Freedom of Speech: Your First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." -Bill of Rights, 1st Amendment

The First Amendment to the Constitution was adopted on December 15, 1791, and it applies to laws enacted by Congress as well as the fifty states through the 14th Amendment. It does NOT apply from one individual to another or one individual to a company/employer.

Here's a very brief understanding of your 'freedom of speech' rights:

• Political speech is protected: "...freedom to think as you will and to speak as you think are means indispensable to the discovery and spread of political truth; that without free speech and assembly discussion would be futile; that with them, discussion affords ordinarily adequate protection against the dissemination of noxious doctrine; that the greatest menace to freedom is an inert people; that public discussion is a political duty; and that this should be a fundamental principle of the American government." --Justice Brandeis (minority opinion) 
• Desecration of the flag: You can burn the American flag (though in my personal opinion, you shouldn't): "...if there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable." --Justice Brennan, Jr., Texas v. Johnson. 
• Commercial speech (speech done on behalf of a company or individual for the purpose of making a profit) doesn't get full protection under the First Amendment. It is more interested in avoiding fraud than anything else. 
• School speech: Students in school have certain speech rights as well. A school cannot restrict symbolic speech that does not "materially and substantially" interrupt school activities, according to Justice Fortas. "[S]chools may not be enclaves of totalitarianism. School officials do not possess absolute authority over their students. Students ... are possessed of fundamental rights which the State must respect, just as they themselves must respect their obligations to the State." --Tinker v. Des Moines.
• Obscenity and pornography is a completely different issue, and their definitions have changed over time. That's a fun topic for another blog. 
• Defamation (slander/libel): Consists of actionable words that are false, articulated to a third person (whether by writing or in speech), not subject to legal protection, and motivated by malice. The malice standard differs for public figures in that it requires actual malice (knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not).

In the recent uproar over Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson's comments and his employer A&E, people have claimed that his first amendment rights have been curtailed. This could not be further from the truth. If you are unfamiliar with the facts, here's a brief recap:

Phil Robertson, in a GQ interview, expressed his biblical views on homosexuals, sin, and morality. I can't imagine that anyone was surprised that he held these views. He's a very old-fashioned, redneck Southerner, familiar with the Bible. He is not ignorant; he has a Master's Degree in Education. He quoted the New Testament's views on homosexuality and sin. Anyone familiar with the New Testament, again, shouldn't be surprised.

As a result of his comments and pressure from gay rights organizations, his employer, A&E has put him on permanent suspension. Critics are claiming that Robertson's freedom of speech rights are being crushed by A&E, but they are ignorant of the law. And while Robertson's comments were made on his own time and quoted the New Testament, he still represents A&E, and it is their choice to react (or not react) to his behavior.

Let me be clear: I have never watched Duck Dynasty. It's not my idea of entertainment. I'm coming at this from a purely ignorant point of view, so to speak. 

But if someone is going to form an opinion on what should or should not be done in this particular (or similar situation), they should do so with knowledge and fairness. 

Facts:

1. Phil Robertson made his remarks on his own personal time.
2. In some respect, Robertson represents A&E (as employees represent their employers).
3. Phil Robertson was closely quoting the New Testament.
4. Laws do not protect our feelings.
5. Employers are allowed to do whatever they want when employees behave in a certain way (provided it's not illegal).
6. This is not a 1st Amendment issue; it's an employment issue.

In truth, this could have gone either way... Either the way it went OR A&E could have chosen to view Robertson's statements as what they were, his personal religious views (to which people are entitled) and to support his right to hold those opinions. They could have rejected the pressure from outside groups and stood up for each individual's right to possess a personal belief. If they were truly worried about public opinion, they simply could have released a statement saying that Robertson's views do not represent the views of the station, but that they support an individual's right to a personal belief. Done.

Everyone on this planet is different. That's what makes our society an interesting place! As long as someone's belief and opinion does not infringe on another's rights or safety, that belief and opinion shouldn't be restricted. I shouldn't have to fear or be ashamed of my beliefs. 

With that in mind, A&E retains the right to do what it wants in response to Robertson's actions, but it shouldn't have been pressured to act one way or another. I understand that perhaps the point of the pressure was to promote tolerance, but instead of doing that, this has instead been a forced silencing of personal opinion and differences to which we are, and should be, entitled. 

Whether or not each of us agrees with Robertson and the New Testament is irrelevant. 

If Robertson isn't allowed to have and express his opinion on his own time, what's to stop another group/company/government organization from suppressing our personal belief and opinion (popular or unpopular as they may be)?

Free Jonathan Pollard Now!

I was just thinking about the current spying fiasco the United States is involved in around the world - including Israel - and remembering Jonathan Pollard slowly dying in an American prison for a lot less. Prime Minister Netanyahu keeps mentioning that he's talked about Pollard with all the American presidents he has dealt with… but why no results? Why does Israel roll over and do whatever America wants, but somehow can't get Pollard out of jail? There's something very wrong here… and now it's time to get it right.

Officials demand Pollard release in light of US spying | The Times of Israel

Thoughts for the Beginning of the Week

Just a few random thoughts:

Recently, I've been wondering where our "Crazy Uncle" Joe Biden has been. AWOL for quite a while now. As I checked the news yesterday - and surprise! he's on his way to Asia, going to try and sort out that little tiff they're having over there with China throwing their weight around grabbing airspace over disputed islands. Good luck to him… although maybe we should be sending Secretary of State Kerry since he's been so successful with the Iranian nuclear program. Heh.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised - people are suggesting that we get rid of Presidential term limits. I will admit that while this writer makes some decent points when suggesting the idea - I am not in favor of any president from any party without a limit to their time in office. We see from this presidency, a demigod who can do no wrong, how much damage can be done to the country in such a short amount of time… and we still have three more years to go.

To wrap up, I just want to point out how fantastic Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper is for Israel. He was the guest of honor recently for the Jewish National Fund's Negev dinner (JNF - best known for planting trees in Israel). He gave a great speech (a must see) - and followed it up with a performance with his band. Not bad. Not bad at all. At this point I think it is fair to say that the Canadian government may be Israel's best friend.

Heroes to Heroes

I'm watching Huckabee right now - fantastic show - talking about Heroes to Heroes - sending our American soldiers with PTSD to Israel to walk the country, talk to their Israeli counterparts, and coming home feeling a whole lot better. Please support heroestoheroes.org.

Happy Belated Birthday Washington Monument!

National Geographic has a great little historical piece about the Washington Monument. October 9, 1888 the monument opened to the public. Take a read. Have a good weekend.

Picture Archive: Washington Monument, 1940s

And a not-connected side note: remember that our Rights are granted to us by the Almighty, not by government. I hope to explain further next week.

Worthwhile Reading to Start the Day

Charles Krauthammer has a great piece about the current attempt at diplomacy with Iran - spot on.
The real Rouhani

And I've noticed lately that articles critiquing ObamaCare are finally showing up in the mainstream media. It's about time, but why has it taken this long to see them? Why didn't the media do their job and take a moment to read the bill before it was passed instead of beating the drums for its passage?
Lower Health Insurance Premiums to Come at Cost of Fewer Choices - NY Times
Insurers limiting doctors, hospitals in health insurance market - LA Times
On October 1, Obamacare's Price Tag Will Surprise Americans - Forbes
First Obamacare casualty: My health plan is dead - NY Post
Ten states where Obamacare wipes out existing health care plans - Daily Caller
Experts fear ObamaCare rate ‘spiral’ - NY  Post

Happy New Year!

Jews around the world have just celebrated the New Year. I want to take this moment to wish everyone a year full of good health, success in what you do, peace in your homes and around the world.

The British Are Coming... Okay, Just Their Articles

Two of my favorite Brits have written 'must-read' articles.

Michael Coren has a great piece about guns and the DC shooting.
Misplaced blame: Washington tragedy showed again why law-abiding people are safer when armed

And Melanie Phillips responds to Prime Minister Cameron when he announced that the massacre in Nairobi, Kenya does not represent Islam.
Mass murder and moral blindness

Standing With Kenya

Islamic terrorists have murdered at least 68 people. We pray for the victims and their families. We pray for Kenyan society, a country at war with these terrorists.

Kenyan Police Move to End Siege on Nairobi Mall
Israeli advisers helping Kenya in mall siege: security source

The DC Shooting

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of the Navy Yard shooting. I'm going to include here part of Jim Geraghty's "Morning Jolt" from the National Review Online. I think he makes a lot of sense. Here it is:

Why the Modern Gun-Control Debate Is So Insufferable

Believe it or not, there are some nice people at NPR. One, after reading yesterday's Jolt, asked for my thoughts on what kind of debates the country should have after a mass-shooting tragedy. I replied:

I am rather skeptical of most gun-control proposals. The ones that are pitched in the aftermath of mass shootings are particularly cynical, as they often attempt to regulate circumstances unrelated to the shooting. I still grind my teeth at Mayors Against Illegal Guns running ads in my state citing the Virginia Tech shooting, and talking about the need to shut the "gun show loophole" -- even though the shooter didn't obtain his weapons at a gun show. These sorts of arguments strike me as one part craven opportunism, one part feel-good placebo. (I wanted to say "panacea," but panacea actually means a genuine cure-all.)

If someone wants to propose a new restriction on gun ownership after a tragedy, and cites that tragedy as a reason to pass it, it's necessary to show how that new restriction would have prevented, mitigated, or impacted that tragedy. For example, almost none of the gun laws proposed after Newtown would have changed much of anything in that awful shooting, as that disturbed young man stole his mother's legally-purchased guns.

I suppose there are two potential changes to the law that would have significantly altered events in Newtown. First, a total ban on private ownership of firearms, which our friends in the gun-control movement keep insisting isn't their goal.

Second, a restriction on gun ownership by people who live under the same roof as a person who's deemed mentally incompetent or a threat to himself or others. Of course, then you get into the questions of what constitutes, "mentally incompetent or a threat to himself or others," what constitutes "under the same roof," etc.

Then there are the proposals to limit how many rounds each gun can fire before reloading. Almost every spree shooter -- we need a better term for this -- has had more than one firearm when they've launched their attacks. Instituting ten-round limits would mean that future shooters would get off 20 shots before pausing to reload, presuming they only brought two guns. It's reasonable to conclude future mass killers will just bring three or four guns when they begin their rampage. This strikes me as a quite modest mitigation to the danger of these shooters; too modest to seriously consider.

The gun-control debate occurs in the context of some very familiar culture-war territory -- "blue America" largely supports gun control, "red America" largely opposes it. The "Acela class," largely living in low-crime areas and working in buildings with private security, because they don't see a need for a gun in their own lives, can't imagine why anyone else could need a gun. (If Mike Bloomberg or Piers Morgan worked the midnight shift at a 7-11, they might be more sympathetic to those who wish to defend themselves with a gun, since they might be more uncertain that police could respond to a life-threatening situation in time.) I find the arrogant, dismissive, "bitterly clinging to guns and religion" tone is rarely far from the surface in these debates.

After each shooting, we hear pundits and columnists declare, "it's time for a national conversation on guns." But we actually have had national conversations on guns after each one of these awful events; the conversation usually ends with lawmakers rejecting new restrictions on gun ownership. The pundits and columnists pretend the national conversation hasn't occurred because they keep losing the argument.

There isn't much of a culture-war component of discussing mental illness, other than a few folks on the Right who blame the Left for deinstitutionalizing the mentally ill in the 1960s. I suspect that there is no real constituency in favor of the Second Amendment rights of the mentally ill -- provided, of course, the definition of "mentally ill" is clear, explicit, and taken seriously. (If you think there's a stigma to admitting you're seeing a therapist, a psychologist, or getting mental-health treatment now, just wait until some of your legal rights can be restricted because of it.)

Thankfully, I've never known anyone who has had violent episodes or a threatening mental illness. My sense of the issue is that people rarely "snap" and become dangerous killers overnight. As you've probably found in your research, there are certain common threads: withdrawal from others and lack of a support network; hostile behavior and lack of temper control, outbursts, etc. It is maddeningly infuriating to hear friends and acquaintances of past shooters describe behavior that seems, in retrospect, to be a warning sign or red flag.

(Correct me if I'm wrong, but my sense was that after Columbine, many school administrators tried to institute a new 'if you see something, say something' approach to individuals behaving in a threatening manner. Then we saw in Virginia Tech, that many, many students reported the gunman for strange and threatening behavior, including stalking. School administrators ultimately couldn't do enough to stop him -- I don't know if this stems from fear of lawsuits or overall bureaucratic inertia.)

I see Fairfax County has tried a "Mental Health First Aid" program; a friend of mine participated in this program.

I'll admit that I don't know how effective a program like this would be; one would hope that people would already know to report strange, troubling, or threatening behavior to authorities. In past writings, I've emphasized that the only authority that can put someone on the federal firearms restriction list is a judge, and so that these sorts of concerns are best sent directly to the cops, not to a school administrator or company HR department.

However, a country where more Americans are trained to spot signs of serious, untreated and potentially dangerous mental illness strikes me as a better path than yet another effort to restrict the rights of 40 million gun owners because of the actions of a handful.

That's where I'm coming from.

Happy Constitution Day!

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was adopted. It is actually a simple document - quite short indeed. It includes ideas that what we all take for granted: government has limited power over the individual, the separation of powers and the concept that "liberty" is something that is worth preserving. Deep ideas, but the Constitution was the first time to see these ideas in practice -- this is why we have been called the "great American experiment".

Read the Constitution for yourself.

Happy Constitution Day!

Funny, But Not

Just a few thoughts on the Syrian conflict...

To begin with, our Commander-in-Chief was willing to go it alone in Syria with the French covering our back. Really? That's almost a joke. Comical in so many ways.

Then our esteemed leader did a 180 when he realized that he really didn't want to go to war, didn't mean to draw any red lines and went to ask Congress' permission to shoot off a few rockets. Mind you, I am not at all for going anywhere near Syria. But it's 'funny' to watch him draw lines and back off those lines as soon as he realizes that they are going to be crossed. Did he not think that Syria wouldn't gas their own people? Was he thinking at all when he opened his mouth? You've got to wonder.

Let us not forget that the might of the United States must be feared... President Obama warned Iran that just because he backed off of Syria doesn't mean that he isn't serious about the Iranian nuke program. That's right, he means it. And he might wag his finger at you - and "make it clear" that nuclear bombs are unacceptable... he means it... really.

And the icing on the cake. In response to Russia's Vladimir Putin's op-ed in the New York Times, Obama suggested that “I don’t think that Mr. Putin has the same values that we do..."

All I can say is: You think?!

No, maybe you don't.

Prayers for Colorado

Our hearts and prayers go out to the residents of Colorado - they are dealing with an incredible amount of rain in a short amount of time.

Colorado floods: Over 500 unaccounted for as 'devastating' rain looms

We Remember 9/11

Honoring Our Hallowed Dead

This is an amazing article. I read it in its entirety in one shot - which is unbelievable in itself. A must read. This is about Tom Day and his volunteers who play 'Taps' at military funerals across the country.

The Last 24 Notes

My Mom - A Real Patriot

My world was rocked (in a bad way) on August 9th when my mother unexpectedly passed away. It's been hard to resume my writing, even though while watching the news there is so much to say.

I will try to give you a small sense of who my mother was; I'm sure you'll start to understand why we have all lost someone special.

On August 9th my mother passed away unexpectedly. She and my father raised five children all to be successful and independent thinking people. She was a mother, a wife, a teacher, an artist, and a writer.

She was a proud Jew as well as a proud American.

The Jewish People mattered deeply to her. She was even arrested for protesting the plight of Soviet Jewry during the height of the Cold War. My mom felt that it was a badge of honor to be arrested - she had stood up to do what was right. She told us that it was okay to get arrested - but it had to be for something important.

Being the mother of 5 children close in age was a serious challenge (one that I'm finally understanding with just two kids). She did her best under very difficult circumstances.

From a young age we were all taught to love the Land of Israel as well as the United States and her Constitution.

We were raised wearing t-shirts proclaiming the unity of Jerusalem as the Jewish capital, placing fliers under windshield wipers and talking to complete strangers about why supporting the Land of Israel was so important - and why every inch of the Land is absolutely holy. And even pragmatically speaking, what kind of "partners" in peace did Israel really have?

She regularly handed out copies of the US Constitution to random people she would meet. She even knew the beginning of the Declaration of Independence by heart.

My mother believed in the importance of a Jewish education, knowing where you are coming from - your history, and even started a Jewish educational company with my dad.

She was proud of all of us, what we have become, who we are.

When we were younger, she had us memorize the poem It Couldn't Be Done by Edgar Guest - I think this best summarizes the attitude she wanted to inculcate in us.

I will miss her dearly.

It Couldn't Be Done 

Somebody said it couldn't be done,
       But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
       Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
       On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing and he tackled the thing
       That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
       At least no one has ever done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
       And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
       Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing and he tackled the thing
       That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
       There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
       The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
       Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
       That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.

Good Will and Peace Negotiations

Whack, whack, bam, you're in a fight for your life. You're tired, you've done this before. You just want to be left alone in peace and quiet - you drop your hands, you're done. But the other guy isn't. He was just waiting you out.

This is Israel. Israel is tired of fighting a war in every generation. She's done - but the Arabs are not.

Whack - "Palestinian" Prime Minister, Mahmoud Abbas, is a Holocaust denier - he even wrote his PhD dissertation about the subject. Yes, that's our partner in peace.

Whack - Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh, one of the "Palestinian" negotiators' Facebook page labels the entire State of Israel as "Palestine" - not just the Gaza Strip or Judea/Samaria (the West Bank). Not so subtle messaging here.

Bam - Palestinian Minister Mahmoud al-Habbash compares any peace treaty signed with Israel to one signed by Muhammad with the Quraish tribe which he promptly broke after he was strong enough to massacre them. What's the message here? Treaties are meant to be broken.

Whack - PM Abbas has announced that there will be no Jews allowed in any future Palestinian state. Why should there be any difference between this Arab state and any other Arab state already in existence?

Whack - Even during peace talks "Palestinian" television broadcasts hate programming against Jews and Israel.

Bam - PM Abbas regularly praises and glorifies murderers/terrorists publicly. Even as recently as July 17th he eulogized a terrorist who murdered 15 and wounded 60. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

The Israeli government is releasing 104 murderers, some serving multiple life sentences, to bribe the "Palestinians" to come back to the peace table. Doesn't that sound counter-intuitive? These do not sound like people who want peace. Next, releasing known murderers destroys the morale of Israeli society. Why bother tracking down these terrorists if they are just going to be released in the future? And on top of that - what kind of people are "Palestinians"if they are demanding the release of murderers who have the blood of children on them?

Israel is paying a large price to show "good will" toward the "Palestinians". What are the "Palestinians" doing in kind?

This is a drag-down, no-holds barred fight to the death. Israel cannot afford to drop her hands at any moment. We see what the "Palestinians" are about - we see their attitude toward murderers, we see their true intentions toward peace talks - clear for all to see, and we see their understanding that treaties are meant to be broken. It's anyone's guess why Israel is willing to try peace talks again - being tired isn't good enough.

To see a list of the terrorists to be released and their crimes - click here.

I Feel Sick

Following is the text of an open letter to the citizens of Israel from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the proposal to resume the diplomatic process, that will be submitted to the Cabinet tomorrow (Sunday, 28 July 2013):

"From time to time, prime ministers are called on to make decisions that go against public opinion – when the matter is important for the country.

In order to make decisions that are supported by the public, there is no need for prime ministers.

At the present time, it seems to me that it is very important for the State of Israel to enter into a diplomatic process. This is important both in order to exhaust the chance of ending the conflict with the Palestinians and in order to establish Israel's position in the complex international reality around us.

The major changes in our region – in Egypt, Syria and in Iran – not only place challenges before the State of Israel but they also create considerable opportunities for us.

For these reasons, I believe that it is important for the State of Israel to enter a diplomatic process that will continue for at least nine months – in order to check if it is possible to reach an agreement with the Palestinians during this time.

But even with all of the importance that I ascribe to the diplomatic process, I was not prepared to accept the Palestinians' demands for withdrawals and freezes as preconditions for entering negotiations.
Neither was I prepared to accept their demand to release Palestinian prisoners before the start of negotiations. I did agree to release 104 Palestinians in stages after the start of the negotiations and in accordance with the circumstances of their progress.

This is an incomparably difficult decision, it is painful for the bereaved families and it is painful for the entire nation and it is also very painful for me.

It collides with the incomparably important value of justice.

It is a clear injustice when depraved people, even if most of them have sat in prison for over 20 years as in this case, are released before they have finished serving their sentences.

The decision is difficult for me seven-fold because my family and I personally know the price of bereavement stemming from terrorism. I know the pain very well. I have lived with it every day for the past 37 years.

The fact that previous Israeli governments have released over 10,000 terrorists does not make it easier for me today, and did not make it easier when I decided to bring back Gilad Shalit.

Gilad Shalit's return home entailed an incomparably difficult decision for me – releasing terrorists. But I believed that the value of bringing children back home needed to overcome this difficulty.

People in positions of leadership need to choose between complex choices and sometimes the necessary decision is especially difficult when most of the public opposes it.

Thus I decided to end Operation Pillar of Defense after the elimination of arch-terrorist Ahmed Jabari and after the severe blows the IDF dealt to Hamas and the other terrorist organizations.

I made the decision to end the operation even though most of the public supported continued action, which would have required entering the Gaza Strip on the ground. As Prime minister, I thought that the goal of deterrence had been mostly achieved by the determined actions that we carried out.

Today, almost one year after the end of Operation Pillar of Defense, we are witness to the quietest situation in the south in over a decade. Of course, this quiet can fray at any minute but my policy is clear on all fronts: We will, as much as possible, foil threats against us in a timely manner. We will react strongly to any attempt to harm our people.

In the next nine months, we will consider whether there is a Palestinian element opposite us that, like us, truly wants to end the conflict between us.

Such a conclusion will be possible only under conditions that will ensure security for Israel's citizens and ensure our vital national interests.

If we succeed in achieving such a peace agreement, I will submit it to a referendum.

Such a fateful decision cannot be made by a close vote in the Knesset.

Every citizen must be allowed to directly influence our future and our fate on such a crucial issue.

The best answer we can give to those same base murderers that sought to defeat us through terrorism is that in the decades that they sat in prison, we built a glorious country and turned it into one of the most prosperous, advanced and strongest countries in the world.

I promise that we will continue thus.

Yours,

Benjamin Netanyahu."

Palestinians Negotiating in "Good Faith"? What Would Muhammad Do (WWMD)?

It looks like John Kerry, our esteemed Secretary of State, is working hard to earn his money - shuttling back and forth trying to return the Israelis and "Palestinians" to peace negotiations. It would be impressive if this meant something, but I guess he needs something relatively useful to do with his time.

For negotiations to be successful, one must assume that the partner with which they are negotiating with is actually trustworthy - otherwise, the whole thing is an exercise in futility and a farce. Of course, that is what these negotiations are.

Just this week we've seen Israeli Arab Knesset minister Ahmed Tibi threaten another intifada (I assume with requisite bus, pizza and cafe bombings) if talks didn't produce results - even before negotiations have resumed. How's that for blackmail? Treason?

What is even better is what was reported yesterday. A Palestinian Authority minister compared the upcoming negotiations with Israel and assumed subsequent treaty to the peace treaty Muhammad made with the Quraish tribe - one that was disregarded by Mohammed after he became strong enough to defeat them.

[Religious Endowments Minister Mahmoud] Habbash then compared the decision of the PA leadership to negotiate with Israel to the agreement of the Prophet Muhammad on a 10-year truce with his rivals in the Quraish tribe of Mecca, known as the Treaty of Hudaibiya, reached in the year 628 CE. 

“The hearts of the Prophet’s companions burnt with anger and fury … this is not disobedience [of God's command], it is politics. It is crisis management, conflict management … in less than two years, based on this treaty, the Prophet returned and conquered Mecca. This is the example. It is the model.”

Really?! This is the model? Is this an example of negotiating in "good faith" - that treaties are meant to be broken?

There is absolutely no reason for Israel to negotiate with these "people" - especially after this revelation, it would be stupid of them to do so.

"Cease-fire" aka "Time to Rearm"

Just for Fun

I got both these headlines in my twitter account this morning:

MK Tibi warns of intifada if talks fail

Both Abba's spokesmen say no deal yet to restart talks

Just the headlines crack me up - it proves the point that Arabs are ready to start another mini-war with Israel even before there are actual talks. Let us think about the fact that Ahmad Tibi is a member of the Israeli Kenesset (Parliament) - it's a tough life - and he's threatening another war with bus and pizza shop bombings... isn't that treason?

More Israel and mid-East news:
Imam calls for US and Europe’s destruction from Temple Mount pulpitAl-Aqsa worshippers enthralled as cleric predicts rise of Islamic caliphate that will wipe out enemies (I'm feeling good about peace now!)

Dear Western media, There were NO 1967 'borders'

Opinion: Gang rapes, the dark side of Egypt's protests

And in other news.
George Zimmerman Emerged From Hiding for Truck Crash Rescue
It's a boy! Catherine gives birth to royal baby (I like good news)
Noonan: A Bombshell in the IRS Scandal
Jason Riley: Race, Politics and the Zimmerman Trial

The Zimmerman Trial Was A Disgrace

I am not one who likes television cameras in the court room, but regarding the Zimmerman trial, I must make an exception.

I am angry with our justice system. As I watched day after day of the trial, it was obvious that the prosecution had no case. Almost every witness they brought to support their side ended up sounding like the defense had put them on the stand. It was an embarrassment. Reasonable doubt permeated the case from beginning to end.

The state had brought a 2nd degree charge of murder. It was clear from the evidence that the intent needed for that charge was nowhere to be seen. The "civil rights industry" (read Revs. Sharpton and Jackson) invented this case. George Zimmerman was not a racist, no matter how hard the state attempted to make him out to be one.  I believe that the state only brought a 2nd degree charge so that they would have a chance to catch him on manslaughter. (Professor Dershowitz agrees with me.) Thankfully they were unable to do that.

Television anchors and their expert guests kept excusing the prosecution's weak case by telling us that 'wait, the case isn't over yet' - like there was some bombshell to wait for. There wasn't. The prosecution rested and the defense basically played clean-up, clarifying, and explaining the facts of the case (read Dr. Vincent Di Maio who literally wrote the book on gunshot wounds). The facts. Not the emotionally based attacks the prosecution tried.

The tv anchors and guests also kept telling us that the prosecution was tied by the evidence and witnesses that they had... which begs the question: If these prosecutors were so knowledgeable, wouldn't it have been obvious to them before they began the trial that they certainly had no 2nd degree murder case as well as no manslaughter charge? Which makes it obvious to us that the prosecution of George Zimmerman was a show trial.

A young man was dead, someone needed to pay for it.  That's what this case was all about - not about race. For the family's attorney to compare Trayvon Martin to Medgar Evers and Emmett Till disgusts me.

The death of Trayvon Martin was no doubt a tragedy. But to paraphrase Zimmerman lawyer, Don West, it's good that the jury kept this tragedy from turning into a travesty. I'm happy the trial was televised so we could all witness this prosecutorial attempt at destroying a man's life.

The Terrorists in Sheep's Clothing

One could think that between the soon-to-be civil war in Egypt and watching the Zimmerman defense team wipe the floor with the prosecution, that there is no other news happening around the world. I'm sorry to disappoint, but there is.

Unfortunately, news comes from Israel where we learn that none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been secretly meeting with the Palestinian Authority (PA) to begin talks again on what some call a two-state solution, some call a three-state solution and what I call a no-Jewish-state solution.

This comes the same time as the "moderate" Palestinian Authority TV had a child, seven or eight years old, reading a poem describing Jews as "barbaric monkeys, wretched pigs."

“Oh, you who murdered Allah’s pious prophets
Oh, you who were brought up on spilling blood
You have been condemned to humiliation and hardship.
Oh Sons of Zion, oh most evil among creations
Oh barbaric monkeys, wretched pigs.”

Creative, imaginative and colorful isn't it? I'm impressed and certainly not surprised. While the world media describes Hamas in the Gaza Strip as extremists, the Palestinian Authority is not any different. The methods may differ - Hamas sends rockets into Israel while the PA under the guise of "moderation", brings Israel to the negotiating table to talk "peace"... the final result is the same, the dismemberment and destruction of the Jewish state.

Children, as we all know, are not born hating anyone. A child reading such an horrible "poem" has had to been brought up in a culture of violence - being taught that Jews are less than human. Removing such terrible creatures (the Jews) would follow - we know this to be true since martyrdom is taught to such young children through television cartoons and advertisements glorifying death.

We are talking about the Palestinian Authority. The so-called "moderates" - not Hamas, who we know are clearly planning the next attack on Israel. I wrote about what the PA was doing with their children back in 2002. Nothing has changed. The culture of violence continues strong - creating the next generation of terrorists.

Why has PM Netanyahu jumpstarted talks with the Palestinian Authority? I have no idea.

This is Unacceptable  (Nov. 25, 2002)
The Culture of Violence (Dec. 2, 2002)

Happy Birthday USA!

Life with two kids under 2.5 years old does not leave much time for anything else :) Nevertheless, I would be derelict in my duties if I didn't find a quick moment to wish the United States a very Happy Birthday!

The United States is a special place for many reasons, and we should be aware that we are blessed to live or have lived there. Americans are not Americans because we all happen to live in the same place. The United States was founded on certain ideas and ideals - and we believe in these ideas and ideals. No matter where in the world you were born, or into what social class you were born into - it is irrelevant.

The Declaration of Independence is where the United States was born, July 4, 1776, stating what we today see as obvious.

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...

While this is today obvious, 200+ years ago it was not. These ideas had been bandied around but to actually put them into practice was unexpected and unheard of. The Founding Fathers knew their ancient history - the rise and fall of the Babylonians, the Greeks, the Romans, and all in between - and knew that the great experiment of the United States had to be successful.

We thank them for their insights and wisdom. We also thank G-d for blessing us with men with such deep understanding.

Happy Birthday USA!

So Much to Read, So Little Time

Who has the time?

150th anniversary of Battle of Gettysburg provides a bigger story
Federalist Society success inspires campus copies
The Middle-Class Revolution by Francis Fukuyama

We Mourn

Please take a moment to pray for the families of the 19 brave firefighters that were killed fighting the terrible Arizona wildfires.

Eric Marsh, the unit's 43-year-old superintendent... Also killed, according to the city of Prescott: Andrew Ashcraft, 29; Robert Caldwell, 23; Travis Carter, 31; Dustin Deford, 24; Christopher MacKenzie, 30; Grant McKee, 21; Sean Misner, 26; Scott Norris, 28; Wade Parker, 22; John Percin, 24; Anthony Rose, 23; Jesse Steed, 36; Joe Thurston, 32; Travis Turbyfill, 27; William Warneke, 25; Clayton Whitted, 28; Kevin Woyjeck, 21; and Garret Zuppiger, 27.

Obama, McCain mourn Arizona firefighters
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer on 19 killed firefighters: 'God bless them all'

Happy Canada Day!

It's a bit late in the day, I do apologize, but it's important to recognize the great country of Canada. The United States (and Israel) are very lucky to have such a good friend and ally. Now if the XL Keystone Pipeline would be given the go-ahead...

Canada Day: Toronto is chock full of hidden Canadiana
Finding the graves of famous Canadians
Canada Day sees Canadians celebrating around the world

Have A Great Weekend!

Two great articles found in The Patriot Post.

The Consummate Liberal Hypocrites: Do as I Say, Not as I Do - It's a bit long, but I really enjoyed it.

Demography Doesn't Threaten the Jewish State by Jeff Jacoby - Definitely worth the read. The argument that no longer exists examined.

And Melanie Phillips does it again.

The British government's jihad against free thought

It's been a busy time, I do apologize for not writing anything original recently.

Enjoy the articles - have a great weekend.

George Washington, Iran and the National Health Service

A few articles that I found fascinating.

I love history. I love when you can actually see the actual signatures on paper - it's so easy to learn history, hear the stories - but when you see the physical artifacts, it makes it all real.

Washington penned the letter to Gen. John Armstrong on April 25, 1788. Sent from Mount Vernon, the seven-page missive urged the adoption of the US Constitution and was written at the height of a national debate over ratification.

Letter penned by George Washington pulls in $1.2 million at auction

And two articles from Melanie Phillips. Two different topics, but both very important.

In this piece Ms. Phillips explains that Iran is bent on bringing the 'end of days', bringing their "messiah" by destroying Israel and the United States - and how Britain (and I'd add everyone else) is not taking this threat seriously. I think that we misunderstand the Iranian threat as well - we do not imagine that they have an apocalyptic vision in mind - but they do, and are willing to use that nuclear weapon to bring it about.

A former Iranian diplomat who defected to Norway in 2010 warned: 

‘ “If Iran is given more time, it will acquire the knowledge necessary to build a nuclear bomb within a year.” Asked whether it would use the bomb against Israel, he said: “If Iran gets to the point where it has an atomic bomb, it will certainly use it, against Israel or any other [enemy] country.”  

‘...“They are busying themselves with ideological preparations for the arrival of the hidden Imam and are preparing the ground for that in a practical way; for this purpose, they are willing to spill much blood and destroy many countries.”’

Scary stuff.

How ignorant Britain sneers and sniggers at the threat from Iran

A national catastrophe. National health care. So many have the attitude that if the government is in charge of something - it must be doing it correctly. This thought must be corrected - if the government is in charge of something it is certainly being done incorrectly. Oversight, transparency, competition, accountability - go out the window when a monopoly is in charge. How is it that we have laws against private company monopolies but not against a government monopoly? The same damage is done by any monopoly. The only difference between a private monopoly and a government monopoly is that a private monopoly cannot fine you or send you to jail for not playing by their rules.

The real cover-up at the heart of the National Health Service

Easy Reading for the Weekend

Just a couple articles to read over the weekend.

The blurry line between Islam and Islamism - right on target.

And as some of us get our kids ready for camp, buying their duffel bags and labeling their clothing, there are other camps out there that sound like a lot of fun - shooting machine guns, playing "kidnap the Israeli soldier", climb and jump over the burning tires (doesn't everyone play that game?) - good fun had by all.

The article does make one small mistake.

Participants wear black uniforms bearing the camp’s slogan in Arabic, with a logo showing two fists, two guns and a map of the Gaza Strip.

That is not a map of the Gaza Strip - that's a map of the State of Israel. These are not the future "liberators" of the Gaza Strip (that makes no sense), these terrorists-in-training have the entire State in their sights.

Peace talks? Two state solution? You have got to be kidding.

Summer camp... Palestinian style: Chilling images show children as young as six firing guns and staging mock kidnapping of Israeli soldier

Canadian Prime Minister Harper is Awesome!

PM Stephen Harper telling it like it is:

Russia’s support for the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad — who has been accused of killing his own people with sarin gas and other chemical agents — all but guarantees that the G-8 nations will not come to a unanimous decision on how to proceed with assisting Syrian rebels in the country’s ongoing civil war. 

At least one official at the G-8, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, suggested that Russia shouldn’t even be at the table with other world leaders. 

He blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin for supporting the “thugs of the Assad regime” and all but dismissed Russia from meaningful involvement in this week’s talks. 

“I don’t think we should fool ourselves. This is the G-7 plus one. Let’s be blunt, that’s what this is: the G-7 plus one,” Mr. Harper said, according to the Toronto Star.

This is what leading from the front looks like.

Canada’s Harper gives up on Russia, calls summit ‘G-7 plus 1’

Scandal, Scandal Go Away - Come Again Some Other Day

Well, Obama's done it now, the liberals are finally getting upset.

* Fast and Furious and one dead American border policeman didn't do it.
* Benghazi and the four Americans murdered (one being an ambassador) didn't do it.
* The GSA (General Services Administration) and the IRS spending millions of taxpayer money on 'working vacations', hot tubs and creating spoof Star Trek videos didn't do it.
* The IRS targeting conservative groups didn't do it.
* Spying on Associated Press, CBS, and Fox News reporters didn't do it.

Call tracking and email monitoring of the American public finally got their attention... but so far the liberals just sounds like a small child stomping their foot and pouting. To be sure, liberals will let Obama get away with this one, just like with every other scandal till now.

The Top Twenty Obama Administration Scandals
The Obama Surveillance Revelations Are Pushing Liberals Over the Edge

Thank You Prime Minister Stephen Harper, A True Friend

It's hard not to like Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He actually knows what he is talking about. It's such a pleasure to actually listen to someone smart and thoughtful for a change. PM Harper was addressing the Parliament of the United Kingdom last week and mentioned Israel - in a positive way. He didn't have to support Israel in public (most of Israel's "friends" don't) -- he did it because he actually believes in the right of Israel to exist and defend herself. He also broached the topic of anti-Semitism in a country where anti-Semitism is endured by many, especially in academia. We should appreciate what PM Harper did and understand that he really is a true friend to Israel and to Jews everywhere.

“...In the Middle East, its only true western democracy endures, but Israel does so amidst an unrelenting hostility to its very existence by many of its neighbours. 

“A sorry testament to the persistent hatred of the Jewish people, and the moral relativism in so much of world affairs that provides shelter to such anti-Semitism.

“But no such nuance can attach to the Government of Iran and its determination to acquire nuclear weapons. 

“Iran’s leaders openly brag that they will eliminate Israel from the face of the earth. 

“This is a profoundly malevolent regime that threatens us all, and whose first victims are the Iranian people themselves. 

“Canada will continue to urge the international community to show steadfast resolve on Iran in the days ahead...

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada to the Parliament of the United Kingdom 

Nazi Found in the United States

A 94 year old Ukrainian Nazi has been found hiding in plain sight in Minneapolis; living in the United States since 1949. What amazes me the most is that he actually wrote an easy to find memoir about his time as a Nazi commander during World War II. I'm glad he lived long enough for him to be found to bring him to justice.

Shock Lingers After Nazi Unit Leader Found in U.S.

On Life and Lizards

While reading the National Post this weekend, I came across two very different articles that were worth sharing.

This first one is just such a nice article about Esther Williams. I knew nothing of her before this, other than her name. It seems like she really knew what her priorities were.

“I’ve been a lucky lady,” she said in a 1984 interview. “I’ve had three exciting careers. Before films I had the experience of competitive swimming, with the incredible fun of winning. … I had a movie career with all the glamour that goes with it. That was ego-fulfilling, but it was like the meringue on the pie. My marriage with Fernando — that was the filling, that was the apple in the pie.”

Esther Williams dead at 91: Swim champ turned Hollywood starlet in '40s

On the other hand we've got Alice Walker, who I think will win the "crazy" award for the day (or for the year).

Earlier this year, Walker wrote a post on her personal blog entitled “Human Race Get Off Your Knees: I couldn’t have put it better myself.” Students of conspiracy theories will recognize “Human Race Get Off Your Knees” as the title of a 2010 book by British paranoiac David Icke, a one-time professional soccer player who has spent the last two decades promoting the idea that Planet Earth is secretly controlled by giant inter-dimensional lizards who have taken human form (Queen Elizabeth and Bob Hope being two examples he has supplied), and operate terrestrially through a Dan Brown-esque secret society called “the Babylonian Brotherhood,” whose offshoots include the CIA and Mossad.

Where Israel hatred meets space lizards  - no joke, seriously, read it :)

What's the Trouble With Samantha Power?

The fact that Susan Rice was appointed National Security Advisor to President Obama is a joke, and not all that important. She's a good soldier who follows orders, even when it makes her look stupid.

The big news is Samantha Power. I've been all over her since 2008. Here are those links.

Yes, You Are Judged By The Company You Keep (March 2008)
Obama's Anti-Israel Advisors (December 2008)
Is Samantha Power The Next Secretary of State? (2011) Here's the video of her talking about possible military intervention in Israel to save the "Palestinians" from genocide.
Samantha Power is Back... and in Charge (2012)

It's Hard To See With Your Eyes Closed (the Sequel)

Last week I wrote "It's Hard To See With Your Eyes Closed" about how Islam itself is the problem that the Western world is facing - not 'fanatical' or 'extremist' Islam - just plain ole' Islam... that the more religious a Muslim becomes, the more problematic he is.

When I wrote that article, I used for an example the Muslims who murdered Lee Rigby, the young British soldier (and father/husband/son/friend). I also used the Muslim who attacked a French soldier in Paris. And of course the Boston Bombers (sounds like a baseball team, doesn't it?)

It was silly, of course, to forget to include our "workplace violence" incident at Fort Hood. Major Nidal Hasan, who murdered 13 of his fellow American soldiers while announcing "Allahu Akbar" back in November of 2009. He will be representing himself soon at his trial. Jury selection started today. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about how his god is so great.

It was also very neglectful of me to also forget to mention the VIA Rail plot that was stymied by the RCMP here in Canada. The brilliant idea of attacking a passenger train near Toronto was cooked up by two 'religiously strict' Muslims.

This also isn't the first time we have seen Muslims in Canada becoming religious and consequently terrorists.
'Toronto 18' case a first sign 'good Canadian boys' are being radicalized too 
Investigation finds third possible Canadian suspect in Algeria terror attack

We find example after example of the same pattern. As a Muslim becomes more religious he becomes more of a threat to the general "infidel" society. While it should be easy to spot this pattern as it happens all over the world - in liberal Europe, multicultural Canada and in the freedom loving United States - we know that it is extremely hard to see with your eyes closed. What? You don't see anything?

Red Army Jews and Senator Frank Lautenberg (No Connection)

I'm feeling a bit random today, so I thought I'd share two different things with you.

First, I really enjoyed this article, a fascinating look at the Jews who fought for the Soviet Union during World War II.
A Rabbi Honors the Red Army's Jewish Veterans

Second, I also liked the Republican Jewish Coalition's statement on the passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg. I'll post it here.

Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2013) – The Republican Jewish Coalition notes the passing today of Sen. Frank Lautenberg. 

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said, “Frank Lautenberg was a staunch supporter of Israel and a leader in Jewish communal life. He served his country during World War II and in decades of dedicated public service. His work in the Senate helped thousands of Soviet Jews and other victims of religious persecution to reach freedom. He was a proud Jew and a proud American. May his family and friends be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”

Save Our Children: Finally Talking School Safety

This article popped up about a two weeks ago in the local free throw-away newspaper here in Toronto. I've included it here in its totality. This is the first I have heard anything on the topic of school safety - aside from the useless anti-gun rhetoric - that looks like people are actually and finally thinking clearly.

The National Rifle Association was mocked for suggesting proactive action - when stating an obvious truth that "the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. But 'proactive action' is what saves lives. Hiding and waiting for the police costs lives.

Ontario educators are being asked to consider using desks and tables to barricade doors or to evacuate students when intruders force their way into schools, following in the footsteps of U.S. schools where the guidelines are moving toward the three Ds: delay, deter and defend. 

The Ontario College of Teachers is holding a symposium Wednesday morning featuring two U.S. safety experts who say merely locking school doors and hiding under desks or huddling in one corner of the room during a crisis - measures typically taken in Canadian schools under a "lockdown"- makes teachers and students sitting ducks. 

"There's a pretty dramatic shift underway in the U.S., from the more traditional 'hide-out-and-hope-for-the best' sort of approach, which is what typically associated with lockdowns" where everyone waits for the police to arrive, said Amy Klinger, director of programs for the non-profit Educators' School Safety Network, who has worked with police chiefs and U.S. Homeland Security. 

"But if you look at past events - Columbine, Virginia Tech - events in the U.S. and internationally, a lot of the times they happen so quick that law enforcement can't get there in time." 

The shift in thinking in the U.S. started thinking about four or five years ago, said Klinger.
The thinking is "the three outs - get out, hide out or fight your way out," she added. "It started with the government and offices and adults, and now it is working its way down into schools.

It is about time that we begin thinking about school safety. Our public figures have armed security. Our celebrities have armed security. Our banks and our public arenas have armed security. Why is it that our most vulnerable of our society, our children, are sitting ducks?

Proper Focus is Key
A Columbine Survivor Tell President Obam to Man Up
NRA In Action [vs. Gun Banners' Inaction]
Active Shooters in Schools: The Enemy is Denial
NRA School Shield

It's Hard To See With Your Eyes Closed

David Cameron has issued a defiant message after the murder of a British soldier in London...

"What happened in Woolwich yesterday has sickened us all," the prime minister said on Thursday. "The people who did this were trying to divide us. They should know something like this will only bring us together, make us stronger." 

Speaking outside Downing Street after a meeting of the government's Cobra crisis committee, Cameron described the attack as a betrayal of Islam, adding that it was "solely and purely" the responsibility of the individuals involved. 

"This view is shared by every community in our country," he said. "This was not just an attack on Britain and on the British way of life; it was also a betrayal of Islam and of the Muslim communities who give so much to our country. 

"There is nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act."

This is either a deliberately misleading speech the Prime Minister of England gave the other day, or the most ignorant one he could cobble together.

First, as a good friend succinctly said when he first heard this statement - No! They are not trying to "divide" you, they are trying to KILL you!

Second, the idea that "nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act" is completely a false statement. One of the murderers, with a meat cleaver still in his hand, quotes from the Quran itself for the reasons he cut this young soldier down.

“The only reason we have killed this man today is because Muslims are dying daily by British soldiers. And this British soldier is one. It is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. By Allah, we swear by the almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you until you leave us alone....

“By Allah if I saw your mother today with a buggy I would help her up the stairs. This is my nature. But we are forced by the Koran, in Sura At-Tawba, through many ayah in the Qur’an, we must fight them as they fight us. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. 

He is at war with the West for being at war with terrorists.

The problem is truly Islam. The more religious a Muslim is, the more dangerous he seems to become. Let's look at recent history.

The man with the meat cleaver, Michael Adebolajo, who murdered Lee Rigby, was a Muslim convert.

The Boston Marathon bombers were religious Muslims. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, became more devout over time and returned to Russia to gain training to help him with his jihad. Dzhokhar, his brother, believes that an attack on one Muslim is an attack on all and called his brother a "martyr".

Three days after the attack on the British soldier, another Muslim convert attacked a French soldier with a knife after praying in Muslim style. The French believe it was "religious ideology" that drove him. I'm shocked.

This is nothing new. We've seen this time and again. However, we've never seen secular Muslims attacking anyone in the name of Allah. We've never seen secular Muslims calling for jihad against the infidels. We do hear the battle cry of "Allah Akbar" when an attack by a religious Muslim is about to occur - not something less innocuous like 'I hate you'.

We've moved on from organized jihad - to a "do it yourself" kind. Does it make it any less dangerous? Absolutely not. In many ways it becomes more dangerous, more difficult to monitor. Any religious Muslim can feel that it's a good day to kill an infidel, and there's not much to be done about it.

The Quran is made up of different chapters. The earlier chapters seem to be peaceful, the later ones more war-like. What needs to be understood is that the later chapters supersede the earlier ones. The earlier peaceful ones no longer apply. This is a religion at war with others.

For any leader - Cameron included - to ignore the danger of religious Islam is either to mislead the public, or is sticking his head in the sand and hoping for the dangers to go away.

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he is looking for some sand.

Multiculturalism doesn't work - Ezra Levant **article and video both worth your time
It's Islam, Stupid - Treppenwitz** also good

Memorial Day 2013

Just a couple of great links to help everyone commemorate Memorial Day and remember all those brave men and women who have fallen protecting our freedoms at home and liberating millions of others around the world.

Photo Essay: Veterans Day Parade NYC 2009 by Urban Infidel ***fantastic!

Memorial Day Tribute - full of poems, reflections, history and facts about Memorial Day

What If G.W.Bush Were President?

I am not a fan of Glenn Beck, but this story is ridiculous. Rather than report the news, reporters would rather create the news.

Media Cross the Line Against Glenn Beck

When you read these next two stories, ask yourself - What if George W. Bush were president? Can you imagine the media going out of their way to protect him after four Americans were murdered on his watch? His administration?

Even the IRS story - imagine it taking place during President Bush's term of office - how quickly would this become a major scandal? Rather, the White House reaction (and consequently the media's reaction) is a disinterested eh, who cares.

Liberal Media Spin Benghazi Scandal to Protect Team Obama

IRS Inquisition Update

Happy Jerusalem Day!

Today is Jerusalem Day, celebrating 46 years of the liberation of Jerusalem. We take for granted the accessibility of our only holy place - the Kotel, the Western Wall - but we must not forget that for 19 long years (1948-1967) we were completely without that access... and the World didn't care.


A LETTER TO THE WORLD FROM JERUSALEM

I am not a creature from another planet, as you seem to believe. I am a Jerusalemite – like yourselves, a man of flesh and blood. I am a citizen of my city, an integral part of my people.

I have a few things to get off my chest. Because I am not a diplomat, I do not have to mince words. I do not have to please you, or even persuade you. I owe you nothing. You did not build this city; you do not live in it; you did not defend it when they came to destroy it. And we will be damned if we will let you take it away.

There was a Jerusalem before there was a New York. When Berlin, Moscow, London and Paris were miasmal forest and swamp, there was a thriving Jewish community here. It gave something to the world which you nations have rejected ever since you established yourselves – a humane moral code. Here the prophets walked, their words flashing like forked lightning. Here a people who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, fought off waves of heathen would-be conquerors, bled and died on the battlements, hurled themselves into the flames of their burning Temple rather than surrender; and when finally overwhelmed by sheer numbers and led away into captivity, swore that before they forgot Jerusalem, they would see their tongues cleave to their palates, their right arm wither.

For two pain filled millennia, while we were your unwelcome guests, we prayed daily to return to this city. Three times a day we petitioned the Almighty: “Gather us from the four corners of the world, bring us upright to our land; return in mercy to Jerusalem, Thy city, and dwell in it as Thou promised.”

On every Yom Kippur and Passover we fervently voiced the hope that next year would find us in Jerusalem. Your inquisitions, pogroms, expulsions, the ghettos into which you jammed us, your forced baptisms, your quota systems, your genteel anti-Semitism, and the final unspeakable horror, the Holocaust (and worse, your terrifying disinterest in it) – all these have not broken us. They may have sapped what little moral strength you still possessed, but they forged us into steel. Do you think that you can break us now after all we have been through? Do you really believe that after Dachau and Auschwitz we are frightened by your threats of blockades and sanctions? We have been to Hell and back – a Hell of your making. What more could you possibly have in your arsenal that could scare us?

I have watched this city bombarded twice by nations calling themselves civilized. In 1948, while you looked on apathetically, I saw women and children blown to smithereens, this after we had agreed to your request to internationalize the city. It was a deadly combination that did the job: British officers, Arab gunners and American-made cannon.

And then the savage sacking of the Old City: the willful slaughter, the wanton destruction of every synagogue and religious school; the desecration of Jewish cemeteries; the sale by a ghoulish government of tombstones for building materials for poultry runs, army camps – even latrines.

And you never said a word.

You never breathed the slightest protest when the Jordanians shut off the holiest of our holy places, the Western Wall, in violation of the pledges they had made after the war – a war they waged, incidentally, against a decision of the UN. Not a murmur came from you whenever the legionnaires in their spiked helmets casually opened fire upon our citizens from behind the walls.

Your hearts bled when Berlin came under siege. You rushed your airlift “to save the gallant Berliners.” But you did not send one ounce of food when Jews starved in besieged Jerusalem. You thundered against the wall which the East Germans ran through the middle of the German capital – but not one peep out of you about that other wall, the one that tore through the heart of Jerusalem.

And when the same thing happened 20 years later, and the Arabs unleashed a savage, unprovoked bombardment of the Holy City again, did any of you do anything? The only time you came to life was when the city was at last re-united. Then you wrung your hands and spoke loftily of “justice” and the need for the “Christian” quality of turning the other cheek.

The truth is – and you know it deep inside your gut – you would prefer the city to be destroyed rather than have it governed by Jews. No matter how diplomatically you phrase it, the age old prejudices seep out of every word.

If our return to the city has tied your theology in knots, perhaps you had better re-examine you catechisms. After what we have been through, we are not passively going to accommodate ourselves to the twisted idea that we are to suffer eternal homelessness until we accept your Savior.

For the first time since the year 70 there is now complete religious freedom for all in Jerusalem. For the first time since the Romans put the torch to the Temple everyone has equal rights. (You preferred to have some more equal than others.) We loathe the sword – but it was you who forced us to take it up. We crave peace – but we are not going back to the peace of 1948 as you would like us to.

We are home. It has a lovely sound for a nation you have willed to wonder over the face of the globe.
We are not leaving. We have redeemed the pledge made by our forefathers: Jerusalem is being rebuilt.
Next year – and the year after, and after, and after, until the end of time – in Jerusalem!

Stanley Goldfoot
Founder Editor
The Times of Israel
August 1969

I Love My Country But Fear My Government

There's a problem. There is a shortage of ammunition out there - and the ammunition that can be found has a higher price tag. Senators Jim Inhofe and Representative Frank Lukas have thankfully noticed.

Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe and Rep. Frank Lucas have introduced a bill that would prohibit every government agency — except the military — from buying more ammunition each month, than the monthly average it purchased from 2001 to 2009. 

The lawmakers say the Obama administration is buying up exceedingly high levels of ammunition in an attempt to limit the number of bullets the American public have access to on the open marketplace.

"President Obama has been adamant about curbing law-abiding Americans’ access and opportunities to exercise their Second Amendment rights," said Inhofe.

"One way the Obama Administration is able to do this is by limiting what’s available in the market with federal agencies purchasing unnecessary stockpiles of ammunition.”

It's a bit crazy. Homeland Security (not the military) has bought 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition. A Forbes article puts that into perspective.

... at the height of the Iraq War the Army was expending less than 6 million rounds a month.  Therefore 1.6 billion rounds would be enough to sustain a hot war for 20+ years.  In America.

Somebody needs to explain this. Democrats and even the National Rifle Association are denying "conspiracies" by the Obama administration. Sure, I'm not one who thinks the government is out to get me every day -- but these huge buys of ammunition need to be explained, especially when the store shelves are empty and civilians can't buy a box for their own use.

1.6 Billion Rounds of Ammo for Homeland Security? It's Time for a National Conversation

DHS Seeks Millions More Rounds of Ammunition - what's up with this?

Fun Canadian Stuff

7 Things You Can't Say in Canada

13 Things You Didn't Know About Being Canadian

Top 10 Greatest Canadian Road Trips

The Shot Heard Round the World

238 years ago, on the night of April 18, 1775, British troops made an attempt at gun control by trying to take away the arms of the Colonial American - provoking the American militiaman and resulting in the battles of Lexington and Concord. The beginning of the fight for American independence had begun. This is memorialized in Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem:  Concord Hymn written in 1837.

Enjoy and have a good weekend.

Concord Hymn
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
     Their flag to April's breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood;
     And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
     Alike the conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
     Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
     We place with joy a votive stone,
That memory may their deeds redeem,
     When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

O Thou who made those heroes dare
     To die, and leave their children free, —
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
     The shaft we raised to them and Thee.

Lady Thatcher, "Amateur" Terrorists and Chemical Weapons

RIP Lady Thatcher
Timeline: Margaret Thatcher's Remarkable Life in Pictures
Anger over President Obama's Margaret Thatcher funeral 'snub'
The Texan who stole the show at Margaret Thatcher's funeral

"Amateur" Terrorists
The media keeps portraying the Boston Marathon terrorists as amateurs and recently Vice President Biden even called them "knock-off jihadis". This is stupid. While they were 'only' able to murder three, they injured at least 260 people and at least 14 people had limbs amputated. In the city of Boston a million citizens were locked down during the course of finding these terrorists.

Imagine a dozen "amateurs" on a Saturday night in busy shopping malls spread out across the country... who needs a "professional" terrorist when amateurs would bring bring our way of life to a standstill? Why are we underestimating the 'inspired' Muslim?

Chemical Weapons Used in Syria
They are reporting that it looks like chemical weapons have been used in Syria. President Obama has previously said that such a thing would be a "game changer" - I suppose that means that it would be unacceptable. What's he going to do about it? My answer: Nothing. Just like he'll do nothing about Iran getting a nuclear bomb.

The Boston Marathon Attack

I'll go out on a limb here.

Yes, it was a terrorist attack.

Yes, it was a Muslim group.

It's time to pray for those who were murdered, those who were injured and for the emergency responders.