Christmas is to be separated from state buildings. Christmas is to be banished from the public square. This is all done under the guise of separation of church and state. Thomas Jefferson wrote about this concept and assumed that intelligent folks would understand that he was not talking about freedom from religion, but freedom of religion, not having the establishment of a state religion along the lines of the Church of England. He did not reckon with the confused who now walk among us and are so unhappy in their lives that they will be damned, and they will be, if they “allow” the rest of us to be happy in our lives.

Leesburg, Virginia, and Clarksville, Tennessee, are among the cities that will be “crèche-less,” because that baby in a manger is a very seditious symbol. Yet another shot on the bow is coming this time from the state of Washington, where no religious symbols will be allowed on government buildings.

Even the president and Mrs. President went after baby Jesus, as one headline suggested. This was a story in the prestigious New York Times, or I would not have believed it. Baby Jesus was about to be banned from the East Room of the People’s House where He had traditionally been a prominent part in the décor. The rush was on to have more “inclusion,” created by the exclusion of Jesus, as part of a “non-religious Christmas.” This was coming from a family that purports to be Christian? If baby Jesus is not welcome in a Christian home, especially the People’s House, where should He find shelter?

Apparently wiser heads prevailed. Could it be that the president was persuaded that notwithstanding the talk of some of his followers dubbing him the “messiah,” that the gig was already taken by that little baby in the manager? Moreover, most likely, the president and Mrs. President did not want that “Muslim to the core” talk about him, rearing its head again. Although, if he is/was a Muslim, he should be proud of it. I am a Christian and mighty proud and grateful. I am not hiding The Light under a bushel of political correctness.

The troublemakers have been fortunate in a sense, because they have been successful in incrementally slamming the door to the public square inn, in the face of that little baby. With a lawsuit here, a threat of a lawsuit there, they succeeded in cowing some in officialdom and commerce. But, they are becoming so brazen that we the ordinary folks are recognizing that they are doing a perfect impersonation of Ebenezer Scrooge, rabidly trying to keep taking away more and more of our traditions. We are now taking a stand and declaring – “enough is enough!”

I have a message for all of the political and business cowards who are being frightened into pushing any manifestations or symbols of the season of love, out of their buildings or establishments. “Love” brings in more money than “hate.” When folks are feeling “peace on earth and goodwill towards men,” they spend and spend some more. Those who hate are stingy with both their emotions and their wallets. Good luck in pushing the Christmas lovers out of your stores and expecting us to buy from you, or vote for you when you cannot even stand up to a few troublemakers. You have become frightened of your own (Christmas) shadow. I blame you more than I blame the “attack dogs.”

My theory for the attacks on Christmas, is that they are motivated by fear. The non-Christmas folks are so afraid of the power of the Christmas story, that they have to work overtime to silence the story of a baby in a manger. They are scared witless by the story of a helpless baby, whose parents could not even find room in the equivalent of a motel, in which to birth him. The Motel 6 of the day did not “leave a light on,” for the Light of the world.

His is a simple story. Imagine a baby came to earth 2000 years ago. He trained as a humble carpenter. He could have created His own Mount Olympus, waged wars, and easily won. Instead, He went around as what we would describe as an “itinerant” preacher, teaching about love. For His efforts, He was hung on a wooden cross. End of story.

But it is not. He still puts fear into the heart of those who hate Him, as conversely love is the preeminent emotion in the hearts of those who love Him. Ever since that day that He made His entrance in a stable, He has been a thorn in the side of those with a lust for power. He is also probably hated because he was born a Jew, and was a Rabbi. Talk about a double whammy! Well, I worry not about Him. He is preeminent, all-powerful, everlasting…that baby in the manger. He lives forever, while His detractors will keep their appointed date with the grim reaper, when He decides that it is their time.

If the Christmas-haters wanted to be really effective, they would be secure in their sense of insecurity. They would give up the efforts to shut down the celebrations for the baby in a manger. They would just ignore the rest of us. They wouldn’t give us all of that power over them. They would prove their machismo by ignoring all of those revelers celebrating the season of joy, peace and love. They would show their disdain by thumbing their noses, or any other action that shows that this season and all that it represents, is beneath their contempt. That would definitely show us that we are irrelevant in their orbit.

Christmas-haters, you can’t, can you? That little baby in the manger, and Santa coming down the chimney, get your goat every time. As my pal Sheila phrased it, He is “a stable baby for an unstable world.” Your instability is showing. Try to remember that even Scrooge had a change of heart. Open up your hearts to love. It is beyond belief to feel the surge of happiness that flows through the body, heart and soul as the Christmas carols and songs ring out, as the joy and wonder of the season, are reflected on the faces of kids, when they open their presents from Santa, helped out by Mom and Dad. Come on. Enjoy, even if you don’t believe! Those of you, who love to hug trees, go hug a Christmas tree!

In order to give as good as Christmas is getting, I was going to put “Operation, Christmas 365,” into full swing, and nonchalantly walk by the offices of known Christmas haters, with a mini crèche in one hand and a mini Christmas tree in the other. The idea was to make them foam at the mouth at the sight of the baby in the manger, when I swing by in January, February, and all the other months of the year. I was even going to see if Santa wanted to travel down from the North Pole and join me, especially as he is now considered to be a “religious symbol,” according to at least one principal at an elementary school.

In the spirit of the season, I am going to shelve Operation Christmas 365. Instead, I will simply love the haters into submission. “Love” will pierce their armor of intractability. After all, this is the season of “ho, ho, ho,” peace, love and joy! They will succumb.

My therapy will be to invite them to watch “It’s A Wonderful Life,” every other day for four days, until they remove that inner sense of failure that is propelling their actions. They will learn from Clarence, that “no man is a failure who has friends.” I will be their friend. Next, they should listen to Handel’s Messiah. They will find that they may be changed, in “the twinkling of an eye,” by the beauty, ethereal quality of the fusion of voice and instruments.

This just in! In the midst of the Christmas revelry, the reveille could have just been sounded for healthcare as we know it in the United States of America. Instead of the aforementioned “ho, ho, ho,” we should be singing “no, no, no”?Despite a majority of Americans not wanting this particular “present” under their trees, not this Christmas, or any to come, those who some are labeling tyrants, prostitutes, and worse, have voted in the US Senate, for cloture. “Cloture” sounds so much like clothing being shed. They have been accused of doing the equivalent of going into a motel and exchanging dollars for body fluids, in order to get their votes for the bill that opened the door of its crypt during the Halloween season.

But, Christmas has not been labeled “the season for miracles,” for nothing. Ebenezer Scrooge held sway for awhile. He succumbed. The political “prostitutes” and their “pimps” will succumb, either this Christmas or next one. It will be a version of “cash for clunkers,” without the cash being exchanged. The cash was already exchanged in the political motel room.

I feel strangely optimistic that long after the politicians “orgy of power,” the baby in the manger, will still give us hope, peace and love. So let the rest of us continue to revel in the camaraderie, generosity, graciousness and love on display during this wonderful season – in between calling the political pimps to let them know what we think of their “prostitution ring.” What a mix of the sublime and slime, this season has become. But – it is still “the most wonderful time of the year!”

Copenhagen is supposed to be the crowning achievement of the Global Warmers/Climate Changers. Leading up to the big day, there was even a name change to more easily facilitate the smooth exchange of the wealth of developed countries to those whose dictators refuse to “share the wealth” with their citizens. The name change from “global warming,” came about when the earth did not cooperate with the “global” part of the name,” and especially with the “warming” categorization. The new name became “climate change.” Even with the name change, the earth is still in non-compliance with the scientific agenda. It has stubbornly kept to its own schedule of changes of season, instead of warming according to a man-made hockey puck, stick, whatever.

In the interests of brevity, the manipulators of climate will be henceforth known as the GWCC. As the GWCC preached the “religion” of global warming, they got a huge number of world leaders to jump on the “We are all going to die. The earth is warming at an alarming rate” bandwagon! Preparations went very smoothly for the parting of the ocean, and the fleecing of the so-called rich nations. I am still looking for those rich nations. The US is certainly not among those, is it? The US is owned primarily by China and Japan. Sayonara sovereignty.

Then, in the midst of the lavish preparations, an enterprising hacker or other industrious sort, spilled the e-mails. He, she or they, downloaded tons of e-mails, that purported to show less than honest data in support of the GWCC’s contentions. The e-mails apparently show GWCC scientists fudging data that does not fall neatly into their “thesis,” of the earth heating up,  and attempting to punish/silence their fellow scientists who disagree with them. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? Forget that. Hell hath no fury like a scientist about to be debunked!

The big confab of almost 1700 persons from 192 countries swooped into Copenhagen on their jets, to kill the livelihoods of their people but save the earth? How many tons of carbon emissions were accumulated by all of those who flew to Copenhagen by non-commercial means? What is this global warming thing, beyond the claim that the earth decided to become warmer? What is the real scientific evidence, if any? I guess the science that I refused to learn in school would have come in handy right about now. From what I can make out, human beings, who do have dominion over the creatures of the earth, are leaving giant carbon footprints all over the earth, and emitting carbon and or greenhouse gases by the minute. Is that the same gas that is burped up by some men and women, after eating a big meal?

I am all for being a good steward of the earth and the creatures therein, but the acolytes of global warming are conveying to me that we human beings are the problem, and if we stopped eating, breathing, driving and actually living, the earth will be healed. I already try to breathe intermittently and the amount of food that I eat, I am going to need a surrogate carbon footprint maker for me to prove that I exist! What more do you want from me, except that I should just die and take my miniscule carbon footprints with me? I am still “comparatively effective” and I refuse to die- until He Who really controls carbon emissions, footprints, emissions and everything else on this earth and beyond, decides that it is time!

When one of the members of the repositories of the data supporting global warming, was asked to produce said data, the requestor of the data was told that the data was dumped in order to save space? That dumped data could turn out to be a really “inconvenient truth!” I am going to make like a scientist and be very pristine and precise. Somebody has to. So, which one of the almost twenty meanings of the word “space,” is meant in this answer? Was it “outer space,” or “deep space”? Could it also be “deep sixed”? Please get back to me on that one.

In addition to the scientists, who are the real players in the GWCC fraternity? There is the usual assortment of celebrities. These celebrities preach to the rest of us to cut back on our use of toilet paper and other necessities, while they blow into towns on their private jets in order to spread the message of conservation. As dainty as my carbon footprints in the bathroom are, three squares of toilet tissue will be woefully inadequate. Maybe I can get by with four!  My mind is playing tricks with me. I have no explanation why the word “hypocrisy,” sprung to mind, just as I began writing about the “do as I say, not as I do” crowd. 

Those celebrities are only bit players in this global warming debate. The person who always springs to mind, is a former Vice President of the US, he who invented the Internet, and became a billionaire from global warming. Bela Lugosi, who starred in those Dracula movies, wishes he had the power to whip up both hysteria and dollars, with his portrayal of a bogeyman. The detractors of Mr. Global Warming, of which I am not one, accuse him of consuming twenty times the electricity of the average American home, in his mansion in Tennessee.

I am not a detractor because anyone who can become a billionaire on data that many in the scientific community are categorically stating is not based on provable scientific facts, is awfully clever. I am ready to go learn at his feet, how to accomplish what he has. I am not interested in the movies, the trophies or the prizes. Well, maybe P T Barnum was correct in his assertion that “there is a sucker born every minute.” In any case, these days, according to some wags, the GWCC poster boy, appears to be investing some of that time and money in McDonalds and Burger King, judging by his increasingly large carbon footprints. All of a sudden I have this urge for a greasy burger, with everything on it, including the kitchen sink, humongous carbon footprints or not!  I don’t know what brought that on.

What has been the fallout from ClimateGate so far? Phil Jones, the head of the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit, where all hell broke out with the “release” of those e-mails, is on temporary leave. The operative word there could be “temporary.” It could soon be data as usual.

Unlike Watergate, there probably won’t be any Pulitzer Prizes won for coverage of ClimateGate. Pulitzer Prizes are awarded for stories that are investigated and reported on.

The Environmental Protection Agency stated that scientific evidence shows that greenhouse gases are a threat to public health and that we need to reduce pollutants. Is this mandate based on scientific evidence pre or post the ClimateGate memos? Wasn’t it midway in the 1970’s that we were being faced with another ice age, according to Time and Newsweek magazines? Now that rebellious earth is veering in the opposite direction?

The EPA thinks that carbon dioxide is the most dangerous pollutant? I could tell that agency where most of the “pollutants” are coming from. Hint – there is a drastic reduction of pollutants when that renowned piece of real estate in DC, is vacant for any period of time. The US is supposed to reduce greenhouse emission seventeen percent by 2020? Good luck with that.

The US president is going to make an entrance in Copenhagen in another few days. How much of the US will he give away at that conference? Into which generation will the tentacles of global warming reach, in order to pay for any US largess? I am asking questions to which I shudder to get answers. Maybe we should begin hiding the silverware. I just remembered. We do not have to hide the silverware. The Legislative Branch is preparing to raise the US debt ceiling by $1.8 trillion. That ought to cover at least part of the Copenhagen coffers. How high can you go? The sky is the limit. The sky is linked with the earth. The US is part of the earth…absolute synergy!

If the e-mails of ClimateGate turn out to be a true representation of the outlook or behavior of these scientists identified, what could have been their motivation? Is it a god complex? Could it be a situation of “follow the money”? If there are loads of money to be paid out, maybe I should return to school and pick up those science classes.

I see a real positive in this ClimateGate saga, because, in a way, it is as if God placed His carbon footprints all over the altars of the global warming enthusiasts and showed them Who really is in control! Do they really think that they have more power than God in controlling the weather? I do not want what they are apparently smoking.

I almost forgot yet more fallout from ClimateGate. Add science to the list of “faiths” that I am leaving behind, or have left me behind. That branch of learning is up on the shelf with the Fourth Estate, US politicians, make that politicians in general, among other institutions/entities to which I will apply the President Ronald Reagan caveat of “trust but verify.” 
On second thoughts, I think with this crop of “scientists” and politicians who know what is best for the world, I will adopt my own measure of veracity: “Verify before trusting.” And, demand to see the data before it is dumped.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation."

So declared President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as he asked Congress to declare war for the unprovoked attack by the Japanese military on Pearl Harbor. “A date that will live in infamy” became the easily identifiable phrase for December 7, 1941. Here was the US literally minding its own business as war raged in Europe. The Japanese decided that it was time to wake the sleeping giant. It took four arduous years, but Japan learned that it is best to let sleeping giants lie.

The US was totally unprepared after being struck by a devastating attack of treachery, which wiped out a good portion of its Pacific Fleet. But for the most part, it was united, and willing to fight back! The nation, and especially those men sent out to fight, would learn what Thomas Paine meant when he wrote “Those who want to reap the benefits of this great nation must bear the fatigue of supporting it.” “Fatigue” was only part of the struggle. Death was a huge part of the equation. American troops are buried in various graves throughout Europe, as testament to their unyielding service. The nation rediscovered its resiliency. While the men fought in the Pacific and Europe, the women “manned” the home front. Rosie the Riveter was born. Those who were opposed to American involvement in “Europe’s war” learned, “if we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately,” as Thomas Paine had exhorted his compatriots in Revolutionary Times.

On August 9, 1945, Japan was finally convinced that it was indeed a mistake to wake up that sleeping giant. World War II was all but wrapped up. The external enemy had been demoralized and defeated. The men later dubbed the “greatest generation” had done their work. The women left behind had also done their part. Detainee “abuse” was not an issue.

Here we are sixty eight years later. What is the one constant between then and now? It is the “cannon fodder,” the troops who daily go out and die and/or are maimed in our stead. Their heart for the job, the bravery in performing the job, and pride in serving their country, remain the same. Compared to 1941, they now have better weaponry and better training, as they deserve. Sixty eight years ago, most of the rest of America stood tall and supported the war efforts, with the exception of a few traitors whose desire was to see America be brought to its knees so that those “quaint” notions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” could be outlawed. They lost – then.

So has anything changed from 1941 to 2009? The face of the enemy has changed. From 1941 to 1945, the organized armies of Japan and Germany faced down GI Joe. Those armies struck first and blinked first. For almost a decade now, in this 21^st century, the enemy, in the name and guise of religion, determined to destroy America, although without a conventional, established military, is in some ways more dangerous. The “soldiers” of this enemy do not fight mano a mano (hand to hand). They prefer the IED, manned by those who have been conned by the promise of an elixir of lust and religion, as in 72 virgins providing unlimited sex after death. They fight unarmed female flight attendants. They have declared war on American and other civilians. They do not fight according to the Geneva Convention. They know that militarily, they cannot defeat our troops, so they have pulled out their arsenal of deceit. They apparently will inflict wounds on themselves and blame our troops, and frighteningly too many in charge of those American troops, fall for the treachery.

“Treachery.” That is the bridge between December 1941 and December 2009. “Treachery” in this new century has not come in the form of a surprise attack on America by a recognized military armada. Treachery is being unleashed on American troops by less than gallant men, well versed in the art of dissimulation. The tragedy is that in too many instances, the word of this enemy, an enemy who is without valor and honor, is taken over the words of American troops. More and more American troops are being charged and put away for long stretches for winning on the battlefield against this new enemy. The message being transmitted appears to be “do not be all that you can be, instead behave politically expediently,” if you value your career.

In reading the stories of troops brought up on charges of “abusing” detainees, it seems that invariably, the brightest, bravest and best troops, have been targeted. Even if exonerated, quite frankly they may still bear invisible scars. I cannot even begin to fathom how a defender can feel, if after representing your country, killing or capturing the bad guys, you return home, to be greeted, not with a medal or parade, or even a peaceful civilian life, but with handcuffs. Meanwhile the accusers and the supporters of those accusers, are having a good chuckle at how easy it is to fool the infidels.

Captain Carl Bjork has even been returned to Baghdad to face charges of premeditated murder. The star witnesses are three Iraqi “insurgents.” When did this practice of returning US troops to a foreign land for trial, begin? Imagine when the US signs off on that famous, or infamous, depending on one’s perspective, so called World Court? US troops “just doing their jobs,” can conceivably be hauled in front of that court, which will have a built-in bias against GI Joe. If we cannot beat them on the battlefield, by golly, see you in the court of the world! Welcome to dhimmitude.

I would like to check in with Lt. Col. Chessani, who is now facing a BOI (Board of Inquiry) that began on December 2, 2009, and continues on December 7, 2009, “day of infamy.” I would also like to get the reaction of SEALs Matthew McCabe, Jonathan Keefe and Julio Huertas, to capturing a “most wanted terrorist” and being reported for bloodying the lip of the “most wanted.” All of a sudden “performance of duty” has been turned into “dereliction of duty.” Ironically, if these three SEALs had been captured by the enemy, their lips and the rest of their bodies would have been burnt to a cinder, most likely after they had first been tortured, and then hung up on a bridge in Baghdad. That fate did befall four civilian contractors, and the alleged ringleader is this “most wanted.” He must not be wanted badly enough why his captors are the ones facing charges, beginning on December 7, 2009, “day of infamy.”

I keep harkening back to the story of ILT Michael Behenna, perhaps because of the synergy between his years on this earth, and the sentence imposed on him. He is twenty five and he received twenty five years in Leavenworth for defending himself against an Iraqi insurgent. Should he have allowed himself to killed and dragged through the streets? Would there have been such strenuous efforts at securing justice for him, as has occurred in persecuting, prosecuting him? I doubt it. He would have become another KIA (killed in action) statistic. Suit up the next volunteer. Fresh blood is needed.

The irony of the situation is that these men and women who serve do not ask for much. Debbie Lee, Gold Star Mom of Marc Alan Lee, the first Navy SEAL killed in action in Iraq, wrote about the following words of thanks that she received from two of our defenders:

“We very much appreciate all of your efforts and are heartened by your continued support of the troops,” wrote Specialist Craig from Tallil, Iraq. “The smallest of kind thoughts are larger than complaints from the naysayers.”

We would like to thank you for the care package,” Daniel wrote. “Thanks for your support and feel free to write back. We would love to hear from as many people as possible. Letters and packages make our day.”

“Letters and packages make our day”...in which other country is freedom so cheap?

“The smallest of kind thoughts are larger than complaints from the naysayers”...profound words from a defender who signed on, fully aware that instead of “letters and packages,” he could be at the receiving end of an IED or other treacherous weapon. I listened and learned. How about you, persecutors? Will you?

This is supposed to be the kickoff to the Christmas season, a season of which I am especially fond. With the last name of Christmas, how could I not be? But, this Christmas feels different to me. Too much has recently happened to our nation, to make me want to jump into a celebratory mode. I want to take a pause to dissect a new breed of “men,” who have turned out to be a “pox on our house.” They are threatening us once again. This time the threat is self-inflicted, or more accurately “politician-inflicted.” Suddenly, we are left to wonder if these “men,” have been granted our rights of citizenship, without the burden of citizenship.

On September 11, 2001, I became aware of a new species that I am labeling "homo terrorticus," quite distinct from homo sapiens (wise men). “Wisdom” is not a characteristic of which the members of this new fraternity of terror, can be found guilty. I don't see wise men killing other human beings for the promise of unlimited sex with 72 nubile virgins in the afterlife. This orgy after death is really alien to my visions of the afterlife. I envision an afterlife where I would be welcomed into Heaven by a merciful, gracious and wise God, not ushered into a palace with a stud in every room. Speaking of studs, virgins and terror, I am presuming that female homicide bombers get studs instead of nubile virgins, but I could be wrong. There is no equality in the world of the “homo terrorticus,” where women are little more than chattel.

We recently commemorated the eight anniversary of 9/11/01, with no large scale terrorist attacks on our soil. We probably all breathed a sigh of relief – until November 5, 2009. We learned how to protect our homeland from planes turned into missiles. So, how are those wishing to set up camp orgy in the afterlife, going to achieve their goal of killing innocents in order to get to those virgins? What is a horny, strip joint-loving “religious fanatic” to do, in order to ascend to paradise to frolic in the hereafter, after a pit stop at a favorite strip joint? Voila! Here comes the IED (Improvised Explosive Device). This weapon is used as an “equal opportunity” killer. Fellow Muslims, especially women and children are not immune from barbecuing by IED, but death by IED has been especially reserved for troops from non-Muslim countries.

The murder by IED spree kicked into full force, since the bombs on plane and even the bomb in shoes strategies were apparently no longer effective, the element of surprise having been lost. To be factual, the bomb in sneaker attack mode, never really got off the ground, although bomber boy was already on board an airplane, where he ran into a force stronger than himself, in the form of engaged passengers. As Flight 93 proved, airline passengers are not so docile anymore.

Recently in Afghanistan, the IED efforts have been stepped up. Could the supposed new US Military rules of engagement, about taking terrorists out to tea, and/or reading them their Miranda Rights, have anything to do with the newfound boldness and success of the “IED-ers”? In August 2009, over 1,000 IEDs went off or were discovered. US and NATO forces have found out the power of those devices to kill and maim. In just the period from August 2009 to present, more US troops have been killed by IEDs than in all the rest of the struggle there.

However, the third front in the war on the infidels appears to be to infiltrate, pretend to assimilate, “snap,” and kill, beginning at Fort Hood? I slipped up there. We are not supposed to “jump to conclusions.” Neither is Congress to investigate this “walks like a duck, shoots like a duck,” Fort Hood massacre. Prior incidents of “snap and kill, or maim,” by apparent jihadists, here in the US, have so far been dismissed as “acts of mental illness.” We shall see whether they were true incidents of mental impairment, or 72 virgin lust. Maybe they are one and the same. While the rest of us are not to jump to conclusions, the press and other “experts” are not shy about jumping to excuses for the alleged murderer at Fort Hood. Some of those making decisions about this situation involving M. Hasan, are behaving as if they are psychically paralyzed from the neck up, specifically in the area of the skull that houses the brain!

The laundry list of excuses goes like this. M. Hasan was suffering, not from post stress traumatic disorder, but pre stress traumatic disorder? Let me see if I understand this. If the already exposed to battle conditions stress does not work, not yet exposed to battle conditions will work? He was not counseling soldiers returning from battle, but those going into battle? Someone needs to debrief those he counseled – pronto. One theory that was floated is that he “snapped.” He was in such a state of “snapsation” that he had time to say his goodbyes, give away his possessions, including copies of his holy book, get his Starbucks, and then begin shooting methodically – allegedly?

I have tremendous respect for the troops and their leaders, but I beg to differ with General Casey on his assessment of the Fort Hood slaughter, when he stated:

“Again, I think that's something else we need to be very careful about, and I think the speculation could potentially heighten backlash against some of our Muslim soldiers. And what happened at Fort Hood was a tragedy, but I believe it would be an even greater tragedy if our diversity becomes a casualty here, I think that’s worse.”

What happened at Fort Hood was a slaughter and a betrayal of trust. A “tragedy” is when a mountain collapses and wipes out a village. I hope that I am misunderstanding the apparent emphasis that “diversity” should be paramount, ahead of the lives of 14 murdered US citizens. Somehow I think that “cohesiveness” and unity of purpose, to defend this US of A, are paramount. Cohesiveness will not be maintained if the message is that “some animals (troops) are more equal than others.” This country deserves to have the best troops to do the job, regardless of the outward manifestations of diversity. “Diversity” should be the cherry on top, not the main course.

I fully realize that General Casey has to be circumspect and not appear to be biased. From my vantage point, Non-Muslims, who were the ones killed, did not appear to receive the requisite concern in his talk. The first order of business should have been the welfare of all soldiers.

The reports are pouring in about M. Hasan, all of the alleged “in your face” actions that he took, that were ignored by the “bureaucracy.” He contacted Al Qaeda. He attempted to contact Pakistan. He did a “show and tell” presentation about the glories of suicide bombers. He made no secret that the US was dead last in his affections. He was born in the US. Was his truly an accident of birth, and he should have been born where his loyalties apparently lie? Two e-mail friends placed his current situation in perspective.

HGT wrote: “Instead of being a martyr, think of his shame in being taken down by a woman. And no virgins.”

Sheila continued with the “taken down by woman” theme: “To be fair, he was shot on sight! By an American WOMAN. Isn’t irony delicious?”

Maybe I should have called this article “When Muslim religious fanatics met IEDs…..a love story.” The wielders of IEDs are going to find out that the only “virgins” they are going to have a relationship with in the afterlife, is the IED that they cradled just before “blast off.” M Hasan, who is now paralyzed from the chest down, is going to find out that there will not be frolicking with any virgins, in current life or after. Maybe as part of an “outreach and tolerance” gesture, he could have the strippers of whom he is apparently so fond, brought in to aid in his “recuperation.” In this politically correct atmosphere, this idea made in jest, could very well be under consideration in order to provide him “aid and comfort!”

In all of this “snapping to kill,” I would like to know why on a base of soldiers, that the wait was on for civilian police officers to arrive to rescue those soldiers. OK, I found out. The soldiers were unarmed and therefore sitting ducks because of a policy by the 42nd president of the US, a policy that mandated that military bases should be “gun free zones.” Isn’t he the same one who is reported to have “loathed” the military? Maybe we should return to the times of George Washington, when the C-I-C led the troops on the battlefield!

Fort Hood was “gun free,” and became Virginia Tech. The rest of the world must be really shaking their heads at the idea that the US could be foolish enough to disarm its soldiers and leave them nicely lined up for target practice, on their own base. It is difficult to accept that some members of the finest military in the world, were rendered impotent by the stroke of a pen. Imagine if the alleged shooter M Hasan was a better marksman….He could have gone for triple digit kills.

There is at least one other “person,” who bears responsibility for this carnage. It is that guy called “political correctness.” “He” is also apparently raising his ugly head in another troop persecution story that is just breaking. Capture a known terrorist. Known terrorist plays the abuse “violin.” Untrained and very politically correct “musicians” buy the tune and more troops find out that their “all” is not enough. They are expected to lose portions of their lives, behind bars, put there by representatives of “we the people.” SEALs Matthew McCabe, Jonathan Keefe and Julio Huertas are going to find out what the troops of Haditha, ILT Michael Behenna and many of the Leavenworth Ten found out. Sometimes it does not pay to do your job “to the best of your ability.” I am proud of these three latest victims of “persecution by country,” that they turned down a “backroom deal” to plead guilty, and asked for a court martial.

Sheila reminded me of this warning by Cicero, to the Roman Empire:

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. ...He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist.” -- Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC-43 BC)

We are rotting from within and treasonous actions are being flaunted in our faces. The ball is in our court. We can continue to allow ourselves to be misled by hideous political correctness, ineptitude and corruption, or we can demand to be governed by commonsense, wisdom and bravery. The lives of all of us, including those Muslims who do want to be part of US society, the America of the Founding Fathers’ vision, are in all of our hands. Our survival is dependent on a cohesive partnership, not a diverse agenda.

The perfect ending to this narrative was provided by Sheila, as she tried to comfort me in my rage over the news of the persecution of the 3 SEALs:

“Non illigitamus carborundum - Don't let the bastards grind you down ...”

America, will you let them?

In the Baptist church that I attend, the evening before Thanksgiving is an evening of “praise and pie.” We first praise God for His blessings, and then we dig into the various pies donated by our members. I love this combo of culinary artistry and the sublime!

Do we have much for which to be thankful this Thanksgiving? That depends on one’s perspective. For the purely materialistic, there is not much praising to be offered. Maybe the mansion in the hills was taken away by the bank, the real owner. Even “cash for clunkers” did not provide relief for the Maserati that the bank, the real owner, repossessed. Maybe a Madoff type absconded with the funds that were meant for the lazy days of retirement. Maybe the real Madoff made off with those funds. So there really is not much for which to be thankful if the focus is solely money.

If you really, really hate America, your Thanksgiving will be celebratory. There will be a huge turkey served on a platter in the shape of the USA, with trimmings of taxation, peppered with cuts in Medicare, with side dishes of reduction of benefits (rationing), and loss of jobs, served up to those middle-class dolts who keep up this drumbeat of God, family, friends and country. Where was that God Whom they so adore when their future was being carved up by 535 “butchers” clothed in non-traditional Thanksgiving garb? “My country tis of thee”? It is more like, “my country where art thou”? You who hate the traditional values of your country, are celebrating as you see those “right wing fanatics, domestic terrorist, God and guns-clinging” peons survey, not the wondrous cross, but their country impaled on a figurative stake. Pop a cork.

You in the Military….do you have much for which you are thankful? If you are at Fort Hood, you will try to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, but truthfully you are giving thanks that the terrorist attack on your base was not as bad as it could have been. Yep, I just named the slaughter a terrorist attack. That was not a “snap” judgment. Since we are in the season of the turkey, instead of a duck analogy, let’s substitute the turkey analogy. If the Fort Hood alleged slaughterer looks like a terrorist turkey, shoots like a terrorist turkey, makes terrorist connections like a turkey, by golly, it could be a terrorist turkey!

Those of you in Afghanistan….celebrating yet? I wonder if your Commander General McChrystal is even aware that it is Thanksgiving. He probably is more aware than the rest of us. He probably has one of those calendars that condemned men put up on their walls to count down the days to the trip to the gas chamber. No, he is not factually condemned to the gas chamber, unless that chamber is called “Ditherers Row.” He must have begun his countdown some time in August, and he is probably not thinking “my how time flies when you are having fun.” He is probably wondering if he included the year in his request for more boots on the ground, air and sea. Did he forget to mention that he means 2009?

How about, the “arrogant,” “divisive” American population, so described by your president? Are you giving thanks that you voted for “hope” and “change,” and a promise that your country would be transformed, and you have been conscripted in that transformation? Even the Thanksgiving turkeys must be wondering if they wandered into the wrong barnyard. Is that traditional Thanksgiving table laden down with trillions of dollars in deficits, gazillions in debt, 10.02 percent – 16 percent unemployment, instead of turkeys, yams, cranberry sauce and stuffing? Are you shouting curses, instead of giving praises when you finally face the fact that China owns the table, the table cloth, as well as most of the rest of your country, and Iran is ready to serve up a nuke, probably before the next Thanksgiving holiday rolls around? Should you even bother to decorate that table?

“Yes we can,” and “yes you should!” Bring out the pies and let us shout out the praises! The USA is wounded but there is still a lot of life in that body! The “gang of 535” sure heard from millions of the serfs via fax, e-mail, snail mail, in person and through the viral world, about excessive spending and that 2.5 trillion health care “reform” bill. Admittedly, the way this system works, is that the elites make the laws and pass them for the serfs to obey, while the elites are exempt from those same laws. But, until the last vestiges of freedom are overridden – and that is not a done deal – the elites still have to be voted upon. That is something for which we should all be thankful, and be prepared to defend this right to vote, to the death. “Freedom is not free.”

“Freedom is not free.” It is priceless. We have enjoyed our freedom all of these two hundred thirty three years, because of the ordinary men and women who perform extraordinary feats of daring, to protect us from enemies within and without. It is not an exaggeration to state that this country has the finest military in the world. Yes, partly because of the technical gadgets and “wizardry.” Even more importantly, it is the caliber of men and women who protect us. That is our ace in the foxhole. Their devotion and dedication are nonpareil. Thank you guardians of my, our freedom.

What else is there for which we should sound the trumpets? The president’s declaration that this is “not a Christian nation “ notwithstanding, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still rules in this land! He, not the government, is Our Father, and we are His! We all, elites and peons alike, will stand before Him and give an account of the lives that He granted to us. Those who have ridden roughshod over His people and who have abused the authority granted by Him, as the Ricky Ricardo character on I Love Lucy, used to say, “will have a lot of ‘splaining to do.” Unlike the president’s explanation for those incorrect number of jobs created, supposedly the accounting of which is “an inexact science,” God’s science is inviolably precise and exact. Good luck in trying to fudge His books.

Finally, this is still the USA, “land of the free and home of the brave!” We are relatively free, so let us revel in this hard won freedom, while we can. Bring out the pies. Make mine a combo. Let us give praise for God, family, friends and country!

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Count your blessings. Name them one by one.” Amen!

Say what, Madame? “Healthcare reform bill” in the same sentence as the word “Christmas”? With all due respects Madame, Halloween, the time when the healthcare bill was introduced to “we the people,” is a more appropriate season for your bloated ghoul! Christmas is a season of love, peace and joy. Your bill is unqualified for inclusion in the Christmas season.

The minority who support your bill may try to bring out clichés such as not” looking a gift horse in the mouth, “or “it is the thought, not the gift.” I looked that “gift horse” in the mouth and its 1990 “teeth” are grotesque! As for “thought,” that is the problem. Not enough “thought” was put into this monstrosity that was rushed through the House!

It is ironic, how this all works. Troops are dying in Afghanistan needing reinforcements to finally put a stake through the heart of the soulless enemies they face. The Taliban has been rejuvenated and growing bolder in IDE attacks. We are “deliberating.” Deliberations have been going on for four months and still counting, and counting, and counting, and no decision has been made on granting the request of the General in charge of operations. Why have professionals in charge if the non-professionals are going to dither till kingdom come, or the terrorists overrun the land? It is a good thing that I am not a cynic. If I were, I would have begun to think that this “hyper-dithering” is calculated.

On the other hand, healthcare “reform” was rushed through before legislators who are supposed to be voting for the bill, even had time to read the bill. When they were given time, it was 72 hours. Actually, it was probably even less than 72 hours since there was this big rush to pass that bill by midnight on a Saturday. Aren’t these folks generally in office from about noon on Tuesday until about early afternoon on Thursday? It must have been quite a “sacrifice” to put in almost a full week!

Maybe Madame Speaker may want to leave existing health plans in place, especially for the citizens who live in New York. They were delivered a Friday the thirteenth “present.” They are going to have the “privilege” of putting on a trial for his “Hairiness,” Sheik whatever the heck his name is, he who is suspected of, and/or confessed to being the mastermind of the attacks of 9/11. The Attorney General, Eric Holder proudly announced:

"After eight years of delay, those allegedly responsible for that attacks of September the 11th will finally face justice. They will be brought to New York – to New York – to answer for their alleged crimes in a courthouse just blocks away from where the twin towers once stood.”

Others are not as enthused at this “brilliant” decision. One legislator described it as “asinine.” Anything that I add would be redundant, and far less accurate.

One of the provisions in this healthcare reform bill promises prison time for citizens who decline to “accept the invitation” to sign on to this government colonoscopy. Get my cell (no, not the phone), ready. I am willing to test to see whether this nation founded under God is going to take away the freedom of a citizen who declines to not participate in healthcare that has in provisions for “end of life counseling” for the elderly, which translates to hurry up and die! These provisions, cell time and hurry up and die time, are but two of the “horrors,” in this bill.

I am beginning to get a feeling how life in Germany was for those who resisted the “charms” of Adolph as he persuaded sycophants that the Jews and ovens were compatible. Explain to me when the US, the “beacon of hope,” “shining city on the hill,” became the newest symbol of repression. Imagine the press when you incarcerate me for not ponying up premiums for a prayer, that I will receive better health care than I have received pre healthcare “reform.” If you are willing to chance the bad rep, I am willing to be your test case.

I have one other question for you. If this healthcare is such a Christmas present, how come you and your cronies, er colleagues have not signed on for you and your families? Why are you avoiding having this “present,” under your Christmas trees? Sign up and I may follow your lead, or not.

Here is my Christmas present. I am going to make like Santa and keep a list of who is naughty and who is nice. My list will be made up exclusively of politicians. Guess what behavior fits into the “naughty” category? I will send contributions to those who have been “nice.” I do not ask much of the “nice” ones, except the following:

▪ They have to be very familiar with the history of this country.

▪ They must have more than a passing acquaintanceship with the US Constitution.

▪ They must have earned a living at a real job before going to feed at the public trough.

▪ They should know that “cold, hard cash,” does not mean cash kept in a freezer.

▪ They must be allergic to pork, as in earmarks.

▪ They must not think that pages and interns are “snacks.”

I am taking applications.

Awesome! I just came up with a fabulous idea for serving up that healthcare plan. We are approaching the season for giving thanks and indulging in our favorite bird for Thanksgiving. Let us place the healthcare “turkey” on a platter and serve it to a riled up public! Most of us love turkey! Forget it. My idea is not so fabulous after all. Not even cranberry sauce, with yam casserole, can disguise this useless and baseless turkey of a bill!

Maybe this next idea can work. Madame Speaker, I heard that the president is going to have a “jobs summit.” Maybe you can get together and hold a combined summit, a “save jobs, kill current healthcare reform”! Don’t get this confused with the previously held “beer summit,” and serve up beer. On further reflection, beer may just be what the doctor ordered, so that the summiteers can drown their sorrow when they look at how this economy has been screwed up in less time than it takes to birth a baby! Talk about turning an economic “injury” into one requiring a full body cast! And you folks want to take over healthcare?

You keep your “change,” and I will keep my current healthcare. Don’t even try to come down my chimney, pretending to be Santa Claus, with your “present,” that I do not want, and will be forced to pay for. I am boarding up the chimney, and I am sewing my pockets shut!

Merry Christmas from Ms. Christmas!

On that day, I read an article by journalist/writer Joan Swirsky, about the plight of ILT Michael Behenna. I knew then that my focus was going to be a look behind the scenes to really examine the price Veterans pay to protect the rest of us. I am truly in awe of, and deeply appreciate the sacrifice made by the Veterans of the US Military. They often go off to face a vicious enemy, an enemy unhindered by protocols of war such as the Geneva Convention. When they fly off to parts unknown, in service of their country, they leave behind their support system, in terms of family and other loved ones. Of one thing they are certain – the uncertainty of not knowing if they will return to those loved ones. Some return in body bags or minus their limbs or other body parts. Even those who return apparently whole, surely must fight to erase the memories of the horrors of war, as they try to adjust to life away from the battlefield. The fathers and mothers return to kids who no longer know them.

 I have to pause from my intended focus of life in the Military, a detour caused by a painful reminder of death, the stalker. I must pay tribute to recently fallen troops. On Thursday, November 5, 2009, a soldier, not necessarily a gentleman, M. Hasan, allegedly mowed down eleven soldiers and one civilian. Another of his victims died the following day. M. Hasan remains alive receiving the best of care. The victims of his alleged rampage, included a cross section of soldiers. The youngest was nineteen and the oldest in his early sixties.

Pfc. Aaron Thomas Nemelka , nineteen years old, chose a Military mission, instead of going on a religious mission for his church. His uncle described him as “soft and kind and as gentle as they come, a sweetheart.”

Francheska Velez returned safely from deployment in Iraq. She was unable to withstand the bullets at a “safe” base, far away from the battle zone. "Her father stated that “she had the spirit of a child.” She was also with child. Would that loss of another life push the total to fourteen killed?

For Capt John Gaffaney, the war on terror met him at a military base on US soil, instead of in Iraq where he was headed. He was one of the many patriots who tried to sign up after 9/11. He was described as “an honorable man.”

Pfc. Michael Pearson was apparently a poet who wrote: “I look only to the future for wisdom. To rock back and forth in my wooden chair.” He was denied that chance “to rock back and forth,” in his wooden chair, as his life was robbed from him. Twenty two years is too young to rock in a wooden chair or to be laid out in a casket.

Michael Grant Cahill was apparently the oldest of the victims. His daughter Keeley Vanacker wanted to know: “Now, who am I going to talk to”? Only the killer can answer why he chose to deprive Keeley of her favorite conversationalist.

Sgt. Amy Krueger’s vow to take on Osama bin Laden, was derailed by at least one of the one hundred bullets that were reportedly fired by M. Hasan. Although we are not to rush to judgment, it is now being reported that M. Hasan attended the same mosque as three of the “disciples” of bin Laden. These disciples were among the nineteen who caused America to be in the War on Terror, by striking at the WTC on 9/11/01. The new terminology “Overseas Contingency Operations,” that is being used to replace “Global War on Terror,” seems inadequate to describe “Terror on home turf,” perpetrated by M.Hasan. Sgt Krueger told her Mom, “watch me, “when her Mom tried to advise her that she could not take on bin Laden by herself. It would have been an inglorious end to bin Laden if he had been brought down by a woman. We won’t get to watch Sgt. Krueger carry out her vow. Hopefully another US soldier (female), can step into the breach.

“His greatest attribute was his ability to make people smile and make people laugh. Looking back, that’s the fondest memory I have – is that smile of his and that smile that he brought to my face,” said Principal Tim McGowan of Pfc. Kham Xiong, another of the lights put out by the alleged Fort Hood murderer. Pfc. Xiong’s three kids, all under five years of age, his wife, his father and the rest of the family have also been deprived of his smile, and his presence.

Those are just a few of the troops who “gave all” on Thursday November 5, 2009. They were us, except that we are still alive to enjoy family, friends and life.

These troops are dead. We move on to the investigations and soul searching? Almost immediately, a blanket of protection was placed around Muslims in the Military. The pleas are out that there should not be a backlash. I am certainly in agreement with no backlash, directed against any US citizen, of whatever creed or religion. I am for an equal society. However, we appear to be walking a fine line between “and justice for all,” and “some animals are more equal than others.” I would love to read about, hear about equal concern for the non Muslim troops who are now sitting ducks. This is the third incident involving loss of life for non Muslim troops at the hands of Muslim troops in the US Military. These non Muslim troops suffered the ultimate “backlash,” the robbery of their lives. Where is the plea on their behalf?

I don’t want to end this article without paying homage to the troops who served and lived to tell about it. About two weeks ago, in response to another article that I wrote , I received a complimentary response, to which I sent a thank you note. I received the following response:

Ms. Christmas:

Please don't apologize for not using my rank. I, through oversight, failed to give it to you. But, then, I never was one to stand much on formality or protocol. 

I retired from the Regular or Active) Army as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) in 1968 with over 20 years service. I then joined the Active U.S. Army Reserve and retired from the USAR as a Sergeant Major (SMJ) after 24 years service. I also served about 23 years in U.S. Civil Service, in support of our Armed Forces. from which I retired in 1999. (Part of my USAR and Civil Service time was served concurrently. Feel free to refer to me as SMJ North or SFC North or just plain Chris North - most people do.

 When the tragedy of 9/11 hit us, I was asked to return as a civilian to help train and work with a logistics team for the 18th U.S. Army Airborne Corps in the Fort Bragg, North Carolina Emergency Operations center. Of course, I accepted. This lasted about six months. Then I was offered the opportunity to work at Ft. Bragg as a Personnel Security and Physical Security Manager. Again, I accepted. This assignment lasted for about a year during which tine I trained new personnel in the areas of Personnel and Physical Security. Then - at my request (because of health problems) - they let me go. All told, I have over 52 years service to my country.

Then I started getting serious about voter activism and political activism - which is to say that is when Congress and the White House started hearing from me. I'm also working on a book dealing with the issues inherent in its title; "Wake Up America - We Are Losing Our Country"! I will never stop fighting for my country. Never! I am joined in this fight by my wife, Sharon whose tenacity, ferocity, bulldog determination and ability to hit them where it hurts never ceases to amaze me. Sharon is a Korean War veteran (Navy Medic), served 14 years in the USAR and is retired from Civil Service. 

This correspondence from SMJ North conveys the humility, fighting spirit, love of country of every man or woman who has put on the uniform, with very few exceptions. He and his wife gave decades of their lives in service to their country.

ILT Michael Behenna could also end up serving decades for his country, but in Fort Leavenworth for defending himself against an Iraqi insurgent. Ranger Behenna is in the prime of his life at 25 years young, and he could conceivably spend the rest of his prime years, not fighting off bad guys on the battlefield, but rotting in prison. We may conclude that at least he is alive. It is going to be very interesting to see if the Military scales of justice weigh in the same or similar measure for the alleged Fort Hood killer, who was not defending himself, as they weighed for ILT Behenna who was defending himself. I continue to pray that the life of this young Lieutenant is restored to him.

Sheila, fellow supporter of our troops, reminded me of this poem by one of our most beloved servicemen, Audie Murphy.

Freedom Flies In Your Heart Like An Eagle

Dusty old helmet, rusty old gun,
They sit in the corner and wait -
Two souvenirs of the Second World War
That have withstood the time, and the hate.

Mute witness to a time of much trouble.
Where kill or be killed was the law -
Were these implements used with high honor?
What was the glory they saw?

Many times I've wanted to ask them -
And now that we're here all alone,
Relics all three of a long ago war -
Where has freedom gone?

Freedom flies in your heart like an eagle.
Let it soar with the winds high above
Among the spirits of soldiers now sleeping,
Guard it with care and with love.

I salute my old friends in the corner,
I agree with all they have said -
And if the moment of truth comes tomorrow,
I'll be free, or By God, I'll be dead!

How can we, and those who send troops out to serve, serve them? “We the people” can show these troops, the proper respect and gratitude. Those in charge of their lives must put aside political correctness, and effectively demonstrate that the well-being and welfare of each individual troop is more important a part of the “mission,” than any piece of the logistics of war.

Chief Warrant Officer Michael Grant Cahill (Ret.), Cameron, Texas

Maj. Libardo Eduardo Caraveo, Woodbridge, Virginia

Army Staff Sgt. Justin DeCrow, Plymouth, Indiana

Capt. John Gaffaney, San Diego, California

Spc. Frederick Greene, Mountain City, Tennessee.

Spc. Jason Dean Hunt, Tipton, Oklahoma

Sgt. Amy Krueger, Kiel, Wisconsin

Pfc. Aaron Thomas Nemelka, West Jordan, Utah

Pfc. Michael Pearson, Bolingbrook, Illinois

Capt. Russell Seager, Racine, Wisconsin

Francheska Velez, 21, lived the dream her father never realized.

Lt. Col. Juanita L. Warman, Havre De Grace, Maryland

Spc. Kham Xiong, St. Paul, Minnesota

The United States Marines came into existence on November 10, 1775. Marines have fought off  Barbary Coast pirates to modern day insurgents. Ironically there is a religious link between those Barbary Coast pirates and modern day insurgents. When will these cowards learn that our Marines will never give up?

All I can say is thank God that the leaders of Revolutionary Times had the wisdom to create this great fighting force! Quite frankly with the slaughter at Fort Hood, I am a little less certain that the new Barbary Coast "pirates," who may have infiltrated our Armed Forces, will suffer the appropriate justice for killing our troops. But, let them try the same thing with our Marines, and they will learn the meaning of the Marines' hymn! I always jokingly tell my friends that if anything happens to me, just call in the Marines! I am in awe of the dedication, patriotism, physical and mental fortitude of all branches of the service, but I have a special admiration for the Marines.

It has been my pleasure these past few days to be part of the team of bloggers helping to raise funds for a very noble purpose, as part of Project Valour-IT. Our "mission" has been to be part of the effort to provide laptops for disabled Vets. Please give as your hearts move you.

Please check out the following links to get a complete history of the USMC, Unites States Marines. 

http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps

http://www.acidus.com/marines.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJZ3CakjCig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzccgMy0P6s&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Rs8aCHgRc&feature=related


My blog is administered by Go Daddy. When I chose Go Daddy I did not know that the founder Bob Parsons is a former Marine. The first year when I got an e-mail with a salute to our Armed Forces, and later a salute to the USMC, I was very impressed. Later I found out that Mr. Parsons is a former Marine. No wonder I have been impressed with Go Daddy's service! Look who is behind it!

Enjoy the Go Daddy video tribute! 
 
http://www.bobparsons.me/index.php?ci=14969&id=-1&targetGuid=22be9b4e-5fb2-4c3f-aa4f-2fcdb3aa05df


Semper Fi!