A Plain and Simple Truth

Huge HT (and secret hug) to ALa for this one:

To Kerry and the "Cut-n-Run" Gang:

To the following cowardly senators (list courtesy of BobG at Sweet Spirits of Ammonia):

Click here to learn more about VOLPAC!

Daniel Akaka (D-Hi)

Babs Boxer (D-CA)

Dick "The Turban" Durbin (D-IL)

Russ Feingold (D-WI)

Tom Harkin (D-IA)

Daniel Inouye (D-HI)

James Jeffords (I-VT)

Teddy "Chappaquidick" Kennedy (D-MA)

John "Frenchy" Kerry (D-MA)

Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)

Patrick Leahy (D-VT)

Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

Ron Wyden (D-OR)


Before ANY of you start thinking about leaving Iraq before the job is done, how about you start thinking about an exit strategy for our troops in Bosnia? (second source)
(Oh, I forgot: that's a UNATO-authorized occupation, so its OK!)

And while were at it, gentlemen (and I use that term loosely), how about we start thinking about an exit strategy for the DMZ in Korea? (Sparks from the Anvil has a GREAT reason - for Dems - to leave right away)

Its seems to me, the last time we "cut-n-run" was when we let the UN call the shots in Somalia and got our noses bloodied. Look at how that debacle turned out? And who was the president? Oh, yeah, some guy named Clinton (D-ope), who was too busy getting his wick licked to be bothered!

No,..we can't simply walk away from Iraq now, just because you didn't get to call the shots (FOX source here)! We need to stay there and do the job correctly, leaving no stone unturned, until peace is achieved!

**That's my opinion and you're entitled to it!""

Again We Ask: "Where's The Outrage??"

HT to City Troll, who's been following this story:

Khobar Towers
Fri. 23 Jun 2006
The Wall Street Journal

Commentary By LOUIS J. FREEH

June 23, 2006; Page A10

Ten years ago this Sunday, acting under direct orders from senior Iranian government leaders, the Saudi Hezbollah detonated a 25,000-pound TNT bomb that killed 19 U.S. airmen in their dormitory at Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

(snip)

The 19 Americans murdered were members of the 4404th Wing, who were risking their lives to enforce the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. This was a U.N.-mandated mission after the 1991 Gulf War to stop Saddam Hussein from killing his Shiite people. The Khobar victims, along with the courageous families and friends who will mourn them this weekend in Washington, deserve our respect and honor.

(snip)

More importantly, they must be remembered, because American justice has still been denied.Although a federal grand jury handed down indictments in June 2001 -- days before I left as FBI director and a week before some of the charges against 14 of the terrorists would have lapsed because of the statute of limitations -- two of the primary leaders of the attack, Ahmed Ibrahim al-Mughassil and Abdel Hussein Mohamed al-Nasser, are living comfortably in Iran with about as much to fear from America as Osama bin Laden had prior to Sept. 11 (to wit, U.S. marshals showing up to serve warrants for their arrests).

(snip)

On June 25, 1996, President Clinton declared that "no stone would be left unturned" to find the bombers and bring them to "justice." Within hours, teams of FBI agents, and forensic and technical personnel, were en route to Khobar. The president told the Saudis and the 19 victims' families that I was responsible for the case.

(snip)

It soon became clear that Mr. Clinton and his national security adviser, Sandy Berger, had no interest in confronting the fact that Iran had blown up the Towers. This is astounding, considering that the Saudi Security Service had arrested six of the bombers after the attack. As FBI agents sifted through the remains of Building 131 in 115-degree heat, the bombers admitted they had been trained by the Iranian external security service (IRGC) in the Beka Valley, and received their passports at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, along with $250,000 cash for the operation from IRGC Gen. Ahmad Sharifi.

Please read the whole story at City Troll's site. Mr. Freeh details an enormous level of incompetence within the Clinton administration and a complete lack of foresight by Clinton & Co. I'm still fuming as I type this!

Resonance from Beyond the Grave

Huge HT to the Drunken Samurai for this gem:

Where's the Outrage??

That's the question ALa at Blonde Sagacity asks of the brutal slaying of two US soldiers this week in Iraq.

Hazelton, PA - Ground Zero on the Immigration Laws?

Small town, big conflict
Latinos have helped Hazleton come back. Now, the Poconos city is targeting illegal aliens.
By Michael Vitez
Inquirer Staff Writer

HAZLETON, Pa. - Mayor Lou Barletta agrees that as many as 10,000 newly arrived Latinos have invigorated this old coal town high in the Poconos, yet he pinched a national nerve and divided his own city this week by declaring war on illegal immigrants.

Barletta, 50, contends that illegal immigrants are a blight - responsible for a rise in crime, including a murder last month - and a drain on city services they don't pay for.

"I've had enough," he said.

Barletta proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act - an ordinance supported by a majority of the City Council. It would fine and penalize businesses that hire illegal immigrants and landlords who rent to them.

The ordinance also proposes making English the official language of Hazleton, removing Spanish from all documents.

"Why are we so afraid to say in America the one common language we speak is English?" asked the mayor. He says translators would be available to help complete forms in English.

(snip)

Hazleton, once a dying coal town, is changing dramatically.

The population in 2000 was 23,257, according to the U.S. Census, and projected to decline to 22,120 by 2005. But city officials estimate it is now 32,000, and as many as 30 percent of the residents are Latino.

Hazleton is within two hours of New York and Philadelphia, just minutes from Interstates 80 and 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The city is ringed by four industrial parks, which include two big meatpacking plants.

Real estate prices have nearly tripled in recent years, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Latinos have opened an estimated 70 small markets, restaurants and business.

(snip)

"This was a ghost town," she added. "Downtown was abandoned. Latinos have revived it."

The mayor, a Republican, agrees "the Latino community has been good for Hazleton. All legal immigrants are welcome here." He says legal Latinos will benefit from this ordinance as much as lifelong residents.

"I can't spend taxpayer money chasing down people who don't belong in this country," he said.


The TrekMedic agrees:

There is NOTHING wrong with Latinos coming to the US to "live the American Dream" as many of our forefathers did a century ago. But the difference here is simple: come to the US by legal means and enjoy the fruits of your labors and the freedom of our republic. Don't be a leech and suck this country dry by sneaking in through the back door!

Philliness On The World Stage

Philly's Olympic bid goes mayor-less City touts itself without Street, the only city leader missing among field of 5 Staff and wire reports

Our competition was tough.

And Philly was the only city that didn't send its mayor.
Philly's effort to host the Olympics in 2016 is turning out to be a lot like the Games themselves: A serious contest against rivals just as eager to win.

Five cities made their pitches yesterday to the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors, which is deciding whether to bid on the 2016 Games.

Each city had 15 minutes to make its presentation and 15 minutes to answer questions from USOC officials.

Philly, which has assembled a committee of high-profile local leaders to develop its pitch, was represented by Philadelphia 2016 co-chairman Joe Torsella, city Commerce Director Stephanie Naidoff and paralympian April Holmes.

Mayoral spokesman Joe Grace said Mayor Street previously met with U.S. Olympic Committee members. Grace said Street had sent an extensive letter that led off Philadelphia's 15-minute presentation to the Olympic Committee in San Diego yesterday.

The mayor felt that Naidoff was "the best person" to go to yesterday's presentation because she was immersed in the details of the city's bid, Grace said.

The TrekMedic muses:

Way to go Mayor Street! Could it be that you sent Stephanie Naidoff because no one wants to be associated with a petty thief like yourself?? (SIGH) Just another reason I'm leaving this embarrassment of a city as soon as I can!

Al Qaeda Gets Bitch-Slapped

FBI says suspects sought to form own army
By CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press Writer 41 minutes ago

MIAMI - Seven men accused of trying to blow up the Sears Tower with help from al-Qaida never actually made contact with the terrorist network and were instead caught in an
FBI sting involving an informant who posed as an al-Qaida operative, authorities said Friday.

Federal prosecutors said the men — who operated out of a warehouse in Miami's blighted Liberty City section — took an oath to al-Qaida and plotted to create an "Islamic Army" bent on violence against the United States. Five of those arrested are U.S. citizens.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales stressed that there was no immediate threat in either Chicago or Miami because the group did not have explosives or other materials it was seeking.

"This group was more aspirational than operational," FBI Deputy Director John Pistole said.

Nevertheless, Gonzales said Thursday's arrests underscored the danger of "homegrown terrorists" who "view their home country as the enemy."

Those arrested ranged in age from 22 to 32 and included a legal immigrant from Haiti and a Haitian who was in this country illegally. Investigators said all members of the alleged plot were in custody on conspiracy charges.

"We are confident that we have identified every individual who had the intent of posing a threat to the United States," said R. Alexander Acosta, U.S. attorney in Miami.

Five of the defendants, including alleged ringleader Narseal Batiste, appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday under heavy security. They were brought in and out in single file, chained together at the wrists and wearing ankle chains.

Stoopidfly has a great commentary on this!

Caption this,....

Courtesy of Robin at ChickenHawk Express:

An Anti-ACLU Rant for 6/22/06

This Week's ACLU Travesty was dropped into my lap by the American Family Association by way of an e-mail alert:

June 21, 2006

High School Valedictorian Refuses to Bow Down, Has Speech Censored
Help AFA gather 100,000 signatures thanking Brittany McComb for her courageous stand against censorship of her free speech rights

Dear Trek,

Brittany McComb was the valedictorian at Foothill High School recently. She graduated with a 4.7 GPA. She earned the right to address the other graduates at Foothill, located in Henderson, Nevada.

She gave a copy of her graduating speech to the school administrators. It contained some Biblical references and even mentioned (one time) the name “Christ.” The school administrators censored some of the Biblical references. They also censored the single reference to Christ.

Then the school officials handed the speech over to the ACLU for approval and/or more censoring. After getting the OK from the ACLU, Brittany’s speech (minus the censored references to the Bible and Christ) was approved. Brittany was warned that if she deviated from the ACLU approved language, her mike would be cut off.

Then came the moment for the big decision. She would not bow down, she decided. She would go with her original version. She stepped to the mike and began her speech. But just before she could utter the name “Christ,” her mike went dead. School officials silenced her. The crowd of 400 jeered for several minutes, angry at the action of the school officials. The ACLU was happy. They had silenced another Christian.

“I went through four years of school at Foothill and they taught me logic and they taught me freedom of speech. God’s the biggest part of my life. Just like other valedictorians thank their parents, I wanted to thank my lord and savior,” Brittany said.

Because she refused to bow down to the ACLU’s idol of gold, she did not get her wish. She was censored.

This young heroine deserves praise and a thank you from those who believe in free speech.

Oh,..the Philliness of it All!!

Abu-Jumal resolution splits Pa. Senate on racial lines
By Amy Worden
INQUIRER HARRISBURG BUREAU

HARRISBURG - Nearly 25 years after the slaying of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner, the racial divide over his killer's conviction was reflected today in a vote on a state Senate resolution.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed the measure condemning the French city of St.-Denis for naming a street in honor of Mumia Abu-Jamal, who was sentenced to death in 1982 for shooting Faulkner during a traffic stop.

But the resolution prompted rare debate and ended in a 44-4 vote split along racial lines. The only "no" votes came from African-American senators, all from Philadelphia.

Sen. Vincent Hughes (D., Phila.) said he could not support the resolution because he did not believe that Abu-Jamal received a fair trial.

The TrekMedic fumes:

What wasn't fair about it, Sen. Hughes??? It seems the only unfair portions are that Maureen Faulkner still has to defend her husband and Mumia is still alive, after receiving a death sentence!!!!

The Perversity of Justice in America

Charlie on the Turnpike makes this note about Juneteenth, the day slavery officially ended:

Today marks a distinct anniversary that is hardly ever mentioned.

Right Voices: "Today, Americans celebrate Juneteenth when in 1865 slavery finally ended throughout the entire United States. Sadly, few people know that Juneteenth was a high water mark for African- Americans. Soon after that great day, the Democratic Party defeated the Reconstruction policies of the Republican Party, postponing the civil rights movement until the 1950s.

An important fact which most history books ignore is that Abraham Lincoln's 1864 running mate was a Democrat, Andrew Johnson of Tennessee. And so after Lincoln's assassination, it was a Democrat who would be President of the United States for the first four years after the Civil War. That first President Johnson did all in his power to prevent African- Americans from experiencing Lincoln's new birth of freedom."

Reality Hammer follows it up with this:

You never know which way the worm will turn in Washington. In the latest episode of "more equal than others" we have the case of someone who admitted assaulting police officer (but justified it as a response to "racial profiling") yet was not indicted for the crime:

WASHINGTON (AP) - A grand jury declined Friday to indict Rep. Cynthia McKinney in connection with a confrontation in which she admitted hitting a police officer who tried to stop her from entering a House office building.


Democrats feel that Karl Rove is guilty despite not being indicted for a crime...here we have someone who admits committing a crime and is not indicted...so is she guilty in the eyes of Democrats?

Drunken Samurai's Being Hijacked

It appears Matt, a/k/a The Drunken samurai, master of the Peace Through Strength blog has been hijacked by some loser named Hailey Sanchez.

Go to his blog and let your feelings be known!

Addendum for 21 June, 2006:

OK,...at ease soldiers! It appears Hailey has succumbed to our pressure and given Matt his blog back!

Now,...if only Iran and North Korea were this easy!

A Few Thoughts on the World Cup

While baking in the hot sun yesterday at Citizens Bank Park, watching a rare occasion - the Phillies winning - my friends and I debated the validity of the World Cup and why no one in the US pays much attention to it.

Here's what we came up with: any activity where 20 people run up and down an enormous field, with two large nets, kicking a ball around for 90 minutes and not once scoring a f**king point, can't be a sport!!

Now,..imagine if you can, if the US could reverse things and make football the big world-beloved pastime. Here's a thumbnail sketch of how a few national teams would look:

• England - Good defence (their spelling), but can't seem to sack that QB, since it wouldn't be sporting to take out the captain of the ship! Pip-pip,...
  
• Netherlands - Lots of speed on the team. Also, lots of weed, coke, "E," meth and Roofies!
• France - Known for their front four "Maginot Line" defense. Unfortunately, susceptible to the end around and blitz.
• Germany - still redefining the term "blitz."
• Iran - Energetic young team. Cheerleaders suck in black burkhas!
• Israel - Nobody gets into their territory. Period.
  

Tell Me Again How We Aren't Winning the War on Terror?

Allow me to introduce to you Cpl David Toms, USMC. Cpl Toms recently received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his actions in stopping a wanted terrorist from entering the country while on Entry Control Point Operations. For the purposes of security, I cannot post the date or port.

Cpl Toms, all of us pro-mil bloggers salute you!

Ain't Life a Dixie Chick? (Part II)

Huge HT to ALa at Blonde Sagacity for this laugher:



"The entire country may disagree with me, but I don't understand the necessity for patriotism. Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country, I don't see why people care about patriotism."
-- Natalie Maines, The Dixie Chicks

The TrekMedic observes:

Once again, you'll notice the Ditzy Chicks have chosen to bad-mouth the US in the foreign press. Hey, if you like living and shooting your mouth off in England, go live there!

More of Flag Day

I am remiss in delaying this post by BobG at Sweet Spirits of Ammonia:

I am the Flag
Howard Schnauber

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up ... and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped -- I am saluted.
I am loved -- I am revered.
I am respected -- and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war
for more then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge,
Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest,
Anzio, Rome, and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and
KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I was there.

I led my troops.
I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me
And I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle -- it hurts.
But I shall overcome -- for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.

My name is 'Old Glory'!
Long may I wave
o'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave.

Marching Towards a Red November

HT to Political Pistachio for this story:

House of Representatives rejects Iraq pullout date

The vote was 256-153 (42 democrats broke party ranks to join the GOP, voting for the measure) approving a nonbinding resolution that praises U.S. troops, and labels the Iraq war part of the larger global fight against terrorism and states that a date for withdrawal is not in the national interest.

House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said that, "Retreat is not an option in Iraq. Achieving victory is our only option, for the American people and our kids."

The Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi of California, made a number of pleas and anti-Bush remarks, including: "It's time to face the facts, the war in Iraq has been a mistake. I say, a grotesque mistake."

Doesn't matter what she says. The proof is in the vote.

(snip)

The vote in the Senate was 93-6, yet another overwhelming majority.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tennessee, predicted that terrorism would spread around the world, and eventually reach the United States if America were to "cut and run" before Iraq can defend itself.

In a radio interview Vice President Cheney said that the war was "in part responsible" for the absence of terrorist attacks in the United States since the September 11, 2001 strikes. Cheney also said that U.S. soldiers involved in alleged atrocities in Iraq should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and predicted that the Republican Party would win November congressional elections (as opposed to the Democrat's cries that the Republicans will lose badly because public opinion polls say so).

The TrekMedic applauds this post and simply adds:

Those would be the same public opinion polls taken by researchers underwritten by the leftist MSM press, right?

An Anti-ACLU Rant for 6/15/06

Crossposted from Stop The ACLU

Via Miami Herald

The recently passed Florida law that essentially bans state academic travel to Cuba promised to escalate into a constitutional battle when Gov. Jeb Bush signed it into law last month.

.......snip...

The American Civil Liberties Union, representing several professors from state universities, filed a lawsuit against Florida officials in federal court, claiming the travel ban is unconstitutional. The group also demands a temporary injunction to prevent the law from taking effect while the case is in court.

''This act is terribly misdirected,'' Randall Marshall, legal director of the ACLU of Florida, said of the new law. "This is unconstitutional, and we hope to have this law struck down very shortly.''

The Florida Masochist has the right question:

Tell me Mr. Marshall where it says in the constitution that taxpayer money must be used to support travel? Anywhere in the world? I'll await your reply but I doubt I'll get one.

The new law prohibits spending state money on any aspect of organizing a trip to any of the five nations on the U.S. State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.

Other plaintiffs named in the suit include the faculty senate of FIU; Jose Alvarez, professor emeritus at the University of Florida; Carmen Diana Deere, director and professor at the University of Florida's Center for Latin American Studies; Houman Sadri, associate professor at the University of Central Florida; and Noel Smith, curator of Latin American and Caribbean Art at the University of South Florida.

The academics worry that the travel ban will discourage top students who have an interest in studying Cuba or other countries on the list from remaining at Florida schools.

This law is a very responsible move on the part of the state. The argument that it will discourage study in these countries and therefore diminish our security is crazy. We are at war despite the attitudes of some to recognize it. Why in the world should the state use its funds to put Americans in harms way where they could be taken hostage and a myriad of other terrible things done to them?

I will repeat my opinion from when the ACLU first announced their opposition to the law.

This law is straight up common sense, and if the ACLU were truly concerned for the security of Americans they would be applauding it. The law does not prevent anyone from actually travelling to these countries, it only prohibits taxpayer funds from paying for it. If professors and students want to travel to these dangerous countries they can do it at their own risk, and their own dime. Perhaps the ACLU are disappointed that the taxpayer will not be paying their fare to visit their clients? If so, I'm sure they have plenty enough duped supporters that would gladly donate.

This was a production of Stop The ACLU Blogburst. If you would like to join us, please email Jay or Gribbit. You will be added to our mailing list and blogroll. Over 200 blogs already on-board.

Its Flag Day!

Click here, courtesy of KYW-1060, to hear "I Am Your Flag"

''I Am Your Flag''

Traditionalists say I was born of a woman's hand -- fashioned from bits of colored cloth by a seamstress in a small house in Philadelphia, a year after the new country was born.

Historians are less certain of my origin. Yet, no one doubts my existence. I was created out of necessity to serve as the emblem of a people whose experiment in nationhood was as unique as the arrangement of my stars and stripes.

I have proved my adaptability to change. I've accommodated growth. I've stood up to time and troubles. I fluttered in the Fall air with General Washington and his loyal French allies at Yorktown. My fabric was shredded by cannonballs from British frigates in the War of 1812. I was carried in triumph by Andy Jackson at New Orleans. The British could see me clearly in the mists of "dawn's early light," waving from the standards at Fort McHenry.

I've witnessed turmoil and bitterness, even lost some of my glory in mid-century in a war between brothers, but I was restored as a nation's emblem at Appomattox.

I traveled West with the new frontier. I flew from the headlamps of the Iron Horse in Utah. I was with the prospectors at Sutter's Mill, with the cavalry against cattle rustlers, with the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill.

I crossed the Marne with the doughboys anxious to make the world safe for democracy. I was with brave GIs storming the beaches at Normandy. I was raised over a shell-pocked hilltop at Iwo Jima and I stood by the grim-faced negotiators at Panmunjom. I was on that last helicopter from Saigon and with the men and women of Operation Desert Storm.

I have been around in victory and defeat. I've seen pleasure and pain. I was raised over the rubble of the World Trade Center and at the Pentagon. I've been folded smartly by soldiers and handed to weeping widows. I've covered the coffins of those who've served country and community.

I also decorate bandstands and concert halls. I am saluted in parades, in schools and at ball parks.

I am part of political campaigns, high holidays and ice cream socials. I fly from skyscrapers and bungalows. I've been to the moon and the ocean floor.

I am everywhere my people are. I am saluted and, occasionally, scorned. I have been held with pride and I have been ridiculed, because I am everything my people are: proud, angry, happy, sad, vengeful, argumentative, ambitious, indifferent.

I was created to serve a people in struggle and a government in change. There are now more stars in my blue field than there were in the beginning and, if need be, there's room for more.

But, those red and white stripes remain as they've always remained: clearly visible through the struggle -- the symbol of the "land of the free and the home of the brave."

I am your past. I am your future. I am your flag. newflag.gif (2545 bytes)

by Bob Nelson
KYW Newsradio 1060

Flag Day is June 14th.
Independence Day is July 4th.

The Left Gets Scrooged!

So much for the lefties much-anticipated "FitzMas!"

Rove won't be charged in CIA leak case

By TONI LOCY, Associated Press Writer Tue Jun 13, 5:31 PM ET

WASHINGTON - Presidential adviser Karl Rove won't be a criminal defendant in the
CIA leak case, but he could still end up being grilled in court as a witness.

Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald could question Rove about whether the Bush administration compromised a CIA officer's identity to retaliate against a political critic.

Still, Rove and the White House could breathe a sigh of relief Tuesday after the prosecutor told Rove's lawyer he wouldn't seek a federal indictment against the political operative.

Rove has been identified as a likely defense witness in next year's trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President
Dick Cheney's former chief of staff. Libby has been charged with lying to the
FBI and a federal grand jury about how he learned about
Valerie Plame's CIA status and what he told reporters about it.

If Libby's defense attorneys summon Rove to testify, Fitzgerald can cross-examine him about a host of issues, including a July 2003 conversation Rove had with syndicated columnist Robert Novak days before Novak published Plame's name.

F**k the French!

French shrug off criticism of a notorious street name
By Mary Papenfuss
For The Inquirer

ST.-DENIS, France - For a street that has sent shock waves across the Atlantic, the new Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal doesn't look like much. It's a single-block stretch running through a half-constructed apartment complex in a hardscrabble neighborhood that could be a dusty village in the Mideast rather than a 15-minute suburban train ride from chi-chi Paris.

The neighborhood includes French Africans, Arabs and Spanish families, some of whose ancestors fled the dictatorial regime of Francisco Franco. On a recent Sunday, people danced to Spanish guitars at the Social Center for Retired Hispanics while men in shirtsleeves and turbaned women in colorful African dresses listened to Arab music at the nearby Rights of Children playground, which is just across the street from the Nelson Mandela sports complex.

The street was named in a three-day ceremony in April, with Mayor Didier Paillard declaring Abu-Jamal, who was sentenced to death in 1982 for killing Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner, a "symbol for justice [and] for the abolition of the death penalty." The Fraternal Order of Police condemned the action, and Faulkner's widow, Maureen, urged a tourist boycott of Paris in response. Last month, Reps. Mike Fitzpatrick, a Republican, and Allyson Schwartz, a Democrat, sponsored a federal resolution demanding that the name be changed.

But despite the protests in Philadelphia, a spokesman said Paillard refused to rescind the naming.

"It was a decision of the local government supported by the people of St.-Denis," Adrian Coss, the Paillard spokesman, told The Inquirer on Wednesday. "Absolutely not. There's no reason to. The street will stay as it is."

Abu-Jamal, 53, a former journalist and political activist, has maintained his innocence. Last year, a federal appeals court agreed to consider Abu-Jamal's appeal of his conviction and claims of racial bias in his jury selection.

How Typically Leftist!

As many people know, Joe Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks in South Philly, recently put up a sign on his window urging his customers to speak English when ordering. A firestorm of leftist protests has since cropped up, but here's some of the most brain-dead reasons why, courtesy of that whiny purveyor of all things "progressive," YPP:

In terms of taste, one cannot say that Geno's is for the discriminating palate. In fact, its rubbery meat served in a mushy role with just an ounce of rudeness is really $7.00 better spent elsewhere.

A city agency, the Commission on Human Relations, however, has found that Geno's Steaks' "English only" policy discriminates on the basis of national origin or ancestry. In fact, the Commission plans to file a complaint against Geno's today. The basis of the Complaint is the City's Fair Practices Ordinance, which like the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in public accommodation and on the basis of race or ethnicity. For a full discussion of this news, please see:

This is a follow-up on a previous leftist rant:

Fear and Loathing in Philadelphia
Submitted by Caetanus on Fri, 06/09/2006 - 10:04am.

Is Geno's Steaks Violating the Civil Rights Act if 1964?

Potentially.

As some of you are aware, Joe Vento, the owner of Geno's Steaks has placed a sign in the window insisting that patrons order in English. No doubt, this is a response to both the current political climate and the changing demographic in that neighborhood, which includes a significant influx of Mexican-Americans and/or Mexican Immigrants. Joe Vento has always been very outspoken. But, in this instance, Mr. Vento may be on the cusp of some very important civil rights issues. For some additional context, please consider a portion of an article from philly.com:

"How do you say cheesesteak with in Spanish?

Joseph Vento, the owner of Geno's Steaks, doesn't know. And he doesn't care.

(snip)

Some would say, a cheesesteak is not a constitutionally protected right, therefore, being denied one really does not mean anything. But, in reality, it is so much more important than that. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (the "CRA") makes it so. According to the CRA, "[a]ll persons shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodation, as defined in this section, without discrimination or segregation on the ground of race, color, religion, or national origin." 42 U.S.C.S. Sec. 2000a(a). It could be credibly argued that language is an indicia of national origin. Some people only speak Spanish, Cambodian or Chinese. To deny them the ability to order food based on their language necessarily relates to their national origin. In my mind, this is paramount to discrimination. Also, the racial classification of "Latino" could be implicated in terms of this language dispute.

The CRA requires that a place have an effect on interstate commerce and includes "any restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain, or other facility principally engaged in selling food for consumption on the premises . . ." 42 U.S.C.S. Sec. 2000a(b)(2). In this instance, the interstate commerce requirement is met because Geno's undoubtedly "serves or offers to serve interstate travelers . . ." 42 U.S.C.S. Sec. 2000a(c). In fact, Geno's name is almost synonymous with Philadelphia. It is, arguably and regrettably (perhaps) an institution. Geno's brand is found in tourist books and is a haven for tourists.

For God's sake people, its a f**king cheesesteak! If you don't like his sign, go eat somewhere else!

The Times,.They Are A-Changin'

Special (hilarious) HT to Bob over at Either Orr for this gem:

It used to be, not so very long ago, that middle-aged men who followed 16-year-old girls were called perverts.
Now, thanks to the exceptionally talented and quite pretty Michelle Wie, they're called golf fans.

Oklahoma is OK by Me!

Okla. Governor Approves Executing Molesters
By TIM TALLEY

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma on Friday became the fifth state to allow the death penalty for certain sex crimes, although legal scholars questioned the constitutionality of the new state law.

Under the measure signed by Gov. Brad Henry, anyone convicted twice for rape, sodomy or lewd molestation involving children under 14 can face the death penalty.

South Carolina's governor signed a similar law on Thursday allowing the death penalty for offenders convicted twice of raping children younger than 11. Louisiana, Florida and Montana also have laws allowing the death penalty for certain sex crimes.

Defense attorneys and death penalty experts said the laws defy recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have scaled back the death penalty's application.

Barbara Bergman, president of the Washington-based National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said Supreme Court decisions have made it clear that the death penalty is reserved for someone who has taken another life.

Ain't Life a Dixie Chick?

Dixie Chicks Concert Sales Lacking
By JOHN GEROME

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - While the Dixie Chicks' record sales are soaring, tickets for their Accidents and Accusations Tour are failing to take flight in some cities.

``I think before it's said and done the entire tour will be, at the very least, reorganized,'' Ray Waddell, senior editor of touring for Billboard magazine, said Friday.

Shows in cities including St. Louis, Houston, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City and Memphis, Tenn., are up in the air, according to Waddell.

The group said on its Web site that reports of cancellations are false.

``I don't think they've formally come out and canceled a single date, but I think that some sort of announcement will be coming next week,'' Waddell said.

The trio has caught a lot of criticism from country fans ever since lead singer Natalie Maines told a London audience in 2003 that the group was ``ashamed'' President Bush was from their home state of Texas.

In January, Maines told Entertainment Weekly magazine that she was disappointed with country music and that she's ``pretty much done'' with the genre.

Their new album's first single, ``Not Ready to Make Nice,'' addressed the controversy head on, with Maines singing in the chorus, ``I'm not ready to make nice. I'm not ready to back down. I'm still mad as hell and I don't have time to go round and round and round.''

A spokeswoman for the group did not return a phone message.

Highway to Hell?

Pa. Turnpike Considers Selling 'Naming Rights' at Interchanges
by KYW’s Tony Romeo

The Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange near you could soon have a sponsor’s name attached to it.

Spokesman Carl DeFebo says the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is seeking partners for a new, statewide branding and sponsorship program:

“In their proposal they could say, ‘I want to name the Harrisburg East interchange after Hershey Park,’ for example, because that’s an attraction that’s close by. We’re looking at large corporate sponsors -- like Merck could sponsor the Valley Forge Interchange.”

The TrekMedic chortles:

Ahhh,..I see great deals of Philliness in this mess! Imagine the following sponsored interchanges:

The John Street Interchange - Friends of the "Department of Street" and other connected ward leaders could exit the PA Turnpike free of charge.

The Jannie Blackwell Interchange - All traffic that doesn't kiss her fat ass would be blocked by her supporters.

Zarqawi's last Words?

Zarqawi Found Alive After Bombing
Friday, June 09, 2006

Al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was found alive by Iraqi police and U.S. forces who arrived at the scene of the bombing raid near Baqouba, a U.S. official told FOX News on Friday.

"Zarqawi was alive when U.S. forces arrived on the site," Maj. Gen. William Caldwell said in a satellite interview from Iraq. "The Iraqi police arrived first, they found him in the rubble, put him on a gurney of some type."


CNN also reports:

Al-Zarqawi Said to Survive Airstrike
By ROBERT BURNS

WASHINGTON (AP) - A mortally wounded Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, still alive after a U.S. airstrike on his hideout, mumbled briefly and attempted to ``turn away off the stretcher'' he had been placed on by Iraqi police, the U.S. military said Friday.

U.S. officials had said Thursday in announcing the attack that Zarqawi was dead when U.S. troops arrived on the scene.

Maj. Gen. Bill Caldwell, speaking to reporters at the Pentagon from his post in Baghdad, said he learned after getting briefings Friday that Zarqawi was alive when Iraqi police first arrived on the scene, but he died a short time later.

``We did in fact see him alive,'' Caldwell said. ``He mumbled a little something but it was indistinguishable and it was very short.''


The Trekmedic ponders:

I hope what he muttered was "Ow! That bayonet in my chest REALLY hurts!"

RIP - Eric Gregg

Former umpire Gregg, 55, dies after stroke
By Jim Salisbury
Inquirer Staff Writer

Eric Gregg, the fun-loving West Philadelphia native who became a popular Major League Baseball umpire, died last night at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood after suffering a massive stroke at his Ardmore home Sunday morning. Mr. Gregg was 55.

"He fought all the way," his son, Kevin, said last night. "We heard from so many people around the baseball world today. So many people loved my dad. We're just very thankful for all the support."

Mr. Gregg, who is survived by Conchita, his wife of 31 years, and four children, was a 1968 graduate of West Philadelphia High, where he was a backup catcher. Told that he would never be good enough to play professionally, Mr. Gregg set out to get to the big leagues as an umpire. Seven years after graduating high school, he was in the majors. At the time of his arrival, he was the third African American umpire in the majors.

Nice camouflage

Big HT to Bob G for this one:

6-6-06 vs 6-6-44

Am I the only one sick and tired of all this "666" bulls**t?? How many people do you think died today because of some satanic intervention?? And how about these pregnant soccer moms trying to keep their legs closed for an extra 24 hours? Live with it!

And,..to put things into perspective, here's what hell is reaaly like - D-Day, June 6, 1944. Thousands of brave men stormed an nearly-impenetrable beach to begin the final assault on Hitler's insanity.

We stand today at a place of battle, one that 40 years ago saw and felt the worst of war. Men bled and died here for a few feet of - or inches of sand, as bullets and shellfire cut through their ranks. About them, General Omar Bradley later said, "Every man who set foot on Omaha Beach that day was a hero."

Finally, I leave you with some of the greatest words spoken about that day, given by The Great Communicator himself:

Today, in their memory, and for all who fought here, we celebrate the triumph of democracy. We reaffirm the unity of democratic people who fought a war and then joined with the vanquished in a firm resolve to keep the peace.

From a terrible war we learned that unity made us invincible; now, in peace, that same unity makes us secure. We sought to bring all freedom-loving nations together in a community dedicated to the defense and preservation of our sacred values.


Amen.

Hoo-Ahh! Read This, Maggots!!

From This Week's PARADE Magazine! I have no opinion about it, just thought it would be a great read!

In the words of those who do:
How We Make Marines

By Larry Smith
Published: June 4, 2006

How does the Marine Corps take 17-year-old civilians and, in 13 short weeks, transform them into Marines? How do they motivate these young men and women to become members of a group that needs to function at the highest level under enormous stress? PARADE Contributing Editor Larry Smith spent two years researching his new book, “The Few and the Proud: Marine Corps Drill Instructors in Their Own Words.” He discovered that drill instructors are the key to making a Marine—and that there are lessons all of us can learn from them.

No Surprise Here!

Test scores are in: Northeast still has dumbest drivers
Insurance company exam indicates one in 11 drivers would fail state licensing exam.

May 30, 2006; Posted: 12:31 p.m. EDT (1631 GMT)
RESEARCH A NEW CAR

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - The tiny state of Rhode Island still ranks rock bottom in terms of driving knowledge, according to a national test conducted by GMAC Insurance. Oregon drivers answered the most questions correctly.

The test revealed that about one in 11 licensed drivers in the United States would fail a state drivers test, according to GMAC Insurance.

Rhode Island ranked last year, also, with an average score of 77. Last year, Oregon's average score was 89, which still placed at the top of the rankings that year.

Based on average scores, northwestern states generally ranked highest while the bottom-ranking states were mostly in the northeast. One exception was Vermont, which ranked third. Washington state drivers ranked second. Drivers in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia ranked at the bottom, with D.C. finishing just ahead of Rhode Island.

The 20-question test was based on questions asked in state driver's license examinations. A score of 70 or higher is required to pass a standard state test.

The failure rate for drivers in northeastern states was about 16 percent, according to GMAC Insurance. The failure rate for drivers in northwestern states was from one to seven percent.


The TrekMedic swerves: Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. Just take a drive through (s)Lower Merion Twp or any of the western Main Line communities and you can see this in action!

Haditha - Did It Really Go Down as Reported

Major HT to Three Sources on posting this Michelle Malkin expose:

UK TIMES SMEARS OUR MARINES (UPDATED WITH RESPONSE)
By Michelle Malkin · June 03, 2006 10:49 AM

***keeping this post on top...click here for full Canadian terror bust coverage...update: photo removed...***

Look very carefully at the photo featured in the UK Times's report from June 1, 2006 titled "Massacre Marines blinded by hate:" (big hat tip - Joe G.)



If you are left with the impression that the dead bodies on the ground were massacred by our Marines, that is exactly what the Times intends. Note the caption: "Victims in al-Haditha. The US is carrying out two inquiries (AP)."

Now, look at this photo closely:


It is clearly the same location. The same set of dead bodies. The second is a wider shot with three additional bodies in the foreground.

But guess what? The photo, according to this Newsweek caption of the scene, is not of the Nov. 19 incident in Haditha involving our Marines, as the UK Times would have you believe.

Read the caption:

"Insurgents in Haditha executed 19 Shiite fishermen and National Guardsmen in a sports stadium."

Our Marines did not kill these people.

The terrorists did.

Geography Quiz

Go to AOL's Geography Quiz.

Don't just take the test, look at the results from National Geographic. Try not to get sick to your stomach!

If you have the extra money, subscribe to National Geographic for your kids!


BTW - The TrekMedic scored a 6/7. The last question really is a shocker.

Even Minor Leaguers Hate the PC Crowd!

A big HT to Matt at Weapons of Mass Discussion for this one:


The Altoona Curve, a Double-A baseball team in Pennsylvania, is hosting a "Salute to Frivolous Lawsuit Night" on July 2, 2006. The team, which has become widely recognized for these fun, themed nights, including an annual "Awful Night," was inspired to host its salute to frivolous lawsuits after learning of separate lawsuits filed against the Oakland A's and the Los Angeles Angels for sex discrimination related to promotions. In each of those cases, giveaways were given to women only as part of the major league clubs' Mother's Day promotions. Male patrons sued the clubs.

According to the Curve's website, its July salute to all ridiculous lawsuits ever filed will include the following:

A Pink Tote Bag Giveaway to the first 137 men in attendance ages 18 and over.

The first 137 women 18 and over will receive lukewarm coffee so they will not burn themselves.

The first 137 kids will be given a beach ball with a warning not to ingest it.

Angels merchandise and novelty items given away throughout the game.

Honoring some of history's "Most Frivolous Lawsuits" during the game.

There will be a grand prize drawing as well in which one fan will receive a "clue" and their own frivolous lawsuit. Curve President and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg declined to comment on the promotion out of concern that his comments could give rise to a lawsuit. Mr. Greenberg is a practicing corporate and sports attorney.

"We realize that these giveaways as part of our Salute to Frivolous Lawsuit Night are fairly stupid and serve no real purpose," said Curve General Manager Todd Parnell. "But if our fans don't like them, then they can sue us!"

Yo, Katie, Back off the Cristal!

Katie Couric, apparently still buzzed from her 3-hour "Katie=Sainthood" Today show fest, had this to say:

Couric hopes 'pretentious' news era over
Audience doesn't 'want a mechanical Ted Baxter,' she says

Friday, June 2, 2006; Posted: 10:31 a.m. EDT (14:31 GMT)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Hollywood Reporter) -- Katie Couric hopes to bring a "humanistic, more accessible" approach to her job when she takes over as anchor and managing editor at "CBS Evening News" in September, she said Thursday.

Addressing the annual convention of CBS affiliates, Couric predicted that the "pretentious era" of the evening-news anchor is going to be a thing of the past.

"The audience is more sophisticated than we give them credit for -- they don't want a mechanical Ted Baxter," said Couric, whose last day as co-anchor of NBC's "Today" was Wednesday. "I'm a serious, caring, compassionate person. I hope that comes out. ... People want a multidimensional (news anchor) and not someone they can put in a box."

(snip)

"Anyone who watches 'Today' knows that I've done more hard-hitting interviews than any evening news anchor," she said. (The TrekMedic snickers)

Asked by Stahl why many viewers may have lost their trust in the media, Couric said she thinks that the media are "held captive by spin," choosing to repeat "two separate spins" rather than search for the facts in a story.

Message to the World

Note: When our military gets its wrong, we own up to it and deal with it!

Probe Clears GIs of Misconduct at Ishaqi
By KIM GAMEL

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The U.S. military said Saturday that it had found no wrongdoing by American troops accused of intentionally killing civilians during a raid in a village north of Baghdad that left up to 13 Iraqis dead.

The investigation of the March 15 attack on a home in the town of Ishaqi was one of three probes into possible misconduct by American troops in Iraq. U.S. Marines are also accused of deliberately killing two dozen unarmed Iraqi civilians in the western town of Haditha on Nov. 19 after one of their own died in a roadside bombing.

Besides Haditha and Ishaqi, seven Marines and a Navy corpsman could face murder, kidnapping and conspiracy charges in the April shooting death of an Iraqi man west of Baghdad.

The investigation of the attack in Ishaqi concluded that the U.S. troops followed normal procedures in raising the level of force after they came under fire while approaching a building where they believed was an al-Qaida terrorist was hiding, said Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, a U.S military spokesman.


While I'm at it, I'm going to throw a couple monkey wrenches into the Haditha inquiry:

• If it really was an unprovoked massacre of innocent civilians, how come there wasn't any rioting?? Haditha is a stronghold of terrorism and we all know how the MSM loves to hop on any story making us look bad,...so, why no rioting?
• Speaking of impartial journalism, if Haditha really went down as reported, wouldn't al-Jazeera be broadcasting it, 24/7?

Just a few things to think about, Congressman Murtha!

Joe Vento Gets It,..Why Doesn't the US Senate?

Joe Vento is the owner of the ONLY decent steak shop in South Philly (See the Barbaro post). Joe also supports the widow of slain PPD officer Daniel Faulkner in her efforts to finally fry Mumia Abu Jamal!

The Immigration Debate | Then vs. Now
An old struggle to adapt to a new country's ways
By Gaiutra Bahadur
Inquirer Staff Writer

How do you say cheesesteak with in Spanish?

Joseph Vento, the owner of Geno's Steaks, doesn't know. And he doesn't care.

Just read the laminated signs, festooned with American eagles, at his South Philadelphia cheesesteak emporium: This is America. When Ordering, Speak English.

Vento's political statement - from a man whose Italian-born grandparents spoke only broken English - captures the anger and discontent felt by many Americans about illegal immigrants.

With a battle looming between the House and Senate on legalizing some immigration violators, the public backlash is framed by two complaints:

One, my grandparents came legally. How come these guys can't? And, two, my grandparents had to learn English. How come these guys don't?

"Go back to the 19th century, and play by those rules," said Vento, 66, whose grandfather became a U.S. citizen in 1921.

Can't We Leave Well Enough Alone???

Batwoman Is Back As a Lesbian
By LARRY McSHANE

NEW YORK (AP) - Years after she first emerged from the Batcave, Batwoman is coming out of the closet. DC Comics is resurrecting the classic comic book character as a lesbian, unveiling the new Batwoman in July as part of an ongoing weekly series that began this year.

The 5-foot-10 superhero comes with flowing red hair, knee-high red boots with spiked heels, and a form-fitting black outfit.

``We decided to give her a different point of view,'' explained Dan DiDio, vice president and executive editor at DC. ``We wanted to make her a more unique personality than others in the Bat-family. That's one of the reasons we went in this direction.''

The original Batwoman was started in 1956, and killed off in 1979. The new character will share the same name as her original alter ego, Kathy Kane. And the new Batwoman arrives with ties to others in the Gotham City world.

``She's a socialite from Gotham high society,'' DiDio said. ``She has some past connection with Bruce Wayne. And she's also had a past love affair with one of our lead characters, Renee Montoya.''

Montoya, in the ``52'' comic book series, is a former police detective. Wayne, of course, is Batman's true identity - but he has disappeared, along with Superman and Wonder Woman, leaving Gotham a more dangerous place.

The ``52'' series is a collaboration of four acclaimed writers, with one episode per week for one year. The comics will introduce other diverse characters as the story plays out.

``This is not just about having a gay character,'' DiDio said. ``We're trying for overall diversity in the DC universe. We have strong African-American, Hispanic and Asian characters. We're trying to get a better cross-section of our readership and the world.''

The outing of Batwoman created a furor of opinions on Web sites devoted to DC Comics. Opinions ranged from outrage to approval. Others took a more tongue-in-cheek approach to the announcement.

``Wouldn't ugly people as heroes be more groundbreaking?'' asked one poster. ``You know, 200-pound woman, man with horseshoe hair loss pattern, people with cold sores, etc.?''

DiDio asked that people wait until the new Batwoman's appearance in the series before they pass judgment.

``You know what? Judge us by the story and character we create,'' he said. ``We are confident that we are telling a great story with a strong, complex character.''

DiDio spent most of the morning fielding phone calls from media intrigued by the Batwoman reinvention.

``It's kind of weird,'' he said. ``We had a feeling it would attract some attention, but we're a little surprised it did this much.''

On the Net:

http://www.dccomics.com/

The Devil Made Me Do It!

Ok,..this post is, according to blogger.com, my 666th. That said, time to say some s**t that I would normally avoid out of good taste:

NEWSFLASH: New picture of injured thoroughbred Barbaro:

Hehehehe,...actually, I hear the owners of Pat's Steaks have been competing with the buzzards for space on the front gate of the New Bolton Center!

...And So Goes All of Europe

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Somali refugee, Dutch legislator, and outspoken critic of Islamofascists, made a pointed comment in today's Inkwaster that pretty much sums up the situation in all of continental Europe today:

Hirsi Ali believes the Dutch now split into "appeasers" who don't want to upset Muslim communities, and a growing number of "confrontationalists" like herself.


'Nuff Said!