Let's Start Recognizing Our Female Veterens!

Back from combat, women struggle for acceptance

By KIMBERLY HEFLING, Associated Press Writer Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 49 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Nobody wants to buy them a beer.
Even near military bases, female veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan aren't often offered a drink on the house as a welcome home.
More than 230,000 American women have fought in those recent wars and at least 120 have died doing so, yet the public still doesn't completely understand their contributions on the modern battlefield.

For some, it's a lonely transition as they struggle to find their place.
Aimee Sherrod, an Air Force veteran who did three war tours, said years went by when she didn't tell people she was a veteran. After facing sexual harassment during two tours and mortar attacks in Iraq, the 29-year-old mother of two from Bells, Tenn., was medically discharged in 2005 with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Read rest of article at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_female_veterans_finding_a_place

STATE DINNER

As our brave men and women fight in Iraq and Afghanistan and the president refuses to decide on recommended support for them, the headline on yahoo news is about Michelle Obama's fantastic state dinner gown!

I really believe we are in deep, deep trouble in this country and that we may all soon just have to reconsider our available options!

"In God We Trust"

Just Another Reason to Be Proud of Our Troops!

CINDY WILLIAMS was appointed by Obama as an Assistant Director for NATIONAL SECURITY in the Congressional Budget Office..... Military Pay This is an Airman's response to Cindy Williams' editorial piece in the Washington Times about MILITARY PAY, it should be printed in all newspapers across America. Ms. Cindy William wrote a piece for the Washington Times denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members' way this year citing that she stated a 13% wage increase was more than they deserve. A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this.

"Ms Williams:

I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GI's earn enough" and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes per month. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40 after.

I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000 host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for "Network Technicians" in the Washington, D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience in my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum... I'm sure you can draw the obvious conclusions. Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces.

Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full "deployment experience."

As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone. Obviously they've been squandering the "vast" piles of cash the government has been giving them.

Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you're actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night, and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE's (meal-ready-to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything. This gives some flavor.

Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won't be nearly long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your open piece. But, tomorrow from KABUL, I will defend to the death your right to say it.

You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment right and every other right you cherish...On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective noses at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies.

And you, Ms. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve?

A1C Michael Bragg, Hill AFB AFNCC

[Thank God for Michael, and all the rest!]

"In God We Trust"

Yes! That's What I'm Talking About!

From an email from Nurse Barbara:
Vermont State Rep. Fred Maslack has read the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as Vermont 's own Constitution very carefully, and his strict interpretation of these documents is popping some eyeballs in New England and elsewhere.

Maslack recently proposed a bill to register "non-gun-owners" and require them to pay a $500 fee to the state. Thus Vermont would become the first state to require a permit for the luxury of going about unarmed and assess a fee of $500 for the privilege of not owning a gun.

Maslack read the "militia" phrase of the Second Amendment as not only the right of the individual citizen to bear arms, but as a clear mandate to do so. He believes that universal gun ownership was advocated by the Framers of the Constitution as an antidote to a "monopoly of force" by the government as well as criminals.

Vermont 's constitution states explicitly that "the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State" and those persons who are "conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms" shall be required to "pay such equivalent.." Clearly, says Maslack, Vermonters have a constitutional obligation to arm themselves, so that they are capable of responding to "any situation that may arise."

Under the bill, adults who choose not to own a firearm would be required to register their name, address, Social Security Number, and driver's license number with the state. "There is a legitimate government interest in knowing who is not prepared to defend the state should they be asked to do so," Maslack saysVermont already boasts a high rate of gun ownership along with the least restrictive laws of any state .. it's currently the only state that allows a citizen to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This combination of plenty of guns and few laws regulating them has resulted in a crime rate that is the third lowest in the nation."

America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards."

This makes sense! There is no reason why gun owners should have to pay taxes to support police protection for people not wanting to own guns. Let them contribute their fair share and pay their own way.

" I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. "
James Madison


Ron Chestna
“In God we trust”
“Think term limits”

Israeli Intelligence Assessment

I received this from a source which I trust, but cannot confirm it. It is offered for what it is.

Dated October 4, 2009

Israeli Intelligence Assessment On Next U.S. Terrorist Attack Juval Aviv was the Israeli Agent upon whom the movie 'Munich' was based. He was Golda Meir's bodyguard, and she appointed him to track down and bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who took the Israeli athletes hostage and killed them during the Munich Olympic Games. In a lecture in New York City he shared information that EVERY American needs to know -- but that our government has not yet shared with us.He predicted the London subway bombing on the Bill O'Reilly show on Fox News stating publicly that it would happen within a week. At the time, O'Reilly laughed, and mocked him saying that in a week he wanted him back on the show. Unfortunately, within a week the terrorist attack had occurred. Juval Aviv gave intelligence (via what he had gathered in Israel and the Middle East) to the Bush Administration about 9/11, a month before it occurred. His report specifically said they would use planes as bombs and target high profile buildings and monuments. Congress has since hired him as a security consultant. Now for his future predictions. He predicts the next terrorist attack on the U.S. will occur within the next few months. Forget hijacking airplanes, because he says terrorists will NEVER try and hijack a plane again as they know the people onboard will never go down quietly again. Aviv believes our airport security is a joke -- that we have been reactionary rather than proactive in developing strategies that are truly effective. For example: 1) Our airport technology is outdated. We look for metal, and the new explosives are made of plastic. 2) He talked about how some idiot tried to light his shoe on fire. Because of that, now everyone has to take off their shoes. A group of idiots tried to bring aboard liquid explosives. Now we can't bring liquids on board. He says he's waiting for some suicidal maniac to pour liquid explosive on his underwear; at which point, security will have us all traveling naked!Every strategy we have is reactionary. 3) We only focus on security when people are heading to the gates. Aviv says that if a terrorist attack targets airports in the future, they will target busy times on the front end of the airport when/where people are checking in. It would be easy for someone to take two suitcases of explosives, walk up to a busy check-in line, ask a person next to them to watch their bags for a minute while they run to the restroom or get a drink, and then detonate the bags BEFORE security even gets involved. In Israel, security checks bags BEFORE people can even ENTER the airport. Aviv says the next terrorist attack here in America is imminent and will involve suicide bombers and non-suicide bombers in places where large groups of people congregate. (i.e., Disneyland, Las Vegas casinos, big cities (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, etc.) and that it will also include shopping malls, subways in rush hour, train stations, etc., as well as, rural America this time. The interlands (Wyoming, Montana, etc.). The attack will be characterized by simultaneous detonations around the country (terrorists like big impact), involving at least 5-8 cities, including rural areas. Aviv says terrorists won't need to use suicide bombers in many of the larger cities, because at places like the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, they can simply valet park a car loaded with explosives and walk away. Aviv says all of the above is well known in intelligence circles, but that our U. S. Government does not want to 'alarm American citizens' with the facts. The world is quickly going to become 'a different place', and issues like 'global warming' and political correctness will become totally irrelevant. On an encouraging note, he says that Americans don't have to be concerned about being nuked. Aviv says the terrorists who want to destroy America will not use sophisticated weapons. They like to use suicide as a front-line approach. It's cheap, it's easy, it's effective; and they have an infinite abundance of young militants more than willing to 'meet their destiny'. He also says the next level of terrorists, over which America should be most concerned, will not be coming from abroad. But will be, instead, 'homegrown', having attended and been educated in our own schools and universities right here in the U.S. He says to look for 'students' who frequently travel back and forth to the Middle East. These young terrorists will be most dangerous because they will know our language and will fully understand the habits of Americans; but that we Americans won't know/understand a thing about them. Aviv says that, as a people, Americans are unaware and uneducated about the terrorist threats we will inevitably face. America still has only a handful of Arabic and Farsi speaking people in our intelligence networks, and Aviv says it is critical that we change that fact SOON. So, what can America do to protect itself? From an intelligence perspective, Aviv says the U.S. needs to stop relying on satellites and technology for intelligence. We need to, instead, follow Israel's, Ireland's and England's hands-on examples of human intelligence, both from an infiltration perspective as well as to pay attention to, and trust 'aware' citizens to help. We need to engage and educate ourselves as citizens; however, our U. S. government continues to treat us, its citizens, 'like babies'. Our government thinks we 'can't handle the truth' and are concerned that we'll panic if we understand the realities of terrorism. Aviv says this is a deadly mistake. Aviv recently created/executed a security test for our Congress, by placing an empty briefcase in five well-traveled spots in five major cities. The results? Not one person called 911 or sought a policeman to check it out. In fact, in Chicago, someone tried to steal the briefcase! In comparison, Aviv says that citizens of Israel are so well 'trained' that an unattended bag or package would be reported in seconds by citizen(s) who know to publicly shout, 'Unattended Bag!' The area would be quickly & calmly cleared by the citizens themselves. Unfortunately, America hasn't been yet 'hurt enough' by terrorism for their government to fully understand the need to educate its citizens or for the government to understand that it's their citizens who are, inevitably, the best first-line of defense against terrorism. Aviv also was concerned about the high number of children here in America who were in preschool and kindergarten after 9/11, who were 'lost' without parents being able to pick them up, and about our schools that had no plan in place to best care for the students until parents could get there. (In New York City, this was days, in some cases!) He stresses the importance of having a plan, that's agreed upon within your family, of how to respond in the event of a terrorist emergency. He urges parents to contact their children's schools and demand that the schools too, develop plans of actions, just as they do in Israel. Does your family know what to do if you can't contact one another by phone? Where would you gather in an emergency? He says we should all have a plan that is easy enough for even our youngest children to remember and follow. Aviv says that the U. S. government has in force a plan, that in the event of another terrorist attack, EVERYONE's ability to use cell phones, blackberries, etc., will immediately be cut-off, as this is the preferred communication source used by terrorists and is often the way that their bombs are detonated. How will you communicate with your loved ones in the event you cannot speak to each other? You need to have a plan. If you understand, and believe what you have just read, then you must feel compelled to send this to every concerned parent, guardian, grandparents, uncles, aunts, whomever. Don't stop there. In addition to sharing this via e-mail, contact and discuss this information with whomever it makes sense to. Make contingency plans with those you care about. Better that you have plans in place, and never have to use them, then to have no plans in place, and find you needed them.

From the Blog of Wild Bill, http://godgunsfreespeech.blogspot.com

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule.
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot;My soul please take!

Amen'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father'-Jesus of Nazareth

"In God We Trust"

True Blue

Members of the 55th Wing from Offutt AFB, Neb., and their RC-135 Joint Rivet electronic-signals-collecting aircraft have been deployed in the US Central Command area of responsibility every day for the past 7,000 days—that's since August 1990. And there's no end in sight for these high-in-demand assets, which have played a role in every CENTCOM operation since. "It's quite an honor to be out here for this length of time," said Lt. Col. Richard Linehan, commander of the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, who is responsible for the operations oversight of the RC-135s that fly out of an air base in Southwest Asia as part of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. He added, "The importance of our platform in the grand scheme of things has only grown over the years." (379th AEW report by A1C David Dobrydney)

THE MARINES WANT THIS TO ROLL ALL OVER THE U.S.

Please don't delete this until you send it on.. Let's send it around the world. This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad. It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, butALL of our troops.

THE MARINE

We all came together,
Both young and old To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country From all terror around.

Peace and not war, Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way
I give you the right To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups, and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't fuss, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people!
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!
So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert,
US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

ONE MAN’S RENEWED HOPE IN AMERICAN CHILDREN

This past Sunday I took a day-long motorcycle trip up to and around Mt. Lemmon, just outside of Tucson. On the way back, I stopped at Wendy’s in Benson, Arizona to get a burger and a coke.

I am a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and a member of the American Legion Riders (AZ Post 24) and Patriot Guard Riders. When I traveled Sunday, I wore my leather vest, which includes the usual patches, including one remembering the POW/MIAs. As I ate my burger a small girl, possibly 8 years old or so, was standing at the cashier’s counter with a woman who appeared to be her mother. The little girl kept staring at me and squinting as if to see me more clearly. Then she pointed at me, and conversed with her mother. Again, she squinted and stared at me. As I got up to leave, I heard her mother say, “Go ahead, tell him.” She approached me directly and what she said nearly floored me! She said, “Sir, thank you for your service.”

Needless to say, my eyes become teary and I couldn’t believe that there are still parents who teach their children the patriotism, manners and gratitude that we were taught. As I tried to control myself, she said, “My Daddy is in the Army.” Struggling more, I asked her, “…and where is your Daddy?” By this time, the mother was at the child’s side and she replied, “He’s in Iraq.” The child then asked, “What’s POW/MIA?” Without going into further detail, given her father’s current deployment, I thought it best to simply tell her what the letters meant.

I was really off balance at that point. Here we had a small, lovely child, who is suffering the absence of her Daddy who is fighting for her and me in a very dangerous place, and she took the time to thank me, a stranger, for MY service. I could do no more but to thank her and swiftly go outside, fearing I would make a scene.

After recomposing myself, I returned inside and asked the child what her father’s name is. She said his name is Jason. I asked when he would be back, and mom offered that he would be home in December. I thanked both, told them that Jason would be in my prayers and that when he comes home, and if they requested, Patriot Guard Riders would be honored to stand by as she and her Daddy are reunited. It is a mission I will not miss for anything!

Those of us who love this country always honor our fighting men and women who are ever-willing to fight and die for us. Sometimes, though, I think we carelessly forget about the mothers and fathers and children whose love and sacrifice make our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines so willing to stand for us. It is something I will never again forget . Thank God we can still learn lessons from the children. My hope in the children of this country has been renewed.

And to that lovely young girl and her mother, Godspeed to Jason and God bless you all. I and all who read this will keep him and you in our prayers. Also, please know that, thanks to you, I and many others will stop more frequently to remember all of the other children, spouses, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and significant others who patiently wait for their heroes to come home. They are our heroes too!

Jason, you and your wife should be very proud of your little girl…and we are very proud of you. Come home safe, Jason. All of the rest, too! Godspeed to all of you!

IN GOD WE TRUST.

A Peaceful Solution

Another good Email from Eric:


Subject: IN GOD WE TRUST




**I'm sending this to absolutely every email address that has ever crossed my computer. Some of you may get this twice. If that is the case, I apologize for the repetition. All I ask is that you consider the suggestion here made. ** **The entire Congress of the United States is corrupt. And I mean both Houses and I mean both major parties. I realize that a few Members of each House are trustworthy, but, as a group
they are absolutely the most corrupt bunch to ever disgrace our Nation.** **In November of 2010 the entire House of Representatives will stand for re-election; all 435 of them. One third of the Senate, a total of 33 of them, will also stand for re-election. Vote every incumbent out. And I mean every one of them. No matter their Party affiliation. Let's start all over in the House of Representatives with 435 people who have absolutely no experience in running that body, with no political favors owed to anyone but their own
constituents. Let's make them understand that they work for us.
They are answerable to us and they simply have to run that body
with some common sense.** **Two years later, in 2012, vote the next third of the incumbents in the Senate out. You'll know who they are because their names will be on the ballot and, in most cases, will be shown as the Incumbent. If you don't know who your Senators are, (there are only two for each State) find out. And then vote them out, too! We can do the same thing in 2014 and, by that time we will have put all new people in that body as well.** **We, the People, have got to take this Country back and we HAVE to do it peacefully. That's what the Framers of our Constitution envisioned.

I am also suggesting term limits on the NEW BUNCH --8 YEARS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND 12 YEARS OF SENATORS. NO EXCEPTIONS. THE LONGER THEY STAY IN OFFICE THE MORE POWER THEY GET AND THEY LOVE IT AND WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET RE-ELECTED.

WE HAVE TERM LIMITED THE PRESIDENT -- NOW LET'S TERM LIMIT THE LEGISLATORS.
Please, if you love this Country, send this (as I have done) to absolutely everyone whose email address appears in your address book. This thing can permeate this Country in no time. Let's make it happen.** VOTE THE POWER ABUSERS OUT........LET'S TAKE AMERICA BACK !!!!!!!!! IF YOU LIKE THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING IN OUR COUNTRY, THEN DO NOTHING.........

In God We Trust

From an E-mail sent by Eric



This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod.


"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country." Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.



As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate life style," and if someone is offended, that's OK.



I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex.." If someone is offended, that's OK.



I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable! means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem...



I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology.."



I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment.." However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated..

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.



Nevertheless , as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."



One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."



Somehow, Kingston , Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains! JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER.." If you are not ashamed, pass this on ..



IN GOD WE TRUST!

United Socialis States of America (USSA)

Glenn Beck: It's not about Van Jones, it's about the president's policies. The president told us, you want to know who I am, you want to know what my policies are, you look to the people I surround myself with. Well, look at the people he's surrounding himself with. Well, here's just a communist, a 9/11 Truther. The president said we don't endorse his viewpoints. You don't endorse them? How about coming out and rejecting them? The Democratic Party is in bed and has been with people like Michael Moore. Michael Moore came out this weekend and said that Capitalism is evil. You cannot let these people create anything else, because it's anti-capitalist.(Short discussion of Senator Baucus' attempt to mediate health care debate)



Read more at: http://www.americanpatrol.com/index.html

A Thought for Today

'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton

Let The Games Begin

(From Patriot Depot)



Hannity-Palin 2012? Let the Conservative Revolution Begin!


By: Jay Taylor


Sean Hannity, a popular talk show host and outspoken conservative, was recently asked whether he would consider running for President in 2012.1 Whenever this question has been raised in the past, Sean would quickly dismiss the notion. This time, however, he agreed that he would run if it were God's will. While it's not quite an official campaign announcement, it's enough to get Americans thinking and talking about the idea all over the Internet.
The lesson we hope that the Republicans have learned from the 2008 election is that when moderates run against liberals, the liberal always wins. Historically, liberals always lose to strong conservatives. Recent polling data of the American electorate show that the country has been and is becoming more conservative ideologically.2 This is why the primaries are so important. Conservatives need to send a strong message in 2010. The election of strict fiscal and social conservatives, who will reduce the size of government and restore the sanctity of life, is essential.



Read full story: http://patriotupdate.com/exclusives/read/25/Hannity-Palin-2012--Let-the-Conservative-Revolution-Begin

The Story That Just Won't Die

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Arizona, told a townhall meeting in Kingman yesterday he is considering a lawsuit to establish Barack Obama's eligibility for the presidency.
Franks said there is conflicting evidence on the question of Obama's status as a "natural born citizen."
His allusion to the possibility of a lawsuit forcing release of Obama's original, long-form birth certificate is as far as any member of Congress has gone on this issue.
The eligibility issue was one of the hottest topics at the town hall meeting that included concerns about national defense, stimulus spending, health-care bills and the "cash-for-clunkers" program.
Franks said it would take 34,000 years to pay off the indebtedness incurred by the Obama administration. READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE PATRIOT UPDATE

Semper Fi. Another Soldier Speaks Out!

Pretty good insight coming from an old Marine.
(Too bad we don't have folks on Capitol Hill willing to speak out like this. J.D. Pendry is a retired Marine Sergeant Major who writes for Random House . He is eloquent, and as taught by the Marines, he seldom beats around the bush!)



'The Axis of Idiots'



Jimmy Carter , you are the father of the Islamic Nazi movement. You threw the Shah under the bus, welcomed the Ayatollah home, and then lacked the spine to confront the terrorists when they took our embassy and our people hostage. You're the runner-in-chief.



Bill Clinton , you played ring around the Lewinsky while the terrorists were at war with us. You got us into a fight with them in Somalia and then you ran from it. Your weak-willed responses to the USS Cole and the First Trade Center Bombing and Our Embassy Bombings emboldened the killers. Each time you failed to respond adequately, they grew bolder, until 9/11/2001.



John Kerry , dishonesty is your most prominent attribute. You lied about American Soldiers in Vietnam . Your military service, like your life, is more fiction than fact. You have accused our military of terrorizing women and children in Iraq . You called Iraq the wrong war, wrong place, wrong time, the same words you used to describe Vietnam . You are a fake. You want to run from Iraq and abandon the Iraqis to murderers just as you did to the Vietnamese. Iraq , like Vietnam , is another war that you were for, before you were against it.

John Murtha , you said our military is broken. You said we can't win militarily in Iraq .. You accused United States Marines of cold-blooded murder without proof and said we should redeploy to Okinawa -- Okinawa , John? And the Democrats call you their military expert! Are you sure you didn't suffer a traumatic brain injury while you were off building your war hero resume? You're a sad, pitiful, corrupt and washed up politician. You're not a Marine, sir. You're a phony and a disgrace. Run away, John.

Dick Durbin , you accused our Soldiers at Guantanamo of being Nazis, tenders of Soviet style gulags and as bad as the regime of Pol Pot , who murdered two million of his own people after your party abandoned Southeast Asia to the Communists. Now you want to abandon the Iraqis to the same fate. History was not a good teacher for you, was it? Lord help us! See Dick run.

Ted Kennedy , for days on end you held poster-sized pictures from Abu Ghraib in front of any available television camera. Al Jazeera quoted you saying that Iraqi's torture chambers were open under new management. Did you see the news, Teddy? The Islamic Nazis demonstrated another beheading for you. If you truly supported our troops, you would show the world poster-sized pictures of that atrocity and demand the annihilation of it. Your legislation stripping support from the South Vietnamese led to a communist victory there. You're a bloated, drunken fool bent on repeating the same historical blunder that turned freedom-seeking people over to homicidal, genocidal maniacs. To paraphrase John Murtha, all while sitting on your wide, gin-soaked rear-end inWashington .

Nancy Pelosi , Harry Reid , Carl Levine, Barbara Boxer , Diane Feinstein , Russ Feingold , Hillary Clinton , Pat Leahy, Barack Obama , Chuck Schumer , the Hollywood Leftist morons, et al, ad nauseam: Every time you stand in front of television cameras and broadcast to the Islamic Nazis that we went to war because our President lied, that the war is wrong and our Soldiers are torturers, that we should leave Iraq, you give the Islamic butchers - the same ones that tortured and mutilated American Soldiers - cause to think that we will run away again, and all they have to do is hang on a little longer. It is inevitable that we, the infidels, will have to defeat the Islamic jihadists. Better to do it now on their turf, than later on ours after they have gained both strength and momentum. American news media, the New York Times particularly. Each time you publish stories about national defense secrets and our intelligence gathering methods, you become one united with the sub-human pieces of camel dung that torture and mutilate the bodies of American Soldiers. You can't strike up the courage to publish cartoons, but you can help Al Qaeda destroy my country. Actually, you are more dangerous to us than Al Qaeda is.. Think about that each time you face Mecca to admire your Pulitzer.

You are America 's 'AXIS OF IDIOTS.' Your Collective Stupidity will destroy us. Self-serving politics and terrorist abetting news scoops are more important to you than our national security or the lives of innocent civilians and Soldiers. It bothers you that defending ourselves gets in the way of your elitist sport of politics and your ignorant editorializing. There is as much blood on your hands as is on the hands of murdering terrorists. Don't ever doubt that. Your frolics will only serve to extend this war as they extended Vietnam . If you want our Soldiers home as you claim, knock off the crap and try supporting your country ahead of supporting your silly political aims and aiding our enemies. Yes, I'm questioning your patriotism. Your loyalty ends with self. I'm also questioning why you're stealing air that decent Americans could be breathing. You don't deserve the protection of our men and women in uniform .. You need to run away from this war, this country. Leave the war to the people who have the will to see it through and the country to people who are willing to defend it.

Our country has two enemies those who want to destroy us from the outside and those who attempt it from within.

Semper Fi, J. D. Pendry - Sergeant Major , USMC, Retired

(This is a savvy man. He has nailed it down pretty good. Too bad it won't do any good. There won't be 1 in 10 that receive it that will forward it. It sure loses steam that way.)

A Soldier's Letter to Sen. Boxer

Babs:

You were so right on when you scolded the general on TV for using the term, "ma'am," instead of "Senator". After all, in the military, "ma'am" is a term of respect when addressing a female of superior rank or position.

The general was totally wrong. You are not a person of superior rank or position. You are a member of one of the world's most corrupt organizations, the U.S. Senate, equalled only by the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress is a cesspool of liars, thieves, inside traders, traitors, drunks (one who killed a staffer, yet is still revered), criminals, and other low level swine who, as individuals (not all, but many), will do anything to enhance their lives, fortunes and power, all at the expense of the People of the United States and its Constitution, in order to be continually re-elected. Many democrats even want American troops killed by releasing photographs. How many of you could honestly say, "We pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor"? None? One? Two?

Your reaction to the general shows several things. First is your abysmal ignorance of all things military. Your treatment of the general shows you to be an elitist of the worst kind. When the general entered the military (as most of us who served) he wrote the government a blank check, offering his life to protect your derriere, now safely and comfortably ensconced in a 20 thousand dollar leather chair, paid for by the general's taxes. You repaid him for this by humiliating him in front of millions. Second is your puerile character, lack of sophistication, and arrogance which borders on the hubristic. This display of brattish behavior shows you to be a virago, termagant, harridan, nag, scold or shrew, unfit for your position, regardless of the support of the unwashed, uneducated masses who have made California into the laughing stock of the nation. What I am writing, Senator, are the same thoughts countless millions of Americans have toward Congress, but who lack the energy, ability or time to convey them. Under the democrats, some don't even have the 44 cents to buy the stamp. Regardless of their thoughts, most realize that politicians are pretty much the same, and will vote for the one who will bring home the most bacon, even if they do consider how corrupt that person is. Lord Acton (1834 - 1902) so aptly charged, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unbeknownst to you and your colleagues, "Mr. Power" has had his way with all of you, and we are all the worse for it.

Finally Senator, I, too, have a title. It is "Right Wing Extremist Potential Terrorist Threat." It is not of my choosing, but was given to me by your Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. And you were offended by "ma'am"?

Have a fine day. Cheers!

Jim Hill16808 - 103rd Avenue Court EastSouth Hill, WA 98374

Time to Stand Up!

June 18, 2009 10:01 PM

The woman who sent the long email letter below to Glenn Beck made her name known to him in a telephone interview the next night. She is Janet Contreras, a 53 year old woman in Arizona, a citizen fed up with the House, Senate, Administration, Democrats, Republicans.

During the interview she said "I don't want this. I don't want this fight, Glenn. I don't have the time, energy or financial resources for it but that no longer matters. It no longer matters if I'm able or if I want this fight. I have to take it on. It's not a matter of choice anymore, which is why I wrote the letter."

"The other part of this is that the invisible people who can and do represent my views need to come out of the shadows. I don't know who they are. They're going to get washed away with the rest of them if they don't have the courage to stand up against the Administration and those members of the House and Senate who are destroying our country and our values."

Janet Contreras
Phoenix, Arizona

June 17, 2009 Glenn read this email letter on his Glenn Beck Show. She identified herself in a phone call the next night as Janet Contreras from Arizona.

GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona. She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:

I am a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to solve issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to solve the issues important to me.

There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me you are there and you are willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask what are my views and issues that I feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties. Well, these briefly are my views and the issues for which I seek representation:

One - Illegal Immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty. Never again. Been there, done that, no resolution. PS, I am not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two - The TARP Bill. I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal. TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program). The Wall Street handout bill, under President Bush, to address the subprime mortgage crisis, to purchase or insure up to $700 billion of "troubled" assets.

Three - Czars. I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the 37 czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four - Cap And Trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five - Universal Health Care. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and go on break. Slow down.

Six - Growing Government Control. I want States Rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Start there.

Seven - ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I also want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I want all our money to them stopped. Face up to the allegations against them and get them resolved before getting any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight - Redistribution Of Wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why? What do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine - Charitable Contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten - Corporate Bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a BandAid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven - Transparency And Accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try. Please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to criminal investigation of you. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve - Unprecedented Quick Spending. Stop it now. Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some non politicians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law.

I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, militant or violent person. I am a parent and grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy and I'm tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on weekends, be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same - all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course.

Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble through a bill you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance.

Why is it that I feel you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it, but you expect I should trust you with the debt you have, without caring or conscience, laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure we still can. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of your recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems all of you have gone insane. I also know I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed passed us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess you are making.

We will have to give up our vacations, time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford - to spend on you - to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president knows all the buzzwords are unsustainable. No kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with those buzzwords? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long - because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented.

You think we're so busy with our lives we will never come for you? We are the former silent majority, all who quietly work, pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone - and we are now closely looking at you and the huge mess you created for all of us. You have awakened in us the patriotic spirit, so strong and so powerful that had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They will surprise you. For every one of us who come after you there will be hundreds more who could not come.

Unlike you we have their trust. We will represent them honestly. Rest assured they will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are off. We are very angry.

You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us who will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now.

We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it.

You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us in front of the whole world. If you are not representing the needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear that? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will fire you and they cannot save you.

If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.

Get Ready

My friends. I am on vacation in Minnesota. I this day had occasion to meet a young Canadian man and his family. He is a tradesman in his country.

We began to speak of how "free" health care is working in Canada. He related the following;

A couple of years ago, a friend of his, also a young man, started having severe back pain. He went to the emergency room and they set him up for a CAT scan. His appointment was set for TWO YEARS later!

His friend died within two months. He had spinal cancer.

Enough said.

I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy.

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009, 6:59 AM

Clint Smith, Director of Thunder Ranch, is part drill instructor, and part stand up comic. Here are a few of his observations on tactics, firearms, self defense and life as we know it in the Civilized world.

"The handgun would not be my choice of weapon if I knew I was Going to a fight....I'd choose a rifle, a shotgun, a RPG or an atomic bomb instead."

"The two most important rules in a gunfight are: always cheat and always win."

"Every time I teach a class, I discover I don't know something."

"Don't forget, incoming fire has the right of way."

"Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets. I may get killed with my own gun, but he's gonna have to beat me to death with it, cause it's going to be empty."

"If you're not shootin', you should be loadin'. If you're not loadin, you should be movin', if you're not movin', someone's gonna cut your head off and put it on a stick."

"When you reload in low light encounters, don't put your flashlight in your back pocket.. If you light yourself up, you'll look like an angel or the tooth fairy...and you're gonna be one of 'em pretty soon."

"Do something. It may be wrong, but do something."

"Nothing adds a little class to a sniper course like a babe in a Ghilliesuit."

"Shoot what's available, as long as it's available, until something else becomes available."

"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That's ridiculous.. If I have a gun, what in the hell do I have to be paranoid for."

"Don't shoot fast, shoot good."

"You can say 'stop' or 'alto' or use any other word you think will work but I've found that a large bore muzzle pointed at someone's head is pretty much the universal language."

"You have the rest of your life to solve your problems. How long You live depends on how well you do it."

"You cannot save the planet. You may be able to save yourself and your family."

More Excellent Gun Wisdom.......? The purpose of fighting is to Win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more Important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.

1. Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to Fight, he'll just kill you.

2. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.

3. I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy.

4. When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.

5. A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'

6. An armed man will kill an unarmed man with monotonous Regularity.

7. The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?' 'No ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my rifle.'

8. Beware the man who only has one gun.

He probably knows how to use it! If you believe in the 2nd Amendment, please forward. 'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' ~ G. K. Chesterton

A people that values its privileges above its principles will soon lose both.? ~ DDE

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who Do not.' ~ Thomas Jefferson

From the Blog of Wild Bill, http://godgunsfreespeech.blogspot.com

This is a letter that was written by a wife of a Vietnam Veteran about Ann Margret, Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black & white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage.Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as 2nd in line, it was soon Richard's turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it".She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for "my gentlemen". With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him.She then made quite a to do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he was the only one there.Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big strong husband broke down in tears. "That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army", he said.Richard, like many others, came home to people who spit on him and shouted ugly things at him. That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet.I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband. I now make it a point to say Thank You to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces.Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.Even today she is remembered fondly by those who served in Vietnam and who were lucky enough to be in the audience for one of her shows. In interviews with the press, she has spoken about former G.I.s who have stepped forward to thank her for taking the time to do her part back then. It's not too much of a stretch to think she would in turn be thanking them.Its a shame how our Troops are treated by Hollywood now, very few celebrities go into Combat zones to entertain the troops and show their appreciation for the sacrifice our military men and women make for us.A few celebrities do go to Iraq and Afghanistan and should be recognized for their Patriotism,to name a few and I mean few:Gary Sinise, Kid Rock,Toby Kieth,Wayne Newton,Bradley Cooper,and Don Shula.I know that there are more Celebrity Patriots that have gone to see the troops, but I cant remember them all,but I am glad their is still a small part of the entertainment industry that gives of themselves and cares about our Nations Military."In God We Trust"
tweetmeme_url = 'http://godgunsfreespeech.blogspot.com/2009/07/ann-margaret-and-vietnam.html';

Objection! Best Evidence Rule.

(This latest article, which follows, regarding Long-legged, Mackdaddy's birth certificate is disappointing. It begs the question; WHY CAN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NOT GET TO SEE THE BEST EVIDENCE OF OBAMA'S BIRTH!? This is an easy one...how about a little transparency? Apply the "Best Evidence" rule. Show us his birth certificate. Show us his school records. Show us how he got to Pakistan during a travel ban and how he got into Columbia.

Folks, I am sad to think that the reason we cannot see the records "checked" by Hawaiian officials may well be that they do not exist. This is an issue that will not die. This coverup borders on treason and some of us are getting damned sick of it!)

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

By JAYMES SONG, Associated Press Writer Jaymes Song, Associated Press Writer – Tue Jul 28, 1:54 am ET

HONOLULU – State officials in Hawaii on Monday said they have once again checked and confirmed that President Barack Obama was born in Hawaii and is a natural-born American citizen, and therefore meets a key constitutional requirement for being president.
They hoped to stem a recent surge in the number of inquiries about Obama's birthplace.
"I ... have seen the original vital records maintained on file by the Hawaii State Department of Health verifying Barack Hussein Obama was born in Hawaii and is a natural-born American citizen," Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said in a brief statement. "I have nothing further to add to this statement or my original statement issued in October 2008 over eight months ago."
So-called "birthers" — who claim Obama is ineligible to be president because, they argue, he was actually born outside the United States — have grown more vocal recently on blogs and television news shows.

Fukino issued a similar press release Oct. 31, but was prompted to speak out again because of the renewed attention on Obama's beginnings. Hawaii's Health Department has been flooded in recent weeks with questions from individuals and several national TV news networks asking for proof that Obama was indeed born in Hawaii.

"They just keep asking over and over and over again," Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo said.

The Constitution states that a person must be a "natural-born citizen" to be eligible for the presidency. Birthers contend that Obama's birth certificate is a fake, and many say he was actually born in Kenya, his father's homeland. They've challenged his citizenship in court.
One widely circulated YouTube clip of a town hall meeting showed a Republican congressman getting booed for saying Obama is a citizen. Talk show host Rush Limbaugh and CNN's Lou Dobbs have also raised the issue, and 10 Republican members of Congress co-sponsored a bill that would require future presidential candidates to provide a copy of their original birth certificate.

However, it appears Congress has moved on and has accepted Obama's island birthplace. The U.S. House on Monday unanimously approved a resolution recognizing and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hawaii becoming the 50th state. A clause was included that reads: "Whereas the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, was born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961."
State law bars the release of a certified birth certificate to anyone who does not have a tangible inerest.

However, Obama's birth certificate along with birth notices from the two Honolulu newspapers were brought forward even before he took office. But that's done nothing to shake the belief by many Obama critics that the president was born abroad.

Rush was right. Biden, the gift that keeps on giving!

By LYNN BERRY, Associated Press Writer Lynn Berry, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 52 mins ago

MOSCOW – An interview U.S. Vice President Joe Biden gave to an American newspaper was front-page news Monday in Moscow, where his characterization of Russia as a weakened nation hit a raw nerve.

Biden said Russia's economic difficulties are likely to make the Kremlin more willing to cooperate with the United States on a range of national security issues.

Read more at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090727/ap_on_re_eu/eu_russia_us

Right on, Brother Doug!

Doug Casey on Judging Justices
(Interviewed by Louis James, International Speculator)

L: Doug, you wrote in an email that you’ve been shaking your head over the latest antics of Supreme Court nomination and appointment. Care to tell us why?

Doug: Well, the whole thing is a pointless circus. The whole uproar over the “wise Latina” remark is irrelevant, and all the hours of intense scrutiny people are devoting to examining the alleged thoughts of Sotomayor are a waste of time. It serves absolutely no useful purpose whatsoever.

L: None whatsoever? Wouldn’t it matter if a justice got in who might be more harmful than another to the economy or civil liberties?

Doug: No, not at all. The kind of justice who might do some good could never make it through our highly politicized appointment process, so it’s a choice between Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber. It just doesn’t matter. But, for what it’s worth, Soto mayor seems to have all the wrong instincts. Besides, the Supreme Court has drifted so far from what it’s supposed to do that the court itself doesn’t matter.

The Supreme Court has a very simple mission; it’s supposed to safeguard the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution and its first ten amendments (the Bill of Rights) were adopted and ratified simultaneously. Though imperfect, it’s actually a pretty clear and easy-to-understand document.

All a Supreme Court justice should have to do is read the Constitution to see if the law in question is constitutional, in other words, falls within the authority spelled out in the Constitution. It’s that simple, and it doesn’t take a lawyer – in fact, a lawyer’s training, with all its emphasis on precedent and interpretation, is the exact opposite of what you want in a Supreme Court justice.

So the weight of precedent and so-called law that has built up over the years is basically junk. Most decisions reflect not what the Constitution says, or even what’s equitable, but the political views of the judges – who are all political appointees.

The vast majority of the Supreme Court’s precedent should be scrapped. They should start from scratch, and with a copy of the Constitution in hand, and strike down any law that the Constitution does not specifically authorize. Article One, Section 8, makes it absolutely clear that any powers not given to the government in the Constitution are reserved to the states and to the people. Amendments 9 and 10 of the Bill of Rights reinforce that. But they’re completely disregarded, like everything else in that document, which was made to shield the individual against the state.

L: That would eliminate most of the federal government – the SEC, the FDA, HEW, HUD, DOA, DOT, IRS, BATF, FBI, CIA, and who knows how many other agencies – leaving little besides the military and the post office.

lawyerBob sez; SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN, TO ME!

(Thanks to Brother Higgins for emailing this one.)

The Story That Just Won't Die

(Go to bottom of blog to turn down music)

Well, Good old Chris Matthews... Me thinks he protests too much. Leave it to him to hold up the COLB and call it a birth certificate! We need an answer, not shucking and jiving!

The boy wonder seems to be getting a little testy on the birth issue, but at least he's talking about it. A couple of comments;

1. Do we have to wonder why BHO waved off the challenge to McCain's eligibility? I think not.

2. Now, in addition to being right-wing extremists, apparently those of us who believe in the Constitution and honoring its provisions are, "whackos."

3. This story simply will not die. Good.

4. Because of the consequences that would result, government cannot tell the truth on the legitimacy issue. Damned if they do, and damned if they don't.

There is an old Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times." We are there!

"In God We Trust."

MSM attack on USAF

From F-16.net

Recently an article in the Washington Post made a big splash against the F-22 using deception, gross misstatements and innuendo. It was a big hit. Many gobbled up the nonsense wholesale. What was wrong with it? While it made some good points—the defense establishment rarely has a handle on figuring out big dollar programs—it went over the top by stating some things that just were not true.For instance, it portrays the F-22 as a maintenance pig. The Post stated that maintenance on the F-22 was getting more expensive and troublesome with time when in fact the opposite is true.

What the Post really missed is that maintenance USAF wide is having challenges and not just one specific airframe. In the past several years with shortages of funds for just about everything, even simple to maintain F-16s have lost up to 10 percent of their mission capable (MC) rates. If one is going to only criticize one USAF airframe they are missing the big picture. Almost all USAF airframes have gone down in MC rates and not just due to age. Just a few years ago the B-1 bomber was taking huge criticism for only being able to deliver 51 percent MC rate. The fact of the matter was that the pauper USAF was only funding 49 percent of the aircraft systems required maintenance plan to keep it healthy. Dedicated maintenance personnel squeezed out an additional 2 percent through just plain hard work.

Looking at recent history of the F-22 shows a different story than that painted by the Post. Around the 2005-6, the F-22 upgrade schedule was on track. This effort was thrown into disarray when the needs of the Afghanistan and Iraq war—at over $10-13 billion per month— pulled scheduled funds from the F-22 program. The F-22 reached initial operating capability (IOC) in 2005. In the years 2006-2008, maintenance metrics from real live USAF squadrons came in. This is where real life at the squadron level validates (or disproves) the optimistic planning from previous years of aircraft development. What was shown is that the aircraft was spending a lot of time at the unit level in the low observable (L.O.) maintenance hanger. Consider that the aircraft was designed to be maintenance friendly where only 5 percent of maintenance actions required refurbishment of the low observable components on the F-22. In the end it wasn’t any kind of disaster but a learning curve. It took a while for airmen and NCO’s —the enlisted maintenance force that makes or breaks a flying unit—to get maintenance experience on this new kind of aircraft That process includes everything from training, keeping methods that work, throwing out ones that don’t and filtering all of that into a reliable form of tribal knowledge.

Fast forward to where in one deployment, an F-22 unit put up all of their scheduled missions (350 sorties) for a stunning 100 percent MC rate. This means that the F-22 community has risen to the challenge and put up MC rates that match or exceed current “legacy” aircraft in deployments.

Of course none of this was mentioned in the Washington Post article. More? Maintenance Supers (the lead maintenance NCO in a unit) will tell you a lot of things that are hassle-free with the jet. For example the Pratt and Whitney F-119 motors don’t require a lot of extra work. Still More? The F-22 community has won sustainment awards for its maintenance processes. Of interest is that the methods of logistics and sustainment used in the program are a baseline for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. While the F-35 has a long way to go to prove itself, it is designed so that only 1-2 percent of maintenance processes require L.O. refurbishment.

No matter. When the F-22 is out of production, guess what the yellow journalism crowd will pick on next?

US financial market bailout tab hits $4.7 trillion

THESE PEOPLE MUST BE STOPPED-LB



By JIM KUHNHENN,
Associated Press Writer Jim Kuhnhenn,
– 25 mins ago

WASHINGTON – The federal government has devoted $4.7 trillion to help the financial sector through its crisis, a level of assistance equal to about one-third of the overall U.S. economy, a watchdog report said Monday.

Under the worst of circumstances, the report said, the government's maximum exposure could total nearly $24 trillion, or $80,000 for every American.

Read More, if you can keep your lunch down! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_meltdown_oversight

(We need to stop feeding that creature we call the Federal Government! This is getting downright frightening!)

UPDATE: Army Major's Afghanistan Orders "Revoked." Is he now really in harm's way? Ask Joe the Plumber. Guess I was right: go to: http://www.wnd.co

IF THE MUSIC IS TOO LOUD, SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF BLOG AND TURN IT DOWN.

Another procedural trick for Obama to avoid facing his ineligibility to be president. Once Major Cook's orders were revoked, there was no case or controversy. If there is no case or controversy, then there is no reason for a temporary injunction. Case closed. Again.

Gee, just how bad do they want to keep this issue covered up, and why is the mainstream media not reporting on this significant issue?

Look here for other cases that have been brought, and dismissed. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=104009

World Daily Net (WND) has reported that among the documentation not yet available for Obama includes his kindergarten records, his Punahou school records, his Occidental College records, his Columbia University records, his Columbia thesis, his Harvard Law School records, his Harvard Law Review articles, his scholarly articles from the University of Chicago, his passport, his medical records, his files from his years as an Illinois state senator, his Illinois State Bar Association records, any baptism records, and his adoption records.

This saga continues. We MUST get to the bottom of this!

The Ten Commandments, per Obama

© 2009 The Patriot Update.
Feel free to circulate this article, but please give credit and link to The Patriot Update!Click here for the Online Version.

After observing Obama on the campaign trail and during his first six months in office, we have concluded that our President lives and governs according to his own set of "Ten Commandments." They're certainly NOT the Ten Commandments you learned in Sunday School. In fact, many are the direct opposite! To prove that our conclusions are correct, you will find a link to source documentation for each commandment on the Patriot Update web site.

I. Thou shalt have no God in America, except for me. For we are no longer a Christian nation and, after all, I am the chosen One. (And like God, I do not have a birth certificate.) SOURCE

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, unless it is my face carved on Mt. Rushmore. SOURCE

III. Thou shalt not utter my middle name in vain. Only I can say Barack Hussein Obama. SOURCE

IV. Remember tax day, April 15th, to keep it holy. SOURCE

V. Honour thy father and thy mother until they are too old and sick to care for. They will cost our public-funded health-care system too much money. SOURCE

VI. Thou shalt not kill, unless you have an unwanted, unborn baby. For it would be an abomination to punish your daughter with a baby. SOURCE

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery if you are a conservative or Republican. liberals and Democrats are hereby forgiven for all of their infidelity and immorality, but the careers of conservatives will be forever destroyed. SOURCE

VIII. Thou shalt not steal, unless you've been elected to public office. Only then is it acceptable to take money from hard-working, successful citizens and give it to those who do not work, illegal immigrants, or those do not have the motivation to better their own lives. SOURCE

IX. Thou shalt not discriminate against any group unless they are conservative, Caucasian, or Christian. SOURCE

X. Thou shalt not covet because it is simply unnecessary. I will place such a heavy tax burden on those that have achieved the American Dream that, by the end of my term as President, nobody will have any wealth or material goods left for you to covet. SOURCE

Goodbye to a Hero

From an email forwarded by Higgins.


Subject: Memorials are not always given to the most deserving
The following was sent to me:

We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat. Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st.

I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped. At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland , into Arnhem ." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day. I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France , and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip."

My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.No big event in Staples Center .No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.No weeping fans on television.And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.Rest in peace, Shifty.

"A nation without heroes is nothing."Roberto Clemente

This Could Get Interesting!

By Bob Unruh © 2009 WorldNetDaily

In what ultimately could prove to be a turning point in the legal challenges to Barack Obama's eligibility to be president, a federal judge in California has planned a hearing on the merits of a federal court case raising those questions.

According to attorney Orly Taitz, who is working on multiple cases alleging Obama is a "usurper" because he doesn't meet the constitutional requirement that only a "natural born citizen" can be president, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter ruled in a hearing today that her case will move forward...
READ FULL ARTICLE AT THE PATRIOT UPDATE NOW!

Too Much Information

Brave New World of Infant DNA Data-Basing
by Bob Barr, as published in The Atlanta Journal ConstitutionMonday, July 13, 2009 at 9:00 AM

One of the most exciting moments in life is to witness the birth of a new child. All hell could be breaking loose outside the delivery room, yet all your attention in those moments is focused on the miracle of a new baby being born. Yet in those exhilarating moments, a small event takes place in hospitals across the country that escapes the attention of most every parent, yet is becoming a matter of increasing concern for parents.Laws in all 50 states require hospitals to collect a sample of every newborn baby's blood (from a small pin prick to the baby's foot). The primary purpose is to test for PKU (phenylketonuria, an inherited disease that can result in brain and nerve damage) and other diseases (California, for example, tests for some 76 different conditions).Were the test itself the end of the matter, few questions would be raised. However, parents and others in a number of states are beginning to question what happens to those millions of infant dried-blood samples — each of which contains the entire genetic history of the infant, as well as DNA information on his or her parents and ancestors — that are collected each year. Who owns those samples? For what purpose(s) can the information be used; and by who? What agencies and commercial entities can access the information? Is parental consent required? Why should the information be retained at all?In fact, lawsuits in at least two states — Minnesota and Texas — have been filed to test the limits of such newborn DNA data basing. The conditions under which such DNA samples are collected, retained and used likely will lead to more such lawsuits as parents learn of these factors.Some states (California and North Carolina, among others) retain the DNA samples collected from newborns indefinitely, and other states keep them for up to 23 years. And while many states technically allow parents to refuse to have their newborn's blood sample genetically tested, such "opt out" procedures rarely are made known to parents.The stakes in this data war are high, as researchers and government agencies are realizing the value of such a databank of DNA and other genetic information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has at least since 2002 been advocating for a national databank, calling such "leftover dried blood spot specimens" a "valuable . . . source for public health surveillance and . . . population-based data on prevalence of genetic variations." The National Institutes of Health is using $13.5 million in taxpayer dollars to create a national blood sample repository.These efforts are being aided by federal legislation signed into law by President George W. Bush last year that allows the federal government to screen the DNA of all newborns in the country. The purported justification for this far-reaching, privacy invasive law was the need to have a "national contingency plan" to meet "public health emergencies."State governments are moving quickly also to develop regimens for retaining and accessing what Sharon Terry of the Genetic Alliance calls a "national treasure" of data. Michigan, for example, reportedly has set up state-run freezer facilities at a "neonatal biobank" in Detroit.Researchers and other advocates of DNA data basing are aggressively protecting their turf. The American College of Medical Genetics, for example, recently issued a "position statement" extolling the benefits of dried-blood specimen databases, and dismissing opponents' concerns as "unsubstantiated and highly exaggerated." Even the March of Dimes has joined the bandwagon — vigorously opposing requirements for parental consent (now required only in two states plus the District of Columbia).With federal law, taxpayer dollars, and otherwise respected agencies like the March of Dimes lined up against them, parents and privacy-advocates trying to stem the tide of infant DNA data basing have their work cut out for them. Let's hope they are up to the challenge.

You have got to be kidding me!

From the Yahoo Newsroom

Democrats on the Hill have begun calling for investigations into a CIA counterrorism program that may have been concealed from Congress during the Bush administration. President Barack Obama has resisted efforts by Democrats to establish a "truth commission," saying the nation should be "looking forward, not backwards." According to The AP, Attorney General Eric Holder will decide in the next few weeks whether to appoint a prosecutor to probe the previous administration's harsh interrogation techniques. Do you think an investigation of Bush-era anti-terror policies is warranted?

LawyerBob sez: Truth Commission!? What in the hell do Holder and his facist colleagues know about truth?! Here's some truth for you all...WE HAVEN'T BEEN ATTACKED SINCE9/11! I swear, these naive idiots will end up getting us all killed!

On the Lighter Side, Retro Version

Archie Bunker on Democrats

Go to: http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=archie+bunker+on+democrats&ei=UTF-8&fr=fptb-hptb6-501&tnr=21&vid=000163618678

"Hello Kitty" is running the White House!

From the Wall Street Journal

By KEITH B. PAYNE
Three hours after arriving at the Kremlin yesterday, President Barack Obama signed a preliminary agreement on a new nuclear arms-control treaty with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The agreement -- a clear road map for a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) -- commits the U.S. and Russia to cut their nuclear weapons to the lowest levels since the early years of the Cold War.

Mr. Obama praised the agreement as a step forward, away from the "suspicion and rivalry of the past," while Mr. Medvedev hailed it as a "reasonable compromise." In fact, given the range of force levels it permits, this agreement has the potential to compromise U.S. security -- depending on what happens next.

Ryan Inzana
In the first place, locking in specific reductions for U.S. forces prior to the conclusion of the ongoing Nuclear Posture Review is putting the cart before the horse. The Obama administration's team at the Pentagon is currently examining U.S. strategic force requirements. Before specific limits are set on U.S. forces, it should complete the review. Strategic requirements should drive force numbers; arms-control numbers should not dictate strategy.
Second, the new agreement not only calls for reductions in the number of nuclear warheads (to between 1,500 and 1,675), but for cuts in the number of strategic force launchers. Under the 1991 START I Treaty, each side was limited to 1,600 launchers. Yesterday's agreement calls for each side to be limited to between 500 and 1,100 launchers each.

According to open Russian sources, it was Russia that pushed for the lower limit of 500 launchers in negotiations. In the weeks leading up to this summit, it also has been openly stated that Moscow would like the number of deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched missiles (SLBMS), and strategic bombers to be reduced "several times" below the current limit of 1,600. Moving toward very low numbers of launchers is a smart position for Russia, but not for the U.S.

Why? Because the number of deployed Russian strategic ICBMs, SLBMs, and bombers will drop dramatically simply as a result of their aging. In other words, a large number of Russian launchers will be removed from service with or without a new arms-control agreement.
The Obama administration will undoubtedly come under heavy pressure to move to the low end of the 500-1,100 limit on launchers in order to match Russian reductions. But it need not and should not do so. Based solely on open Russian sources, by 2017-2018 Russia will likely have fewer than half of the approximately 680 operational launchers it has today. With a gross domestic product less than that of California, Russia is confronting the dilemma of how to maintain parity with the U.S. while retiring its many aged strategic forces.

Mr. Medvedev's solution is to negotiate, inviting the U.S. to make real cuts, while Russia eliminates nothing that it wouldn't retire in any event.

This isn't just my conclusion -- it's the conclusion of many Russian officials and commentators. Russian Gen. Nikolay Solovtsov, commander of the Strategic Missile Troops, was recently quoted by Moscow Interfax-AVN Online as saying that "not a single Russian launcher" with "remaining service life" will be withdrawn under a new agreement. Noted Russian journalist Pavel Felgengauer observed in Novaya Gazeta that Russian leaders "have demanded of the Americans unilateral concessions on all points, offering practically nothing in exchange."
Precisely.

Beyond the bad negotiating principle of giving up something for nothing, there will be serious downsides if the U.S. actually reduces its strategic launchers as much as Moscow wishes. The bipartisan Congressional Strategic Posture Commission -- headed by former secretaries of defense William J. Perry and James R. Schlesinger -- concluded that the U.S. could make reductions "if this were done while also preserving the resilience and survivability of U.S. forces." Having very low numbers of launchers would make the U.S. more vulnerable to destabilizing first-strike dangers, and would reduce or eliminate the U.S. ability to adapt its nuclear deterrent to an increasingly diverse set of post-Cold War nuclear and biological weapons threats.

Accepting low launcher numbers would also encourage placing more warheads on the remaining ICBMs -- i.e., "MIRVing," or adding multiple independently targeted warheads on a single missile. This is what the Russians openly say they are planning to do. Yet the U.S. has long sought to move away from MIRVed ICBMs as part of START, because heavy MIRVing can make each ICBM a more tempting target. One measure of U.S. success will be in resisting the Russian claim that severely reducing launcher numbers is somehow necessary and "stabilizing." It would be neither.

Third, the new agreement appears to defer the matter of so-called tactical nuclear weapons. Russia has some 4,000 tactical nuclear weapons and many thousands more in reserve; U.S. officials have said that Russia has an astounding 10 to 1 numerical advantage. These weapons are of greatest concern with regard to the potential for nuclear war, and they should be our focus for arms reduction. The Perry-Schlesinger commission report identified Russian tactical nuclear weapons as an "urgent" problem. Yet at this point, they appear to be off the table.
The administration may hope to negotiate reductions in tactical nuclear weapons later. But Russia has rejected this in the past, and nothing seems to have changed. As Gen. Vladimir Dvorkin of the Russian Academy of Sciences said recently in Moscow Interfax-AVN Online, "A treaty on the limitation and reduction of tactical nuclear weapons looks absolutely unrealistic." If the U.S. hopes to address this real problem, it must maintain negotiating leverage in the form of strategic launchers and weapons.

Fourth, Mr. Medvedev was quoted recently in RIA Novosti as saying that strategic reductions are possible only if the U.S. alleviates Russian concerns about "U.S. plans to create a global missile defense." There will surely be domestic and international pressure on the U.S. to limit missile defense to facilitate Russian reductions under the new treaty. But the U.S. need for missile defense has little to do with Russia. And the value of missile defense could not be clearer given recent North Korean belligerence. The Russians are demanding this linkage, at least in part to kill our missile defense site in Europe intended to defend against Iranian missiles. Another measure of U.S. success will be to avoid such linkages.

In short, Russian leaders hope to control or eliminate many elements of U.S. military power in exchange for strategic force reductions they will have to make anyway. U.S. leaders should not agree to pay Russia many times over for essentially an empty box.
Finally, Russian violations of its existing arms-control commitments must be addressed along with any new commitments. According to an August 2005 State Department report, Russia has violated START verification and other arms-control commitments in multiple ways. One significant violation has even been discussed openly in Russian publications -- the testing of the SS-27 ICBM with MIRVs in direct violation of START I.

President Obama should recall Winston Churchill's warning: "Be careful above all things not to let go of the atomic weapon until you are sure and more than sure that other means of preserving peace are in your hands." There is no need for the U.S. to accept Russian demands for missile-defense linkage, or deep reductions in the number of our ICBMs, SLBMs and bombers, to realize much lower numbers of Russian strategic systems. There is also no basis for expecting Russian goodwill if we do so.

Mr. Payne, a professor of defense and strategic studies at Missouri State University, is a member of the Perry-Schlesinger Commission, which was established by Congress to assess U.S. nuclear weapons capabilities. This op-ed is adapted from testimony given before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on June 24.