Suggested readings from Oct. 29, 2015 and thereabouts

This will be an unannotated version of Random Thoughts ... not that I don't have any commentary to contribute, but I basically choose not to. Most of these articles stand by themselves and I hope that you find their content thought provoking.

Otherwise, I will say that I am letting my editorial brain take a break ... there is much out there that disturbs and distresses me ... and I do realize that my simple voice is but one of many in the wilderness. I watched the Republican presidential primary debates Wednesday night and came away disgusted ... not with the candidates but the moderators and the so-called pundits, talking head, journalists and other experts who appropriately, in my humble opinion, got thumbs stuck in their eyes.

I can not say any one candidate "won" the debates, but I can say that none "lost" the debates in my mind. When given the opportunity, there was a good, civil and free exchange of differing approaches to solving the nation's problems. That was nice to see.

However, I think Rubio hammered a nail when he pointed out that the "mainstream media" basically has abandoned its Fourth Estate role when it has stood quietly by, despite the incontrovertible evidence of the lies by Hillary Clinton and the President and numerous members of the administration, and said or did little.

It is really distressing to see official military spokesmen (of which I have been one) go before the public and blatantly lie about the role American troops are doing on in Iraq and Syria. Folks, there are boots on the ground. This boots are not trainers, supply technicians or REMFs. Delta Force is as about the furthest you can go out on the tip of the combat spear ... and when one of them dies in action ... it ain't because he was just standing around advising somebody on how to conduct a raid.

That is all ... read the following at your discretion.

http://www.westernjournalism.com/watch-isis-tried-to-scare-everyone-with-their-strange-new-weapon-instead-theyre-getting-laughed-at/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=NewVoiceNetwork&utm_content=10/26/2015&utm_campaign=manualpost

http://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2015/10/26/pew-gun-deaths-have-dropped-30-percent-since-1993-n2070955?utm_source=thfbp&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_campaign=thupdate

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/10/25/anthony-mackie-gop-trying-undermine-voting-rights-act-can-win-elections-without-blacks/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-34647651

http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2015/10/25/red_storm_rising_-_again_108614.html

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/24/delta-force-death-in-iraq-doesnt-reflect-combat-role-carter.html?ESRC=eb.nl

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/10/26/judicial-watch-uncovers-draft-hillary-clinton-whitewater-indictment/

http://www.breitbart.com/california/2015/10/25/oakland-create-dept-race-equity/

http://libertyunyielding.com/2015/10/27/oklahoma-capitol-a-better-america-visits-the-angry-bitter-intolerant-new-america/

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-10-27/battle-over-china-s-artificial-islands-has-just-begun

http://www.ozy.com/acumen/colombia-you-thought-this-war-was-over/64704

http://www.realclearworld.com/blog/2015/10/eu_issues_a_blunt_threat_to_poland_111528.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/10/26/gun-control-americans-overwhelmingly-blame-mental-health-failures-for-mass-shootings/?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/after-synod-on-family-francis-faces-a-tough-choice/2015/10/25/10623df2-7b23-11e5-837b-2c3f2478487e_story.html?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202

http://www.wsj.com/article_email/obamas-military-policy-down-size-while-threats-rise-1446073142-lMyQjAxMTE1MzIxODIyOTg4Wj

https://www.commentarymagazine.com/american-society/james-comey-war-on-police/

http://townhall.com/columnists/emmetttyrrell/2015/10/29/the-gowdy-committee-as-seen-from-the-left-and-the-right-n2072499/page/full

http://townhall.com/columnists/walterewilliams/2015/10/28/whos-responsible-n2071142/page/full

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/28/wheelers-delta-team-and-kurdish-forces-rushed-isis-prison-iraq.html?ESRC=eb.nl

http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/lists/top-10-marijuana-myths-and-facts-20120822/myth-marijuana-is-a-dangerous-drug-19691231

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/destroyer-south-china-sea_562ebe10e4b00aa54a4af2de?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003

http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2015/10/27/hillary-20-n2071240/page/full

http://libertyunyielding.com/2015/10/26/guess-what-is-no-longer-politically-correct-according-to-the-left/

http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2015/10/27/why-online-anonymity-frightens-progressives/

Suggested reading from Oct. 25, 2015 and thereabouts

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

This is the weekend wrap-up… getting lazy in my old age …disgruntled... discouraged, disconcerted and generally downright grumpy.

Oopsie! It seems that somebody at the Department of the Army didn't get the memo from the White House on the need for strict gun controls and disarming American citizens of all weapons of military usefulness. See page 16.

Let us all run out into the night, spin in circles, jump and shout ... the world is coming to an end and we all are going to die.

Another perspective on on the collapse of the rule of law during the Obama era.

Unfortunately .... this commentator probably is correct ... and the US will be the worse for it ... it is sad that we have sunk this low ... but you can't say we shouldn't have seen it coming.

As studies go ... I think there are a lot of progressives who will go to great length to debunk these academic reports on the benefits of traditional two-parent families.

It seems coming out of the latest church synod, that the Catholic Church remains a bit of a house divided against itself ... and it will be interesting to see what Pope Francis does now. He obviously was not happy with the results of the synod.

Major tragedy strikes OSU's homecoming parade. The cynic in me asks the question which will the President ask to ban or at least put stringent restrictions on first: Cars or alcoholic beverages?

I think the Monseigneur forgot a part of his vow as a priest. You know the one about celibacy

I think Blair apologized not so much for going to war, but the mangling of the post-war period ... which unfortunately totally ignored the dictates of the Powell Doctrine ... for that the ultimate responsibility lies with George W. Bush ... but more of that really falls on the hubris and arrogance of Donald Rumsfeld. Oh, and the myth is wrong ... there were WMDs in Iraq ... as well as the capacity to make new ones ... but that truth has all but disappeared.

CNN is busy promoting a group to counter the NRA ... which has its share of misstatements about the National Rifle Association.

It looks like the bidding war has begun to bring an NFL franchise back to Los Angeles.

Kids face too many tests ... and those stupid teachers spend too much time teaching the tests, rather that having the freedom to explore concepts with children.

Oh those bad Russians might have bombed some civilians ... well, that may be a war crime ... but then again, since it wasn't the Americans it probably wasn't

Ouch ... this commentator takes the progressive icon Salon to task over guns.

As an intellectual argument, this raises some interesting questions about homosexuals and marriage.

The problem the Democrats probably ought to have with inequality ... but won't because it doesn't fit their political narrative.

Sigh ... I do realize that it is over a year until the presidential election, but it seems that everybody is busy crowning Hillary Clinton queen. If it happens, I fear that the US will be in deep kimche

This is one of the reasons I have major problems with Donald Trump.  You can not suppress ideas without becoming a tyranny. Yes, those who put those ideas to work in contravention of US law need to be drawn to account quickly and surely (which given the current state of the US justice system is no sure thing).

The World Food Police are out on the prowl, it seems, folks ... just know that all that food you eat is bad for you.

The President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act has absolutely nothing to do with defense spending ... as this article points out so well.

Interesting story ... however, as far as I can tell, the youth involved was guilty of being a young African American with an attitude. First and foremost ... don't argue with cops, even if you have a gun. Don't struggle with cops, even if they tackle you.  Make it obvious that you are trying to comply with the officer. Don't run from an officer with a gun ... it could very well get you shot. And sometimes, police officers - at least in Georgia - are not known for their marksmanship ... so hitting a target running away from him in the head is a really lucky shot.

I love how this story conflates all abortion opponents with the vandalism of one teen.

Is Moldova the next target on Putin's calendar?

Yes, her mendacity is prodigious ... and we are buying it as a nation ... what does that say about us, as a people and as individuals ... nothing good, I would say.

Very excellent commentary on the wedding vendor and gays brouhaha.

 I didn't know he was a K-State fan ... two points for him for being devoted to out Kitties ... but then his point in the commentary also is well taken ... unfortunately.

Suggested readings for Oct. 23, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

There comes a time, it seems, when I just want to chuck all in and to say “the hell with America.” Of course, that would betray everything I have ever stood for or tried to do, but given the state of affairs in the US right now … and the absolute apathy and lack of concern on the part of a nation that seems to be consumed with the concept that they are entitled to whatever they want, regardless of cost … and don’t bother them with the ugly truth that some of our leaders really are dishonest, power-hungry, money-grubbing, budding tyrants who want to impose their will on everybody … regardless of what others may think. It really gets rather sickening, discouraging and disgusting. Now, I suspect that the small group of people who dare to view this, without comment or sharing it, probably are shaking their heads in agreement. Which is fine with me, only it disappoints me that they are unwilling to expose themselves. But then I always was and am, as the patch on my windbreaker says: a member of Freedom’s Guardians, as was every other soldier who wore an Army uniform in the Continental United States (Freddy, the Eagle, on the patch is the symbol of U.S. Army Forces Command, which commands all the Army forces in the CONUS. All the active military people, and most of the veterans, are members, if they choose so, of the corps of Freedom’s Guardians.

Having vented now, I will give you tonight’s version of Random Thoughts.

This article, which appeared in this month's Legion Magazine, really nails a truth ... a truth that I have seen basically all my life, except for Operation Just Cause, Grenada, and Persian Gulf I (ODS/DS). America no longer has the willingness or the commitment to engage in a war to win. We want to win-lite with surgical air strikes, drones, special operations raids, but nothing that requires the politicians to put it all on the line and convince the American people that if we are going to send our service members into combat, then we are going to adhere to the Weinberger and Powell Doctrines. No, like just about everything else in America today, that requires a commitment that Americans are just unwilling to make. It would disrupt their comfortable lives.

Granted, the author has a point ... but then the Democrats on the Committee were acting as Clinton's defense team ... not unexpected ... and rather than questioning her, they were attacking their opponents across the aisle as loudly and vehemently as they could ... still, it is sad, that the other person at a hearing in New York is going to see the wheels of just grind so slowly that it won't even come to trial for another year and half ... one wonders where the justice in either case was yesterday.

Interesting article about all that has gone wrong in the Middle East ... I am not sure all its assumptions are valid ... but that is neither here nor there ... what is true, is that American policy makers, as well as all the outside policy makers, really haven't a clue what to do

A whole lot of truth in this article ... which is part of the reason I am so disgusted with my fellow Americans these days.

Is it just me, or does this not appear to be a liberal assault on capital punishment? Nah, wouldn't happen ... not in this administration.

Wonder where the money went ... well the Government Accountability Office would like to know as well ... but it seems the answers and the accounting to support those answers is slow in coming.

Now, if this came as any surprise to anyone ... pox on you ... because it shouldn't. Sorry, but the DOJ has become so compromised under this administration that I doubt very seriously that any administration office would be prosecuted for so much as a parking ticket, much less violations of the Hatch Act.

I really am waiting for the UN to say the Russians should be investigated for war crimes ... oh, you say, that is not going to happen? Well, I ain't going there because the anti-American bias really disgusts me so much ... I just want to say to hell with it all.

This article's headline is about winning the peace in Mesopotamia ... well, folks, for the reasons pointed out in the article ... there will be no peace in the Mesopotamia, the Middle East, and probably a lot of other places around the globe ... so get used to it and prepare.

This article points out a very significant truth ... the next war is not going to be like the last one ... and unfortunately, for one leg of the military triad of air-land-sea forces ... strategies have been overcome by tactics ... and that is a serious deficit in the use of the military, which remains – after all - a blunt instrument, regardless how precise its weapons are.

Good questions to consider when looking at the Army of the future ... but again, it avoids the questions about what strategic vision fits the Army in.

Vetoing the Defense authorizations bill is all about politics and funding domestic programs and not about defense. Now, is that a sad commentary on the state of our governance these days or not.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, apparently according to the GAO, continues to be a fiscal train wreck ... why am I no surprised.

Well, in my humble opinion ... the intelligence community does the best it knows how to do with the resources it is given ... is that going to be perfect? Never. Is it going to be wrong sometimes? Definitely. But it is about a good as a group of humans can get it.

This commentary from Commentary Magazine succinctly sums up why I am so disgusted with Americans today ... the fact that they accept it all with total disinterest and apathy.

Unfortunately, Mr. Tobin is correct in his assessment here ... but like in the United States, there is a double standard when it comes to reporting the Palestinian/Arab.v.Israeli conflict.

One hopes this trend can be arrested. However, the level of literacy in the US also is falling ... and that is sad.

Please note when you read these stories about Hurricane Patricia being the most powerful hurricane on record ... that a) that the record is only 135 years long ... and b) I suspect that some typhoons and cyclones have been as or more powerful.

It is interesting that the FCC chief did not make this announcement before or immediately after Hillary Clinton appeared on the Saturday Night Live comedy show. Only when Trump announced that he would be appearing on the same show ... bias here, anyone? Effort to keep him off the program ... no, if it was ok for Hillary then the 3 or so minutes should be ok for the Donald.

I read in the WaPo that our esteemed president is throwing a temper tantrum over the Defense Authorization bill ... look at the other bills he vetoed ... I really am tired of him already even.

Iran is going to get its ballistic missiles, and they will be nuke capable and Iran will get is bomb ... face that reality folks.

Another good man bites the dust ... unfortunately, for a failed foreign policy that has no strategic focus ... much less the explicit approval of the American people through its representatives ... which should have happened, but never will with this president.

I guess some Italians just don't like paying tourists ... I wonder how much those same people like the unpaying kind coming out across from Libya

A progressive view that the Republicans are going to self-destruct ... which probably is true ... but the question is whether this portrayal of non-progressives is correct.

Interesting poll result, given the unceasing campaign to demonize the NRA

Suggested Readings from Oct. 22, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Rather historic day … but one that will twist with political spin. Having said that, let’s pitch in:

Interesting article on the seductiveness of utopian movements ... and the threat they pose to individuals and individualism

Well, the punditry and commentariat have spoken ... for the Democrats, it is all over but the shouting ... barring some major catastrophe

Of course the Benghazi hearings are political ... but that is never new ... and the Democrats have short memories if they have forgotten.

A WaPo analysis of the the Democratic race between Clinton and Sanders.

A quick overview of where Paul Ryan has stood on a variety of issues.

Another legal tangle for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I haven't a clue about where this one will got (the author of the article thinks all the way to the Supremes) but it does raise a number of interesting constitutional issues.

This news story is an editorial in disguise ... the problem with lotteries is that they put the State in the position of playing the House at the gaming table ... and we all know the House always gets its take ... and yes, it it a regressive tax ... and anybody who said it wasn't was either a liar or a fool. Still, it is a voluntary tax without penalties if  you don't pay it.

There is something to be said for team work and working toward shared goals ... but this is an academic's solution which smacks of utopia.

Interesting take on polls on gun control, race and a story not being told.

A take on the questioning of Hillary Clinton. I sometimes think ... make that know ... that Hillary Clinton is depending on the short-term memories of people, who tend to dismiss anything that happened before yesterday.

Democrats politicizing the House committee ... nah, would never happen ... in heartbeat.

Methinks this lampoonist is not too take with Canada's new prime minister

A not so approving reaction to the new Canadian PM's orders to pull out of the ISIS fight ... I really do wonder how he squares this with the responsibility-to-protect (aka R2P) doctrine so near and dear to Canadian liberals' foreign policy hearts.

I have to admit ... this commentator's piece pretty much echoes my thoughts

Another tongue-in-cheek look at the change of government in Canada

I think the jury still is out on this ... although, I do think she is giving Trickie a good run for his money

Reminds me of a piece of key advice from Robert Morse to Henry Fonda in a "Guide for the Married Man": Deny, Deny, Deny, Deny, Deny ... even when there is video tape contradicting you ... Deny, Deny Deny

It seems the Pope's Conclave is turning into an ugly battle, made uglier by the WaPo writer's conflation with American conservatives who obviously are standing in the way of progress.

Suggested readings from Oct. 21, 2015 (and before)

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

I apologize, sort of, for being a bad boy and not posting here for a few days … my reason (I don’t offer it as an excuse) is that I got sidetracked reading a new novel by one of my favorite authors whose books usually suck me in to them (well, my pretty wife will tell that is not unusual for me … to get sucked into a book, not to reemerge for days). Having said, that, I guess it time to for me to catch up on a few of the events of the last few days. I hope you find these stories interesting and enlightening.

This is a plea for more money ... basically more American money ... but what about the rest of the world? When are they supposed to step up? The US contributes more than any other nation in the world to these funds ... and this is the thanks it gets.

More defense of Hillary Clinton from the WaPo opinion piece ...

I have two passing observations on this article: 1. When have lotteries be anything a but a regressive tax playing on the hopes and dreams of the less fortunate that they might just get lucky and struck by the lightning of a jackpot. On the same point, however, it is a voluntary tax. Nobody is forcing anyone to pay it. 2. In typical academic elite fashion, the study finds that we must protect the plebeians from their own wills and force them to accept the fates given them by the elites.

Golly garshes, you mean to tell me that the projections for all the potential benefits of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act were wrong? OH, tell me that isn't so. It just can't be that we were sold a pig in a poke ... our president and our Democrats in Congress (since they are the ones who passed Obamacare without GOP support) were not telling us the truth?

I think the Canadians are about eight years late to the hope and change party ... I just hope it works out better for them.

Interesting discussion of China's model of "meritocracy" versus Western 'democracy"

Joe Biden is not running ... does that mean we have to coronate Hillary ... my dear wife keeps reminding me, as I have reminded her, we are still a year away from the election, and just about anything can happen.

Canada's new PM withdraws it fighters from the Middle East ... I only open that ISIS/ISIL will return the favor and not target Canada

I guess we offended the current Iraqi government

An analysis of what to look forward to with the new Trudeau government in Canada

Interesting article on the role borders play in the 21st century ... particularly on how the US government treats the concept ... worth considering.

A book review of a book that explores whether the concept of heroism is under siege in the West

Excellent dissertation by Thomas Sowell with the problems we have with politicians' spouting words like "fair" and "rich" and "income inequality" and a host of other terms. The problem is that empirically, those terms are meaningless and merely serve to agitate emotional responses.

I would dearly love to hear the counter-arguments to Walter William's points ... unfortunately, I have heard most of them ... and I think that history, past and present, pretty much discredits the counter-argument because it assumes that human nature has changed ... it hasn't

Whether we want to admit it or not - and apparently we are trying to maintain the facade - the international sanctions regime against Iran is dead ... so stick a fork in it

 

Simple is best ... and simpler is better ... and so is the case with the language of politics ... always has been. Don't think so, read Animal Farm.

Personally, I think this particular person is full of bovine scatology ... and I hope we never get to the feeling that we are Gods.

This is known as a self-selecting survey, not a randomized or scientific study, so its outcome is pretty much pre-determined given who is interviewed. Having said that, I have to say to these young people: Get over it.

I suppose that Black Lives Matter will find this officer's death totally justified.

This report probably is false ... but still the health of Pope Francis, given his own predictions, is of considerable concern to many people.

Another report that the MSF hospital had Taliban operations active within its bounds. Please note (before you dismiss this) that the story is an AP story that ran of Fox News' web site.

The problem with this climate doom-and-gloom story is that is assumes that current trends will remain stagnant for the next 85 years ... and that is ignorant.

Among the good things to know: This is what Canada's new PM says he stands for.

Apparently, this is what young Canadians want ... well, I just hope it works out for them ... unfortunately, I don't think it will.

This is apparently an interesting twist to the world of high finance ... I wonder if will lead to a overseas cash flow

The sad thing is that we Americans get pilloried about the migrants crossing our border ... while the Mexicans get a pass ... you know, that is what really disgusts me about the illegal immigrant debate.

This is an example of the ignorance of the Congressional Democrats ... and a small case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Suggested readings from Oct. 17, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

In the midst of a relatively quiet weekend, despite the war and chaos that continues at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, there are some interesting view points out there to review. I hope you find them interesting and food for thought.

It sometimes amazes me that an old warhorse like Henry Kissinger is still around, but he does offer valuable insight into the problems of the Middle East and possible American options ... not that anyone is listening to him ... and some of them, I suspect, really are unachievable.

Interesting sidebar to the Middle East conflicts, that links it to Europe ... and it all revolves around oil.

It is distressing that this commentary paints a rather discouraging economic outlook ... that is probably valid and most likely will happen.

This is an interesting concept ... unfortunately, I have serious qualms about it because of the nature of human beings.

This does not surprise me - at least all the threats, etc. - given the environment in the world today ... and I am not just talking about ISIS or Jihadi terrorists, but the rhetoric on the campaign trail has been pretty incendiary.

This provides a very excellent subtext to the Israeli-Arab conflict ... it truly is a neglected part of the story.

Another view of what I call the criminalization of dissent in our politics

The Arab-Israeli conflict is a battle for control of the narrative ... and the perspective ...

This is a rare visit to the California coast - though prevalent south of the border, it seems.

I really am of mixed feelings about this drug ... but I guess it takes all kinds

Oregon hero tells his story ... kudos to the man ...

This has been a no-brainer for me for like the last 50 years ... only Americans got bored and decided they didn't care any more.

Now this is neat ... and would make a great toy for Star Wars geeks ... but it also illustrates something about UAVs ... something that should be scary ...

Another view of the upsurge in violence between the Palestinians and the Israelis ... I could make the observation that it doesn't work out too well when you bring a knife to a gunfight ... but I think that is the point ... they want these young people to get shot

Hillary Clinton may have (actually probably did) violated the Espionage Act, but I will bet dollars to donuts that the Obama Administration's Justice Department will use its "prosecutorial discretion" not to prosecute the case ... no matter how solid or damning the evidence turned up by the FBI.

Here Hillary Clinton either illustrates her own ignorance (most likely) or just is trying to enflame the audience ... I really wish people would understand the drastic difference between a (fully) automatic weapon and a semi-automatic weapon ... and give me a working definition of what an "assault" weapon is that does not use the word automatic in it, because that is what an assault weapon is ... fully automatic ... unless you want to claim that every rifle is an assault weapon ... and that is dumb.

The Hungarian prime minister is speaking truth to power and doing it a very politically incorrect way.

Obama's "no war, no peace" strategy in Syria is indeed dangerous, however I am not sure the commentators in this article have provided a solution ... and I am not sure the West and the US really have that many cards to play in this game ... mainly because it really is a free-for-all furball

I would hope that this story on economic reality would serve as a wakeup call to progressives, liberals and Democrats who see raising the minimum wage as a panacea.

This story is not for the faint of heart (it is all statistics and charts and graphs) but it makes the point that I have made for lo these many decades and that is: The poor in the US have a higher standard of living that most of the middle class people around the world.

George Will offers a good discussion on income inequality ... and why it is not a moral issue.

The problem I have with this New York Times editorial is that it basically says if you don't agree with the outcome of a law, you can ignore it. That I disagree with. If you don't like the outcome of a law, then you work to change the law ... but, and until, the law is changed you enforce it as written ... unfortunately, for those who view the world through the liberal/progressive lens - like these cities and our President - the law is to be selectively enforced based on your view of the outcome of the law.

Interesting point of view ... I understand some points but I am less than convinced on others.

I am not sure how true this report is by this Congress person ... but if it is ... it really is disturbing. Not all that unexpected and actually quite a rational position by the UAE ... but it makes mincemeat of the global order.

This Canadian deserved all the accolades he got ... and then some.

Running the risk of being labeled an Islamophobe .... would someone, pray tell, tell me why we shouldn't take this Ayatollah at his word? I know many Muslims, like many Christians or Hindus or Jains or whatever religion you pick, really aren't into the Jihad thing, just like most American Christians really aren't all that evangelical ... but there is a significant minority of Muslims who, like fundamentalist evangelicals and the Bible (which ever English translation they have), take the Koran as the gospel and plan to implement it as the Ayatollah calls for.

Suggested readings from Oct. 16, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Once more into the breach, lads … or at least I venture forth once again with another collection of random thoughts on the news of the day. As usual, I do  hope you find this collection interesting, if not education, informative and thought provoking … for that is my goal. I also welcome any and all commentary … especially from those who wish to challenge any of my observations.

This is known as trying to apply the law enforcement paradigm to fight terrorism ... we will see how it works, and I will bet that the wheels of justice in this case will grind exceedingly slowly.

Oh my goodness, the world must be coming to an end. There is dissent among the leadership of the Democratic Party ... please tell me, how can this be so ... for if this was in the Republican Party, it would be shouted from the roof tops that the GOP is committing suicide.

OOPS! Political correctness just ran up against political reality ... and the Bureau of Prisons retreated.

Gee whiz, economic reality hits Social Security and other CPI-indexed federal retirement and benefit programs. Aghast, he says, the world is going to come to an end and all these people are going to starve so we should all run out in the street and scream and shout in sackcloth and ashes in our despair.

Another story about applying the law enforcement paradigm to the fight against terrorists ... and as you can see, it is fraught with pitfalls and obstacles ... and the wheels of justice grind exceedingly slowly. I know we pride ourselves in our justice system taking every care with individual rights, but sometimes I think the justice system abuses that in that it drags cases out forever.

The New Yorker joins the elite consensus that Hillary Clinton really did win the debate Tuesday night ... and not Bernie Sanders.

Once again, our president does his thing ... unfortunately, the saddest part is it probably will paid for in buckets of blood ... mostly Afghan, but that is the American way once we tire of the mission

Mr. Cohen makes some thought provoking points ... about slippery slopes and raises questions about what the US role is, or should be, in the world.

Interesting thesis about Afghanistan ... but I think the biggest shortcoming is that the US does not have the influence over the Pakistani military that this commentator thinks.

Interesting take on the "socialist paradise" of Scandinavia

It appears that now that things are not going swimmingly for the health insurance co-ops created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). It seems they are getting neither the enrollment and cash flow that they expected and they are becoming economically non-viable ... affecting hundreds of thousands of policy holders.

As a former military public affairs officer, seeing the work "tank" in the headline of this story made me think of the last Reforger in 1990 in Germany. I did my annual training as the head of the News Analysis Section for the Allied Press Information Center for SHAFE/NATO. We had a great debate, amongst my German Bundeswehr translators, myself and others how to define various German words that describe armored vehicles. The reason for the debate was that no "tanks" (Abrams, Leopards, Challengers, Sheridans, Scorpions, etc.) were being used in the huge exercise. Mainly it was armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles (which a lot of people confuse with a tank, but lack its huge main gun and about 30 tons of armor.) The point being is that I doubt very seriously that it was an American "tank" that was used to break into the MSF compound ... I suspect that it was any number of lighter armored vehicles that people confuse with a tank ... even more so, I don't think any American armored units are still operating in Afghanistan, so the operators probably were ANA. Still, it makes a good headline to make people mad at Americans.

This article does pose an interesting question: Why? And as of yet, the silence has been thundering.

An interesting commentary that points out some of the reasons to be skeptical of the current hysteria about anthropomorphic climate change. Of course, it seems that saying that might get you thrown in jail soon, but I suspect there is ample reason to be skeptical and to recognize other ameliorating factors.

Paul Greenberg on his usual roll ... he makes me smile while he makes his point.

Consider this about Nigeria ... and its fight with the Boko Haram ... how involved does the US want to be ... and how much say will the people or their representatives have in it.

The war of words continues over the disputed archipelagos of the South China Sea

Interesting article on China's relations with North Korea and its linkages to South Korea and the United States ... only I am not sure I am buy this ... but then the Chinese government usually is playing international relations like an onion.

Interesting article about North Korea and how it is not "communist" ... which probably is true ... but it is hard to explain to some people it is just another example how the communist and socialist economic models always seem to implode.

Interesting commentary on the outlook for the Israeli Air Force ... it may not all be doom and gloom ... but it makes probably what is a valid point.

A very good article reviewing the history of Task Force Smith 65 years ago with the hollowing of US Army capabilities ... maybe we have forgotten a few lessons.

Interesting discussion on the reporting behind the stories about Osama Bin Laden's death ... and the fact that we probably will never know what really happened.

This story adds an interesting twist into the investigations about Clinton's various private e-mail servers.

Another sad turn in the saga of Israel v. the Palestinians

Another critical view of John Kerry and the Obama Administration's portrayal of Israel actions in the latest flare up of violence.

The attack on Catholic run hospitals continues

Mr. Rachel continues with this rant that exposes Farrakhan.

It is hard to predict where this will all end ... but it does look like it will be an ugly confrontation in the skies around Syria

I sometimes think the folks in the five-sided puzzle palace just get wrapped up in political correctness and are incapable of laying out a cogent argument for anything. So far, I think the DOD gets an F on this.

I get really tired of the insensitivity of the Democrats and our current government ... which if it was done by anyone else would bring hellfire and damnation down on the offending party.

It will be interesting to see how the government plans to define what is a drone, and what is a permitted radio-controlled flying machine

Kerchunk ... Apple gets hit with huge fine for patent infringement

The European "migrant crisis" takes another twist as Hungary closes its border.

This could be interesting: Canadian Liberal leader Trudeau says he will improve relations with Obama ... I wonder if they will have a beer summit ... or maybe just smoke a few joints together.

US cancels oil leases in the Arctic ... typical

I guess somebody is making plans to go back to the Moon ... everybody else, it seems.

Another example of the law enforcement paradigm to combat terrorists.

Another illustration of how ineffective the Obama Administration is.

Another report on the attack on St. Joseph's Tomb.

Once again, Congress puts it to veterans ... not totally unexpected.

And ISIS is making its presence felt in Sweden ...

Suggested Readings from Oct. 15, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

I read somewhere the US economy and the world economy … and about everything else … was supposed to go belly up today … didn’t happen … oh well. This is be short on the commentary because … well, the reasons are irrelevant … just because.

Obviously, this commentator is not buying what Bernie and Hillary are selling.

Rolling Stone takes a swipe at Hillary's plan for big banks.

Victor Hanson makes a very valid point about sanctuary cities ... only nobody is listening

What will Joe Biden do? Only he and the Shadow knows.

And the situation in Syria gets ever more twisted and skewed ... now, the Iranians (and apparently the Cubans) are sending in troops to buck up Assad.

What diplomatic solution to the Israel-Palestinian war (and yes it is a war)? The two-state solution apparently is dead, and Israel is not about to commit suicide ... so, pray tell, what is the diplomatic solution to that?

If news reports are correct in several states, this commentator is wrong. There have been attempts in several states to set up separate parallel Sharia court systems in US Muslim communities.

Atlanta's city government can do some of the stupidest things at times.

And interesting assessment of the violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians

As in many places, it seems that the Catholic Church is in retreat ... it will be interesting if a secular all-girls school can survive in the 21st century

The refugee situation in Germany is threatening to turn ugly ... the question is: Is there a way to peacefully defuse it ... or is it truly a cultural invasion?

On using the US military for nation-building ... or even building foreign military forces ... good read. Don't agree with all its points, but it is a good read

Intriguing response to a demand from the Freedom From Religion Foundation

Good point: The Democratic candidates pretty much ignored defense and foreign policy issues ... typical

Putin is getting his wish, I think: Cold War Redux ... and that bodes ill for things in the near term in the Middle East.

And the Obama Administration expects the Iranians to abide by anything?

It is not so much about the e-mails per se. It is about the abuse of the FOIA and records keeping rules ... but don't trying to explain that to anyone

It helps to remember that Indonesia has more Muslims than any other Muslim country

Note to European diplomat: It ain't happening, so get over it.

Hello, yes, the US forces knew that there was a MSF facility in that compound ... whether the air crew could identify it as such from the air, is a different question.

This seems to be the progressive meme of the day on gun control

The biggest problem I have with this story is "The Source" ... never did like unnamed sources ... but then I never did like people who refused to take responsibility for their actions either.

Interesting discussion here ... take it for what it is worth

Well, Obama does a flip ... I wonder if it will be able to hold up ... see earlier discussion on nation-building

It helps to remember that the Chinese are very good chess players ... while American political leaders have a hard time with checkers

Larry Elder has a good point, I think, on the criticism of Dr. Carson

And here we see the consequences of the progressives' view of the rule of law ... I guess it depends on which law you want enforced.

I am not sure I buy into this "the sky is about to fall" but then again, stranger things have happened.

In order to fight an enemy, you have to understand who the enemy is ... this is a step in that direction

Ever the capitalist, I guess ... also helps keep Dr. Carson's campaign expenses down for a few weeks.

Bernie! Bernie! Bernie! ... no, he didn't lose the debate to Hillary ... he won ... well, not on stage, actually, but in other ways.

"Teacher Jail" ... interesting concept ... it also helps to remember that the Los Angeles schools have been run by progressive Democrats for years ... does this seem just a little like a scene from Animal Farm?

I don't know if this is good news or bad news ... the worse news will be when they start learning from their mistakes

More on hopes to bring down the NRA

With all due respect to the folks in Baltimore ... but you know the Democrats have been running that shop for 50 years ... and you keep re-electing them

Good luck to Toyota ... although I see a plethora a hurdles ahead for them

The progressives won the debate ... yep, I can agree with that.

Suggested Readings from Oct. 14, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Well, the consensus from our media elite is that Hillary Clinton won the debate Tuesday night hands down … destroying all her rivals and showing that she really is ready to be president. I guess we just need to get in line for the coronation now. Why bother having any primary elections or even an election next November …  what purpose would it serve … even if we disagree, we are dolts (in the eyes of America’s liberals and progressives) not to see the wisdom and excellent capabilities of Ms. Clinton.

Ok, I got that off my chest … here is today’s eclectic collection of various and sundry things I recommend that you peruse … along with my usual commentary (I apologize for last night, but I really wasn’t in the mood to be civil … or very cogent).

I guess I lived in the South for too many years ... where this courtesy is like expected and not a rarity.

Not wanting to upset my liberal friends on Facebook (directly), I have chosen to share this here on my blog. It is so true.

A salute to Jim Webb, one of the Democratic candidates (although you would be hard put to realize that from Tuesday's debate) ... who puts enemies in perspective

A fact-check on Bernie Sanders in Tuesday's debate ... in re: Denmark.

Even the BBC buys into the victimhood of Hillary Clinton, even as it declares her the winner from Tuesday.

China warns the US to back off in the South China Sea. Things could get tense, but I don't expect open conflicts

A plea to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to look to the needs of his Israeli Arab citizens.

One of many irons Iran seems to be stirring the embers of war and chaos in the Middle East.

Interesting analysis on the possible outcomes of next week's federal elections in Canada

An attempt at fact-checking Tuesday's debate ...

This is another view about why Hillary Clinton's e-mail scandal is important ... as is the investigation into what happened in Benghazi. But Hillary is following the time honored Nixonian doctrine of stonewall, stonewall, stonewall, and deny, deny, deny until the public gets tired of trying to get at the truth. Nixon didn't get away with it, because major news outlets like the Washington Post and the New York Times were committed enemies of his.

This article mirrors my analysis, which I came to the conclusion long ago on. Hillary Clinton, like Bill, like President Obama, is coated in Teflon ... and whatever illegalities, falsehoods, etc., they do, are just brushed away.

If women are supposed to be given equal opportunity in the Army, then they damn well need to queue up and register for the draft. I fought this issue 25 years ago, when as the senior NCO of my organization I was charged with running the duty roster. Only I couldn't run it the way it was supposed to be run because I was given direct orders exempting the women in the unit from certain duties and to give them special considerations, like when they wanted time with beaus in the theater.

Unfortunately, it seems, the White House, Congress, and the Pentagon increasingly looking at the part-time reserves as full-time fillers. If that is the case, then to ease the burden on these folks, while you trying to accomplish missions needing a 2 million or 3 million member Army, you need to beef up the Reserve Component numbers ... significantly. Not that it will happen, but it should.

This reiterates my position that I have held since I was in college, studying history ... no war is over until there is a man with a bayonet on the end of his rifle, standing over a defeated enemy and saying: It is OVER now, you hear?

Unfortunately, there is enough fear on both sides ... but naked hatred of class is limited to one side.

This analysis of the Iran nuclear agreement is a bit like beating a dead horse ... while true, it still isn't going to get the horse up and running again.

This article illustrates what is wrong with US policy all too often. We make promises we can't or won't keep ... and we keep doing it ... not only in our foreign policy, but in our domestic policies as well.

US Secretary of Defense Carter tells Chinese the US will sail in what have traditionally been international waters whenever and wherever it wants ... and that China's claims to reefs and shoals are going to be ignored as sovereign territory.

I sometimes wonder what logic is being used here ... a mainland base is 1500 miles or so to the rear does a better job than one in Hawaii? I don’t think so, because the flying radii means there is a lot of the central Pacific that can't be covered routinely. But then I am not a Navy strategist.

This is the WaPo's anointment of the winners and losers from Tuesday's debate.

This is part one of a two-part essay on gun control by Thomas Sowell. (it was in last night's unannotated list) ... don't confuse people with the facts, he says.

This is part two of Thomas Sowell's rebuttal to anti-gun zealots.

The sad thing (since I am a First Amendment "absolutist") is that this "censorship" is becoming more acceptable and more prevalent.

This is a good book review from Walter Williams ... and it makes a few points I have tried, but I guess with little success, to impart to my circle of acquaintances. Never confuse income with wealth .... the income tax taxes income and not wealth.

Unfortunately, there is much truth to this commentary, when you stop and think about it ... rather than accept the knee-jerk response in agreement with the news coverage.

If our foreign policy elites and decision makers keep getting blindsided, then this commentary is correct ... they suffer from an imagination deficit.

Sometimes I wish the airdales would admit that dropping stuff from 30,000 feet is a bit dicey at best ... unless you have some really good eyes on the ground.

Pope Francis is an interesting character ... and, as is pointed out in this story, he does a lot of asking for forgiveness ... either for himself or the church ... or even the civil authorities.

The thing I love about progressives and candidates like Clinton and Sanders is how freely they spend other people's money. ... or lives.

Here is CNN's winners and losers from Tuesday night's debate.

In the air over Syria I sometimes get the impression of two dogs in a dog park growling that their stick is bigger than the other's

NBC makes it official ... Clinton has the "big mo" now, so let the planning for the coronation continue apace.

This story sort of reminds me why the Army traded in the Colt .38 caliber revolver for the M-1911 automatic Colt pistol in .45 caliber. Look up the Philippine Insurrection and Moro suicidal attacks.

This is somewhat illustrative of the anti-Israel slant of NBC ... it brushes away the Israeli narrative.

This is the "official" FactCheck.Org fact checking of the Democratic candidates on Tuesday night ... take it however you will ... to me it says ouch.

And I will close tonight on this bit of trivial information. Listen to where we get some of our most common clichés

Suggested readings from Oct. 12-13, 2015

I apologize, but this will be an unannotated Random Thoughts. I have had a few diversions over the last two days that have kept me from adding my unusual commentary to these links.

But having said that, I did watch the Democratic Presidential Primary Candidates debate on CNN … or should I say, CNN’s campaign commercial for Hillary Clinton. There was no effort on the part of CNN, unfortunately, to balance the air time between the five candidates and Ms. Clinton was granted countless reprieves when she over ran her allotted time, while the two candidates on either end were repeatedly either ignored, or called up short when they reached the end of their time. It really was a sad performance on the part of CNN.

So, again, I apologize for this list, but they all are worth at least reviewing with an open mind.

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/iran-judiciary-issued-verdict-rezaian-case-state-tv-105114726.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34508269
http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-34507426
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-palestine-violence-fears-third-intifada-put-jerusalem-edge-n442656
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-benghazi-investigator-alleges-rep-gowdy-violated-federal-law-n443166
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-plane-crash/malaysia-airlines-mh17-report-reveals-shocking-details-about-final-moments-n443596
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/06/tech/pioneers-nuclear-fusion/index.html
http://conservativeintel.com/2015/10/12/obamas-outrageous-gun-lies-continueeven-the-liberal-media-is-calling-him-out/?utm_source=Intel&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=House
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2015/10/12/gowdy-responds-to-charges-from-exbenghazi-committee-staffer-n2064552?utm_source=thdailypm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl_pm&newsletterad=
http://atimes.com/2015/10/norman-bailey-a-military-coup-in-turkey/
http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2015/10/11/a_tale_of_two_air_forces_108564.html
http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2015/10/11/fighting-isis-pentagon-using-air-powers-full-potential/73667346/
http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2015/10/12/legal-scholars-rise-up-against-the-supreme-courts-judicial-despotism-n2064245/page/full
http://townhall.com/columnists/katiekieffer/2015/10/12/i-make-guns-so-sue-me-n2063858/page/full
http://news.yahoo.com/ham-sandwiches-and-sausage-rolls-may-be-banned-125409209.html
http://warontherocks.com/2015/10/nobody-expects-the-islamic-state/?utm_source=WOTR+Newsletter&utm_campaign=570e052d46-WOTR_Newsletter_8_17_158_15_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8375be81e9-570e052d46-82923709
http://warontherocks.com/2015/10/csi-pentagon-who-killed-american-strategy/?utm_source=WOTR+Newsletter&utm_campaign=570e052d46-WOTR_Newsletter_8_17_158_15_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8375be81e9-570e052d46-82923709
http://warontherocks.com/2015/10/a-soldier-can-never-die-in-vain/?utm_source=WOTR+Newsletter&utm_campaign=570e052d46-WOTR_Newsletter_8_17_158_15_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8375be81e9-570e052d46-82923709
http://defensetech.org/2015/10/09/navy-tests-amphibious-ships-for-domestic-response/
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/12/god-bless-the-military-sign-at-marine-base-hawaii-is-staying-put.html?ESRC=eb.nl
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/12/iraqi-army-and-us-go-back-to-conventional-war-basics.html?ESRC=eb.nl
http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/10/09/afghanistan-kunduz-kabul-ghani-nato-msf/
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/america%E2%80%99s-military-slowly-becoming-obsolete-14054
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/llewellyn-king/the-riddle-of-the-us-snub_b_8273744.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/10/12/army-ranger-school-has-a-groundbreaking-new-graduate-lisa-jaster-37-engineer-and-mother/
http://townhall.com/columnists/dennisprager/2015/10/13/they-really-hate-ben-carson-n2064864/page/full
http://townhall.com/columnists/stephenmoore/2015/10/13/americas-12-trillion-house-of-cards-n2064833/page/full
http://townhall.com/columnists/davidlimbaugh/2015/10/13/liberal-cynicism-and-double-standards-on-race-n2064782/page/full
http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbarone/2015/10/13/are-both-parties-incapable-of-governing-n2064732/page/full
http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2015/10/13/the-gun-control-farce-n2064750/page/full
http://warontherocks.com/2015/10/yes-sometimes-there-are-military-solutions-to-political-problems/?utm_source=WOTR+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a4a66801ac-WOTR_Newsletter_8_17_158_15_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8375be81e9-a4a66801ac-82923709
http://warontherocks.com/2015/10/great-power-rivalry-anti-access-and-the-threat-to-the-liberal-order/?utm_source=WOTR+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a4a66801ac-WOTR_Newsletter_8_17_158_15_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8375be81e9-a4a66801ac-82923709
http://www.pjtv.com/series/alfonzo-rachel-presents-zonation-84/the-more-liberals-attack-christians-the-more-violent-this-nation-becomes-11356/
http://pjmedia.com/blog/how-will-the-government-structure-american-diets-next/?singlepage=true
http://www.viralnova.com/gabe-best-man-pup/?mb=vnnl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ViralNova%20Daily%202015-10-12&utm_term=All%20of%20Viralnova
http://www.salon.com/2015/10/06/people_die_because_of_this_man_the_real_reason_we_never_get_gun_control_no_matter_how_many_people_get_gunned_down/
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/magazine/the-year-we-obsessed-over-identity.html?_r=2&mtrref=undefined&assetType=nyt_now
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/10/12/house_gop_dont_give_in_to_far-right_bullies_128376.html
http://pjmedia.com/victordavishanson/liberals-ten-commandments/?singlepage=true
http://www.worldcrunch.com/syria-crisis/putin-s-holy-war-syrians-outraged-at-russia-intervention/c13s19831/
http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/10/09/the-network-paradox-islamic-state-nsa-warfare/
http://dailysignal.com/2015/10/09/how-obama-has-divided-america-for-political-gains/?utm_source=heritagefoundation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningbell&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRouuaXMZKXonjHpfsX57eUkWqG1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4ATsZqMa%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7jHKM1t0sEQWBHm
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2015/10/13/dhs-officials-manipulated-hiring-rules-to-favor-politically-connected-candidates-judge-finds-but-clears-top-official-of-wrongdoing/?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/13/jerusalem-bus-stabbing-escalation-in-violence-israel-palestine?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/10/13/dr_ben_carson_crackpot_128391.html
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/photo-finish-not-quite/article/2573888
http://www.wsj.com/article_email/race-and-the-democratic-debate-1444692659-lMyQjAxMTI1MjEwMzgxMTM1Wj
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/13/opinion/obamas-doctrine-of-restraint.html?_r=0
https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/566037-the-obama-doctrine-mimic-china
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2015/10/china-urges-reboot-party-talks-151008074746705.html
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/sorry-obama-grand-bargain-iran-was-never-going-happen-14042
http://www.thepoliticalinsider.com/obamas-latest-anti-gun-lie-is-embarrassing/?utm_source=SailThru%26utm_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=New%20Campaign&utm_term=Daily%20Sends