"...The heart is not only on fire, but this fire has a melting effect. We feel as if a goodness that does not come from within has taken hold of us. Dietrich von Hildebrand speaks of “fluid goodness” of a loving heart.
True love makes the lover more beautiful; he irradiates joy. If this is not the case, we can raise doubts as to whether he is truly in love. One says in French: “Un saint triste est un triste saint”—a sad saint is a pitiful saint. Similarly, a sad “lover” should question whether he truly loves. Small, modest duties are done joyfully, because either they are done “with him” or “with her,” or because they become acts of loving service...."
full article here
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Only ABC Marks One Year Anniversary of the Successful Surge in Iraq
"If you're looking for one measure of the impact of the surge, look at General David Petraeus, walking through a Baghdad neighborhood with no body armor and no helmet. It's one year since the beginning of what's known here as "Operation Fardh al-Qanoon." According to the U.S. military, violence is down 60 percent. One key to the success, reconciliation."
link here
link here
Free Speech and Radical Islam
..."For the past three months Mr. Westergaard and his wife have been on the run. Mr. Westergaard did the most famous of the 12 Muhammad cartoons published in Jyllands-Posten in September 2005 -- the one depicting the prophet with a bomb in his turban. The cartoon was a satirical comment on the fact that some Muslims are committing terrorist acts in the name of Islam and the prophet. Tragically, Mr. Westergaard's fate has proven the point of his cartoon: In the early hours of Tuesday morning Danish police arrested three men who allegedly had been plotting to kill him...."
full article
full article
Berkeley at the First Amendment Brink
You just thought you knew the story
"...Then high school students showed up. The students donned yellow and black "Palestinian" masks and t-shirts emblazoned with the charming slogan: "F*** Bush." Riding skateboards, they rammed into Move America Forward and Blue Star Families' peaceful protest. Some of the teens grabbed American flags from the hands of soldiers' moms and dads, and set them afire right in front of the startled parents. Police did nothing.
When I spoke today with Mark Coplan, Director of the Public Information Office for the Berkeley Unified School District, he was just as upset about the teen participation as was Melanie Morgan. These teens, he said, were recruited by World Can't Wait to "disrupt the peaceful protest...." full story here
"...Then high school students showed up. The students donned yellow and black "Palestinian" masks and t-shirts emblazoned with the charming slogan: "F*** Bush." Riding skateboards, they rammed into Move America Forward and Blue Star Families' peaceful protest. Some of the teens grabbed American flags from the hands of soldiers' moms and dads, and set them afire right in front of the startled parents. Police did nothing.
When I spoke today with Mark Coplan, Director of the Public Information Office for the Berkeley Unified School District, he was just as upset about the teen participation as was Melanie Morgan. These teens, he said, were recruited by World Can't Wait to "disrupt the peaceful protest...." full story here
Iraqi PM: al-Qaida Chased From Baghdad
Friday, February 15, 2008 4:30 PM
Article Font Size
BAGHDAD -- Iraq's prime minister said Friday that U.S. and Iraqi troops have chased al-Qaida in Iraq out of Baghdad in the year since a security crackdown began, and he promised to pursue insurgents who have fled northward....
full story here
Article Font Size
BAGHDAD -- Iraq's prime minister said Friday that U.S. and Iraqi troops have chased al-Qaida in Iraq out of Baghdad in the year since a security crackdown began, and he promised to pursue insurgents who have fled northward....
full story here
Dereliction of Duty
By Jacob LaksinFrontPageMagazine.com Friday, February 15, 2008
House Democrats have a message for terrorists plotting to attack America: wait until Saturday.
That’s the practical effect of their decision yesterday to allow the lapse of a key surveillance law. Passed earlier this week by the Senate, the law, known as the Protect America Act (PAA), was a critical foundation for the government’s surveillance of terrorists abroad. Now, thanks to House Democrats’ inaction, it will expire at midnight today.
Not to worry, the Democratic leadership claims. The fact that the government’s surveillance powers will expire “doesn’t mean we are somehow vulnerable again,” Rep. Silvestre Reyes, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, insisted yesterday.
In fact it means precisely that.
more here
House Democrats have a message for terrorists plotting to attack America: wait until Saturday.
That’s the practical effect of their decision yesterday to allow the lapse of a key surveillance law. Passed earlier this week by the Senate, the law, known as the Protect America Act (PAA), was a critical foundation for the government’s surveillance of terrorists abroad. Now, thanks to House Democrats’ inaction, it will expire at midnight today.
Not to worry, the Democratic leadership claims. The fact that the government’s surveillance powers will expire “doesn’t mean we are somehow vulnerable again,” Rep. Silvestre Reyes, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, insisted yesterday.
In fact it means precisely that.
more here
MD Attornet General Supports Gay "marriage"
"...This bill is fundamentally about equality," Gansler told the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. "It would be wrong for me to have this job knowing there's something so wrong in our society and just ignore it." He said qualms about same-sex unions seem to be limited to older people: "For the younger generation, this is a non-issue...."
full article
Then we are not teaching our children well. We are letting others teach them.
full article
Then we are not teaching our children well. We are letting others teach them.
Iran Proposes Death Penalty for Apostacy
The Iranian parliament is reviewing a bill for the Islamic Penal Law (Penal Code) that aims at legislating the death penalty for apostasy.
According to the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, the draft law defines an apostate as “any Muslim who clearly announces that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy.”
from the VoM site
According to the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, the draft law defines an apostate as “any Muslim who clearly announces that he/she has left Islam and declares blasphemy.”
from the VoM site
"...the Christian the devil warned you about":
"...On October 1, Hua was arrested again and threatened. This time he was not left in the jail. Instead he was taken to his father's house and welded in. Yes, that's right. The police welded the door shut with Hua, his wife and his father inside. As if this was not enough security to keep an ailing pastor inside, the police also posted 30 policemen on the roof, courtyard and surrounding areas of the house. Hua and his family was kept this way for seven days....
...The devil knows who is advancing the Kingdom of God. And yet the devil's worst tools do nothing to overcome the Light!..."
from the Persecution blog
...The devil knows who is advancing the Kingdom of God. And yet the devil's worst tools do nothing to overcome the Light!..."
from the Persecution blog
Thursday, February 14, 2008
a date with history
Researchers hoping for a date with history
By Joel Greenberg
JewishWorldReview.com (MCT)
OUTHERN NEGEV — In quarantine under protective netting, a palm sapling coaxed from a seed nearly 2,000 years old is growing in southern Israel....
story here
By Joel Greenberg
JewishWorldReview.com (MCT)
OUTHERN NEGEV — In quarantine under protective netting, a palm sapling coaxed from a seed nearly 2,000 years old is growing in southern Israel....
story here
Unmasking the "gay" agenda
"Balance of PowerAmericans who self-identify as "gay" or lesbian comprise roughly one to three percent of the population. Yet the homosexual movement — led by extremist homosexual pressure groups like the so-called Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — represent, per capita, one of America's most powerful and well-funded political lobbies. Consider that HRC and the HRC foundation alone have an annual budget in excess of 50 million.Through a carefully crafted, decades-old propaganda campaign, homosexual activists have successfully cast homosexuals — many of whom enjoy positions of influence and affluence — as a disadvantaged minority. They have repackaged and sold to the public behaviors which thousands of years of history, every major world religion and uncompromising human biology have long identified as immoral and sexually deviant."
full article here
full article here
Al-Qaida in Iraq threatens Israel
By MAAMOUN YOUSSEF, Associated Press Writer Thu Feb 14, 6:58 AM ET
CAIRO, Egypt - The purported leader of al-Qaida's affiliate in Iraq called in a new posting on a militant Web site on Thursday for attacks on Israel and proposed that Iraq's territory be a "launching pad" to seize Jerusalem.
link here
CAIRO, Egypt - The purported leader of al-Qaida's affiliate in Iraq called in a new posting on a militant Web site on Thursday for attacks on Israel and proposed that Iraq's territory be a "launching pad" to seize Jerusalem.
link here
Hezbollah chief threatens Israel
By SCHEHEREZADE FARAMARZI, Associated Press Writer Thu Feb 14, 6:37 PM ET
BEIRUT, Lebanon - Israel ordered its embassies on high alert and the FBI put U.S. terror squads on guard to protect Jewish institutions after Hezbollah's leader vowed Thursday to retaliate anywhere in the world for the assassination of one of its top commanders.
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"Zionists, if you want this kind of open war, let the whole world listen: Let this war be open," Hassan Nasrallah told a throng of fist-waving mourners who attended the funeral of Imad Mugniyeh, the mastermind of terror spectaculars that claimed hundreds of American lives.
rest of article here
BEIRUT, Lebanon - Israel ordered its embassies on high alert and the FBI put U.S. terror squads on guard to protect Jewish institutions after Hezbollah's leader vowed Thursday to retaliate anywhere in the world for the assassination of one of its top commanders.
ADVERTISEMENT
if(window.yzq_d==null)window.yzq_d=new Object();
window.yzq_d['RL5fI9GDJG0-']='&U=13bdd19pt%2fN%3dRL5fI9GDJG0-%2fC%3d619213.12054933.12500277.1442997%2fD%3dLREC%2fB%3d4919452';
"Zionists, if you want this kind of open war, let the whole world listen: Let this war be open," Hassan Nasrallah told a throng of fist-waving mourners who attended the funeral of Imad Mugniyeh, the mastermind of terror spectaculars that claimed hundreds of American lives.
rest of article here
Putin threatens to aim rockets at ex-allies over missile shield
MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin on Thursday repeated his threat to aim Russian rockets at former Soviet satellite states if U.S. missile defense facilities are deployed there.
Speaking about U.S. plans for interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic, Putin said, "Our experts consider that this system threatens our national security, and if it appears, we will be obligated to adequately react to this."
article here
Speaking about U.S. plans for interceptors in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic, Putin said, "Our experts consider that this system threatens our national security, and if it appears, we will be obligated to adequately react to this."
article here
Obama as Diplomat in Chief
By MICHAEL O'HANLON February 14, 2008; Page A17
A central element of Barack Obama's plan to change American foreign policy is his intention, upon becoming president, to meet with foreign leaders of extremist regimes -- the type of rogue-state dictators that George W. Bush has generally shunned during his time as president.
Applied categorically, this would be a bad idea.
full article here
A central element of Barack Obama's plan to change American foreign policy is his intention, upon becoming president, to meet with foreign leaders of extremist regimes -- the type of rogue-state dictators that George W. Bush has generally shunned during his time as president.
Applied categorically, this would be a bad idea.
full article here
Wiretapping Law updates
Yesterday the Senate passed a broad update of the law.
Today the House decides its more important to censure former White House counsel Miers and current White House Chief of Staff Bolten, than to address the ending of a very important law that is scheduled to expire at midnight on Saturday. The House has decided to exted the law for a couple weeks however.
It is worth noting, I think who voted for the law in the Sentate and who did not...
It is my understanding that McCain did vote for it while Obama and Clinton did not.
Today the House decides its more important to censure former White House counsel Miers and current White House Chief of Staff Bolten, than to address the ending of a very important law that is scheduled to expire at midnight on Saturday. The House has decided to exted the law for a couple weeks however.
It is worth noting, I think who voted for the law in the Sentate and who did not...
It is my understanding that McCain did vote for it while Obama and Clinton did not.
'One of the most dangerous terrorists' killed
"Before al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, there was Imad Mughniyeh, a top Hezbollah leader willing to kill, kidnap and maim en masse — until yesterday when a car bomb in Syria reportedly ended his decadeslong terror run." full article here
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Lent fast re-branded as 'Christian Ramadan'
By Bruno Waterfield
Last Updated: 2:23am GMT 12/02/2008
Dutch Catholics have re-branded the Lent fast as the "Christian Ramadan" in an attempt to appeal to young people who are more likely to know about Islam than Christianity.
article here
commented on at Touchstone here
an event here
Commenting on low birth rates and the increase in Muslim population, no less an authority than Bernard Lewis has said, "Current trends show that Europe will have a Muslim majority by the end of the twenty-first century at the latest. . . . Europe will be part of the Arab West-the Maghreb."
Highlights some good reading even if you can't make the event
Last Updated: 2:23am GMT 12/02/2008
Dutch Catholics have re-branded the Lent fast as the "Christian Ramadan" in an attempt to appeal to young people who are more likely to know about Islam than Christianity.
article here
commented on at Touchstone here
an event here
Commenting on low birth rates and the increase in Muslim population, no less an authority than Bernard Lewis has said, "Current trends show that Europe will have a Muslim majority by the end of the twenty-first century at the latest. . . . Europe will be part of the Arab West-the Maghreb."
Highlights some good reading even if you can't make the event
THEY BEAT IT OUT OF ME
It would be funny if it weren't so sad...well, ok it's still kinda funny, but it's really, really sad...
February 13, 2008 -- The kinky college professor who was almost strangled during an S&M session at a Midtown club told The Post yesterday he's deeply ashamed and is finally through with the double life he's lived since he was kid.
"I don't want this to spoil my marriage," said Robert Benjamin, 67, still disoriented from the three days he spent in a coma but sitting upright in a chair in his room at St. Vincent's Hospital.
"It's like when you crave a turkey," he said. "You eat it and you eat it and you eat it, but you still want it. But now I've had enough. I don't want turkey anymore. I'm full."
article here
February 13, 2008 -- The kinky college professor who was almost strangled during an S&M session at a Midtown club told The Post yesterday he's deeply ashamed and is finally through with the double life he's lived since he was kid.
"I don't want this to spoil my marriage," said Robert Benjamin, 67, still disoriented from the three days he spent in a coma but sitting upright in a chair in his room at St. Vincent's Hospital.
"It's like when you crave a turkey," he said. "You eat it and you eat it and you eat it, but you still want it. But now I've had enough. I don't want turkey anymore. I'm full."
article here
Symptoms: Metabolic Syndrome Is Tied to Diet Soda
By NICHOLAS BAKALAR
Published: February 5, 2008
"Researchers have found a correlation between drinking diet soda and metabolic syndrome — the collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes that include abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and elevated blood pressure."
view link here
Published: February 5, 2008
"Researchers have found a correlation between drinking diet soda and metabolic syndrome — the collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes that include abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and elevated blood pressure."
view link here
Could women grow their own sperm?
"The day when babies can be made from stray flakes of skin may not be far away. But the ethical implications are enormous, says Roger Highfield
When the Prime Minister walks out of the press conference, he leaves a single flake of skin on the lectern. A woman quietly picks it up, takes it to a lab and, nine months later, gives birth to his child."
(full article here)
When the Prime Minister walks out of the press conference, he leaves a single flake of skin on the lectern. A woman quietly picks it up, takes it to a lab and, nine months later, gives birth to his child."
(full article here)
Greenhouse Affect
It what no doubt will be the fist of many "DOH" moments...
the Wall Street Journal reports:
"...The ink is still moist on Capitol Hill's latest energy bill and, as if on cue, a scientific avalanche is demolishing its assumptions. To wit, trendy climate-change policies like ethanol and other biofuels are actually worse for the environment than fossil fuels. Then again, Washington's energy neuroses are more political than practical, so it's easy for the Solons and greens to ignore what would usually be called evidence...." rest of the artcle here
the Wall Street Journal reports:
"...The ink is still moist on Capitol Hill's latest energy bill and, as if on cue, a scientific avalanche is demolishing its assumptions. To wit, trendy climate-change policies like ethanol and other biofuels are actually worse for the environment than fossil fuels. Then again, Washington's energy neuroses are more political than practical, so it's easy for the Solons and greens to ignore what would usually be called evidence...." rest of the artcle here
Obama's Wiretap Votes
"....It says something about his national security world view, or his callowness, that Mr. Obama would vote to punish private companies that even the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee said had "acted in good faith." Had Senator Obama prevailed, a President Obama might well have been told "no way" when he asked private Americans to help his Administration fight terrorists. ..."
read full article here
read full article here
Ghost Like White Stag Spotted
White stags are seen as a magical and powerful force in many mythologies.
The animal's ghostly glow comes from a recessive gene which causes leucism, a condition which reduces the normal brown coloring in hair and skin. They are not albinos, which have red eyes due to lack of pigment.
In Celtic traditions, white stags represent messengers from the afterlife. Arthurian legend has it that the creature can never be caught -- King Arthur's pursuit of the animal represents mankind's spiritual quest.
It is also said that for those who set eyes on the animal, a momentous moment is near.
The animal's ghostly glow comes from a recessive gene which causes leucism, a condition which reduces the normal brown coloring in hair and skin. They are not albinos, which have red eyes due to lack of pigment.
In Celtic traditions, white stags represent messengers from the afterlife. Arthurian legend has it that the creature can never be caught -- King Arthur's pursuit of the animal represents mankind's spiritual quest.
It is also said that for those who set eyes on the animal, a momentous moment is near.
Berkeley City Council Retreats From Anti-Marines Offensive, Voices Support for Troops
Fox Report here
BERKELEY, Calif. — City councilmembers who were heavily criticized for telling Marine recruiters they don't belong here have moderated their position, saying they oppose the war in Iraq but support the troops.
BERKELEY, Calif. — City councilmembers who were heavily criticized for telling Marine recruiters they don't belong here have moderated their position, saying they oppose the war in Iraq but support the troops.
Coming to a School Near You
Academics have been compromised, and family values are under attack in California’s public schools. As a loving parent, it’s time to rescue your childfrom sexual indoctrination and other perils of government schools. rescue your child
Huck's Hour of Power
From WorldNet Daily
"...With the president at 30 percent and the party about to lose seats in both houses of Congress, conservatives should not be closing ranks but demanding to know why.
Huckabee has a chance to do himself a world of good by piling up votes and delegates and making himself a conservative alternative to McCain. But he also has a chance to serve his party and country, by putting on the table the issues neither party is addressing.
Are we as overextended strategically and militarily as we surely are financially and fiscally? Should we stick with free trade if our rivals are rabid economic nationalists? If we let 12 million to 20 million illegals stay, how do we stop the next 12 million to 20 million from coming in?
For his party's and his country's sake, as well as his own, Mike Huckabee should keep the conversation going. Because right now, his party is looking at Hillary, Obama – or Bush's third term...."
"...With the president at 30 percent and the party about to lose seats in both houses of Congress, conservatives should not be closing ranks but demanding to know why.
Huckabee has a chance to do himself a world of good by piling up votes and delegates and making himself a conservative alternative to McCain. But he also has a chance to serve his party and country, by putting on the table the issues neither party is addressing.
Are we as overextended strategically and militarily as we surely are financially and fiscally? Should we stick with free trade if our rivals are rabid economic nationalists? If we let 12 million to 20 million illegals stay, how do we stop the next 12 million to 20 million from coming in?
For his party's and his country's sake, as well as his own, Mike Huckabee should keep the conversation going. Because right now, his party is looking at Hillary, Obama – or Bush's third term...."
Palestinians burn Joseph's Tomb
Judaism's 3rd holiest site regarded as burial place of biblical patriarch
Posted: February 12, 20084:26 pm Eastern
By Aaron Klein© 2008 WorldNetDaily (here)
JERUSALEM – Palestinians yesterday tried to burn down Joseph's Tomb – Judaism's third holiest site – according to Palestinian security officials speaking to WND...."
And where is the outrage?
Posted: February 12, 20084:26 pm Eastern
By Aaron Klein© 2008 WorldNetDaily (here)
JERUSALEM – Palestinians yesterday tried to burn down Joseph's Tomb – Judaism's third holiest site – according to Palestinian security officials speaking to WND...."
And where is the outrage?
California ripped as 'too queer for school'
From WorldNet Daily here
'Students to endure gender-bending education unless parents rescue them'
"...the California Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger worked together to establish Senate Bill 777 and Assembly Bill 394 as law, plans that institutionalize the promotion of homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism and other alternative lifestyle choices...."
'Students to endure gender-bending education unless parents rescue them'
"...the California Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger worked together to establish Senate Bill 777 and Assembly Bill 394 as law, plans that institutionalize the promotion of homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism and other alternative lifestyle choices...."
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Good News! Shari'a Law in London Texas!
Assalam aleikum, y'all!
The Second Court of Appeals of the State of Texas has rendered a ruling on the enforceability of shari'a judgments rendered by imams. According to the Texas appeals court, it's all good.
full article here
The Second Court of Appeals of the State of Texas has rendered a ruling on the enforceability of shari'a judgments rendered by imams. According to the Texas appeals court, it's all good.
full article here
The Canadian Peril: Why they're checking passports at the border now
Web site: http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/694jlpuh.asp
In terms of Islamic extremists in Canada [as] they regard the proximity of Canada to the U.S., it's making Canada a kind of Islamic extremist aircraft carrier for the launching of major assaults against the U.S. mainland.
--David Harris, former chief of strategic planning for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service
The above, slightly overdramatic statement is taken from an interview with Frontline all the way back in May 2001. Just last week, the United States finally got around to instituting identification checks on its sparsely patrolled 5,500-mile northern border. These replace the longstanding honor system beloved of frequent border crossers and aspiring terrorists alike.
article here
In terms of Islamic extremists in Canada [as] they regard the proximity of Canada to the U.S., it's making Canada a kind of Islamic extremist aircraft carrier for the launching of major assaults against the U.S. mainland.
--David Harris, former chief of strategic planning for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service
The above, slightly overdramatic statement is taken from an interview with Frontline all the way back in May 2001. Just last week, the United States finally got around to instituting identification checks on its sparsely patrolled 5,500-mile northern border. These replace the longstanding honor system beloved of frequent border crossers and aspiring terrorists alike.
article here
Polar Bear Lies
The lie is that polar bears will become extinct in fifty years if they are not declared “endangered species” under the utterly useless, stupid legislation that environmentalists pushed through as yet another means to harm the economy. Polar bears are not endangered. Their numbers have risen from 5,000 in the 1950s to an estimated 22,000 today.
Think I am making this up? As the American Land Rights Association recently noted, “Ask timber workers in the West whose industry was all but eliminated by critical habitat designation for the spotted owl—whose numbers were later found to be declining, not because of logging, but due to invasion of its habitat by the more aggressive barred owl.”
full article here
Think I am making this up? As the American Land Rights Association recently noted, “Ask timber workers in the West whose industry was all but eliminated by critical habitat designation for the spotted owl—whose numbers were later found to be declining, not because of logging, but due to invasion of its habitat by the more aggressive barred owl.”
full article here
Danish cartoons 'plotters' held
Danish police have arrested three people suspected of planning to attack a cartoonist who drew caricatures satirising the Prophet Muhammad.
Intelligence agents said two Tunisians and a Dane of Moroccan origin had been arrested in Aarhus at 0330 GMT "to prevent a murder linked to terrorism".
article here
Intelligence agents said two Tunisians and a Dane of Moroccan origin had been arrested in Aarhus at 0330 GMT "to prevent a murder linked to terrorism".
article here
We Already Living as Dhimmis?
full article here
"...For all intents and purposes, from our government to our media to our public entertainment and educational system; the first law of Islam has been implemented. The First Law of Islam is Thou Shalt Not Criticize Islam. The laws beyond that will follow. Since this special status of Islam leaves all other religions unprotected, Islam already has a superior status to other religions while other religions have an inferior status to Islam. With the first law in place, we are already living as Dhimmis."
"...For all intents and purposes, from our government to our media to our public entertainment and educational system; the first law of Islam has been implemented. The First Law of Islam is Thou Shalt Not Criticize Islam. The laws beyond that will follow. Since this special status of Islam leaves all other religions unprotected, Islam already has a superior status to other religions while other religions have an inferior status to Islam. With the first law in place, we are already living as Dhimmis."
Monday, February 11, 2008
Wiretap Showdown
February 11, 2008; Page A18
"The Senate takes up wiretapping of foreign terrorists this week, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Not only for the ability of our spooks to eavesdrop on al Qaeda, but also regarding Congressional and judicial intrusion into Presidential war powers. Some damage seems certain, but the issue is how much damage President Bush will accept.
The debate concerns an effort to revise the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to bless spying without a court order on terrorist communications that originate overseas but move through U.S. switching networks. We believe -- and appellate courts have stated -- that the President already has such authority under the Constitution. But the political left claims this is "illegal" under FISA, and Mr. Bush has agreed to work with Congress on a compromise." full story here
"The Senate takes up wiretapping of foreign terrorists this week, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Not only for the ability of our spooks to eavesdrop on al Qaeda, but also regarding Congressional and judicial intrusion into Presidential war powers. Some damage seems certain, but the issue is how much damage President Bush will accept.
The debate concerns an effort to revise the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to bless spying without a court order on terrorist communications that originate overseas but move through U.S. switching networks. We believe -- and appellate courts have stated -- that the President already has such authority under the Constitution. But the political left claims this is "illegal" under FISA, and Mr. Bush has agreed to work with Congress on a compromise." full story here
District of Columbia v. Heller- D.C Gun Ban Case
On November 20, 2007 the Supreme Court granted cert in District of Columbia v. Heller. The Court will consider whether the DC laws banning handguns and functional firearms in the home violates the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes. A panel of experts discuss.... go here
Presidential Candidates on Judicial Philosophy
Governor Mike Huckabee
One of the greatest ongoing threats to our constitutional republic is the ever-increasing politicization of the federal judiciary. Instead of interpreting the law according to its plain or original meaning, many judges are using the Constitution and statutes passed by Congress as a mere pretense for imposing their policy preferences on the American people. This is unacceptable. The role of a judge is to interpret the law, not to legislate from the bench; and as president, I will only appoint men and women who share this view..... more
Senator John McCain
I believe that one of the greatest threats to our liberty and the Constitutional framework that safeguards our freedoms are willful judges who usurp the role of the people and their representatives and legislate from the bench. As President, I will nominate judges who understand that their role is to faithfully apply the law as written, not impose their opinions through judicial fiat. ..... more
One of the greatest ongoing threats to our constitutional republic is the ever-increasing politicization of the federal judiciary. Instead of interpreting the law according to its plain or original meaning, many judges are using the Constitution and statutes passed by Congress as a mere pretense for imposing their policy preferences on the American people. This is unacceptable. The role of a judge is to interpret the law, not to legislate from the bench; and as president, I will only appoint men and women who share this view..... more
Senator John McCain
I believe that one of the greatest threats to our liberty and the Constitutional framework that safeguards our freedoms are willful judges who usurp the role of the people and their representatives and legislate from the bench. As President, I will nominate judges who understand that their role is to faithfully apply the law as written, not impose their opinions through judicial fiat. ..... more
‘Consensual Slavery’ Advocate Accepts Task Force ‘Leather’ Award
“Consensual slavery” and “leathersex” advocate Guy Baldwin addresses the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s “Creating Change” conference in Detroit Friday, after receiving the homosexual group’s “Leather Leadership” award. Baldwin is an expert on “master/slave relationships.” ....
Just so you know I didn't make that up you can read it here if for some reason you would want to
Just so you know I didn't make that up you can read it here if for some reason you would want to
Excerpt from Huckabee in Foreign Affairs from a while back. Too bad we only got the excerpt in the media. Is it really too late for Huck? If so, then I think that's too bad..
.....A more successful U.S. foreign policy needs to better explain Islamic jihadism to the American people. Given how Americans have thrived on diversity -- religious, ethnic, racial -- it takes an enormous leap of imagination to understand what Islamic terrorists are about, that they really do want to kill every last one of us and destroy civilization as we know it. If they are willing to kill their own children by letting them detonate suicide bombs, then they will also be willing to kill our children for their misguided cause. The Bush administration has never adequately explained the theology and ideology behind Islamic terrorism or convinced us of its ruthless fanaticism. The first rule of war is "know your enemy," and most Americans do not know theirs. To grasp the magnitude of the threat, we first have to understand what makes Islamic terrorists tick. Very few Americans are familiar with the writings of Sayyid Qutb, the Egyptian radical executed in 1966, or the Muslim Brotherhood, whose call to active jihad influenced Osama bin Laden and the rise of al Qaeda. Qutb raged against the decadence and sin he saw around him and sought to restore the "pure" Islam of the seventh century through a theocratic caliphate without national borders. He saw nothing decadent or sinful in murdering in order to achieve that end. America's culture of life stands in stark contrast to the jihadists' culture of death....
.....A more successful U.S. foreign policy needs to better explain Islamic jihadism to the American people. Given how Americans have thrived on diversity -- religious, ethnic, racial -- it takes an enormous leap of imagination to understand what Islamic terrorists are about, that they really do want to kill every last one of us and destroy civilization as we know it. If they are willing to kill their own children by letting them detonate suicide bombs, then they will also be willing to kill our children for their misguided cause. The Bush administration has never adequately explained the theology and ideology behind Islamic terrorism or convinced us of its ruthless fanaticism. The first rule of war is "know your enemy," and most Americans do not know theirs. To grasp the magnitude of the threat, we first have to understand what makes Islamic terrorists tick. Very few Americans are familiar with the writings of Sayyid Qutb, the Egyptian radical executed in 1966, or the Muslim Brotherhood, whose call to active jihad influenced Osama bin Laden and the rise of al Qaeda. Qutb raged against the decadence and sin he saw around him and sought to restore the "pure" Islam of the seventh century through a theocratic caliphate without national borders. He saw nothing decadent or sinful in murdering in order to achieve that end. America's culture of life stands in stark contrast to the jihadists' culture of death....
A Veep From Mississippi
By The Prowler Published 2/11/2008 12:08:40 AM
TICKET CHOICE SEARCH
With the nomination for the Republican solidifying mightily, Sen. John McCain has asked his senior advisers to begin pulling together short lists for Vice Presidential choices. At the top of list, according to one senior adviser: Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. "There are others that need to be on that list, but you have to believe the Haley is a frontrunner," says the adviser, who knows both McCain and Barbour well.Barbour would be one name that puts many conservatives at a bit more ease, one of the criteria McCain understands he must meet, according to another adviser: "Another would be geographic balance, and Barbour takes care of that, too."Other names on the initial list that may have as many as 30 names on it: Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who is a national chair for McCain, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, and former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, former Rep. J.C. Watts. link is here
TICKET CHOICE SEARCH
With the nomination for the Republican solidifying mightily, Sen. John McCain has asked his senior advisers to begin pulling together short lists for Vice Presidential choices. At the top of list, according to one senior adviser: Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. "There are others that need to be on that list, but you have to believe the Haley is a frontrunner," says the adviser, who knows both McCain and Barbour well.Barbour would be one name that puts many conservatives at a bit more ease, one of the criteria McCain understands he must meet, according to another adviser: "Another would be geographic balance, and Barbour takes care of that, too."Other names on the initial list that may have as many as 30 names on it: Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who is a national chair for McCain, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, and former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, former Rep. J.C. Watts. link is here
Al Gore's Amen Corner
By Mark D. TooleyFrontPageMagazine.com Monday, February 11, 2008
Hailed as a "Baptist prophet," Al Gore brought his Gospel of Global Warming to Jimmy Carter's rally for leftist Baptists at a New Baptist Covenant Celebration in Atlanta last week. Gore toted a green Bible as he warned of Old Testament style famine and flood unless the planet hearkens unto the most apocalyptic of Global Warming scare stories."The evidence is there," Gore implored in ever-rising, apocalyptic tones. "The signal is on the mountain. The trumpet has blown. The scientists are screaming from the rooftops. The ice is melting. The land is parched. The seas are rising. The storms are getting stronger. Why do we not judge what is right?"
No hyperbole there. ahem full article here
Hailed as a "Baptist prophet," Al Gore brought his Gospel of Global Warming to Jimmy Carter's rally for leftist Baptists at a New Baptist Covenant Celebration in Atlanta last week. Gore toted a green Bible as he warned of Old Testament style famine and flood unless the planet hearkens unto the most apocalyptic of Global Warming scare stories."The evidence is there," Gore implored in ever-rising, apocalyptic tones. "The signal is on the mountain. The trumpet has blown. The scientists are screaming from the rooftops. The ice is melting. The land is parched. The seas are rising. The storms are getting stronger. Why do we not judge what is right?"
No hyperbole there. ahem full article here
B.C. Teacher Kempling May Lose Teaching License for Defending Christian Beliefs
"Cited for "unbecoming" conduct for simply being candidate for Christian federal political party, amongst other charges
By John Jalsevac
QUESNEL, BC, February 6, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The last half a decade has not been easy on B.C. teacher, Chris Kempling.
In 2003 the soft-spoken educator was cited by the College of Teachers for professional misconduct, after he wrote in to a local newspaper outlining Christian teachings on homosexuality. After a hearing on the matter, Kempling was found guilty of the charges, and his teaching license was suspended for a month." full story here
By John Jalsevac
QUESNEL, BC, February 6, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The last half a decade has not been easy on B.C. teacher, Chris Kempling.
In 2003 the soft-spoken educator was cited by the College of Teachers for professional misconduct, after he wrote in to a local newspaper outlining Christian teachings on homosexuality. After a hearing on the matter, Kempling was found guilty of the charges, and his teaching license was suspended for a month." full story here
Sunday, February 10, 2008
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9: ERNEST TUBB
Did I mention that this blog might also mention music?
"Profile America Saturday, February 9th. One of the greats of countrymusic was born 94 years ago today near Crisp, Texas -- Ernest Tubb. Anearly fan of Jimmie Rodgers, he was forced to create his own style after atonsillectomy stopped him from yodeling. In his lifetime, he chalked up 91country hits. His biggest was the million seller, "Walking The Floor OverYou." Tubb's fame was such that he headlined the first ever country musicperformance in Carnegie Hall, and he was the sixth performer inducted intothe Country Music Hall of Fame. Today, country music is a majorentertainment force. It is one of the leading formats on radio and accountsfor nearly 13 percent of annual record sales, just behind rap and hip-hop.You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureauon the Web at http://www.census.gov. Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of theU.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segmentsready to air on a monthly CD or on Internet at http://www.census.gov (lookunder the "Newsroom" button). For further information, contact Rick Reed at+1-301-763-2812, fax at +1-301-457-3670, or e-mail at rreed(At)census.gov." link
"Profile America Saturday, February 9th. One of the greats of countrymusic was born 94 years ago today near Crisp, Texas -- Ernest Tubb. Anearly fan of Jimmie Rodgers, he was forced to create his own style after atonsillectomy stopped him from yodeling. In his lifetime, he chalked up 91country hits. His biggest was the million seller, "Walking The Floor OverYou." Tubb's fame was such that he headlined the first ever country musicperformance in Carnegie Hall, and he was the sixth performer inducted intothe Country Music Hall of Fame. Today, country music is a majorentertainment force. It is one of the leading formats on radio and accountsfor nearly 13 percent of annual record sales, just behind rap and hip-hop.You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureauon the Web at http://www.census.gov. Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of theU.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segmentsready to air on a monthly CD or on Internet at http://www.census.gov (lookunder the "Newsroom" button). For further information, contact Rick Reed at+1-301-763-2812, fax at +1-301-457-3670, or e-mail at rreed(At)census.gov." link
ATF National Response Team Joins Investigation Into Georgia Refinery Blast & Fire
PORT WENTWORTH, Ga., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The NationalResponse Team (NRT) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms andExplosives (ATF) has entered the investigation into the Feb. 7, 2008,explosion and fire at the Imperial Sugar Refinery in Port Wentworth, Ga.,at the request of the Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office.... more
Huckabee Campaign Calls for “Full Investigation” into Washington State Results
by Fin Gomez
Richmond, VA-
Fox News has learned that the Huckabee campaign has called for a “full investigation” into the Washington State Caucus results, and are sending campaign lawyers to the state to help in that pursuit. Ed Rollins, Huckabee campaign chairman, directly challenged Washington State GOP Chairman Luke Essers move in anounncing that John McCain had won the tight race with only 87.2 percent of the votes counted.
“The chairman showed very bad judgement in stopping the voting last night when announcing John McCain had won, when there was less that a 200 vote margin between the two candidates,” Rollins told Fox in an exclusive interview.” You never announce a vote, in my 40 years of politics I have never know anybody to announce a vote count before the vote is counted.” full story
Richmond, VA-
Fox News has learned that the Huckabee campaign has called for a “full investigation” into the Washington State Caucus results, and are sending campaign lawyers to the state to help in that pursuit. Ed Rollins, Huckabee campaign chairman, directly challenged Washington State GOP Chairman Luke Essers move in anounncing that John McCain had won the tight race with only 87.2 percent of the votes counted.
“The chairman showed very bad judgement in stopping the voting last night when announcing John McCain had won, when there was less that a 200 vote margin between the two candidates,” Rollins told Fox in an exclusive interview.” You never announce a vote, in my 40 years of politics I have never know anybody to announce a vote count before the vote is counted.” full story
Pelosi calls Iraq a 'failure'
By: Mike Allen Feb 10, 2008 12:57 PM EST
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said twice Sunday that Iraq “is a failure,” adding that President Bush’s troop surge has “not produced the desired effect.” full artcle here
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said twice Sunday that Iraq “is a failure,” adding that President Bush’s troop surge has “not produced the desired effect.” full artcle here
Al-Qaeda leaders admit: 'We are in crisis. There is panic and fear'
"Al-Qaeda in Iraq faces an “extraordinary crisis”. Last year's mass defection of ordinary Sunnis from al-Qaeda to the US military “created panic, fear and the unwillingness to fight”. The terrorist group's security structure suffered “total collapse”. " read full article here
Just how holy is life?
By Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
There is no stronger reminder of the holiness of the Sabbath than the categorical imperative not to violate this day while building the Tabernacle and later the Temple. While the children of Israel are commanded to build this most sacred place on earth symbolizing the encounter between the Divine and man, G-d makes it clear that the Sabbath is still not to be violated. There is a need to stop this holy work, even in the middle, to make space for this holy day: It is more holy than the Tabernacle and (later) the Temple.
Listen, if you will, to the Divine's exact words: ..." read the rest here
There is no stronger reminder of the holiness of the Sabbath than the categorical imperative not to violate this day while building the Tabernacle and later the Temple. While the children of Israel are commanded to build this most sacred place on earth symbolizing the encounter between the Divine and man, G-d makes it clear that the Sabbath is still not to be violated. There is a need to stop this holy work, even in the middle, to make space for this holy day: It is more holy than the Tabernacle and (later) the Temple.
Listen, if you will, to the Divine's exact words: ..." read the rest here
Let's Avoid Another Kosovo Crisis
From the Wall Street Journal:
By RUTH WEDGWOODFebruary 9, 2008; Page A9
"Small events in the Balkans have a way of getting out of hand, as Emperor Franz Joseph might once have remarked.
Thus, it is good news that Serbian voters defeated ultra-nationalist presidential candidate Tomislav Nikolic in last weekend's election, instead approving incumbent Boris Tadic for a second term. Mr. Tadic wants to link Serbia's future to the European Union.
But now it is the turn of the West to act with prudence and responsibility -- in particular on the incendiary issue of Kosovo, the southern province of Serbia that is home to Serb Orthodox Christians and ethnic Albanian Muslims.
In a strongly worded essay recently published in the Washington Times, former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, former Assistant Defense Secretary Peter Rodman and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton expressed grave concern about the haste of the current Bush foreign policy team in encouraging Kosovo to declare unilateral independence. Their storm warning -- that such a declaration could cause violence in the province and lead to a crisis with Russia -- is worth heeding."......" full article here
By RUTH WEDGWOODFebruary 9, 2008; Page A9
"Small events in the Balkans have a way of getting out of hand, as Emperor Franz Joseph might once have remarked.
Thus, it is good news that Serbian voters defeated ultra-nationalist presidential candidate Tomislav Nikolic in last weekend's election, instead approving incumbent Boris Tadic for a second term. Mr. Tadic wants to link Serbia's future to the European Union.
But now it is the turn of the West to act with prudence and responsibility -- in particular on the incendiary issue of Kosovo, the southern province of Serbia that is home to Serb Orthodox Christians and ethnic Albanian Muslims.
In a strongly worded essay recently published in the Washington Times, former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, former Assistant Defense Secretary Peter Rodman and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton expressed grave concern about the haste of the current Bush foreign policy team in encouraging Kosovo to declare unilateral independence. Their storm warning -- that such a declaration could cause violence in the province and lead to a crisis with Russia -- is worth heeding."......" full article here
Promises They Can't Keep
From the Washington Post...
By Jim HoaglandSunday, February 10, 2008; Page B07
"Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama share a problem as they move deeper into the primary season: They have both issued promises to withdraw from Iraq that are impossibly vague, unrealistic or worse. They must now rectify this -- for the good of their campaigns and the nation. " full article here
By Jim HoaglandSunday, February 10, 2008; Page B07
"Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama share a problem as they move deeper into the primary season: They have both issued promises to withdraw from Iraq that are impossibly vague, unrealistic or worse. They must now rectify this -- for the good of their campaigns and the nation. " full article here
New atheists vs. the ex-atheist
This from the Mindful Hack, a Web log (here is the link) of Denyse O'Leary, co-author of The Spiritual Brain: A neuroscientist's case for the existence of the soul (HarperOne August 2007).
Marvin Olasky muses on the recent popularity of "new atheist" books.....
....He thinks it's a passing fad. I think it's a last ditch effort to sell atheism before the science evidence for meaning and purpose in the universe makes atheism as implausible as the fairies in the bottom of the garden.At least in the Western context. You could still be an atheist in the Eastern context, but that wouldn't abolish anything that the new atheists want to get rid of. Yu'd have karma instead of God.For example, right in the middle of the organized atheist uproar, an atheist who was far more highly respected than any of these others, Antony Flew, came to the conclusion, based on science evidence, that there IS a God....
Marvin Olasky muses on the recent popularity of "new atheist" books.....
....He thinks it's a passing fad. I think it's a last ditch effort to sell atheism before the science evidence for meaning and purpose in the universe makes atheism as implausible as the fairies in the bottom of the garden.At least in the Western context. You could still be an atheist in the Eastern context, but that wouldn't abolish anything that the new atheists want to get rid of. Yu'd have karma instead of God.For example, right in the middle of the organized atheist uproar, an atheist who was far more highly respected than any of these others, Antony Flew, came to the conclusion, based on science evidence, that there IS a God....
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