Border Security

Personally, I believe the biggest threat to the security of the United States is the porous nature of our borders. Although there are undoubtedly illegal crossings occurring on the northern border, the southern border along Mexico is obviously the biggest problem. For several months I lived a few miles from the U.S.-Mexican border in Southwest Texas. During my short stint there I personally experienced no problems stemming from the illegal immigrants, but I spoke to many long-time residents who were fed up with the crime perpetrated by illegals crossing their property on their way to San Antonio or God-knows-where.

The trouble caused by illegal border crossers affects Arizona perhaps more than any other state. There is a reporter named Leo Banks who writes for the Tucson Weekly, and he has reported extensively on these problems and how they affect those who live near the border. Here are three fairly recent articles written by Mr. Banks: Under Siege, Other Than Mexicans, and Images from the Battleground

"Misunderestimated disconfirmation"

by Oliver North

Check out Ollie's opinion on the purchase of Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co by Dubai Ports World. With his counter-terrorism background, he puts everything into perspective. Link: http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/ollienorth/2006/02/24/187689.html

Winter Break

Here is a letter written by Cadet Fourth Class Joseph R. Tomczak, US Air Force Academy. He writes about why he is returning to the Academy from his winter break, and what it means to him to become a commissioned officer in the US Air Force. Here is a link: http://www.afrc.af.mil/940arw/The%20Refueler/Feb%202006/Commentary_Winter_break_Feb_2006.htm

Animal "Rights" Terrorists

These animal nuts are really dangerous. Follow this link http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/13914514.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp to read about the victims of these domestic terrorists. For those who feel threatened, I suggest the following weapon for home defense: http://www.wilsoncombat.com/s_standard.asp

Building Your Own PC

I build my own personal computers. Some are suprised when I tell them I build my own, but it's really easier than most people think. If you want to get started building your own PC, I suggest the books and websites of Robert Bruce Thompson. One of his more recent books, Building the Perfect PC, is perfect for beginners. His website http://www.hardwareguys.com/ has his picks for PC components and a messageboard where you can get answers to questions. I really appreciate his component choices, because he has been testing PC hardware for years and really knows what works and what doesn't. Also, when buying components I suggest starting at http://www.newegg.com. They tend to have the best prices, fast shipping, and great customer service.

The Religion of Peace

The military (or terrorist) wing of the Hamas movement is called Az A-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, also spelled Ezzedeen Alqassam. These high-tech masters of mayhem have a website. When it first opens there is a Macromedia Flash Player animation that shows a Star of David, the symbol of Israel, enveloped by a nuclear blast. After the pretend nuking of Israel, the rest of the webpage appears and you can click the button that says "English" and read all the accomplishments of the Ezzedeen Alqassam Brigades. Be sure to click on "Multimedia" and check out the "My Lovely Palestine" video.
http://www.alqassam.com

John Stossel

Besides his award winning work as a correspondent at ABC News, John Stossel writes columns that can be viewed on Townhall.com. I love his common sense exposure of our society's problems. Here is a link to his latest column about teachers unions: http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/JohnStossel/2006/02/22/187393.html

Laura Ingraham in Iraq

Laura's talk show is one of my favorites. She was in Iraq last week to visit the troops, which was a real morale boost for those who saw her. Thanks Laura! Link to her photo essay: http://www.lauraingraham.com/freephotos?destination=/pg/jsp/general/iraqmedia.jsp

Michelle Malkin

I love Michelle Malkin's commentary. She has the fortitude to tell it like it is with none of the usual PC claptrap. Here's a link to her latest column: http://www.jewishworldreview.com/michelle/malkin021506.php3?printer_friendly

Ex-Officer Spurned on WMD Claim

This is very interesting. Here is a special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations who was deployed to the An Nasiriyah area in the southern part of Iraq in the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His claims about possible storage areas for Iraqi WMD are certainly very interesting. Link to the story:
http://www.nysun.com/pf.php?id=27183

Two Crises

by Thomas Sowell

Here is an excellent article by Thomas Sowell, one of the greatest economists of our time. Follow this link: http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/thomassowell/2006/02/14/186296.html

Vice President Cheney

How embarrassing for our VP to have a hunting mishap announced to the world. Getting hit with birdshot from a 28-ga shotgun from 30 yards away is probably quite minor as far as hunting accidents go. However, when the VP is the one who pulls the trigger it becomes a major incident. Fortunately Mr Whittington is expected to recover fully. I hope the late night comedians take it easy on Mr. Cheney. For the record, I have the deepest respect for our Vice President. Here is a link to the AP story describing the incident:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CHENEY_HUNTING_ACCIDENT?SITE=TXBRY&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&SECTION=HOME

Lady Heidi of Hampstead

Heidi is a Labrador Retriever, bred by Tracy Rill of Ropewalk Farms in Hampstead, Maryland. She is a fine example of an English lab. Heidi leads a somewhat pampered life, and at two years old, is full of energy and excitement.

Welcome

Welcome to The Humble Patriot. This is my first attempt at a blog, or even posting anything on the Internet, so please excuse my ignorance as I learn more about the process. It's a snowy day in Maryland, and it seemed like the perfect time to start a blog. I am a little uncertain of the future content of my blog, but it will probably reflect my varied interests which include politics, family, computers, the U.S. military, cars, firearms, personal finances, dogs, and economics. Those topics may sound like a motley bunch, but I spend much time thinking about them and perhaps many of you do as well. Once again, welcome to my blog.

Humble Patriot