This is the Quietest Day for Me

It was the defining moment of my adult life. It was a sharp break between The Way I Thought It Was, and The Actual Reality.

Up to that point, I'd always been a Liberal, Democrat-Voting, Accept that the Left is ON THE "RIGHT" SIDE OF HISTORY kind of girl.

It really was a beautiful morning. I was quietly working in my classroom when my husband came in, tears in his eyes.

Then, he told me what had happened.

This blogger gets it - and expresses it so much better than I.

Check out the difference between the Google.com page, and Bing.com - Google has NONE of the doodles it uses for less important days. Bing's page is low-key, and lovely.

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What is Dumber Than a NYT Columnist?

The answer is:

Nothing.

Nothing is dumber than a NYT Columnist.

A perfect example of that is the mindless regurgitating of an academic study that explores why some people, in extreme situations, freeze in place.  The brain activity that causes it, the possible alternative ways to keep that from affecting peoples' survival in crisis situations, and all of that other academic hedging is explained.

Why?

Because the academic has explored bold new territory?  Come up with novel solutions?

No.

Towards the end, only a hint of POSSIBLE ways to fight the freeze are given.  No doubt, this "conclusion" will be used to argue for more money to study the problem further.

Whereas any "uneducated" Redneck could tell you the solution to the problem.

Join the military - particularly the Marines.  I guaran-damn-tee you that your "hard-wired" tendency to freeze will completely disappear.  It will be replaced by practiced, rote training that overrides your instinctual freeze.

Funding agencies, please contact me for information about where to send the check.

The Gathering Storm

In the aftermath of the recent shooting - both in America, and in the rest of the world (the media focused on Paris, but just about totally ignored the kidnapping of a Malaysian engineer, who has been reportedly beheaded) - the American people are nervous.

For a very good reason.

Unlike truly random attacks, the Islamic terrorists aim at maximizing Christian deaths.  It is for this reason that the "holiday" party was targeted - the killers could be reasonably sure that those of the Christian faith would be present.  Other groups that have faced terror from Islamicists are the Kurds, the Druze, and, of course, every whacko group's fave, the Jews.

The Progressives have been wrinkling their foreheads at the perplexing actions of ordinary Americans, who - despite the number of shootings by random crazies and "Peaceful Muslims" (trademark pending) - are reacting by choosing to increase the number of guns owned by citizens.  It's "truly a puzzlement" (to quote the King of Siam from the musical) why any sane person would react to the increasing violence with purchases to defend themselves and those they love.

/sarc

I personally know 1/2 dozen or more Democrats who've either bought guns, or are contemplating a purchase.

Hmmmmm.

Whatever COULD be causing people to feel unsafe?

Why, it's as though these nervous people don't fully trust their government to protect them.

They must be paranoid.

[UPDATE]  I know it reads like an Onion article, but apparently the appropriate response to the CA shooting should be attendance at a radical mosque:

A handful of House Democrats are expected to meet Friday afternoon at a Northern Virginia mosque that has reported ties to terrorists.

The Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church is where Anwar al-Awlaki, an accused recruiter for al Qaeda who was killed in 2011 by a U.S. drone strike, was an imam at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It was also widely reported that some of 9/11 hijackers attended the mosque, and that Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan worshipped there

Have we morphed into Bizarro World?

Tense International Situation

Putin has apparently upped the ante, charging that the USA either leaked information about the downed Russian jet, or that their allies did, causing the plane to be targeted.

The leadership of the USA has been too eager, for years, to engage in treaties and mutual protection agreements with other countries.  We're currently committed to send troops into too many international fights.

I'm not gonna go all Rand/Ron Paul on you, but it does seem prudent to re-examine the extent of our alliances, and let those other countries know that we expect them to limit their belligerence, territory acquisitions, and watch who they let into their borders - at least, if they want our help.

If they don't need us, hey, knock yourself out, do whatever you want.

Keep in mind that this could easily be disinformation, what we in the States would call blatant lying to achieve our aims.  Russia is notorious for that practice, and Putin probably learned something from his years working for the KGB.

De-Mystifying the ISIS Successes

According to this site, it's not rocket science, but known principles of war and politics.  Here's a link to some free pdfs detailing Boyd's thinking.

Want to know more about the Future of War?

SOME of the current state of pre-war is being conducted via hacking cybersystems.

SOME of it is by the usual means of controlling/enabling lazy/reflexively anti-American media.

And, most troubling, some of the pre-war is being won by the same TROLLS that are "winning" the war for SSU (Same Sex Unions) or other Cultural Battles.

For example, I wouldn't be surprised to find that THESE globes will be widely available in the USA.

Roundup of News and Information

I've been busy - REALLY busy - for the last few weeks.  Just catching up on life events (cleaning, organizing, taxes), lots to do at work (I DO still have to work), taking 2 grad classes (I needed Gifted and Talented endorsement to continue teaching the Honors classes), and a bum knee (partly torn meniscus, and partly osteoarthritis).

As a result, I've had little time to do much beyond hit the headlines, and skim the more popular blogs for the last month and a half.  I'm getting ready to pack up for my Easter Break - 9 days off work, with little to do but housework, taxes, and healing.  The kids at work are playing catch-up (review, completing and turning in unfinished work, and taking an online quiz), so I have a few minutes:

• The continual shredding of the Constitution and properly-passed law by Obama's administration has reached the truly disturbing level, including this


• Via Nice Deb, more evidence of Obama's perfidy.


• Well, he may not be officially a Muslim, but he sure is cozy with them - even working with fiends to put them into power.


• Bergdahl?  Confused peace-loving humanist, or traitorous collaborator?  I know which side I fall on.  As long as he is DIShonorably discharged, clearly identified as a deserter, and has to spend at least a few years in a military prison, I'm satisfied.  No, that's not what he deserves - but, with the clearly sympathetic Obama and Friends in charge, that may be the maximum we can hope for.


• Da-yam!  How long does McCarthy have to be dead to get the Left/Liberal mafia to stop using him as a poster boy for The Demon Right?

There's lots more that I could post about, but I'm out of time today.

One of My Favorite Sites for Re-Post Links

It's Liberal Logic 101.  

Today I woke early, and was catching up, and found this:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturally, as I am Catholic, it caught my eye.

The Crusades were a Defensive War.  The Muslims were attacking an ally, who asked for our assistance.  They were not that successful - as the Muslims kept re-grouping and re-attacking over many centuries.  Although the Battle of Tours in October 762 (Christian forces led by Charles Martel, Charles the Hammer) stopped the Muslims from advancing further into France, they maintained their Iberian Peninsula foothold in Europe until 1492, when the combined forces of Ferdinand and Isabella finally pried loose Moors in the Battle of Granada.

The Muslims were, in the treaty, free to practice their religion, until 1502, when they were given a choice, convert or leave.

Beginning in Valencia in 1502, Muslims were offered the choice of baptism or exile. The majority decided to accept the former, becoming 'New Catholics', of very great interest to the newly established Spanish Inquisition, authorized byPope Sixtus IV in 1478.

The Morisco conversos (converts), though outwardly Catholic, continued to adhere to their old beliefs in private as crypto-Muslims in a practice known as taqiyyah or precaution, conduct allowed for by some Islamic authorities when the faithful are under duress or threat of life.

Some of the above I knew from college work - I specialized in Latin American History, and was reasonably fluent in Spanish, at that time.  I cited Wikipedia (yes, I do know their woeful record of inaccuracy in many entries.  However, they are generally a good resource for basic research - I sometimes use them for background in areas of science I need to brush up on.  That would be Chemistry or Physics, NOT Climate Change).

The Muslim invaders weren't stopped from their Aggressive Wars until the Battle of Vienna:

...the other 9-11: September 11th, 1683, the day when an alliance of Christian armies led by Jan III Sobieski, the King of Poland, arrived at the Gates of Vienna.

The Ottoman Empire had been expanding into Europe ever since Constantinople fell to the Turks, and even before that. Wherever the Muslim armies went, they plundered cities, took slaves, turned churches into mosques, and converted many thousands of Christian captives to Islam at the point of a sword.

The Sultan’s armies overran Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. They turned Protestant Hungary into a compliant vassal and made war repeatedly on Austria and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Ottomans had designs on Vienna, since the fall of the city would open the way into the heart of Austria and the rich principalities of southern Germany.

The Gates of Vienna tells the stirring story on their blog.  Do read it - you need to know why September 11 has significance, beyond 2001's atrocity.

Bonus - you'll learn the story of why we eat Croissants.

 

WWJD?

How will you vote this fall?

What are you currently doing about the Mid-East situation?

Let's start with the second part.  For many of us, it's hard to know WHAT to do.

• Calling, writing, faxing, and emailing our representatives in Congress, Senators, and the President and the administration have led to one outcome, for me.  I get a nice letter on letterhead stationery that assures me they have listened to my concerns, appreciate my contacting them, and that they will keep my thoughts in mind - and, BTW, don't forget to vote.


• I have written in online comment boxes on news sites, blogs, magazines.  I Share, Comment, and Like posts that reference the conflicts and urge action.  I've signed the online petitions.


• I bring up the subject with almost everyone I know.  They are generally sympathetic to the fate of the Christians and Jews in the region, but, when asked for more, say "What can I do?".  They are not asking the question, but justifying their decision to put the issue to the back of their mind.


• I pray - daily.  I have no doubt that the practice has efficacy, but truly think that the time for action is here.  There is a legitimate time for "Praise the Lord, and Pass the Ammunition".  It's the idea of a Just War.

Nonetheless, I am opposed to any American action that puts our military representatives in danger.  I have NO confidence that the current administration will be effective - they seem to just want a photo op that bolsters the leaders for their next election.  They want to convince the public that there is an action called the "surgical strike" that will ONLY kill the ISIS members who are engaged in an atrocity at that moment, but leave all others in place to - what? - regret their actions?  Like that would happen!

One of the few politicians who seem capable of speaking the plain truth in public is Newt Gingrich - yes, I know he's not the greatest representative of Conservative philosophy in action - 3 marriages would, for many, disqualify him from commenting on SSM - but, he does not shy away from telling the truth in public.

So, yes, voting will have SOME effect.  I'm also going to be writing to our pastor, and urging several actions:

• Practical help - donations, resettlement assistance, prayer


• Preaching about it - each week, there should be BOTH prayers for our Christian and Jewish brethren, AND suggested actions for the congregation to follow - petitions, letters to the editor, distribution of fact sheets that they can copy and use to educate their neighbors, friends and family, workplace (NOT political, but educating about the concept of Just War, links to donation sites, etc).

I do plan to continue to post on Facebook, but do not consider that effective action.  Just hitting the Like button is not enough.  Sharing is not enough.  It is, however, a start in spreading information.

I like FB.  I use it to keep up with friends and family.  Sometimes, it can be a part of your toolbox in educating the people you are connected with.

But, by itself, it is NOT enough.  We need to move beyond FB "activism".

Benghazi Update

Here's a link to a THOROUGH summary of the events of 9/11/12.

I'll continue blogging on this issue in the future.

WHY is it important?  Here's a link to Neil Young singing about ANOTHER 4 dead.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They didn't have to die.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, well, is that SUCH a big deal?  As Madam Secretary Clinton <s>said</s> yelled, "What difference, at this point, does it make?"



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's Been Happening While I've Been Checked Out of Reality

I REALLY enjoyed this vacay.  The first part went by too fast - we were visiting family, and - well - things happened.  My sister-in-law injured her back, and we played nurse for 2 days.  It worked out - the rest of the family stepped in, as well, and she's slowly getting better.

We scooted back home on Friday afternoon-Saturday, with a stop in WV to rest.  At first, the weather was a tremendous improvement, but---the cold has taken over.  I've put the heat up, I'm wearing a sweater, and I'm STILL cold.

It looks like the pressure is on for uncovering the true story about the Benghazi attack.  Obama is getting it from the New York Times, although the motivation and accuracy of their report is in question.

Krauthammer "has a theory" about that (just like Columbo!).  He thinks the phone call to Hillary at 10 pm was for the purposes of getting their stories straight - emphasis STORIES.

More Fast & Furious guns have been found - and the bullets from them in dead people at the scene of the crime.  ERIC HOLDER needs to be removed from office - AND brought up on charges of Reckless Endangerment, Lying to Congress, and Interfering with an Investigation, for a start.

I've seen several stories about a Virginia hospital that has has MAJOR problems getting patients' hospital coverage verified.  Some people walked out without getting seen/admitted.  The idea that they might have to pay out-of-pocket (welcome to MY world, peeps!) is causing them to decide that they don't need seen that badly.

I have a few comments on being around the home in the daytime:

• Daytime TV sucks - REALLY sucks - like a Black Hole


• If I ever come into possession of a large amount of money, I'm DEFINITELY hiring a maid - maybe 2 of them


• I own WAY too much stuff


• Ditto for my husband - particularly in the area of the kitchen


• Did I mention that daytime TV sucks?  Well, it does

 

Some Disturbing Information About "What Muslims Believe"

I was taking a break from housework (yes, I do it - no, I don't like it), and found a link - I'm glad I followed it.  It's a fairly comprehensive examination of Muslim writings that are often misinterpreted by non-Muslims.

Just one part, about how the Crusades were an "unjustified invasion and slaughter of innocent Muslims".

Really?

The Facts:

The first Crusade began in 1095… 460 years after the first Christian city was overrun by Muslim armies, 457 years after Jerusalem was conquered by Muslim armies, 453 years after Egypt was taken by Muslim armies, 443 after Muslims first plundered Italy, 427 years after Muslim armies first laid siege to the Christian capital of Constantinople, 380 years after Spain was conquered by Muslim armies, 363 years after France was first attacked by Muslim armies, 249 years after the capital of the Christian world, Rome itself, was sacked by a Muslim army, and only after centuries of church burnings, killings, enslavement and forced conversions of Christians.

By the time the Crusades finally began, Muslim armies had conquered two-thirds of the Christian world.

Europe had been harassed by Muslims since the first few years following Muhammad’s death.  As early as 652, Muhammad’s followers launched raids on the island of Sicily, waging a full-scale occupation 200 years later that lasted almost a century and was punctuated by massacres, such as that at the town of Castrogiovanni, in which 8,000 Christians were put to death.  In 1084, ten yearsbefore the first crusade, Muslims staged another devastating Sicilian raid, burning churches in Reggio, enslaving monks and raping an abbey of nuns before carrying them into captivity.

In 1095, Byzantine Emperor, Alexius I Comneus began begging the pope in Rome for help in turning back the Muslim armies which were overrunning what is now Turkey, grabbing property as they went and turning churches into mosques.   Several hundred thousand Christians had been killed in Anatolia alone in the decades following 1050 by Seljuk invaders interested in ‘converting’ the survivors to Islam.

Read the whole thing - it's worth the time.

Cowards!

The following members of the House Oversight Committee didn't have the GUTS to stay there and listen to the testimony of these people:

Patricia Smith and Charles Woods. Ms. Smith is the mother of Sean Smith, an information management officer killed in the 9/11 Benghazi attack. Charles Woods is the father of Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods, who was also killed.

I decided to see just much interest they display on their websites for the Benghazi investigation - since, according to the official statements, the Democrats would have LOVED to stay and listen to the parents, but, alas, they just HAPPENED to have these scheduling conflicts.

Membership names taken from the House site:

• Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14)

AMAZINGLY, the link to a puff piece about the Rep. receiving an award from the Association of Americans Living Overseas doesn't work - but if you click here, it will.  Wonder how those Americans who DIED in Benghazi feel about her not having the guts to listen to their parents talk about how the administration failed them - AND lied about it - AND are STILL lying about it.

Inscribed on the award is a message that reads, “In Gratitude For Her Unfailing Support For the Rights of Americans Living and Working Overseas.”

Well, Unfailing Support EXCEPT for those people who died in the Embassy attack.  Ya know, the peons who don't count.



 

 

 

• Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. John Tierney (MA-6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-1)

• Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Gerald Connolly (VA-11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-12) - aside from the Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, she's the ONLY one that stayed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above statement on Speier's page is the single most substantive that I was able to find.  I give her credit for the support in it.

• Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17)

No Search function on his website

• Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-2)

• Rep. Tammy Duckworth (IL-8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Peter Welch (VT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Tony Cardenas (CA-29)

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Steve Horsford (NV-4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Names include links to their websites - DO GIVE THEM A SHOUT-OUT, won't you?  Let them know how you feel about their COWARDICE in leaving the room.  AND maybe you can ask those that have NO RESULTS in the search for the term "Benghazi" why that is.

Benghazi Update

Once again, the Republicans have gained possession of the political football, and fumbled it.

Why, oh, why, do the Republican leadership let the Obama administration get away with 1/2-truths, outright lies, and evasions? Why can the American public not get the straight story about what actually happened - including EXACTLY what Obama was doing/not doing that fateful night of the Benghazi attack?

Here's a link to a post that addresses that exact issue.

Common Sense for the Modern Era

I just read the Krauthammer post, and was moved to tell you - go read it.

It's a cogent explanation of WHY Obama's policies for the Mid-East make no sense.

.Obama defends the vast NSA data dragnet because of the terrible continuing threat of terrorism. Yet at the same time, he calls for not just amending but actually repealing the legal basis for the entire war on terror, the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force.
Well, which is it? If the tide of war is receding, why the giant NSA snooping programs? If al-Qaeda is on the run, as he incessantly assured the nation throughout 2012, why is America cowering in 22 closed-down embassies and consulates? Why was Boston put on an unprecedented full lockdown after the marathon bombings? And from Somalia to Afghanistan, why are we raining death by drone on “violent extremists” — every target, amazingly, a jihadist? What a coincidence.

This incoherence of policy and purpose is why an evacuation from Yemen must be passed off as “a reduction in staff.” Why the Benghazi terror attack must be blamed on some hapless Egyptian-American videographer. Why the Fort Hood shooting is nothing but some loony Army doctor gone postal.

NAME the enemy - Islamicism, which is the political use of the Quran to impose tyranny on all who oppose that religion.

A Picture That Sums Up America

I found this on Ace of Spades.  LOVED the sentiment!

Scandalous Times

The term "scandalous" has lost much of its panache; in a time when big-name politicians can, without a blush, blatantly lie about matters related to their office, does the word have any meaning for the public?

Apparently so.  At least, when the scandals pile up upon each other, and the president is so gauche as to threaten one of the Holy Media.

The interesting thing about looking at the record is that it's hard to cage the examination.  Once started, the press has begun to fall over themselves to be the first to point out THE SAME OUTRAGES THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT FOR OVER 4 YEARS!

Sorry for the caps; I just lose it, sometimes.

In no specific order:

• The AP government snooping scandal.


• The drone war - when Rand Paul (that's the son, who appears both rational and electable) filibustered, asking for answers about apparently unconstitutional killing of American citizens without due process, for the media, it was all a big yawn.  He's still asking questions, and people are starting to listen.  On ABC with Martha Raddatz, Paul says that there is:

...still a question in my mind of what he (Obama) thinks due process is. Due process to most of us is a court of law, it is a trial by jury. And, right now, their process is him looking at some flash cards and a PowerPoint on ‘Terror Tuesdays’ at the White House.

•  In all fairness, some in Congress (Rep. Peter King is a prime example) don't want the drone program eliminated. There is some discussion about whether killing of American citizens as a by-product of targeting terrorists is regrettable, but not illegal, or is totally wrong.


•  BTW, I'm one who believes that the "protest" of the Code Pink activist was a put-up job.  Obama could have kept her out, or chosen to let security do its thing.  He didn't; he wanted her to speak her piece, so he could have an opportunity to address a topic that is of interest to many in his camp.


• The IRS targeting Tea Party and other conservative activist groups, which included - slowing down to a crawl approval of 501(c) status.  (See rules below)  Interestingly, Code Pink - the very essence of a completely political organization - DOES have that 501(c)(3) status.  If the rule was applied the same for both conservative and liberal organizations, I'd have no problem with it.  However, fair means FAIR - no giving advantage to groups you like, while denying that status to those you don't.

[A 501(c)(3) qualified nonprofit organization is not allowed to be involved in politics, so steer clear. Political nonprofit groups operate separately from this classification. Organizations that either support or oppose political candidates may face an excise tax or may even risk losing their tax-exempt status. The Internal Revenue Service offers guidelines at www.irs.gov/charities.]

• BTW, some clarification for those who don't understand why this is so important.  501(c)(4) organizations are very similar in their tax status.  Conservative organizations don't want that status, because their membership and donor lists would become public, giving Leftists a chance to harass them, threaten members/donors employment/education/life. (That link - a GREAT source of balanced news - has ALL ends of the political spectrum.  I like it because I get to read a range of news/opinion - something that is lacking from most newspapers/news shows)

Amazingly, Newt Gingrich is a voice of reason.  He points out that "getting even" or even impeachment is NOT the goal. On CNN, Newt said:

I think this is a really important moment for Republicans in particular to make a decision: Is this a gotcha moment or is this a major educational opportunity?  

 

Post-Election, Post-Holiday Slump

There is a lot on my mind right now:

• Fast & Furious fallout continues. But the media treats the whole thing like a closed issue. Where is Congress on this? Please, PLEASE - write your Congressman, urging them to add their voice to continued hearings - INCLUDING getting access to all of the "privileged" communications.


• Then, right after that, you let them know that SOME of us care that over 300 Mexican nationals, and at least 1 Border Patrol agent, were killed by guns that the Obama administration authorized to sell to "straw purchasers". In fact, they didn't just AUTHORIZE the sale, they PRESSURED gun dealers to allow them.


• The Debt, and the non-existent Budget - 4 years without one - are crushing our economy - at least, that part that remains after the Obamacare juggernaut rolls on by. What is interesting is that the majority of the Tea Party is OLDER Americans - in contrast to the seniors of the AARP - who care more about not leaving debt to the grandchildren than for their own comfort.


• Voter Fraud - it DOES exist, and we need to start doing something about it NOW, before it causes yet another election to be questionable. Begin with:
  
• Voter PHOTO ID. ID must show full face. Obviously, states must provide photo ID for those people who don't drive, or free for those who can't afford it otherwise. The ONLY other ID that may be acceptable, and it will be the STATE'S decision, is fingerprint ID, coupled with indelible ink. If it's good enough for the Middle East, it's good enough here.


• The assault on the Catholic Church must be stopped. Government is forbidden to interfere with the religious practices of citizens, unless they violate the criminal law. Civil law is bound to respect the religious principles of church members. Heck, they even work overtime to make sure that obscure or odd religions can practice freely, even holding that Native Americans can use peyote and other similar substances in the practice of THEIR religion, even though that violates criminal drug laws.

This is just a short list of the things I'm concerned about.

There's a Change Coming - But It Won't Be What the Leftists Anticipate

Rand Paul is, to my surprise, shaping up as a reasonable possibility for leadership of the Republican Party. His dad's followers would be wise to consider moving their support to the son.

Here's what he has to say about Harry Reid's latest Power Play.

We're In The 2nd Part of LOTR

It's everybody's least favorite part.  It's not a hopeful beginning.  It's not the stirring conclusion.

It's the slogging middle.  You don't know how long you'll be in this grim, grey land.  You're tired beyond imagining, barely able to summon the strength to move ahead, slowly.

Your terrain is filled with sharp rocks, cold weather, and dangerous hot spots.  You cannot raise your spirits with song or laughter - you must hide from those who want you to fail.

Life is not good, pleasant, or rewarding.  Life in the pleasant Shire is a memory that may not even exist now.  You yearn to return to that comfortable life, with friends, neighbors, and family.

You have no words of cheer.  You can't even imagine what winning looks like, let alone that you might achieve it.  The hardest part is that you MUST succeed, but you can see no realistic way to do so.

Except for 1, your friends have deserted you, died, or gone far away.  You are surrounded by those who would squash you like a bug.  Your enemies are large, powerful, and ruthless - you defeated them, only to see them return in greater numbers - and you are now fatigued and weak.  You can trust no one, even when they speak soft words of comfort.

You cling to the one thing that make your life mean something.  At times, you dream about using that one thing to get yourself the heck out of there.  Leaving seems to be the rational solution.  There is one way to end this torture,  but your "friend" urges you not to use it.

The way forward is the moral thing to do.  But the forces of immorality and self-interest cut you off at every turn.

The "eye" is on you everywhere.  There is nowhere that you can escape the omnipresent spying; if your plans were known, the mindless hordes would be sent to kill you and steal your treasure.

How do you keep going?  How do you summon the strength to continue?

We're all going to have to find out.

Some Stories Just Take Hold of You

Like Benghazi - initially, just another outrage in a Muslim country.  Aggravated by the fact that it caused the death of 4 people - 1 ambassador (who was the chucklehead that thought it was a good idea to post a known homosexual - however competent - in a country that HATES gays, and will cheerfully execute them?  They might as well have painted a target on his forehead), and 3 other men, who gave their lives to keep him safe.

The men certainly went above and beyond what they had to do, and fully deserve medals for their efforts.

Instead, their families got this gross question from VP Joe Biden:

 Woods said Biden came over to his family and asked in a “loud and boisterous” voice, “Did your son always have balls the size of cue balls?”

Nice way to talk to a grieving family.

/sarc

But, that wasn't the worst part for the family.

The grieving father also described his brief encounter with President Obama during the ceremony for the Libya victims.

“When he finally came over to where we were, I could tell that he was rather conflicted, a person who was not at peace with himself,” Woods said. “Shaking hands with him, quite frankly, was like shaking hands with a dead fish. His face was pointed towards me but he would not look me in the eye, his eyes were over my shoulder.”

“I could tell that he was not sorry,” he added. “He had no remorse.”

Hillary Clinton was apparently still officially clinging to the since-discredited explanation for the attack.

After apologizing for his loss, Woods said Clinton told him that the U.S. would “make sure that the person who made that film is arrested and prosecuted.”

The  full interview, including video, is here.

Let me see - does this fully sum up what is known now?

• The film was NOT the reason for the attack.  It was a deliberate, coordinated act of war (attack on an embassy is an attack on that country - the embassy is considered that country's sovereign territory), with the assistance of Libyan "protectors".


• The film may have been deliberately designed to cause problems in the Mideast, and provide an excuse for releasing The Blind Sheik


• The film may have originated as a covert operation in OUR country, by OUR own Obama administration.


• Obama IS responsible for failing to protect the embassy.Released cables are backing that assertion up.  Obama might have known that, IF he had done his job, and attended the security briefings.  Even if he knew, would he have cared?  Doubtful.

Lest we forget:

Christopher Stevens



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sean Smith



He was a State Dept. employee, computer geek, an avid gamer, and just in the wrong place at the right time.

Glen Doherty



Tyrone Woods

Glen Doherty and Woods, the two former Navy SEALS who were among the four Americans inevitably murdered, allegedly disobeyed orders from superiors to “stand down” in the wake of the attack. Despite being told by higher-ups not to respond, they purportedly decided to go to the main consulate building to help U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and others who were under siege.

While it was previously known that these men arrived on the scene to provide assistance, the alleged “stand down” orders and the repeatedly-denied requests for military assistance are new developments to a story that seems to be continuously unraveling.

Sorry, Obamanuts, that's NOT what SEALS do.  They do NOT abandon Americans to their deaths.