Berettasskeeter

Retired Marine. Current Customs Officer. Strongly Conservative. Pro-gun, Pro-life, Pro-death penalty. Anti-Communist, Anti-Socialist, Anti-lazy.

Recent comments by this user

A Talk with Gail Collins on Obama

If you expected integrity from a Socialist/Marxist, you'd be waiting a long, long time. This country is not "Progressive" (another term for Socialist). It is center-Right. But those folks also get fed up with status quo, and they're fed nothing but Leftist claptrap in the major media. That leads to you folks being fooled!
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 23:13:56

Hagee's "Christians for Israel" Meet in DC, Seeking Conflict with Iran

What rot. Real Christians are citizens of their countries in addition to being Christian. As such, they normally share the aspirations of their country. I say normally, because of course there is no such thing as 100% unanimity. And, Christians, true Christians, believe that Israel is the Chosen Land of hte Chosen People, and that Israel must be preserved from the depradations of humanity. Perhaps you consider yourself a Christian, but I think you need to study the subject more.
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 03:47:14

McCain Campaign Initially Stood By Gramm Remarks

As a matter of fact, I have read 1984. And nowhere in the Republican Party slogans can I find any reference to them. Must be your fevered imagination!
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 02:59:22

Why is it pathetic to ask for rational arguments, instead of inane rant?!
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 02:58:37

What is your objection to that? As an American, isn't he free to seek out success? Or, do only you get to define that success?
You also have the right to seek success, you know?! Hard work never killed anyone.
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 00:12:38

Your wisdom surpasseth all understanding.
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 00:09:16

Obviously, you spent 0 minutes researching his background, or you would not have made such ridiculous statements.
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 00:00:33

Perhaps you could point me to where I can find these party slogans?? I must have missed them. Or, are these merely your fevered imagination at work?
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 23:59:23

The U.S. has never been an "all for one and one for all" society, as you seem to imply. It has always been a nation of individuals dedicated to the idea that hard work will bring the natural rewards of comfort, if not wealth. You folks who have not found this success have either made wrong choices or have not tried at all. Please don't feel that you have a right to the fruits of my labors.
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 23:56:31

Well, I didn't dig deeply into his background, but he attended public school, later was a professor at Texas A&M. That doesn't sound rich and privileged to me. Just what is your definition of the term?
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 23:24:08

I note that you can afford a computer! You must be able to afford your taxes as well!!
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 23:23:08

You're right there. Most of the people who post here ARE whiners. Their only positive stance is that America sucks!
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 23:20:22

Arlington Cemetery Trying To Impose New Restrictions On Funerals Of Iraq War Dead

Why does the American public need to see it every day? As you say, to get the soldiers home more quickly. That's terrific, but it doesn't end the war at all! Roosevelt also had the numbers either hidden or held back for a later date. Neither the enemy, nor you on the Left, have a Right to the information.
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 04:01:48

Sorry, the war is being won. Follow the news in its entirety and you will see. If you accept the cherry-picked items of the Left, you will always swallow the hook of defeatism.
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 03:59:24

Yes, the Left has shown only that respect which fools the fools on the Left. The military is not fooled by the sham concern expressed by the Left!
Semper fi posted 07/11/2008 at 03:56:32

Iran Test-Fires Nine Missiles, Warns It Will Retaliate

You would rather that the hundreds of thousands of American, Canadian, English, and ANZAC GI's had to invade, resulting in a million U.S. casualties, according to estimates?
What utter stupidity! Check your own family. Which uncles, great-uncles, grandfathers, etc. would you have been okay with losing?
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 00:31:40

Do you have a point here? I would think that you would agree, since you claim military background, that low yield nuclear weapons are better than high yield weapons. Low yield weapons should produce less poison.
Semper fi posted 07/10/2008 at 00:01:55

Was General LeMay ever judged to be demented by a clinical psychologist, after personal exam? Are you a psychologist? How do you know he was demented?
Gen. LeMay was given a job to do and he did it extremely well. That job was to bring the Japanese to their knees, and to the surrender table. As an Air Force brat in the 50's and 60's, I admired him tremendously, and still do.
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 23:57:16

What nonsense. America is the most generous country in the world, it's people devoting a larger percentage of their spendable income to help the world's poor and devastated. America has helped to free hundreds of millions from bondage or certain death. Many more millions have died because the anti-American Left refuses to acknowledge this, which emboldens our enemies.
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 23:38:56

Says who? The appropriate weapons for the appropriate uses!
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 23:36:53

Noone has set off a nuclear device in a city. However, the U.S. did drop two atomic bombs on Japan, precipitating the end of WWII in the Pacific Theater.
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 23:35:19

The Flip Flopper on Iraq? McCain

Sorry, I don't require that McCain, or Obama, immediately rush to a microphone and agree to anyone's terms. McCain has said that, as President, he would remove our forces if and when the Iraq government requires it. He has not said anything to contradict that.
Jon, you do some good work with your pro-troops posts, but you drop the ball with your Leftist posts.
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 00:04:22

Blackwater and the Constitution

Okay, even though they ARE in the same category as McDonalds or Starbucks, I'll play along. How about AAA Security? How about Brinks? Look in your city yellow pages. How are they any different from the small to large number of security firms in your city? Why aren't you protesting their continued existence?
Please explain exactly how Blackwater is "evil and twisted". According to whom?
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 22:25:26

As you cannot provide even an elementary listing of mercenary troops currently on U.S. soil, there are none or your statement is made out of thin air.
Please teach me right from wrong, oh sage. I haven't seen the wrongness of a legally incorporated entity operating within the bounds of their contracts. I don't have to like all facets of business, but if they are operating legally, they're fine. If not, they should be brought before the bar for any offences, don't you think?
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 21:30:28

Perhaps it does. Did the owner complain to the authorities? Was the owner even around to complain or to know it had happened? Did the renter's contract have a clause that spoke of abandoning the premises to the owner? I don't know the answer to any of these questions, and don't know if they make any difference. However, I would say that anyone who has abandoned his premises has fewer rights to who uses them afterwards. Of course, I am not a Constitutional lawyer.
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 21:27:48

Do you know my weight, age, or experience levels? I think not. So, your attack is meaningless, and displays your ignorance.
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 21:23:11

Indoor training facilities have been operating in this country for decades. Modern legal requirements by OSHA mean that these facilities are among the safest in the world. If you're not sure, find an indoor range where you live and ask them!
I think that may answer your "room" concerns. As for people challenging them for not using their own name, I don't know the law on that, and--you don't mention if PP's application was denied for that reason.
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 21:22:09

You may be astonished to find that incorporated entities are treated, for tax purposes, as an individual. Naturally, not being either a tax specialist or a Constitutional scholar, I am not sure of all the differences. But, the word "incorporation", according to Wikipedia is, "Incorporation (abbreviated Inc. in U.S. and Canadian business names) is the forming of a new corporation (a corporation being a legal entity that is effectively recognised as a person, albeit a fictitious one, under the law). The corporation may be a business, a non-profit organization, sports club or a government of a new city or town." So, I'm not sure what your point is!
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 21:19:32

Well, that may be. I'm 57 and served 26 years active duty in the Marine Corps. Want to compare?
Semper fi posted 07/09/2008 at 21:12:49

You ask the question, but fail to answer it, or to ask the questions on the other side of the coin.
Why is a military training facility NOT appropriate for a business park? Who says?
How is a shooting range, whether recreational or training, NOT appropriate for a business park? Who says?
Why is it an evasion, or a lie, for the company which you claim is owned by Blackwater, to apply for the permit? Who says?
You've laid out nothing which is either offensive, illegal, or immoral! Or, did you forget some of your points?
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 23:30:01

As Blackwater is an incorporated business, they have a right to offer to buy/lease any property which they deem acceptable to their operations! Do you dispute this, and if so, how? Is it any different from McDonalds or Starbucks in it's incorporation rights? I doubt it. The city or county of San Diego may decline to accept the offer, if the property belongs to them. But, if the property is privately owned, that is the right of the owner. How the property is zoned will certainly make a difference, but I doubt that Blackwater would offer to buy/lease property which is zoned contrary to their needs.
I fail to see how the Third Amendment, which applies to privately owned homes, in any way applies to this case, and you haven't made the case for your argument!
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 22:10:32

Can you list the roll of mercenary troops currently on American soil? I can't think of a single one!
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 22:09:09

Study: Military Gays Don't Undermine Unit Cohesion

As this article speaks of military service, to which there is no Right, to which rights do you refer?
Semper fi posted 07/07/2008 at 23:49:01

They're Lying

Have you read the Constitution concerning the military. Congress has the power to raise, equip and fund the military. Congress is not given the power to take my money and give it to you! Thus, it is not a social program, but a service which our Founders realized would have to be provided to the country.
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 23:22:46

What percentage of income is a fair share for everyone, and I mean everyone-you, me, Buffet, everyone?
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 23:20:12

I work at night, rarely listening to Rush, who by the way is right. The progressive tax successes you refer to were nowhere near what Obama is suggesting. Under the current Democrats, fewer of the poor and middle class will be paying income taxes. What you speak of 50 years ago was a much fairer tax, whereby almost everyone paid something in income taxes. Further, there were far fewer "rich" folks around than now, which is probably apropos of nothing to this conversation.
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 23:10:02

What you are laying out is a need for reform of the tax system, to a system whereby everyone pays an equal percentage of their income. A graduated system with a ton of exemptions is the reason why the rich are able to avoid paying some of their taxes. Perfectly legal. I don't make nearly enough to qualify as rich, or even wealthy, but I take advantage of every exemption I can as I itemize my taxes.
The wealthy, those making over 150K, pay the lion's share of taxes in this country. Not the poor. The poor generally pay a pittance in comparison. What hurts are the Social Security taxes, which the Democrats will not abide to be reformed, and Medicare taxes, which again, the Democrats block.
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 23:08:39

Given that Obama wants to initiate a number of new socialist redistribution plans, and offers no corresponding cuts to spending, his tax increases on only those making $250k or more is ludricrous. Anyone who believes it is a fool. Further, the ending of the Bush rebate is a tax increase we'll all pay. The lies are on the Left.
And, don't forget that he has long supported a one-time tax on retirement savings. Yeah, that's the actual money you've already paid taxes on!
Semper fi posted 07/08/2008 at 00:00:24

The Simple Arithmetic of a Fraudulent Surge

Sorry, unemployment has taken a slight bump up, but cannot be reasonably be said to be "on the rise" yet. Particularly after the terrific employment records of the previous 7 years. You might follow the figures. And, full 100% employment is virtually impossible, as there will always be a small percentage of folks just entering the workforce, between jobs, having babies, etc. They are unemployed, but not necessarily because their jobs disappeared. Of course, there are those whose jobs HAVE disappeared, but they are a small percentage of my original small percentage.
As for your first comment, it doesn't deserve comment, but I will anyway. Those fine young men and women have made a commitment, for whatever reason. Jobs constitute the reason for some of them. But most are dedicated to their Services and love what they do. You should be so lucky to work at something as satisfying as what they do!
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:37:21

A Modest Proposal for the 4th: Take Back Old Glory

Sorry, its too late! Only the permanently disabled will be fooled. The Left hates the America envisioned by our Founders and reveres the failing Socialist/Communist States of the world. We won't be fooled!
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 21:58:52

Words and Bullets

Well articulated, if the facts were in your favor, which they are not. And if shame at one's actions were a factor, the Left would hide in their closets and keep their mouths shut.
Those areas that have liberalized (little L) their gun laws have seen decreases in crime. Admittedly, liberalized gun laws are not the sole reason for this. However, those areas, primarily large cities, that have restrictive gun laws, and laws that penalize self-defense, have seen increases in crime. Again, gun laws are not the sole reason. But, the signs are there for anyone to see, and complaining that 4-year olds will have guns is merely a strawman for their unwillingness to see the truth.
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 23:47:06

McCain Flips At Legit Question

Yeah. Let's give the Socialist/Marxist a chance to ruin the American economy; gut a strong, capable military; eliminate or demonize freedom of expression and association. That's what we want now, after so many years of growth, prosperity, and expansion.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:50:18

Odd! You folks continually state that we must listen to what Obama means instead of what he says. But, you want us to listen only to what McCain says, and not what he means. Why is that?
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:48:50

You tell us. How long does it take to perfect democracy? What does a win look like to you? We elect these folks, for better or worse, to make those decisions. And we have to hope that they will not stick their fingers into the wind to see what we think of every decision. Otherwise, we are doomed to fail.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:47:00

Who says it is never right to go and attack another country? The UN, that paragon of statesmanship and diplomacy? International law, which not only fails to take the many reasons for war into account, but is also run by Socialists?
I'll take Bush's reasons and be happy with them, regardless of whether I don't particularly like him as a President.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:44:47

Okay, denigrate was the wrong choice of words. How about "dismiss", or maybe something like "irrelevent" !. My point still stands. Jon was happy to tout his candidates' service when it looked to be a winner for the Democrats. Now, when the Republicans use it, its irrelevent?
As for Kerry and Clelland? Which of those who denigrated them worked for Rove? What makes them thugs over the likes of Sydney Blumenthal, George Stephanopolous, or the Rajin' Cajun?
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 17:19:29

Other than being a long-serving Sailor, and the son of another long-serving distinguished Sailor, precisely how was his father "elite"? Or was being a success your only criteria for the word?
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 16:36:13

Good trick Jon. You and your adherents touted the military experience of the Democrat candidates who you pushed, but now you want to denigrate McCain's experience!? Nice trick, and its working with the non-thinkers!
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 16:31:01

Perhaps you could tell us what alternate fuels are available immediately, that will allow us to stop making plastics, tires, put make ALL of our cars move, heat ALL of our homes, power ALL of our cities and towns!? Oh yeah, you've bought into Obama's, and the Left's, nonsense, haven't you?
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 15:17:11

Justice Department Considers Racial Profiling For Terror Prevention

I'll bet that many of the hard working Americans you speak of have tv's, air conditioning, and other luxuries. I'm not unsympathetic to their need, just skeptical that you have the right to take my money to fill it. I certainly don't mind if you support them though.
As to the military, again I commend to you the Constitution. It empowers the Government to raise and fund the military, one of the few things authorized to the Federal Government. The Constitution does not empower the government to confiscate my income to pay for the indigent, whether they are hard working or not. When you call for the nation to contribute, you are really saying that the government should confiscate more of my hard-earned income to pay for them. I object. However, my objections are no proof against government interference, are they?
Semper fi posted 07/05/2008 at 01:21:58

You might remember that not all Japanese were interned during WWII. You might further remember that there were a number of Japanese that were accused of espionage, though I don't remember the outcomes. It was not a sterling example of the American Way, but it was considered necessary at the time. Wrong? Maybe.
However, as demonstrated in the recent SCOTUS decision giving unprecedented rights to Enemy Combatants, no court would stand still for such behavior as you describe. Nor does the profiling of possible terrorist-tied persons naturally lead to any such behavior.
Semper fi posted 07/05/2008 at 01:13:20

How do you know he hasn't done so? If not for the soldier, you would still be a subject of the Crown! If not for the soldier, you might be speaking German or Japanese! If not for the soldier, millions of Chinese, Koreans, French, English, Dutch, Italians, north Africans, etc., would be speaking German or Japanese. What's your point?! What have you done, concrete, to advance the cause of freedom?
Semper fi posted 07/05/2008 at 01:06:37

If you can find a slave, I will!?
Semper fi posted 07/05/2008 at 01:05:02

Who tapped your phone? If you know it was tapped, you must have evidence!? And everyone gets the works by TSA. I'm Law Enforcement too, Customs, and get no breaks at the airport where I work.
Suck it up!
Semper fi posted 07/05/2008 at 00:48:24

You certainly haven't been watching or reading the news, have you. How about the Floridian American Muslims currently undergoing legal proceedings for conspiracy?
Semper fi posted 07/05/2008 at 00:02:53

What foreign intervention was going on prior to 1850, when the Muslims were still murdering anyone who stood in the way of expansion?
Who was exploiting their oil when they finally broke on the "French" rocks at the Battle of Poitiers?
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:20:59

Where were our Saudi bases in the early 1800's, when American ships were being attacked and their seamen enslaved by adherents of the "religion of peace". Where were our Saudi bases in the early 70's when aircraft were being hijacked and people murdered by the "religion of peace"? I always love the folks who cannot see further into the past than Bush's presidency.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:19:07

Where in the world did you get that info? Muslims, and Arabs, are committing the majority of terrorism around the world and have been for almost 40 years.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 21:09:37

I did answer one of your comments, but the reply button was not shown so my answer was above your comment.
Being, and having been, in the business, I know that the extended Arab family, like any family anywhere, has its share of "black sheep". Some of those black sheep could be terrorists, or tied somehow to terrorism. E.G. look at the Bin Laden family. Not all are terrorists, but all have terrorist ties, no?
Those folks here in the States can be co-opted, or coerced, to aid and abet. This is not "24" stuff, as so many like to denigrate. This is real world.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 20:58:45

mostlyharmless, you're right. I DO have a lot of nerve. I know the law enforcement intelligence, and I knew the military intelligence until 1996 when I retired from the Marines.
You might read, again, my last post. I did not impugn anyone. Given the close family ties of those from the Middle East, and loyalty being given first to one's family over one's tribe, over one's country, threats to their families by terrorists (if the family members themselves are not terrorists) is an effective tool used to coerce them into assisting terrorists. We may not have had an effective attack since 9/11, but that's not because the terrorists aren't trying. And they are certainly preparing for one, in any way they can.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 03:36:14

You still don't get the idea behind "profiling", do you? The system is based on a set, whereby certain people fitting certain profiles are investigated more deeply. Ethnicity is merely one facet of the set. The fact that serial killers are mostly white men is one facet of the set that demands investigations in such behavior be focused on white men. Sorry, you got to the game late! It's already being done!
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 03:20:46

You may be right. I'll try to reserve judgement. However, the only ones who get any press are those who actively wish ill to the U.S., ala ACORN and CODE PINK and ANSWER.
I'll try to keep an open mind.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 03:19:38

The majority ARE as you say. However, with large extended families still in the "old country", they are vulnerable to being coopted by terrorists, through terror threats to their families. Therefore, it is reasonable to follow those who, through intelligence, are in communication with those who have terror ties! You make a good point, but don't have enough information to make the connections.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 03:15:39

Wrong. Marines are not non-partisan. Those on active duty do not use their official voices for partisan purposes. If you were ever in the service you would know that any serviceman or woman is entitled to participate in the political process. What they are NOT allowed to do is to participate in uniform, or to use their official personae to endorse political position. They do not give up their rights, as you on the Left believe they should do. I earned the right to my sign-off, through 26 years of active service, thank you!
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 00:12:14

Kalima, where do you live that you can criticize us for trying to protect ourselves from evil people? The U.S. has been the biggest contributor to peace in history, protecting or freeing hundreds of millions from German, Japanese, Socialist, and Communist oppression, and now engaged in freeing millions more from Islamic oppression, if they can hold it. The people about whom this article speaks are using our laws to subvert our country, and yes, not all of them are dark-skinned Arabs. However, the majority, for now, are Muslim and Middle Eastern. Research into their lives, and possible intervention, may save lives, untold lives. Unless you live in some utopia that has discovered the secret to wealth and stability while keeping the barbarians from the gates, please reserve your criticism for those countries that oppress their peoples, as do the majority of Middle Eastern countries and African countries.
Semper fi posted 07/04/2008 at 00:04:48

GnitenGoodLk, this addresses your point to me. Hard working Americans are not, in general, the ones screaming for higher tax rates to pay for little Ben's cancer. Nor do I believe that we don't have an obligation to those completely incapable of caring for themselves. I do. But look at the classified ads. Hundreds, if not thousands of jobs available, depending on where one lives. Our parents worked their hearts out, many at more than one job, to make ends meet. I only know a few, now, who do that. Let them work!
As for the military, it is a function directly apportioned to the Government by the Constitution. It is not a Socialist endeavor as you say. And pensions are contractual obligations. Again, not Socialist giveaways.
No, let them educate their children to work hard. Turn off the tv, get rid of the expensive toys and work. When they are more successful, then they can spend their money on toys. Until then, I take care of my family and I expect them to take care of theirs, as is our right!
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 23:29:50

What a joke. The Left wants to confiscate our money to give to the shiftless; to confiscate our money to give to the unhealthy; to take away our guns; to eliminate the First Amendment through the Fairness Doctrine. Please, don't bring up the Patrick Henry argument when you don't believe it.
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 22:37:13

Who has been officially oppressed? Names please.
What is ritual abuse trauma?
Who has been hacked? Names please.
Who has had their phones or mail blocked? Names please.
What groups have been stalking whom? Names please.
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 22:34:50

No, take it further. We know that a decent percentage of U.S. Muslims have been fanaticized by Islam. Profile them all. Profiling does not require intrusive searches, stops, detentions, etc. Profiling at its most basic is the study of backgrounds, behavior, travel, etc. Study them all, and winnow the chaff.
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 22:32:41

Are any of the bombings as recent as 9/11, where 3 massive bombs were delivered to the U.S. by Arab men? I, for one, am only too happy to profile!
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 22:30:18

If only 10% of Muslims are fanatics, we've hardly scratched the surface. We need to try much harder, don't you think?
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 22:28:06

Sorry, the Code, USC not Congressional, is not specific and does not account for attacks that have the sanction of the Congress or the UN, as did our attack on Iraq and Afghanistan. Nice try, please play again!
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 22:27:13

Name the one's where we were either not requested, attacked, or our interests threatened, please.
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 22:24:20

Flip-Flopping, Obama, and Gun Control

Most of you have never researched Obama's time in Chicago, and he hasn't really advertised that he was foursquare in opposition to handgun ownership, opposed any attempts to liberalize (little L) Illinois' firearms laws, and favors expanding the so-called Assault Weapons Ban to include most of our popular hunting and sporting firearms. If you are a dyed-in-the-wool gunner, you cannot support such a Marxist.
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 23:36:21

Germany has a very healthy hunting and sporting community, which leads me to think you may be lying about being drafted into the German army. That hunting heritage goes way back. What does the word Jaeger mean?
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 23:33:04

Riding In A Fighter Plane And Getting Shot Down And What It Qualifies You For

Well written, indeed. You are well read, to write so well, unlike most of your compatriots on this site! However, you did not enumerate a single instance of the "problems" you listed. But I'll answer a few. The poor contribute little to society, while the rich contribute much, if nothing more than the lion's share of taxes. I can't figure what you mean about the middle class. I'm middle class and doing pretty well. Who, exactly, has been spied on? I haven't seen a white-collar criminal being rewarded yet. Can you give an example? War is an extension of politics by other means. ALL war is avoidable, even if it means surrender to the enemy. What do you want. No CIC can poll each citizen and only go to war if 100% agree. That's suicide, but perhaps you'd rather suicide than have your country fight?!
My son is in the Navy, as I was in the Marines, and his Great-Uncles and Grandfather served in WWII. I don't rely on the state to be proud of him. I'm already proud.
Semper fi posted 07/03/2008 at 21:26:52

You have written the precise reason I could never vote for Obama. His policies, both prior to his Senate stint and during, are antithetical to everything America stands for: the rights of the individual over the state. I'm glad you have the knowledge to read Obama correctly. Now, unless you also believe that the State has precedence over the individual, you'll just ask the wife to fix you a nice steak, and stay home.
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 22:39:50

You're completely wrong! If he had accepted the offer, the N. Vietnamese would most likely have released him, which was in their power. The problem with this, and the reason why military folks are taught never to consider such an offer, is that they would then have most likely used his release as a propaganda tool. Therefore, it was not expediency, but rather the knowledge that such a release would have been a betrayal of his fellow POW's, that made him turn it down. He could have been released! He turned it down! That makes him a hero!
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 22:27:54

Right on. The guts it took to turn down that insidious offer was remarkable, and he is worthy of the name "hero" on that alone, if nothing else.
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 21:19:29

Fighter jets, or bombers for that matter, do not routinely carry passengers. Therefore, McCain was not "riding" in a jet! He was flying the jet when he was shot down over an area known for its high concentration of anti-aircraft fire. The courage required to deliberately fly into such a hornet's nest is high, but then, what would the majority of you here know about courage?!
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 20:56:18

Snow In July Mixed Blessing For Northern Rockies

Must be global warming, HUH??
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 23:00:33

"Bring 'Em On!" - The Fifth Anniversary of Bush's Declaration of Indecency

What silly claptrap.
Semper fi posted 07/02/2008 at 23:13:54

Guns and Gas

You forgot to mention the high unemployment, the dysfunctional societies resulting from rather uncontrolled immigration policies, the poor government health care, poor education policies and outcomes resulting from the government largesse, lower infant birthrates, poor workplace productivity, and rising crime rates among Muslim residents/citizens.
Please be honest.
Semper fi posted 06/30/2008 at 23:54:39

A Key Right Recaptured

Should we then have waiting periods to buy newspapers, given that the news can be so inflammatory?! Or, to aid law enforcement, should there be a waiting period before one can claim one's rights under the 4th or 5th Amendments? You're right, guns rights advocates dislike waiting periods. "A right delayed is a right denied".
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 21:48:53

Our Founders also knew that no laws could or would ever rid mankind of predators, and that no sustainable level of law enforcement could do the job. However, in their own words, they considered the ownership of firearms the mark of a free man (that is a wording from their time, not necessarily ours). Burglar alarms only sound when the bad guy is already inside, and it still takes time for the police to arrive, if they do. Please think through your ideas before putting them down.
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 21:45:15

Except that there are many daily examples of the good guys successfully fighting the bad guys with guns, you're absolutely right!? Good research.
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 21:41:09

Only the Left has made that argument, and falsely. Guns do not give courage, they give the tool with which to use the courage one may or may not have. And, as children have used firearms for centuries, what has being adult to do with it?
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 21:39:56

Are you aware of the 10th Amendment, or the 9th. Both retain any rights that have not been specifically turned over to the Federal Government as powers. Further, the Bill of rights has already been declared, by the Supreme Court, to pertain to individuals rather than society as a whole. Your argument is without merit or research or knowledge. Thanks for playing.
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 21:38:34

So don't keep a gun in your house. But please put a sign out front stating such, so that the bad guys will stay away from mine, where I do keep guns!
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 21:38:16

I'll Trade You the 2nd Amendment for the 4th

Well, its obvious that you pay no attention whatever to what the NRA does, says, or supports. The NRA supports, fully, law enforcement and the legal system of this country. It vehemently opposes violations of the 4th Amendment and any violations of the 1st as well. The NRA, further, supports the 9th and 10th Amendments to the Constitution. Exactly which amendments were you referring to when you said, "Bear in mind that too many of these right-wingers don't have the same respect for the twenty-six other Amendments to the Constitution. (Except the Fifth when one of them is on trial.). As a Life Member of the NRA, I am unaware of any Amendments which the NRA opposes.
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 21:04:59

Can anyone give the name(s) of any American, in this country, who has been wiretapped without a warrant under the FISA? The courts could not find one, and that's why they haven't passed on any suits. Those bringing them could not show that they had been harmed, which means that they had no standing to bring the suit.
As to whether the 2d Amendment's affirmation, perhaps the author can show all the extra blood spilled when the many states liberalized (small l) their laws on concealed carry?!
Semper fi posted 06/27/2008 at 20:55:23

DC v. Heller: A Dismaying Performance By The Supreme Court

So, can we assume that you also wish the previous owner of a car held responsible when that car is used in the commission of a crime? How about the old kitchen knives you sell at your occasional garage sale? What about the hammer you forgot at a community project, that someone else appropriated for himself?
Semper fi posted 06/26/2008 at 21:03:04

Which parts of the Constitution have the "gun rights advocates" not been trying to protect? The First Amendment, 3d, 4th, 5th, etc? Or, are you referring to those things which are not enumerated in the Constitution, but which Liberal activists have insisted on, like abortion and the mythical separation of church and state?
Semper fi posted 06/26/2008 at 21:00:29

Wasteful Weapons and the Politicians Who Love Them

Can you tell me where you found your estimates? The estimates I read say that spending on Defense is in the 6% range, or so.
Semper fi posted 06/25/2008 at 23:12:25

I'm constantly tickled by the hypocritical attitudes of the Left! When told that military vehicles had not been armored because noone had the foresight to request funding for it, you folks cried for the scalps of the "neocons". When told that the body armor issued to the troops, who ALL had body armor, was not up to the needs of urban warfare and up-to-date combat, the Left cried for the scalps of the "neocons". Now, when noone can identify the exact date and conflict that new tankers MAY be needed, the Left calls for investigations and dismissals of the "neocons" involved.
Sorry folks, you can demand it, but you can't eat your cake and have it too!
Semper fi posted 06/25/2008 at 20:36:09

Barack Obama, Comunista y Terrorista? / Communist and Terrorist?

You know, you're correct that we deal with a lot of reprehensible characters in this world. But that doesn't mean that we must deal with one more, does it? Castro has not released his people from bondage, exports terrorism, espionage, and Communism throughout the world. He has done a fairly successful job of undermining a vibrant democracy in Venezuela and Argentina (which used to hate Castro), and stymied a budding democracy in Bolivia. There's the guy we should go to, huh? No, not for me, not until he releases the political prisoners he still holds, in their thousands. Not until he renounces his efforts at communizing the hemisphere.
Semper fi posted 06/25/2008 at 21:22:44

Thank you for the mindless adhominem attack. I revel in the lack of reasoned argument! Always refreshing to see that people who have absolutely no clue are still willing to open their mouths (figuratively) and prove it.
Semper fi posted 06/25/2008 at 21:20:18

Were the little children personnally killed by Che and Raul Batista henchmen? Che glorified in the killing of people bound to trees and stakes. Fidel tried to restrain Raul, at a distance, when Raul and Che were ravaging the countryside. When I said innocents, I meant innocents. But, while you are right that Batista's cohorts were not innocent, the Castro Brothers and Che made them seem like babe's in the woods. But then again, you only know one side of the story..
Semper fi posted 06/24/2008 at 23:04:59

I wish I'd heard of this Raul Castro you speak of before! Who is he? Fidel's brother Raul is a monster who was at least as enthusiastic in his killing of innocent men, women and children both during the overthrow of Batista and afterwards. Also, Fidel's brother Raul was the head of the DGI, the Cuban Secret Police, responsible for the deaths and imprisonment of tens of thousands around the world. Where has this other Raul Castro been hiding, with his reformative ideas?
Semper fi posted 06/24/2008 at 21:02:50

Scalia Cites False Information in Habeas Corpus Dissent

In the case of those combatants held in Cuba, the difference is negligible. The Germans in question were proper military combatants, but operating out of uniform, a crime. The combatants in Cuba are not proper military combatants and were operating out of uniform, also a crime. Those in Cuba have no more civilian rights than those Germans did, and should be tried and, if appropriate, hung by military tribunal.
Semper fi posted 06/24/2008 at 22:11:46