It's not often I am given a gift a good as this!
Two days ago, I wrote a piece called "Going Postal". I had been at work all night and had the news running and reading some articles on the web. Of course 90% of the news was on the Townhalls and ObamaCare, then I ran across a story on the Post Office having a huge debt this year and a projected huge debt next year.
Everyone seemed to like to compare government run Health Care with the DMV, but I never liked that. DMV is state run and I never go there. I've got AAA and they can handle just about anything I need and being I haven't had a ticket in over 25 years, I just get renewals on my license.
Using the USPS as the benchmark of governmental inefficiency just seemed to fit so much better. Hell they just raised the price of postage and they are still in the hole.
Then, yesterday, Obambi went out to do some heavy campaigning for his program and I swear he picked up Joe Biden's notes by mistake.
Bwwahahaha!!!
They let him talk without his teleprompter again.
I've got to go turn on the news now to see Gibbs "uh" his way through the backtracking on this gaffe.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Crap Just Keep Piling Up
The congresscritters from both sides of the aisle are running scared. Their August break is a time when they are able to drop by home for a couple days and tell the great unwashed what a wonderful job they are doing for us before flying off to the Bahamas to see if "Climate Change" has made it warmer down there this year.
They are going to need that junket when they hie their butts outta town. They have found themselves caught in a maelstrom of really pissed off constituents from all over the political spectrum.
Trying to explain how a bill that hasn't been written is going to save us all just ain't flying. Like every bill this Administration has come out with, there is a basic form, but no details, and after it passes, when they fill in the details, it doesn't do anything that they told us it was going to do.
The proles are starting to wake up and demand specifics BEFORE the ObamaCare bill gets through.
It has forced the Dimi's to dig deep into "Rahm's magic bag of Chicago political tricks ™" being they've thrown out the "RACIST" card too many times and everyone is just ignoring it.
Here's a cute one that they tried to pull, but it worked too well and they got caught with their pants down:
Democrats Send Out Phony Tearjerker Letters
You think that with all the people they keep telling us that are desperate for Health insurance, they could come up with a couple of real people and give them a few bucks to write their story. I guess it's one of those "Jayson Blair" moments...we know the someone is out there with close to this type of story, but dang it, it's so much bother to go out and actually find one.
Pelousi and her gang have tried to say that we're "un-American" if we don't just shut up, sit down and inhale (deeply and hold it in) their talking point platitudes.
Of course if you don't heed their warnings about rocking the boat, well they have ways to correct that behavior too:
It's a poorly lit video, but they only come out at night...at least so far.
(Can't wait for "Card Check" to start!)
As an addendum to my post below I want to put this in:
Government Medicine Should Horrify Americans
By Deroy Murdock
When Congress reconvenes I pray they start hammering out some detail on this crap sandwich real quick. Telling us to 'trust them", it "has" to be done "NOW" has worn way to thin.
The tar is being heated and the chickens plucked!
They are going to need that junket when they hie their butts outta town. They have found themselves caught in a maelstrom of really pissed off constituents from all over the political spectrum.
Trying to explain how a bill that hasn't been written is going to save us all just ain't flying. Like every bill this Administration has come out with, there is a basic form, but no details, and after it passes, when they fill in the details, it doesn't do anything that they told us it was going to do.
The proles are starting to wake up and demand specifics BEFORE the ObamaCare bill gets through.
It has forced the Dimi's to dig deep into "Rahm's magic bag of Chicago political tricks ™" being they've thrown out the "RACIST" card too many times and everyone is just ignoring it.
Here's a cute one that they tried to pull, but it worked too well and they got caught with their pants down:
Democrats Send Out Phony Tearjerker Letters
An Oakland County [Michigan] Democratic Party official used interns to send falsified letters to Republican county commissioners in order to persuade them to vote for a health care resolution, according to a commissioner who received one of the letters.
Shelley Taub, R-Bloomfield Township, said she received a letter on July 9 from an unidentified woman from West Bloomfield Township who said she felt that she failed as a mother because she couldn't afford health care for her ill son.
"I got this letter and it tore my heart apart," Taub said. "When I read that this woman thought she was a failure as a mother because she couldn't provide health care, I thought, 'My God, I can do that. I know so many people (in health care). I'll get this kid help.' "
Taub and her husband searched for information about the woman, found out that she actually lived in Fraser, so Taub called the home phone number and left a message.
Taub said she received a phone call that night from the mother of the woman who sent the letter who informed Taub that her daughter was not married and is a student at the University of Michigan.
The woman who sent the letter explained to Taub that she had recently finished an internship with the Oakland County Democratic Party in Bingham Farms, Taub said. The woman said she and two other interns were given sample letters and told to modify them, change the return address and send them out, Taub said.
You think that with all the people they keep telling us that are desperate for Health insurance, they could come up with a couple of real people and give them a few bucks to write their story. I guess it's one of those "Jayson Blair" moments...we know the someone is out there with close to this type of story, but dang it, it's so much bother to go out and actually find one.
Pelousi and her gang have tried to say that we're "un-American" if we don't just shut up, sit down and inhale (deeply and hold it in) their talking point platitudes.
Of course if you don't heed their warnings about rocking the boat, well they have ways to correct that behavior too:
It's a poorly lit video, but they only come out at night...at least so far.
(Can't wait for "Card Check" to start!)
As an addendum to my post below I want to put this in:
Government Medicine Should Horrify Americans
By Deroy Murdock
Imagine that your two best friends are British and Canadian tobacco addicts. The Brit battles lung cancer. The Canadian endures emphysema and wheezes as he walks around with clanging oxygen canisters. You probably would not think: "Maybe I should pick up smoking."
The fact that America is even considering government medicine is equally wacky. The state guides health care for our two closest allies: Great Britain and Canada. Like us, these are prosperous, industrial, Anglophone democracies. Nevertheless, compared to America, they suffer higher death rates for diseases, their patients experience severe pain, and they ration medical services.
When Congress reconvenes I pray they start hammering out some detail on this crap sandwich real quick. Telling us to 'trust them", it "has" to be done "NOW" has worn way to thin.
The tar is being heated and the chickens plucked!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Going Postal
So government thinks it can take over Health Care and provide more service and reduce costs.
Lets look at a simple government entity with a simple goal. Taking a product and making it move from point "A" to point "B". The government has been doing this for over 200 years, and they use to do it for free.
In my lifetime the cost of a 1st class stamp has gone up 106% while wages have gone up about 30 some-odd percent, yet they still have an expected shortfall of 7 billion dollars this year.
This is your government at work. They do not worry about overhead or unprofitable details, they know they get bailed out even if they screw it up...year after year, after year....
When e-mail ate into the amount of units they had to handle, did they reduce staff? No, they promote unnecessary people to management because the Union says they can't unload someone just because the position isn't necessary any longer, or hell really wasn't needed to begin with.
Now the government wants to run Health Care?
It always works out so good. People whose income counts on taxing people who really produce something. In other words, they require me to make money so the taxes that I pay can pay their salary.
The two biggest employers in the world are:
1) The Chinese Army @ 2.3 million
2) Indian State Railways @ 1.5 million
Followed by the NHS of Britain @ 1.3 million people
Let me insert one of those obnoxious staticsical thingys in here:
(click to biggify)
Even though;
Of course the fact that the U.S. is sitting there proudly at the top of the lists...there is something wrong with our system and it must be made to fall in line with the countries below us.
It's only fair.
There is no way way you can convince me that the government is here to help me as far as my personal life. It is written into the bill that computer models are going to decided what treatment is "recommended" to be most cost effective.
If this gets through and you want recourse that your provider didn't do the right thing at the proper time.....
SORRY, YOU CAN'T SUE THE GOVERNMENT, THEY MADE THEMSELVES EXEMPT.
Lets look at a simple government entity with a simple goal. Taking a product and making it move from point "A" to point "B". The government has been doing this for over 200 years, and they use to do it for free.
In my lifetime the cost of a 1st class stamp has gone up 106% while wages have gone up about 30 some-odd percent, yet they still have an expected shortfall of 7 billion dollars this year.
This is your government at work. They do not worry about overhead or unprofitable details, they know they get bailed out even if they screw it up...year after year, after year....
When e-mail ate into the amount of units they had to handle, did they reduce staff? No, they promote unnecessary people to management because the Union says they can't unload someone just because the position isn't necessary any longer, or hell really wasn't needed to begin with.
Now the government wants to run Health Care?
It always works out so good. People whose income counts on taxing people who really produce something. In other words, they require me to make money so the taxes that I pay can pay their salary.
The two biggest employers in the world are:
1) The Chinese Army @ 2.3 million
2) Indian State Railways @ 1.5 million
Followed by the NHS of Britain @ 1.3 million people
Let me insert one of those obnoxious staticsical thingys in here:
(click to biggify)
Even though;
Cancer survival rates in Britain are among the lowest in Europe, according to the most comprehensive analysis of the issue yet produced
England is on a par with Poland despite the NHS spending three times more on health care.
Of course the fact that the U.S. is sitting there proudly at the top of the lists...there is something wrong with our system and it must be made to fall in line with the countries below us.
It's only fair.
There is no way way you can convince me that the government is here to help me as far as my personal life. It is written into the bill that computer models are going to decided what treatment is "recommended" to be most cost effective.
If this gets through and you want recourse that your provider didn't do the right thing at the proper time.....
SORRY, YOU CAN'T SUE THE GOVERNMENT, THEY MADE THEMSELVES EXEMPT.
Maybe They Should Have a Different Title
Representative just doesn't seem to fit anymore.
Doggett gets chilly reception
They don't address the concerns of their constituents, won't answer calls or e-mails and vote the way they want to regardless.
Czar, maybe...no being used, perhaps commissar.
Doggett gets chilly reception
Back in Central Texas while Congress is on a month-long recess, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett faced an angry audience at a town hall meeting at an Austin Randalls grocery store Saturday.
Doggett, D-Austin, spoke at the store at Brodie and Slaughter lanes. A video of the event on YouTube shows that many in the crowd had signs denouncing President Barack Obama's proposed health care plan.
Witnesses said that when Doggett was asked whether he would support the plan even if he found that his constituents opposed it, Doggett said he would. People then began chanting "just say no" and overwhelmed the congressman as he moved through the crowd and into the parking lot.
"The folks there thought their voices weren't being heard," said Kathy Acosta, a Bastrop resident who attended the meeting at Randalls and another one later that day in her hometown. "They were angry, but they were respectful. There wasn't any violence."
Calls and e-mails to Doggett's office were not returned Sunday
They don't address the concerns of their constituents, won't answer calls or e-mails and vote the way they want to regardless.
Czar, maybe...no being used, perhaps commissar.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Aahh! We Hurt Their Feelings
And I could give a Sh*t!
It seems someone has been traveling around L.A. and putting up some posters.
I saw one of them on my way into work yesterday glued to a signal box.
I guess Earl Ofari Hutchinson saw one too, because he's disturbed by it.
Oh really?!
Or this from a year ago;
FETE
It seems someone has been traveling around L.A. and putting up some posters.
I saw one of them on my way into work yesterday glued to a signal box.
I guess Earl Ofari Hutchinson saw one too, because he's disturbed by it.
“Depicting the president as demonic and a socialist goes beyond political spoofery,” says Hutchinson, “it is mean-spirited and dangerous.”
Oh really?!
Or this from a year ago;
FETE
Must Be Another Of Those "Rights" Things
JOBLESS GRAD SUES COLLEGE FOR 70G TUITION
Three whole months!!! I just can't imaging how in this economy that someone who is fresh out of school and no hands on experience in her field couldn't land a job right off.
/sarcasm
I don't know all the details involved here, but it's my blog and I can opine.
Could be she does a lousy interview. Could show up late, not dress up. Or it could even be that the college didn't prepare her adequately for the job.
I went to a Trade/Tech school "Valley College for Medical and Dental Assistants" and learned Respiratory Therapy. The school had a "Career Service", but you find out quickly that the businesses that contact these schools usually have some minor problem with holding onto employees. They either pay to little or they're just crappy places to work ("We've placed lot of graduates with this company" is a clue) and they need a constant flow of new people to replace the ones that leave after a year.
I got my job by networking on my own. Apply everywhere, use any "in" you can through teachers, family, friends, friends of friends. I had a job 2 weeks after graduation that I held for 3 1/2 years, and only left to go back to school (which is another story "The Wasted Year(s)").
There is no guarantee of employment and sometime finding a job is harder than doing it.
She has given new meaning to a class-action lawsuit.
Trina Thompson gave it the old college try, but couldn't find work. Now she thinks her sheepskin wasn't worth her time, and is suing her alma mater for her money back.
The Monroe College grad wants the $70,000 she spent on tuition because she hasn't found gainful employment since earning her bachelor's degree in April, according to a suit filed in Bronx Supreme Court on July 24.
Three whole months!!! I just can't imaging how in this economy that someone who is fresh out of school and no hands on experience in her field couldn't land a job right off.
/sarcasm
The 27-year-old alleges the business-oriented Bronx school hasn't lived up to its end of the bargain, and has not done enough to find her a job.
The information-technology student blames Monroe's Office of Career Advancement for not providing her with the leads and career advice it promised.
"They have not tried hard enough to help me," the frustrated Bronx resident wrote about the school in her lawsuit.
I don't know all the details involved here, but it's my blog and I can opine.
Could be she does a lousy interview. Could show up late, not dress up. Or it could even be that the college didn't prepare her adequately for the job.
I went to a Trade/Tech school "Valley College for Medical and Dental Assistants" and learned Respiratory Therapy. The school had a "Career Service", but you find out quickly that the businesses that contact these schools usually have some minor problem with holding onto employees. They either pay to little or they're just crappy places to work ("We've placed lot of graduates with this company" is a clue) and they need a constant flow of new people to replace the ones that leave after a year.
I got my job by networking on my own. Apply everywhere, use any "in" you can through teachers, family, friends, friends of friends. I had a job 2 weeks after graduation that I held for 3 1/2 years, and only left to go back to school (which is another story "The Wasted Year(s)").
There is no guarantee of employment and sometime finding a job is harder than doing it.
Tea Party Ad
(From the info on You Tube)
HT: Nice Deb
This resulted from a Mom in Alabama asking her high school son to help with a commercial for the Tea Party she was involved in organizing. Boy, does it slam the message home. Very impressive.
Here is her note:
"I asked Justin if he could help me make a commercial for my group's Tea Party. He sat down at the laptop for about an hour, and then brought this to me and asked, 'is this okay, Mom?' After I finished watching it, my stomach was in my throat.
Everyone that I have sent it to has really enjoyed it, so I wanted my friends to see it. I am so proud!"
A very powerful video...turn up the sound & sit back...!!!
HT: Nice Deb
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Pure Patriotism: A Book Reveiw
Pure Patriotism
by Clayton Thibodeau
98 pgs.
I was contacted by the author about 3 weeks ago and offered a copy of his book "Pure Patriotism" for review. I assured him that I was a fast reader and would enjoy reading it and giving my opinion.
About now I'm sure he's written me off as a flake, but I just finished the book today.
This is not a big book in the number of pages (98), but it is a big book on thoughts and beliefs. If you are like me, you won't want to just sit down and read through this book, you will read a section (or maybe two) and mark your place, set it aside and spend some time thinking through what you've read and how it applies to your life.
The book is not "Conservative" or "Liberal", it is an overview of what patriotism towards the United States entails and he points out the pitfalls of not adhering to the basic principles that were given to us by our founders.
Like me, Clayton's deepest concern is career politicians (royalty) and the lack of interest and action by us, the people of this great country. We were given such an immense gift, but through inattention and laziness are slowly watching our freedoms be stripped slowly away.
A book I will be glad to see on my bookshelf and will pull out just to open to a page and reread and rethink the topics.
Ahhh! Bless The Irish
I'd be betting this little story would shoor to be bringing a tear to your eye.
True Irish welcome for U.S. troops at wedding party
Happy couple invite stranded G.I.'s to join wedding celebrations
By
KELLY FINCHAM
,
IrishCentral.Com Editor
Sean and Amelia, may you have a long and happy marriage.
True Irish welcome for U.S. troops at wedding party
Happy couple invite stranded G.I.'s to join wedding celebrations
By
KELLY FINCHAM
,
IrishCentral.Com Editor
U.S. soldiers were given a true Irish welcome at a wedding in Co Clare this week.
The 300 troops were stranded in Shannon last weekend after their Iraq-bound plane was grounded.
As luck would have it, they were booked into the same hotel as the wedding party for Amelia Walsh and Sean O'Neill.
And so the 300 troops were invited to join the festivities at the Clare Inn in Newmarket-on-Fergus.
The groom's uncle, Joe O'Neill said: "It didn’t take long before the combat fatigues were manoeuvring to the strains of ‘The Walls of Limerick'."
The happy couple posed for pictures with the troops earlier in the day and Eamon Walsh, the father of the bride, said the couple were "proud" to have the soldiers at their function.
Walsh said the couple invited the men in so they could experience an Irish wedding.
"They behaved in an exemplary manner at all times and if our troops behaved in the same way when they are on peacekeeping duties, I would be very proud," he said.
O'Neill, who flew in to the wedding from his home in San Francisco, said: "As the soldiers began to mingle into the private wedding party banquet area they were told by their Commanding Officer that the area was a private party and off limits.
"Common decency, and Irish hospitality however, overruled personal political opinions, and the groom, a fine young man, accepting that I might be a little prejudiced in this respect, informed the Commanding Officer that they were welcome to join the party.
"I believe the groom’s brother summed up the general feeling of wedding guests when he said, “If my own son happened to be in that situation in a foreign country, I would hope that someone would show him a bit of a good time before he had to face what they are going to," he said.
Sean and Amelia, may you have a long and happy marriage.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Bill Whittle and Sarah Palin
From the first essay that I read from Bill Whittle, an essay called "Honor", many years ago, I've envied this man's ability to put into words what I knew in my heart.
The Sarah Palin "controversy" has been sticking like a trout bone in my throat since she announced that she was stepping down as Governor. I wanted to write about it, but getting all the thoughts into a few hundred words just wouldn't come to me.
Well, Bill got it down. I wish they had an embed, but they don't, so go to PJTV and watch this video:
The Media, The Left and GOP Elitists vs. Sarah Palin: A Lesson on How to Destroy a Leader
It's free, and if you've got a so-so computer like I do, pick the "Basic flash" player on the left sidebar. It's a guy talking to you from his heart, so HD isn't a factor.
While you're there, look around. They have a lot of conservative commentators there that will give you something to ponder over, or give you points the next time you get drawn into explaining your side of the debate.
Also notice that I fully endorse Mr. Whittles book, SILENT AMERICA The Second Edition Bill Whittle over on the right sidebar.
The Sarah Palin "controversy" has been sticking like a trout bone in my throat since she announced that she was stepping down as Governor. I wanted to write about it, but getting all the thoughts into a few hundred words just wouldn't come to me.
Well, Bill got it down. I wish they had an embed, but they don't, so go to PJTV and watch this video:
The Media, The Left and GOP Elitists vs. Sarah Palin: A Lesson on How to Destroy a Leader
It's free, and if you've got a so-so computer like I do, pick the "Basic flash" player on the left sidebar. It's a guy talking to you from his heart, so HD isn't a factor.
While you're there, look around. They have a lot of conservative commentators there that will give you something to ponder over, or give you points the next time you get drawn into explaining your side of the debate.
Also notice that I fully endorse Mr. Whittles book, SILENT AMERICA The Second Edition Bill Whittle over on the right sidebar.
Monday, July 27, 2009
ODDS ''n' Ends
I ran into this over the weekend and I think it explains a lot about my state. These are the politically active people?
Now you know how Pelosi, Boxer and Waxman keep getting elected.
Yeas, she does praise Bush for his stance on small businesses, but if she's a Republican then I'm sure the party left me.
_______________________________
How about some fun news:
Eighty-Six Year Old Texas Grandma Chases Intruder Away with a Can of "Raid" - Video 7/24/09
Go, Granny Go!!1
H/T Freedom's Lighthouse
_________________________________________
Here's a man who doesn't know when to sit down and keep his mouth shut.
Now let's see if there is a mistrial. The hearing was tainted by his outburst and may prejudice the outcome.
__________________________
And just to show there is a state out there trying to give Kalifornia a run for it's money:
Wienermobile in the doghouse with Hawaii's Outdoor Circle
I swear that people like this are just trying to suck all the fun out of life. I can remember when I was a kid counting the days until the Wienermobile was going to show up at our local supermarket. I got to meet "Lil Oscar" (bet he's gone...it's so non-PC to hiremidgets now) and I got a Wienerwhistle.
_______________________________________
For a close out, a just toooo damn cute story:
Blind border collie gets his own guide dog
AAaahhh!!! It got dusty in here.
Now you know how Pelosi, Boxer and Waxman keep getting elected.
Yeas, she does praise Bush for his stance on small businesses, but if she's a Republican then I'm sure the party left me.
_______________________________
How about some fun news:
Eighty-Six Year Old Texas Grandma Chases Intruder Away with a Can of "Raid" - Video 7/24/09
Go, Granny Go!!1
H/T Freedom's Lighthouse
_________________________________________
Here's a man who doesn't know when to sit down and keep his mouth shut.
Now let's see if there is a mistrial. The hearing was tainted by his outburst and may prejudice the outcome.
__________________________
And just to show there is a state out there trying to give Kalifornia a run for it's money:
Wienermobile in the doghouse with Hawaii's Outdoor Circle
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile's recent O'ahu visit did not cut the mustard with the Outdoor Circle.
The nonprofit Outdoor Circle, best known for helping push Hawai'i's strict billboard ban through the 1927 Territorial Legislature, said the Wienermobile violates a recently enacted state law that bars vehicles used primarily to advertise or promote a service or product.
I swear that people like this are just trying to suck all the fun out of life. I can remember when I was a kid counting the days until the Wienermobile was going to show up at our local supermarket. I got to meet "Lil Oscar" (bet he's gone...it's so non-PC to hire
_______________________________________
For a close out, a just toooo damn cute story:
Blind border collie gets his own guide dog
Black and white hound Clyde is totally blind and relies on his partner and fellow collie Bonnie to guide him everywhere.
She stays inches from Clyde's side while guiding him on walks or to food or water, and lets him rest his head on her haunches whenever he becomes disorientated.
AAaahhh!!! It got dusty in here.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Death of the F-22?
I woke up early this morning (3AM) so I could IM with my son in Korea. He did have two E-mails waiting for me when I got up:
How Chris ended up in the Army is beyond me. For as long as I can remember, he was always about aircraft. When the F-22 first came out I hated it...it was going to replace my beloved F-15, Chris just couldn't understand my attachment to "archaic" technology.
I was convinced (grudgingly) he was right when we saw the Raptor fly at Edwards Air Force Base at an Air Show with AFJROTC. In 20 years of Air Shows, I'd never seen a jet that maneuvered like that, and coupled with the stealth technology and the "super cruise", I was sold.
We knew that we had maintained air superiority for the next 20+ years. Of course the gov't doesn't see it that way. His second Email had some conflicting news articles:
Time to Scrap the F-22 Raptor
and
We Cannot Afford to Lose the F-22
To me this is the typical short sightedness the gov't usually displays, just like the kerfuffle over body armor at the start of the Iraqi war. The gov't decides we can cut the military budget by getting rid of something "not needed" right now, then screaming to high heavens that they "Shocked!, Shocked!!! I tell you!!!" that the needed equipment isn't there when required.
The Russians have 2 versions of Next Generation jets in production right now, and the WILL sell versions of it to get cash, not to mention the Chinese getting one and reverse designing it.
In about 10 years, our jets are going to be blown out of the sky, and congress and everyone who is saying we can't afford it now is going to be the first screaming about "How come someone didn't see this coming?" and this won't be just about old body armor or Humvees that aren't upgraded, this will mean major battles lost being the guys we're fighting have better planes than we do.
Air superiority is not something we can just ignore for years and then crank out a bunch of planes when we need them. In 10 years when the should have been there...the company that made them, the people that knew how to put them together, and the pilots that know how to fly them are gone.
The F-35 is a fine plane...for what it was designed to do. Land attack missions. which is fine if you're fighting the Taliban, but when we have to face the new Russian designed planes and their knockoffs, we're going to lose a lot of 35's.
I just read that Gates is canceling the F-22 program. Really??? He said that we are just going to use the F-35 and because the 35 is based a lot off of the 22, we don't need to put that much more into the program. And other countries want to buy the 22 but Congress has put it into law and kept it that we can't sell it to other countries. A lot of other countries want to wait out for the 35 now. If we are going to export that and not the F-22... I just don't get it. But whatever.
How Chris ended up in the Army is beyond me. For as long as I can remember, he was always about aircraft. When the F-22 first came out I hated it...it was going to replace my beloved F-15, Chris just couldn't understand my attachment to "archaic" technology.
I was convinced (grudgingly) he was right when we saw the Raptor fly at Edwards Air Force Base at an Air Show with AFJROTC. In 20 years of Air Shows, I'd never seen a jet that maneuvered like that, and coupled with the stealth technology and the "super cruise", I was sold.
We knew that we had maintained air superiority for the next 20+ years. Of course the gov't doesn't see it that way. His second Email had some conflicting news articles:
Time to Scrap the F-22 Raptor
and
We Cannot Afford to Lose the F-22
To me this is the typical short sightedness the gov't usually displays, just like the kerfuffle over body armor at the start of the Iraqi war. The gov't decides we can cut the military budget by getting rid of something "not needed" right now, then screaming to high heavens that they "Shocked!, Shocked!!! I tell you!!!" that the needed equipment isn't there when required.
The Russians have 2 versions of Next Generation jets in production right now, and the WILL sell versions of it to get cash, not to mention the Chinese getting one and reverse designing it.
In about 10 years, our jets are going to be blown out of the sky, and congress and everyone who is saying we can't afford it now is going to be the first screaming about "How come someone didn't see this coming?" and this won't be just about old body armor or Humvees that aren't upgraded, this will mean major battles lost being the guys we're fighting have better planes than we do.
Air superiority is not something we can just ignore for years and then crank out a bunch of planes when we need them. In 10 years when the should have been there...the company that made them, the people that knew how to put them together, and the pilots that know how to fly them are gone.
The F-35 is a fine plane...for what it was designed to do. Land attack missions. which is fine if you're fighting the Taliban, but when we have to face the new Russian designed planes and their knockoffs, we're going to lose a lot of 35's.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
You Have Got To Read This
Got this on American Thinker, and I'm sorry I deleted the Email that sent me ther, but thanks...I needed a good laugh today.
Peggy Noonan: Sarah Palin Jealous
By Stuart Schwartz
You've got read the whole thing. I had a hell of a time picking a paragraph to quote.
Peggy Noonan: Sarah Palin Jealous
By Stuart Schwartz
You're Peggy Noonan and you're jealous. You don't understand it. Sure, maybe she has accomplished a few things (like the $26 billion dollar natural gas pipeline deal, restructuring Alaskan government, and taking an ice pick to corrupt politicians). But she has no style, no pizzazz -- she just does stuff. But so do you -- and you can't understand why you don't get the same adoration. After all, didn't you go before the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission and not just protest, but elegantly protest -- so said The New York Times -- a 16-story tower a developer wanted to build in your ritzy Upper East Side Manhattan neighborhood? Sarah Palin wouldn't have done that; she's not brilliant enough to understand preservation. She probably would have looked at the jobs the construction would create and given it a déclassé "Hell yeah!"
You've got read the whole thing. I had a hell of a time picking a paragraph to quote.
Friday, July 17, 2009
News From The Far East (UPDATED)
I received an Email from Chris a week ago. After all his moaning about being posted to Korea, he's was considering committing himself to staying in Korea for an extra year.
It's not that he's any happier about being there, but if he signs on to stay there he gets a significant pay raise starting the day he signs the contract. He's got things he wants to buy and that cash will come in handy.
He asked me my opinion and I gave him a couple of pluses and minuses that I could see to start with and told him to work it through and figure out if he could be content stuck there...and to keep in mind when it's time to move, they could send him ANYWHERE. Of course being the Army they could send him anywhere at any time anyway.
For me, it would be great! I would love to see part of Asia and another year would help getting some money together to travel there comfortably.
I didn't hear from him for a week.
Last night he called. He still hasn't decided, but is leaning strongly in favor of the extension. His buddy from Ft. Rucker is posted at Camp Humphrey and they are rooming together. Their first order of business, get internet hookup.
After all those weeks of training in AirOps, the job they are looking to slot him into is...Driver for a Staff Sergeant. (G-d I love the military.) I don't know what this duty would entail, but someone has to do it, I guess.
UPDATE:
Please read the first comment. My son informs me of my lack of knowledge of how the military operates. (I wondered why a lowly SSgt. would get a personal driver) I figure I'll grasp all the nomenclature and rules of the Army at about the end of his enlistment.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Where Do I Start
Before I get started some good news. Chris is finally at his base in Korea. He's a little miffed because he's on standby status, which means he isn't doing what he was trained for and he gets to occupy his time mopping a lot of floors. He hated being in Alabama because of the weather, so he goes half way round the planet and it turns out Korea in July is just like Alabama. Temps in the high 80's with 60 to 100% humidity and Thunderstorms every couple of days.
The reason I know this is although he doesn't have a phone he can get on the internet with a Wifi signal so we can IM over AIM. Even though he's 16 hours ahead of me, being I'm up most nights, we can communicate regularly.
I knew you were dying to know what is up with him, so I wanted to get that out of the way. (mheh)
Now, important stuff.
Have you bought any of those florescent light bulbs they are foisting on us? My local DWP sends me one every 6 months to get me going on being green.
I'll admit, they work fine, using less energy and they last longer that incandescent bulbs, we use them at work and even with vibration we've only had one or two out of about 35 go out over the last year and a half. But like all mandated "green" laws there is something they forgot to mention.
The Light Bulb Liars
by Terence P. Jeffrey
07/08/2009
Well, isn't that special.
To vacuum, or not to vacuum? That is the question.
Go read the rest, it gets better.
On the same note, take a gander at this.
GAO: Electric cars won’t reduce carbon emissions
Idiots! Energy has to be produced somewhere to power the damn things. I guess they just thought that electricity is created at that thingy you put the plug in.
And I can't forget this one.
Meet the retrofit police
----------------------------------
For the last few days I've been listening to this story of some black kids getting kicked out of a swimming pool.
I hope the SOB's running the pool are ashamed, embarrassed and even their dogs won't talk to them. If they want to do right, they should let these kids have their swim day for free for the rest of this summer and offer them a 75% discount to come back next year.
But there are some racist things going on out there that aren't getting any national coverage.
Akron police investigate teen mob attack on family
I don't believe in "Hate Crimes". It a stupid concept. The idea that it can be proven exactly what a persons thoughts were while committing a crime is ludicrous. I've had some things pop out of my mouth that amazed myself when I've been nervous, scared or mad, but if the crime is agaist some minority group, it is always the first thing they say, "We are investigating this as a "hate crime", yet when it's a "minority group" committing the crime and racial things are said...well, "We don't want to jump to conclusions and get anyone upset". Bullshiite!!
They are going to have figure out how to level these laws if they want them to work.
-----------------------------------
Obambi has broken another campaign promise. (Bet you're surprised)
Video: Obama on signing statements, then and now
Hey Barack! Being the guy responsible for running the country's a bitch, ain't it?
----------------------------------
This is the scariest thing I've read in quit a while. The science czar (no oversight) has a slightly interesting history.
The ghoulish spirit of Margaret Sanger lives
Here's the link mentioned above:
John Holdren, Obama's Science Czar, says: Forced abortions and mass sterilization needed to save the planet
Read it!!!
This man is adviser to the pResident on health and science? Things like the "The development of a long-term sterilizing capsule that could be implanted under the skin and removed when pregnancy is desired opens additional possibilities for coercive fertility control. The capsule could be implanted at puberty and might be removable, with official permission, for a limited number of births" was just a fantasy back when he wrote this, now the product exists. Good thing huh girls, otherwise you'd have to report to a gov't sanctioned station and take your pill under supervision every 24 hours.
------------------------------------
Now that I'm in a bad mood, and I hope these thing worried you too, I'll put something that while it's another little degradation that we are forced to deal with, but this guy got his revenge.
Good PR United!!! A few hundred to fix or replace the guitar or 2 million people laughing at you and booking on Delta or American, because you admit you don't care whether possessions entrusted to you get there in one piece or not...if they get there at all.
I think I covered it all.
The reason I know this is although he doesn't have a phone he can get on the internet with a Wifi signal so we can IM over AIM. Even though he's 16 hours ahead of me, being I'm up most nights, we can communicate regularly.
I knew you were dying to know what is up with him, so I wanted to get that out of the way. (mheh)
Now, important stuff.
Have you bought any of those florescent light bulbs they are foisting on us? My local DWP sends me one every 6 months to get me going on being green.
I'll admit, they work fine, using less energy and they last longer that incandescent bulbs, we use them at work and even with vibration we've only had one or two out of about 35 go out over the last year and a half. But like all mandated "green" laws there is something they forgot to mention.
The Light Bulb Liars
by Terence P. Jeffrey
07/08/2009
The congressional authors of the law understood they were, in essence, phasing out incandescent bulbs.
They did this, they said, to help save the planet from overheating. But the light-bulb left did not weigh -- or care about -- the unintended consequences of their crusade.
One of these consequences is the potential for an environment disaster in your family room.
You see, fluorescent bulbs contain mercury -- a bad, bad pollutant and health hazard that the Environmental Protection Agency has been sounding alarms about for years.
Well, isn't that special.
The first section is titled: "What Never to Do With a Mercury Spill."
It says: "Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up mercury (but see the 'What to Do if a Fluorescent Light Bulb Breaks' section below for more specific instructions about vacuuming broken fluorescent light bulbs). The vacuum will put mercury into the air and increase exposure."
To vacuum, or not to vacuum? That is the question.
Go read the rest, it gets better.
On the same note, take a gander at this.
GAO: Electric cars won’t reduce carbon emissions
Idiots! Energy has to be produced somewhere to power the damn things. I guess they just thought that electricity is created at that thingy you put the plug in.
And I can't forget this one.
Meet the retrofit police
----------------------------------
For the last few days I've been listening to this story of some black kids getting kicked out of a swimming pool.
I hope the SOB's running the pool are ashamed, embarrassed and even their dogs won't talk to them. If they want to do right, they should let these kids have their swim day for free for the rest of this summer and offer them a 75% discount to come back next year.
But there are some racist things going on out there that aren't getting any national coverage.
Akron police investigate teen mob attack on family
Akron police say they aren't ready to call it a hate crime or a gang initiation.
But to Marty Marshall, his wife and two kids, it seems pretty clear.
It came after a family night of celebrating America and freedom with a fireworks show at Firestone Stadium. Marshall, his family and two friends were gathered outside a friend's home in South Akron.
Out of nowhere, the six were attacked by dozens of teenage boys, who shouted ''This is our world'' and ''This is a black world'' as they confronted Marshall and his family.
I don't believe in "Hate Crimes". It a stupid concept. The idea that it can be proven exactly what a persons thoughts were while committing a crime is ludicrous. I've had some things pop out of my mouth that amazed myself when I've been nervous, scared or mad, but if the crime is agaist some minority group, it is always the first thing they say, "We are investigating this as a "hate crime", yet when it's a "minority group" committing the crime and racial things are said...well, "We don't want to jump to conclusions and get anyone upset". Bullshiite!!
They are going to have figure out how to level these laws if they want them to work.
-----------------------------------
Obambi has broken another campaign promise. (Bet you're surprised)
Video: Obama on signing statements, then and now
Hey Barack! Being the guy responsible for running the country's a bitch, ain't it?
----------------------------------
This is the scariest thing I've read in quit a while. The science czar (no oversight) has a slightly interesting history.
The ghoulish spirit of Margaret Sanger lives
Forced abortions. Mass sterilization. A “Planetary Regime” with the power of life and death over American citizens.
The tyrannical fantasies of a madman? Or merely the opinions of the person now in control of science policy in the United States? Or both?
These ideas (among many other equally horrifying recommendations) were put forth by John Holdren, whom Barack Obama has recently appointed Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, and Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology — informally known as the United States’ Science Czar. In a book Holdren co-authored in 1977, the man now firmly in control of science policy in this country wrote that:
• Women could be forced to abort their pregnancies, whether they wanted to or not;
• The population at large could be sterilized by infertility drugs intentionally put into the nation’s drinking water or in food;
• Single mothers and teen mothers should have their babies seized from them against their will and given away to other couples to raise;
• People who “contribute to social deterioration” (i.e. undesirables) “can be required by law to exercise reproductive responsibility” — in other words, be compelled to have abortions or be sterilized.
• A transnational “Planetary Regime” should assume control of the global economy and also dictate the most intimate details of Americans’ lives — using an armed international police force.
Impossible, you say? That must be an exaggeration or a hoax. No one in their right mind would say such things.
Well, I hate to break the news to you, but it is no hoax, no exaggeration. John Holdren really did say those things, and this report contains the proof. Below you will find photographs, scans, and transcriptions of pages in the book Ecoscience, co-authored in 1977 by John Holdren and his close colleagues Paul Ehrlich and Anne Ehrlich. The scans and photos are provided to supply conclusive evidence that the words attributed to Holdren are unaltered and accurately transcribed.
Here's the link mentioned above:
John Holdren, Obama's Science Czar, says: Forced abortions and mass sterilization needed to save the planet
Read it!!!
This man is adviser to the pResident on health and science? Things like the "The development of a long-term sterilizing capsule that could be implanted under the skin and removed when pregnancy is desired opens additional possibilities for coercive fertility control. The capsule could be implanted at puberty and might be removable, with official permission, for a limited number of births" was just a fantasy back when he wrote this, now the product exists. Good thing huh girls, otherwise you'd have to report to a gov't sanctioned station and take your pill under supervision every 24 hours.
------------------------------------
Now that I'm in a bad mood, and I hope these thing worried you too, I'll put something that while it's another little degradation that we are forced to deal with, but this guy got his revenge.
Good PR United!!! A few hundred to fix or replace the guitar or 2 million people laughing at you and booking on Delta or American, because you admit you don't care whether possessions entrusted to you get there in one piece or not...if they get there at all.
I think I covered it all.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Trailer Trash Royalty
Here's the "Man Of The People", and his family.
They've got that fancy plane to jet around in and if they ain't traveling to far they got that whirlybird to like jump them up to New Yawk for a night out. And hell, it's free!
The fashion mags were telling us for the longest time about how stylish Michelle dressed "on a budget" using common designers like J.Crew and The Gap, but now that they're in, they've started to give up the pretense of being just like us.
White House denies manufacturer's boast that First Lady carried their $5,950 bag
$6000 for clutch!!! First, it's a clutch, not even a real purse. This is something that can hold a few non-bulky items (like Michelle needs to have a few bucks on hand to tip the doorman or something). You could survive a nuclear strike with the crap my wife could cram into a normal medium sized purse. I'd be willing to bet there isn't even anything in it. Second, what the hell does she need it for? She doesn't have a personal Aide or two that could carry what she requires?
Of course, the explanation given by the White House makes it all better.
Oh, O.K.! She only spent $900 on something she doesn't really need outside of an accessory.
What is it that someone can design into a pair of sneakers that makes them worth $100, let alone $550? I bet that these "Lanvin" sneakers were made by workers that got a major share of the profit assembling them.
Now that it's long after the election and Obama has won, it's cool for Michelle to spend $5000 for a clutch handbag and $550 on a pair of sneakers...She's the height of fashion!
Unemployment is at 9.5% and expected to climb, taxes are going up on everything, States are bankrupt or right on the edge, but hey, the Obama's care about the people.
Let's not forget how the left treats what they consider unwarranted expenditures on clothing.
Republicans spent $150,000 on Sarah Palin's clothes
I wanna puke.
They've got that fancy plane to jet around in and if they ain't traveling to far they got that whirlybird to like jump them up to New Yawk for a night out. And hell, it's free!
The fashion mags were telling us for the longest time about how stylish Michelle dressed "on a budget" using common designers like J.Crew and The Gap, but now that they're in, they've started to give up the pretense of being just like us.
White House denies manufacturer's boast that First Lady carried their $5,950 bag
Earlier this week (while strolling the wooded landscape outside of Moscow), she carried a sexy black clutch, which Italian luxury house VBH boasts is their shiny black alligator manila bag – with a retail sticker price of $5,950.
$6000 for clutch!!! First, it's a clutch, not even a real purse. This is something that can hold a few non-bulky items (like Michelle needs to have a few bucks on hand to tip the doorman or something). You could survive a nuclear strike with the crap my wife could cram into a normal medium sized purse. I'd be willing to bet there isn't even anything in it. Second, what the hell does she need it for? She doesn't have a personal Aide or two that could carry what she requires?
Of course, the explanation given by the White House makes it all better.
The White House says she was carrying the $875 VBH patent leather clutch.
Oh, O.K.! She only spent $900 on something she doesn't really need outside of an accessory.
Back in April she wore a pair of $540 Lanvin sneakers at a Washington food bank.
What is it that someone can design into a pair of sneakers that makes them worth $100, let alone $550? I bet that these "Lanvin" sneakers were made by workers that got a major share of the profit assembling them.
Now that it's long after the election and Obama has won, it's cool for Michelle to spend $5000 for a clutch handbag and $550 on a pair of sneakers...She's the height of fashion!
Unemployment is at 9.5% and expected to climb, taxes are going up on everything, States are bankrupt or right on the edge, but hey, the Obama's care about the people.
Let's not forget how the left treats what they consider unwarranted expenditures on clothing.
Republicans spent $150,000 on Sarah Palin's clothes
I wanna puke.
News Coma
In case you haven't heard, Michael Jackson died two weeks days ago.
I was never a hard core MJ fan (I think I have one of his albums, inherited from a friend who died) but I enjoyed his music with the Jackson 5 and in the 80's.
For about two days I put up with the 24 hour coverage of his death. I'll admit I was curious about the cause and what would happen to his children, but once it devolved into just opinions then the opinions of the opinions, I got disgusted with the coverage. If I flipped by a news channel and anything about MJ came on, I moved on immediately.
Hence, I haven't seen much news for the last week and a half. With all the important things going on in the world, that the MSM would drop everything just because some has been celeb of dubious character OD's makes me furious.
By Cam Cardow
© 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
G-d Bless This Country, The Greatest, Freest Place On This Planet
Happy Independence Day!!!
233 years and counting.
It seems like the Centennial was just yesterday. We are going through really tough times today, economically and politically, but I can't beleive that the people of this country will let the sacrifices of all those who fought to get us here will allow us to throw away all the rights handed to us, nor the benefits of those rights.
I speak as someone who didn't enlist because of political reasons, I've covered this before, but now has a son sitting in Korea as a trip wire against the oppression of even the most basic dignities of life.
May your steaks come out grilled to perfection and your beer be cold.
Set your beer down before clicking this link. It starts with the "Star Spangled Banner" so I don't want you spilling anything when you stand proud for the anthem of this country that has given us so much.
Happy Independence Day from GoDaddy.com!
Make sure you are displaying the flag today, just make sure it's far enough away when you light the BBQ (don't want to get people confused about your patriotism or that those last 3 beers you had).
I'm going to spend the 4th watching the aerial display of the fireworks show at the the High School just up the street in a lawn chair in my front yard and thinking about my boy and all the other soldiers away from home this day protecting us so that we can sit in our lawn chairs and truly appreciate what this date signifies.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Whoa...What The Hell???
I wasn't going to post this morning...not enough sleep yesterday and a long boring night at work, but I found this over at Hot Air. It appears to be some unknown life form found in a North Carolina sewer.
I can't say I'm surprised. With the interesting cocktail of drugs and ...the normal stuff that pass through a sewer, it only seems natural that some of these things would get together and find a nice moist temperature consistent crevice to hang out in.
I can't say I'm surprised. With the interesting cocktail of drugs and ...the normal stuff that pass through a sewer, it only seems natural that some of these things would get together and find a nice moist temperature consistent crevice to hang out in.
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