I Was Against Iraq Before I Was For Iraq

I used to oppose Iraq. I despised the politics of it. I had no faith in it's government. The propaganda was abhorrent. The torture, violence and murder were overwhelming. The bombings, gassings, imprisonment and torture of innocents. The random violence, destruction and mass murders of men, women and children.

It openly served as a save-haven for terrorists who murdered Americans and for those who worked fervently to develop chemical, biological and nuclear weapons of mass destruction. As an American, I feared the turmoil would continue to cause regional unrest, and that this may eventually reach our own shores.

I took every threat against our nation, our people, our way of life and our leaders very seriously. I despised the secret under-the-table dealings that enriched Saddam Hussein and his cohorts. It was, after all, all about the big money and oil. Just ask Saddam, Chirac, Schroeder, Putin and Kofi Annan.

Yeah, I used to be against Iraq before I was for Iraq.

But today, I am totally pro-Iraq.

I support the newly elected government with representatives of all major and minor sects and factions of the Iraqi people, and look forward to the next major step in only two weeks. I am overwhelmingly proud of the Iraqi people who go out to vote, apply for new jobs, and volunteer to serve their country in the military and police forces.

I am glad that we can add Iraq to our growing list of allied nations in that region of the world. And I am so very proud of the great part my country, the USA, has performed in this major change. The incredible work and the selfless sacrifices made by our US armed forces have certainly contributed to the coalition's part in aiding the positive growth in the new Iraq.

It is a wonderful thing to be a part of such a major event in world history. I now proclaim happily that I am for Iraq.

Political Correctness is a Sham

Political Correctness has been successfully sold as a way to assist us all in getting along, when actually it is a bar on free speech. Rather than lead us into some false harmony, it actually creates a greater divide by making any viewpoint other than the most extremely liberal one seem as hate-filled intolerance. The Political Correctness sham has been created by the most extremely liberal left as a way to restrict the freedom of speech and seal the lips of right-thinking, conservative Americans. For all the whining about freedom of speech it is absolutely amazing that they have so capably instituted these false barriers on both the media and private citizens.

With all the miserable failures suffered by the Democratic Party over the past forty years, I must concede that they have achieved an overwhelming victory in this particular battle. We are living in a time where amazingly, anything contradictory spoken or written about the liberal agenda actually falls under this new classification and is now considered racist, hateful, closed-minded, bigoted and intolerant. "Honest speak" has been publicly silenced by this rhetorical takeover of semantics.

I get so tired of blaming the media for their overwhelmingly left-leaning bias, but they have certainly played a role here. But they are by no means alone; I place the largest portion of blame on the conservative media and for every conservative person who has quietly allowed this to happen.

The Democrats have effectively made free speech inconvenient and uncomfortable. Some people fear open expression of even obvious realities. The left wing has cornered the market on acceptable speech, by restricting the free flow of ideas and opinions; even to the point of making the most simple statement fall under the category of cultural blasphemy.

We are now faced with explicit sex education being taught to our children in public schools. This includes condom application exercises, guest speakers promoting abortion, and theater groups performing plays to teach our youngsters the benefits of homosexuality. Our kids are forbidden to discuss or display any religious ideas or beliefs on campus, yet the alternate view is being strongly preached to them.

You cannot possibly consider anything to be equal and fair when only one side is allowed to share or even promote their point of view, while all other views are labeled extremist, intolerant and ultimately, politically incorrect.

London Terror Attacks

On the morning after the horrible terrorist attacks in London, I was sitting in front of the news with my 10-year-old neice. I asked what she thought of these latest terror attacks in London. She responded by asking "What did London do to Iraq?" I explained to her that the terrorist's ideology of hate meant that they did not attack in retaliation for any act, but only because they felt that they should attempt to destroy the people that they didn't like. She of course asked why they don't like the people in London. I proceeded to tell her that it wasn't really about the people in London in all. I watched her wide-eyed gaze as I explained that these evil, uncivilized people were educated only to hate everyone that was different from them, and that they did not attempt to declare a conventional war, but rather sought to kill and maim innocent commuters and children. She then told me, "that sounds crazy." To which I responded "yes, you are right, it really is crazy." By this time her ten-year-old mind was moving on to other thoughts as she toyed with the small stuffed teddy bear she held in her little hands. That was fine because while I do think we should give our children an opportunity to express their feelings on this subject, I don't think we should force them to dwell on it.

I couldn't help but think how so many adults exhibit a similarly youthful underdeveloped mentality when it comes to the subject of terrorism. Certainly spending excessive time thinking on the subject can create a fear in many people, and if this develops into an overwhelming fear which actually obstructs the conducting of usual daily activities, then it is very unhealthy and can be marked up as a cleanr win for the terrorists.

All British and American citizens, as well as civilized persons from around the globe must understand that acts of terror must be responded to. History has shown that ignoring them does not work and of course the method of cooperating or appeasing them employed by several of the Old-Europe nations has only led to fueling the flames of terror and perpetuating the growth of additional organizations. We must remain united and completely focused if we can ever hope to diminish the threat of outlaw groups.

Great Britain has experienced domestic terrorism for decades. Fortunately their law enforcement, emergency response and public service organizations are more uniquely and appropriately prepared to respond to such events. While the United States has been targeted by terrorists for many decades, it has only suffered few incidents of domestic attacks. These attacks are not isolated incidents and will not simply stop. It is imperative that we unite and show an undivided force of support for our government, allied nation's and international organizations.

Treatment of Prisoners in Guantanamo Bay is Despicable

I cannot full articulate my shock over learning of the reported manner in which our government is treating the prisoners being held in our Guantanamo Bay, Cuba military facility. To have these fanatical murders indefinitely detained against their will is simply not enough for us, is it? Even beyond the questionable indefinite detention, the atmosphere we have enveloped them in at Gitmo is despicably tyrannical and wholly un-American.

Just because these illegal combatants are being held on Cuban soil that is insufficient reason to allow us to get away with subjecting them to the brutalities of forced religion. Our nation was founded on religious freedom. This was done with the intention of allowing citizens and residents to worship any deity in any way they choose; as well as the undisturbed freedom not to honor or acknowledge any higher power.

I was overwhelmed with despair when I found out that the terrorists we are holding in custody are given copies of the Koran, subjected to religious services, encouraged to practice religious procedures, taunted with religious relics and fed menus in accordance with Muslim traditions. Their air-conditioned cells are even adorned with large arrows pointed in the direction of Mecca. We as a nation of freedom loving people cannot allow such conditions to persist!

Even in our own schools we do not subject our children to such religious fervency. We do not allow the Holy Bible or any religious text to be present in the classroom and we certainly would never utilize it in any course of study or student discussion. We discourage prayer, belittle those who are weak-minded enough to feel a need for religion, do not allow the Pledge of Allegiance and would NEVER go so far as to have an arrow painted on the floor pointing to the U.S. Flag! By many accounts we strive to prevent our nation's population having any knowledge of the church or its teachings or any embarrassing reference to the Biblical principles on which or country was established and built.

Why do we allow such hypocrisy at Gitmo? Let's insist that all religious influence be removed from these poor extremist detainees and provide them the same freedom from religion that many in our government work to provides us. Maybe by providing them with this small taste of liberty they will forgo their sworn intent to destroy our nation and kill us all.

Felt's Revelations Violate FBI Oath

So this fragile old man near the end of his life finally is provoked by money-grubbing family members to reveal himself as the infamously anonymous "Deep Throat." Once again he plods from his little corner of obscurity for reasons purely personal.

A dishonorable former federal agent who was incapable of compliance with his oath of office now faces our nation with an ignorantly shameless smile. Even the most junior agent in the FBI on his very first day with the agency is entrusted with only one initial duty. That assignment is to honor the oath of office. Sure, our nation's values have dropped enough in the past 30 years, so I guess he finally felt the atmosphere was ripe to welcome another turncoat into the public eye.

I feel it is necessary to clear the confusion about Mr. Felt being called a whistle-blower. This term became prominent 20 years ago and is used for those persons who valiantly and selflessly step forward, at their own personal and professional risk, to reveal some sordid truth that has not been properly addressed through internal channels. Like a referee blowing a whistle, this action is taken publicly to draw attention, stop the game, and proclaim a foul. Whistle-blowing is not done anonymously through secret liaisons and cryptic communications.

Double agents are usually motivated by money, recognition or revenge. The FBI's Robert Hanssen and the CIA's Aldrich Ames were motivated by money. NIS's Pollard began stealing secrets as an unsatisfied and disgruntled employee, and then later became hooked on the money. It appears that Mark Felt began with spite and has now moved on in search of recognition while in the pursuit of monetary gain.

Mr. Felt is perched on the final edge of his life, yet he now provides yet another disservice to those who trust him most now. As he thrusts his cloak of dishonor over the confused heads of his heirs, he may now step shamefully into the abyss of afterlife that awaits him. Let's hope that we can successfully sue his estate for the wrongful government pension he has quietly stolen these past several years.

Published in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on June 9, 2005.

A Sense of Pride

It is imperative that we focus on teaching and instilling a sense of pride, responsibility, and a pressing integrity to our youth today. The importance of these values must be highly stressed and their honor exemplified through both teachings and actions.

I do not believe that we should continue the degrading habits initiated in the 1980s in which we focused much too strongly on protecting self esteem rather than actually developing it. No child should be rewarded simply for showing up to school. Twelve to sixteen years of that will instill extremely obtuse and unrealistic expectations for a young adult entering the workplace. Children should be introduced to the realities of life from an early age. Competition should be encouraged along with the understanding that goals can be achieved through perseverance.

When you celebrate mediocrity you will never encourage the setting of goals and working for improvement that will actually enable a young person to progressively grow into a well-adjusted, productive and successful member of society.

Once again we are proving to be our own greatest enemy. Political correctness is a prime example. We try so hard not to offend that we end up pussy-footing around subjects and never make a point, criticism or positive suggestion. When you are afraid to speak out, your voice will never be heard. This by no means is my endorsement of overly insensitive or outright offensive behaviour. We should teach and live the golden rule throughout our lives. Teaching it to our kids and living the best example possible. Such behaviour can be contagious. Let courtesy guide you, help someone in need, be friendly, smile, wave, yield the right of way.

Air America Radio One-Year-Old

Yes, Air America did amazingly reach their one-year anniversary. It was an admittedly tough year, in which many days ended without the confidence that another day of broadcasting would follow. Short of contributors, listeners and advertisers the struggling liberal volunteers worked much of the time without any promise that salaries would be paid. Now, a year old and syndicated across fifty-one affiliates they celebrate this small success. But success is success regardless of size and these folks should not be faulted for celebrating when they have had so very little to enjoy over the past 25 years.

If you haven't tuned it yet, then you should definitley give it a try. In South Florida you can find them on 940AM. While many liberals will rejoice in the fervent anger presented by their boradcasts, conservatives should not fear that there is nothing presented to them. On the contrary. Conservatives will find reassurances in the so-called "Progressive" talk radio hosts. Their time is spent serving misinformation to the eager listening, dung-fed masses. Fortunately, if you are a thinker rather than a zombicratic follower, you will be able to enjoy the fruitless tirades these frustrated entertainers provide. Sure, you conservatives might find yourselfs getting annoyed and angry by the divisive untruths continually spewed across the air waves, but take a deep breath, close your eyes (unless you are driving), and remember exactly why they are so angry. Simply remember this, realize that you thinkers are not their target audience anyway, and have yourself a good laugh at their pitifully ignorant rants.

Stay Informed & Stay Involved

Sure, the presidential election has passed and we still have a little time before the mid-term elections in 2006, but while a little well-earned celebration is both permitted and encouraged, we cannot take to our laurels and expect this rising tide of change to continue its conservative swell without our active involvement. Being involved means staying aware of current issues, maintaining the contacts you made during the frenzied run-up to election 2004 as well as actively promoting the spread of your conservative values.

If you are not already a member in one of the many Republican Clubs across South Florida, then join one (or more) of them today. Get involved, attend meetings and social gatherings, share your ideas and listen to others. Learn about local issues and candidates that will most likely have more significant and more immediate affects on your life.

Contributions are always valuable, but do not necessarily have to be monetary. Volunteer your time for local candidates and ensure your voice is heard on local and state issues. Write letters to your congressional representatives, senators and national leaders. The sharing of your opinion through letters to the editor, to elected leaders, or through your own blog is especially important in overwhelmingly liberal South Florida. Fly the U.S. Flag on your home and car, post bumper stickers and magnets in support of our homeland's defense, national unity and important issues.

Now For Phase Two

Phase One was an unqualified success. Howard Dean has been selected to serve as the chairman for the Democratic National Convention. This regressive appointment is another major step in our majority party continuance project.

With Phase One of Operation "Continual Conservative Reign" successfully accomplished, we can now move ahead with the implementation of Phase Two. Phase Two will be to work toward the democratic nomination of Hillary Clinton to represent the party in the 2008 presidential election.

Ha, ha, ha, ha……we are on the way!

The State of Social Security

Is there any problem with the current Social Security system? Should an update of the current system be addressed or should we simply ignore it and just see what happens? Why was it a failing system when Bill Clinton spoke of it, but a thriving program without any faults when President Bush addresses it only a few years later? What happened? How did the struggling, over-burdened re-distribution system amazingly heal itself? Look, before we can make a single step we have to decide whether we can agree that the program is in a failing flux based on current demographic projections rather than seventy-year-old statistics.

I believe that we should improve and modernize our social security system. Workers currently pay into cover to fund the benefits of current retirees. As medical and technological advances have made it possible for people to live so much longer, these people are spending many more years in retirement. When the current Social Security system was started, it took nearly two dozen workers to pay every retiree. Now, in 2005, it takes less than half of that number to cover today's retirees. As a worker, every dollar you pay goes directly into the pocket of another person. By changing the system and allowing workers to elect to invest a portion of their FICA tax in private accounts, they are not only paying a portion to themselves, but also taking advantage of our incredible stock market to build interest and strengthen the system of the future. Additionally, with some form of individual or private accounts if a retiree dies prior to drawing all accumulated funds from the account, then the remaining balance may be passed on to heirs. In the current system if a retiree dies at an early age, the heirs get nothing…..because there is no distinction on what the person contributed over their working lifetime and there was never any accumulation build up of interest.

If we are set on continuing this socialist program, and I am not advocating its abolition, then I believe we need to seriously consider some major changes. I will start by stating that I am in agreement with the development of personal savings accounts. This will provide a system of investment and growth in place of the current system of simply redistribution. Some changes I suggest in the area of dispersing of funds include providing a needs based formula for retirees. While everyone should contribute to the system, only the needy should actually receive funds in their twilight years. The system was devised to provide a safety net for the elderly and disabled with insufficient or no resources to support themselves so that they might survive without the stresses and horrors of poverty. Certainly we need to teach and encourage individual savings among all citizens starting at an early age. Compounding interest over a lifetime provides the capability to grow modest savings into comfortable nest eggs. Parents, grandparents, and relatives should open accounts for children as early as possible. Every gift-giving holiday, birthday or other opportunity should include deposits into savings. These will be much more valuable than toys and time-wasting, anti-social video games.

The one question I see is that we will have to continue to fund the social security benefits of current retirees (in the old system) during the transition process. We have to replace the money going into private accounts rather than directly to retirees; while allowing those who elect to participate in the private accounts. This can be accomplished by raising taxes for all, or simply removing the cap for people earning over $90,000 annually.

The incorporation of individual accounts seems like a positive change for our country, our citizens and the social security system. Unfortunately, very few people ever participate in savings, investments and retirement accounts on their own. By automatically involving citizens in the process they are taught how to save and encouraged to learn about investing and the wonders of compounding interest. In a nation where so many people choose to live at or beyond their budget, just making it from check to check, largely dependent on credit, how can we not see the benefit of teaching the discipline and great benefits of saving and investing.

Certainly the transition phase will be the most challenging time for the implementation of this plan, and that is why such a debate results. Immediate modernization of this system must be undertaken if it is to survive and continue to serve our nation's most needy citizens and actually provide them with some form of true security. The longer we delay addressing the problem, the greater burden it will be to repair.

U.S. Economic Prosperity

What an incredible economic power we have in this country! Even after the dotcom bust, several down years in the stock market combined with the devastating terrorist attacks in our homeland in 2001 followed by the worldwide pursuit of terrorists and the liberation of millions of oppressed people in Afghanistan and Iraq, we still prosper here at home!

Our nation has presented 350 million dollars to the tsunami ravaged shores of Asia and the loving citizens of America have followed their hearts and contributed millions more from their own pockets. Even with the world's highest ever oil prices, we can still provide our citizens some of the cheapest fuel in the world. We are driving no less and purchasing higher-powered, gas consuming vehicles at an incredible rate. We are without doubt a rich population, freely and voluntarily spending billions of dollars on sporting events, lottery tickets, movies, vacation travel, video and computer games, and a large variety of other activities and forms of entertainment.

While fighting a global war on extremist hate our great nation still has the capacity to inflict economic prosperity on her hardworking citizens. Millions of jobs have been created over the past two years, businesses are growing, productivity has increased exponentially, inflation is in check, interest rates have finally begun to rise from the pitiful fractions we've seen in recent years and we finally have an administration that exhibits a sincere desire to repair our failing social security system rather than simply complain about and predict its impending failure as has been the fully acceptable status quo for the past several decades.

We continue to lead the world in economic and technological development. Our nation has successfully branched out to other motivated and growing countries to share our resources, provide jobs and assist in their own economic development.

Rejoice in our continued blessings, work hard to increase productivity, teach your children to not suffer shame for our success, assist your family, volunteer in your community and aid the less fortunate in seeking improvement and prosperity as well. Continue to recognize and share the blessings of good fortune with community and humankind both near and far.