Creeping Sharia: Sept. 1, 2010

Fort Dix Five terrorists seek to overturn convictions.

Associated…with terrorists? Someone doesn’t want readers to know any background on the ‘men’. via The Associated Press: Fort Dix conspirators seek to overturn convictions. [Continue reading.]

Secret hearings to decide Muslim Brotherhood-linked NAIT’s co-conspirator status.

One of the nation’s most prominent Muslim organizations, the North American Islamic Trust, is set to face off with the U.S. government in a federal appeals court Monday.

The reputation of the group, known as NAIT, may well hang in the balance, but don’t bother trying to attend the court session this afternoon before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. In a highly unusual move, judges have — without explanation — ordered the arguments closed to the public. The jurists have also put under wraps all of the briefs the two sides filed in the appeal. [Continue reading.]

Rising Syrian presence on Capitol Hill - and defense of terrorists.

We posted on Janet ‘Ikhwan’ Napolitano’s appointment of Kareem Shora to the Homeland Security Advisory Committee more than a year ago. He’s featured in a post at ForwardSyria.com.

It’s a softball interview, here’s the intro via Rising Syrian presence on Capitol Hill – Forward Magazine: [Continue reading.]

So, are you glad that you voted for Obama if you did? Do not worry. There is still time to make up for it. Remember in this November!

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.

Conservatives Have No Plans?

Yesterday's Morning Bell: The Left is in Full Retreat title doesn't do it justice. This is an article packed with many positions and policies that we have been trying to bring forth, but the democrats have kept us out of their meetings. Do you want to know the truth? Do you want to be freed? Then read on.

Last Thursday, a who’s who of the progressive movement met for a conference call organized by Families USA and hosted by the advocacy group for government-run health care, The Herndon Alliance. The Alliance’s partners include AARP, AFL-CIO, SEIU, MoveOn and La Raza, among many others. Democratic pollsters John Anzalone, Celinda Lake and Stan Greenberg were the call’s main event, and they were there to deliver some bad news. Politico reports: “Democrats are acknowledging the failure of their predictions that the health care legislation would grow more popular after its passage, as its benefits became clear and rhetoric cooled. … The presentation also concedes that the fiscal and economic arguments that were the White House’s first and most aggressive sales pitch have essentially failed.”

Health care is not the only issue where the left is retreating in the face of strong disapproval from the American people. Versionista, a Portland, Oregon-based company that tracks changes to the White House website, reported last week that the Obama administration had made “whole-cloth” changes to its “Energy & Environment” issues page. Out are any references to a cap on carbon emissions and a campaign pledge to spend $150 billion on clean energy technologies. In its place the new White House site includes a three-minute Earth Day-themed video from President Barack Obama. And across the country, leftist Senate candidates in Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana have all come out against President Obama’s impending trillion dollar tax hike, due in January.

As satisfying as it is to see Obamacare’s supporters come to terms with the failure of their grand plan, it is not enough for conservatives to just say “no.” Conservatives must have real plans for reform if the American people choose to empower them. The Heritage Foundation’s Solutions for America chapter on Getting Health Care Reform Right recommends:

Repeal Obamacare: There is a precedent for repealing highly unpopular and misguided laws: the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988. Recently, over 70% of Missouri residents rejected a key provision of Obamacare­—the requirement that individuals purchase a health insurance plan designed and approved by government bureaucrats. The House of Representatives even voted recently to repeal one provision of Obamacare that will impose draconian paperwork requirements on millions of small businesses. The easiest way to address all these grievances: repeal Obamacare.

Promote Personal Control Through Tax Equity: Today, workers who purchase coverage through their employer receive an unlimited tax break on the value of their health care benefits. However, those who purchase coverage on their own receive no comparable tax break. Ideally, the current tax exclusion should be replaced (or at the very least capped) with a system of universal tax credits for taxpayers. Medicaid and SCHIP spending should also be redirected to help low-income individuals and families purchase private health insurance

Fix Current Government Health Programs: Medicare should be reformed into a defined-contribution system in which the government provides a contribution for benefits and seniors are able to apply their contribution to the health plan that suits them best.

Promote Federal–State Partnerships: A one-size-fits-all federal solution cannot accommodate the unique and diverse health care challenges facing the states. The federal government should promote interstate commerce in health insurance, extend certain protections for those who maintain continuous coverage, and provide states with technical assistance and relief from federal rules that inhibit innovation.

Provide Portability: Individuals—not the government—should be able to choose the health coverage that best suits their needs. To accomplish this, private health insurance must be portable—that is, owned by Americans so they can take their package from job to job.

There is no better symbol for the overreach of the progressive movement into the daily lives of all Americans than Obamacare. Repealing this intolerable act and replacing it with the foundations for a truly market-based health care system is one of the best ways conservatives can capitalize on liberalism’s retreat.

Quick Hits:

•Nearly half of the 1.3 million homeowners who enrolled in the Obama administration’s flagship mortgage-relief program have fallen out.
•The government is investigating at least 20 car dealerships it claims violated the rules of last year’s cash-for-clunkers program.
•Howard Dean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said Sunday that President Obama’s political advisers are out of touch with average Americans and need to “spend some time outside Washington.”
•Iran opened its first nuclear power plant at a ceremony on Saturday that was attended by senior officials from Iran and Russia.
•Hugo Chavez’ Venezuela suffered more civilian deaths in 2009 than both Baghdad and Mexico.

Tags: cap and trade, energy tax, Morning Bell, Obama Health Care Plan, Obamacare, patient centered health care, the Obama tax hike.

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Author: Conn Carroll.
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Source: Morning Bell of the Heritage Foundation.

This is just the beginning. Once we have elected conservatives to office, we must not let up the pressure. That is the mistake we the people made the last time. This is our money and our values they are going to be responsible for and temptation runs high when no one is watching. This time, we shall ALL be watching. It is our responsibility.

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!

Voters Guide: Judicial

There is a Christian gentleman by the name of Craig Huey who researches the votes, the speeches, and many aspects of these judges who are on the ballot for this June 8th vote. I will not say whom I am voting for, because this is your vote, your voice. I just wanted to give you some information since we are never provided any.

The names who do not have a number beside them I believe may be running for the first time and/or have no record. Please remember to vote this June 8th! Have a nice day.

June Election Recommendations

Warning: Do NOT vote for a judicial activist or unqualified judges.

The June California primary ballot has important races for Superior Court judges…but it’s often hard to tell which judges you should vote for.

Unfortunately, many judges sitting on California courts may be incompetent, corrupt, lazy or soft on crime.

Even worse, many are political opportunists who have a political agenda—they are “judicial activists”

A judicial activist legislates from the bench. Instead of strictly interpreting California law, these judges make the laws. Instead of applying the law to facts, they impose their own values on us all.

Ratings:

Judicial Index Average 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Judicial Activist Strict Constructionist

•Positions
•Contributions
•Rulings
•Statements

Qualifications
Unqualified -- Very Qualified

•Experience
•Reputation
•Integrity
•American Bar Association ratings

June 8, 2010 California Primary

Los Angeles CountyJudge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 28.

•C. Edward Mack - 7
•Randy Hammock - 6
•Chris Garcia - 3
•Edward J. Nison - 7
•Kim Smith - 7
•Kendall C. "Ken" Reed - 3
•Mark K. Ameli - 4
•Elizabeth Moreno - 6

Note: Very close rating on C. Edward Mack, Edward J. Nison and Kim Smith but our endorsement is for Kim Smith followed by C. Edward Mack.

Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 35.

•Douglas W. Weitzman - 4
•Soussan G. Bruguera - 6

Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 73.

•Laura A. Matz - 8
•Marvin G. Fischler - 5

Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 107.

•R. Stephen Bolinger - 4
•Tony De Los Reyes - 6
•Valerie Salkin - 6

Note: Very close rating on Tony De Los Reyes and Valerie Salkin but we believe Tony De Los Reyes would be best.

Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 117.

•Tom Griego - 4
•Alan Schneider - 5
•William Mitchell Margolin - 4
•Pattricia M. Vienna - 6

Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 131.

•Maren Elizabeth Nelson - 6
•Jim Garo Baklayan - 2

Alameda County Superior Court Judge; County of Alameda; Office 9.

•Louis Goodman - 3
•John Creighton - 5
•Victoria S. Kolakowski - 4

El Dorado County Judge of the Superior Court; County of El Dorado; Office 9.

•Nelson Keith Brooks - 8
•Robert P. Huckaby - 6

Mendocino County Superior Court Judge, Room 1; County of Mendocino.

•Caren Callahan - 4
•Ann Moorman - 7

Orange County Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 2.

•Scott Steiner - No Contest

Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 13.

•Nick Dourbetas - No Contest

Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 16.

•Andy Manssourian - 9
•Gerald L. Klein - 6.5

Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 39.

•Cheri Pham - No Contest

Superior Court Judge; County of Orange; Office 50.

•Lon Hurwitz - 5
•Julian W. Bailey - 9

Riverside County Judge of the Superior Court; County of Riverside; Office 21.

•Steve Counelis - 8
•Raquel Marquez - 6

San Bernardino County Judges.

Judge of the Superior Court; San Bernardino County; Office 11.

•James Justin Hosking - 8
•Robert Lemkau - 3.5

Judge of the Superior Court; San Bernardino County; Office 29.

•Edmund Lee Montgomery - 5.5
•Victor R. Stull - 8

Judge of the Superior Court; San Bernardino County; Office 31.

•Lynn M. Poncin - No Contest

San Diego County Superior Court Judge; County of San Diego; Office 14.

•Lantz Lewis - 4
•Craig A. Candelore - 8.5

Superior Court Judge; County of San Diego; Office 20.

•Richard R. Monroy
•Jim Miller, Jr.
•Stephen P. Clark

Superior Court Judge; County of San Diego; Office 21,

•Bill Trask - 9.5
•Robert C. Longstreth - 4

Superior Court Judge; County of San Diego; Office 27.

•Harold Coleman, Jr. - 8.5
•De Ann Salcido - 2.5

Superior Court Judge; County of San Diego; Office 34.

•Larry “Jake” Kincaid - 8.5
•Joel R. Wohlfeil - 4.5

San Francisco CountySuperior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 1.

•Ronald E. Albers

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 10.

•Newton Jue Lam

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 11.

•Donna A. Little

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 12.

•Donald S. Mitchell

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 13.

•Mary C. Morgan

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 14.

•Ronald E. Quidachay

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 15.

•Daniel Dean - 4
•Richard B. Ulmer, Jr. - 6
•Michael Nava - 3

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 16.

•Carol Yaggy

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 2.

•Suzanne Bolanos

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 3.

•Susan M. Breall

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 4.

•Ellen Chaitin

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 5.

•Bruce E. Chan

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 6.

•Roderick A. McLeod - 5
•Harry Dorfman - 7
•Linda Colfax - 4
•Robert Retana - 3

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 7.

•Ernest H. Goldsmith

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 8.

•Teri Leatrice Jackson

Superior Court Judge; San Francisco County; Seat 9.

•Richard A. Kramer

Santa Clara CountyJudge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 7.

•Thomas Spielbauer - 5
•Joanne McCracken - 6

Judge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 11.

•Tim Pitsker - 7
•Vanessa A. Zecher - 7

Judge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 19.

•Julia Alloggiamento - 6
•Bob Camors - 7

Santa Cruz CountySuperior Court Judge; County of Santa Cruz; Office 3.

•James B. Sibley - 6
•Philip J. Crawford - 4
•John Gallagher - 5

Superior Court Judge; County of Santa Cruz; Office 10.

•Steve Wright - 5
•Rebecca Connolly - 4

Sonoma CountySuperior Court Judge; County of Sonoma; Office 1.

•Nancy Case Shaffer

Superior Court Judge; County of Sonoma; Office 2.

•John Lemmon - 7
•James Patrick Casey - 6
•Pat Broderick - 5

Superior Court Judge; County of Sonoma; Office 3.

•Jamie Ellen Thistlethwaite - 5
•Chris Mazzia - 6

Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge; County of Stanislaus; Office 6.

•Philip A. Pimentel - 4
•Nancy Williamsen - 5
•Martha Carlton-Magaña - 6
•Shawn D. Bessey - 8
•Geoffrey C. Hutcheson - 4
•William E. Mussman - 8

Ventura County Superior Court Judge; County of Ventura; Office 10.

•Ellen Gay Conroy - 5.5
•Robert J. Taylor - 6

Superior Court Judge; County of Ventura; Office 1.

•Lela Henke-Dobroth - 7
•Ryan Wright - 8

Don’t miss the 2010 election updates. Click here to sign up to receive special election alerts and updates.

Your election recommendations and results guide for the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County Superior Court, Orange County Superior Court, San Diego County Superior Court, Ventura County Superior Court Riverside County Superior Court and San Bernardino Superior Court Judges and candidate recommendations and results for superior court judges. 2010 Election. Sign up for important alerts and California Superior Court recommendations and results.

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Craig Huey is the coordinator and researcher for JudgeVoterGuide.com.

For over 20 years, Mr. Huey has extensively researched judicial races with an emphasis on California elections.

Mr. Huey is an author, public speaker, entrepreneur and owner of two successful businesses. He has given election recommendations on KKLA’s Frank Pastore show, KWVE’s Brian Perez show and KBRT’s Paul McGuire show in Southern California.

Mr. Huey researches each candidate’s background and positions and talks with most judicial candidates.

Click here to contact Mr. Huey

Judge Voter Guide includes judicial recommendations and results for the California Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Justice and Superior Court Judge

Copyright © 2010 Community Election Forum & Craig Huey. All rights reserved. Judicial Seat Recommendations and Results for California Courts.

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!

Kagan's Socialism Exposed

It is amazing that many people do not believe in the Bible anymore. It does state that if the truth will not come forth by the people, the stones will cry out and reveal it. RedState.com has uncovered her thesis writtin during the Cold War when our enemy was the USSR.

Do they really think they can hide who they really are? Do they really so little of us that we won't find out the truth? Amazing. Their arrogance is blinding them.

You may read it here at this .pdf.

Hat tip: Liberty First PAC pointed me to RedState.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!

Palin Hacker's Verdict: GUILTY

Today the verdict of the young 'man' who hacked into Sarah Palin's computer and spread all her private stuff over the internet was found guilty of obstructing justice. There is one count the jury is having difficulty with, and that one is identity theft. They are deadlocked on it, so far.

The charge he has been convicted of carries a 20 year sentence and a $250,000 fine. This is for those who think that computer crimes are not that significant. Beware. Do not do it.

Below is coverage of this verdict with a stupid commercial first. Sorry, I couldn't get rid of the commercial. For those who are happy, remember this verdict when the shoe is on the other foot. For those find this too harsh, then don't do it, and you won't have to worry about it. For those on the Left, remember this the next time your boss asks you to hack into someone on the right. We are watching for all hackers, Left and Right. It is wrong to hack into something that does not belong to you. That's all.

Here is the link in case the video doesn't work.

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!

Justice 1; Senate Boo Hiss

I've just read an article I received December 16, 2009, and it is powerful. There is so much corruption within our government on every level including the courts that this is a refreshing outcome. However it is a dire warning as to how far we have moved away from 'Justice for All'.

Here is the comment from Stephan Frank that came with this article:

Federal Judge Exposes Massive Conspiracy by Justice Department.
December 16, 2009, 07:05 PM

Yesterday a Federal judge threw the book at the U.S. Justice Department for corruption of the process, bullying defendants, forcing people to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit (happily one guilty plea has been thrown out and the second will shortly).

This is what the U.S.Justice Department did to a billionaire and other wealthy people--imagine how they would treat you and other middle class and poor people.

The words and thoughts of the Federal Judge says it all:

"Accusing prosecutors of a "shameful" campaign to intimidate witnesses and obtain unjustified convictions, a federal judge threw out high-profile criminal stock fraud charges against Broadcom Corp. co-founder Henry T. Nicholas III and the company's former chief financial officer."

"In remarks that followed two months of testimony, Carney cataloged what he called the government's misdeeds. He said the government's treatment of Samueli "was shameful and contrary to American values of decency and justice." The judge called him "a brilliant engineer and a man of incredible integrity."

"The judge said the government unreasonably demanded that Samueli submit to as many as 30 "grueling" interrogations, falsely stated and improperly leaked to the news media that he was not cooperating in the government's investigation, and improperly pressured Broadcom to terminate his employment.

In reviewing the case, the judge singled out the way the government handled two witnesses. He said Nancy Tullos, a former Broadcom vice president of human resources who refused to cooperate in the investigation, was fired from a new job after a prosecutor called her employer and disclosed allegations against her."

"The judge said the government also pressured former Broadcom general counsel David Dull to testify in a way that favored the prosecution." In plain terms: the government demanded he lie.

the judge may be one of the truly honest people in government: ""I'm sure there are going to be many people who are going to be critical of my decision . . . and argue that I'm being too hard on the government," the judge said. "I strongly disagree. I have a solemn obligation to hold the government to the Constitution. I'm doing nothing more and nothing less."

If they treat rich people like this, you know how they treat poor people.

Our Justice system from the local courthouse to the Federal courts are broken. This system works only if people are not aware of how corrupt government can be, and this story must be given to everybody.

We need total honesty in the judicial system, not just what judges or prosecutors want us to know.

What do you think? Who should go to jail--Nicholas or Eric Holder?
Read More...

This is refreshing and frightening at the same time. To find out with absolute proof that our Attorney General is breaking the law and there's nothing we can do? I believe there is something we can do. Are you willing to join me in doing it?

Today the SCOTUS also ruled that the Cross at the cemetery of our WW Vets was to stand, but they sent it back to the same court that said the government could not sell it which is what they had settled on to begin with. This same court may be biased against Christians, so our fight is not over.

They are supposed to have the government sell the land to the VFW. Let us keep an eye on this case very closely.

Here are some words from a good friend who has been following this and is worried that many think this fight is over. Please read his take on this situation.

As far as the Senate goes, the Repukians caved on the Financial 'Stability' Reform Act, so they are now moving forward with Dodd's permanent bailout for Wall Street while we sit around without a job. Oh yeah, they're really looking out for the unemployed people, eh? Bastards.

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!

SCOTUS To Hear Doe #1 v Reed

Do you remember when many states voted to keep the status quo on marriage? Well, Washington State had some trouble makers up there, and they took it took it to court to get the names, addresses, and other personal information of the people who signed the petition to get it put on the ballot.

The court upheld it Sept, the 9th district rejected that opinion October 15th and gave it the go ahead, and 5 days later, October 20th, the SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) put a stay of action on it until it could be heard at its appeal.

Below is the press release sent to me by one of the lawyers of the James Madison Center for Free Speech.

Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom
1 South 6th Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807-3510

PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
[I've removed his contact information, cuz I don't want nuts bothering him.]

Supreme Court Reply Brief to Protect Petition Signer Privacy Filed

Yesterday, Protect Marriage Washington filed its reply brief in the United States Supreme Court case of Doe #1 v. Reed. Protect Marriage Washington is asking the Court to decide whether the Washington Secretary of State may release the names, addresses, and other personal information of over 138,000 individuals who signed a referendum petition that sought to protect traditional marriage in Washington

Washington’s Secretary of State seeks to release this personal information to groups who have stated that they will place this personal information on the internet, and aid those who wish to harass and intimidate anyone who publicly supports traditional marriage. Efforts of these and similar groups have resulted in death threats, physical violence, and property damage directed at individuals supporting a traditional definition of marriage in Washington and across the country.

James Bopp, Jr., lead counsel for Protect Marriage Washington, stated that “The First Amendment allows individuals to engage in political speech without being forced to reveal their identities. When public disclosure laws like those in Washington force people to reveal themselves, individuals cannot speak without worrying about threats to themselves, their families, or their jobs. The State of Washington should not be allowed to encourage this violence and intimidation by requiring citizens engaging in political speech to identify themselves.”

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 briefing, along with the prior orders in the case, are available on the website of the James Madison Center for Free Speech, under the “Doe v. Reed (S. Ct. 2010)” 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.

If you want to contact him for yourself or you feel you might have a case, email me first. I will not jeapized our friendship and trust for anything. Not that I don't trust you, but I don't trust you. haha.

This reminds me of the reason why we have secret ballots today. It used to be there was a red box and a blue box (if I remember correctly) that people used to vote for the people they wanted. When people (Union Thugs) saw you put your ballot into the 'wrong' box, you actually risked your life. The same thing is happening here if the court decides to allow this atrocity. Who will sign a petition again?

Think about it. What if we were allowed to vote on whether or not there should be abortions? How about slavery? Don't you think those slave owners would be out there in numbers? I would to get rid of both of those horrible laws and/or practices. COME AFTER ME. But be careful. You don't know where I keep my Bible and guns...Have a great week. :)

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!

Farah leaders discuss laws stopping violence toward women

ISAF Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 10, 2010) – More than 20 Farah province judges, prosecutors, members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and members of the Ministry of Justice participated in the first of a three-day seminar focusing on the Constitution of Afghanistan and the Elimination of Violence Against Women Law (EVAWL), April 3.

The seminar was conducted by Justice Sector Support Program (JSSP) personnel and hosted by the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).

The three-day seminar was aimed to equip Afghan’s who are working within the judicial system, to better understand the constitution and to implement rule of law in their designated career fields. Two of the three days were concentrated on EVAWL, a new law imposing strict penalties for women forced into marriage, marrying women under the age of 16, and for physical abuse towards women.

“A lot of times the community does not understand what the law is,” said Sheila Weirth, Justice Advisor for JSSP.

The seminar is an opportunity to raise awareness and shed light about EVAWL to the law makers and law enforcers in the province. The law also requires every ministry working for the Afghan government to promote awareness and educate the community about the law.

Participants were given verbal and visual lessons, a chance to share with each other experiences and lessons learned, and mock scenarios applicable to real life cases in Afghanistan.

Weirth’s hope is that participants in the seminar will share the information gained with their peers and colleagues, therefore spreading knowledge of EVAWL and the general laws under the GIROA constitution.

JSSP and the Farah PRT also visited with the Farah Provincial Chief Judge Abdul Hanif Ubiad and Chief Prosecutor Abdul Ghafar to assess the current judicial situation in the province.

The meeting with Ubiad and Ghafar was a key opportunity for JSSP and the PRT to observe the process of law in the province, and resulted in a stronger relationship between government officials and coalition forces.

”We received a very warm reception,” said Weith, “The prosecutor (Ghafar) here is very impressive and is a well educated man.”

Maintaining security and prosecuting members of the Taliban has remained a top priority among judiciaries in the Farah Province. However, it is the day-to-day rule of law that has been a tough challenge for judges and prosecutors alike. According to Ubiad, most criminal activity in the city of Farah consists of land disputes, tribal disputes that often lead to revenge killings, and business deals gone badly. In other parts of the province, drug production and trafficking continues to be a significant hurdle for Afghan law enforcement officers.

In addition, appointing defense attorneys for suspects has been a struggle for the province. Currently there are no defense attorneys for the entire province. The suspect does have the opportunity to defend themselves, but witnesses and arresting officials are rarely available or present during the trial. Hiring defense attorneys has remained a high priority for Ubiad, and Weirth is very confident there will be more within the next few years.

Despite these obstacles, Ghafar is more than optimistic about the future security and stability of Farah.

“Compared to six months ago, security is much better,” Ghafar said, “We have no tensions regarding security at this time.”

To assist with the justice system, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Matt Schaefer, rule of law advisor to the PRT commander and a practicing lawyer in the commercial-sector, is committed to assisting in diagnosing problems within the legal system to establish a secure and developed justice system.

“The good news is they have a functioning framework. They have a foundation we can build on,” said Lieutenant Schaefer, “Rule of law is a critical aspect to their success and it is essential to the PRT’s mission.”

Support from the PRT and JSSP will continue to focus on sustainable solutions to the justice system in Farah. Continuing efforts of meetings, seminars, and training events for those working in the justice system will provide long-term successes, rather than temporary solutions.

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.

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!

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!

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!

Truth, Justice And The American Way

This audio/video speaks for itself as to why we need to protect our borders.

In case something should happen to the video, here is the link to YouTube.

Hat tip: ALIPAC1.

Founders' Daily Quote(s): 8/3-7/09

Monday, August 3, 2009.
"The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy. An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy." --Benjamin Franklin, Emblematical Representations, 1774

Tue. 8/4.
"We lay it down as a fundamental, that laws, to be just, must give a reciprocation of right; that, without this, they are mere arbitrary rules of conduct, founded in force, and not in conscience." --Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the state of Virginia, 1782

I'm afraid that is exactly where we find ourselves these days...

Wed. 8/5.
"[W]here there is no law, there is no liberty; and nothing deserves the name of law but that which is certain and universal in its operation upon all the members of the community." --Benjamin Rush, letter to David Ramsay, circa April 1788

Where do 'progressive' taxes fit into that logic? Just as I thought. They do not. So many other things this and prior Congresses and Justices have called equal but are not. Give me back my country!

Thu. 8/6.
"Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness." --James Wilson, Of the Study of the Law in the United States, 1790

Indeed.

Fri. 8/7.
"I am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the people. It is the stale artifice which has duped the world a thousand times, and yet, though detected, it is still successful. I love liberty as well as anybody. I am proud of it, as the true title of our people to distinction above others; but ... I would guard it by making the laws strong enough to protect it." --Fisher Ames, letter to George Richard Minot, 1789

AMEN.

Source: Patriot Post.

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): 7/20-24/09

Monday, July 20, 2009.
"Let justice be done though the heavens should fall."

--John Adams, letter to Elbridge Gerry, December 5, 1777

Tue. 7/21.
"The best and only safe road to honor, glory, and true dignity is justice."

--George Washington letter to Marquis de Lafayette, September 30, 1779

Wed. 7/22.
"Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit."

--Federalist No. 51, February 8, 1788

Thu. 7/23.
"If individuals be not influenced by moral principles; it is in vain to look for public virtue; it is, therefore, the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility, as well as the necessity of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice."

--James Madison, response to Washington's first Inaugural address, 1789

Fri. 7/24.
"It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a People always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence."

--George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796

Source: Patriot Post.

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): 6/1-6/5/09

Monday, June 1, 2009.
"[T]here is not a syllable in the plan under consideration which directly empowers the national courts to construe the laws according to the spirit of the Constitution."

--Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 81, 1788

HA! I wish you were here to argue that point in front of the SCOTUS and the next nominee.

Tue. 6/2.
"The truth is, that, even with the most secure tenure of office, during good behavior, the danger is not, that the judges will be too firm in resisting public opinion, and in defence of private rights or public liberties; but, that they will be ready to yield themselves to the passions, and politics, and prejudices of the day."

--Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

That is what we have now. Could someone please explain to me why we are NOT supposed to listen these WISE old white men?

Wed. 6/3.
"One single object ... [will merit] the endless gratitude of the society: that of restraining the judges from usurping legislation."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Edward Livingston, March 25, 1825

***clap, clap, clap***

Thu. 6/4.
"The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virture to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."

--Federalist No. 57 (Alexander Hamilton or James Madison), 1788

Fri. 6/5.
"His Example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be read."

--John Adams, message to the U.S. Senate on George Washington's death, December 19, 1799

Amen. It surely has and does. Thank you, and rest in peace General George Washington.

Source: PatriotPost.us.

Kansas SC To Hear Case Against Planned Parenthood

UPDATE: Let's just make one thing clear. This was written before that abortion doctor was MURDERED. I in NO WAY want to be affiliated with anyone who rejoices in another's misery. I no longer write anything from this group. It's a shame, too. We need someone out there WHO IS NOT A NUT to fight the good fight with WORDS and IDEAS and TRUTH. After all, isn't his life as valuable as anothers? You are not God, and you don't get to make that decision. What if God was working on him to soften his heart? YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE! And I want no part of your organization. Thank you for understanding my rant. Now you can read this post if you still choose to do so.
_____________________

It has been 10 months in the coming, but the Supreme Court of Kansas has finally made the announcement that they will hear arguements in the case of the State v. Planned Parenthood. The claim is that planned parenthood has criminally performed abortions and hidden the records, if they kept any at all. They have been performing late-term abortions without checking viability. They have also committed many other crimes. Below please find a press release from Operation Rescue. Thank you.

******************************

After 10 Months of Stalling, KS Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments In Planned Parenthood Criminal Case

Topeka, KS - The Kansas Supreme Court has announced that it will hear oral arguments in the criminal case against a Kansas Planned Parenthood organization on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The arguments will be related to an appeal filed by former District Attorney Phill Kline of a ruling made by Judge Stephen Tatum rejecting four of Kline's subpoenas and other matters related to the case.

Kline charged Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri with 107 criminal counts, which included 23 felonies, in October, 2007. The charges include illegal late-term abortions, failure to determine viability for late-term abortions, failure to maintain records, and filing false information related to late-term abortions. One brief filed in the case included documents that provided convincing proof that Planned Parenthood violated the law, then lied about it.

Since then, Johnson County has elected a new District Attorney, Steve Howe, who has remained quiet on his plans, if any, for the prosecution. Howe, who claims to be pro-life, is not trusted by much of the pro-life community because of his fierce opposition to Kline and lack of any tangible pro-life record. His close association with former DA and Attorney General Paul Morrison, an ardent abortion supporter who was forced to resign as AG amid a sex and abortion corruption scandal, makes him even more suspect.

This is the first movement on the Planned Parenthood case in ten months. The case had been stalled while the KS Supreme Court pondered the appeals.

"The Kansas Supreme Court has a history of reluctantly upholding subpoenas issued by Kline, and we are expectant that this will be the case now," said Operation Rescue Senior Policy Advisor Cheryl Sullenger. "We monitoring this case closely and are interested to see if Mr. Howe steps up and enforces the law, or follows in Morrison's footsteps and attempts to torpedo Kline's case."

"After ten months of stalling, it is past time for this case to move forward. In the event that Planned Parenthood is guilty of these crimes, it is hard to imagine how many more women have been subjected to illegal acts and how many viable babies have wrongly died while the Courts delay," said Sullenger. "Their lack of a sense of urgency betrays their lack of concern for the lives of the victims."

Operation Rescue plans to attend the hearing.

Read Timeline of Planned Parenthood Legal Cases.
______________________________
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to support Operation Rescue.
______________________________
Web site: www.OperationRescue.org.

E-mail: info AT OperationRescue DOT org.
******************************

I found this golden nugget over at the Conservative Christian. It was shared by Diane. Thank you, dear!

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.

Today I am having an open trackback courtesy of Linkfest. This means you can (track)post your best post here. Remember to link me to your article before you trackback. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback? Everyone have a nice day.

Sharing this news with Blog @ MoreWhat.com: Open Trackback linkfest Haven Weekend, third world county: Hopenchange in the Age of the High Tech Sweatshop, Nuke Gingrich: May 8 1945, Woman Honor Thyself: Mothers Day, The World According To Carl: Dr. Demento Society 2008 Membership Packet Arrived Today!, The Pink Flamingo: The Pink Flamingo Was Wrong, Leaning Straight Up: LSU Just Another Seattle Right Wing Extremist or Something, and Right Voices: Stimulus Oversight Left Up To Taxpayers; 7 of 10 Lawmakers Skip Oversight Hearing, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Friends who want to share their posts with you:
The Pink Flamingo: The Series That Just Won’t Die.

Cross-posted @ TCU, SGP and Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

Today's Breaking News: 30 Jan 09

Iraq in lockdown on eve of vote.

Newsweek: The Iraq match-ups to watch.

Taylor trial witness: Rebels cut off my hands.

Zimbabwe opposition to join government.

At least 25 dead after Nairobi blaze.

Caterpillar plague spreads in Liberia.

Thousands of Tamils protest in Toronto.

Thieves shoot foreigner near Mexico airport.

U.S.-Mexico border fence almost complete. HAHAHAHA, My arse.

U.S. dealers arming Mexican drug cartels. Arrest them!

N. Korea scraps all accords with South.

New commander heads to Gitmo.

Judge refuses to delay Gitmo detainee's trial.

Sept. 11 a factor in Fla. terror retrial.

Courtesy of MSNBC.msn.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

9/11 Families Want Gitmo To Remain

I came upon this article (I forget how), and it is quite interesting. The way things have been reported around here, you'd have thought this was the opposite of what the majority of people in the USA wanted. My oh my, what a web it is when at first the press decides to deceive!

I'm not familiar this paper, so I have posted the article below. This way it won't disappear when you try to link to it. (I hate that. CNN does that ALL the time.)

Families of 9/11 victims want to keep Guantanamo open. (AFP) - 20 January 2009

GUANTANAMO BAY US NAVAL BASE - Parents of five 9/11 victims called Monday for the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay to remain open and for the military commissions to try the five men accused of perpetrating the attacks.

"We demand that this camp stay open and that the process continue," said Joe Holland, whose son was killed during the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, and the Pentagon in Washington.

"Right here, right now, this is a good process, they are getting a fair trial," Holland told reporters, referring to the military commissions established by the administration of President George W. Bush to try "war on terror" detainees held at the controversial facility.

"Guantanamo has been described as a national embarrassment. Mass murder in America is embarrassing," said Donald Arias, his voice trembling with rage.

"Mister Obama, it will be your job to take care of us."

President-elect Barack Obama, who takes office on Tuesday, will likely make good on his campaign promise and shutter Guantanamo as well as Bush's military commissions by issuing an executive order shortly after taking power.

Chosen by the Pentagon to witness the hearings, the five representatives of the 9/11 victims spoke after a day of pretrial hearings, where self-proclaimed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed appeared alongside four alleged co-conspirators.

"I believe the preponderance of 9/11 victims defend the death penalty," Arias said at the press conference. "This is not an issue for federal courts."

It could take several months to fully close down the detention camp, as US officials will have to transfer some of the 248 prisoners to other countries and then decide whether to try the remaining suspects in US courts.

Obama has acknowledged that closing the prison will take longer than many of his supporters had hoped.

"We waited eight years, we had nothing ... This is an ongoing process," Jim Riches said about the military commissions, whose fate now hangs in the balance.

Mandated by Congress in 2006, the military commissions were established by the Bush administration to try terror suspects under separate rules from regular civilian or military courts.

The controversial system allows convictions based on classified and hearsay evidence, and critics say it allows for verdicts based on testimony obtained through torture and abuse.

Of the 248 inmates still held at the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, only about 20 have been charged, including the five suspected 9/11 conspirators.

Source: Khaleej Times Online.

EMBARASSING??? So you pukes are worried about being embarassed? I recommend you crawl right back underneath the rock you slithered forth from. Your presence is neither needed nor desired here. You, dear sirs, are traitors to this country, and the next attack shall surely carry its blood on your hands. You do not even have the brain to comprehend this.

"Human rights! Human rights!", you decry. Tell me, please, where were you when those people were jumping off the Twin Towers because they did not want to burn alive? Where were their human rights? Black, yellow, red and white, it did not matter. Just the fact that you exist is enough for them to want you dead, but you know better, right? You, sir, are a fool of the worst order. May the Good Lord forgive us for whatever happens to our country in the future because of your stupity. Yes, Dear God, Protect us.

Sharing this with Political Byline: Why we can never withdraw from Afghanistan until the job is done, Woman Honor Thyself: Geert Wilders: Prosecuted for “Hate” by HaterS?Geert Wilders: Prosecuted for “Hate” by HaterS?, The World According To Carl: Open Trackback Friday — January 23, 2009, DragonLady's World: OTA Monday 120, The Pink Flamingo: Barack Obama's Very Bad First Week, Cao's Blog: Monday's Open Trackback Party!, Leaning Straight Up: The Economic Stimulus: White Guys Need Not Apply, Democrat=Socialist: DS Saturday Night Caption, Conservative Cat, and Right Voices: President Obama warns Republicans on Capitol Hill today that they need to quit listening to radio kink Rush Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats and the new administration, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Trackback URI. Digg!

BP Agents Sentences Commuted 3/19/09

It's about time, and I'm grateful President Bush did it. Today President Bush commuted the sentences for Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean. They will leave prison March 20, 2009. They never should have been there in the first place, but I would like to thank everyone who kept up the good fight and did not quit the fight to free them. Thank you.

Please read this statement below from The National Center For Public Policy Research press release. I believe it is very important and better written than I am able to at this time, so without further adieu, here it is.
******************************
Black Leader Lauds Bush Commutation of Border Agents' Sentences.

Washington, D.C. - Mychal Massie, the chairman of the Project 21 black leadership network, is praising the decision made today by outgoing President George W. Bush to commute the sentences of jailed Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.

Under the terms of the commutation order, made by President Bush on his last full day in office, the imprisoned law enforcement officers will be released on March 20. Ramos and Compean were sentenced to 11 and 12 years, respectively. Much of their time since entering prison in January of 2007 has been spent in solitary confinement.

"I sincerely want to thank President Bush for commuting the sentences of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean," said Project 21's Massie. "Their freedom has been too long in coming. We are pleased that, in one of his final acts as chief executive, President Bush has done the right thing and shown these men mercy."

Ramos and Compean were prosecuted for an incident that occurred in February 2005 on the U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso, Texas. They chased Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila on foot after he abandoned a van containing 743 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $1 million. During the chase, Ramos shot at Aldrete-Davila after Ramos thought he saw Aldrete-Davila draw a gun. Aldrete-Davila escaped across the U.S.-Mexico border, and Ramos assumed Aldrete-Davila was unhurt. In fact, Aldrete-Davila had been shot in the buttock. U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton later charged Ramos and Compean for pursuing Aldrete-Davila without supervisor approval, moving spent shell casings and improperly reporting the fired shots.

Aldrete-Davila was granted immunity to testify against Ramos and Compean. He recently plead guilty to charges that he conspired to smuggle marijuana into the United States twice after he was granted immunity and faces a jail term of between five and 40 years and $2 million in fines.

Quoted by CNN.com, an unnamed Bush Administration official said: "The President has reviewed the circumstances of this case as a whole and the conditions of confinement and believes the sentences they received are too harsh and that they, and their families, have suffered enough for their crimes."

Project 21's Massie added: "I have repeatedly told the President that their sentences were too harsh and that they did not fit the crime. I am pleased that he finally agreed."

Massie also expressed thanks "to all those who stood with us in our petitions in favor of freeing these brave men."

Project 21’s Massie was an outspoken national voice in seeking a pardon or commutation for Ramos and Compean. Massie wrote about the case in a commentary published in The Washington Times on December 28, 2007. This commentary is available at the Washington Times.

Project 21, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research, has been a leading voice of the African-American community since 1992. For more information, contact David Almasi at (202) 543-4110 x11 or Project 21.org e-mail, or visit Project 21's website. ******************************
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.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Trackback URI. Digg!

New CENTCOM Unit Makes It Tough To Be A Pirate

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Jan. 16, 2009) - A new patrol in the U.S. Central Command is working to make it unprofitable to be a pirate, the commander of U.S. Navy Central Command and 5th Fleet said Jan. 15. Acts of piracy have "spiked" off the coast of Somalia with merchant vessels and crews being held for millions in ransom by pirates using AK-47 assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and ladders to take "low and slow" ships traversing one of the world's busiest sea lanes.

The pirates come from a clan based on the northern coast of Somalia, Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney said, and they are in it for the money. "The problem of piracy started ashore," the admiral said during a Pentagon news conference. "It's because there is no rule of law. There isn't a government. There isn't economic stability. There isn't a court system that will hold these criminals responsible for their actions." Without a penalty for the Somalis, these clansmen -- who are normally fishermen -- took to piracy.

"As commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, I directed the establishment of the Maritime Security Patrol Area," Gortney said. Coalition ships and aircraft patrol the area, but it is a complex operation, and task forces already in place had an existing counterterrorism mission. As a solution, Gortney established Combined Task Force 151 to conduct counter-piracy operations. Nations that are members of the task force "will bring their collective capabilities to bear to deter, to disrupt and eventually to bring to justice these maritime criminals," he said.

The coalition group works with all concerned nations to deter the pirates and it has had some success. "I think, it's really a fascinating story to watch unfold as, at this point, 14 nations have sent their navies to work against this destabilizing activity," he said. This includes Russia and China, which are primarily escorting their own national flag vessels. "That allows us to go focus elsewhere with the rest of the ships that are down there," Gortney said.

The efforts against piracy focused on three areas: bringing in more international forces, working with the shipping industry to put in place defenses to prevent pirates from successfully getting onboard their vessel, and finding a way to deal with the pirates legally. "When we capture a pirate, where do we take him? Where do we hold him? What court system tries him and holds him?" Gortney asked. [NOT GITMO! They'll cry for him and then let him go!]

"When the activity spiked in the middle of August, we knew ... our current process wasn't working, and we had to take a new look at it," the admiral said. And it is working. In the last six weeks there have been only four successful piracy attacks, the admiral said. "Dis-incentivizing piracy" is what Gortney calls the missing piece. "The State Department is close on finalizing an agreement with one of the nations out there," he said. "And once we get that authority, then we're going to change my orders."

The orders to the coalition now are to disrupt and deter, but not capture, pirates. "But once we get the authorities, my orders will change to disrupt, deter and capture, and try and hold them accountable for their actions," he said. "We have to make it unpleasant to be a pirate, and that's where, when we can capture them and try them and hold them accountable for their actions," he said.

Cpl. Cole Daniels, a military policeman assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, train with a shotgun aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio. San Antonio is the command ship for Combined Task Force 151. The task force conducts counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Persian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment.

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.

Cross-posted @ TCU Nation, SGP and Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!