Sacred Matrimony is Between One Man and One Woman

It seems as though it doesn't take much to anger this gentle soul anymore. With the homosexual society always in our faces trying to push their agenda on us and claiming it is the opposite, I've had it. There is no reason to speak with them because they are unreasable (I know not most of them!).

I do not bother anyone for what or who they are. I never have. When you cross the line and tell me that I have to accept your behavior or else, that's where we cannot go. This is America. Matrimony has been the rule for millennia, and you are not going to change it now.

In the first place, this is the first step in the destruction of a whole society. Don't believe me? Look at Rome! Many empires, countries, etc have fallen eventually due the fact that there were no more children. No children, no legacy; no legacy, no future.

That is, however, not the reason I bring this to your attention. They are at it again (still) in Washington, just as they are here in California. Please read below to see how 'nice' some of these homosexuals truly are.

Protect Marriage Washington Files Supreme Court Brief to Protect Privacy of Petition Signers.

Protect Marriage Washington filed its opening brief today in the United States Supreme Court case of Doe #1 v. Reed. Protect Marriage Washington sponsored a referendum in Washington and is asking the Supreme Court to prevent the state from releasing the names, addresses, and other personal information of more than 138,000 individuals that signed the petition.

The effort to place the names of the petition signers on the internet is the latest example of the campaign to harass and intimidate anyone supporting traditional marriage by making personal information available on the internet. Their efforts have resulted in death threats, physical violence, and property damage directed at individuals supporting a traditional definition of marriage.

James Bopp, Jr., lead counsel for Protect Marriage Washington, stated that “Public disclosure laws have been used to harass and intimidate voters. The First Amendment protects citizens engaged in political speech from being forced to reveal their identity to ensure that intimidation does not makes its way into the campaign toolbox. No one should have to endure death threats in order to stand up for what they believe in.”

On September 10, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued an order preventing the release of the names of the petition signers. On October 15, 2009, the Ninth Circuit issued a single page order allowing the release of the names. On October 20, 2009, the Supreme Court issued an emergency order preventing the release of the names until the appeal is decided.

The case is Doe #1 v. Reed. It will be argued before the United States Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Protect Marriage Washington’s opening brief, along with the prior orders in the case, are available on the website of the James Madison Center for Free Speech, under the “Washington Referendum 71 Petition Suit” heading.

James Bopp, Jr. has a national federal and state election law practice. He is General Counsel for the James Madison Center for Free Speech and former Co-Chairman of the Election Law Subcommittee of the Federalist Society.

It is indefensible to me that someone would send a death threat for ALLOWING YOU TO LIVE YOUR LIFE, yet that's not good enough for you. I know for a fact that isn't everyone. I am angry over this. Take that whichever way you want. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Then again, you have forgotten what shame is a long time ago, eh? Yeah, I said it, I meant it, and I'm here to represent it. Now what?

Some people you just shouldn't ever make angry. Especially sweet little ladies. It isn't nice. Have a day.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

U.S. looks forward to further progress on Coalition Support Fund payments

U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (Feb. 26, 2010) – U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson today said that the United States looks forward to working closely with the Government of Pakistan to reconcile its outstanding claims for 2009 Coalition Support Funds (CSF). She noted that just this week the United States made a payment of $349 million to Pakistan for all validated claims from 2008.

The Coalition Support Fund was established by the United States in 2001 to support allies for some of the legitimate costs they incur in the fight against extremist violence. Payments to Pakistan slowed recently because of the inability of Embassy personnel who process the payments to obtain Pakistani visas and/or visa extensions.

“Prime Minister Gilani’s offer to work with the United States to establish a transparent process on visas that will enable us to undertake the full range of activities to support our strong bilateral relationship including reimbursing legitimate and verifiable claims was a positive development,” Ambassador Patterson said. “We look forward to the creation of a visa mechanism that will enable U.S. officials to do our jobs without interference.”

Source: US CENTCOM.

Founders' Daily Quote(s): 2/22-26/10

Monday, February 22, 2010.
"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform dignified, and commanding; his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting; correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private charter gave effulgence to his public virtues." --John Marshall, official eulogy of George Washington, delivered by Richard Henry Lee, 1799

I can only marvel at such a life well lived.

Tue. 2/23.
"Measures which serve to abridge the free competition of foreign Articles, have a tendency to occasion an enhancement of prices." --Alexander Hamilton, Report on Manufactures, 1791

Wed. 2/24.
"Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state." --Alexander Hamilton, Report on a National Bank, 1790

Thu. 2/25.
"War is not the best engine for us to resort to; nature has given us one in our commerce, which if properly managed, will be a better instrument for obliging the interested nations of Europe to treat us with justice." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Pickney, 1797

Fri. 2/26.
"Every new regulation concerning commerce or revenue; or in any manner affecting the value of the different species of property, presents a new harvest to those who watch the change and can trace its consequences; a harvest reared not by themselves but by the toils and cares of the great body of their fellow citizens. This is a state of things in which it may be said with some truth that laws are made for the few not for the many." --Federalist No. 62

AMEN.

Here is our weekly essay by Mark Alexander: The First Statement of Conservative Principles.

Source: Patriot Post.us.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Russell Opposes Shanksville Terror Trials

I am a member of the Russell Brigade, and I want to bring this to your attention. If you live in a small town, speak to your councilmember, assemblymember, state senator, congressmember, and both senators and let them know how gravely important is it to you that they do not consider your town.

For those of us who live in bigger cities, we are not free from this. We should also get on the phones and make our voices heard. This is a terrible idea.

Have you ever heard of a prison break? That could be when a prisoner goes to court and has his buddies outside waiting for him to enter the building. Do YOU want KSM wondering the streets of YOUR town? I know I do not.

Please read what Republican candidate for PA-12th district is proposing.

9-11 Survivor Calls on A-G to Give KSM Case to Military Tribunal

(JOHNSTOWN, PA) – Recent news reports have indicated that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is looking for a location less populated than New York City to conduct the civilian trial for 9-11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. One of the locations reportedly under consideration is Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Russell, Republican candidate for the nomination for Representative in the 12th PA Congressional district announced today that he is adamantly opposed to holding a civilian trial for KSM in the 12th district including Shanksville.

“As a survivor of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11th, 2001, I have personally seen the death and destruction brought on American soil by these evil members of Al Qaeda,” said Russell. “On that fateful day, my wife and young son were also at the Pentagon. I know what it is like to wonder if your family has survived an attack and I do not want any family in America to have to experience that, ever! As a former member of the military, and now as a resident running to be a member of Congress, it is my duty to protect and defend the citizens of this country and especially the 12th district of Pennsylvania.”

Russell also believes that the trial for KSM should not be held in a civilian court, but in a court of military justice. “Every man and woman serving in every branch of the service receives justice in the form of a military tribunal or Court of Military Justice,” said Russell. “Why would our President and Attorney General say it’s good enough for members of the American military but not good enough for terrorists? It’s an insult to brave American who has worn the uniform.”

Russell concluded, “I will do everything in my power to keep the residents of this area from the possibility of living with a target on their backs and to insist that Washington move the trial back to the Courts of Military Justice where it properly belongs.”

More information is available at www.russellbrigade.com.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Video Potpourri 2/24/10

Here's today's videos. Enjoy!

New Videos from machosauceproduction.

Pillars.

New Videos from JasonChaffetz.

Fox Interview at CPAC 2/20/2010.

2-23-10 Chaffetz on CNBC about Toyota Hearing.

New Videos from citizenpower2010.

Steven Greenhut Speaks to the Lincoln Club.

Follow the Money - UnplugThePoliticalMachine.org.

Petition Training - Citizen Power Campaign.

New Videos from ryanpdixon.

Congressman Laughs at Pledge of Allegiance at Immigration Rally.

Harry Reid Says Democrats Are Pro-Domestic Violence.

Andrew Breitbart DESTROYS at CPAC 10.

New Videos from unclejimbomadcity.

In the Crosshairs- Afghanistan Rules of Engagement.

Freefly- Welcome Home Kev.

In the Crosshairs- Congress Ain't Broke.

New Videos from ReasonTV.

Pot Wars: Battlefield California.

Net Neutrality for Dummies: Will the FCC control the Internet?

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Petraeus visits Pakistan

US Embassy - Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, (Feb. 24, 2010) - U.S. Central Command commander Gen. David Petraeus visited Pakistan, Feb. 22-24, to consult with Pakistan leaders and U.S. Embassy officials here.

While in Pakistan, Gen. Petraeus met with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari; Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani; Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Army Staff; and several other senior Pakistani government officials. He also visited the Pakistan Military Academy in the North-West Frontier Province near Abbottabad and addressed students there.

During his meetings, Gen. Petraeus briefed the Pakistani leadership on the progress being made by the Afghan, US and international forces in the battle against extremism in Afghanistan. He promised continued support for the Pakistan military as it combats violent extremists in Pakistan and anticipated that vigorous progress by Pakistani security forces in the coming months will lead to major improvements in conditions in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Gen. Petraeus praised Pakistan's efforts to confront violent extremists and honored the sacrifices being made every day by the Pakistan military, government and people in their fight to restore peace and stability. He was impressed by the progress Pakistan's security forces have made throughout the country in places like South Waziristan and Swat to defeat anti-government militants who threaten Pakistan's way of life. He reinforced the United States' long-term commitment to Pakistan and expressed his appreciation for the leadership role Pakistan continues to provide in achieving the mutual goals of a peaceful and secure South Asia region.

Gen. Petraeus has visited Pakistan five times during the last twelve months to consult with Pakistan's leaders on the current U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and other regional security issues.

PHOTO 1: Gen. Petraeus shakes hands with officer training instructors at the Pakistani Military Academy, Feb 24, in Kakul near Abbottabad in the Northwest Frontier of Province, Pakistan.

PHOTO 2: Gen. Petraeus meets with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff, General Ashvaq Parvez Kayani, Feb 24th, in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Source: CENTCOM.

Free Speech RULES!

Great news for those people who own a corporation. Today a lower court ruled that corporations have rights as well as other citizens. Check it out.

Federal Court Extends Citizens United; Enjoins San Diego Law Banning Corporate Contributions to Independent Expenditure Committees

A federal district court today extended the principle of the recent Supreme Court case, Citizens United, to enjoin a law barring corporations from making contributions to independent expenditure committees. The court had earlier ruled that contributions to IE PACs may be unlimited.

Citizens United said that corporations have a First Amendment right to make independent expenditures. Today’s order uses that decision to allow corporations and other organizations to pool their resources with other people’s to make independent expenditures. Individuals and organizations are now free to contribute unlimited amounts for independent expenditures in San Diego, thereby exercising their First Amendment rights to the fullest.

James Bopp, Jr., lead counsel for the plaintiffs, said, “Today’s ruling reaffirms what the Supreme Court said in Citizens United: When it comes to political speech, the government must treat all speakers the same. It cannot discriminate based on the identity of the speaker, or because it doesn’t like a speaker, or doesn’t like the speaker’s message.” Mr. Bopp added that he believes this is the first decision to extend Citizens United’s ruling to allow corporations to contribute to independent expenditure committees.

The court had issued an order on February 16 partially granting the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. That order enjoined enforcement of laws that prevented (1) candidates from spending their own money more than a year in advance of the election; (2) political parties from contributing to their candidates; and (3) committees from using contributions greater than $500 for their independent expenditures. It was unclear to the parties, however, whether the Court also meant to enjoin the law that prevented corporations from contributing to independent expenditure committees. The court issued this order today to make its position clear.

The case is Thalheimer v. San Diego, No. 09-CV-2862 (S.D. Cal.).

James Bopp, Jr. has a national federal and state election law practice. He is an attorney with Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom and General Counsel for the James Madison Center for Free Speech. He is also a former Co-Chairman of the Election Law Subcommittee of the Federalist Society.

Hat tip: James Bopp Jr.

Republicans, I must warn you not to be so happy about this. While it is good news for the rights of all citizens and they are getting back to the First Amendment, that does not mean they want to give their money to you! (Us.) All in all, I'd rather people have their rights than benefit us. That is my personal belief. However I certainly wouldn't complain if they set up a Friends of Rosemary Welch PAC! ;)

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Friendly Hello

My most recent post over at Rosemary Welch for Congress 2010:

Hello. I've been busy trying to get a campaign manager, getting to know some people in the Republican party, trying to find NAACP (I missed the meeting because I couldn't find them), had a Tea Party, and a few other things I can't recall.

PLEASE HELP ME TO HELP US!

I do not have a lot of money, because I do not know (like) how to ask strangers for money. I remember when I was homeless over 22 years ago, I still could not ask people for money. Not even when I went for a week for without eating. However, I think I remember I had no shame asking for a drink...maybe that's why. I was ashamed then, so maybe I am ashamed now? Associated thoughts? Hmm.

Anyway, please help me by either contributing or finding a campaign manager who is good at this. (And is willing to work pro bono for a while.) Where did my savings go? Filing fees, cabs, DBA (doing business as), publishing, website (under construction), etc. This is expensive!

Well, not if you're an incumbent. I found out that the state is more friendly to those who already hold office. What the...? Does this mean we start off behind the starting gate? Yes, it does. Why do you think they ask your name and email address?! Oh well.

We can still show them in it not about the money when you are right. STOP SPENDING OUR MONEY. Period. Thanks.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Odierno: Iraq can help stabilize Middle East

by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Feb. 23, 2010) – Iraq presents a solid opportunity to help in stabilizing the Middle East, the commander of forces in that country said here Monday.

"We have an opportunity that we might never have again," Army Gen. Ray Odierno said during a Pentagon news conference. "We have the opportunity – potentially – to have a moderate democratic government in the Middle East."

The general said he's worried that once United States service members leave Iraq at the end of 2011, Americans will forget about Iraq. The U.S. must remain engaged with the Iraqi government as an equal, the general said.

"That's going to take commitment beyond military commitment," Odierno said, adding that the U.S. government needs to engage with Iraq economically, diplomatically and governmentally and continue a certain amount of security cooperation.

The Iraqi national election slated for March 7 is a watershed for the country, Odierno said. Iraqi Security Forces are in the lead in providing election security, and American forces are standing by to provide support if called upon, he noted.

The general acknowledged some worries. A large Sunni political party has threatened to boycott the election. Al-Qaeda in Iraq may launch attacks, and political violence leading up to the elections is possible. But, so far it is going well, the general said, knocking on the wood of the lectern. "But we still have two more weeks," he added.

A total of 6,242 candidates are seeking 325 seats up for election. "We still have a broad-based group there running for elections inside of Iraq," Odierno said.

About 96,000 American service members are in Iraq now, Odierno said, a number that will decrease to 50,000 by September. The general said he can speed up or slow down that withdrawal as conditions on the ground dictate.

"I have contingency plans, and I've ... briefed the chain of command this week that we could execute [the plans] if we run into problems, if it goes the way we think, or if it just is a little bit different than the way we think," he said. "And we're prepared to execute those."

Odierno said he is concerned about Iran and Iranian influence in Iraq. "What we're trying to do is to make sure the Iraqis get to choose who leads Iraq, and that we don't have such external interference that the Iraqis don't get the chance to choose who their leadership is and who they want to bring them into the future," he said.

Iran continues to support surrogates inside Iraq who continue to attack U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces. "And they continue to have significant diplomatic activity inside of Iraq on many different levels," the general said.

American service members in Iraq have good attitudes about their missions, Odierno told reporters.

"What's really heartening – especially from the noncommissioned officers and the officers, who most are on their second, third, fourth, fifth rotation – is they are seeing the progress," he said.

The general noted he visits battalions and brigades throughout Iraq, and added that he asks the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines what they think and what they are seeing.

"And to a man, they all say that it's really incredible to them how far they've come from just two years ago, and what they're seeing on the ground, the fact they're seeing growth in these Iraqi towns; the fact they're seeing some development, the advancements they've seen in the Iraqi Security Forces and their ability to do operations," he said.

The troops are heartened by their observations, and they see the elections as another important milestone, the general said.

"I think morale is pretty good in Iraq," he added. "They feel good about it."

PHOTO: Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of U.S. Forces-Iraq, holds a news briefing at the Pentagon Feb. 22 to inform reporters of the current overall situation in Iraq two weeks before general elections.

Source: CENTCOM.

Optimism grows among villagers as Moshtarak continues

ISAF Public Information Office.

KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 22, 2010) — Clearance operations continue to make progress and the operation is firmly on track. In Nad-e Ali, the combined force encountered limited small arms engagements throughout the area.

On the west side of the city, shuras continue to determine which compounds can be used as patrol bases. Engineers continue upgrading roads in order to enable the effective delivery of stabilization supplies. Patrols in the eastern portion of the operating area continue to enable freedom of movement on local roads.

Cautious optimism is growing in Nad-e Ali as early signs indicate a return to normality. The 2,000 people that have registered for the cash for work program are working on initiatives including bazaar clean-up, canal repairs and community refurbishment projects.

Determined resistance from small pockets of insurgents continues in Marjah. The combined force's main effort continues to be clearing IEDs and bunkers throughout the area. These clearing operations have enabled the opening of several roads in Marjah.The development situation in Marjah is progressing slowly due to ongoing resistance by the insurgents. There has been an increase in displaced persons with 542 families registering yesterday. The local government has provided assistance and relief to approximately 1,430 people. Out of all those registered, five families have requested shelter since the clearing operation began. RC-S is looking at ways to facilitate the delivery of aid to address UN concerns of a lack of food and water in Marjah. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team, Manoeuvre Enhancement Brigade and others are working together to establish how further assistance can be delivered within Marjah.

The goal of Operation Moshtarak - a Dari word for "together" - is for the combined force (ANA, ANP, ISAF and the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team) to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in asserting its authority in central Helmand, thereby demonstrating the Afghan government's commitment to the people living there.

The operation is being conducted at the request of the Afghan government and the governor of Helmand. The security forces involved are serving side-by-side, representing partnership in strength.

PHOTO: Afghan and British soldiers conduct a town meeting with village elders in Badula Qulp, Helmand Province, Afghanistan...

Source: CENTCOM feed.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Petraeus: New Afghan campaign will be tough

by Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Feb. 22, 2010) – With U.S. forces entering the second week of a 12- to 18-month campaign in Afghanistan, the general in charge of U.S. forces in the region acknowledged yesterday that the way ahead will be tough.

“I have repeatedly said that these types of efforts are hard, and they’re hard all the time,” Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Likening operations in Afghanistan to the surge in Iraq, the general pointed out that when U.S. forces go on the offensive to take away Taliban safe havens, they will see definite resistance.

Petraeus said the past year has been spent putting things in place for a “comprehensive civil military campaign,” putting in the best leaders, helping to develop concepts, giving counterinsurgency guidance and starting to filter an additional 30,000 forces into the country.

“So the inputs we think now are about right, and now we’re starting to see the first of the output, and the Marja operation is the initial salvo, the initial operation in that overall campaign,” he said.

Early results have included taking down high-value targets, such as Taliban shadow governors, Petraeus said.

“We are there for a very, very important reason and we can’t forget that,” Petraeus emphasized. “We are in Afghanistan to ensure that it cannot once again be a sanctuary for the kind of attacks that were carried out on 9/11, which were planned initially in Kandahar, first training done in eastern Afghanistan before the attackers moved to Hamburg and then on to U.S. flight schools.”

When asked if al-Qaida still poses a threat to the United States, Petraeus pointed out that the terrorist organization is a “flexible, adaptable” enemy whose threat, although diminished within the 20 countries making up the Central Command area, is one that requires constant vigilance.

“It is a network, and it takes a network to keep the pressure on a network, and that is, indeed, what we are endeavoring to do,” Petraeus said.

Although he wouldn’t get into the details on the intelligence operations surrounding the recent capture of Afghanistan’s No. 2 Taliban commander, Abdul Baradar, Petraeus said Pakistan leaders have done “very impressive” work over the past several months leading up to this event.

“They saw this as the most pressing existential threat to their country, and they supported the Pakistan army and frontier corps as it went into Swat in the Malikan division of the northwest frontier province, and then expanded this operation in to the federally administered tribal areas,” Petraeus said. “They know they can’t just clear and leave. They have to clear, hold, build and, over time, transition to the local security forces. That’s indeed, what they are endeavoring to do. They are carrying out this fight.”

On the topic of potentially revising the law that prohibits homosexuals from serving openly in the military, Petraeus said he’s sure there’s a very sound and good process at work on that issue.

During Feb. 2 testimony before the Senate, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced the creation of a review to be headed by Army Gen. Carter F. Ham and the Defense Department’s general counsel, Jeh C. Johnson.

“It will provide a rigorous analysis of the views of the force on the possible change,” Petraeus said. “It will suggest the policies that could be used to implement a change, if it does come to that, so that it could be as uneventful as it was, say, in the U.K. or the Israeli militaries or, indeed, in our own CIA and FBI.”

The general said that he’ll be ready to provide his input on the topic when he testifies before Congress with other combatant commanders in a few weeks.

“I think that it’s very important that these issues be handled and discussed and addressed by this review that will be so important in forming decisions as we move forward,” Petraeus said. “I think it is hugely important that we have the answers from the questions that they’ll be asking in a very methodical way – something we’ve not done before because of the emotion and the sensitivity of this issue.”

PHOTO: Army 2nd Lt. Jesse Underwood engages enemy forces during Operation Moshtarak in Badula Qulp, Afghanistan.

Source: US CENTCOM.

Michael Yon News

I have just received this email from Michael Yon who is in Afghanistan reporting on those things the media finds too boring or not important. He goes right into the battlefield, as he is there now. Here are some of his posts.

Whispers. 2/22/2010.

(The death of) Adam Ray. 2/18/2010.

Patterns. 2/15/2010.

Valentine's Day Weekend, Afghanistan. 2/14/2010.

SEVEN. 2/10/2010.

You can also learn more just by joining Michael on FaceBook. I am a fan. If you enjoy his work, please become a fan. Also, Michael has not received as much support (yes, money) as he did in Iraq. Can we please send him a few dollars? I want to help to keep him a private journalist so that he can feel free to tell it is, not the way some boss wants it to be. Thanks.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Legacy of Partnership

Written by United States Forces - Iraq
Friday, February 19, 2010 13:59.

Today's U.S. military officers, NCOs and Soldiers fulfill front-line, nonstandard roles by negotiating with tribal leaders, training Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and assisting Provincial Reconstruction Teams as they build essential services for the Iraqi people. These Soldiers may be the only contact with Americans Iraqis will ever have. Therefore, each U.S. Soldier has a role in America's enduring partnership in Iraq. This USF-I video explains our change in mission in Iraq now that Iraqis are in the lead.

In case the video does not work properly, here is the YouTube link.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Founders' Daily Quote(s): 2/15-19/10

Monday, February 15, 2010.
"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual -- or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country." --Samuel Adams, in the Boston Gazette, 1781

Tue. 2/16.
"The citizens of the United States of America have the right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were by the indulgence of one class of citizens that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support." --George Washington, letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, 1790

Wed. 2/17.
"No nation was ever ruined by trade, even seemingly the most disadvantageous." --Benjamin Franklin and George Whaley, Principles of Trade, 1774

Thu. 2/18.
"I think all the world would gain by setting commerce at perfect liberty." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Adams, 1785

Fri. 2/19.
"Harmony, liberal intercourse with all Nations, are recommended by policy, humanity and interest. But even our Commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of Commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing with Powers so disposed; in order to give trade a stable course." --George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796

Essay by Mr. Alexander.

I have been on military bases across the nation, and without fail I am most impressed by the young uniformed Patriots who are the foundation of our military might. Simply put, their dedication, talent and spirit are second to none.

In a nation where most young people are devoted, first and foremost, to themselves, our young airmen, sailors, soldiers, coast guardsmen and Marines serve a much higher calling, true to their oaths to "support and defend1 the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." If only their civilian political leaders were true to the same. [Continue reading]

Source: Patriot Post.us.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

U.S. supports FATA road building in Pakistan

US Embassy - Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (February 18, 2010) — The United States is financing the construction of the important Tank - Makeen road through the FATA Secretariat under the December 31, 2009 Implementation letter pledging USAID infrastructure support in South Waziristan.

When complete, it will provide lifelines for development activities and commerce for people living in the FATA.

The Tank - Makeen road is being constructed under the supervision of the FATA Secretariat by the Frontier Works Organization. Work began on February 1.

"The U.S. is working with the many elements of the Pakistan Government to deliver much needed infrastructure and services to the people in the FATA," said Ambassador Robin Raphel, Coordinator for Economic and Development Assistance, "We want to move quickly, so people can use the road for transportation and much needed commerce."

The United States is the largest foreign humanitarian assistance contributor in the FATA, having pledged Rs. 63.75 billion ($750 million) over five years to support infrastructure, health, education, job creation, and other important initiatives. The U.S. is also providing training, commodities, and infrastructure to support border security, civilian law enforcement, and counternarcotics projects in the FATA.

Source: US CENTCOM.

White House: Capture of Taliban No. 2 leader a 'significant win'

by John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Feb. 18, 2010) – The recent capture of the Afghan Taliban’s No. 2 leader and top operational commander represents a “significant win,” a White House official said.

U.S. officials have said little in public on the capture in Pakistan of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the Taliban’s second-in-command to Mohammad Omar -- but White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs yesterday called it “a significant win.”

“Obviously, this was the number-two Afghan Taliban -- the operational chief -- and it's a big success for our mutual efforts in the region,” Gibbs told White House reporters.

The Pakistani government has confirmed that Baradar is in custody after Pakistani officials apprehended him reportedly in conjunction with the CIA, said Gibbs, who declined to disclose any information gleaned from the Taliban commander’s interrogation.

American officials reportedly have described Baradar as the most significant Taliban figure to be detained since the American-led war in Afghanistan started more than eight years ago.

Speaking in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday expressed appreciation for the increasing cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

“It is something that I personally believe is in the best interest of both of our countries,” she said of Pakistan’s support.

News of the apprehension comes as NATO and Afghan forces wage an assault against Taliban fighters ostensibly under Baradar’s command in southern Afghanistan. Officials said the offensive on a Taliban stronghold in central Helmand province has yielded both early progress and stiff resistance in the area of Marja.

Some 15,000 NATO and Afghan forces are engaged in Operation Moshtarak, which in Pashto and Dari means “Operation Together,” including 8,000 to 10,000 ground troops. Six allied troops have died since fighting began on Feb. 13, including four American forces, officials said.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters today that simultaneous operations on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistani border are causing the Taliban to be “squeezed.”

“Our hope is clearly that this is creating a certain amount of discontent, worry, turmoil within the organization,” Morrell said, “so that Taliban fighters are going to think twice about remaining loyal to this cause and that this will ultimately adversely impact the momentum that they have enjoyed over the past several months.”

Source: CENTCOM.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

A Tired American

My friend has sent me a link to this great video, and I would like to share it with you. It is about a man who is sick and tired of the people who blame this great country without recourse as if there was nothing to admire, hold up for praise, honor, and glory. Why don't you watch this video called "I Am A Tired American" and then we'll talk.

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In case there is a problem with this video, you may watch it at NMA TV.

I understand this man's frustration. There are so many contributions that Americans, whether red, yellow, black or white (or brown), through their talents and sacrifices they have made to help create the most wonderful country in the world...ever.

When people speak of American, some people will say bad things about her. Then ask them would they rather live where they are or in America? Hands-down, they majority will say America! The people who live here now that would say otherwise, I truly do not understand.

Could it be our educational system? After 9/11/2001, many teachers were found to have said negative things about America. While we were all in shock, while we all came together for the first time in too long of a time, they were comparing us with these monsters! This is inexcusable to me.

I understand differing opinions. It wouldn't America without them. Gosh, it wouldn't be a family without them! How do you like having family get togethers for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanakkah, or the Super Bowl? (I know that isn't a holiday, but please forgive me. I'm going through withdrawals untl next August. *heh*)

So you see, no one agrees with anyone all the time. Wouldn't that be boring? Who would challenge you on what you think or believe to help you better defend it or change your mind? This is the fun part of learning. One of them, anyway.

But why do some people hate us? Because there is something wrong with THEM, not us. Remember this the next time someone tells you America sucks. If it were not for America, if America had never been, think of how many wars would have turned out the other way? WWI and WWII? Would the European continent be speaking French or German? Would there be peace in the world or more wars?

Sometimes we have to fight wars to prevent the spread of evil peoples' ideas and ideologies. We are called upon time and again to aid the poor countries. Countries that could prosper if their dictators would disappear and allow the common people to rule. Corruption is the destruction is the rule in many countries. Yet we are blamed for this. HUH? Then let them eat cake...but we cannot do that. We care too much about people.

Now am I speaking about the government or the citizens? The citizens, of course. Governments are something the people (in American anyway) have either created or have fallen captive underneath their oppression. Israel is not one of them.

Yesterday the man who was put in charge of finding out where the corruption was in the PA escaped for fear of his life after revealing the truth (something foreign to that part of the world). Did he flee to Jordan? No. Why not? It was closer? How about Syria? HA! No. Iran? Egypt? No. He fled to Israel. No matter what you think about foreign policy (should we be giving any country American tax dollars?), you must at least admit that Israel is not only an ally but a democracy and not a dictatorship. He knew he would be safe.

Back to America. If anyone has a problem with our Military, then they have a problem with me. The only reason you have the right of establishment of religion OR PROHIBITTING THE FREE EXCERCISE THEREOF, freedom of (POLITICAL) speech, freedom of the press, the right of assembly and to petition the government for redress of grievances, the right to own and bear arms, and all the the rights in our amendments is because these courageous young men and women are willing to do the deeds for you that you yourself will not do. Without them, we would all be slaves to another government. So don't ever speak down to me about our Military. Got it? I dearly hope so.

This certainly is a thought-provoking video. I was going to write a few lines aftward, but it now appears as though I'm ready to write a book! I shall leave with you this. I am proud to be American without hyphenation. We are all brothers and sisters. We have all our own struggles and wrong doings done to us and that we have done. But America is the land of second chances. Thank God! ;)

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Video Potpourri 2/17/10

I have a wonderful video potpourri for you today. I also have some on back-up that I will be getting around to posting. Just check the "Labels" section on the bottom of my sidebar under "Entertainment". I put music, videos, and anything having to do with something in this field under entertainment, whether or not it is 'entertaining'. (I was trying to cut down on Labels.) Here we go:

New Videos from machosauceproduction.

JUST FRIENDS (The Ballad of Autumn's Daughter & Me).

New Videos from RestrainedNoMore.

Time to Cowboy Up.

New Videos from ReasonTV.

Will The Feds Ban Your Pain Meds?

Reason Saves Cleveland With Drew Carey! Coming March 15! Trailer 2.

Reason Saves Cleveland with Drew Carey! Coming March 15! Trailer 1.

New Videos from unclejimbomadcity.

In the Crosshairs- ShowTrials? No, Gitmo Trials.

In the Crosshairs- Iraq War Losers.

New Videos from ryanpdixon.

What Would Reagan Do?

Real Man of Genius: Joe Biden.

I am following many people on YouTube, and I hope some them entertain you. I follow machosauceproduction, unclejimbomadcity, ReasonTV, RestrainedNoMore, ryanpdixon, and many more. I do follow some Christian people and people who write songs. They're also friends of mine (we've become friends through YouTube).

Keep coming back, comment to let me know which ones you like, which ones you don't like. I'm not that hard to get along with. Mwahahaha. *heh* Have a great day.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Odierno: Iran continues to subvert Iraq

by John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Feb. 17, 2010) – As national elections in Iraq loom on the horizon, Iran continues to subvert its western neighbor’s security and political infrastructure, top American military officials said.

Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the top American commander in Iraq, said Iran aims to foment violence in Iraq and to play diplomatic and other nonmilitary roles that call into question Iran’s respect for Iraqi sovereignty.

“Iran clearly has a strategy that goes across lethal aims, diplomatic aims and then soft-power aims -- i.e., influencing people through investment in the economy -- and into some other practices inside of Iraq,” the general said yesterday at the Army and Navy Club here.

Despite success in recent years against Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq, several new groups have formed that are receiving support from within Iran, Odierno told audience members at the event sponsored by the Institute for the Study of War.

Though down from peak levels, Iranian-backed violence is being generated in part by two groups -- Kataib Hezbollah and the Promised Day Brigade -- that gain funding and military expertise inside Iran before exporting their operations across its western border, the general said.

“We still have EFPs explode just about every day in Iraq,” said Odierno, referring to what the military calls “explosively formed penetrators,” an especially deadly type of roadside bomb that’s designed to pierce armor and is believed to have Iranian origins. “We still uncover Iranian rockets and other goods that are made, and individuals that are trained, in Iran to conduct attacks against both U.S. and Iraqi security forces.”

Asked whether Iran respects Iraqi sovereignty, Odierno replied, “I would say, since they conduct and support lethal actions inside of Iraq, it's clear that they don't.”

As the March 7 Iraqi national election date nears, concerns have mounted that Iran, a Shiite Muslim country, has influenced a decision by Iraqi lawmakers to bar several hundred politicians from the ballots on the grounds that they are linked to Saddam Hussein’s Baath party. The decision primarily disqualified Sunni politicians seeking office.

Two Iraqis involved in blocking the candidates have ties to the Iranian government in Tehran and are attempting to influence the outcome of the Iraqi election, Odierno said. The two men had several meetings in Iran, he said, including one with an Iranian whom the United States placed on the terrorist watch list for a bombing in Kuwait in the 1980s.

One is Ahmed Chalabi, who reportedly is perceived as having supplied faulty intelligence in 2003 before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The other is Ali Faisal al-Lami, who was arrested and subsequently freed after being suspected of masterminding a bomb attack on American and Iraqi officials.

“[Lami] and Chalabi clearly are influenced by Iran. We have direct intelligence that tells us that,” Odierno said. “We believe they're absolutely involved in influencing the outcome of the election, and it's concerning that they've been able to do that over time.”

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in recent days expressed concern about the increased levels of violence in Iraq as the election date nears, and he also has denounced Iran’s reach into areas throughout the Middle East, including Iraq.

Speaking to reporters in Cairo after Iran recently announced it would increase its levels of uranium enrichment, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen -- the top U.S. military officer -- characterized Tehran as “hard to predict.”

“I remain extremely concerned about them as a country -- not their people, but their leadership,” Mullen said in Feb. 15 remarks, “and the recent rhetoric concerning the increased enhancement in terms of nuclear fuel, their reach to Hezbollah, their reach to Hamas, their reach into Yemen, their reach into even Afghanistan, as well as Iraq.”

Source: CENTCOM.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Op. Moshtarak extends Afghan government influence in Helmand

UK Ministry of Defence

KABUL (Feb. 16, 2010) — The key objectives of Operation Moshtarak, driving out the insurgents and extending the influence of the Afghan Government, are being achieved, despite mine and IED levels higher than anticipated.

Speaking to the media via satellite link from Helmand, British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, commander of ISAF Regional Command (South) in Afghanistan, and Lindy Cameron, head of the Multi-National Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Helmand, have said that the deliverance of governance and reconstruction is already beginning in areas such as shuras (community meetings), reconciliation and "cash for work" programs.

The objectives of Operation Moshtarak are to improve security and freedom of movement within the main population areas of central Helmand. Carter said the operation is "at the end of the beginning," but a significant number of improvised explosive devices would require meticulous and thorough clearing that would take some time to conclude.

By securing the key population centers and economic arteries in southern Afghanistan, it is planned that Afghan security forces and their ISAF partners will pave the way for greater economic development and growth of governance.

Immediate stabilization activities, led by the PRT, will follow on in areas as soon as possible after the clearing phase of the operation.

On the initial clearance phase, Carter said it had gone better than expected and that all 11 objectives were taken in the first few hours of the operation, which happened on a pitch black night with no accidents.

In the key area of Marjah, he said approximately two-thirds had now been cleared and that the rest would take several more days.
He said a shura had taken place between the Afghan Government and local leaders in the Nad 'Ali district on Feb. 11, ahead of the clearing phase of the operation, to inform them what would happen — and that when the Government enforced its control over Nad 'Ali it would result in betterment and the deliverance of the services they would expect.

From that shura other "sub-shuras" were arranged in areas such as reintegration, and one to act as a reference group to help and advise the Governor and Deputy Governor of Helmand on the reconstruction phase.

On reintegration, Carter used as an example an Afghan insurgent who had been taken back to his village by the Afghan Government and assurances received from his family in return for his release.

Looking forward to the hold stage of the operation, Carter said 1,000 Afghan Gendarmerie (formerly known as the Afghan National Civil Order Police) had been moved to the region and would remain there for four months while 1,000 new Afghan National Police officers a month were being trained.

Moving to the reconstruction and stabilization phase of the operation, Lindy Cameron of the PRT said the next phase was to assess damage to buildings and services but more importantly to set up political outreach to discover what kind of services local people wanted the Afghan Government to supply.

However, Cameron said that in northern Nad 'Ali they have found so far that the infrastructure has not been badly damaged and the local population is relatively well off, so is not as dependent on compensation or seeking as much in the way of short-term "cash for work" programs.

As a result the reconstruction plan in northern Nad 'Ali will be altered in co-operation with the local population.

Carter said four ISAF/Afghan National Army servicemen had died so far during the operation, and 35 had been wounded.

PHOTO: Troops hold a 'shura' with villagers and elders in southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during Operation Moshtarak.

Source: US CENTCOM.

Clearing phase continues in Operation Moshtarak

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Feb. 15, 2010) – The clearing phase of Operation Moshtarak in the center of Afghanistan’s Helmand province continued yesterday, with combined Afghan and international forces conducting a number of mounted and dismounted patrols, military officials reported.

Forces have been engaged in periodic small-arms firefights. A number of insurgents have been either killed or detained, officials said, and the combined force has suffered some injuries.

Three successful “shuras” were held with influential community members, and other meetings with Helmand residents also took place.

Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops found improvised explosive devices and enemy weapons stockpiles. In Task Force Helmand, an engineer maneuver group is clearing mine fields and is building a bridge over the Nahr-e Baughra Canal.

The goal of Operation Moshtarak - a Dari word for "together" - is for combined forces and the Helmand provincial reconstruction team to support the Afghan government in asserting its authority in central Helmand and demonstrating its commitment to the people living there, officials said.

In other recent operations in Afghanistan:

• A combined Afghan-international force last night captured a Taliban commander responsible for small-arms ambushes and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition troops in Kandahar province. He has also been involved in illegal Taliban prosecutions of Afghan citizens, officials said.

• Also in Kandahar last night, a combined force captured a Taliban subcommander responsible for IED placements and attacks and the movement of supplies and weapons. The force also detained another suspected insurgent.

PHOTO: A Marine scans the horizon during Operation Moshtarak in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Source: US CENTCOM.

Initial key objectives of Operation Moshtarak achieved

UK Ministry of Defence

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanstan (Feb. 14, 2010) — The initial key objectives of Operation Moshtarak have been achieved in a short space of time and with minimal interference from the Taliban, according to UK military spokesman Major General Gordon Messenger.

The "clearing" phase of the operation was launched at 0400hrs local time this morning with a series of simultaneous helicopter assaults and ground offensives undertaken by thousands of Afghan Army forces and ISAF soldiers from nations including the UK, US, Denmark and Estonia.

Major General Messenger said:

"It is still early days but operational commanders are currently pleased with the progress that has been made since the operation was launched this morning.

"There has been some resistance but it has been relatively light and the initial objective of surprising the Taliban with the time and place of the operation appears to have been achieved."

Major General Messenger said the key objectives of this phase of the operation was the built up population areas where troops were inserted via helicopters. Ground elements, linked up with these troops according to plan.

Soldiers from the 1 Royal Welsh Battle Group, the Coldstream Guards Battle Group (UK) and 1 Grenadier Guards Battle Group (UK), along with their Afghan Army partners and troops from Estonia were involved in clearing the area of the Chah E Anjir Triangle, as well as the area to the west of Babaji.

American and Afghan troops meanwhile led air and ground assaults in the much larger Marjah region where clearance operations are still ongoing.

Major General Messenger said that in the British area of operations the initial stage of the clearance phase had been completed. He said there has been some fighting but that this had been only sporadic adding:

"The Taliban have not been able to put up a coherent response. They appear confused and disorientated."

The speed of the clearance phase has allowed shuras with the local population, led by the Afghan National Army to take place. These have been successful, the locals know that ISAF and Afghan forces were coming and they have been welcoming, Major General Messenger said.

The elders have been assured that ISAF are here to stay and the early signs are that the local people are keen to engage.

This is key to the enduring success of the operation. Major General Messenger suggested that the Taliban have either left the area of melted into the local population, perhaps with a view to fighting another day. But the strategy to build up the influence of the Afghanistan Government and a permanent security presence from Afghan and ISAF forces in the area will limit the ability of insurgents to once again take control.

Major General Messenger said there have been a number of IED finds and a number of occasions where the local population have pointed out IEDS, in one case a lane through an IED field was pointed out.

Critical to the success of the operation so far, he added, was the use of ISAF air elements including the full array of ISTAR and fixed wing support. He said there were strict instructions on the use of air munitions which were being kept to an absolute minimum.

While there have been a relatively low number of insurgent casualties, Major General Messenger said he is not aware of any civilian casualties.

The current situation involves predominately Afghan forces engaging with local people in the population centres with other ISAF forces providing flanking protection on the outside.

The theme over the next 24 hours Major General Messenger said was that of consolidation, with troops getting a greater understanding of the terrain they are operating in and making sure the local people know that they are there to protect them.

Following this the stabilisation plan will be immediately enacted which sees an enduring security force of partnered Afghan and NATO forces, and the Afghan National Police, providing reassurance and presence for the local population.

Local governors and village elders were consulted before the operation started and will be an important part of the design of the subsequent security posture.

Summing up the operation so far Major General Messenger said:

"It appears that the Taliban have been forced into relative inactivity, although in the next few days they could get their breath back and have a go. There is also the residual IED threat.

"No one is saying the area is secure or the job is done but the feeling is that events last night have gone as well as they could have gone. So far so good.

"We have achieved tactical surprise, the approach of advance warning has gone well and the positive local dynamics are a very good sign but there's still a long way to go. This is all about winning the allegiance of the local people and you can't do that over night."

Stressing the point that seeking to engage the Taliban was never a key objective, Major General Messenger said:

"This is not and cannot be a campaign of us against them. It is about removing their ability to operate in the population and then building the Afghan capacity to deal with the challenges."

Major General Messenger said that the operation is of considerable significance to the overall campaign in Afghanistan, saying that these areas are known as bad areas and until we can show and enduring presence there then we can't move on to the next level of the campaign.

PHOTO: Members of the Afghanistan Army with 1st Battalion the Royal Welsh wait at a helicopter landing zone during Operation Moshtarak.

Source: US CENTCOM.

Clearing operations begin in central Helmand

ISAF Public Information Office.

KABUL (Feb. 13, 2010) – Key military clearing operations for Operation Moshtarak have begun in the central part of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, Afghan government officials announced Saturday.

The clearing operations follow smaller-scaled shaping operations that have helped to set the conditions for this new phase, officials said.

The combined force comprises the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, International Security Assistance Force Regional Command South and the Helmand provincial reconstruction team. The operations now under way are designed to clear the region of insurgents and set the conditions for the Afghan government to introduce increased security, stability, development, rule of law, freedom of movement and reconstruction, officials said.

Officials said the goal of Operation Moshtarak – a Dari word for "together" – is for the combined force to support the Afghan government in asserting its authority in central Helmand and demonstrating its commitment to the people living there.

“The operation is being conducted in line with the wishes of the Afghan government in Helmand,” a statement issued by the ISAF Joint Command said. “The security forces involved are serving side by side, representing partnership in strength.”

PHOTO: An Afghan soldier fires a rocket at insurgents during Operation Moshtarak in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Source: US CENTCOM.

Founders' Daily Quote(s): 2/8-12/10

Monday, February 8, 2010.
"No compact among men ... can be pronounced everlasting and inviolable, and if I may so express myself, that no Wall of words, that no mound of parchment can be so formed as to stand against the sweeping torrent of boundless ambition on the one side, aided by the sapping current of corrupted morals on the other." --George Washington, draft of first Inaugural Address, 1789

That is exactly why we are having these Tea Parties! It has gone too far. It is as if there were no constitution, and they will do whatever it takes to control us. We are fighting back though. Something I'm sure they did not take into account.

Tue. 2/9.
"[T]he first transactions of a nation, like those of an individual upon his first entrance into life make the deepest impression, and are to form the leading traits in its character." --George Washington, letter to John Armstrong, 1788

You were such a wise man, General and President George Washington. They have taken your name in vain, they have taken civics out of our schools, and we are left with an uneducated, selfish, educated in those things which belong to the parents, indoctrinated set of people who do not care to look past their own comfort zones to see the big picture. The beauty and opportunities of America. Thank you for this Liberty. No other country has ever copied it, not to its full potential.

Wed. 2/10.
"Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters." --Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1775

Etiquette? With these people in Congress? That's a good one.

Thu. 2/11.
"Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations." --George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796

Agreed.

Fri. 2/12.
"When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen; and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in the happy hour when the establishment of American Liberty, upon the most firm and solid foundations shall enable us to return to our Private Stations in the bosom of a free, peacefully and happy Country." --George Washington, address to the New York legislature, 1775

Spoken before the Shot Heard 'Round The World. (That means before the Revolutionary War. *heh*) As we pray for our men and women in the Armed Forces today, let us also remember those who went before. Thank you!

Source: Patriot Post.us.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Bill Clinton Hospitalized

Today former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized and underwent surgery for his heart. The doctor says that it was not a heart attack, rather it was discomfort. Clinton followed the doctors advice, and he did need one of his arteries re-opened. He will be able to return to work by Monday.

Many prayers and thoughts go out to the former president. Political parties aside, my prayers are with his family and him.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Why No One Invades Switzerland

This is a very interesting e-mail that was sent to me, and I would like to bring it home to you. Listen carefully to what this man is saying. These words are true, and I fore-fathers knew them.

Here is the link to YouTube in case the video is not working properly.

Hat tip: Steve.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

U.S. transfers three bases to Iraqi government in Ninawa

US Forces - Iraq

NINAWA PROVINCE, Iraq (Feb. 11, 2010) – United States Forces transferred three bases to the Government of Iraq in Ninawa province Feb. 9, signaling a ready, secure and stable Iraq.

In three separate ceremonies, Joint Security Sites Iraqi Turkey Pipeline 2, Badoush and Scorpion were officially transferred to the Government of Iraq.

The closures began at JSS Scorpion, where members of the Iraqi forces gathered alongside Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and watched asa the bases were transferred with just a few quick signatures.

The Soldiers in attendance, Iraqi and American, have a history together, according to Capt. Aaron Vevasis, company commander for Company C, 1/64 AR.

“We worked directly with their battalion headquarters and conducted patrols together,” Capt. Vevasis said. “The base transfer was made possible because of the Iraqi Army’s success.”

“We’re one step closer to the Iraqis being able to establish their own security and maintain their own country by themselves,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dozier, an infantryman and platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Company B, 1/64 AR.

Sergeant 1st Class Dozier’s platoon was stationed at JSS Scorpion for the last three months, and worked and trained closely with the Iraqis.

Shortly after the transfer of authority for Scorpion was complete, the transfer of Badoush took place. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Williams, commander of 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., sat with Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Daham Ibrahim Qader, the Badoush prison warden with the Ministry of Justice, and Sameer Alhaddad, who handles all official base transfers.

“I am greatly honored to receive this facility from the American forces today,” said Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Daham.

“On behalf of all the Americans that have served here in Badoush — over the past several months and years — I want to thank you for the partnership and allowing our Soldiers to train and work alongside the police here at the prison as well as the people in the city here at Badoush,” said Lt. Col. Williams.

“This is just another positive step forward in the relationship for the country of Iraq,” the commander went on to say. The three representatives then signed the papers officially finalizing the transfer of Badoush to the Government of Iraq.

A short helicopter ride later, the Iraqi and U.S. Forces representatives arrived at ITP2, to transfer the last of the three bases.

“I am thrilled, and I think it’s a great day,” said Capt. Thomas Carroll, the company commander for Company B, 1/64 AR. “It shows that Americans are true to their word. It’s a good day for the Iraqis and Americans together.”

Captain Carroll’s unit, which has worked at ITP2 for a more than three months, conducted counter-improvised explosive device patrols with Iraqi forces during their stay. The unit is being replaced by a reconnaissance platoon from the 352nd Iraqi Army Battalion.

“We will continue to be close,” said Capt. Carroll. “The Iraqi people are in good hands with this unit.”

Continuing the relationship between the Iraqis and the U.S. Forces was also re-iterated by a member of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s staff.

“I can see the relationship between the two armies, and it’s amazing,” said Alhaddad, who handles all base closures. “They work together as partners and support each other. I’m really happy about it.”

Source: CENTCOM.

Iranian Protests Continue

I found this song on YouTube by following #IranElection over at Twitter.com and then clicking on #iranelection. This particular piece was posted by Jean_ie. I really, really like it. I hope you do, too.

Here is the link in case the video does not work. Hat tip: adifferentdrum.

Today is the day that the mullahs and ayatollah celebrate kidnapping our men and women, taking over our embassy, and starting their so-called revolution. The promises they made to their people sound very much like the promises we are hearing and never receiving. We have much in common, and we should support the Iranian people. I do.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

U.S. transfers three bases to Iraqi government in Ninawa

US Forces - Iraq

NINAWA PROVINCE, Iraq (Feb. 11, 2010) – United States Forces transferred three bases to the Government of Iraq in Ninawa province Feb. 9, signaling a ready, secure and stable Iraq.

In three separate ceremonies, Joint Security Sites Iraqi Turkey Pipeline 2, Badoush and Scorpion were officially transferred to the Government of Iraq.

The closures began at JSS Scorpion, where members of the Iraqi forces gathered alongside Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and watched asa the bases were transferred with just a few quick signatures.

The Soldiers in attendance, Iraqi and American, have a history together, according to Capt. Aaron Vevasis, company commander for Company C, 1/64 AR.

“We worked directly with their battalion headquarters and conducted patrols together,” Capt. Vevasis said. “The base transfer was made possible because of the Iraqi Army’s success.”

“We’re one step closer to the Iraqis being able to establish their own security and maintain their own country by themselves,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dozier, an infantryman and platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Company B, 1/64 AR.

Sergeant 1st Class Dozier’s platoon was stationed at JSS Scorpion for the last three months, and worked and trained closely with the Iraqis.

Shortly after the transfer of authority for Scorpion was complete, the transfer of Badoush took place. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Williams, commander of 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., sat with Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Daham Ibrahim Qader, the Badoush prison warden with the Ministry of Justice, and Sameer Alhaddad, who handles all official base transfers.

“I am greatly honored to receive this facility from the American forces today,” said Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Daham.

“On behalf of all the Americans that have served here in Badoush — over the past several months and years — I want to thank you for the partnership and allowing our Soldiers to train and work alongside the police here at the prison as well as the people in the city here at Badoush,” said Lt. Col. Williams.

“This is just another positive step forward in the relationship for the country of Iraq,” the commander went on to say.
The three representatives then signed the papers officially finalizing the transfer of Badoush to the Government of Iraq.

A short helicopter ride later, the Iraqi and U.S. Forces representatives arrived at ITP2, to transfer the last of the three bases.

“I am thrilled, and I think it’s a great day,” said Capt. Thomas Carroll, the company commander for Company B, 1/64 AR. “It shows that Americans are true to their word. It’s a good day for the Iraqis and Americans together.”

Captain Carroll’s unit, which has worked at ITP2 for a more than three months, conducted counter-improvised explosive device patrols with Iraqi forces during their stay. The unit is being replaced by a reconnaissance platoon from the 352nd Iraqi Army Battalion.

“We will continue to be close,” said Capt. Carroll. “The Iraqi people are in good hands with this unit.”

Continuing the relationship between the Iraqis and the U.S. Forces was also re-iterated by a member of the Iraqi Prime Minister’s staff.

“I can see the relationship between the two armies, and it’s amazing,” said Alhaddad, who handles all base closures. “They work together as partners and support each other. I’m really happy about it.”

Source: US CENTCOM.

Navy divers, EOD salvage plane crash

by MC2 (AW) William Pittman
Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

USNS GRAPPLE, Mediterranean Sea (Feb. 10, 2010) - U.S. Navy Sailors and civilian mariners attached to USNS Grapple (T-ARS 53) aided in the recovery of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409.

Grapple received the call to assist in the salvage of the crashed aircraft off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 25. The ship immediately got underway from Tunis, Tunisia and traveled to Augusta Bay, Sicily to pick up 15 U.S. Navy Divers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians (EOD), before making the trip to Lebanon.

The 15 member team comprised of Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU-2) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EOD MU8) Sailors, worked together in recovery efforts.

"It's not out of the ordinary to bring EOD units alongside MDSU units," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 William Turner, the officer in charge of the embarked MDSU detachment. "They bring additional equipment to the table that allows us to work more efficiently in an operation like this."

The EOD detachment brought along equipment such as the MK-16 breathing apparatus, handheld sonar equipment and additional medical personnel to assist with the mission, said Turner.

"We're here to support the Government of Lebanon in any way," said Senior Chief Navy Diver Sam Mataa, the EOD detachment's "Master Diver", who is the senior diver responsible for overseeing the efficiency and safety of the mission. "This is their operation; we're here to bring additional technical experience and diving and salvage equipment in case they need it."

After arriving off the coast of Lebanon, the divers and EOD personnel teamed up with members of the Lebanese Armed Forces to conduct a search of the area. As a result of teamwork, the coalition of U.S. and Lebanese forces were able to locate and recover some of the wreckage.

"I'm proud of the work that our team accomplished," said Turner. "It was great to work alongside the EOD team and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and our team accomplished a lot in a short time frame."

Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2 is homeported in Little Creek, Va., and EOD Mobile Unit 8 is homeported out of Augusta Bay, Sicily. Grapple is homeported out of Norfolk, Va.

Picture: Navy Diver 2nd Class Todd Walsh and Navy Diver 2nd Class Matthew Trautman await submersion into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon.

Source: CENTCOM.