This picture just screams "Present Administration." Despite the promised transparency, we actually are being treated more like mushrooms...kept in the dark and fed a bunch of manure. I can imagine how people during the old west felt when a snake-oil shyster promised something that would relieve their pain, and when the truth came out, only the crooked salesman profited. Filling his wallet was more important than the people he pitched to. Sound familiar?

I copied this from Michelle Malkin's blog:
Republicans and conservative groups opposed to the cap-and-trade bill that passed the House last week did their best to make sure Buchanan did not vote with the majority of Democrats.

Talk show host Rush Limbaugh, and conservative bloggers Michelle Malkin and Erick Erickson of Redstate.com all singled out Buchanan as one of the five undecided Republicans late last week. The bloggers published his office phone number to encourage readers to call him and tell him to vote no on the bill.

On the otherside, environmental groups were pushing Buchanan hard, singling him out for a television ad campaign aimed at encouraging people to call him and vote yes. The National Wildlife Federation and the Environmental Defense Fund both ran newspaper ads in the region pushing Buchanan to vote for the bill.

His office reports receiving 2,000 calls and emails on the climate change bill by the time Friday’s vote arrived.

Buchanan ended up joining all but eight Republicans in voting against the climate change bill that includes the cap and trade regulations.

I truly believe the pressure for some politicians is unbearable. Imagine being torn in two directions, one promising bribes and the other threatening your status. This is where it becomes important to create a third party interest, by calling or writing your senator and urging them not to let this Crap and Trade nightmare become a reality. You can Google your state officials and find contact information for them. I did that yesterday and sent emails to Tennessee's U.S. Senators. I hope I'm not the only one.

President Obama wants the government to have a hand in everything. Our constitution gave us rights that are bound to be stripped away until we can no longer make decisions about anything if we don't act. First, bailing out banks and establishing rules about how they're run, then getting involved in the automotive business. Next on his agenda is finding away to dictate our health care needs.

Our country is teetering on ruin, with the highest unemployment rate in decades. Does the president really thing that those on unemployment (ours is a whopping $256 a week) can afford to run out and take advantage of the Cash for Clunkers bill just passed? First, how can you qualify for a new car without a job, and secondly, if people had money, would they even be driving a clunker?

I believe our President has a very distorted image of middle-class America. Most of us rent homes because we can't afford to buy, or can't qualify, and we're making car payments on vehicles we could afford before gasoline skyrocketed. All the finger-pointing at previous administrations doesn't change a thing. The bottom line is we've sat back far too long and trust elected officials to do what is best for us. They haven't.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to drive around in a car so small I look like I'm wearing it. I want to choose, not have someone make my choices for me...like when the current President was elected. It has nothing to do with skin color, race, religion...it's about someone making bad decisions and others following blindly. When President Obama campaigned on Change, he really wasn't kidding. Someone should have asked what kind and how many! He scared me then, and he scares me now.

And...what's going to happen to the trucking industry? There are so many questions that have not been asked and answered. Change should be preceded by a plan of action and some knowledge of what the long term affect will be. I'd rather wait a few more years and have all that in place before rushing headlong into disaster. Wouldn't you.

The only people who going to profit from this bill are the Green companies and the politicians who accept their bribes in exchange for votes. We have much more to lose, and unless we speak up now...consider it lost.

Wake Up America

Cap and Trade? Maybe it should be called Crap on a Tray. We should copy Iran and take to the streets. It's not just what's happening, it's the way it's happening. What is the friggin' rush? The Obama administration seems hell bent to change/fix everything in one year...and without any plan or idea about the long-term affect. How much research is going into these proposed improvements? What the hell is happening to our government?

The Governor of SC utilized $12,000 in state funds to cover his travel expenses to Argentina in order to have an affair. If we, as individuals, helped ourselves to money that didn't belong to us, we'd be immediately fired and jailed. Why do we have double standards for cheating politicians? Sure, Bernie Madoff got 150 years for his crime, but President Obama has just succeeded in pressuring Congress to pass his Cap & Trade Bill. Of course, during all the brouhaha over Michael Jackson's death, someone sneaked in and inserted another 105 amendments to the bill...amendments that hadn't been read...amendments that are going to raise our utility bills by 25%, federalize our building codes so that our houses MUST be inspected and meet government standards for energy efficiency before we can sell. If the inspection fails, you'll have to invest to bring appliances, etc, up to the expensive standards of the state of California. Can you afford that? I can't even afford to own a home.

Every car manufactured after 2010 will have to be a hybrid, and every house will have to have a plug-in station. IF you rent...guess who'll foot the bill. Can you say Rent increases? Ask yourself where you'll get the money for all this? I have no idea where I will. I can't pull my RV with a hybrid and I'm locked into a purchase contract. How fair is that? Plus, My husband wasn't laid off when we bought it.

Here are the names of the Republicans who voted in favor...why you ask? They received campaign contributions from Green Companies to help pass the bill. Shouldn't those people be in jail too?

ono Mack (CA)
Castle (DE)
Kirk (IL)
Lance (NJ)
LoBiondo (NJ)
McHugh (NY)
Reichert (WA)
Smith (NJ)

Forty four democrats voted NO, and I applaud them for that. I guess no one promised to line their pockets. According to Michelle Malkins Blog, two Republicans didn't vote...one because his daughter was in a beauty pageant in Alabama, and the other in Alcohol rehab. I ask again, when did being a politician become a career over an elected position? We need to clean house and make sure the people elected remember who they're working for.

When are we going to say ENOUGH?

Tea Party

This video was made after the April Tea Party in Nashville. There will be another on Monday, June 29th in the same place. If you're in the area, come join the rally. It's time to stop the madness.

Why?

Why do celebrities seem to die in threes? When Ed McMahon passed earlier in the week, I wondered who would be next. I also imagined how nervous celebs get when they hear a death announcement of one of their own. Although I didn't feel unusual sadness at Ed's passing, I simply recalled "Heerrreee's Johnny," and commented to my sis that Carson's sidekick had gone to join him on the big couch in the sky.

I was even more touched when Farrah's death was announced. I guess because her suffering was shared recently on a TV documentary, and the horrors of rectal cancer became real and even more scary. True, she wasn't the best actress in the world, but she did sport a trendy hairstyle that millions of women across the world tried to copy. I think what hit me hardest...we are one year apart in age. That really puts the focus on mortality.

I took a nap for a little while and awoke to news that Michael Jackson had passed. Number three, making the fable about death complete. Only fifty, and dead from a heart attack. That's very sad, but how many other people passed today and no one but the family mourned them? He made great contributions to the music world, but he also set a bad example with his weird behaviors. The man had body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), defined in Wikipedia as a psychiatric disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect in their physical features. Perhaps he can find peace now.


On a more serious note, it concerns me that we elevate some 'celebrities' to such a high status. All of a sudden, Michael Jackson's death has overshadowed the death of the two previous stars, taken over the television news stations, and throngs are pouring out onto the streets in Los Angeles to mourn his death.

I'm not saying it's not a time to mourn, but wondering why this same show of concern isn't put into play as our country as we've known it is dying. Physically, financially, and spiritually, we're in the terminal stages, and the passing of Michael Jackson, an emotionally disturbed and suspected pedophile has garnered more attention than the threat of N. Korean missiles, the killings in Iran because people want to westernize their government, and the continued ridiculous spending on the part of President Obama as he tries to create a government-run healthcare that's doomed to fail for lack of planning.

I think we need to examine our priorities. Will this many people attend an upcoming tea party? I doubt it. Last time we were accused of terrorist-like behavior. And we wonder why the President doesn't support those in Iran speaking out for change. Hey...wasn't that his platform for the presidency?

May the three who passed this week find peace in their final resting places. I meant no disrespect to their memories, I just needed to ask why one celebrity warrants so much more than the others, and why we aren't this concerned about our own futures.

I got an Invitation from Barak!

Dear Friend,

Last week, I announced United We Serve – a nationwide call to service challenging you and all Americans to volunteer this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America.

And when I say “all,” I mean everyone – young and old, from every background, all across the country. We need individuals, community organizations, corporations, foundations, and our government to be part of this effort.

Today, for the official kick off of United We Serve, members of my administration have fanned out across America to participate in service events and encourage all Americans to join them.

The First Lady is rolling up her sleeves and getting to work too. But before she headed out today, she asked me to share this message with you.

Watch Video here

Our nation faces some of the greatest challenges it has in generations and we know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get us back on track.

While Michelle and I are calling on every American to participate in United We Serve, the call to service doesn’t end this fall. We need to stay involved in our towns and communities for a long time to come. After all, America’s new foundation will be built one neighborhood at a time – and that starts with you.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama

Oh M Gee!

Right! America, roll up your sleeves and get to work with Barak and Michelle. Like everything else he talks about, I have no idea what this means. We need to stay involved in our towns and communities? You mean the ones where all the buildings are empty because businesses have closed due to the economy or have gone overseas because it's too expensive to do business here. Gallatin, TN looks like an industrial ghost town.

Sure, our nation is facing some really hard challenges right now...like paying back the enormous amount of money our new president spent to bail out banks, car companies and support rebuilding Gaza for the Palestinians.

Did it ever occur to him that if he gave each household in the United States a portion of the zillions he's spending, we would have done a much better job of stimulating the economy? We could have paid off bills, bought new cars, maybe even invested in a home. Did you know that the majority of America rents? When the president talks about tax breaks, he forgets a huge population of the country who aren't fortunate enough to own their own homes. How about some help for those folks.

Now the government has started pushing car sales. With the passing of the Cash for Clunkers by congress, I suppose that rebated money is going to encourage all those unemployed people to rush right out and incur yet another debt they can't afford on the measly weekly benefit they receive (that includes that $25.00 increase he granted those who had lost their jobs.)

There is something wrong with this picture. To further validate my belief that the government benefits from every thing B.O. proposes, I watched Mrs. Obama today as she encouraged young students to plant a garden. Sure, she helped and offered praise, but the end result requires the youngsters to sell the vegetables and turn the money over to the school.Don't they already get enough funding? Is that what we've been reduced to?

So, roll up your sleeves, plant a garden, sell those veggies and send the money to Congress. We have to repay that trillion dollar debt somehow.

How Do You Feel

Ralph Peters had this to say in the New York Post:

Look where Obama has gone and who he supports: the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, his groveling speech in Egypt, his embrace of Hamas, his hands-off approach to the gory regime in Sudan -- and now his dismay at the protests in Iran.

Does the President's silence about the outrage over the Iranian election send a message of complacency to the rest of the world? He's already been accused of interfering, so why doesn't he speak up in support of the citizens there who are fighting so desperately for a democratic government. Could it be because he's fighting so hard here to steal our democracy away?

He didn't seem to have any problem interfering in Israel's business, and coughed up a shit-load of money to help the Palestinian people rebuild Gaza when our economy is in the dumper, so what's his motivation for silence now...especially after he's made such an effort to placate the Muslims of the world...or could that be it?

I'd sure like to know what others feel. On one hand, I tell myself it isn't our business, and we've already had our nose in the dealings of too many other governments, but on the other, I've always felt that people who didn't like their government should stand up and insist on change. That's what happening in Iran right now, so shouldn't we show some support. Actually, it's what should be happening here! When are we going to stand up and say we don't like the direction our government is going? Tea Party anyone? I hear there are more scheduled for July 4th.

Misplaced Anger?

Granted, these sorts of things anger people, but for as long as I've been alive, there have been racist and tasteless jokes aimed at every nationality or sector. What about fat people? They are made fun of every day and no one pitches a fit equal to the one brewing in Nashville right now.

Some poor schmuck like me, received and forwarded this picture depicting President Obama as a pair of eyes. Rather than consider it stupid and trash it, she forwarded it. Unfortunately someone who received it needed a platform to spew venom and this provided it. What doesn't amaze me is that because the Senator is Republican, it's mostly Democrats who are offended and are making this about crossing political lines, rather than just crossing the line of good and bad taste. The woman has apologized, but her apology didn't contain the message the offendees wanted to hear.

The sender has worked in Senator Black's office for over twenty years and people are demanding that she be fired. So far, the senator is holding firm with an issued warning. I agree with her.

The woman made a mistake, but is it worth penalizing her career and retirement. Did she kill anyone? Some are angered because she stated she was sorry it fell into the wrong hands and didn't show more remorse. Is there a meter somewhere that measures how we feel and how we should react? Maybe we should just send her to Gitmo. At least she might get released to beautiful Bermuda or Belize...maybe even get to finally go to Paris. The woman made a mistake. Let it go!

My point...why aren't people this angry about all the bad moves in Washington? Why aren't they up in arms over the growing unemployment and the rising gas prices? Why didn't they find fault when our President was kissing ass and apologizing for us? Violating a bill he sponsored as a senator, our president recently fired a man for doing the job he was paid to do. According to the "law" this inspector general was to receive 30 days notice and a reason for his termination. All he got was a demeaning public statement from the White House. I haven't seen this covered on any of the network news programs, but I've sure seen a lot reported on this. Why waste another moment on such a stupid error in judgment as this picture? Honestly, can't we even laugh at ourselves anymore?

People...take a chill pill and get over it. There's much better causes to pursue. How about venting about N. Korea or Iran developing weapons they evidently plan to use against us. Those are going to do much more harm than this asinine picture,

Transparency?

YEP! I can see right through the B.S. How convenient that Inspector General Gerald Walpin became confused and disoriented immediately after conducting an investigation of a known Obama supporter, friend, and ex-NBA Player AND Mayor of Sacramento. Does the President think we are all morons?

I've watched several interviews with Mr. Walpin, and he seemed sharp as a tack to me. In fact, so sharp that he's standing up against being fired without the approved and required 30-day notification and explanation of reason. If anyone is confused and disoriented, its B.O. for thinking that anyone is buying into his lame excuse.

What next America. Are we going to keep swallowing until we throw up?

I'm reminded of the people in Germany who bought into Hitler's personality and suave approach, then later discovered they worshiped a dictator. Is that what's happening here? God, I pray not.

We are in Deep Doo Doo

While our President is busy appointing czars without scrutiny or the "transparency in government" he promised... and undermining the proposed structure of the government that assured that not one branch could become top-heavy, we're stuck with VP Biden to handle the blatant threat of Nuclear War against us by North Korea.

Think about it. Joe Biden hasn't been able to answer one question with any degree of authority or knowledge since he took office. His wrists are red from being slapped for making the current administration look ridiculous, and this is the man our lives depend on? It scares me to death.

This from the news: WASHINGTON – Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday committed the U.S. to enforcing new U.N. penalties against North Korea while acknowledging that "God only knows" what ruler Kim Jong Il wants from the latest showdown.

Are we going to do anything more than impose sanctions and inspect their ships...and will we do it before or after a piece of the United States goes up in smoke?

The Democrats are quick to attack ex VP Cheney and say his remarks indicate he hopes we are attacked in order to prove his point. So says the CIA director. Wrong, Mr. Panetta. YOU read between the lines. Dick Cheney is trying to make you and your cohorts realize it's time to pay attention to what is happening in the world. As I've said before, we have Jihad training camps in our own back yard, and while the President is off playing nice with the Muslims of the world, promising things on our behalf, the North Koreans are going to take advantage of the lack of attention and make a bold and deadly move. Instead of finger pointing and placing blame, why can't both sides work together?

What amazes me is that more air time has been given in honor of David Carradine...a man who accidentally hung himself naked in his closet in an attempt to achieve an orgasm...or to the ex-Miss California, Carrie PreJean who lost who crown from failure to comply with her duties. Who gives a crap? There are more important issues to be aired, but the media doesn't want you to know the ugly side of politics and the stupid decisions that have been made to move our country further toward a dictatorship. Ask yourself...Why do we need Obama to appoint Czars when other cabinet members have been duly approved and appointed to do the same things? I believe now when he said he would be creating jobs, he was telling the truth. We just didn't realize it was his own personal agenda. Where's the transparency we were promised? Don't we elect politicians to work for us? I know of know other employers who are kept in the dark and remain clueless about what their employees are doing or not doing. It's time to to take a stand, and even if sharing my opinions on my blog is a baby-step...I'm not sitting idly by and keeping quiet.

Am I wrong to care?

Super Obama

For heaven sakes, even God rested on the 7th day. Can BO spend money any faster...money we don't even have? Any moment now I expect him to rip open his shirt and show us the big S on his chest. Unfortunately, I think he misunderstood and is showing his ass instead. While we're being told to sacrifice and be patient, he's going on date nights, assuring the Muslims that America wants to play nice, and re-structuring the bankruptcy guidelines to fit GM. It won't be long until the government tells us what kinds of cars we can buy, and lord help those who don't adhere. Am I the only one scared of his man and his power plays?

My sister and I were discussing the proposed expenditure for health care reform. Have you noticed that despite the transparency claim he always quotes, you really never have any idea of what type of reforms he plans to make? Let's consider that two of the biggest money-sucking screw-ups in the the US are Medicare and Medicaid. The fraudulent claims number in the thousands for individual agencies, yet no one provides any oversight to rectify the problem. So...these government run agencies can be listed as money-sucking ventures from the tax-payers, yet the government wants to overhaul our entire health care program and tell us how it should be run. Right! What's wrong with this picture?

Speaking of what's wrong. Why isn't the media or some of the commentators on Fox asking the important questions. When announcement of upcoming jobs was made, why didn't someone ask 'where and who will benefit?"

When asked about the statement, VP Joe Biden responded that the answer was outside his payscale. Only the president knows the answer. Does Joe Biden know anything at all?

What about all the czars? The title isn't new, but never before has a president appointed so many to these posts. Currently he has assigned sixteen friends, acquaintances or complete strangers to occupy a desk. I watched Glen Beck explain how these positions function, and they are non-elected individuals, not necessarily qualified in any manner for an area of expertise, and answer ONLY to the President. The original format for government was set so that one branch didn't become too top heavy with power. I'd say there has been a vast change in the model. I'm with Glen in wanting to know why we need a Health Czar when we have just appointed someone as the Director of Healthcare...why a Terror Czar when we have a Department of Homeland Security, and why a Car Czar...although I believe that's to handle the new government interest in GM.

Okay...enough to ponder for today. I'll be back as soon as my blood pressure lowers.

Infidel?

In light of President Obama's recent speech to the Muslims of the world, I found it very interesting to read the following information from a particular website. I was prompted to locate the actual source when I received an email containing a version of this statement from Rick Mathes.

Rick and his wife, Trish, are the founders of Mission Gate Prison Ministries, an outreach to those who are incarcerated and their families. The following is taken directly from his site:

Date Added: Jan. 14, 2004

Since the horrible events of September 11, 2001, the Islamic faith, and those who follow it, have been the subjects of intense scrutiny and distrust. Desperate to know why so many innocent people had to die, many have tried to "prove" that the Muslim faith is intrinsically violent. Given this social tone, it is not surprising that this chain letter, supposedly putting one of Islam's own on the spot, has become so popular. At the very least, we can say this is a one-sided account of real events.

By Rick Mathes

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.

The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked, "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"

There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, "Non-believers!"

I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."

I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"

The Imam was speechless.

I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question! ...would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and wants you to be with me?"

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.

Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth will prevail."

And it will!

Note from Ginger: I have no real understanding of the Muslim faith, but if the majority consider me an Infidel because of my differing beliefs, then why in the world would my President want to make America more accommodating to them?

A recent attack and murder of an American soldier in Arkansas by a proclaimed American Muslim because of his upset with America's stance in Iraq and Afghanistan sort of proves that the Muslim faith does not abdicate peace and love. The killing of an abortion doctor warranted more attention from the White House than the murder of this young GI who hadn't even seen battle yet. Do you suppose it was swept under the carpet so as not to interfere with the President playing nice with Muslims abroad? I fear for the future of this country because our President is so out of touch with what is going on in our own backyards. I'm sure you've seen the Jihad training camp maps I've posted. Isn't anyone else concerned?

The Correct Concept

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.


"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language.. and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

When did we lose this concept? Now President Obama is promising Muslims that we will adapt to their standards. Are we going to allow those living under Shiria law (Wikipedia definition: Sharia deals with many aspects of day-to-day life, including politics, economics, banking, business, contracts, family, sexuality, hygiene, and social issues) to dictate who we do things in America? We've already installed foot baths in airports. Will we now allow female Muslims to be photographed for their driver's licenses with heads and faces covered? Will be stand idly by while the men stone their wives and daughters in what is considered an acceptable practice under their belief? America has always been a melting pot of people from all walks of life, but I see our Constitution being chipped away and new standards being set...and I don't like it one little bit.

Anyone know?

After the President's speech, I only have one burning question. Why is the United States assuming responsibility for re-structuring the Middle East? According to media reports, Muslims across the world are now waiting to see some action on his part. Where will the money come from, even if this is a joint effort? I quote President Obama from the transcript of his speech:

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America. (Applause.) At the same time, we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. We'll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, grow new crops. Today I'm announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek -- a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.



Speaking for myself, I honestly am more concerned about the fate of Americans in the face of the present economy. Maybe that's not being charitable, but if we are going to quote sayings, then don't forget, "charity begins at home."

Are You Kidding Me?

Found this on a judicial watch blog: Guantanamo Prisoners Get Laptops, Computer Lab

U.S. taxpayers are buying laptops and computer lessons for terrorism suspects jailed at Guantanamo Bay prison so that they can be reintroduced into a modern society when the president fulfills his campaign promise of releasing them.

A south Florida newspaper reports that the U.S. military is actually setting up a sophisticated computer lab for the detainees—who already get phones and fast-food takeout—and providing them with high-tech laptop computers. The terrorism suspects will be taught how to send electronic mail and will receive language and basic user skills training to help them find jobs when they get released.

Compliments of Uncle Sam, the costly program is part of the Obama Administration’s effort to persuade Americans and European allies that some detainees don’t represent a threat and can therefore resettle in their backyard. The effort seems to ignore several Pentagon reports revealing increases in the number of detainees who rejoined terrorist missions after being released.

Earlier this year the Department of Defense disclosed that the number of Guantanamo prisoners—all suspected Middle Eastern terrorists—who have returned to “the fight” since their release from custody nearly doubled in a short time and a major newspaper reported that a one-time detainee became an Al Qaeda leader who masterminded a U.S. Embassy bombing after leaving Guantanamo.

Yet President Obama signed an Executive Order to close Guantanamo Bay prison shortly after moving into the White House, although he has offered no specific plans to relocate the more dangerous prisoners. Nearly half of the 255 suspected terrorists imprisoned are Yemenis and defense officials say scores should never be released because they pose a serious threat the United States.

Some will undoubtedly be repatriated under Obama’s new plan, which means they will go through a rehabilitation program similar to the Saudi rehab that the former detainee turned Al Qaeda leader (Said Ali al-Shihri) went through a few years ago. He ended up organizing a deadly bombing of the United States Embassy in Yemen’s capital and separate car bombings outside the American Embassy that killed more than a dozen people.

Under Obama’s new plan to introduce detainees to modern society, that terrorist probably would have received a U.S. taxpayer-financed laptop and computer skill classes.

I think there are thousands in this country who would love to have new laptops and the luxury of eating out. Why are we being so generous to people who tried to eliminate us or others? Is this what going to hell in a hand basket means?

I'm Confused

Clearly there are those who support President Obama and those who don't, but as days go by, I'm wondering what positives people continue to see in this man who asks American's to cut back, sacrifice and be patient, yet uses our tax dollars to fly his wife on a date night after providing continuous secret service to her so she can appear on the covers of all the magazines she has so recently graced. His daughters go to private school, yet he's eliminated vouchers that offer the same privilege to others. Where is he actually cutting back on his own expenditures and luxuries? Yes, I know the man is President, but when you ask others, you have to lead by example...or you should.

The whole GM fiasco doesn't make sense to me. First we're bailing out banks and now auto companies. We've satisfied the executives and the union, but what about all the car lots that are going under...ordered to close within a week. Doesn't that just add thousands and thousands more to the roles of the unemployed? (Mechanics, sales, accountants, parts people).

I have someone living in my home who has been searching for a job since October--sending out at least five resumes a day and has garnered three interviews in which the people didn't even bother to re-contact with a decision. Her unemployment is almost exhausted, so now where does she turn. Welfare? This is the way the system works. It's sort of like expecting a young person to automatically turn into an adult at eighteen and be responsible. It doesn't always happen. When there are no jobs to be had, it doesn't matter how long you can collect. Add to the growing lines, all those who just came out of college, ready to work, and imagine the competition. It's downright scary. How about those returning from war and expecting to find employment? Far too few employers held their jobs while they served our country. Great appreciation, eh?

Even foreign newspapers are filled with articles about our new president. There is no fear of him, thus we are a target. We are training Jihadists in our own back yard, and our Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice has targeted the only Sheriff in the country who actually has made a difference. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is being targeted for enforcing illegal immigrant entry into our country. What next? Here's the article from The Associated Press:

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.03.2009

PHOENIX — Lawyers for Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio have asked for a probe of federal officials who are investigating the sheriff's office for alleged discrimination and unconstitutional searches.
Arpaio lawyer Robert Driscoll said in a letter that Department of Justice investigators conducting the civil-rights probe improperly shared documents with the Department of Homeland Security, which is auditing Arpaio's use of federal immigration powers.
"They are not playing fair," Arpaio said Tuesday. "There is a political motive behind all of this — and ethical violations. Right now, I'm fighting back."
Arpaio, who among Arizona's local police bosses has taken the most aggressive approach to cracking down on illegal immigration, said both examinations are focused on his immigration-enforcement efforts.
His efforts include arresting more than 1,000 illegal immigrants under a state smuggling law and setting up a hot line to report immigration violations. Arpaio also has led crime and immigration sweeps in some heavily Latino areas in metropolitan Phoenix.
Critics say that deputies racially profiled people during the immigration sweeps and that Arpaio abused the powers the federal government gave dozens of his deputies to make immigration arrests. Arpaio said people pulled over in the sweeps were approached because deputies had probable cause to believe they had committed crimes.
Department of Justice spokesman Alejandro Miyar said the agency will review the letter but declined to comment on Arpaio's investigation request. "Career professionals in the civil-rights division began looking into this last year, and the department made the decision to open this investigation in the same manner we make every such decision, based on the facts and the law," Miyar said.
Homeland Security spokesman Matt Chandler declined to comment on Arpaio's accusation that both agencies were improperly sharing documents.
Despite Arpaio's earlier vow to open his books to Department of Justice investigators, his lawyer said he won't hand over more documents until the document-sharing dispute is resolved.
"You open your door when it's done legally and ethically," Arpaio said. "You don't open your door when they play games behind the scenes. We were trying to be cooperative."
Chandler said the Homeland Security's examination of Arpaio's immigration-power deal with the federal government is part of a larger review of the agency's immigration and border security policies. All such deals also are being reviewed, Chandler said.


Now our President is headed back overseas to address the Arab Nation. I wonder what blunders he'll make this time.

Anyone have anything positive to share. PLEASE DO!