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The Lunch Counter
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Sunday, January 30, 2005
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Iraq Chooses Freedom
On Januray 30, 2005, an amazing day in world history, the Iraqi elections went on as scheduled, and the citizens of Iraq chose freedom over dictators and terrorism. Of the 5000 polling stations, there were bombings in 9, only 9.
According to preliminary reports, the voter turnout was greater than expected. While preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, what turned out was even better, in terms of voter turnout and terrorist bombings.
The election in Iraq shows what a free people will do when they have a chance of getting or losing freedom. They literally risked their lives to vote, turning out about 60% of eligible voters. That percentage is about what John Kerry got in Mass. from his own party, where the voters were not in a war zone among suicide bombers.
Remember the dems who said there was no way that Iraq could hold an election on time? If they were in the White House, they'd be right and we would be in a much different world today.
Two years ago, who would have thought we'd be here today?
- Democratically elected government in Afghanistan, first ever.
- Democratically elected government replaces Arafat in Middle East, first ever.
- Israel announces troop withdrawl in Palistinian territories.
- Palestinians Prep for West Bank Transfer
- Democratically elected government starting in Iraq, first in 50 years.
- Libya voluntarily halts its nuclear weapons program and begins normal relations.
Seems obvious to me that freedom and democratic principles and peace are the by-products of the war on terrorism that we are waging. The coalition of nations can be proud for the job well done, for all the right reasons, and take stock in seeing the bravery and courage that the Iraqi people have. Their sacrifices and appreciation is evident in the turnout today.
4:39:14 PM 
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Let Freedom Reign
3:30:05 PM
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Corzine vs. Who?
This is according to plan. Time wasn't right for Corzine's shot at governor when former Gov. James E. McGreevey declared he was a "gay American" and had an affair. Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey is serving out the 14 months remaining of McGreevey's term.
Even if he thought he could buck the New Jersey democrat machine and run, Codey would go broke trying to outspend the big corrupt corporate mogul, isn't that what they call republican entrepreneurs, former chairman of Goldman Sachs, Sen. John Corzine, who ponied up $63 million of his own money in his Senate race. So Corzine runs unopposed.
Who will be the republican challenger?
Acting N.J. Governor Bows Out of Race (AP). AP - Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, who took office after his predecessor revealed a gay extramarital affair, has decided not to seek election to the post, a close adviser said Sunday. [Yahoo! News: Politics]
3:09:28 PM
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Friday, January 28, 2005
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As if he has anything to say about it, Ted Kennedy is not the Commander in Chief. But, he has a plan for retreat and surrender.
I can't understand, well I can because this is Ted Kennedy, why any representative of our government would conduct a war on a schedule instead of an events-based approach?
From the get-go, President Bush laid it all out, but these Democrats weren't listening to him. He said it would take years, he said we would be out when Iraq has their own government. Elections are in 3 days. He also said when Iraq could secure themselves from the terrorists in Iraq and neighboring countries like Iran and Syria. He also said when the Iraqi government says we are no longer needed there to keep the peace. Officially, diplomatically, Iraq has asked that we remain there until such time that they can better take care of themselves. There's your timetable Senator. Also, Iraq is on our side.
But they weren't listening. They have their own version of reality, like Ted Kennedy, who think that Iraq had nothing at all to do with terrorism and ties to terrorists and terrorist networks. And who also don't believe that Saddam Hussein would have sold, or even given, whatever weapons he had to the terrorists, especially if it would be used on Americans.
If Senator Ted Kennedy can call the President a liar, then from what we know, Kennedy's plan is a plan to surrender. He is one patriot on the wrong side of the fence.
Kennedy Calls for Troop Withdrawal in Iraq (AP). AP - Immediately after Sunday's election in Iraq, President Bush should take steps to negotiate a timetable to begin bringing the troops home, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy said Thursday as he described his own plans for a stable Iraqi government. [Yahoo! News: Politics]
12:37:28 AM
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Wednesday, January 26, 2005
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Today is an especially historic day. On this January 26, 2005, President Bush's nominee for Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, was approved by the full senate.
Despite the delay and days of calling her and the President liars, I won't overlook the fact that President Bush's choice for Sec. of State is also the second black Sec. of State. He also picked the first black Sec. of State. Our person in charge of representing our country around the world is not only the most qualified person I can think of for the job, but this public servant also happens to be an American success story to write the book on.
Condoleezza Rice epitomizes what opportunities exist in this country. The media stories will not notice this. We will hear more of the attacks laid out by Kennedy and Boxer.
I'm still waiting to hear applause from the NAACP on Dr. Rice's confirmation. You know, that organization that purports to support minorities, when they only really support minorities that are Democrat.
ABC News
4:12:03 PM
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What's new about it? There's nothing like a confirmation hearing to bring out the attack dogs. After first stating that Dr. Rice would certainly be approved as Pres. Bush's Secretary of State, Senators Ted Kennedy (D) and Barbara Boxer (D) made sure they had a couple days of face time on television, essentially calling the President and his nominee liars.
All the liar talk is centered on WMD's in Iraq. For one to believe what these bomb throwers are throwing, you have to believe that decisions made on intelligence are lies if that intelligence later turns out to be flawed. The Michael Moore wing of the party has effectively taken over as representatives of the Democrat Party. They are the most vocal, useful idiots that they are, and will go about perpetuating the nonsense with all the fervor of a pep rally on Friday night. Bush lied, thousands died, etc. We've heard it all before. Motivating the rabid left is real easy since neither truth, facts, or common sense will stop them from destroying the administration, debasing the war on terrorism, all the while providing propaganda fodder for our enemies. And in some cases, even supporting our enemies.
There is no new tone. While some party leaders may soften the obstructionism and opposition to the War and to the President, that is merely for show, for TV. The moral compass and agenda of the Democrat Party is being brought to you by the Howard Dean/Michael Moore liberals on the left, which contributed to their loss in the election.
Boxer's rebellion and Democrats' new tone. Smarting from defeat, Senate minority leaders talk about values and let colleague play 'bad cop.' [Christian Science Monitor | Top Stories]
8:43:30 AM
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Saturday, January 22, 2005
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The European Union's Weapons for Money Program
With perfect timing, the EU shows how money motivates them. Moreso than security and a 15-year ban on selling weapons to China. They're feeling rather big of themselves apparently, and are taking a different tack on weapons and China. Thumbing their noses at the United States, and President Bush, they've now decided that they are a higher power now and are opening up arms sales with China.
Once again, the first time being the Oil-For-Food Program, we see dangerous regimes being supported and supplied by France and Germany, and now the whole European Union. Their motivation is money. Their economies are in shambles, and they are looking to China to help bail them out. It's their new Weapons For Money Program.
2:33:31 AM
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Thursday, January 20, 2005
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Monday, January 17, 2005
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Just a technical note. After some minor hair pulling and some help from a helpful support forum, this blog is residing on our own server. To a web surfer it means nothing, but to a nerd like me, it means something. :)
Does seem alot faster. oh well. Now, what else can I screw up trying to fix. 
12:13:09 AM
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Sunday, January 16, 2005
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Re: moving Radio from Userland's server to my own, what's needed?. Ross, Rhye is correct. You should only need to complete the basic FTP information in the FTP section of preferences.
I would add one caveat. For the path setting, use the complete path from the server root. While this is not required in any of the FTP clients I use (or other software that enables FTP), it seems to be helpful in using Radio FTP.
For most applications, I am able to enter as my path:
public_html/publicsquare/
For Radio, I use
/usr/www/users/<myusername>/publicsquare/
which will vary depending on the server configuration, of course.
Ken [Radio UserLand Messages]
5:53:21 PM
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Sunday, January 09, 2005
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Are Democrat Judiciary Committee Members acting like a Public Defender for al-Qaida?
When questioning Alberto Gonzales, President Bush's nominee for Attorney General, why is it that the Democrat Senators on the Judiciary Committee seem to be acting as defense attorneys for the Taliban and al-Qaida?
What we saw was an attempt by the Democrats on the committee to attach the Abu Ghraib prison incident to Alberto Gonzales. That didn't work, but that was not all either.
The memos in question were concerning just where the boundaries are as it pertains to torture. And also just how, if at all, the Geneva Conventions may apply.
You have to know that the Geneva Convention does not apply to the prisoners at Gitmo and most who are in Abu Ghraib. So when Ted Kennedy says the "legal positions that you have supported have been used by the administration, the military and the CIA to justify torture and Geneva Convention violations by military and civilian personnel," you will know that he is lying, err, spinning. Under the Geneva Convention there is no provision for questioning or obtaining any information other than a name, rank, and serial number of a prisoner, and that prisoners cannot be held apart from each another. They must be allowed to interact with each other. You know, like, 'hey, they want to know about an attack, let's make up a good one and give it to them. Those stupid infidels.' The enemy combatants are not covered by it. Not only because they are not signatories to it, but also because they are not part of a governmental uniformed armed service, which are ALL the Geneva Convention covers.
For the democrats to say that the enemy combatants at Gitmo should be held under Geneva Convention rules is to insure that we will never get any intelligence out of them that could and would save lives of our soldiers and citizens at home and abroad.
It should be obvious, even to these Democrats on the committee, that the terrorists/murderers who only want us dead, would not likely succumb from questioning by Chris Matthews, Larry King, Dr. Phil, or Oprah. The obvious need for such knowledge is totally missed by these Democrats.
By the tone and direction of their questioning, they are making perfect defense attorneys for the enemy, knowing full well that we would most likely never get actionable intelligence from them IF the Geneva Convention protocols were afforded to this (our) enemy. They, instead, are characterizing the memos and their questions as something tantamount to a 'how can we torture them and get away with it' mindset within the administration.
Not long ago, one of our heroes saved a couple dozen of his soldiers' lives by scaring info out of a captured terrorist by shooting his pistol into the ground or near his head, whatever. I think that soldier was reprimanded or something for it, if not court-martialed, when what he deserves is a medal for saving the lives of his men. Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden would rather sacrifice the lives of our soldiers than make our enemy a little uncomfortable. Make that a lot uncomfortable.
It is the intent of these Democrats to criminalize interrogation techniques that are not torture, so as to take down this administration and the whole war on terror as it involves Iraq. They are tied to the notion that Iraq is Bush's sideshow, which, in and of itself shows you they don't understand the threats that we face in the war on terror. Having the Geneva Convention protocols apply to this enemy is but an extension of their belief that the war in Iraq is unnecessary.
Time was, when we were at war, even this one for about 4 months, that we were all on the same side. But driven by their singular focus of impeding Bush in all aspects possible, the Democrats are hurting our efforts in the war, and they don't seem to care.
3:01:53 AM
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Monday, January 03, 2005
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U.S. Tsunami Aid, No Political Motivation
It is good to help the poor and innocent victims of the natural disaster all over the Indian Ocean. Indonesia was apparently the hardest hit. And all the countries affected by the disaster are Muslim countries.
The fact that we, as a country and as a people, are responding as quickly as possible should show the world, Muslims and U.N. officials, that we are a compassionate and generous people. The human need is too great to let politics interfere.
We can overlook the fact that a week after the attacks on the United States on 9/11/01, the news of the day in Indonesia was joy for the terrorists. They were dancing in the streets. Death to America. All that crap.
We can only hope that the terrorists were having a beach party that day. Sadly, a lot more innocents were killed, lives and livelihoods taken away, left with less than nothing. No home, no food & water, and no roads to deliver aid on.
Were it not for us and our worldwide reach via military strength, there would likely be no supplies being delivered like there are now, and thousands more people would probably be starving to death.
4:30:15 PM
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Who's Calling Who Stingy?
Something I learned today that you won't see on the major news networks concerning giving aid around the world. Perspective. The percentages below are the percentage of all aid given by all countries around the world. These numbers are from last year.
For any who believe that the U.S. is stingy.
This country, the United States of America:
- Is 6% of the world's population.
- Gives 60% of all food aid given around the world.
- Give 50% of all foreign aid given around the world.
3:10:12 PM
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Because We Care, Because We Can
One of the biggest U.S. military disaster relief missions in history kicked into high gear Saturday as an aircraft carrier battle group arrived off the shores of tsunami-battered Sumatra and began launching helicopters laden with supplies.
Oh, where are the United Nations' ships and relief support? France, Germany, Russia, and all the Islamic states in the middle-east and Asia, where are their relief supplies? How much water and water purifying equipment medical equipment and food and doctors have they delivered as of today?
For an idea of the scope of our efforts, see article.
8:19:41 AM
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Saturday, January 01, 2005
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Rumsfeld Stay, McCain Go!
That would be a more appropriate story title. That anybody would be calling for Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation is preposterous enough, let alone the Democrat’s favorite Republican Sen. John McCain chiming in with his purely opportunistic politically motivated shot at the President, using Sec. Rumsfeld as the ammo.
There isn’t a more qualified person on the planet right now who could do a better job. What we have now are Democrats and opportunistic Republicans playing the role of the backseat driver. And they will focus on the negative and make up a story to fit their story line.
We can’t overlook or forget about the military successes that we’ve had since the War on Terror put us on the offensive. In a few months Rumsfeld did what Russia couldn’t do in ten years. We ousted the Taliban, freeing about 25 million people from oppression, rape, and torture. Afghanistan has held their first election in their entire world history. The side benefit of exterminating terrorists is that the people will choose freedom over terrorism, which in turn make us just that much safer at home. Today we are 30 days away from Iraq’s first democratic style election in their history. Saddam was toppled in 3 weeks. In both theaters the coalition losses are, by comparison to previous wars, lower by orders of magnitude. Rumsfeld is a winner, and you don’t replace a winner.
What it all comes down to is a backhanded way to take a shot at Bush by bad-mouthing his Sec. Of Defense. The reason it is backhanded, deliberate, and opportunistic is the ‘story’ that started it all.
The press reports of the answer that Sec. Rumsfeld gave that soldier were edited to the point where their "story" was a fabricated attack piece. Never mind that a reporter who was intent on making news rather than reporting it planted the question. And the unit where the soldier who asked about the deficiencies in "up-armoring" the Humvees had 784 of his 804 vehicles up-armored when the question was posed. There was an ongoing program to up-armor the Humvees long before that Q&A session, and the remaining 20 Humvees were up-armored the very next day. 100% up armored. Did you see that reported anywhere?
If the press had reported ALL or at least the beginning of his answer to that soldier, it would have shown the sincerity of his answer. Instead, and because of the way the press reported it, and because opportunists like John McCain felt no need to question the version that the "biased" media was putting out, Sec. Rumsfeld was sharply criticized for being flippant with the soldier, which in actuality, he was anything but.
Trying to fight a war with a couple of Yorkies nipping on your pants cuff does make the effort more difficult than it has to be. Just remember 2 years and 4 years from now which Senators were on the right side of our Country’s defense, and which ones took pathetic shots at the top brass for political points, while we are at war. Remember who the Yorkies were.
10:24:23 PM
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© Copyright 2006 Ross Calloway.
Last update: 2/13/2006; 11:36:08 PM.
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