Let's Talk About Gun Control

(Two posts today. Please scroll down)

In the wake of the Aurora Massacre, here is Bill O'Reilly on the topic (hat tip to Reliapundit of THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS):


Discussion of other methods to prevent such massacres is also encouraged in this thread.

I'll offer my opinions later, in the comments section of this blog post. First, I want to know what YOU have to say.

Today's Recommended Reading

See Busted: Mr. Pfeiffer and the White House blog by Charles Krauthammer. In case you cannot read the essay due to subscription restrictions, I have copied and pasted it below the fold (emphases mine):

Blatant Hypocrisy

(Settle in for one of my long posts)

The world of classical literature offers several examples of hypocrisy and its effects on both the hypocrite and society. Two such examples of literature spring to mind: Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Both of these works have hypocrisy as one of their major themes, specifically with regard to practitioners of two major faiths.  These two works also present the negative consequences of revenge. 

Recently, a bit of a firestorm erupted when portions of an interview with Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-Fil-A, appeared in the Baptist Press: News with a Christian Perspective.  You can read that article HERE. 

Edited Out!

I am violating my weekend break from politics to call this to your attention.

NBC edited out the following from the network's 2012 Olympics coverage in the broadcast televised in the United States (hat tip):


Clarification: The portion edited out but appearing in this video relates to the victims of Islamic terrorism in London on July 7, 2005.

More dhimmitude: "London’s Olympic Park toilets to turn away from Mecca out of respect for Islamic law."

Weekend Break From Politics

(If you must have politics, please keep scrolling)

"Recuerdos de la Alhambra":

Food! Glorious Food!

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

A New World Order

by Sam Huntington

China continues to increase its naval forces. China continues to intimidate its neighbors by claiming territorial waters from just south of Hainan Island south to Malaysia, and northeast to areas adjacent to the Philippine Islands. What has China’s leadership said about this international thuggery? President Hu Jintao said, “China’s navy must speed up its development and prepare for warfare. The navy must extend their preparations for the military struggle.”

Doctrine Of The Last Shot Fired

I haven't posted here about the recent mass murder committed by James E. Holmes in Aurora, Colorado.

Instead of writing about similar events and scientific theories, I now post the following, reproduced in full and with permission, from Tammy Swofford's blog site as her essay presents an issue which is being avoided and should, in my opinion, be addressed:

Short Update

“No guts, no glory”

"Since Jan. 1 of this year, according to congressional testimony presented Thursday by the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized 106 federal, state and local government “entities” to fly “unmanned aircraft systems,” also known as drones, within U.S. airspace..."

Source: Washington Times

Update On Mr. AOW

Considering how well we did on last week's museum trip and now that I've had my 1996 Crown Victoria repaired (To the tune of $2400!), we are making some resume-living plans. A police interceptor requires parts that are more expensive, but those parts last longer and can take a beating and keep on ticking.

Weekend Break From Politics

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

The rare albino ruby-throated hummingbird, photographed in Staunton, Virginia, by Marlin Shank, age 16; Shaphan Shank, age 14; Darren Shank, age 12; and Allen Shank, age 9 (Thanks, Big Bubba):

More images and a poem below the fold. Enjoy!

No guts, No glory

By Sam Huntington

An unconfirmed quotation, often attributed to General George S. Patton goes something like this: “Wonder weapons? My God, I don't see the wonder in them. Killing without heroics, nothing is glorified, nothing reaffirmed. No heroes, no cowards, no troops, no generals; only those left alive and those left dead. I'm glad I won’t live to see it” This statement speaks to us in volumes, even if its originator was a Hollywood screenwriter for an award winning 1970 film.

Obama Spouts Collectivism (With Addendum)

Obama is off his rocker, and that is the nicest thing that I can say.

Obama's statement:

"If you’ve got a business -- you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen."

He's ratcheted up. Downright wild and screaming.

Watch the demagoguery:


Basic definition of collectivism:

Collectivism is any philosophic, political, religious, economic, or social outlook that emphasizes the interdependence of every human being. Collectivism is a basic cultural element that exists as the reverse of individualism...

Has this portion of Obama's July 13, 2012 speech in Roanoke, Virginia, aired on any mainstream-media television broadcast?

Addendum: Check out these graphics!
HERE and HERE, at Infidel Bloggers Alliance. Spew alert!

Doom And Gloom

Recently I read the posting "American Death Watch" over at Stogie's site, Saberpoint. I find myself in agreement with the thesis therein.

The future of America does indeed look bleak.

Clearly, we are on an unsustainable path on many levels, not the least of which is economically. Those on the dole in its many manifestations well exceed the tax base.

Weekend Break From Politics

"Go Speed Racer," this evocative photo taken by the Duck, brings back happy memories of my own childhood – such a carefree time:

(used with permission)
See more of the Duck's photography work HERE.

Recommended Reading

(Two posts today.  Please keep scrolling)

See Tammy Swofford's essay Unleashed. Preface to the essay from Swofford Commentary below the fold:

Obama Tax Increase

While Rome Burns …

By Sam Huntington

When people borrow money, they incur debt against future income. In the near term, this means that the borrower must apportion a percentage of future income to liquidating that debt. It also means that should the borrower suddenly die, his survivors or estate is obligated to pay that debt, unless dismissed by a federal court. A responsible person understands that while some debt is inevitable, they should avoid debt whenever possible because debt has a diminishing effect on wealth.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up!

(Two posts today.  Please keep scrolling)

U. S. Attorney General Holder demands journalists show photo ID to get into his NAACP talk on the evils of photo ID laws!

Obama Admits That He's Unpatriotic

With a hat tip to Reliapundit of THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS:

Recommended Reading

(Two posts today.  Please keep scrolling)

See Elemental Economics Explained Elementarily at FreeThinke.  Sometimes explanations of underlying causes really ARE simple.

Subliminal Message?

(Also scroll down to the post just below this one)

See The New Obama Typeface: Revolution Gothic.

Worth your time and consideration.

ObamaCare Realities

Let us understand some of what ObamaCare requires by 2014, unless, of course, one chooses to pay the tax instead of ponying up for health insurance.

 I did research on the topic of availing this household of the "cheap ObamaCare policies" in 2010, shortly after ObamaCare was thrust upon our nation by Congress and the Obama administration. At that point in time, Mr. AOW was paying $584/month, and I, in the same age bracket, was paying $256/month for our separate private policies. The difference in those premiums is attributable to Mr. AOW's having pre-existing conditions even before his stroke [We have had health insurance all of our married lives, some 40 years], whereas I do not have any pre-existing conditions. Each of our policies at that time had an in-network deductible of $2500/year with a maximum of $5000/year in-network out of pocket. No prescription coverage whatsoever was included. 

Those ever-touted-by-the-Left "cheap" health insurance policies" mandated by ObamaCare and subsidized by the government in 2010 went begging, that is, people were not signing up.  It's easy to understand why if one considers the above.

So, how do those "cheap ObamaCare" policies scheduled to go in force in 2014 work?  Below the fold is what I have gleaned so far about taking preemptive action in advance of 2014.

Musical Interlude

Sunday break from politics
The Moravian hymn Velkomoravský chorál:


My paternal grandmother had training in Moravian music as did Andy Griffith, a distant cousin of mine who passed away on July 3, 2012.

Live TV Debate in Jordan

(Note: Two posts today)

So much for peace in our time in the Middle East. Video below the fold.

Campañas sociales

This Week On The Gathering Storm

Our scheduled guest this week is Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch.

The Gathering Storm, co-hosted by WC and yours truly, broadcasts for 30 minutes every Friday beginning at noon Pacific Time.

Obama: "The law I passed is here to stay"

Ahem. According to the United States Constitution, Congress passes bills that are signed into law by the President of the United States.

About Iran

By Sam Huntington

In spite of the criticism I've received from Mr. Charles, I remain undaunted; the term "American Diplomacy" is an oxymoron.

Musical Interlude For Independence Day

This song always makes me cry tears of happiness and patriotism:


The choral version:

Happy Independence Day, America!

Reading for today from Political Tea Leaves: "All Hail Rodney this Independence Day." Excerpt:

...Rodney’s vote for independence was considered high treason and caused him to be branded a traitor to the Crown. As history records, Caesar Rodney gave up the possibility of receiving medical treatment in London because he voted and pledged his life, fortune and sacred honor for American Independence....

Read the whole thing.

A reminder ...

By Sam Huntington

As we remember what happened at Gettysburg, and as we celebrate our nation's beginning, perhaps we should pause for a moment to remember the basis of our quest for freedom. What a pity if we lose our Republic because public education brainwashed our society into thinking the Constitution supports oligarchy. It does not, even if the people do.

Hello, Little Black Dress!

(If you must have politics, please keep scrolling)

Six months ago, I thought that I'd never again wear that little black dress, which has been languishing in my closet for about five years.

Storm Update

(If you must have politics, please keep scrolling)

Alert this morning: Boil all water before drinking it or using it for cooking. 

The Slippery Slope

Last week, Reliapundit of THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS called to my attention the short audio below. Worthy of your consideration whether or not you are a fan of Rush Limbaugh:



Limbaugh does not say that Obama could well justify other dictatorial deeds with the words "It's the right thing to do!" However, is not that statement part of all utopianism?

And what does all utopianism bring, sooner or later?

A few quotations about utopias from a variety of individuals: