Well, what a day it has been. My neighbor, not knowing my affinity for animals, brought me an opporsum! Unfortunately, the underground animal shelter I called told me they were illegal to keep in California. So at dark, my neighbor shall release this baby back into the wild.
Let me say a few words about this baby opposum. He is about 6-7 inches long, and he weighs about 3-4 ounces. Mind you, I am not known for accumen when it comes to measuring. lol. He was held in a small towel, and he was calm in my arms. He was frightened whenever I tried to move him away from me.
He is now comfortably in a cat carrier. Ironic, eh? lol. (They eat cats.) He is eating cat food crunched into small pieces, and he is drinking on his own. His mother must him. I do not know. He will be released, because he is wild. That is why he is in a cat carrier and not my arms.
If you really care about animals, I beg you, please consider the best interest of the animal. He is wild and if I were to hold him, he may lose some instinct for survival. I would, in effect, be killing softly. Either way, he would dead for selfish reasons of my desire to hold this cute as button little fella.
I am placing him in God's hands for his survival upon release into the wild. Well, some of these alleys do get pretty rough! lol. On the serious side, there are many cats and dogs that also roam the streets at night. Please pray with me to protect this little guy. I pray for him to have a good, long life. Thank you, and have a nice day.
Category: Misc. 2.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
THE CRAZIEST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HEADLINES FOR TODAY
Reposted with permission from Rick Roberts, 760 KFMB AM radio, San Diego, California. For further information about Rick or his points of view, please visit Rick's Blog at 760 KFMB.
DISCLAIMER: The different points of views on the Rick Roberts Blog are not supported nor do they reflect the views and beliefs of the Bosun Locker or any entity affiliated with the Bosun Locker.
Email: rickroberts@kfmb.com
Phone: 1-800-760-KFMB (1-800-760-5362)
Mon-Fri, 6am to 10am, PST.
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DISCLAIMER: The different points of views on the Rick Roberts Blog are not supported nor do they reflect the views and beliefs of the Bosun Locker or any entity affiliated with the Bosun Locker.
Email: rickroberts@kfmb.comPhone: 1-800-760-KFMB (1-800-760-5362)
Mon-Fri, 6am to 10am, PST.
Newsletter: Sign up for Rick's Newsletter
Today, Rick have decided to feature two of the most idiotic things to come out of the illegal immigration debate. Please feel free to share with him some of the idiotic things you run across by going to his websit at KFMB, Rick's Blog at 760 KFMB.
By Rick Roberts, May 30th, 2006
Also, you won’t want to miss this video. Click here to view >>
***
***
From Newsmax:
Dick Durbin: Consult with Mexico on Border Fence
“To think that we would build a fence without any conversation or consultation with Mexico - that doesn’t make sense,” Sen. Dick Durbin told “Fox News Sunday.”
Asked why he felt such consultations were necessary, the top Democrat explained: “Good fences make good neighbors, too. And remember that when it’s all over there will be cities across the border from one another in the United States and Mexico. And you’ll find in most instances they’ll try to find a level of cooperation.
“We ultimately want to have the cooperation of the Mexican government,” Durbin insisted.
So what do we do Dick? Build fences with ladders over them? How about really short fences so illegals can just hop over?
Come on! We know what Mexico’s government wants! NO FENCE.
***
***
Here’s my other favorite of the day:
Cheech Marin Stands Up For Latinos
The actor best known for playing a dope smoking Mexican says he feels his fellow Latinos are being used a abused.
Cheech Marin is throwing his thoughts into America’s immigration woes because he says America is as strong economically as it is because of the Latino workforce.
He says, “We live in a country where a quarter of the United States has Spanish names - California, Nevada, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. When salsa is the number one condiment over ketchup, the change has already occurred. We are one of the main threads of the cultural fabric and not some little side that gets whipped out every Cinco de Mayo (May 5) with Coronas and Dos Equis (Mexican beer) and then we forget about it … The economy boom is because of the Latino population.”
THE ECONOMY IS BOOMING BECAUSE OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WORKFORCE????
Well that should be news to President Bush who’s been wanting to take credit for it. And I guess the American workforce had nothing to do with it.
The gall of some folks.
Hundreds of you have requested a transcript of the “I Want My Country Back” rant. You can get to the blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to post it on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to it, CLICK HERE. You can also sign our ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
Also, you won’t want to miss this video. Click here to view >>
***
***
From Newsmax:
Dick Durbin: Consult with Mexico on Border Fence
“To think that we would build a fence without any conversation or consultation with Mexico - that doesn’t make sense,” Sen. Dick Durbin told “Fox News Sunday.”
Asked why he felt such consultations were necessary, the top Democrat explained: “Good fences make good neighbors, too. And remember that when it’s all over there will be cities across the border from one another in the United States and Mexico. And you’ll find in most instances they’ll try to find a level of cooperation.
“We ultimately want to have the cooperation of the Mexican government,” Durbin insisted.
So what do we do Dick? Build fences with ladders over them? How about really short fences so illegals can just hop over?
Come on! We know what Mexico’s government wants! NO FENCE.
***
***
Here’s my other favorite of the day:
Cheech Marin Stands Up For Latinos
The actor best known for playing a dope smoking Mexican says he feels his fellow Latinos are being used a abused.
Cheech Marin is throwing his thoughts into America’s immigration woes because he says America is as strong economically as it is because of the Latino workforce.
He says, “We live in a country where a quarter of the United States has Spanish names - California, Nevada, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. When salsa is the number one condiment over ketchup, the change has already occurred. We are one of the main threads of the cultural fabric and not some little side that gets whipped out every Cinco de Mayo (May 5) with Coronas and Dos Equis (Mexican beer) and then we forget about it … The economy boom is because of the Latino population.”
THE ECONOMY IS BOOMING BECAUSE OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WORKFORCE????
Well that should be news to President Bush who’s been wanting to take credit for it. And I guess the American workforce had nothing to do with it.
The gall of some folks.
Hundreds of you have requested a transcript of the “I Want My Country Back” rant. You can get to the blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to post it on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to it, CLICK HERE. You can also sign our ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Immigration ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... Mexican Constitution ... Social Security ... Benefits ... Border ... Security ... Border Country ... Money ... Welfare ... Pundit ... Rick Roberts... 760 KFMB ... Immigration ... Unlawful ... Benefits ... Defeated ... Public ... Opinion
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
So you say you want a revolution...
Iran is heating up to the boiling point. The only question is, will the western world recongnize this as their opportunity to help these students, laborors, and women's rights groups in their time of need? Allow me to explain.
Last Tuesday, riots broke out slowly, and then they became up in the thousands spreading all through the land. The numbers grew into the hundreds of thousands. The students were in confrontations with the Islamic Guardsmen. They threw rocks, and they injured some of them. In return, some of the students were killed.
As far as the western governments go, they are doing absolutely nothing to help these people. One student leader, Abbas Hakim Zadeh, who has a word of advice for those in Washington:
The Washington Post reports on a policy which may be the next step if the UN, the EU, and any other group of countries or entities fails diplomatically with Iran.
We should also pressure our own government to help these students. They need more than words. They can instruct groups such as Human Rights Watch, Women's Rights, and labor groups, along with students in America as to the situation in Iran. They need to know about the riots. We were successful in the Ukraine, we were successful in Lebanon-sort of, and we can be successful in Iran without firing one shot. It is all up to you.
Here are the sources I used for this article: Determined Foes Mount Challenge To Iran's Mullahs, by Eli Lake, Thursday, May 25, 2006; Shah's son urges action on Iran, by Reuters, Tuesday, May 30, 2006; and U.S. Urges Financial Sanctions On Iran White House Tries to Enlist Europe, Japan, by Dafna Linzer, Monday, May 29, 2006 all have interesting articles on the state of Iran.
Eli Lake from the NY Sun is a voice I have heard before. He is one of those reporters you dream about. He reports the facts, just the facts. He has also truly been a voice in the wild, beside us bloggers. I really respect him.
For those of you who do not know what I think al-Reuters, allow me to just say this. I do not like them. That is the long and the short of it.
The last article from the Washington Post was written by an AP writer named Dafna Linzer. I do not know this person, so I will comment directly about the article. As far as Reuters, however, generally get a bad taste in my mouth when I read them. Phewy.
Now that we have my opinion about the topics I am about to present, I hope you will understand why I took the time to express my disdain and admiration.
Pictures courtesy of The Spirit of Man.
Category: Iran.
Last Tuesday, riots broke out slowly, and then they became up in the thousands spreading all through the land. The numbers grew into the hundreds of thousands. The students were in confrontations with the Islamic Guardsmen. They threw rocks, and they injured some of them. In return, some of the students were killed.
As far as the western governments go, they are doing absolutely nothing to help these people. One student leader, Abbas Hakim Zadeh, who has a word of advice for those in Washington:
"If there is any dialogue and conversations or negotiations between the Islamic Republic and the international community, whether the United States or other countries individually or collectively, if it is around the nucleus of human rights, democracy and the openness in Iran, it is something worthwhile to consider," he said.While Mr. Pouryousefi, a friend and colleague of Mr. Zadeh, wants help from the human rights groups and not money from Washington; Reza Pahlavi wants Washington to do more than talk. Talk is cheap, he says. He is right.
"However if the idea is for Iran to get security guarantees embedded in it that the regime can suppress the human rights and the will of the people, that is something the Iranian student movement, the Iranian labor movement and the Iranian women's rights groups reject firmly and totally." [continue reading]
"Fantastic, we love to hear that, motherhood and apple pie," Pahlavi said of Bush's statements that the United States supports a free, democratic Iran.It would also appear the riots first broke out in Tabriz. This is significant. Not so much as to why, as to where. (There were state-sponsored cartoons that depicting members of the Azeri minority as cockroaches.) The significance is this; every revolution that has been successful has started in Tabriz.
"What remains to be seen again is in what concrete way the U.S. administration will take the necessary steps," Pahlavi told Reuters ...[continue reading]
The Washington Post reports on a policy which may be the next step if the UN, the EU, and any other group of countries or entities fails diplomatically with Iran.
The plan is designed to curtail the financial freedom of every Iranian official, individual and entity the Bush administration considers connected not only to nuclear enrichment efforts but to terrorism, government corruption, suppression of religious or democratic freedom, and violence in Iraq, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories. It would restrict the Tehran government's access to foreign currency and global markets, shut its overseas accounts and freeze assets held in Europe and Asia. [continue reading]See, there are other pressures that may be applied after diplomacy fails besides war. This is a good thing. What we need to do is put pressure on the White House to instruct Voice of America in Iran to take on the regime. They need to speak openly about democracy and the means to achieve it. Otherwise, why are we paying it?
We should also pressure our own government to help these students. They need more than words. They can instruct groups such as Human Rights Watch, Women's Rights, and labor groups, along with students in America as to the situation in Iran. They need to know about the riots. We were successful in the Ukraine, we were successful in Lebanon-sort of, and we can be successful in Iran without firing one shot. It is all up to you.
Here are the sources I used for this article: Determined Foes Mount Challenge To Iran's Mullahs, by Eli Lake, Thursday, May 25, 2006; Shah's son urges action on Iran, by Reuters, Tuesday, May 30, 2006; and U.S. Urges Financial Sanctions On Iran White House Tries to Enlist Europe, Japan, by Dafna Linzer, Monday, May 29, 2006 all have interesting articles on the state of Iran.
Eli Lake from the NY Sun is a voice I have heard before. He is one of those reporters you dream about. He reports the facts, just the facts. He has also truly been a voice in the wild, beside us bloggers. I really respect him.
For those of you who do not know what I think al-Reuters, allow me to just say this. I do not like them. That is the long and the short of it.
The last article from the Washington Post was written by an AP writer named Dafna Linzer. I do not know this person, so I will comment directly about the article. As far as Reuters, however, generally get a bad taste in my mouth when I read them. Phewy.
Now that we have my opinion about the topics I am about to present, I hope you will understand why I took the time to express my disdain and admiration.
Pictures courtesy of The Spirit of Man.
Category: Iran.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Casey Gets a Birthday Present (2 Years Belated)!
John over at Cindy Sheehan Watch let me know about this story: After 2 years, Casey Sheehan finally has his tombstone. I don't mean to be mean, and certainly not disrespectful to Casey's memory by trashing his mom on what would be Casey's 27th birthday (he was born May 29th and was killed April 4, 2004), but so long as his mom is out there doing this and this and this and this (what was she thinking here?)....I can't help myself. She may be a Gold Star Mom, but it doesn't make her worldview a correct one. Her opinions need to be countered.
And John is doing a good job of it. Please link to him if you haven't already.
A gravestone now marks Casey Sheehan's
resting place at Vaca-Elmira Cemetery in Vacaville. (Joel Rosenbaum/The Reporter)
And John is doing a good job of it. Please link to him if you haven't already.
resting place at Vaca-Elmira Cemetery in Vacaville. (Joel Rosenbaum/The Reporter)
Babies aborted for not being perfect
According to the Daily Mail, a United Kingdom news service, the ethical storm over abortions is rising in Britain with the emergence of information that terminations are being carried out for minor, treatable birth defects.
The article in the Daily Mail went on to say that late terminations have been performed in recent years because the babies had club feet, official figures show. If true, these are only minor defects that can be corrected with a simple operation or physiotherapy... Jane Fisher of the charity Antenatal Results and Choices defended the right of parents to terminate pregnancies when defects are found. 'This is not part of a move towards designer babies,' she said. Source Daily Mail, Babies aborted for not being perfect.
It is this blogger's humble opinion that Ms. Fisher appears to be very smug when it comes to infanticide. To think that Hitler and his Nazi regime were the only ones who wanted to produce a perfect race. Just one more sign of the times; the eroding away of human decency, morals, values, and ethics.
Additional links of interest:
Women taking suspect pill doubles
The history of the abortion pill
History of Infanticide : The Society for the Prevention of Infanticide is dedicated to informing the public about the historical and current customs of infanticide
Technorati Tags: abortion ... UK ... Morals ... Values ... Ethics ... liberal ... Baby ... Infanticide ... Late Term ... Antenatal ... Rights and choices ... Unlawful ... Defeated ... Public ... Opinion
The article in the Daily Mail went on to say that late terminations have been performed in recent years because the babies had club feet, official figures show. If true, these are only minor defects that can be corrected with a simple operation or physiotherapy... Jane Fisher of the charity Antenatal Results and Choices defended the right of parents to terminate pregnancies when defects are found. 'This is not part of a move towards designer babies,' she said. Source Daily Mail, Babies aborted for not being perfect.
It is this blogger's humble opinion that Ms. Fisher appears to be very smug when it comes to infanticide. To think that Hitler and his Nazi regime were the only ones who wanted to produce a perfect race. Just one more sign of the times; the eroding away of human decency, morals, values, and ethics.
Additional links of interest:
Women taking suspect pill doubles
The history of the abortion pill
History of Infanticide : The Society for the Prevention of Infanticide is dedicated to informing the public about the historical and current customs of infanticide
Technorati Tags: abortion ... UK ... Morals ... Values ... Ethics ... liberal ... Baby ... Infanticide ... Late Term ... Antenatal ... Rights and choices ... Unlawful ... Defeated ... Public ... Opinion
Thank You
I am not well versed in history, so I do not have anything motivating or earstwhile to say. I would just like to thank all of those who came before us, who are fighting now, and those who will defend us in the future.
I would also like to thank their wives, husbands, children, parents, and other loved ones for their sacrifices and steadfast support of their heroes. Without these people, we would never have been able to endure.
I would like to thank, oddly enough, the protester. They remind us of what rights we fight for, and they show us over and over again how much this country is worth fighting for. They also remind us that we must also protect the nuts. (lol)
Thank you to all of you for making this day possible for me to be alive and free in the greatest country that ever existed. God bless you.
Category: American News & Issues.
I would also like to thank their wives, husbands, children, parents, and other loved ones for their sacrifices and steadfast support of their heroes. Without these people, we would never have been able to endure.
I would like to thank, oddly enough, the protester. They remind us of what rights we fight for, and they show us over and over again how much this country is worth fighting for. They also remind us that we must also protect the nuts. (lol)
Thank you to all of you for making this day possible for me to be alive and free in the greatest country that ever existed. God bless you.
Category: American News & Issues.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Bosun Want his Country Back
Hat tip to Sweet Spirits of Ammonia. Bob, that was a great find! But is pissed me off (sorry about the harsh language, boys and girls.)
Bosun, "wants his country back." But can it be possible? For sure, "Dubya" is not getting a free pass on this one. Dubya's new Press Secretary, Tony Snow"job" is spouting the same excuses and concessions about AMNESTY.
Borders, Language, and Culture. I want my country Back!!!!!
I cannot give President Bush, Teddy Kennedy, John McCain, Tony Snow, or anyone else a free pass to saddle up to Mexican President Fox.
Due to their stand, or the lack thereof, on the issues of "BORDERS, LANGUAGE, and CULTURE," The Bosun hereby proposes that the US Senate become known as the "US STAGNANT."
Important legislation is pending with our House of Representatives. I hope that they step up to defend the peoples will.
I thought that our social security system was going to be broke in 40 years.
After the STAGNANT legislation goes through (if it gets passed by the House) it will be broke a lot sooner when relatives of undocumented workers south of the border apply for Social Security benefits.
However, OUR United States Senate proposes to give social security benefits to illegals. How asinine can one get?
I am sure that eventually guest workers will have to qualify for better job training in the US, the high end jobs will be their goal.
So, the American worker will have to get used to competing with high end and lower skilled jobs.
We should first fix the border and plug the leaks. Then, we should deal with illegal aliens who are here.
“Gotta” stop the flow before you fix the flooded area. Isn't it how they cleaned up New Orleans?
VOTE TERM LIMITS AND PERFORMANCE AUDITS OF OUR LEGISLATORS AND CIVIL SERVANTS (FEDERAL WORKERS.) Hold them accountable.
Like Rick Roberts, The Bosun wants his country back!!!!
Rick Roberts: “I Want My Country Back.” Link to 760 KFBM AM San Diego talkshow host Rick Robert's famous blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Rick says that you are free to post his rant on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to Ricks rant has he said it on 760 KFMB, CLICK HERE. Go to Rick's ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Immigration ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... Mexican Constitution ... Social Security ... Benefits ... Border ... Security ... Border Country ... Money ... Welfare ... Pundit ... State Department ... Senate ... Immigration ... Unlawful ... Benefits ... Defeated ... Public ... Opinion
Bosun, "wants his country back." But can it be possible? For sure, "Dubya" is not getting a free pass on this one. Dubya's new Press Secretary, Tony Snow"job" is spouting the same excuses and concessions about AMNESTY.
According to Examiner.Com: The White House on Friday said a Senate bill that would grant legal status to illegal immigrants is analogous to a traffic law that allows a speeder to pay a fine and continue driving. "If you had a traffic ticket and you paid it, you're not forever a speeder, are you?" White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said in response to questions from The Examiner.Is there something that The Bosun doesn't understand? I don't think so.
Borders, Language, and Culture. I want my country Back!!!!!
I cannot give President Bush, Teddy Kennedy, John McCain, Tony Snow, or anyone else a free pass to saddle up to Mexican President Fox.
Due to their stand, or the lack thereof, on the issues of "BORDERS, LANGUAGE, and CULTURE," The Bosun hereby proposes that the US Senate become known as the "US STAGNANT."
Important legislation is pending with our House of Representatives. I hope that they step up to defend the peoples will.
I thought that our social security system was going to be broke in 40 years.
After the STAGNANT legislation goes through (if it gets passed by the House) it will be broke a lot sooner when relatives of undocumented workers south of the border apply for Social Security benefits.
However, OUR United States Senate proposes to give social security benefits to illegals. How asinine can one get?
I am sure that eventually guest workers will have to qualify for better job training in the US, the high end jobs will be their goal.
So, the American worker will have to get used to competing with high end and lower skilled jobs.
We should first fix the border and plug the leaks. Then, we should deal with illegal aliens who are here.
“Gotta” stop the flow before you fix the flooded area. Isn't it how they cleaned up New Orleans?
VOTE TERM LIMITS AND PERFORMANCE AUDITS OF OUR LEGISLATORS AND CIVIL SERVANTS (FEDERAL WORKERS.) Hold them accountable.
Like Rick Roberts, The Bosun wants his country back!!!!
Rick Roberts: “I Want My Country Back.” Link to 760 KFBM AM San Diego talkshow host Rick Robert's famous blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Rick says that you are free to post his rant on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to Ricks rant has he said it on 760 KFMB, CLICK HERE. Go to Rick's ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Immigration ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... Mexican Constitution ... Social Security ... Benefits ... Border ... Security ... Border Country ... Money ... Welfare ... Pundit ... State Department ... Senate ... Immigration ... Unlawful ... Benefits ... Defeated ... Public ... Opinion
Online Journalists Protected
Disclaimer: Online Journalists and Bloggers protections as offline reporters should be researched more to discover full impact of this appeals court ruling. Mainstream Media may cry foul because internet journalists and possibly bloggers are also covered.
In a news article filed by Associated Press (AP) at Yahoo, Chicago Tribune, and in a press release released by Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Justice Conrad, California 6th District Court of Appeal put the stoppers on Apple Computer's bid to identify sources in a court case. The AP article indicated that this 6th District Court of Appeals ruling may also extend to bloggers.
Yahoo:
Apple loses court bid to identify source By MAY WONG, AP
Electronic Frontier Foundation:
EFF Stands Up for Online Journalists' Rights in Apple v. Does
Full Decision in Apple v. Does
Frequently Asked Questions about this case
Apple v. Does
A California state appeals decision in the case [PDF]
Technorati Tags: Legal ... Court ... Press ... Journalist ... Protecting News Sources ... Blogger ... Media ... Information ... Public ... Opinion
In a news article filed by Associated Press (AP) at Yahoo, Chicago Tribune, and in a press release released by Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Justice Conrad, California 6th District Court of Appeal put the stoppers on Apple Computer's bid to identify sources in a court case. The AP article indicated that this 6th District Court of Appeals ruling may also extend to bloggers.
In his ruling, Justice Conrad wrote, "In no relevant respect do they appear to differ from a reporter or editor for a traditional business-oriented periodical who solicits or otherwise comes into possession of confidential internal information about a company." Source YahooAccording to EFF, the court ruled in favor of EFF's petition on behalf of three online journalists Friday, May 26th, 2006:
..... holding that the online journalists have the same right to protect the confidentiality of their sources as offline reporters do. "Today's decision is a victory for the rights of journalists, whether online or offline, and for the public at large," said EFF Staff Attorney Kurt Opsahl, who argued the case before the appeals court last month. "The court has upheld the strong protections for the free flow of information to the press, and from the press to the public." Source: Electronic Frontier FoundationFor more information please go to the following links
Yahoo:
Apple loses court bid to identify source By MAY WONG, AP
Electronic Frontier Foundation:
EFF Stands Up for Online Journalists' Rights in Apple v. Does
Full Decision in Apple v. Does
Frequently Asked Questions about this case
Apple v. Does
A California state appeals decision in the case [PDF]
Technorati Tags: Legal ... Court ... Press ... Journalist ... Protecting News Sources ... Blogger ... Media ... Information ... Public ... Opinion
Soldier gives his medal to girl who honored troops
Order of the purple heart
A soldier injured in Iraq gave his Purple Heart to a 13-year-old girl who won a contest for writing letters to U.S. troops.
"It's important what these children do for us in sending these letters," said Staff Sgt. Phillip Trackey. "The letters mean so much to us. So I thought this was a big way of giving something back to them."
The Syracuse, N.Y., student replied: "I'm touched. I'm speechless." Read the rest of the story at World Net Daily: Soldier gives his Purple Heart
Related column:
Honor our fallen heroes
Technorati Tags: Military ... America ... Veterans Affairs ... Hero ... Purple Heart ... Soldier ... VA ... Iraq ... Public ... Opinion
A soldier injured in Iraq gave his Purple Heart to a 13-year-old girl who won a contest for writing letters to U.S. troops.
"It's important what these children do for us in sending these letters," said Staff Sgt. Phillip Trackey. "The letters mean so much to us. So I thought this was a big way of giving something back to them."
The Syracuse, N.Y., student replied: "I'm touched. I'm speechless." Read the rest of the story at World Net Daily: Soldier gives his Purple Heart
Related column:
Honor our fallen heroes
Technorati Tags: Military ... America ... Veterans Affairs ... Hero ... Purple Heart ... Soldier ... VA ... Iraq ... Public ... Opinion
Friday, May 26, 2006
Students Riot in Iran, Where is the Press?
I am sick to death of waiting for the press to bring us news of events that are occurring on a daily basis that could change the political scene in Iran without firing a shot. Where are they? They do not war, or do they? I do not.
A good friend by the name of 'Winston' has some very good posts over at The Spirit of Man. He has several more, besides that one. Press the 'home' link at the bottom of the post.
I have learned from my good friend Korosh: "Senior student leader Abdollah Momeni said up to 2,000 students had gathered for the protest over the expulsion of some students and the way authorities had been handling critics. He added 20 had been seized by Islamic vigilantes who broke into the dormitories." [continue reading]
This piece comes from the National Review Online:
The Daily Briefing on Iran is also a very good site to read everyday. They have an article with pictures in the link provided. If you want to know what is happening in Iran, this is the place I look first.
I tried to look up any news about the riots at the Washington Times, but I could not find any. I may have missed it, so I left a comment. Maybe they will get the message.
I did, however, find some more news over at Roger L. Simon's. He is one of the greatest. I do not know how he does everything he does! Check him out when you get the chance. If you scroll down, I'm sure you will find something of interest to you.
Well, I do believe that is enough links to news articles about the student riots in Iran. It is up to you whether you believe the news you received here (with all the links to clarify) or those who choose not to cover it at all. The silence is deafening...Update: Iran Press News has this article from yesterday concerning the riots. Hat tip to Aryamehr.
There is also another friend of mine, The Bos'un Locker, who wrote Riots in Tehran Universities: 'We Don't Want Nuclear Energy' yesterday. I must admit, I am a little late reporting this. Pray the students not to be harmed and to have success. Thank you.
Category: Iran.
A good friend by the name of 'Winston' has some very good posts over at The Spirit of Man. He has several more, besides that one. Press the 'home' link at the bottom of the post.
I have learned from my good friend Korosh: "Senior student leader Abdollah Momeni said up to 2,000 students had gathered for the protest over the expulsion of some students and the way authorities had been handling critics. He added 20 had been seized by Islamic vigilantes who broke into the dormitories." [continue reading]
This piece comes from the National Review Online:
In Iran, almost every week sees a new protest against the regime. Unfortunately, most of these protests escape the West’s notice, but some are large enough to capture headlines. So it was this week, when Reuters reported that up to 2,000 stone-throwing students clashed with Tehran’s police.You can find this under Window on the Week - 5/26/06. Just scroll down past the first article.
The Daily Briefing on Iran is also a very good site to read everyday. They have an article with pictures in the link provided. If you want to know what is happening in Iran, this is the place I look first.
I tried to look up any news about the riots at the Washington Times, but I could not find any. I may have missed it, so I left a comment. Maybe they will get the message.
I did, however, find some more news over at Roger L. Simon's. He is one of the greatest. I do not know how he does everything he does! Check him out when you get the chance. If you scroll down, I'm sure you will find something of interest to you.
Well, I do believe that is enough links to news articles about the student riots in Iran. It is up to you whether you believe the news you received here (with all the links to clarify) or those who choose not to cover it at all. The silence is deafening...Update: Iran Press News has this article from yesterday concerning the riots. Hat tip to Aryamehr.
There is also another friend of mine, The Bos'un Locker, who wrote Riots in Tehran Universities: 'We Don't Want Nuclear Energy' yesterday. I must admit, I am a little late reporting this. Pray the students not to be harmed and to have success. Thank you.
Category: Iran.
Hayden Confirmed as Director of CIA
U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 109th Congress - 2nd Session as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate
Vote Summary
Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation General Michael V. Hayden, U.S. Air Force, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency )
Vote Number: 160 Vote Date: May 26, 2006, 09:24 AM
Required For Majority: 1/2 Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN1552
Nomination Description: General Michael V. Hayden, United States Air Force, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Vote Counts: YEAs 78 ... NAYs 15 ... Not Voting 7
Vote Summary ... By Senator Name ... By Vote Position ... By Home State
Alphabetical by Senator Name
Akaka (D-HI), Yea ... Alexander (R-TN), Yea ... Allard (R-CO), Yea ... Allen (R-VA), Yea ... Baucus (D-MT), Yea ... Bayh (D-IN), Nay ... Bennett (R-UT), Yea ... Biden (D-DE), Yea ... Bingaman (D-NM), Yea ... Bond (R-MO), Yea ... Boxer (D-CA), Not Voting ... Brownback (R-KS), Yea .. Bunning (R-KY), Yea ... Burns (R-MT), Yea ... Burr (R-NC), Yea ... Byrd (D-WV), Yea ... Cantwell (D-WA), Nay ... Carper (D-DE), Yea ... Chafee (R-RI), Yea ... Chambliss (R-GA), Yea ... Clinton (D-NY), Nay ... Coburn (R-OK), Yea ... Cochran (R-MS), Yea ... Coleman (R-MN), Yea ... Collins (R-ME), Yea ... Conrad (D-ND), Not Voting ... Cornyn (R-TX), Yea ... Craig (R-ID), Yea ... Crapo (R-ID), Yea ... Dayton (D-MN), Nay ... DeMint (R-SC), Yea ... DeWine (R-OH), Yea ... Dodd (D-CT), Nay ... Dole (R-NC), Not Voting ... Domenici (R-NM), Yea ... Dorgan (D-ND), Nay ... Durbin (D-IL), Nay ... Ensign (R-NV), Yea ... Enzi (R-WY), Yea ... Feingold (D-WI), Nay ... Feinstein (D-CA), Yea ... Frist (R-TN), Yea ... Graham (R-SC), Yea ... Grassley (R-IA), Yea ... Gregg (R-NH), Yea ... Hagel (R-NE), Yea ... Harkin (D-IA), Nay ... Hatch (R-UT), Yea ... Hutchison (R-TX), Yea ... Inhofe (R-OK), Yea ... Inouye (D-HI), Not Voting ... Isakson (R-GA), Yea ... Jeffords (I-VT), Yea ... Johnson (D-SD), Yea ... Kennedy (D-MA), Nay ... Kerry (D-MA), Nay ... Kohl (D-WI), Yea ... Kyl (R-AZ), Yea ... Landrieu (D-LA), Yea ... Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea .. Leahy (D-VT), Yea ... Levin (D-MI), Yea ... Lieberman (D-CT), Yea ... Lincoln (D-AR), Yea .. Lott (R-MS), Yea ... Lugar (R-IN), Yea .. Martinez (R-FL), Yea ... McCain (R-AZ), Yea ... McConnell (R-KY), Yea ... Menendez (D-NJ), Nay ... Mikulski (D-MD), Yea ... Murkowski (R-AK), Yea ... Murray (D-WA), Yea ... Nelson (D-FL), Yea ... Nelson (D-NE), Yea ... Obama (D-IL), Nay ... Pryor (D-AR), Yea ... Reed (D-RI), Yea ... Reid (D-NV), Yea ... Roberts (R-KS), Yea ... Rockefeller (D-WV), Not Voting ... Salazar (D-CO), Not Voting ... Santorum (R-PA), Yea ... Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea ... Schumer (D-NY), Yea ... Sessions (R-AL), Yea ... Shelby (R-AL), Yea ... Smith (R-OR), Yea ... Snowe (R-ME), Yea ... Specter (R-PA), Nay ... Stabenow (D-MI), Yea ... Stevens (R-AK), Yea ... Sununu (R-NH), Yea ... Talent (R-MO), Yea ... Thomas (R-WY), Yea ... Thune (R-SD), Not Voting ... Vitter (R-LA), Yea ... Voinovich (R-OH), Yea ... Warner (R-VA), Yea ... Wyden (D-OR), Nay
Technorati tags: NSA .... CIA .... Bush .... Politics .... porter goss .... FISA .... Terrorism .... surveillance.
Vote Summary
Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation General Michael V. Hayden, U.S. Air Force, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency )
Vote Number: 160 Vote Date: May 26, 2006, 09:24 AM
Required For Majority: 1/2 Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN1552
Nomination Description: General Michael V. Hayden, United States Air Force, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Vote Counts: YEAs 78 ... NAYs 15 ... Not Voting 7
Vote Summary ... By Senator Name ... By Vote Position ... By Home State
Alphabetical by Senator Name
Akaka (D-HI), Yea ... Alexander (R-TN), Yea ... Allard (R-CO), Yea ... Allen (R-VA), Yea ... Baucus (D-MT), Yea ... Bayh (D-IN), Nay ... Bennett (R-UT), Yea ... Biden (D-DE), Yea ... Bingaman (D-NM), Yea ... Bond (R-MO), Yea ... Boxer (D-CA), Not Voting ... Brownback (R-KS), Yea .. Bunning (R-KY), Yea ... Burns (R-MT), Yea ... Burr (R-NC), Yea ... Byrd (D-WV), Yea ... Cantwell (D-WA), Nay ... Carper (D-DE), Yea ... Chafee (R-RI), Yea ... Chambliss (R-GA), Yea ... Clinton (D-NY), Nay ... Coburn (R-OK), Yea ... Cochran (R-MS), Yea ... Coleman (R-MN), Yea ... Collins (R-ME), Yea ... Conrad (D-ND), Not Voting ... Cornyn (R-TX), Yea ... Craig (R-ID), Yea ... Crapo (R-ID), Yea ... Dayton (D-MN), Nay ... DeMint (R-SC), Yea ... DeWine (R-OH), Yea ... Dodd (D-CT), Nay ... Dole (R-NC), Not Voting ... Domenici (R-NM), Yea ... Dorgan (D-ND), Nay ... Durbin (D-IL), Nay ... Ensign (R-NV), Yea ... Enzi (R-WY), Yea ... Feingold (D-WI), Nay ... Feinstein (D-CA), Yea ... Frist (R-TN), Yea ... Graham (R-SC), Yea ... Grassley (R-IA), Yea ... Gregg (R-NH), Yea ... Hagel (R-NE), Yea ... Harkin (D-IA), Nay ... Hatch (R-UT), Yea ... Hutchison (R-TX), Yea ... Inhofe (R-OK), Yea ... Inouye (D-HI), Not Voting ... Isakson (R-GA), Yea ... Jeffords (I-VT), Yea ... Johnson (D-SD), Yea ... Kennedy (D-MA), Nay ... Kerry (D-MA), Nay ... Kohl (D-WI), Yea ... Kyl (R-AZ), Yea ... Landrieu (D-LA), Yea ... Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea .. Leahy (D-VT), Yea ... Levin (D-MI), Yea ... Lieberman (D-CT), Yea ... Lincoln (D-AR), Yea .. Lott (R-MS), Yea ... Lugar (R-IN), Yea .. Martinez (R-FL), Yea ... McCain (R-AZ), Yea ... McConnell (R-KY), Yea ... Menendez (D-NJ), Nay ... Mikulski (D-MD), Yea ... Murkowski (R-AK), Yea ... Murray (D-WA), Yea ... Nelson (D-FL), Yea ... Nelson (D-NE), Yea ... Obama (D-IL), Nay ... Pryor (D-AR), Yea ... Reed (D-RI), Yea ... Reid (D-NV), Yea ... Roberts (R-KS), Yea ... Rockefeller (D-WV), Not Voting ... Salazar (D-CO), Not Voting ... Santorum (R-PA), Yea ... Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea ... Schumer (D-NY), Yea ... Sessions (R-AL), Yea ... Shelby (R-AL), Yea ... Smith (R-OR), Yea ... Snowe (R-ME), Yea ... Specter (R-PA), Nay ... Stabenow (D-MI), Yea ... Stevens (R-AK), Yea ... Sununu (R-NH), Yea ... Talent (R-MO), Yea ... Thomas (R-WY), Yea ... Thune (R-SD), Not Voting ... Vitter (R-LA), Yea ... Voinovich (R-OH), Yea ... Warner (R-VA), Yea ... Wyden (D-OR), Nay
Technorati tags: NSA .... CIA .... Bush .... Politics .... porter goss .... FISA .... Terrorism .... surveillance.
Call Islamic Terrorists by Their Right Name: Terrorists
The United Nations held 'World Press Freedom Day 2006'
Category: USA, United Kingdom, Europe, The UN and Iran.
You should always pay your enemies the compliment of taking them seriously. [continue reading]It could not have been said better when it comes to the Iranian government. Governments who claim to love freedom certainly should listen to what they say, because they mean it.
Category: USA, United Kingdom, Europe, The UN and Iran.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
A mad in a whack job letter
from Radioblogger:
You've heard reporting about the letter, you may have even heard snippets read from it. But 99.9% of you haven't or won't take the time to actually read it.And since most of us don't speak farsi, Hugh Hewitt does a reading of the infamous Ahmadinejead letter to President Bush, translated into English. Get thee gone from here, and have a listen.
Schwarzenegger stands up to Controversial Education
Here is a follow-up of a story that originally appeared in the Bosun Locker on May 11th: SB 1437: Bill Barring 'mom' and 'dad from textbooks.
According to World Net Daily, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is standing up to controversial education measures. A spokesman for Schwarzenegger said that the governor will veto at least one of three controversial education measures related to sexual orientation.
The governor opposes SB 1437! This information also appeared on Campaign for Children and Families website and appears to be the governor's legitimate position. I was getting worried that California had gone completely soft. Maybe there is hope for California yet.
However, the governor has not commented on his stand on two other measures, AB 606 and AB 1056:
AB 606 would authorize the California Superintendent of Public Instruction to arbitrarily withhold state funds (around 2/3rds of a school district's budget) from any district that does not adequately promote transsexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality in its school policies. AB 606 repeals the current state law prohibiting transsexual, bisexual, and homosexual curriculum from being forced upon local schools, and authorizes the state Superintendent to develop new curriculum that affirms transsexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality in all its forms. STATUS: June 21 hearing scheduled in the Senate Education Committee.
AB 1056 would spend $250,000 in taxpayer dollars to promote transsexual, bisexual, and homosexual lifestyles under the banner of “tolerance education." STATUS: On 'suspense' file in Senate Education Committee.
Links to more information:
- Link to Wordsmith of Nantucket's article: All Things are Not Created Equal- Nor Should They Be!
- Link to World Net Daily for more information regarding Homosexual-rights measure to remove sex-specific' terms from schoolbooks
- Link to Campaign for Children and Families (CCF) regarding Governor Schwarzenegger's veto of SB 1437: CCF statement theirhier analysis of SB 1437 ... AB 606 ... AB 1056
- Link to California Senate's: Debate on SB 1437
Technorati tags: SB 1437 ... Sexual Indoctrination ... Schwarzenegger ... California ... Michael Savage ... Transsexual ... Jackass Lefti ... PC ... Politically Correct ... Democrat ... Liberal ... Trans-gender ... Pro-family ... Family ... Liberalism ... Mom ... Dad .... Opinion ... Conservative
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Bin Laden's new PR Campaign
It appears that bin Laden is trying to reassert his power and control over al-Qaeda with this latest audio release. Over the past couple of years with bin Laden on the run and living in a cave, others have tried to take control over al-Qaeda Terror Enterprises. Bin Laden's mentor and partner in terror, Ayman al-Zawahri, issued a rebuke to mass murderer, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, for beheading and killing Iraqi citizens, to no avail.
So, the boys (bin Laden, al-Zawahri, and the gang) are trying to regroup their base. Hence, al-Qaeda chieftain, bin Laden is trying to regain his eminence in the global terror network.
There appears to be no honor among psychopathic and homicidal terrorists; al-Zarqawi has stolen the thunder and bin Laden wants it back.
And, it did not really take terrorism experts to come up with this synopsis. Link to News 8, KFMB San Diego, Bin Laden May Be Trying to Reassert Power by Associated Press (AP) Writer Maamoun Youssef , Cairo, Egypt.
Addition Link to my friend, Big Dog's Weblog: Capture or Kill Will Raise Approval Ratings
Technorati Tags: Bin Laden ... America ... al-Zarqawi ... al-Zawahri ... Terror Politics ... al-Qaeda ... Power Struggle ... Global Terror ... Jihad ... Islamofacism ... Psychopath ... Homicidal terrorism ... Iraq ... Opinion
So, the boys (bin Laden, al-Zawahri, and the gang) are trying to regroup their base. Hence, al-Qaeda chieftain, bin Laden is trying to regain his eminence in the global terror network.
There appears to be no honor among psychopathic and homicidal terrorists; al-Zarqawi has stolen the thunder and bin Laden wants it back.
And, it did not really take terrorism experts to come up with this synopsis. Link to News 8, KFMB San Diego, Bin Laden May Be Trying to Reassert Power by Associated Press (AP) Writer Maamoun Youssef , Cairo, Egypt.
Addition Link to my friend, Big Dog's Weblog: Capture or Kill Will Raise Approval Ratings
Technorati Tags: Bin Laden ... America ... al-Zarqawi ... al-Zawahri ... Terror Politics ... al-Qaeda ... Power Struggle ... Global Terror ... Jihad ... Islamofacism ... Psychopath ... Homicidal terrorism ... Iraq ... Opinion
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Pentagon Urges Explanation for China's Military Build-Up
China's military buildup has altered Asia-Pacific power balances and could pose threats to it's neighbors and beyond.
There are many problems with China at this time. If they start a war with Taiwain who we are obligated to defend, we must look far into the future (hopefully). However, China is becoming more beligerent as time goes by.
They have even taken the opportunity to threaten Japan and Australia. This is not the articles, because these incidents happened a while ago. I, however, have not forgotten. Just like I have not forgotten Tianamnen Square...
Find news reports from the Defense Department here at DefenseLink.mil.
Category: China, Taiwan, USA, and Defense News.
There are many problems with China at this time. If they start a war with Taiwain who we are obligated to defend, we must look far into the future (hopefully). However, China is becoming more beligerent as time goes by.
They have even taken the opportunity to threaten Japan and Australia. This is not the articles, because these incidents happened a while ago. I, however, have not forgotten. Just like I have not forgotten Tianamnen Square...
Find news reports from the Defense Department here at DefenseLink.mil.
Category: China, Taiwan, USA, and Defense News.
9th Circus Court Strikes Again
9th "Circus" Court ruled it's OK to put public-school kids through Muslim role-playing exercises...
Our children are not allowed to say the pledge, but are allowed to recite the Quran. Apparently the blackrobes from the 9th Circuit Court has upheld a lower court ruling that:
For the whole story visit Investor.com, Teaching Johnny about Islam
Other stories of the same nature at Stop The ACLU:
Our children are not allowed to say the pledge, but are allowed to recite the Quran. Apparently the blackrobes from the 9th Circuit Court has upheld a lower court ruling that:
- it is OK to put public-school kids through Muslim role-playing exercises
- Reciting aloud Muslim prayers that begin with "In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful . . . ."
- Memorizing the Muslim profession of faith: "Allah is the only true God and Muhammad is his messenger."
- Chanting "Praise be to Allah" in response to teacher prompts.
- Professing as "true" the Muslim belief that "The Holy Quran is God's word."
- Giving up candy and TV to demonstrate Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.
- Designing prayer rugs, taking an Arabic name and essentially "becoming a Muslim" for two full weeks.
Where the judge saw instructive role-playing with a secular purpose, the Thomas More Law Center, a Christian advocacy group, sees religious indoctrination because Islam was the sole topic of instruction for three weeks. The group’s president and chief counsel, Richard Thompson, said, “It shows a double standard, one for the Christians and one for the other religions.” Source: NSBA Legal ClipsRemember that in 2002, the 9th Circuit Court objected to the mention of "God" in school. Have the black robes indicated that it is OK for students to role-play Muslims during a course of instruction in world history? Is that confusing or what?
For the whole story visit Investor.com, Teaching Johnny about Islam
Other stories of the same nature at Stop The ACLU:
- Muslim Student and ACLU Fight Graduation Prayer
- The ACLU's Double Standards on Church and State
- ADL claims high schools censoring Christians
Technorati Tags: Double Standards ... 9th Circuit ... 9th Circus ... Islam ... Muslim ... Eklund v. Byron ... Chrisitan ... Religion ... School Religion ... School Instruction ... Religious Indoctrination ... Islamic ... Islamic Teaching ... California ... Courts ... Law ... School Board ... Arabic
Congressman Jefferson caught on tape taking bribes
Congressman William Jefferson has been caught allegedly accepting money as a bribe. Ninety thousand dollars were found in his refrigerator, wrapped in tin foil packs of $10,000. Shame on you! (He is a Democrat from La. Hmm...)
Lloyd Bentsen Dead at 85
Bill Clinton's former Treasury Secretary Lloyd Millard Bentsen, Jr. died earlier today at the age of 85. He was also a former senator (from 1970-1993 when he was tapped for the job of treasury secretary), and he ran unsuccessfully for vice president in 1988. He was a Texan Democrat, and they loved him. Those who did not love him, at least they respected him.
Here at the Bosun Locker and Knickerbocker News, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones who have suffered this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have much to proud of and remember. God bless him, and may he now rest in peace.
Here at the Bosun Locker and Knickerbocker News, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones who have suffered this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have much to proud of and remember. God bless him, and may he now rest in peace.
Poll Declares French Rudest, Most Boring
Well. I, for one, am not surprised! However I am surprised that Germany came in second. Most of the German people I know are charming and sweet. Hmm...
I wouldn't be too concerned about this however. They also said that America has the worst food. Where did they eat? Of course if you go to McDonald's, I would agree. (I prefer Burger King. lol) We have every type of food available to man in this country! I don't think they seriously looked for a decent restaurant.
I wouldn't be too concerned about this however. They also said that America has the worst food. Where did they eat? Of course if you go to McDonald's, I would agree. (I prefer Burger King. lol) We have every type of food available to man in this country! I don't think they seriously looked for a decent restaurant.
Veterans' Info Stolen; 26.5 million vets' personal data
Federal Government Veterans Administration Security Alert
Apparently a computer disk with information on U.S. veterans stolen from home of Veterans Affairs analyst. 26.5 million vets' social security numbers, dates of birth, and other identity theft capable information has been stolen. Now, our federal government officals are scratching their heads on what to do. Quite frankly, every veteran should be disturbed about this gross compromise of ripe identity theft information.
Veterans Affairs appears to be happy that individual medical record information has been protected. However, Veterans Affairs is not being proactive to take additional steps regarding this potentially credit ruining information floating around unsecure.
Personally, I do not give a damn about my health record information being compromised. My financial health is more important. Veterans and their families financial health is at stake.
The Veterans Administration should immediately volunteer to pay for credit protection services offered by the big three consumer credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Exisiting laws indicate that you, the consumer, have the right to ask that nationwide consumer reporting agencies place “fraud alerts” in your file to let potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity theft. A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. It also may delay your ability to obtain credit, a small price to pay for the damage it will cause if the information falls into the wrong hands. Individually, one may place a fraud alert in ones file by calling just one of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies. As soon as that agency processes ones fraud alert, it will notify the other two, which then also must place fraud alerts in ones file.
Currently, an extended alert stays in your file for seven years. To place either the 90 day or seven year alert, a consumer reporting agency will require you to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which may include your Social Security number. If you ask for an extended alert, you will have to provide an identity theft report.
The identity theft report includes a copy of a report you have filed with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, and additional information a consumer reporting agency may require you to submit.
For more detailed information about the identity theft report, visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft
The Federal government should pay for credit protection service because thier employees were responsible for the SNAFU.
Veterans Affairs, do not white wash this problem or hid behind some sleigh of hands or political hand ringing. This blogger demands on behalf of 26.5 million veterans that Veterans Affairs steps up to plate immediately and pay for additional credit protection for the the affected veterans.
Here is the article: Veterans' Info Stolen 26.5 million vets' personal data
Here is the raw data from the VA: Notification Letter (pdf)
FirstGov Veterans Affairs Information: Latest Information on the Veterans Affairs Data Security SNAFU
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Veterans Affairs ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... VA ... Social Security ... Identity Theft ... Veterans ... Consumer Credit ... Equifax ... Money ... TransUnion ... Experian ... Fraud Alert... Compromise ... Unlawful ... SNAFU ... Public ... Opinion
Apparently a computer disk with information on U.S. veterans stolen from home of Veterans Affairs analyst. 26.5 million vets' social security numbers, dates of birth, and other identity theft capable information has been stolen. Now, our federal government officals are scratching their heads on what to do. Quite frankly, every veteran should be disturbed about this gross compromise of ripe identity theft information.
Veterans Affairs appears to be happy that individual medical record information has been protected. However, Veterans Affairs is not being proactive to take additional steps regarding this potentially credit ruining information floating around unsecure.
Personally, I do not give a damn about my health record information being compromised. My financial health is more important. Veterans and their families financial health is at stake.
The Veterans Administration should immediately volunteer to pay for credit protection services offered by the big three consumer credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Exisiting laws indicate that you, the consumer, have the right to ask that nationwide consumer reporting agencies place “fraud alerts” in your file to let potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity theft. A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. It also may delay your ability to obtain credit, a small price to pay for the damage it will cause if the information falls into the wrong hands. Individually, one may place a fraud alert in ones file by calling just one of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies. As soon as that agency processes ones fraud alert, it will notify the other two, which then also must place fraud alerts in ones file.
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com
- Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com
Currently, an extended alert stays in your file for seven years. To place either the 90 day or seven year alert, a consumer reporting agency will require you to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which may include your Social Security number. If you ask for an extended alert, you will have to provide an identity theft report.
The identity theft report includes a copy of a report you have filed with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, and additional information a consumer reporting agency may require you to submit.
For more detailed information about the identity theft report, visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft
The Federal government should pay for credit protection service because thier employees were responsible for the SNAFU.
Veterans Affairs, do not white wash this problem or hid behind some sleigh of hands or political hand ringing. This blogger demands on behalf of 26.5 million veterans that Veterans Affairs steps up to plate immediately and pay for additional credit protection for the the affected veterans.
Here is the article: Veterans' Info Stolen 26.5 million vets' personal data
Here is the raw data from the VA: Notification Letter (pdf)
FirstGov Veterans Affairs Information: Latest Information on the Veterans Affairs Data Security SNAFU
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Veterans Affairs ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... VA ... Social Security ... Identity Theft ... Veterans ... Consumer Credit ... Equifax ... Money ... TransUnion ... Experian ... Fraud Alert... Compromise ... Unlawful ... SNAFU ... Public ... Opinion
Monday, May 22, 2006
HAMAS v Police
So. The reason the terrorists, er, 'insurgents', are murdering innocent Iraqis is because of the Americans. Do I have my (paraonoid) facts correct? So explain to me why HAMAS is murdering PALASTINIAN police? Hmm...
Category: News.
Category: News.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
UN spins talks with Aung San Suu Kyi
The UN has visited Aung San Suu Kyi who has been under house arrest for desiring democracy. However, the
She has spent the past 10 out of 17 years in and out of jail and house arrest in her home country of Myanmar. She is the president of the National League for Democracy. This party has been banned by the government. She was supposed to be freed over a year ago. So much for the UN's pressure...
Category: Burma and the UN.
Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari...but the U.N. statement offered no details on their talks. [continue reading]Then they claim the UN has been the loudest voice to free Aung San Suu Kyi! I have never heard it.
She has spent the past 10 out of 17 years in and out of jail and house arrest in her home country of Myanmar. She is the president of the National League for Democracy. This party has been banned by the government. She was supposed to be freed over a year ago. So much for the UN's pressure...
Category: Burma and the UN.
Mexico Works to Bar Non-Natives From Jobs
Un-freakin'-believable.
As Mexico presses the United States to grant unrestricted citizenship to millions of illegal Mexicans and threatens to sue the United States government for enforcing national sovereignty, the Mexican Constitution places strict limitations on immigrants to its own country. They have taken on the liberalism philosophy of "do as I say, not as I do."
In brief, the Mexican Constitution states that:
Un-freakin'-believable
“I Want My Country Back.” You can go too 760 KFBM AM San Diego talkshow host Rick Robert's famous blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to post Rick's rant on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to it, CLICK HERE. You can also sign our ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Immigration ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... Mexican Constitution ... Social Security ... Benefits ... Border ... Security ... Border Country ... Money ... Welfare ... Pundit ... State Department ... Senate ... Immigration ... Unlawful ... Benefits ... Defeated ... Public ... Opinion
As Mexico presses the United States to grant unrestricted citizenship to millions of illegal Mexicans and threatens to sue the United States government for enforcing national sovereignty, the Mexican Constitution places strict limitations on immigrants to its own country. They have taken on the liberalism philosophy of "do as I say, not as I do."
In brief, the Mexican Constitution states that:
- Immigrants and foreign visitors are banned from public political discourse.
- Immigrants and foreigners are denied certain basic property rights.
- Immigrants are denied equal employment rights.
- Immigrants and naturalized citizens will never be treated as real Mexican citizens.
- Immigrants and naturalized citizens are not to be trusted in public service.
- Immigrants and naturalized citizens may never become members of the clergy.
- Private citizens may make citizens arrests of lawbreakers (i.e., illegal immigrants) and hand them to the authorities.
- Immigrants may be expelled from Mexico for any reason and without due process.
Un-freakin'-believable
“I Want My Country Back.” You can go too 760 KFBM AM San Diego talkshow host Rick Robert's famous blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to post Rick's rant on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to it, CLICK HERE. You can also sign our ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Immigration ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... Mexican Constitution ... Social Security ... Benefits ... Border ... Security ... Border Country ... Money ... Welfare ... Pundit ... State Department ... Senate ... Immigration ... Unlawful ... Benefits ... Defeated ... Public ... Opinion
APTN to open office in North Korea
After four years of negotiations, AP will be opening a television news office in North Korea. [story here]
Opinion: After what happened with Eason Jordan, I have little faith in this arrangement.
Category: North Korea.
Opinion: After what happened with Eason Jordan, I have little faith in this arrangement.
Category: North Korea.
CAIR gets it wrong, again
Friday, two Saudi Arabian men were arrested for boarding a school bus filled with children in Florida. Both of them have been in this country less than six months on student visas.
Opinion: When will he learn...we are at war. Maybe he already knows, and he helped them to get here? Hmm...
Mana Saleh Almanajam, 23, and Shaker Mohsen Alsidran, 20, were charged with misdemeanor trespassing and were jailed after a judge said Saturday she wanted more background information on them. A hearing was scheduled Tuesday. [continue reading]Ahmed Bedier, director of the Central Florida Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), is criticizing the decision to detain, and he claims this is racist.
Opinion: When will he learn...we are at war. Maybe he already knows, and he helped them to get here? Hmm...
Black man guns down 4 in Church, kidnaps wife
In Baton Rouge, La, Sunday, Anthony Bell, 25, allegedly gunned down four of his in-laws during a Church held by his wife's Mother, Pastor Claudia Brown of The Ministry of Jesus Christ Church, was wounded and is in serious condition at a hospital.
Erica Bell, his wife, was found murdered at an apartment complex, possibly his apartment. The others killed were Anthony's in-laws: Erica Bell's grandparents, Leonard Howard, 78, and Gloria Howard, 72; her great aunt, Deloris McGrew, 68; and a cousin Darlene Mills, 47. [story here]
Editor's Note: Let us pray for the three children that have been left behind, parentless. Let us also pray for the members of the Church who have lost their friends, and also for peace after the trauma they have experienced.
Erica Bell, his wife, was found murdered at an apartment complex, possibly his apartment. The others killed were Anthony's in-laws: Erica Bell's grandparents, Leonard Howard, 78, and Gloria Howard, 72; her great aunt, Deloris McGrew, 68; and a cousin Darlene Mills, 47. [story here]
Editor's Note: Let us pray for the three children that have been left behind, parentless. Let us also pray for the members of the Church who have lost their friends, and also for peace after the trauma they have experienced.
Senate gives Illegals Social Security Benefits
According to the United States Senate, the answer is "YES!"
"ILLEGALS GRANTED SOCIAL SECURITY"
Dear Readers of the Bosun's Blogs: Below is an urgent message from NewsMax.com and Center for Individual Freedom. Please take a few moments to read this important post. Request that you give this the widest dissemination!! Thank you, Bosun
Ths front-page headline in Friday's Washington Times according to Times reporter Charlie Hurt: "The Senate voted yesterday to allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal employment -- even if the job was obtained through forged or stolen documents."
This is what happened...After the vote, Senator Ensign stated: "There was a felony they were committing, and now they can't be prosecuted. That sounds like amnesty to me... It just boggles the mind how people could be against this amendment."As the Senate continued to debate immigration reform legislation this week, Senator John Ensign offered an amendment that would have prevented illegal aliens who engaged in unlawful activity within the Social Security system from receiving benefits. The Senate effectively DEFEATED the Ensign amendment by a vote of 50-49 !
Senator Ensign is right!
Idiocy like this is just the very reason why we MUST bombard Senate and House fax machines with letters demanding NO REWARDS and NO AMNESTY for illegal aliens -- Period!
The American people overwhelmingly want secure borders first!
Let's drive that message home. Use the hyperlink below to send your URGENT Blast Faxes to President Bush and the Republican and Democrat leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Tell them that President Bush's speech to the American people on Monday evening is not a free ticket for THEM to pull the wool over our eyes and move full speed ahead with plans to grant amnesty to more than 10 million illegal aliens while our backs are turned and our attention is diverted. Demand that they suspend debate on any and all amnesty provisions once and for all.
Demand they focus solely on securing the border!
Hundreds have requested a transcript of Rick Roberts' rant, “I Want My Country Back.” You can go too Rick's blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to post Rick's rant on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to it, CLICK HERE. You can also sign our ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
Technorati Tags: Bush ... America ... Immigration ... Illegal ... Politics ... Legislators ... Economy ... Social Security ... Benefits ... Border ... Security ... Border Country ... Money ... Welfare ... Pundit ... State Department ... Senate ... Immigration ... Unlawful ... Punjab ... Benefits ... Defeated ... Public ... OpinionModern Slave Trade in the Middle East
Two Christian men - one an American evangelist and the other a Pakistani missionary - have exposed a senior member of an al-Qaeda-linked group behind a trade in Christian children by going undercover and secretly filming their purchase of 20 boys, age six to 12.
According to a World Net Daily article, the missionaries while working undercover, made arrangements with a senior official in Jama'at-Ud-Da'Awah, an Islamic organization the WND claimed that the U.S. State Department has indirectly linked to al-Qaeda. Jama'at-Ud-Da'Awah has protested thos claims that they are linked indirectly to terrorism. Follow the story with this link to the World Net Daily article: Arab Slave Trade
According to a World Net Daily article, the missionaries while working undercover, made arrangements with a senior official in Jama'at-Ud-Da'Awah, an Islamic organization the WND claimed that the U.S. State Department has indirectly linked to al-Qaeda. Jama'at-Ud-Da'Awah has protested thos claims that they are linked indirectly to terrorism. Follow the story with this link to the World Net Daily article: Arab Slave Trade
More child exploitation and slavery....
Another child exploitation article appear last week in Christain News Service (CNS); Muslims Kidnap,Force Christian Girls to Convert. The article described a centuries old brutal trade that is taking on new dimensions. The article indicated that young Christian girls in Zanzibar are being abducted, forced to convert to Islam and, in some cases, shipped to parts of the Islamic world. Follow the link to this heartbreaking story: Kidnaped Christians
For additional information regarding Child Slavery and other human interest issues, you may what to visit Corry Stuart.Com.
Additional Links:
Another child exploitation article appear last week in Christain News Service (CNS); Muslims Kidnap,Force Christian Girls to Convert. The article described a centuries old brutal trade that is taking on new dimensions. The article indicated that young Christian girls in Zanzibar are being abducted, forced to convert to Islam and, in some cases, shipped to parts of the Islamic world. Follow the link to this heartbreaking story: Kidnaped Christians
For additional information regarding Child Slavery and other human interest issues, you may what to visit Corry Stuart.Com.
Additional Links:
- Call to Bush: Help free the slaves
- Radical Islam Finds Fertile Ground on African Island
- Black slaves freed from Arab masters
- U.S.: Islamist carnage in Sudan 'genocide'
- 85 boy slaves freed in Sudan
- Congressman to be arrested over Sudan
- 56 boy slaves freed in Sudan
- Hundreds of slaves freed in Sudan
Technorati Tags: Exploitation ... Sudan ... Zanzibar ... Islam ... al-Qaeda ... Muslim ... Chrisitan ... Slaver ... Slave Trader ... Child ... Childern ... Terror ... Islamic ... Pakistan ... Khan ... State Department ... Terrorist ... Musharraf ... Street beggars ... Punjab ... Dar-es-salaam ... Hamdan ... Sharia ... Arabic
Friday, May 19, 2006
Guard to Assume Title 32 Mission at U.S.- Mexico Border in June
May 19, 2006 - According to Lieutenant General H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief, the Guard can meet its overseas obligations, respond to domestic crises and still perform a new role at the country's border with Mexico.
The briefing followed President Bush's primetime border security speech Monday, where he said the country must first secure its borders with the help of some 6,000 National Guard personnel.
Today, Lieutenant General Blum explained that the Guard will operate under Title 32 duty - funded by the federal government, but, under command of border state governors. The border missions would likely be part of Guard annual training (AT).
According to a press briefing today on Fox News, the President indicated that he wants security enhanced with high-tech fencing around urban areas, new patrol roads, motion sensors and other technological advances, all of which could be achieved using the National Guard.
Other news reports indicated that President Bush has proposed to double the number of Border Patrol personnel by the end of 2008.
Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff stated that the goal in the enhanced border security program is not "arrest and remove" but to deter illegal immigration through regulation and tracking of those who cross the border. Secretary Chertoff also wants to alleviate the pressure on Border Patrol officials.
Apparently the National Guard's mission will include surveillance and reconnaissance, engineering support, transportation support, logistics support, vehicle dismantling, medical support, barrier and infrastructure construction, road building and linguistics support. President Bush reiterated in the press briefing that the Guard will probably not be involved in apprehensions and pro-active law enforcement measures.
The President's plan has become a little clearer that what was first unveiled during the President's primetime border security speech. President Bush must have listened to the criticism that hit the airwaves and blogosphere after the primetime conference and has since enhanced his plan.
One can only hope that the use of the National Guard as outlined above will help with the problems on the U.S. - Mexico border.
Bosun's suggestion: Please visit Big Dogs Weblog for a very interesting illegal smuggling story about a concerned citizen's report that allowed police to stop a truck sneaking 91 Illegals into the country..... El Sneako In The El Trucko Open Trackback
Technorati tags: NGAUS, National Guard, Border Contriol , President Bush, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Smuggling, Homeland Security, Border Security, Title 32 Mission
Teddy was right
Teddy Roosevelt, not Teddy Kennedy!!!!!!!
We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile. We have room for but one language here and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as dwellers in a pollyglot [sic] boarding house; and we have room for but one, soul [sic] loyalty, and that loyalty is to the American people. Source: Quotes and Notes, US History, Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Richard Hurd, January 3, 1919
Shame on Harry Reid and the rest of the social pundits for their comments and positions on American culture, values, and ethics. Our America is being corrupted by the socialist values of the new age leftists. On English being our national language, Social Democrats said........
the proposal would curtail rights established by an executive order President Clinton issued to extend language assistance to individuals not proficient in English. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada went further. "I really believe this amendment is racist. I think it's directed basically to people who speak Spanish." It should be noted that at the end of the day, the proposal passed, 58-39, leaving the outcome of the symbolic debate uncertain. Source Fox News: Habla Ingles? Senate votes on U.S. languageThis is what you get when metro males take over and subvert our America culture.
Other stories from Fox News regarding Borders, Language, and Culture:
- Mexico, Latin American Nations Slam U.S. Border Fence Proposal
- Bush Continues Push for 'Fair and Effective' Immigration Laws
- Report: Border Patrol Demoralized by Lack of Smuggling Prosecutions
- Spanish Version of 'Star-Spangled Banner' Draws Protests
- Bush: National Anthem Should Be Sung in English
- Bush Requests $1.9B to Increase Border Security
- Hundreds of Pro-Immigrant Advocates Lobby Congress
- Bush Defends Border Security Proposal
- Raw Data: Comparison of House, Senate Immigration Bills
It's all about the money
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY was re-posted with permission from Rick Roberts, 760 KFMB AM radio, San Diego, California. For further information about Rick or his points of view, please visit Rick's Blog at 760 KFMB.
DISCLAIMER: The different points of views on the Rick Roberts Blog are not supported nor do they reflect the views and beliefs of the Bosun Locker or any entity affiliated with the Bosun Locker.
Email: rickroberts@kfmb.com
Phone: 1-800-760-KFMB (1-800-760-5362)
Mon-Fri, 6am to 10am, PST.
Newsletter: Sign up for Rick's Newsletter
Hundreds of you have requested a transcript of Rick Roberts' rant, “I Want My Country Back.” You can go too Rick's blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to post Rick's rant on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to it, CLICK HERE. You can also sign our ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
By Rick Roberts
May 18th, 2006
Well here’s a new twist on illegal immigration…
Mexico says it will sue us if we don’t protect our border the way they want.
Here’s the article:
Here is the simple truth. Mexico doesn’t want the border shut down in any way because it would hurt their economy!
Did you know that Mexico makes almost as much money on illegal immigration than on their oil exports?
They do make more on illegals than on exports of Made in Mexico goods.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BROUGHT IN 13 BILLION DOLLARS FOR MEXICO IN 2003!!!
20 BILLION DOLLARS IN 2006!!!
Just off of illegals taking money out of America’s economy and sending it back to Mexico.
So the larger the number of illegals pulling from our economy…the better for Mexico.
So I’m not surprised that Mexico’s President is all for illegals…here is my question…why is President Bush selling out the country for Mexico’s economy?
Technorati tags: Bush, President, America, Rick Roberts, immigration, Dollar, political, illegal, Liberal, Conservative, 760 KFMB, Politics, Government, pundit, Minutemen, President Fox, Border, National Guard, Band-Aid solution, Peso, Money, Economics
DISCLAIMER: The different points of views on the Rick Roberts Blog are not supported nor do they reflect the views and beliefs of the Bosun Locker or any entity affiliated with the Bosun Locker.
Email: rickroberts@kfmb.comPhone: 1-800-760-KFMB (1-800-760-5362)
Mon-Fri, 6am to 10am, PST.
Newsletter: Sign up for Rick's Newsletter
Hundreds of you have requested a transcript of Rick Roberts' rant, “I Want My Country Back.” You can go too Rick's blog entry by CLICKING HERE. Feel free to post Rick's rant on every blog you read, and e-mail it to every friend you have. If you would like to listen to it, CLICK HERE. You can also sign our ONLINE PETITION and get a sticker by CLICKING HERE
By Rick Roberts
May 18th, 2006
Well here’s a new twist on illegal immigration…
Mexico says it will sue us if we don’t protect our border the way they want.
Here’s the article:
Now doesn’t this strike you as funny…that Mexico is worried about the rights and health of people that they don’t give a crap about when they are in Mexico.MEXICO THREATENS SUITS OVER GUARD PATROLS
By Marina Montemayor, Associated Press writerMexico said Tuesday that it would file lawsuits in U.S. courts if National Guard troops on the border become directly involved in detaining migrants.
Mexican border officials also said they worried that sending troops to heavily trafficked regions would push illegal migrants into more perilous areas of the U.S.-Mexican border to avoid detection.
President Bush announced Monday that he would send 6,000 National Guard troops to the 2,000-mile border, but they would provide intelligence and surveillance support to border patrol agents, not catch and detain illegal immigrants.
“If there is a real wave of rights abuses, if we see the National Guard starting to directly participate in detaining people … we would immediately start filing lawsuits through our consulates,” foreign secretary Luis Ernesto derbies told a Mexico City radio station. He did not offer further details.
Mexican officials worry the crackdown will lead to more deaths. Since Washington toughened security in Texas and California in 1994, migrants have flooded Arizona’s hard-to-patrol desert and deaths have spiked. Migrant groups estimate 500 people died trying to cross the border in 2005. The border patrol reported 473 deaths in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.
Here is the simple truth. Mexico doesn’t want the border shut down in any way because it would hurt their economy!
Did you know that Mexico makes almost as much money on illegal immigration than on their oil exports?
They do make more on illegals than on exports of Made in Mexico goods.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BROUGHT IN 13 BILLION DOLLARS FOR MEXICO IN 2003!!!
20 BILLION DOLLARS IN 2006!!!
Just off of illegals taking money out of America’s economy and sending it back to Mexico.
So the larger the number of illegals pulling from our economy…the better for Mexico.
So I’m not surprised that Mexico’s President is all for illegals…here is my question…why is President Bush selling out the country for Mexico’s economy?
Technorati tags: Bush, President, America, Rick Roberts, immigration, Dollar, political, illegal, Liberal, Conservative, 760 KFMB, Politics, Government, pundit, Minutemen, President Fox, Border, National Guard, Band-Aid solution, Peso, Money, Economics
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Latin American Circus in Vienna
Photo Credit: Vroma -Circus Maximus
Articles re-posted from TCS Daily are done so by previously arranged permission from the editor.
DISCLAIMER: The different points of views on the op-ed by Dr. Krause are not supported nor do they reflect the views and beliefs of the Bosun Locker or any entity affiliated with the Bosun Locker.
TCS Daily Op-ed By Martin Krause : BIO : 18 May 2006
The announcement should read: "Come and see the most spectacular show ever... the world famous Latin American Circus arriving in Vienna!"
The opportunity was the Summit meeting in Austria of the presidents and prime ministers of Mercosur and the European Union countries. They were supposed to discuss how to move on free trade negotiations between the two trade blocs. (Such has been the European move to counterbalance the FTAA initiative promoted by the US in the region.)
But it turned out not even the photo opportunity went as planned and there was not much else to show for the meeting itself.
The reason for this has to do with the shameful mess Latin America is in now, particularly South America, thanks to the initiative of Venezuelan Hugo Chávez and his attempts to recruit new allies for his folkloric "revolution".
Chávez has been meddling in the internal and bilateral affairs of South American countries. His ambassador to Peru had to be recalled by request of the Peruvian government for his intervention in the Peruvian presidential electoral campaign in favor of Ollanta Humala, another former military officer with a violent past, turned into "redeemer of the indigenous traditions" of Latin America.
He was more successful with his support of the recently elected Bolivian president and former coca-leader Evo Morales, and has encouraged him to play hardball with the oil and gas companies by "nationalizing" Bolivian natural resources. But those companies are not the usual multinationals that prompt the cries of "Yankees go home" or other so-called representatives of American or European imperialism. He's picking on Brazil's state-owned Petrobras, the largest producer in his country.
Morales, echoing Chávez's lousy mouth, claimed the Brazilian company "violated the rule of law", profited from "illegal contracts", and even with "smuggling". The usually friendly relations between Bolivia and Brazil are now a matter of grave concern in the region. All the graver because Brazilian president Lula da Silva was not too far from a leftist ideology, himself -- at least during his years before he came to power.
Also present in Vienna was the intransigent position of Argentina towards Uruguay with regard to the construction of two paper mills on the Uruguayan side of the river the two countries share as a border. Argentine president Néstor Kirchner clearly avoided Uruguayan president Tabaré Vázquez, again, even though both supposedly come from the same left of center side of the political spectrum.
Chávez is also confronted with right-of-center Colombian president Álvaro Uribe and Vicente Fox of Mexico. He already managed to disturb and spoil the last FTAA "Summit of the Americas" in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in November 2005. Behind his posturing though, it comes out clearly his disdain and rejection of anything that gets closer to free trade, markets or "private sector".
But his political maneuvering may come back to haunt him. So far, what this radicalization is achieving is something unexpected a few years before: moderate Latin American center-left governments are becoming increasingly pro-market and pro-US. The socialist Chilean president Michelle Bachelet continues and deepens the reforms of past decades, they are now even considering the privatization of jails. The socialist Uruguayan president is asking for bilateral trade negotiations with the US.
Argentina's opposition to the paper mills has destroyed the Mercosur and has left the FTAA as the only viable alternative which some countries have started to follow on their own.
The shameful show is not only scaring European leaders, but Latin Americans as well.
Dr. Martin Krause is the Professor of Economics and Dean of ESEADE Business School in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you are a producer or reporter who is interested in receiving more information about this article or the author, please email your request to interview@tcsdaily.com
Technorati tags: Hugo Chavez, Bolivarian, Argentina, European Leaders, Bolivarian, President Bush, Socialist , Dictators, Chile, imperialist aggression, anti-globalization , FTAA, Vincente Fox, Uribe, Vienna, Latin America, Michelle Bachlet, Columbia, anti-American, pro-American
Articles re-posted from TCS Daily are done so by previously arranged permission from the editor.DISCLAIMER: The different points of views on the op-ed by Dr. Krause are not supported nor do they reflect the views and beliefs of the Bosun Locker or any entity affiliated with the Bosun Locker.
TCS Daily Op-ed By Martin Krause : BIO : 18 May 2006
The announcement should read: "Come and see the most spectacular show ever... the world famous Latin American Circus arriving in Vienna!"
The opportunity was the Summit meeting in Austria of the presidents and prime ministers of Mercosur and the European Union countries. They were supposed to discuss how to move on free trade negotiations between the two trade blocs. (Such has been the European move to counterbalance the FTAA initiative promoted by the US in the region.)
But it turned out not even the photo opportunity went as planned and there was not much else to show for the meeting itself.
The reason for this has to do with the shameful mess Latin America is in now, particularly South America, thanks to the initiative of Venezuelan Hugo Chávez and his attempts to recruit new allies for his folkloric "revolution".
Chávez has been meddling in the internal and bilateral affairs of South American countries. His ambassador to Peru had to be recalled by request of the Peruvian government for his intervention in the Peruvian presidential electoral campaign in favor of Ollanta Humala, another former military officer with a violent past, turned into "redeemer of the indigenous traditions" of Latin America.
He was more successful with his support of the recently elected Bolivian president and former coca-leader Evo Morales, and has encouraged him to play hardball with the oil and gas companies by "nationalizing" Bolivian natural resources. But those companies are not the usual multinationals that prompt the cries of "Yankees go home" or other so-called representatives of American or European imperialism. He's picking on Brazil's state-owned Petrobras, the largest producer in his country.
Morales, echoing Chávez's lousy mouth, claimed the Brazilian company "violated the rule of law", profited from "illegal contracts", and even with "smuggling". The usually friendly relations between Bolivia and Brazil are now a matter of grave concern in the region. All the graver because Brazilian president Lula da Silva was not too far from a leftist ideology, himself -- at least during his years before he came to power.
Also present in Vienna was the intransigent position of Argentina towards Uruguay with regard to the construction of two paper mills on the Uruguayan side of the river the two countries share as a border. Argentine president Néstor Kirchner clearly avoided Uruguayan president Tabaré Vázquez, again, even though both supposedly come from the same left of center side of the political spectrum.
Chávez is also confronted with right-of-center Colombian president Álvaro Uribe and Vicente Fox of Mexico. He already managed to disturb and spoil the last FTAA "Summit of the Americas" in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in November 2005. Behind his posturing though, it comes out clearly his disdain and rejection of anything that gets closer to free trade, markets or "private sector".
But his political maneuvering may come back to haunt him. So far, what this radicalization is achieving is something unexpected a few years before: moderate Latin American center-left governments are becoming increasingly pro-market and pro-US. The socialist Chilean president Michelle Bachelet continues and deepens the reforms of past decades, they are now even considering the privatization of jails. The socialist Uruguayan president is asking for bilateral trade negotiations with the US.
Argentina's opposition to the paper mills has destroyed the Mercosur and has left the FTAA as the only viable alternative which some countries have started to follow on their own.
The shameful show is not only scaring European leaders, but Latin Americans as well.
Dr. Martin Krause is the Professor of Economics and Dean of ESEADE Business School in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you are a producer or reporter who is interested in receiving more information about this article or the author, please email your request to interview@tcsdaily.com
Technorati tags: Hugo Chavez, Bolivarian, Argentina, European Leaders, Bolivarian, President Bush, Socialist , Dictators, Chile, imperialist aggression, anti-globalization , FTAA, Vincente Fox, Uribe, Vienna, Latin America, Michelle Bachlet, Columbia, anti-American, pro-American
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