I have run a careful experiment exposing my wife to pornography. She has yet to catch fire, develop cancer, or run off to become a prostitute. Okay, maybe if a pallet of dirty magazines was to fall on you it would hurt. But I think you’d be just as crushed if they were bibles.
I am just going to crib from the Castle. After all in the first post, nobody does this stuff better than the Armorer.
Anzac Day
On the next one, words just fail me.
From the H&I Fires for April 25th
Over at National Review, there has been a brief kerfuffle over Representative Broun's (R-Ga) bill to ban the sale of Playboy, etc, in military exchanges. He does not approve of federal funds being expended to provide this service. When he was told the Exchanges were self-funded, he and his staff didn't blink an eye. They said "soldiers are paid with federal funds, therefore..."
No, really. I've been contemplating a response. While I've been dithering, Patrick Lasswell of Moderate Risk put up something I can live with as a response. I would note that troops buy tobacco and alcohol and fatty foods, fast cars, and motorcycles with those *federal* dollars. As do I, as a retiree. Perhaps the Congressman wishes me to account for all my purchases, and find another source of funds for those things he might find offensive.... -the Armorer
From one Republican to another..........Congressman Broun, you are an asshat. Shit like this is why non-Republicans assume we are all prudish, Bible-thumping, narrow jackasses. Thanks a lot buddy!
For the record most us understand that once a person is paid their wage, no matter the source, they are free to spend it as they wish. If you want the buy Playboy and having it in the PX is good for you, then it's good for me. You know, Congressman Broun, life is a balancing act. You are out of whack. You want the Playboy in a discreet place so little children don't see the pics. On the other hand you want it accessible to the adults who wish to view it. You are free to never buy Playboy, but your rights end at the tip of someone elses nose. If you can't process these things in a coherent way.............THEN GET THE HELL OUT OF CONGRESS!!!!!
Again, this is an example of people who do not get the line. The boundary. The place where their rights end and anothers begins. The place where the government's influence ends and the private citizen should be left to his or her own devices.
Go read Patrick Laswell and Rachel Lukas on this subject.
And now (04/30/08) Patrick has gotten Skippy (of Skippy's List fame) to chime in on this.
My favorite part?
Now to answer some of the obvious responses to my statement.
“Pornography is harmful to women”-How so? I have run a careful experiment exposing my wife to pornography. She has yet to catch fire, develop cancer, or run off to become a prostitute. Okay, maybe if a pallet of dirty magazines was to fall on you it would hurt. But I think you’d be just as crushed if they were bibles.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
From The White House to the Lighthouse
April 23-27, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis, Maryland
SOLDIER RIDE returns TO THE White House!
On Thursday, April 24th, Soldier Ride will start at the White House, stop at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and continue to Baltimore. This day of riding is by invitation only.
On Friday, the ride will begin with a "support the troops" rally at Baltimore Maryland's Inner Harbor Harborplace Ampitheater at 10 am and proceed to Jonas Green Park in Annapolis. The kickoff event will honor the wounded veterans and the recently redeployed 58th Infantry Brigade of the Maryland Army National Guard.
On Saturday, the ride begins and ends at Jonas Green Park in Annapolis. The riders will ride through historic Annapolis, the US Naval Academy, and along the Chesapeake Bay.
Please check back for more information.
On Friday, the ride will begin with a "support the troops" rally at Baltimore Maryland's Inner Harbor Harborplace Ampitheater at 10 am and proceed to Jonas Green Park in Annapolis. The kickoff event will honor the wounded veterans and the recently redeployed 58th Infantry Brigade of the Maryland Army National Guard.
On Saturday, the ride begins and ends at Jonas Green Park in Annapolis. The riders will ride through historic Annapolis, the US Naval Academy, and along the Chesapeake Bay.
Please check back for more information.
Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride at the White House
Today on the Pentagon Channel
1445 - Wounded Warrior Remarks: Commander in Chief George W. Bush, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen, Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speak to members of the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride at the White House. (Live)
**************************
Video here. The President's remarks here.
1445 - Wounded Warrior Remarks: Commander in Chief George W. Bush, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ADM Michael Mullen, Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speak to members of the Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride at the White House. (Live)
**************************
Video here. The President's remarks here.
USS Franklin (CV-13) Reunion
As requested by Curt.............Get the word out. For the military, naval and just regular history buffs, here’s a rare opportunity to meet some living history, if you are in the Kansas City, Mo area in early June:
From the USS FRANKLIN (CV-13) site:
June 5 - 8, 2008
2008 Reunion“City of Fountains”
Hyatt RegencyCrown Center Kansas City, MO
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Hosted by Leonard Hall and Family
Questions??? Contact Annette Bownds
14690 Travis Street #27205
1-913-231-1179 or click below for e-mail
Information/questions?
In case you may have missed it, this is the ship that SteelJaw Scribe recently highlighted in this posting.
***************
It has been my pleasure to post this and I am glad to have been asked. After all, despite all my nonsense, Princess Crabby is ever at the disposal of the United States Navy!
Warning! Foul Language
Do not click on the link if you are offended by foul language or biting humor. These guys make fun of everyone and you need to roll with it, baby.
I got this in an email from Bill Steiner who is an endless fountain of information of all kinds and I adore him. He found it at Hot Air.
They are funny but I disagree with their premise. The Democrats can continue to fight it out right up to the convention and beyond. It can only help my Bad Boyfriend.
I got this in an email from Bill Steiner who is an endless fountain of information of all kinds and I adore him. He found it at Hot Air.
They are funny but I disagree with their premise. The Democrats can continue to fight it out right up to the convention and beyond. It can only help my Bad Boyfriend.
Protesting, Freedom of Speech and Reason
Lately there are stories of people being uncivilized at Iraq War protests and counter protests. I do not have much experience with these specific events. I have been to a small number of such confrontations in my life. My experiences so far have all conformed with how I think such activities should be carried out.
When I went to the Kennedy School to protest Khatami speaking there, everyone stood with their respective groups. There were discussions, but no violence. Some people were angry and veered dangerously close to explosion. However, when that happened, someone allied with their cause would pull them back, figuratively, sometimes literally. For the most part discussions were thoughtful and as respectful as possible. I exercised my right to speak, to peacefully assemble. No one infringed on that. In turn, I infringed on no one else's rights.
Sometimes, in Plymouth there are protests about the war. There are some people who are pacifists and believe deeply that all war is wrong. They stand together with signs and candles. We stand a little away from them. We are a little rowdier and we try solicit horn-honking (you know the Princess loves attention!). But as I said to someone in an email earlier today, if anyone bothered those pacifists with their little candles........they would have to deal with me. I disagree with them wholeheartedly. There are things worth fighting and dying for. I will never see their point. But they have the right to stand there and hold their signs. If I can't respect that right, there is no point to anything else I am doing. If I can't respect the right of an American to stand peaceably and protest any action by any administration, then I am not worthy of my citizenship.
When people let their feelings about the war or the President or any other matter run so hot that they shout down another person or they block another person's view or camera they have lost perspective. Someone has to calmly point this out and talk them down. We need to dial it back, we need to remember to be civil.
There is currently a story being emailed around my corner of the blogosphere about peace protesters assaulting some military supporters. If the incident happened as portrayed then those peace protesters need to take a long look in the mirror and ask themselves some serious questions. However, in the course of the day I have read many stories about protests gone awry. I have literally watched dozens of videos showing boorish behavior on both sides of this issue. I needed a break and right now I am listening to snippets of "1776" on YouTube (I love John Adams).
We tease The Armorer about his Rulez, but you know that's one place I can always count on for spirited but courteous discourse on almost any subject. The world needs more Armorers.
There is a time and place for everything. When it comes to protecting our country from an outside enemy I understand fighting to the death. But when two groups of Americans are airing different viewpoints......then NO, I do not believe in winning at all costs. Some costs are too great. My fellow citizens who don the uniform of the armed service do so to protect a "Code Pink" member's right to disagree with their actions as much as they do so to protect America from attack by foreign enemies. If we shut down dissent, it's a hollow victory.
What do we help when peace protesters block Marine recruiting offices in Berkley? Nothing. What do we accomplish when a military supporter calls an anti-war protester a "leftard"? Nothing. When your plan is to drive to where people are expressing a view you are opposed to, no matter how distasteful, with the sole purpose of agitating them, you are wrong. On either side. If your hope is to stifle the opposing view then you need to sit home and read the Bill of Rights. Your rights do not trump anyone elses. Period. No matter how much "logic" or "reason" you think you have on your side, it does not surpass anyone elses right to have a different opinion.
When I went to the Kennedy School to protest Khatami speaking there, everyone stood with their respective groups. There were discussions, but no violence. Some people were angry and veered dangerously close to explosion. However, when that happened, someone allied with their cause would pull them back, figuratively, sometimes literally. For the most part discussions were thoughtful and as respectful as possible. I exercised my right to speak, to peacefully assemble. No one infringed on that. In turn, I infringed on no one else's rights.
Sometimes, in Plymouth there are protests about the war. There are some people who are pacifists and believe deeply that all war is wrong. They stand together with signs and candles. We stand a little away from them. We are a little rowdier and we try solicit horn-honking (you know the Princess loves attention!). But as I said to someone in an email earlier today, if anyone bothered those pacifists with their little candles........they would have to deal with me. I disagree with them wholeheartedly. There are things worth fighting and dying for. I will never see their point. But they have the right to stand there and hold their signs. If I can't respect that right, there is no point to anything else I am doing. If I can't respect the right of an American to stand peaceably and protest any action by any administration, then I am not worthy of my citizenship.
When people let their feelings about the war or the President or any other matter run so hot that they shout down another person or they block another person's view or camera they have lost perspective. Someone has to calmly point this out and talk them down. We need to dial it back, we need to remember to be civil.
There is currently a story being emailed around my corner of the blogosphere about peace protesters assaulting some military supporters. If the incident happened as portrayed then those peace protesters need to take a long look in the mirror and ask themselves some serious questions. However, in the course of the day I have read many stories about protests gone awry. I have literally watched dozens of videos showing boorish behavior on both sides of this issue. I needed a break and right now I am listening to snippets of "1776" on YouTube (I love John Adams).
We tease The Armorer about his Rulez, but you know that's one place I can always count on for spirited but courteous discourse on almost any subject. The world needs more Armorers.
There is a time and place for everything. When it comes to protecting our country from an outside enemy I understand fighting to the death. But when two groups of Americans are airing different viewpoints......then NO, I do not believe in winning at all costs. Some costs are too great. My fellow citizens who don the uniform of the armed service do so to protect a "Code Pink" member's right to disagree with their actions as much as they do so to protect America from attack by foreign enemies. If we shut down dissent, it's a hollow victory.
What do we help when peace protesters block Marine recruiting offices in Berkley? Nothing. What do we accomplish when a military supporter calls an anti-war protester a "leftard"? Nothing. When your plan is to drive to where people are expressing a view you are opposed to, no matter how distasteful, with the sole purpose of agitating them, you are wrong. On either side. If your hope is to stifle the opposing view then you need to sit home and read the Bill of Rights. Your rights do not trump anyone elses. Period. No matter how much "logic" or "reason" you think you have on your side, it does not surpass anyone elses right to have a different opinion.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I Don't Think So!!!!
Have those wingnuts over in Brussels completely lost it? From Jonah at the Corner
Pipe down! Brussels slaps a noise order on heart of Scotland
THEIR high-pitched skirl has put fear into the hearts of Scotland’s enemies and sent sensitive tourists reaching for the cotton wool.
Now, however, the bagpipes are to be quietened by an edict from Brussels.
From this month, pipers must adhere to strict volume limits or risk breaking European Union health and safety laws. Bands have been ordered to tone down or wear earplugs to limit noise exposure to 85 decibels.
Typically, a pipe band played at full volume peaks at 122 decibels outdoors, noisier than the sound of either a nightclub or a chainsaw, which rises to 116 decibels.
Have you ever heard such nonsense!
Here is a short vid of the Princess' favorite Pipe Band......The BunkerHill Pipe Band!
Pipe down! Brussels slaps a noise order on heart of Scotland
THEIR high-pitched skirl has put fear into the hearts of Scotland’s enemies and sent sensitive tourists reaching for the cotton wool.
Now, however, the bagpipes are to be quietened by an edict from Brussels.
From this month, pipers must adhere to strict volume limits or risk breaking European Union health and safety laws. Bands have been ordered to tone down or wear earplugs to limit noise exposure to 85 decibels.
Typically, a pipe band played at full volume peaks at 122 decibels outdoors, noisier than the sound of either a nightclub or a chainsaw, which rises to 116 decibels.
Have you ever heard such nonsense!
Here is a short vid of the Princess' favorite Pipe Band......The BunkerHill Pipe Band!
Congratulations LTC. Russell!
Soon to be Congressman Russell. Congratulations to all the voters in Pennsylvania's 12th district who now have a choice in November. Not just a "warm body" choice, but a real one.
It was an uphill battle to get him on the ballot. He needed a thousand write-in votes. You may think that's not a significant number, but Princess Crabby knows voters. It was. You see the voting bylaws in the district don't allow stickers so that meant literal "writing". Voters will promise many things on their way into a polling place, but you never know and people are lazy. Still and all, enough came through in the end.
Results to date:
Washington County - 764
Greene - 381
Allegheny - 24
Armstrong - 412
Somerset - 26
Cambria - 1,801
Westmoreland - 1129
Fayette - unavailable
Indiana - 182
TOTAL TO DATE 4,719
What's that saying "Enough is as good as a feast"? Well normally the Princess would want more, but we'll settle for more in November.
The campaign could use a little cash now folks. There's a donation page on his website.
Bill is listed on the Candidates page of Iraq Veterans for Congress. You should check all of them out and help any that you can.
Here is some blog reaction
A Newt One
Sick and Tired Americans
Political Pistachio
It was an uphill battle to get him on the ballot. He needed a thousand write-in votes. You may think that's not a significant number, but Princess Crabby knows voters. It was. You see the voting bylaws in the district don't allow stickers so that meant literal "writing". Voters will promise many things on their way into a polling place, but you never know and people are lazy. Still and all, enough came through in the end.
Results to date:
Washington County - 764
Greene - 381
Allegheny - 24
Armstrong - 412
Somerset - 26
Cambria - 1,801
Westmoreland - 1129
Fayette - unavailable
Indiana - 182
TOTAL TO DATE 4,719
What's that saying "Enough is as good as a feast"? Well normally the Princess would want more, but we'll settle for more in November.
The campaign could use a little cash now folks. There's a donation page on his website.
Bill is listed on the Candidates page of Iraq Veterans for Congress. You should check all of them out and help any that you can.
Here is some blog reaction
A Newt One
Sick and Tired Americans
Political Pistachio
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
My Friend Gary Visits Jebel Ali
080417-N-8273J-113 JEBEL ALI, United Arab Emirates (April 17, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead speaks with Sailors and answers questions during an all-hands call with Inshore Boat Unit (IBU) 21 Security Unit at Jebel Ali Port Facility in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. Roughead visited U.S. Naval Forces Central Command area of responsibility to strengthen international maritime partnerships as part of the "Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower." U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones (Released)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Unrepentant
That's the most important word that I want people to attach to their description of the terrorist William Ayers. He is not just a terrorist..........he is an unrepentant terrorist. I have listened to people discuss this unrepentant terrorist and his dealings with Obama. I am very grateful that more people are talking about this. I've been yelling from my soapbox (and others) for a while about this and any attention to this matter is good.
However, I am happier still when someone gets it right and uses the word unrepentant in conjunction with his name........William Ayers, unrepentant terrorist.
And who better to get it right...............than my bad boyfriend? I love him!
Go watch the video! Watch my bad boyfriend explain it to George Stephanopoulos. Watch as he doesn't let George interrupt or spin it.
However, I am happier still when someone gets it right and uses the word unrepentant in conjunction with his name........William Ayers, unrepentant terrorist.
And who better to get it right...............than my bad boyfriend? I love him!
Go watch the video! Watch my bad boyfriend explain it to George Stephanopoulos. Watch as he doesn't let George interrupt or spin it.
Blogger's Roundtable
So I haven't quite worked up the nerve to do one yet. Part of the reason is that of the four invitations I have received so far, they all deal with Army stuff in general and stuff I don't know about in particular.
So I will continue to listen and wait for a topic where I might know my ass from my elbow.
One of tomorrow's topics does sound interesting. Mark Wilt will be discussing Economic Development in Wasit Province. So I downloaded some stuff to read when I get home.
I will listen tomorrow and blog it anyway.
So I will continue to listen and wait for a topic where I might know my ass from my elbow.
One of tomorrow's topics does sound interesting. Mark Wilt will be discussing Economic Development in Wasit Province. So I downloaded some stuff to read when I get home.
I will listen tomorrow and blog it anyway.
Pope Benedict at Ground Zero
I watched a lot of videos and this was, in my opinion, the best. The most complete with the least amount of talking over. The first four plus minutes are silent, then at 4:43 the Pope begins to pray.
"O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain.
"We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here -- the heroic first responders: our firefighters, police officers, emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on September 11, 2001.
"We ask you, in your compassion to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here that day, suffer from injuries and illness. Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.
"We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.
"God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the Earth. Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred.
"God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events. Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain. Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all."
"O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain.
"We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here -- the heroic first responders: our firefighters, police officers, emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on September 11, 2001.
"We ask you, in your compassion to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here that day, suffer from injuries and illness. Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.
"We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.
"God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the Earth. Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred.
"God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events. Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain. Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all."
Pennsylvania's 12th District Voters
Lt. Colonel William Russell is a decorated combat veteran who has served in Desert Storm, the Iraq War, and the Pentagon on 9/11.
He's a Republican, and he came home to run against Jack Murtha in November but they kicked him off the ballot.
Now, the only way we Republicans will have a choice for Congress in November is if 1000 of us WRITE IN William Russell next Tuesday in the Republican Primary. 
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I'm Going To Get Yelled At In a Minute
But, it's a really great day. Even NPR got it right this morning!
It's fabulously beautiful day.
NPR had this good story from a young lady questioning all the media coverage of the Democrats in general and Obama in particular. She feels her candidate, John McCain is being ignored. I agree!
Next today was my last CCD class of the year. They were antsy. But I'll still miss them.
Next! Down to City Square to the Cold Stone Creamery, Grace put me in charge of ice cream. Gen has just peeked in the freezer.......I got the thumbs up!
OK, more people are coming and comments are being made......I have to sign off.
It's fabulously beautiful day.
NPR had this good story from a young lady questioning all the media coverage of the Democrats in general and Obama in particular. She feels her candidate, John McCain is being ignored. I agree!
Next today was my last CCD class of the year. They were antsy. But I'll still miss them.
Next! Down to City Square to the Cold Stone Creamery, Grace put me in charge of ice cream. Gen has just peeked in the freezer.......I got the thumbs up!
OK, more people are coming and comments are being made......I have to sign off.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Got An Email
*****God! I love Mark Steyn!*******
The note on the attached story said "Maggie, you should appreciate this!"
KINKY NEWS NETWORK
CNN'S QUEST A VERY 'KNOTTY' BOY
By DAREH GREGORIAN and PHILIP MESSING
April 19, 2008 --
This is CNN? Kinky!
CNN personality Richard Quest was busted in Central Park early yesterday with some drugs in his pocket, a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals, and a sex toy in his boot, law-enforcement sources said.
Quest, 46, was arrested at around 3:40 a.m. after a cop spotted him and another man inside the park near 64th Street, a police source said.
The criminal complaint against Quest said the park was closed at the time - something Quest should have known because of all the signs saying "Park Closed 1 a.m. to 6 a.m."
Quest was initially busted for loitering, the source said. Aside from the oddly configured rope, the search also turned up a sex toy inside of his boot, and a small bag of methamphetamine in his left jacket pocket.
It wasn't immediately clear what the rope was for.
The criminal complaint says the officer at the scene was able to ID the drug because of "his prior experience as a police officer in drug arrests, observation of packaging which is characteristic of this type of drug, and defendant's statements that . . . 'I've got some meth in my pocket.' "
He was charged with loitering and criminal possession of a controlled substance. His unusual get-up didn't lead to a lewdness charge because he wasn't exposing himself, the police source said.
Quest's unidentified companion was given a summons for not carrying any identification, the source said.
Quest's lawyer, Alan Abramson, had a much more innocuous version of events.
"Mr. Quest didn't realize that the park had a curfew," Abramson said. He was simply "returning to his hotel with friends."
At a hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court, Quest agreed to undergo six months of drug counseling in return for an "adjournment in contemplation of dismissal," which means the misdemeanor charges against him will be dropped and the case sealed if he stays out of trouble and completes his drug program.
He was released with no bail after spending most of the day behind bars.
Abramson predicted after the hearing that "the case will be dismissed." He declined to answer questions.
Quest, known for his hollering antics and stunts on the cable news network and its international counterpart, declined comment, as did a CNN spokeswoman.
On his official CNN bio, the network calls him "one of the most instantly recognizable members of the CNN team."
"He has become one of the network's highest profile presenters," and his "dynamic and distinctive style has made him a unique figure in the field of business and news broadcasting," the network's Web site says.
He was reportedly once offered a position for the English-language version of the controversial Al Jazeera network, but said he turned it down because being gay and Jewish, he didn't think it would be a good fit.
*************************
Hmmm, what part am I supposed to appreciate?
That someone from CNN is in trouble?
That someone in Central Park has his genitals attached to a rope around his neck?
Or the excellent tongue-in-cheek reporting.........The criminal complaint says the officer at the scene was able to ID the drug because of "his prior experience as a police officer in drug arrests, observation of packaging which is characteristic of this type of drug, and defendant's statements that . . . 'I've got some meth in my pocket.' "
The note on the attached story said "Maggie, you should appreciate this!"
KINKY NEWS NETWORK
CNN'S QUEST A VERY 'KNOTTY' BOY
By DAREH GREGORIAN and PHILIP MESSING
April 19, 2008 --
This is CNN? Kinky!
CNN personality Richard Quest was busted in Central Park early yesterday with some drugs in his pocket, a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals, and a sex toy in his boot, law-enforcement sources said.
Quest, 46, was arrested at around 3:40 a.m. after a cop spotted him and another man inside the park near 64th Street, a police source said.
The criminal complaint against Quest said the park was closed at the time - something Quest should have known because of all the signs saying "Park Closed 1 a.m. to 6 a.m."
Quest was initially busted for loitering, the source said. Aside from the oddly configured rope, the search also turned up a sex toy inside of his boot, and a small bag of methamphetamine in his left jacket pocket.
It wasn't immediately clear what the rope was for.
The criminal complaint says the officer at the scene was able to ID the drug because of "his prior experience as a police officer in drug arrests, observation of packaging which is characteristic of this type of drug, and defendant's statements that . . . 'I've got some meth in my pocket.' "
He was charged with loitering and criminal possession of a controlled substance. His unusual get-up didn't lead to a lewdness charge because he wasn't exposing himself, the police source said.
Quest's unidentified companion was given a summons for not carrying any identification, the source said.
Quest's lawyer, Alan Abramson, had a much more innocuous version of events.
"Mr. Quest didn't realize that the park had a curfew," Abramson said. He was simply "returning to his hotel with friends."
At a hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court, Quest agreed to undergo six months of drug counseling in return for an "adjournment in contemplation of dismissal," which means the misdemeanor charges against him will be dropped and the case sealed if he stays out of trouble and completes his drug program.
He was released with no bail after spending most of the day behind bars.
Abramson predicted after the hearing that "the case will be dismissed." He declined to answer questions.
Quest, known for his hollering antics and stunts on the cable news network and its international counterpart, declined comment, as did a CNN spokeswoman.
On his official CNN bio, the network calls him "one of the most instantly recognizable members of the CNN team."
"He has become one of the network's highest profile presenters," and his "dynamic and distinctive style has made him a unique figure in the field of business and news broadcasting," the network's Web site says.
He was reportedly once offered a position for the English-language version of the controversial Al Jazeera network, but said he turned it down because being gay and Jewish, he didn't think it would be a good fit.
*************************
Hmmm, what part am I supposed to appreciate?
That someone from CNN is in trouble?
That someone in Central Park has his genitals attached to a rope around his neck?
Or the excellent tongue-in-cheek reporting.........The criminal complaint says the officer at the scene was able to ID the drug because of "his prior experience as a police officer in drug arrests, observation of packaging which is characteristic of this type of drug, and defendant's statements that . . . 'I've got some meth in my pocket.' "
Pennsylvania Politics
Everyone is focused on April 22nd and rightly so. You know what a political junkie I am.
Barack vs. Hillary.
Bigger than the "Thrilla in Manila!"
But there are other things happening that day. People who vote in Pennsylvania's 12th district have the chance to rid themselves of that asshat Murtha.
Now I understand that if you live in PA's 12th, you may be thinking.........."Hey Maggie! Who are you to talk with John effing Kerry and FatBoy as your Senators?" You are absolutely right. I vote against them. Speak against them. Support their opponents. Still they are in office. But our primary is not until September 16th.......yours is upon us.
I am asking you to please write in William Russell on the Republican primary ballot. Please help him get on the ballot and help him win! Help him unseat Jack Murtha.
WILLIAM RUSSELL
William is an Iraqi veteran who earned a Bronze Star. Married with two children, William espouses the pro-family principles of the Republican platform, receiving the endorsement of LifePAC. William is himself a small business owner, and believes that government should establish a climate for business growth with good infrastructure and lower taxes, and then get out of the way. A marksman himself, William supports a citizen's right to own guns. As a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, William has seen firsthand the results of our failure to enforce immigration laws, and believes that national security should begin with closing the border.
Please visit his website and some others. Please write him in. Please spread the word.
Veterans for Bill Russell includes Veteran's Family Members & Friends
Musing Minds
Are you on the fence about Murtha? Maybe this will push you off.
Murtha’s Office Calls Cops On Iraq Vet’s Mom
**********
Then, the vets went inside. They passed Bev Perlson, in front of the Cannon Building. Bev is the founder of Band of Mothers, an organization of moms of service members. She was spending one of the three days she had a permit to stand there with signs in support of General Petraeus and our troops.
*****************
“Do I have an appointment?” a young man asked. I gave him my card and told him I was outraged that several Marines had been in to see Mr. Murtha and were refused. This young man stood up and told me that “people” cannot just come in there and expect to see the Congressman without an appointment. I was outraged by his pompous attitude and insulted that he didn’t seem to understand that these brave Warriors are not just “people!” I clearly saw the problem here and was so deeply offended that he didn’t seem to understand, and I informed him that these fine Marines are not just people, THEY ARE SOLDIERS, THEY ARE HEROES, and MR. Murtha needs to show them respect and further, he needs to apologize to everyone of them.
****************
As I just reached the Cannon Bldg., 3 or 4 Police cars with flashing lights pulled right up near me. I think I saw 6 or 7 Policeman around me and was asked to step aside to speak with one of the Officers. I was asked if I had just been in the Rayburn Bldg and what was my business there. I explained to the Officer what transpired in Mr. Murtha’s office, I was asked for my driver’s license and that was it. I did tell the nice Policeman I was not at all sorry for what I said in Murtha’s office and that I have NEVER been arrested. I did tell him that I was very sorry if I caused him any trouble or a lot of undue paperwork.
*****************
These are excerpts from the story........go read the whole thing. And read another post about it here.
Good luck Col.
Barack vs. Hillary.
Bigger than the "Thrilla in Manila!"
But there are other things happening that day. People who vote in Pennsylvania's 12th district have the chance to rid themselves of that asshat Murtha.
Now I understand that if you live in PA's 12th, you may be thinking.........."Hey Maggie! Who are you to talk with John effing Kerry and FatBoy as your Senators?" You are absolutely right. I vote against them. Speak against them. Support their opponents. Still they are in office. But our primary is not until September 16th.......yours is upon us.
I am asking you to please write in William Russell on the Republican primary ballot. Please help him get on the ballot and help him win! Help him unseat Jack Murtha.
WILLIAM RUSSELL
William is an Iraqi veteran who earned a Bronze Star. Married with two children, William espouses the pro-family principles of the Republican platform, receiving the endorsement of LifePAC. William is himself a small business owner, and believes that government should establish a climate for business growth with good infrastructure and lower taxes, and then get out of the way. A marksman himself, William supports a citizen's right to own guns. As a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, William has seen firsthand the results of our failure to enforce immigration laws, and believes that national security should begin with closing the border.
Please visit his website and some others. Please write him in. Please spread the word.
Veterans for Bill Russell includes Veteran's Family Members & Friends
Musing Minds
Are you on the fence about Murtha? Maybe this will push you off.
Murtha’s Office Calls Cops On Iraq Vet’s Mom
**********
Then, the vets went inside. They passed Bev Perlson, in front of the Cannon Building. Bev is the founder of Band of Mothers, an organization of moms of service members. She was spending one of the three days she had a permit to stand there with signs in support of General Petraeus and our troops.
*****************
“Do I have an appointment?” a young man asked. I gave him my card and told him I was outraged that several Marines had been in to see Mr. Murtha and were refused. This young man stood up and told me that “people” cannot just come in there and expect to see the Congressman without an appointment. I was outraged by his pompous attitude and insulted that he didn’t seem to understand that these brave Warriors are not just “people!” I clearly saw the problem here and was so deeply offended that he didn’t seem to understand, and I informed him that these fine Marines are not just people, THEY ARE SOLDIERS, THEY ARE HEROES, and MR. Murtha needs to show them respect and further, he needs to apologize to everyone of them.
****************
As I just reached the Cannon Bldg., 3 or 4 Police cars with flashing lights pulled right up near me. I think I saw 6 or 7 Policeman around me and was asked to step aside to speak with one of the Officers. I was asked if I had just been in the Rayburn Bldg and what was my business there. I explained to the Officer what transpired in Mr. Murtha’s office, I was asked for my driver’s license and that was it. I did tell the nice Policeman I was not at all sorry for what I said in Murtha’s office and that I have NEVER been arrested. I did tell him that I was very sorry if I caused him any trouble or a lot of undue paperwork.
*****************
These are excerpts from the story........go read the whole thing. And read another post about it here.
Good luck Col.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Bomb kills Dutch commander's son
Bomb kills Dutch commander's sonThe son of the new Dutch armed forces commander has been killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan.
The blast, early on Friday in Uruzgan province, also killed another Dutch soldier and wounded two more.
Lt Dennis van Uhm, 23, was the son of Gen Peter van Uhm, who took up overall command of Dutch forces on Thursday.
A total of 16 Dutch troops have now died in Afghanistan. The Taleban say they targeted Lt van Uhm specifically - a claim rejected by the Dutch.
Taleban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi said the militants had been waiting for the soldiers.
"When he came out the Taleban planted a mine, which killed him," he told reporters in a phone call from an undisclosed location.
Speaking in The Hague, Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said that his information was there was "no indication of any link between this cowardly deed and the fact that it was the son of the defence chief".
Wim van den Burg of the Dutch Federation of Military Personnel thought it very unlikely the Taleban had deliberately targeted Lt van Uhm.
"I doubt they even knew who Van Uhm was - this is just propaganda for them," he was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying.
What's Friday Night Without An Adventure!
I'm not even close to parent-of-the-year material, but I did one thing right - my kids will come to me with any problem. They will never needlessly go without my help because they didn't want to tell me something.
Bachground - Jen had no car in the driveway. No food in the fridge. The call came through at 1903 - Praire Fire! Inside joke. So, I shut down the computer, leave work and go off in search of dinner. I end up with fish from Lobster Hut. Fish on a Friday night for the Papists from Charlestown.....who'da thought? So we get "The Kingdom" on pay-per-view (we liked it even with it's little moralizing bits).
I got home and the house was empty. Wow!
that's right, Tom is at work and Frankie is down Deadman's Trail. Frankie and Bill are down Deadman's Trail just like Bill's late mother and I were down Deadman's more than thirty years ago.....THIRTY YEARS? Yikes!
What will I do with this unexpected gift? Laundry? Check. Dishes? mmmmmaybe Blogging with M&Ms? Getting warmer. How about some girly stuff? Yes! So the M&Ms are waiting by the computer and I go into the bathroom, take off my bra, pin my hair up, wash my face and put some thick goopy mask on my face.
Doesn't that sound great? I thought so.
I am about to go to my room and get a wrapper so I can sit and surf and blog and eat M&Ms......
Then Spanky Frankie came bombing through the front door "Mum, I need you! This girl needs her inhaler." I turn back to the sink and rinse, rinse, rinse as fast as I can so I can put my glasses back on, lol.
Off we go to the woods....U turn in the middle of the Lane. Car isn't stopped, Frankie is out and gone.
Ok, back to try again.
Bachground - Jen had no car in the driveway. No food in the fridge. The call came through at 1903 - Praire Fire! Inside joke. So, I shut down the computer, leave work and go off in search of dinner. I end up with fish from Lobster Hut. Fish on a Friday night for the Papists from Charlestown.....who'da thought? So we get "The Kingdom" on pay-per-view (we liked it even with it's little moralizing bits).
I got home and the house was empty. Wow!
that's right, Tom is at work and Frankie is down Deadman's Trail. Frankie and Bill are down Deadman's Trail just like Bill's late mother and I were down Deadman's more than thirty years ago.....THIRTY YEARS? Yikes!
What will I do with this unexpected gift? Laundry? Check. Dishes? mmmmmaybe Blogging with M&Ms? Getting warmer. How about some girly stuff? Yes! So the M&Ms are waiting by the computer and I go into the bathroom, take off my bra, pin my hair up, wash my face and put some thick goopy mask on my face.
Doesn't that sound great? I thought so.
I am about to go to my room and get a wrapper so I can sit and surf and blog and eat M&Ms......
Then Spanky Frankie came bombing through the front door "Mum, I need you! This girl needs her inhaler." I turn back to the sink and rinse, rinse, rinse as fast as I can so I can put my glasses back on, lol.
Off we go to the woods....U turn in the middle of the Lane. Car isn't stopped, Frankie is out and gone.
Ok, back to try again.
Pope Benedict XVI Addresses the United Nations General Assembly
Pope Benedict XVI poses with General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim, left, and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 18 Apr 2008Video from CSpan here.
New York, Apr. 11, 2008 (CWNews.com) - In his April 18 speech to the UN, Pope Benedict XVI will address "the false notion that might makes right," the Vatican representative to the international body has told the Associated Press.
Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the permanent observer for the Holy See at UN headquarters in New York, said that the Pontiff will not focus on specific international trouble-spots, but will concentrate on the general argument that "our future must be based on respect for universal truths and our common humanity."
The remarks by Archbishop Migliore match the predictions that the Pope, in addressing the UN, will emphasize the importance of reliance on natural law as the basis for recognizing human rights. The papal visit to the UN comes in the context of the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights.
Pope Benedict made natural-law arguments a major theme of his January 7 address to the diplomats accredited to the Holy See-- the Pope's annual "state of the world" address. He explained that the Church defends human rights on the basis of innate human dignity, which is in turn a function of natural law.
Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the permanent observer for the Holy See at UN headquarters in New York, said that the Pontiff will not focus on specific international trouble-spots, but will concentrate on the general argument that "our future must be based on respect for universal truths and our common humanity."
The remarks by Archbishop Migliore match the predictions that the Pope, in addressing the UN, will emphasize the importance of reliance on natural law as the basis for recognizing human rights. The papal visit to the UN comes in the context of the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights.
Pope Benedict made natural-law arguments a major theme of his January 7 address to the diplomats accredited to the Holy See-- the Pope's annual "state of the world" address. He explained that the Church defends human rights on the basis of innate human dignity, which is in turn a function of natural law.
Gary In Abu Dhabi
It's not news in particular.......but I like the pic and it's always fun to say "Abu Dhabi"!
080416-N-8273J-240 ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (April 16, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead tours the Sheika Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Roughead is visiting Naval Forces Central Command area of responsibility to strengthen international maritime partnerships as part of the "Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower." U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Yours, Yours, Yours...........
Abigail: I live like a nun in a cloister solitary, celibate, I hate it, and you, John?
Adams: I live like a monk in an abbey. Ditto, ditto, I hate it
Abigail: Write to me with sentimental effusion. Let me revel in romantic illusion
Adams: Do you still smell of vanilla and spring air? And is my favorite lover's pillar still firm and fair?
Abigail: What was there, John, still is there, John. Come soon as you can to my cloister. I've forgotten the feel of your hand
Adams: Madam we shall walk in Cupid's Grove together
Both: And we'll fondly survey that promised land. Till then, till then I am as I ever was and ever was And ever shall be, Yours, yours, yours, yours, yours
Abigail: Saltpeter, John
April 17, 2005
In 2005, 115 Roman Catholic cardinals gathered in the Vatican to begin the selection of a new pope.
I picked Ratzinger right then. He was my guy and he still is.
I picked Ratzinger right then. He was my guy and he still is.
I Am At My Bad Boyfriend's Service!
What can I do for you baby?
McCain readies unorthodox campaign
For reasons of financial necessity, personal preference and plain politics, John McCain is gearing up to run one of the least traditional presidential campaigns in recent history.
........
And finally — and perhaps most importantly — McCain will rely on free media to an unprecedented degree to get out his message in a fashion that aims to not only minimize his financial disadvantage but also drive a triangulated contrast among himself, the Democratic nominee and President Bush.
I believe this is where I come in....free media.....just tell me what you want!
McCain readies unorthodox campaign
For reasons of financial necessity, personal preference and plain politics, John McCain is gearing up to run one of the least traditional presidential campaigns in recent history.
........
And finally — and perhaps most importantly — McCain will rely on free media to an unprecedented degree to get out his message in a fashion that aims to not only minimize his financial disadvantage but also drive a triangulated contrast among himself, the Democratic nominee and President Bush.
I believe this is where I come in....free media.....just tell me what you want!
The Weather Underground Scoreboard
Attention on deck!
Obama hangs with WU terrorist William Ayers and his terrorist bride. Accepts their help fundraising and served on a board with Ayers. I've explained my thoughts on this before.
Clinton's spouse pardoned Susan Rosenberg.
What was my bad boyfriend doing while the Weather Underground was committing their crimes against the United States of America?
Yeah, he was busy.
That is all!
Obama hangs with WU terrorist William Ayers and his terrorist bride. Accepts their help fundraising and served on a board with Ayers. I've explained my thoughts on this before.
Clinton's spouse pardoned Susan Rosenberg.
What was my bad boyfriend doing while the Weather Underground was committing their crimes against the United States of America?
Yeah, he was busy.
That is all!
38 Sailors Who Will Never Forget This Day
080415-N-8273J-145 PERSIAN GULF (April 15, 2008) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, left, thanks 39 Sailors for choosing to continue serving the Navy after a reenlistment aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Roughead is visiting NAVCENT area of responsibility to strengthen international maritime partnerships as part of the "Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower." U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones (Released)CNO Visits USS Harry S. Truman
Story Number: NNS080416-04
Release Date: 4/16/2008 12:13:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Heather Weaver, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited the crew of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) April 15 to address Sailors deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).
Roughead is visiting the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) AOO to strengthen international maritime partnerships as part of the Navy's Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower and meet with regional leaders in an effort to increase dialogue and cooperation.
During his visit to Harry S. Truman, Roughead took time to award three commendation medals as well as reenlist 38 Sailors. He also held an all-hands call for the crew. During his address, the CNO said it was an honor to visit the ship because the crew has done a phenomenal job of representing the dedication and commitment of the U.S. Navy.
Kat Really Makes Us Think
Kat posted this over at the Castle this morning.
One Man and A Symbol of Freedom
I can hardly write this post. I am equally angry, sad, proud, and filled with something I can't describe because it is all of these things and more.
So very, very true. You should read all Kat's thoughts and the comments. She directs us the The Gateway Pundit for the whole background story. GP posted this vid
which really choked me up.
All lot of people are commenting with a great deal of emotion. I understand, I felt it too. It hurt my heart to look at that man's face and see his suffering. I was angry listening to the school officials talking condescendingly to him. And best of all I was heartened by the young man who shook his hand and stood beside him.
It's not art. But it is their right. It hurts, but we'll be ok.
Then Fishmugger, in the comments of Kat's post brought back a happier memory.
To this day I remember my father's hearfelt "YEAH!"
One Man and A Symbol of Freedom
I can hardly write this post. I am equally angry, sad, proud, and filled with something I can't describe because it is all of these things and more.
So very, very true. You should read all Kat's thoughts and the comments. She directs us the The Gateway Pundit for the whole background story. GP posted this vid
which really choked me up.
All lot of people are commenting with a great deal of emotion. I understand, I felt it too. It hurt my heart to look at that man's face and see his suffering. I was angry listening to the school officials talking condescendingly to him. And best of all I was heartened by the young man who shook his hand and stood beside him.
It's not art. But it is their right. It hurts, but we'll be ok.
Then Fishmugger, in the comments of Kat's post brought back a happier memory.
To this day I remember my father's hearfelt "YEAH!"
The Battle Hymn of The Republic
Wow, I didn't see this coming. I posted here, that I thought the choice was inappropriate in light of the Pope's feelings about war in general and US involvement in Iraq in particular.
I love the song.
It was done very well yesterday.
I love and respect the Pope and have listened carefully to his views.
I fully back our involvement in Iraq. I support OIF. I support OEF. I've got the coin, lol.
I feel it was inappropriate to perform that hymn with the line "as he dies to make men hole, let us die to make men free" for the Pope. I feel the hymn glorifies war. That can be good and it's well done in this case. It's still inappropriate considering the guest of honor. "Hey, we agree to disagree. I'm for the war. You're against war. Happy Birthday. Thanks for stopping by. Glory, glory......."
Not a good call, in my opinion.
Since I feel it's wrong to criticize if you have no alternate plan to offer.......Better call? "Amazing Grace".
OK, so sitemeter tells me that I have had an uptick in traffic related to this. Interesting.
Then I go over the Phibian's place (sometimes there are naked women posted, lol). Anyway, he posts about the ceremony and mentions the Hymn. I point out in the comments that I disagree with that choice and the most interesting discussion on Roman Catholicism comes about. Really interesting. There is a second post about Monsignor Georg Gänswein. the posts are good, the comments complete them.
I love the song.
It was done very well yesterday.
I love and respect the Pope and have listened carefully to his views.
I fully back our involvement in Iraq. I support OIF. I support OEF. I've got the coin, lol.
I feel it was inappropriate to perform that hymn with the line "as he dies to make men hole, let us die to make men free" for the Pope. I feel the hymn glorifies war. That can be good and it's well done in this case. It's still inappropriate considering the guest of honor. "Hey, we agree to disagree. I'm for the war. You're against war. Happy Birthday. Thanks for stopping by. Glory, glory......."
Not a good call, in my opinion.
Since I feel it's wrong to criticize if you have no alternate plan to offer.......Better call? "Amazing Grace".
OK, so sitemeter tells me that I have had an uptick in traffic related to this. Interesting.
Then I go over the Phibian's place (sometimes there are naked women posted, lol). Anyway, he posts about the ceremony and mentions the Hymn. I point out in the comments that I disagree with that choice and the most interesting discussion on Roman Catholicism comes about. Really interesting. There is a second post about Monsignor Georg Gänswein. the posts are good, the comments complete them.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Murtha = Jackass
Come again, elohssa? Have you nothing better to do? Shut yer cake-hole you ignorant jackass.
75-Year-Old Rep. Murtha Calls McCain Too Old to Be President
WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. John Murtha said Wednesday that Republican Sen. John McCain is too old to be president.
Murtha is 75, four years older than McCain. He says they are nearly the same age, and the rigors and stress of running the country is too much for guys their age.
“I’ve served with seven presidents,” Murtha told a union audience. “When they come in, they all make mistakes. They all get older.”
“This one guy running is about as old as me,” he said, drawing laughter and applause. “Let me tell you something, it’s no old man’s job.”
If elected, McCain would be the oldest man to become president at age 72. Ronald Reagan became president at age 69, but he served as president for eight years and was just a few weeks shy of his 78th birthday when he left office.
The McCain camp responded that Murtha’s remarks were “nonsense attacks.”
Murtha, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, made the comments while introducing the candidate he has endorsed, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, to the AFL-CIO’s Building Trades National Legislative Conference.
Clinton referred to Murtha’s introduction when she took the stage, saying she was grateful to have his endorsement and agreed with his sentiment that it will be difficult to turn around all the damage of the Bush administration. She didn’t mention his comments on McCain’s age, and the campaign sought to distance itself from the comments.
Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee said Clinton “considers Senator McCain a friend, and she respects him. But it’s not his age she has a problem with, its his ideas for the future.”
Earlier this week, McCain was asked about his age and he joked about it, at first feigning sleep.
“Watch me campaign. We keep a heavier schedule. We campaign harder,” he said Monday during The Associated Press annual meeting. “People will judge me by my performance. I am confident that my energy, my intellect, my experience, and my judgment is what American people will — hopefully that they will view me as qualified to be president of the United States.”
His campaign said Wednesday Murtha’s comments were “nonsense attacks.”
Of the Democratic candidates, Clinton is 60 and Sen. Barack Obama is 46.
McCain and Murtha are both Vietnam veterans who have worked closely on national security issues. Age hasn’t slowed Murtha down. After Democrats took control of the House in the 2006 election, Murtha sought the House majority leader position but was defeated.
****************
So, let's see...........Murtha is a veteran who disrespects other veterans. Murtha is an ex-Marine (yeah, I know they say there is no such thing, but Murtha is the exception that proves the rule) who disrespects other Marines. Murtha is someone who could be discriminated against on the basis of age and so he discriminates against others on the basis of age.
That would make Murtha..........an ASSHAT!
Also, when someone says something during an introduction that does not properly reflect Sen. McCain's thoughts, he speaks up and says "That's wrong". But Hillary doesn't and Obama didn't.
Nice.
75-Year-Old Rep. Murtha Calls McCain Too Old to Be President
WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. John Murtha said Wednesday that Republican Sen. John McCain is too old to be president.
Murtha is 75, four years older than McCain. He says they are nearly the same age, and the rigors and stress of running the country is too much for guys their age.
“I’ve served with seven presidents,” Murtha told a union audience. “When they come in, they all make mistakes. They all get older.”
“This one guy running is about as old as me,” he said, drawing laughter and applause. “Let me tell you something, it’s no old man’s job.”
If elected, McCain would be the oldest man to become president at age 72. Ronald Reagan became president at age 69, but he served as president for eight years and was just a few weeks shy of his 78th birthday when he left office.
The McCain camp responded that Murtha’s remarks were “nonsense attacks.”
Murtha, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, made the comments while introducing the candidate he has endorsed, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, to the AFL-CIO’s Building Trades National Legislative Conference.
Clinton referred to Murtha’s introduction when she took the stage, saying she was grateful to have his endorsement and agreed with his sentiment that it will be difficult to turn around all the damage of the Bush administration. She didn’t mention his comments on McCain’s age, and the campaign sought to distance itself from the comments.
Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee said Clinton “considers Senator McCain a friend, and she respects him. But it’s not his age she has a problem with, its his ideas for the future.”
Earlier this week, McCain was asked about his age and he joked about it, at first feigning sleep.
“Watch me campaign. We keep a heavier schedule. We campaign harder,” he said Monday during The Associated Press annual meeting. “People will judge me by my performance. I am confident that my energy, my intellect, my experience, and my judgment is what American people will — hopefully that they will view me as qualified to be president of the United States.”
His campaign said Wednesday Murtha’s comments were “nonsense attacks.”
Of the Democratic candidates, Clinton is 60 and Sen. Barack Obama is 46.
McCain and Murtha are both Vietnam veterans who have worked closely on national security issues. Age hasn’t slowed Murtha down. After Democrats took control of the House in the 2006 election, Murtha sought the House majority leader position but was defeated.
****************
So, let's see...........Murtha is a veteran who disrespects other veterans. Murtha is an ex-Marine (yeah, I know they say there is no such thing, but Murtha is the exception that proves the rule) who disrespects other Marines. Murtha is someone who could be discriminated against on the basis of age and so he discriminates against others on the basis of age.
That would make Murtha..........an ASSHAT!
Also, when someone says something during an introduction that does not properly reflect Sen. McCain's thoughts, he speaks up and says "That's wrong". But Hillary doesn't and Obama didn't.
Nice.
Why Jimmy Carter Will Neverly Successfully Broker Peace With Hamas
THE FOUNDATION
“It is the madness of folly, to expect mercy from those who have refused to do justice; and even mercy, where conquest is the object, is only a trick of war; the cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of the wolf.” —Thomas Paine
“It is the madness of folly, to expect mercy from those who have refused to do justice; and even mercy, where conquest is the object, is only a trick of war; the cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of the wolf.” —Thomas Paine
More Pope Coverage
*****UPDATE - I have noticed several hits from people searching some combination of the Pope and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". If you follow this link to CSpan's coverage of this morning's ceremony, Real Player pops up with the whole 36 minute clip. The Marine Corp band does "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" just after the 27 minute mark. They do a fabulous job as always. 
CSPAN was running live Pope Benedict coverage from 1000 to 1100 EST. Very nice. I enjoyed it.
Bush, big White House crowd greet Pope Benedict XVI on his birthday
WASHINGTON -- Washington -- Pope Benedict XVI today celebrated his first full day in the United States awash in the pomp and ceremony that befits the visiting head of the Roman Catholic Church, who also marked his 81st birthday.
More than 9,000 guests underwent thorough security checks as they gathered at the White House's South Lawn for the pope's arrival. Clerics resplendent in the red and purple robes of the church hierarchy took their places.
But two things
One, while I love the Pope and I was rooting for him from the beginning. I was a Rattzinger supporter from the moment the conclave started. I think he is great. Right man for the job. But still.............and I know this is wrong......when I listen to him speak.......I have a hard time.
With his German accent.....all I hear is "bad guy". Too many WWII movies?
Also, the Marine Corp band played "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Who picked that? The Pope is against all war. Why would you pick a song that glorifies it. You know Princess Crabby has no problem with war. But, he's the Pope for pity's sake!
Anyway, it was really nice.
CSPAN was running live Pope Benedict coverage from 1000 to 1100 EST. Very nice. I enjoyed it.Bush, big White House crowd greet Pope Benedict XVI on his birthday
WASHINGTON -- Washington -- Pope Benedict XVI today celebrated his first full day in the United States awash in the pomp and ceremony that befits the visiting head of the Roman Catholic Church, who also marked his 81st birthday.
More than 9,000 guests underwent thorough security checks as they gathered at the White House's South Lawn for the pope's arrival. Clerics resplendent in the red and purple robes of the church hierarchy took their places.
But two things
One, while I love the Pope and I was rooting for him from the beginning. I was a Rattzinger supporter from the moment the conclave started. I think he is great. Right man for the job. But still.............and I know this is wrong......when I listen to him speak.......I have a hard time.
With his German accent.....all I hear is "bad guy". Too many WWII movies?
Also, the Marine Corp band played "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Who picked that? The Pope is against all war. Why would you pick a song that glorifies it. You know Princess Crabby has no problem with war. But, he's the Pope for pity's sake!
Anyway, it was really nice.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Bigger Than A Rock Star, Baby!
Pope Benedict XVI Arrives in USA Greeted by President
posted on YouTube by Bottom Line Up Front
Father Mahoney didn't want me to miss this and thanks to Amy, I didn't.
Listen to them scream for him! Then they sing "Happy Birthday" since it's the day before his birthday. Amy selected Fox's coverage, so Shep Smith is doing the voice over. Shep pointed out that this was a historic first for the President to go to the airport to greet the Pope.
My first thought was "Why didn't "W" kiss the ring?" Then I remembered.....not everyone is lucky enough to be a Papist.....much less Boston Irish Catholic. Right SB?
posted on YouTube by Bottom Line Up Front
Father Mahoney didn't want me to miss this and thanks to Amy, I didn't.
Listen to them scream for him! Then they sing "Happy Birthday" since it's the day before his birthday. Amy selected Fox's coverage, so Shep Smith is doing the voice over. Shep pointed out that this was a historic first for the President to go to the airport to greet the Pope.
My first thought was "Why didn't "W" kiss the ring?" Then I remembered.....not everyone is lucky enough to be a Papist.....much less Boston Irish Catholic. Right SB?
Exspectata ut America Benedict!
I got an email yesterday from Miss Kelly pointing to this post at Whispers in the Loggia. She wanted us to participate in welcoming Pope Benedict to America. The idea was to have every church in America ring their bells when the Pope touched down in DC today at 1600 hours.Of course I immediately called St. Francis where they laughed at me and said "The bells ring every hour anyway...." LOL Where have I been? I knew that! Turns out that not everyone's church rings their bells on the hour. Again I am very lucky!
Father Mahoney discussed the Pope's pending visit during Mass on Sunday and urged everyone to watch the coverage. Don't worry Father, I will.
Father Mahoney discussed the Pope's pending visit during Mass on Sunday and urged everyone to watch the coverage. Don't worry Father, I will. My Friend Gary in Bahrain
080412-N-8273J-307 RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (April 12, 2008) In his first official counterpart visit as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Gary Roughead meets with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah during an office call at the Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Roughead is visiting Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) area of responsibility to strengthen international maritime partnerships as part of the "Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower." U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini M. Jones (Released)
And He Still Let Me In!
OK, background........Princess Crabby is petty and jealous and selfserving and wants what she can't have. Several respectable MilBloggers I read get to participate in DOD Blogger Roundtables. Some, who are not nice (Armorer) taunt me with emails about having so many of these invitations they can't keep up.
So, I went and found an address and emailed someone:
Hi,
How does one get to participate in these Blogger Roundtables? I am a very small blog (currently averaging just over 100 per day). Myblog is here in case you need to check it.
Maggie
Five weeks go by, no reply, I forget about it. You take the shot....whatever.
Then, yesterday I get a reply.
Hi Maggie,
Ok, so I'm a little slow sometimes. I've been traveling a lot. ANYWAY, yes we can add you to the Bloggers Roundtable list. Can you send me a short bio I can use to introduce you to the subject matter experts?
-- Jack
Bio? I forgot they would announce me! I participate in teleconferences for work all the time. How did I forget this part?
So, I frantically shoot back.
Jack,
A short bio? Ha! This is going to be difficult. I might have to consult with a few of the *real* milbloggers about how to phrase this. I am small and nonsensical although extremely pro-military and vehemently pro-OIF/OEF. Can I have an hour or two to think about this?
Maggie
Fortunately, Jack is gracious.........
SURE! After all it took me over a month to answer your email. I'll add you to the list so you'll know who's coming up. You can always listen on BlogTalkRadio too.
-- Jack
I send out a bazillion emails to serious bloggers and all my imaginary friends.
Ok, what exactly am I supposed to say in this *bio* that gets me in as opposed to causing government agents to come to my door and disconnect my modem?
Maggie
WereKitten's advice can not be reprinted in my PG blog.
FbL said
"Well, who did you bribe to let you in the door there, hmmm? ;)
Don't know what you SHOULD include, but I'm pretty sure you're not gonna want to mention that MG Lynch obsession you've got... :D"
Sherri (DomestikDiva) piped up with:
Maggie
I just don't know, my mouth always gets me in trouble. And I'm thinking this is one time nekkid pics might NOT help you. Then again....
Serious Navy bloggers sent me copies of their bios......yeah, that made me feel better....NOT! LOL
So this was my answer to Jack
Jack,
Boy are you going to be sorry that you answered my email. You know, I had given up on you and you were in the clear! LOL
I can't remember the last time I fretted so much about something. I asked people connected with the Castle of Argghhh!, a highly respected milblog where I am a "denizenne" with posting privileges. All they really told me was not to send "nekkid pics" of myself, that in this case, they wouldn't help me (they are kidding there are no such pics). I asked serious Navy bloggers (Galrahn, and SJS for example) and they sent me copies of their "short bios" which just made me cringe with embarrassment! SJS actually lists me as part of the Navy blogosphere, but I think it's part of some affirmative action program.
The long and short of this is, I have no bona fides. I have no relevant life or military experience. So, I suppose I will have to go with this:
Maggie of BostonMaggie blogspot, writes about the military, foreign policy, current events and history as a civilian who strongly supports the military, the GWOT and OIF/OEF.
How does that sound?
LOL, you have me more spooled up than when I took my SATs!
I need a drink.
Maggie
So, I'm done, right? No! I get home and there are a few more serious emails (and a bunch of nonsensical ones - somehow I am being reported the British Columbia Human Rights Commission because I flashed Finn McCools?????), including an extremely helpful one from the Yankee Sailor. So Jack gets another email from me.
Jack,
I told you this had me spooled up! I wrote to you earlier this evening, hit send and promised myself to be done with it. I went to my sister's to watch this week's episode of "John Adams". Finally in episode six they bring up his importance as "father of the Navy"!! Anyway, I came home to several emails from people who bemoaned what I sent you, lol.
The Yankee Sailor has suggested that I actually do have "bona fides", kinda sorta. I grew up in Charlestown, which is a neighborhood in Boston where they keep the USS Constitution and my Dad was in the Navy. These guys think I should work that in.
So, second and final answer (I promise, this scattered part of me will not surface during the Roundtables):
Maggie of BostonMaggie blogspot, writes about the military, foreign policy, current events and history from the perspective of a civilian who strongly supports the military, the GWOT and OIF/OEF.
Maggie grew up in Charlestown, running the decks of Old Ironsides & climbing the 294 steps of the Bunker Hill monument. Her love of the Navy and the military was fostered by her father, who served aboard the USS Norris (DD-859) in the late '50s.
The first draft is below, if you think it's more appropriate, go with that. Use your best judgement and make sure I don't look like a jackass.
Maggie
**********
And he still let me in! Jack will be in Vegas for the MilBlog Conference......I owe him a drink, huh!
BTW, do you think I dropped enough names? Remember when you have nothing of your own.....ride someone else's coattails!
Thanks to everyone who helped me on this. The serious answers were gratifying and the nonsense answers kept me tethered to earth.
You know what Jen said "Good. Lord."
So, I went and found an address and emailed someone:
Hi,
How does one get to participate in these Blogger Roundtables? I am a very small blog (currently averaging just over 100 per day). Myblog is here in case you need to check it.
Maggie
Five weeks go by, no reply, I forget about it. You take the shot....whatever.
Then, yesterday I get a reply.
Hi Maggie,
Ok, so I'm a little slow sometimes. I've been traveling a lot. ANYWAY, yes we can add you to the Bloggers Roundtable list. Can you send me a short bio I can use to introduce you to the subject matter experts?
-- Jack
Bio? I forgot they would announce me! I participate in teleconferences for work all the time. How did I forget this part?
So, I frantically shoot back.
Jack,
A short bio? Ha! This is going to be difficult. I might have to consult with a few of the *real* milbloggers about how to phrase this. I am small and nonsensical although extremely pro-military and vehemently pro-OIF/OEF. Can I have an hour or two to think about this?
Maggie
Fortunately, Jack is gracious.........
SURE! After all it took me over a month to answer your email. I'll add you to the list so you'll know who's coming up. You can always listen on BlogTalkRadio too.
-- Jack
I send out a bazillion emails to serious bloggers and all my imaginary friends.
Ok, what exactly am I supposed to say in this *bio* that gets me in as opposed to causing government agents to come to my door and disconnect my modem?
Maggie
WereKitten's advice can not be reprinted in my PG blog.
FbL said
"Well, who did you bribe to let you in the door there, hmmm? ;)
Don't know what you SHOULD include, but I'm pretty sure you're not gonna want to mention that MG Lynch obsession you've got... :D"
Sherri (DomestikDiva) piped up with:
Maggie
I just don't know, my mouth always gets me in trouble. And I'm thinking this is one time nekkid pics might NOT help you. Then again....
Serious Navy bloggers sent me copies of their bios......yeah, that made me feel better....NOT! LOL
So this was my answer to Jack
Jack,
Boy are you going to be sorry that you answered my email. You know, I had given up on you and you were in the clear! LOL
I can't remember the last time I fretted so much about something. I asked people connected with the Castle of Argghhh!, a highly respected milblog where I am a "denizenne" with posting privileges. All they really told me was not to send "nekkid pics" of myself, that in this case, they wouldn't help me (they are kidding there are no such pics). I asked serious Navy bloggers (Galrahn, and SJS for example) and they sent me copies of their "short bios" which just made me cringe with embarrassment! SJS actually lists me as part of the Navy blogosphere, but I think it's part of some affirmative action program.
The long and short of this is, I have no bona fides. I have no relevant life or military experience. So, I suppose I will have to go with this:
Maggie of BostonMaggie blogspot, writes about the military, foreign policy, current events and history as a civilian who strongly supports the military, the GWOT and OIF/OEF.
How does that sound?
LOL, you have me more spooled up than when I took my SATs!
I need a drink.
Maggie
So, I'm done, right? No! I get home and there are a few more serious emails (and a bunch of nonsensical ones - somehow I am being reported the British Columbia Human Rights Commission because I flashed Finn McCools?????), including an extremely helpful one from the Yankee Sailor. So Jack gets another email from me.
Jack,
I told you this had me spooled up! I wrote to you earlier this evening, hit send and promised myself to be done with it. I went to my sister's to watch this week's episode of "John Adams". Finally in episode six they bring up his importance as "father of the Navy"!! Anyway, I came home to several emails from people who bemoaned what I sent you, lol.
The Yankee Sailor has suggested that I actually do have "bona fides", kinda sorta. I grew up in Charlestown, which is a neighborhood in Boston where they keep the USS Constitution and my Dad was in the Navy. These guys think I should work that in.
So, second and final answer (I promise, this scattered part of me will not surface during the Roundtables):
Maggie of BostonMaggie blogspot, writes about the military, foreign policy, current events and history from the perspective of a civilian who strongly supports the military, the GWOT and OIF/OEF.
Maggie grew up in Charlestown, running the decks of Old Ironsides & climbing the 294 steps of the Bunker Hill monument. Her love of the Navy and the military was fostered by her father, who served aboard the USS Norris (DD-859) in the late '50s.
The first draft is below, if you think it's more appropriate, go with that. Use your best judgement and make sure I don't look like a jackass.
Maggie
**********
And he still let me in! Jack will be in Vegas for the MilBlog Conference......I owe him a drink, huh!
BTW, do you think I dropped enough names? Remember when you have nothing of your own.....ride someone else's coattails!
Thanks to everyone who helped me on this. The serious answers were gratifying and the nonsense answers kept me tethered to earth.
You know what Jen said "Good. Lord."