My America

CPAC inspires!

2010-02-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

CPAC--love it! So nice to hear positive, patriotic, proud-to-be-American, clean, upright, outstanding, can-do attitudes...mixed with optimism, willingness to make hard choices, but cheerful, and aware of America's great heritage, knowledgable of what makes it great, and decent in heart people! click on the vid of Marco Rubio in this article, so worth it!

CPAC Article

Did I mention intelligent, articulate, inspiring, and funny? Seriously click on the video in this otherwise snoozer article. There is a new breed of poltician we are getting and it is very encouraging! Find CPAC vids anywhere you can and enjoy.

It's about not changing America, but fixing it. Because America is unique in the world and in the world's history. Boat-loads of Americans are not arriving on the shores of other countries. They come here. Some wonder if the light of freedom that America represents is fading. It is not. The light shines on through patriots like Marco Rubio and others rising to defend the dream that is...the Great United States of America.

Global Warming Cooling

2010-02-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Seems "weather stations" were placed next to heating vents, incinerators, or other heat sources. Does The Left ever get tired of lying? Silly question, I know...although the UN's lead warming "scientist" admits the earth has been cooling since 1995, saying he "lost" the data that showed warming when asked for it...

See link: "Scientists Say

Even as other countries are dropping corrosive and failing "green" laws, the US media ignores the scams and US legislators still seek to implement similar fraudulent programs. More government help to transfer wealth from America's families to mega-billion "green" companies like Gore's. Smart liberals!

The trick of Socialism/Marxism is to transfer wealth from the poor to the rich via government. You saw this in two “bailout” bills: money transferred from working Americans to the ultra-rich…bankers, unions, politicians, etc. Like it? Then vote liberals in again this fall!

Want a different option? The reverse is a free, capitalist society where the rich hire (transfer wealth to) the poor in hopes of profit. The poor then invest and enter the middle class and can then become wealthy themselves. This has been the American success story. I love it! Socialism promises equality and lies. Freedom actually works. Fight for it. It will prevail

Why the 'Sarah Palins' stir Americans

2010-02-13T22:51:00.001-08:00

"In line with the basic rule that few things are more helpful to a political career than catastrophic failure, Ben Bernanke was confirmed by Senate vote for four more years as chairman of the US Federal Reserve System" says a blog.

Contrast this with Sarah Palin: worked from the ground up to reform Alaskan politics, successfully advanced thru multiple executive offices, simultaneously brokered the largest fuel deal in our time, and breathed life into the floundering McCain campaign. She merely twitters a sentence and liberal bills fall to the floor and democrats tremble.

She loves and honors America, has Christian family values, and combines American exceptionalism with a down-to-earth warmth. A champion of the disadvantaged, she nutures a special needs boy and an errant teenage daughter while championing political reform on the largest TV news network.

THEREFORE she must be marginalized ASAP! Radical America-haters with no real-world experience and criminal careers must rule over us instead. Now that is thick, sticky irony!

But it is common, hard-working common-sense Americans that overcome the liberty-wrecking, ivory-tower psuedo-intellectuals favored in politics, and keep us on course and make America work. God bless the REAL Americans--I love this country!

Check this vid! Palin v. Obama

Andrew Klaven

2010-02-06T22:25:00.000-08:00

Love this guy's style, check out his other vids!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t1gv1zeMkY

PJTV's Andrew Klavan: Find God in 60 Days

It doesn't have to be this way

2010-01-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

Downsizing, enslaved by debt, going smaller, living with less, sacrificing your dreams, less energy, higher costs, expecting government to provide a minimum lifestyle. Can you believe this is what our current crop of politicians actually promises us???

This is not the America we love, the one that set itself apart from the world. Take 10 minutes to be inspired and watch this video: They Cannot Break Our Will!

or paste this into your browser: http://www.pjtv.com/?cmd=video&video-id=2907

How's that Communism Working for Ya?

2009-10-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

We know that the radical Obama has surrounded himself with communists, criminals, and anti-Americans both NOW and his whole life. Communists love chaos because that's when people will trade their liberties for control.

That's why he is destroying the dollar by printing trillions and and invented "Jobless Recovery" in the process, all the while making rosy promises: words are only a tool in his mind - a means to an end. The end of capitalism! Hence, the 9-month road of broken and un-kept promises and seeming ineptitude to get anything done.

Well, what are you staring at, that's what you voted for, wasn't it? "Fundamental Change?" Chaos and cost is your new friend until you vote again. Wiser, I hope.

The good news:

A) Americans can overcome anything. We have multiple times against unusual odds. The very birth of our Great Country is very confirmation that it is in our blood.

B) Americans as a majority usually make the right decision, given the right information. As more and more people found out the sordid details of the health care control bill, they poll in ever greater numbers against it.

C) The prototype for recovery has been laid by none other than Ronald Reagan. The man who turned around the unmitigated disaster of the Carter years, much of which is repeated in the Obama administration, was turned around in short order with the proper application of free-market principles.

The great thing about America? We can CHOOSE our destiny and we are ABLE to make it happen if we wish. That's Our Great America!

Are There Really Two Americas? I Think NOT!

2009-10-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Consider this list going about the internet:

If a conservative doesn’t like guns he doesn't buy one.
If a liberal doesn't like guns he wants all guns outlawed.

If a conservative is a vegetarian he doesn't eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a conservative sees a foreign threat he thinks about how to defeat his enemy.
A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a conservative is homosexual he quietly leads his life.
If a liberal is homosexual he demands legislated respect.

If a black man or Hispanic are conservative they see themselves as independently successful.
Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection...

If a conservative is down-and-out he thinks about how to better his situation.
A liberal wonders/and/figures out, 'who' is going to take care of him.

If a conservative doesn’t like a talk show host he switches channels.
Liberals demand that those they don’t like, have to be shut down.

If a conservative is a non-believer he doesn’t go to church.
A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.

If a conservative decides he needs health care he goes about shopping for it or may choose a job that provides it.
A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a conservative slips and falls in a store he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed.
If a liberal slips and fall he grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor and then sues.

Now is this really show an America split in two? I don't believe so. There are elements of truth to both sides. But I think the "Liberal" angle expressed above is projected by a slim set of extreme leaders and trouble-makers. I believe that the rank and file liberal may give lip-service to the actions above because he/she believes these actions are an extension of compassion for those who need it.

But I believe most Americans, liberal or otherwise, are a combination of the BEST sentiments expressed in the sentences above: Compassionate. Responsible. Hard-working. Concerned. Magnanimous. Were there another leader that embodies the best of American traits arise, the body will reflect it more readily. But whether that George Washington, JFK, or Reagan steps up, Americans are a huge force for good, both at home and abroad. This is OUR great America.

Are You Still Wearing that Old Media?

2009-09-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

The old media, CNN, NY Times, etc. are losing money and patronage year after year. I mean, when you ignore stories like the ACORN scandals, Van Jones, Tea Parties, and the biggest historic march in our lifetime to send a message of displeasure to Wash D.C. , when you get caught so often making stories up…your credibility sinks. Only 29% trust the old media, to be exact. You want news, catch the new media. It’s changing history. The only thing with worse ratings are...politicians! Check this link for an inkling:

http://radioequalizer.blogspot.com/

The good news is relative newcomers to the news market are picking up the slack. You want to keep a finger on the true pulse of America, you will be fairly clueless unless you connect to talk radio, the newer Fox News, or the conservative authors that are topping the Amazon sales lists. Agree or not, the numbers on these mediums are in a staggering crescendo! Try it sometime for a few weeks...the future won't wait forever.

An added plus? The discourse is often ALOT more civil, elevated, and more connected to the values the majority of Americans espouse. Go on, try it, love it.

As Funny as the Marx Brothers!

2009-09-01T23:36:00.000-07:00

Sure the current occupants of the White House are Marxist in orientation and we're in a battle for freedom yada yada yada but sometimes propaganda makes for good clean fun! For example...

From the White House of hopey-changey comes a new term: JOBLESS RECOVERY. It's kinda like a regular recovery but without any benefits! But it's fresh and it's new and it sounds a lot better than "things are still going to heck in a handbasket."

Worry not, the stimulus $$ you were expecting forever ago will eventually be released as we near the next election, your $$ back for your vote! For now, would you like to try my Waterless Waterslide? Bring something for a rash...

But fear not, we've overcome worse than this! This is just politics to learn from. Being informed is the best way to vote intelligently in 2010. Check www.HertiageFoundation.com for thorough but simple dissection of todays issues!

Our Health Care is the Best!

2009-08-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

American Health Care IS the best! Having lived in Europe I've seen the difference first hand, but most Americans hear only the sadly pessimistic reports in our news. While Americans opine for Euro-style care, Europeans wistfully wish they had ours! Recent headlines in the UK: "Bed shortage forces 4,000 mothers to give birth in lifts, offices and hospital toilets" If you like adventure, universal health care is for you!

Here's another UK headline for ya: 'Cruel and neglectful' care of ONE MILLION NHS patients exposed' Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6092658/Cruel-and-neglectful-care-of-one-million-NHS-patients-exposed.html
That's right, over 1 million cases of abuse of the elderly in state care facilities in the UK. It's simple, gov has ZERO incentive to be compassionate; you simply have no where else to go! Private health care in America does. Gov has EVERY incentive to ration care to cost cut; hence these elderly often suffer without even pain killers, let alone essential care! Sure you want change? Inform yourself before swallowing platitudes.

Or take a plane ride and visit a dingy hospital abroad--until then, realize how great things are because...well, American health care is still run mostly by Americans, not their government. And Americans are....AWESOME.

I actually studied modern history

2009-08-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

Feeding on crisis, gov. took over the finance industry, the auto industry, and health care. The National Socialist Party of Germany, abbreviated NAZI, was just getting started...don't recognize this lesson from history? Don't recognize socialism? Let me guess: public education? ;-) the lesson: Socialism never delivers and usually makes things worse.

Fortunately in America we have a really slow cumbersome process to change the Constitution. If Americans are informed, they usually make the right choice for freedom over government control. Those in power do not like this! Enjoy this Tea-Party style "rebellion" by your fellow citizens!
Use this link if the YouTube video doesn't play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRE5UK6NQU

Dancing in Iraq

2008-12-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Yours Truly, striking a pose in Iraq

Having worked with the soldiers in Iraq, I have experienced first hand excellence, duty, patriotism, and honor the vast majority of our troops exhibit. Even from across the great pond, it's clear they have freed an entire nation. Again. The reporter that threw his shoes at Bush would have been executed under the old regime, which just goes to show that freedom includes the right to be an ingrateful idiot. We in America know that in spades! But here is a little extra "freedom training" some of our soldiers offer as an extra service. Enjoy this video!

Dancing in Iraq

or paste this in your browser:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d8e_1223900445

Hail the Entrepreneur! Hope on the Horizon

2008-11-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

Craig of CNG Outfitters.com saving this Hot Cadillac owner $1000s/yr.

American socialist-leaning legislators forced the housing/lending industry to lend to people who couldn’t afford housing leading to the biggest financial scandal in American history, dwarfing Enron in size and impact. Not to be outdone by politicians, a majority Americans then elected Barack Obama a unusually radical liberal who promised not only to stifle the economy further by obscene taxes but to actually bankrupt a major energy source and reduce supplies of another!!

Following a huge stock market crash caused by the coerced housing crash, Obama’s election induced a further record-shattering drop in the stock market-- 10% in only two days, beating the only other post-election drop of 6% by almost double. Within 2 weeks, the market dropped another 5% and unemployment soared as business projected huge losses due to the new taxes foreseen from an Obama administration and Democrat-lead congress.

BUT WAIT! A light on the horizon! Gas prices have dropped from nearly $5 gallon in the US to less than $2.00 in the period of about a month! Oil dropped from nearly $150/barrel to less than $60/bl. America, as an energy-driven economy, will soon find EVERYTHING CHEAPER! Businesses, consumers, and taxpayers suddenly find their fuel bills cut in half!

Result? Either prices will drop or profits will soar at businesses. Businesses will hire. People will buy things, especially SUVs again, and the sting of highly over-reaching taxes may not be able to completely dampen the new economic surge.

To what do we owe this victory? What will bless even those who placed a vote for a beautiful demagogue promising socialism? I’m proud to say it is….AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURs! That’s right! When oil prices surged, average Americans immediately searched for and came up with a cheap available alternative: CNG, or Compressed NATURAL GAS.

Suddenly small businesses and private parties scrambled to find CNG kits, tanks, and multi-CaTrillionaire extraordinaire T. Boone Pickens invested his Zillions in it. Suddenly Americans were able to switch to a fuel costing as little as 60 cents a gallon that also is VERY environmentally friendly. Not to mention the Amazing Sarah Palin just brokered a deal to increase the Natural Gas supply by a WHOPPING 50% with a huge pipeline from Alaska to the lower forty-eight.

And suddenly, oil countries and companies realized their high prices may put them out of business. That means LOW GAS PRICES ARE HERE TO STAY.

Think about it. The minute oil prices go back up, there is now a Natural Gas business infrastructure in place and Americans will switch over even more quickly, leaving the oil companies high and dry. And they KNOW IT. Other countries will follow our entrepreneurial lead. Crisis by politicians; overcome by average Americans.

That’s right, SAVED by the great entrepreneurial spirit found in America. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY! Look for an economic boom near you soon. That’s right, I am predicting low fuel prices for the foreseeable future.

By the way, I sell CNG kits…

Oil is Great

2008-06-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

I get 10 mpg in this thing: I'm ready for common sense!Everyone likes to ride with Uncle Ernest

Oil is an amazing commodity. And guess what? We have more crude oil underground available to us in America than in any Middle Eastern Country! If you add together all the new finds along with the old ones we have not developed, we could actually be independent from outside oil supplies!!

Even with gas-powered vehicles, emissions from autos are 95% clean. In fact, America is one of the "greener" countries on the face of the earth because of our clean-burning oil technology.

Now, consider the benefits of actually mining our own oil:

Much lower gas prices.

Oil money does not go to countries that sponsor terror! It stays here in America! Huge benefit.

Huge employment in the oil industry stays in America! (more jobs!)

Much less environmental damage potential (think of all the oil tankers NOT crossing the ocean to get here...think of wars in the Middle East that have resulted in environmental damage from oil)

Oil prices will drop around the world, helping poor countries!

Cost of EVERYTHING will drop because everything is shipped by oil-product-powered vehicles. (think groceries, commodities, EVERYTHING)

Lower costs will supercharge our economy. This leaves more funding available to develop other alternative fuels, for example...

JUST TO NAME A FEW BENEFITS!

Now, far be it from politicians to use common sense, so don't hold your breath. But even with all the silly things we do and all the great things we should be doing in America, Our gas prices are still FAR below those in Europe. We still are SO fortunate.

It's good to know that if we really wanted to, or if we get so desperate, that energy independence is there. What a great country...

Attention Shoppers!

2008-05-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

Terror is having a Sale! That's Right! 40% off! Read this good news reported by Rush Limbaugh (Via Polling: The number One Source of Hard News in America)

"A group of researchers from Simon Fraser University says global terrorism is on the decline, despite previous data and public perceptions that suggest otherwise. The university's Human Security Report Project says fatalities from terrorist attacks around the world have, in fact, decreased by 40 percent since 2001." Snerdley, what year did the war on terror begin? The war on terror began in 2001, that's right, and since 2001, fatalities from terrorist attacks around the world have decreased by 40%. This is huge news!"

Yes it is!! Rush says further:

"You can contrast this with what's on Obama's web page: "America not safer since 9/11. Senator Obama believes and asserted in the debate that America is less safe since 9/11, largely because the war in Iraq has fueled terrorism around the world."

And having been in Iraq quite often over the last few years, I can tell you that public perception and reality on the ground are often opposites. Poor Obama is just one of the many that bought into that perception.

No matter who you side with, this is screaming good news. Seriously; how nice is it to hear something that good for once?! Clearly America's progressive stance on fighting terror gets the lion's share of the credit. Who else has instigated action?

Americans, you are great in so many ways. Guys in uniform, YOU especially.
Hard on the bad guys......Good with the Kids American soldiers directed the refurbishing or new building of over 6000 schools in Iraq.

American Economy Best in World 15 years Running!

2008-05-16T08:18:00.001-07:00

1000 HorsePower and 15 mpg: American Ingenuity Shines Here at Maddog
Truth and Good News are like Diamonds......they are usually buried and need to be dug up and treasured! Take this item I found buried in a column. America and Americans are so awesome and we don't often realize what we've got:

Tough Competition:

And for those wondering how the U.S. economy is avoiding recession, the answer may be in the latest world competitiveness report out of IMD Business School in Switzerland. It ranks the American economy as the most competitive for the 15th straight year.

It says the economy is the world's strongest, topping all others in investments, stock purchases and commercial service exports. It says the U.S. is the easiest place to secure venture capital for business development. And, it writes the U.S. dominates all other economies in key technology criteria such as computers in use.

Project director Stephane Garelli says, "The U.S. always seems to find the means to reinvent itself in ways that Japan, and much of Europe, often lacks."

Another Foreigner is...Patriotic for US!

2008-04-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

These inspiring words from POPE BENEDICT: From the dawn of the republic, America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator. The framers of this nation's founding documents drew upon this conviction when they proclaimed the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights grounded in the laws of nature and of nature's God.

And...All believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual and group can make its voice heard. As the nation faces increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I'm confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more human and free society.

Then he said THIS: God Bless America!

I agree...AMEN!

French Kiss

2007-11-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Remember when France was great? Can't say I do but they are the ones that presented us with a most complimenting and honorable gift: the Statue of Liberty; in recognition of our zest for freedom for all. France, via their new President, has come a-courting again. PLEASE READ THESE INSPIRING WORDS!!!

From his Wednesday address to the U.S. Congress:

SARKOZY (via translator): To the millions of men and women who came from every country of the world and who -- with their own hands, their intelligence, and their hearts -- built the greatest nation in the world, America did not say, "Come, and everything will be given to you." Rather, she said, "Come, and the only limits to what you will be able to achieve will be those of your own courage, your boldness, and your talent."

SARKOZY (via translator): America liberated us, and this is an eternal debt we owe America. (applause) Every time, whenever an American soldier falls somewhere in the world, I think of what the American army did for France. I think of them -- (applause) -- and I am sad as one is saddened to lose a member of one's family.

SARKOZY (via translator): We need France to be stronger. I am determined to carry through with the reforms that my country has put off for all too long. I will not turn back. I will implement all of them, because France has turned back for all too long. I have come to present to you today a France that comes out to meet America, to renew the covenant of friendship and alliance that Washington and Lafayette sealed in Yorktown. Together, let us be true to their memories. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I say this to you on behalf of the French people: Long live the United States of America. Long live France. Long live French-American friendship!

Sweet Alabama

2007-07-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

The Heartland
My luggage got lost on my return trip from the Middle East. Some how I ended up visiting Alabama while waiting for it to show up. I visited Auburn. It is a little university town and it is BEAUTIFUL! Especially after the arid climes of the Mid-East; greenery, trees, lakes, parks, ponds…I sucked it up walking through forests and smelled pine-needles and damp foliage…

And the campus was immaculate. Charming. Outside town the highway runs through rolling green hills with white-picket fences surrounding red-brick farmhouses. There is pride is cleanliness and simplicity.

But there was something else beautiful about Alabama. There were churches everywhere. Even the hard-rock radio station has a sermon Sunday morning. I saw a giant flag covering the outer wall of one chapel. I saw memorials and reminders of the sacrifice soldiers make for our liberties and heard congregations sing patriotic songs.

In short, it was how I remember America.

Since it was the Sunday before the Fourth of July, I’m sure it was all the more prominent, but these people seem to love family, country, and God. And that they still remember and recognize that the three are connected. In my outsider’s observation, it seemed as if political correctness, like a disease that has met an anti-body, couldn’t get a hold here. Or like a time-machine to yester-year.

Never thought much about Alabama, but I have a high opinion of it now. And if I ever forget how things were or should be, I know where to go.

Mormons on the Move

2007-06-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

San Diego Temple of God

Mormons are great Americans. I'm one so I have to say that. But Did you know a Mormon developed TV? Stereophonic sound? Helped Pioneer Heart Surgery? And now we have one running for President. Again.

Mormons are in high demand by employers because they are healthier, are generally better educated with a good work ethic, and more trustworthy. The FBI has been known to over-recruit them for all those reasons plus they go on missions to foreign countries and learn additional languages and they are quite patriotic.

Utah had to import only 4% of their translators for the Olympics they sponsored because of the readily available linguists.

Our very religion was able to be born and grow because of the freedom in this country, and now it boasts (well, generally we try not to boast) what is most likely the oldest and largest woman's suport organization and perhaps the world's most admired welfare program. Oh, and if you like geneology, ask a Mormon. Resources galore.

Mormons, not bad, eh?

Now I'd like to refer you to a fellow blogger. A political Mormon with excellent writing abilities. Compared to me, anyway. Check Cameron's great blog out at: Magic Valley Mormon

(Late) Memorial Day

2007-06-08T05:12:00.000-07:00

In his book “Why America Wins Wars and Will Win the War in Iraq,”Larry Schweikart lists a few reasons why our military is the best: We protect our supply lines, for example. In WWII, for example, Hitler noted his tanks didn’t have fuel “while the American soldiers eat cake!”

Our ability to innovate and adapt. Our belief that we fight for what’s right. Superior technology. But probably one of the most important? Our soldiers are nice. Our Military is the most humane.

No death marches like the Japanese forced on our POWs. No concentration/death camps like the Nazis. No sawing off heads and using women and children like the terrorists do.

In fact, a recent surprised editorial in the Stars and Stripes was written by a man from India who came to work here in Iraq. He expected American soldiers and leaders to be austere and cruel. But he remarked about how friendly they were not only between leadership and rank and file, but all people. He was very impressed with the GOODNESS of our Military.

Yes, it is so rare for an American soldier to go bad, that when they do, it is world-wide news! And I think we will win this war and make LASTING difference in Iraq eventually because of the example of the American soldier.

By way of contrast, Sunnis and Shiites have been seeking revenge on each other for a thousand years. But I have seen our boys come back in from missions where a fellow soldier has been blown-up or burned to death, and even pray for “the enemy.” And they go right back out, adhere to duty, build roads, schools, water-supplies, the power grid, as well as seek out and destroy the enemies of America and Iraq.

Top That.

Yeah, I am proud to be an American, and our military is one GREAT reason to be so!
Maybe hope for Iraq lies in the next generation

Take Stock of the Situation

2007-05-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Good news galore! That's Terrible! (I do get emails occasionally from people that hate truth, Christianity, and America) (But notice they write from the luxury of their homes...in America) (Anyway, this is bad news for them).

The DOW (stock market) keeps setting new record highs this year. In fact, it has not had this bullish of a run in 80 years! That’s tech talk for; It’s going dang good! The S&P will likely set an all time record presently. Especially good news since over half of Americans are invested in the market. In fact, congress is planning on spending the extra money even now…

(when America prospers, more tax money flows into government reducing the deficit and paying for programs like social security)

Our unemployment rate is less than half of Europe’s and the average even lower than during the Clinton administration. It’s that good. And since it does'nt include most self-employed, the actual percentage may be lower.

Successful major terrorist attacks in America have dropped off, although they are rising elsewhere. Good for us, anyway, somebody’s doing something right!

And since most of the world's economies are blessed by ours, the ripple effect is good news for the less fortunate everywhere.

Red, White, and Blue: Still Lovin' You

2007-05-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Night Flag at BIAP, Iraq.

You know, I’m a little old-fashioned. My company proudly displays the American Flag at our offices here in Camp Stryker. Some here and in the world take offense at our flag. Often it is those who harbor hate and despise freedom and/or seek to kill. I'd say the power of its message is clear!

I love that flag. I love to drive through rural Idaho, for example, and see it posted at almost every farmhouse. (Go ahead, try the tin-cup route from Preston up to Jackson Hole, WY)

There are many of us left that like to see Old Glory in its glory! Proud to be American. Proud to know our colors stand for bravery, freedom, and sacrifice. It represents to me, like our soldiers now, those who could have had a comfortable life, those who could have remained silent and safe like our founders, but are willing to pay much, even the ultimate price, for freedom.

Sometimes only for the promise of something better for their children, sometimes to save a world at war, and sometimes even for those who would kill us for saving them. Didn’t Jesus say to love your enemies and do good to them that hate you?

The flag itself is merely a cloth. But what it symbolizes is everything: The valor of the centuries and the ONLY hope for the future of the world. Does any other country carry the vision, the passion, the love, and the power to change our world for good? If so, where are they? I would honor them as well.

But even if we are joined in noble causes, our colors carry no less luster. As a kid I did, and still do pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. If those are fighting words, so be it.

Global Warming Re-visited

2007-05-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Summer heat makes for some great clouds over Poway near my home in San Diego

I have another question about this veritable religion. Why must it necessarily be bad to be warmer? Pessimists have a lot in common with the environmental dire-warning crowd: They are consistently wrong!

We can’t fly to the moon
The 4-minute mile will never be broken
10,000 America troops will die taking Baghdad
Hitler is unstoppable
All the songs have been written

Whenever it is someone says something can’t be done, inevitably someone proves them wrong.

And so it with this scenario. Think of all the fuel we would save in the Winter! Think how much of Canada would become usable! And think of all the plants that would grow. I mean, it is called the GREENHOUSE effect. There is more abundant energy in heat.

And the oceans have not only survived the warming since the Ice Age but are teeming with life--I suspect most animals will become more plentiful too. And some scientists claim warmer weather would make weather patterns milder, including sheering the tops off of Hurricanes.

Hence I say: Bring it on!! Heck, we may just get a toasty lift from all the heat released during global warming speeches…
Scorching Desert Sunset near Vegas from a drive back towards home

Maybe You Forgot

2007-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Bring on the Heat!

Being a student of the Bible, I remember contemplating the great deliverance of Israel from Egypt through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. Notwithstanding this boggling sign, the delivered almost immediately forgot The God that preserved them and starting worshiping dumb idols. “How stupid to forget so quickly!” I thought.

Strangely, short memory plaques us now. The latest “Global Warming” hysteria is just the latest rant from the Chicken Little group of environmental extremists. They seem to suffer no credibility gap from being wrong constantly, so it must be bad memory we suffer, right?

I remember in the 70s the great global cooling scare! And that thanks to humans all the fish in the ocean would be dead in 10 years and acid rain would kill off all the forests. In more recent decades the hole in the ozone would give us all skin cancer, nuclear power would poison the world, and a vanquished rain forest would starve us of oxygen.

Yes, dire predictions of the world’s end are as old as…well…the world! Up to the present time, though, the only one who got it right was Noah (note: A Prophet of God). And that same scriptural record tells us there will be global warming, but not from driving a car or burning an incandescent light bulb!

Having forgotten earlier jokes-on-us , we pay heavily to placate these extreme voices, but the great thing about America is that we can do that and still afford to rescue the world from famines, tsunamis, earthquakes, enemies, etc etc and still improve our lifestyles--all at the same time.

Amazing.

I love this country!

The Secret Formula

2007-04-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

America’s Secret Formula makes its citizens something special. That’s right. I read an editorial over here in Iraq criticizing Americans because they felt we look down on foreigners, or feel like we are better. The author was American.

He/she is wrong of course. Americans do better not because Americans are better, but because AMERICA is better. And in a sense, we are its children. If these souls here were born in America and you and I were born in Iraq or India or somewhere else, the advantages would be reversed. Humans, after all, are created equal.

Why the contrast then? Again I say, America is the difference.

Great God-fearing men extracted wisdom from the ages and distilled it through the filter of Judeo-Christian values. Then they sacrificed blood, security, and wealth for their creation. The result was a country so amazing that it progressed farther in 200 years in technology, might, and influence than all civilization had in the previous 5000 years. Or more.

A country that fights for freedom for others, that has created wealth the world could never imagine before and shares it in great charitable generosity and protection. I could go on.

I have seen Americans interact with these workers and treat them warmly. Teach them skills we take for granted and for which they are starving to learn. We joke and eat with them. We give them gifts in the form of food, clothing, or tools just because we want to see them smile. We sacrifice for them.

But again, it’s not because we are superior humans. It is because God has blessed America, and we are Americans.

The Formula, based on bridled liberty and morality, is secret because badness is given the spotlight. But even if the majority of Americans don’t consciously know, they inherently possess it and pass it on. I hope this secret gets out. But even with naivety and its negative participants, it‘s working!

Only in America

2007-03-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

Where else but in America (L.A. to be specific) can you go to church (for a ward Home-Video Awards Night) and run into Jon Heder? You know, of Napoleon Dynamite fame? Well such happened for my friend’s mother, who is as much a fan of the movie as many teenage boys. So she asked for and got, this picture with the actor. Fun or what?

Also, for a great and guilt-free cinematic experience: Watch a beautiful movie--Pride and Prejudice. 2005 with Keira Knightley

I know, you’ve already seen it. But it was unusually excellent, don't you think? Good stuff in America.

America Does

2007-03-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

I think Americans are absolutely awesome.

Take the company I work for, for example.
[BAE Systems Team]

I sat outside a meeting of the heads of our company here in Iraq. I listened to astute identification of hitches in our armoring process. Then a formulative meeting of the minds to solve it. Setbacks that could stop the process are resolved with no delay in the quality and quantity of our output: The newly-armored vehicles keep making it to the soldiers on or ahead of schedule. There is no company that does what we do as well as we do. And there are thousands of other American companies best in their respective fields. And if we did fail, another would arise.

Even amongst the “lower” ranks of this company are also found the adept and self-motivated problem-solvers and solution-providers. In contrast I observe the other nationalities represented on this military base….although there are brilliant exceptions, as a nation, none comes close to what we do. None take the initiative, the expense, the risk, the leadership.

Iraqis can hardly rescue themselves nor pump their own oil. American companies do that. When a nation ails due to nature, pestilence, war, whatever; what is the one nation they can always cry to? Indeed we often send help even before the cry is raised.

Who saves the world from its Hitlers? Who discovers cures for the incurable? Where do computers, micro-waves, Cds, Velcro, the best movies come from? What kind of country sends its own sons and daughters to soldier and bleed for you, feed you, rescue you, engineer for you, and then pay for it??? Does Switzerland? Taiwan? Africa?

In further contrast, there are countries that plot destruction. Those that take, dominate, domineer, spoil, and foil. Or those that simply don‘t care. Admittedly even some in our country want to quit, walk away, and not care what happens; but they do not define America and make it different.

I point all this out not to boast, really, but to note something is different about our country and it is worth both considering, and honoring. I think we have a great country and I get to see it in action every day here in Iraq.

Something Sweet

2007-03-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

Akiane

A Great Mind told me not to be too "preachy" here so here is something lite and fluffy. It will make you feel happy. And truthfully, what an adavantage this cute child prodigy had by virtue of growing up in a land with so much wealth and tools for her creativity. And a land of such great faith. Here is this touching story of Akiane from CNN. Click here for video----> Akiane Report

Her Homepage: Akiane

Don't Be Hatin'!

2007-03-13T01:13:00.000-07:00

The Critics crack me up! “What a mess Iraq is! George Bush really made a mess of Iraq,” they say. It’s like coming in when a woman is giving birth and exclaiming: “What a mess this doctor made of her! She was never this messy before HE got here!”

Of course Iraq’s a mess! The whole Middle East has been pregnant with turmoil long before Bush. But unlike Clinton, who bombed Iraq repeatedly for the same UN violations and WMD suspicions (showing how short and selective the critics’ memories are), Bush has dared to change the condition of Iraq, and deliver a democracy.

Of course it’s messy, IT‘S A WAR!! But success after success, the pain and expectations are showing the fruits of a successful surgery: Three free national elections, a democratic government, thousands of renewed schools, roads, power plants, and finally hope mixed in with the suffering.

The United States has before dared make these “messes.” Like Germany in World War II. Like Japan with Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Warring and worthless nations for decades and centuries, these fine countries (now) serve the world, genteel and productive and with high standards of excellence. All because a leader of the U.S. dared to “make a mess.”

Just by way of contrast, Clinton never presumed to chance dirty hands, fighting a “clean” war on Iraq from the air. And Iraq remained unchanged.

Americans could crack open a crusty eye on history; aren’t we glad someone made a mess of those original 13 colonies? Those founders that caused such a “terrible war” with their mother country while their critics also opined? Yes, be not surprised that history repeats.

Lesson learned? ANYONE can be a critic. And constantly crying “Foul!“ is hardly brave. It’s the doctors of democracy and our freedom-fighters that are my heroes. And these are they whom I proudly recognize in My America.

Bad Day for America-Haters!

2007-03-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

Just as the Congressional Democrats declare an Iraq Surrender Day (August 2008) and Presidential hopeful John Edwards speaks for Jesus sitting atop his multi-million dollar mansions that Americans are evil for spending money in Iraq, the good news pours in!

The Surge is working (even an NBC reporter in Iraq admitted it), a key Iranian official defected to America, Al-Sadr retreated out of Iraq, etc etc. See News article: Success in the War on Terror Is Lost in Blizzard of Bad Headlines

It may be encouraging to remember that when America was in its infancy fighting for freedom that the Tories, if I remember my history lessons correctly, also didn't fancy this country or freedom so much.

They refused to fight. They complained. They were content to let tyranny rule. Indeed they once gathered on a hilltop to taunt the armies of the colonies as they fought the "Redcoats."

Not too different from today! Perhaps we will always have those that resist freedom's fighters. But I believe that now, as then, those who champion freedom may suffer, but prevail. I see a different America, like the one we used to sing about....remember this refrain?

My country, 'tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.

God Bless America.