I Remember

It was a little after 8:00 AM on a Tuesday, a kid that worked for me walked up to me where I was pouring over a set of electrical blueprints spread across the hood of my truck. He asked me if I had heard about a plane hitting "those two big buildings in New York" as he put it. I asked him if he meant the Twin Towers and he said yes. I turned the radio on in my truck and was listening to the news just as United 175 slammed into the second tower. I was stunned and knew that this was it, the attack that James Marshall told me about.

James Marshall was a Naval Intelligence officer that I met in 1988. I was at a conference at Seymour Johnson AFB where he gave seminar and disclosed a somber prediction. That the United States would see a large scale terrorist event inside its borders within 10 to 20 years and such an attack would most likely be directed at a high profile target like the World Trade Center. And he was right...... twice. That was 1987, six years before Ramzi Yousef conspired to blow up the WTC and Fourteen years before Al Qaeda succeeded. But, James Marshall nailed it and our government missed it... twice.

The fact that the United States government missed it is not that surprising. Our govenment is a mess. The bureaucratic quagmire in DC is never going to change until we start at one end of Pennsylvania Avenue weeding out every functionary who's sole existence is to leak sensitive information to the NYT on our dime. That most likely will not happen in our lifetime.

In truth if truly do want these madmen to attack this country again it will require our very society to change. The apathy which has ruled this nation has to stop. The lack of interest we have toward the daily operation of government has be replaced with accountability. The tolerance of partisan antics and grandstanding needs to stop. Our system is broken and we have to see that it is fixed. We need to carefully elect our officials and throw out the people that aren't working for the good of this nation.

The most important thing that each of must embrace is to never forget who this enemy is. It does not matter why they are. They have proven time and time again that they can not be reasoned with. The only thing that will appease them is the destruction of this nation.

Unfortunately our greatest asset is also our greatest weakness. Our freedoms have to be used responsibly, if we do not we play right into their hands. They understand us better that we understand ourselves. They are committed, they are determined, and they do not forget.... neither should we.

Senator Bin Laden (D)

Is it just me or did UBL sound like our Senate majority leader. He hit every Dem talking point including global warming. He also slammed the libs in Congress for not ending the war in Iraq acknowledging that they were elected with a mandate to do such. I'm sure that Cindy Sheehan and the moonbats must be proud having a high profile celeb like Bin Laden parroting their platform.

Seriously Folks, It should occur to the antiwar crowd that if a sworn enemy of the United States is agreeing with your cause that you may want to rethink your position. But they won't will they. It doesn't occur to them that parroting the same rhetoric as Bin Laden causes them sound like the traitors.

To them its all about "peace", peace at any cost, regardless of whether its makes you sound like a traitor. Regardless of whether your peace cause does nothing to secure it, instead secures anything but peace. There is no logic or reason to their cause, their doesn't have to be, its all about their cause period.

It should dawn on these people that when a killer like Bin Laden holds the same views as yourself and a number of people walking with you in your protest march that it should give you cause for alarm. A normal sane person would, these people are not plagued with a conscious though. Reversing their postion, means siding with the President, and we can't have that, after all he's the real enemy.

Truthers

Dylan Avery is a 23 year old director of the truther's cult classic "Loose Change". After seeing this kid its no wonder that these truther nuts are often referred to as dwelling in their mother's basements. All I can say is when your movements leading prophet is a pimple faced kid that looks like he would be right at home playing Doom or Quake in a darkened bedroom, the credibility of your cause is already lacking.

Its not what these people believe that upsets me. Its the fact they exist. One only has to make a stop at Mr. Avery's Myspace page to see that not only does he exist, but he has groupies. It appears by statements left in comments that his followers suffer from the same delusions that he does. Narcissism.

These people care more about their explanation of the "truth" than the truth itself. It matters little that their narrative is full of more wholes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. They don't care that the facts that underpin their explanations where gleaned by experts with little or no education in the fields they profess to have expertise. They ignore the reams and volumes of documentation and testimony by true PhD that refute their claims. In essence its nothing to do with honesty, its all about "conspiracy", Its all about them being the beacon of truth, the Messiah that saves the world. As I said narcissism.

Pearl Harbor, Roswell, JFK, Area 51 and now 9/11. There is a long line of conspiracy theories dating back through history, It is no surprise that misguided individuals would construct one around 9/11. In fact it is inevitable that these type of people would emerge spewing their vile half truths and lies.

For us that find these theories revolting we should never cease in discrediting and disproving them. It is a disservice to the innocent men and women who died that day to allow their memories to be sullied by these maggots.

Look Closer

Any American that wants to stick his head in the sand believe that 9/11 was a fluke better see more than another reason the Iraq war is lost in this most recent truck bombing. Its shows the calculating way that Al Qaeda chooses its targets and the planning used. They didn't just roll up into this village and blow themselves up, this took planning just like the WTC bombings did.

The assumption that it takes little skill to stage an attack like this is wrong. It may be popular to think that these are just random acts of violence, but that is inaccurate also. Its takes great skill and planning to wreak this level of savagery, something that terrorist have plenty of unfortunately.

I have expertise in explosives, I was a military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician for 15 years, I know what it takes to make an explosion. You don't just wake up one morning and set one off. It takes the right material and knowledge of explosive firing trains.

There literally thousands of explosive materials and each have their own unique properties and uses. The target and effect desired determines the material needed. Additionally it also determines the detonation train which can be as simple as a match or as complicated as computerized timers or specialized switches.

From the sketchy details that have come forward on this attack its apparent to me that several bombs were deployed seems feasible judging by the size of the area destroyed. This reveals some hidden sophistication, these devices would have most likely detonated nearly simultaneously. That would require a high degree of training or a very advanced detonation method.

When you couple this kind of skill and knowledge with a radical agenda you end up with many dead innocent people. The absolute worse thing that we can do as a nation is discount the ability of these people or miss what each one of these attacks represent. They are telling us about the determination and capability of these people. It should serve as a reminder of the danger they pose not just Iraqis, but to us.

Radicals

They are here, they have always been there, they will always be here. Its just that it seems like there are more because they have found ways to make their voices louder. Today there is a twist, the radicals are seeing the successes that groups like Al Qaeda have disrupting normal life and increasingly making the jump to terrorism.

We have seen several foiled plots in the last few months, luckily for the prospective victims of these alleged attacks the attackers were not well trained, telegraphed their actions and were arrested. Luck is a fickle friend. I wouldn't base the safety of anyone in this nation solely upon it, but the apathy of this nation forces reliance upon it.

The arguments against the PATRIOT Act and NSA's wiretap program are plentifully and some of them I agree are valid. Franklin was wise to say that "Anyone who gives up liberty for security deserves neither". However Mr. Franklin didn't have the threat of suicide bombers blowing themselves up in the streets of Philadelphia. I wonder how Franklin, Adams and Jefferson would respond to these threats. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of hearing their point of view.

SO where does that leave us? It is obvious that terrorists have found a method that works well in against a free society. The question is, can we come up with a counter that stops them. Preferably before blowing up a crowded shopping center killing dozens of innocent people.

Reactive tactics are not going work against these cowards. Our approach has to be proactive. I understand the concerns over the loss of civil liberties, but if wiretapping and actions like it are not the answer, then what are? The opponents are very good at articulating their misgivings, but I have not, as of yet. heard them forward any alternatives.

I personally feel that we will see the events that are currently happening in other nations happen here. America will not be immune from terrorists, foreign or domestic. In my opinion, for us to have an avenue of recourse to prevent needless death and not pursue it makes us complicit to these heinous events. Doing nothing isn't an option we can afford, even if the threat were remote.... and its not.

President: "Progress in Iraq"

During his weekly radio address the President took a deserved opportunity to tout a few of the successes our brave soldiers have accomplished on the battlefields of Iraq. He trumpeted the state of Ramadi and Anbar as signs that the tactics are working and Al Qaeda is off balance and on the run.

I expected the Democrat Response to his message to be some scathing denial of the progress and how we have "lost" this conflict and nothing can be done to change that. Instead the Defeat-o-crats roll out Ellen Tauscher, D-California, will a rambling statement about how the war has depleted our military and only "her bipartian" legislation can save the military from the insane policies of this administration.

It amazes me how these fruits speak about military matters as experts and authorities having never once served a single day in a combat zone, but they have all the answers. Rubbish, the only thing this Democrat Congress has is an ever growing problem with their surrender policy in a conflict that obvious isn't lost after all.

As a retired military man who has served in a war zone and dozens of other less than desirable places I can say this. When in uniform I understood as my compatriots did, there were going to be times we had to put aside ourselves for the good of the mission. Liberals will never ever understand the mind of the common G.I. because they can't get themselves out of the way long enough to see that there are indeed times when the good of the many outweigh the good of the few.

A soldiers indoctrination in the military is about driving this point home. Transforming selfish motives into selfless actions. Its a part of that "brainwashing" we in the military are forced to endure, yea right. As aforementioned, it is idiotic notions like this that prevent these liberal geniuses from seeing the truth.

If you ask a G.I. in Iraq if he wants to go home what do you expect him or her to say? No, I really like it here, I hope I can come back to visit. I do not think so. If you go to South Korea and ask a G.I. serving there the same question you would get the same answer as from the one in Iraq, Hell Yes, get me out of this God forsaken hell hole!

Families of soldiers, sailors and airmen are hit hard by these deployments, I am not denying that. But unlike the liberals in Hollywood and San Francisco these patriotic people understand the necessity for sacrifice. They understand and believe in duty, honor, country. DO they like having their loved one in harm's way, of course not. But, they know its part of serving.

When you serve you know these types of missions can come along. And if you don't or just want game the system for educational benefits or enlistment bonuses then you don't belong in the uniform. The U.S. military is an entity founded and sustained by honor. When you join the military expects you uphold the oath you take when you are sworn in. They expect you to have made the decision to serve for the correct reasons. That oath says you will serve where and when needed by the President. And that often means where bad guys are shooting at you. It goes like this:

"I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice."

And the part that liberals really love; "So help me God."

So really what was Ellen Tauscher's point? Nothing, it's just another political smoke screen to hide their idiotic stand on the Iraq War. An attempt to shift focus away from the encouraging news coming out. The fact is that the ground is crumbing from beneath their collective liberal feet each time another word of progress leaks through the press. And the ruse that public opinion supports them is evaporating daily.

Consequences

President Bush today gave his strongest warning yet to the Iranians that interference in the Iraqi conflict would mean they will face the "consequences" of those actions. Of course as soon as those words fell upon the media's collective ears the truthers were firing up their notebooks and blogging away. "See.... Emperor W is going to invade Iran, marshal law is coming, our civil liberties are finished.... etc. etc."

What I really get frustrated with is why it is so difficult for the public to grasp the necessity of keeping the pressure on the Iranians. They are actively engaged in frustrating the war in Iraq. That can't be tolerated but it isn't the only thing that they are doing that is a concern. They are also actively developing nuclear material for a weapons program. If you believe it is for nuclear power you are just being naive.

If it were truly for nuclear power, they could buy fissile material cheaper than they could make it themselves. Offers have been extended and rejected by the Iranians. Why? Because the material used in a nuclear reactor cannot be weaponized, it isn't the correct atomic weight for a fission weapon. The correct material for a weapon has to be purer and can only be made using centrifuges. Which by the way they have and are currently running. Make no mistake they intend to make a weapon. Something which we the world cannot allow to happen.

Iranian nukes are a problem for us, but are an even larger problem for the other nations in the region, chiefly Israel. Digest this, the Iranians have overtly threatened Israel, therefore they have every reason to believe that if the Iranians make a weapon they will use it. We have to understand that Israel is not going to sit idly by and allow it to happen, they bombed Iraq in 86 because of Hussein's threat of weapons development. There is little doubt that if the world sits on its hands Israel will strike the Iranians.

If they do not strike Iran, then the very real possibility exists the Iranians will strike Israel. Either event is unacceptable. Both would rapidly escalate and both would leaved the United Sates no option but to intervene. If we intervene so will the Russians and China. And if that happens..... well read the book of Revelation.

We have to keep Iran from developing weapons, If they do any number of scenarios could happen and none of them are good. I am thankful we have a President, for now, that recognizes the danger the world faces from a nuclear Iran and is prepared to deal out the consequences.

FISA

Perhaps the President is on to something. If he needs to get a bill through Congress just wait until the day before they are due to go on break to ask them. Seems they always work hardest when they are about to head off for one of their many paid absences.

Even though this important legislation passed it came with a six month string attached. But at very least it is a fix that is workable, even if it will have to be brought up again to made permanent.

In all serious what needs to happen is to send FISA to the junkyard. It does not lend itself well with the rapid time frame necessary to obtain intelligence. The process is slow, outdated and an outmoded legal framework that hasn't kept abreast with technology. Imagine that, a government program that is a relic of the Cold War.

In 2007 the old system of copper wires have passed away and the era of "light" is now the standard. Faster and infinitely more reliable. It is now possible for a person in Paris to call a friend in Italy via a switch in Chicago Illinois. That is why the FISA issue was taken up.

When our soldiers obtain a cell phone number from the pocket litter of a detainee our intelligence personnel need to be able act on it. Without having to spend 48-72 hours getting permission from a FISA court judge.

I am actually amazed that this was acted upon before the congressional break. Perhaps are Democratic congress people aren't nearly concerned about this administration violating civil liberties as long as it happens in a foreign land.

Home Grown Nutjobs

In the recent Intelligence Estimate the National Security Agency made a reference to "Single Issue" Terrorist groups being a possible threat in near future, three year horizon if I remember correctly. Fringe animal and environmental groups are cited as two possible examples. Why is this so easy to believe?

Perhaps its because all you have to do is listen to 30 seconds of these zealots speak and it is easy to see. Spend just an hour surfing the "Left-o-sphere" and you will be pelted with barb after barb of hateful comments directed against this nation and its "draconian" policies. These people misplaced convictions could easily transform into violence. Why? Because they are committed, or should be, to an institution.

I don't believe that Al Gore or RFK Jr. are radicals, although I wonder about the latter given some of his recent statements. What I do believe is that if violence is done upon Americans in the name of "Climate Change" they both will side step any responsibility for inflaming the perpetrators with their irresponsible rhetoric that they spew. That is the liberal way. They can say what ever they want. But, if I disagree, Then I'm an ignorant, misinformed, close-minded, bigot that is destroying the world, a traitor.

When I read and hear things these nutjobs write and say its hard for me delineate between their vitriol and what a thousand other insane people have said throughout history. A threat is a threat. I don't care if it does come from a Harvard educated person. All that proves is that Harvard from time to time produces a nut.

If conservatives win the Presidency in 2008 and regain Congress, I am convinced that we will turn on the news and hear something like this:

1. Oregon Lumber Company CEO thought to have been beheaded by members of radical "Tree Hugger Jihad". - OR -


2. Progressives storm Supreme Court chambers after controversial reversal of Rowe vs Wade Decision, Justice Thomas hospitalized in fair condition. - OR -


3. An attempt was made on the Presidents life today by members of GORE, the Global Organization of Radical Enviro-nuts.

I'm joking, a little, but I am fairly concerned that this nation is approaching an ideological flash point. It's not like it hasn't happened before. Fringe groups have resorted to the violent option before in this country. Does S.L.A or the name Patricia Hearst ring a bell?