Random readings for Dec. 22, 2015

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Not sure when I am going with this tonight ... so it is going to a bit eclectic ... I hope you enjoy and learn from some of these articles.

 This offers an excellent discussion about the necessity of property rights for people be free in thought, conscience, speech and press. Without the liberty to "own" your own property whether it is physical, labor or intellectual, then there really isn't anything else. If we don't own our own labor, we are slaves. If we don't have the right to own our own ideas ... then what are we? Again, nothing more than slaves. If we are not free to exercise our conscience, then our soul is chained to the constraints of the beliefs of others ... and what gives them that right? Sorry, nothing does. You may not agree with my religious beliefs and they may be culturally incompatible with what you believe, but that does not give you the right to dictate my compliance with your beliefs. That is known as tolerance and in our Politically Correct world, plus in the world at large, tolerance is sorely lacking everywhere.
 Mr. Thomas Sowell, as per usual, offers his rather pointed view on those who think their elite status as experts gives them the right to dictate to the rest of us how to live. How rude and crude is that? What about leaving some of these things to the individual and letting them pay the consequences of the success or failure of their own decisions. I know, that wouldn't be "fair" or "equal" but guess what neither life nor the world ever will be fair and equal. Ain't gonna happen.
  An interesting essay on the rules for "boys and girls" that probably should be the basis for all our life's lessons.
  Interesting ... it seems that "miracles" are more prevalent and enjoy more support in unexpected circles than we are supposed to think. You can count me among those who believe ... in that I have experienced more than one and literally felt the warmth of prayers offered up in my name. You can take that for what it is worth and disbelieve and attempt to debunk my view ... but it doesn't change what happened.
  Sad commentary on reality today ... of course, I suppose Christians deserve it for all the privilege they have.
 I offer this up ... well, because I thought there was a bit of truth within its "humor" ... Not that I expect anyone who aspires to call themselves a progressive would agree.
  The Afghan deserter Bergdahl enters the next phase of the military justice system and this is a little primer. I call him a deserter, because - despite all the rationalizations - that is what he is.
  Last call for tonight ... a little comparison between the Koran and Bible ... take it or leave it as you will.

Random thoughts for Dec. 20, 2015

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 This day often brings me into a reflective mood because 24 years ago my oldest brother was killed while serving in the Army in West Germany. I reflect on the price of freedom and liberty and how important they are to us as individuals in the United States ... and sometimes wish that they would accepted and appreciated around the world some day ... but the cynical realist  in me knows that probably will never happen because the cultural prerequisites will not be there and, in my humble opinion, fall further into disfavor with every passing day. 
 So, with that preface, once more into the breach, as they say, for a new edition of my random thoughts and commentary. Did you all watch the Democratic Presidential Candidate Debate on Saturday night? I tried, but the bovine scatology got so deep at one point I had to shut it off, which leads me to my first link.
 You can say this isn't so ... but please, I ask you, stop and think about what is happening with the backing of the left, the progressives and the Democrats. Listen to what the Democratic presidential candidates are saying and understand the implications of their words. The facts are there. I don't see conservatives doing the same ... and those GOP candidates who make similar calls ... well, I am against them too. ... ah, but what about abortion? What about the rights of the unborn human being? And when does a person become human enough to have those rights? What about GLBT rights? Look, I don't have any problem with gays and lesbians and trans doing what they want ... it is their choice and they will have to face the consequences for their choices, just like anyone else. I just ask that a) they don't try to compel me or anyone to approve or accept them or face criminal and civil sanctions from the government ... they don't have that right, nor should they have that power ... just as I will not try to compel them to approve or accept me. And b) lets stop redefining the language just so special interest groups can get money and benefits from the state/government. Sorry, but I draw the line at approving that.
 This kinda ranks up there with the leading bovine scatology of the year. I am sorry, but you want to start parsing it, we all ARE minorities. You want to be treated equal and with respect; then start treating everybody else with equality and respect and expect nothing less in return. You don't like the way you are being treated? Vote with your damn feet then. Gee, life may be difficult then ... guess what? Life is difficult. Is there discrimination? Damn straight ... but that is a multi-edged blade that cuts in so many different ways, it ain't even funny any more. Stopping discrimination starts with the individual, not with government sanctions, privileges and affirmative actions.
  With the SCOTUS taking up Affirmative Action once again, it behooves us to remember how it backfires. The sad truth is that in most cases, regardless of the reason for it, the outcome often is not satisfactory and comes with costs that none of us should have to pay.
 With the unrest on campus, undoubtedly the SCOTUS decision will add to it. Of course the argument is that the court is out of touch with the reality of racism on college campuses ... to wit, I think this lady has no clue what real racism was like.
 I will let Victor Hanson's words speak for themselves.
 And Thomas Sowell does an excellent job of demolishing the liberal view of what the SCOTUS should do. It really does boil down to "equal rights" and that means "equality before the law" and it does not mean special legal privileges for Group B over Group A. It is one of the reasons I really hate the uses the US tax code has been put to, because it literally lays waste to the concept of government treating all of us equally.
 Not to leave the Muslims out of the discussion on racism, I offer Alonzo Rachel's recent talk on that issue.
 Whilst dealing with social issues, here is an interesting article on the subject of polyamory and its negative potential impact on society
 A point I probably have been making for some time ... about climate change ... and now we can partially blame the aboriginal native Americans for it.
 Another facet on climate change ... which in our hubris to save the planet from something that has been happening for millennia.
 And last but not least - yet another example why our efforts to stem climate change are basically full of fecal material
 More thoughts still to be caught up in the pipeline ... but this is all for this juncture.

More delayed Random Thoughts

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Again, I apologize for the somewhat dated nature of this series of thoughts, but of late me, my computer and blogspot.com have been having a tad bit of difficulty getting on the same sheet of music.
This particular Thoughts is going to focus on gun control. I offer up a series of different articles, rants and opinion pieces that I urge you to review. You may not agree with my view, and that of course is your privilege, but please do not just dismiss and discount either side. It helps to understand what fears and thoughts are motivating people and to understand that sometimes others just don’t view the world through the same perspective.
So here are interesting essays/rants on San Bernardino, Democrats/liberals/progressives and civil rights vis-a-vis gun control

This article really is correct: The right of individuals to keep and bear arms should not even be up for any debate. I know those who look at the Second Amendment will try to parse it in some way to say that isn't true, but it was not the original intent, as too many of the people contemporary with the Bill Of Rights and the adoption of the Constitution will remind you, whether they were Federalists or Anti-Federalists (the only two parties at the time)
This, to me, is a major part of the problem ... and part of the reason I am leery of any and all say that they are making the federal government act for the good of all. It isn't ... as this article, expresses. You, of course, are welcome to disagree.
This truly is a bit of a rant, but it does raise some interesting questions ... questions unfortunately, I never get much of an answer from the left.
Another basic rant, that poses some significant questions. Mainly: Why?
And this is my question: How many rights do we have to give up to satisfy those progressives and Democrats who want to criminalize our different views on speech, religion, press, firearms? That is not the America I grew up in and it is not the America that I hope my grandchildren will live in. But if the plans and policies of people like President Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and a host of other people who call themselves progressive and liberals have their way, I am afraid that all of the rights enumerated in the US Constitution will fall victim to their vision of political correctness.
This is one of the reasons I have problems with all the hysteria about imposing gun controls: The data, folks, just doesn’t match the rhetoric of the president and fellow progressive and Democratic Party followers.
To be fair, in a way, I let the NRA speak for itself ... and its defense is rather eloquent
This is MediaMatters.org (the very progressive web site that produces Democratic talking points) view ... I offer it up as a rebuttal ... while at the same time making the observation that it doesn't answer the questions why federal laws are not enforced? Don't just attack saying it is racist, or the other side resists the laws ... explain why the existing laws on the books are not enforced? Is that such a difficult question?
This article if from Salon.Com ... and it again attacks the organization and an individual. Let me see, there are roughly 100 million people eligible to vote in the US and only 4 million of them are supporters of the NRA ... wouldn't you think that the other 96 percent could make up their own minds without ad hominem attacks on people you disagree with? Or don't you trust them?
Another person who fails to understand history, the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and why all of that comes together. My comment to this fair lady: Stay in Toronto.
This appeals to the Irish in me ... but at the same time it points out how what the progressives and Democrats have been doing really have been a fundamental assault on the rule of law (you know, Mr. President, it would be nice if you told your minions to obey the law, as well as yourself) and the rights, duties and obligations outlined in the U.S. Constitution (as amended) and the Bill of Rights. On one side, stands liberty and freedom and I don't know what it is supposed to be on the other, but it sure is not anything friendly to the individual, his or her freedoms and rights.
These facts probably have gun control advocates just climbing the walls ... but they reflect the good sense of the American people ... much to the chagrin of our betters in the political, media, academic and economic elites. The adage of the old west about Mr. Colt’s pistol being the great equalizer seem apt here.
And if nothing else, if all else fails, there is the rush to judgment from parties on the left. Please, give me break.
And then there is this reality ... consider it, accept it or reject it, but when did due process and innocent until proven guilt in a court of law become such terms to be dismissed for convenience?
I would point out that sometimes we forget what really was the law "once upon a time" and how it helped shape the good parts of being an American. I would posit that such is the case with the Second Amendment and 1792 Militia Acts and its successors ... now great legal arguments possibly can made whether or not this definition of who and what is the "militia" is in the United States, but what often is overlooked is how it fostered the sense of community in each and every neighborhood, village, town, city, state. It is something that is sorely missed these days when we all seemed wired together only by our smart phones.
In addition, I would point out that the federal law required every able-bodied citizen (after a host of revisions to the original act) to arm themselves with a military compatible weapon - which folks, happens to include the infamous self-loading rifles that fire one shot every time you pull the trigger which have been given ignomimous label of being "assault rifles." Not only that, the citizen was obligated to provide for himself a basic load of ammunition of military caliber - which when I was in was carrying 220 rounds of 5.56 mm NATO or Remington .233 caliber bullets, or 120 rounds of 7.62 NATO or .308 Winchester bullets, as well as a rucksack and a bayonet. All good light infantry gear. If you carried a pistol it was either 21 rounds of .45 caliber ACP for an M1911 or 45 rounds for a M9 9mm
To be specific: The second Militia Act, passed May 8, 1792, conscripted every "free able-bodied white male citizen" between the ages of 18 and 45 into a local militia company. (This was later expanded to all males, regardless of race, between the ages 18-54)
"I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective States, resident therein, who is or shall be of age of eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five years (except as is herein after excepted) shall severally and respectively be enrolled in the militia, by the Captain or Commanding Officer of the company, within whose bounds such citizen shall reside, and that within twelve months after the passing of this Act. And it shall at all time hereafter be the duty of every such Captain or Commanding Officer of a company, to enroll every such citizen as aforesaid, and also those who shall, from time to time, arrive at the age of 18 years, or being at the age of 18 years, and under the age of 45 years (except as before excepted) shall come to reside within his bounds; and shall without delay notify such citizen of the said enrollment, by the proper non-commissioned Officer of the company, by whom such notice may be proved. That every citizen, so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch, with a box therein, to contain not less than twenty four cartridges, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of powder and ball; or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch, and powder-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a pound of powder; and shall appear so armed, accoutered and provided, when called out to exercise or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack. That the commissioned Officers shall severally be armed with a sword or hanger, and espontoon; and that from and after five years from the passing of this Act, all muskets from arming the militia as is herein required, shall be of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound; and every citizen so enrolled, and providing himself with the arms, ammunition and accoutrements, required as aforesaid, shall hold the same exempted from all suits, distresses, executions or sales, for debt or for the payment of taxes."
Now, I hope you understand that the Second Amendment indeed apply to individuals in their role in the "non-organized" militia. Of course we can have a great debate now whether later versions have made that designation superfluous, but I fall in the school that it hasn't ... but like a host of other laws, it merely is no longer enforced ... much less with any rigor. I could go on, which would drive the current crop of civilian militia folks nuts, but I will leave all that for now ... you read, research and decide for yourself ... and I hope you come down on the side of individual liberty and freedom and the role we all owe to our community, state and nation.

Passing thoughts on events

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 I apologize again … for having been derelict in adding to my blog … but I have been having some software issues between the program I have used to compose my blog and publishing it here ... to wit I thank Windows 10 ... but I am endeavoring to adapt and overcome.
In addition, I have been torn of late with intense feelings of frustrations … with events in the world around me, with the reactions by our political leadership, by the expressions of profound idiocy from our media and social elites. Other than that, as the saying goes, things have been just hunky dory … which means I also am taking bids for the Golden Gate Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, the London Bridge in Arizona, along with some Pacific beach front property there.
First, would someone please tell me what planet President Obama is residing on? It sure as hell ain’t the same one the rest of us poop smucks live on … and that goes pretty much for the rest of the Political Left in North America, the progressives, the liberals and the Democrats. Although the Republican are having similar delusions. Having said that, let us begin with the links.
Basically, President Obama is flunking as a rhetorically inspiring president. Not only is he not a Wilson, or a Roosevelt (take your pick TR or FDR), or a Truman, a Kennedy, a Reagan, he is not even, for God's sake, either one of the Bushes.
This is the problem with the progressive left: They can't seem to bring themselves to understand that we are at war ... yes, Virginia, a real shootin', tootin' war that unfortunately doesn't fit into the four century old concept of Westphalian Concept of just and proper wars and how they are to be fought. ... and if you don't understand that reference, educate yourself. Look of the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia and how it changed how wars were fought in Europe for the next four centuries. Not elsewhere, so much, but in the West.
 A view into who the enemy is ... and why it has to be fought
And for those who don't think ISIS and the Islamic Jihadi are not the enemy, then you need to understand this.
This essay points out the reality in North America (it was written apparently by a Canadian) ... I know the progressives will pooh-pooh and dismiss this view ... but it is closer to reality than their world view is.
Having been one of these troops over the past 25 years, I know of what this author speaks. I know he speaks the truth ... and it frustrates me when others refuse to accept what our experience has taught us.
A digression of sorts ... but 50 or so responses to the mythology propagated by our liberal and progressive friends.
For those who view the U.S. Constitution as a very important document, one not to be interpreted as evolving, but in context of what its words truly mean, I would hope this essay would be an eye-opener ... and my hat still is doffed in respect to the short-little, red-head from Virginia. He truly was a man of great honor and integrity and deserving of your utmost respect.
Me thinks the Paris Climate Accord is much ado about not much. It really doesn't solve the problem - if the problem they are trying to solve really is the problem - nor is really enforceable on those who are doing the worst ... It, as often is the case, throws millions on the pyre of good intentions.
The next time you consider the case for progressive taxation ... review this article and ponder what it offers. Food for thought.
If you remember, I keep warning that you really need a score card to keep up with who is doing what to whom and why when it comes to the Middle East. Another piece of the muddle is offered here.

I think the former governor of New York has the right take on this. I do wonder why progressives and Democrats seem so busy trying to criminalize speech.
This is what groups like the Black Liberation Collective and Black Lives Matter are demanding. I, for one, have a real problem with them claiming victimhood status, but you are welcome to make your own judgments on their demands.
You know something: Sometimes our president just destroys his own credibility. It is getting to the point where I don't know how anyone can accept his leadership on anything.
For those who are buying into the Climate Change solution, I ask how you answer this points. I make them all the time, but no one seems to think that they are anything to worry about.
And one final point about warding off Climate Change: How disingenuous and blind do those who don't realize that this HAS to happen for their dream of no-fossil fuels to be realized have to be. Your science doesn't hold together and a lot of people of die unless you keep this power source in the mix.


There are more random thoughts in the pipeline … I am just too much of a procrastinator (make that lazy for those who have trouble with polysyllabic words) so, I don't know if one of the others I have stacked up will be able to make the conversion tonight ... but it might happen if this conversion works..

Suggested readings from Dec. 4, 2015

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EEEK – two days in a row … don’t get used to this … but to be honest, I am using my writing here as therapy to combat the anger I feel reading all the crap out there and the news which is nothing but propaganda for one agenda or another. Sigh … well, that is the way the world is … and as I tried to explain to some atheistic secular humanists, the world (basically meaning God/the creator/the divine presence) is merely testing us as we are forced to deal with events beyond our – or any individual’s – control. Bad things happen, because individual people choose to make them happen … and then usually people who don’t want to be part of anything are suddenly faced with the consequences of those choices that regardless of their feelings, wishes and desires,  the ugliness of the dark side of humankind forces them to deal with those choices that are out of the “innocent” parties’ control. It is part of the creator’s test of us as individuals, I have decided. If we in our hubris seem to expect God to do something different and let us live in peace and harmony without discord to illustrate to us the differences between good and evil, then we are projecting our own expectations on God, and not thinking about what God’s expectations might be for us as we exercise our own free will to make our own choices. So much for religion and philosophy right now and on to the news and views of the day.

 If American Muslims want to convince me that maybe the verses of the Koran and the Shura that I have read are wrong, then they need to stand up en masse like this person and take to the streets making this point. Otherwise, I tend to accept that silence is assent and consent with the Islamic Jihadi fanatics and Islam is a religion of the sword bent on subjugating all those who do not convert.

Apparently, according to the Labor Department some 211,000 more Americans were employed last month than the month before ... of course there are other numbers that make that pronouncement rather suspect to be trumpeted as a major advance.

These are some of those other numbers ... I find these figures quite distressing and discouraging ... and not so sanguine about the state of the US economy and its future. Did I tell you that I saw the panhandlers have returned to one of their special spots here in Portland. I saw two different ones working the same corner today.

This essay is a tad bit on the depressing side, but one has to say that the US created in the wake of Pearl Harbor did have a pretty good run ... sad truth is that that world no longer exists and the assumptions that underlied it are no longer valid.

It is official ... women can join the ranks of the infantry. I have made my view clear: I think it is a bad idea from my own experience (and that was with a support unit and not a combat unit), but obviously the denizens of political correctness have won the day. My only hope, and dearest wish, is that they be proven right and their decision does not cause unnecessary problems with morale, unit cohesiveness and effectiveness that result in the loss of more US service men and women than otherwise have been the case.

This essay articulates, in some measure, why I think the gender-neutral military is a disastrous decision.

To those of us alive during the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations, this sounds hauntingly familiar. Unfortunately, it is typical of the redefinition of terms to avoid the obvious ... yes, Virginia, there are American boots on the ground ... but if we couch it in the right terms, maybe no one will notice that we are lying our freaking butts off.

Gee, willikers ... it actually was an act of Islamic terrorism in San Bernardino ... I guess we had to hire a few rocket scientists at the FBI and the various law enforcement agencies involved to figure that out... although it seems our President and the Democratic presidential candidates still are having a difficult time coming to grips with that conclusion that was patently and painfully obvious to anyone who two brain cells to rub together from day one.

And let the apologists say their thing: I mean, who would have thought that a very devoutly religious Muslim might build bombs in their garage.

The National Rifle Association stands up in its own defense ... as it should.

One of the arguments pro-gun control advocates have is that people on terrorist watch lists should be banned from purchasing fire arms. This is my response to that argument ... liberty or safety? Surrender the first to achieve the second and you will enjoy neither.

Interesting article on inequality and such ... good food for thought.

This is one approach to the war on terror and specifically ISIS ... not that it will happen. Sorry, but the progs have the reins and are not going to go down this path.

Mr Rachel, as usual, makes a point in his own entertaining and unique fashion.

Suggested readings for Dec. 3, 2015

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To anyone following this blog, I apologize for the hiatus … but I had to deal with a number of issues that precluded me giving my attention to it. I probably won’t be as regular in the future, but I will try to post more often … complete with commentary.

Having got that out of the way, once more into the breech with today’s headlines. Most of which will concern the tragic events in California and the inanities of the responses in a variety of forums.

It seems that the attack might just have been the work of Islamic terrorists/radicalized Muslims or whatever you want to call those people who adhere to Islam and go on killing sprees of non-Muslim people. Folks, get with the program ... this was not workplace violence or random gun violence, this attack was a premeditated act to glorify Allah.

CNN can't quite bring itself to face that the workplace violence meme doesn't fit in this case in San Berdoo. They admit it might be a Islamic terror attack ... but it has to mention the workplace retaliation thingy.

This is our president. Would someone please take me to the planet he is on, because this one ain't even close to the one he is describing. The question arises: Is he really that misinformed or willingly delusional? You know, Mr. President, there is a whole world out that that doesn't seem to conform to your progressive views of life on Planet Earth.

Now, it seems to me that the progressive left in the United States is coming unglued and losing contact with reality. But to attack all Christians and those who may think there is value in prayer and thinking kind thoughts of others facing the evils of the world. Give me a break, HuffPo.

First of a series of different views on the progressives efforts to shame those who are praying ... one wonders why they feel the necessity.

This view point observes that the progressive left and secular humanists seem to have made government their deity

And another view about the prayer shaming effort ... where does it stop?

This is an interesting essay on the power of language and how we seem to be losing ours ... it seems that Orwell was right (well he thought it would happen by 30 years ago), but his NewSpeak seems to becoming more fashionable every day ... much to our detriment, I would say in my own view.

Part of the problem with what is going on in Southwest Asia and Asia Minor is that everybody is playing their own game. This especially is the case with Turkey, as this essayists points out, which makes it a very unreliable ally. Guns of August, anyone?  I still think that is a very viable scenario.

It seems that the President wants to close Gitmo on the cheap ... well, that is not going to happen if you want to deposit the remaining detainees in the continental US ... but I have an option ... call it my Botany Bay alternative. Reopen the facilities at Johnston Atoll in the Pacific and set up a new camp on Sand Island.

This article makes me want to pray a little harder that nothing will happen untoward in the East and South China Seas over the next two-plus years, because I have peeps on Guam who are near and dear to me and I don't like to think of them being at Ground Zero. I am not going to worry (he lies) but I love them dearly and with the world being in the shape it is thanks to the current administration ... I can't help myself.

Suggested readings posted Nov. 6, 2015

Another long list of unannotated links … still on editorial sabbatical … but felt I should at least put up some links.

Please read and attend to these articles … and use them for food for thought.

 

Suggested readings from 11.3.2015

http://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-obama-way-war-special-ops-syria-history-14238

https://www.thecipherbrief.com/article/purges-missiles-and-nukes

http://taskandpurpose.com/8-symptoms-of-a-toxic-command-climate/

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/11/03/subpoenaed-va-officials-refuse-to-testify-congressional-hearing.html?ESRC=eb.nl

http://defensetech.org/2015/11/02/china-flies-armed-jets-over-disputed-islands/

http://warontherocks.com/2015/11/the-pink-flamingo-on-the-subcontinent-nuclear-war-between-india-and-pakistan/?utm_source=WOTR+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8b174dbf90-WOTR_Newsletter_8_17_158_15_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8375be81e9-8b174dbf90-82923709

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/paging-dr-ben-carson_5637dfd5e4b079a43c04486f?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/us/illinois-district-violated-transgender-students-rights-us-says.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&ncid=newsltushpmg00000003&_r=0

http://conservativetribune.com/lady-accuses-police-officer/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=WesternJournalismEmail&utm_campaign=DailyBest&utm_content=2015-11-03

http://conservativetribune.com/teen-mind-blowing-comparison/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=WesternJournalismEmail&utm_campaign=DailyBest&utm_content=2015-11-03

http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2015/11/03/ignoring-the-obvious-n2074766/page/full

http://townhall.com/columnists/davidlimbaugh/2015/11/03/the-delusional-conceit-of-harwoodian-liberal-journos-n2074784/page/full

http://townhall.com/columnists/paulgreenberg/2015/11/03/word-games-n2074721/page/full

http://libertyunyielding.com/2015/11/02/epa-vows-to-lead-the-global-fight-against-air-conditioners/

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/11/the-perils-of-president-obamas-latest-undeclared-war/413566/

http://townhall.com/columnists/terrypaulson/2015/11/02/can-americas-moral-compass-be-restored-n2073149/page/full

http://www.breitbart.com/california/2015/11/01/murdered-illegal-aliens-2015-families-gather-remembrance/

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/11/02/syrian-official-calls-us-decision-to-send-troops-act-aggression.html?ESRC=eb.nl

http://warontherocks.com/2015/10/technology-and-war-the-revolution-that-never-arrived/?utm_source=WOTR+Newsletter&utm_campaign=d7fd0029fb-WOTR_Newsletter_8_17_158_15_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8375be81e9-d7fd0029fb-82923709

http://libertyunyielding.com/2015/10/28/egyptian-womans-dire-warning-to-america-wake-up-or-be-wiped-out/

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/426460/whitesplain-this-hypocritical-accusers-black-white

http://www.tpnn.com/2015/11/02/country-put-border-fence-results-shocking/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=NewVoiceNetwork&utm_content=11/03/2015&utm_campaign=manualpost

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/u.s.-national-debt-jumps-339-billion-after-ceiling-is-lifted/article/2575568

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/watson-a-little-canadian-modesty-please

http://www.pjtv.com/series/alfonzo-rachel-presents-zonation-84/comics-should-promote-heroism-not-a-liberal-agenda--11405/

http://pjmedia.com/blog/pelosi-on-tea-party-maybe-anarchy-would-be-better-for-you/?singlepage=true

http://pjmedia.com/blog/the-theology-of-liberalism/?singlepage=true

Nov. 6

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/aide-erdogan-push-constitutional-change-151104165401294.html?utm_source=weekly_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nov_5_2015&utm_source=Al+Jazeera+English+Newsletter+|+Weekly&utm_campaign=7ea7c6c6e1-weekly_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e427298a68-7ea7c6c6e1-223926129

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/gaza-palestinians-egypt-teaching-israel-tricks-151028091104982.html?utm_source=weekly_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nov_5_2015&utm_source=Al+Jazeera+English+Newsletter+|+Weekly&utm_campaign=7ea7c6c6e1-weekly_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e427298a68-7ea7c6c6e1-223926129

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/russian-airliner-downed-bomb-151104232326705.html?utm_source=weekly_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nov_5_2015&utm_source=Al+Jazeera+English+Newsletter+|+Weekly&utm_campaign=7ea7c6c6e1-weekly_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e427298a68-7ea7c6c6e1-223926129

http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/03/opinions/bloomberg-brune-coal-climate-change/index.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/republicans-declare-war-on-the-media-at-their-own-peril/2015/11/02/012b6a6e-81a6-11e5-8ba6-cec48b74b2a7_story.html

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/426529/rush-limbaugh-national-review-conservative-media-revolution

http://www.wsj.com/article_email/the-next-climate-scandal-1446594461-lMyQjAxMTI1MzA4NDgwNjQ5Wj

http://dailysignal.com/2015/11/03/why-churchill-thought-the-american-constitution-was-important/?utm_source=heritagefoundation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningbell&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRouva7OZKXonjHpfsX57eUkWqG1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4AT8JkNa%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7jHKM1t0sEQWBHm

http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/05/asia/afghanistan-doctors-without-borders-kunduz-hospital/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/04/middleeast/ayatollah-death-to-america/index.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/how-democrats-can-keep-white-house-2016-n455116

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34753464

Suggested readings for Nov. 2, 2015

Another unannotated version of Random Thought links ... as I continue my sabbatical from editorial commentary while escaping into the world of fiction where the good guys really are good guys, the bad guys are really evil and there is no confusing the two. Where honor, integrity, honesty, responsibility, self-discipline and duty are values that are treasured and exercised (or violated as the case may be with the evil folks) in everyday lives. It is not a perfect world but it sure beats the one I see out my window right now, where people give homage to those who lie and strive to get the power to impose their views on your life.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2999896/hardware/us-army-tests-swarms-of-drones-in-major-exercise.html#tk.nl_today

http://dailysignal.com/2015/10/22/seattle-hiked-the-minimum-wage-to-15-an-hour-heres-what-happened-to-seattles-job-market/?utm_source=heritagefoundation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=saturday&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRouvqrLZKXonjHpfsX57eUkWqG1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4ATsthN6%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7jHKM1t0sEQWBHm

http://dailysignal.com/2015/10/28/lois-lerner-wont-be-facing-criminal-charges-here-are-the-problems-with-the-investigation-that-cleared-her/?utm_source=heritagefoundation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=saturday&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRouvqrLZKXonjHpfsX57eUkWqG1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4ATsthN6%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7jHKM1t0sEQWBHm

http://www.realclearworld.com/blog/2015/10/abbas_has_no_control_and_only_bad_choices_111527.html

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/10/planned_parenthood_injunction_1.html?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/10/29/white-house-releases-action-plan-to-confront-real-and-present-space-weather-threats/?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/abby-norman2/why-white-parents-wont-ch_b_8294908.html?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003

http://libertyunyielding.com/2015/10/31/atheist-explains-honestly-why-he-feels-free-to-criticize-christians/

http://pjmedia.com/blog/the-quiet-revolution-a-religious-revival-in-america/?singlepage=true

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/30/delta-force-death-signals-watershed-for-us-combat-role-in-iraq.html?ESRC=eb.nl

http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2015/10/29/the-obama-administration-religious-freedoms-fro-american-muslims-not-american-christians-n2072727/page/full

http://townhall.com/columnists/paulgreenberg/2015/10/30/a-sense-of-place-n2072754/page/full

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/10/29/will-china-colonize-north-korea.html

http://thediplomat.com/2015/10/why-japan-wont-get-too-involved-in-the-south-china-sea/

http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2015/10/29/the_end_of_americas_competitive_military_advantage__108629.html

http://townhall.com/columnists/victordavishanson/2015/10/29/the-decline-of-modern-germany-n2072302/page/full

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/426364/hamilton-jefferson-moral-opposites?utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_content=5634bcbf04d30101b3f157b4&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/30/us-southchinasea-usa-china-navy-idUSKCN0SO05320151030

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/science/nasa-adds-to-evidence-of-mysterious-ancient-earthworks.html?_r=1

http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/massive-crack-earth-opens-suddenly-wyomings-bighorn-mountains

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/11/we-need-an-energy-miracle/407881/

http://townhall.com/columnists/larryelder/2015/10/29/hillary-won-america-lost-n2072422/page/full

http://townhall.com/columnists/judgeandrewnapolitano/2015/10/29/the-midwife-to-chaos-and-her-perjury-n2072280/page/full

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/31/politics/bush-gore-2000-election-results-studies/index.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34690546

http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/10/29/california-student-told-american-flag-t-shirt-gang-related/

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/the-administration/258689-leaked-dhs-memo-shows-obama-might-circumvent-dapa

http://www.express.co.uk/news/science/616367/WATCH-Nasa-live-cam-cuts-after-suddenly-locking-on-to-mystery-glowing-UFO

http://pjmedia.com/victordavishanson/community-organizing-america/?singlepage=true

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.