Monday, November 28, 2005

Immigration

I listened to President Bush speak this afternoon and was pleased. A number of aspects of controlling our borders have been implemented and more improvements sought via Congress. Intercepting illegal aliens and deporting them well within their country is better than simply escorting them over the border. NO AMNESTY for those who have broken our laws by illegally entering our country is needed. We cannot reward those who break our laws. A guest worker program sounds reasonable if there is a mechanism for keeping track of the guests while in our country and ensuring that they leave when the guest status expires. Pehaps one of the best things was that thoses who wish to immigrate need to learn our culture and the English language. Hallelujah! My ancestors learned to speak English as did most of those who came to the US prior to the last fifty years. I for one am tired of seeing TV ads telling me I must become bilingual and buy their Spanish lessons. Let those who choose to leave their homeland and adopt mine learn to speak the language of this nation. Let the immigrant learn English as a condition of citizenship. One thing President Bush did not mention was changing our laws which grant citizenship to anyone born here. I believe to be born into citizenship a baby must have at least one parent who is a citizen of the USA.
Changing this law would prevent pregnant women, near term, from illegally entering the US to gain citizenship for her baby with hopes that citizenship will eventually give the illegal entry status of the mother legal entry as the parent of an American citizen.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

A Soldier Writes

"We have all followed the headlines of the vote in congress about a possible pullout of troops here. In my opinion (I want to make this clear, this is only my opinion, and I am only a Soldier, not a policy maker), a pullout at this time would be the most detrimental of all actions that our country could make, not to mention irresponsible. Truth be told, I don’t understand why there was ever a need for congress to even push the issue? What’s to debate? I will admit that I wasn’t completely sold on the war in Iraq in the beginning either, but after a year of witnessing the war for myself, I truly believe in what we are doing here. To me it doesn’t matter why we are, I am a Soldier, and go where I am ordered, but on a personal level, at the beginning, I thought hunting terrorists in Afghanistan was a more worth while fight. I was wrong. There are as many terrorists (not “insurgents”) here. I’m most certainly biased, but I’m certain that the U.S. Armed Forces are the best in the world, and I know for a fact that we are doing the best we can over here. Most of the Soldiers I have talked to feel exactly the same way. LET US DO OUR JOB! If we were to pullout now, everything that my unit has fought for this last year will be for nothing. Not to mention all of the men and women who suffer through severe injuries, and who’ve given their lives. It would be the ultimate of injustices to them to pullout now. Let us see this through to the end. If not for all the other reasons that I have mentioned; then for the simple fact, that it is unquestionably the right thing to do, and that all the people of Iraq, especially the children deserve it. I write this knowing full well, that I face the possibility of another deployment.
Many of us are looking to the future with optimism, both for Iraq, and our own lives. Some of us don’t know what the future holds for them, but will no doubt be just as successful as they were here. Unfortunately, for some, this war has taken a greater toll than just a year of life. Some of us have paid almost as much as the ones who will never again breath life, going home to broken lives due to the stress of being so far apart from their significant others. Personally, I will go back to my civilian job, and my family. I have a great girl that is waiting for me, and I just can’t wait to hold her in my arms again. Since I last wrote, I have re-enlisted in the guard for another 6 years (a sure sign I believe in what I preach), and don’t know if I will have to come back here again. If I do return here, I will hold my head high knowing that all of you great Americans back home are supporting me and have my back!
I just want to let all of you know that during the harder times in Iraq I have re-read some of the e-mails that you all have sent to me, and I still check the account for any new ones that might come my way. This has done wonders to lift my spirits at some very challenging times. Thank you! Please continue your support for us, and say thank you to any service member of any conflict that might come your way. They all deserve it. Maybe someday our lives might cross paths. If not, thank you again.
As I sit here and write this on Thanksgiving, although I have a lot to be thankful for this year, I thought I would share a little with you about what I am thankful for today. I am thankful for my family, they have been there for me, and without their guidance, I would be completely lost. I am thankful for God, that he has seen fit to protect me this last year, that he helps my battalion make it safely back home, that he continues to protect the troops that will still be here, and that he has taken into heaven with open arms, the men and women who have given their lives in this war, who he just couldn’t live without in heaven. I am thankful that I was born in America, and not a country like Iraq. As strange as it may seem, I am thankful that Americans still have the right to voice their opinions about this war (whether I agree with them or not), if America still has the right to voice it’s opinion, that means we’re doing our job over here, and doing it well! Most of all, I am thankful for my fiancĂ©, who has braved one of the most ultimate in hardships this last year, and stuck with me throughout it all. For certain, true love does exist. Finally, I am thankful that there are people back home who understand what we are fighting for, and proud of us.
God Bless!
Sincerely,
Sgt, F
Mosul, Iraq"

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Things For Which I Am Thankful

T he good health I have enjoyed and a mind that still works
H enry, the love of my life
A son who has brought me much joy amidst the trials of growing into a man
N ation of my birth, The U.S.A.
K nowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
S alvation and the hope of heaven
G enerous friends who share time and interests with me
I nternet access that allows me to view the world
V acations with my family
I deas and goals
N ecessities available with occasional wishes granted
G ood parental guidance when I was growing up

My Thanksgiving Day would not be complete without acknowledging the bravery of those who have defended our nation since it's birth. The military are responsible for keeping the nation I love free so that I could realize all the many other things for which I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who may read this.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

The Fair Tax

In today's post, Dean Reese asks why we are not hearing more about the fair tax. A very good question. Read his post at LINK

Monday, November 21, 2005

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Recognizing a Stroke

----- A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed and getting to the patient within 3 hours which is tough.


RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and Learn! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.
Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.

2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) i.e. . . It is sunny out today) If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Zarqawi Threatens Those Who Testify Against Saddam

IRAQ THE MODEL: Mohammed wrote, "In a report published on al-Mada paper yesterday, the paper mentioned that there's a printed threat being distributed in the town of Dujail and carries the signature of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
The leaflet warns the residents of Dujail from testifying against Saddam in the upcoming trial on November 28 and threatens to kill the extended families of anyone who would step up to testify.
I thought there was no connection between 'religious' al-Qaeda and 'secular' Saddam! But if that is so, then why is Zarqawi trying to defend Saddam?"

Cord Blood Cells Help MS Patient

INVERNESS, Scotland, November 18, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A British teen who has multiple sclerosis now claims she is walking after umbilical cord stem cell therapy she traveled abroad to receive.

Wheelchair-bound since 2003, 19 year-old Amanda Bryson told The Herald that she has been walking daily since immediately after her treatment from a private clinic in the Netherlands Friday.

Bryson described the procedure: "Stem cells were injected into a solution which was put into my arm," she said, according to a Daily Record report. "Then, two doses were injected into the back of my neck to tackle the damage to my spine and brain. Then, there were three further injections into my belly. I was in the clinic for three to four hours."


Dr. Hollands also disagreed with those who contend there is a great need to continue study of embryonic stem cells. "We should focus our attention on the most readily available and usable type of cells and these are adult and umbilical cord stem cells. Embryonic stem cells at present are largely political rhetoric and scientific hype. Adult and umbilical cord blood stem cells are proven and ready to use. The public needs to know this," he said.

from Life Site News

Friday, November 18, 2005

I know some who would agree with Murtha, but who?

Mohammed of Iraq The Model states "It is really strange when a US representative says something like this few weeks after the elected Iraqi government demanded from the UN to extend the mission of coalition forces for another year; apparently my government (and I) do not think that US military presence is harmful for us and the Arab League also thinks that an immediate withdrawal would be disastrous for Iraq and the region.
And correct me if I’m wrong but I think I heard a few days ago that the US senate rejected a law that demanded setting a timetable for troops withdrawal (58 vs. 40, right?) let alone an immediate one.
However, I agree with Mr. Murtha that some people in Iraq would benefit from an immediate withdrawal but that would be al-Qaeda and there are also countries in the region that would benefit from that too but these would be Syria and Iran!

LINK

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Views Of A Palestinian

"Last week's suicide attacks against innocent civilians in Amman shocked us all. It is unclear what message the suicide bombers were conveying and there is no logical cause justifying such insane acts. What could the aim of such attacks be, and what were the mad executioners aiming to achieve? For some time, they have claimed they are defenders and combatants of Islam and the Muslim world. However, Islam has no use for such people and their acts and ideologies - if we believe they have any ideology at all. They promote nothing more than killing and aim only to bring about a state of lawlessness and instability in the Middle East. ">The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - After Amman, pity what Islam has lost: "Last week's suicide attacks against innocent civilians in Amman shocked us all. It is unclear what message the suicide bombers were conveying and there is no logical cause justifying such insane acts. What could the aim of such attacks be, and what were the mad executioners aiming to achieve? For some time, they have claimed they are defenders and combatants of Islam and the Muslim world. However, Islam has no use for such people and their acts and ideologies - if we believe they have any ideology at all. They promote nothing more than killing and aim only to bring about a state of lawlessness and instability in the Middle East. "

As a Palestinian, I also accuse such bombers of damaging our cause and destroying our struggle for freedom. They can't be allowed to take our cause as an excuse for their evil and insane beliefs. No matter where they are acting - in Baghdad or New York, in Istanbul or Paris, in Madrid or Amman, in Cairo or London, in Beirut or Jerusalem - their acts only do us harm; especially at a time when we Palestinians are searching for international support to bring to life to a Palestinian state.

Our condolences are not just for the four senior Palestinians killed in the last suicide attack in Amman; not just for the people we knew or for the families of the innocents whose only crime was attending the weddings of loved ones. Our condolences are for Islam and for what Islam should really represent. Our condolences are for ourselves, who have fallen into the mud of madness."
LINK

Monday, November 14, 2005

Heart Attack Wisdom

Tuck this in the back of your brain, sounds like something we should all be aware of.

Heart Attack Procedure: NOT A JOKE

Women should also know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be
the left arm hurting.

Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest
pain during the course of a heart attack.

Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have
a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.

The pain in the jaw happened to me and woke me from a sound sleep.

I was one of the fortunate ones. Trust me when I tell you it's pain unlike
anything you've ever experienced before.

Given a choice between natural child birth and a heart attack, pain-wise;
it's much easier to have a baby.

Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know..........

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people,
you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this... It could
save your life!!

Let's say it's 6.15pm and you're driving home (alone of course), after an
unusually hard day on the job. You're tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly
you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out
into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the
hospital nearest your home.

Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. You
have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell
you how to perform it on yourself.

HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help,
the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint,
has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these
victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A
deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep
and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.

A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up
until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the
heart and keep the blood circulating.

The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In
this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many other
people as possible about this.
It could save their lives!!

from an Email but good information

Friday, November 11, 2005

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER


1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across
the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.


2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1


3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed
30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years
of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and
cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.
They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot
disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After two
years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are
only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of
their lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend
to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a
halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress
for duty in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable
people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must
memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the
notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and
Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier
of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.



ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching
Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with
anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported
that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members
assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were
given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully
declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin, marching in the
pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was
not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled
continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Free Iraqi

Ali, formerly of Iraq The Model and more recently as Free Iraqi is blogging once again. It is good to have him back.Free Iraqi

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Update on Danny

Well, all your prayers and good wishes were heard... Danny had the surgery yesterday and all went well. The doctor said that his heart had enlarged so much that it had very little elasticity left so if he had another heart attack it was unlikely he would survive. His pressures had dropped from 5.9 liters/minute in May to 3.8 liters. The doctor said he's not out of the woods yet, and he'll stay in cardiac thorasic i/c/u until the end of this week and then he'll go to step-down, but it looks promising. What a relief. They took the ventilator off him last night and I got to speak with him a tiny bit. He said he feels lousy - that's to be expected - but at least he's talking!

Saturday, November 05, 2005

STANDARDS

While listening to the news, two senators were interviewed regarding the secret prisons for terrorists. One point made which didn't seem to get any traction was that the NY Times and a Washington paper had printed classified information. Leaking only counts if it can embarrass the current executive branch. The point upon which they agreed was that we need to follow the Geneva Convention and condemn torture because we are held to a HIGHER STANDARD. Both of these politicos loved holding America to a HIGHER STANDARD. We dare not torture terrorists to get information to save American lives because we are held to a HIGHER STANDARD. Although we are at war with those who killed thousands on our soil and enjoy televising beheadings, we must be held to a HIGHER STANDARD. Even though CLASSIFIED information was leaked and gleefully printed in the hopes that it would embarrass the current administration. The media is bound by a LOWER STANDARD. Whoever leaked this CLASSIFIED information obviously is bound by a LOWER STANDARD. The HIGHER STANDARD only applies to protect terrorists. It does not apply to having sexual questionnaires in elementary school. It does not apply to teaching morals to children. It does not apply to parental rights. It does not apply to the protection of the unborn. It does not apply to the personal property if some government agency covets it. It does not apply to the manner in which we regard our troops or their mission. It does not apply to pulling together as a nation if political advantage can be gained by promoting the ongoing myth that President Bush lied to the American people. Obviously the LOWER STANDARD is what the Democrat leadership follows in their quest to weaken the administration in a time of war. I am an Independent Voter and have always supported the person elected as President even though I may not have voted for him. I am old and actually remember a time when this nation pulled together when we faced a threat or war. I have come to the conclusion that the only HIGHER STANDARD is whatever the person speaking is willing to hold others to. There is no HIIGHER STANDARD to bind or protect Americans. The HIGHER STANDARD is only so much verbiage to be called upon when someone wishes to impugn other persons' motives.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Wisdom

One evening, an elder Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."