The Humble Patriot

2006-12-25T07:37:00.000+04:30

USO Christmas Show

The United Service Organizations (USO) is hosting the Sgt Major of the Army 2006 Hope and Freedom Tour, which is currently touring Afghanistan. They stopped in Kabul a few days ago and put on a four-hour show in frigid temperatures. The performance was great; a real morale boost for the deployed troops here.

Here is a list of the performers:

Al Franken - political commentator and comedian
Leann Tweeden - model and television personality
Mark Wills - country singer
Keni Thomas - country singer and former Army Ranger
Shevy Smith - country singer
Darryl Worley - 6'6" tall country singer and restaurant owner
Washington Project - brother/sister hip-hop singers
All Army Band
Laura Beke and Shenythia Frazier - retired Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Links to photos from the show:
Darryl Worley and the Dallas ladies
Al Franken and Leann Tweeden
Keni Thomas and Shevy Smith

2006-12-22T09:05:00.000+04:30

The Virginia DMV, again

This is what independent filmmakers do when they're bored. The zany guys at Daybyday just opened a huge can of worms with their latest project, the DMV Drivers License Prank. Each of these guys obtains a Virginia drivers license despite obvious, comical alterations to their looks. Check out the YouTube video. I almost fell out of my chair from laughing at the "kung-fu guy", Dave Stewart (funny things seem extra funny when you're in Afghanistan).

Okay, so these guys had some fun at the expense of some Virginia civil servants. However, if you're like me, you're starting to wonder about who else may be interested in a less-than-legit drivers license. Terrorists, perhaps? Two of the 9/11 hijackers obtained fraudulent Virginia licenses to help them in their terror plot (5/18/06 Humble Patriot column). They did not use spray-on hair or novelty teeth. The terrorists simply went to a 7/11 parking lot in Virginia, the same place the illegal immigrants use to get theirs.

According to an article in yesterday's Washington Times, the VA DMV has asked these guys to surrender their licenses and get new photos taken. No doubt this is embarrassing for the Virginia government. Hopefully it will catalyze some changes at their DMV.

Here's the other YouTube video:

Check out Michelle Malkin's column on the same subject.

2006-12-17T11:20:00.000+04:30

Danny Bonaduce vs John Conner

Danny Bonaduce, the former child star who played Danny Partridge in The Partridge Family, gets a microphone shoved in his face while eating at a sidewalk cafe. The guy holding the mic is none other than John Conner of The Resistance Manifesto. Conner is probably hoping to get him to say something disparaging about President Bush or the war in Iraq. Here is the video, courtesy of You Tube:

I lump John Conner into a category I call the "Loose Change Nuts," conspiracy theorists who believe the 9/11 attacks were somehow orchestrated by the U.S. Government. Loose Change is a movie that presents some of these goofy theories. Some of these kooks, like Conner, believe the entire world is run by an intricate system of Satanic secret societies. No, I am not making this stuff up!

Mr. Bonaduce handled himself quite well in this verbal exchange, and gave Conner a simple lesson on the First Amendment. Way to go, Danny!

Humble Patriot's reading assignment:
Debunking 9/11 Myths

2006-12-15T08:48:00.000+04:30

Just Say No to Pork

No, not the "other white meat." According to Wiktionary, the second meaning for "pork" is funding proposed or requested by a member of Congress for special interests or his/her constituency as opposed to the good of the country as a whole. That is the topic for today.

Lately there has been much obstreperous banter regarding earmarks, including the Bridge to Nowhere and the bribes-for-earmarks scandal that landed U.S. Rep Duke Cunningham in prison. However, not every earmark is considered pork, and not all pork arrives in the form of an earmark. The group Citizens Against Government Waste employs seven general conditions for a Congressional project to make it to their Pig Book: Not specifically authorized; Not competitively awarded; Not requested by the President; Greatly exceeds the President's budget request or the previous year's funding; Not the subject of congressional hearings; or Serves only a local or special interest. In 2006, 9,963 projects made it to CAGW's infamous Pig Book. These projects come with a hefty price tag for the taxpayer: $29 billion in 2006 alone. What are some of these projects? Here are a few of the most egregious, taken from the CAGW website: $13,500,000 for the International Fund for Ireland, which helped finance the World Toilet Summit; $6,435,000 for wood utilization research; $1,300,000 for berry research; and $500,000 for the Sparta Teapot Museum in Sparta, N.C. Remember, there are 9,959 wasteful expenditures that I am not listing here in the interest of brevity!

The incoming Democratic leaders for the U.S. Congress claim they will remove all earmarks from the unfinished spending bills that the Republicans dumped in their laps before Congress adjourned for the year. Wow, that sounds like a step in the right direction, especially for the "tax and spend" party. My regular readers know most of my Humble ire is directed towards the left in general and the Democrats in particular. This time do the Dems deserve a pat on the back for this newfound budgetary restraint? I would love to say yes, but I remain dubious of their intentions. Some of the money will likely shift to programs the Democrats feel have been shortchanged from the President's budget.

As a Nation we simply must get a handle on government spending. Our demographics will shift as the baby boomers enter retirement and leave the workforce, causing tax receipts to decrease as Medicare and other expenditures increase. My Humble prediction is that the United States is headed for some serious budgetary problems, beginning in about ten years. I hope to be proven wrong.

Humble Patriot's Reading Assignments:
Dems to Wipe Out Pet Projects in Bills
Byrd to Give Up W.Va. Projects

2006-12-11T07:36:00.000+04:30

Breyer and Scalia Debate the Constitution

For those who are interested in the Supreme Court, you may find this interesting. Justices Stephen Breyer and Antonin Scalia are the closest thing to polar opposites on the Court.

Justice Scalia is viewed as a "strict contructionist," although he objects to that description. He is more correctly described as a "textualist." Justice Scalia states, "the text should be interpreted neither strictly nor sloppily, but reasonably." Sounds reasonable to this Humble guy.

Justice Breyer is generally viewed as a liberal. He defers to Congress and even international law, and votes to overturn Congressional legislation at a lower rate than the other justices. When it comes to Constitutional issues, Justice Breyer considers "purpose and consequence."

The Federalist Society recently hosted a debate between these two gentlemen. Fortunately, it was not held at Columbia University, so nobody gets attacked or shouted-down. I enjoy listening to our brightest legal minds debate such important issues. This is the stuff that makes our Nation great.

Here is an excerpt from the event, courtesy of Power Line:

2006-12-08T07:50:00.000+04:30

Pearl Harbor Day

Our greatest generation

Yesterday was Pearl Harbor Day, a day for remembrance of the Japanese attack that killed thousands of Americans and was the catalyst that began a very difficult war for the United States.

My father-in-law was a soldier in World War II, volunteering for the U.S. Army immediately after high school. I salute his courage, and I understand his "Greatest Generation." They chose to fight a terrible war overseas to prevent fighting a terrible war at home.

When the last of the enemy aircraft returned to their ships on that day, it was clear this was a Japanese victory. Four mighty U.S. battleships were sunk, including the USS Arizona. 2,403 Americans were killed and more than 1,100 were wounded. The Empire of Japan apparently wanted an all-out war with the U.S.

FDR responded on December 8th with a memorable speech to a joint session of Congress, calling 7 December 1941 "a date which will live in infamy." Congress declared war. It took awhile to build a suitable fighting force for the Pacific theater, while at the same time taking on the German and Italian Axis forces in Europe and Africa.

How did we fight the Japanese? U.S. Marines, supported by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Air Force, embarked on a difficult, bloody campaign of "island hopping." Our leathernecks took over New Guinea, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Luzon, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, etc. More than 86,000 Marines were killed in action during this campaign.

Once we got a foothold on nearby islands such as Tinian, our Army Air Force began to bombard the Japanese where they lived. We set fire to Tokyo and Kobe. We nuked Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan's dead numbered 3 million from four years of fighting. These actions forced the Japanese people to a humiliating surrender and established a certain credibility for the United States.

Clearly, today's political and military leaders could learn something from our actions in WW II. We have lost much of our hard-won credibility over the past 35 years. Our own press, referred to today as the mainstream media, is a virtual fifth column in every war we fight. The list of conflicts from which the U.S. has "cut and run" is growing long: Vietnam, Lebanon, Iraq in 1991, and Somalia. Current and future enemies of our great Nation see this not as compassion to be rewarded, but as a weakness to be exploited.

I believe I speak for all who fight for our freedoms when I say we need to persevere in every military action until we are victorious. Prematurely leaving these conflicts sends a message to every future Tojo, Hitler, and Bin Laden that we are weak. Even worse, it invalidates and insults the sacrifice of those who fought in these wars.

My Humble message to our current leaders, and the Iraq Study Group, is that victory in our War on Terror is absolutely vital for the prevention of future wars. The mere thought of a "dialogue" with Iran and Syria is ridiculous. They are a big part of the problem! Ahmadinejad and al-Assad are rubbing their hands with glee with the mere thought of sitting at the bargaining table with us.

During WW II the citizens of our great Nation cringed at the thought of losing to the Axis powers, which would subjugate future generations to the will of Tojo or Hitler. Today's citizens need to see the threat of Islamofacism for what it is, and knock off the hand wringing and defeatist talk. One thing you can depend on: your Humble Patriot will not submit.

2006-12-07T07:39:00.000+04:30

Debra Burlingame Responds

Debra Burlingame is the sister of Charles "Chic" Burlingame III, the pilot of the American Airlines Flight 77 that was crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11. Ms Burlingame made a name for herself as a voice for those who opposed the International Freedom Center, the moonbat-inspired museum that would essentially insult the memories of the 2,749 people who died at the World Trade Center.

Ms Burlingame is an attorney and former flight attendant. She has a mastery of the English language, and her writing is often featured in the Wall Street Journal. She has a great response to the craziness revolving around the Flying Imams story. I have reprinted a portion of it; you may read the entire article at OpinionJournal.com.

The day we tell the captain of a commercial airliner that he cannot remove
a problem passenger unless he divines beyond question what is in that
passenger's head and heart is the day our commercial aviation system begins to
crumble. When a passenger's conduct is so disturbing and disruptive that
reasonable, ordinary people fear for their lives, the captain must have the
discretionary authority to respond without having to consider equal protection
or First Amendment standards about which even trained lawyers with the clarity
of hindsight might strongly disagree. The pilot in command can't get it wrong.
At 35,000 feet, when multiple events are rapidly unfolding in real time, there
is no room for error.

We have a new, inviolate aviation standard after 9/11, which requires that the captain cannot take that airplane up so long as there are any unresolved issues with respect to the security of his airplane. At altitude, the cockpit door is barred and crews are instructed not to open them no matter what is happening in the cabin behind them. This is an extremely challenging situation for the men and women who fly those planes, one that those who write federal aviation regulations and the people who agitate for more restrictions on a captain's authority will never have to face themselves.

Likewise, flight attendants are confined in the back of the plane with upwards of 200 people; they must be the eyes and ears, not just for the pilot but for us all. They are not combat specialists, however, and to compel them to ignore all but the most unambiguous cases of suspicious behavior is to further enable terrorists who act in ways meant to defy easy categorization. As the American Airlines flight attendants who literally jumped on "shoe bomber" Richard Reid demonstrated, cabin crews are sharply attuned to unusual or abnormal behavior and they must not be second-guessed, or hamstrung by misguided notions of political correctness.

Ultimately, the most despicable aspect about the imams' behavior is that when they pierced the normally quiet hum of a passenger waiting area with shouts of "Allahu Akbar"and deliberately engaged in terrorist-associated behavior that was sure to trigger suspicion, they exploited the fear that began with the Sept. 11 attacks. The imams, experienced travelers all, counted on the security system established after 9/11 to kick in, and now they plan not only to benefit financially from the proper operation of that system but to substantially weaken it--with help from the Saudi-endowed attorneys at CAIR.

US Airways is right to stand by its flight crew. It will be both dangerous and disgraceful if the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation and, ultimately, our federal courts allow aviation security measures put in place after 9/11 to be cynically manipulated in the name of civil rights.

2006-12-05T07:37:00.000+04:30

The Six Crazy,

Flying Imams

This story is now about two weeks old, and everybody who keeps their noses in the news has heard plenty about the Flying Imams. If you need more background info, I Humbly suggest you read Power Line columns here and here.

I too would have been concerned about the Imams' behavior, had I been a passenger on that flight. Clearly these guys were trying to upset those around them. For a recent recap of all that happened, plus the police report and witness statements, check out Richard Miniter's column at Pajamas Media.

Immediately after the incident in which these nuts were removed from the aircraft, they called on all Muslims to boycott US Airways. As Ann Coulter said, if only we could get Muslims to boycott all airlines, we could dispense with airport security altogether! In her latest column, Ms Coulter shows us why airport security should be profiling Arabs. Shahin, the spokesman for the six Imams, had a predecessor at the Islamic Center in Tucson who was Osama bin Laden's financier and head of logistics — until he was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2002.

In closing, here is a video from Sout al Kuffar titled Flight Club : Being Naughty on a Plane.

2006-12-01T07:54:00.000+04:30

Comparing Wars

'Slash and Run' Journalism

I understand how the mainstream newspapers operate: short, pithy headlines to get your attention, sensational stories, heart-wrenching photos, etc. It's all about money. Grab someone's attention, hope they read part of an article and, by the way, have you seen the new 2007 Lincoln Navigator?

Our country's newspapers are big business, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Your Humble Patriot certainly would not advocate government intervention into the news, a la the Pravda of old. However, the newspaper business has tried to keep up in our age of lightning-fast digital communications, and this attempt to keep the print media relevant has hurt the quality.

Go back 60 years, to a time when television was in its infancy. A guy came home from work, picked up the newspaper from the front steps, kissed his wife as she was preparing dinner, and leisurely read the day's news as his kids listened to The Lone Ranger on the radio. A simpler time where our Nation's print media had little competition.

How about contrasting that 1946 image with today's digital age? Newspapers and terrestrial radio are still somewhat common, plus 100+ channels of cable or satellite television, and XM and Sirius satellite radio. These media, along with the Internet and it's recently-spawned digital syndicated feeds such as pod casting, mobilecasting, RSS, Atom, etc., created an environment where a person can be bombarded with news and entertainment 24 hours a day. After a full day of work outside the home, a busy mom transports her kids to all manner of extra-curricular activities while talking on a cellular phone to order a pizza for dinner. Pacified kids watch videos in the back seat to stave off boredom. Even in the middle of third world Afghanistan, each morning the Humble Patriot opens a laptop and clicks a bookmark on his Mozilla Firefox web browser, instantly opening a half-dozen tabs of favorite news and web log sites. Sure, this is progress. But I feel a tinge of pity for today's kids who, instead of getting dirty and sweaty playing baseball, hopscotch or 'cowboys and Indians', sit in an air conditioned home as their vital signs go south during their daily four hours of watching a big screen TV.

What does this revolution in communications mean? I see modern newspapers, desperate for survival, trying anything and everything to reach more readers. They have entire sections related to "entertainment," with a gossip columnist giving us the latest of which Hollywood star is dating which gangsta rapper, and other pseudo-news. The effect on each paper's news desk is shameful, cutting staffs and eliminating the careful legwork and research that go into each news story. Relying on the Associated (with terrorists) Press and al-Reuters for news coverage on the War on Terror worsens their image, in my Humble opinion.

Okay, that was my long-winded preamble to today's topic. Why does the press continue to compare the wars, scandals, and other topics of today to those of yesterday? Every scandal gets the suffix "-gate" applied to it, so we endure names like Contragate, Whitewatergate, and Trousergate. In its war coverage the press is constantly comparing our current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan to previous wars. "US involved for longer time in Iraq than in World War II," is a headline from last week. Of course the mainstream media's favorite comparison is with Vietnam. Two years ago the USA Today asked readers, "Is Iraq becoming another Vietnam?" Well, of course it's not; the wars have more differences than similarities. Apparently the one similarity that trumps everything else, including common sense, is the fact that the anti-war, moonbat left doesn't like the War in Iraq. Read a recent column from Lt Col Oliver North where he decries the "Vietnam deja vu howl," and demonstrates that the parallels between Vietnam and Iraq are virtually nonexistent, except in the press and the political arena.

The future of journalism is rapidly evolving. Today's technology lends itself to small-time journalists and blogs such as the Humble Patriot. We've seen the power of blogs, how a legion of little people can "raise the BS flag" on major media stories and possibly affect elections and change public opinion. The major newspapers seem slow to react. One question: if newspapers go away, what will people use to line the bottom of hamster cages and help get their fireplaces lit?

2006-11-27T19:48:00.000+04:30

Rep. Charlie Rangel

U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) has served nearly 36 years in the Congress. His life story is rather interesting. Rep. Rangel served in the Korean War, which is very respectable. He is a gutsy, plain-speaking guy, and willing to risk arrest for various political protests. Not the kind of politician the Humble Patriot prefers, but certainly preferable to the legion of slick, fickle legislators who do not really stand up for anything.

For the last few years, Rep. Rangel has promoted legislation that would return conscription (the draft) to the United States Armed Forces. He gives two reasons for such a change: First, if the children of members of Congress and the Executive Branch had children serving in the military they would be less likely to get us into wars like Iraq. Also, he thinks that a draft would make our military more representative of the American public. In a letter to the New York Times in 2002, Rep. Rangel claimed, "A disproportionate number of the poor and members of minority groups make up the enlisted ranks of the military, while most privileged Americans are underrepresented or absent." That statement is false, by the way. Check out some demographics on military recruits in this study by the Heritage Foundation.

Yesterday Rep. Rangel was interviewed on Fox News Sunday, where he essentially repeats the insults of John Kerry (or Jon Carry) from a few weeks ago. Here is the video of his interview by Chris Wallace, courtesy of Power Line Blog:

Wow, Rep. Rangel is planning for some House investigations to prove that American soldiers are uneducated and stupid. During my ten years of service I have come across some military members who are uneducated and stupid. Perhaps some feel they were duped into an enlistment due to a lack of choices or whatever. However, the majority of the enlisted troops I encounter are bright and smart. Many are well-educated. There are many different reasons for our Nation's children to enter military service as they also enter adulthood, but there is a common thread. Most of them want to serve this great Nation because they cherish the freedoms our Nation protects.

2006-11-23T09:06:00.000+04:30

Thanksgiving

For me, Thanksgiving has a much different feel while deployed to a combat zone. In all my 36 years, this is the first Thanksgiving during which I was not surrounded by family members. Yes, I would rather be home in Maryland with my wife and dog, preparing our home for a small invasion of loving family to join us in giving thanks. (The photo at left is my dog Heidi, waiting for my return.)

So, this Thanksgiving is different for me, and my family too. I understand the dining hall at this deployed location is planning an impressive feast, striving for a traditional turkey dinner to get everyone in the spirit. My unit has curtailed its operations in observance of the holiday, so after an incredibly busy period here I find myself with time for reflection. After spending a few months here, in what must be one of the world's poorest countries, I truly have much for which I can be thankful. To my extended family and friends, thank you for all the support you have given me during this deployment. Every time I receive a package or card in the mail, or even an e-mail from a well-wisher back home, I feel the love of a Nation.

The United States is more than just a 230-year-old experiment in freedom. It is a special place in a world full of evil and fear and violence. This fight we undertake in far corners of the world is misunderstood by many. Our War on Terror may be a minor blip on the screen of history, or it may be the opening salvos of World War III; I don't know. To all my Humble readers out there, please understand why I take up arms in defense of the United States: I truly cherish our freedoms. During the brief history of our Nation, many of my brothers and sisters in arms have paid the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom, and for their sacrifice I am truly thankful.

I close this posting with a quotation from the 1983 movie Uncommon Valor. When his team reaches a crossroads and must split into two smaller teams, Col Rhodes (Gene Hackman) senses the emotions of the others and with a few lines from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar sums up his own feelings thus:

If a man were to know the end of this days business ere it come
Then the day will end and the end be known.
And if we meet again, then we'll smile
And if not, then this parting was well made.

2006-11-21T07:02:00.000+04:30

Keith Olbermann

Who is this guy?

I have been away from home for several months now, and my only links to the "world" are the American Forces Network (AFN) and the Internet. Unlike the old days, AFN Television now has several channels to choose from, which include sports, news, and movies. I keep a rather busy schedule here in Afghanistan, and the only time I find myself watching AFN is when I eat breakfast. In the dining hall they show AFN News, which is a mixture of various news shows from different TV networks. When it's 5:30 am here it's 8:00 pm Eastern time in the U.S., which is the prime news slot for the cable news channels.

So, Your Humbleness sits down for some fruit and Cherrios, ready for some serious thought gathering before embarking on another day in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I glance up at the nearest big plasma TV, and some guy's face is filling the screen. His name is Keith Olbermann, host of the show Countdown. I was completely unfamiliar with Mr. Olbermann hitherto. After watching him a few times I have some very strong opinions about the man. He wears nice suits, my only favorable comment about this guy. Countdown includes an odd mixture of news, analysis, and humor. As an added bonus, viewers are sometimes treated to a kooky rant at the end of the show. The "news" coming out of Mr. Olbermann's mouth appears to contain a liberal helping of Democratic talking points. He hits all the Dem's hot topics and is certain to bash President Bush on every show.

Okay, so I don't like Keith Olbermann's Countdown. What's that, you say? Oh, his show usually ranks dead last among the four cable news shows during that time slot? So why doesn't AFN broadcast The O'Reilly Factor during that time slot instead? Good question. I sent a nice e-mail to the folks who run AFN at March Air Reserve Base in California, asking why they show the President-bashing, anti-war ranting Countdown. I asked them why they don't show more Fox News Channel offerings like O'Reilly (Fox News Channel was the hands down favorite when I did an informal poll among my deployed comrades here in Afghanistan). The AFN people, ever the efficient bureaucrats, sent me a rapid reply. Humble Patriot likes rapid replies! However, the milquetoast response from AFN indicated that they are less concerned with what the troops want, and more concerned with presenting a "balance of different shows." Barf!

Humble Patriot's suggested reading:
Olbermann's Arrogance from Real Clear Politics
Media Research Center's latest article on Olbermann
Michelle Malkin on Olbermann's Worst Person in the World

2006-11-17T07:44:00.000+04:30

Milton Friedman

1912-2006

Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman passed away yesterday at the age of 94. Most Americans have probably heard his name, but I'll wager most people have no idea of his contributions to the field of economics and laissez-faire capitalism.

Dr. Friedman literally transformed the minds of world leaders and entrepreneurs with his infectious passion for freedom and liberty through free markets. He showed the importance of the money supply, and how the Federal Reserve was the primary cause of the Great Depression. Dr. Friedman even had a hand in the elimination of the U.S. Military draft in the early 1970s.

Much of Dr. Friedman's latest efforts were his advocacy of school vouchers that can be used to pay for tuition at both private and public schools. He said, "What is needed in America is a voucher of substantial size available to all students, and free of excessive regulations." The mission statement of the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation is "Promoting school choice to improve, through competition, the quality of K-12 education for all." The Friedman Foundation continues to advocate free-market alternatives to our broken public education system.

In my Humble opinion, Dr. Friedman is the finest example of a classical liberal. A classical liberal, as opposed to today's social liberal (read moonbat), is one who supports sovereignty of individuals, private property rights, and a laissez-faire economic policy. According to A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy:

For classical liberals, rights are of a negative nature – rights that require that other individuals (and governments) refrain from interfering with individual liberty, whereas social liberalism (also called modern liberalism) holds that individuals have a right to be provided with certain benefits or services by others.

I hold Dr. Friedman in the same regard as our Founding Fathers. His teachings are far-reaching, and his sage advice has benefitted millions around the world.

More:
Michelle Malkin's column
Dr. Friedman's 2004 article on Ronald Reagan
Free to Choose video archive of Dr. Friedman

2006-11-15T14:39:00.000+04:30

"Swift Boating" John Murtha?

U.S. Representative John "Jack" Murtha (D-Pennsylvania) is upset at his fellow Democrats for blocking his path to become the next House Majority Leader. His quote:

"I thought we were above this type of swift-boating attack," he said… "This is not how we restore integrity and civility to the United States Congress."

In the race for Most Corrupt Congressman, Murtha ranks high. Here are some of the reasons:

- Recently the left-leaning Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington listed Murtha under "Five Members to Watch" in its 20 Most Corrupt Members of Congress annual report.

- Rep. Murtha was involved in the Abscam sting operation conducted by the FBI in 1980, barely escaping prosecution when then-Speaker Tip O'Neil arranged to have the charges dropped.

- Rep. Murtha was instrumental in making Rep. Allan Mollohan the top Democrat on the House Ethics Committee, effectively slowing ethics reform to a crawl. Earlier this year Rep. Mollohan was booted off the ethics committee after evidence surfaced of his undisclosed personal assets and his steering of earmarks to various political allies.

- Rep. Murtha is the ranking Democrat on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and for three years running has been the House's top recipient of defense appropriation earmarks. That spells "pork."

- Rep. Murtha's brother, Robert "Kit" Murtha, was a K-Street lobbyist until his retirement a few months ago. Kit Murtha earned a legendary reputation as an "earmark specialist" during his time at KSA Consulting. In 2005 the Los Angeles Times reported that "most of KSA's defense contractor clients hired the firm in hopes of securing funding from Rep. Murtha's subcommittee, according to lobbying records and interviews. And most retained the firm after Kit Murtha became a senior partner in 2002."

- Gary Ruskin, the former director of the Congressional Accountability Project, said, "When it comes to institutional policing of corruption in Congress, John Murtha is a one-man wrecking crew."

A sealed-ballot election tomorrow will determine the next Speaker of the House. For the sake of all citizens of our great republic, the Humble Patriot hopes that Jack "Semper I" Murtha is defeated by Rep. Steny Hoyer. The Democrats decried a "culture of corruption" prior to the recent election, and the perception of such a culture probably helped them at the polls. Even considering Rep. Murtha for such a position speaks volumes about the real priorities of the left.

More:
Michelle Malkin - How the Democrats "Clean House"

2006-11-14T07:31:00.000+04:30

Waging War on Kids

JROTC Under Attack in San Fran

The San Francisco Board of Education is likely to cancel the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in San Francisco public schools this week. The reason: School leaders must confront the Department of Defense "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay service members, and the war in Iraq.

The JROTC program has been around a long time, created as part of the 1916 National Defense Act. It has grown considerably in the past fifteen years, and currently there are about 3000 high schools across the U.S. that have a JROTC program. Taken from Title 10 of the U.S. Code, JROTC "instills in students in United States secondary educational institutions the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment." Clearly, such words do not dovetail with San Francisco values.

Our Nation's children who are JROTC cadets benefit immensely from the program. Many of today's kids lack structure and discipline in their lives, and have an inward yearning for a program based on such values. Punctuality, teamwork and camaraderie are important for today's youth, and JROTC is a great place for kids to spend their time.

Links:
San Francisco Chronicle article urging the Board to keep JROTC
Michelle Malkin's column on the same subject
Army JROTC
Navy JROTC
Marine Corps JROTC
Air Force JROTC

2006-11-10T08:36:00.000+04:30

The Honorable
Donald Rumsfeld,
Secretary of Defense

Personally, I am a big fan of Secretary Rumsfeld. His is a long list of accomplishments, and he serves well as our military's highest civilian authority during time of war.

Do a Google search of "Rumsfeld" and you will find all manner of stories, videos, columns, etc. about our 21st Secretary of Defense. Some are flattering, some are matter-of-fact news, but a great many of these Google "hits" come from the goofy fringe of conspiracy theorists, "Bush lied" polemicists, and other purveyors of moonbattery and craziness. The Humble Patriot has no wish to give credence to the leftist masses by replying to their dubious claims. Instead, I present some facts about Secretary Rumsfeld and my gentle readers can come to their own conclusions.

- He was born in 1932. In addition to his current service as the 21st Secretary of Defense, he served as the 13th Secretary of Defense under Gerald Ford, making him both the youngest and the oldest person to have served in the role.

- Secretary Rumsfeld is an Eagle Scout.

- He served as an active duty Navy officer from 1954-1957, and continued as a drilling reservist until 1975 and retired as a captain.

- Secretary Rumsfeld worked at investment bank A. G. Becker for two years

- At the age of 30 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 13th District in Illinois, and he won re-election by large majorities in 1964, 1966, and 1968.

- Secretary Rumsfeld served in the Nixon administration as the Director of the United States Office of Economic Opportunity, Assistant to the President, Counselor to the President, and Director of the Economic Stabilization Program.

- He served as U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

- Before serving as Secretary of Defense in the Ford administration, Secretary Rumsfeld held posts as transition chairman and White House Chief of Staff.

- From 1977 to 1985 he served as CEO, President, and then Chairman of pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle & Company, which is now part of Pfizer.

- From 1985 to 2001, Secretary Rumsfeld held a number of positions in both the private and public sectors, including Chairman and CEO of General Instrument Corporation, Chairman of the RAND Corporation, President Reagan's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Chairman of Gilead Sciences, Honorary Vice-Chancellor of Yale University, and Chairman Emeritus of the Carlyle Group.

Secretary Rumsfeld is certainly an accomplished man. Although I have no doubt that some of his critics (I'm thinking about retired flag officers, not the moonbats) have raised legitimate concerns over some of his decisions, those critics are all speaking from the advantage of hindsight. Clearly, serving as the Secretary of Defense during the Global War on Terror is no simple task.

I love the way Secretary Rumsfeld handles reporters during his press conference. They ask him the most ridiculous questions! If the reporters had their way, the Secretary would spill all the secrets in the Pentagon, with no thought given to the effects on the troops in the field or the advantage lost by our country. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Secretary Rumsfeld's press conferences:

"Our task, your task... is to try to connect the dots before something happens. People say, 'Well, where's the smoking gun?' Well, we don't want to see a smoking gun from a weapon of mass destruction."

"Secretary Powell and I agree on every single issue that has ever been before this administration except for those instances where Colin's still learning."

"I can't think of anything funnier than a handful of congressmen walking around (Iraq). They'd have to be there for the next 50 years trying to find something. It's a joke."

Q: Mr. Secretary, at the White House last night, a senior White House official after the president spoke said that the decision to make the strike was made some time between 6:30 and 7:00 Eastern time. It's apparent that that decision to strike was not in line with what we have been led to believe about the war plan. Was the intelligence you got fragile enough where you felt you had to go at that moment and not start with, say, shock and awe or some other phase of the war?
A: "Well, Dick, calibrate me, but the first thing I'd say is I don't believe you have the war plan, a fact which does not make me unhappy."

"We aren't running out of targets; Afghanistan is."

Q: "What about the -- [inaudible] for the public who -- you know, beyond the criticism from human rights organizations for using the cluster bombs, they're calling for a halt -- could you explain the tactical rationale for using them?"
A: "They are being used on front-line al-Qaeda and Taliban troops to try to kill them, is why we're using them, to be perfectly blunt."

"Beware when any idea is promoted primarily because it is "bold, exciting, innovative, and new." There are many ideas that are "bold, exciting, innovative and new," but also foolish."

Q: "Secretary Rumsfeld, can you give us -- or maybe even General Pace -- can you give us any idea of what's happening..."
A: "What do you mean 'even General Pace'? (Laughter) (To the general) You don't have to take that from him!"

"I mean, let's face it. They weren't exactly baking cookies in those caves."

Mr. Secretary, thank you for your service to the United States.

2006-11-07T20:08:00.000+04:30

Chuck Norris

I don't know if it's just a military thing, but these Chuck Norris Facts are everywhere. All deployed servicemembers with e-mail seem to get a daily allotment of Chuck Norris Facts in their inboxes. Here is an assortment:

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

A Handicapped parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped if you park there.

The leading causes of death in the United States are: 1. Heart Disease 2. Chuck Norris 3. Cancer

When Chuck Norris sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Chuck Norris has not had to pay taxes, ever.

Chuck Norris is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.

Okay, let's transition from silliness to the real Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958-1962. Everyone knows about his martial arts savvy, but he is also a loving family man, a devout Christian, and founder of the Kick Start youth program.

Chuck Norris is also a big supporter of the U.S. Military. He understands sacrifice, as his younger brother Weiland Norris was killed in Vietnam. Recently, Mr. Norris visited U.S. Marines in Iraq during a USO tour. See the video:

Thanks, Chuck Norris, for your support of the U.S. Military.

Thanks to Blackfive for their Chuck Norris article, which was a catalyst for this posting.

2006-11-07T07:37:00.000+04:30

The Press at War

"What ever happened to patriotic reporters?"

James Q. Wilson lectures at Pepperdine University in California as their Ronald Reagan Professor of Public Policy. Wow, I wish I had Ronald Reagan in my job title! Anyway, he wrote a great column for the Wall Street Journal called The Press at War. I suggest you read the entire article, but here is a portion of the article where Prof. Wilson demonstrates the absurdity of today's mainstream media and their war coverage:

Suppose the current media posture about American military and security activities had been in effect during World War II. It is easy to imagine that
happening. In the 1930s, after all, the well-connected America First Committee
had been arguing for years about the need for America to stay out of "Europe's
wars." Aware of these popular views, the House extended the draft by only a
one-vote margin in 1941. Women dressed in black crowded the entrance to the
Senate, arguing against extending the draft. Several hundred students at Harvard and Yale, including future Yale leader Kingman Brewster and future American president Gerald Ford, signed statements saying that they would never go to war. Everything was in place for a media attack on the Second World War. Here is how it might have sounded if today's customs were in effect:

December 1941. Though the press supports America's going to war against Japan after Pearl Harbor, several editorials want to know why we didn't prevent the attack by selling Japan more oil. Others criticize us for going to war with two nations that had never attacked us, Germany and Italy.

October 1942. The New York Times runs an exclusive story about the British effort to decipher German messages at a hidden site at Bletchley Park in England. One op-ed writer criticizes this move, quoting Henry Stimson's statement that gentlemen do not read one another's mail. Because the Bletchley Park code-cracking helped us find German submarines before they attacked, successful U-boat attacks increased once the Germans, knowing of the program, changed their code.

January 1943. After President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill call for the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers, several newspapers criticize them for having closed the door to a negotiated settlement. The press quotes several senators complaining that the unconditional surrender policy would harm the peace process.

May 1943. A big-city newspaper reveals the existence of the Manhattan Project and its effort to build atomic weapons. In these stories, several distinguished scientists lament the creation of such a terrible weapon. After Gen. Leslie Groves testifies before a congressional committee, the press lambastes him for wasting money, ignoring scientific opinion, and imperiling the environment by building plants at Hanford and Oak Ridge.

December 1944. The German counterattack against the Allies in the Ardennes yields heavy American losses in the Battle of the Bulge. The press gives splashy coverage to the Democratic National Committee chairman's assertion that the war cannot be won. A member of the House, a former Marine, urges that our troops be sent to Okinawa.

August 1945. After President Truman authorizes dropping the atomic bomb on Japan, many newspapers urge his impeachment.

My nod to Little Green Footballs for pointing me to Prof. Wilson's column.

2006-11-03T08:56:00.000+04:30

Undecided About the Elections? Ask the Terrorists!

Terror leaders reject Nancy Pelosi's comments on Iraqi insurgency

Not sure who to vote for? Fed up with the Republicans? Thinking about voting Democrat to "teach those Republicans a lesson?" Read this excerpt from World Net Daily:
Many Democratic politicians and some from the Republican Party have stated a withdrawal from Iraq would end the insurgency there.
In a recent interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, stated, "The jihadists (are) in Iraq. But that doesn't mean we stay there. They'll stay there as long as we're there."
Pelosi would become House speaker if the Democrats win the majority of seats in next week's elections.
WND read Pelosi's remarks to the terror leaders, who unanimously rejected her contention an American withdrawal would end the insurgency.
Islamic Jihad's Saadi, laughing, stated, "There is no chance that the resistance will stop." He said an American withdrawal from Iraq would "prove the resistance is the most important tool and that this tool works. The victory of the Iraqi revolution will mark an important step in the history of the region and in the attitude regarding the United States."
Jihad Jaara said an American withdrawal would "mark the beginning of the collapse of this tyrant empire (America)."
"Therefore, a victory in Iraq would be a greater defeat for America than in Vietnam."
Read that last sentence again: a victory in Iraq would be a greater defeat for America than in Vietnam.

The United States must prevail in every campaign of the Global War on Terror, and Iraq is the most important front. Read Humble Patriot's March 29 post titled The Last Helicopter. Many of our past military actions were ended before the job was done (Vietnam, Iranian hostage rescue attempt, Somalia, etc). We simply cannot run away from the fight in Iraq when we know the enemy is willing to pursue their campaign within the United States. The terrorists are waiting for that "last helicopter" in Iraq before they make their next big move.

If you are undecided about the upcoming election, think about which party has the will and moral clarity to continue the fight and protect our homeland. Hint: it ain't the Democrats.

More reading on this subject: Amir Taheri's latest article.

2006-11-03T08:13:00.000+04:30

Downfall of the Print Media

"He had never heard of Powerline."

The Orange County Register is a decent newspaper based in Santa Ana, CA. I preferred their news coverage to the LA Times when I lived in California. A woman named Janet G. sent this e-mail to Hugh Hewitt, describing a conversation she had with a man at the Register's news desk. She complained about the Register not running the Halp Us photo that had already circled the globe on the blogosphere. He asked Janet where she saw it; she sent him to Power Line. He had never heard of Power Line! How could a modern newsman not have heard about Power Line? It shows how out of touch the print media is in today's world of immediate news.

Read Mr. Hewitt's latest column on the mainstream media.

2006-11-02T10:11:00.000+04:30

Halp Us!

This photo was posted on Drudge, and nearly the entire world has seen it already, but I can't resist. Click on the photo for a larger version.

I am told the soldiers in this photo are members of the "Desert Bulls," 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard. The unit headquarters is in Bloomington, MN. 1 BCT deployed to Iraq in March 2006 for a 12-month stint. Stay safe, Desert Bulls!

2006-10-31T19:09:00.000+04:30

What was that?

Yesterday, at a campaign event for Phil Angelides at a college in California, John Kerry said the following:

“You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.”

I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt; perhaps the words came out wrong. If it was any other politician I would probably ignore such a statement. However, Senator Kerry made it clear in the early 70s that he doesn't mind slandering the troops for a little political gain.

Watch the video here, courtesy of YouTube:

Here is a great response:
Senator John McCain said Kerry “owes an apology to the many thousands of Americans serving in Iraq, who answered their country’s call because they are patriots and not because of any deficiencies in their education.”

Kerry's statement caused a tremendous amount of outrage, to say the least. Read more:
Michelle Malkin
More Michelle Malkin
Andi at Milblogs
Blackfive

2006-10-27T07:27:00.000+04:30

Waging Jihad

It's Friday morning in Kabul, a day of rest for the Humble Patriot and 30 million Afghans. I usually spend most of each Friday morning at my laptop, skimming through the news and checking out my favorite blogs. Back in the States, the Internet was my primary source of news. Here in Afghanistan I get very little news from other sources. I really depend on the Internet here!

Most of my postings to this blog are rather impetuous and spontaneous. I will spot a news article or a post from somebody else's blog that really gets my attention, and I start writing. Not so today. As I scan through the Internet this morning, no single story is calling out to me.

However, one thing I am noticing is a growing number of stories that deal with Islamic craziness in the United States and Western Europe. Is it because as an active participant of the Global War on Terrorism I am simply more attuned to it? Perhaps so. Was I was lulled into complacency by the "Religion of Peace" propaganda campaign, deftly carried out by so many in Western civilization? I wanted to believe that Islam was a religion of peace, but I am now convinced it is not.

Throughout Europe, major cities like Paris and Rotterdam have entire neighborhoods of Muslim residents. Although only about 5% of Europe's population, their number has tripled in the last thirty years. As the birthrate among native Europeans has dropped, demographic trends point to a rising percentage of Muslims on the continent.

What about the United States? As an example, in the Humble home state of Minnesota, large numbers of Muslim immigrants from Africa and the Middle East are changing the demographics and the political scene. Muslim student groups, political aspirants and others are making a lot of noise in Minnesota, loud enough to be heard here in Afghanistan! How about assimilating into the local culture like my ancestors did? Don't hold your breath.

What does the future hold for Americans? A fight is already underway, a domestic "Cold War" with a new enemy. Taking advantage of our country's tolerance, affinity for immigrants, and First Amendment rights, radical Muslims will continue their push. Will the Islamic crazies overplay their hand? It takes a big event to awaken the sleeping giant called America (think Pearl Harbor, 9/11 attacks, etc). In the end, no matter what path we take, I believe the United States of America will prevail.

Links to current Islamic craziness:
Little Green Footballs' Fatwa in Minnesota
Daniel Pipes' Voice of America – CAIR's Shill
Youths Torch Buses Around Paris - Breitbart.com
French police face 'permanent intifada' - Jihad Watch
LGF's Religion of Peaceful Beheading

2006-10-25T05:15:00.000+04:30

2Lt Joshua Booth, USMC

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Joshua L. Booth, 23, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, was killed Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006, by a single sniper shot in Haditha, Anbar Province, Iraq.

2Lt Booth graduated from The Citadel in 2005. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He had been in Iraq for about one month. 2Lt Booth leaves behind his pregnant wife Erica and 18 month old daughter Grace.

Hey CNN, maybe you could ask your jihad sniper buddies if they have any video footage that shows the head shot that killed this Marine? If showing one snuff film of an American targeted by terrorsts is good, why not show more? All over the blog world there is widespread condemnation of the CNN. I hope they're starting to understand that their "not taking sides" or their "affinity for the underdog" tells us all we need to know.

Rest in peace, Lt Booth. I am proud to call you a brother in arms.

2006-10-23T07:37:00.000+04:30

The NY Times Public Editor

“I hated Bush so much I couldn’t do my job…”

Byron "Barney" Calame seems like a decent, honorable guy. He served in the U.S. Navy in the early 60s, and then worked for the Wall Street Journal (my favorite newspaper) for nearly 40 years, retiring as their deputy managing editor in 2004. Currently Mr. Calame is the Public Editor (formerly known as the ombudsman) at the New York Times.

Humble readers may recall the public furor over the Times revealing a secret program called the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program last June. (Flashback: Michelle Malkin's column at Townhall) The program essentially gave the Treasury Department and the CIA access to SWIFT communications. As a tool in the Global War on Terrorism, it allowed the U.S. to track terrorist financing. Well, not anymore. Clearly the disclosure of TFTP persuaded the terrorists to change their methods. Our terrorist enemies are not THAT stupid.

Here's where Mr. Calame showed his new boss that he feels right at home with the supreme arrogance of the Grey Lady. After much public criticism (especially from the blog community), he writes a Public Editor column on July 2nd, defending the actions of the Times in revealing the secret program. More outrage ensues!

Fast forward to yesterday (it's already the 23rd as I write this in Afghanistan). Mr. Calame writes a new column where he admits it was a mistake to reveal the TFTP. Here it is:

My July 2 column strongly supported The Times’s decision to publish its June 23 article on a once-secret banking-data surveillance program. After pondering for several months, I have decided I was off base. There were reasons to publish the controversial article, but they were slightly outweighed by two factors to which I gave too little emphasis. While it’s a close call now, as it was then, I don’t think the article should have been published.
Those two factors are really what bring me to this corrective commentary: the apparent legality of the program in the United States, and the absence of any evidence that anyone’s private data had actually been misused. I had mentioned both as being part of “the most substantial argument against running the story,” but that reference was relegated to the bottom of my column.

Uh-huh. Do you want to know why? Here it is:

…What kept me from seeing these matters more clearly earlier in what admittedly was a close call? I fear I allowed the vicious criticism of The Times by the Bush administration to trigger my instinctive affinity for the underdog and enduring faith in a free press — two traits that I warned readers about in my first column.

It's President Bush's fault! My favorite is the part about "...my instinctive affinity for the underdog..." I believe that statement could be used to explain much of the bad behavior we see in the press. When it comes to the United States vs. (insert any noun here), who is the underdog? Are there any journalists who have an "instinctive affinity" for the United States? Probably not many.

It certainly appears that the Times jeopardized national security just to add luster to its Bush-bashing reputation. Calame should take his job more seriously, and not act as Chief Toady for the Times. All of us have to live in this world, and undermining U.S. counterterrorism efforts for political gain is reprehensible.

2006-10-20T07:23:00.000+04:30

Liberals Gone Wild!

As I have said before, I love Victor Davis Hanson, although not in the same way I love my wife or my dog. I love the way Professor Hanson puts ink to paper, linking strings of English words that eloquently voice many of my own Humble opinions. He is a most interesting blend of farmer, classics professor, military historian, and author.

Prof Hanson delves into the craziness of the modern leftist with his latest column, Liberals Gone Wild. I couldn't have said it better myself!

2006-10-20T06:04:00.000+04:30

CNN: Part of the Opposition Playbook in Iraq?

Hot Air: CNN airs video of jihadi sniper shooting American soldier

Does anybody disagree that we are at war? What is it with CNN these days? They apparently have dubious relationships with these terrorist groups (CNN uses the euphemism insurgent groups), as they are able to obtain videotape from the Islamic Army of Iraq showing one of their sniper teams targeting U.S. forces in Iraq.

Everyone knows this is a public relations campaign on the part of the terrorist groups aimed at influencing the American public. Clearly the terrorist groups use CNN and other news media as useful idiots in their cause.

Link to video and accompanying story at CNN.com

2006-10-13T20:23:00.000+04:30

Air America Radio Files Chapter 11

Breitbart.com: Air America Radio Files Chapter 11

I am no fan of Air America Radio. I have listened to it occasionally out of sheer curiosity, but it was never to my liking. I would much rather listen to Laura Ingraham or G. Gordon Liddy or Sean Hannity. At the time AAR got its start, I can recall Sean Hannity's prediction that a radio station or network that primarily airs left-wing talk will fail. He gave these reasons (not exact quotes):
1. There are not enough people willing to listen to liberal talk radio.
2. The "mainstream media" already has the left wing well covered.
3. Most members of the liberal talent pool are not willing to work hard. Top guys like Limbaugh and Hannity are workaholics who spend several hours preparing for each show.

AAR's short life has been notable for its scandals, contract disputes, poor ratings, and sad tales. Progress Media, the initial parent company, started off with a dubious bang when they claimed to have amassed $30 million in venture capital. The real figure was closer to $6 million.

Ask the children of the now-defunct Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club of New York what they think about AAR. In the summer of 2005, Progress Media borrowed (some say stole) $1.2 million from the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club to help fund AAR operations. In the wake of an investigation by the New york Attorney General, Piquant LLC, the new parent company of AAR agreed to repay the "loan." In the meantime, the Boys and Girls Club had to shut its doors because of the monetary loss. To this day the loan is still outstanding. Kids, don't hold your breath waiting for that check to arrive. Read more about this scandal here and here.

The radio network is not officially kaputt, but filing Chapter 11 is certainly a bad sign. AAR is apparently unable to service its debt or pay creditors, so filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 is an attempt to stay in business while getting relief from its debt. In my own Humble opinion, the network is doomed unless their wealthy supporters come up with a big infusion of cash. Something tells me that even their big supporters are growing weary of coming to the rescue with checkbooks.

2006-10-09T07:15:00.000+04:30

Extremist Pastries?

The French Fry became the Freedom Fry.

Will the Danish become the Dervish?

Read Gateway Pundit's story that describes how the "Mullacracy" got punked. Here's a quick summary of what happened, in chronological order:

Feb 3, 2006 - Anger continues to spread throughout the Muslim world over the September 2005 "Danish cartoons" that appeared in the Jyllands-Posten newspaper in Denmark. Go to this link to read about it from the Canadian Television website. Pay close attention to the photo of the guy holding the "NO FOR DANISH" banner. Bad grammar, but we get the point.

(Date unknown) - Earlier this year BerryBurger.com posts a satirical response to the Muslim response. James Love posts edited versions of various photographs to show Muslims burning Danish pastries! One of the photos is the one shown on the Canadian Television site. A little Photoshop work transforms the "NO FOR DANISH" pic into an anti-pastry message. BerryBurger also suggests the pastry "will now be called the 'Dervish' after the sufi whirling dervishes of Middle Eastern fame..."

Oct 8, 2006 - The über-humorless Islamic Republic News Agency (Iranian news outlet) website posts this story about the outrage felt by Iranians on the anniversary of the publication of the Danish cartoons. The Danish People's Party released new "blasphemous" videos that once again insult the Islamic world. The great part is that they stole a photo from BerryBurger, showing the "NO FOR DANISH" banner with the pastry on it for the serious news story! Is their webmullah a total idiot, or did Ashton Kutcher hack into the IRNA website?

It didn't take long for Gateway Pundit and Michelle Malkin to pounce on this. The Humble Patriot decided to get in on the fun as well. Why should those heavy-hitters of the blogosphere have all the fun?

2006-10-08T06:42:00.000+04:30

The Democrats Support the Troops

"O Canada! Our home and..."

It seems that those in the Democratic Party are always telling us they support the troops, they're patriotic, etc. If they truly are, why do they have to yell it to us at political rallies? Why is it not a little more apparent that the big "D" Democrats support those of us in military service? Maybe because they really do not support us, but they want us to think they do?

Michelle Malkin's latest post shows a portion of the Democratic Party's website dedicated to Veterans and Military Families. Michelle asks "DNC supports vets...but from which country?" There is a picture of a soldier in a green uniform who is plainly not in the U.S. Army. Michelle believes it may be a Canadian soldier; she may be correct. The Humble Patriot finds it very telling that nobody at DNC HQ would notice such an error. Is that because none of the employees or volunteers at the DNC ever served in the military, or even have close family members who have served? I'm quite sure my mother could tell that the pictured soldier is not an American. What is wrong with those Democrats anyway?

More: Little Green Footballs digs a little deeper on this issue.

2006-10-05T07:28:00.000+04:30

Those Early Patriots

Some of my regular readers seem frustrated by my lack of recent postings. My excuse is that I've been rather busy here in Afghanistan. In the meantime, here's a joke that my youngest sister thought was funny. It's a little old, but still brings a smile to my face:

When Osama bin Laden died, he was met at the pearly gates by George Washington, who slapped him across the face and yelled: "How dare you try to destroy the nation I helped conceive!"
Patrick Henry approached, punched him in the nose and shouted: "You wanted to end our liberties but you failed."
James Madison followed, kicked him in the groin and said: "This is why I allowed our government to provide for the common defense!"
Thomas Jefferson was next, beat Osama with a long cane and snarled: "It was evil men like you who inspired me to write the Declaration of Independence."
The beatings and thrashing continued as George Mason, James Monroe and 64 other early Americans unleashed their anger on the terrorist leader.
As Osama lay bleeding and in pain, an angel appeared. Bin Laden wept and said: "This is not what you promised me."
The angel replied: "I told you there would be 70 Virginians waiting for you in Heaven. What did you think I said?

2006-09-21T10:16:00.000+04:30

Israel Calls Iran Its Greatest Threat

"Iran is the biggest threat to the U.S. as well," says the Humble Patriot.

Yesterday Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told the U.N. General Assembly that Iran is a threat to the world's values. Read about her speech here.

The Humble Patriot believes a war is coming between the United States and Iran. It has been brewing since 1979. This war will probably not "go hot" until Iran does something terribly damaging to the U.S. (think Pearl Harbor, 9/11, etc). With large numbers of U.S. troops on "both sides" of Iran (Iraq to the west, Afghanistan to the east), Iranian President Ahmadinejad is likely feeling a little squeezed.

In my Humble opinion, if Iran attacks the United States, either directly or through a terrorist front group, I hope the leadership of the U.S. has the fortitude to completely destroy Iran and its terrorists. We have screwed around with them long enough.

Additional reading: Nuclear war with Iran from Global Research.ca

2006-09-15T14:59:00.000+04:30

Fuel Prices Poised to Drop

The prices of petroleum-based fuels have been dropping, and are likely to drop even further in the future. Energy consultant Philip Verleger was quoted in a Seattle Times article yesterday that $15 per barrel oil is a possibility within the next nine months, which would traslate into $1.15/gal for gasoline in the U.S. Mr. Verleger is the same energy consultant whose lone voice a few years ago predicted oil prices would soar. He was right then and hopefully he will be right again. The Humble Patriot says go ahead and buy that Ford Excursion and stomp on the pedal!

2006-09-14T21:42:00.000+04:30

Blair Attacks Anti-American Madness

"The reality is that none of the problems that press in on us can be resolved or even contemplated without them"

Tony Blair takes on the America-bashers

The United States has a friend in Tony Blair. Although he is a stalwart of Britain's liberal Labour Party, he always seems to come down on the side of the United States when it comes to national security concerns. He encounters fierce criticism from around the globe for his support of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Whether the British subjects know it or not, they have been lucky to have a leader like Tony Blair, and the United States has benefitted greatly from his friendship and support.

Thanks to Michelle Malkin for leading me to this story. Read her article.

2006-09-13T07:09:00.000+04:30

The Amazing Life of Rick Rescola

Col Rick Rescola, U.S. Army (ret), was born on May 27, 1939. He died on September 11, 2001. His life story could fill many volumes. I cannot begin to document his heroism on this page. Here are some links that will give you an idea why he was a great American:

Article from 9/11/06 in the Mudville Gazette

Wikipedia article on Rick Rescola

Video interview of Rick Rescola from 1998

Love story about Rick and his wife from Medaloffreedom.com

2006-09-12T07:32:00.000+04:30

Presidential Address

9/11/06

I was unable to see President Bush's speech on television, but I read it online. It's a wonderful summation of our Nation's stance. Read it here at Whitehouse.gov.

2006-09-10T07:53:00.000+04:30

The Sounds of 9/11

"Crisis is a great editor."

Just prior to and immediately after the Al-Qaeda attacks on September 11, 2001, phone calls were made by many of the soon-to-be victims to loved ones. None of these calls were made to air past grievances or argue about something petty. Nobody called to say, "I never liked you." This human spirit is captured by former White House speechwriter Peggy Noonan in an opinion article for the Wall Street Journal.

2006-09-05T22:43:00.000+04:30

Camels and Donkeys and Goats, Oh My!

Okay, even though I am deployed to a combat zone I cannot resist posting to my blog. I recently got an Internet connection in my living quarters, which makes blogging much easier.

This photo was taken on a road in Afghanistan, north of Kabul. These beasts of burden are likely carrying the belongings of some nomads.

2006-07-09T21:27:00.000+04:30

Humble Patriot Called to Active Duty

I apologize for the lack of posts to this blog, but I was mobilized to active duty with the U.S. Air Force until Feb 2007.

2006-06-12T15:12:00.000+04:30

North Korea Threatens US

According to a BBC news article, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) accused the United States of flying "aerial espionage missions" over its territorial waters on June 6, 8, and 10 with a USAF RC-135 aircraft. North Korea suggested it would shoot down US spy planes if these flights continue.

The North Koreans have a certain credibility when they make this threat. In 1969 they shot down a US Navy EC-121 off the North Korean east coast, killing all 31 crew members.

The Humble Patriot knows some Air Force guys who fly and operate the RC-135 Rivet Joint. For a country the size of North Korea, they can collect all the intel we need by flying over international waters. With the capabilities of the Rivet Joint there is no need to invade North Korea's airspace. I am certain the US will continue flying these missions, as the signals intelligence this aircraft gathers is vital to our operations in South Korea.

Link: Background on 1969 shootdown of an EC-121 by North Korea.

2006-06-10T15:24:00.000+04:30

Bud Day Responds to John Kerry

Retired USAF Colonel George "Bud" Day has a response to John Kerry's newest attempt to resurrect his dubious Vietnam service in preparation for another presedential campaign. "It isn't about medals, it's about honor betrayed." As the most highly decorated living serviceman, Col Day knows a thing or two about honorable service. He is also Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organization of several POWs and the wife of a POW who are the targets of ongoing lawsuits filed by Kerry campaign aides last year. The VVLF POWs are accused of libeling and defaming Kerry and his anti-war followers in a 2004 documentary, "Stolen Honor: Wounds that Never Heal."

The recent New York Times article, "Kerry Pressing Swift Boat Case Long After Loss," revealed Kerry plans to re-ignite the issue of his Vietnam service and medals, roundly disputed by virtually all of his former commanding officers and shipmates who were part of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth campaign.

According to the Times, Kerry has gathered "new evidence" to support his claims that he is a war hero. One piece of that "new evidence" is a "hat" the Massachusetts Senator says was given to him during a highly disputed "secret mission" into Cambodia on Christmas 1968.

"No matter how many versions of his four months in Vietnam Sen. Kerry literally pulls out of his 'hat,' or the medals he shunned then embraced, all of that is nothing but reportorial smoke and fog designed to obscure the far more important issue - John Kerry's deliberate betrayal of his countrymen." Col. Day added, "That alone compelled many POWs and most Vietnam veterans, Swift Boaters included, to stand firm against this poser, this strutting would-be hero and turncoat."

Read the Military.com article about Col Day's service that earned him the Medal of Honor
Read the Oct 2004 Human Events interview with Col Day.

2006-06-08T17:39:00.000+04:30

Zarqawi Killed by CENTCOM Forces

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the self-proclaimed leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, was killed in an airstrike a few miles north of Baqubah on June 7th. In the opinion of the Humble Patriot, Zarqawi was the most evil of men. His war against Shia Muslims and coalition forces utilized suicide bombers, and some estimate he is responsible for 700 dead in Iraq.

Link: CENTCOM news release
Richard Miniter's article: Zarqawi's Final Atrocities

2006-06-05T01:28:00.000+04:30

Commie Teachers Descend Upon LA!

The Humble Patriot is in Los Angeles for a two-week Air Force Reserve commitment. Staying in a nice Hilton hotel, I have seen the typical hotel gentry: business travelers, wedding parties, tourists visiting Hollywood, etc. I even met a middle-aged Australian man named Allan who flew 14 hours to come here with his adult daughter. His purpose: To give his daughter a two-week tour of the greatest country in the world. When I told him I was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, he insisted upon buying me a drink at the hotel bar. I was a little overwhelmed to have a foreigner telling me about the greatness of the United States, and your Humble Patriot got a little teary eyed. He also said I would feel right at home in Australia because Dewar's is the favorite drink there!

The next day, with high hopes for humanity after experiencing the magnanimity of Allan from Australia, the hotel atmosphere changed. The weekend was beginning and the business travelers were mostly gone. However, this Hilton seemed to be getting busier. The lobby was more crowded, and wait times for the elevator were getting longer throughout the day on Saturday. These new hotel guests were rather kooky looking. I was starting to wonder if a hippie convention was on the weekend schedule, or perhaps the Greens party was having a meeting. I saw a lot of unkempt hair, questionable personable hygiene, plus a lot of Birkenstocks and other "comfortable" shoes. I found myself riding up the elevator with an older guy wearing grubby jeans and a t-shirt that read, "A Defense Budget Leaves Every Child Behind." I was mentally preparing a question for him when he broke the ice by making a wisecrack about my short hair style! I laughed at his silly joke and took a step closer to see if he would feel uncomfortable. I commented, "Wow, there sure is a big group coming in to the hotel."

Grubby Bush hater replies, "Yeah, it's the State Council meeting of the California Teachers Association. There's over a thousand of us here for the weekend."

"One thousand of these guys," I was thinking. That explains the bad odor the hotel was developing. I was about to point out to him the free soap the Hilton puts in every room, but before I could say anything the elevator doors opened to the mezzanine and he disappeared into a sea of teacher's union representatives.

Later, after getting off the elevator on my floor I noticed an easel had been erected in the hallway, apparently for these CTA people to post flyers and notices. One of the postings was letting people know about the Black Panther's stance on education! Another was inviting people to the CTA Greens Party caucus. I was beginning to understand that this CTA council meeting is not so much about making children better through education, but about politics, money, and power.

Since the Humble Patriot is staying another week here, I'm certainly glad the Communist Teachers Association is wrapping up their council meetings today. On Monday I intend to give a hug to the first business traveler I see!

2006-05-23T04:02:00.000+04:30

Senator McCain and the Anti-War Left

Although I tend to disagree with many of Senator McCain's positions on political matters, I find him to be highly principled and honorable. Last Friday he gave the commencement address at the New School in New York. Located in Greenwich Village, the New School is certainly no bastion of conservative thought. These "progressive, enlightened" students rudely booed and heckled the distinguished gentleman from Arizona. A senior who was invited to speak disposed of her prepared remarks and instead chose to ridicule Mr. McCain as he sat nearby. The senator reacted with tremendous restraint to this treatment, and gave a magnificent speech for the New School graduates. If the hecklers and polemical left-wingers actually listened (and understood) his words, they probably felt rather sheepish in light of their antics.

Read Senator McCain's speech. Read the WSJ opinion article Days of Rage. Follow up: Heckler apologizes.

2006-05-18T14:30:00.000+04:30

Jefferson's Crisis

Bill Bennett has a long list of accomplishments that impresses me. He was Secretary of Education under President Reagan, and the "Drug Czar" under President George H. W. Bush. He began a conservative talk radio show fairly recently, and is a regular contributor on Fox News and Townhall.com.

Mr. Bennett recently wrote a book titled America: The Last Best Hope (Volume I) : From the Age of Discovery to a World at War. The book will be available at Amazon.com beginning next week. In the meantime, you can read an interesting excerpt from the book at Townhall.com. In this section of the book Mr. Bennett shows how President Jefferson faced a problem somewhat similar to today's Islamic terrorism.

2006-05-18T04:56:00.000+04:30

9/11, the Pentagon, and Our Borders

Michelle Malkin's latest column reminds us the reason for border security is not just that Mexicans are taking jobs and not paying their fair share of taxes. Terrorists Hani Hanjour and Khalid Almihdhar hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 on 9/11/01 and flew it into the Pentagon. During their preparation for the attack they went to a place in Virginia where illegal immigrant day laborers congregate, and an illegal immigrant helped them procure fraudulent government-issued ID cards that helped further their terrorist plot. You will find her column thought provoking.

2006-05-17T14:49:00.000+04:30

Gen. Peter Pace Addresses Citadel Grads

General Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently addressed the 2006 graduating class at the Citadel. His words are inspiring. Here is a link to the transcript from the Citadel website. Here is a link to an audio file of his speech.

2006-05-09T14:20:00.000+04:30

Is Our Military Too Expensive?

Some say we spend too much on defense. Is $450 billion too much? Read an article written by a U.S. Air Force colonel: The Cost of Defense.

2006-05-08T19:15:00.000+04:30

America's Favorite War Protester

Cindy Sheehan is at it again, this time pressuring the Canadian government to give refuge to U.S. military deserters. Read about it at the Globe and Mail. Of course, desertion is a serious crime. U.S. service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military justice, which allows for punishment by death for desertion during times of war.

2006-05-04T14:01:00.000+04:30

A Day Without Illegal Aliens -- How About 365?

Read Neal Boortz's blog column about the illegal alien protest/boycott that occurred earlier this week. He has some great ideas for dealing with illegal immigrants.

2006-05-04T13:41:00.000+04:30

Why is America so delicate with the enemy?

Esteemed author and Hoover Institution researcher Shelby Steele wrote an excellent article for the Wall Street Journal. He explains why in the last few decades America fights wars with so much restraint. Why don't we just annihilate the enemy? Mr. Steele claims it is because of "white guilt," and as a nation we need to get over these feelings so we can tackle our most profound problems. The Humble Patriot highly recommends this article.

2006-04-29T12:50:00.000+04:30

Another Attack on Recruiters

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, a few hundred protesters gathered near the University of Minnesota to protest the war in Iraq. Apparently it started rather peacefully (don't they all), but after vandalizing a recruiting station with red paint one protester was arrested and several were cited for disorderly conduct.

As a graduate of the University of Minnesota, the Humble Patriot knows there have been a lot of anti-war protests on/around the University of Minnesota dating back to the 1960s. Yesterday's vandalism was relatively minor compared to the one in 1972 when hippies ripped fences out of the ground and threw rocks and firebombs.

2006-04-26T14:13:00.000+04:30

US Air Force Revamps Basic Training

Last year the USAF leadership finally decided it was time to modify the Air Force Basic Military Training that every enlisted person receives when they enter the Air Force. Less emphasis is placed on folding underwear and making beds; considerably more emphasis is placed on weapons training and field skills. Read about the Scorpions Nest and Warrior Week at DefenseLink.mil.

2006-04-26T14:03:00.000+04:30

New White House Press Secretary

Fox News confirms that an announcement will be made this morning (Wednesday) that Tony Snow will be the next White House Press Secretary. This photo was made by David Lunde for Michelle Malkin.

2006-04-25T14:12:00.000+04:30

CIA Leaker:

The Traitorous Mary McCarthy

We finally found out who was leaking our war plan info to Sy Hersh: veteran CIA officer Mary McCarthy. This is a complicated story, so I'm going to refer you to Michelle Malkin's Hotair.com. There is a comprehensive primer on the subject here.

2006-04-24T14:07:00.000+04:30

Prince Harry Determined to See Action

Prince Henry of Wales, third in the line of succession to the British throne, apparently told top brass that if he is not allowed to join his unit in a war zone he will turn in his uniform. Harry is a second lieutenant in the Blues and Royals, and has been trained as a reconnaissance troop commander. The Blues and Royals are likely to deploy to Iraq in May 2007 to patrol the governorate of Mayson on the Iran-Iraq border.

Link to story at News.com.au

2006-04-19T04:30:00.000+04:30

Lt Richard Palmer

Lt Palmer was serving with the Scots Dragoon Guard in the Basra area of Iraq when a lethal roadside bomb attack ended his promising military career at age 27. Read about it in the Scotsman. The Humble Patriot salutes this heroic soldier, and all others who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

2006-04-18T04:21:00.000+04:30

Why the Attacks Against Rumsfeld?

"So when did Generals cease to be responsible for outcomes in war?" asks an editorial in today's Wall Street Journal. In the last several days a few retired flag officers have called for the retirement of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In the opinion of the Humble Patriot, sacking the Secretary of Defense in the middle of a military conflict is at best bad form. At worst it could damage the credibility of our Defense Department just when we need it the most, when these Iranian crazies are doing some serious saber rattling. As I mentioned in my Last Helicopter article on March 29th, Hassan Abbasi (the "Dr. Kissinger of Islam") is convinced that Americans have no stomach for a protracted military engagement. Clearly, some Americans (Cindy Sheehan?) have no stomach for any military engagement that involves killing an enemy. I'm glad to see that President Bush publicly announced his continued confidence in Secretary Rumsfeld.

2006-04-16T16:58:00.000+04:30

Fran O'Brien's

A restaurant with the name Fran O’Brien’s Stadium Steakhouse has been a popular hangout for decades, serving fine food and drinks to the Capital Hill crowd. What the Humble Patriot really likes about O'Briens, however, is their support for U.S. troops. For a few years Hal Koster, co-owner/manager of the restaurant and Vietnam vet, has been serving steak dinners every Friday evening to severely wounded troops who are convalescing at nearby Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Here is a Stars and Stripes article about it. Unfortunately, O'Brien's is located in the basement of the Capital Hilton hotel and the Hilton management has chosen not to renew their lease. There is speculation that the Hilton was unhappy about the "spectacle" each Friday of hundreds of severely disabled soldiers coming into the building. Regardless of the reason, O'Briens is closing its doors later this month. The O'Brien's owners are looking for a suitable location to move the restaurant, but for now their future is uncertain.

This situation has received a lot of attention, primarily from the blog community. I saw it first at Michelle Malkin's website. Andi's World and Blackfive are both known as "milbloggers" because of their interest and support of the U.S. Military, and both have taken up this issue.

I hope O'Brien's finds a new location for their restaurant, and that they can continue helping our troops heal both body and spirit.

2006-04-11T14:27:00.000+04:30

Justifiable Disclosure

David Limbaugh is great at getting to the heart of a matter, no matter how complex. It's easy for the left to spin really complex issues, because the average person does not understand them in the first place. The recent charge from the left that President Bush "leaked" classified information is ridiculous. Read Mr. Limbaugh's column on Townhall.com.

2006-04-09T19:12:00.000+04:30

Nuclear Attack on Iran?

The latest from Drudge is that someone in the Pentagon leaked to Sy Hersh our war plans to attack Iran's budding nuclear capability using nuclear weapons. Hersh became famous as an investigative journalist who broke the story on the 1969 My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War.

So how would the U.S. strike deal a death blow to Ahmedinejad's nuclear weapons program? Part of the alleged plan would be to attack Iran's main centrifuge plant at Natanz, 200 miles south of Teheran. U.S. Strategic Command would likely employ a USAF B-2 bomber armed with the B61 mod 11. The B61-11 can penetrate the earth several meters before it detonates its thermonuclear payload. The yield of the B61-11 physics package is classified, but some suggest it is the same as the maximum yield of the B61 mod 7, which is 370 kilotons.

Here are some links:
Story in Britain's Telegraph
Info on B61 nuclear bomb from Wikipedia
Fact sheet on B-2 Spirit from af.mil
U.S. Strategic Command

2006-03-29T21:59:00.000+04:30

The Last Helicopter

Amir Taheri is an Iranian-born author who works for Benador Associates. He wrote an excellent article about Hassan Abbasi, an Iranian who many consider to be the "The Dr. Kissinger of Islam." Some Tehran sources claim Abassi is the principal foreign policy voice in President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's new radical administration.

The essence of Mr. Taheri's article is that the U.S. does not have the stomach for a long conflict in its War on Terror and will soon revert to its traditional policy of "running away," leaving Afghanistan and Iraq, indeed the whole of the Middle East, to be reshaped by Iran and its regional allies. The "last helicopter" is the image that Abbasi uses to show the world how the U.S. pulls the last of its military forces out of a trouble spot when the going gets tough: President Ford pulled the last of our troops off the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, President Carter had several helicopters fleeing from the failed rescue attempt of our hostages in Iran during 1980, President H.W. Bush pulled our troops from Iraq in 1991 which allowed Sadam continue his ways, and President Clinton's helicopter image is a Blackhawk downed in Mogadishu. Abbasi sees the current U.S. President as an aberration, a man whose commitment is out of character with the rest of the U.S. Abbasi tells his Islamic comrades they must simply wait until President Bush's term ends, and then they will see the "last helicopter" that takes the last U.S. troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Taheri's theory is that the 9/11 terror attacks have changed the way Americans see the world, and that fewer people believe the "cut and run" strategy is acceptable when our enemies are willing to pursue their campaign within the U.S. President Bush's successor is likely to continue the strategy of defeating terrorists and bringing democracy to the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

2006-03-29T18:08:00.000+04:30

"Sapper Seven"
The Story of SFC Paul Smith

Sergeant First Class Paul Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 4, 2003. Like all accounts of Medal of Honor recipients, his is a story of courage and selfless service. Read about it here in the Wall Street Journal. Read the Wikipedia article about SFC Smith, which includes the citation read by President Bush.

2006-03-29T01:53:00.000+04:30

Une Nation des Clochards

France is a nation of bums, in my Humble opinion. Young adults in France have a 22% unemployment rate, which is about the same as the U.S. unemplyment rate during the Great Depression! The French government is attempting to lower some of the barriers that employers face, including a new law that would allow emplyees under the age of 26 to be fired for any reason. Instead of applying for a job, these kids thought it better to émeute (riot), which involved setting cars on fire and beating random pedestrians. There is a reason that France and other European Union countries have such poor economic growth and standards of living. I hope the French government has the fortitude to continue this path of reform, and not cave due to these protests.

2006-03-28T15:08:00.000+04:30

Guests or Gate Crashers?

Thomas Sowell really hits it out of the park with his latest column about illegal immigrants. He really simplifies the issue for everyone. Read his column here on Townhall.com.

2006-03-27T23:24:00.000+04:30

PETA Targets Longoria

The zealous activists at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have targeted actress Eva Longoria because she recently revealed on Oprah Winfrey's talk show that she hunted with her father during her childhood. Apparently there are also some photos that show Longoria wearing fur, which is a no-no for the PETA crowd. Read about it here on Contactmusic.com. If I was her, I would be very wary of these animal activists. Many of them care more about animals than humans. Some have suggested that PETA has an alliance with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). ALF has attacked people in England for working in a facility that uses animals for testing.

2006-03-22T02:35:00.000+04:30

Defenseless Decision

Read John Lott's latest column here about how government officials disarmed New Orleans citizens following Hurricane Katrina.

2006-03-21T02:40:00.000+04:30

A Book about Chivalry

Gentlemen and chivalry are topics that rarely surface in this century. I must say I had not given either topic much thought during my life, which is perhaps why Brad Miner's book The Compleat Gentleman caught my eye. I heartily recommend this book be read by the modern man. In essence, Mr. Miner suggests that a modern gentleman is a combination of a warrior, a lover, and a monk. This may seem to be an antagonistic combination, but it is fully explained in the book. Here is a passage from the chapter Chivalry in a Democratic Age:

...I once went to pick up my older son, now fifteen, when he was in kindergarten at PS 87 in Manhattan. There had been a fight in his class, I was informed by a student teacher, and Bobby was involved.
"Who started it?" I asked.
The student teacher looked at me with pure loathing. Men!
"I don't think that matters," she said coldly.
I smiled, wishing I had more Zen.
"But of course it matters," I said.
"Why? So we can lay blame?"
"That's part of it. After all, there's a big diference between aggression and self-defense. Or do you want them all to be little Gandhis?"
Well of course she did.
"Don't you?" she asked incredulously.
"No. I want my sons to be little Galahads."

Isn't that a great exchange? What man would not want his son to be a little Galahad? Galahad was all holy business, whose comtemporaries cared more about gluttony and rapine than honor and faith.

Enough already, read the book!

2006-03-17T00:00:00.000+04:30

Latest on the Michael Steele Senate Campaign

Michael Steele is currently the Lieutenant Governor for Maryland. Last fall he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, hoping to replace the retiring Paul Sarbanes. The campaign turned ugly months before Lt Gov Steele even announced his candidacy. Apparently the Democratic Party considers this Maryland Senate seat a "must-win," and is working hard to defeat Steele. Last summer a researcher of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee allegedly obtained Steele's credit report, ostensibly in an effort to "dig up some dirt" on the Senate candidate. This Democratic Party researcher earned herself a criminal investigation by the FBI, and she is expected to plead guilty to a misdemeanor in a federal court. Read about this Democratic Party researcher here. I can't wait to see what else happens in this campaign!

Here are some good Michael Steele links:
Official Senate Campaign
Wikipedia Article
Alleged Oreo Incident

2006-03-16T23:24:00.000+04:30

Republicans are Happiest

A study by the Pew Research Center for the Public and the Press tells us that conservative Republicans are the happiest people overall, and not just by a little bit. Read about it here in the Washington Times.

2006-03-08T18:06:00.000+04:30

The teachers unions

are mad at him!

John Stossel wrote another zinger about public schools' many problems. He must be doing something right, because the unions are planning a protest at ABC's offices in New York! Here is a link to his article from Townhall.com. Here's something I would like to say about the teaching profession. While I do not have any teaching experience, I'm certain it can be a very rewarding occupation. Just don't expect it to be monetarily rewarding. If you want to make a lot of money, become an investment banker or a lawyer. If you become a teacher your reward will be creating better citizens through education. It will warm your heart, not fatten up your wallet.

2006-03-06T22:45:00.000+04:30

Opposition for Hillary

Most everyone knows that Hillary Clinton is likely to run for president in 2008. In order for Hillary to be taken seriously in '08 she must first win reelection to the Senate in 2006. Last summer Jeanine Pirro announced she would oppose Hillary as the Republican candidate for the 2006 election. However, for various reasons Pirro dropped out of the Senate race a few months ago to run for New York Attorney General to replace Spitzer. Now Hillary has a new opponent. KT McFarland is seeking the Republican nomination to go after Hillary's Senate seat. She sounds like a terrific lady, and if she wins it would really take the wind out of Hillary's sails. The Humble Patriot wishes Ms McFarland the best. Read her letter here that was posted today on the Drudge Report. Click KT's photo to see her official campaign website.

2006-03-06T15:07:00.000+04:30

Harvard University's
Harvey Mansfield

"I've had a lifelong interest in women," Mr. Mansfield purrs in his smooth classical-radio-announcer voice... Prof. Mansfield has been a professor at Harvard for over 40 years. He recently wrote a book titled "Manliness." Twenty years ago he was the only faculty member to vote against the proposal to have a women's studies major at Harvard, and the feminists have not forgotten his intransigence. The Wall Street Journal's Naomi Schaefer Riley wrote this for the weekend edition's op-ed page.

2006-03-04T05:23:00.000+04:30

Oscar Predictions

I think Ann Coulter is fabulous, and her latest column is a quintessential example of her writing. It's a great mixture of polemic, irreverent, and funny. I love it when she makes fun of the Hollywood types who take themselves too seriously. Check out her latest here.

2006-03-02T15:22:00.000+04:30

Victor Davis Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson is a very impressive history professor in California. I'm not even going to try to list his accomplishments; you can read the bio on his website here.

I was driving to Dover, DE, yesterday when I heard a portion of Laura Ingraham's radio show. Laura was raving about Victor's recent trip to Iraq and his latest article, At War With Ourselves. Check it out; you'll be a VDH fan too!

2006-03-01T00:48:00.000+04:30

Midwest Heroes

A columnist for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis has written three columns that attack the two ads run by Midwest Heroes. These ads give voice to the Gold Star Families and Iraq war veterans who support the war. He dismisses the ads as "propaganda." Apparently the MN state Democratic Party is joining the fray, calling a press conference to denounce the first ad as "un-American, untruthful and a lie." According to the Power Line Blog, the Party has even e-mailed its members urging them to contact TV stations to demand they stop playing the ads. Read Power Line's post from earlier today: link. Here is a link to the Midwest Heroes TV ads.

2006-02-27T21:28:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-24T20:44:00.000+04:30

"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

2006-02-24T18:44:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-23T22:50:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-23T06:03:00.000+04:30

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.

2006-02-22T23:53:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-22T22:53:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-15T15:00:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-15T14:53:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-14T15:48:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-14T15:37:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-13T20:59:00.000+04:30

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

2006-02-12T18:45:00.000+04:30

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.

2006-02-12T18:20:00.000+04:30

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