Obama chews gum at Joplin memorial service (updated)

buzzle.com

American Thinker  "Is it nicotine gum? That is the most plausible explanation for this gross violation of propriety. Obama had a bad week in Europe, blundering badly with his toast to the Queen of England, humiliated before the world by speaking the magic line that cued the orchestra to play Britain's National Anthem, "God save the Queen," and blithely continuing to speak over the host country's most sacred anthem. Lech Walesa, a genuine Nobel laureate and hero to his people, humiliated him by refusing to meet him in Poland." 

Obama's Gum-Chewing at G-20 Raises Eyebrows  "But a website on chewing gum etiquette  suggests that gum should not be chewed during professional meetings and should not be chewed by someone whose job requires a lot of talking."

And, I dare say, at worship services, funerals and any professional conference?  But do you also remember when young people were taught to remove their hat when entering a home? Today you see people even wearing hats at a dinner table -when guests at the home of others yet.

Just because I'm anal doesn't mean courtesy isn't being lost in society.

Israel's Borders and National Security

STRATFOR "There is an argument prevalent among Israelis and their supporters that the Arabs will never make a lasting peace with Israel. From this flows the assumption that the safest course is to continue to hold all territory. My argument assumes the worst case, which is not only that the Palestinians will not agree to a genuine peace but also that the United States cannot be counted on indefinitely. All military planning must begin with the worst case."  George Friedman

"1967" borders= 1949 borders

This argument considers only strategic interests. The unspoken issue is that of giving back so many of the holiest sites of Israel including the city of Jerusalem. If we look at God's promises to Israel in the books of prophecy of the old and new testaments, we see that God will restore Israel in the latter days to the land He gave them. I see no mention of them ever being driven from there again.

Iranian cleric implies it's OK to kill Israeli children  "When is it permissible if you're a Muslim to kill children?
"Any old time, says Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah -- just as long as the child is an Israeli child." 
Rick Moran
Not a word of condemnation from "progressives" anywhere. We are angry about the millions of Muslims who do not condemn terrorism, but what about the lack of outrage from western liberals?

Post-Mubarak: Over 400 al-Qaida terrorists now in Sinai "Egyptian security officials were pursuing the terrorists, who are composed of Palestinians, Beduins and foreign Arab citizens, according to the report. The group was reportedly planning to carry out terror attacks in Egypt, the official said." Atlas Shrugs

Bye-Bye, Medicare! (As You Know It)

Heritage  "The hot Washington Medicare debate centers on whether congressional Republicans will, in the language of the left, “End Medicare As We Know It.” But the dirty little secret on Capitol Hill is that Obamacare already ended the program as we know it.

"They don’t tell you that in those clever “Mediscare”  ads.

"Here’s what Obamacare has already done:"...

Beyond Mediscare  "The Ryan budget’s particular approach, of course, is not the only possible way to address Medicare’s woes. There is plenty of room to debate alternative solutions. But any effective solution would have to harness market forces to improve the efficiency of our health care system and give seniors more choices."

Fearful cost of 'Mediscare'  "Yet the Ryan proposal to convert Medicare into a "premium support" system starting in 2022 would not affect any American now over the age of 55.
"Still, Democratic strategists label that as "killing" Medicare -- and hail public opposition to it as a critical factor in Tuesday's special-election upset victory..."  Emphasis added. 

Salute to Memorial Day: ‘Battleground’ (1949)

Big Hollywood 

After endless days of hell, Kinnie and the other survivors are finally out of danger and set to be relieved by fresh troops. Hungry, exhausted, and shaken to the core, they’re a ragtag bunch dreaming only of a hot meal and clean sheets. Kinnie understands, though, that his men have one more mission: to put on a brave face and show their replacements a fighting spirit.

....

"Directed by The Mighty William Wellman (his finest hour — and I don’t say that lightly), “Battleground”  is not only one of the finest war films ever produced, but also an unqualified masterpiece not enough people know about. If you haven’t seen it, do. If you have, spread the word.

"And don’t forget to thank a Veteran … for everything. Because without them we’d have nothing."

Trivia: Playing a German soldier in the movie is a young Jerry Paris who would someday play Jerry Helper, best friend and neighbor to Rob and Laura Petrie on the Dick Van Dyke Show. (Senior citizens know stuff like this.)

Memorial Day



Hat tip to http://terrellaftermath.com/

Lee Teter Painting;  allposters.com

 

Fireworks shows need new environmental review/ Court ruling could have sweeping impact

San Diego Union-Tribune  "What started as a battle over fireworks shows led to a sweeping legal victory Friday for environmentalists that could stymie a wide range of events needing city permits, from the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon to birthday parties held at parks.

"“According to the strictest interpretation of this, jumpy-jumps and everything else would be subject to environmental review if this ruling stands,”..."
Via Drudge
I'm from the government and I'm here to help you.

Gettysburg links: Scott brothers capture Civil War in 'Gettysburg'

Qwest   "Would you expect anything less from Ridley and Tony Scott, whose resumes include "Top Gun," "Black Hawk Down" and "Gladiator"? The brothers behind some of the biggest blockbusters don't skimp on the horrors of war for the small screen in this docudrama."....
The "Gettysburg" trailer:

 ""Gettysburg" includes commentary from Civil War scholars such as Edward Ayers, president of the University of Richmond, and camera trickery such as soaring overhead shots to explain battle strategies."

History Channel links here.

About Gettysburg , the documentary: "Executive produced by Ridley and Tony Scott, GETTYSBURG strips away the romanticized veneer of the Civil War to present the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in a new light--a visceral, terrifying and deeply personal experience, fought by men who put everything on the line in defense of their vision of the American future. Cinematic in scope, GETTYSBURG is an information-packed look at the turning points, strategic decisions, technology and little-known facts surrounding the battle. Developed in collaboration with highly esteemed Civil War historians, GETTYSBURG reflects hundreds of individual accounts of the battle--the unique voices of struggle, defeat and triumph that tell the larger story of a bitterly conflicted nation."

More links:

Gettysburg photo gallery

Building the National Military Park; then and now photos.

140 places every Gettysburg guide should know 

150 topics on the Civil War
Gettysburg Photo Galleries

Gettysburg, a Virtual Tour Panoramas
 Below: Little Round Top


The Rebel Yell  that struck fear in the heart of many a Yankee soldier.
"We encourage you to listen to this voice from the past, read the ...information below to learn of the man behind the voice and how this audio treasure came to be recorded for posterity. "....
"We are grateful to Mr. J.B. Joye of Belmont, N.C. for providing us with a tape of his grandfather's voice and thanks to Pvt. Ken Curtis of Co. E of the 26th NCT Reactivated for recognizing the historical importance of the tape."

More on the Rebel yell:

Ambrose Bierce (a Federal soldier/author) wrote "It was the ugliest sound any mortal ever heard." 

Arthur Freemantle (an English officer) said "The Southern troops, when charging, or to express their delight, always yell in a manner peculiar to themselves. The Yankee cheer is much more like ours; but the Confederate officers declare that the Rebel yell has a particular merit, and always produces a salutary and useful effect upon their adversaries. A Corps is sometimes spoken of as a "good yelling regiment.""

Warren Lee Goss (a Federal soldier) informs us that " They charged upon us with their peculiar yell."

James Harvie Dew, (a Confederate cavalryman with J.E.B. Stuart) He described the rebel yell "In an instant every voice with one accord vigorously shouted the Rebel yell, which was so often heard on the field of battle...Woh--who--ey! Who--ey! Who--ey! Woh--who--ey! Who--ey!""

Samuel Bradbury (a Federal engineer) on charging Rebels said "And the Rebs a yelling as they came up on the charge with that peculiar yell they have. It sounds like a lot of school boys just let loose."

George T Stevens (Federal soldier) talks of "The vigorous manly cheers of the Northern soldiers, so different from the shrill yell of the Rebels."

Newton Kirk (a Federal soldier) "The shrill yells of the Rebels, mingled with the hoarser cheers of our own men."

A doctor of the 4th New York remembered that "Suddenly out of the dusk in front, and to the rear of us, burst the Ki-yi Ki-yi close to us and with it the Rebels were seen."

Now hear the yell as it was heard on battlefields in the American Civil War  Picture yourself as a Union soldier at the ready, preparing to receive this charge. You may want to turn your speakers up.

Memorial Day in America

Gen. Logan

It's beginnings: "The first official recognition of Memorial Day as such was issued by General John A. Logan, first commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was General Order No. 11 establishing "Decoration Day" as it was then known. The date of the order was May 5, 1868, exactly two years after Waterloo's first observance. That year Waterloo joined other communities in the nation by having their ceremony on May 30."

EDITORIAL: Memorial Day: a family story "On May 3, 1902, John A. Logan Jr. was posthumously given the country’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. The citation read, “For most distinguished gallantry in leading his battalion upon the entrenchments of the enemy, on which occasion he fell mortally wounded.” Young Jack Logan grew up in the midst of heroes whose deeds were written high on the wall of fame. He could well have stayed on his Ohio horse farm with his family living a comfortable life, but as his mother wrote, he was determined to “add to the glory of the name he bore.” "

Union dead at the Battle of Brown's Mill  "In June and July of 1867 the Federal Government removed bodies of soldiers, who were buried in temporary graves around Newnan, vicinity of Corinth Road, and Philpot's Ferry GA., to their final resting place at the Atlanta-Marietta National Cemetery. The list below was compiled from the US Quartermaster's "Roll Of Honor", published 1869"  Graves

National Cemetery Locations "On July 17, 1862, Congress enacted legislation that authorized the President to purchase "cemetery grounds" to be used as national cemeteries "for soldiers who shall have died in the service of the country." Fourteen cemeteries were established that first year, including one in the sleepy Maryland town of Sharpsburg where 4,476 Union soldiers were laid to rest after the one day of terrible slaughter that was the Battle of Antietam. (By way of comparison, approximately 3,000 Americans, British and Canadians died on June 6, 1944, in the invasion of Normandy)."

Disney abandons SEAL™ hunt

Osama's last view on earth

By Greyhawk at Mudville Gazette:  "It's difficult to put into words how much disgust I feel for corporations attempting to exploit the name and reputation of men who have EARNED the right to be held in such regard. I feel the same about people who never served using parts of military uniforms and ribbons or medals as props. The only lower from of life is those who actually claim fake military service and honors, those people are beneath contempt. While I am glad that Disney finally withdrew its attempt at trademark, I know they didn't do it for the right reason, if they KNEW the right reason they would have never filed in the first place." From the comments to this post.

trutv.com/dumb_as_a_blog/

The perpetual campaigner

jeffreyhill.typepad.com/The English Blog



Charles Krauthammer: What Obama did to Israel

The Washington Post  "Every Arab-Israeli negotiation contains a fundamental asymmetry: Israel gives up land, which is tangible; the Arabs make promises, which are ephemeral. The long-standing American solution has been to nonetheless urge Israel to take risks for peace while America balances things by giving assurances of U.S. support for Israel’s security and diplomatic needs.
"It’s on the basis of such solemn assurances that Israel undertook, for example, the Gaza withdrawal. In order to mitigate this risk, President George W. Bush gave a written commitment that America supported Israel absorbing major settlement blocs in any peace agreement, opposed any return to the 1967 lines and stood firm against the so-called Palestinian right of return to Israel."
"For 2 ¹ / ₂ years, the Obama administration has refused to recognize and reaffirm these assurances. Then last week in his State Department speech, President Obama definitively trashed them." (Emphasis added)
....
"The only remaining question is whether this perverse and ultimately self-defeating policy is born of genuine antipathy toward Israel or of the arrogance of a blundering amateur who refuses to see that he is undermining not just peace but the very possibility of negotiations."

The Obama Dilemma

Vodkapundit  "Peggy Noonan last year opined that “the president is starting to look snakebit.” If he is, it’s because Obama spent the first half of his first term ignoring Americans’ number one concern — jobs — while squandering America’s prestige overseas so thoroughly it begins to appear to be an almost dedicated effort.
"His one big win — nailing bin Laden — certainly made us all feel very good, and helps to put the squeeze on al Qaeda. But bin Laden is yesterday’s enemy, as semi-affiliated terror groups spread to places like Somalia, Yemen, and maybe eventually Egypt.
"Obama’s endless  personal gaffes overseas — the bowing and scraping and toasts to the orchestras — might not make the news much here, but you can bet they’re laughing mighty hard in Paris and Moscow and Beijing and… everywhere else."  Stephen Green

UK Telegraph: This isn’t a special relationship, it’s sinister and sycophantic

guardian.co.uk/gary-barker

 From the left: The American president’s message of hope could be useful in Europe "If a black man can become president in America then, yes, Ireland can surely recover from its crash. Later in London, where he was greeted with the best of British pomp, a regal Mr Obama confirmed that yes, even a reduced Britain can be a really, really special friend to America."  The Economist

(Video) Presidential Limo Not As Unstoppable as Previously Reported  "The vehicle, referred to by the Secret Service as “the beast,” will reportedly feature heavy armor that is at least 5 inches thick and comes complete with run-flat tires, bulletproof glass and a completely sealed interior to ward off a chemical attack, among many other high-tech security features." Via  Michelle Malkin