Misguided Morality

By Clifford D. May, Andrew C. McCarthy
USA Today
December 15, 2005

No one favors torture. Torture is already illegal under both U.S. and international law. Nonetheless, the United States is fighting a war against ruthless enemies who obey no rules. We cannot afford to treat all of them with kid gloves all the time.

On the battlefield, we can — and do — kill our enemies. Those we don't kill but only capture should be treated humanely, despite the fact that they do not return the favor when they seize Americans. But those who have information that could save lives must be interrogated effectively. That does not imply torture. It does imply measures that the McCain amendment would ban.

Contrary to what you might have heard, "ticking time-bomb" scenarios are not uncommon. Consider the situation faced by Army Lt. Col. Allen West: Fighting near Tikrit, he captured a suspect who refused to divulge information about a planned ambush.

West fired his revolver to frighten the suspect. The trick worked. The terrorist talked. American lives were saved. And West was accused of torture, charged with assault and drummed out of the military. Next time, will an officer in the same situation decide to let Americans be killed — believing that's what Americans back home demand?

Even more common than the ticking time bomb is the scenario in which a "high-value" suspect is captured, for example a senior al-Qaeda commander who might not know about an imminent attack but who does have information on terrorist recruiting, training and communications.

In this circumstance, torture is not only unneeded but also unhelpful. But the use of "stress and duress" techniques, including rewards for cooperation and punishments for defiance, can, over time, induce a subject to reveal what he knows.

Good policy requires clarity and accountability. Though torture is to be avoided, vague terms such as "cruel" and "degrading" inevitably would be stretched to coddle terrorists unduly. Congress should instead set clear standards, consulting intelligence experts and medical professionals to flesh out which techniques should always be prohibited (for example, those likely to cause death or permanent disability), and which are permissible — and most likely to yield reliable lifesaving information.

Accountability means not leaving serious judgments to junior personnel. Harsh interrogation methods, such as covert operations under current federal law, should require approval by a high-ranking administration official.

Obviously, distinctions must be made between terrorist leaders and low-level operatives. Even so, those arguing that it is better to sacrifice the lives of U.S. troops — or even an American city — rather than cause a terrorist temporary discomfort are making a terrible mistake. They urge a self-destructive policy and a misguided morality.

Andrew C. McCarthy is a former federal prosecutor and a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Clifford D. May is president of the FDD.

Duck Hunt

Ok so my friend that works at Budweiser called me late Friday night and said they had an opening on a duck hunt Saturday morning. So of course I said I was in. I got all my gear ready and checked out the weather. I got to bed at 11:30 and needed to be up at 1:00 am in order to get ready and meet the group. Needless to say I was a little tired. We met up with the guide and headed out to the field. Once we put out all the decoys and got in our positions the ducks were already coming in and landing. At 6:30 am we could start shooting. There were ducks and teal everywhere. The group consisted of 4 people (including me) and the guide. We started blasting them. My best shot was a double on a group of teal. And if anyone knows how fast and furious a group of teal come in then you know how difficult it is to even get the second shot off. Anyway we hit our limit by 9:30. 30 mixed ducks and teal and 1 snow goose and 1 spectled belly goose. There were thousands of birds out there. Once I find out the guide website I will post it along with some of the pictures from the hunt. Awesome day.

What the .......

Ok one more thing for today.

Lowes and a few other stores have changed a few things. They have "Holiday" trees for sale. Right next the these so called "Holiday" trees was a pallet of CHRISTMAS Tree stands. A couple of questions.

1. Do "Holiday" trees fit in the Christmas tree stands?
2. When will you be receiving "Holiday" tree stands?
3. When will you be receiving Christmas trees?

I cannot believe that Christmas is being taken out. If it weren't for CHRISTMAS these stores would have the great sales that they do. They would never have a peak season. Their sales would be crap for the entire year. If you don't like the word Christmas then don't celebrate it. Don't buy a CHRISTMAS tree. Don't buy CHRISTMAS lights. You don't have to participate. This PC crap is really getting on my nerves.

Been Busy

Ok so I haven't posted anything in a while. I have been real busy. Here is a breakdown

1. Closed on my first house Nov 16th. It is AWESOME. No more paying rent for me. Now every time I pay a little more of the house is mine. It might be small but it is mine. I was standing on my back patio the other morning sipping a steaming hot cup of coffee while my dog handled his morning business. My back yard has no grass in it yet. (one of my many projects) I thought for a minute....It might just be dirt now but it is MY dirt. Awesome feeling.

2. Thanksgiving with both sides of the fam was great as usual. Not as hectic this year since my house is closer to everyone now.

3. Great hunting trip with my cousin. Check out his blog in my links section for details of the trip.

4. Wedding to attend this weekend.

5. Older brother coming in this weekend. Still have boxes and crap everywhere in the new house

6. Little bro got ingauged. Congrats man. My wifey and I wish you all the best.

7. Working on big project for work and my overseas office calls me every night to discuss. Man I will be glad when this cargo gets on the ship and sails out. Haven't even been able to take a lunch brake recently

Hopefully my schedule will calm down and I can post some more.

I'm Out

Are you FLIPPIN Serious

Ok so I haven't had much time to post anything and/or I haven't seen or heard anything worth mentioning. However here are a few things.

1. Rome bans goldfish bowls. Seriously? I had to read the article twice just to believe what I was reading. Apparently animal rights activist (PETA you suck) have clained that putting goldfish in bowls makes them go blind. They have also banned giving away fish or other animals at carnivals as prizes. Does anyone else besides me see a mental issue with these activist. It is a DAMN GOLDFISH for crying out loud. All they do is swim, eat, and crap. Even if someone can show me proof that they actually go blind I still wouldn't give a rats ass. If you are that worried about a flippin goldfish you really need to get your head checked.

2. First lady Laura Bush said that people are more likely to get jobs if they avoid drugs, alcohol and tattoos. Holy crap are you for real !!!!!!! If you are an alcoholic or drug addict then you will be less likely to get a job than someone who is clean. What a concept !!!! Did you figure that one out by yourself or did you waste taxpayers money by have a entire slew of staff on this study.

3. Joe Morgan's commented that the reason the Astros lost was due to not having any black Americans on our team. That is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard. It is almost as bad as banning fish bowls. The Astros have some blacks on their team. They might be from latin America or the islands but they are still black. Just because they were not from America doesn't mean crap. If you want quotas on baseball teams then I want quotas on basketball teams sucka.

Anyway, I am prooud of my Astros. Good fight and a great ride all year. I'm out

Another Sad Day

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr.
Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was
since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing
when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that
life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial
policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies
(adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. - Reports of a six-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from
school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding
an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental
consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the
parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became
contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better
treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that
a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was
awarded a huge financial settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his
wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is
survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you
still remember him, pass this on; if not, join the majority and do nothing.

Shame

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it
is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost
went unnoticed last week.
Larry LaPrise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey," died peacefully at age 93.
The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin.

They put his left leg in. And then the trouble started.

THH

Ok, so yesterday my wife read this blog. She was not aware of why I started it. So I explained it was in opposition to a colleague of mine who is more liberal than I am. She also asked if there was anything on here about "Tree Hugging Hippies" THH for short. Because she knows well how much I love THH's. I thougt to myself why no, no there isn't. So here it is. Now not all the points are aimed at each and every THH because I don't believe they can be all lumped together.

Dear THH

Please see below my opinions on some issues.

1. PETA - you suck. Do you not have anything better to do? I don't believe in beating the crap out of my dog or anything. But I do believe that it is perfectly ok to hunt and fish. It's called population control. That is why there are limits to how many deer, duck, fish, etc. you can shoot or catch per day.
2. I see no problem driving a big truck or SUV. If you can afford the gas then you should be able to drive whatever you want. If you bring up the point of "global warming" like I know you will, then I would say look back in the geologic records of the past 4 billion years. There are always periods of global cooling (ice ages) and global warming. It is a cycle. So ladies, go ahead and keep using that aerosol hair spray.
3. You don't like the war, fine, that is your opinion. However, don't give the enemy any propaganda that can be used against our troops.
4. Freedom in the US is great. If we are so bad you have the Freedom to get the hell out. Try France.
5. A good ass whooping never hurt anyone. If your kid acts up, smack them. They will learn what they did was wrong. Sitting in time out is a joke. Then the kid learns that no matter what they do the worst thing is they will have to be in "time out". Wow !!! Scary !!!
6. A year or so ago some THH's said that teachers should not write grades in the color red as it might offend some students. GIVE ME A DAMN BREAK !!!!! Are you flippin' serious. An "A" is an "A" and a "F" is a "F" no matter what color you write it in. If you got a "F" you better study harder next time.

That is all for now. I am sure that I will have more later. IF this offends you then go read something somewhere else.

Rebel or Yank

http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/yankee_dixie_quiz.html

Sad but true

A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a courtroom drama today when he
challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has
a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded
custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations
requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible. The boy
surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his
parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge then
suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they
also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate family and
learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them,
the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who
should have custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references
and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary
custody to the Houston Texans, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable
of beating anyone.

True

Andy Rooney said on "60 Minutes" a few weeks back:

I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.

Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.

I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, that is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE?

I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.

I have the right "NOT" to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off.

When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling, it is the Law of Probability.

I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!

My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.

I think the police should have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word "freeze" or "stop" in English, see the above lines.

I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business.

We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations.

I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.

I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.

I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.

It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say "NO!"

I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!

I am sick of "Political Correctness." I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be "African-Americans"? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else

And if you don't like my point of view, tough...

Refugee vs Evacuee

Ok, Dictionary.com defines the following

Refuge
1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship.
2. A place providing protection or shelter.
3. A source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble

Refugee
One who flees in search of refuge

Evacuee
A person evacuated from a dangerous area

This is ridiculous to complain and cry that we should not call people from New Orleans Refugee's. Hey, maybe you should be helping them out then crying about something as little as this. Instead of stirring the pot you should fill it and feed the REFUGEE's.

My Thoughts on Rita

I have lived my entire life here in Houston. It is a great city and a great state. For the past few days all that has been on TV is news about Rita. Come On, give me a break!!! I lived through Alicia in 1983 and a few other tropical storms. If you are prepared they are no big deal depending on where you live in the area. I am on the NW side of town. Approximately 60 miles from the coast and approximately 50 ft above sea level. The thing you have to watch out for is tornadoes. If you are close to the coast then for sure you want to evacuate. But not 60 miles inland. Part of the problem that happened on the highways over the past week was that hundreds of thousands of people fled that didn't need to. Then look what happened. It barely affected most of the Houston area. The winds were high and blew out power across the city. Other than that my area only got 1/2" of rain. Look Out !!!! There was no need to panic or make a mad dash for the gas station.

On another note my wife and I have come to the conclusion that a majority of news reporters are idiots. The best question that I heard all weekend was asked by a reporter to a gas station owner on why he thought the fuel truck didn't show up on Friday and why he thought it would be Monday before it came. HELLOOOOOOO !!!!!!! Aren't you covering 24 hours news on this....let's all sit and think on why the fuel truck didn't make it to Houston. Hmmmmmmm.....maybe because all the highways were out bound only....hmmmmmm.....maybe because of the hurricane....hmmmmmm....Great Question Dumbass.

Also, I believe that the local government and state did a good job with all this.

Reminder **** It is not the governments responsibility to provide toilets along the evacuation routes (as one local complained). It is not the governments responsibilty to make sure you have food and water while you are heading out of town. Most of the people I saw complaining on the news were not even from the areas that had Mandatory Evacuations. If you are not from those areas then you have no right to complain. So shut up and go home. Everything will be ok.

Awesome

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.
Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.
This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.
Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.
The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.
Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.
The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.
Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.
In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.
Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.
I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.
I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. !
I love New York .
A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.
Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.
Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.
We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.
It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.
To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.
God bless America. Thank you and good night.



If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

One Nation Under God

Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate.
It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev.Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa and Korea.

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than anyother he has ever aired.

With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and
wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "One Nation Under God."