The Stage is set!!

06/12/2006 11:55 AM ET	U.S. Men vs. Czech Republic	FIFA World Cup Stadium Gelsenkirchen	Live on ESPN2 and Univision	Sold Out
06/17/2006 2:30 PM ET	U.S. Men vs. Italy	Fritz-Walter-Stadion (Kaiserslautern, Germany)	Live on ABC and Univision	Sold Out
06/22/2006 9:55 AM ET	U.S. Men vs. Ghana	Frankenstadion (Nuremberg, Gemany)	Live on ESPN and Univision	Sold Out

After beating the Venezuela and Latvia teams 2-0 and 1-0 respectively the US Mens National Soccer team is now in Germany. Did those two games convince anyone they were ready? Not sure, but they did not convince me in the least. Donovan still looks lost out there, Beasley like he doesn't give a rats @ss and John O'Brien looks good but he is still not match fit, or at least not 90 minutes match fit. The bright spots are that McBride looks as good as ever, Mastroeni will be ready, Eddie Pope surprised me, but I will wait to see what he does under some real pressure and Keller is and will remain The Man!! As to the others I would love to see Dempsey get more time than everyone thinks he will, Convey as well. I would love to see Eddie Johnson find his form again as he almost did against Latvia, but wait...That was Latvia. Cherundolo looked shakey too, but I think he'll rise to the occasion. At any rate it is time to book your time off cuz all (yes I said all) of their games are on weekdays during business hours. Hopefully everything will come together at the right time. Is this a good enough team? Yes, the best Us soccer has ever seen! The real question is not who can beat them, its will they beat themsleves? GO USA!!!

Bishop to Knight 3

U.S. Says It's Prepared to Talk With Iran

In the diplomatic world I suppose you would say this is calling Iran's bluff, in the Chess world , a probing move to draw out your opponent and reveal his/her strategy. Whatever the case this will force Iran to make a move. If they are interested in face to face negotiations and being recognized this should suffice. If they are interested in our recognition of their rights in the nuclear community they now have that also. But they must prove that they are sincere, or prove that they are not. Either way they cannot ignore this. They could balk at our demand that they stop enrichment right away, but that would only make them look bad. It is obvious they do not trust us or the Europeans for that matter, so how honest can we count on them being? The fact that they are preparing for an invasion speaks volumes. The Mulahs rely on Ahmadinejad to keep them up to speed, but that is really irrelevant because they are zealots and he is an insane person. I wonder what Russia and China will have to say? My guess is not much, they will wait to let it play out before they make a statement. A better question is what will we do/say when Iran screws this up? I would love to be a fly on the wall in those cabinet meetings. Stay Tuned!!
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Update: Iran Calls US Talks Offer Propaganda

I guess that takes care of that!
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Update: Iran Rejects US Conditions for Nuclear Talks

From the above article:

Diplomats in Washington and Vienna said the US offer to hold talks with Iran was linked to an effort to get China and Russia to ease categorical opposition to UN sanctions if negotiations stalled.

"What they (China and Russia) have agreed is that if Iran does not accept this offer of negotiations or does not negotiate in good faith, we will return to the (UN) Security Council" for sanctions, a senior US official said.

The question now it seems is will Russia and China back up their words with action? I say doubtful. This is predicatable from Iran though as I believe their true motive is to stall, for as long as needed. So far they are doing a superb job of it!

Debka News has a great perspective on the issue

"Three weeks ago, American emissaries began quietly visiting banks and financial institutions in West Europe and Asia. They showed the heads of these institutions lists of Iranian firms, industries and private tycoons associated in one way or another with Iran’s nuclear effort. They then indicated that American banking and corporate doors would slam shut against any financial bodies continuing to do business with the blacklisted Iranians. Our sources report that the Americans were pleasantly surprised by the success of this quiet campaign.

Many of the banking and financial bodies lobbied in this way were quick to cut their ties with the named Iranians, with immediate impact: A loud outcry arose in Tehran’s central bazaar where most business with foreigners is contracted."

____________________________________________________________
Update: World Powers Strike Substantial Accord on Iran

From Reuters above:

"Major world powers struck what a senior U.S. official called a "substantial agreement" on Thursday on a package of incentives for Iran to halt sensitive nuclear fuel work as well as penalties if it did not."

Your opinion matters

Governor will veto SB 1437

Just wanted to share some very good news. The bill SB 1437 that would force Gay cirriculum in our public schools is a good as dead. The Governor has said he will veto the bill when it comes to his desk. So assuming he does what he says, your phone calls really made a difference. God Bless America!!

Original Post

God Bless our Heros!!!

"MEMORIAL DAY POEM."

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.

~By Joyce Kilmer 1917~

Your Tax Dollars at work!

Construction Noise shuts down the Capitol Building this morning

I wish I could say I am surprised. At least it was that and not, oh I dunno, Ted Kennedy dropping a case of scotch sent over from the Immigration lobby on his way out of town. Or better yet, the sound of a Senator/Congressman doing anything today but leaving for the weekend!

Salute!!!

Do you get Monday off?

In Memory of our Honored Dead

America Supports You: Our Military Men and Women!

That's what Memorial Day is to a lot of people. Men and Women who are too young or too old to have lost a family member during wartime, those of us who simply don't care and of course those who choose to dishonor our brave military in various ways. Bottom line is this blog will be remembering our fighting men and women today and through the weekend. Memorial Day is more than just an extra day off work or a day to BBQ with friends and family. It is those things also, but it gives me pride that I cannot even express in this great nation to remember that I have the freedom to watch my daughter play, to see my son succeed in sports, to watch....Ted Kennedy giving away the citizenship that these brave people fought and died for like it was a campaign button for the democratic party? (Sound of record needle scratching). Yes even that folks, I even celebrate the rights of windbags like that to say their piece and the right of other more... well, politically challenged Americans to agree with windbags like Mr. Kennedy.

This Freedom we have is so precious, so God given and precious that thousands of your countrymen were willing to die for it, to die so that others could know it, to give there lives for the small chance that it might spread and allow a people who have known nothing but an Iron Hand for as long as they can remember to experience liberty. So this weekend no matter what your opinion is of our president or the conflict we find ourselves in, take a moment and pause to watch your son hit that baseball, to see your daughter take her first steps and remember those who died so that you/they might live.

God Bless our fallen Heros!!

Army
Navy
AirForce
Marines
Coast Gaurd

Malkin has a tribute

Memorial Day Reflections

Remember:wizbang

National Review agrees with me

STACLU Memorial Day Link Fest

U.S. MNT fall 0-1 to Morrocco???

I have to take a break from Politics for a moment and address the abismal performacne of my mens national team at their warmup friendly on Tuesday. I watched the whole match and I can say for me it was embarrassing to say the least. We looked slow, unorganized, unmotivated, not sharp, not hungry and not like a team that is supposed to be ranked 5th in the world. (What a joke)

Lets begin with the starting lineup: Liked that O'Brien started and looked pretty sharp even. Did not like that Wolf started, I am still trying to figure out what exactly he has done to warrant a place not only on this team, but in the starting 11 to boot. His regular season last year was average, his performance in National team games was less than average. I just don't get it. Arena left Twellman (averaged 20 goals the last three seasons) and took wolf. He has players on the bech like Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson, Brian Ching, etc... and he starts Wolf?? Anyway, Renya pulled up with a hamstring strain early and he did not look good anyway so that was just fine with me. Pablo was a total stud in his place and deserved man of the match for the US. Did not like Gibbs at wing defense, did not like Cherundolo's performance at right back. Pope surprised me and helfd his own, but I am still very skeptical that he can do that against Italy or Czech Republic. All in all I just wanted to say, we need to wake up, cuz the fact that we just got made a fool of by a third rate African team that was missing their best players, aint saying a lot about our chances to make the second round. Note to Bruce, here is my starting 11

GK: Keller

Def: Cherundolo Gibbs Onyewoo Lewis

Mid: Convey O'Brien Matroeni Dempsey

Fwd: Donovan Mc' Bride

Let Renya and Beasley ride the pine as far as I am concerned. Overhyped and underproducing for my money

My radar is up on this one

Hastert Demands FBI Return Documents

Hastert tells President Bush FBI raid was unconstitutional

Not really sure what to make of this. I do not by any means claim to be a constitutional expert, nor can I speak intelligently on the legality of the FBI search. But something did occur to me in reading this article. For instance the fact that a prominent (D) Congressman has been caught bribing people and accepting bribes should mean jubilation for Hassert and Boehner. But the first thing you hear from both is not something to the effect of, what a disgrace this is, or that now the Democrats who believe there is a culture of corruption in the Republican senate should think twice. No, what you hear is "The search of the congressman's office was unconstitutional." That is curious for two reasons. One being the above stated non-response to their parties vindication and the other being their willingness to stand up, rather quickly in fact, and indirectly defend the rights of the accused congressman. My point is really implied, so let me make myself more clear. It seems to me that for whatever reason Hassert and Boehner are thinking ahead to a time when this kind of thing could happen to them, or worse. Not that any charges have been leveled or that there are even any investigations into wrong doing by these two. But, a smarter man than I once said, why complain if you have nothing to hide?

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Update:
Whoo Hoo! That all happened fast didn't it? Not that this is over by any means!

Hat Tip to Drudge for the articles

House speaker Under Investigation:ABC

DOJ: Hastert is not under investigation

Malkin joins the frey

More:
Bush Orders FBI-Congress Documents Sealed

Bulldog Pundit Reacts

ABC sticking by story "as reported"

DOH!

UPDATE:
For those of you who think I should be shamed for doubting our government, let me say this. I am a card carrying Republican, or better still Conservative. I believe in the war in Iraq, I believe in a secure border, and I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and that Abortion is genocide. However, I am not inclined to discount possible truth just because it comes from an undesirable source. Moussaoui is a terrible person and given the opportunity to sit at the controls of a plane I would guess he'd fly it into whatever building he could find. However, I do not for a moment believe that he is capable of gaining that position, nor do I believe that Osama put him there. Think about it, Bin Laden may be a madman, but he lives accroding to a code, a sick twisted code, but a code nonetheless. He was more than willing to tout any and every act and/or person remotely involved with any kind of terror against the US until now? Besides, this does nothing but confirm what conservatives and liberals alike already knew anyway. This man Moussaoui is insane, worthy of prison, possibly death and most probably had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11. Believe it or not those two things can exist side by side


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Bin Laden Says Moussaoui not a part of 9/11
Whether we're catching fake terrorists or faking border enforcement it seems it may be time to admit that the republican party are standing with their pants around their ankles and Harry Reid is holding the Vasoline and looking like Homer Simpson at a Crispy Kreme factory. Did you see this today? It turns out that Osama himself has even disavowed poor little Zach. He said "The truth is that he has no connection whatsoever with the events of September 11. I am certain of what I say because I was responsible for entrusting the 19 brothers ... with the raids" . Gosh, no ambiguity there! He just wasn't even involved, period!

I know, I know, this may just be to make Bush look stupid (not that he needs any help lately), but I think I believe this one. Zach never struck me as the terror mastermind they made him out to be. Ironicaly, we (America) allow men that would make Zach crap his pants and shudder to walk around as free men, with no other excuse than international politics. We let our border be invaded when you know that if we really wanted them secured... right friggin' now! They would be! Now before you go offering me a tinfoil hat and telling me there really aren't any black helicopters after me, let me say that this is not uncommon knowledge. On the bad guy front Debbie Schlussel has a new one up in her blog archives every week that we are not only letting slip through the cracks, but in some cases even lobbying. On the border issue, let's face it, we are the most powerful nation in the world, nuff said!

Bush's faith "worrying" to Madeleine Albright

Bush's Faith worries Albright
When I read this I had to stop and chuckle at all of the ironies contained the article. Firstly Madeleine Albright talking about anyones faith is ironic, having served under Carter and Clinton. But she goes on to say things like: "The absolute truth is what makes Bush so worrying to some of us." I could really stop right there and let that one line speak volumes about Ms. Albright's spiritual foundation, but what fun would that be. Let me say this about that then, What makes Christianity viable if not its absolute truths? There is but one God for example, unless you begin there and agree to that statement your faith is meaningless. There is good and evil in this world and they are NOT subjective, nor are they relative to any certain set of beliefs. Again you must agree with that statement in order to reconcile your faith. Finally neither is Truth subjective, but absolute, especially concering God. She notes in her new book, "The Mighty and the Almighty," Albright recalls how Bush, while he was governor of Texas, told Christians he believed God wanted him to be president . She also reminds us that Bush stated in a speach, "We have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom." and said of his language, "Some of his language is really quite over the top," . Well, I would submit to you that his language was exactly in line with a man that has a deep and true faith in God. In her article Albright compares Bush to Clinton and Carter in the way they brought their fath into their presidencies. Stating that among other things they managed to become and be presidents without standing on that pesky little principal of "absolute truth". I can't speak to Carter, but I was alive and aware throughout the entire Clinton Presidency and I can unequivocaly state that I have seen no man less concerned with the things of God in that office at least in my lifetime, if not ever. Which when you continue reading this interview starts to make sense when Ms. Albright is confronted with her own faith and beliefs. She says she had, "a very confused religious background."

Born and raised a Roman Catholic in Czechoslovakia, Britain and then the United States, she converted to Anglicanism when she married and only later in life discovered she had Jewish roots.

It is this legacy which makes her wary of any religion which claims a monopoly on truth, she said.

These days, she describes herself as "an Episcopalian (U.S. Anglican) with a Catholic background", recalling how she used to pray to the Virgin Mary as a child and still does.

"I know I believe in God but I have doubts, and doubt is part of faith," she said.

Big shocker there, Episcopal Madeleine. Not to knock any true Anglicans, but this is the denomination that first accepted Gay clergy. So don't be fooled by Madiline's book, or her attempt at watering down truth or more specifically Christian Truth. The fact is she probably would not know it if it walked up bit her on the ear. Oh and, doubt is not "a part of faith", as she states at the end of the article. Quite the opposite actually:
James 1:5-7

James 1:5-7 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord

A Little Levity from Six Meat Buffet

El Presidente Loco

Ann Coulter frames Illegal immigration well

One of the reasons I like Ann Coulter (aside from the fact that she is an attractive blonde with conservative values) is she has this uncanny way of cutting through the BS and getting right to the point. In a world of grey area's and political correctness it is nice to know there is someone out there on TV, radio, in books, etc... who gets that an issue can be black and white, that in some cases there just are no grey areas. Someone who is not afraid to say what the rest of us who don't have book deals or political analyst spots on Fox are thinking. What we really need is for people like her and Rusty Humphries, Laura Ingraham, etc... to run for office. To kick the sh*t out of people like Harry Reid and Ted Kennedy on the senate floor daily until they are beat into submission. Well, enough ranting, please check out Ann's latest and enjoy!

Stop SB 1437

This bill would allow, nay, require that school books be re-written in a "non-discriminatory" fashion toward homosexuals. Which in other words means that the state would be required to include homosexual history in our childrens school books. Take a moment to read the below message then call and voice your opinion. I did and it only took around 30 seconds. ******Update Additionally Kit over at Euphoric Reality makes the point that in addition to books and curriculum, there is really no end to what they could call discriminatory if this is passed. Check out his post HERE


Regarding SB 1437 Homosexual Curriculum Ed. Bill
If you are unfamiliar with this bill:
Go to Google and put in SB 1437 and read, if it passes, what will be
mandated by each school district and textbook publisher
at every grade level from K-12 in teaching about the homosexual / lesbian
lifestyle and their positive influence in our history.

We called and it took 1 minute 10 seconds to call and give our opinion of
this horrendous bill that has passed the legislature.
Urge the governor to veto this bill!!
Please call the governor's switchboard:
the correct number for the governor's office is:
916-445-2841

Phone recording will ask if you want this message in English?:
yes, press 1 Is this in regards to a legislation bill? Yes, press 2
Is the bill SB 1437 ? Yes, press 1
Are you in favor of this legislation? Yes press 1, NO, press 2

Christians DO have a voice in this country and state still --- use yours
to register your opinion in this matter!

"Sometimes ya' just gotta say what the heck...Cont.

...You need proof? Ok here goes, gut check time! Are you ready?

OK

MySpace a haven for porn

Drug laced muffins found in teacher's lounge

Religous freedom under attack

Homosexual Bishop elected

Getting older younger

The Gay Church.org

First Grader suspended for Sexual Harassment

ACLU backs religous head scarves for Muslims

ACLU opposes everything Christian

Worst violators appointed to Human Rights Watch

and these are just a few I could find quickly. If you did not believe me before, you should now. No? Well then you are either seriously in denial or just part of the problem. Remember the basic rules your mother taught you when you were young: Be nice to people if you want them to be nice back. Don't steal other peoples things. Don't hit. Always tell the truth, even when it hurts. Always do your best. These are things you just know right? Well, plain truths like those are under attack, heck, the truth in general is under attack. The relative crowd would pose the question "What is truth?" Or " Is there really absolute truth?" They would tell us that it is wrong to impose "your" truth on other people and that truth is only what you percieve it to be individually. Moral Relativism is the essence of no essence, a way to feel good about yourself without accepting the reality that, certain things, actions, beliefs, lifestyles, habits, etc... are always wrong. This is being taught at the highest levels in our universities as fact and as the norm. The hard reality is that it is difficult to look at your best friend, your favorite TV show, your pastor, your teacher or even some nice person you don't really know on the street and say "You are wrong.", or "What you are doing is wrong." So we invented Moral Relativity, and now we can all have our own litle micro moralities and still accept and tolerate everyone elses even if it does not line up with our own. Sounds great right? Wrong, unfortunately it implodes upon itself at the very moment you apply it. For instance in the below arguments it becomes obvious without much consideration at all that it just can'not stand on its own:

"Dialogue One

A: "Is Moral relativism itself only true relative to a perspective?"
B: "No."
A: "You have contradicted yourself, because Moral relativism says that all doctrines are true or false only relative to some perspective, but you just claimed that Moral relativism itself is true objectively."
B: "The doctrine of Moral relativism is the one exception to the doctrine that all claims are only relatively true."
A: "That seems ad hoc. What is so special about the doctrine of Moral relativism that makes it the one, unique doctrine that is immune from relativism?"

Dialogue Two

A: "Is Moral relativism itself only true relative to a perspective?"
B: "Yes."
A: "So there is a perspective relative to which Moral relativism is false."
B: "Yes, that follows logically from what I have said."
A: "So there is a perspective relative to which truth is not relative to a perspective?"
B: "Yes, that also follows from what I have said."
A: "You have now contradicted yourself. Relativism is based on the belief that there are a multitude of perspectives that are equally justified when considered objectively. But what you have now admitted is that there is a true perspective from which other perspectives are not equally justified when considered objectively."

What conclusion should you draw from all I have said here? Well, maybe none, maybe now you are just more aware of the world around you than you were 30 minutes ago. Maybe you will tell a friend, or get involved, who knows? My prayer for you as always is that God would touch your lives and keep you in His Grace and Love. Thanks for listening!!

"Sometimes ya' just gotta say what the heck...

and take a chance". Of course I am paraphrasing, but that line from Risky Business does ring very true in our current political climate. Not that many of our politicians are willing to go down that road, with the possible exception of TomTancredo who is a hero in my book on many issues that most of his colleagues won't even approach. The point is we are not being represented by people who stand for our values anymore. I have found myself so frustrated at the Ted Kennedy's of the world and recently even my own President. It feels like we are through the looking glass so much of the time and on so many levels, that being Alice in this equation, we are starting to find wonderland, quite a normal place to live. Those of you who know, will agree, those who don't probably won't ever. At any rate it seems there are fewer and fewer of us out there who actually understand the moral slope we are sliding down headlong toward total relativity. Which in fact, is chaos, because moral relativity implodes upon itself at every corner. We are losing our foundations and if there is not a figurative dunking of our societal heads into a buckett of moral ice water to wake us the h*ll up, we are in serious trouble. More to come...

To defend the borders of the United States

against ALL enemies both foreign and domestic!! A good message for the Chuck Hagel and his ilk in such a trying time. I will grant that our president is only getting off his political butt in the face of massive pressure from his base. But that does not make the need for troops to gaurd our borders any less dire. All I can say is, its about freakin' time!! Now, if he just gets on the TV tonight and says he is sending only 5,000 troops as logistical support for the border patrol there will have been no change and we will all know he is continuing to be full of BS. However, if he does what I and many others think he should and sends 20,000 - 50,000 troops at least he will have his base back and will have done something constructive toward plugging our leaky border. Incidentally, to give you some perspective, sending 5,000 troops to the border would be like trying to plug the hoover dam with bubble gum. I really hope for his sake and the dignity of this nation and our republican party that he is serious, whether this is a political move or not. His conversations with good ole Vincente reassuring him this is no big deal do not give me comfort to that end....

Well, guess my fears were correct. Read This

To be honest I don't know what the point is, he may as well have done nothing! Straight from the new Press Sec's mouth:

" Under Bush's proposal, formed in consulation with border-state governors who command the National Guard, Border Patrol agents would maintain primary responsibility for physically guarding the border. National Guard soldiers will not perform law enforcement duties, but will help in such areas as construction, surveillance and transportation"

So in other words, nothing at all!! You have to read the rest of the article to get the full picture, but that right there sums it up.

Debbie Schlussel has some questions for "the prez"

Just in case you are thinking the boycott is silly

Check out the FAQ page on Brown's DC site. He as much as admits the whole thing is a veiled attempt at creating doubt as to the diety and righteousness of Christ. For anyone who thinks the Catholic church and us Evangelicals are just overeacting, you need to read this

Hanks makes a point...sort of

The DaVinci Code is "Fiction" says Hanks in an article, but almost in the same breath says "all it is is dialogue. That never hurts" . Well Tom, it really does if the dialogue is, well... 99% lies and sets itself up as if it could be true. The danger is not that it promotes dialogue, it is that the claims in this movie are patently false from start to finish and they aim to get spiritualy ignorrant people thinking there is something to them. So Tom is right, it is fiction, but he is wrong to say its harmless. I am with the boycott crowd. Check out my earlier post for info on the falsehoods perpetrated by this movie.

The DaVinci Hoax

Hanks blasts DaVinci critics

I new Ann would not let me down

Here as predicted is Ann Coulter's total rip on the Kennedy incident. Go Ann!

What a great article

I just read the most awesome article by Peggy Noonan. She sums up the way I have been feeling perfectly and what's more she is right on in her assertions. I have been saying it for a while now, if our party does not lace boots and get in the fight for real, on real issues and put some walk to their talk we are going to start losing elections to the no idea, no agenda, party of death. That would be sad, but if that is what it takes to say to our leaders "No more!" then I'm not so sure its a bad thing in the long run.

Here is the full article. I would recomend everyone read this, it is spectacular