Publius Forum

Friday, February 29, 2008

Charles Taylor: Witness in hiding after threats

Today I have received news that the trial being held in the Hague is causing angst among its witnesses. One in particular, Varmuyan Sherif, has been threatened for testifying against his boss, Charles Taylor, ex-(warlord) president of Liberia. He is suspected of threatening his as well as many others. The article is below (because after a certain amount of time, they move these articles never to be read again!).

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -- A key insider witness who testified against Charles Taylor has gone into hiding after being threatened for giving evidence at the former Liberian president's war crimes trial, the chief prosecutor said Thursday.

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor, left, sits in the International Criminal Court before testimony in January. Varmuyan Sherif, a former bodyguard for Taylor, and his family have been relocated since he testified in January in The Hague, said Stephen Rapp of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The threats, which are being investigated by police and United Nations officials in Liberia, underscore fears voiced by prosecutors before the trial that witnesses could be endangered by testifying against Taylor, who still has a wide network of supporters in Liberia.

Rapp said rocks were thrown at Sherif's home and a threatening letter was sent to his brother after Sherif testified that Taylor smuggled arms, cash and communications equipment from Liberia to one of the most notoriously brutal militias in the Sierra Leone war. "He has been temporarily relocated and efforts are ongoing to determine whether it's safe for him to return or whether he needs to be permanently relocated," Rapp said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Sherif is not the only witness targeted, he said. "We have had other instances of witnesses being threatened and written communications being delivered to their homes," Rapp said. That has made some witnesses wary of appearing in the Hague courtroom where Taylor is being tried by the U.N.-backed court. "There are situations where if witnesses can't testify in closed session it's going to be very, very difficult to persuade them to testify," Rapp said. Several witnesses at the Taylor trial already have testified behind closed doors because of fears of reprisals.

Rapp, who has been in Africa for most of the trial, said he was pleased with the case so far. He said the Taylor prosecution was given a significant boost last week by a ruling from the court's appeals chamber that said rebels linked to Taylor were part of an organized plot, known as a joint criminal enterprise, to destabilize Sierra Leone with a campaign of terror and loot its diamond mines. "It's enormously significant to us in this case," Rapp said. "The biggest victory we've had to date in the Taylor trial was the decision by the appeal chamber in Freetown last Friday."

Taylor has pleaded not guilty to charges that include murder, rape, torture, enlisting child soldiers and pillaging towns and villages during Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war that ended in 2002. His trial is being held in a courtroom rented from the International Criminal Court because of fears [that] prosecuting him in Sierra Leone could spark fresh violence. [Source: CNN.]

Don't Miss: Taylor war crimes trial resumes.

I have no idea why it takes so long to sentence him (to death), especially after he has already pled guilty to war crimes! It is even sadder that he will not receive the death penalty, even after all the innocent people he tortured. WHERE ARE THEIR CIVIL RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH?

Let me bring you up to speed:

1. Charles Taylor was educated in the USA. He then went to Liberia, took over the country, and led these poor people into 18-20 years of wars.
2. He fought other wars behind scenes against his neighbors, one of them being Sierra Leone.
3. We threw him out of office in 2001-2.
4. He was allowed to flee to Nigeria.
5. When he was going to be charged with war crimes, he was allowed to escape.
6. We caught him.
7. He was brought up on 17 charges in Sierra Leone, including crimes against humanity in the year 2006.
8. His appeal to have the charges dropped failed.
9. The trial began in January 2007.

And so now here we are all these months later, and what do we have to show for it? The failure of due process and due diligence and a timely trial, all because of the interference of the United Nations! Argghhh!

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Posts I've trackbacked to at Samantha Burns' OTA: S. The Crazy Rantings of Samantha Burns: The Anti-Earth Hour Campaign, F. Stix Blog: Amur leopard, F. Pirate's Cove (M, F): Weekend Pirate Linkfest Sticky Post 2/29-3/2, F. The World According to Carl: Open Trackback Friday — February 29, 2008, F. Woman Honor Thyself: Gender Equality at the UN?..Ha, Wknd. Leaning Straight Up: Survey: Only 7% of Muslims want to kill us - Gee I feel better, Wknd. 123beta (F, Wknd): Rotten Neighbors, Wknd. Stuck On Stupid: Stop The ACLU Blogburst: Supremes Reject Domestic Spying Case, Su. Grandinite: Obamanomics, Wknd. Blue Star Chronicles: Leap Year Leap Day Links, Su. The Amboy Times: Nazi and Islamic Propoganda, LyfLines: Security ads, OneManBandwidth: One of the things wrong with history…, Su. Free Constitution: Limited Blogging, Su. Conservative Culture (Su, T): Former Officer Cutts Remains on Payroll.

These do not have a post for OTA, but they are good sites: S. Church and State, Su. Stageleft, Su. walls of the city, Wknd. The Uncooperative Blogger, Wknd. The Bullwinkle Blog, S. Point Five.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: The World According To Carl: Retirement The CAVALRY Way, Wolf Pangloss: I had a dream about Barack Obama, Wolf Pangloss: Leap Day Weekend Open Post and Trackbacks.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Stix Blog: Amur leopard. Digg! Digg!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Racism Alive and Well at Planned Parenthood

The following is from an e-mail I received from the Family Research Council:

A shocking set of recordings was released this week that could prove disastrous for Planned Parenthood's ties with the African-American community. Lila Rose, a pro-life student and reporter at UCLA, launched an undercover investigation aimed at exposing the racism of the nation's largest abortion merchant. With the help of an actor, she contacted Planned Parenthood clinics in seven states, inquiring if they would be willing to accept a donation earmarked for the abortion of black babies. The results were jaw-dropping.

Rose was appalled to discover that every last clinic agreed. Not one employee objected or questioned the request, even when the actor insisted that the purpose was to "lower the number of black people" in America. When the caller phoned an Ohio branch, he was told that Planned Parenthood "will accept the money for whatever reason." Read the outrageous transcript from the Idaho clinic, which is also available with Rose's other recordings in a montage at FRC.
Actor: ...I really faced trouble with affirmative action, and I don't want my kids to be disadvantaged against black kids.

Planned Parenthood: Yes, absolutely.

Actor: And we don't, you know, we just think the less black kids out there the better.

Planned Parenthood: (Laughs) Understandable, understandable... This is the first time I've had a donor call and make this kind of request, so I'm excited and want to make sure I don't leave anything out.
Students at UCLA are so infuriated by the investigation that they are petitioning the university to cut all affiliation with Planned Parenthood. What few people realize is that the organization has a history of racism that has been ingrained since Planned Parenthood's earliest days, when founder Margaret Sanger advocated negative eugenics and spoke to a woman's branch of the KKK (Margaret Sanger, An Autobiography, 1938, p. 336-367). However, as is customary for Planned Parenthood, the organization has managed for decades to cover its tracks--and the facts. That task has just been made monumentally more difficult. Abortion has taken the innocent lives of over 14 million black children--a national tragedy that has begun uniting and mobilizing African-Americans across party, state, and financial lines.

Today, FRC hosted a press conference to kick off the National Black Pro-Life Gathering in Washington, D.C. which drew pastors, parents, leaders, and activists from across America to commemorate Black History Month by calling on abortion merchants like Planned Parenthood to stop preying on their community. As these abortion clinics continue to demonstrate that blood money is not colorblind, we call on Congress to de-fund and disavow Planned Parenthood. Taxpayers should not be forced to spend over $300 million on an organization whose scruples are for sale, even to those who seek racial genocide.

Additional Resources.
YouTube videos: Planned Parenthood Racism Investigation.

This is one of the most despicable acts one human being can perpetuate upon another. To try to murder all the black children in America angers me to no end. There is no telling how many fathers or scientists or doctors or pianists or etc. that have been murdered in the womb in the name of 'population over-growth' is simply disgusting. It is done in this manner so these selfish people could go about their prejudiced lives without being prosecuted for what they reallly are...racists. I hate them.

BTW, Margaret Sanger was an atheist who believed in the murder of the weaker races. She cheered Adolf Hilter. I have good cause to hate her and every organization she started, such as planned 'murderhood'
.

Posts I've trackbacked to: 123beta: Rotten Neighbors, Faultline USA: Republicans for Obama Phony as Suspected, Tilting at Windmill Farms: The Candidate of Chènge, Stuck On Stupid: McCain The Republicrat?, Potbelly Stove: Obama as President? Be Afraid. Very Afraid.., Big Dog's Weblog: Bill Clinton Endorses Obama, Shadowscope: Friday Open Track-Back.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Tilting at Windmill Farms: Is Planned Parenthood racist? Digg! Digg!

Oh YeaH!

Yes, speaking of fences...

Shivers me timbers!


Hot damn!

Hat tip: Winston at Spirit of Man.

I couldn't resist this pick-me-up for today's open trackback. There is too much gloom in the air. We have no candidate whom is actually espousing our beliefs and the Constitutionality of government. So, with that said, there is certainly no reason why we should be depressed. This is still the greatest country that God has ever created...except for Eden. ;)

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: Tilting at Windmill FarmsHome: The Candidate of Chènge, Pirate's Cove: TTLF: Grey Lady Wonders If McCain Is Eligible To Be President, The Pink Flamingo: Why Is Congress Probing Clemens and Not Bonds?, Leaning Straight Up: Obama - Not winning any points with me this week, Cao's Blog: Mid Week Trackbacks, Nuke Gingrich: Thurday Linkage, A Newt One: JOHN MCCAIN, BECAUSE THE ALTERNATIVE IS UNTHINKABLE, Conservative Cat, Right Truth: Independent Counterterrorist Training, Phase I - Review, Dumb Ox Daily News: Remembering William F. Buckley, and The Yankee Sailor: Thursday Open Post, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. 123beta: Rotten Neighbors.
2. Faultline USA: Republicans for Obama Phony as Suspected.
3. Tilting at Windmill Farms: The Candidate of Chènge.
4. Stuck On Stupid: McCain The Republicrat?
5. Potbelly Stove: Obama as President? Be Afraid. Very Afraid...
6. Big Dog's Weblog: Bill Clinton Endorses Obama.
7. Diary of the Mad Pigeon: The Morality of Nanotechnology.
8. The Amboy Times: Nazi and Islamic Propaganda.
9. Right Truth: Terrorism, American Medicine, and Death Threats. Digg! Digg!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Wednesday's Hero: Technical Sgt. Jeremy Sudlow

Today's Wednesday Hero is a remarkable man. Sgt. Jeremy Sudlow has received the Bronze Star for his untiring work as a Medium Truck Detachment with the 424th to help the Coalition Forces gain and maintain their ground.

Here is some information about Sgt. Sudlow:
Hometown: Pandora, OH
Awarded: Bronze Star
External Links: California Flyer story.
Download this hero's story: "Save Target As..." to download.
He is among the group of people to whom I shall remain ever grateful. I would also like to thank their families and friends. You have sacrificed so much for our country so that we may remain free (and stupid, as some of us do), I don't know if there is a way to repay you and say, "Thank you." I just want you to know that you are also in our prayers, too.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Update: Indian Chris also has a very somber post of another Hero up today. You will find it as the first post I've trackbacked to. Please give Indian Christ a shout out and a 'Good job' for keeping the memories of fallen alive. It is truly so, we should thank God that such people lived. Thank you, Indian Chris, and thank you, Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Michael E. Koch. May you rest in peace, and may your family and friends find comfort in the days and years to come. God bless you.

Posts I've trackbacked to: Hooah Wife and friends: Wednesday Hero, Tilting at Windmill Farms: Is Planned Parenthood racist?, Stageleft:. Life on the [lower] left side: Come The Revolution?, Right Truth: Obama and Culture Shock, Right Truth: Independent Counterterrorist Training, Phase I - Review. Digg! Digg!

Michael Steele for VP

Let us start a groundswell for this wonderful man. He is the first Lt. Governor in Maryland since the office was opened in 1970, he ran for the Senate in 2006 (but lost due to other Republicans' corruption--I financially supported him), he is now the president of GOPAC, he is a straight talker, and you may read about his educational background and other history at Wikipedia.

Michael is quite an integral man who deserves our consideration. He was born October 19, 1958, at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County to Maebell Turner and stepfather John Turner. He also has a sister, Monica, who was married to Mike Tyson.

During his high school years, he was a member of the Glee Club, the National Honor Society, and he participated in many drama club productions. In his senior year, he was elected student council president. He lived in Northwest Washington, DC, which was a pretty integrated school. Good for him!

You just have to read this:

After college, Steele spent three years as a seminarian in the Order of St. Augustine in preparation for the priesthood. He entered the Augustinian Friars Seminary at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. As a seminarian, he taught freshman world history and senior economics for one year at Malvern Prep School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, but ultimately decided on a career in law and he left the Seminary prior to taking the vows.
What a wonderful man. Full of grace, mercy, and wisdom. Yes, this is the man we need for Vice President. He can fill in the holes in McCain's lack of economics plus youth.

Also after his education, this is said of him in the national political sense:
Recently, Steele has attained national prominence due to his stature as a successful elected conservative Republican African American and his public speaking. At the 2004 Republican National Convention, Steele gave the Republican counterpoint to the Democrats' Barack Obama in a prime time speech, Steele's first major national exposure. In April 2005, President Bush chose Steele as one of three members of the United States delegation at the investiture of Pope Benedict XVI at the ceremonial mass in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. [Continue reading.]
Please call toll free 1-866-340-9281 and let them know you want Michael Steele for the VP. Maybe if he (McCain) gets enough calls for Michael to be on the ticket, we can have a winning team. Thank you, and God bless your family and you.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites:
Celebrity Smack: Sausage Links, A Newt One: Don't Just Bitch, Do Something Useful, Right Truth: New Attacks on America Imminent, Right Voices: IRS investigating Obama’s church, The World According to Carl: Godly Wisdom — February 27, 2008, The Yankee Sailor: Wednesday Open Post, and Outside the Beltway: Obama Tag Teamed on Farrakhan, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe, Blue Star Chronicles: From Inside the McCain Campaign, Woman Honor Thyself: Dance Through ThE PaiN.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. 123beta: Good Stuff Wednesday.
2. Stageleft:. Life on the [lower] left side: Come The Revolution?
3. Right Truth: Obama and Culture Shock.
4. Right Truth: Independent Counterterrorist Training, Phase I - Review.
5. Wolf Pangloss: I had a dream about Barack Obama. Digg! Digg!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Military News: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kenya

I have eight articles for your pleasure today and afterward, I would like to comment on Sen. Obama's knowledge (or lack thereof) of our missle defense systems. In order to keep this post clean, I will provide the title and a small summary.

IRAQ.

Iraqi National Police graduate Carabinieri training.
by MC2 Erica Gardner
MNSTC-I

BAGHDAD (Feb. 19, 2008) - Iraqi National Police graduated from the second Carabinieri-trained Iraqi National Police Course Feb. 19 at Camp Dublin in Baghdad.

More than 500 graduates were commended by Iraqi Army Gen. Babakir, chief of staff for the Iraqi ground forces; Iraqi Police Maj. Gen. Hussein, Iraqi National Police commander; U.S. Army Lt. Gen. James Dubik, NATO Training Mission - Iraq commander; Italian Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegniani, NATO Training Mission - Iraq deputy commander; U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Phillips, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, Coalition Police Advisory Training Team commanding general; and Italian Ambassador Maurizio Melani. [Continue reading at BlackAnthem.com - Military News.]

These men have been trained by the Ministry of the Interior, and they are known as the Carabiniere (I think). These are the professionals, and they are being trained to be able to provide security and train others so that they are not dependent on foreign governments for their security.

Joint operation helps displaced families return home.
by Kirby Rider
MND-N PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq (Feb. 20, 2008) — Families displaced from a town near Baqubah, Iraq, were escorted back to their homes by the Iraqi army and Coalition Soldiers Feb. 13 during Operation Fierce Thrasher.

Soldiers from Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash., helped 39 families dislocated due to fear of terrorist attacks return to their homes in the town of Durah, Iraq.

“Today’s mission was to secure the village of Durah to allow the repatriation of the Sunnis into the village,” said Capt. Troy Mills, commander of Company F. [Continue reading.]

This is a great article. Not only are these families moving back home, but they are setting up a Sons of Iraq group. The people are willing to work with the Iraqi Police, Coalition Forces, and against al Qaida. Another town turned. This is a good thing not only for us but for them as well.

Iraqis rebuild power line towers in Sayafiyah.
by Luis Delgadillo
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FOB KALSU, Iraq (Feb. 20, 2008) — With assistance from coalition troops and Iraqi security forces, ministry of electricity workers are rapidly reconstructing three high-tension power line towers in Sayafiyah, 25 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Soldiers of Troop A, 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and members of an Iraqi police security detail are providing security for 130 workers from the MoE rebuilding the structures, which form part of Baghdad’s ‘power belt.’

“There is a 400 kilovolt distribution ring that goes around Baghdad and this (section) is the southern part of it,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Shoop, electrical projects engineer, 2-3 Brigade Troop Battalion, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. [Continue reading.]

I do not know too much about electricity, but I do know about human behavior. Once these men were reassured of their safety, they were ready to get to work. I am proud of them.

First basic recruits graduate from IP Academy.
by Elvyn Nieves
MND-B PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Feb. 24, 2008) — History was made when the inaugural class of more than 1,100 Iraqi police recruits graduated from a two-week Basic Recruit Training Course, Feb. 21, at the Furat Iraqi Police Training Academy in Baghdad.

During the initial phase of their training, the graduates successfully completed training on weapons familiarization, law, ethics, crime scene, handcuffing and various additional skills during the course. [Continue reading.]

This is outstanding! This is the largest number of volunteers I have seen yet. Some say they joined because of the violence caused by the terrorists. They want to protect their country. Very admirable.

AFGHANISTAN.

ANA adds new capability to arsenal.
by Timothy Dinneen
CJTF-82 PAO

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Feb. 19, 2008) — A new program instructing Afghan National Army soldiers to effectively provide indirect artillery fire is due to graduate its first platoon in Paktya Province Feb. 25, according to a Combined Joint Task Force-82 official.

The 21-day program instructs ANA soldiers on NATO firing tactics, techniques and procedures converting them for use with Russian 122 mm howitzers. The field artillery course focuses on fire direction and gun-line procedures allowing the ANA to compute all firing data. [Continue reading.]

I am going to admit that I do not understand indirect-fire, but these Afghan National Army soldiers are learning how to be effecient using these weapons. Once they've been trained how to use these weapons (as they do in NATO--er, huh?--), then they will be able to stay where they are. See, they usually just yank these men away whenever they need someone, and that is not good for cohesion. Oh, this is a new 'toy' for guys. (They are the same everywhere, I swear! lol)

Police grads bring 'hope and peace' for Afghan people.
by Steven Parks
ARSIC-S Public Affairs Office

A color guard of Afghan National Policemen from the Bala-Beluk district listen to a speaker during their graduation ceremony Feb. 21. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David M. Votroubek)

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Feb. 21, 2008) — On Feb. 21, 259 Afghan National Police from Zabul province graduated from the Focused District Development eight-week training initiative at the Regional Training Center here.

The graduation ceremony included numerous ANP and Coalition senior officers, as well as the governor of Kandahar, Assadullah Khalid, all of whom offered congratulations to the proud and well-trained graduates.

“With you graduating, it gives us hope and peace; you are the ones who stand against the bad people,” Governor Khalid said. [Continue reading.]

It appears that there are many natives graduating from training to be either police officers, national police, or Army personnel in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a good thing. It has taken many years, but there is hope that we are turning or have turned a corner. Let us pray for all of men and women to remain safe, and that they come home in one piece when it is time for them to come home. God, please watch them and protect them. Thank You. Amen.

Troops provide ton of aid to Kandahar.
Bagram Media Center.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Feb. 24, 2008) — Afghan national security forces, assisted by Coalition forces, provided medical treatment to 210 patients and provided more than one ton of humanitarian aid for 400 Afghans in Hajyano-Qala in the Arghandab District of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Feb. 19.

Kuchi elders attended a community development council recently and requested medical and humanitarian aid from the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan representatives. [Continue reading.]

I don't know why (yeah, right), but for some reason the new name of Afghanistan REALLY bothers me. Anyway, they are doing good works.

KENYA.

Vets treat hundreds of animals in Kenya.
by Michelle Halpin
CJTF-HOA.

MANDA BAY, Kenya (Feb. 16, 2008) — A Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa civil affairs team worked side by side with host nation veterinarians and other locals to vaccinate and treat more than 400 animals for various ailments during a veterinary civil action program that kicked off on Manda Island in Kenya's Lamu District, Feb. 14.

...All the animals were treated for internal and external parasites and ticks...The Manda "cattle crush" is the first of several sites the 350th CACOM FXSP and their Kenyan partners visited in the region..."It was a great first day. We (also) got to work with the Kenya Red Cross and the National Youth Service. They did a great job helping move the goats and working with the animal herdsman. I was really pleased with their [Kenyans] work ethic. They were willing to get in there and get dirty and get the herds run through. I think it's going to be a great mission," said Army Capt. Karin Hamilton, 350th CACOM FXSP veterinary corps officer...The VETCAP personnel expect to treat over 20,000 animals during their current mission, where at its peak they expect to take care of over 10,000 animals in a single day. [Continue reading.]

It is good that they made their way into Kenya. I swear I hope they did more than just take care of the animals. I love animals, but come on! There's a freakin' war going on in Keyna and the whole region. Sheesh.

Now to discuss our missle defense system. Are you aware that, according to Barack Obama, that our system does not work? Oh? Then explain to me how, HOW, did we hit a satellite moving at the speech of 15-20,000 mph that is was the size of school bus and at the point of impact hit the fuel tank which was only 14 inches at a distance of 130 miles above the earth and it only took one minute for the missle to get there? Yes, we got it. We don't know if it hit the fuel section, but daggone! What a shot! Whoohoo! Heh hem, Sen? Better go back to school, eh? lol.

Posts I've trackbacked to: 123beta: Good Stuff Wednesday. Digg! Digg!

Monday, February 25, 2008

I've been attacked by a MIGRAINE

Ouch, that hurt. I have all the lights out, the TV is off, and the radio is on as low as it can possibly go. I cannot keep my eyes open, my head is consuming my inards, I have lost all control. I can hear each key as I type this, and I don't understand why they are screaming at me. I might as well through in the fact that my left wrist is killing me again. (I keep picking things, forgetting that this hand is still healing. Ouch!)

So today is another day for you to bail me out of this with your magnificant posts. Other than this? I am doing very well. Thanks guys, and do not worry. This only means we are heading into a real storm within three days. lol. Ouch.

Please feel free to post your work here. Remember to use Linkfest. If you do not what Linkfest is, please click on the blue badge that says, 'Linkfest Haven: The Blogger Oasis', and they will show you how you to sign up for Linkfest. Have a great day.

Update: Someone must be praying for me. It is now 9pm, and the pressure in my head is almost gone. I didn't even drink a cup of coffee yet! Whomever it is, thank you so very much (Debbie, Butch and Angel)

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other posts: A Blog For All: Photo of the Day, Conservative Cat: The Cat's Meow - 02/25/08: Press Bumps, (Conservative Cat's website), and Right Truth: Acinetobacter Baumannii - Battlefield Insurgency, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. 123beta: Sam's New Anti-Earth Hour Campaign.
2. Woman Honor Thyself: GonE Skiing!
3. The Virtuous Republic: Barack Obama Visits Cincinnati and Leaves with a Superdelegate.
4. Right Truth: Faithless America?
5. Woman Honor Thyself: Sderot: 15 SecondS.
6. Blue Star Chronicles: Military Defense Under Barack Obama in Under One Minute.
7. Blue Star Chronicles: From Inside the McCain Campaign.
8. Woman Honor Thyself: Dance Through ThE PaiN. Digg! Digg!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Trust Me

As some of you already know, I am physically unable to make it to my Church. Therefore I watch two programs on TV on Sunday morning. Dr. D. James Kennedy* and Dr. Charles Stanley. It is amazing how different their style is, yet they both spoke on the same theme today. That message was Trust in God.

What I learned this morning, as a renewed theme in my life, is to trust the Lord. Trust what He has said in the Scriptures, but also to submit wholey to Him. When I ask God to fix something or someone through prayer, I must wholely trust that the right answer will be God's decision. Even if I don't understand it.

Why do I say this? Is this what was preached? In a way yes, in a way no. This is what I received in my heart. Maybe I am being convicted in my heart, because I do some of those things that were discussed.

When we pray, when we go to Christ, do we actually submit ourselves wholey and trust Him to do what is right and good and holy and just? Or do we stand there and discuss our needs, our problems, and our solutions to the problems that caused us to go to Him in the first place?!? I must admit, I am a debator.

I apologize for not being more equipped with words of wisdom. That is because I have stopped keeping notes during Church. It used to be a habit, but I know it all now. NOT! Next week I shall try to have a better discussion with you. Thank you, and have a great week.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I repent my stubbornness and arrogance when I pray for Your help for anything. I have not gone to the foot of the Cross and asked Jesus to grant me His Yoke. I am so ashamed. I know from experience that You always answer my prayers (whether I like the answer or not), and I know that You are faithful and forgiving, merciful and loving. Please help me to be a better stewardess of Your Word which You have entrusted me with so as to edify others. Help me to be a better, more loving Christian. Help me, most of all, to be better at praying for others. I need You, I lay myself prostrate at the foot of the Cross, and I ask You, Jesus, please may I have Your Yoke? Thanks You, LORD. In Jesus' precious I pray. Amen.

*Dr. Kennedy is deceased, but they play his recorded messages. I miss him very much. Rest in Peace, Dr. K.

Update: I just could not help myself when I saw this adorable flag as a symbol of my support for Israel. I saw it over at Woman Honor Thyself. You really should check out her site, because she has the most adorable little trinkets within her posts. I just wish I knew how she does all of it. I find one, and I have to upload it to blogger so they all come out too large. Humph. Oh well. I hope I will always have Angel to help me with these cute little things. ;)

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Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: The Virtuous Republic: Barack Obama Visits Cincinnati and Leaves with a Superdelegate, Right Truth: Americans will be less Protestant and less Christian a century from now, Adam's Blog: John McCain’s Memory Problems, Cao's Blog: Drew Carey’s Reason TV, Right Truth: Sunday Reading List 2/24/08, Woman Honor Thyself: Jasmine Kranat: Are You JewisH?, Big Dogs Weblog: Will NYT Hit Piece Help McCain?, Conservative Cat: 02/24/08: Kate Beckinsale, Planck's Constant: Obama, Oral Sex and Cocaine - None of Our Business.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. The World According To Carl: PhotoHunt 98: Wooden.
2. 123beta: Reverse Martyrdom.
3. Right Truth: Acinetobacter Baumannii - Battlefield Insurgency. Digg! Digg!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Another Saturday Night

...and I ain't got nobody, I don't even have some money, so I'll just stay home. lol. Actually, I'd like to take some time off to catch up on my reading. If you would like to share your posts here, feel free to do so. Remember, Linkfest is a great place to do open trackbacks. There are many great bloggers who take advantage of its social networking. Check it out. Have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites:
Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis Add this post to Technorati Add this post to Del.icio.us. Digg! Digg!
Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Adam's Blog: John McCain’s Memory Problems.
2. Cao's Blog: Drew Carey’s Reason TV.
3. Right Truth: Sunday Reading List 2/24/08.
4. Woman Honor Thyself: Jasmine Kranat: Are You JewisH?
5. Big Dogs Weblog: Will NYT Hit Piece Help McCain?
6. Conservative Cat: 02/24/08: Kate Beckinsale.
7. Planck's Constant: Obama, Oral Sex and Cocaine - None of Our Business.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Blogs4Borders Video Blogburst

The Merida Initiative: heard of it? A "wave of hate"? Sure, but it’s not who you think it is! 100% Preventable! Two illegal alien criminals — 39 crimes. When will the madness end?
You can download the show for your Ipod here.

This has been the Blogs For Borders Video Blogburst. The Blogs For Borders Blogroll is dedicated to American sovereignty, border security and a sane immigration policy. If you’d like to join find out how right here.

Hat tip: Freedom Folks.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites:
Right Voices: Obama: Be Careful What You Proclaim About The Troops, Right Truth: Iran Continues Nuclear Program, and more, Leaning Straight Up: Taking a look at the Obama weapon story: What it says about him...
Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis Add this post to Technorati Add this post to Del.icio.us. Digg! Digg!
Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. the so called me: Westcoast Baby Kimono Wrap Giveaway.
2. Oblogatory Anecdotes: Weekend Open Trackbacks.
3. Grandinite: U.S. To Canada: You’re In The NAU - Just Shut Up And Accept It Already.
4. The Uncooperative Blogger: Independent Conservative Talk Radio.
5. Blue Star Chronicles: A Different Kind of Diplomacy for Condi Rice in Ghana.
6. Blue Star Chronicles: New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller Had Affair.
7. Blue Star Chronicles: John McCain is a Supporter of Israel.
8. Blue Star Chronicles: Obama Exposes His Ignorance of the Military.

Returning 'Home': FOB Falcoln, Baghdad

Pete Hegseth will be returning returning to Baghdad, Iraq, for a one week inbed with men who are on the ground creating a stable Iraq alongside their Iraq Security Force partners. He will be reporting back to us at National Review Online and Vets for Freedom. Here is the email I've received from him today:
Tonight I leave for Iraq, where I will be reporting-first hand-on the progress there. I will be in Baghdad at FOB Falcon, the base my infantry platoon called "home" for three months in 2005. For a week, I will imbed with local infantry units, walking and driving the same streets I saw in 2005.

My goal is to report on the conditions on the ground-militarily, culturally, and politically. I will also keep a close eye on the status of Iraqi Security Forces, as well as how American units are implementing the counterinsurgency doctrine.

I will be writing for National Review Online, and will also post to the Vets for Freedom Troop Blog. My first piece-marking today's two- year anniversary of the Golden Mosque bombing in Samarra-is already up on NRO. Click here to read it, or see the text below.

General Petraeus and our fellow troops have made incredible progress in Iraq, and this trip is just one small part of trying to get the word out. The main effort-our National Heroes Tour and Vets on the Hill-is still to come...don't miss your chance to be a part of it.

Moving Out to Draw Fire.
Be safe, my dear friend, and thank you for your service. You will be in our prayers as well as your family and friends.

This is my post for this weekend's Open Trackback Alliance. Please remember to leave a link referring this post in your post before you trackback to this post. (Did I say that properly?) I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend. No drinking and driving, and no porn.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Samantha Burns' OTA: S. The Crazy Rantings of Samantha Burns: OTA Weekend, F. Stix Blog: New Direction for the war on terrorists, F. Pirate's Cove (M, F): Weekend Pirate Linkfest Sticky Post 2/22-2/24, F. The World According to Carl: Open Trackback Friday — February 22, 2008, F. Woman Honor Thyself: Steve Kazmierczak, NIU ShooteR, Hearts Ham-ASS, Wknd. Leaning Straight Up: So, still sad the Patriots lost? Maybe it was all that bad Karma for cheating..., Wknd. 123beta (F, Wknd): Something New From Sam..., Wknd. Stuck On Stupid: Stop The ACLU Blogburst: Supremes Reject Domestic Spying Case, Su. Grandinite: U.S. To Canada: You’re In The NAU - Just Shut Up And Accept It Already, Wknd. Blue Star Chronicles: New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller Had Affair, John McCain is a Supporter of Israel, Obama Exposes His Ignorance of the Military,

Other posts I've trackbacked to: Right Truth: Iran Continues Nuclear Program, and more. Digg! Digg!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

New ad aimed at Berkeley city council

This is an ad from Move America Forward in response to the Berkeley city council's decision NOT to apologize for their previous decision to kick out our Marines from their recruiting station. It will start to air Monday, but they would like us to post it, e-mail it to our friends and families, and just get the word out so they can raise the money to run a good and vigorous campaign. Any help you can give will be appreciated. Have a great day. ;)

Source: Move America Forward.

Update: Here is some more news on the Berkeley city council:

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates says he's still refusing to apologize for calling Marine recruiters "uninvited" and "unwelcome intruders" and told NBC yesterday that he doesn't want them in town.

The comments came in response to the new ad campaign by the pro-troop organization, Move America Forward, which is fighting back against the Berkeley City Council. At least one city councilmember, however, disagrees with Bates - she says the council needs to face the reality that they owe our troops an apology.

Watch the fantastic NBC report.
Ya know, I wonder what John Wayne would do?

Posts I've trackbacked to:
Wolf Pangloss: King George Washington: thank God it didn’t happen that way.
The Virtuous Republic: The New York Times: Still Not Proud of Their Country.
Wolf Pangloss: Support the Declaration against Genocide.

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A Letter from a Green Beret

I received a very sad email from the Gathering of Eagles today. It is very important that you read it. If not for yourself, then read it for the men and women who are fighting to keep this country free so that you have time to visit my site. Thank you.

The Gathering of Eagles post:

In the early hours on Monday morning, an American Task Force took down a terrorist compound in Iraq. In the ensuing fight, two US Navy SEALs were killed by small arms fire while clearing one of the buildings - Chief Petty Officers Nathan H. Hardy and Michael E. Koch. Nate Hardy, 29, enlisted in the US Navy in 1997 and is survived by his wife - Mindy, 7 month old son - Parker, parents and brother. Mike Koch, also 29, enlisted in 1998 and had a fiancée, parents, brother and sister.

Both Koch and Hardy families have a tradition of service. The Kochs are vets and contractors (in Iraq and Afghanistan) and Hardy’s grandfather served with John F. Kennedy on PT-109 during WWII. Mike’s brother escorted the bodies of the two SEALs back to the states. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Koch, Hardy and SEAL families.

Below is message from an Army Special Forces Soldier “Green Beret” serving in Iraq:

Chris Hill
National Director for Operations
Gathering of Eagles
www.gatheringofeagles.org.

Last Sunday while most of America was enjoying the Super Bowl several members of our Task Force were commencing an assault on a terrorist stronghold in Iraq. During the assault two of our brothers from the Navy were shot and killed while clearing a building that was occupied by terrorist insurgents. Ultimately, the building was reduced (precision bombed by aircraft) and all of the terrorists in it were destroyed by the assault force. Remember these names, Mike and Nate. They were good men doing honorable work in the name of freedom. The terrorists they sought to destroy were responsible for unspeakable acts of evil including the construction of improvised explosive devices and explosives to equip homicide bombers. For those of you who may not understand the enemy we face out here let me remind you that the previous week this group of terrorists took two innocent and unwitting women, who had Downs Syndrome, rigged them with explosive vests and detonated them 20 minutes apart in a crowded market causing several deaths and hundreds of injuries. These terrorists used innocent people as unwitting vehicles to destroy more innocent lives. There is good and there is evil in this world. The enemy we face is evil. Mike and Nate were fighting on the side of good to prevent further acts of evil that would result in the loss of more innocent lives. The next time you pray I ask you to thank God for giving Mike and Nate the talent and skill that made them great warriors and thank God that he gave them the heart to apply those God given talents to destroy evil and further the cause of freedom in a land far from their home. Thank God for men like Mike and Nate. Their work is done here now, but there are many of us who will honor their sacrifice by continuing the fight against evil terrorists. They will be remembered through our actions.

For any of you out there who are doubting the validity of this war and the evil that resides in our enemy I ask you to study your history again. Over the last 20+ years dating back to the bombing of the Marine Corps Barracks in Lebanon, various factions of radical Islamic terrorists have been committing heinous acts of terrorism against the free world. We are fighting the same enemy here — the brethren of an evil ideology that spawned the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001 claiming almost 3,000 innocent lives. Take time to reflect on the type of evil that would put explosive vests on innocent women with Downs Syndrome and use them to kill and maim other innocent people. While the American media strives everyday to rewrite the history of the most generous nation in the free world and cast disparity on all that we do as a nation, men like Mike and Nate are giving their lives to make sure the real history doesn’t repeat itself. While the American media strives daily to erase the memory of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and paint this war as an unjust occupation of a sovereign nation, men like Mike and Nate are out here hunting down and destroying the enemies of the very freedom that allows our media to try and discredit us. Terrorism is real, evil is real, this war is real, and real men and women are in this fight because righteousness and freedom are worth fighting for.

If you don’t support this war I’m calling you out. I’ve had enough of people sitting in their living rooms watching the lying media and jumping on the bandwagon against this war. Don’t ever say to me, “I support the troops, but not the war.” You might as well be telling me that I’m committing a crime. You are in effect saying that my cause is unjust and everything I believe in is a lie. I have held my tongue in the past, but I will never allow you to have it both ways again. You cannot support me if you do not support this war. I am this war. It embodies everything that I believe in. If you believe that what we are doing here is wrong then you are in effect supporting the evil we seek destroy. If you believe I’m wrong for trying to stop evil people from taking more innocent lives then I fear there is no hope for you. If you choose to dishonor my service and the sacrifice of my fallen brothers by taking a position against this war, you are free to make that choice thanks to guys like Mike and Nate, but don’t expect me to sit idly by and bite my tongue while you do it. Do it in my presence and be prepared to try to support your feeble position while I enlighten everyone else on the reality of this war and the nature of the enemy we face. I will ensure that you look like the fool that you are.

The stuff I’m seeing out here you won’t see on Oprah Winfrey. I’m seeing really evil people doing really evil things and I’m doing everything in my power to stop them. There’s nothing wrong or unjust about that.

Remember Nate and Mike…

Posted on Thursday, February 21 2008
Author: Kathy.
Filed under: Briefings.
Tagged:
Related News: Code Pink Supports the Troops, Blue Star Mother Answers SF Gate, Some People Get It, A CLARIFICATION, A Chance Encounter with IVAW.
Previous: Code Pink Supports the Troops.

Posts I've trackbacked to:
Big Dogs Weblog: Good Thing the Uneducated Troops Were There.
123beta: Something New From Sam...
Wolf Pangloss: It’s a Hit: Navy Hits Spy Satellite on first try; China whines.
Right Truth: Consequences of Kosovo Independence on Americans and Non-Muslims.
Potbelly Stove: The NYT rides again...
Woman Honor Thyself: BoXCutteR and a Kooran..Nifty.
Blue Star Chronicles: Nub the Iraqi Dog Travels 70 Miles to Find His Marine.
Blue Star Chronicles: Sharon Stone Says 4,000 American Soldiers Dead is Nothing Compared to Dead Iraqis.
Blue Star Chronicles: Michelle Obama Gives Non Explanation of Her Comments on Pride in America.
The Uncooperative Blogger: Independent Conservative Talk Radio.
Blue Star Chronicles: A Different Kind of Diplomacy for Condi Rice in Ghana.
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Posts that have trackbacked to this post:

Bush to continue aid for Liberians

Today President Bush was in Liberia being welcomed by many happy people who were grateful for the aid and the USA has given in restoring their war-torn country. The UN Peacekeepers are there on the request of the USA in the year 2003 when we chased Charles Taylor out of Liberia. He is now standing trial for war crimes at the Hague for the crimes he committed against Sierra Leone and Liberia. Here is an article from CNN:
Bush vows to help war-crippled Liberia rebound.

MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) -- President Bush, cheering Liberians to rebound from a 14-year civil war that left their nation in ruins, said Thursday that the U.S. will keep lending a hand to make Liberia a symbol of liberty for Africa and the world.

"You know one thing I've learned, and I suspect the people of Liberia have learned is, it's easier to tear a country down than it is to rebuild a country," Bush said on the final stop of his five-nation tour of Africa. "And the people of this good country must understand the United States will stand with you as you rebuild your country."

Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, is in depressingly poor shape following the years of civil strife that ended in 2003. Many rotted houses look like they're held together by sheer will. Billboards warn against mob violence, rape, corruption and AIDS.

Even in the darkest moments of the conflict, Bush said, Liberians never gave up on their dream that their nation would again become the "land of the free."

Bush praised Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman ever elected to lead on the continent of Africa, and said he's proud of the work that the United States and Liberia are doing to improve education, battle disease and heal the wounds of war.

"You are making progress and it's possible because of the iron will of the lady you lovingly refer to as 'Ma,"' Bush said. "That would be you, Madame President. I appreciate the fact you've ushered in an age of reform, and you've opened up a new chapter in the relationship between our countries."

Sirleaf noted that never before in the history of U.S.-Liberia relations have the presidents of both nations met four times in the space of four years. She called the civil war a time when "the forces of evil hijacked the Liberian state."

"We thank God that the guns of war are silent, our reconciliation process is under way, our people are beginning to sleep more soundly at night, our children are smiling again and Liberians at home and abroad are reclaiming pride and national identity," she said.

Sirleaf urged continued U.S. financial support of U.N. peacekeepers deployed in her nation.

"We understand the need, Mr. President, for reducing the need for a peacekeeping force, but please do not do so sharply as to affect our security until our forces are ready," she said.
Source: CNN Love in Liberia..

Hmm, sounds like the same thing the Iraqis are saying (about leaving too soon), but I digress.

President Bush has done much to help the people on the continent of Africa, and I, for one, am very proud and grateful that he has done so. Are you aware there are 32 MILLION people alive today because of President Bush? 25 million is a number heard (but I'm sorry, I don't remember what it was for), and 7 million people have been spared the long and painful death by AIDS. I would say that's a great accomplishment, but then again, why give Bush credit for anything...

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Posts I've trackbacked to at Samantha Burns' OTA: Wednesday: S. The Crazy Rantings of Samantha Burns: Thursday's OTA, Th. Diary of the Mad Pigeon.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: Woman Honor Thyself, Pirate's Cove, Outside the Beltway, Leaning Straight Up, A Newt One, Right Truth, The World According To Carl, The Random Yak, Linkfest Haven Deluxe. Gurbanov.net: Buşdan Rəqs Şou (Video of President Bush dancing in Liberia!)

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Big Dogs Weblog: Good Thing the Uneducated Troops Were There.
2. 123beta: Something New From Sam...
3. Wolf Pangloss: King George Washington: thank God it didn’t happen that way.
4. The Virtuous Republic: The New York Times: Still Not Proud of Their Country.
5. Wolf Pangloss: Support the Declaration against Genocide.
6. Right Truth: Iran Continues Nuclear Program, and more. Digg! Digg!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

News: Vets4Freedom, CentCom, Islam, Free Speech

There is much news today, while I will admit some of it is already known. This for those who may not heard it yet. There is much chatter about the Islamists, the intent of Saddam Hussein to use WMD and it being ignored, the growth of the Muslim Brotherhood in the USA, and some 'secret papers' reveal threat to London by The Saudi prince. Let's say we get started, eh?

The first thing I would like to bring to every Vets attention is this:
Vets for Freedom is gathering our nations veterans for a second "Vets on the Hill" event on April 8th. So, if you are a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, or another theatre of the Global War on Terror; sign up today to travel to Washington DC and tell Congress that support of General Petraeus and our fellow troops is a must for continued success in Iraq and Afghanistan. [Go here to sign up and find much more information.]
Please sign up and go. Even if you cannot go, at least go to this site. There is also a blog and much more news. It is a great site. Here is some information on the update of the Heroes Tour.

I am going to introduce the titles of these articles from CentCom along with a little summary. Please read them. We so rarely get good news about brave men and womens' accompliments that these articles can really bring a smile to your heart.

IRAQ.

Iraqi leaders, Coalition troops resettle families.
by Spc. Nathaniel Smith
MND-B PAO

Iraqis line up at a school in southern Baghdad's Saydiyah neighborhood, Feb. 9, to stake their legal claim to property they had previously departed because of violence. A deed or an active lease was required before people were allowed to begin moving into their homes. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Nathaniel Smith) [Read the whole article.]

{On Feb. 9, 2008, the MND-B and Iraqi Officials started helping over 200 people reclaim their property which they fled during the most violent years. Yes, they are coming home!}

Recruits graduate from Camp Fiji IP Academy.
by James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Iraqi Policemen stand in formation during their graduation ceremony Feb. 2 from the Iraqi Police Academy at Camp Fiji in Baghdad. More than 490 new policemen graduated from the academy and will soon begin patrolling the streets of Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James P. Hunter) [Read the whole article.]

{Many of these new police officers belonged to the Concerned Local Citizens. It is truly amazing the good works and the good report that is now being felt throughout Iraq. They are indeed stepping up to protect others in their community, and they do not have to wait for someone else to it for them.}

More jobs available at brick factory.
by Ray McNulty
MND-C PAO

Bricks are stacked in the kiln before being fired and glazed at the Brick Factory complex in Narhwan. (U.S. Army photo) [Read the whole article.]

{Due to the new stability in Iraq, there are several factories opening and hiring people. The stability is making it possible for the oil to flow. In return, more goods and services are able to be provided. As the need is already there, the supply shall soon be available so the economy can grow. (That is my take on this.)}

ISF, MND-B Soldiers deliver school supplies.
by Ben Washburn
4th BCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div.

Two policemen with the 1-5-2 National Police unload a chair from a truck during a school supply mission in southern Baghdad Feb. 4. (U.S. Army photo) [Read the whole article.]

{Baghdad Soldiers and Iraq Security Forces banned together to distribute school supplies such as tables, chairs, book cases, a sofa and backpacks for the children. This is awesome! Great job, guys. Keep up the good work. (While this is happening, our troops are generally in the background watching. These Iraqis seem to be getting the hang of it.)}

Large cache discovered in southern Arab Jabour.
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office.

Soldiers discovered a large cache while on patrol near Minori Village in southern Arab Jabour, Feb. 8. (U.S. Army photo) [Read the whole article.]

{A local citizen led our coalition forces to a weapons cache. Pretty hefty cache, but then again, what do I know. I thought we were at war! (sarcasm)}

Airmen deliver school supplies, soccer balls to school.
MNFI Press Desk.

Second Lt. John H. Bergmans hands an Iraqi teacher school supplies in Safwan, Iraq, Feb. 7. The donation is part of an area-wide effort near Forward Operating Base Bucca to aid the surrounding citizens in maintaining their newly returned province. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandon C. Hubbard) [Read the whole article.]

{This is another drop off of school supplies, except this time at Umm Qasr. This one had some hand-sewn bookbags and other donations by the Girl Scouts. Go Girl Scouts! This area is the 9th that has been turned over to the Iraqis in January. The Army, Air Force, and NAVY has been standing in the background to protect this young free province.}

Adwaniyah residents see brighter future.
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office.

Coalition troops and leaders of Adwaniyah, Iraq, have worked hard to establish trust and confidence within the community to improve the security and economic situation for the town. (U.S. Army photo) [Read the whole article.]

{This was a town that became engulfed by AQ-I, and they decided that this was a step backward. So they joined with the Coalition Forces, the Iraq Security Forces and the Sons of Iraq to rid their town of al Qaida in Iraq. The town is now better along with the economy, employment, and government relations.}

Al Qaida leader's diary reveals organization's decline.
by William Selby
Armed Forces Press Service.

The diary found by U.S. troops on patrol contained records about manpower, operations, weapons and finances, and also showed that al Qaida is hurting badly in the belts of Baghdad. [Read the whole article.]

{This is the doosy! The diary of the enemy. Need I say more? Okay, it belong(s?) to Abu Tariq, it is 16 pages long, and it contains information. He unfortunately is not the only high ranking AQ-I in Iraq, so we cannot let our guard down.}

Company D keeps the peace in Jisr Diyala.
by Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division PAO.

Soldiers move debris as they look for weapons caches during a search operation in Jisr Diyala, Iraq, Feb. 9. (U.S. Army photo) [Read the whole article.]

{This is an article about a nervous townspeople who they are not sure if these people are waiting for the ceasefire to end or for them to clean up their town. Either way, they continue to search for weapons caches and enemies.}

AFGHANISTAN

Afghan children begin school in Oruzgan.
Bagram Media Center.

Students at Oshay School, in the Shahidi Hasas District of Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, show off their new notebooks on the opening day of classes Feb. 10. (U.S. Army photo) [Read the whole article.]

{Some of the Soldiers wanted to show their support for the school, teachers and the 120 students by providing notebooks, pens, pencils and other school supplies. The headmaster of the school, during an assembly, told the students that they were the future of Afghanistan. He even went so far as to let them know that one day, if they studied hard and did well, they could even become president!}

ANSF, Coalition help farmers endure harsh winter.
CJTF-82 PAO.

Shib Koh District village elders allocate veterinarian supplies so all the villages in the district can care for their animals during the winter.(U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Marie Schult) [Read the whole article.]

{As we used to do here in the USA, the animals are a very important part of the Afghanistanis work. It is very important to keep them well. They are aware of this in the government and the Coalition Forces, so they started a process to protect those who are in the western part of Afghanistan which are very difficult for them to travel during the harsh winters.}

ANA receive hands-on medical training in Farah.
CJTF-82 PAO.

An Afghan National Army medic examines the ears of a baby girl brought into a clinic near the Farah fire base for an ear infection, Jan. 8. (U.S. Army Photo) [Read the whole article.]

{The Afghan National Army and Coalition Forces medics worked together as a means of training the ANA medics to help them to be able to help their fellow soldiers and the Afghanistan citizens.}

HORN OF AFRICA.

CJTF-HOA welcomes new commander.
by Sgt. Charles Siler
CJTF-HOA.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines stand at parade rest during the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa change of command ceremony held at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Feb. 8. Rear Adm. Philip H. Green Jr. took over as the new commander of CJTF-HOA during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Jeremy Lock)

Rear Adm. Phillip Greene, commander, CJTF-HOA, assumed command of the task force from Rear Adm. James Hart, who will be retiring from military service and taking a Senior Executive Service position within U.S. Africa Command. [Read the whole article.]

{Congratulations men, and may many blessings be yours.}

USA.

Third Army now U.S. Army Central.
U.S. Army Central Public Affairs.

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2008) — Since the end of World War I, nearly 90 years ago, the circled A shoulder patch has been associated with Third Army. The proud heritage of the famous unit continues on today, but under a new name and with an expanded role for the 21st century.

No longer designated as Third Army, the unit nicknamed "Patton’s Own" is now U.S. Army Central, or USARCENT.

Although the Third Army name has passed into the rolls of history, USARCENT commander Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace expressed satisfaction that its lineage and honors would continue under the USARCENT banner. [Read the whole article.]

{This is a very moving article. You would be better off reading it than my description of it. (Actually, I just want you to read it. lol)}

{Next we delve into the dealings of the Muslim Brotherhood in America with Douglas Farah. The title of his article is, "The Muslim Brotherhood in America Defined as "Threat Organization" in DOD Memo", and this will give you some background. This is as up to date as I have any links to (as of today). It is important to know this. It will be brought up time and again once you are aware it is out there. It's good to know what is ACTUALLY happening.}

{Here is another piece of information for you. ACT! for America has sent out a warning about this site: Revolution Muslim. This site was on a flyer being passed out IN NEW YORK CITY! Please, be prepared. Do not sleep like so many other fools are doing. We must be ready to face and fight our enemies, even on our home land.}

{Here is a very interesting article about CAIR. I wonder why the Democrats are still in their pocket, or is it the other way around? Hmm. This information is from IBDEditorials.com}:

Devil May CAIR.
By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Friday, February 08, 2008 4:20 PM PT

Homeland Security: In a new court filing, federal prosecutors describe the Council on American-Islamic Relations as a supporter of terrorists. So why are Democrats still supporting the organization? [Read the whole article.]

{Hmm. Quite interesting indeed.}

{Next we have an article by Ron Kessler about Media Ignore Saddam's WMD Intent.}

When FBI agent George Piro recently described debriefing Saddam Hussein for seven months after his capture, he disclosed that the Iraqi dictator admitted his intention to re-start his weapons of mass destruction program within a year.

That plan included developing nuclear weapons capability, according to Saddam.

The revelation should have hit Page One of every newspaper.

It would have further justified President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq, a key issue in the coming presidential election. But many in the mainstream media could not bear to hear that Bush may have done something right.

When Piro’s interview came out in my book, "The Terrorist Watch: Inside the Desperate Race to Stop the Next Attack," NBC Nightly News, Fox News, and Newsmax ran the news of Saddam’s admission, but few newspapers published a story. [Editor's Note: Get Ron Kessler's book FREE — go here now.]

CNN ran a story on the debriefing of Saddam but made no mention of Saddam’s plans to resume his weapons of mass destruction program, including developing nuclear capability. Instead, CNN said that what Saddam told Piro “throws more cold water on the justification for war” because Saddam admitted he was bluffing about having weapons of mass destruction. [Continue reading.]

{Anyone want to make a guess as to whose side of this war CNN is on? I didn't think so.}

{This next article is from a Muslim who has been working tirelessly to warn of political Islam. He is a Muslim, and he is Chairman of the site, 'American Islamic Forum for Democracy'}:

AIFD Chairman, M. Zuhdi Jasser, visited the Netherlands from December 12-16, 2007 in a visit organized by the U.S. Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Embassy of the United States in the Netherlands reports: Dr. Jasser met with Dutch audiences to speak about Islam, citizenship, and democracy and to discuss the threat of political Islam. His interview with the Dutch Muslim Broadcaster NMO was broadcast Sunday, February 10, 2008.

The interview with Dr Jasser is available on the NMO website at the this link.

The interview on NMO Dutch Muslim Broadcasting which aired on February 10, 2008 is also available at these links: Part 1 and Part 2.

AIFD welcomed the opportunity to bring a pro-liberty, pro-religious freedom, and anti-Islamist message about the threat of political Islam to Muslim and non-Muslim audiences in the Netherlands.

{His site has many links to some very good articles. Go check it out.}

{Try reading this without having your blood boil over, "BAE: secret papers reveal threats from Saudi prince." Here's a little peek into this article}:

Saudi Arabia's rulers threatened to make it easier for terrorists to attack London unless corruption investigations into their arms deals were halted, according to court documents revealed yesterday.

Previously secret files describe how investigators were told they faced "another 7/7" and the loss of "British lives on British streets" if they pressed on with their inquiries and the Saudis carried out their threat to cut off intelligence.

Prince Bandar, the head of the Saudi national security council, and son of the crown prince, was alleged in court to be the man behind the threats to hold back information about suicide bombers and terrorists. He faces accusations that he himself took more than £1bn in secret payments from the arms company BAE. [Continue reading.]

{President Bush, I don't give a damn who you think you are, this scorge of the earth is NOT to step one foot in America ever again!}

{Daniel Pipes has written another remarkable article which we should all read.}

Westerners must mount a united front against Islamic law.

Westerners opposed to the application of the Islamic law (the Shari'a) watch with dismay as it goes from strength to strength in their countries — harems increasingly accepted, a church leader endorsing Islamic law, a judge referring to the Koran, clandestine Muslim courts meting out justice. What can be done to stop the progress of this medieval legal system so deeply at odds with modern life, one that oppresses women and turns non-Muslims into second-class citizens? [Continue reading to find the solution.]

{It can be done, and we must do it. There is still time. Put on your armor of God, pray, and pass the ammo...}

{Oh, this is beautiful. I just wish they would do their homework FIRST.}

Embattled Muslim aide to leave Pentagon job.
Hesham Islam's 'resume didn't add up,' official says.

In a stunning turn of events, a high-level Muslim military aide blamed for costing an intelligence contractor his job will step down from his own Pentagon post, WND has learned.

Meanwhile, his rival, Maj. Stephen Coughlin, a leading authority on Islamic war doctrine, may stay in the Pentagon, moving from the office of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the office of the secretary of defense. However, sources say a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey is trying to block his new contract.

The top Pentagon aide, Egyptian-born Hesham H. Islam, came under a cloud of suspicion after reports raised doubt about his resume and contacts he had made with radical Muslims. He is expected to leave the government next month, officials say. [Continue reading.]

{Finally, something I can laugh about. LOL. In your rotten egyptian face!}

Well, it appears I've cleared my inbox on these issues. Whew! I hope this isn't too much, but it is all good to know. Have fun! ;) }

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Posts I've trackbacked to at Samantha Burns' OTA: S. The Crazy Rantings of Samantha Burns: Wednesday's OTA, W. third world county (W, F.), W. Gribbit's Word (W, S.), W. Stop The ACLU (W, S.), W. Stuck On Stupid, W. Right Truth, W. Chaotic Synaptic Activity, W. The Pink Flamingo, W. Pet's Garden Blog (W, F), Thursday: Th. Diary of the Mad Pigeon.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: Random Yak, A Newt One, Outside the Beltway, Dumb Ox Daily News, Right Voices, Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

1. Wolf Pangloss: It’s a Hit: Navy Hits Spy Satellite on first try; China whines.
2. Right Truth: Consequences of Kosovo Independence on Americans and Non-Muslims.
3. Potbelly Stove: The NYT rides again... Digg! Digg!