The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine

Mark Wilensky is a fifth grade teacher with a love for history. When he came across Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" he was surprised that he had never heard of the document before. After studying it, he realized that it was among the most important founding documents, and he decided to write a book about it.

The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine by Mark Wilensky is an interactive guide through this influential pamphlet that conceptualized the idea of unity and freedom months before Thomas Jefferson put pen to parchment. Thomas Paine, in his Common Sense Pamphlet urged the colonies to engage in the American Revolution, and to take to arms quickly before the opportunity to separate the colonies from the iron fist of the King passed. Paine's publication energized a vast number of colonists to embark on a long and bloody war that imperiled their livelihoods and dismantled their cultural identity-all in the hope of creating a new nation constructed upon the concepts of liberty and independence.

The first steps of liberty began in a Colonial America dominated by divided alliances, and revolutionary writings like Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Paine, through his writings, persuaded these conflicting characteristics into the most exceptional nation ever to be founded in history. The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine is absolutely wonderful, and fun read, and an important tool for reacquainting us with the important writings of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.

To listen to my interview of Mr. Wilensky, CLICK HERE.

Happy Easter 2008

Not Ready To End This Fight

A message from David Thibodaux,

A fellow Marine and I wrote, and I recorded a song titled "Not Ready To End The Fight." This song was inspired by the fact that I, like many Americans, don't particularly appreciate the underlying message behind the Dixie Chicks' song "Not Ready To Make Nice." While I did like the underlying music from song, the lyrics' just didn't sit well with me, many of my colleagues and other Americans. After being urged on by friends, family, and colleagues I decided to record "Not Ready To End The Fight" to make a point, criticize, comment and answer the Dixie Chicks song and all the other Hollywood stars that constantly overestimate my interest in their personal politics and their level of competence in foreign policy and about how our Country should be run and how they imply they know what is better for this Country than our elected officials.

I know there are very complicated issues that must be considered when undertaking a war. I certainly don't pretend to have the solutions to any foreign policy issues. I also know that smart people can look at the same set of facts and events and often reach different conclusions. That is probably a good thing! So anyone who characterizes these very complicated terrorism and war issues as very easy-and-simple need to try to at least try to see the other side of the issue... no matter what side you are on.

I am just an ordinary "country boy" who feels like I need to speak up about my personal opinions, experiences, and exercise my freedom of speech! I am 23, a husband, a father, a full time Marine and part time musician. I am not a celebrity or politician, nor do I know any. My wife and I are hardworking, religious, family oriented, patriotic Americans. We each were born and reared in small-town Louisiana. I grew up in Eunice, Louisiana. I also have family in Texas. My wife, newborn son, and I live in the Washington, D.C. area where I am presently stationed. We are blessed with large supportive families.

To make a contribution to the Country and the war effort, I joined the Marine Corps upon my graduation from high school. I have served in combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq with extraordinarily unselfish and brave Americans.

Thanks to everyone who strongly supports the military and our mission! Your prayers and appreciation make our job gratifying!

Semper Fi! - David Thibodeaux

Good Friday

As Easter approaches, Good Friday signifies the event that defines Christianity. Around the globe Christians are observing a remembrance of the last supper, Christ's prayer in the Garden, His crucifixion, and Jesus Christ's resurrection. On Good Friday Christians recognize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, a death on a Roman Cross that concludes in the complete joy of Christ's Easter morning resurrection.

This is a time to recall and reflect upon the enormity of Jesus' passion and death, and to celebrate the believer's redemption from sin and victory over death.

The empty tomb, then and now, has been a constant scandal, as well as a lightning rod of controversy. Many have attempted to disprove it, for the implications of that empty tomb are massive.

Feel free to learn more about the gift Jesus Christ has given us through his death by joining the celebration at a local church this weekend. Worship Services will be held around the nation to celebrate Christ's triumph over death, and to celebrate His enormous gift to humanity.

"He is Risen, He is Risen."

This was just too funny not to post . . .

When the Race is about Race

On Thursday, Sen. Barack Obama described his grandmother's racial attitudes as those of a "typical white person."

During a morning interview with Philadephia's WIP and its host Angelo Cataldi, Obama was asked about his reference to his white grandmother in his recent speech on Reverend Wright.

Obama responded:

"The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity. She doesn't. But she is a typical white person who, uh, if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn't know there's a reaction that's been been bred into our experiences that don't go away and that sometimes come out in the wrong way and that's just the nature of race in our society. We have to break through it."

In the meantime, Obama is trying to distance himself from Reverend Wright because of his racist remarks about whites, separatist philosophy, and because of Wright's disdain for America.

Who cares if Obama is black, or if his pastor is a racist. Dr. Jerome Corsi said on my radio show last Wednesday that if Obama wants to claim he's a Christian, despite having a Muslim father, that is fine. His faith is between him and God. But why is this suddenly about race? And why was Obama in Kenya speaking on behalf of Kenyan political opposition leader Raila Odinga who has made it loud and clear that he desires sharia to be the law of the land in Kenya?

Spring Training in Tempe, Arizona

We planned to get on the road by 6:00 AM, but I didn't pull out of bed until 5:45 AM, and after my shower, and awakening Mrs. Pistachio, while I was checking my e-mail she went back to sleep. We finally got on the road at 7:20 AM.

Where were we going?

Mrs. Pistachio had the fantastic idea of making the five hour drive to Tempe, near Phoenix, to attend Arizona/Cactus League Spring Training Baseball, and of course the tickets she procured were for my beloved Angels of Anaheim, a team I have followed since I was old enough to understand baseball in the mid-1970's.

So we drove five hours through the empty desert.

We arrived in Tempe at 12:20 PM, just in time for our 1:05 PM gametime. Unfortunately, the line to get into Diablo Stadium's parking lot was horrendous, and we missed half of the top of the first inning.

No problem.

So after purchasing a foot-long hot dog, a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich that, though very tasty, was nothing like the real thing in Philadelphia, and a couple of sodas, we located our seats in the fifth row from the field, just a little bit beyond first base.

I was disappointed that we didn't get there as early as I hoped we would, because I missed out on prime opportunities for player autographs. It's not like I don't have many sports autographs, but it is always nice when you can gain some from players that you enjoy watching season in and season out.

As I stated, I already have a number of autographs. In the late nineties I got Napoleon McCallum's Autograph (NFL Raiders-pictured left), and a few years ago Darin Estad's of baseball's Angels of Anaheim on a baseball while he was on rehab with a local Single-A club. I have a few others on baseball cards as well, like Dave LaRoche (of whom my mom went to high school with), Mike Darr (of whom my brother went to high school with), and a couple other players that I happened to come across like Prince Fielder, Todd Greene (when he was a minor leaguer), and Lendell White/USC Football.

The game was fun, the Angels won, and I got to see the new Angel Torii Hunter knock a homer, as well as one from Casey Kotchman and two home runs from Vladimir Guerrero.

After the final pitch Mrs. Pistachio sat back and watched me with baseball and pen in hand, hoping for an autograph from somebody. . . anybody. Problem is, the stars of the team departed after the sixth inning and the bench players and invites played the last three innings. However, I waited patiently, hoping to gain a memory in the form of an autograph - - - and it came from an unexpected source. Mike Scioscia, Manager of the Angels, signed my baseball. I was grinning from ear to ear, and the wife says the trip was worth it just by watching my reaction.

After the game we got together with a fellow blogger (and his wife and daughter) who lives in the area, Cary Cartter. Dinner was great, the conversation was lively, and the Cartter family got a kick out of my wife and I and our now famous conversational routine that some listeners of Political Pistachio Radio compare to "Ricky and Lucy."

We departed at 7:20 PM, and returned home at twenty minutes after midnight.

What an adventure.

How to Help William Russell Defeat John Murtha!

Many times I have stated that the Congressional races are very important, and they are not just local efforts in the districts or states, but national efforts. We all need to be involved to ensure Conservatives are elected into office - it is time for a new Contract With America.

William Russell is one such candidate that needs our help. He is running for office in the 12th district in Pennsylvania, and he is one of the Iraq War Veterans running for Congress.

William Russell is running for Congress in John Murtha's district, and has already been attacked by Murtha. John Murtha has no Democrat challengers, and William Russell is Murtha's only Republican challenger. In a low move even for Murtha, Russell's signatures were challenged in court and it resulted in Murtha's only GOP challenger being thrown off the ballot. Now, Murtha has no challengers, with the Primary in Pennsylvania coming up fast on April 22, 2008. But all hope is not lost. If a minimum of 1,000 people write William Russell in on the ballot on April 22nd, he will be back on the November ballot to challenge John Murtha. But William needs your help. Spread the word, and write the local papers in Pennsylvania demanding that they publish our letters, or at least do an article over Bill Russell's dilemma. Word needs to be spread. A Conservative going against the Number One Porker in Congress needs to be placed back on the ballot.

Be involved, stop the liberal left from destroying our country, and heading us into the direction of bondage through government dependency.

Here are links to some of those newspapers in William Russell's area.

The Herald.

Post Gazette.

The Leader-Herald.

The Tribune Democrat.

And as an added note, on Monday night, March 17, 2008 William Russell was my guest on Political Pistachio Radio. Give the show a listen, and learn why he is the man we need in Congress over Murtha. Listen Here.

After all, this nation needs a Red November in 2008! And join the Red November Initiative, spread the word, be involved!

National Heroes Tour

Many of America’s most decorated war heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan have packed their bags and are hitting the road on a national bus tour to take their non-partisan message of progress and freedom from coast-to-coast.

The Vets for Freedom National Heroes Tour is about supporting our troops, honoring their commitment, and rallying the country to complete the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At this critical juncture in our country, we need Americans, lawmakers and the media, to fully recognize—and appreciate—the sacrifice of our brave military and the dramatic success they have achieved, especially in Iraq with the new counterinsurgency strategy.

Visit their site for information on all of their stops.

What Secular Humanism/Liberalism/Socialism has Wrought

Liberalism is socialism is communism. This is a popular belief among the inhabitants of the right side of the political spectrum. Those that reside on the left side of the political spectrum immediately argue that calling liberalism a form of socialism is arrogant of the right, and an irresponsible tactic. From a hair-splitting perspective, of course liberalism is not socialism, and socialism is not communism. There are a few differences. But, as a general overview, each of these political philosophies share a great number of similarities, and each of these political ideas require that the subject (oops, I mean citizen) place government at the top of their list of importance (hence, the need to eliminate any vestige of God, because an all-powerful body of government must be like a god to the people, and will not tolerate any allegiance to any other god).

The theory behind socialism is simple. Socialism is a system of collective ownership by all the people of the factories, mills, mines, railroads, land and all other instruments of production. Socialism means production to satisfy minimum human needs as opposed to "for sale and profit" like under the system of capitalism. Socialism places direct control and management of the industries and social services with the workers through a democratic process based on their nationwide economic organization. Under a socialistic ideal all authority originates from the workers, integrally united in Socialist Industrial Unions. In each work environment the labor elects whatever committees or representatives are needed to facilitate production. Within each smaller unit, be it a shop or office division of a plant, the people who perform the labor participate directly in formulating and implementing all plans necessary for efficient operations.

Sounds great, doesn't it? Everyone works together in harmony to ensure the products are produced in the most efficient manner possible, placing those that know the most, and can lead the best, into positions of power (oops, I mean supervision).

After all, if looked at on the surface, socialism is truly a democratic way of running things. The workers elect their shop officers, elect representatives to a local and national council of their industry or service and to a central congress representing all the industries and services, and the all-industrial congress plans and coordinates production in all areas of the economy. All persons elected to any post in the socialist government, from the lowest to the highest level, will be directly accountable to the rank and file. They will be subject to removal at any time that a majority of those who elected them decide it is necessary.

Those that support such a system, and teach such a wonderful utopia in our American Universities, state that "Such a system would make possible the fullest democracy and freedom. It would be a society based on the most primary freedom: economic freedom."

For some individuals, on paper, socialism seems like it would mean an end to economic insecurity and exploitation. Laborers would cease to be commodities bought and sold on the labor market. It would mean a chance to develop all individual capacities and potentials within a free community of free individuals.

Such a wonderful dream. Sounds like the perfect system. Now, all you have to do to implement such a system is make everyone work together in harmony, make people give up the dream of becoming wealthy, make people be willing to be controlled by a centralized democratic government, make people accept that if they don't get elected to a supervisory position they will never have the opportunity to rise up unless a supervisor either dies or is unseated (and since people tend to form alliances of power in such a system, being voted out seems unlikely), and make people place the importance of such a system above all other things including their desire to improve themselves, above any desire to become more successful (often characterized by wealth and possessions), and above their faith in anything other than the system )such as an all-powerful God). Wow, that's an aweful lot of things that they have to make people do.

Liberalism is a political philosophy that advocates greater public support, and greater regulation over the private sector. Liberals would like to enable a centralized democratic government to manage everything so that the average citizen can worry about their labor as a worker rather than petty little things like healthcare, housing, etc. In a liberal society as envisioned by the current leaders of the Democratic Party, people have evolved to the point that they understand that the wealthy must be taxed heavily so that those monies can be redistributed to the poor, hopefully eventually eliminating the classes, eventually allowing the "village" to work as a whole, and enabling the community to provide for its citizens everything they need be it housing (like government housing paid for by taxation), health care (government paid health care taken from taxation), food (like food stamps paid for by taxation), and eventually it would mean an end to economic insecurity and exploitation. Laborers would cease to be commodities bought and sold on the labor market. It would mean a chance to develop all individual capacities and potentials within a free community of free individuals. Hmmm, for some reason those last parts sound familiar.

Marxism is the philosophies and teachings of 19th century economist Karl Marx. Marx is credited with the idea of socialism and communism, and the vast majority of his writings were critiques of capitalism. However, he viewed the struggle of workers as a continuation of historical forces that would one day lead to communism. He believed that this "evolution" of humanity would occur in three stages. The first stage was capitalism, in which the workers are exploited by business owners (those capitalist pigs!). The second stage would be socialism, or a "dictatorship of the proletariat (workers)." Power to the people! Marx believed that the second stage would be brief. The third and final stage, communism, would produce a society that would become so classless and collectivist that the formal state would wither away, and society could spontaneously operate as a collective whole without government. A social and economic system would result in where all (or nearly all) property would be public, not private. That is, resources are shared by everyone. In the Marxist ideology, a true utopia would be achieved in the third and final stage of the worker's struggles. Such a Utopian society would mean an end to economic insecurity and exploitation. Laborers would cease to be commodities bought and sold on the labor market. It would mean a chance to develop all individual capacities and potentials within a free community of free individuals.

Conservatism is in stark contrast to those three philosophies that, though not exactly the same, have many similarities, and the same goal in the end. Conservatism is much simpler. Conservatives desire to preserve the tradition of liberty and freedom that has worked so well thus far (we did not become the greatest nation on earth on accident), resist the change to a centralized system that masquerades as freedom for the workers and will end in bondage for all that are not a part of the elite in government, and Conservatism is a political philosophy that calls for reduced government and greater individual freedom in the private sector.

Conservatives do not believe that government is the ultimate solution. Conservatives do not believe that the worker should be dependent upon a centralized system, and that success should be punished and taken away "for the greater good." Conservatives do not believe it takes a village. Conservatism has faith in the individual, and believes the individual should have the right to have faith in God, rather than a government that sets itself up in a manner to replace God and control the worker through lies and deceit. Conservatism does not support government or state ownership. Conservatism stands for freedom of the individual from an imposing and oppressive government system that taxes to pay for its entitlement programs, and "makes" the citizen follow mandates that curtails freedom, and stifles an individual's growth as such individual pursues the American Dream of liberty, happiness, freedom, and wealth.

Obama and Clinton are both advancing economic ideas that are essentially Marxist in their nature. They both have proposed radical new levels of taxation for Americans whom they believe possess "too much" wealth, and unprecedented new levels of governmental intervention and regulation with American enterprise so as to "fix" our nation’s problems with healthcare, energy, and the environment.

It is human nature to desire success, wealth and power. A system envisioned by the "progressives" of the liberal Democratic Party in which the classes are eliminated, and wealth is re-distributed, makes about as much sense as my daughter giving up her A's in school so that her points may be re-distributed to the kids getting F's. This does not place them all on the same playing field again. It penalizes success, and rewards failure. But the liberal left is so busy reaching for a utopia that cannot be reached, and feeling apologetic to those that have not reached prosperity, that they are willing to mandate Marxism in America.

Strife in Tibet as Chinese Forces Move In

Chinese security forces swarm Tibet - - - Soldiers on foot and in armored carriers swarmed Tibet's capital Saturday, enforcing a strict curfew a day after protesters burned shops and cars to vent their anger against Chinese rule. In another western city, police clashed with hundreds of Buddhist monks leading a sympathy demonstration. The violence erupted just two weeks before China's Summer Olympic celebrations kick off with the start of the torch relay, which passes through Tibet. China is gambling that its crackdown will not draw an international outcry over human rights violations that could lead to boycotts of the Olympics.

Can a T-Shirt Shoot a Bullet?

Did you hear about the kid being suspended because the image to the right was on his shirt? Apparently, the 14-year-old Pennsylvania schoolboy is fighting back after being sent to detention for wearing a T-shirt bearing the image of a gun in honor of his uncle fighting in Iraq. The school said they were concerned for the safety of the students. I understand the dangers of gang-bangers in school with weapons, and I understand their attempt to have a zero-tolerance, but please, this is over the top. What's next? Are they going to ban marriage? (yep, in the works!) Are they going to start teaching our kids to be gay? (ooops, they are trying that too!)

Yesterday, I took my grandson in for his immunizations, and the staff at the doctor's office gave me a questionnaire to fill out while waiting. The questions asked basic questions, and on most of them I put the words, "None of your business." The doctor, concerned by this, asked me why it was none of his business if any of the baby's immediate or not-so-immediate family members smoked or owned guns. Apparently, if I smoke the child will be dead before me, and if I own a gun, and the child comes over my house, they feel it is there duty to counsel me on the dangers of guns because as a gun owner I couldn't possibly be responsible enough to be safe with my weapons. After all, he said, the dangers of guns have become more apparent with these horrible school shootings of late.

I own twelve guns, and I have never been robbed. Many of my neighbors have been robbed, often while they were sleeping at night. My kids grew up around my guns, understand the weapons, know what they are capable of, and respect them because I taught them to respect weapons. I have never found the need to fire my weapon at an intruder, and even if an intruder did break into my property, his value for his own life would result in him fleeing, more likely, once he caught site of my loaded weapon aimed at him.

As for my opinion that we need students and teachers to be armed to stop such atrocities like the recent school shootings, did you know at that seminary massacre in Israel the terrorist gunmen were stopped by an armed student?

Gun Free Zones are dangerous for the victims because they have no way to defend themselves. All Gun Free Zones accomplish is enabling shooters more time to re-load. Law abiding citizens have the right to be armed. The criminal element, regardless of laws, will always find a way to arm themselves. Why should government take away the weapons of the citizens? Does the government, like the criminal element, like their prey unarmed as well? An armed person is a citizen. An unarmed person is a subject.

The Second Amendment is there for a reason.

Is McCain Appealing Yet? (The Liberal Alternative is Unthinkable)

William Russell for Congress

John Murtha's Opponent

Upcoming Pro-Troop Rallies in Washington D.C.

Winter Soldier II is a replay of a Vietnam War event in which a minority of soldiers speak about the atrocities of war. Eagles Winter Soldier II Testimony Challenge is a group of Patriotic Citizens Standing Up For Our Troops on March 14, 2008 demanind truth in any atrocity testimony (times, dates, places, witnesses, leadership, all under oath). The event will be at the National Labor College, 10000 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903. Be there, if you are able, to support our nation's troops, and challenge the liars that have only anti-Americanism in their speech. Winter Soldier False Testimony of 1971 betrayed Vietnam Warriors - - - it cannot happen to our current generation of warriors - - - SF-180 will be required for witness testimony validation.

Then, on March 14, 2008, Stand Up For America, Our Troops, and Our Fallen at the Eagles Patriot Muster and March. Muster at 10:00 AM South of Constitution Avenue (Washington Monument Vicinity). March begins 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Be there to lift up America, our troops, the fallen, their families, and to honor those that have gone before us. The March Route is from Constitution Avenue near the Washington Monument proceeding East, Finishing West of the U.S. Capitol. All Patriots are welcome to participate; Boots on the ground, Wheel Chairs, Carts, or however else you can. Anti-America elements like those that participate in Anti-American Rallies in Washington D.C., Berkeley California, and the like only tear down our nation. The Eagles Patriot Muster and March is designed to honor America, support our troops, and respect our fallen, Missing In Action (MIA), families, and sacred ground.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew strength; they shall mount up with the wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

And for more information, listen to the archive of Political Pistachio Radio on March 11, 2008 where I interview one of the organizers, COL Harry Riley, USA, Ret of Eagles Up.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor of New York, a Prostitution Ring, and Narcissism

Hubris: excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance.

Moral Values: President George Washington, in his Farewell Address in 1796, said that popular government cannot exist without morality—and morality based upon biblical principles. In effect, he defined traditional values in these words:

Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports….And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. – Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure—reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Moral Relativism: A position which proposes that there is no absolute truth, or justification of moral judgements. Moral Relativism rejects morality as defined by religion, and determines that morality is an individual determination.

The Holy Bible: Paul warned in the New Testament that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teaching. “In later times, some will abandon the faith, and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). The last days are described as “perilous times” because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively “oppose the truth” (2 Timothy 3:1-9; also see 2 Thessalonians 2:3). According to Biblical Text the people in the last days will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power, (2 Timothy 3:1-2) which seems to fit our modern age exactly.

Perhaps these are the last days as predicted in Scripture, perhaps not. But whether you are a believer in the Christian Faith, or not, it is easy to recognize that the 21st-century world we live in has embraced moral relativism. Moral relativism is tainting even the church. For example, many denominations are actually having a difficult time defining marriage as being between one man and one woman, and many religious leaders today are openly supporting homosexuality. Scripture has become subordinate to the modern church’s quest for a more appealing “truth.” These are indeed “perilous times” spiritually, and the ways of "The World" are definately launching an all out attack on our morals.

Governor Spitzer is a great example of what our society has become. Recently, his role in a prostitution ring has surfaced. The scandal grew out of a public corruption inquiry triggered by his movement of cash to bank accounts operated by the prostitution ring. He was caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet a prostitute. Spitzer allegedly paid for the call girl to take a train from New York to Washington D.C., which makes the case even more perilous for him since she crossed state lines, thus making it a federal case.

He said, after all of this came to light, "I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my - or any - sense of right or wrong."

Well, apparently he isn't too sorry, because he has ignored all questions regarding whether he would resign.

His wife, during the press conference, looked as if she'd been crying all night (I don't know if that is completely true, but it sure looked that way in my observation), and his three teenage daughters must be devastated.

What has me scratching my head is that there are actually morons out there defending the Governor's actions. They say things like, "Who cares if he wants to get laid by a hooker. If he has the money, let him do it."

It is obvious that the man thought he was somehow unable to get caught, above suspicion, and above the law. It appears that when he asked himself if he should be doing such things while he was engaged in these activities, his answer to himself was along the lines of, "What do I care? I won't get caught."

But realize, this is not entirely about the sex.

It's also about the stupidity.

It's also about his arrogance.

It's also about his recklessness.

It's also about him ruining his relationship with his wife, and destroying his daughters emotionally.

And it's also about him betraying the trust of everyone who voted for him.

"Hubris" describes Spitzer perfectly. His desires were more important to him than his family, his office of Governor, and his moral values. His arrogance convinced him that he would never be caught.

But I do not only blame Governor Spitzer. I blame the onslaught of Moral Relativism in this nation as well.

My daughter is not allowed to wear her necklace outside of her shirt in school because her crucifix may offend someone, but it is entirely okay, according to the Public School System to require only positive portrayals of homosexual, bisexual, transgender and other alternative lifestyle choices, or promote homosexual behavior through a homosexual indoctrination method being called "A Day Of Silence."

Now that is what I call Offensive.

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Join the Christians Against Leftist Heresy blogroll sponsored by Faultline USA

The Indoctrination of our Children in Public Schools

As seen on Political Pistachio News:

Parents urged to boycott homosexual indoctrination - - - 'Day of Silence' in schools 'about coercing students to repudiate traditional morality.' What if homosexuals staged a huge promotion of that sexual lifestyle choice, and no one came to see it? That's exactly what a coalition of organizations is proposing for April 25, this year's "Day of Silence," which is sponsored in public schools across the nation to promote homosexuality. "It's outrageous that our neighborhood schools would allow homosexual activism to intrude into the classroom," said Buddy Smith of the American Family Association, one of a long list of organizations asking parents to keep their students home from school on that day.

Next on school agenda: Teaching communism - - - A new plan by a California lawmaker would allow schools to be used to promote the overthrow of the U.S. government, and let teachers in public district classrooms "inculcate in the mind of any pupil a preference for communism," according to a traditional values advocacy organization.

California Schools require only positive portrayals of homosexual, bisexual, transgender and other alternative lifestyle choices - - - Only months after a new state law effectively banned "mom" and "dad" from California schools, 600,000 students soon could be following them out the door because of what has been described as the "repudiation" of 2,000 years of Christian morality, according to leaders of a new campaign assembling education alternatives. The campaign is called California Exodus and is being headed by Ron Gleason, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Yorba Linda, who said while the country excels in social, economic, scientific and political accomplishments, it "gets low grades on the education of its children."

California Court Rules Parents Must Have Teaching Credentials to Home School Kids - - - "Parents do not have a constitutional right to home school their children," Justice H. Walter Croskey wrote in a Feb. 28 opinion for the 2nd District Court of Appeal. Noncompliance could lead to criminal complaints against the parents, Croskey said. The immediate impact of the ruling was not clear. Opponents said they will appeal. An estimated 166,000 students in California are home schooled, but it was unclear how many of them are taught solely by an uncredentialed parent. To earn a five-year preliminary teaching credential in California, a person must obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and complete multiple examinations. Until now, California allowed home schooling if parents filed paperwork to establish themselves as small, private schools; hired a credentialed tutor; or enrolled their child in an independent study program run by an established school while teaching the child at home.

Monday night on Political Pistachio Radio my guest is Mike Donnelly, a spokesman with Home School Legal Defense Association, the largest homeschooling organization in the United States to discuss the above topics, and more! Join us at 10:00 PM Eastern Time on Blog Talk Radio.

Middle East Imperative

by: James Cash, Brig. Gen., USAF, (Retired)

I wrote recently about the war in Iraq and the larger war against radical Islam, eliciting a number of responses. Let me try and put this conflict in proper perspective.

Understand; the current battle we are engaged in is much bigger than just Iraq. What happens in the next year will affect this country and how our kids and grand kids live throughout their lifetime, and beyond. Radical Islam has been attacking the West since the seventh century. They have been defeated in the past and decimated to the point of taking hundreds of years to recover. But they can never be totally defeated. Their birth rates are so far beyond civilized world rates, that in time they recover and attempt to dominate again.

There are eight terror-sponsoring countries that make up the grand threat to the West. Two, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan just need firm pressure from the West to make major reforms. They need to decide who they are really going to support and commit to that support.

That answer is simple. They both will support who they think will hang in there until the end, and win.

We are not sending very good signals in that direction right now, thanks to the Democrats.

The other six, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, North Korea and Libya will require regime change or a major policy shift. Now, let's look more closely.

Afghanistan and Iraq have both had regime changes, but are being fueled by outsiders from Syria and Iran . We have scared Gaddafi's pants off, and he has given up his quest for nuclear weapons, so I don't think Libya is now a threat.

North Korea (the non-Islamic threat) can be handled diplomatically by buying them off. They are starving. That leaves Syria and Iran. Syria is like a frightened puppy. Without the support of Iran they will join the stronger side. So where does that leave us? Sooner, or later, we are going to be forced to confront Iran, and it better be before they gain nuclear capability.

In 1989 I served as a Command Director inside the Cheyenne Mountain complex located in Colorado Springs, Colorado for almost three years. My job there was to observe (through classified means) every missile shot anywhere in the world and assess if it was a threat to the US or Canada. If any shot was threatening to either nation I had only minutes to advise the President, as he had only minutes to respond.

I watched Iran and Iraq shoot missiles at each other every day, and all day long, for months. They killed hundreds of thousands of their people. Know why? They were fighting for control of the Middle East and that enormous oil supply.

At that time, they were preoccupied with their internal problems and could care less about toppling the west. Oil prices were fairly stable and we could not see an immediate threat.

Well, the worst part of what we have done as a nation in Iraq is to do away with the military capability of one of those nations. Now, Iran has a clear field to dominate the Middle East, since Iraq is no longer a threat to them.

They have turned their attention to the only other threat to their dominance, they are convinced they will win, because the US is so divided, and the Democrats (who now control Congress and may control the Presidency in 2008) have openly said we are pulling out.

Do you have any idea what will happen if the entire Middle East turns their support to Iran, which they will obviously do if we pull out? It is not the price of oil we will have to worry about. Oil WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE to this country at any price. I personally would vote for any presidential candidate who did what JFK did with the space program---declare a goal to bring this country to total energy independence in a decade.

Yes, it is about oil. The economy in this country will totally die if that Middle East supply is cut off right now. It will not be a recession. It will be a depression that will make 1929 look like the "good-old-days". The bottom line here is simple. If Iran is forced to fall in line, the fighting in Iraq will end over night, and the nightmare will be over.

One way or another, Iran must be forced to join modern times and the global community. It may mean a real war---if so, now is the time, before we face a nuclear Iran with the capacity to destroy Israel and begin a new ice age.

I urge you to read the book "END GAME" by two of our best Middle East experts, true American patriots and retired military generals, Paul Vallely and Tom McInerney . They are our finest, and totally honest in their assessment of why victory in the Middle East is so important, and how it can be won. Proceeds for the book go directly to memorial fund for our fallen soldiers who served the country during the war on terror. You can find that book by going to the Internet through Stand-up America athttp://www.ospreyradio.us/, http://www.ospreyradio.us/ or http:// www.rightalk.com/,http://www.rightalk.com/.

On the other hand, we have several very angry retired generals today, who evidently have not achieved their lofty goals, and insist on ranting and raving about the war. They are wrong, and doing the country great harm by giving a certain political party reason to use them as experts to back their anti-war claims.

You may be one of those who believe nothing could ever be terrible enough to support our going to war. If that is the case I should stop here, as that level of thinking approaches mental disability in this day and age. It is right up there with alien abductions and high altitude seeding through government aircraft contrails. I helped produced those contrails for almost 30 years, and I can assure you we were not seeding the atmosphere. The human race is a war-like population, and if a country is not willing to protect itself, it deserves the consequences.

'Enough - said!'

Now, my last comments will get to the nerve. They will be on politics.

I am not a Republican. And, George Bush has made enough mistakes as President to insure my feelings about that for the rest of my life. However, the Democratic Party has moved so far left, they have made me support those farther to the right.

I am a conservative who totally supports the Constitution of this country. The only difference between the United States and the South American, third world, dictator infested and ever-changing South American governments, is our US Constitution.

This Republic (note I did not say Democracy) is the longest standing the world has ever known, but it is vulnerable. It would take so little to change it through economic upheaval. There was a time when politicians could disagree, but still work together. We are past that time, and that is the initial step toward the downfall of our form of government.

I think that many view Bush-hating as payback time. The Republicans hated the Clinton's and now the Democrats hate Bush.

So, both parties are putting their hate toward willingness to do anything for political dominance to include lying and always taking the opposite stand just for the sake of being opposed. JUST HOW GOOD IS THAT FOR OUR COUNTRY?

In my lifetime, after serving in uniform for President's Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan , and Bush I have a pretty good feel for which party supported our military, and what military life was like under each of their terms. And, let me assure you that times were best under the Republicans.

Service under Jimmy Carter was devastating for all branches of the military. And, Ronald Reagan was truly a salvation.

You can choose to listen to enriched newscasters, and foolish people like John Murtha (he is no war hero), Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, Michael Moore, Jane Fonda, Harry Reid, Russ Feingold, Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy, and on-and-on to include the true fools in Hollywood if you like. If you do, your conclusions will be totally wrong.

The reason that I write, appear on radio talk shows, and do everything I can to denounce those people is simple. THEY ARE PUTTING THEIR THIRST FOR POLITICAL POWER AND QUEST FOR VICTORY IN
2008 ABOVE WHAT IS BEST FOR THIS COUNTRY. I cannot abide that.

Pelosi clearly defied the Logan Act by going to Syria , which should have lead to imprisonment of three years and a heavy fine.

Jane Fonda did more to prolong the Vietnam War longer than any other human being (as acknowledged by Ho Chi Minh in his writing before he died). She truly should have been indicted for treason, along with her radical husband, Tom Hayden, and forced to pay the consequences.

This country has started to soften by not enforcing its laws, which is another indication of a Republic about to fall.

All Democrats, along with the Hollywood elite, are sending us headlong into a total defeat in the Middle East, which will finally give Iran total dominance in the region. A lack of oil in the near future will be the final straw that dooms this Republic.

However, if we refuse to let this happen and really get serious about an energy self-sufficiency program, this can be avoided. I am afraid, however, that we are going in the opposite direction.

If we elect Hillary Clinton and a Democrat controlled congress, and they carry through with allowing Iran to take control of the Middle East, continue to refuse development of nuclear energy, refuse to allow drilling for new oil, and continue to do nothing but oppose everything Bush, it will be over in terms of what we view as the good life in the USA.

Now, do I think that all who do not support the war are un-American--- of course not. They just do not understand the importance of total victory in that region.

Another failure of George Bush is his inability to explain to the American people why we are there, and why we MUST win.

By the way, it is not a war. The war was won four years ago. It is martial law that is under attack by Iranian and Syrian outside influences, and there is a difference.

So, what do I believe? What is the bottom line? I will simply say that the Democratic Party has fielded the foulest, power hungry, anti-country, self absorbed group of individuals that I have observed in my lifetime. Our educational system is partially to blame for allowing the mass of America to be taken in by this group. George Bush has done the best he can with the disabilities that he possesses.

A President must communicate with the people. And, I would tell you that Desert Storm spoiled the people. Bush Senior's 100-hour war convinced the people that technology has progressed to the point that wars could be fought with no casualties and won in very short periods of time.

I remember feeling at the time, that this was a tragedy for the US military. To win wars, you must put boots on the ground. When you put boots on the ground, soldiers are going to die. A President must make the war decision wisely, and insure that the cause is right before using his last political option.

HOWEVER, CONTROLLING IRAN AND DEMOCRATIZING THE MIDDLE EAST IS THE ONLY CHOICE IF WE ARE HELL-BENT ON DEPENDING ON THEM FOR OUR FUTURE ENERGY NEEDS.

Jimmy L. Cash, Brig. Gen., USAF, Ret. Lakeside, Montana 59922

An Ode To America

this has been circulating around the e-mail, and regardless of the authenticity (Snopes says it is, though), the message is powerful.

We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about the USA . Read this excerpt from a Romanian News paper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title 'C'ntarea Americii, meaning 'Ode To America ') in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei 'The Daily Event' or 'News of the Day'

~An Ode to America ~

Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs.

Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the Army, or the Secret Service that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about. Instead the Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand.

After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing:’ God Bless America !'

I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.

How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put into a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy.

What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace, I thought things over, I reached but only one conclusion... Only freedom can work such miracles.

by Cornel Nistorescu (This deserve s to be passed around the Internet forever.) It took a person on the outside - looking in - to see what we take for granted !

GOD BLESS AMERICA ! !

Ezra Levant's opening statement at the human rights commission

This video is disturbing. This Human Rights Commission in Canada will clearly do anything to suppress free speech and thought. Please take a moment to watch not only this video, but the rest of this series which will be linked below after this one. Absolutely disturbing.



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For those of you that missed tonight's broadcast of Political Pistachio Radio, our guest was Competitive Enterprise Institute analyst John Berlau (author of Eco-Freaks), to discuss the Man-made Global Warming issue, it's scientific inaccuracies, and how Al Gore's Global Warming agenda is anti-growth, anti-capitalist, and anti-American. Listen Here.

My Right To Free Speech

By Terry Funderburk, The Lone Protester


“ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

For those of you that are not familiar with this phrase, it is the First Amendment to the US Constitution. I brushed up on it the day that I got out of jail. The day that the cops took me to jail to shut me up because I was revealing the truth about something that our politicians like to pretend isn’t happening. And I have major problems understanding that because it seems like to me that it is the politicians that have forgotten what the Constitution and Bill of Rights stand for and not me. Since I got arrested it seems to me that our leaders thought it applied to people that are not even American citizens. And it seemed to me that our leaders thought that we American citizens had forfeited our rights as guaranteed under it.

I have come to the conclusion that our local leaders will apply our laws as they want to. They will apply them to shut me up but at the same time they will use the same laws to give illegal aliens the right to march in our streets and demonstrate even though they do not have that right under our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Can someone out there explain that to me? I am having problems understanding it, because from my viewpoint our politicians are not allowed to decide who our laws apply to and to whom they don’t. Supposedly, under our system of laws nobody is supposed to get a free pass while other people go to jail for crimes such as spitting on the sidewalk or protesting. Justice is supposed to be blind and everybody is supposed to be equal under her eyes. Is it that way today?

They will use our laws to try to shut me up but at the same time they will use those same laws to give criminals a voice. They will take away my rights under those laws but they will give those same rights to criminals. Who gave our leaders that power? I was taken to jail, photographed and fingerprinted for expressing my First Amendments rights. If I was jailed for that crime, then why weren’t those 5,000 illegal aliens that marched in our streets in 2006 jailed for their crimes? Why did those same cops that so readily arrested me for expressing my rights, help block traffic for those 5,000 illegal aliens so they could express rights that they did not have under our Constitution and Bill of Rights? I am having problems understanding this, could any of you reading this help me out? Why hasn’t Jo Dell Pickens, who admitted to employing 22 illegal aliens on June 27th 2007, in the State newspaper, been arrested for her crimes like I was?

My senator, Lindsey Graham, whom I have written three different times asking for his assistance, responded only once. His response was that I am a bigot and a racist, and that I should just shut up. He said that he is for comprehensive immigration reform. Even though comprehensive immigration reform will run me out of a business that I have been in for twenty years, I should just shut my mouth because that is what is best for me and the American people. Does that make any sense to you? I thought that was what was best for the American people was decided by the American people and not criminals that broke into our country. Or the traitors in this country that support them. You know, the ones that are here to supercede the Constitution of the United Sates and the Bill of Rights.

I am writing this as a citizen of the United States and South Carolina , my leaders, my politicians, have preempted that right, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the US and our own state constitution. Who gave then that right? Who gave Lindsey Graham the right to say that I am a bigot and racist? Who gave the right to Bob Coble, the Mayor of Columbia, SC, the right to have me arrested for protesting my rights, and at the same time, to allow allow thousands of illegal aliens to protest in our streets who did not have any rights? Who gave that man the right to decide that he will enforce our laws against me protesting, but he will enforce some law that isn’t in our Constitution?

I am writing this for one reason, if I can be arrested for expressing my rights, as guaranteed under our Constitution, then each and every one of you American citizens, every one of you can be arrested for the same reason. Our leaders have perverted our Constitution for their own benefit. Our leaders have perverted our Bill of Rights for their own reasons. When our leaders and politicians pervert our laws for their own personal benefit, then we are not a nation of laws any longer, we are simply in a dictatorship. When I can be arrested for protesting being run out of business by illegal aliens and their employers, then we are not a nation of laws any longer, we are a dictatorship. When I am told to shut up, because I am a racist and bigot, by my senator, then we are a dictatorship.

And that is why I continue writing about what happened to me, a citizen of South Carolina and the United Sates. If I can be arrested and shut up, then so can each one of you, even though you are guaranteed to speak your mind under our Constitution. Even though you can be put in jail for speaking your mind, criminals that broke into our country, and their employers here, have more rights than you.

This country has been perverted, our Constitution has been turned upside down. But one fact remains as a shining example for each and every one of you American citizens. And that fact is, that this country belongs to us, each and every one of you. It does not belong to people like Lindsey Graham and Bob Coble. It does not belong to the politicians currently running for president. It does not belong to people who declared themselves criminals the moment they decided to break into out our country. It does not belong to the criminals currently employing them. It belongs to us. It belongs to people like me, arrested for protesting.

And that is why I continue writing about what happened to me. Because what happened to me can happen to every American citizen out there. Because, if every American citizen does not look out for their rights, then you will have no more rights. Are there any questions?

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton Battle as McCain Clinches and Huckabee steps down, and the connections of Obama

Today is being referred to as "Super Tuesday II," but it is hardly super when it comes to the number of states participating. The impact of today, however, more than confirms its "super" status. In fact, rather than Super Tuesday II, a better name may be "The Day of Reckoning."

John McCain, at the time of writing this piece, has been projected to be the winner in Rhode Island, Vermont, Ohio and Texas. As a result, he has clinched the Republican Nomination, and Mike Huckabee has stepped down.

In today's primaries Barack Obama sought a knockout punch against Hillary Clinton. The Clinton camp understands that Hillary desperately needs victories in Texas and Ohio particularly in order to salvage her once overwhelmingly strong candidacy for the Democrat Presidential nomination.

As I write this, Barack Hussein Obama has been projected to win Vermont, and Hillary Rodham Clinton looks to have won Rhode Island. And in the larger states, Ohio is projected to go to Hillary, and Texas remains too close to call.

Of the Democrats I have spoken to of late here in Southern California, most of them say that Hillary Clinton is too polarizing, and that they hope Barack Obama wins the nomination. Of those that did not say they are hoping for an Obama win, there was a strong feeling among them that if Obama wins the nomination, they would be willing to vote for McCain because Obama is too far to the left even for them.

Enter, stage left, Ralph Nader to further split the Democrat vote.

And through it all, John McCain continues to criticize the Democrats for their intention to withdraw the U.S. troops from Iraq, saying, "They say they want to set a date for withdrawal. I tell you, if they did that, my friends, we would be back."

As for myself, I place a lot of importance on a candidates legislative record, and connections. Though John McCain has a history of being a "maverick," I have to admit his voting record as an Arizona Senator is much more appealing than that of Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. In fact, Barack is being christened as the most liberal Senator. Perhaps that is true. From my research I have noticed that since 2004 as the U.S. Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama more often than not simply voted "present." When he did vote, he voted against the confirmation of John Roberts for the Supreme Court, against Samuel Alito (even voting in favor of a filibuster to stall his confirmation), opposed a bill in 2006 that would have denied citizenship or other legal status to illegal immigrants, voted in 2007 against a measure that would have allowed police to question people about their immigration status under certain circumstances, voted in favor of the McCain/Kennedy amnesty plan (of which McCain angered conservatives), voted for an act last October that would have allowed illegal aliens who became legal residents through amnesty to qualify for lower in-state tuition rates at state universities, voted against a 2006 bill that would prohibit the transportation of a minor girl across state lines to get an abortion if this would circumvent parental consent, voted against a bill extending the cuts in capital gains and dividends tax rates that Congress enacted in 2003, voted against the repeal of the tax on inherited wealth (double taxation), and then contradicted his votes when in June of 2006 he voted against a bill that would have required President Bush to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by July 1, 2007, and then last September he joined 27 other Democrats in voting for a bill ordering Bush to begin withdrawing most American forces within 90 days. Obama now is proposing a bill called the Global Poverty Act that essentially taxes the United States for being prosperous, and would cost us 0.7% of our gross national product.

So what about his connections?

There has been a number of articles claiming that Barack Hussein Obama was born of a Muslim father, and there is even a rumor that, like Ellison, he will place his hand on a Quran to take his oath of office. Though these rumors are disconcerting, there is no solid proof (yet) that his Muslim intentions are true. So, I must settle on what has been proven to be true.

First, I must go with what I have seen with my own eyes. Recently, during the singing of the National Anthem, Barack Obama not only refused to place his hand on his heart, but if you look carefully in the video, he is facing farther to the right and looking downward, meaning he even refused to look at Old Glory.

In February of 2007 Barack Hussein Obama said the Muslim call to prayer is "one of the prettiest sounds on Earth," in an interview with the New York Times. Then Obama recited with a "first class Arabic accent" the opening lines of a Muslim prayer. Now, Obama professes to be a Christian (and technically, that shouldn't matter because though I disagree with the idea of the Separation of Church and State as the Liberal Left professes it to be, it do believe that from a Constitutional standpoint there can be no religious litmus tests for office), specifically he claims to be a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. This church, however, espouses its non-negotiable committment to Africa that is essentially a theological version of the Black Power movement, and essentially places their allegiance to Africa before the United States of America. And one of the church's heroes is Minister Louis Farrakhan of The Nation of Islam, whose slurs against Jews are well known.

Obama eventually did denounce Farrakhan, but what about his pastor who thinks Farrakhan is an American Hero?

Obama is now calling his vote to help save the life of Terrie Schiavo his "biggest mistake," has now been considered a target of the Rezko investigation, has a wife that has never been proud to be an American until now, is endorsed by American Muslims as well as Marxist revolutionary Daniel Ortega, backs a Taliban Supporter in Kenya, has cited as his friend and mentor Frank Marshall Davis who is a member of the old Moscow-controlled Communist Party USA, has ties to a former leader of the violent left-wing activist group the Weather Underground, has essentially been caught cheating with all of his plagiarism, Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farakhan calls Obama the "hope of the entire world," Obama knowingly worked with a confessed domestic terrorist as a paid director, desires to further handcuff the intelligence community in their programs to protect us from terrorism, and has suggested numerous tax hikes.

Facts are clear. Obama is not the best man for the job of Commander in Chief, nor is Hillary Clinton. As much difficulty as I have in admitting it, due to my past disagreements with many of McCain's positions and legislative bungles, John McCain is the best man for the job.

In the words of Atlas Shrugs when she was on my radio show, "John McCain, because the alternative is unthinkable."

Pro-Troop Rally in Berkeley, California!

From Patriot Event Network Calendar:

Ok folks, this is the call to arms. It doesn't matter where you live, Northern California, the Western States, east coast, where ever - tell everyone you know, forward this email, call them, whatever - get the word out. It doesn't matter if you ride a bike or drive a cage. This is a call to arms for all veterans, all patriots, and all that truly respect the military. Please forward this email to every veteran you know, every organization you know, every post you know. Assume you are the only one that has received this email and spread the word. Also, if you have the time, please make up small signs showing date, time, location, and try to get them put up in motorcycle stores, AL Posts, MCL Posts, etc. And forward to whomever has an email list. This Mission will only work if we have a LARGE turnout.

Due to the garbage in Bezerkeley, we've made a decision to have a massive show of support for the Marine Recruiters, and Veterans everywhere. Bezerkeley, the City Council, the Mayor, Code Pink and the other moonbats want to step all over veterans, past, present and future. We need to show them we're not going to allow that in Berkeley or anywhere else. I'm not using the term "demonstration" for two simple reasons - "demonstration" is tied together with "counter demonstration". Neither of those terms come in to play in this instance. I want a true "Support the Troops" event. Come by motorcycle, car, truck, whatever means you have. Bring an American Flag, and if you have them, Flags of the Armed Forces. If you want to make signs, please limit them to support ie: So and so, or family of, or organization so and so supports the troops. And one other - VNSZ (Veteran's No Spend Zone) Lots of those.

On March 22, 9:00AM, we will all meet and/or stage at the Watergate Market, 2390 Powell St, Emeryville.

Click Here for map of meeting point

The rally point was picked in that it has food and fuel readily available. When getting off the freeway, there is a Chevron Station on one side of the freeway, and a Shell on the other (the direction you'll be heading). There is a Denny's where you get off and the Watergate Market has sandwiches (I believe). Across from the Market is the Emeryville Police Dept. There is parking along the street to the left of the EPD. You will directed to parking when you arrive. Currently, there will not be a "formal" check in, but see me when you get there. I'm not hard to find. When you eat or fuel in this location or any location outside of Berkeley, please keep the receipts - if we have a big enough group, I will collect those receipts and deliver them to the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce on Monday the 24th. Hopefully with the assistance of the news media.

We will depart at 10 for Berkeley. The Emeryville police will assist us in getting on the freeway. ( If you are driving directly to the city - not driving in with the "convoy", please meet at the recruiting office.) There will be 3 approach routes to Berkeley that will be announced at that morning. All approach routes will lead to the US Marine Officer Selection Office at 64 Shattuck Square - it's a one way street and therefore will be on your left side. After driving past the recruiting office, please park your vehicles carefully as I'm quite sure the parking police will be around. I would park one vehicle (includes motorcycles) per parking place as long as you don't mind the paring fees - also - I've been warned about feeding the meters. Move your wheels periodically so as not to get cited or towed. Coordinate with each other on shifting vehicles. If you park in lot that is restricted to customers, then buy a cup of coffee or a coke, or whatever. I can make a drink last a LONG time. While wandering around like any other tourist, if you talk to shop owners, please remember, we're not there to get in THEIR faces, but to make a point to the City Council. If our presence, our taking parking places, our not spending money has a negative impact on the individual business owners, they will need to go to make a decision on who to recall and who to vote for. If the individuals don't like the war, don't like the administration, don't like the military, GTG, but what the City Council has done is baloney! Besides, if they don't like the military, then why would they want our money.

I'm asking Melanie Morgan and MAF to start speaking at 12 in front of the Recruiting Office. Other speakers are welcome. I'm asking Capt Lund and some of his staff to be there, in uniform of course.

Purpose of this Mission is to show support for the troops in general, all veterans, and for the Marine Recruiting Office. It is not for physical confrontation - that needs to be avoided. We need to set the example - Code Pink, ANSWER and the other moonbats would love to see us get slammed in the media and they will try to do that. On Feb 12 there were a couple of people attending who apparently were there just to cause trouble. Please be careful. I am by no means saying "turn the other cheek". I'm just asking that you are careful with any response - let them take the fall.

If you need places to camp or stay - please remember to get a place outside of Berkeley.

I need some volunteers - one or two to handle billeting for those that need it arriving Friday nite and/or staying Saturday nite. I need a couple of riders - 4 to 8 - to help get people to Shattuck Square and then to help with getting people pointed to parking areas. I'm also asking a local CB/HAM/motorcycle club to help with any communications necessary. If your scoot is equipped with comm gear, please ID yourself at check in (IF you want to be put to work). And I need couple of people to help coordinate at the staging area.

Currently we know that Trader Vic's is offering us a banquet room that evening for a buffet dinner. They are also giving us 15% off coupons. We will work on some more like minded stuff.

Response - if you are coming, please respond with just numbers - I only need names if you are available to help (you pick the category). And I need to know numbers for Trader Vic's - they have 2 different room sizes and need to put one aside for us. Normally I respond to every email. HOWEVER, because of the anticipated volume of response, I will only respond on offers to help or to questions.

Doug Lyvere
PGR Regional Ride Captain
SgtMaj, Marine ret

www.patriotguard.org
www.eaglesup.us

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2008
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
Duration: 480 minutes
Priority: High
Access: Public
Created by: Eagles UP! West
Updated: Monday, March 3, 2008 12:10am
Participants: Patriot Accessible

Note: I co-host on Monday nights with Andrea Shea King of WDBO AM 580 in Florida on her BlogTalkRadio show and tonight's guest was Doug Lyvere, organizer of the event. Click these sentences to listen to the show.

Personal Pistachio Returns Tonight on Political Pistachio Radio!

Listen on Political Pistachio Radio.

Hyphenated Culturalism

I am a member of a few internet political groups, and one discussion today brought up was about the hyphenation of nationalities (i.e. African-American, Mexican-American), and how there is an allowance for Latino Television, Black Entertainment Television and so forth, yet if White America was to create their own under the name of "White" that would be racist. Well, considering the societal landscape, Whites in America would be irresponsible for doing such. However, I have often proclaimed that the most oppressed group of late in the United States seems to be the White, Christian male. But, the danger of what we see is deeper than that.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The motive behind multi-culturalism is good. The idea seems sound on the surface. But I see it as in opposition of what the Civil Rights Movement was all about. The attempt to gain rights for minority groups was designed to not only do the right thing from a moral standard, but make America stronger as we all joined together as one nation. Not Black, White, Asian, Brown, and so forth. One nation. America. We The People are Americans, not a bunch of hyphenations.

My wife was born in Mexico, immigrated here as a child legally, and grew up in the United States. She Naturalized April 26, 2007. We have been married 23 years.

I am as about as white as they get, with Welsh, English, Dutch, Irish, Scottish, and French ancestry in addition to quite a bit of Black Foot and Cherokee.

We don't call ourselves a mixed racial couple, and my wife does not call herself a Mexican-American. She is American. Our kids are not mixed. They are American. My son's wife is a Mexican-Filipino mix, so my grandson is truly a mixed-up stew of nationalities, but he too, is an American. I understand society's need for labels. We are Conservative-Republicans, Moderates, RINOs, Neo-Cons, Liberals, Democrats, etc. I understand the need to hang on to one's heritage as well. Hyphenated ethnicities like Mexican-American, African-American, and the such, are an attempt to be considerate of one's heritage. But as my wife says, her culture and heritage is inside her, and she will never stop being Mexican. The culture in her has been passed down to our children, and when we get together as a family with her parents and sisters, the culture is evident, and our children are proud of that. But after the day is over, though inside the heritage and culture remains, she and the children are Americans first, Americans always. The hyphenations are not just an attempt to be considerate, but from the left it is also an attempt to apologize. "Sorry we are forcing Americanism upon you," it seems to say. How dare they. I thought the American Dream was all about assimilation, and being a productive puzzle piece in the American Experiment. Bring your culture, bring your heritage, and stir it into the stew of America. That is how we are better Americans. By contributing to the melting pot, not segregating ourselves from it with multi-culturalism and hyphenated labels.