Publius Forum

Sunday, January 31, 2010

It Has Been Fun

This shall be my last post here. When I woke up today I found my brother doubled over in pain due to the stress he was suffering because of my decision to run for Congress. I cannot endure the thught of making my brother ill. He is highly susceptible to panic attacks, and I just cannot do that to him.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far. I may stay closer to home and try for a seat on the Central Committee. He believes I can better work there for our cause. While I disagree, I do understand his point.

I hope everyone the best. My thoghts and prayers are with you. (Yes, some of my dollars, too.) You will be happy to know that no one has contributed any money yet so I don't have to go through the pain of returning it. Wheh!

Now I have to close out everything. That should be fun. Not. I am so sorry because I really wanted to serve you. I suppose I still can.

I just never wanted to start this campaign without being certain I could carry it to victory. In a way, I have carried it to victory. I am putting my desires aside for those of my brother's health. God, please help my brother. Amen and good 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! Digg!

Friday, January 29, 2010

My Diary Day 23

If you would like to find out how today went on the campaign trail, you read about it at Rosemary Welch for Congress 2010. And it only gets more hectic. Oh yeah. *heh*

Why don't follow me on Twitter? My name over there is Welch4Congress. 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! Digg!

Founders' Daily Quote(s): 1/25-29/10

Monday, January 25, 2010.
"It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man who knows what the law is today can guess what it will be to-morrow." --Federalist No. 62

Here, here! READ THE BILL. After that, KILL THE BILL!

Tue. 1/26.
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison, speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

This is so true. Americans, wake up! We must get rid of those in Congress, the whole lot of them. Except for Congressman Tom McClintock and others who have a record of not going along with all of this spending garbage. THAT IS OUR MONEY. Not theirs. They wouldn't spend a dime of their own, and don't fool yourselves into believing they would.

For those of you who think you are entitled to my money, why don't come over to my house and try to take it? Is it because you are afraid because I also believe in the 2nd Amendment? Do you need a government so bloated that they can do it for you? YOU, dear coward, are wrong. You are not entitled to my money, neither am I to yours. NO MATTER HOW MUCH I HAVE!

Wed. 1/27.
"If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Cooper, 1802

Thu. 1/28.
"In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate - look to his character...." --Noah Webster, Letters to a Young Gentleman Commencing His Education, 1789

A special treat! State of the Union: Obama v. Constitution, by Alexander of Patriot Post.us.

Fri. 1/29.
"[A] good moral character is the first essential in a man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through life. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous." --George Washington, letter to Steptoe Washington, 1790

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.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Counter Terrorism Threatened

There is some news I am bringing to you (through the Warrior Legacy Institute) which, if they have their way, could have very grave consequenses to our war against Islamic jihadis. Yes, I name the enemy, because I want them defeated.
January 18, 2010
The Legal Assault against our Counterterror efforts- Universal Jurisdiction & Targeted Killing.

The Warrior Legacy Institute has released it's latest paper "Universal Jurisdiction & Targeted Killing" which discusses our policy of killing known terrorists and the authorizations for this. One of our most successful tactics against al Qaeda has been the use of armed drone aircraft and if we are to continue this we need to make certain we are on firm legal ground. Congress passed an Authorization to Use Military Force against al Qaeda following 9/11 which gives legal standing within our own judicial system for these strikes. There are trans-national organizations that believe they have jurisdiction over our operations, such as the International Criminal Court and we need to establish that our inherent right of self defense as a nation gives us the freedom to attack enemies who represent a terrorist threat wherever we may find them. Recently the American Civil Liberties Union filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the legal justification of the drone strike program. This will not be the last challenge to this program.We suggest a treaty that enshrines such a right similar to pacts that recognize piracy as a borderless crime. Failure to do so could leave our forces in danger of actions from organizations that claim a Universal Jurisdiction over what they consider war crimes. Download pdf here.
We hope you will share this paper and video with your friends and family. This is an important issue that affects all of our brave troops and you can use this knowledge to be part of that discussion and decision.

Cordially,

Jim

Jim Hanson
Director, Warrior Legacy Institute
Please help me to spread this message far and wide. It would be a tragedy (and dare I say treasonous) if the United States were to be blown to bits because of those within who have been trying to destroy our country since the days of Stalin?

Thank you, and have a nice 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! Digg!

TF Steel employs successful counter-insurgency strategy

by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta
ISAF Public Information Office.

KHOST, Afghanistan (Jan. 28, 2010) — Counter-insurgency strategy, protecting and interacting with the local population, has been mandated in Afghanistan since Gen. Stanley McChrystal arrived in June 2009.

The Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division have been implementing COIN successfully since February 2009. For the past 11 months Soldiers from Task Force Steel have conducted daily joint patrols with the Afghan border police.

“A year ago we didn’t have any of it,” said Sgt. Maj. Roger Jacobs, Task Force Steel. “The JOC [joint operations center] was set up a couple of months ago. They [the ABP] were on our COP [combat operating post], but they weren’t going on patrol. Over the year we’ve slowly progressed to joint patrols almost daily.”

One of these patrols rolled out of COP Narizah Jan. 25, led by Army 1st Lt. Christopher Kittle, a native of Westfield, N. Y.

The mission of the joint U.S./ABP patrol was to drive to the village of Shabow Khel to interact with local tribal elders and hand out FM/AM radios, so that locals can listen to the provincial governor and keep up with the latest local government news.

According to Kittle, the radios serve a dual purpose, they also allow for a positive interaction with the locals as the radios are only handed out by the ABP. This can and has led to an increase of intelligence on the locations of IEDs.

Once they arrive in the villages they patrol, the ABP, led by their Company Commander Tagh Ali, is in the lead with the TF Steel Soldiers in support.

“So, we were in the village and it was pretty much all Tagh Ali, the [ABP] commander’s show,” Kittle said. “He was the one calling the elders over. He was the one speaking to the elders.”

The ABP went forward first during the initial dismount in the village, to search locals that had gathered in a small throng near the outer wall of the school courtyard. Meanwhile, the TF Steel Soldiers set up a 360 degree perimeter with the crowd of 75-100 villagers at the center.

“Our involvement, our engagement with the locals is changing,” Kittle said. “[We’re] really, trying to get it so they look to the Afghan government, GIRoA [the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan], to support them.

“We’re getting engaged in these border villages to show that we’re here and we’re here to stay and it’s not just us,” Kittle said, “it’s the border police, it’s the ANA [Afghan National Army] or the ANP [Afghan National Police].” Ali and other Afghan Border Patrol handed out the radios to everyone in the crowd, one smiling gentleman even managed to snag two.

“I believe it went good,” said gunner and Bluefield, W.V. native, Army Pfc. Jonathan Wolford, TF Steel, “they know they can trust us. That is part of the COIN [strategy], to establish mutual trust.”

“We want to get the ABP to engage with the village leadership,” Kittle said. “They’re the ones who we want out there in the villages. Our role is more to support them and provide assistance to them to allow them to go out [and] conduct operations. We conduct our own operations, but the majority of ours is combined operations with the Afghan border police.”

After about an hour at the school, the crowd started to slowly dissipate, the Soldiers and ABP hopped back into their vehicles and reversed their route to the COP.

“Today was a non kinetic mission,” Kittle said. “It wasn’t directed completely at fighting the Taliban. It was directed at undermining the Taliban’s authority or any legitimacy the Taliban has in the area.”

Source: US CENTCOM.

Marines help Afghans gather in protest aftermath

by Lance Cpl. Dwight Henderson
RCT-7

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Jan. 28, 2010) – Ironically, when protestors in the Garmsir district here set fire to a school Jan. 12 in a fervor over allegations that a Quran had been desecrated, about 300 copies of the Muslim holy book burned with the school.

On Jan. 19, the school's white walls were stained black from the fire and smoke that had billowed out of its broken windows just a week before. With Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, providing security, about 800 Garmsir residents sat on the grounds of that school for a community meeting called a “shura.”

Helmand Gov. Mangal; British Maj. Gen. Nick P. Carter, International Security Assistance Force Regional Command South commander; and Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan commander, spoke during the shura.

"We are here to help each other and to talk about the horrible incident that happened here and why it happened," Mangal said.

After an opening prayer, tribal elders, village elders and Abdullah Jan, the Garmsir district governor, spoke to the people about the demonstrations. "During the demonstration, the district governor, the police chief, and the colonel came together and solved the problem," one tribal elder said.

Mangal delivered a passionate speech about the protests and the district’s future. "The demonstration that happened here is not like the people of Garmsir," he said. "It was terrorists, and the Taliban, that used the people of Garmsir."

Mangal added that he would start his own investigation into the accusations of a desecrated Quran, saying he believes the allegation that sparked the demonstration was planned outside the country by foreign members of the Taliban.

"There was no way for the Taliban to fight with us," Mangal said. "The only way for them to fight with us was to use the civilian people. Our enemy doesn't like us to progress. They don't like us to be successful in our lives."

Mangal noted the restraint shown by U.S. Marines during the riots as the crowd damaged their vehicles with gunfire and stones. He promised to rebuild the school, and he spoke about the future of Helmand province pledging that in a short amount of time, “we are going to take over all districts from the Taliban."

"We'll make Helmand a peaceful place and make it a great place to live," the governor said.

Carter noted that out of Helmand’s 60 districts, Garmsir is one of the greatest examples of progress. He also commented on the restraint shown by the Marines.

"The restraint shown here is evident to how much they respect you," he told the local residents. "General Nicholson's forces are here to help you and protect you."

Nicholson said it was appropriate to have the shura in the school that had been damaged in the riots.

"The No. 1 target of this entire protest was to destroy this school, and that's because this school represents the future," he said. "This is where the future doctors, lawyers, engineers, and generals come from in Garmsir."

Nicholson told the local residents of the hours of cultural training Marines receive in preparation for deployment and promised that any Marine who showed disrespect or misconduct would be sent home.

The shura's message was of hope for the future of Garmsir and all of Helmand province through continued partnership between ISAF and Afghan forces and the local populace.

"If we work together, we can ensure something like this doesn't happen again and Garmsir can become one of the great cities of this country," Nicholson said.

PHOTO: About 800 residents gather on the grounds of a school for a meeting in the Garmsir district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province. U.S. Marines and Afghan forces provided security.

Source: US CENTCOM.

My Prescription For Obama

I received this email a couple weeks ago, but it is so pertinent today. Please follow the link on this one. It will be worth your time.
Drug Store Stops Medicaid Drug Sales
January 08, 2010, 12:57 PM

Yes, this story is from the State of Washington--but it shows what is going to happen to seniors with Obamacare.

Under the current Medicare, doctors and drug stores are no longer taking new clients and ending sales and relationships with old clients.

Obamacare is going to cut, off the top, $500 billion from Medicare--meaning many more doctors and drug stores will stop supporting the Feds effort.

Plumbers get $65 just to show up at your door. Doctors, under medicare get paid $35 to have you sit on a table.

The Feds do have a plan to ration health care--less money, meaning fewer providers.

Obama does have a death panel--fewer providers of health care and drugs means fewer people getting life saving care--that is a death sentence--except for the rich--who BO is really representing.

Get angry, your life depends on it. Read More...
So we are supposed to believe there will be no death panels? Let me see if I can figure this out.

We start out with (let's say for sake of simplicity) 100 doctors and 10 pharmacies. Add to that 10,000 patients who are on medicare. That would make it - on average - 2,000 patients per doctor and 20,000 patients per pharmacist.

Now let's follow Obama's plan. Let's pretend that no one loses their job and all things remain equal. In the plan, the price per doctor is #35 dollars, and the pharmacist usually has to put up some of his own money becuase they don't even pay him at cost prices. (I can't price every pill.)

The government, your so-called friend, is going to reduce the amount paid to both the doctor and the pharmacist, because they have now added everyone to their coffers-er-bailouts-er-general fund. We now have 300,000,000 people plus living here. Eventually everyone will be on this government plan.

Now for this exercise, let's say that there are only 1,000,000 people. That would mean that only 10% of the people are currently on the plan. If the doctors and the pharmacists are not making enuogh money to cover their expenses now, what do you think would happen when 900% of people were thrust upon them?

Let me ask you one question. Why do you go to work? Don't you want to get paid? Why? You greedy sob! What? You mean you worked for that money? But you don't understand! That belongs to the government! It has to in order to pay for all the things everyone wants that they could buy themselves. Oh, I got off track? Yes, that happens.

Okay, the doctor has 2000 patients at $35 which equals $70,000. But wait a minute. There has been a cut in pay. I don't know how much, but let's say 20%. That would equal a $7 pay cut. ($35-7=$29) That would leave him $64,000. And he still has to pay taxes! Can he claim any losses? NO.

(Try to get a plumber to come to your house for $29!)

They make more than that now. What happened? Oh, these are medicare patients. It's amazing that my neurologist makes so much more than this. Most specialists do. They see people this way like they see cattle for sale. Ship 'em in, take a look, next! What happened to those nice doctors who used to come to my house to check up on me? LAWYERS.

President Obama. Your plan will destroy the will for many young people who are making up their mind whether to become a doctor or a politician. With the plan you put out there last night, it is better to work for the government? Like heck it is! STOP GROWING GOVERNMENT, and LEAVE OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM ALONE.

Already 45% of our doctors are ready to quit because they cannot afford to make a living on your plan. With 900% more need, 45% of the doctors gone, pharmacists closing, how do you expect to stay alive?

Yes, you brought change. Keep it. I'd rather have the dollars.

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! Digg!

The 'State of the Union'

There were so many lies and absurdities in last night's SOTU that I had to take some time to cool off. It didn't work. How dare he blame President Bush for his mishandling of any issue over one year after he's left office.

But beyond that, the depression he has pushed us toward with his arrogant desire to force health care INSURANCE (to be bought by a private company which they are raising their prices so when there is a cost freeze, they won't be hurt) down our purses whether we want to purchase it or not. This is unconstitutional.

Some people say it is not, I disagree. Show me where it states in the Constitution that Congress shall regulate and dispense health INSURANCE. They certainly do not take care of our car insurance, and the state's mandate that we have that. Are they going to buy us the car as well? Ugh.

About homosexuals in the armed forces. Obama, put on a uniform please before you decide to change anything that has to do with the military. I trust the generals and the grunts who say it would interrupt cohesion. BTW, President BUSH successfully made that agreement with Iraq. For you to take credit for it just shows how little of a man you really are.

Any Republican and Democrat who cares about saving their skin should drop this whole farce of health care insurance and cap and trade (tax). It is nice to be able to tell people how to run their lives when you don't have to live under those same rules. You fly around on a jet that we pay for, you live in a house that we paid for, and you have the gall to talk to us as if we're idiots?

GLOBAL WARMING IS A SCAM. A political, money-making scam. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Here is the transcript and here is the video (mp4). Other than that, it was just another stump speech...

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! Digg!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I've Been Advertized!

Wow. The people over at Bring Home the Politicians have a commercial for me. It could be because I support their cause (of course), but it's still cool to have some advertizing. Please go to YouTube so we can raise the total of views. 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! Digg!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Video Potpourri 1/26/10

Here are today's videos. Enjoy!

New Videos from idfnadesk.
  • IDF Field Hospital Begins Transferring Patients to USNS 'Comfort' and other Local Hospitals.
  • Haitian Man, Buried Under Rubble for 10 Days, Rescued By IDF Team.


  • New Videos from machosauceproduction.
  • Healthcare Reform Will Not Be Televised.


  • New Videos from CBYakima's Favorites.
  • Technology And The Bible Vol 1 Part 1.


  • New Videos from viperBSG's Favorites.
  • Teach Yourself To Speak Scottish - 5 - Melvyn Bragg.
  • MY REDEEMER LIVES - NICOLE C MULLEN VIDEO WITH LYRICS.


  • New Videos from ReasonTV.
  • The First Anti-Ted Kennedy Tea Party: Boston's Anti-Busing Brigades.


  • New Videos from unclejimbomadcity.
  • Miss America contestants don combat boots for charity.


  • 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.

    Monday, January 25, 2010

    Marines transfer Anbar command, exit Iraq

    by Spc. Kayleigh Cannon
    82nd Airborne Division

    RAMADI, Iraq (Jan. 25, 2010) – A major indicator of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq occurred here, Jan. 23, when the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) transferred authority of Iraq's largest province to the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division, United States Division - Center.

    The ceremony also marked the end of the nearly six-year U.S. Marine Corps command presence in Iraq and comes at a pivotal time when U.S. forces are transferring from combat to stability operations.

    Before the ceremony, 1st AD's area of operations encompassed Baghdad and its surrounded communities. With this historic transfer of authority, the division now also oversees the sprawling Al Anbar province in the west.

    Since its activation as II MEF (Forward) July 2, 2008, the Marine division worked with the people of Al Anbar and tribal shaykhs to help secure peace and stability for the province and all of Iraq. The efforts of II MEF (Forward) built upon the developments made during two previous Marine Expeditionary Force rotations.

    "This is a pivotal moment in the history of Iraq," said Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, II MEF (Forward).

    Marines have been at the heart of almost every major Iraq campaign period since February 2004, from the early battles in an-Najaf and Fallujah, along the western Euphrates River Valley which extends from Al Qa'im to Rawah; and continuing with the pivotal Awakening Movement which many historians and diplomatic experts credit as the turning of the tide against al Qaeda in Iraq.

    "Since early 2004, the U.S. Marines serving in Al Anbar have consistently exemplified their motto, Semper Fi – Always Faithful," said Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, deputy commanding general for operations and I Corps commanding general, U.S. Forces - Iraq. "They have been especially faithful to the people of Al Anbar; the focal point of their mission in Iraq. Anbaris are resilient people who have sacrificed dearly but now emerge as stronger people."

    As the Marines say their goodbyes to the citizens and tribal leaders of Al Anbar, Iraqi Soldiers and Police in the region will begin working closely with 1st AD, under the continued leadership of 1st Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade) who have been operating there for about six months. Army leaders with 1st AD said they are eager to build on II MEF's reputation; Tryon expressed confidence in their ability to do so.

    "Today's ceremony is certainly an example of continued positive change as we transition and consolidate U.S. forces under the flag of USD-C," said Tryon. "Over the last several years, we have seen a logical and a desired progression in Anbar, moving from combat operations to counter insurgency operations, and now to stability operations."

    Tryon praised the efforts of the Iraqis and tribal shaykhs in Al Anbar for their courage in standing against tyranny and violence in their streets.

    "These things have not been accomplished over the course of the past several years because of what U.S. forces have done alone," said Tryon. "Rather, these achievements are a result of what we have done together in partnership with one another and with the leadership of the Iraqi civil sector.

    "We see over and again that we are at our best when we partner together to achieve our mutual objectives and goals working side-by-side, hand-in-hand," he said," "learning from one another in accomplishing our mutual mission."

    The casing of the II MEF colors signified completion of the Marine Corps mission in Iraq. As the Marine color guard marched their colors off the stage, the Army color guard replaced them. Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff, 1st AD, USD-C commanding general, said the accomplishments of the Marines in the region will not be in vain.

    "For many of us who have served with you on multiple tours across Iraq, we'll never forget your sacrifices and all that you have given on our behalf," he said.

    He emphasized that his division will match Al Anbar's changing environment by assisting the region's tribal shaykhs and Iraqi Security Forces to ensure all Iraqis in the region enjoy the security and peace they deserve.

    "Today is one of those transition points in the evolution of military operations as the 1st AD and USD-C takes over responsibility for partnering with Iraqi Security Forces and the provincial government of Al Anbar," said Wolff. "As we move forward, we understand the importance of this year in Iraq, and the USD-C team has dedicated ourselves to that mission and the tasks ahead."

    Source: US CENTCOM.

    Australian, Afghan soldiers see progress in Uruzgan

    Australian Dept. of Defence

    URUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Jan. 25, 2010) - A major operation being conducted by Australian and Afghan National Army (ANA) Forces is being hailed as the start of a bright future for the people of the Mirabad Valley Region in Uruzgan Province.

    The Commanding Officer of the Second Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2), Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hocking, said establishing security is the first important step in improving the lives of the Afghan population.

    “There’s no doubt the continued presence of soldiers in the Mirabad Valley Region has dramatically improved security, which is now leading to development, ultimately improving lives of the local population now and well into the future,” Lieutenant Colonel Hocking said.

    Operation Pelatel Man’a involves the Uruzgan-based ANA 4th Brigade, MRTF-2, Dutch soldiers, and other International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) partners.

    More than 30 weapons caches have been found since the operation began on 1 January 2010. Their contents have included rocket propelled grenades and mortars, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components and thousands of rounds of small arms ammunition.

    Australian mentors are working closely with ANA soldiers, who have found some of the caches independently from coalition forces.

    “During searching the quala, I found two IEDs, that’s anti-tank or anti-vehicles, not anti-person (IEDs),” said Private Ihsan, an Engineer with the 2nd Infantry Kandak of the ANA 4th Brigade.

    “I like to be with the Army because it’s very important for me when I find some things I am told ‘you did a good job’.”

    Platoon commander with the 2nd Infantry Kandak, Lieutenant Zubair, said the operation has boosted his soldiers’ confidence, reinforcing the belief that they can defeat the insurgency.

    “My message is hope for the whole country, and for good security here in this area,” said Lieutenant Zubair.

    “I like working together with all coalition forces and whenever we are working with them, there is a kind of knowledge for our soldiers and for myself. Everyday, we learn new things here.”

    The cache finds have saved lives and hampered the insurgent’s ability to use IEDs, which continue to be the insurgent’s weapon of choice and so often indiscriminately kill innocent civilians.

    One of the Australian mentors, Sergeant Bradley Foster, said there are a lot of small achievements that are hard to measure at times, however, they all add up to building capability for the ANA.

    “Whether it’s just simple things, getting all their weapons zeroed, or for them to be able to do more complex manoeuvre, there’s been a great deal of achievements made in that area,” Sergeant Foster said.

    Meetings are being held with key leaders throughout the Mirabad Valley Region to listen to their issues and work out ways of helping the local population, with the catch phrase being “help us, help you”.

    “Our efforts are now turning to the delivery of small scale development activities that will improve the daily lives of the people,” Lieutenant Colonel Hocking said. “Once the people trust the Government, this will enable the Government to bring economic development, which will be the lynch pin for long term security and stability in Afghanistan.”

    Operations such as these support Australia’s strong commitment to building the capabilities of the ANA so that it can maintain security within Uruzgan Province.

    Source: US CENTCOM.

    Afghan commando honored for bravery in Kabul attacks

    by Staff Sgt. Sarah Brown
    ISAF Public Information Office

    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 25, 2010) – Less than five days after he helped stop one of the largest insurgent attacks on Kabul since October, a member of the Afghan National Army 6th Kandak commando unit was recognized for his bravery by the ANA Chief of Staff.

    For his bravery and actions that day, General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi presented 1st Lt. Mentaz with a promotion and the Baryal Medal 1st State during the a commando graduation ceremony at Camp Morehead. Mentaz shot and killed a suicide bomber before the bomber could detonate his vest preventing potentially significant loss of life and damage

    A company of other commandos, also from the 6th Kandak, were recognized for their efforts in defeating the insurgency attack, which was subdued in five hours.

    Speaking to the crowd of more than 1,000 graduates, trainers and trainees, Mohammadi praised the efforts of Mentaz and the commandos with him who responded to the Kabul crisis.

    "They were able to overcome these insurgents in a very quick time. The Taliban insurgents were very experienced and they knew what to do, but you know the person who doesn't care about his life, he can do anything, but the reaction of the Afghan security force was in my perspective, excellent, they did a great job," said Mohammadi. The same operation which is happen in other countries would last for two, three days. I see it as a great achievement."

    A kandak is the Afghan equivalent to a U.S. Army battalion, and with 929 graduates, the 7th Kandak was the largest class to graduate since the first commando unit completed training July 28, 2007. The next class, the 8th Kandak, begins training Feb. 13, and will have about 1,000 students; the overall goal is to create nine Kandaks.

    The 12-week commando course is modeled after U.S. Army Ranger training, and instructors are Special Forces mentors and advisors. According to the Task Force Morehead commander, ANA commandos have one of the lowest attrition rates in the Afghan national security forces, something U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kerry Costello credits to the training and dedication of the students.

    "Each Kandak has a special forces embedded with them. I firmly believe the old adage that good teachers make good students and from doing PT [physical training] to marching to shooting and moving drills, these guys are with the trainees every day," said he said. "The ANA commando's have the lowest problem with retention in the ANA service. I believe they are better motivated; the course is very physically demanding, but they get more money, better rations and living conditions. These guys are the best of the best."

    Commando positions are a special duty; volunteers are chosen from ANA after they have completed the eight-week basic training course at the Kabul Military Training Center. In addition to the commando benefits, one of the key reasons the American mentors think the training program is so successful is that commandos are now being trained by other commandos. The U.S. Special Forces provide mentorship and technical training, but the vast majority of commandos are being trained by CTE cadre.

    Every trainee learns basic rifle marksmanship, individual maneuvering techniques and squad, platoon and company size operations. Afghan Command Sgt. Maj. Mirwais, in charge of the Afghan-led Commando Training Element said that much of the 12-weeks is spent on weapons qualification, including basic and then advanced marksmanship, mounted and dismounted patrol, close-quarters combat techniques, room entry and clearance procedures.

    "The training is the best," said Mirwais, and indicating the recent graduates and the commandos from the 6th Kandak, added, "And this is the best Afghanistan has to offer."

    PHOTO: Afghan National Army commando 1st Lt. Mumtaz, 6th Kandak, receives congratulations from Gen. Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, for his bravery in helping fight the Taliban who attacked Kabul Jan. 18, 2010.

    Source: US CENTCOM.

    Bring Home The Politicians

    As many of us have noticed this past year, it is very difficult to speak with our representatives when they are in DC. Aside from the fact that is difficult enough to speak to them when they are home. Maybe we can demand a day or two out of the week for us to be allowed to make appointments?

    I can understand they have much work to do. After all, it is very difficult to destroy a nation without much effort.

    This brings me to the point. I have a video which I think hits the nail right on the head. (I hope they're not kooky, I haven't heard anything bad about them.) Now for the video:

    Here is the link to YouTube, just in case this video isn't working properly.

    They have asked me to add this to my site (on the sidebar), and I am going to do just that. It is about time we caught up to the 21st Century. I hope you enjoyed the video. Please comment and let me know what you think. Have a great day.

    PS. I found this juicy bit which makes me feel a lot better. Now I understand they're okay. Enjoy!

    Here is the link to YouTube.

    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! Digg!

    Friday, January 22, 2010

    I MEF Marines meet Afghan allies

    by Gunnery Sgt. Christian Harding
    I MEF

    CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2010) — A delegation of Afghan National Army officers visited 1st Marine Expeditionary Force recently to observe Marine training programs and provide valuable insight as the partnering force to the U.S. effort in Afghanistan.

    "What is building a solid partnership between the United States and Afghanistan is that the Marines are working along side our forces with full support and coordination, as opposed to simply advising and tasking," said Brig. Gen. Muhaiuddin Ghori, commanding general, 3rd Kandak, 205th Corps, Afghan National Army, in his opening comments to I MEF staff members. "Marines conducted operations in Now Zad and Garmsir district excellently. I feel that such a success was possible due to their coordination with the Afghan National Army."

    "With the help of Marines, local villages are seeing improvements in very short time. More Af-ghans are dropping their weapons and picking up tools to begin work on their lands," added Ghori.

    Marine forces on the ground in Afghanistan have impressed Ghori and Marine leaders strive to build on this positive impression.

    "As we build our forces for this mission, we are taking a hard look at how we partner and mentor with the ANA forces," said Lt. Col. John Martinko, current operations officer, I MEF, during his introduction brief. "Marine air ground task forces are specifically tailored for the given mission ... they are scalable. Our focus is on turning over the battle space to the ANA through partnering."

    As part of their visit, the Afghan officers observed the day-to-day running of a division command operations center. The also toured tour the battle simulation center and met the key advisors of the leadership training program for the Marine Air Ground Task Force.

    The orientation concluded with a visit to I MEF's "tent city" to observe Marine pre-deployment scenario training. Referred to as an MRX, the scenario training exercises provide a learning envi-ronment in which Marines work through orchestrated scenarios similar to those they might encounter while deployed to Afghanistan.

    "In the future, I would like to see more integration of ANA officers with these types of exercises," said Ghori. "I believe it will have a positive impact and guarantee the level of free interaction that we already share with Marines."

    "The officers in this delegation are in the unique position and carry the specific skill sets that allow them to see and understand the training programs here, which they can take back to their officers and expand their training knowledge," said Air Force Capt. Seth Asay, escort officer from NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan, Afghan Integrated Unit Training office.

    The visit took the Afghan officers to the School of Infantry where they observed scenario-based training specifically adapted to familiarize new Marines with situations they might encounter in Afghanistan. As the Marine Corps adapts for duty "in every clime and place," the school conducts training for not only conventional warfare, but irregular warfare tactics.

    The delegation toured a "shoot house" where infantry students get a taste of dynamic entry tactics as they learn close-quarters battle skills. The group also visited the school's forward operating base training facility.

    "The Marine Corps has an excellent infantry training program here, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to see things firsthand," said Lt. Col. Sayed Mohammad Gulakai Malekzai, operations officer, 205th Corps, ANA. "Marines are very well trained and will be successful in Afghanistan."

    "The instructors are doing well to make the training as realistic as possible," said Col. Mohammad Aslam Mohammad Hashim Hashmi, also an operations officer with the 205th Corps. Hashmi was especially impressed with the realism of the training adding, "These Marines will be mentally prepared when they arrive in Afghanistan."

    As Hashmi, Malekzai, and other Afghan officers toured the facilities at the School of Infantry, staff members from the school explained the various training programs and their intended outcomes.

    "We equip entry-level Marines with the basic combat skills of Marine infantrymen," said Col. Brennan T. Byrne, commanding officer, School of Infantry, in his introduction brief to the dele-gation. "This training is also given to Marines in non-infantry fields of work."

    This visit to I MEF and the School of Infantry were part of a two-week-long orientation of train-ing programs and exercises that also included observation of training of Marine Transition Teams, infantry training at the Marine Corps Infantry Immersion Trainer, and basic skills devel-opment at the School of Infantry.

    PHOTO: Afghan Brig. Gen. Muhaiuddin Ghori maneuvers alongside a Marine fire team on patrol in a virtual village in the infantry immersion trainer during a visit to Camp Pendleton Jan 20.

    Source: US CENTCOM.

    Founders' Daily Quote(s): 1/18-22/10

    Monday, January 18, 2010.
    "A penny saved is twopence clear." --Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1737

    Tue. 1/19.
    "He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing." --Benjamin Franklin, writings, 1758

    Wed. 1/20.
    "The same prudence which in private life would forbid our paying our own money for unexplained projects, forbids it in the dispensation of the public moneys." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Shelton Gilliam, 1808

    Thu. 1/21.
    "I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Ludlow, 1824

    Fri. 1/22.
    "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them." --Thomas Jefferson, Summary View of the Rights of British America, 1774

    Essay by Mark Alexander: State of Disunion.

    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.

    Pentagon to supply Shadow UAVs to Pakistan

    by Donna Miles
    American Forces Press Service

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Jan. 22, 2010) – The United States plans to provide Pakistan RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicles to support their fight on extremists, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates confirmed today during a roundtable session with Pakistani reporters.

    The United States has been working with the Pakistani military for more than a year to enhance its own ISR capabilities, Gates said. “We share a lot of information that we acquire on the Afghan side of the border and from our satellites, but we also are trying to help the Pakistanis build their own capabilities.”

    In addition to the drones themselves, the United States also will provide training and other capabilities required to “coordinate these platforms and be able to get the maximum possible value out of them,” Gates said.

    The secretary first alluded to the new initiative last night, during an interview with Pakistani television reporters, but did not specifically mention the Shadow models, or the fact that a decision had been made about providing them, until today.

    A senior defense official traveling with Gates told reporters the United States will provide 12 of the unarmed aircraft to help Pakistan in its offensive on extremists.
    “We are trying to do everything we can to assist Pakistan in the fight in the west,” Gates told reporters today.

    Funding would come from congressionally appropriated counter-insurgency funds Gates said enable the Defense Department to quickly provide equipment or training to help the Pakistanis in the fight.

    Shadow UAVs are extremely popular within the U.S. Army, providing warfighters better situational awareness in their operations. They are relatively small, with a 14-foot wingspan, and have an ability to oversee specific sites and feed video images.

    PHOTO: RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle.

    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.

    Thursday, January 21, 2010

    Free Speech 1, Tyranny 0

    Today the Supreme Court of the United States has reversed itself yet again to allow incorporated groups to use political speech even days before an election. The Citizens United v. FEC case decision came down today, and it is great news.
    James Madison Center for Free Speech
    1 South 6th Street
    Terre Haute, IN 47807
    www.jamesmadisoncenter.org.

    PRESS RELEASE
    January 21, 2010

    Contact: James Bopp, Jr.
    Phone: 812/232-2434; Fax 812/235-3685
    jboppjr@aol.com.

    U.S. Supreme Court Embraces First Amendment in Case About Hillary: The Movie
    Today, in Citizens United v. FEC, the U.S. Supreme Court protected the First Amendment right of citizen groups to engage in political speech, even if they choose the protections of incorporation. The case involved the ability of Citizens United to broadcast Hillary: The Movie.

    The Court held that there is no corruption in assuming the corporate form, so incorporated groups could no more be prohibited from broadcasting their political speech than other citizen groups. The Court reversed its holding in Austin v. Michigan State Chamber of Commerce (1990) that “corruption” based on adopting the corporate form justified prohibiting corporations from expressly advocating the election or defeat of federal candidates. And it reversed its holding in McConnell v. FEC (2003) that corporations could be prohibited from making “electioneering communications” (broadcast communications that merely mention candidates near elections). As a result, many campaign finance laws—those based on rejected corporate-form “corruption”—are unconstitutional. The only corruption that can justify campaign-finance regulation is quid pro quo, i.e., votes for favors. The Court decided that Citizen United could be required to put required “disclaimers” on their electioneering communications and report expenditures for them.

    James Bopp, Jr., who has litigated numerous campaign-finance cases, makes the following statement concerning the case: “We are pleased that the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the First Amendment right of citizens to participate in political speech. The Court guards the people’s self-government right to associate and speak, safe from incumbent politicians who dislike criticism and would silence it if permitted. This case reaffirms that the people are sovereign and require broad protection for their liberty to engage in political speech.”

    Background

    Citizens United is a nonprofit (§ 501(c)(4)) Virginia corporation founded in 1988. Among other activities, Citizens United produces movies. Some of its documentaries have won awards.

    In late 2007, Citizens was preparing a feature-length (90 minutes) documentary, Hillary: The Movie. Citizens produced three ads to promote the movie. It filed suit because the ads would be broadcast during electioneering-communication blackout periods and name a candidate and so would be regulated as “electioneering communications.” In January 2008, the movie was released. It included interviews and scenes of then-Senator Clinton at public appearances. It was shown in theaters and sold on DVD. Thomas Nelson Publishers paid a royalty for book rights and published a compendium book. When Citizens United received an offer to broadcast the movie, it sued as to the movie because it was prohibited from broadcasting it by the prohibition on corporate electioneering communications.

    A three-judge federal district court held that the public disclosure provisions were constitutional as to the ads and the movie. And it held that the movie was an “electioneering communication” and that the prohibition on corporate broadcast of such communications was constitutional. Citizens United appealed. After initial briefing, the Supreme Court ordered additional briefing and argument on whether the cases relying on a corporate-form “corruption” should be reconsidered.

    Consequences

    As a result of today’s opinion, substantial campaign finance regulations remain, but they are focused on the concerns the Court originally identified in the 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision. There are still limits on the size of political contributions, in keeping with the Court’s concern about quid pro quo corruption. Gone is the notion that just because citizens incorporate they lose First Amendment rights.

    Another result of today’s opinion is that many state laws patterned on now-rejected federal law are unconstitutional. States have even enacted laws going beyond what Congress has done, and these will now be clearly unconstitutional, too.

    So-called campaign-finance “reform” groups will decry today’s opinion as allowing corporations and unions to have undue influence in politics and public life. But they fail to grasp the genius of the Framers of our Constitution. The Framers understood that in a free Republic the proper response to speech one opposes is speech in opposition, not opposition to speech. The Framers understood that layers of speech regulations and restrictions chill political involvement, so they forbade Congress to restrict speech and association. They did so to allow people of ordinary means to pool their resources and speak on the issues vital to them. The result of modern campaign-finance “reform” has been to make political speech available only to those who could hire expensive experts to guide them through the maze of regulations and restrictions, thereby cutting out the people of ordinary means. So ironically, it is not rich corporations and unions whose speech has been suppressed by purported “reform,” but the common folk, who cannot afford to hire the lawyers that the rich corporations and unions can afford. Today’s decision is a step toward returning to the day when any citizen can stand and speak her mind—without a second thought about complying with some maze of opaque regulations—because she is an American.

    Opinion

    The opinion is available at www.supremecourtus.gov.
    Sweet.

    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! Digg!

    Wednesday, January 20, 2010

    My Fellow Patriots, Be Warned!

    My friend over in Pasadena sent me this message today, and they're on to us. Yup, they found out that we're bought and paid for cuz no one could really think the way we do. Dang, it was good while we fooled them...NOT!

    This is a funny video, and here is what Jonathan wrote on Facebook:
    Subject: Premiere: Exposing the American Tea Party

    (DISCLAIMER: "Chase Peterson" is a completely fictional character created to lampoon certain unnamed "journalists" in the mainstream media. Please enjoy and pass along at your own discretion ;)

    As many of you know, the Pasadena Patriots were approached last month by veteran news correspondent Chase Peterson about participating in a documentary series called "Exposing the American Tea Party". Concerned that Mr Peterson had his own agenda, we politely declined. However, his producer came back with an irresistible offer - they would grant us FINAL APPROVAL and ALLOW US TO EDIT THE PIECE. Now granted - none of us are professional filmmakers, but this opportunity was simply too good to pass up. On December 29th, Chase Peterson came to our holiday party at Riley's Farm. Even though we were extremely gracious and cooperative, Mr Peterson's attitude soured throughout the afternoon and upon leaving he refused to give us the video tapes. As you can imagine - this didn't go over well with our group. With the help of Mr Peterson's cameraman, we finally took possession of the video footage. And now - Riley's Farm and the Pasadena Patriots are excited to present our first crack at mockumentary filmmaking "FRONT MAN: Who pays for the party?". Thanks to everyone who participated. It was a total blast and we're already talking to Chase about the next episode. Stay tuned!
    Here is Part 1 of the video. Enjoy.

    If this video does not work properly, here's the link to YouTube.

    Here is part 2.
    If this video isn't working properly, here is the link to the YouTube. Have a great day.

    Hat tip: Pasadena Tea Party-Jonathan.

    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! Digg!

    America Rising

    This video says it all. Yesterday we took back Massachusetts with Sen. Scott Brown (great job!), November 2, we are coming after the whole lot of you. Republicans, that includes you, too.

    If this video does not work properly, here is the link to YouTube.

    Hat tip: GM's Place.

    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! Digg!

    Quotes On Brown's Victory

    Project 21 is a remarkable group that I've been following for several years now, and they are astutely aware of the political consequenses and/or gains in these days. Here is the email I received today dealing with Sen. Scott Brown:

    Black Conservatives Comment on Brown Victory in Massachusetts

    Washington, D.C.: Black conservatives affiliated with the Project 21 leadership network are speaking out about the stunning victory of Republican state senator Scott Brown over Democrat state attorney general Martha Coakley in Massachusetts.

    Kevin L. Martin: "Scott Brown's victory in the bluest of traditionally blue states can only be viewed as a complete loss of confidence in the policies of the Obama White House and its allies in Congress. People have tasted the fruits of a government dominated by liberal ideologues and they've not found it to their liking. What remains to be seen is if this repudiation has been heard and understood. Will Obama, Pelosi and Reid see the writing on the wall, or will they continue their heavy-handed attempts to ram through their agenda against the will of the people?"

    Horace Cooper: "Yesterday's victory by State Senator Brown is reminiscent of the upset off-year elections of 1994. Then, the Democrats could have seen the results for what they were - a repudiation of big government liberalism - but they refused. As someone who worked on the Hill while these races were happening, you have to wonder if this time they'll get the message before it's too late."

    Bob Parks: "As someone who ran - and lost - in Massachusetts, it's great to see a conservative win there. While Massachusetts Republicans and independents can enjoy their well-earned opportunity to gloat, they can also revel in the fact they did the impossible in an impossible state. And let's hope leaders in Washington realize that the people responded to a conservative message - not one of moderation."

    Ellis Washington: "In Massachusetts, the site of the first tea party in 1773 and the renewed tax revolts of 2009, citizen defiance may have saved our republic. The stakes could not have been higher for the Obama Administration and congressional liberals in this special election. This may be the day in which it is guaranteed that Barack Obama will be a one-term president. Scott Brown's election will help America take a giant step toward renewed freedom and liberty. It bodes well for renewing American exceptionalism, market capitalism and the protection of personal property and sacred inalienable rights."

    Project 21, established in 1992, is sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research (www.nationalcenter.org).

    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! Digg!

    Soldiers give poor Iraqis economic alternatives

    by Ben Hutto
    367th MPAD

    PB HAMIYAH (Jan. 20, 2010) – One-by-one, they filtered into the small room, Jan. 12, filled with hope and carrying sad stories in their hearts.

    A 20-year-old widow with five children told how her husband was taken in the middle of the night, three years ago, by "bad men." She told how his body was found a week later and how hard it has been to support her family.

    A 17-year-old boy came in wearing a tattered pink jacket. He said he was forced to drop out of school to support his brother's children. When asked why he had to do that, he explained in a sad voice that his older brother and father were both killed by terrorists a few years ago.

    The list of the needy went on and on that morning.

    Life in Khidr, Iraq, a small village in an area once dubbed "the Triangle of Death" by the American media at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, can be hard. The area still doesn't have a local police force, although a police station is under construction.

    The 8th Iraqi Army Division maintains security as best they can, but a local shaykh says that financial help from the Iraqi government is slow in making its way to the area.

    "All farmers in Iraq have a right to go to the government and ask for help," he said, "but it is never enough for the farmers here, if they get anything at all."

    So far, the Americans have been key to taking up the slack, he said.

    "The U.S. Forces have been very helpful giving us projects," he said. "If the Americans don't help us, who will? I honestly don't know."

    On Oct. 12, the Soldiers of "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, working out of Patrol Base Hamiyah, were there to provide much-needed help for the widows and poor of the area.

    The battalion brought contracts that will help 70 poor widows and farmers establish turkey farms, bee keeping houses and irrigation wells.

    As the applicants signed their names to the contracts, Staff Sgt. Jon Kirkendall, a squad leader in "B" Company, from Portsmouth, Ohio, said he could see many of them finally feeling a glimmer of hope.

    "These people are exactly who these programs are designed for," he said. "You can see many of them are desperate for a way to take care of their families. Hopefully, these projects can help them find a way to become self-sufficient."

    According to Sgt. Brian Wilson, a Soldier from Fort Lewis attached to "B" Company, the three programs are perfect for the people they are helping, because they are designed to be self-sufficient enterprises that require very little work on the part of the applicants.

    "Honey bees thrive in this area," said Wilson, a native of Elk Grove, Calif. "It will really just be a matter of the widows waiting for them to make honey and draining it off. The turkey applicants will receive 30 turkeys that will start reproducing a few months after they arrive. With the feed we will provide for the birds, all the applicants really have to do is feed their animals and wait."

    While the cost of starting these projects isn't that high, Wilson said, the benefit of them could potentially be enormous.

    "As long as the applicants are allowed to do what the program is designed for, I think they can all be self-sufficient," he said. "Obviously, not all 70 applicants will be successful, but even if ten make it, it will have been worthwhile."

    Those ten may not have had much hope outside for the program, Wilson said.

    "These programs are reaching a segment of Iraq that, traditionally, has had very few opportunities to support themselves and their families," he said.

    As the applicants filed out of the small room, Wilson and Kirkendall gave each a handshake and wished them luck. Wilson told every applicant that they would be contacted around the first of next month to begin the delivery of their animals and equipment.

    "It feels good to help folks," said Kirkendall. "You just hope that they all find a way to make it last and take care of their families."

    PHOTO: Sgt. Brian Wilson congratulates a farmer in Khidr after he signs an economic project contract that will provide him with 30 turkeys and feed to support them. The contracts, aimed at helping the needy in northern Babil province, will give struggling families a way to support their families without having to turn to terrorist cells for support.

    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.

    Tuesday, January 19, 2010

    The Harmonica Man

    This is an awesome story of inner peace and love of music, children and life. Enjoy.

    If this video doesn't work for some reason, you can find it here.

    Hat tip: The World According To Carl.

    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! Digg!

    Get Well Soon Charlie Daniels

    This is breaking news from Yahoo News:

    U.S. country star Charlie Daniels recovering after stroke, Reuters.

    LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – American country music performer Charlie Daniel, whose hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" won him a Grammy in 1979, is recovering at home after suffering a mild stroke, his agent said on Tuesday.

    Daniels, 73, was snowmobiling in Colorado on Friday when he suffered the stroke and was released from hospital two days later. He has no plans to cancel any upcoming concert dates.

    "Charlie is doing well and looking forward to beginning The Charlie Daniels Band 2010 concert dates on February 27th in Ft. Pierce, Florida and February 28th in Brooksville, Florida," his agent said in a statement.

    Daniels is behind a string of country and pop music hits that include "Simple Man," "In America" and "The Legend of Wooley Swamp."

    "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" was included in the soundtrack of the 1980 movie "Urban Cowboy," which starred John Travolta and Debra Winger and in which Daniels also made an appearance.

    (Writing by Miral Fahmy, editing by Belinda Goldsmith)

    Source: Yahoo News from Stix.

    Charlie, we all love you. We are praying for your health, your family and friends, and you. Please rest. I know you feel like a spring chicken, but please listen to your doctors! Get well soon dear. God bless you.

    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! Digg!

    Time To Get To Work

    Today is a good day. There was an election that did not end up in court and there was no mention of any injuries. It is sad when one has come to expect this behavior, but it was not that way this day. I am grateful for this. Mrs. Coakley was kind enough to concede shortly after the polls closed. That was classy.

    I'm also happy because I live in a country where the people WILL rise up when the politicians go too far in either direction. Yes, all of those Tea Parties were not just a bunch of misfits who didn't like President Obama.

    While it is true I do not like his policies or the way they keep Republicans out of all the writing of any bills, I do not know him. Therefore I cannot determine whether or not I like him personally.

    I am not a Lefty. I do not hate people because they differ with me. If people didn't differ with me, how would I know if my ideas stood the test of scrutiny? It is good to debate. That is how we learn and grow. Staying convinced of that which is not true is only detrimental to ones self until you try pass bad law because of your belief.

    Take for example cap and tax. Global cooling global warming climate change could mean anything. What happened? Why did they change from cooling to warming to climate change?

    The climate has always changed. This is obvious. We call it winter, spring, summer and fall! Ah, but this is not what they mean. They are trying to use words that sounds politically correct but mean something quite different.

    The so-called scientists who worked on the computer model have been proven frauds, and the Leftist Democrats are trying to move forward with this cap and tax bill anyway. Not so fast! Scott Brown won his election today, and he will help us to defeat this nonsense.

    I don't mind if you believe in this. Do everything you can to help stop using carbon dioxide. While you're at it, stop breathing. Every time you exhale, you are spewing carbon dioxide. (CO2=1 carbon element+2 oxygen elements.)

    This is what plants need to grow and expel OXYGEN into the air so we may breathe. But you go ahead and kill the trees and all our vegetation. That'll do us a whole lot of good. Feel a little silly do ya? No, I didn't think you would. *sigh*

    How did I get onto this topic? Hmm. Anyway, I do feel joy and peace. I am encouraged to know that even in Massachusetts you cannot pull the wool over the people's eyes anymore. Thank God. If it can happen there, it can happen anywhere. There is hope, and the change is a'comin in November.

    Please contribute to my campaign for US Congress CA-37. Ms. Richardson has ignored our petitions. She has ignored our calls. She has ignored our e-mails. She has ignored our visits to her office. Well she won't ignore us much longer. Not with your support and our message.

    NO to their form of healthcare insurance taxation. NO to forcing us to purchase from private companies something we have the inalienable right upon which to decide to purchase or not. She is not our dictator. She is not representing us.

    Yes, we can change this. We are going to bring balance and common sense back to Washington. There is no reason why we should stay there all year and fly back and forth on the weekends on the taxpayers dime. That is criminally immoral.

    There are limits in our constitution, and they shall be enforced. Finally. What belongs to us and/or our state, the federal government can no longer take and has no say about how we run our Sovereign states.

    There are many ideas that you have shared with me, and I have heard you. So have many of us Tea Partiers. Now it is time to put it into action. You asked us, "What do we do now?", "Where do we go from here?". We get rid of those who are not keeping their oaths by replacing them with us. Woohoo! It's gonna be a hot time in the old town in November! 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! Digg!

    Sen. Scott Brown Has Won!

    Great job, Scott. Scott will now be the 41st Senator from Massachusetts, and he will take his rightful seat in the US Senate within the next couple of days because Coakley gave her consession speech. This means that there is no reason for anyone to contest the election results, so kiss it Reid and Pelosi!

    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.

    Massachusetts Election News Update

    Today is the day and there is much news. As you know, we have reporters over there watching this election. We want to avoid fraud, illegalities, etc. This is what has been reported so far.

    Washington News Alert.

    Martha Coakley’s Office Calls Reporters “Nazis”, Throws Them Out.
    By Robert Romano

    January 19th, 2010, Springfield, MA–An Americans for Limited Government Foundation reporter was blocked from entering a Martha Coakley campaign office, and the guards called her and her crew “Nazis.”

    [Video]

    Said ALGF reporter Nancy Neale about the incident, “We went back to the Coakley volunteer center at 640 Page Blvd., one of the phone bank volunteer centers.

    “We identified ourselves as journalists for Washington News Alert and Watchdog. They asked us politely to stop filming, and we did. However, two other men made phone calls and after they finished the calls, came over, grabbed my arm and told us to get out. Read the rest of this entry »

    Coakley Campaigners Posting Signs Near Polling Locations Busted in Lawrence.
    by Robert Romano

    [Video 1] Part 1: A van that we have seen previously today shows up again planting signs. A guy got out of it. He blindsides our cameraman, he curses, and bumps him. In the bump his finger hits the stop record. He realizes and records again.

    [Video 2] Part 2: The van is documented, and they explain what happened.

    [Video 3] Part 3: They explain to the offenders the violation.

    [Video 4] Part 4: The offenders move the signs.

    Read more about election day in Massachusetts at Washington News Alert.

    Warden a no-show, police open machine
    Posted on January 19th, 2010 by Robert Romano

    By Andrew W. Griffin, Oklahoma Watchdog, editor

    LAWRENCE, Mass. — At the Essex Towers senior public housing, voters are being allowed to vote despite the poll warden not showing up. According to a poll watcher for Republican candidate Scott Brown, a Lawrence Police Department officer unlocked the ballot box. This was observed by Americans for Limited Government, and Brown and Martha Coakley poll watchers.

    The poll warden had taken a child to school, according to one observer. The police later opened a polling machine for a handicapped man. There was still no evidence of a poll warden one hour after the polls opened.

    Andrew W. Griffin is the editor of Oklahoma Watchdog.

    As I wrote yesterday about dead people voting, the Secretary of State William Galvin has refused to take this issue seriously. Apparently, the DoJ has found him guilty of not reporting how many absentee ballots went overseas and how many were returned. Our Military men and women along with others didn't get to vote in Massachusetts possibly. This is unconscionable.

    Hat tip: Americans for Limited Government.

    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! Digg!

    Monday, January 18, 2010

    Massachusetts Election News

    Tomorrow there will be some live-blogging for this desicive election along with just about everyone moving to Massachusetts for a day. Here are the links to some of the sites.

    Live-blogging, RightPundits. They are also having a live-chat.

    Next I have some news about some cameramen.
    Breaking News: Washington News Observer Sends Six Camera Crews to MA to Cover Special Senatorial Election.
    Jan. 15 2010, Fairfax , VA--The Washington News Observer has dispatched six camera crews to the cities of Boston , Lawrence , and Springfield , MA to provide up-to-the-minute coverage and analysis of the Senatorial Special Election. The WNO teams will be covering voting centers, rallies, community meetings, and other local events in order to gauge each community's political attitude. The footage will be broadcast quality.

    If you are in any of the areas listed above, or if you have any breaking news, tips, or information on a developing story, please contact our field coordinator: Robert Lockwood (978-729-6711).

    WNO footage will be published in real-time from the field. It will be available on the WNO website (www.washingtonnewsobserver.com). Consistent with WNO's Broadcast Content Portal Policy, we will not charge for our services.
    Check out this little tidbit from Washington News Alert. They found this at More than 3 Million Registered Voters are Dead, 12 Million More Ineligible, Analysis Finds.
    (CNSNews.com) – Regardless of how lively an election season might be, a new study shows that more 3.3 million voters on current registration rolls across the country are dead.

    Another 12.9 million remain on voter registration lists in an area where they no longer live.

    The analysis was conducted by the Aristotle International Inc., a technology company specializing in political campaigns, developing software and databases for politicians.
    ...
    In Massachusetts, 116,483 registered voters are dead, 3.38 percent of the state’s total of registered voters. Another 538,567, or 15.6 percent, had moved to an area outside of where they are registered to vote.
    I will be busy gathering signatures, calling the registrar, listening to the radio, and I may even be on that live-chat. It sounds very exciting. Now if only I could make mine that exciting. *heh*

    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! Digg!

    Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day

    Today as the rain pours down in California, let us take some time to remember and celebrate one of our own. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was a fascinating man to the millions of people, me included. It is a sad and cruel thing that he was assassinated in 1968, but let's look at all the good he did.

    He was a very articulate speaker. He spoke as he saw things, and he knew much about our constitution. This worried many white people as they were still ignorant to the fact that black people have minds just as great and creative as theirs. Many white people, however, understood this in a good way and stood up for him and believe in his speeches, his religious teachings, his approach of non-violence, and much more.

    These white people were Christians. We must, however, understand that the KK used religion as al Qaida is doing today. I don't want to make this into anything political, but the truth must be told. Most KKK members were Democrats, while Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican.

    If the video is not working properly, here is the YouTube link. Hat tip: superjsuh.

    Many things have changed since the time of his murder, so let us not dwell on which party did what. I do not believe he would have wanted it that way. I know he certainly would Not have wanted all of his brothers and sisters to flock to one party or the other. He would want us to think and speak for ourselves and also to dialogue with each other.

    He was a great man in my mind, and America is a better country for having Martin Luther King Jr. amongst us. Even if it were only for short while. Thank you, Rev. King, for opening up all those doors. Thank you for your persistence and knowledge and kindness and belief that one day, we would be able to stand together-hand in hand-and praise God for such a beautiful country and all of our blessings. Thank you for all of this.

    Thank you for braving that frontier. Your work has been very successful. We still have a way to go, however. Some of the people who were with you have forgotten or have become bitter because of your assassination. Please do not be too disappointed. They loved you and your message. Have mercy on them.

    When they realize the truth, when the scales off their eyes, we can once again climb to the top of that mountain and reach out to touch the Hand of God together. Until that time, I shall do my best to help restore your dream, our dream. God bless you, and I pray you are resting peacefully with God.

    Happy Reverend Martin Luther King Day everyone. This is everyone's day of celebration, and don't let anyone tell you different. God bless.

    Biographies: Martin Luther King - Biography, NobelPrize.org.
    Martin Luther King Jr. Biography, Biography.com.
    Martin Luther King, Jr: Biography from Answers.org, Answers.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! Digg!