Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Bailout! Bailout! Bailout! Make It Stop!
Remember the first $700 Billion bailout? Remember that the CEOs have been rewarded for their poor management of the companies they oversee? Well, guess what. There is evidence that Goldman Sachs bribed the Senate to pass that $700 billion bailout.
Is there any other reason to find new leadership for our states and our country as a whole? There are actually so many reasons that I cannot even count them. Isn't our country important enough to save? Those voting on these bailouts and adding in their pet projects have lost touch with America. They have lost touch because they don't live in our reality. When was the last time they did their own laundry (other than Jason Chaffets from Utah...an exceptional exception. When was the last time they drove themselves? When was the last time they went to the store to pick-up a case of diapers, much less their own groceries? Who are these people to vote to spend our money, our children's money, and our children's children's money?
Is there any other reason to find new leadership for our states and our country as a whole? There are actually so many reasons that I cannot even count them. Isn't our country important enough to save? Those voting on these bailouts and adding in their pet projects have lost touch with America. They have lost touch because they don't live in our reality. When was the last time they did their own laundry (other than Jason Chaffets from Utah...an exceptional exception. When was the last time they drove themselves? When was the last time they went to the store to pick-up a case of diapers, much less their own groceries? Who are these people to vote to spend our money, our children's money, and our children's children's money?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Navy Releases Terrorist.
Again from a friend (I have some really funny and informative friends)...
"U.S.Navy releases Al Qaeda Terrorist - I can't believe it!!!!! The US Navy today announced that it has released a senior Al Qaeda terrorist after questioning him extensively for 27 days while being held prisoner aboard a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. In a humanitarian gesture, the terrorist was given $50 US and a white 1962 Ford Fairlane automobile upon being released from custody. The attached photo shows the terrorist on his way home just after being released by the Navy."
GO NAVY!
"U.S.Navy releases Al Qaeda Terrorist - I can't believe it!!!!! The US Navy today announced that it has released a senior Al Qaeda terrorist after questioning him extensively for 27 days while being held prisoner aboard a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. In a humanitarian gesture, the terrorist was given $50 US and a white 1962 Ford Fairlane automobile upon being released from custody. The attached photo shows the terrorist on his way home just after being released by the Navy."
GO NAVY!
Obama Administration Pushing "Stimulus" Plan With Excessive Pork Spending
Why is the "Stimulus Package" being so scrutinized?
When the TARP (700 billion dollars) was so unregulated and spent so frivolously, why wouldn't there be closer scrutiny.
"The House measure had been estimated to cost $825 billion, but the Congressional Budget Office updated the bill's price tag to $816 billion after accountants recalculated the cost. That total rose by $3 billion when the House approved on a voice vote a Democratic amendment for mass transit." -- TimesOnLine.co.UK.
With interest, the spending/stimulus plan with be approximately 1 Trillion dollars. How many zeros are in a trillion? 12 zeros!
On Obama's election campaign site, as of January 1, 2009, the following is what he said that the plan would go toward.
"Barack Obama's Plan to Stimulate the Economy and Protect American Families Would:
* Provide an immediate $250 tax cut for workers and their families.
* Provide an immediate, temporary $250 bonus to seniors in their Social Security checks.
* Provide an additional $250 tax cut to workers and an additional $250 to seniors if the economy continues to worsen
* Provide relief to homeowners hit by the housing crisis.
* Provide aid to states hardest-hit by the housing crisis to avoid a slash in services.
* Extend and expand Unemployment Insurance."
With benefits unlisted on the Internet (as far as my research as taken me), those items that have been leaked in the larger media outlets include those that may go to Acorn, NASA climate change research, digital TV converter box coupons, and more. The spending on sod on the National Mall has been reportedly removed, as well as the spending on contraception.
Forwarded from a friend...
When the TARP (700 billion dollars) was so unregulated and spent so frivolously, why wouldn't there be closer scrutiny.
"The House measure had been estimated to cost $825 billion, but the Congressional Budget Office updated the bill's price tag to $816 billion after accountants recalculated the cost. That total rose by $3 billion when the House approved on a voice vote a Democratic amendment for mass transit." -- TimesOnLine.co.UK.
With interest, the spending/stimulus plan with be approximately 1 Trillion dollars. How many zeros are in a trillion? 12 zeros!
On Obama's election campaign site, as of January 1, 2009, the following is what he said that the plan would go toward.
"Barack Obama's Plan to Stimulate the Economy and Protect American Families Would:
* Provide an immediate $250 tax cut for workers and their families.
* Provide an immediate, temporary $250 bonus to seniors in their Social Security checks.
* Provide an additional $250 tax cut to workers and an additional $250 to seniors if the economy continues to worsen
* Provide relief to homeowners hit by the housing crisis.
* Provide aid to states hardest-hit by the housing crisis to avoid a slash in services.
* Extend and expand Unemployment Insurance."
With benefits unlisted on the Internet (as far as my research as taken me), those items that have been leaked in the larger media outlets include those that may go to Acorn, NASA climate change research, digital TV converter box coupons, and more. The spending on sod on the National Mall has been reportedly removed, as well as the spending on contraception.
Forwarded from a friend...
"This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment.
This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and
A format:
Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition
TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
A. Shut up.
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by
spending your stimulus check wisely:
If you spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China.
If you spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer it will go to India.
If you purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras, and
Guatemala (unless you buy organic).
If you buy a car it will go to Japan.
If you purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan.
And none of it will help the American economy.
We need to keep that money here in America. You can keep the money in
America by spending it at yard sales, going to a baseball game, or spend
it on prostitutes, beer (domestic ONLY), or tattoos, since those are the
only businesses still in the US."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Stimulus Defined.
With the argument of the definition of what "stimulus" means, here are various definitions. You judge for yourself if these definitions equal the package that government is actually attempting to pass at this very moment.
1. A stimulant.
2. An action, condition, or person that provokes a response, especially a conditioned response.
3. any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action [syn: stimulation]
4. A goad; hence, something that rouses the mind or spirits; an incentive; as, the hope of gain is a powerful stimulus to labor and action.
5. Something causing or regarded as causing a response.
6. An agent, action, or condition that elicits or accelerates a physiological or psychological activity or response.
7. Something that incites or rouses to action; an incentive
8. something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc.: The approval of others is a potent stimulus.
1. A stimulant.
2. An action, condition, or person that provokes a response, especially a conditioned response.
3. any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action [syn: stimulation]
4. A goad; hence, something that rouses the mind or spirits; an incentive; as, the hope of gain is a powerful stimulus to labor and action.
5. Something causing or regarded as causing a response.
6. An agent, action, or condition that elicits or accelerates a physiological or psychological activity or response.
7. Something that incites or rouses to action; an incentive
8. something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc.: The approval of others is a potent stimulus.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Welfare of America.
"The welfare of America is closely bound up with the welfare of mankind." -- Marquis de Lafayette
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Patriotism in an Obama-nation.
As you read and watched in my Friday, January 23rd, post, many citizens of this great country, this United States of America, are pledging their allegiance to Obama, instead of the flag.
Is this patriotism?
No. Patriotism is defined as "love of and/or devotion to one's country." -- Wikipedia
"In both ancient and modern visions of patriotism, individual responsibility to fellow citizens is an inherent component of patriotism."
Be there no mistake that pledging your allegiance to Obama is no patriotism. He is only a symbol of our nation. Those who pledged their allegiance to Obama in the video posted yesterday were stating that they promised things such as being a better Father, a better neighbor, to take better care of their world and so on. Why wouldn't someone do those things as a natural practice on a daily basis because of a personal desire to do so?
What do you think about that video and the pledging allegiance to Obama?
Is this patriotism?
No. Patriotism is defined as "love of and/or devotion to one's country." -- Wikipedia
"In both ancient and modern visions of patriotism, individual responsibility to fellow citizens is an inherent component of patriotism."
Be there no mistake that pledging your allegiance to Obama is no patriotism. He is only a symbol of our nation. Those who pledged their allegiance to Obama in the video posted yesterday were stating that they promised things such as being a better Father, a better neighbor, to take better care of their world and so on. Why wouldn't someone do those things as a natural practice on a daily basis because of a personal desire to do so?
What do you think about that video and the pledging allegiance to Obama?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Do You Pledge Your Allegiance to Obama?
This is something forwarded to me by a friend that is interesting, yet not surprising.
One of the comments is "And so now we see the rise of the Obama-nation of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not . . . . . . amazing, simply amazing"
"Posted: January 20, 2009
9:25 pm Eastern
By Drew Zahn
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
In a new YouTube video produced by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions, dozens of celebrities – television and movie actors, sports heroes, musicians and more – describe how they will pledge to "be the change" and "be a servant to our president."
The video opens with a quote from President Truman, "They say that the job of the president is the loneliest job in the world," something the celebrities plan to alleviate for Obama by pledging to pitch in through several causes.
Throughout the video, the celebrities pledge to support local food banks, to smile more, to be better parents, to work with the charity UNICEF, to "never give anyone the finger when I'm driving again," to help find a cure for Alzheimer's, to meet neighbors, to use less plastic, to plant 500 trees, to "be more green," to turn the lights off and to "free 1 million people from slavery in the next five years," among dozens of other pledges.
The purpose of all this pledging is summed up in the video's grand finale.
Actors Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher begin the closing scene by saying, "I pledge to be a servant to our president and all mankind."
Then, as the scene pans out, the other celebrities joint the chant: "Because together we can, together we are, and together we will be the change that we seek."
By the end of the mass pledge, the camera has panned back to a mosaic of faces that morphs into a picture of Barack Obama's face with the words, "Be the change."
While many of the celebrity promises – such as drinking less bottled water or being a better mom – may seem innocuous, other pledges touch on controversial subjects. Actress Alyssa Milano, for example, pledges "to be the voice for those that have no voice," a concept claimed by many pro-life advocates.
Other celebrities touch on politicized issues like pledging to "advance stem cell research" or to "sell my obnoxious car and buy a hybrid."
Black athlete Michael Strahan, for example, pledges "to consider myself an American, not an African American."
And while several of the celebrities attempt to portray heartfelt emotion and others attempt to be funny in their pledges, tattooed celebrity Anthony Kiedis of the band Red Hot Chili Peppers may have been going for the shock effect.
"I pledge allegiance to the funk, to the United Funk of Funkadelica," says Kiedis. Later, while kissing his own biceps, he further declares, "I pledge to be of service [kiss] to Barack Obama [kiss]."
Near the end of the video, the celebrities took turns looking into the camera and challenging, "What's your pledge?"
Not surprisingly, viewer reaction and comments on the video have been widely mixed.
One cynical poster responds, "Why did it take Obama to get elected for these Hollywood libs to pledge? Be a better father? Why did you wait so long?"
Several others responded that the celebrity pledges were "inspiring."
One poster writes, "I pledge to not stop here, but to continue to engage the community in making my community, this state, this nation and this world a better, more beautiful place."
Another contributor, however, while not criticizing the effort to volunteer or improve America, nonetheless took exception to the celebrities promising to serve President Obama.
"I pledge to keep treating the President of the United States of America as the public servant that he is supposed to be," writes the contributor. "I pledge to attempt to correct anyone who thinks that we owe some allegiance to Barack Obama the man, rather than the country he is supposed to represent."
The poster concluded, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic, for which it stands: one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
One of the comments is "And so now we see the rise of the Obama-nation of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not . . . . . . amazing, simply amazing"
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Syria Supports Hamas' Success Over Israel.
Hamas calls for Palestinian reconciliation, but insists fight against Israel must go on.
"DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Hamas and seven other Damascus-based Palestinian groups have called for a national dialogue between rival factions but insist they will not give up their fight against Israel." newsday.com
Where does Syria fit in the mixed up situation in Gaza?
"Russia is prepared to equip Syria with a host of high-tech defensive arms, in an apparent shift of official policy. Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, explained the changing position on August 21st, according to a report by the RIA Novosti news agency." theotherrussia.org
"Damascus Radio: "Syria has turned its land into a training camp, a safe haven and an arms depot for the Palestinian revolutionaries." (1 January 2002)
"The magnificent and unique suicide operation in Rishon Le Ziyyon is a practical declaration of the way to liberate the land from Israeli colonialism."
(9 May 2002)" Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
So, Syria has been armed with help from Russia and they support Hamas and what Hamas stands for.
"In terms of lethality, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas is the crown jewel of Syrian-backed terrorist organizations, having killed more Israeli (and American) civilians over the last decade than any other group sponsored by Damascus. This "success" is often attributed to the organization's grass-roots constituency, charismatic leadership, the growing appeal of Islamic fundamentalism among Palestinians, and external funding from Iran and private donors abroad. Syrian sponsorship of Hamas is not usually regarded as having had a major impact on the group's operational capabilities. The section on Hamas in the US State Department's annual Patterns of Global Terrorism report mentions only that some of the movement's leaders are "present in other parts of the Middle East, including Syria, Lebanon, and Iran."1
In fact, Syrian sponsorship of Hamas has had an enormous impact on the group's operational capacities. Since the mid-1990s, Damascus has been the operational headquarters of the Hamas military wing and a nexus for the transfer of external funds to Hamas operatives in the territories. Syria and Syrian-occupied Lebanon have become major conduits for funneling weapons and explosives to Hamas and safe havens for training hundreds of its operatives." Middle East Intelligence Bulletin
"DAMASCUS, Syria - A senior Hamas official has dismissed any reconciliation talks with the rival Fatah group.
His remarks Thursday followed claims by the militants that they emerged victorious after the group survived a relentless three-week offensive by Israel on the Gaza Strip.
Sami Khater, a member of the militant group's Damascus-based branch, says Arab and international donations to reconstruct the war-devastated Gaza should go directly to Hamas and not to rival Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose faction rules the West Bank." StarTribune.com
So, there is a circle that seems not to break between Hamas and many other organizations and countries, including Syria. Hamas dismisses the reconciliation talks with Palestine, and Hamas continues to hate Israel. Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and others continue to help support Hamas.
When is the violence going to end? Only when the countries that support terrorism and terrorist training are turned against such activities will the violence end. Until then, it is the place of democratic nations, the place of the United States, to encourage countries to turn away from harboring terrorists, from allowing the terrorism mentality within their borders. The more honor those countries can feel that they gleam from turning against these evil and violent organizations, the more likely they will be to turn away from them and change the standards of their allies and the morals they honor within their borders.
"DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Hamas and seven other Damascus-based Palestinian groups have called for a national dialogue between rival factions but insist they will not give up their fight against Israel." newsday.com
Where does Syria fit in the mixed up situation in Gaza?
"Russia is prepared to equip Syria with a host of high-tech defensive arms, in an apparent shift of official policy. Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, explained the changing position on August 21st, according to a report by the RIA Novosti news agency." theotherrussia.org
"Damascus Radio: "Syria has turned its land into a training camp, a safe haven and an arms depot for the Palestinian revolutionaries." (1 January 2002)
"The magnificent and unique suicide operation in Rishon Le Ziyyon is a practical declaration of the way to liberate the land from Israeli colonialism."
(9 May 2002)" Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
So, Syria has been armed with help from Russia and they support Hamas and what Hamas stands for.
"In terms of lethality, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas is the crown jewel of Syrian-backed terrorist organizations, having killed more Israeli (and American) civilians over the last decade than any other group sponsored by Damascus. This "success" is often attributed to the organization's grass-roots constituency, charismatic leadership, the growing appeal of Islamic fundamentalism among Palestinians, and external funding from Iran and private donors abroad. Syrian sponsorship of Hamas is not usually regarded as having had a major impact on the group's operational capabilities. The section on Hamas in the US State Department's annual Patterns of Global Terrorism report mentions only that some of the movement's leaders are "present in other parts of the Middle East, including Syria, Lebanon, and Iran."1
In fact, Syrian sponsorship of Hamas has had an enormous impact on the group's operational capacities. Since the mid-1990s, Damascus has been the operational headquarters of the Hamas military wing and a nexus for the transfer of external funds to Hamas operatives in the territories. Syria and Syrian-occupied Lebanon have become major conduits for funneling weapons and explosives to Hamas and safe havens for training hundreds of its operatives." Middle East Intelligence Bulletin
"DAMASCUS, Syria - A senior Hamas official has dismissed any reconciliation talks with the rival Fatah group.
His remarks Thursday followed claims by the militants that they emerged victorious after the group survived a relentless three-week offensive by Israel on the Gaza Strip.
Sami Khater, a member of the militant group's Damascus-based branch, says Arab and international donations to reconstruct the war-devastated Gaza should go directly to Hamas and not to rival Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose faction rules the West Bank." StarTribune.com
So, there is a circle that seems not to break between Hamas and many other organizations and countries, including Syria. Hamas dismisses the reconciliation talks with Palestine, and Hamas continues to hate Israel. Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and others continue to help support Hamas.
When is the violence going to end? Only when the countries that support terrorism and terrorist training are turned against such activities will the violence end. Until then, it is the place of democratic nations, the place of the United States, to encourage countries to turn away from harboring terrorists, from allowing the terrorism mentality within their borders. The more honor those countries can feel that they gleam from turning against these evil and violent organizations, the more likely they will be to turn away from them and change the standards of their allies and the morals they honor within their borders.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dow Jones. White Powder Is Harmless!
By Robert MacMillan
NEW YORK (Reuters) - White powder in about a dozen envelopes sent to Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones executives turned out to be harmless, the New York Police Department said on Wednesday.
The letters contained flour or another food-based substance, police spokesman Paul Browne told Reuters. He said that such letters often are hoaxes.
The envelopes went to Journal Managing Editor Robert Thomson, Dow Jones & Co Chief Executive Les Hinton and Journal Editorial Page Editor Paul Gigot, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Dow Jones is a unit of Rupert Murdoch's international media conglomerate News Corp, and owns the Journal.
About 10 more envelopes turned up in the Journal's mail room, spokesman Robert Christie said earlier in the day. The envelopes were sent from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dow Jones evacuated two floors of its lower Manhattan headquarters. Five employees were quarantined and later released, according to an employee memo from human resources chief Gregory Giangrande.
The building is on Liberty Street, close to the Ground Zero site where the World Trade Center stood before it was attacked and destroyed on September 11, 2001.
U.S. authorities have been on alert for mail with white powder in it since 2001 when envelopes laced with anthrax were sent to media outlets and U.S. lawmakers, killing five people.
In October, letters containing white powder were sent to Chase bank offices and two other financial institutions in several states. They also were sent to The New York Times headquarters in New York and to Thomson Reuters Corp's Reuters newsroom in New York.
The letters sent to the financial institutions warned "it's payback time," according to text released by the FBI.
(Reporting by Robert MacMillan; Additional reporting by Christine Kearney and Ellen Wulfhorst; Editing by Andre Grenon, Maureen Bavdek)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - White powder in about a dozen envelopes sent to Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones executives turned out to be harmless, the New York Police Department said on Wednesday.
The letters contained flour or another food-based substance, police spokesman Paul Browne told Reuters. He said that such letters often are hoaxes.
The envelopes went to Journal Managing Editor Robert Thomson, Dow Jones & Co Chief Executive Les Hinton and Journal Editorial Page Editor Paul Gigot, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Dow Jones is a unit of Rupert Murdoch's international media conglomerate News Corp, and owns the Journal.
About 10 more envelopes turned up in the Journal's mail room, spokesman Robert Christie said earlier in the day. The envelopes were sent from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dow Jones evacuated two floors of its lower Manhattan headquarters. Five employees were quarantined and later released, according to an employee memo from human resources chief Gregory Giangrande.
The building is on Liberty Street, close to the Ground Zero site where the World Trade Center stood before it was attacked and destroyed on September 11, 2001.
U.S. authorities have been on alert for mail with white powder in it since 2001 when envelopes laced with anthrax were sent to media outlets and U.S. lawmakers, killing five people.
In October, letters containing white powder were sent to Chase bank offices and two other financial institutions in several states. They also were sent to The New York Times headquarters in New York and to Thomson Reuters Corp's Reuters newsroom in New York.
The letters sent to the financial institutions warned "it's payback time," according to text released by the FBI.
(Reporting by Robert MacMillan; Additional reporting by Christine Kearney and Ellen Wulfhorst; Editing by Andre Grenon, Maureen Bavdek)
Monday, January 19, 2009
The United States of America Can Accomplish Anything.
"Nothing is impracticable to this nation, which it shall set itself to do...We are on the brink of more wonders." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sabbath Day, The Last Days
"31. And again, this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked;
32. And again shall the abomonation of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.
33. And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
34. Verily, I say unto you, this generation, in which these things shall be shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled.
35. Although, the days will come, that heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled.
36. And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;
37. And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
...
40. But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only.
41. But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man;
42. For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage;
43. And knew not until the flood came,and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."
--Joseph Smith -- Matthew 1: 31-43
32. And again shall the abomonation of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.
33. And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
34. Verily, I say unto you, this generation, in which these things shall be shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled.
35. Although, the days will come, that heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled.
36. And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;
37. And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
...
40. But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only.
41. But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man;
42. For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage;
43. And knew not until the flood came,and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."
--Joseph Smith -- Matthew 1: 31-43
Friday, January 16, 2009
America Needs Your Help!
I received the following email from a friend and found it extremely interesting and eye opening.
(I have not disclosed the creator of this email for privacy reasons)
This was one of the replies to the above email.
So, does this world just go around on its own, without our involvement? Does food just wind up on your plate? Does gas just magically fill your car tank? Do clothes magically fill your closet? And, do you magically have an opportunity to practice your religion, to speak your mind, to obtain a good education, to watch TV shows you like, to listen to the music you like? No. None of these things are magic. We are going to lose these freedoms if we don't get involved in the process. I want to keep my freedoms and I want to make it so that other people can enjoy the same freedoms, so I am getting involved. Will you do the same?
"Dear Friends and Family,
I have long been thinking about the direction our beloved country has taken. The Congress has a very low approval rating, yet most of these "Congressmen" have been re-elected to further the problems our country faces. Republicans and Democrats alike are to blame. However, I feel the that most of the blame lies with us, the citizens that elect our government representatives. I have also been thinking about what I can do to change the direction our country is taking, but there doesn't seem to be much just 1 person can do. This email is my effort, as small and insignificant it may be.
My purpose in writing this is NOT to push 1 political agenda or another, support 1 elected official or another, or to say 1 party is better than another. Quite frankly, I think BOTH parties suck. Most representatives should be replaced by someone who actually cares about our country, and all political agendas need to be scrutinized and reviewed by ALL the American people. I am saddened to think how apathetic people have become in regards to being informed about the country in which we live, myself included. We are quick to criticize, blame and complain about our current situations, yet very few of us are willing to act, myself included, until now. We keep electing the same old people into office, and the country is continuing the same old path of self-destruction. Perhaps we just don't know what we can do.
Well, here's my proposal and it just might work if enough people band together and get involved. It's time for the American people to hold our elected officials (local and national) accountable and let them know that they need to EARN our votes. How do we do that? We need to first be informed. We need to know what the issues are, study them, and come to educated and reasoned conclusions about what issues face our country. Secondly, we need to contact our Senators and Representatives and voice our opinions. I don't particularly think it matters who or what you support in these political games. It matters that your Congressmen realize that their voters are watching and care about what goes on in Congress. They MUST realize that their time in office is measured by how well they serve their constituents. Derek has written the Rep in our old district 2 times, and has gotten a response both times. I recently wrote to Senator Hatch and he responded to me as well. They should. If they don't, they don't deserve our vote. There are websites where you can find information on proposed bills, how your representatives voted, as well as their contact information. Here are 2 websites I found in a simple 1 minute
Google search:
thomas.loc.gov
congress.org (you can find and contact your specific elected officials, federal, state and local on this site).
I, like many Americans, was livid when I heard that Congress was planning to give themselves a 4-5% raise. In my opinion, they don't deserve it. My opinion seems to be shared by the majority of the people indicated by their incredibly low approval rating. Our economy is tanking, people are losing jobs and houses left and right, and they have the audacity to give themselves a raise!? Why not use that money to help reduce our national deficit? So, I think we need to make them earn that raise. We are, in essence, their bosses. They don't have a job in Congress without our vote. They seem to have this attitude that we ought to thank our lucky stars that we have them -the all-wise and all-knowing- to dictate our lives. We have been told that "only government can get us out of this economic crisis." Bull. Why should they get away with suggesting that only a few select people are capable of using their brains, while the rest of us "commoners" should just sit tight an let them figure things out? I should mention that one individual (who wishes to remain anonymous) presented Rep. Rob Bishop with a problem, expressed his feelings of what the solution ought to be, Rob Bishop initiated a congressional inquiry that solved the problem based on this person's well-reasoned and well-thought out argument. (Details withheld to protect the instigator from potential repercussions) Clearly the true power lies in us. We are every bit as capable as those people in Congress to use our brains. We each have our strengths and can contribute to our society by using those strengths. It's time for the American people to dictate to Congress how we want our lives to be run.
I know most of us are busy, but we can't afford to not to be involved. We have jobs, kids, houses to care for and volunteer obligations in our churches and schools, just to name a few things that take up our time. However, if we continue our apathetic attitude, we will continue to lose freedoms, and our economy will continue this downward spiral. A few months ago (my son) told me in his sweet little voice, "Mommy, I'm hungry." I thought then that I was so grateful to have food to feed my children, that there was something I could do to help my son alleviate his hunger. I thought about how sick I would feel to hear my child cry for food, and not be able to do anything about it. We are so blessed and we ought to remember our blessings. With those blessings come responsibility. It seems that most of our Congressmen and women have forgotten by whose Hand we have been so richly blessed. Most are seeking for power, and not for the welfare of the country, and certainly not for the will of God. It's time for those of us with faith to call upon our Father in faith and act according to the inspiration we each receive. It's time to involve our Father again in the affairs of our country. We are stuck in the "Pride Cycle" and are being stirred up to remembrance of our God. Let's act and not be destroyed.
Okay, I feel better now :-P Please take the opportunities we all have to be involved. Invite your friends and neighbors to be involved as well. I think we will all be pleasantly surprised at the results.
Love you all and God bless America!"
(I have not disclosed the creator of this email for privacy reasons)
This was one of the replies to the above email.
So, does this world just go around on its own, without our involvement? Does food just wind up on your plate? Does gas just magically fill your car tank? Do clothes magically fill your closet? And, do you magically have an opportunity to practice your religion, to speak your mind, to obtain a good education, to watch TV shows you like, to listen to the music you like? No. None of these things are magic. We are going to lose these freedoms if we don't get involved in the process. I want to keep my freedoms and I want to make it so that other people can enjoy the same freedoms, so I am getting involved. Will you do the same?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
If a Cat and Bird Can Get Along, It's Possible for Anyone to Get Along.
Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest.
...but about who came and never left your side.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The White Phosphorus Controversy
You may have heard on the news that something called "white phosphorus" has been used by Israel in Gaza (the above picture Human Rights Watch said it was clear Israel had fired shells containing white phosphorus(aljazeera),photo by:Patrick Baz/AFP/Getty Images, January 2009.). So, what is white phosphorus and should it be used?
According to Wikipedia, "White phosphorus (WP) is a flare- and smoke-producing incendiary device[1] or smoke-screening agent that is made from a common allotrope of the chemical element phosphorus. White phosphorus bombs and shells are incendiary weapons, but can also be used as offensive anti-personnel flame compounds capable of causing serious burns or death.[2] The agent is used in bombs, artillery, and mortars, short-range missiles which burst into burning flakes of phosphorus upon impact...
White phosphorus weapons are controversial today because of their potential use against civilians. While the Chemical Weapons Convention does not designate WP as a chemical weapon, various groups consider it to be one. In recent years, the United States, Israel, and Russia have used white phosphorus in combat."
So, where has this been used? The white phosphorus, "Willie Pete", or WP was used in Iraq during combat by the United States. During the cases where WP was used, it was used against insurgents for producing obscuring smoke to get our troops to where they needed to be and used as an incendiary weapon against enemy combatants and not against civilians. It was used clear back in World War One, so it has been around for a long time.
"Another news report[10] said "US intelligence" called WP a chemical weapon in a declassified Pentagon report from February 1991:
"Iraqi forces loyal to President Saddam may have possibly used white phosphorus chemical weapons against Kurdish rebels and the populace in Erbil and Dohuk. The WP chemical was delivered by artillery rounds and helicopter gunships."
but the actual declassified document[11] contains the words "WARNING: (U) THIS IS AN INFORMATION REPORT, NOT FINALLY EVALUATED INTELLIGENCE."
"The Chemical Weapons Convention does not list WP in its schedules of chemical weapons."
It is currently reported that WP is being used in the Israel-Gaza conflict as a smoke screen or to illuminate their targets. With such a densely populated area, there are bound to be civilian casualties with the use of WP, but The International Red Cross says that there is no evidence to suggest it is being used improperly or illegally.
Since Hamas chooses to hide itself in hospitals, schools, and churches, it is not likely that the WP is actually getting Israel to the major combat locations where they can gather the Hamas militants or leaders. However, it may be something that gets them closer to the positions they need to be in to accurately fight this bloody battle.
Reported in the Tehran Times, "the white phosphorous used by the Israeli army can cause genetic mutations in Gazans." I have not found information that confirms that theory, other than the documentary film Fallujah, The Hidden Massacre that stated regarding the danger of the weapon effects:
"In particular, some women had tried to enter their homes, and they had found a certain dust spread all over the house. The Americans themselves had told them to clean the houses with detergents, because that dust was very dangerous. In fact, they had some effect on their bodies, leading to some very strange things."
There are some cases when you may hear the terms napalm and white phosphorus used simultaneously, however they are not the same thing. They have quite different compositions.
Another interesting part of the Tehran Times article states that WP is "Classified as a 'chemical weapon' by the U.S. intelligence, white phosphorus is a known genotoxic capable of causing genetic mutations and cancer by disrupting the biochemistry of the body." Again, I found nothing to confirm these claims.
When it comes to war, there are many ugly weapons and tactics that are used. War is destructive to building structures, economies, and civilians. With these thoughts in mind, the end of the conflict going on between Israel and Gaza is not likely to end any time soon as that area has had conflict for hundreds of years.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Don't believe everything you read!
This was forwarded to me by a friend and I want to put it out there because it is important to know the truth about those things floating around the Internet.
According to three sources this email is false.
One of these sources is About.com.
When you click on these links, notice that there are multiple versions of these posts.
Another source is Snopes.com.
The third source is FactCheck.org.
In other words, don't believe everything you read.
"Interesting Statistics
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law,
St. Paul, Minnesota, points out facts of 2008 Presidential election:
Number of States won by:
Democrats: 19
Republicans: 29
Square miles of land won by:
Democrats: 580,000
Republicans: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by:
Democrats: 127 million
Republicans: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:
Democrats: 13.2
Republicans: 2.1
Professor Olson adds:
"In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won by Republicans
was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the country.
Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in
government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare.
Professor Olson believes the United States is now somewhere
between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's
definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's
population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase."
According to three sources this email is false.
One of these sources is About.com.
"SUMMARY: Forwarded email purports to analyze the results of the 2000 (or 2008) U.S. presidential election in terms of the population density and murder rates of parts of the country that voted Democratic vs. Republican.
Description: Email flier
Circulating since: 2000
Status: Mostly false"
When you click on these links, notice that there are multiple versions of these posts.
Another source is Snopes.com.
"Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University was not the source of any of the statistics or the text attributed to him above. When contacted via e-mail, Professor Olson confirmed that he had no authorship or involvement in this matter"
The third source is FactCheck.org.
"This hoax goes back eight years, when an earlier version began to circulate following the bitterly disputed 2000 presidential election. Snopes.com, a site devoted to debunking urban myths, took that one apart at the time, noting that Prof. Olson denied authorship and that some factual claims didn't check out. A new version went around for a time after the 2004 election, and whoever wrote the 2008 version of the e-mail didn't even bother to make up new "stats," but simply substituted the words "Democrats" and "Republicans" where the names "Gore" and "Bush" had appeared."
In other words, don't believe everything you read.
Bailout Foretold By Calvin & Hobbs
This was forwarded to me from a friend and is really interesting when you see it from today's perspective with bailout after bailout. Even though this cartoon was drawn over 15 years ago, as you read it, view it from the perspective from the American Auto Industry's position in the economy.
Click To Enlarge
Click To Enlarge
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Hizb-ut-Tahrir, Terrorist Group Number Four Involved In Gaza.
It's troubling enough to know that there are three terrorist organizations involved in the Gaza issue. However, now we see that there is terrorist group number four.
First, take a good look at this flag. It is the Hezbollah flag. Remember, Hezbollah is a terrorist organization.
This is a video of the protest regarding the situation in Gaza. The protest is in New York. So, why is there a Hezbollah flag when you get to about :18 somewhat behind the Palestinian flag, and 1:32 on the video?
"Lebanon
Fatah al-Islam
Fatah al-Islam is an Islamist group operating out of the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon. It was formed in November 2006 by fighters who broke off from the pro-Syrian Fatah al-Intifada, itself a splinter group of Fatah, and is led by a Palestinian fugitive militant named Shaker al-Abssi. The group's members have been described as militant jihadists, and the group itself has been described as a terrorist movement that draws inspiration from al-Qaeda. Its stated goal is to reform the Palestinian refugee camps under Islamic sharia law, and its primary targets are Israel and the United States. Lebanese authorities have accused the organization of being involved in the February 13, 2007 bombing of two minibuses that killed three people, and injured more than 20 others, in Ain Alaq, Lebanon, and identified four of its members as having confessed to the bombing.
+flag.gif)
-Fatah flag.
Hezbollah
Hezbollah is a Shi'a militia, political party, and social services provider based in Lebanon. Six governments consider it, or a part of it, to be a terrorist group responsible for blowing up the American embassy and later its annex, as well as the barracks of American and French peacekeeping troops and a dozens of kidnappings of foreigners in Beirut. It is also accused of being the recipient of massive aid from Iran, and of serving "Iranian foreign policy calculations and interests,"or serving as a "subcontractor of Iranian initiatives" Hezbollah denies any involvement or dependence on Iran.
In the Arab and Muslim worlds, on the other hand, Hezbollah is regarded as a legitimate and successful resistance movement that drove both Western powers and Israel out of Lebanon. In 2005, the Lebanese Prime Minister said of Hezbollah, it "is not a militia. It's a resistance."
Hezbollah's simultaneous suicide attacks on US and French barracks in Beirut and the withdrawal of American peacekeeping troops shortly thereafter the bombings prompted is thought to have "made a profound impression on bin Laden."
In this video, Hizb-ut-Tahrir is preaching to those who are protesting the Gaza situation...
Here is our fourth terrorist group involved in this issue. The thing I don't understand is that these people are being told that they are stupid and yet they choose to follow these people. I wouldn't listen to someone if they told me I was stupid, would you?
"Hizb ut-Tahrir (Arabic: حزب التحرير; English: Party of Liberation) is an international pan-Islamist, Sunni, vanguard political party whose goal is to combine all Muslim countries in a unitary Islamic state or caliphate, ruled by Islamic law and with a caliph head of state elected by Muslims.
- Hizb ut-Tahrir Flag
Taqiuddin al-Nabhani, an Islamic scholar and appeals court judge (Qadi) from Haifa, founded the organization in 1953. Since then Hizb ut-Tahrir has spread to more than 40 countries, and by one estimate has about one million members. Hizb ut-Tahrir is banned, but still active in, several Arab and Central Asian countries, and is very active in the west, particularly in the United Kingdom.
HT believes a caliphate "will provide stability and security to all the people of the region, Muslims and Non-Muslims". The party promotes "an elaborate and detailed program for instituting an Islamist state" which will "establish the laws of the Islamic Shariah and to carry the Da'wah of Islam to the world." It believes this "comprehensive solution" will provide "sincere leadership that cares for and protects its citizens from the colonial foreign policies of Bush and Blair" and bring an end to "US interventions, energy inspired wars, puppet (Muslim) governments and western values forced by the barrel of a gun." HT is strongly anti-Zionist and calls for "the dismantling" of the "illegal entity" of Israel.
HT has generated strong opinions. Some observers believe it is a victim of unjust and untrue allegations of connections to terrorism. Others argue its stated opposition to violence is tactical and temporary, and it works to create an atmosphere condusive to terrorism by preaching hatred and by actions such as calling suicide bombers "martyrs" and talking of the need to "destroy the new crusaders," i.e. Western troops in Iraq."
"Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Islamic fundamentalist groups are using the Palestinian crisis to highlight the conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East, and to promote a fundamentalist view of Islam in Indonesia...The extremists include Hizb ut-Tahrir, a worldwide movement aimed at reestablishing the caliphate, and the Front Pembela Islam." -- Asia News
In this protest video, you will see a Hamas flag in the center of your screen at about :16 on the video. You will see it again at about :32 (the white flag is the one you see.)
Note: You'll see, what looks like the Turkish Flag in the above video as well...
What do you think and feel regarding this situation? Should the U.S. get involved?
First, take a good look at this flag. It is the Hezbollah flag. Remember, Hezbollah is a terrorist organization.
This is a video of the protest regarding the situation in Gaza. The protest is in New York. So, why is there a Hezbollah flag when you get to about :18 somewhat behind the Palestinian flag, and 1:32 on the video?
"Lebanon
Fatah al-Islam
Fatah al-Islam is an Islamist group operating out of the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon. It was formed in November 2006 by fighters who broke off from the pro-Syrian Fatah al-Intifada, itself a splinter group of Fatah, and is led by a Palestinian fugitive militant named Shaker al-Abssi. The group's members have been described as militant jihadists, and the group itself has been described as a terrorist movement that draws inspiration from al-Qaeda. Its stated goal is to reform the Palestinian refugee camps under Islamic sharia law, and its primary targets are Israel and the United States. Lebanese authorities have accused the organization of being involved in the February 13, 2007 bombing of two minibuses that killed three people, and injured more than 20 others, in Ain Alaq, Lebanon, and identified four of its members as having confessed to the bombing.
+flag.gif)
-Fatah flag.Hezbollah
Hezbollah is a Shi'a militia, political party, and social services provider based in Lebanon. Six governments consider it, or a part of it, to be a terrorist group responsible for blowing up the American embassy and later its annex, as well as the barracks of American and French peacekeeping troops and a dozens of kidnappings of foreigners in Beirut. It is also accused of being the recipient of massive aid from Iran, and of serving "Iranian foreign policy calculations and interests,"or serving as a "subcontractor of Iranian initiatives" Hezbollah denies any involvement or dependence on Iran.
In the Arab and Muslim worlds, on the other hand, Hezbollah is regarded as a legitimate and successful resistance movement that drove both Western powers and Israel out of Lebanon. In 2005, the Lebanese Prime Minister said of Hezbollah, it "is not a militia. It's a resistance."
Hezbollah's simultaneous suicide attacks on US and French barracks in Beirut and the withdrawal of American peacekeeping troops shortly thereafter the bombings prompted is thought to have "made a profound impression on bin Laden."
In this video, Hizb-ut-Tahrir is preaching to those who are protesting the Gaza situation...
Here is our fourth terrorist group involved in this issue. The thing I don't understand is that these people are being told that they are stupid and yet they choose to follow these people. I wouldn't listen to someone if they told me I was stupid, would you?
"Hizb ut-Tahrir (Arabic: حزب التحرير; English: Party of Liberation) is an international pan-Islamist, Sunni, vanguard political party whose goal is to combine all Muslim countries in a unitary Islamic state or caliphate, ruled by Islamic law and with a caliph head of state elected by Muslims.
- Hizb ut-Tahrir FlagTaqiuddin al-Nabhani, an Islamic scholar and appeals court judge (Qadi) from Haifa, founded the organization in 1953. Since then Hizb ut-Tahrir has spread to more than 40 countries, and by one estimate has about one million members. Hizb ut-Tahrir is banned, but still active in, several Arab and Central Asian countries, and is very active in the west, particularly in the United Kingdom.
HT believes a caliphate "will provide stability and security to all the people of the region, Muslims and Non-Muslims". The party promotes "an elaborate and detailed program for instituting an Islamist state" which will "establish the laws of the Islamic Shariah and to carry the Da'wah of Islam to the world." It believes this "comprehensive solution" will provide "sincere leadership that cares for and protects its citizens from the colonial foreign policies of Bush and Blair" and bring an end to "US interventions, energy inspired wars, puppet (Muslim) governments and western values forced by the barrel of a gun." HT is strongly anti-Zionist and calls for "the dismantling" of the "illegal entity" of Israel.
HT has generated strong opinions. Some observers believe it is a victim of unjust and untrue allegations of connections to terrorism. Others argue its stated opposition to violence is tactical and temporary, and it works to create an atmosphere condusive to terrorism by preaching hatred and by actions such as calling suicide bombers "martyrs" and talking of the need to "destroy the new crusaders," i.e. Western troops in Iraq."
"Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Islamic fundamentalist groups are using the Palestinian crisis to highlight the conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East, and to promote a fundamentalist view of Islam in Indonesia...The extremists include Hizb ut-Tahrir, a worldwide movement aimed at reestablishing the caliphate, and the Front Pembela Islam." -- Asia News
In this protest video, you will see a Hamas flag in the center of your screen at about :16 on the video. You will see it again at about :32 (the white flag is the one you see.)
Note: You'll see, what looks like the Turkish Flag in the above video as well...
What do you think and feel regarding this situation? Should the U.S. get involved?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
*77 Is Mostly An Urban Legend
I received the following email from one of my friends. The information enclosed would be greatly beneficial if it were all true. However, as I found out, not all is factual.
First, *77 is not a number that is available in all 50 states to connect you to the Highway Patrol.
Second, it is true that some rapists attempt to pass themselves off as police officers.
Third, the person portrayed in this story is not confirmed to be an actual person as this story has turned into an urban legend and has been modified multiple times.
According to Snopes.com, in March 2002, the main character's name in the story was changed from Lauren to Lisa. There have been versions of this story that move the action to different countries, utilizing different emergency numbers.
While it is truly important to note that women driving alone have been sexually assaulted by rapists pretending to be police officers, this particular story does not seem to have merit.
Stay safe.
"YOU MUST KNOW *77
I knew about the red light on cars, but not the*77
It was about 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put his lights on.. Lauren's parents have always told her never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road, but rather to wait until they get to a gas station, etc.
Lauren had actually listened to her parents advice, and promptly called *77 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would not pull over right away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was and there weren't and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back-up already on the way.
Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground. The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.
I never knew about the *77 Cell Phone Feature, but especially for a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car. Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe & quiet place. You obviously need to make some signals that you acknowledge them (i.e. Put on your hazard lights) & call *77 like Lauren did.
Too bad the cell phone companies don't generally give you this little bit of wonderful information.
*Speaking to a service representative at ** Bell ** Mobility confirmed that *77 was a direct link to State trooper info. So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about *77...
Send this to every woman (and person) you know; it may save a life. This applies to ALL 50 states"
First, *77 is not a number that is available in all 50 states to connect you to the Highway Patrol.
Second, it is true that some rapists attempt to pass themselves off as police officers.
Third, the person portrayed in this story is not confirmed to be an actual person as this story has turned into an urban legend and has been modified multiple times.
According to Snopes.com, in March 2002, the main character's name in the story was changed from Lauren to Lisa. There have been versions of this story that move the action to different countries, utilizing different emergency numbers.
While it is truly important to note that women driving alone have been sexually assaulted by rapists pretending to be police officers, this particular story does not seem to have merit.
Stay safe.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Terror In Gaza X Three
Reported from CNN, a recording of Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is al Qaeda's deputy chief, vowing revenge for Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza. He calls the Jewish state's actions against Hamas "a gift" from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.
With al Qaeda put into the mix, isn't this confirmation to the world that Hamas is, in fact, a terrorist organization?
What is the background for al-Zawahiri? According to Wikipedia, "Dr. Ayman Muhammad Rabaie al-Zawahiri...is a prominent leader of al-Qaeda, and was the second and last "emir" of Egyptian Islamic Jihad. Al-Zawahiri is a qualified surgeon, and is an author of works including numerous al-Qaeda statements...Al-Zawahiri is under worldwide embargo by the UN 1267 Committee as a member or affiliate of al-Qaeda.In 1998 al-Zawahiri formally merged Egyptian Islamic Jihad into al-Qaeda...he has worked in the al-Qaeda organization since its inception and was a senior member of the group's shura council. He is often described as a "lieutenant" to Osama bin Laden, though bin Laden's chosen biographer has referred to him as the "real brains" of al-Qaeda.[5] As of July 2008, he is still at large."
In that same recording, al-Zawahiri states, "My Muslim brothers and mujahedeens in Gaza and all over Palestine, with the help of God we are with you in the battle, we will direct our strikes against the crusader Jewish coalition wherever we can."
What are mujahedeens? I wondered exactly that and decided to enlighten myself. Wikipedia states that mujahideen means "those engaged in jihad". Who does this include? "In its broadest sense, those Muslims who proclaim themselves warriors for the faith...has been used to refer to any Muslim groups engaged in hostilities with non-Muslims or even with secularized Muslim regimes."
With Hamas pretty much running the show in Gaza, and al-Qaeda a supporter of their efforts against Israel, Hezbolla has now gotten in the mix, and now there are at least three terrorist groups involved in the Gaza side of the conflict.
At least as early as December 28, 2008, FOX reported that "The leader of Lebanese militant Hezbollah said Sunday that he has asked his men to be on alert in southern Lebanon in case Israel attacks and promised not to abandon Hamas."
Reported January 6, 2009, by Asia Times reported that "The similarities between what is taking place in Gaza today, and what took place in Lebanon in 2006, are striking."
They also report some interesting facts about the two groups.
"Let us try to see the similarities between both groups, and what are the differences.
Similarities
Ideology: Both groups are governed by an Islamic ideology that dictates war against Israel as a national, moral and religious duty for believers. The warriors from both groups are not afraid to die. On the contrary, they seek it as a religious obligation in jihad (holy war). The IDF goes into battle with the objective of getting done with its duty, and returning home. They do not want to die.
Iran: Both are strongly allied to Iran, although Iranian support is stronger for Hamas than it is for Hezbollah. That explains why both are at odds with both Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which are engaged in a cold war with Tehran.
In 2006, Saudi Arabia was not pleased because of the war, because it further strengthened Iran's influence and clout in the Arab and Muslim world. This time, Egypt is frowning at Hamas' performance, especially that Nasrallah came out praising the leadership of Hamas, and came short of calling for a national uprising against the pro-American regime of President Hosni Mubarak. Hezbollah's victory in 2006 scored a point for Iran over Saudi Arabia. The same would apply with regard to Egypt if Hamas were to win the war in 2009.
Popularity: Both were voted in with an overwhelming majority in their respective countries and are more popular than their pro-Western counterparts within the Lebanese and Palestinian systems, Fouad al-Siniora and Mahmud Abbas. Decision-makers in Beirut and the West Bank are at a complete loss over what to do with Hamas and Hezbollah. Neither the Lebanese nor the Palestinian system has been able to disarm or weaken them. Nor has the United Nations or the United States. Both operate a wide network of charity and welfare organizations, including schools and hospitals, which makes them well rooted in Gaza and South Lebanon. Bombing them - or refusing to deal with them - will not make them go away.
Differences
Action: Hezbollah performed with flying military colors in 2006, surprising everyone with its strength, even the IDF. Arabs around the globe were enchanted when Hezbollah downed an Israeli warship - live during one of Nasrallah's speeches, or when he lived up to his promise and struck at Haifa, in the heart of Israel, for the first time since 1948.
Hezbollah projects itself as a resistance group that can deliver, psychologically through the media, and militarily in ground combat. It has a well-trained and professional army, with sophisticated missiles, radars and weapons. When its al-Manar TV was hit by Israel, the station stopped broadcasting for no more than a few minutes and was immediately back on air, beaming images of dead Israeli soldiers and victorious warriors from Hezbollah, along with talk-shows of Hezbollah's might, with subtitles in Hebrew.
Hamas also has none of Hezbollah's media machine to promote itself. During its heyday in the Palestinian uprising that started in 2000 (known in Arabic as intifada), it excelled at surprise explosions in crowded places within Israel, and target assassinations, not in professional warfare like Hezbollah. Hamas cannot duplicate Hezbollah's performance, it is that simple, and its targets are easy to strike at, within Gaza.
In South Lebanon, there are no military bases for Hezbollah, no visible training camps, or arms warehouses. No Hezbollah flags flying at official Hezbollah buildings, forcing Israel instead to strike at everyone and everything in Lebanon, hoping that in the mayhem they would succeed at hitting Hezbollah targets. As one journalist put it back then, "One walks through South Lebanon and feels Hezbollah, but one does not see Hezbollah."
The situation in Gaza is different. Hamas is everywhere. Caught by the trappings of state after it took control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas placed its name and hallmarks on all buildings it controls, making them easy targets for Israel."
It should be interesting as this fighting continues to see exactly who else comes out in support of Hamas. I am sure Amademajad will come out praising the Hamas efforts in one way or another soon. After all, he did say that Israel should be wiped off the face of the earth.
What do you think about the situation between Israel and the Gaza Strip? Who do you think is right in this conflict?
With al Qaeda put into the mix, isn't this confirmation to the world that Hamas is, in fact, a terrorist organization?
What is the background for al-Zawahiri? According to Wikipedia, "Dr. Ayman Muhammad Rabaie al-Zawahiri...is a prominent leader of al-Qaeda, and was the second and last "emir" of Egyptian Islamic Jihad. Al-Zawahiri is a qualified surgeon, and is an author of works including numerous al-Qaeda statements...Al-Zawahiri is under worldwide embargo by the UN 1267 Committee as a member or affiliate of al-Qaeda.In 1998 al-Zawahiri formally merged Egyptian Islamic Jihad into al-Qaeda...he has worked in the al-Qaeda organization since its inception and was a senior member of the group's shura council. He is often described as a "lieutenant" to Osama bin Laden, though bin Laden's chosen biographer has referred to him as the "real brains" of al-Qaeda.[5] As of July 2008, he is still at large."
In that same recording, al-Zawahiri states, "My Muslim brothers and mujahedeens in Gaza and all over Palestine, with the help of God we are with you in the battle, we will direct our strikes against the crusader Jewish coalition wherever we can."
What are mujahedeens? I wondered exactly that and decided to enlighten myself. Wikipedia states that mujahideen means "those engaged in jihad". Who does this include? "In its broadest sense, those Muslims who proclaim themselves warriors for the faith...has been used to refer to any Muslim groups engaged in hostilities with non-Muslims or even with secularized Muslim regimes."
With Hamas pretty much running the show in Gaza, and al-Qaeda a supporter of their efforts against Israel, Hezbolla has now gotten in the mix, and now there are at least three terrorist groups involved in the Gaza side of the conflict.
At least as early as December 28, 2008, FOX reported that "The leader of Lebanese militant Hezbollah said Sunday that he has asked his men to be on alert in southern Lebanon in case Israel attacks and promised not to abandon Hamas."
Reported January 6, 2009, by Asia Times reported that "The similarities between what is taking place in Gaza today, and what took place in Lebanon in 2006, are striking."
They also report some interesting facts about the two groups.
"Let us try to see the similarities between both groups, and what are the differences.
Similarities
Ideology: Both groups are governed by an Islamic ideology that dictates war against Israel as a national, moral and religious duty for believers. The warriors from both groups are not afraid to die. On the contrary, they seek it as a religious obligation in jihad (holy war). The IDF goes into battle with the objective of getting done with its duty, and returning home. They do not want to die.
Iran: Both are strongly allied to Iran, although Iranian support is stronger for Hamas than it is for Hezbollah. That explains why both are at odds with both Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which are engaged in a cold war with Tehran.
In 2006, Saudi Arabia was not pleased because of the war, because it further strengthened Iran's influence and clout in the Arab and Muslim world. This time, Egypt is frowning at Hamas' performance, especially that Nasrallah came out praising the leadership of Hamas, and came short of calling for a national uprising against the pro-American regime of President Hosni Mubarak. Hezbollah's victory in 2006 scored a point for Iran over Saudi Arabia. The same would apply with regard to Egypt if Hamas were to win the war in 2009.
Popularity: Both were voted in with an overwhelming majority in their respective countries and are more popular than their pro-Western counterparts within the Lebanese and Palestinian systems, Fouad al-Siniora and Mahmud Abbas. Decision-makers in Beirut and the West Bank are at a complete loss over what to do with Hamas and Hezbollah. Neither the Lebanese nor the Palestinian system has been able to disarm or weaken them. Nor has the United Nations or the United States. Both operate a wide network of charity and welfare organizations, including schools and hospitals, which makes them well rooted in Gaza and South Lebanon. Bombing them - or refusing to deal with them - will not make them go away.
Differences
Action: Hezbollah performed with flying military colors in 2006, surprising everyone with its strength, even the IDF. Arabs around the globe were enchanted when Hezbollah downed an Israeli warship - live during one of Nasrallah's speeches, or when he lived up to his promise and struck at Haifa, in the heart of Israel, for the first time since 1948.
Hezbollah projects itself as a resistance group that can deliver, psychologically through the media, and militarily in ground combat. It has a well-trained and professional army, with sophisticated missiles, radars and weapons. When its al-Manar TV was hit by Israel, the station stopped broadcasting for no more than a few minutes and was immediately back on air, beaming images of dead Israeli soldiers and victorious warriors from Hezbollah, along with talk-shows of Hezbollah's might, with subtitles in Hebrew.
Hamas also has none of Hezbollah's media machine to promote itself. During its heyday in the Palestinian uprising that started in 2000 (known in Arabic as intifada), it excelled at surprise explosions in crowded places within Israel, and target assassinations, not in professional warfare like Hezbollah. Hamas cannot duplicate Hezbollah's performance, it is that simple, and its targets are easy to strike at, within Gaza.
In South Lebanon, there are no military bases for Hezbollah, no visible training camps, or arms warehouses. No Hezbollah flags flying at official Hezbollah buildings, forcing Israel instead to strike at everyone and everything in Lebanon, hoping that in the mayhem they would succeed at hitting Hezbollah targets. As one journalist put it back then, "One walks through South Lebanon and feels Hezbollah, but one does not see Hezbollah."
The situation in Gaza is different. Hamas is everywhere. Caught by the trappings of state after it took control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas placed its name and hallmarks on all buildings it controls, making them easy targets for Israel."
It should be interesting as this fighting continues to see exactly who else comes out in support of Hamas. I am sure Amademajad will come out praising the Hamas efforts in one way or another soon. After all, he did say that Israel should be wiped off the face of the earth.
What do you think about the situation between Israel and the Gaza Strip? Who do you think is right in this conflict?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Climate of Freedom.
"We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
Monday, January 5, 2009
Reid's Not Powerful Enough to Block Burris.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, in an interview with NBC's David Gregory on Meet the Press stated, with regards to Burris being allowed to serve as a Illinois Senator that "there's clearly legal authority for us to do anything we want to do. This goes back for generations." Isn't he eloquent...not!
Obviously, Reid is out of touch with the U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution says, "Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members." The Supreme Court has ruled that in this context, "qualifications" are the criteria laid out by the Constitution itself. For example, that a Senator be at least 30 years old, that a Senator be a U.S. Citizen for at least nine years. There is no legal authority to block Burris. He is over thirty and he is a U.S. citizen and a resident of Illinois.
Sure, Burris is possibly tainted due to the deep association with Blagojevich. However, that does not, unfortunately, make him unqualified for the role of Senator.
So, what will likely happen is he will go to a Federal District Court Judge in Washington D.C., who will quickly sign an order directing the Secretary of the Senate to administer the Oath of Office to Burris.
There is only one way that Burris could be expelled after he is seated, and that is for disorderly behavior. When Burris' detractors are the disorderly ones and not him, that will not hold water in court. The Senate has standards for expulsion. Senators have committed felonies and have not been expelled. Therefore, it is likely that Burris will be in the Senate at least until 2012.
Sorry Harry. You are not more powerful than the U.S. Constitution. If you expell Burris, you'll have to expell some of your own people.
Obviously, Reid is out of touch with the U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution says, "Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members." The Supreme Court has ruled that in this context, "qualifications" are the criteria laid out by the Constitution itself. For example, that a Senator be at least 30 years old, that a Senator be a U.S. Citizen for at least nine years. There is no legal authority to block Burris. He is over thirty and he is a U.S. citizen and a resident of Illinois.
Sure, Burris is possibly tainted due to the deep association with Blagojevich. However, that does not, unfortunately, make him unqualified for the role of Senator.
So, what will likely happen is he will go to a Federal District Court Judge in Washington D.C., who will quickly sign an order directing the Secretary of the Senate to administer the Oath of Office to Burris.
There is only one way that Burris could be expelled after he is seated, and that is for disorderly behavior. When Burris' detractors are the disorderly ones and not him, that will not hold water in court. The Senate has standards for expulsion. Senators have committed felonies and have not been expelled. Therefore, it is likely that Burris will be in the Senate at least until 2012.
Sorry Harry. You are not more powerful than the U.S. Constitution. If you expell Burris, you'll have to expell some of your own people.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sabbath Day. Knowledge of Heaven and of Earth.
"78. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the Kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgements which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms--
80. That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
81. Behold, I send you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." -- Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-81
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our duty to ourselves, our family, our community, and our country, to be aware of and understand the events around the globe. Do we need to be experts? No. However, it is prudent that we don't isolate ourselves from this important knowledge. Don't get so lost in your daily life that you are not aware of those around you. This is important in our families, neighborhoods, churches, communities, and the globe. Where can you be of service? What can you learn from the situations going on around you?
We should share the Gospel with others so that they too may be prepared when He comes again. By remaining aware of the world around us and regular studying the Gospel, we will be ready when appropriate times come for us to share the Gospel. Keep an inner peace and the spirit close by, while at the same time opening our eyes to the events going on around us.
We can live in this world, with the knowledge of the workings and events of the world around us, without being of the world. I pray we can all do this by living the Gospel.
79. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgements which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms--
80. That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
81. Behold, I send you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." -- Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-81
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is our duty to ourselves, our family, our community, and our country, to be aware of and understand the events around the globe. Do we need to be experts? No. However, it is prudent that we don't isolate ourselves from this important knowledge. Don't get so lost in your daily life that you are not aware of those around you. This is important in our families, neighborhoods, churches, communities, and the globe. Where can you be of service? What can you learn from the situations going on around you?
We should share the Gospel with others so that they too may be prepared when He comes again. By remaining aware of the world around us and regular studying the Gospel, we will be ready when appropriate times come for us to share the Gospel. Keep an inner peace and the spirit close by, while at the same time opening our eyes to the events going on around us.
We can live in this world, with the knowledge of the workings and events of the world around us, without being of the world. I pray we can all do this by living the Gospel.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Is 2012 the End of the World?
The Mayan calendar indicates that the year 2012 is the end. The end of what? The Mayans believe that the end of the world will be Sunday, December 23, 2012.
The beginning of this video is fairly boring, but bare with me, it does get factually interesting. Even NASA is having a hard time understanding the situation.
Is it the Sun or the planet X Nibiru passing Earth that will be the end? This sounds really funny, but, I guess you never know.
What do you think? Do you think that the Earth will end on December 23, 2012, or do you think it is just like Y2K and pass without any major issues? Give me your feedback.
The beginning of this video is fairly boring, but bare with me, it does get factually interesting. Even NASA is having a hard time understanding the situation.
Is it the Sun or the planet X Nibiru passing Earth that will be the end? This sounds really funny, but, I guess you never know.
What do you think? Do you think that the Earth will end on December 23, 2012, or do you think it is just like Y2K and pass without any major issues? Give me your feedback.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Car Theft. Vulnerable Keyless Entry Codes.
This was forwarded in an email to me and I thought it was interesting.
"Snopes Approved
I locked my car --- as I walked away I heard my car door unlock I went
back and locked my car again three times. I looked around and there were
two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next to the store. When I
looked straight at them they did not unlock my car again.
How to lock your car safely
While traveling my son stopped at a roadside park. He came out to his car
less than 4-5 minutes later and found someone had gotten into his car, and
stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator briefcase.....you
name it ... called the police and since there were no signs of his car
being broken int o- the police told him that there is a device that
robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors
on your car using your key-chain locking device.. They sit a distance away
and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the
store, restaurant, or bathroom and have a few minutes to steal and run.
The police officer said ...to be sure to manually lock your car door-by
hitting the lock button inside the car, that way if there is someone
sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim it will not be
you. When you hit the lock button on your car upon exiting...it does not
send the security code, but if you walk away and
use the door lock on your key chain- it sends the code through the
airwaves where it can be stolen, something totally new to us...and real
... be aware of this and please pa s s this note on..look how many times
we all lock our doors with our keys...just to be sure we remembered to
lock them....and bingo someone have our code...and whatever was in the
car...can be gone.
Keep safe everyone!"
Here is a brief version of what Snopes has to say.
"Origins: Automobile remote keyless entry systems (RKE) were introduced in the 1980s. They've proved to be a big hit, making it easier for the grocery-laden to unlock their cars and sparing many of the terminally forgetful from finding they've left their keys in the ignitions of their now-locked cars or their purses in the seats of same.
The earliest RKE systems were quite vulnerable to the sort of attack described in the warning e-mails quoted above. Their RF transmitters (usually built into key fobs) sent unique identifying codes that could be picked off by 'code grabbers' devices that recorded the codes sent out when drivers pushed buttons on their remote key fobs to lock or unlock their cars.
...automakers shifted from RKEs with fixed codes to systems employing rolling random codes. These codes change every time a given RKE system is used to lock or unlock car doors and thus renders 'code grabbers' ineffective. That form of more robust system became the industry standard for remote keyless entry system in the mid-1990s, so automobiles newer than that are not vulnerable to being quickly and easily opened by criminals armed with code grabbers.
...theoretically possible...with the right technology...
None of the police agencies we spoke with had ever heard of an instance of an automobile break-in theft being accomplished through the method described above."
"Snopes Approved
I locked my car --- as I walked away I heard my car door unlock I went
back and locked my car again three times. I looked around and there were
two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next to the store. When I
looked straight at them they did not unlock my car again.
How to lock your car safely
While traveling my son stopped at a roadside park. He came out to his car
less than 4-5 minutes later and found someone had gotten into his car, and
stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator briefcase.....you
name it ... called the police and since there were no signs of his car
being broken int o- the police told him that there is a device that
robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors
on your car using your key-chain locking device.. They sit a distance away
and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the
store, restaurant, or bathroom and have a few minutes to steal and run.
The police officer said ...to be sure to manually lock your car door-by
hitting the lock button inside the car, that way if there is someone
sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim it will not be
you. When you hit the lock button on your car upon exiting...it does not
send the security code, but if you walk away and
use the door lock on your key chain- it sends the code through the
airwaves where it can be stolen, something totally new to us...and real
... be aware of this and please pa s s this note on..look how many times
we all lock our doors with our keys...just to be sure we remembered to
lock them....and bingo someone have our code...and whatever was in the
car...can be gone.
Keep safe everyone!"
Here is a brief version of what Snopes has to say.
"Origins: Automobile remote keyless entry systems (RKE) were introduced in the 1980s. They've proved to be a big hit, making it easier for the grocery-laden to unlock their cars and sparing many of the terminally forgetful from finding they've left their keys in the ignitions of their now-locked cars or their purses in the seats of same.
The earliest RKE systems were quite vulnerable to the sort of attack described in the warning e-mails quoted above. Their RF transmitters (usually built into key fobs) sent unique identifying codes that could be picked off by 'code grabbers' devices that recorded the codes sent out when drivers pushed buttons on their remote key fobs to lock or unlock their cars.
...automakers shifted from RKEs with fixed codes to systems employing rolling random codes. These codes change every time a given RKE system is used to lock or unlock car doors and thus renders 'code grabbers' ineffective. That form of more robust system became the industry standard for remote keyless entry system in the mid-1990s, so automobiles newer than that are not vulnerable to being quickly and easily opened by criminals armed with code grabbers.
...theoretically possible...with the right technology...
'Theoretical attack requires detailed knowledge of the system implementation and a combination of data, specialized skills, equipment and access to various components of data, specialized skills, equipment and access to various components of a system which is seldom feasible. These theoretical attacks are not unique to the Keeloq system and could be applied to virtually any security system.'
None of the police agencies we spoke with had ever heard of an instance of an automobile break-in theft being accomplished through the method described above."
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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