Monday, June 30, 2008
Wes Clark's Shameful Statements and McCain's Response
First we have this asshat Clark on yesterday morning's "Face The Nation"
The we have John McCain's calm, measured dismissal of his nonsense.
Also, don't miss Pete Hegseth's response. Pete is with Vets For Freedom.
The we have John McCain's calm, measured dismissal of his nonsense.
Also, don't miss Pete Hegseth's response. Pete is with Vets For Freedom.
Here Is The Only Question You Need To Ask Yourself
I forgot about this speech by Senator Zell Miller at the Republican National Convention. I was reminded by a commentor at Pat Dollard's blog. Thank you "American Infidel". I went to YouTube and found all three parts posted by "ThePoliticalHawk".
The question that Senator Miller asked was this.............
Thank you very much. Thank you.
Since I last stood...
Thank you very much.
Since I last stood in this spot, a whole new generation of the Miller family has been born: four great-grandchildren. Along with all the other members of our close-knit family, they are my and Shirley's most precious possessions. And I know that's how you feel about your family, also.
Like you, I think of their future, the promises and the perils they will face. Like you, I believe that the next four years will determine what kind of world they will grow up in.
And like you, I ask: Which leader is it today that has the vision, the willpower and, yes, the backbone to best protect my family?
Ask yourself that question. My answer is John McCain.
The question that Senator Miller asked was this.............
Thank you very much. Thank you.
Since I last stood...
Thank you very much.
Since I last stood in this spot, a whole new generation of the Miller family has been born: four great-grandchildren. Along with all the other members of our close-knit family, they are my and Shirley's most precious possessions. And I know that's how you feel about your family, also.
Like you, I think of their future, the promises and the perils they will face. Like you, I believe that the next four years will determine what kind of world they will grow up in.
And like you, I ask: Which leader is it today that has the vision, the willpower and, yes, the backbone to best protect my family?
Ask yourself that question. My answer is John McCain.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Delahunt Update - Sneaky Bastid!
So, I am skimming another post on this incident over at Pat Dollard and he has a snippet from Scott Johnson at Powerline.
"There is a bit of a backstory here that may not have been reported. Rep. Delahunt is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, but not of the subcommittee that was holding the hearing. As such, Delahunt was not entitled to participate in the hearing, but could do so only with the unanimous consent of the members present. Delahunt was so eager to cross-examine Addington and Yoo and demonstrate his hostility to the Bush administration that he showed up and asked to question the witnesses. The subcommittee's chairman, Jerrold Nadler, asked for such consent, but Republican Steve King of Iowa refused. Delahunt stuck around, and when King left the room, another member ceded his time to Delahunt so that Delahunt could go after the witnesses. Chairman Nadler agreed, since Rep. King "didn't care enough to stay." Delahunt proceeded, and the above exchange ensued. The entire hearing was conducted in an atmosphere of poisonous partisanship, and Delahunt's suggestion that in the controversial exchange he was merely trying to be cordial toward Addington is laughable."
"There is a bit of a backstory here that may not have been reported. Rep. Delahunt is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, but not of the subcommittee that was holding the hearing. As such, Delahunt was not entitled to participate in the hearing, but could do so only with the unanimous consent of the members present. Delahunt was so eager to cross-examine Addington and Yoo and demonstrate his hostility to the Bush administration that he showed up and asked to question the witnesses. The subcommittee's chairman, Jerrold Nadler, asked for such consent, but Republican Steve King of Iowa refused. Delahunt stuck around, and when King left the room, another member ceded his time to Delahunt so that Delahunt could go after the witnesses. Chairman Nadler agreed, since Rep. King "didn't care enough to stay." Delahunt proceeded, and the above exchange ensued. The entire hearing was conducted in an atmosphere of poisonous partisanship, and Delahunt's suggestion that in the controversial exchange he was merely trying to be cordial toward Addington is laughable."
Lights! Camera! Action!
Princess Crabby has plans for next Saturday night!
Moment of Thanks has invited ordinary Americans to participate in their upcoming 4th of July project. They want people around the country to shoot and upload video of people taking a few minutes out of their Independence Day celebrations to thank Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are deployed around the world. While I am, of course, far from ordinary, I was none the less, enlisted by FbL to participate.
I will be at the Sunset Parade for the USS Constitution which is part of Boston's HarborFest. Where else would a Navy girl be!
So if you are in the Charlestown Navy Yard next Saturday evening, look for me.
Moment of Thanks has invited ordinary Americans to participate in their upcoming 4th of July project. They want people around the country to shoot and upload video of people taking a few minutes out of their Independence Day celebrations to thank Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are deployed around the world. While I am, of course, far from ordinary, I was none the less, enlisted by FbL to participate.
I will be at the Sunset Parade for the USS Constitution which is part of Boston's HarborFest. Where else would a Navy girl be!
So if you are in the Charlestown Navy Yard next Saturday evening, look for me.
I Don't Want You To Miss It
Just in case you can't view the YouTube clip in the post below, Allahpundit has the transcript.
[Cheney chief of staff David] Addington told [Democratic Rep. Bill] Delahunt he couldn’t discuss specific techniques being used, or even discussed for use, by CIA agents because terrorists may be watching his appearance and would gain insight into what U.S. intelligence agents are up to.
“You kind of communicate with Al Qaeda if you do. I can’t talk to you because Al Qaeda may watch C-SPAN,” Addington said.
Delahunt responded: “I’m sure they are watching. I’m glad they finally have a chance to see you, Mr. Addington, given your penchant for being unobtrusive.”
[Cheney chief of staff David] Addington told [Democratic Rep. Bill] Delahunt he couldn’t discuss specific techniques being used, or even discussed for use, by CIA agents because terrorists may be watching his appearance and would gain insight into what U.S. intelligence agents are up to.
“You kind of communicate with Al Qaeda if you do. I can’t talk to you because Al Qaeda may watch C-SPAN,” Addington said.
Delahunt responded: “I’m sure they are watching. I’m glad they finally have a chance to see you, Mr. Addington, given your penchant for being unobtrusive.”
Censure Rep. Wm Delahunt
*****07/01/08 Update - I'm getting hits from house.gov. They are following google searches about Delahunt. Just in case you are wondering - I'm still pissed.********
William Delahunt is my Congressman and I am appalled by his behavior. I will be actively seeking out his opponents and working for them.
This morning I open my usual web pages and blogs and there he pops up in all his ignorance on CDR Salamander's page. The Phibian was linking from RedState. Of course a conservative webpage (RedState) would not care to much for a Democratic congressman from Massachusetts. So I clicked on the video with my grain of salt.
They are right on target, Rep. Delahunt should be censured.
Further updates from RedState are here.
I love where I live. I couldn't live elsewhere. But there is a price to be paid and having this asshat for a Congressional representative is part of that price.
William Delahunt is my Congressman and I am appalled by his behavior. I will be actively seeking out his opponents and working for them.
This morning I open my usual web pages and blogs and there he pops up in all his ignorance on CDR Salamander's page. The Phibian was linking from RedState. Of course a conservative webpage (RedState) would not care to much for a Democratic congressman from Massachusetts. So I clicked on the video with my grain of salt.
They are right on target, Rep. Delahunt should be censured.
Further updates from RedState are here.
I love where I live. I couldn't live elsewhere. But there is a price to be paid and having this asshat for a Congressional representative is part of that price.
Friday, June 27, 2008
From Veterans for Bill Russell for Congress -
Lt Col William Russell Back On Duty
Bill Smith, ARRA Editorial: Two local papers in Pennsylvania's 12 District besmirched William (Bill) Russell (Republican for Congress) after their primary. The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown PA said in a spurious editorial: "William Russell - Missing in Action. 12th district candidate strangely silent. . . . And what we see now is a candidate who has been all-but-invisible . . . But we suspect Russell has done more damage to his election chances through his own lack of action . . . " The Herald, Sharon, PA carried the same story (word for word). Who ever wrote the story wrote without getting the facts or failed to reveal the facts. The facts show the papers owe William Russell an apology.
After winning a write-in primary effort to place him back on the November ballot, Lt Col William Russell, a member of the US Army Reserves, returned to "active duty" for the period April 30, 2008 to July 26, 2008. He has been working at the Pentagon. During this period William Russell is not permitted to campaign. Russell has been in the process of relocating his family from Virginia after his prior long term period on active duty. While he returned to PA and campaigned prior to the Primary, he allowed his children to finish school at his former duty location and for his wife to prepare for their permanent return home to PA. Now that the family is relocating, Russell makes the trip home on weekends to work on their home.
Today, I caught up with Russell today in his home in Johnstown, PA. He was back for the weekend and was working on their home. He made it clear he could not talk about his campaign until after July 26 and referred me to his campaign manager Peg Luksik.
Being a retired Air Force officer, I enjoyed swapping some old war stories with Lt Col Russell and sharing about our concerns for the security of our country. Russell never complained about the false comments made in the above reference articles. He said while others outside the district may not have know where he was, many of his future constituents knew he had returned to active duty during the lull after the primary. As a responsible person, he has to earn a living to care of his family. And as an Iraq veteran, he provides unique experience in addressing military contingency operations. However, Russell looks forward to being back full-time in the 12th District on July 27.
Peg Luksik, campaign manager for the William Russell for Congress, says she is preparing for Russell's return and for a "front porch" campaign as they meet with voters through out the district. She realized that voters attention wanes after a primary, but said Russell is ready to address voters concerns on the economy, energy, and the many other needs of the district. Although their opponent has a larger war chest, she believes the voters of District 12 have even larger hearts and are concerned about change including electing Russell to Congress.
It is disheartening that the local press could easily have learned of William Russell's return to "active duty." They used his absence from the area to promote sensationalism. But even worse, what if they actually knew Lt Col Russell was back on temporary active duty? In either situation, they insulted both their readers and Russell and they assaulted Russell's character by using military terminology like "Missing in Action" and "strangely silent." There is no excuse for not reporting Russell's return to active duty to "serve his country and the residents of the District 12." While an apology would be appropriate from the papers, I expect that none will be forth coming. It is hoped that voters of District 12 know well Murtha cronyism when the see it.
In closing, I have been asked why should I care about the Lt Col Bill Russell and the voters of the PA District 12. It is because literally millions of military and veterans like myself feel dishonored by Rep. John Murtha. He is such a disgrace, we cannot fathom that the voters in his district are not ready for a change. And this week again brought Murtha to our attention, when for the seventh time, charges against one of the eight Marines accused in the incident were dismissed, leaving just one case left. It was Rep. John Murtha who proclaimed without evidence that our Marines “killed innocent civilians in cold blood,” and now Murtha remains "strangely silent" with no comment on the dismissals. In addition, Murtha greed in controlling pork in Congress has led to his being called the "King of Pork." Not just for representing his district but for his internal hand in manipulating wasteful pork barrel spending across the United States. We hope that the voters of the 12th District will elect an honorable man like Lt Col Russell over the failed character and bad performance of "Jack" Murtha. It is Time for a Change!
Lt Col William Russell Back On Duty
Bill Smith, ARRA Editorial: Two local papers in Pennsylvania's 12 District besmirched William (Bill) Russell (Republican for Congress) after their primary. The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown PA said in a spurious editorial: "William Russell - Missing in Action. 12th district candidate strangely silent. . . . And what we see now is a candidate who has been all-but-invisible . . . But we suspect Russell has done more damage to his election chances through his own lack of action . . . " The Herald, Sharon, PA carried the same story (word for word). Who ever wrote the story wrote without getting the facts or failed to reveal the facts. The facts show the papers owe William Russell an apology.
After winning a write-in primary effort to place him back on the November ballot, Lt Col William Russell, a member of the US Army Reserves, returned to "active duty" for the period April 30, 2008 to July 26, 2008. He has been working at the Pentagon. During this period William Russell is not permitted to campaign. Russell has been in the process of relocating his family from Virginia after his prior long term period on active duty. While he returned to PA and campaigned prior to the Primary, he allowed his children to finish school at his former duty location and for his wife to prepare for their permanent return home to PA. Now that the family is relocating, Russell makes the trip home on weekends to work on their home.
Today, I caught up with Russell today in his home in Johnstown, PA. He was back for the weekend and was working on their home. He made it clear he could not talk about his campaign until after July 26 and referred me to his campaign manager Peg Luksik.
Being a retired Air Force officer, I enjoyed swapping some old war stories with Lt Col Russell and sharing about our concerns for the security of our country. Russell never complained about the false comments made in the above reference articles. He said while others outside the district may not have know where he was, many of his future constituents knew he had returned to active duty during the lull after the primary. As a responsible person, he has to earn a living to care of his family. And as an Iraq veteran, he provides unique experience in addressing military contingency operations. However, Russell looks forward to being back full-time in the 12th District on July 27.
Peg Luksik, campaign manager for the William Russell for Congress, says she is preparing for Russell's return and for a "front porch" campaign as they meet with voters through out the district. She realized that voters attention wanes after a primary, but said Russell is ready to address voters concerns on the economy, energy, and the many other needs of the district. Although their opponent has a larger war chest, she believes the voters of District 12 have even larger hearts and are concerned about change including electing Russell to Congress.
It is disheartening that the local press could easily have learned of William Russell's return to "active duty." They used his absence from the area to promote sensationalism. But even worse, what if they actually knew Lt Col Russell was back on temporary active duty? In either situation, they insulted both their readers and Russell and they assaulted Russell's character by using military terminology like "Missing in Action" and "strangely silent." There is no excuse for not reporting Russell's return to active duty to "serve his country and the residents of the District 12." While an apology would be appropriate from the papers, I expect that none will be forth coming. It is hoped that voters of District 12 know well Murtha cronyism when the see it.
In closing, I have been asked why should I care about the Lt Col Bill Russell and the voters of the PA District 12. It is because literally millions of military and veterans like myself feel dishonored by Rep. John Murtha. He is such a disgrace, we cannot fathom that the voters in his district are not ready for a change. And this week again brought Murtha to our attention, when for the seventh time, charges against one of the eight Marines accused in the incident were dismissed, leaving just one case left. It was Rep. John Murtha who proclaimed without evidence that our Marines “killed innocent civilians in cold blood,” and now Murtha remains "strangely silent" with no comment on the dismissals. In addition, Murtha greed in controlling pork in Congress has led to his being called the "King of Pork." Not just for representing his district but for his internal hand in manipulating wasteful pork barrel spending across the United States. We hope that the voters of the 12th District will elect an honorable man like Lt Col Russell over the failed character and bad performance of "Jack" Murtha. It is Time for a Change!
A Few Words from Jen's Friend, Sam
While my favorite forefather is John Adams, my sister Jen's is Sam Adams - the Agitator. She loves the beer too....we find that part serendipitous.
In the current discussions about the Supreme Court ruling on handguns, I am solidly pro-2nd Amendment. I don't own a gun. I will never own a gun. I have fired a gun only once. It wasn't easy what with my arm being twisted by the Armorer.
But that's not the point. The point is the right to own a gun.
“The Constitution shall never be construed... to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.” —Samuel Adams
H/T - Patriot Post for the quote
In the current discussions about the Supreme Court ruling on handguns, I am solidly pro-2nd Amendment. I don't own a gun. I will never own a gun. I have fired a gun only once. It wasn't easy what with my arm being twisted by the Armorer.
But that's not the point. The point is the right to own a gun.
“The Constitution shall never be construed... to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.” —Samuel Adams
H/T - Patriot Post for the quote
Thursday, June 26, 2008
I Am Seriously Pissed Off!
There is a discussion over at the Castle about that bastard, Ahmadinejad, cutting off water to the Kurdish regions in Iraq. I read the post and followed the links.
I am enraged at the prospect of that pipsqueak holding our allies hostage.
What are we waiting for?
I find it highly ironic that on the 60th anniversary of the Soviets blockading west Berlin, and the 45th anniversary of Kennedy speaking in Berlin of the Berlin Wall as "an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity" that we are sitting with our collective thumbs up our asses.
What in the hell are we waiting for? General George Marshall to visit us like the ghost of Christmas past??????????????
We are smarter, more innovative and better equipped than those fuckers. That fact that we even skipped a beat in circumventing this problem is galling!
I am enraged at the prospect of that pipsqueak holding our allies hostage.
What are we waiting for?
I find it highly ironic that on the 60th anniversary of the Soviets blockading west Berlin, and the 45th anniversary of Kennedy speaking in Berlin of the Berlin Wall as "an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity" that we are sitting with our collective thumbs up our asses.
What in the hell are we waiting for? General George Marshall to visit us like the ghost of Christmas past??????????????
We are smarter, more innovative and better equipped than those fuckers. That fact that we even skipped a beat in circumventing this problem is galling!
June 26, 1963
Forty-five years ago today, JFK gave the most important speech of the Cold War. This link will play the audio. This link will take you to a page where you can watch video.
Remarks in the Rudolph Wilde Platz, West Berlin, June 26, 1963
I am proud to come to this city as the guest of your distinguished Mayor, who has symbolized throughout the world the fighting spirit of West Berlin. And I am proud to visit the Federal Republic with your distinguished Chancellor who for so many years has committed Germany to democracy and freedom and progress, and to come here in the company of my fellow American, General Clay, who has been in this city during its great moments of crisis and will come again if ever needed.
Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was " civis Romanus sum." Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is "Ich bin ein Berliner."
I appreciate my interpreter translating my German!
There are many people in the world who really don't understand, or say they don't, what is the great issue between the free world and the Communist world. Let them come to Berlin. There are some who say that communism is the wave of the future. Let them come to Berlin. And there are some who say in Europe and elsewhere we can work with the Communists. Let them come to Berlin. And there are even a few who say that it is true that communism is an evil system, but it permits us to make economic progress. Lass' sie nach Berlin kommen. Let them come to Berlin.
Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us. I want to say, on behalf of my countrymen, who live many miles away on the other side of the Atlantic, who are far distant from you, that they take the greatest pride that they have been able to share with you, even from a distance, the story of the last 18 years. I know of no town, no city, that has been besieged for 18 years that still lives with the vitality and the force, and the hope and the determination of the city of West Berlin. While the wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system, for all the world to see, we take no satisfaction in it, for it is, as your Mayor has said, an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, and dividing a people who wish to be joined together.
What is true of this city is true of Germany--real, lasting peace in Europe can never be assured as long as one German out of four is denied the elementary right of free men, and that is to make a free choice. In 18 years of peace and good faith, this generation of Germans has earned the right to be free, including the right to unite their families and their nation in lasting peace, with good will to all people. You live in a defended island of freedom, but your life is part of the main.
I am proud to come to this city as the guest of your distinguished Mayor, who has symbolized throughout the world the fighting spirit of West Berlin. And I am proud to visit the Federal Republic with your distinguished Chancellor who for so many years has committed Germany to democracy and freedom and progress, and to come here in the company of my fellow American, General Clay, who has been in this city during its great moments of crisis and will come again if ever needed.
Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was " civis Romanus sum." Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is "Ich bin ein Berliner."
I appreciate my interpreter translating my German!
There are many people in the world who really don't understand, or say they don't, what is the great issue between the free world and the Communist world. Let them come to Berlin. There are some who say that communism is the wave of the future. Let them come to Berlin. And there are some who say in Europe and elsewhere we can work with the Communists. Let them come to Berlin. And there are even a few who say that it is true that communism is an evil system, but it permits us to make economic progress. Lass' sie nach Berlin kommen. Let them come to Berlin.
Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us. I want to say, on behalf of my countrymen, who live many miles away on the other side of the Atlantic, who are far distant from you, that they take the greatest pride that they have been able to share with you, even from a distance, the story of the last 18 years. I know of no town, no city, that has been besieged for 18 years that still lives with the vitality and the force, and the hope and the determination of the city of West Berlin. While the wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system, for all the world to see, we take no satisfaction in it, for it is, as your Mayor has said, an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, and dividing a people who wish to be joined together.
What is true of this city is true of Germany--real, lasting peace in Europe can never be assured as long as one German out of four is denied the elementary right of free men, and that is to make a free choice. In 18 years of peace and good faith, this generation of Germans has earned the right to be free, including the right to unite their families and their nation in lasting peace, with good will to all people. You live in a defended island of freedom, but your life is part of the main.
So let me ask you as I close, to lift your eyes beyond the dangers of today, to the hopes of tomorrow, beyond the freedom merely of this city of Berlin, or your country of Germany, to the advance of freedom everywhere, beyond the wall to the day of peace with justice, beyond yourselves and ourselves to all mankind.
Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe. When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades.
All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Some Really Poor Reporting at NYT
Medicare Savings vs. the Lobbyists
This is a poorly researched, inaccurate portrayal of the impact competitive bidding will have on the healthcare industry. I know because this is what Princess Crabby does to make a living when she is not off gallivanting with Sailors.
The whole article is nonsense, but one passage in particular steamed me.
"According to federal officials, Medicare currently pays $1,825 for a hospital bed that can be bought online for $754, and $4,023 for a power wheelchair that can be bought online for $2,174."
It's wrong. It's incomplete. It's misleading. It's why people get all spooled up about things needlessly. The NYT is getting Americans all hot and bothered over something that simply isn't true.
My comment -
"According to federal officials, Medicare currently pays $1,825 for a hospital bed that can be bought online for $754."
This is really poor reporting. You throw out an inflammatory comment like the one I have copied above with no context. Further, it contains incorrect information. In no case does Medicare pay $1825.00. While Medicare allows $1,474.83, they in fact pay 80% which is $1,179.86. That's right, $1,179.86, a far cry from $1825.00.
OK - You so you go online and you buy a hospital bed for $754.
How much to ship it? The bed I supply weighs 150 lbs.
How long are you willing to wait? Most people need beds within 24 - 48 hours to facilitate a discharge from a facility.
How much to set it up in the patient's home? Can you picture your elderly relative in another state receiving the two boxes containing eight pieces and assembling the bed?
How is your bed being paid for? I'm sure your Internet company will want their money up front. Medicare asks suppliers to deliver the bed, gather documentation, submit claims and accept 13 monthly payments. In return they will pay 80% of the allowable and suppliers have the right to chase secondary insurances for the other 20%. Or if a patient has no secondary and you've been in their house to observe the absolute poverty they live in.....you waive the 20% copay when they tell you that they simply have no money to pay you with.
Who stands behind your bed? I stand behind mine. When your nephew wants you near the window and pushes your bed away from the wall dislodging the power cord, I am the one who you call to troubleshoot it over the phone. Or what if you have a real problem? You spilled liquid on the hand controller on a Friday night and without power you won't be able to get out of the bed or elevate your head. I will send a certified delivery technician out after hours to replace your controller.
In return for my 13 monthly payments totaling $1,179.86, Medicare expects me to stand behind my bed for five years. If I'm lucky, I collect the other 20% from a secondary insurance or the patient. However, Medicare doesn't care; I am still expected to take care of the bed for five years whether or not I get paid in full.
In order to qualify for the privilege of collecting at least $1,179.86, possibly $1,474.83 I must be a Medicare provider. I have to maintain a physical location (not just on the Internet or the trunk of my car), payroll, insurance, training costs, vehicle costs. Then there are the credentialing processes. We are JHACO certified.....is you Internet company? Nope.
Now let's get to what happens after you get paid. Two years later I find out that in the 5th month you were in a rehab facility for three days which happen to encompass your monthly bill date. You were home the other twenty seven days of the month using the equipment. However, because you were in a facility for the anniversary date of the delivery……Medicare takes the entire month back. I call you, but your phone is disconnected, you have moved permanently to a facility and your daughter sold your bed on EBay or Craig’s List. I am completely out of luck with no chance to recoup my loss.
So, in conclusion………….home medical equipment suppliers provide valuable services for which they make reasonable profits. If we go forward with competitive bidding, small local companies will go away, big companies will buy and supply cheaper products. The remaining companies will be forced to cut back on services. Competitive bidding will result in shoddy products and shoddy services and patients spending more time in facilities at a greater cost to Medicare.
******************************************************
To specifically respond to the incorrect figures for the hospital bed, here are a few facts.
Medicare sets fee schedules for items even when they are not covered. I believe the NYT is using the fee schedule amount for an E0265 - a fully electric bed. It's hard to tell though because they are not following through on the formula for pricing. You see Medicare pays one amount for monthly rental for the first three months. Then the fee drops to 75% of the allowable. For example, the fee schedule for an E0265 is listed as $199.88. However, you do not multiply that by thirteen months for the sale price. You must multiply it by three to gets the beginning months and then drop it by 25% to get the allowable for the following ten months.
So a fully electric hospital bed would pay $1,677.55 (3 X $199.88 plus, 10 X $149.91 added together, less 20% copayment). OK, so you've got $1,677.55 for a fully electric hospital bed, an E0265. Here's the problem...........Medicare doesn't cover E0265. Sure they'll put it in the criteria. Sure they'll put it on the fee schedule. But according to their own website;
"A total electric hospital bed (E0265, E0266, E0296, and E0297) is not covered; the height adjustment feature is a convenience feature. Total electric beds will be paid as the least costly medically appropriate alternative for the comparable semi-electric bed (E0260, E0261, E0294, and E0295)."
So now you are down to and E0260 (if the patient qualifies, if not, it's an E0294 and those allowables are even less. In my comment I used the figures for an E0260, semi-electric hospital bed.
You can go here and see all the fee schedules for any item.
This is a poorly researched, inaccurate portrayal of the impact competitive bidding will have on the healthcare industry. I know because this is what Princess Crabby does to make a living when she is not off gallivanting with Sailors.
The whole article is nonsense, but one passage in particular steamed me.
"According to federal officials, Medicare currently pays $1,825 for a hospital bed that can be bought online for $754, and $4,023 for a power wheelchair that can be bought online for $2,174."
It's wrong. It's incomplete. It's misleading. It's why people get all spooled up about things needlessly. The NYT is getting Americans all hot and bothered over something that simply isn't true.
My comment -
"According to federal officials, Medicare currently pays $1,825 for a hospital bed that can be bought online for $754."
This is really poor reporting. You throw out an inflammatory comment like the one I have copied above with no context. Further, it contains incorrect information. In no case does Medicare pay $1825.00. While Medicare allows $1,474.83, they in fact pay 80% which is $1,179.86. That's right, $1,179.86, a far cry from $1825.00.
OK - You so you go online and you buy a hospital bed for $754.
How much to ship it? The bed I supply weighs 150 lbs.
How long are you willing to wait? Most people need beds within 24 - 48 hours to facilitate a discharge from a facility.
How much to set it up in the patient's home? Can you picture your elderly relative in another state receiving the two boxes containing eight pieces and assembling the bed?
How is your bed being paid for? I'm sure your Internet company will want their money up front. Medicare asks suppliers to deliver the bed, gather documentation, submit claims and accept 13 monthly payments. In return they will pay 80% of the allowable and suppliers have the right to chase secondary insurances for the other 20%. Or if a patient has no secondary and you've been in their house to observe the absolute poverty they live in.....you waive the 20% copay when they tell you that they simply have no money to pay you with.
Who stands behind your bed? I stand behind mine. When your nephew wants you near the window and pushes your bed away from the wall dislodging the power cord, I am the one who you call to troubleshoot it over the phone. Or what if you have a real problem? You spilled liquid on the hand controller on a Friday night and without power you won't be able to get out of the bed or elevate your head. I will send a certified delivery technician out after hours to replace your controller.
In return for my 13 monthly payments totaling $1,179.86, Medicare expects me to stand behind my bed for five years. If I'm lucky, I collect the other 20% from a secondary insurance or the patient. However, Medicare doesn't care; I am still expected to take care of the bed for five years whether or not I get paid in full.
In order to qualify for the privilege of collecting at least $1,179.86, possibly $1,474.83 I must be a Medicare provider. I have to maintain a physical location (not just on the Internet or the trunk of my car), payroll, insurance, training costs, vehicle costs. Then there are the credentialing processes. We are JHACO certified.....is you Internet company? Nope.
Now let's get to what happens after you get paid. Two years later I find out that in the 5th month you were in a rehab facility for three days which happen to encompass your monthly bill date. You were home the other twenty seven days of the month using the equipment. However, because you were in a facility for the anniversary date of the delivery……Medicare takes the entire month back. I call you, but your phone is disconnected, you have moved permanently to a facility and your daughter sold your bed on EBay or Craig’s List. I am completely out of luck with no chance to recoup my loss.
So, in conclusion………….home medical equipment suppliers provide valuable services for which they make reasonable profits. If we go forward with competitive bidding, small local companies will go away, big companies will buy and supply cheaper products. The remaining companies will be forced to cut back on services. Competitive bidding will result in shoddy products and shoddy services and patients spending more time in facilities at a greater cost to Medicare.
******************************************************
To specifically respond to the incorrect figures for the hospital bed, here are a few facts.
Medicare sets fee schedules for items even when they are not covered. I believe the NYT is using the fee schedule amount for an E0265 - a fully electric bed. It's hard to tell though because they are not following through on the formula for pricing. You see Medicare pays one amount for monthly rental for the first three months. Then the fee drops to 75% of the allowable. For example, the fee schedule for an E0265 is listed as $199.88. However, you do not multiply that by thirteen months for the sale price. You must multiply it by three to gets the beginning months and then drop it by 25% to get the allowable for the following ten months.
So a fully electric hospital bed would pay $1,677.55 (3 X $199.88 plus, 10 X $149.91 added together, less 20% copayment). OK, so you've got $1,677.55 for a fully electric hospital bed, an E0265. Here's the problem...........Medicare doesn't cover E0265. Sure they'll put it in the criteria. Sure they'll put it on the fee schedule. But according to their own website;
"A total electric hospital bed (E0265, E0266, E0296, and E0297) is not covered; the height adjustment feature is a convenience feature. Total electric beds will be paid as the least costly medically appropriate alternative for the comparable semi-electric bed (E0260, E0261, E0294, and E0295)."
So now you are down to and E0260 (if the patient qualifies, if not, it's an E0294 and those allowables are even less. In my comment I used the figures for an E0260, semi-electric hospital bed.
You can go here and see all the fee schedules for any item.
Flight 93 Memorial Blogburst
Park Service refuses to say who broke the circle
The planned Flight 93 memorial is described as a circle "broken in two places," with the unbroken part forming a giant Mecca-oriented crescent (originally called the Crescent of Embrace).
Since last week, the Park Service has been inundated with hundreds of emails, demanding to know WHO is being depicted as breaking the circle.
It can only be the terrorists. The circle is a symbol of peace, and only the terrorists can be charged with breaking the peace on 9/11.
Thus the planned memorial shows the terrorists breaking our peaceful circle and turning it into a giant Mecca oriented crescent (which remains completely intact in the so-called redesign). In other words, it's one giant: "ALLAHU AKBAR!" (heard on Flight 93's flight recorder as the doomed flight careened towards the ground).
Superintendent Hanley's reply
Our emailers are getting a lengthy response from Memorial Project Superintendent Joanne Hanley that fails to address the question of who broke the circle. She mentions the question, then heads off in another direction:
This circle-breaking theme is the Park Service's OWN explanation for the crescent design (passed on from architect Paul Murdoch), and they refuse to even THINK about what it means.
Park Service Director Mary Bomar is even more oblivious
Director Bomar also received our emails. The response she is sending out does not even acknowledge the question of who breaks the circle:
The Park Service's own consulting expert, a professor of Sharia law at Indiana University named Kevin Jaques, admitted that the giant Mecca-oriented crescent is similar to the Mecca-direction indicator (called a mihrab) around which every mosque is built, but he assured the Park Service that there was no need to worry because no one has ever seen a mihrab anywhere near this BIG before:
Every iota of the Mary Bomar's phony "investigation" was just as blatantly fraudulent. (Extended expose here.)
Daily American reporter decides to mark our emails as spam and block the senders
Hundreds of people emailing the Park Service demanding to know who broke the circle is NEWS. To pass this news on to the Pennsylvania press, several reporters and press outlets were cc'ed, in hopes that they would do their jobs and ask Park Service officials what answers they are giving.
When Daily American reporter Vicki Rock was asked by telephone if she was following up with the Park Service, she said:
It takes literally two minutes to fact-check the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent. (Just print out a graphic of the direction to Mecca from Somerset as calculated by Islam.com, place it over the crescent site-plan on your computer screen, and VOILA.) How come this reporter has never done it? And why is she treating news (that people are demanding a simple answer to a devastating question), as a hostile action against herself?
Same answer to both questions. She sees herself as a defender of the Memorial Project and the crescent design. Maintaining that defense requires willful blindness to voluminous evidence of terrorist memorializing intent. The press is as much involved in this behavior as Joanne Hanley and Mary Bomar and the other Project Partners. (Advisory Commission member Tim Baird said last year that ALL of the Project Partners know about the Mecca-orientation of the giant crescent.)
Compared to this, seeing a reporter poke her own eyes out, trying to blind herself permanently to news about people confronting the Memorial Project, is hardly even strange.
Another letter?
We can keep on dumping emails on the Memorial Project if we want. Our petition to stop the memorial asks if signatories want to join an email list for doing things like forwarding emails to targeted individuals. Most are clicking "yes," and the present campaign has as yet only tapped the first few thousand signatories.
Perhaps it is time for another letter, pointing out that:
To join our blogbursts, just send your blog's url.
The planned Flight 93 memorial is described as a circle "broken in two places," with the unbroken part forming a giant Mecca-oriented crescent (originally called the Crescent of Embrace).
Since last week, the Park Service has been inundated with hundreds of emails, demanding to know WHO is being depicted as breaking the circle.
It can only be the terrorists. The circle is a symbol of peace, and only the terrorists can be charged with breaking the peace on 9/11.
Thus the planned memorial shows the terrorists breaking our peaceful circle and turning it into a giant Mecca oriented crescent (which remains completely intact in the so-called redesign). In other words, it's one giant: "ALLAHU AKBAR!" (heard on Flight 93's flight recorder as the doomed flight careened towards the ground).
Superintendent Hanley's reply
Our emailers are getting a lengthy response from Memorial Project Superintendent Joanne Hanley that fails to address the question of who broke the circle. She mentions the question, then heads off in another direction:
You also had questions about "who broke the circle." The natural topography of the site upon which the memorial sits is in the shape of a bowl, or a circle. This "circle of embrace" follows the geography, and points your attention down to the Sacred Ground, the crash site where the 40 heroes of Flight 93 gave their lives combating the terrorists. The trees surrounding this "circle of embrace" are missing, or broken, in two places; first, where the flight path of the plane came overhead (which is the location of the planned memorial overlook and visitor center) and second, where the plane crashed at the Sacred Ground (depicted by a ceremonial gate and pathway into the Sacred Ground).No, the topography is NOT a bowl. The upper arm of the crescent starts 100 vertical feet above the crash site while the lower arm circles 50 vertical feet below the crash site. Beyond misrepresenting the topography, all Hanley does is admit that the circle is broken at the point where the flight path crosses it, without ever addressing the simple question of WHO is being depicted as breaking the circle?
This circle-breaking theme is the Park Service's OWN explanation for the crescent design (passed on from architect Paul Murdoch), and they refuse to even THINK about what it means.
Park Service Director Mary Bomar is even more oblivious
Director Bomar also received our emails. The response she is sending out does not even acknowledge the question of who breaks the circle:
Thank you for your e mail of June 24, 2008, concerning the Flight 93 National Memorial. The National Park Service (NPS) is aware of these concerns, and took steps in 2005 to investigate this issue. Please be assured that we are all committed to having a national memorial that conveys the full honor due to the heroes of Flight 93, not to the terrorists. Our priority now is to move forward with the building of the memorial, and to continue to commemorate those heroes who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.Actually it was in 2006 that the office of Mary Bomar herself (then a regional director of the Park Service)"took steps," utterly fraudulent steps, "to investigate this issue."
You may want to visit the park's website for more in-depth information
at: www.nps.gov/flni.
Mary A. Bomar, Director, National Park Service
The Park Service's own consulting expert, a professor of Sharia law at Indiana University named Kevin Jaques, admitted that the giant Mecca-oriented crescent is similar to the Mecca-direction indicator (called a mihrab) around which every mosque is built, but he assured the Park Service that there was no need to worry because no one has ever seen a mihrab anywhere near this BIG before:
Thirdly, most mihrabs are small, rarely larger than the figure of a man, although some of the more ornamental ones can be larger, but nothing as large at [sic] the crescent found in the site design. It is unlikely that most Muslims would walk into the area of the circle/crescent and see a mihrab because it is well beyond their limit of experience. Again, just because it is similar does not make it the same.This is the information that Mary Bomar had in her hands TWO YEARS AGO: a blatantly dishonest excuse for not being concerned about what was admitted to be the geometric equivalent of the Mecca-direction indicator around which every mosque is built, only bigger than any ever seen before by a factor of a hundred. "Don't worry. It might be recognizable as a mihrab to people on jetliners like Flight 93 flying overhead, but from the ground? Pshaw!"
Every iota of the Mary Bomar's phony "investigation" was just as blatantly fraudulent. (Extended expose here.)
Daily American reporter decides to mark our emails as spam and block the senders
Hundreds of people emailing the Park Service demanding to know who broke the circle is NEWS. To pass this news on to the Pennsylvania press, several reporters and press outlets were cc'ed, in hopes that they would do their jobs and ask Park Service officials what answers they are giving.
When Daily American reporter Vicki Rock was asked by telephone if she was following up with the Park Service, she said:
... we pay no attention to mass emails like the people have been sending us. And I block them from emailing me again.As if the Daily American has EVER been the subject of any kind of email campaign before. These emails are NOT spam. They are from individual Americans, taking time out from their day to warn about an enemy plot that Vicki Rock should have exposed long ago.
It takes literally two minutes to fact-check the Mecca orientation of the giant crescent. (Just print out a graphic of the direction to Mecca from Somerset as calculated by Islam.com, place it over the crescent site-plan on your computer screen, and VOILA.) How come this reporter has never done it? And why is she treating news (that people are demanding a simple answer to a devastating question), as a hostile action against herself?
Same answer to both questions. She sees herself as a defender of the Memorial Project and the crescent design. Maintaining that defense requires willful blindness to voluminous evidence of terrorist memorializing intent. The press is as much involved in this behavior as Joanne Hanley and Mary Bomar and the other Project Partners. (Advisory Commission member Tim Baird said last year that ALL of the Project Partners know about the Mecca-orientation of the giant crescent.)
Compared to this, seeing a reporter poke her own eyes out, trying to blind herself permanently to news about people confronting the Memorial Project, is hardly even strange.
Another letter?
We can keep on dumping emails on the Memorial Project if we want. Our petition to stop the memorial asks if signatories want to join an email list for doing things like forwarding emails to targeted individuals. Most are clicking "yes," and the present campaign has as yet only tapped the first few thousand signatories.
Perhaps it is time for another letter, pointing out that:
Misrepresenting the topography of the crash site to be a bowl does nothing to answer the question of WHO BROKE THE CIRCLE. (Press people can read about the non-answers from Superintendent Hanley and Director Bomar here.)Go ahead if you have a mind to. (Email link here.)
To join our blogbursts, just send your blog's url.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Voting In Space
NASA Helps Astronauts Cast Ballots from Space
by Nell Greenfieldboyce
June 23, 2008 · Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are far away from the action in the presidential race. Luckily for them, NASA and Texas understand the unique needs of space-traveling citizens, who want their votes counted.
Listen here.
by Nell Greenfieldboyce
June 23, 2008 · Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are far away from the action in the presidential race. Luckily for them, NASA and Texas understand the unique needs of space-traveling citizens, who want their votes counted.
Listen here.
One Step Forward - Two Steps Back
It's almost as bad as dancing with my father! Don't get me wrong, I love my father and he is a great dancer. I, on the other hand, sway. What can I say, I am left handed.....it's my excuse for everything.
Anyway, back to the subject. My summer project/vacation that I can't talk about yet will involve some physical activity. So I am trying to get into don't-have-a-heart-attack-the-first-day condition. It will involve stairs. So I get the bright idea that I will start using the StairMaster at the gym. Christ-on-a-cracker! I almost killed myself.
First day, I get on and do it until my legs are trembling, I look down and through blurry eyes I think it says 3:56. Three minutes and 56 seconds? What the hell! I'll have to find the tubbiest person and walk behind them. That way when I pause on the stairs I can pretend it's because the other person paused. I tell the girls in work. They are hysterical. I don't ask for their times. I don't want to know.
Next visit to the gym, I set it for five minutes. If I did 3:56, I should be able to up it a minute. Jennifer told me later that was ridiculous. I do it until my legs are trembling again and I see that only two minutes have elapsed. Two minutes? How can this be? How can I be moving backwards? I push and push and pant and push and get to four minutes and two seconds. Good God!
After my shower I go over to the kiosk that gathers all the info and I am checking my times and reps, etc. I see that the first time wasn't 3:56.........it was 1:36!!! LOL I must have been delirious.
Anyway, I'm not giving up. Tonight I made it to 4:20. You know, once upon a time I used to bound up the 294 steps of the Monument.
Oh......my backwards steps? Pizza before the gym with my boss and a banana here in front of the computer. Bananas and pizza are not allowed on Atkins.....especially not the banana.
I think there are M&Ms in my room. Doesn't everyone keep an emergency stash?
Anyway, back to the subject. My summer project/vacation that I can't talk about yet will involve some physical activity. So I am trying to get into don't-have-a-heart-attack-the-first-day condition. It will involve stairs. So I get the bright idea that I will start using the StairMaster at the gym. Christ-on-a-cracker! I almost killed myself.
First day, I get on and do it until my legs are trembling, I look down and through blurry eyes I think it says 3:56. Three minutes and 56 seconds? What the hell! I'll have to find the tubbiest person and walk behind them. That way when I pause on the stairs I can pretend it's because the other person paused. I tell the girls in work. They are hysterical. I don't ask for their times. I don't want to know.
Next visit to the gym, I set it for five minutes. If I did 3:56, I should be able to up it a minute. Jennifer told me later that was ridiculous. I do it until my legs are trembling again and I see that only two minutes have elapsed. Two minutes? How can this be? How can I be moving backwards? I push and push and pant and push and get to four minutes and two seconds. Good God!
After my shower I go over to the kiosk that gathers all the info and I am checking my times and reps, etc. I see that the first time wasn't 3:56.........it was 1:36!!! LOL I must have been delirious.
Anyway, I'm not giving up. Tonight I made it to 4:20. You know, once upon a time I used to bound up the 294 steps of the Monument.
Oh......my backwards steps? Pizza before the gym with my boss and a banana here in front of the computer. Bananas and pizza are not allowed on Atkins.....especially not the banana.
I think there are M&Ms in my room. Doesn't everyone keep an emergency stash?
Thanks Bill!
I was reading Bill Kristol's Op-Ed on that stupid "Not Alex" ad from MoveOn.org. In explaining why he finds it creepy, he links to Beth @ Blue Star Chronicles. Her comments are insightful and worth the trip over on their own. But then she tops it off with another post and link to a Youtube video "Not My Wallet"
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Thoughts on Iowa
This is making the rounds in email boxes. I got mine from Bigg Bill. I don't know where it originated, but I agree that it's worth noting.
Just A Personal Observation-Iowa Flooding
Just a personal observation...as I watched the news coverage of the massive flooding in the Midwest with over 100 blocks of the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa under water, levees breaking, and the attention now turned downstream for when this massive amount of water hits the Mississippi, what amazed me is not what we saw, but what we didn't see...
1. We don't see looting.
2. We don't see street violence.
3. We don't see people sitting on their rooftops waiting for the government to come and save them.
4. We don't see people waiting on the government to do anything.
5. We don't see Hollywood organizing benefits to raise money for people to rebuild.
6. We don't see people blaming President Bush.
7. We don't see people ignoring evacuation orders.
8. We don't see people blaming a government conspiracy to blow up the levees as the reason some have not held.
9. We don't see the US Senators or the Governor of Iowa crying on TV.
10. We don't see the Mayors of any of these cities complaining about the lack of state or federal response.
11. We don't see or hear reports of the police going around confiscating personal firearms so only the criminal will be armed.
12. We don't see gangs of people going around and randomly shooting at the rescue workers.
13. You don't see some leaders in this country blaming the bad behavior of the Iowa flood victims on "society" (of course there is no wide spread reports of lawlessness to require excuses).
Just A Personal Observation-Iowa Flooding
Just a personal observation...as I watched the news coverage of the massive flooding in the Midwest with over 100 blocks of the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa under water, levees breaking, and the attention now turned downstream for when this massive amount of water hits the Mississippi, what amazed me is not what we saw, but what we didn't see...1. We don't see looting.
2. We don't see street violence.
3. We don't see people sitting on their rooftops waiting for the government to come and save them.
4. We don't see people waiting on the government to do anything.
5. We don't see Hollywood organizing benefits to raise money for people to rebuild.
6. We don't see people blaming President Bush.
7. We don't see people ignoring evacuation orders.
8. We don't see people blaming a government conspiracy to blow up the levees as the reason some have not held.
9. We don't see the US Senators or the Governor of Iowa crying on TV.
10. We don't see the Mayors of any of these cities complaining about the lack of state or federal response.
11. We don't see or hear reports of the police going around confiscating personal firearms so only the criminal will be armed.
12. We don't see gangs of people going around and randomly shooting at the rescue workers.
13. You don't see some leaders in this country blaming the bad behavior of the Iowa flood victims on "society" (of course there is no wide spread reports of lawlessness to require excuses).
Captain Rod Knutson
Navy POW to speak for McCain in Montana
By Matt Gouras - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jun 20, 2008 9:39:55 EDT
HELENA, Mont. — For years, retired Navy Capt. Rod Knutson has lived a quiet life in western Montana — far removed from his days as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Now, Knutson is stepping forward to share his story as he throws his support behind fellow POW, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as McCain seeks to become the nation’s next president.
Knutson will address Montana Republicans on Friday at their convention in Missoula and talk about his time in POW camps with McCain. Knutson, who was invited by the McCain campaign to speak, said he will vouch for the senator’s heroism and courage.
“I am not a real active political junkie. I am just a plain old Montana citizen,” Knutson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday. “I truly believe in what John is trying to do.”
Knutson, who lives in Thompson Falls, has never been involved in the state Republican Party and considers himself a swing voter who leans Republican. Montana Republican Party officials say they were not even aware that someone who had spent time in a POW camp with McCain lived in the state.
“I am a low-key guy that doesn’t like a lot of visibility,” said Knutson, 69. “I kind of reluctantly consent to press interviews. I like my peace and quiet.”
Knutson was a Navy pilot, like McCain, who was shot down over Vietnam. Knutson’s F-4 jet went down in 1965, two years earlier than McCain, and the Billings native spent the next 7½ years in POW camps around north Vietnam.
Knutson says he saw McCain in various camps and was subjected to torture like many others. Knutson said living through the conditions gives him a unique perspective, and special insight into McCain.
“I feel I have some credibility when I talk about the sacrifices people make to protect our freedom,” Knutson said.
Knutson retired from the Navy after serving 32 years. He said he does not plan to stay active in the campaign but may agree to more speaking engagements if it will help McCain.
The McCain campaign said Thursday that it wanted Knutson to address the crowd to highlight McCain’s military service.
Although initially reluctant to speak, Knutson said he felt it was too important to decline.
“I have seen it firsthand, and John McCain has seen it firsthand,” Knutson said. “When violence hits you and they take away your freedom and they start killing people, you don’t ever want it to come to that. You want to be protected first in my opinion.”
Knutson was released from Hanoi in February 1973.
Over his Navy career, Knutson said he was given two Silver Star awards, four Legion of Merit awards and many others.
Knutson said he expects a little more attention now that he is speaking on behalf of McCain but says it will be worth it.
“My intention is to help people understand that this guy has been through something that took a lot of courage to get through, and because of that, he has a better understanding of the freedom we enjoy and what it takes to protect that,” Knutson said.
**********************
I stole this link from a comment BadBob left over at the Phibian's place. Thanks baby!
By Matt Gouras - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jun 20, 2008 9:39:55 EDT
HELENA, Mont. — For years, retired Navy Capt. Rod Knutson has lived a quiet life in western Montana — far removed from his days as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Now, Knutson is stepping forward to share his story as he throws his support behind fellow POW, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as McCain seeks to become the nation’s next president.
Knutson will address Montana Republicans on Friday at their convention in Missoula and talk about his time in POW camps with McCain. Knutson, who was invited by the McCain campaign to speak, said he will vouch for the senator’s heroism and courage.
“I am not a real active political junkie. I am just a plain old Montana citizen,” Knutson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday. “I truly believe in what John is trying to do.”
Knutson, who lives in Thompson Falls, has never been involved in the state Republican Party and considers himself a swing voter who leans Republican. Montana Republican Party officials say they were not even aware that someone who had spent time in a POW camp with McCain lived in the state.
“I am a low-key guy that doesn’t like a lot of visibility,” said Knutson, 69. “I kind of reluctantly consent to press interviews. I like my peace and quiet.”
Knutson was a Navy pilot, like McCain, who was shot down over Vietnam. Knutson’s F-4 jet went down in 1965, two years earlier than McCain, and the Billings native spent the next 7½ years in POW camps around north Vietnam.
Knutson says he saw McCain in various camps and was subjected to torture like many others. Knutson said living through the conditions gives him a unique perspective, and special insight into McCain.
“I feel I have some credibility when I talk about the sacrifices people make to protect our freedom,” Knutson said.
Knutson retired from the Navy after serving 32 years. He said he does not plan to stay active in the campaign but may agree to more speaking engagements if it will help McCain.
The McCain campaign said Thursday that it wanted Knutson to address the crowd to highlight McCain’s military service.
Although initially reluctant to speak, Knutson said he felt it was too important to decline.
“I have seen it firsthand, and John McCain has seen it firsthand,” Knutson said. “When violence hits you and they take away your freedom and they start killing people, you don’t ever want it to come to that. You want to be protected first in my opinion.”
Knutson was released from Hanoi in February 1973.
Over his Navy career, Knutson said he was given two Silver Star awards, four Legion of Merit awards and many others.
Knutson said he expects a little more attention now that he is speaking on behalf of McCain but says it will be worth it.
“My intention is to help people understand that this guy has been through something that took a lot of courage to get through, and because of that, he has a better understanding of the freedom we enjoy and what it takes to protect that,” Knutson said.
**********************
I stole this link from a comment BadBob left over at the Phibian's place. Thanks baby!
Grace's First Test
Grace, she of the emergency preparedness, had a test the other night. During the last Celtics game, the power went out. She couldn't find the flashlight and when she went to get batteries for the radio, the stores had been raided by her kids.
She is terrible disappointed. I told Jen we have to get her one of those crank radios or a calamity kit.
She is terrible disappointed. I told Jen we have to get her one of those crank radios or a calamity kit.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Adams
In the movie "1776" which I love, Dickinson cautions the Congress to reject Virginia's proposal on Independence because it "....reeks of Adams, Adams and more Adams!" Well that's ok by me. We need Adams wisdom more than ever lately.
"National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman." John Adams
H/T Patriot Post
"National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman." John Adams
H/T Patriot Post
The Phibian's FBF.....My Bad Boyfriend
The Phibian is away. But he doesn't want us to be lonely or bored so he has put up a bunch of posts using Blogger's new feature Scheduler. That way they pop up everyday. Friday's usually feature "Fullbore Friday" and today, thanks to "Scheduler" is no different.
The subject? My Bad Boyfriend!
Fullbore Friday
This comes from a US News 1973 Special Report- so let's just say it isn't "tainted" 2008.Just a story about a LCDR...... if you're running short of time - just go to the last line of the post. I'm copying it all.
Read the post here.
Needless to say, Princess Crabby is never short on time when it comes to this Sailor! Ok, any Sailor.
The subject? My Bad Boyfriend!
Fullbore Friday
This comes from a US News 1973 Special Report- so let's just say it isn't "tainted" 2008.Just a story about a LCDR...... if you're running short of time - just go to the last line of the post. I'm copying it all.
Read the post here.
Needless to say, Princess Crabby is never short on time when it comes to this Sailor! Ok, any Sailor.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
USS New Hampshire SSN 778
Navy Announces Christening of Submarine New Hampshire
The Navy’s newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778) will be christened Saturday, June 21, during an 11:00 a.m. EDT ceremony at Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.
Director of Naval Reactors, Adm. Kirkland Donald, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., will serve as New Hampshire’s sponsor. Ms. McGuinness is the widow of Thomas McGuiness, co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The highlight of the ceremony will be Ms. McGuinness christening the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine over the submarine, a time honored Navy tradition.
The fifth Virginia-class submarine, New Hampshire is the third ship to honor the Granite State. The first USS New Hampshire was in service from 1846-1921, including service during the Civil War. Later, she was renamed Granite State following decommissioning and was used as a training ship for the New York State Militia. The second USS New Hampshire (1908-1921) was a battleship used for convoy escort duty during World War I and also served as a training ship.
Along with her sister ships, New Hampshire, will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens will become the ship’s first commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat (Connecticut) and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News (Virginia). She is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4 .
***************************
H/T Chapomatic
The Navy’s newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778) will be christened Saturday, June 21, during an 11:00 a.m. EDT ceremony at Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.
Director of Naval Reactors, Adm. Kirkland Donald, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., will serve as New Hampshire’s sponsor. Ms. McGuinness is the widow of Thomas McGuiness, co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The highlight of the ceremony will be Ms. McGuinness christening the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine over the submarine, a time honored Navy tradition.
The fifth Virginia-class submarine, New Hampshire is the third ship to honor the Granite State. The first USS New Hampshire was in service from 1846-1921, including service during the Civil War. Later, she was renamed Granite State following decommissioning and was used as a training ship for the New York State Militia. The second USS New Hampshire (1908-1921) was a battleship used for convoy escort duty during World War I and also served as a training ship.
Along with her sister ships, New Hampshire, will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens will become the ship’s first commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat (Connecticut) and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News (Virginia). She is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4 .
***************************
H/T Chapomatic
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Flight 93 Blogburst
Who broke the circle?
The Memorial Project claims to have an innocent explanation for why the central feature of the Flight 93 memorial is a giant Islamic shaped crescent. As architect Paul Murdoch has been saying since September 2005, the flight path breaks the circle, turning it into what was originally called the Crescent of Embrace.
But this isn't a memorial to an airliner. It is a memorial to human beings. So just who is it that architect Paul Murdoch is depicting as breaking the circle?
As a secular symbol, the circle signifies peace and harmony. There is no way that the heroic passengers and crew can be charged with breaking the circle. It is the terrorists who broke the peace.
Think what that means thematically. The terrorists broke our peaceful circle and turned it into a giant Islamic shaped crescent that just happens to point to Mecca . You could not come up with a more blatant depiction of al Qaeda victory.
This is what the Park Service is claiming as an innocent explanation: that they are depicting a circle-breaking crescent-creating action that logically can only be attributed to the terrorists. Are they really too dumb to figure out what that means?
Take action
How about a couple hundred of us call up the Memorial Project (814 443-4557) and ask them just who is being depicted as "breaking the circle"? If they try to say "Flight 93 broke it," we can ask for clarification. Do they really mean to include our forty heroes amongst those who broke the peace?
They might even admit that it can only be the terrorists who are depicted as turning the circle into a crescent, and they might even realize: "oops."
Maybe we should send a few emails as well, and cc the local press, who might be prompted to ask Memorial Project spokesmen how they are answering our pointed questions. (Click link for addressed email form. Feel free to cut and paste text from above. Sincerely, your name and state.)
The circle is a Christian symbol
In addition to being a secular symbol of harmony, the circle is also a Christian symbol, as referenced in the country-gospel line: "may the circle be unbroken, bye and bye, Lord bye and bye." (Hat tip, No Compromise.)
The origin of the circle as a Christian symbol is the rising sun, which is today seen as the primary reason why many Christian churches conduct their liturgies facing east. (For some early churches, this was also the direction to Jerusalem .)
As Pope Benedict explained (back when he was Cardinal Ratzinger):
Nobody knows exactly what Saint Patrick had in mind, but the circle is thought to represent the sun.
Given that architect Paul Murdoch clearly has religious symbolism in mind (the repeated Mecca orientations in his design prove that), it is reasonable to infer that he is aware that the circle is a Christian symbol, and that the circle remaining unbroken is a Christian ideal.
Thus the Islamic victory symbolized in the crescent memorial is not just over the secular west, but in particular signifies the smashing of Christianity, and the triumph of Islam in its stead.
Just the fact that the crescent design CAN be interpreted in these ways is enough to make the design inappropriate, but these are not just POSSIBLE interpretations. They are the only logical interpretations. The breaking of the circle can only be attributed to the terrorists.
The drag lines were removed because they did not fit with Paul Murdoch's circle-breaking, crescent-creating theme
Last week's blogburst explained why architect Paul Murdoch was determined to get rid of the gigantic strip-mining derricks that were just up the slope from the impact crater. They were infidel artifacts, obstructing the view towards Mecca from within Murdoch's giant Mecca pointing crescent:
Can't have that majestic American flag interrupting the view towards Mecca !
Amazingly, the Park Service's official explanation for the removal of the drag lines is that they don't fit with Paul Murdoch's circle-breaking theme:
Where did Newlin ever get the idea that the direction of the flight path somehow trumps the point of impact? He got it from Paul Murdoch, whose design is all about orientations. He positions his circle just right so that a "break" at the point where the flight path crosses the circle (together with another break 2/3rds of the way around the circle) will create the giant Mecca oriented crescent.
Now here we have Newlin asserting that it isn't the crash site that matters, but these Mecca orienting angles!
For the memorialization of OUR heroes, the drag lines were an ideal marker: an actual manifestation of the dramatic achievements of ordinary citizens, saluting the towering achievement of the citizens of Flight 93.
The only "understanding" they didn't fit was the narrative of Islamic victory that architect Paul Murdoch is trying to impose, where our American circle gets supplanted by a giant Islamic crescent.
To join our blogbursts, just send your blog's url.
hasEML = false;
The Memorial Project claims to have an innocent explanation for why the central feature of the Flight 93 memorial is a giant Islamic shaped crescent. As architect Paul Murdoch has been saying since September 2005, the flight path breaks the circle, turning it into what was originally called the Crescent of Embrace.
But this isn't a memorial to an airliner. It is a memorial to human beings. So just who is it that architect Paul Murdoch is depicting as breaking the circle?
As a secular symbol, the circle signifies peace and harmony. There is no way that the heroic passengers and crew can be charged with breaking the circle. It is the terrorists who broke the peace.
Think what that means thematically. The terrorists broke our peaceful circle and turned it into a giant Islamic shaped crescent that just happens to point to Mecca . You could not come up with a more blatant depiction of al Qaeda victory.
This is what the Park Service is claiming as an innocent explanation: that they are depicting a circle-breaking crescent-creating action that logically can only be attributed to the terrorists. Are they really too dumb to figure out what that means?
Take action
How about a couple hundred of us call up the Memorial Project (814 443-4557) and ask them just who is being depicted as "breaking the circle"? If they try to say "Flight 93 broke it," we can ask for clarification. Do they really mean to include our forty heroes amongst those who broke the peace?
They might even admit that it can only be the terrorists who are depicted as turning the circle into a crescent, and they might even realize: "oops."
Maybe we should send a few emails as well, and cc the local press, who might be prompted to ask Memorial Project spokesmen how they are answering our pointed questions. (Click link for addressed email form. Feel free to cut and paste text from above. Sincerely, your name and state.)
The circle is a Christian symbol
In addition to being a secular symbol of harmony, the circle is also a Christian symbol, as referenced in the country-gospel line: "may the circle be unbroken, bye and bye, Lord bye and bye." (Hat tip, No Compromise.)
The origin of the circle as a Christian symbol is the rising sun, which is today seen as the primary reason why many Christian churches conduct their liturgies facing east. (For some early churches, this was also the direction to Jerusalem .)
As Pope Benedict explained (back when he was Cardinal Ratzinger):
The cosmic symbol of the rising sun expresses the universality of God above all particular places and yet maintains the concreteness of Divine Revelation.The circle and cross are seen together in the Celtic cross, thought to have been introduced to Ireland by Saint Patrick in the 5th century:
Nobody knows exactly what Saint Patrick had in mind, but the circle is thought to represent the sun.
Given that architect Paul Murdoch clearly has religious symbolism in mind (the repeated Mecca orientations in his design prove that), it is reasonable to infer that he is aware that the circle is a Christian symbol, and that the circle remaining unbroken is a Christian ideal.
Thus the Islamic victory symbolized in the crescent memorial is not just over the secular west, but in particular signifies the smashing of Christianity, and the triumph of Islam in its stead.
Just the fact that the crescent design CAN be interpreted in these ways is enough to make the design inappropriate, but these are not just POSSIBLE interpretations. They are the only logical interpretations. The breaking of the circle can only be attributed to the terrorists.
The drag lines were removed because they did not fit with Paul Murdoch's circle-breaking, crescent-creating theme
Last week's blogburst explained why architect Paul Murdoch was determined to get rid of the gigantic strip-mining derricks that were just up the slope from the impact crater. They were infidel artifacts, obstructing the view towards Mecca from within Murdoch's giant Mecca pointing crescent:
Can't have that majestic American flag interrupting the view towards Mecca !
Amazingly, the Park Service's official explanation for the removal of the drag lines is that they don't fit with Paul Murdoch's circle-breaking theme:
National Park Service Deputy General Superintendent Keith Newlin said the National Park Service has a tendency to preserve landscapes and key elements of memorial sites if it will help people understand what happened there. The draglines weren’t in the airplane’s flight path, though they have been used as a reference point to explain the plane’s trajectory to first-time visitors.The pair of giant cranes didn't mark the flight path? They marked its termination! To everybody in the area, these WERE the marker: "Up by the drag lines!"
“The draglines didn’t contribute to the overall understanding of Flight 93,” he said. “We heard comments that we should keep one as a flagpole, but when we weighed everything, we decided against it.”
Where did Newlin ever get the idea that the direction of the flight path somehow trumps the point of impact? He got it from Paul Murdoch, whose design is all about orientations. He positions his circle just right so that a "break" at the point where the flight path crosses the circle (together with another break 2/3rds of the way around the circle) will create the giant Mecca oriented crescent.
Now here we have Newlin asserting that it isn't the crash site that matters, but these Mecca orienting angles!
For the memorialization of OUR heroes, the drag lines were an ideal marker: an actual manifestation of the dramatic achievements of ordinary citizens, saluting the towering achievement of the citizens of Flight 93.
The only "understanding" they didn't fit was the narrative of Islamic victory that architect Paul Murdoch is trying to impose, where our American circle gets supplanted by a giant Islamic crescent.
To join our blogbursts, just send your blog's url.
hasEML = false;
June 18, 1812
An Act Declaring War Between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the Dependencies Thereof and the United States of America and Their Territories.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories; and that the President of the United States is hereby authorized to use the whole land and naval force of the United States to carry the same into effect, and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods, and effects of the government of the said United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof
APPROVED, June 18, 1812
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories; and that the President of the United States is hereby authorized to use the whole land and naval force of the United States to carry the same into effect, and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods, and effects of the government of the said United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof
APPROVED, June 18, 1812
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Remember Al Gore's House?
Last April I had a post comparing Al "I'm-Saving-The Planet" Gore's house as compared to "W"'s house.
"Two Houses" Go have a glance. I'll be here when you get back.
Now 15 months later, how have things changed? I remember reading recently that Mr. Gore had been making improvements to his house. He and Tipper wanted us to know that it takes some time to make an older home such as their's energy efficient.
So how did that go?
Pop on over to the Castle and read Dusty's report.
"Two Houses" Go have a glance. I'll be here when you get back.
Now 15 months later, how have things changed? I remember reading recently that Mr. Gore had been making improvements to his house. He and Tipper wanted us to know that it takes some time to make an older home such as their's energy efficient.
So how did that go?
Pop on over to the Castle and read Dusty's report.
TIGR
TIGR = Tactical Garbage to Energy Refinery.Today's Bloggers roundtable was Dr. James Valdes discussing the two prototype TIGRs that are operating in Iraq. The Army is looking to people like Dr. Valdes for innovative ways to fuel our military forces.
Some interesting points I'll throw out here quickly. The three biggest diesel guzzlers are stoves, generators and trucks transporting diesel. According to Dr. Valdes, this is a big logistics issue for the Army. Reducing the need for transporting fuel enhances security. Dr. Valdes quoted an officer as saying that the cost of fuel isn't measured in dollars but blood. I'm paraphrasing here, I'll get the exact quote when the transcript comes out. He referred to fuel convoys as targets. So the less we fuel we have to transport.......the fewer targets. There is also a benefit on the back end. Right now this same trash he is proposing turning into fuel has to be disposed of in other ways. One of those ways is to have it hauled away by locals. This presents an opportunity for the bad guys. Every local you let inside Camp Victory is a potential threat. Another method of trash disposal is incineration. That also uses diesel.
Right now running the size and type of generator Dr. Valdes is working with takes five (5) gallons of diesel per hour. Once his TIGR is powered up (about six hours) that amount is reduced to one (1) gallon per hour. That's a serious savings.
I'll write more about this after I decipher my own handwriting and I will post the transcipt and audio.
Monday, June 16, 2008
60,000
I'm home from ten hours at work and two and a half at the gym. I am bone weary and too tired to stay up to see who puts me over. However, I do think that thanks to Galrahn's link I've got a pretty good chance of it being a Sailor!
What The Hell Am I Supposed To Say?
THE DEATH OF GENERAL WARREN AT BUNKER HILL, by John TrumbullGalrahn, that troublemaker at Information Dissemination has come up with one of his rare frivolous posts. And who did he drag front and center to join in?
You guessed it! Galrahn's post is reposted here with my nonsense in green.
Usually not my thing, but when I get tagged by a regular reader (Historyguy99) who got tagged by someone on my blogroll (Zenpundit), I find it hard to resist.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
Ok, I can do that and now I have...............
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
What in Heaven's name can there be left about me that has not been discussed ad nauseum? This blog is nothing but navel (and Naval - yum Sailors) gazing. Everything that is left is X-rated. the readers you send here will have to shoot me an email for a fact that's not here in the blog already.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
I'll give this some thought.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Present an image of martial discord something more relavent to my blog from whatever period or situation you’d like.
*********************
Well I can cough up one fact that you may not know, I read too fast and miss stuff. When I read this over at ID, I thought it read "marital" discord instead of "martial" discord. LOL, I left an asshat comment about not knowing what that was because I have the Rotation. LOL Oops!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Bunker Hill Day!
What a fun....if confusing day. I aggravated Jen with my ADD.
It was pouring on our way to Boston. I told Jen not to worry, it would end at noon. She scoffed "They are off by days on forecasts and you think they are going to get the hour right?!?!?" Then as we approached the Liberty Tunnel and passed under South Station....the rain stopped. LOL. Jen said "Well God must be in Charlestown!" I repeated that a few minutes later for our mother and she shrugged and said she always told us that.
So Gen & Deb & I put our chairs up in our spot on Bunker. Although there was no need to worry, all the people of lesser faith stayed home and there was tons of room.
When we heard the sirens it was our cue....the whole family went up the corner. We were a few moments late and the Boston Fire Department was half past when we got there. If Chrissie's husband Billy or Father Mahoney were riding in the first few vehicles, we missed them. Next came Mayor Menino, some other people and four Navy officers. We held up our Navy flag and whooped and hollered. I could see the USS Consitution contingent just behind the American Legion trolley and was focused on them.................and missed Commander Bullard! I walked toward the rest of the Sailors. "Where's your CO?" They pointed up with the Mayor. I ran back...they were gone. Jennifer was hysterical. She was yelling at me. "He turned and started walking toward you and you were watching down the street. He winked and saluted and laughed. You really are autistic!"
That's fine, we are near the beginning of the Parade, it snakes a mile and half through the Town. there will be other chances. I missed the Grand Marshall, Bill Durette because I was talking. I missed Mike driving the Historical Society truck because I was passing out flowers to put on the back. The back was a list of all the Charlestown WWII war dead. Jennifer couldn't stop laughing "What is wrong with you! You are missing everyone."
After the entire Parade had passed I took Gen & Deb and we went up to High Street. We waited at the corner of Green, it was nearly empty. The girls held up the flag again and we cheered. This time I approached Commander Bullard and shook his hand.
"Am I in?
"In what?"
"The Sunset Parade Reception!"
He looked at me quizzically and pointed out that of course I should go, it's open to the public. I told him I meant the reception afterwards. He laughed and said there was no reception, he was having a few friends over for drinks..........but I was more than welcome!
When I went back toward the larger group of Sailors I met HMCM(SS) Donald B. Abele. We shook hands and I told him he'd be seeing me in the future!
LOL Princess Crabby has receieved faulty intelligence. I was informed that there was a reception and I should wrangle an invitation.
Hmmmmm, what to do.................
I am attending the event anyway.
But crashing his personal party?
On the other hand, he is currently living in a historic building in the Navy Yard that I have never been in.
Maybe I'll just go peek.
Too quote Scarlett O'Hara "I'll think about it tomorrow. After all tomorrow is another day."
It was pouring on our way to Boston. I told Jen not to worry, it would end at noon. She scoffed "They are off by days on forecasts and you think they are going to get the hour right?!?!?" Then as we approached the Liberty Tunnel and passed under South Station....the rain stopped. LOL. Jen said "Well God must be in Charlestown!" I repeated that a few minutes later for our mother and she shrugged and said she always told us that.
So Gen & Deb & I put our chairs up in our spot on Bunker. Although there was no need to worry, all the people of lesser faith stayed home and there was tons of room.
When we heard the sirens it was our cue....the whole family went up the corner. We were a few moments late and the Boston Fire Department was half past when we got there. If Chrissie's husband Billy or Father Mahoney were riding in the first few vehicles, we missed them. Next came Mayor Menino, some other people and four Navy officers. We held up our Navy flag and whooped and hollered. I could see the USS Consitution contingent just behind the American Legion trolley and was focused on them.................and missed Commander Bullard! I walked toward the rest of the Sailors. "Where's your CO?" They pointed up with the Mayor. I ran back...they were gone. Jennifer was hysterical. She was yelling at me. "He turned and started walking toward you and you were watching down the street. He winked and saluted and laughed. You really are autistic!"
That's fine, we are near the beginning of the Parade, it snakes a mile and half through the Town. there will be other chances. I missed the Grand Marshall, Bill Durette because I was talking. I missed Mike driving the Historical Society truck because I was passing out flowers to put on the back. The back was a list of all the Charlestown WWII war dead. Jennifer couldn't stop laughing "What is wrong with you! You are missing everyone."
After the entire Parade had passed I took Gen & Deb and we went up to High Street. We waited at the corner of Green, it was nearly empty. The girls held up the flag again and we cheered. This time I approached Commander Bullard and shook his hand.
"Am I in?
"In what?"
"The Sunset Parade Reception!"
He looked at me quizzically and pointed out that of course I should go, it's open to the public. I told him I meant the reception afterwards. He laughed and said there was no reception, he was having a few friends over for drinks..........but I was more than welcome!
When I went back toward the larger group of Sailors I met HMCM(SS) Donald B. Abele. We shook hands and I told him he'd be seeing me in the future!
LOL Princess Crabby has receieved faulty intelligence. I was informed that there was a reception and I should wrangle an invitation.
Hmmmmm, what to do.................
I am attending the event anyway.
But crashing his personal party?
On the other hand, he is currently living in a historic building in the Navy Yard that I have never been in.
Maybe I'll just go peek.
Too quote Scarlett O'Hara "I'll think about it tomorrow. After all tomorrow is another day."
Off To The Parade
Today is Bunker Hill Day.
The parade is at 1230
We will be the most raucous group the Sailors of the USS Constitution pass.
We have a Navy flag.
I want something from their CO.
Wish me luck.
The parade is at 1230
We will be the most raucous group the Sailors of the USS Constitution pass.
We have a Navy flag.
I want something from their CO.
Wish me luck.
What We Pay For A Gallon of Regular Gasoline
*****UPDATE***** Adam in the comments points out that I don't explain the profits. Sorry. i do that a lot, start a conversation in the middle. I read the stuff at the link and then only put up one graphic. So here is the other
Energy Information Administration -
7%.
7%
Can we have no more asshattery about obscene oil company profits now?
Energy Information Administration -7%.
7%
Can we have no more asshattery about obscene oil company profits now?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Princess Crabby sneaks Down To Foxwoods
So Friday Jen & I sneak down to Foxwoods on someone else's dime. A room from my boss. Jen's boss covered the facials in the Grand Salon. A special guest appearance by the Air Force covered dinner. Then nothing but lounging...........by the pool.........on the balcony.......in the jacuzzi........in the steam room, my hair loaded with fabulous rosemary mint hair conditioner.
But everywhere I go there's something.
I was headed down the hall to the sauna behind two of the spa employees. They joined two more who were already standing at the door of the sauna. All four were young girls, twenty years old or so.
"Maybe you should shut it off."
"What if someone wants to use it?"
They turn and look at me. "Were you going to use the sauna?"
"Well" I smiled. "Not if you broke it." No smiles in return.
"No, there a girl in there. She's passed out."
I look and indeed there is a girl, face up on the sauna bench, oblivious to the open door, cooling temperature, or the five people observing her.
"Did you call someone?" I ask as I walk past them into the sauna. They respond in the affirmative, they have contacted their supervisor. I felt for a pulse and told the girl who followed me in to get one of the iced face clothes that they keep in a bucket just outside the door. She's breathing fine and is indeed, passed out. I tap her cheeks, call to her and rub the iced cloth on her arms and dab her face. Her eyes flutter. "That's it honey, open your eyes." They flutter again. The girl on the bench mumbles that she's fine. I tell her of course she is, now sit up. She tries too quickly and I catch her coming back down. We get her to a sitting position and I hear a sigh of relief from one of the young girls behind me. Sleeping Beuaty's head goes back against the wall and the eyes close again. "I'm fine." I answer as I rub her back and urge her forward and up "You'll be much more confortable out in a nice chair, come on." She asks for her shoes and the girls tell her that they are in her locker. One girl says "Your friend is waiting for you". I think, not a very good friend since she's no where in sight. Then I realize it must be a man. Of course men aren't allowed in the ladies spa. So that means she's been in here long enough for some guy to realize it's been too long and then decide it's been so long that he's willing to go summon an employee. Then even longer while these girls look for her, find her, call for each other to come and stand at the door - lol- calling her name.
Wow - that's a long time to be in the sauna.
So, I get her up and that breaks the freeze with the staff. The move forward, taking her arms, steadying her and helping her down the hall. One takes her locker key and get her stuff.
The last girl holding the door looks shaky and thanks me. The others turn and thank me over their shoulders. I laugh and tell them they just needed someone's mother to come along.
I dump the wet cloth and the towels from the sauna for fresh ones for me. My turn. When I come out Jen is there.
"What took you so long, I thought you passed out in there!'
"Not me, someone else."
I tell her the story. She shakes her head. It's always something with me, she has ceased to be surprised.
But everywhere I go there's something.
I was headed down the hall to the sauna behind two of the spa employees. They joined two more who were already standing at the door of the sauna. All four were young girls, twenty years old or so.
"Maybe you should shut it off."
"What if someone wants to use it?"
They turn and look at me. "Were you going to use the sauna?"
"Well" I smiled. "Not if you broke it." No smiles in return.
"No, there a girl in there. She's passed out."
I look and indeed there is a girl, face up on the sauna bench, oblivious to the open door, cooling temperature, or the five people observing her.
"Did you call someone?" I ask as I walk past them into the sauna. They respond in the affirmative, they have contacted their supervisor. I felt for a pulse and told the girl who followed me in to get one of the iced face clothes that they keep in a bucket just outside the door. She's breathing fine and is indeed, passed out. I tap her cheeks, call to her and rub the iced cloth on her arms and dab her face. Her eyes flutter. "That's it honey, open your eyes." They flutter again. The girl on the bench mumbles that she's fine. I tell her of course she is, now sit up. She tries too quickly and I catch her coming back down. We get her to a sitting position and I hear a sigh of relief from one of the young girls behind me. Sleeping Beuaty's head goes back against the wall and the eyes close again. "I'm fine." I answer as I rub her back and urge her forward and up "You'll be much more confortable out in a nice chair, come on." She asks for her shoes and the girls tell her that they are in her locker. One girl says "Your friend is waiting for you". I think, not a very good friend since she's no where in sight. Then I realize it must be a man. Of course men aren't allowed in the ladies spa. So that means she's been in here long enough for some guy to realize it's been too long and then decide it's been so long that he's willing to go summon an employee. Then even longer while these girls look for her, find her, call for each other to come and stand at the door - lol- calling her name.
Wow - that's a long time to be in the sauna.
So, I get her up and that breaks the freeze with the staff. The move forward, taking her arms, steadying her and helping her down the hall. One takes her locker key and get her stuff.
The last girl holding the door looks shaky and thanks me. The others turn and thank me over their shoulders. I laugh and tell them they just needed someone's mother to come along.
I dump the wet cloth and the towels from the sauna for fresh ones for me. My turn. When I come out Jen is there.
"What took you so long, I thought you passed out in there!'
"Not me, someone else."
I tell her the story. She shakes her head. It's always something with me, she has ceased to be surprised.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Kudos to Obama's Political Strategist
On the matter of Obama's birth certificate - Well played, David Plouffe, well played!
What is the result of Obama holding his birth certificate high above his head while the press and the blogosphere jumped and yelped for it? One of three things, or a combination of them.
1. Misdirection - Something else slipped by us all while we were looking in the wrong direction.
2. Field dressing - Obama stopped some of the bleeding on the mini-scandals erupting around him. The Tony Rezko conviction. The VP vetting committee resignations, Eric Holder, Johnson. The thought that there was something juicy in that birth certificate was far more alluring than mortgage and finance scandals.
3. Innoculation - The next time there is an allegation that BHO is hiding something, people will yawn. They will say "Hey, you got us all spooled up about the birth certificate and there was nothing there. Where's the clicker? Is the game on? Where's my beer?"
What is the result of Obama holding his birth certificate high above his head while the press and the blogosphere jumped and yelped for it? One of three things, or a combination of them.
1. Misdirection - Something else slipped by us all while we were looking in the wrong direction.
2. Field dressing - Obama stopped some of the bleeding on the mini-scandals erupting around him. The Tony Rezko conviction. The VP vetting committee resignations, Eric Holder, Johnson. The thought that there was something juicy in that birth certificate was far more alluring than mortgage and finance scandals.
3. Innoculation - The next time there is an allegation that BHO is hiding something, people will yawn. They will say "Hey, you got us all spooled up about the birth certificate and there was nothing there. Where's the clicker? Is the game on? Where's my beer?"
Rick Covers All Bases
Motorcycle Refresher Required for Redeploying Infantry TroopsBy Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
FORT STEWART, Ga., June 12, 2008 – Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch lost too many soldiers during the 3rd Infantry Division’s third and longest deployment to Iraq. But now that most of the division is finally home, Lynch told the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday he’s not willing to take a single additional casualty to a motorcycle accident.
“I refuse to think that a soldier could deploy to combat for 15 months, then come home and get killed on a motorcycle,” Lynch said during Navy Adm. Mike Mullen’s visit here yesterday.
So Lynch, an avid motorcyclist who parks his prized Harley-Davidson in front of the division headquarters, requires every single soldier under his command who rides a motorcycle to take an hour-and-a-half refresher course before hitting the road on two wheels.
“Nobody’s touching their motorcycle until they go through the refresher course,” Lynch said.
The requirement makes good sense as troops reintegrate into the garrison environment after a tough deployment as part of the surge force, he said.
Lynch, who’s been cycling for 30 years, took the refresher course himself during his first day back to Fort Stewart earlier this month.
The course includes a spin at the post’s newly acquired motorcycle simulator -- the only one of its kind, not just in the United States, but in North America, Jim McCullough, installation safety director, told Mullen yesterday.
“It’s pretty high-speed,” Col. Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart’s garrison commander, said of the full-sized device that looks like it belongs in either an arcade or amusement park. “It lets soldiers get refresher training to sharpen up those perishable skills they may have lost while they were gone before they hit the road again.”
At $143,000, Lynch said, the simulator is worth every penny.
“We don’t know how many lives we’ve saved, but we know it’s had an impact,” Buchs said.
Three division soldiers have been in motorcycle accidents since the division began redeploying in late March. In two of the three accidents, the motorist -- not the soldier -- was at fault, Buchs said.
Motorcycling has become increasingly popular Armywide, particularly in light of high gas prices. Officials report more than 33,000 motorcycles currently registered on Army posts.
At Fort Stewart, soldiers are “buying them left and right” now that they’re home from combat, Buchs said. All must undergo mandatory training offered through the post safety office in coordination with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Post officials recognize they’re trying to buck an alarming trend. Twenty soldiers were killed in motorcycle accidents during the first six months of fiscal 2008 alone, according to Army Combat Readiness Center data. That’s more than twice the number killed during the same period last year, officials said.
Last year, the Defense Department lost nearly 100 servicemembers in motorcycle accidents.
These numbers reflect a nationwide upward trend. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled during the last 10 years nationwide.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports that more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, and more often than not, the motorcyclist is not at fault.
Lynch said he’s going the extra mile to help protect his soldiers, particularly when they’re first back from a deployment. He requires all returning soldiers to wait 48 hours before driving a car and limits them to within 100 miles of Fort Stewart for a short period after that as they readjust.
“These soldiers have been through a lot and achieved a lot, but now they’re home,” he said. “And after deploying to combat for 15 months, I don’t want to lose them in an accident at home.”
*****************************************************
Rick is a great leader who sees the big picture. Everything about his soldiers is important all the time.
ConcreteBob sent me the link. If he didn't, I'm sure someone else would have. Since my huge crush on "soon-to-be-Lt.-General-Rick-Lynch" is well known in the Milblog world people sent me links. LOL My own personal Google alert. But Bob is one of the funnier ones. On another occasion where Rick did something good (there are so many this particular one escapes me) Bob called. "Your boy did good." I heistated, not knowing what he meant. After all Bob has met Tommy, so he literally knows one of my boys. But I couldn't think of anything Tommy had done recently that would merit that comment. "My boy?" I asked. "Yeah, your boy Rick Lynch!" ROMFLMAO! Oh, right my boy. Anyway.........kudos to "my boy" Rick. As always, good idea and good execution.
FORT STEWART, Ga., June 12, 2008 – Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch lost too many soldiers during the 3rd Infantry Division’s third and longest deployment to Iraq. But now that most of the division is finally home, Lynch told the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday he’s not willing to take a single additional casualty to a motorcycle accident.
“I refuse to think that a soldier could deploy to combat for 15 months, then come home and get killed on a motorcycle,” Lynch said during Navy Adm. Mike Mullen’s visit here yesterday.
So Lynch, an avid motorcyclist who parks his prized Harley-Davidson in front of the division headquarters, requires every single soldier under his command who rides a motorcycle to take an hour-and-a-half refresher course before hitting the road on two wheels.
“Nobody’s touching their motorcycle until they go through the refresher course,” Lynch said.
The requirement makes good sense as troops reintegrate into the garrison environment after a tough deployment as part of the surge force, he said.
Lynch, who’s been cycling for 30 years, took the refresher course himself during his first day back to Fort Stewart earlier this month.
The course includes a spin at the post’s newly acquired motorcycle simulator -- the only one of its kind, not just in the United States, but in North America, Jim McCullough, installation safety director, told Mullen yesterday.
“It’s pretty high-speed,” Col. Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart’s garrison commander, said of the full-sized device that looks like it belongs in either an arcade or amusement park. “It lets soldiers get refresher training to sharpen up those perishable skills they may have lost while they were gone before they hit the road again.”
At $143,000, Lynch said, the simulator is worth every penny.
“We don’t know how many lives we’ve saved, but we know it’s had an impact,” Buchs said.
Three division soldiers have been in motorcycle accidents since the division began redeploying in late March. In two of the three accidents, the motorist -- not the soldier -- was at fault, Buchs said.
Motorcycling has become increasingly popular Armywide, particularly in light of high gas prices. Officials report more than 33,000 motorcycles currently registered on Army posts.
At Fort Stewart, soldiers are “buying them left and right” now that they’re home from combat, Buchs said. All must undergo mandatory training offered through the post safety office in coordination with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Post officials recognize they’re trying to buck an alarming trend. Twenty soldiers were killed in motorcycle accidents during the first six months of fiscal 2008 alone, according to Army Combat Readiness Center data. That’s more than twice the number killed during the same period last year, officials said.
Last year, the Defense Department lost nearly 100 servicemembers in motorcycle accidents.
These numbers reflect a nationwide upward trend. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled during the last 10 years nationwide.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports that more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, and more often than not, the motorcyclist is not at fault.
Lynch said he’s going the extra mile to help protect his soldiers, particularly when they’re first back from a deployment. He requires all returning soldiers to wait 48 hours before driving a car and limits them to within 100 miles of Fort Stewart for a short period after that as they readjust.
“These soldiers have been through a lot and achieved a lot, but now they’re home,” he said. “And after deploying to combat for 15 months, I don’t want to lose them in an accident at home.”
*****************************************************
Rick is a great leader who sees the big picture. Everything about his soldiers is important all the time.
ConcreteBob sent me the link. If he didn't, I'm sure someone else would have. Since my huge crush on "soon-to-be-Lt.-General-Rick-Lynch" is well known in the Milblog world people sent me links. LOL My own personal Google alert. But Bob is one of the funnier ones. On another occasion where Rick did something good (there are so many this particular one escapes me) Bob called. "Your boy did good." I heistated, not knowing what he meant. After all Bob has met Tommy, so he literally knows one of my boys. But I couldn't think of anything Tommy had done recently that would merit that comment. "My boy?" I asked. "Yeah, your boy Rick Lynch!" ROMFLMAO! Oh, right my boy. Anyway.........kudos to "my boy" Rick. As always, good idea and good execution.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I Know It's Wrong and I Don't Care
I know it's wrong to enjoy Ann Coulter as she viciously attacks liberals and I don't care.
I know it's wrong to agree when she is crude as she savages their heroes from Clinton to Carter and I don't care.
She's overblown.............so am I.
She exaggerates to prove a point.........so do I.
I love Ann Coulter.
Bush's America: 100 Percent Al-Qaida Free Since 2001
In a conversation recently, I mentioned as an aside what a great president George Bush has been and my friend was surprised. I was surprised that he was surprised.
I generally don't write columns about the manifestly obvious, but, yes, the man responsible for keeping Americans safe from another terrorist attack on American soil for nearly seven years now will go down in history as one of America's greatest presidents.
Produce one person who believed, on Sept. 12, 2001, that there would not be another attack for seven years, and I'll consider downgrading Bush from "Great" to "Really Good."
Merely taking out Saddam Hussein and his winsome sons Uday and Qusay (Hussein family slogan: "We're the Rape Room People!") constitutes a greater humanitarian accomplishment than anything Bill Clinton ever did -- and I'm including remembering Monica's name on the sixth sexual encounter.
But unlike liberals, who are so anxious to send American troops to Rwanda or Darfur, Republicans oppose deploying U.S. troops for purely humanitarian purposes. We invaded Iraq to protect America.
It is unquestionable that Bush has made this country safe by keeping Islamic lunatics pinned down fighting our troops in Iraq. In the past few years, our brave troops have killed more than 20,000 al-Qaida and other Islamic militants in Iraq alone. That's 20,000 terrorists who will never board a plane headed for JFK -- or a landmark building, for that matter.
We are, in fact, fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them at, say, the corner of 72nd and Columbus in Manhattan -- the mere mention of which never fails to enrage liberals, which is why you should say it as often as possible.
The Iraq war has been a stunning success. The Iraqi army is "standing up" (as they say), fat Muqtada al-Sadr --the Dr. Phil of Islamofascist radicalism -- has waddled off in retreat to Iran, and Sadr City and Basra are no longer war zones. Our servicemen must be baffled by the constant nay-saying coming from their own country.
The Iraqis have a democracy -- a miracle on the order of flush toilets in that godforsaken region of the world. Despite its newness, Iraq's democracy appears to be no more dysfunctional than one that would condemn a man who has kept the nation safe for seven years while deifying a man who has accomplished absolutely nothing in his entire life except to give speeches about "change."
(Guess what Bill Clinton's campaign theme was in 1992? You are wrong if you guessed: "bringing dignity back to the White House." It was "change." In January 1992, James Carville told Steve Daley of The Chicago Tribune that it had gotten to the point that the press was complaining about Clinton's "constant talk of change.")
Monthly casualties in Iraq now come in slightly lower than a weekend with Anna Nicole Smith. According to a CNN report last week, for the entire month of May, there were only 19 troop deaths in Iraq. (Last year, five people on average were shot every day in Chicago.) With Iraqi deaths at an all-time low, Iraq is safer than Detroit -- although the Middle Eastern food is still better in Detroit.
Al-Qaida is virtually destroyed, surprising even the CIA. Two weeks ago, The Washington Post reported: "Less than a year after his agency warned of new threats from a resurgent al-Qaida, CIA Director Michael V. Hayden now portrays the terrorist movement as essentially defeated in Iraq and Saudi Arabia and on the defensive throughout much of the rest of the world, including in its presumed haven along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border."
It's almost as if there's been some sort of "surge" going on, as strange as that sounds.
Just this week, The New York Times reported that al-Qaida and other terrorist groups in Southeast Asia have all but disappeared, starved of money and support. The U.S. and Australia have been working closely with the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, sending them counterterrorism equipment and personnel.
But no one notices when 9/11 doesn't happen. Indeed, if we had somehow stopped the 9/11 attack, we'd all be watching Mohammed Atta being interviewed on MSNBC, explaining his lawsuit against the Bush administration. Maureen Dowd would be writing columns describing Khalid Sheik Mohammed as a "wannabe" terrorist being treated like Genghis Khan by an excitable Bush administration.
We begin to forget what it was like to turn on the TV, see a tornado, a car chase or another Pamela Anderson marriage and think: Good -- another day without a terrorist attack.
But liberals have only blind hatred for Bush -- and for those brute American interrogators who do not supply extra helpings of béarnaise sauce to the little darlings at Guantanamo with sufficient alacrity.
The sheer repetition of lies about Bush is wearing people down. There is not a liberal in this country worthy of kissing Bush's rear end, but the weakest members of the herd run from Bush. Compared to the lickspittles denying and attacking him, Bush is a moral giant -- if that's not damning with faint praise. John McCain should be so lucky as to be running for Bush's third term. Then he might have a chance.
I know it's wrong to agree when she is crude as she savages their heroes from Clinton to Carter and I don't care.
She's overblown.............so am I.
She exaggerates to prove a point.........so do I.
I love Ann Coulter.
Bush's America: 100 Percent Al-Qaida Free Since 2001
In a conversation recently, I mentioned as an aside what a great president George Bush has been and my friend was surprised. I was surprised that he was surprised.
I generally don't write columns about the manifestly obvious, but, yes, the man responsible for keeping Americans safe from another terrorist attack on American soil for nearly seven years now will go down in history as one of America's greatest presidents.
Produce one person who believed, on Sept. 12, 2001, that there would not be another attack for seven years, and I'll consider downgrading Bush from "Great" to "Really Good."
Merely taking out Saddam Hussein and his winsome sons Uday and Qusay (Hussein family slogan: "We're the Rape Room People!") constitutes a greater humanitarian accomplishment than anything Bill Clinton ever did -- and I'm including remembering Monica's name on the sixth sexual encounter.
But unlike liberals, who are so anxious to send American troops to Rwanda or Darfur, Republicans oppose deploying U.S. troops for purely humanitarian purposes. We invaded Iraq to protect America.
It is unquestionable that Bush has made this country safe by keeping Islamic lunatics pinned down fighting our troops in Iraq. In the past few years, our brave troops have killed more than 20,000 al-Qaida and other Islamic militants in Iraq alone. That's 20,000 terrorists who will never board a plane headed for JFK -- or a landmark building, for that matter.
We are, in fact, fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them at, say, the corner of 72nd and Columbus in Manhattan -- the mere mention of which never fails to enrage liberals, which is why you should say it as often as possible.
The Iraq war has been a stunning success. The Iraqi army is "standing up" (as they say), fat Muqtada al-Sadr --the Dr. Phil of Islamofascist radicalism -- has waddled off in retreat to Iran, and Sadr City and Basra are no longer war zones. Our servicemen must be baffled by the constant nay-saying coming from their own country.
The Iraqis have a democracy -- a miracle on the order of flush toilets in that godforsaken region of the world. Despite its newness, Iraq's democracy appears to be no more dysfunctional than one that would condemn a man who has kept the nation safe for seven years while deifying a man who has accomplished absolutely nothing in his entire life except to give speeches about "change."
(Guess what Bill Clinton's campaign theme was in 1992? You are wrong if you guessed: "bringing dignity back to the White House." It was "change." In January 1992, James Carville told Steve Daley of The Chicago Tribune that it had gotten to the point that the press was complaining about Clinton's "constant talk of change.")
Monthly casualties in Iraq now come in slightly lower than a weekend with Anna Nicole Smith. According to a CNN report last week, for the entire month of May, there were only 19 troop deaths in Iraq. (Last year, five people on average were shot every day in Chicago.) With Iraqi deaths at an all-time low, Iraq is safer than Detroit -- although the Middle Eastern food is still better in Detroit.
Al-Qaida is virtually destroyed, surprising even the CIA. Two weeks ago, The Washington Post reported: "Less than a year after his agency warned of new threats from a resurgent al-Qaida, CIA Director Michael V. Hayden now portrays the terrorist movement as essentially defeated in Iraq and Saudi Arabia and on the defensive throughout much of the rest of the world, including in its presumed haven along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border."
It's almost as if there's been some sort of "surge" going on, as strange as that sounds.
Just this week, The New York Times reported that al-Qaida and other terrorist groups in Southeast Asia have all but disappeared, starved of money and support. The U.S. and Australia have been working closely with the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, sending them counterterrorism equipment and personnel.
But no one notices when 9/11 doesn't happen. Indeed, if we had somehow stopped the 9/11 attack, we'd all be watching Mohammed Atta being interviewed on MSNBC, explaining his lawsuit against the Bush administration. Maureen Dowd would be writing columns describing Khalid Sheik Mohammed as a "wannabe" terrorist being treated like Genghis Khan by an excitable Bush administration.
We begin to forget what it was like to turn on the TV, see a tornado, a car chase or another Pamela Anderson marriage and think: Good -- another day without a terrorist attack.
But liberals have only blind hatred for Bush -- and for those brute American interrogators who do not supply extra helpings of béarnaise sauce to the little darlings at Guantanamo with sufficient alacrity.
The sheer repetition of lies about Bush is wearing people down. There is not a liberal in this country worthy of kissing Bush's rear end, but the weakest members of the herd run from Bush. Compared to the lickspittles denying and attacking him, Bush is a moral giant -- if that's not damning with faint praise. John McCain should be so lucky as to be running for Bush's third term. Then he might have a chance.