The Question, Perplexing Everyone, is "W-H-Y"?!

The following is a guest post from my friend and fellow Marine John Boring.
John is a very intelligent senior citizen, a once active duty Marine who has lost none of his ability to "improvise, adapt, and overcome."
In the following post, John addresses a problem nagging at many of us these days, regardless of background, race, religion or political persuasion.  And the overwhelming question is ... why?!

by John Boring

Okay, here's the thing. I hold short of calling our president an evil man. I'm not sure he's evil at all. I do know he is an intelligent man, maybe even beyond intelligent. So, when he intentionally refuses to acknowledge what the entire world knows to be true, I have to ask myself 'why is he doing this?' ISIS is not killing Christians or burning alive Jordanian pilots for the fun of it. They aren't doing it to promote travel to the mid-east. What ISIS is doing is Islam in action. They are promoting Islam. The entire world knows this. ISIS has not made a secret of why they behead journalists or people who simply cross their path; they do it in the name of the prophet. For Islam. So, I have to keep asking myself, why won't our president, the guy we elected, the nominal head of the free world, the man who is supposed to honor us by protecting and serving the constitution of our nation, open his mouth and let those words come forth: ISIS is acting in the name of Islam? Why hasn't he condemned the evil that is being perpetrated on the innocents by this evil group? Why has he bothered to explain their actions as justified by medieval acts when we know we are seeing evil in action in present-day time? Why will he not even admit that ISIS is a Muslim organization? I'm perplexed. I find it hard to respect such lack of leadership from my commander-in-chief. My words aren't meant to be political for they pertain to us as citizens, not as republicans or democrats or tea party people or independents. As citizens we deserve to have a leader who loves and respects us beyond and above any other nation in this world. We deserve a president who will call it like it is; not feed us pie in the sky. In my humble opinion, we don't have such a president right now.

Robert Hall, The Old Jarhead's Blog -- Last News and Comment Post Before Surgery

GUEST POST

http://tartanmarine.blogspot.com/2015/01/update-posting-again-today-as-my.html

Feel free to forward or post.

Posting again today, as my cataract surgery is tomorrow and I don't know when I'll be able to post again. ~Bob

-- 

Semper Fidelis

Robert A. Hall
www.tartanmarine.blogspot.com

Pope Francis Denounces Religious Fundamentalism

"Words" have power, emotion, and consequences, depending on how they are interpreted by those hearing or reading them. In his latest statement on the Muslim massacre in France, Pope Francis, for whatever reason, avoids pointing the finger at Muslims and attacks "fundamentalists." He basically says the only purpose of fundamentalism is to control people. That IS the purpose, and always has been, of Islam. But there is no reason to paint fundamentalist Christians or others with the same bloody brush.

Different dictionaries pretty much agree the definition of "fundamentalism" is "strict adherence to the basic principles of any subject or discipline." Where a religion is concerned, that could also mean simply staying as close to the truth as possible. That is not a bad thing. Violence in that adherence is the bad thing.
When dealing with violence of any sort, plain speaking and truth are important. The Chinese warlord Sun Tzu, writing on warfare, listed as one of the basic precepts, "Know your enemy." That is a primary building block for strategy.
Fundamentalism is not the enemy.
People who murder people are the enemy.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/12/pope-francis-religious-fundamentalism-terror-attacks_n_6454708.html

Where Have All The Fighter Pilots Gone?

Take a minute and read this.  It may convince you now is the time to dig in your heels and refuse to back up.  It’s titled “Where Have All the Fighter Pilots Gone?”, but it exposes more than that.

I think it is meaningful that there is another post out there on the Internet about where all the real cops went.  Society wants real men of action to solve its problems when diplomacy fails, but the PC crowd of limp-wristed failures and assorted wannabee liberals is aimed directly at the subjugation of such warriors.  They fear leadership they can’t control.  Society is now geared towards driving adult, mature, individualistic hero attributes out of our men and women who have always had those attributes and applied them to our benefit. The result is that they have very nearly succeeded in crushing the warrior culture and excising any would-be warriors from our midst.  In other words, they have almost assured our inability to protect ourselves from brute savagery. 

From Richard R. Waters via Richard Bugda….

Where Have All The Fighter Pilots Gone?‎
I think we have plenty of Fighter Pilots and heroes at the Lt., Cpt. and Major level who have been great leaders in the recent wartime environments.
The problem is that these young warriors are astute and smart enough that they can see what is happening to the military leadership over the last six years (& probably much longer) and they are vacating the services as soon as they are eligible. Just look at the fifty or so General Officers that the Obama Administration has relieved!
What a future for the brightest and best to look forward to. Only the politically inclined are staying and moving on.

Where Have All The Fighter Pilots Gone?
This is a sad commentary, below, on what political correctness has done.  Beginning with McNamara the powers that be decided to run the US Air Force like an 8 to 5 business. Warrior leaders of General LeMay's stature were no longer to be found. The fundamental job of the military, "kill people and break their things", became seriously hampered by "rules of engagement", whose guiding logic is political, not successful combat.
I agree with the author. If and when the US military is defeated, it will be running the best Day Care centers in the world. We used to go to the Officers Club or NCO Club Stag Bar on Friday afternoons to drink, smoke and swap lies with our comrades. Think about this when you read the rest of the letter below. What happened to our Air Force/Marines/ Army/Navy (or Military)?
Drinking then became frowned on. Smoking caused cancer and could "harm you." Stag bars became seen as 'sexist'. Gradually, our men quit patronizing their clubs because what happened in the club became fodder for a performance report. It was the same thing at the Airman's Club and the NCO and/or Top 3 clubs. Now we don't have separate clubs for the ranks.
Instead we have something called "All Ranks Clubs" or "Community Clubs." They're open to men and women of all ranks....from airman basic to general officer. Still, no one is there. Gee, I wonder why. The latest brilliant thought out of Washington is that the operators ("pilots?") flying remote aircraft in combat areas from their plush desk at duty stations in Nevada or Arizona should draw the same combat pay as those real world pilots actually on board a plane in a hostile environment.
More politically correct logic? They say that remote vehicle operators are subject to the same stress levels as the combat pilot actually flying in combat REALLY... you're bull-shitting me!!!??? Now that I've primed you a little, read on.

Here is a rant from a retired fighter pilot that is worth reading:

"It is rumored that our current Secretary of Defense recently asked the question, "Where are all the dynamic leaders of the past?" I can only assume, if that is true, that he was referring to Robin Olds, Jimmy Doolittle, Patton, Ike, Boyington, Nimitz, etc.?
Well, I've got the answer: They were fired before they made Major!
Our nation doesn't want those kinds of leaders anymore. Squadron commanders don't run squadrons and wing commanders don't run wings.  They are managed by higher ranking dildos with other esoteric goals in mind.
Can you imagine someone today looking for a LEADER to execute that Doolittle Raid and suggesting that it be given to a daredevil boozer -- his only attributes: he had the respect of his men, an awesome ability to fly, and the organizational skills to put it all together?
If someone told me there was a chance in hell of selecting that man today, I would tell them they were either a liar or dumber than shit. I find it ironic that the Air Force put Brigadier General Robin Olds on the cover of the company rag last month. While it made me extremely proud to see his face, he wouldn't make it across any base in America (or overseas) without ten enlisted folks telling him to zip up his flight suit, get rid of the cigarette, and shave his mustache off.
I have a feeling that his response would be predictable and for that crime he would probably get a trip home and an Article 15. We have lost the war on rugged individualism and that, unfortunately, is what fighter pilots want to follow; not because they have to but because they respect leaders of that ilk. We've all run across that leader that made us proud to follow him because you wanted to be like him and make a difference.
The individual who you would drag your testicles through broken glass for rather than disappoint him.
We better wake up!
We're asking our young men and women to go to really shitty places; some with unbearable climates, never have a drink, have little or no contact with the opposite sex, not look at magazines of a suggestive nature of any type, and adhere to ridiculous regs that require you to tuck your shirt into your PT uniform on the way to the porta-shitter at night, in a blinding dust storm, because it's a uniform.
These people we're sending to combat are some of the brightest I've met but they are looking for a little sanity, which they will only find on the outside if we don't get a friggin' clue.
You can't continue asking people to live for months or years at a time acting like nuns and priests. Hell, even they get to have a beer.
Who are we afraid of offending? The guys that already hate us enough to strap C-4 to their own bodies and walk into a crowd of us? Think about it.
I'm extremely proud of our young men and women who continue to serve. I'm also very in tune with what they are considering for the future and I've got news for whoever sits in the White House, Congress, and our so-called military leaders. Much talent has and will continue to hemorrhage from our services, because wanna-be warriors are tired of fighting on two fronts - - one with our enemies, another against our lack of common sense.
Take it or leave it....that's just the way it is, no ifs, ands, or buts...................
Worthy of passing on???
For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Editor's Note:  Recent events, decisions and federal actions tell us group think is in; individualism, initiative, and thinking are out. As a result in our military, some of the most talented field grade officers are leaving the military well before they have served 20 years. All that training and education go to the private sector where the federal government holds them hostage to liberal groupthink.  The only ways out, for them, are illegal initiatives.  Why are we surprised?

Critical 2016 Presidential Election Needs a New Approach - An American National Party of the American People

A Critical Election Year in 2016 Needs a New Election Year Attitude, 

New Election Year Approach, 

an American National Party of the American People

We approach a time of history -- the election of 2016 -- an event which could make all the difference in the future of this nation.  America is beset by enemies growing in force and in courage to take us on, weaken us, undermine us.  Within our own nation we have a religious entity which decries freedom and American law, while living comfortably beneath the umbrella of freedom bought with the blood of American patriots.  Our national, state, and local governments are so beset with fraud, abuse and waste by greedy politicians that it is any wonder we might survive, in the end.

Those who espouse the mind of Christ, and other peaceful religions, are only just beginning to realize the future survival of this nation lies not in political factions, gerrymandered options, or even warfare, but in the solidarity of what formed this nation in the first place -- a thirst and hunger for religious freedom for which men and women were willing to die...are willing to die.

Now we must set aside our petty quarrels, our dreams of wealth, relaxation, enjoyment and yes, even peace.  For a national survival is at stake.  Now the mindset must change and focus on what is right, what is necessary, and what is possible.  Political expediencies, the "cost of doing business", turning a blind eye to what we know is wrong in order to gain a "right", must all go by the board now.  For now it is becoming very much like hunting tigers or bears.  You must be aware of every possibility at every moment, for in some ways they are smarter than you are. But unlike those who would be political tigers, we have the advantage of a God who is already in tomorrow, and the power of prayer can make all the difference. To hijack an old leadership phrase, we must "be the prayer!"

Samuel Adams once said, "If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our Country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin."

I submit we have reached that point in time.  This nation is replete with experienced patriots who have the ability for critical thinking, who know how to make decisions based on fact and outcome without undue pressure from other forces, who know how to lead a people and a nation.  But here is a historic fact, the last nation in this situation who turned to such a leader put Adolph Hitler in power.

America does not need a dictator, for our government system is the best of all known systems for an independent nation, for the defense and betterment of a free people.  America's second President, John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, spoke a great truth when he said, 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion," adding, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

There are those American politicians who would scuttle the Constitution, amend, twist and remove the power of the Bill of Rights.  Why?  Because of "passions unbridled by morality and religion."  Such laudable materials in the fabric of freedom will not fit the twisted form of greed, debauchery, bullyism and dictatorship.  All the more reason they must be protected and preserved for the Americans of tomorrow, for sharing with those still struggling to find their own national freedoms, to squirm out from under the heel of slavery, starvation and oppression.  If there were no America, the world would have to invent one.

Which brings us back to the importance of the 2016 Presidential election. 

The candidate chosen for that office by the people of America must be more than of this party or that.  Must be more than decisive and dictatorial, more than friendly and persuasive, more than a pretty face and a facility for the quick and witty answer.  He or she must be "presidential."  Must be the national representative of all the people, ready to be still while justice is done by others at the national, state and local levels; ready to be strong of voice and precise where America's security is concerned; determined to work a coalition of squabbling political officials to best serve the needs of all of America's people.  A person of Constitutional morality and religion prepared to preserve the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans, to engage in legislation that preserves and promotes the well-being not only of Americans but all of our shop-keeper and customer allies and neighbors, as well.  Ready to be fair.  Ready to be presidential.

President John F. Kennedy, Jr., said it very well on that snowy morning of January 20, 1961, when he announced to America and to the world, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

"This much we pledge -- and more."

A great deal of work lies ahead of us, however.  Such moments in history do not simply happen.  All of us, even you and I, must decide for ourselves what is truly important to stand upon, and what to set aside for now.  We must link arms and say to those who would use our work, our money, and our vote, what we oppose as Americans shall not pass this way.  Not on our watch.

America began on a moral and religious basis.  We have forgotten that.  We have paid it lip service and served ourselves along the way.  Our children have not been taught what is important, but what is entertaining, what is publicly acceptable, what is expedient.  That kind of life, accepting what is wrong as just okay, going along to get along, that kind of life has no future.  We have placed ourselves in jeopardy before the eyes and powers of hungry and unscrupulous dictators in the world.

This must change.

Politicians will not change that.  We may as well call upon them to lower their salaries, do without their perks of office, take away their gym and cafeteria access, their limousines, their decorated offices and their bloated salaries and pensions.

No, it begins with you and I.  The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, our very vote gives us the power to effect change.  We the people can effect change, come to an agreement on what is best for America, refuse to support what is not, and effect change.  But it must be change that will bring America back to a nation that has a reason and a right to exist; a nation worth fighting and dying for, something our best-trained and equipped military young men and women have been doing for some time, with the promise that things would get better.  We wronged them and their families even as they made terrible sacrifices.  Things have not gotten better, for them or for others.

This must change.

Start now, with neighborhood groups, with town and city groups, with state and national groups of same-minded people focused on bringing the hallmarks of morality and religious freedom back to America.  In our homes, as individuals, in our businesses, as employees and owners, in our State House, in our House of Representatives, in our Senate, in the White House -- morality and a respect, nay, a guarantee of religious freedom for all.  Some will believe this gives violent religions an edge over others, but it will not.  For the God of peace does not require violence to serve Him.

Let us stop being a good Republican, a good Democrat, a good liberal, a good conservative.  Let's determine to be a good American and demand what is good for America; to begin with a grassroots American National Party with only one purpose: to put a "Presidential" candidate before the American people with the promise to take back our nation.  Political partisanship has nothing to do with it, color, creed, national origin, sexual preference, religious orientation, a man or woman who meets the criteria stated above as being "Presidential."  And with that leadership will come a cleaning of House and Senate to give the new President a supportive House and Senate working for the American people, not for the President, for political parties, or for outside interests.

We can do this.  Start now.  Telephone or email someone you know who feels like you do, that America must change.  We have just 23 months to organize a return to America.  We can do this.  Samuel Adams thought so.  John Adams thought so.  You and I think so.  Let's do it.

Questions and Answers

Q.  Won't a third political party simply split the electoral votes, producing a weak winner?

A.  It could.  If the American people want to continue with more of what they have had, want to continue funding the making of little kings and queens out of political careerists, then yes, that could split the votes so that America elects a President even worse than what we have now.  But that's why we need a new National Party.

Q.  Running for President is a financially daunting adventure these days.  Why would those backing the National Party candidates be any the less expecting of political favors than the ones who have been running?

A.  Because the National Party is not funding anyone's campaign.  The National Party relies upon the American people to fund the campaign of the candidate they prefer.

Q.  However, getting national media coverage and time is expensive.  How can a candidate pay for that by themselves, unless they are independently wealthy?

A.  The National Party advises its candidates not to rely on the mainstream media, but go to the American people to get their message across.  A Nov. 16, 2014 article in the Washington Times quoted a study showing that "Sixty percent of the 226,838 comments from September 2012 to early last month posted to the Obamacare Facebook site administered by Organizing for Action can be attributed to fewer than 100 unique profiles."  Political candidates today are quite capable of unpacking their message and getting it to the voting electorate, un-interpreted and unedited, without spending millions of dollars.

Q.  Who will "vet" the National Party candidates for qualifications, background, and suitable experience?

A.  The American people are quite capable of that.  If candidates don't meet the electorate's criteria, they can always vote for their career politician opponents.

Questions?

Ed Evans

Gyrene242@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-National-Party/467399346733960?skip_nax_wizard=true&ref_type=logout_gear

COMMENT: Iran's Supreme Leader is Spitting into the Wind

Iran Supreme Leader: The Only Solution For Crisis Is Israel’s Destruction
(http://dailycaller.com/2014/07/23/iran-supreme-leader-the-only-solution-for-crisis-is-israels-destruction/#ixzz38MjeRrjq)

Iran's "Supreme Leader" is spitting into the wind. What the Living God decrees will not be set aside by demi-gods, false gods, and evil men.

There are some specifics that should be noted about this article.  First, note the author and his relationship to Iran: “Reza Kahlili is a pseudonym for a former CIA operative in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, who also serves on the Task Force on National and Homeland Security and the advisory board of the Foundation for Democracy in Iran.

Second, the "Iron Dome" is not a "dome" to be pierced.  Iran knows well what it is.  And the threat to Israel and to U.S. warships is an empty one.  The U.S. military has not been sitting on its hands relying on old armament.  Thanks to our own news media, Iran knows well that what they are boasting of has not a chance against the U.S. Navy's newest armament.  But you don't have to know all there is to know to understand that tyrants of the Middle East have always made a habit of claiming more than they can accomplish.  In Texas terms, all hat and no cattle.  Other than that I would quote the word of the Living God: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."  Psalm 20:7

Cato Institute: Welfare Now Better Than An Honest Day's Pay

Cato Institute: It’s now more profitable to sit at home than it is to earn an honest day’s pay.  (See sources at the bottom.)

Total insanity!

The Cato Institute released an updated 2013 study (original study in 1955) showing that welfare benefits pay more than a minimum wage job in 33 states and the District of Columbia.  Even worse, welfare pays more than $15 per hour in 13 states. 

According to the study, welfare benefits have increased faster than the minimum wage.

It’s now more profitable to sit at home than it is to earn an honest day’s pay.

Hawaii is the biggest offender, where welfare recipients earn $29.13 per hour, or a $60,590 yearly salary, all for doing nothing.

Here is the list of the states where the pre-tax equivalent “salary” that welfare recipients receive is higher than having a job:

1. Hawaii: $60,590

2. District of Columbia: $50,820

3. Massachusetts: $50,540

4. Connecticut: $44,370

5. New York: $43,700

6. New Jersey: $43,450

7. Rhode Island: $43,330

8. Vermont: $42,350

9. New Hampshire: $39,750

10. Maryland: $38,160

11. California: $37,160

12. Oregon: $34,300

13. Wyoming: $32,620

14. Nevada: $29,820

15. Minnesota: $29,350

16. Delaware: $29,220

17. Washington: $28,840

18. North Dakota: $28,830

19. Pennsylvania: $28,670

20. New Mexico: $27,900

21. Montana: $26,930

22. South Dakota: $26,610

23. Kansas: $26,490

24. Michigan: $26,430

25. Alaska: $26,400

26. Ohio: $26,200

27. North Carolina: $25,760

28. West Virginia: $24,900

29. Alabama: $23,310

30. Indiana: $22,900

31. Missouri: $22,800

32. Oklahoma: $22,480

33. Louisiana: $22,250

34. South Carolina: $21,910

As a point of reference the average Middle Class annual income today is $50,000, down from $54,000 at the beginning of the Great Recession. Hawaii, DC, and Massachusetts pay more in welfare than the average working folks earn there. Is it any wonder that they stay home rather than look for a job?  Time for a drastic change. America is virtually bankrupt.

Are we Nuts, or what?  How do we un-do this type of stupidity on the part of Americans? 

This is crazy:

Salary of retired US Presidents 

$180,000 FOR LIFE

Salary of House/Senate....$174,000 FOR LIFE

This is stupid.

Salary of Speaker of the House ....$223,500 

FOR LIFE! 

This is really stupid.

Salary of Majority/Minority Leader $193,400 

FOR LIFE!

Ditto last line.

Average Salary of a teacher. .. $40,065.

Average Salary of Soldier DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN .. $38,000

Think about this:

Nancy Pelosi will retire as a Congress Person at $174,000 Dollars a year for LIFE. She has retired as SPEAKER at $223,500 a year.  PLUS she will receive an additional $193,400 a year as Minority Leader.

That's $803,700Dollars a year for LIFE including FREE medical, which is not available to us ... the taxpayers.

I think we have found where the budget cuts should be made!

If you agree ..... share it, Maybe it will wake somebody up!

http://www.cato.org/publications/white-paper/work-versus-welfare-trade

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2013/09/03/the-conservative-case-for-welfare-reform-suffers-massive-blow-via-cato-institute-study/