What got us where we are today was ignoring the Constitution. Continuing to do so will not solve any problem - and will ensure that we end up a totalitarian dictatorship - which we essentially have allowed to be established. What congress does next will not matter in the least as it will be too little, too late. The fact that our communist-in-chief is daily amassing the power of the entire federal bureaucracy, with the military fully and firmly behind him regardless of whatever illegal and unconstitutional actions he takes, means that the elections in 2012 will matter not at all. All that can save us now from absolute destitution and tyranny like we have never seen before is a Re-Declaration of Independence and the force to implement it for total regime change here and now.

"it seems that much of the blame for Mexico's violence problem stems from our porous border and lax enforcement."

What are you going to do about it?

Positively STELLAR parting comments!! The last lines about trading in "The Big O" for a different model?? You had me laughing out loud. Brilliant!

In reply to: "In fact, we're going to take his suggestion to heart; we're going to trade in our current model in November 2012. And this time, instead of settling for something flashy, we'll look for one that's reliable, economical and made in America."

It better not be a GM or Chrysler! The U.S. Taxpayer has already given them $12,000.00 and $7,600.00 respectively for each car sold in 2010. I will never support giving either of these two companies money again.

In fact, the day they report a profit, I would hit them with litigation to return all that money if I didn't know it would get squashed before it even made it to court.

"Freedom ain't Free; but don't worry, the U.S. Marines will cover most of your share."

Napolitano ignoring security? Holder refusing to enforce the law? An obamination in the white house who disregards the constitution? A congress that has become virtually meaningless because of federal regulations and will simply fund anything and everything to make it happen. Criminal co-conspiratorial traitors, one and all.

Sounds like the American public has gotten the very government they wanted and deserve.

To the comment from the individual calling himself by the Anointed One's name:

" 'it seems that much of the blame for Mexico's violence problem stems from our porous border and lax enforcement.'

What are you going to do about it?"

What I am going to do about it is I am going to take the time to write to anyone and everyone who wants my vote or who has been elected to a position to represent me. If they are going to represent me, they're going to hear from me.

I will not sit idly on my couch and scratch my belly complaining while the country that I love gets driven off a cliff by irresponsible politicians who think they know better for me and my family than I do! I am going to DO something, and seize the rights that my forefathers handed down to me to protect. You're my representative? Represent me!

Now, my question is, "What are YOU going to do about it??"

Pastor Jones may be an incendiary when it comes to confronting Islam, but his actions actually are Christ-like. Remember when Jesus confronted the moneychangers in the Temple and whipped them from the premises?

Unless all non-Muslims begin to physically confront the evil that is Islam, as expressed in the demonic tome known as the Koran, they will never back down. Neither our military, which has no business whatsoever in any Muslim country, nor our stateside citizens will be safe until Islam is revealed for the monstrous fraud it is.

Muslims are a potent fifth column for treasonous support for jihad anywhere they live outside those countries under the heel of Mohammed. Either they renounce voilence and efforts to impose Sharia, or they should be deported.

Mr president I am so glad you asked, "what are you going to about it." Well, first is kick your ass out and everything else will begin to fall in place. Most have no respect for you or your leadership. So if you can't lead follow the wishes of the American of the American people and get out of the way. With all of your lame rhetorical remarks about the budget, the government shutting down, make it light on yourself Nobama, remember who always gets blamed.

I am stunned that you are joining hands with the left and the jihadists in holding Terry Jones responsible for the deaths and destruction the muslims themselves have committed in Afghanistan and other muslim countries. I cannot believe that the Patriot Post has bought into this load of crap. Every time we cave to the irrational demands of the muslims, we encourage them to higher levels of peversity and evil. Jesus would be so proud to know that standing against evil has been replaced by a bunch of mewling appeasers. NOT! You're acting just like the liberals in this case. I expect better of you. Ed

I find your term "professional race-baiter "Rev." Al Sharpton" a bit disingenuous.

A more accurate portrayal would be

"Professional Racist"

What!? Thoroughly corrupted elections in Wisconsin? You mean The People's Republic of Wisconsin!?

Exactly what does the word "Reverend" encompass? Uh - take the "n" out and you get revered....

Ohoh, that's racist!

"Islam is at heart a peaceful religion"?

Only fools who don't listen to what muslins preach, ignore their constant tribal/racial wars, disregard their death threats constantly aimed at and frequently carried out against Israel and the USA, don't observe the un-lifestyle they inflict on women and children, and don't pay attention to what they do - or what they don't and won't do in the case of them condemning and failing to support their radical elements - believe that lie.

Their so-called religion is a pseudo political structure intended to replace the law of the land. And their sole intent is to take over the globe.

So, is THAT when it will be okay to burn korans?

"In fact, we're going to take his suggestion to heart; we're going to trade in our current model in November 2012. And this time, instead of settling for something flashy, we'll look for one that's reliable, economical and made in America."

Amen to that! You guys are hilarious -- in a good way!

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D -DC) said that a government shutdown was like bombing civilians and that republicans who can't compromise must pay the price (presumably by being voted out of office, but she wasn't specific). And here I thought the only bombing of civilians was happening in Iraq, Afghanistan and now Libya. Who knew?

I am most tired of the news trying to make people pick sides (as ever). It is truly exhausting to see endless headlines of "Should the government close NPR?" or "Is it time to defund abortion?"

Yes - yes they should. NPR feels it doesn't need the tax funds anyway. Planned Parenthood won't suddenly be outlawed from performing abortions (regardless of whether you're pro-life or pro-choice) Times are tight. Stop sending tax dollars to prop up these pet projects. Stop worrying about politics in the short run and worry about the prosperity of the nation!

It is depressing how sad the arguement is over "73 billion in cuts or 33 billion in cuts?" - when we need 100s of billions in cuts. I'm not even material for being a Senator or Representative and I could sit down in one week and select a few hundred billion dollars in 'pet projects' to toss out.

I even have a vested self-interest in the government remaining open (I'm among the Federal employees) but I'm disappointed there are no real leaders in all of those over me. All this fighting over 0.8% of the deficit makes us look idiotic...

Obviously, this is all idealogies and and nothing about saving the nation itself. Show some wisdom and ability for once, shut the rhetoric off and spend the tax dollars correctly (...and within the limits and powers of the Constitution to echo the common thread here)

Answering questions about energy, Obama told people worried about high gas prices, "[I]f you're getting eight miles a gallon, you may want to think about a trade-in." Easy for him to say though it is an interesting idea. In fact, we're going to take his suggestion to heart; we're going to trade in our current model in November 2012. And this time, instead of settling for something flashy, we'll look for one that's reliable, economical and made in America.

Response: What mileage does the presidential limo get?

The Qur'an states, "Kill the Jews," and "Kill the Christians," and "Kill the infidels wherever you find them." I brought up this point when someone challenged me when I said that Islam is a violent religion. After I quoted those parts they admitted I was right. The Moslems' false god is but a hateful lie, and the lives of its followers reflect that same hateful lie. Jesus Christ is Lord, who us to hate what is evil, but to love all of our fellow human beings.

"..reliable, economical and made in America." We aren't talking about vehicles, now are we? Don't tell me you don't believe he's an American. But he must be - he's president, isn't he?

I aired out my thoughts after Mark's Thursday piece, and I see little need to do it again, except to reinterate that until we get those rose-colotred glasses off the Dems and into the trash where they belong, the carping and crap about Planned Parenthood, and Abortion spending is going to continue from the left. Pelosi and Reid, need to be eliminated (read terminated) from the equation at the earliest possible juncture. The Dems suck and from the top down and need to be run out of town on a rail. Nuff said.

I am surprised that no one to date has invented a word that is worse than hipocrisy.

Then we can realy show what the likes of the community organizer,pelosy,senile reid,shumer and others of the regime are realy like.If the Speaker does not stand firm on the cuts, then God help, for we are going over the cliff.

Regarding the ethanol laws, perhaps it is all part of the stimulus.....now that most gas has 10% ethanol all my 2 cycle mowers, tillers, chain saws, etc. get gunked up more often, so it provides more work for folks fixing these things.....not to mention cars get lower mpg with an ethanol mix, so I have to buy it more often....results that good have got to be part of BHO's plan to stimulate the economy.

I just spoke with my neighbor, who is a very intelligent man, about what is happening in Washington. What he told me about the administrations of Bush Sr., Clinton, and George W., contradict what I've been reading in the Patriot Post and other conservative websites. Since statistics can be manipulated to support anyone's argument, how is it possible to know whom is correct?

Also, why was it so important to vote for Republicans in the last election when Obama will veto every bill they present to him? Exactly what will be accomplished?

As I see it, the shutdown will mean that government workers will get paid for not working. So what's new?!

Pelosi calls defunding of Planned Parenthood "war on women", yet it doesn't seem to bother her that abortion, killing children, denies the right to life of the unborn and even the born but unattractive. What a lie! Her position in antithetical to Catholicism and most other Christian and Jewish faiths. Pray that TRUTH will eventually reign. She needs a reality check.

If they shut down the government tonight, what is going to happen to Cowboy Poetry? Oh the humanity...

have been advised this date 8 april

that our troops in iraq and the stans have only been

paid HALF their normal pay.

can you kindly please verify

if true

kindly please raise a major outcry on their behalf

or at least initiate a movement to impeach

the "first excuse of a president"

Who gives a flying flip if the government shuts down? Anytime you can keep those idiots in Washington away from their job, twiddling their thumbs, that means they're not spending our money. That's a good thing. For that matter, anytime you can do away with a government job, that's more of the deficit erased. SHUT IT DOWN!

Followers of Mohammad see those who are not believers as the lowest scum. They behead captives, suicide bomb civilians around the world, and shoot non-Muslims in the USA and where ever else in the world they decide to follow the teachings of Mohammad and kill infidels. They burn our flags, burn our Holly Bible and call us the great Satan.

Those pukes that insist we must tread softly and not offend the Islamic populations by burning their flags or their holly Koran because that will just piss them off and they will kill innocent people and make it more dangerous for our troops. All I have to say about that is BS. Who ever thinks we will be safer through appeasement of our enemies has their head up where the sun does not shine.

Makes no sense to try and stay on the good side of a rabid dog, it will bite you no matter what you try. Only safe thing to do is end its sorry existence. The greatest of all rabid dogs is the flea infested scourge of the earth, the so called one true profit, Mohammad and that mass of maggots that call themselves his followers.

If Islamic scum takes offence to my view and want to kill me fine, that is a doubled edged sword bring it on, I am not hard to find!

American Thinker and Human Events have some good pieces on the Koran Burning question today. Moses burned the Golden Calf. Jesus over-turned the money changers tables in the Temple. The Christian call to suffer one's enemies willingly, with love is not the same as indulging the enemies of God. The Bible in general, and Moss and Jesus in particular,

For the editors of the Patriot Post: I hope you are going to start promoting the new Atlas Shrugged movie coming out appropriately enough on Tax Day, 15 April. Not so surprisingly there was not a great deal of support by the Hollywood elite and part I of the trilogy is coming out in a limited number of theaters throughout the US with a minimal amount of advertising. Its budget wasn’t big compared to the tripe that makes it to mainstream America, but it looks to be following the spirit of Ayn Rand’s epic novel.

I know you quote Ms. Rand often and think there should be some word of mouth promotion from this fine publication. More information about the movie and where it will be showing in the US is at the following site: www.atlasshruggedpart1.com.

People need to see this film! As most of America won’t or can’t read a 1200 page book, it will get the message out in a way that will be easier to absorb. Maybe they will eventually find out “Who is John Gault?” and be better for it.

Reliable, economical, and made in America? I drive a 2005 (used when I bought it) Ford Focus over 60 miles round trip to/from work each day. I get 31 mpg. No repairs yet, just maintenance. Over 108000 miles and it looke like the day I bought it at about 45K miles. Works for me.

On the budget, what part of "you can't spend more than you have" don't they get? It can't get much simpler than that.

Keep your powder dry.

On the plus side of using ethanol, it has gunked up my lawnmower so much that I have greatly improved my lawnmower engine repair skills!

How do you like my re-election campaign so far?

I'm getting my opposition - I mean the GOP - to force a government shutdown. In the mean time, we bureaucrats can keep receiving our pay while our military is cut off! That should disenfranchise those two for good. I won't even have to order a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Can't fight if they're not being paid. Then I can go BACK to the UN - and put Nato in charge everywhere. IT WILL BE GLORIOUS! Trust ME.

All arguments are right on. The only change is that a SMART car should have been used with a wind turbine on top for the cartoon.

A recent event, reported as truth: US Navy aircraft aloft, on approach to Iraq for let down. Squawk from Iran Air Traffic Control, "American aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Depart immediately!" Driver on the Navy bird; "That is not correct, I am on approach in Iraqui airspace." Iran ATC-"Depart at once or we will launch aircraft to destroy you!" A laconic drawl from the Navy driver, "Y'all launch those birds, I'll wait around." Of course, nothing launched from Iran.

Point? Yeah, Anton B Rehling is correct; it is not what we do that incites Muslims. They will do it anyway, and use whatever event to spout more jihadist drivel. What is the percentage in the American population that claim for the Muslim? And name themselves and offspring such as Mohammed Ali, and other convolutions of the alphabet. Muslim is more a political concept than a religion. We, the US, had best smell the coffee pretty quick! We are approaching burnout militarily. Is that, after all, the plan of this current regime in D.C.?

Right on cue the unions and rabble rousers are frothing at the mouth over the votes in the Wisconsin judicial election. It is incomprehensible to me the hypocrisy on the left that seems to evade even the slightest notice by the pea brain media.

"Pelosi also decried GOP spending bills, saying, "In one of the bills before us, six million seniors are deprived of meals -- homebound seniors are deprived of meals"

What ever happened to the family values of the 1800s when families provided care for their own?

Nancy Pelosi ACTUALLY SAID: "We have to pass this bill so WE can find out what's in it." Quite a difference...

Do people really think Pelosi was telling a lie when she said that 6 million seniors would lose their meals, when the number is really 2.6 million, or does it really prove that the she-witch can't read. I think she missed the 2. in front of the number. Seems like the health care bill all over again, but then she admitted she never read that. She's not a liar, just an un-educated idiot. As for Obama holding the military hostage and using bribery, I think both are illegal. If I had employees and forced them to work without pay, I would be arrested. Now, I wonder if there are enough uneducated idiots in this once great nation to vote the unqualified man to a second term. I sure hope not. USN,ret

First I would like to point out to those who were forced by the feds to pay social security taxes, using a rate set by the feds, IT IS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT! We are supposed to be collecting our OWN MONEY. Lyndon Johnson, the dumbest president in our history, another democrat, directed that monthly receipts be deposited in the operating fund and then little Jimmy directed that non-contributors collect certain benefits for OUR FUND.

Of course, the most fundamental question any sane person would ask regarding ANY federal program is: WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM TO FUND THIS PROGRAM?

The current answer is: WE WOULD BORROW IT FROM THE CHINESE. I don't know how a nation could become any more stupid that we have the last forty years!

Was it the "new math" that was introduced during the sixites by the new federal operators?

There is no budget crisis, there is no need to secure our borders, citizens do not need to be armed, five dollars is not too much to pay for a gallon of gasoline, prisoners of war have constitutional rights, unemployment is not that high, business and the wealthy need to be financially punished, etc., etc., etc. Nonsense you say? Not to someone who who always has lothed the USA and wishes it to achieve third world status. To that person it all makes perfect sense. Relax and take a vacation...play a little golf, all is progressing as planned.

@Harold: "I think she missed the 2. in front of the number" She probably thought it was item 2 in her list of talking points.

LOL - "she-witch"" I like that.

Ref: The pastor Jones burning a Koran.

While I would not approve of the act Mr. Jones performed...knowing that it would cause the death of some innocent souls, Mr. Jones has a point. While we all sit around on our thumbs, the Islamic Jihad is winning the war. If we don't do something to wake the population up to what is going on, our descendants will be on their knees praying to Allah 5 times a day while our females are considered no more than collectibles to be used and abused at the whim of the imams. The Caucasian will never be considered more than a 2nd class citizen no matter how many times he gets on his knees and submits to Allah.

With regard to "made in America", one can read this as a not-very-oblique reference to questions about Obama's place of birth. Needs an answer.

To a long-time follower of the US auto industry (smooth segue, what!), the phrase is almost meaningless. For decades, auto industry bean-counters have struggled with the issue of "content" - do you mean labor or capital? Truth is that even the most "American" cars are built with imported parts, whether from somewhere with an unpronounceable name, or from just across the Canadian border. And in plants financed by US or other capital. Oh, what a tangled web ...

As Art Linkletter used to say, people are funny!

Suppose Terry Jones had held up a paperback copy of some forgettable American book, declared it "The Koran", and set fire to it.

Would the reaction from jihahist agit-props have been any different? Don't think so. Except that it would expose the fraud.

However much one agrees or disagrees with the policy issues that are holding up the budget deal, it is backward to blame the time lost because of them on the Democrats. There is an existing status quo, and the side that introduces an obviously contentious policy change into the negotiations must take responsibility for the time it takes have the inevitable fight over that change. You can blame the Democrats for the existence of the policies you don't like, but not the fact that we have to take time out now to have that fight. I, for one, would be happy to see the right stand up and say "we will stop everything over this issue," and let the fight begin (and I'm an Army employee who will apparently not get paid for the time it takes to have that fight). I have not seen that happen, however.

Instead, I see one side trumpeting its single-minded desire to fix the budget, while attaching policy changes and demanding they be part of the deal. They may have serious and honest issues of conscience that will not allow them to let the status quo continue. I can understand that. But the way they're doing it makes it look like they're trying to make the president and the Senate desperate enough to get a budget through that they'll swallow policy changes the House could not get passed on their own merits. This is not honest, forthright behavior. It is not a legitimate way to do business or a reason to jerk the country around a partial shutdown.

If they wanted to live up to their rhetoric about their intention to save the country by fixing the budget, they would clear the decks and address the budget and not attach social policy changes that anyone could predict would cause a policy fight that has been festering for a long time and will take time to resolve.

RE: "White House Reversal on KSM Trial"

The proper time to try war criminals is after the war is over. It ain't over. Any trial anywhere of KSM is premature and inappropriate.

OK, so we get a conviction (Doh!). The only outcomes are lengthy imprisonment ending in death by old age or much shorter ending in execution. We can't give him 5 to 10 with time off for good behavior. And even if we let him out, someone will disagree with that and ... well ... use your imagination.

The only proper handling of KSM and his ilk is obscure detention to prevent any propaganda use. After the war is over, what happens to them is immaterial. Probably the best is the archive scene from "Raider of the Lost Ark" - KSM? Yep, over here somewhere.

And (you may want to redact) Eric Holder is a pussy. Someone not to be relied on. Glad I will never have to share a foxhole with him. (But of course that's why Obama appointed him.)

Take a look at Jesus' life, Take a look at Muhammed's life.

No brainer Folks!

Jesus life on earth was nothing short of a great example for the rest of us of a human life dedicated to doing the Will of God and the Brotherhood of Man.

Joe W. - Point well taken: jihadists have won their war with us hands down.

Any cause that can trade 19 lives for a two-front war that both last 10 years and costs us countless thousands of casualties and bankrupts our country to the tune of $14T and counting certainly understands modern warfare.

Americans are too stupid to notice. But that's okay. This wacko in the white house has us involved in another one now - and the military brass just follow the pied piper.

In the funding debate over Planned Parenthood it seems the liberals are missing an important fact. The majority of the birth control surgical centers are in low income, inner-city, (read Black) neighborhoods and statistics reveal that somewhere above 60% of the abortiion are residents of those areas. Aren't liberals more prone to have an abortion? Therefore, they are killing their own future voters. How many potential liberal voters have been aborted since the 1970s?

If I ran a business like the government runs their pony show,there wouldn't be a question on shutting down the business. I say shut it down till they get rid of ALL unessential personnel, spending and debit. All that endorse the debit and spending levels our government is at are more than just stupid, they are distructive to our rights and liberty and need to be stopped now.

Patricia, that is hilarious.

We all want an American made model, and this time, no change, just back to business as usual, minus the getting us out of debt part. maybe by the year 3525 we might be able to reverse the guy sitting in the oval offices mess he created.

Islam is going to take over the world one day. But do we have to let be in our day? NO NO and HE double hockey sticks NO!!!! For I believe that when Islam takes over the world, the Rapture will happen, then they will be cutting our heads off in front of the world, and not just on the internet. Do you know which way to face when the bell sounds. I don't ever want to know. Along with Obama, Biden, Pelosi,& Reid, we need to kick all Muslims out of the U.S.A. If you are not one of us, well you now are against us. If you do not want to help, then sit down shut up and watch us become great once again.. Can 2012 get here soon enough for you!

Thank you Patriot Post for all you do for America and her Liberty. Keep up the good work. Red Blooded Americans are counting on you to get the truth out.

Will a true Conservative please stand up and beat the socks off of the traitor in office and send him back to where he comes from. And if that is Hawaii like he claims, then so be it, and let them deal with him.

Demon76 wrote: “…most of America won’t or can’t read a 1200 page book…” regarding “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand.

It’s really not necessary to read the entire book in order to understand the message Ms. Rand is illustrating through the telling of a story. One need only read the chapter “This is John Galt Speaking” wherein the message of cause and effect of over-reaching government is clearly spelled out. If anyone doesn’t have time to read the novel, an interesting narrative in and of itself, I highly recommend reading this single chapter. This is the book that changed my life when I read it as a freshman in college in 1962.

I quote:

So I believe, We the People believe that government's obligation, on a federal, state, county, and municipal level, is obligated to serve the public good. We the People are part of that public. As long as people allow demagogues, candidates for office, who manipulate the electorate through emotions and prejudices, we will never realize the great republic the founders intended. As long as the electorate remain uneducated in the founders education, and world view, the People will participate in their own oppression. I am a philanthropist by character," wrote Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette, "and a citizen of the great republic humanity at large." Washington to Lafayette, August 15th, 1786. The Washington Papers, Saul K. Padover, ed., (Norwalk: Easton Press, 1955), 120.

@Barack Hussein Obama above.

Quit divulging our plans!!!

Cheezes an Crackers! Where to start!?!!

Firstly, regular gas prices in Mexico are +/- $NP2.40 per gallon - The fuel is measured in liters...do the math. The Mexican government owns the means of production and sets the price - If the price is too high for Jose Pac Seises (Joe Six Pac) the murmuring and rumblings of mutiny begin. Nuf said.

Secondarily, Islam (That religion of peace) is not a religion, per se, no. It is an ideology.

Thirdly, Living near the Mexican border, as I do, I do not have much of a problem with the mojados (wetbacks)or the contrabandistas (drug and other stuff smugglers). Around these promiscuous parts we deal with the illegals thusly: Confront them while directing Remington 870 12 ga. pump shotguns, and other loaded firearms in their general direction, and hollering: "¡Alto! ¡Le tiraré los muertos si usted no hace!" (Halt! I will shot you dead if you don't!). Needless to report, they STOP dead in their tracks. Then, I call CBP and ask for a bus to transport the mojados back to from whence they came. In a brand new, 2012 Trice, the bus shows up and removes the offending, er, organisms.

Lastly, I repeat my burning question that begs for an answer: Why does anybody in their right mind think, for an instant, that the congressional pogues, aided and abetted by denizens of the White House past, and present, who got us into this Marxist mess are going to get us out of this Marxist mess?

It is NOT a rhetorical question.

I want an answer.

Hello?

Anybody there?

Nobody?

Just as I suspected.

Addendum: If anybody wants to know how we got into this mess, and place blame, just go gaze into a mirrror.

I mean MY plan!!!

Trade-in gas guzzling cars for new ones. Hmmm... If that's the criteria, perhaps we should purchase 2 Chevy Volts and armor plate them sufficiently to act as Mr. Obama's official Presidential automobiles. Those have to be the worst gas guzzlers on the planet! Also, either way, he should personally have to pay for the gas that goes in the cars -- that way he can feel the current pain, not remember the way things "used to be."

Addendum No. 2: Hondo Menudo is not my real name, for those of you who have no quite figured that out. A loose translation is: Deep, er, feces.

I am a mud Marine from The Old Corps (Enlisted in 1959) and I love my Corps as much as I love my beautiful country.

The only way I know to do something, anything, is full bore Hard Corps.

I am armed to the teeth and beyond. I have no problem with killing anybody and anything that threatens freedom and liberty of these United States of America. I trust that my brother Marines, both former and active, most of them, are the same as I.

So far, we have held fire.

Semper Fideles!

Elroy,

I doubt the military brass are blindly following the Pied Piper. As a disabled retired veteran, I suspect there may be other, less simplistic reasons, for their marching in lock-step behind our POTUS of questionable eligibility for the office.

Some, in common with King Barack I, have no personal experience of the horrific reality of armed conflict. These tend to be, I suspect, the privileged sons of politicos and/or the rich and powerful who occupied cushy staff positions well out of harms' way. These drift into power positions, not by there own merits, but through connections to politiccal nobility. It is a truism that, in the Armed Forces, battle ribbons and medals smooth the pathway to promotion, and the ambitious who aspire to lofty posts not blessed with privilege may seek war in order to move up the chain of command.

During my career, I served with both dilettantes and genuine heroes who were motivated by a sincere desire to serve to the bests of their abilities and hasten the end of the battles. In my experience, the latteer were much better equipped than the others to lead men in battle or, I submit, a nation.

Given the leadership in the White House, the Cabinet and the Pentagon, I fear that we might look forward to being at war for so long as the American People prefer to vote for Hollywoodesque pretty faces who speak sweetly rather than genuine patriots who seek honorable service in Government.

Okay, let me get this straight: President Obama is running again in 2012. He is using taxpayer money to run a campaign to raise money to run for the job of spending taxpayer money. He is traveling with taxpayer-funded security to campaign for the benefit of taxpayer-funded security. All this while supposedly doing the job he is being paid to do by the taxpayers. I hope it doesn't hinder his golf game . . .

To be honest, the above goes for any currently taxpayer-paid government official running for any office. Except for the point about the golf game . . .

"Ultimately, since Jones knew that his act would lead to rioting and, almost certainly the deaths of innocents, he performed a most un-Christian act."

So, let's see if I understand you: are you saying that we shouldn't antagonize our enemies by showing our contempt for their beliefs? You are charging Jones with incitement. Did it occur to you that Jones is only reacting to the incitement of these murdering savages?

I won't burn the Koran only because I don't have one handy and I wouldn't waste two cents to buy one. Come to think of it, I might buy one and charge it to the toilet paper budget.

Demo-Socialists are destroying our economy with obscene levels of federal spending. November 2012 can't come fast enough, so we can send Obama and his comrades into retirement. Their actions are disgusting, outrageous, even treacherous.

"... the reaction of much of the Muslim world to the burning -- which Jones and others warned against -- certainly doesn't aid the case that Islam is at heart a peaceful religion. Ultimately, since Jones knew that his act would lead to rioting and, almost certainly the deaths of innocents, he performed a most un-Christian act. Maybe he should practice his faith in a more Christ-like manner."

I have a little trouble with the results of this reasoning: should we have to be so careful, not to disturb the butterly, that it might cause a Tsunami in the MiddleEast? even if we do nothing, the terrorizing continues unabated. Cause and effect seem distorted here.

America is not interested in fighting a religous war, our enemies like nothing better as if it gives them a higher moral ground even when it is Satan Worship -- a christian view works best amongst christians but a muslim will murder anybody even if only for effect. That makes for all the difference I would need to know. Criticize Jones, ok; they did the same thing when the act was only talked about; what other plans do you have for your coming murderer? pity and forgiveness?

Sorry, it's just that my family and I have to live here amongst the idiots (original Greek meaning of the term).

Concerning BO's speech on energy, I've heard no one mention a remark that I found mind blowing. It is not a direct quote, unfortunately, but, BO said something to the effect that "...we may not be able to buy as many groceries..." This was in regard to how much we would have to spend on his new energy sources/plans, whatever. Try telling a mom/dad that while they're trying to feed their kids! My Gosh! Looks to me like he needs to worry about feeding his family AND pumping gas; NOW!

I appreciate your piece, Burning a Koran. Fair and balanced...and truthful. You accorded the deaths' blame where it lies - with the violent Muslims. And, you suggested Pastor Jones' better options. Now, if the mainstream would only accept your common sense.

Just heard that the God Owful Party went along with the communists (oops democraps) to cut the budget a whooping 1% ($38 billion of $3.73 trillion). They also did not reign in the EPA and a host of other things. I will be flying my flag upside down tomorrow, unless the wind comes up (this is Wyoming). It appears that Jefferson was correct, "The tree of Liberty has to be watered with the blood of Tyrants and Patriots." Except now it should also include "Fools". How about listing the RINO's that went along with this deal?

Copy of my letter to John Boehner:

I am a very middle class married woman with two nearly adult children. This budget is crucial. Please stay strong for us. We do not care about the consequences in the media. There are enough of us out here to keep those who are faithful to 'less government - less taxes' to make it worth your while in the long run- which is for the good of our country. I am not a fan of 'it's for our children and grandchildren mentality'. The liberals use them as pawns. Do what is constitutionally right and morally right. The debt we have accumulated is overwhelming.

Business as usual is NOT business. Debt insanity is not business.

Those who stick to their guns on this issue will be rewarded - no pun intended.

As long as the ABC Agencies under the Office of the President, the Federal Employment Agency, are not DEFUNDED, Congress and all they do is just, "shifting papers on the desk". The UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS do as they please. THEY are the "petty tyrants". The rules, regulations and mandates coming from these "petty tyrants" "eat out our substance daily".

It is obvious that the "SHUT DOWN" which would have affected these agencies, is loved by the democrats and the republicans. Just depends on who has the White House and they hope their turn is coming, so they can operate with "business as usual". Forget about the Constitution, that the president is not to have such "power" as the EXECUTIVE ORDER" that "appropriates money", ONLY a function in the Constitution allowed to the House of Representatives, Article I, Section 7. ($2 Billion to Brazil about 3 weeks ago, so Brazil can DRILL in the Gulf to satisfy their contracts with China, and they just "elected" a Communist down there, according to news reports???!!!).

Yes, we need REPEAL, REVERSE of Unconstitutional laws, BUT if the UNELECTED REGULATORS, UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, still hold these multitude of offices, we, the people, will never return to the Constitutional Boundaries because of these UNELECTED BUREAUCRACIES. DEFUND THE UNELECTED BUREAUS UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT.

For God & Country

The American

I loved the "and last" commentary! Made in America, indeed! Although I do not consider myself a "birther", it does make one wonder why Obama has been so secretive over the birth certificate ordeal. I have to admit to downright amusement listening to Donald Trump investigate the mess-one can only hope he and his investigators in Hawaii can stir the hornet's nest enough to see what comes out, as I think all Patriots could use a little entertainment in the time left leading up to 2012.

If anyone out there thinks Pelosi's use of the number 6 million folks was random think again. Six million is a very meaningful number, especially to the Jewish population. We need to skewer her on this. We need to tell it like is is. No question in my mind she is using a peoples' pain and suffering for a cheap advantage. For shame. For shame.

Burning a Koran may save innocent lives, inasmuch as it helps rouse those who deny the existence of the global entity Jihadistan. Lest we forget that many among us are "infidels"; and extermination the stated goal.

People need to stop worrying about Obama's place of birth. It has gone on so long now that they have had plenty of time to doctor any documentation to prove their point as to where he was born. If he was born in Kenya, it will never be proved, because by now every piece of evidence has been changed to prove otherwise, and he will go down in history as the first non-citizen to be President, but no one will know it.

A Poem Worth Reading

He was getting old and paunchy

And his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion,

Telling stories of the past..

Of a war that he once fought in

And the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies;

They were heroes, every one..

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors

His tales became a joke,

All his buddies listened quietly

For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,

For ol' Joe has passed away,

And the world's a little poorer

For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,

Just his children and his wife.

For he lived an ordinary,

Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,

Going quietly on his way;

And the world won't note his passing,

'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,

Their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing,

And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories

From the time that they were young

But the passing of a Soldier

Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution

To the welfare of our land,

Some jerk who breaks his promise

And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow

Who in times of war and strife,

Goes off to serve his country

And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend

And the style in which he lives,

Are often disproportionate,

To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,

Who offered up his all,

Is paid off with a medal

And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians

With their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom

That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,

With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out,

With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--

His home, his country, his kin,

Just a common Soldier,

Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,

And his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us

We may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,

We find the Soldier's part

Is to clean up all the troubles

That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor

While he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage

At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline

In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,

A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Pass On The Patriotism!

YOU can make a difference

Re. Ray:::A Poem Worth Reading was definitely that-WORTH READING. CPO,USN,Ret.

Random thoughts:

Whether Obama was born in Kenya, Hawaii, or Walla Walla, why was this not addressed BEFORE he ran for president? And, what on earth is he hiding so intensely? Will we find he was arrested for sedition whilst in college? Will we find out he is not the REAL Barry Sartero? Will we find out he is a plant by Hezbollah? The world may never know.

The only acceptable response to an ideology that expresses a desire to kill you, your family, everything you hold dear and everything you believe in is annihilation. That is nothing less than Islam deserves. Those that say "Not all Muslims are jihadists" can stuff it unless and until they stand up with the Christians and the Jews AGAINST Radical Islam.

Perhaps Congress and the President can lead the way to budget reform by taking a pay cut? By the way, where does the money come from to pay all the Pres' czars? They do not require congressional approval, are they just added as a line item on the White House expense report or what?

These are the things I think about on a lazy Saturday.

Reply to Ed Swope and The Editor

Re: Pastor Jones burning the Koran

From the point of view of a non-religious person...

I think you're both a little wrong about this Koran thing. Ed, from my perspective, I couldn't give a fig about what Jesus would think about weak approaches to dealing with Islam. What matters now is the here and now, in our reality. And to the Editor, your religious background is what makes you consider the Koran burning as dumb, because you wouldn't want to see a bible being burned. We all look at issues from our own perspectives, don't we.

I have long ago concluded that a man with a holy book is much more dangerous than a man with a gun. Think about it and I'll explain further.

Philosophy predates religion. Man has grappled with the rights and wrongs of life, the do's and the don'ts, the overall philosophy of life, long before organized religion claimed their principles were God's word and therefore, the way. If someone violates a philosophical principle and thereby causes harm, then the harm is their transgression. If on the other hand, someone violates a religious tenet, then they've caused harm AND insulted God. This elevates the offense to a whole new level, for people's actions are no longer judged simply by the level of harm they create but by an insult, the value of which is subjective and dubious, and the recipient of which is provable by no one. Let's face it, Man has not proven the existence of his gods, yet the "insult" exists in the minds of the faithful. The "insult" is logically rendered meaningless since no one can prove their faith, YET THIS INSULT, ANY INSULT, IS EXACTLY WHAT THE WORLD IS FACING WITH ISLAM. And we all know to what degree Islam will seek revenge. We have the 7th century in the here and now, only with modern weaponry.

I believe Pastor Jones, from his religious perspective, bristles at Islam's violence, which is diametrically opposite to his view of Christian principles. And so, in reaction, since Jones cannot put Osama Bin Laden on trial for crimes against Christian society and the Christian god, he puts the Koran on trial instead, as a symbol of the actual root cause of the insult. Actually Jones is just doing the best he can with the tools he has.

And in my view, Jones is in no way at fault for the Muslims' killing rampage in the wake of the Koran burning. Those who kill for their faith have no one to blame but themselves. (As a side point, non-religious people simply don't cause this strife. Sorry guys, but historically speaking, wars have predominantly been fought over two things: territory and religion.) To finish up, perhaps the take-home message for America should not be to excuse the murderous rampage of religious fanatics by blaming the Koran burner; rather, maybe we should keep our innocents far away from these religious conflicts and treat these unreasoning Islamic peoples like the uncivilized barbarians they are. In my opinion, their culture simly has no redeeming value, AND, they have declared open war against all non-Muslims. I think our course should be obvious.

To laugh at the pain of the people shows a true lack of heart.....and perhaps soul

While I don't approve, Pastor Terry Jones didn't send a message to Islam by burning the Koran. His message was to the rest of the world. Saudi Arabia will allow no Holy Bibles to cross it's border. Those who try have their Bibles confiscated and destroyed. Strange that no 7-11 operators nor Motel 6 owners have been murdered in Florida by fundamental Christians.

That video turned my guts. I just had dinner on my dad's birthday, and that video makes me want to PUKE!

These people have simply ignored the problems Obama has saddled America with - crushing debt, failing international credibility, and popular divisions that threaten the union more than slavery did - all because they want to believe that America can survive the cultural poison that is socialism. I imagine most of them reject the notion that president Sputnik could be a closet commie, a stealth socialist - such a thing could not happen here in America, they think.

God, it just makes me sick...

The Koran Burner makes one extremely valid point: as long as Americans continue to shrink from angering muslims, muslims will continue to rumble angrily whenever Americans get too "uppity".

When Americans get angry enough to beat the snot out of muslims for their bad tempers, the tides shall turn. Slowly, yes - but they shall turn.

@ Hondo -- Your declaration sets my mind at ease a bit. I still harbor concerns because of the military's willingness to go into Libya, regardless of a declaration of war, at the president's command - but knowing the Marines are clear on their loyalties sets my mind at ease.

God bless all leathernecks for your service to our nation.

Sims--- I don't think the military is in Obamas pocket, least not most of the junior officers, and vast number of enlisted. The politicized Generals, Colonels probably go the way the wind blows. But the enlisted & juniors, and the fighting Generals are busy eslewhere, just waitin' to not get paid, i'm more worried about not supplied, & left to fend in a hostile region. "to the shores of Tripoli", may have a whole new meaning of ignominious defeat and betrayal. War is an instrument of diplomacy, not a punishment & correction of evil; & to this ruling elite- a means to instill their radical values upon the culture.

Ray,

Your Poem is a Song written by Billy Gardner, Dayton, Tn. Vietnam Vet. He wrote it and he sings it on a CD.

Anyone could get a copy by contacting Billy Gardner, Dayton, Tn. 37321 He is a good man, stands for Patriotism and Loves America.

I remember I was caring for my Father, WWII Veteran, a few years back, I was sent a copy of the CD, what a comfort it was to my Father and to me during that time.

For God & Country

The American

PS to the above Post to Ray,

A Poem Worth Reading

He was getting old and paunchy

And his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion,

Telling stories of the past..

Of a war that he once fought in

And the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies;

They were heroes, every one..

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors

His tales became a joke,

All his buddies listened quietly

For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,

For ol' Joe has passed away,

And the world's a little poorer

For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,

Just his children and his wife.

For he lived an ordinary,

Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,

Going quietly on his way;

And the world won't note his passing,

'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,

Their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing,

And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories

From the time that they were young

But the passing of a Soldier

Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution

To the welfare of our land,

Some jerk who breaks his promise

And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow

Who in times of war and strife,

Goes off to serve his country

And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend

And the style in which he lives,

Are often disproportionate,

To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,

Who offered up his all,

Is paid off with a medal

And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians

With their compromise and ploys,

Who won for us the freedom

That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,

With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out,

With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--

His home, his country, his kin,

Just a common Soldier,

Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,

And his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us

We may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,

We find the Soldier's part

Is to clean up all the troubles

That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor

While he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage

At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline

In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,

A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Pass On The Patriotism!

YOU can make a difference

May 21, 2011, ARMED FORCES DAY, SALUTE A VETERAN AND GIVE HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE. Go to a Parade or START an ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE, get the American Legion and the Auxiliaries involved. WE can do something.

"AMERICA'S NO.1 BECAUSE OF OUR VETERANS"

For God & Country

The American

In Friday's Digest concerning Mexico's ongoing drug war woes, you state the problems stem from our porous border and lax enforcement. While true, the root cause is our Nation's unending desire for drugs. If not for drug use, the Mexican cartels would have no reason for existence.

Perspective: if you stacked 3,730 quarters on a table, then removed 38 - that's (equivalently) how much was cut from the 2011 federal budget Friday night. Well, do not forget the other 6 quarters removed with CR #6 and 4 quarters with CR #5.

A recap: 3,682 of 3,730 quarters still on the table...hm.

News from April 8, 2011: The Blink Heard Round the World

Will the 2012 Blink Come Sooner or Be Longer? We might call it RINO narcolepsy!

Pastor Terry Jones' burning of the Koran is just another example of how far we've gone overboard concerning "rights".

This is America, of course, and it should go without saying that Jones has the "right" to burn a Koran, just the same as your "right" to yell fire in a theater.

The Constitution gives us certain rights, such as freedom of speech, but with those rights come personal responsibilities. If you yell fire in a theater, when there was no fire, and a person is trampled to death in the ensuing stampede, are you guilty of manslaughter?

Pastor Jones may have had the “right” to burn the Koran, but with the highly predictable results of such action being such as they are, is he guilty of manslaughter?

The unfortunate problem with our society is that we’ve thrown personal responsibility out the window in our pursuit of rignts.

Scratch that. This from foxnews.com: "The $39 billion figure trumpeted on Friday includes the $10 billion in spending cuts already agreed to as part of emergency funding measures to keep the government operating since March 4."

So we have 3,701 of 3,730 quarters left on the table with 1,600 of those being made of paper IOUs.

But even better is the CBO report saying we have 3,729.6 quarters still on the table!