Israel Justly Defiant

Fox News reported the following statement from Israeli Transport Minister Yisrael Katz, "I want to say in a crystal clear manner that the current Israeli government will not accept in any fashion that legal settlement activity in Judea and Samaria be frozen…The government will defend the vital interests of the state of Israel." For far too long has the Israelis been asked to do all of the heavy lifting in the Mid-East peace process. They have bent over backward and what has it gotten them? Terrorism, mortar and rocket fire, riots, and abuse have been the return for their efforts of good will.

When the world told Israel to yield territory, it did so. When the world told Israel to limit its response to unprovoked aggression, it did so. When the world told Israel to deal with terrorists, it did so. Yet, despite all of this the world expects Israel to continue to take a beating while they expect nothing from the people who terrorize the citizens of Israel. That Obama would demand a freeze on any further settlement in Israeli held territory is too much. Just as we have tired of buying a return to status quo with North Korea, the Israelis have tired of constantly giving and getting nothing, but the contempt and hatred of the Palestinian people in return.

The Palestinian do not want peace, they desire the utter destruction of Israel and the slaughter of its citizens. They have proved this time and again through their actions. When the Palestinian people had a vote they elected the terrorist organization Hamas to administer their government. As a comparison, it would be as if the German people put the Nazi party back in charge of their government. If you believe that this comparison is inaccurate, then I suggest that you do not know your facts.

While the West battled the Nazis in World War II and won, it is not well known that the seeds of their hatred found root in the Arabs who continue their institutionalized hatred of the Jews to this day. They pass their brand of virulent anti-Semitism to their children so that each generation can keep that hatred burning brightly. In fact, one could even go so far as to say that the only thing even holding the Palestinian people together is a shared hatred of the Jewish people and not any sense of national identity. It is this hatred that drives Iran, Syria, the Palestinians, Saudi Arabia, and others. As such, Israel finds itself surrounded by enemies and yet the West continues to ask Israel for sacrifices.

Why does the West expect the Arabs to deal honestly with Israel when this hatred is first and foremost in their heart? A hatred that causes mothers to sacrifice their children by making them suicide bombers, hatred that is behind taquia that seeks to undermine the Jewish people through deceit with the intent of destroying them, and hatred that seeks to butcher the Jewish people with cowardly acts of terrorism. President Obama would do well to demand much more from the Arabs than to continue to ask Israel to make sacrifices for nothing.

If there is to be peace between Arab and Israeli then the Arab must abandon their hatred for the Jewish people and deal honestly in negotiations with Israel. I for one, believe that the Jews have given enough.

The Perfect Storm **** Updated ****

If you listen to Glenn Beck, you have probably heard him speak of the "Perfect Storm." Beck uses this term to describe the worst case scenario of economic disaster. My use of the term describes the worst case scenario for war. Currently, the United States is approaching the possibility of World War III. North Korea has tested its second nuclear weapon and fired several new missiles that suggest that the nation could potentially make a nuclear strike against the western coast of the United States. Worse, North Korea has said that it will renounce the cease fire accord with South Korea if its ships are stopped in international waters and searched for nuclear cargo. The intelligence community thinks that nuclear technology is bound for Iran to support its goal to achieve nuclear weapons.

North Korea is known for selling weapons technology to the highest bidder in order to support itself and it is strongly suspected that it has provided assistance to Iran in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Some may say that North Korea is simply saber rattling, but Kim Jong Il is known to be psychologically unstable and it is impossible to predict his actions. The seriousness of North Korea’s actions must be taken seriously, especially given the fact that they embarrassed Red China who is its major supplier of food and goods. The loss of face by Red China has left the Chinese leadership both shocked and angry. Additionally, Russia is beginning to get nervous regarding a possible nuclear war on the Korean peninsula.

While the United States has the 2nd Infantry Division on alert on the DMZ, the use of nuclear weapons combined with two million North Korean troops could spell disaster for the South. Japan must also consider fall out, a possible nuclear strike, and a rapid build up of their military capability in order to defend their homeland. The contingency of a martial build-up by Japan is what keeps the Red Chinese up at night, but there is much more to worry about.

Iran is thought to be earnestly pursuing nuclear weapons by both U.S. and Israeli intelligence. While Iran states that it is only seeking the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the government of Iran does not have a track record of honesty and has clearly stated its desire to destroy Israel. While it is unknown how close Iran is to its first nuclear arm, it is thought that they will possess an atomic device in approximately eighteen months. Further, if Iran were to acquire these weapons I have no doubt that they would certainly use them. The Cold War policy of mutual destruction will have no effect upon Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This is because Ahmadinejad is a Mahdist. He expects the arrival of thy Mahdi any time now and the death of his nation in a nuclear inferno of retaliation would only accelerate their progression to heaven. In this sense, nuclear retaliation would be a great favor to the Iranian people in the mind of their President. This is what keeps the Israelis up at night.

Unfortunately, the problem of Iran does not end there. Venezuela and Bolivia both supply uranium to Iran while thumbing their nose at the United States. The relationship between Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is warm and cozy. This raises the question of nuclear proliferation to Venezuela and Bolivia in return for their uranium and to stick a thorn into the side of the United States. While some may argue that a nuclear Iran would not supply these nations with nuclear arms, recall that nuclear retaliation holds no threat to Ahmadinejad. As such, what would prevent him from furnishing these weapons to his allies?

The final part of the perfect storm is tied to the civil war in Pakistan. The Taliban is currently seeking to overthrow the Pakistani government in an attempt to take control of the government and the Pakistani nukes. The Pakistani government and the Taliban had signed a peace deal, but aggressive posturing by the Taliban has resulted in the current civil war. A war that Defense Secretary Gates is watching closely because of the nuclear threat. Needless to say, the events in Pakistan are keeping the leaders of India up at night.

The threat to the United States is real, the situation is potentially extremely volatile, and the U.S. is in deep economic trouble. The fact that President Obama and the Democratic congress are cutting the military budget, slashing weapons programs and development, and seeking to reduce the number standing troops is insane. If successful in carrying out their budgetary objectives the United States may find itself in dire circumstances in the event of a widespread world war.

The rookie apologist in the White House may not be able to see what is coming, but many can. Rather than cutting the defense budget, we should be boosting that budget and preparing for a war on two fronts while hanging on to our current nuclear deterrent. Further, we should continue to vigorously pursue an anti-ballistic missile defense with the intent of preventing a nuclear strike anywhere in the world by an ICBM or intermediate range weapon. The only incentive to prevent the development of these weapon platforms is to render them useless.

This leaves the American people with two choices. Either choose to arm and prepare for the perfect storm or hold hands and sing kumbaya until the end. The choice is yours.

**** Update ****

Red China has pulled its ships out of North Korea’s harbor. This is because the Chinese leadership has realized that is has lost control of Kim Jong Il and a shooting war with South Korea seems probable. As tensions rise on the Korean peninsula, U.S. forces remain on high alert in anticipation of a North Korean attack. The only good news coming from the Korean peninsula is that the North has not moved any of its forces toward the DMZ.

CORRECTION: The North Korean government did renounce the cease-fire with South Korea without any qualifiers. I had previously reported that they would do so if their cargo vessels were searched at sea. As such, North Korea has now shifted to a "hot" war with South Korea.

To All Those Who Have Ever Served In the Armed Forces: Thank You

Your service to your nation has secured the freedoms of citizens throughout a wide number of conflicts from World War II to the Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan. Whenever I have seen a man or woman in uniform, I make it a point to thank them for their service. Each Memorial day we remember those whose sacrifices purchased the freedoms that we enjoy. I thought that I would share a recollection from Colonel Joshua Chamberlain who commanded the 20th Maine at the battle of Gettysburg. The Colonel is defending his position from one Confederate charge after another. As ammunition dwindles and the screams of the wounded and dying can be heard all around him, he writes:

"The roar of all this tumult reached us on the left and heightened the intensity of our resolve. Meanwhile the flanking column worked around to our left and joined those before us in a fierce assault, which lasted with increasing fury for an intense hour. The two lines met and broke and intermingled in the shock. The crush of musketry gave way to cuts and thrusts, grapplings and wrestlings. The edge of conflict swayed to and fro, with wild pools and eddies. At times I saw around me more of the enemy than of my own men; gaps opening, swallowing, closing again with sharp, convulsive energy; squads of stalwart men who had cut their way through us, disappearing as if translated all around me, strange, mingled roar- shouts of defiance, rally and desperation; and underneath, murmered (sic) entreaty and stifled moans; gasping prayers, snatches of Sabbath song, whispers of loved names; everywhere men torn and broken, staggering, creeping, quivering on the earth, and dead faces with strangley (sic) fixed eyes staring stark into the sky.

"In the very deepest of the struggle while our shattered line had pressed the enemy well below their first point of contact... I saw through a sudden rift in the thick smoke our colors standing alone. I first thought some optical illusion imposed upon me. But as forms emerged through the drifting smoke, the truth came to view. The cross fire had cut keenly; the center had almost been shot away; only two of the color guard had been left, and they fighting to fill the whole space; and in the center, wreathed in battle smoke, stood the Color Sergeant Andrew Tozier. His color-staff planted in the ground at his side, the upper part clasped in his elbow, so holding the flag upright, with musket and cartridges seized from the fallen comrade at his side he was defending his sacred trust in the manner of the songs of chivalry. It was a stirring picture..."

Although the battle occurred long ago, the Colonel does an outstanding job of describing the battlefield experience that each soldier has faced in combat. This is the cost of freedom. This is also why we owe these men and women a debt that can never be repaid. This Memorial day give a prayer of thanks and a kind thought to our men and women of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Their service purchased our liberty.

Be Careful Where You Lay the Landmines

It has become the new fashion in politics to lay a minefield for your opposition. The Democrats are the greatest practitioners of this art and the Republicans have also learned and employ this tactic. Most recently, Nancy Pelosi, (D Calf.) tripped over one of her own landmines. In an effort to drive the final nails in the coffins of the recent Republican administration, she attempted to initiate a House inquiry into the "torture" of enemy combatants as a prelude to criminal prosecution. Unfortunately, Ms. Pelosi is now an accessory to the "torture" of enemy combatants.

Intelligence briefings given to the Speaker back in 2003 by the Central Intelligence Agency to the House leadership advised that water boarding would be used against terror suspects if necessary. Although Ms. Pelosi was fine with that option then, she has since developed an aversion to the practice because it is the best way to prosecute former Republican officials from the previous administration. Unfortunately for the Speaker the CIA leaked the briefing memos and the truth about what was told to whom and when was released and Nancy now looks like the lying, petty politician that she always has been.
Despite the repeated failure of numerous stories that she has tried to float regarding her complicity in the "torture" of enemy combatants, she has now gone so far as to accuse the CIA of deliberately lying to the Congress in an effort to mislead lawmakers. Such an act, if true, is a criminal offense. While the Speaker has made this statement publicly, she has provided no evidence to back it up and the CIA is fuming. Even Leon Panetta has reluctantly come out in defense of his agency and said, ""CIA officers briefed truthfully on the interrogation of Abu Zubaydah…" leaving lying Nancy in the lurch.

Nancy Pelosi is a walking disaster. She torpedoed the 700 billion dollar Tarp legislation in favor of the Senate bill that added 150 billion dollars in political mad money. She attempted to install the corrupt John Murtha as her second in the House. She gave John Conyers a slap on the wrist for using Federal employees to run personal errands and to baby-sit his kids. She engaged with the Air Force in order to get a larger jet than the former Speaker of the House, and she even went a second round with them in order to get a closer landing site to her home and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

When Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker she promised a transparent political process and the most ethical Congress in the history of the United States. Since then, there have been over 9,000 earmarks spending billions of your hard earned dollars to do everything from making children’s toys to booze. She ran through legislation on a time table that prohibited reading the bill and the taxpayer got screwed once again while the Democrats managed to repeal the limitations on welfare, thus restoring generations of Democratic voters to the public teat. Even the public outrage over these shenanigans was lost on her. The most ethical Congress my hind end. If this is ethical, then it is the ethics of the Democrats.

While the propaganda wing of the DNC will not report any of this in order to maintain the illusion of competence, the truth will stand your hair on end. The first woman Speaker had her go and it was a disgrace. Her feckless attempts to run the house have only left her looking tired and incompetent and her job performance clearly shows this.

When Obama was running for President he promised the American people change. To date, we haven’t seen any, but I say that we start in Congress with getting rid of the albatross that is Nancy Pelosi.

Fallen Heroes Now Under the Budget Ax

A law enforcement officer responds to a serious call and in the process of defending the citizens of his community, he loses his life leaving his spouse and children to fend for themselves. How will the family survive? Will his children be able to attend a decent college or university? Who will insure that his family will have a roof over their head? These are questions that the public never concerns itself with when they think of law enforcement, but that does nothing to help those left behind in the wake of such a tragic event.

President Obama is seeking to cut the support of those who have already lost so much by half. I may be biased as a former law enforcement officer myself, but I believe that we do a great injustice to those who gave their lives to protect and serve the public when we cut the support of the families left behind after a line of duty death. These protections offer peace of mind to the people who protect and serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They know that their families will be protected should they be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of their community. What does it say when the citizens for whom that Officer died now allows that fallen Officer’s family to fail because he was not there to provide for them?

Don’t allow President Obama to add insult to injury by refusing to support a fallen Officer’s family. The law enforcement officers who laid down their lives for us deserve better than to allow this to happen to the families that were left behind. Call or write to your elected officials and tell them not the cut support to these families. They have lost enough already.

Who Do We Want To Be?

“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government.” – The Declaration of Independence

"If men through fear, fraud or mistake, should in terms renounce and give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate such renunciation; the right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift, and voluntarily become a slave." --John Adams

“A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” – Thomas Jefferson

These quotations encapsulate the philosophy of the nation’s founders better than any words that I could write. While the left has abandoned these principals and ridicules those who espouse them, the spirit behind them has not died in the American consciousness. Indeed, it was that spirit that flared up and energized the tea parties on April 15th of this year. What was the reaction of the Federal government and their lickspittles in the press? Derision, crude sexual humor, and anger that American citizens would dare to voice their opposition to runaway spending of their hard earned money and the malfeasance in office of elected officials. It has been said that a people should not fear their government, but that the government should fear the people in order for liberty to endure. That is certainly not the case today.

The leftists pour poison in the ear of the American people seeking to subdue their will and reason. They say that collectivism is superior to individualism and that the herd is the rightful place of man in society, but to belong to a herd is to surrender your liberty in the hope that the wolf will eat the other sheep. While the individual may stand alone, he may band together with like minded individuals in order to accomplish a common purpose or goal. That was the idea behind the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and the Federal government and it was the fuel behind volunteerism in America. Unfortunately the social acid that is the left has eroded individualism, our national culture, our national will, and our patriotism and morals.

The left begins with the indoctrination of your children in the public school system and then Hollywood continues that indoctrination with entertainment that reinforces the leftist lessons of the school. When the child enters American colleges and universities his political indoctrination is complete. This is why the Soviets sought to permeate every facet of American society. This is why approximately 80% of journalists are leftists. This is why a similar percentage of Academia are leftists. This is why domestic terrorists like William Ayers have tenured positions at universities. The Soviet program of “Active Measures” was far more effective at destroying the nation’s morals and values than they had ever dreamed and it was the Democrats who accomplished their agenda. It truly is a pity that all of the money, effort, and time invested by the Soviet Union only paid out after the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Today, apologists for the left attempt to say how social changes and social justice would never have occurred without their influence in the political arena, but that argument does not address the social devastation wrought by the left in order to pursue these objectives. In order for that argument to work, one would have to accept that the ends justify the means. The Soviets said that in the service of the State there is nothing immoral or unethical so long as the Soviet State is not harmed. Every inequity and vice of man, regardless of its depravity, is permissible. This was the concept behind Saul Alinsky and his infamous rules for radicals and it is why the morals and culture of the U.S. is in tatters.

We need to remember who we are as a nation and to embrace the principals that founded our system of government. If we do not, then the blood spilled to secure our freedoms will have been for naught and America will fade to a memory of what used to be in the dreams of the oppressed.