Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Unstimulated Obama Economy

Heritage  "Newsflash from The New York Times: President Barack Obama’s stimulus did not work. No, the Times doesn’t say that in so many words, but in an op-ed this morning, the paper laments the sputtering economy and the fact that Washington just isn’t doing enough to help the economy grow. The problem, of course, is that Washington has done too much of the wrong things to get the economy moving again."
http://terrellaftermath.com/


Reelecting Obama

Victor Davis Hanson ; Memo to GOP: Obama will campaign against Bush (again) and play the race card. Don’t let him get away with it.
"The president himself — well after the beer summit, Eric Holder’s rants about “cowards” and “my people,” the racist inanities of Van Jones, the “wise Latina,” and all the rest — in ethnically divisive fashion urged Latinos to punish their conservative enemies, and joked that his opponents wanted alligators and moats to stop Mexican nationals from crossing the border.
"So will this tripartite strategy work? Only if the president’s opponents allow themselves to be caricatured as greedy Wall Street profiteers who want to punish the elderly and are prejudiced against blacks. And if they can’t answer back defiantly to that nonsense, then they really do deserve to lose."

“The boldest undertaking any president has undertaken on a single event in modern history” except for ...  (Joe Biden, the Maxwell Smart of politics)
William A. Jacobson: "I'll add some:
an “undertaking” “undertaken” greater than the decision to resupply Israel in 1973 despite threats from the Soviet Union, to drop special forces into an Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban, to send Doolittle's Raiders over Tokyo, to launch the Berlin Airlift, or to land troops at Normandy?
The list could go on and on, but not if you think history started with Barack Obama's election (except for the bad stuff which started with Bush).
"The self-centered arrogance of this administration is beyond imagination. And it starts from the top."
Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion

Tyrannous Regulation ; Equality before the law disappears in rule by regulation.  "Teamsters Local 522 did, and the United Federation of Teachers, and the Chicago Plastering Institute. And, as a result, they’ve all been “granted” Obamacare “waivers.” Rule, Obama! Obama, waive the rules! If only for his cronies. Americans are being transferred remorselessly from the rule of law to rule by an unaccountable bureaucracy of micro-regulatory preferences, subsidies, entitlements, and incentives that determine which of the multiple categories of Unequal-Before-the-Law Second-Class (or Third-Class, or Fourth-Class) Citizenship you happen to fall into." Mark Steyn

Graduates! Your Guide to Selecting a Political Party

Neal Boortz  "Science has discovered that in most young people the portion of the brain where judgment is developed doesn't fully form until around the age of 25. For many of you, that's still a few years away. Worry not, however, because I'm here to help.
"If you look far enough into your future, perhaps this simplified guide will help. Choose the person you want to be in your life, and your choice of political parties is clear."

Sociology and Other 'Meathead' Majors ;  "Archie Bunker was right to be skeptical of his son-in-law's opinions."
"Part of the problem is the political correctness responsible for "Gender Studies," a politicized major that has its little echoes in many other departments, and that never fails to mislead. "

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
Israel's Borders and National Security
"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

Monday, May 30, 2011

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.)

Sunday, May 29, 2011

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.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

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."

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:
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.

SEAL
trutv.com/dumb_as_a_blog/