As we celebrate the 4th of July, as always, we must remember the blood sacrifices of our fallen American military personnel and patriots during the conflicts of war, both past and present.

What some of you may not be aware of is just how far back in our history our conflict with Islam began.

Our problems with the Muslims began way back in 1778 when the Islamic Barbary pirates who had been harassing the French and British ships, also began attacks upon American ships. And guess who voted to pay appeasement money to the Muslim attackers instead of properly addressing the situation with our own naval power? Yep… our U.S. Congress! Evidently we must have had a few real weenies within our federal government even from day one.

When In 1786, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams went to negotiate with Tripoli’s envoy to London, Ambassador Sidi Haji Abdrahaman or (Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja), the Muslim ambassador responded with this message:

“It was written in their Koran, that all nations which had not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave; and that every mussulman who was slain in this warfare was sure to go to paradise. He said, also, that the man who was the first to board a vessel had one slave over and above his share, and that when they sprang to the deck of an enemy’s ship, every sailor held a dagger in each hand and a third in his mouth; which usually struck such terror into the foe that they cried out for quarter at once.”

Going against the advice of Jefferson and Adams, our cowardly Congress voted to give the Muslim thugs $1 million per year for 15 years! That’s quite a chunk of chainge for those days.

Then came the Barbary War (1801–1805) fought between the United States of America and the North African states known collectively as the Barbary States. Among the regions involved was that of Tripoli, which is ever-known within our U.S. Marine Corps Hymn as “the shores of Tripoli.” Our Marines kicked some Muslim butts there, and the Islamists would like to see this removed from history.

But precious American blood was also shed during that conflict, and in addition to the remembrance within the Marine Hymn, there was a monument to our brave men set in Washington.

But for some ‘unknown’ reason, in 1860 the Tripoli monument was moved from public view in our nation’s Capitol to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

The appeasement to Islam by our government most certainly continues today. But other than political correctness, I can think of no reason why it continues. How long will it be until we further cave to Islamic pressure, to where even the reference to Tripoli will be removed from the Marine Corps Hymn?

Wikipedia has posted a brief, but accurate, historical background on this topic @:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Barbary_War

Also, the following web page has some good pictures of the Tripoli monument, which I found interesting:
http://dcmemorials.com/index_indiv0003204.htm

When you see an American in his or her military uniform, don’t forget to walk up to them and just say THANK YOU!

God bless our Patriots!

Keith

How gun makers can help us

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court made the problem a little more difficult to solve, ruling in District of Columbia vs. Heller that the individual’s right to bear arms is indeed protected by the 2nd Amendment — and making it clear that some laws banning guns would have a difficult time passing constitutional muster in the future.

What is to be done? The conventional regulatory approaches seem to be failing. A more recent strategy, in which victims or municipalities bring lawsuits against gun manufacturers or retailers, seems legally and politically unpromising since the 2005 passage of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which shields gun manufacturers from civil liability.


     Read this now!

The writer of the above opinion piece that appeared in my LA Times this morning poses the right questions. Despite all the gun control laws that have been passed, we’re still seeing a lot of gun violence. In fact, there is reason to believe that gun violence may be even more previlent in areas where honest, lawful citizens are prevented from owning one, such as Washington D.C. where 80.4% of all homicides in 1999 were committed with a firearm.

Compare this to the entire state of New York where 56% of all homicides were committed with a firearm (for the same time period). Washington D.C. continues to experience one of the highest gun homicide rates in the nation despite it’s gun control laws. Even New York City, which has similar laws on the books, continues to experience a good deal of gun violence.

So what’s the answer to this problem? Is the problem really curable by more gun control laws?

Susan Estrich: Gun Laws in the Crosshairs

Guns kill. No, guns don’t kill; people with guns kill. Take the guns away from the people and you’ll save lives. Let people defend themselves with guns and you’ll save lives. Places without guns are safer. Some places with more guns are safer than places with fewer guns.


Read it Here!

Susan Estrich said it well, although I’m relatively sure she is “anti gun” in her thinking. But the one thing she did say in her article that hangs true is that there are places that are safer with guns and those that appear to be safer without them. What’s the answer to this?

If you read further in the former story presented in this commentary, you will see that he believes that the burden of a solution should rest on the shoulders of the manufacturers who make guns.

How would gun companies go about reducing gun deaths? The main thing to emphasize is that this approach relies on the nimbleness, innovation and experimentation that come from private competition — rather than on the heavy-handed power of governmental regulation. Gun makers might decide to add trigger locks to their guns, or to work only with dealers who meet certain standards of responsibility. They might withdraw their semiautomatic weapons from the consumer market, or even work hand in hand with local officials to fight gangs and increase youth employment opportunities. Surely they will think up new strategies once they have a legal obligation and financial incentive to take responsibility for the harm their products cause.

If you read his opinion piece closely, he’s saying that we should force gun manufacturers to worry about this and those who fail to do so will simply lose their right to make firearms. Sounds good, but it’s not.

This is almost like enacting legislation that puts the responsibility of preventing child choking deaths by hotdogs on the shoulders of food producers who put them on the market. “All hotdog producers are to reduce choking deaths among children by 75% by 2010 or face fines.’ Make sense to you?

I, Albert, maintain that there’s a cost for liberty and that directly translates to gun ownership. Perhaps the real solution here is gun education. When this nation largely consisted of people who owned and used firearms for honest, law abiding purposes, their children received an education on the care and use of firearms. Boy Scouts were taught how to shoot, as some still are, and many high schools had a Ready Eagle training program sponsorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Today, nada! Schools are forbidden to do this and many Boy Scout troops are no longer visiting the gun range. People largely believe their government has the ability and resources to protect them, so they don’t have to do it for themselves, but boy are they wrong. There are tons of people who have died and been injured in their own homes simply because the police could not show up in time to save them from a burglar, rapist, or robber who, himself, brandished a firearm!

When will people learn that home protection starts AT HOME!!

Go buy a gun if you want to protect your family, but be sure to also take the training that goes with it. And then, be sure to practice with it, get to know your gun, and be sure your kids know it, too. Be sure they get to see what kind of damage it will do. Be sure that they learn NOT to touch it when you’re not around. Learn to use it, learn to hit your target, and be sure your family knows, too.

Yours, Albert

I, Albert, can only say that some Congressmen are so out of touch with God that it’s a crime. Ok, maybe it’s not a crime according to law, but it’s sure a crime according to God’s law. Now, those who believe like Sherrod Brown will one day find out just how much God despises homosexuality.

Do you think that God hates homosexuals? I don’t think He does, really. Then what is it he hates about this issue according to Christianity and about every other religion with God at the center of it?

I, Albert, believe that what God hates about homosexuality is the act itself. Yes, the act of having sex between two males or between two females. It’s not the people He hates as we know that God loves us all, but it’s the action, the act of two individuals of like sex having sexual relations with one another.

Why is this a problem for God? It’s a problem because it’s abusing the purpose for which the two sexes were created. God did not create a man and woman to have sex with those of like sex. He created the two sexes so we might “multiply and replenish the Earth.”

In other words, the act of two men having sex, or two women having sex, constitutes misuse of God’s intended use for the male and female sexual organs.

I know, this takes all the hocuspocus out of the issue, but I think that it’s this basic. God hates homosexuality because it’s simply the misuse of what He intended men and women to do with regard to their sex. Perhaps man simply misunderstands what sin really is.

Now, do I, Albert, hate homosexuals? Nope! Ok, do I, Albert, advocate violence against them? Nope! Alright, do I, Albert, advocate love and pity for homosexuals? Yes! Now we’re getting somewhere. Do I, Albert, think that we should pray for homosexuals? Yep!

Here is Sherrod Browns letter to someone in Ohio who wrote him on the issue of same sex marriage:

From: Sherrod Brown

Subject: Reply from Senator Sherrod Brown
Dear Mrs. XXXXX:

Thank you for your letter regarding same-sex marriage. While you and I disagree on this issue, I appreciate hearing your views.

Legislation has been introduced that would amend the constitution to define marriage as that between a man and woman. I strongly oppose any such legislation. The regulation of marriage is under state jurisdiction and should remain so.

Our country was founded on the principle that all men are created equal. Refusing gays and lesbians the right to honor a committed relationship through marriage or an equivalent, such as civil unions, compromises this founding principle. Marital status also has implications for a couple’s employment benefits, taxes, insurance, and many other aspects of their lives. I am working to move our country toward greater acceptance of all people, and would not support any bills intended to disenfranchise gay and lesbian Americans.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown

Pretty sad, isn’t it?

Yours, Albert

     Backroom shenanigans in Congress gutted the Secure Fence Act all but nullifying construction of a double layered fence along our Southern border. Construction of this fence would have been the first REAL step toward true immigration reform. But it hasn’t happened. What fencing is being built is not the promised double-layered variety that was signed into law, but rather a cheap, ineffective substitute that includes chain-link, picket, and virtual fencing—the latter of which has already proven to be hopelessly insufficient.

     With both Presidential candidates opposing a border fence, this is truly our last chance to get the border fence built as promised and our borders secured. It is up to grassroots Americans to force this issue, and send a message unlike any other to Congress—a message that can’t be ignored.

     For 48 hours beginning on July 9, we are going to shutdown Congressional phones and faxes demanding support of HR 4987—key legislation that would require the double-layered fence be built as promised.

     For more info, click here!

     Our Congressmen cannot willingly opt for a fence between the U.S. and Mexico simply because that is not the organized agenda they sign on to if they wish to remain in Congress. I, Albert, have been told that some politicians are taken aside and encouraged to follow the “agenda” they’re given if they wish to remain in Congress very long. Whether this is true, who knows, but if it is, it would explain their actions as cited above.

     To build this fence flies in the face of their handlers outside of government. These men and women can not go against the will of the Elite without risking their careers, or more…

     Yours, Albert

News item:

U.S. seeks to fine CompuCredit

The report of FTC fines of $200 Million and the charges of “deceptive credit card marketing practices” do not tell the whole story here.

“The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said yesterday that CompuCredit and the banks failed to adequately disclose up-front fees and other conditions when marketing cards under the Aspire, FreedomCard, Tribute and other brand names.”

Those “up-front fees” and “other conditions” involved adding extra charges to customer’s credit card bills according to what was purchased with the card.

Fox News, Ch. 8, in Cleveland, Ohio reported that by the all too common practice of shared consumer information, CompuCredit and their related banks used this information to penalize customers who made purchases of specific products or services by adding to the interest rate.

Those of you who say “so what! Maybe these folks did not need to buy their beer or whatever.”

Well… among the “penalized” purchases were automobile tires and other items considered basic necessities by many people.

The worst part of the story is not so much that a business has taken unfair advantage of its customers… the scary thing is how much personal data about our lives is shared by all!

Someday, you could either be denied employment, or fired from your job because your boss found that you had made a purchase of some item that your company frowns upon. Or if you do some skydiving or motorcycle riding on weekends? Or maybe you bought a book or a DVD that don’t quite match the political leanings of your company. Maybe your insurance would be canceled because they want to know if you really smoked three cartons of cigarettes in the past two months…. or who in your household consumed all those donuts charged to your card from the super market.

Your government, your employer, your bank, your doctor, and just about everyone can dig into every little detail of your life now! Unless you can arrange to pay cash for everything, they GOT YOUR NUMBER!

Sleep well!

Keith

Biblical message now criminalized

     A new Colorado law is helping homosexual activists achieve their goal of forcing Christians to teach biblical condemnation of homosexuality only behind the closed doors of their sanctuaries.

     The as-yet untested state law promotes sexual identity “perception” to the level of skin color under state discrimination laws.

     Some opponents are calling it a “bona fide censorship law,” and top analysts for Focus on the Family, the Christian publishing and broadcast powerhouse, are expressing concern over the “mischief” they expect to follow the signing by Gov. Bill Ritter.

     As WND reported, Ritter, a Democrat, struck gender-specific restrooms and locker rooms statewide when he signed the plan into law in May.

     
     Click to read!

     Little did we realize all those years ago when the American Psychiatric Association deemed homosexuality to be a life style choice rather than deviate behavior that one day the gays would bust out of the closet while shoving the Christians in. Who’s next, Islamics, Buddhists, and anyone else who speaks out against the nature of their same-sex attraction?

     Will these radical gays turn on our public school systems for not allowing teachers to openly teach gay behavior? In some of our public school systems it may not be openly endorsed, but tolerance is taught with graphic images of men with men, women with women. It seems that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a well known organization with socialistic roots, is fighting for the right of gays to perpetuate their life style by forcing public school systems to teach intolerance toward gays–something that is intolerant by its very nature.

ACLU Doesn’t Tolerate Intolerance

     School officials in Boyd County, Kentucky, face the threat of an ACLU lawsuit if they don’t force all middle and high school students to attend sexual-orientation and gender-identity “tolerance training.”

     Meanwhile, a Christian legal organization, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), has promised to fight for the right of parents to let students opt out of an hour-long tolerance training video.

     
     Click to read!

     
     Never in a million years did the common, ordinary people who fought and died for this nation think that America would come to this. Instead of common sense and upright behavior on the part of government, what we’re seeing is total wholesale abandonment of good will, morals, and simple sanity. In it’s place is a world where right is left, up is down, and right is now wrong.

     The question is, what can you and I, the common, ordinary people of this nation, do about the take over of government by radical thinking nuts who seem to think they can have it their way while depriving others of their’s?

     First, let’s stop and examine the issue of the gay agenda and the hostility that these radicals exhibit toward Christians, such as in Colorado. Because the United States has largely been Christianity since its inception, and since homosexuality is deemed wrong by Judeo Christian writings, the Bible included, I can see why they have sought to force Christianity into a closet. I’m sure they’ll do this state by state, unless common sense and decency should prevail.

     So, let’s be honest with ourselves, Islam is no more friendly to the gay agenda than Christianity is. It’s too bad our American gays couldn’t be given a free vacation in an Arab country. Let’s see how long they would last if they tried to pull on them what they’ve done here. Our legal system is largely at fault here. Lawyers will defend the worst of the worst simply because they have a code of conduct that they feel exonerates them for doing so. But may I, Albert, say here that lawyers should have a choice as to whom they defend. A lawyer of good ethics and morals should not feel obligated to defend or represent someone they do not agree with.

     Secondly, gays have always had the right to speak their minds, so long as it does not effect our youngins, and now that radical gays are working furiously in every state house to pass bills that force public schools to indoctrinate our young to the gay mindset, they’ve stepped over a line that should never have ben tolerated at any level of government.

     Without a doubt, evil has switched places with good, making it wrong to be good and right to be evil. Openly evil, those who promote gay ideas and concepts in our schools systems are no better than dogs that run wild in glen and dale. I know I’m not being very tolerant here, but they’ve crossed the line and unless good people of good moral background step up and be heard, this is only going to proliferate throughout our schools.

     I’d be willing to allow government to fund schools for the gay, allowing parents who want their yound chilren to go there to have their wish. But I would not force good folks of Christian faith to send their children to schools that are hostile to God’s Word. When Christians have to teach the Word of God behind closed doors while gays are free to openly push their evil agenda, I can only think that America has turned the wrong corner. What’s next?

     Yours, Albert

Congress calls for crackdown on oil speculation

     WASHINGTON — Lawmakers continue to blame large investors for their role in propping up oil prices, pointing out Monday that speculation in crude futures has nearly doubled since 2000.

     Pension funds, Wall Street banks and other large investors that have no intention of taking delivery of fuel have increasingly pumped money into contracts for oil and other commodities as a hedge against inflation when the dollar falls.

     After more than a half dozen hearings in Congress on the issue, Democratic House lawmakers say they intend to tighten restrictions on large investors they blame for driving up fuel prices.

     Read it now!

     Man! I gotta tell you, I’m not sure whether we ought to thank Congress or get upset with them. On the one hand, these speculators are cashing in on the oil business at the expense of common people. On the other they represent what capitalism is all about–make as much as you can, as fast as you can, while you can! Another common phrase is: Get all that the market will bear!

     We want a free market, but there must be logical, sensible rules that everyone plays by. What’s been happening since 2002 is short of highway robbery if you ask me. Most Americans would agree, it’s not right. And yet, for Congress to interfere in how the market works somehow doesn’t seem right.

     Perhaps if everyone would be fair, if each person were to behave him or herself, we might not need to have Uncle Sam step in where he ought not to. But, children will be children, and the greedy will be greedy. I see no other way to stop this madness but for Congress to put their foot down.

     Yours, Albert

     ”Escalating violence in Afghanistan and the more isolated mission have driven troops to rely more on medication there than in Iraq, military officials told Time” (Antidepressant Use Soars Among Deployed, Stars and Stripes | June 12, 2008).

     It appears to be pure folly when a nation fails to heed the failures of others with regards to the declaration of war against a nation that refuses to bow to another’s will. It seems even more like folly when that nation declares war against another country because of the sins of a single man or a group of men deemed unfit, dangerous, etc.

     ”If we study the pages of history we find that they are transversed as with a red thread by the doctrine of the necessity of warlike capacity in a people” (Friedrich Wilhelm, Victor August Ernst, The Great Quotations, compiled by George Seldes).

     But alas, if this were only a perfect world we live in, if men were more like gods than animals we would all be able to live in unison, harmony, and contentment. If we were less material and more spiritual, life would take on a new meaning and mankind would be capable of such wonderful things–not that some men fail in this regard for there are wonderful men who have overcome their propensity toward violence. But by and large we continue to ignore the lessons of history for causes and necessities that truly are not what they are advertised.
     So we continue to make an effort to rein in rogue nations who refuse to fall in line with the International community. We’re willing to tear the heart and soul from these small nations to satisfy the supposed lofty ideologies of a few individuals who rarely eat, drink and enjoy the company of the common man. We do their bidding for the sake of grand ideas advertised by a minority of men who’s agenda is not as stated.
     Not that long ago the Russians went into Afghanistan and the lesson they learned we have failed to heed. Why would we believe that our own troops could do it any better? Perhaps they have, but look at the price, and for what purpose? Because of a single man and his rag-tag group of Taliban? If truth be known, this is a new world order function, purely to rein in a small roguish nation that has historically refused to comply with the global agenda.
     In the finale, what will we have achieved, other than to create widows and sobbing mothers? What will we really have achieved in Afghanistan and Iraq when it’s all said and done? Nope, I, Albert, am not against going to war, but I am all for heeding the lessons that history affords.
     Yours, Albert

What A Humble Little Prison We Live In!

It’s bad enough to submit to all the new “hate crime” (THOUGHT POLICE) laws and limitations placed upon our personal lives by big government, but now we are further restricted in our personal lives (OFF THE CLOCK) by our employers with the risk of termination if we should be caught so much as having a forbidden double-cheese burger after work!

What a bunch of conformist wimps we have all become. We would be nothing but a laughing stock to the real men and women who built this nation.

SHAME ON US for allowing all this to happen without a fight!

Go to this Yahoo link for the complete story on just how silly things have become for working-class Americans:

5 Lifestyle Activities That Can Get You Fired

Everybody has been too quick to jump on the “ANTI” bandwagon as long as it did not affect their own personal life. But now we have so many “anti” laws that they now affect ALL OF US.

You know… ANTI-SMOKING, ANTI-GUN, ANTI-HUNTING, ANTI-FREE SPEECH, and ON-AND-ON!

Now we American sissies will have to live under totalitarian rule from our government and our EMPLOYERS!!!

Too bad our true spirit of Freedom has been snuffed out in such a short period of time!


Keith

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Yours, Albert