Pointing Fingers at "Evil" Guns ...

... and going for the easy pulling of heart strings, while omitting (or outright ignoring) what the real problem(s) are. I would have expected this out of the "Sun-Times", or "Chicago Defender". Sadly, it resides over at "The Chicago Tribune".

The .45-caliber handgun found feet from the body of Officer Thomas Wortham IV passed through three states and many hands before a chance encounter at a convenience store set it on its tragic course for Chicago.

It is terrifically hard not to respond with massive amounts of snark at the sentence above. Just the implied imaging of "the gun", under it's own volition, wandering through three states before it committed it's hinus acts in Chicago, without benefit of any human interaction, got my hackles up.

To be fair, the rest of the story gives the details on how this weapon, this tool -improperly used -. arrived in Chicago. But the story which is told, is not the complete one.

1. Why was there a need to go "out of state" to get firearms (of any sort)?
2. Why was an officer shot?
3. Why are gangs as big a problem as they are, and why are they (or must they) be so heavily armed?
4. Why, with the city of Chicago's and the state of Illinois gun laws being some of the tightest in the nation, are they (the criminal element/gangs) able to circumvent said laws?

These are just a few of the questions (some of which are obliquely addressed in the article) which should have been of more importance.

Questions 1 and 3 are tied together. The criminal element (in any city/state) is going to get what they think they need in order for them to continue doing "business". If they feel they are "threatened" by other gangs/criminal elements, or by law enforcement agencies, any of which are perceived to have superior firepower, then they will, if possible, "up the anti" and escalate things on their side. If they have to go "out of state" in order to meet their needs (or even "out of the country", they will do so.

Question 2 sadly is much easier to answer on a couple of levels. First, if you have no real fear of either the law (LEO's) or the ultimate judicial consequences for your acts/actions, then taking the life of a cop is no longer any big deal to you. This holds true for many of the gangs, especially those tied into the drug cartels. Secondly, if you place no value on the lives of human beings (I would have said "other humans", but that is not applicable here), it would follow that you will take what you want, from whom ever you want, when ever you want. After all, your needs/wants/desires, are the only ones which matter.

Question 4 is almost rhetorical. The short answer is, "Because they can". They will continue to do so as long as the system (be it the political "machine", the judicial, or the local society in general) allows them to do so. If the public would consistently raise a hue and cry over the gang/drugs/general lawlessness, vote in (or demand they were appointed by the powers that be) judges who seek to convict and not circumvent/interpret the law, work WITH law enforcement instead of promoting an environment of "them or us". Oh, and how about allowing the citizens to arm themselves (as provided for by that pesky Constitution). When a society has the option to either arm or not, one tends to find a large chunk of the criminal element goes elsewhere. (This is a proven fact, I'm not going to provide a link, those of you who know this already don't need it, and those who refuse to believe it, are welcome to google or bing it.) Perhaps had the local citizenry been armed the thugs may have thought twice about trying to take the cycle (thinking it is bad enough having to possibly deal with LEO's, we have the very real risk of being shot at by anyone).

I feel bad to see yet another of the "thin blue line" has been taken from us. The "good ones" are hard enough to come by as it is, that one was lost for any number of reasons, many of which should have been addressed long, long ago, is figuratively and literally, criminal. That the Chicago Tribune chose to print an emotional heart tugging story about "the evil gun" (and the sad misguided folks who "interacted" with it, on it's "journey to Chicago") which is nothing more than a thinly veiled "anti-gun" rant, is .... well let's just say it goes to show "yellow journalism" is not only alive and well, but happily resides at the Chicago Tribune.

(Cross Posted at Snugg Harbor)

An Explanation of Sorts

Here it is almost a year and a half since I made my presence felt. To be honest, the road my country was traveling on, continuing to travel on, was too much for this bit of ectoplasm to bear.

In some respects, as much as I despised the man (Roosevelt) and all he did and stood for, at least he was a worthy adversary. Agree with him, or not, you knew where he stood most of the time. You knew where he intended to go. And he made no bones about it.

But this latest usurper to the office of the Presidency ... this fool ... this emperor dressed in nothing but prepackaged oratorical utterances, he is not worthy of my wrath. He is not worthy of my pity. All he merits,is my most heartfelt disdain, and sincerest scorn.

Do you not, see him and his ilk for what they are?

He (who shall be nameless, as much as it is possible to do so) is little more then a boy-king. Perhaps he will realize his dream of empire, at out expense, but he is beholding to ... well, I am not exactly sure, there are any number of people who can lay claim to that. George Sorros comes to mind, but he is far too easy a choice. (That doesn't eliminate him, just gives one pause as to what other options might be in play here, if any.)

As for his fellow travelers. You know who they are, for they are legion. It is not so surprising to see the party of Wilson, FDR, and LBJ, continue it's evolution into it's present form. The signs were there for decades.

They were ignored.

I would like to believe most Americans fell under that most common of human failings; the one which goes: "Why yes, the peoples of [fill in the blank] fell under the yoke of [fill in the blank], but it can never happen here."

It can happen here. It is beginning to happen here. And unless this is not realized, and more importantly, acted upon very soon, the same result will occur here. The same end result which happened in Russia under Stalin, in China under Mao, in Germany under the Austrian corporal, and across a very large portion of the world, under the yoke of Islam.

So yes, I grew discouraged. Perhaps it was only the outlying symptoms of my ever increasing rate of RPMs as the last vestiges of my corporeal form rotated ever more quickly. Alas, that would be but an excuse. What was left of my spirit, needed to compose itself. Needed time to reflect. Perhaps even time to do nothing more then observe. Well, this has been done. Now is the time to post the guards, man the ramparts, fuel the fires, and fan the flames.

I have returned!

Standby For News

I have been silent for some time. Frankly, the events going on in the City of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and this great nation, have caused this spirit of the press to seek at least a temporary repose away from the maddening crowds, and the barkers of political suicide.

But something called me back. And in the next couple of visits, I will attempt to address not only the absence but the call to return. There will be commentary on the news of the day as well. Stay tuned.

Respectfully,

"The Col."

A Real Life "Confederacy of Dunces"

Your humble Colonel had thought he was quite close to being at a loss for words. The levels to which the occupant of the Oval Office has sunk, as he seems to head, with breakneck speed toward ... what? Even my nemesis, FDR, for all his warped vision of what this country should become, had limits.

But this ... this parody of a President ... this twenty-first century Nero ...

If he is nothing more then a fool who is well and truly above their station in life, perhaps there would be some sort of recourse. Even a fool, at some point must listen to reason, admit they are out of their league, turn the reigns of power over to others.

Sadly, I am of the opinion, though he may be foolish, he is not a fool. Rather, Obama is what he is, evil. No, not the kind of evil found in horror stories, monsters attacking unsuspecting villagers. Or the despots along the lines of Mao, or Pol Pot, whose evil was clear, plain to see by even the most casual observer of the world stage.

Obama's evil is the most insidious, and vile. For not only does he not consider himself to be evil, neither does he feel what he is doing (or proposes to do) is wrong in the least. And wither it is a willful ignorance on his part or that which comes from having to believe in the lie which is modern day liberalism, matters not.

I imagine most of the people he asked to accept positions with in his cabinet, or to become heads of various agencies, that declined the offers, did so not only to cover their own backsides. Some of them had to be aware of what Obama, his administration, and both the Senate and House, were going to do with this country. If not the specifics, at least the overall gist of what was to come. And what little conscience, soul, or love of country, cried out. And they listened to it.

At least what little optimist still resides in me, would like to believe that's true.

So, dear reader, you wonder why I have been away for these past few weeks? Why there have been no comments on what seems to be the ever increasing tide of what can only be described as insanity, by our elected officials of every stripe?

Maybe it's the way in which Obama treats our allies when they come to visit

Then there is the actions of our newly minted Secretary of State, as she trapes across the mid-east, and the former Soviet Socialist Republic

And there is always the diversion tactic. Attacking those who would speak candidly about your policies, procedures, and goals. Especially when your sycophantic press corp is always ready to follow your lead in matters such as this.


Then there are my personal top three favorites (subject to change):

* Government Bailout of Major Banks, Insurance Corps, and Lending Institutions.
* Proposal to have Veterans pay for treatment of injuries.
* House Bill HR875 - Controlling all aspects of production/processing of foodstuffs - Effectively killing off the independent farmer/farmer's markets/organic farming.


Individually, non of these would have been mind numbing enough to stop me from commenting. My mistake, was in waiting to see how this "President" and his administration would fare in their first 100 days. Sadly, and perhaps all too predictably, he has shown the people of this great nation, along with friends and enemies, world wide, he is nothing more then a poser. A cardboard cutout, of a man, a leader, a president. And we are far worse then being poorer for it. Our civilization, our American way of life, is heading full steam toward oblivion, self induced extinction.

Individually, non of the above examples would be enough to accomplish this. (Cripple, yes, but we as a people are resilient enough to make it through any one of the above calamities.) But collectively, repairing the damages caused by these actions is a task even Sisyphus would have shied away from. And thus my pen was stilled. My anger, outrage, and pain, raw and open to close to the heart. Words failed.

And so I stare with disbelief at the arrogance, hubris, and ignorance being openly displayed on almost a daily basis from our elected officials and their agents. Numbed to the very core of my spectral being. And at long last, find a sense of urgency strong enough to breach any and all emotions which had held my pen at bay.

For at the executive level, Nero fiddles anew! And as for (a curse on!!!) both your Houses ... We need not fear the barbarians outside, for the legislative barbarians from within are keen to open the gates for them.

I remain, ever spinning,

The Colonel

Crossposted at Big Dick's Place because a lot of folks over there remember my old paper back when it actually had "stones".

Freedom of Speech

Taking a brief respite from politics here at home. Never fear, I have faith in our national (and local) leaders in that they will be causing me to spin at an ever higher rate soon enough. And thus find their latest bit of stupidity opined about here.

Now to the matter at hand.

We, in this country, have a very high regard toward our bill of rights. Enough so even the politically correct crowd has to use incramentalism in their attempts to whittle them down.

Our first amendment, which holds in part, our right to speak freely against our government and other institutions without fear of reprisal, is perhaps the one held most dearly to our collective bosom. For all sides of the political spectrum have used it as their shield in advancing their thoughts, platforms, and or points of view. It is well woven into the national fabric.

Other nations have also felt they are privy to this "inalienable right". Alas, many are finding out their governments, specifically the judicial "branches", do not feel the same. And only in the case of either massive public outcry or massive amounts of time and money, are there ever positive outcomes (the recent actions in Canada come to mind).

Sadly, the Dutch seem to have fallen pray to those who would seek to have their "freedom to speak their minds" snuffed out under the blanket of censorship. All under the guise of that politically correct generated farce known as 'hate speech".

A Dutch court has ordered prosecutors to put a right-wing politician on trial for making anti-Islamic statements.

Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders made a controversial film last year equating Islam with violence and has likened the Koran to Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf.

"In a democratic system, hate speech is considered so serious that it is in the general interest to... draw a clear line," the court in Amsterdam said.

Mr Wilders said the judgement was an "attack on the freedom of expression".

"Participation in the public debate has become a dangerous activity. If you give your opinion, you risk being prosecuted," he said.

Not only he, but all Dutch citizens opposed to the "Islamisation" of their country would be on trial, Mr Wilders warned.

"Who will stand up for our culture if I am silenced?" he added.

'Incitement'

The three judges said that they had weighed Mr Wilders's "one-sided generalisations" against his right to free speech, and ruled that he had gone beyond the normal leeway granted to politicians.

"The Amsterdam appeals court has ordered the prosecution of member of parliament Geert Wilders for inciting hatred and discrimination, based on comments by him in various media on Muslims and their beliefs," the court said in a statement.

"The court also considers appropriate criminal prosecution for insulting Muslim worshippers because of comparisons between Islam and Nazism made by Wilders," it added.

The court's ruling reverses a decision last year by the public prosecutor's office, which said Mr Wilders's comments had been made outside parliament as a contribution to the debate on Islam in Dutch society and that no criminal offence had been committed.

Prosecutors said on Wednesday that they could not appeal against the judgement and would open an investigation immediately.

Gerard Spong, a prominent lawyer who pushed for Mr Wilders's prosecution, welcomed the court's decision.

"This is a happy day for all followers of Islam who do not want to be tossed on the garbage dump of Nazism," he told reporters.
Source:BBC News

Why, you may ask, does this bother me? It is because of a number of things.

Firstly, in my time on earth, I took great pride and pleasure in publishing "The Worlds Greatest Newspaper"; The Chicago Tribune. My personal views manifested themselves quite readily in what the paper presented to the public, and on the editorial pages. I was often at odds with the FDR administration, the Democratic Party, Communism, and any number of other persons, places, and things. However, at no time did I need worry about being censured or about finding myself in chains. carried off to some darkened cell, to await what may come. This is not to say we were not above self censorship. Indeed, when asked (that being the key) to hold back on printing such information as would be detrimental to our winning the war, we did so. But being "forced" ... never, sir, never!

Secondly, since the years have past, while I watched the ways of man continue on after my passing, I began to see the most hideous of beasts find form and substance upon the land. It goes under the guise of "we are all really equal and this being true, are deserving of equal respect". The name of this beast, and that of it's equally despicable cousins; "Political Correctness" and "Diversity/Multiculturalism".

It is in the willful adherence to and following of these three, we may very well see the downfall of not only our great nation, but what is left of western civilization as well. These demons (and demons Screwtape and his ilk are well fond of to be sure) are what lay the groundwork for "hate crimes" legislation. (Double Jeopardy any one?) They ultimately demand "respect" be given to individuals, causes, and groups which are, by our standards, not worthy of same.

Islam, seeks to find its way into the mainstream of western culture. Once it archives this (and it all but nearly has) it will move into it's second phase. That would be the "molding" of our culture, our rules, our laws to conform to the accepted and proscribed Islamic way of doing things. Political Correctness, Diversity, and Multiculturalism, are the main weapons which Islam and its followers are using to achieve this end. Based on what is occurring even now in Europe, and quite possibly will be happening soon here in America, they are well into the second phase.

The third and final phase, ironically enough, is the abandoning of these demonic pests. For there is no place in Islam for anything which falls outside of its form and function. You must either convert or die (or pay a "tax", assume second hand citizenship status, and slowly die that way). There are no other options. In fact, getting back to "Freedom of Speech", no worries there ... as long as it conforms to "the will of Allah" as sanctioned by the local Iman, you can say anything you want... assuming you are a man ... of Islamic faith ...

Tomorrow: The beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning?

Tomorrow the 44th President of the United States is sworn in. And although the media, various other pundits, PACs, celebrities, academia, and of course fellow travelers on the progressive highway (that's politicians to the left of center, for those taking notes), will be doing everything but laying palm fronds down on at HIS feet while singing Hosannas ... it should be noted he is after all is said and done, nothing more (or less) then "just a man".

No one really knows what is in his heart of hearts. No one knows where he will lead (In fact, if he will be capable of "leading" at all.) the great nation over the course of the next four years. To be sure, there has been speculation from all sides of the political spectrum. Your (not so) humble spirit has made more then a few noises along these lines himself. The truth is, we just don't know.

He has, from the onset of his political career, failed to make a major impression period. This is as true at the State level (as a junior Illinois State Senator), as it was at the US Senate. During his rise to the nomination as the Democratic Presidential candidate, up to his formal swearing-in tomorrow, his stance on any given issue has been as clear as fog. You can make a case for almost any side of any major issue by "cutting and pasting" from his speeches/interviews.

There has been (as noted here and any number of other outlets on the net) no major investigation into the man's past. Or in depth coverage of his friendships/associations/business dealings. Or if there has been, they have not been made public in their entirety.

This country, for what ever reason(s), has seen fit to elect to the highest office of the most powerful nation on God's green earth, an unknown! We suspect, by the individuals he has brought to the fore as part of his cabinet, he will be , at best, just to the left of center (much like the Clintons). This shade of publishing past, fears he will be far, far more to the left of that.

His agenda will bring about the end of this "Representative Republic", ushering in not "An American Empire" as some suggest, the deconstruction of the "American Dream". In other words, the end of the sovereign nation, and the attempted beginning of Globalization (most likely via the UN and or the World Court).

Realizing the world is inhabited by many who care not a wit, for Western Civilization, or the rule of law as proscribed by said civilization, I strongly suspect we are on the brink of a conflict such as the world has never witnessed. And may never witness again.

Come tomorrow, even while the barbarians are at the gate, we will have given the keys to the kingdom not to one who seeks to meet the challenges before him (and us) pitting the best of human nature, the combined knowledge of the greatest civilization to have graced this earth, and his own honor and dedication to uphold the oath his is about to swear ... as did Washington ... as did Lincoln ... as did Regan. Noble and honorable men all.

No we have before us ... a fool. Who would do well to remember, as he seems intent on becoming Caesar ... the words of one who is not a pretender to the throne ... "for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

I remain, ever spinning,

The Col.

Cross posted here

Senator Durbin; Living Proof Brainless Humanoids Exist!!!

What IS a spirit to do??? Here I was trying to fine tune part two of my commentary about our State's slip sliding away from "rule of law" (Not that the politicos in this State were ever all that fond of it to begin with.) and heading ever closer toward mass confusion. I would ended the last sentence with "anarchy", but that would be much to kind a word for what passes for parliamentary procedure and polite political process/discourse ... great God Almighty! Is this really the state which gave our great nation Lincoln and Reagan???

Even now, my high rate of rpm aside, my hands are shaking ... were I still alive, my blood pressure would be high enough to bring about my demise. This was brought about while reading this. Specifically, when I reached the following ...

"That is of course the Illinois Court's right and responsibility to reach that conclusion," Durbin said. "However, there is more to the story. It isn't just a question of whether Illinois law is met. It isn't a question of whether the Illinois Constitution has been served but whether the actions taken are sufficient for the person to be appointed to fill the vacancy under the rules of the United States Senate where I serve."

Source: Chicagobreakingnews.com

It is my opinion, one that is confirmed time after time this cretin (and I know, this is grossly unfair to cretins everywhere), otherwise known as the senior Senator from Illinois Richard "but I prefer to be just a Dick" Durbin (D), opens his mouth. You bloated, sanctimonious, self-serving, political parasite! It IS the Illinois Supreme Courts right to reach any conclusion (with in the law) it desires. And no, you poor pandering creature masquerading as a sentient being, IT is EXACTLY the question of Illinois law and statutes being met!!! And the states constitution has been served.

And as long as these have been met, according to the very US Constitution you are sworn to uphold and protect, Burris (or anyone else for that matter) is entitled to the Senate seat in question. AND THERE ISN'T A DAMNED THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!!

Yes, I am steamed, boiling mad.

Do us all , living or dead, a very big favor Senator Durbin ... Sit DOWN sir, and shut the HELL UP!!

I remain, spinning at hyper-sonic speed,

The Col.

The Unraveling of a State: Rule of Law vs Anarchy (part 1)

The holidays having "officially" passed, tis time to return to such mundane activities, as a spirit (or more corporal being) is want to do. And so, in order to assuage my rapid rotations, we return to the cesspool which is politics in Illinois.

By now, you are all well aware of Governor Blagojevich's tenuous hold on the Governorship of this State. And I assume you are also up to speed on who he has selected as the new "junior Senator", Mr. Roland Burris.

However, before we expound on all this, first a bit of "legalese":

Prevailing practice is for state governors to fill Senate vacancies by appointment, with the appointee serving until a special election has been held, at which time the appointment expires immediately. In the event a seat becomes vacant between the time of a general election and the expiration of the term, however, the appointee usually serves the balance of the term, until the next regularly scheduled general election. This practice originated with the constitutional provision that applied prior to the popular election of senators, under which governors were directed to make temporary appointments when state legislatures were in recess. It was intended to ensure continuity in a state’s Senate representation during the lengthy intervals between state legislative sessions.

Source: House and Senate Vacancies: How Are They Filled?

And

Procedures governing vacancies in the Senate were initially established by Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution, as later amended by paragraph 2 of the 17th Amendment.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided that the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

Source: "United States Constitution"

And finally this.

Sec. 25-8. When a vacancy shall occur in the office of United States Senator from this state, the Governor shall make temporary appointment to fill such vacancy until the next election of representatives in Congress, at which time such vacancy shall be filled by election, and the senator so elected shall take office as soon thereafter as he shall receive his certificate of election.

Source: ARTICLE 25. RESIGNATIONS AND VACANCIES
(10 ILCS 5/25-8) (from Ch. 46, par. 25-8)

Now that little bit of housekeeping is settled, let us continue.

We have a State whose chief executive is sinking ever deeper into what appears to be a legal pit of no return. Destined for (barring a "rigged jury") a not so pleasant stay at the nearest Federal Penitentiary. Said Governor is also under increasing pressure from those within his political party, what is left of the states Republican party, the media (More so because of the scent of blood then for any noble calling ... their nay-saying to the contrary.), and the current heir-apparent(s) to the media (the internet denizens-fellow travelers all), to either resign and or face impeachment. Odds are resignation will not happen, but the impeachment process is another thing altogether. The groundwork is already being done, and it is only a matter of "when" and not "if" it will occur.

This being said, Blagojevich is STILL the residing Governor of the (once) Great State of Illinois. And as such, has the legal authority to select and or appoint anyone of his choosing to fill the vacant Senate seat. Like it or not, this is "what is". It is the law of the land and he is not outside of his authority in any way shape or form to do so.


It should be noted on the 9th of December, very shortly after Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges, US Senate majority leader Harry Reid, in light of the Governors attempted "selling to the highest bidder" the vacated US Senate seat; "that Senate Democrats would not seat any appointment he made. Reid's warning was contained in a letter signed by all 50 sitting Democratic senators."

So using this authority, on the 30th of December, the Governor holds a press conference. Blagojevich does not (so it appears) pick one of the candidates who has been on the radar of the federal prosecutor. He picks,instead, Roland Burris.

Mr. Burris served as Comptroller of Illinois from 1979 to 1991 and as Attorney General of Illinois from 1991 to 1995. Though his politics sharply differ from mine, there is nothing at this point precluding him from being selected for the vacant Senate seat. At least as far as criminal charges go. And that is all this or any other Governor need worry about ... or so it would seem ...

The governor's announcement came less than an hour after U.S. Senate Democratic leadership issued a statement saying the Senate will not seat anyone Blagojevich chooses to fill Illinois' vacant Senate post.

... "This is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat," the statement read. "Anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus."

The decision was made during a 10-minute conference call that included Reid, Durbin and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), as well as representatives of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). There was little discussion and no dissent in reaching the position, a Senate aide said.

Source: chicagobreakingnews.com

This last bit brings us to an even bigger den of thieves, lairs, scoundrels, and ne're-do-wells, residing in that most corruptible of cesspools, this side of the United Nations, the United States Senate.

As stated above, we have according to Constitutional and Illinois statutes a legally selected and appointed Senator. Yet those infected with the most vile strain of Hubris ever to be seen since the fall of the Roman Empire, would not have the common courtesy of reviewing the mans "bona fides", then let him assume his rightfully appointed position.

We are either a nation which abides by "rule of law" or we are not. We are either a nation which affords equal protection, representation, adherence, of existing law and status, regardless of ones "station" or status, or we are not.

Burris deserves to be seated. He came to his present status by right and proper means, regardless who may have set the process in motion. To do less does nothing more then further unravel this Republics constitutional fabric. For if the highest legislative body of the land would willfully ignore "rule of law" in order to satisfy some manner of political posturing or one upmanship, only draws us closer to every man feeling they are rightfully entitled to become "a law unto themselves". And Anarchy, the idealistic bastard cousin to Communism, is not where in my most harrowing of nightmares, I would ever wish this great nation to fall pray to.

The Reason for the Season ...

... is, after all, very simple and direct, as this:

And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear.

And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:

For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying:






Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.

And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2 verses 1-20 Douay-Rheims American Edition Bible (1899)

This is the one day of the year when I am NOT spinning. Tis a time for reflection, contemplation, and JOY. A Very Merry Christmas to you all!!!

Blaggo ... the "Missing Stooge"???

Normally, photos don't show up here. What with a spirits (super)natural aversion to same, we never get our "good side" to show up . The irony of a newspaperman, now having to forgo same is not lost on me. So ...

An opportunity to address this came up a few days back. Whilst looking out over the vast amount of wit and wisdom residing on this up and coming medium, I found an interesting picture of Illinois current "Commander and Thief", (He is the head of our National Guard after all.) over at a place called Vodkapundit . And I was struck by the similarity between him, and one of cinema's well known comedic "thugs". So I submit for your approval:


Coincidence or is there more here then meets the eye??





I shall let you, good readers all, to be the judge.

Corruption in Politics

Corruption in politics. This is nothing new, it has been with us, to some degree or another, since man exited caves and came together in mud huts. But leave it to my former home state (my current residence being some what more nebulous) in finding a way to get beyond "lowering the bar", in removing said bar "in-toto".

The great state of Illinois, or as some wags refer to it (and rightly so), "The People's Republic of Illinois", has the dubious honor of being the only state in the union who has had it's last two Governors serve time in federal institutions of correction. Now it appears they are going for "The Crossbar Hilton Hat trick ™ ". This morning saw federal agents formally apprehending the current Governor, Rod Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, charging them with numerous counts of corruption. One would expect the specific charges will come out at his forthcoming hearing.

Sigh, the more things change ... back when I was a (much) younger man, I took an aggressive stance against the corruption in my day. Though one is never naive enough to think we will rid ourselves of all corruption, the effort should be made to strive toward that goal. It should also be noted, back in the day, the smart grafter knew there was a line not to cross. Some things and areas were not to be touched. Schooling, hospitals, various "family communities" were traditionally "off limits".

These days it would seem this is not the case. From the current president-elect (or at best, members of his inner circle) to members of the congress/senate, to members and agents of any given State or large city. There is a cult of "I am going to get mine, and to hell with the rest of you". This is not exclusive to the party of progressives, there have been more than a handful of conservative/Republicans who have fed at this trough. And the numbers are not decreasing, if anything, they are on the rise.

It is up to each of you (I am but a spirit, a voice in the wilderness) to at any level you can, combat this. Write letters to your representatives. Let them know "you are watching". That the right and proper way to conduct business is the only way to conduct business. It matters not which side of the aisle they are on. Remind them who placed them in the positions they are in ... an who can, come the next election cycle remove them.

I know I am an old voice, though by far not the oldest spirit looking down on this great nation, who knows this nation came to be by divine providence. And that same divine spirit, desires nothing more then for us to strive toward the inherent good residing in us all. As long as we follow this, it cannot be possible for a culture of corruption to exist.

Let your voice be heard. This must be addressed. For if not then the rule of law will be nothing then a joke. And when that comes to pass can Anarchy be very far behind?

No Longer "The Worlds Greatest Newspaper"

One spends the majority of their adult life building something. Throws their heart and soul into it. Wither it is following a dream, or realizing an invention brought to life, or as was my case, taking what was a regional metropolitan (daily) paper and turning it into literally the voice of the Midwest. A voice recognized world wide.

The Chicago Tribune: "the Worlds Greatest Newspaper".

Now it seems, like myself, she may soon be laid to rest. My child is dying, so it would seem, by it's on volition. Some may point to poor choices made by management (since my demise, of course). Others, to the rising costs of running and producing a paper in this electronic day and age. I tend to think it is more along the lines of this:

When an institution, noted for it's conservative nature (let alone it's staunchly conservative roots), looses sight of this, floating ever more to the left in editorial philosophy and in the content of it's "news". It is no small wonder that is shall wither and die. What is so very sad is having it done by it's own hand.

Case in point; "The Chicago Tribune Endorses Barack Obama".

Never has a more telling stake been driven into ones heart then this. That my progeny has fallen so far from where I left her less then 55 years ago....

There are no mere words with which to express the pain ... the loss ... and so

I remain, spinning ever faster,

The Col.

Advisers and Confidants

Illinois "favorite son", president-elect Barack Obama held a press conference today. It was the soon to be "Dear Leader" of America's "official outing" of his inner-circle of "advisers and confidants". (I realize a President has a "cabinet", but a "Dear Leader" has "advisers and confidants", so much more dramatic that way, and they do better when knowing exactly where their place is in the scheme of things.)

First to be "officially anointed", was the junior Senator from New York, Hillary Clinton. She will become Secretary of State. A job the good Senator is eminently qualified for due to her vast experience in ... dodging imaginary bullets while visiting our brave men and women serving in Iraq. (Whom, one assumes, as evidenced by various photos, would have found KP duty a more preferable option.) Or perhaps it is her ability to "nuance". Though her husband, the renowned former philanderer-in-chief husband, is far better at this, still she has the nack. This ability to "nuance" is considered vital when dealing with not only our allies, but in affecting change in how we deal with our advisories as well. One only has to look at how well it worked with North Korea's Kim Jong-il, and Saddam Hussein, during the Clinton Presidency, to understand it's effectiveness in achieving our foreign policy ends.

Robert Gates is to stay on as Secretary of Defense. Perhaps this is the "fig leaf of bipartisanship", which the president-elect will taut should the need arise. Used to cover up other glaring deficiencies ... in his cabinet. Gates has been a team player in the Bush cabinet. One wonders if he will be able to continue doing the same after January 21st. I would be willing to bet if there is any major eruption in terrorist activity where we have military boots on the ground, or Madam Secretary Clinton needs to point a finger somewhere; (As in the military should have been prepared in being able to drag my chestnuts outta this foreign policy mistake ... err "tactical error" I've found myself US in.) "Why wasn't Gates on top of this?". He will be the sacrificial lamb.

Eric Holder as Attorney General looks to be another place holder. Though he was present in some form or another under Regan, George Bush senior, as well as the Clinton Presidency, he will undoubtedly try to advance Obama's agenda(s) as far as possible. Though, as it seems Obama's stated agenda on any particular point of policy changes more often then the direction of the prevailing wind in an occluded front, it may be a tougher nut to handle then appears at first blush. I get the feeling, this gent may also be short lived, job wise.

Janet Napolitano, currently the Governor of Arizona, slated for the Secretary of Homeland Security. Ironically enough, she has more executive experience then the president-elect, yet serves at the Clinton's ... err "HIS" pleasure. Other then having served on Anita Hill's legal team (against that most evil of Supreme Court Justices, Clarence Thomas -- yes, my tongue is firmly planted in cheek--), and being a Democratic Party apparatchik, one wonders what qualifications she brings to the Homeland Security table. Oh, that's right, this particular branch of the government may soon be obsolete (or dramatically down-sized) under Obama's shinning light of "truth, justice, and the USSA way".

Dr. Susan Rice, the next Ambassador to the United Nations. Though she is very well educated, here and abroad, Secretary of State Madeline Albright is a longtime mentor and family friend to Rice. My friends, the last half of the last sentence says it all.. We have here, yet another member (albeit, a junior one) from the Clinton team, who has made the jump to the Obama "A" team. This may be another player who finds themselves out at the first sign of ruffled feathers, as this Dr. Rice seems to be intellectually up to the task (Admittedly, she has her head in the liberal mindset of "it's a one world after all, but she at least has studied something other then law and politics, however wrong headed she may be.) but may lack the political savvy to dodge any trouble sent her way.

General James Jones, soon to be the next National Security Advisor, has been a Marine with a solid record of service to his country. Here is hoping he is able to add to this honorable record, as Obama's National Security Advisor. (Yes, we wonder how long he will remain in that post, before his honor and or conscience demand otherwise.)

Rahm Emanuel, already selected as Obama's White House Chief of Staff, rounds out the main movers and shakers of the incoming Lords and Ladies in waiting, for the "anointed one". Although it is claimed Emanuel is "pro-Israel" and will take a fairly strong stance for American-Israeli relations, it should be remembered he was deeply involved in the Oslo accords between the PLO, the US, and Israel. And we know how well that worked out.

Like many of the others, Emanuel is not only part of the large Clinton entourage returning to the Oval office, (Will Monica, or someone of the same ilk, be far behind?) he has strong roots in Chicago politics (Obama's political birth place) as well. This brings up a number of concerns. Will this administration end up enslaved to the tea leaves, better known as "the polls", in determining everything from domestic to foreign policies? Or, as I suspect, will this supposedly "middle of the road" and "greatest collection of minds brought together ever!" in reality, be nothing more then a smoke screen?

A smoke screen covering up (especially for the first 100 days or so) the real political leanings of this "emperor-elect". That of pushing this country well past a purely socialist (and allegedly moderate socialism at that) to a full blown Marxist ideal. Remember this group and it's cardboard leader are all for building a utopia. Even if said utopia is at the expense of personal freedoms and liberties as spelled out in the constitution. Even if it costs every last dime the (shrinking) middle class and higher has at their disposal. For this is the anointed one. The bringer of hope and change. Leader of the elite who do know what is best for us all (wither it is or not ... it is because they say so). FDR would be proud of this poseur. And somewhere (very very warm I might add) Karl Marx is shedding a tear of joy.

As for me, I remain spinning still,

The Col.

A Perfect Example ...

of what transpires when you replace a facet of what was considered traditional education, with something more "diverse" and "well rounded". In this case, we are talking about the lack of what used to be called "civics". This has been replaced with what is currently called "Social Science Survey" (at least at the High School level). I doubt anything approaching civics is even broached at the seventh or eighth grade levels.

Why bring this up you ask? Well, as evidenced by his empty suit and lighter then helium campaign, the Chicago political machine production, otherwise known as Barack Obama, still "won" the election, thanks in at least part to the lack of anything resembling civics being taught in our schools. This would be the case for say the last 30 years or so.

Need more "proof". Then my friends, go here. And by all means, take the 33 question test. See how you score. But more importantly, look at what the average scores were for the rest of the test takers ...

Are you more knowledgeable than the average citizen? The average score for all 2,508 Americans taking the following test was 49%; college educators scored 55%. Can you do better? Questions were drawn from past ISI surveys, as well as other nationally recognized exams.

Oh, and for what it was worth, yours truly " answered 30 out of 33 correctly — 90.91 % ". Not too bad for one who hasn't cracked a book in some 53 years. (The spirit may move you ... but has a duce of a time turning a page.)

For those of you old enough to remember civics, perhaps this last election should be proof enough to seriously consider bringing it back into the curriculum. But I fear it may be too little too late.

I remain, rapidly rotating,

The Col.

Office of the President-Elect???

I can understand and appreciate the individual who either holds the titular title of "Leader of the Free World" must have a strong sense of self-worth, and a thick hide. I don't know of a single President (and I have met with most
on the other side of the vail) regardless of their personalities, that didn't. But not even FDR, for all that man's callus disregard for the Constitution, and his ego driven socialistic demagogary, would have had the hubris to come up
with an "Official Office of the President Elect".

Yes, I am well aware there is "The Presidential Transition Act of 1963", and it does spell out what the federal government allows for regarding the smooth transition of power between the current holder of the office, and those who will be assuming same. In this day and age this is a smart and prudent thing to do. One would have hoped it would have been kept relatively low keyed, and done with a modicum of decorum/respect for the current holder of the office.

That this man has no class is becoming more self-evident with each passing day. This empty suit of nebulous ideas has already besmirched the wife of a late President. That President-Elect Obama, takes liberties with the Presidential Seal, which might be excused if done by a satirist, or perhaps someone putting on a production in ones barn somewhere, only goes to show his showboating mentality, and is tacky at best.

If I were still a thing of this earth, of flesh and blood, I would require a large glass; occupied with a good single malt scotch, brought to me forthwith. My blood pressure, state of mind, and my nerves would be in dyer need of calming.

I remain, spinning quite rapidly still,

The Col.

Predictions

As my first entry was more or less an introduction as to who I am (or rather, who I used to be) I felt it only right and proper to provide a legitimate commentary as well.

I guess one should feel somewhat charitable toward the new office holder, especially when his winning of the largest political brass ring only came about this morning. And so to start this bit of oratory, I , the Col. , wish President-elect Obama well ... and may he be able to quickly melt said brass ring as soon as possible, turning it into a very large set of brass balls. Heaven knows with all that he has promised, and with how the enemies of this great nation view him, he is going to need them!

This bit of prose should be quite interesting as I am fresh from the other side of the vale, so perhaps my "enlightened viewpoint" may be of some worth. Shall we take a look into the crystal ball?

1. Okay, I am fudging on this one a bit. After all our Vice President-in-waiting, Joesph Biden, has probably let this cat out of the bag already.

"Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking," ... "Remember I said it standing here. if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy. And he's gonna have to make some really tough -- I don't know what the decision's gonna be, but I promise you it will occur. As a student of history and having served with seven presidents, I guarantee you it's gonna happen,"

My guess is, the good Senator Biden was really doing one of two things:

A) He was being that "master of foreign policy" that he is well known to be, and in so many words "throwing down the diplomatic gauntlet". In reality (I never expected to be using the word "reality" in the same sentence with the words "Senator Biden", but there is always a first time, even for this ol shade.) challenging our advisaries to do their damnedest against that shinning knight of hope and change President-elect Obama. Surely Biden knows more then most the true mettle of the man or he would not have been so cavalier.

OR

B) Mr. Biden, in fact, has some information which he is not at liberty to share with (the rest of) us. Of some skulduggery waiting to be foisted on our newly minted Commander-in-Chief. And need I remind you all President-elect Obama has no military training/experience what so ever. John F Kennedy served his country with distinction in World War II, and he struggled mightily with the Communist horde. Even that craven coward of a man Jimmy Carter, had not only military schooling (the best the country offered) and a chance to learn under the best of them, in the Navy (for what very little good it did him or the country). Obama has nothing, and our enemies (and fair weather friends abroad) know it.

But as much as it pains me to do so (And hope to never do so again!) I have to agree with Senator Biden on this one. Obama will be tested ... if not in the first 60 days in office, positively before his first year is out.

2. The price of oil will never see 3 dollars a gallon again. (How do you Americans put up with this? Back when I was driving if it was above 15 cents a gallon ... there would have been a blistering editorial in a certain Chicago daily you could have bet on that!!) Harrumph... As I was saying, you all will never pay 3 dollars a gallon at the pumps. Because we will have either destroyed most of the middle east or will be hostage to the same part of the world which provides the crude. If you are lucky you might see it fall below 5 dollars a gallon !!

3. Marijuana will become legal. This will be "by degrees". First stage will be medicinal use only, followed by out and out you can grow your own with no penalty as "the masses" realize the government pills are not "potent" enough. The final stage will be the allowing for existing tobacco companies to produce it and the government to tax same at all levels. Sadly, this will become the "opiate of the masses".

It would appear my crystal ball is fogging up. Or perhaps it is over heating. Heaven knows my blood pressure would be sky high about now were I still in corporeal form.

And as always when dealing with prognostications of any sort, remember the following. This is only, as Charles Dickens (Sigh, heaven must be causing me to mellow somewhat. This is the second quote from a socialist in the same day!!) mentioned in "Scrooge";

"Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead," said Scrooge. "But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me!"

Thus it is so with mine. You have the power within you all to bring about a different course of action(s), then those foretold. Even now. Perhaps we will re-visit this again at some future point in time.

As always, I remain,

The Col.

Hello America and all the ships at sea!

Once one leaves "this mortal coil" and reunites with the Divine for all eternity, a span of 54 years counts as nothing. Indeed, at the time of my passing, I was at least somewhat comforted in knowing the main stream of America seemed to share in the majority of my (published) world views. My newspaper was a beacon of conservative light. Based on the bellowing of my rival publishers (in Chicago alone) I must have been doing something right, to have caused so much acrimony. Though I hoped things would remain more or less the same for some time after my passing, the wisdom gained as one grows older knows things never really remain the same.

Sadly, even I would never have guessed how much has changed. Nor how far our nation and civilization appears to have fallen. Still, I gave little if any thought to the affairs of man, as I took part in heaven's delights. That is until what would be the morning of your November 5th.

At first I wondered what would cause the strong desire in me to return to my final resting place. And why dear Lord, was my mortal remains rotating at such a high rate of speed? I looked, as one might suspect, to my first choice in news, the Chicago Tribune.

It can't be the new president elect ... after all he was endorsed by my beloved Tribune, so he must be of sound mind and upstanding character. Then I researched into this Barack Obama fellow. (It only took but a second of your earthly time ... we operate on a far different standard here.) What I found out ... made my soul cry out in angush !! My wonderful paper ... has willingly gotten behind the one man who for all intent and purposes is the reincarnation of that most vile of Presidential office holders, Franklin Delano Roosevelt!!

And so I have returned. Though it be only as a spirit. Perhaps my words can help return this great nation back to it's rightful path toward greatness. The path divinely granted to it and it's citizens. (What, you think your Constitution was entirly the product of man? Pray tell, where did their collective thoughts come from ? Divine inspiration is not just a flight of fancy!)

Those who would countenance rampant statism. Or others who willingly embrace the godlessness called Communism are nothing more then useful tools of the Dark one and his many agents. They must be stopped. This Obama must have a light shined upon him by any and all free thinking, freedom loving people which still exist in this great nation. I resolve not to return to peaceful slumber until this comes to pass.

I remain respectfully,
The voice of the people,
Hereafter known as,
"The Col."