PLANET CALIFORNIA

Today, I pay tribute to the members of my immediate and extended family wno have fought in the Armed Services of the United States.

Those Who Gave

Love, William Henry II, Lt., Aide de Camp to General George Washington, lost leg at Battle of Yorktown. (grandfather)

Spray, William Nelson, Lt., fought in the War of 1812. (uncle)

Spray, Frederick Adam Pfc., lied about his age to join the service to fight in the Spanish-American War. (grandfather)

Spray,John USN, landed on Normandy, December 6, 1944. (uncle)

Layman, James, Lt., youngest officer in the Union Army, fought in Civil War. (grandfather)

Layman, John Robert, Pfc., fought in Korean War. (brother)

Layman, Curtis Frederick, SP5, fought three tours in Vietnam. Bronze Star, Silver Star, Medal of Comendation. (brother)

Osterhout, George Thomas, Sgt., Union Army, fought in Civil War. (grandfather)

Hall, L.T., Pfc., World War II. (father-in-law)

Hall, Hugo, Pfc. World War II. (uncle)

Lambert, Homer, Pfc.,U.S. Army, French Medal Legion Winner, WW I. (uncle)

Smith, Charles R., Pfc. U.S. Army, WWII. (uncle)

Avery, Pete, NCO.,U.S. Army, WWII. (uncle)

Smith, Earl, U.S. Army, WWII. (uncle)

Smith, Dale, Col., U.S. Army. (uncle)

Roberts, Ward., U.S. Army Air Corps. Flew bombing mission over Berlin 1945. (uncle)

Ward, Neal, Officer, U.S. Air Force, Reconnaisance Photo. (cousin)

Ward, Darrell, Lt. Col. U.S. Army, Active. (cousin

Leigh, U.S. Army, Lost his life on Normandy Beach, buried in France. (son-in-law's grandfather)

DeMoss, Frank, U.S. Navy, fought in WWII. (son-in-law's grandfather)

Cook, Charles, Tail Gunner, U.S. Army Air Corps, WWII. (brother-in-law)

Cook, Warren B., U.S. Navy, Seabee, WWII. (brother-in-law)

And finally, Recruit for the U.S. Navy, Mr. Ross Beam, of Front Royal, Virginia, 2004. (nephew)

They're all heroes.

The children of politicians, Nancy Pelosi and Al Gore, make fools of themselves again.

Others Spoiled Brats Join In

I don't know if anyone's really paying attention. Anyway, certain members of the crazy left are having hissy fits because they're not getting their way again. You see, if they can't stand up in front of mommy and daddy's grand piano and perform for the nice people, they feel ignored.

The microphone darned near hissed back at Al Gore when he spit out the rage he feels for the president at the moveon.org.pac meeting yesterday. A few days earlier, the very menopausal Nancy Pelosi, also angry that no one's really listening to her, informed the country that not only is the president lying, he incompetent.

Naturally, the entertainment industry, notably Hollywood, has presented its opinions via one Michael Moore, another misfit child of privilege whose expression of hatred toward his own country thrilled the folks at Cannes.

Here's what I just don't get. Why don't they leave? No, really. Since they hate us sooo much, and think we're all rubes to boot, why don't they leave? They're already in the bosom of salon society worldwide, so why bother with the U.S.? Just leave.

I'm Calling Them What They Are

The right of dissent has nothing to do with what I'm going to say. What we must talk about it the psychological underpinnings of the folks who wish America ill. What has caused this pathologic hatred?

Again, undisciplined people who have allowed themselves, or have been allowed to by others, to be carried away rhetorically, like the usual mouthpieces of the left, indicates to me more than just a political bent. This has become so personal, so viturperative, I can't come to any other conclusion except they're in a psychosis--removed from reality. And narcissistic egomaniacs who just hate being sent to their rooms.

None of what they rant has consequences, according to them. "After all, it's a free country! Are you denying me my right to dissent?" The rest of us have had to use decorum and taste to get our points across (usually). What makes these people think they're exempt from courteous discourse?

This is about POWER...getting it back and keeping it at any cost. The egomania from which they suffer (actually, the rest of us suffer more) tells them that when they get the power back, they will become the statesmen, the leaders, the peacemakers, the ONES.

I'm calling you what you are: cowards. Unpatriotic cowards. So sue me.

Sorry, Charlie (Al, Nancy, Michael)

The job's taken. The president is leading. Like it or not, things aren't chaos in Iraq. No. They're not.

Point: The Iraqis and U.S. troops have made al Sadr back down. Thank you, U.S. Military.

Point: The Iraqis are taking seriously the fact they have to lead their own country. Thanks to the president, they'll have a swing at it.

Point: Schools, hospitals, public services and oil are back up to pre-war levels. Thanks, U.S.

Point: Abu Graib has become a joke, hardly the "abuse" we were told about. Good God, I got a worse hazing when I joined P.E.O.

Point: The president has stuck to his guns. We will turn over Iraq to its governing council on June 30.

Point: Nearly 50 million people (Afghans and Iraqis) are free of fascists like the Taliban and Saddam Hussein. Thank you, President Bush.

Point: Oil prices are coming down. Guess those Saudi connections come in handy once in a while, huh.

Point: Our own economy is clip-clopping at 4.4% rate of growth. Too bad no one but me notices.

Point: We've not had a major attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. Evidently something the Justice Department and the President have done is right.

Point: The president has spent billions of dollars on helping Africa and other third world countries face their AIDS pandemic. I don't see anyone on the left mentioning that.

If I did research, I'm sure I could find more.

Meanwhile, do you ever think what would make you hate your country this much?

Loose Lips Sink Ships

Public words have impact.

I continue to return to the question I've always had for the anti-war people (or are they really just anti-Bush?): What about global terrorism's goal to kill us do they not understand?

Guess they think they can put on a cute little show, sell tickets, tell mommy and daddy's friends to come. Nancy's singing tonight! Little Al's going to recite the Gettysburg Address.

And Michael Moore? Well, you'll have to excuse little Mikey. He's trying to hide from the bullies at school who call him fat.

Oh, God. Deliver us. Please. And while you're at it, Lord, please take care of the people who have chosen to risk their lives to protect me and my family.

P.S. I'd like to openly thank my nephew, Ross Beam, for stepping up. He has joined the Navy. God be with you, Ross.

Thanks for the read.

December 14, 2003
I'd Give Anything To Be a Fly About Now...

Imagine. You're a fly. Okay, a cricket, if you must. I know; they're cuter.

FADE IN.

INT. U.S. ARMED FORCES INTERROGATION FACILITY - SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD - DAY

Four human feet , one pair belongs to SADDAM HUSSEIN (dressed in a remarkable Nick Nolte costume)--the other's--MEAN SOB, square jawed, barrel chested, quick as a gnat, the meanest SOB in armed forces intelligence.

--------SADDAM

My people need me.
(beat)
Say, do you happen to have any more of that...

--------MEAN SOB

Surrre, Saaadem. Got lots.
Nurse!

Saddam, defiant, throws a look at the entering NURSE, about 24, holding a hypodermic.

--------SADDAM

Yes, yes. I must let my people know that i would go to the ends of the earth for them...that's it. I was digging to the other side of the earth. All praise be to Allah.

Saddam rolls up his sleeve. Nurse shakes her head, beckons him to stand and remove his trousers.

Saddam winces, then becomes calm, knowing the truth sets a person free.

Saddam rises, fixes his pants, sits and noticably reels from the drug. Mean SOB leans out the door, leans for a stool, puts it under Saddam feet.

Dreamily, Saddam lies further back, arms open as if to dance.

--------MEAN SOB

Now, as you were saying. The WMDs are in Syria? No?

--------SADDAM

WMDs, how I adored having them at the ready. I mean, yes, ready to use.

--------MEAN SOB

They're not 45 minutes away, now, are they, Saaaadamn?

SOB picks up a pencil, places it between Saddam's eyes.

-------SADDAM

You know, I really love things that are nice, soft. You know...the feeling of silk against my skin.

OUTSIDE THE ROOM - SAME TIME

DIXIE, a delicious blonde with rosebud lips and hips to match feels under her hair. She pulls the mike closer to her mouth.

--------DIXIE

Mean, Mean! Can I come in?

Mean SOB knows Dixie's legendary intuition was about to give the USA another big payoff.

--------MEAN SOB

Sure, Sweetheart. Saddamn, here's plumb tickled at the thought of silk against his skin.

--------SADDAM

Oh, yes. Yes. Your name is Dixie? Take me away from all this, my sweet Dixie-lonia...

SAME

Dixie stands immediately behind Saddam, pulls her scarf out to tickle Saddams throat, his hands, his forehead...

--------DIXIE

Oh, my big strong soldier, Saddam.

Suddenly Saddam grabs the scarf, pulls it from Dixie. Dixie laughs aloud to further humiliate Saddam.

--------MEAN SOB

Where?

Saddam draws a map.

--------MEAN SOB

Give me a break.

SOB raises his huge arm and ready fist, strikes the table so hard Saddam's elbows jump up.

--------MEAN SOB

Saddam, buddy, I think you're gonna be walkin toward that big palace in the sky. Yup. You'll talk.

Saddam buries his pathetic head, moves his eyes quickly. Looks like a cornered rat.

FADE OUT.

Thanks for the read.

For my fellow masochists, I offer "Pseudo-Journalists Betray the Public Trust," by John S. Carroll, Editor of the Los Angeles Times. (www.latimes.com)

Cancel My Subscription NOW!
If you didn't get to read the Carroll editorial, I'll summarize it for you.

Editor Carroll seems to think old school journalism has been besieged by the pseudo-journalists--we know who we are--who whip up the country (people are stupid) and lie about facts. Further, he tries to defend himself and his paper for holding the Schwarzenegger sexual abuse story till just before the election. Since Carroll says it didn't happen, that should be enough for Fox, et al., especially the schoolyard bully (read Roger Ailes). He wants an apology.

Naturally he mentioned the Pulitzers the paper won, which I might point out is given to articles and features, not to the paper. So, it ain't yours to brag about too much, John.

He does go on with precision usage of political language and disgusting imagery, ala "rotting fish" that belittles the subject. For instance, "...Among people who primarily watched Fox News, 80% believed one or more of those myths."

The myths to which he refers are:

1), Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction had been found; 2), Another was that the links had been proved between Iraq and Al Qaeda; and 3), That world opinion favored the idea of the U.S. invading Iraq.

So. His foregone conclusion is that 80% of the people are really too dense to know any better. He uses the term "serve the public, the reader" in a sense that connotes a "Trust me, I know better" bit of propaganda that's reminiscent of all the folks in the big media scene. Big metro editors, most of them, are of a leftist lean. There's no secret about that. They talk to each other...that's one of their problems. They also make way too much money.

John Carroll suggests to me that his reportage on the front page of his newspaper does not contain propaganda, after which, he accuses his competitors of the same thing, thus they're pseudo-journalists.

I mentioned last time there was a full out assault on the Bush Administration. This is just another example.

But this is as much about the competition with Roger Ailes and Newscorp (Fox), and especially with Rupert Murdoch. Carroll doesn't like it that Ailes was able to overturn the journalistic model, the template each editor has for himself.

Funny thing about real competition. John doesn't decide, Roger doesn't decide, the reader gets to make the choice. The Times has finally run into people who WILL fight someone who buys ink by the barrel! Hooray. No wonder they're scared.

Don't Worry. Be Happy
The final paragraph goes like this:

My guess is that they [the talk-show fans] sat back on their sofa and consoled themselves with more soothing thoughts, such as the way President Bush saved America from catastrophe by seizing those weapons of mass destruction in Iraq while the whole world cheers.

I'd like to thank John Carrol for selecting the Op/Ed section for placement of his piece instead of the usual disguised-as-news lead, as is the Times' hallmark, in the News section.

Sigma Delta Chi/Society of Professional Journalists Have a Code
Carroll opens his piece:

One reason I was drawn to my chosen career is its informality. Unlike doctors, lawyers or even jockeys, journalists have no entrance exams, no licenses, no governing body...Beneath its surface lies something deadly serious...it is a code. Sometimes the code is not even written down, but is deeply believed in. And when violated, it is enforced with TRIBAL ferocity.

Meanwhile, I think I'll just decide for myself. Thanks, though, for your concern about your role in my life.

Thanks for the read.

Watching Chris Matthews yesterday discussing the Iraq War with Vanity Fair's Michael Wolf and Boston U's J-School head and ex-CBS news guy (Bob Siefert?) I really began to believe we were, as they proclaimed, "...in total chaos...what's going on over there...what was with the Rumsfeld playing to the troops for with backslaps..." Hey, Chris. Didn't you work for Jimmy Carter?

Shut up.

USA Today Made Their Decision
My husband receives USA Today while he travels. He, an ex-newspaper man, said the editorial board decided consciously to take a full out assault on the president and his administration using the war as ammunition.

So this is how the big media will play it from here on out. You can expect the bicoastal Timeses to do exactly the same thing, although L.A. Times did say they'd wait till the jury was in before they called for Rumsfeld's ouster. Thoughty of them, huh?

The entertainment industry is geared up to slaughter the pres and Republicans, and I think the Dems can pretty much count on the usual suspects to carry on this campaign of hatred against America and the president.

The only response I have now is why? Why can't they see they're literally killing us and soldiers with their rhetoric. By the way, if a Dem would say I was calling them unpatriotic, I would answer, "You're right. You are unpatriotic. A patriot doesn't say and do the things you're doing at a time of war, regardless of whether we are in an election year. Hey, it's wrong."

As far as I'm concerned, the Dems have managed to turn our disagreements into a cold war. How else can we respond? They have obviously placed their powermongering over all else. But then, what else would I expect? These are the same people who made winning Vietnam an impossiblity.

What Do We Do?
I, as a loyal American first, a Republican second, plan to go against these people in every way I can. That includes letters to congressmen, media editors, friends, family, everyone to elicit some some demonstratable response--money, more letters or just plain thinking!

This is no time to go wobbly, as Lady Thatcher warned President Reagan. This is war, after all. And terrible, terrible things happen in war.

Look at it this way: it's either a bunch of sexist Arabs being embarrassed or the lives of your grandchildren.

I've put myself in the offensive mode of right versus wrong, of security versus appeasement. Remember, the Dems want to appease these people. That will bring them to our shores quicker. Think about it.

Abu Graib Bores the Crap out of Me
I am soooo over the so called "torture" of the Iraqis. Can we get real, just for a minute?

Look at Lynndie England. Look at the others in the pictures. Are these soldiers who have been coerced by their superiors? Looks like they're having fun to me.

Just like I'm suspicious of the Nick Berg beheading (this kid was full of surprises); there's much more than meets the eye.

How many possible explanations are there to the Abu Graib mess? Well, there's always the "I was just following orders" defense. Then there's the "We were untrained, thanks to the military (you have to be trained to keep from doing this stuff?).

Or, think about this. There's a little man with billions of dollars (George Soros) who publicly made the promise he would do anything to get George Bush out of office. Could one of Dubya's enemies have cooked this stunt up? There must be a historical correlation somewhere.

Yes, Virginia, There Really is a War and Western Civilization is the Prize
The most frustrating aspect of our times has to be the immaturity and incredulity of the American people. Many just don't seem to understand we are definitely at war. Moreover, many can't grasp the idea that civilizations fall, people die and things change materially as a result.

I don't for a minute think a full out assault by Al Qaeda, among others, will do us in as a country. Thanks to the Second Amendment in the Constitution, there are many who will step up to defend us domestically.

But it would be bloody. If the appeasers have any doubt about what the Islamists intent for us is, I suggest they look at the Berg tape again, then look at the Perle tape. Finally, pull out the one that has September 11, 2001's tragedy. Maybe then, they'll get the picture.

War is hell, and we are in it. We have to win, no matter what.

Thanks for the read.

Or is it only Looney Tunes....again?

If Only It Weren't So Tragic
The barnyard. The pecking order. The dances, the language, the puff up. If it weren't so tragic and serious, this would be funny. Alas, it is very, very serious.

I feel no constraint in characterizing those pompous, big egoed Senators who refuse, simply refuse, to deal with any national emergency sans the power politics.

The biggest bloat of all of them, followed closely by Kennedy, then Dayton, then Clinton, was that unkempt, foul minded little gnome from West Virgina--the so-called "conscience of the senate," Robert Byrd. He used hyperbole that even Kennedy would think twice about. Who the hell appointed this ex-Klanner as conscience anyway? How absurd.

Byrd's hysterical "Why did the report 'LANNNNGUISH' on the shelves" and other such rot simply reminds me that the ones you thought would be on your side aren't.

Then Henrietta Chicken, the matriarch of that bog of straw, oats, chicken, cow, pig and horse manure, never shifting from her overlording perch on the fence above, clucks, "What you have done so far has missed the point." Cluck, cluck.

Huh? The president stood up immediately and dealt with this. There was no point missed, Mrs. Clinton. Everyone knows this is a huge pr disaster, and with your help, it will only continue. The old move-on crowd really do hate to move on.

Then there was the not very well rehearsed moment when Democrat Arkansas senator, David Pryor, who leaned over to his (new) pal sitting next to him, Hillary, and asks to borrow her microphone. It was sweet.

Pryor commenced a barrage of misstatements and comments about the war, the administration, blah, blah. Both Secretary Rumsfeld and General Meyers insisted they answer the charges made about the veracity and honor of both men and the military. Which they both did exceedingly well.

After time was up, Mrs. Clinton seemed to tell Prior he blew it. Darn. Wish I could read lips.

Next on the Dem side was Senator Dayton, from Minnesota. His old, tired delivery of negativity forever was more than Rummy could take. Thankfully, time ran out and Dayton finally finished his harangue on the secretary and his aides. Pryor actually accused them of a cover-up, no doubt about it. To prove it, you have a United States General going around trying to "suppress" the news.

Rummy piped in immediately and gave the craven little Minnesota lightweight a history lesson. Over the decades, the president, pentagon and army have dealt with the press similarly. This wasn't some huge military coup tactic. Moreover, suppressing the news was quite a different act that "delaying." Nevermind, Pryor and his colleagues contined to use the word suppress.

People Have to be Tired of Constant Politization
The usual attacks on a person's character, beliefs, attitudes--perfectly reasonable though those views may be--have become the hallmark of this Democrat Party, particularly when it comes to "gotcha politics." Something that will embarrass and ruin a lifetime career of public service is a good thing for these folks.

I hope the Americans who are completely off the beam on these issues, mostly because they don't really know, will finally get enough of the political background language. I pray people will become literate and savvy.

In World War II, we came together as a country to fight the enemy. The antiwar movement in that era didn't accomplish much because of America's unity.

I believe we must stand for right and wrong, and that is done as a whole unit. America's principles and ideals are not for barnyard discussion. They are the highest, most moral words and phrases that belong to the human race.

We Americans have screwed up. We are in a decline culturally and morally. We do have a way of pulling this out, but it won't happen through big media, or deus ex machina, or by the appearance of a Christlike figure. Don't we become worthy by doing right? We become what we are when we act like what we say. Right? And since none of us is perfect, we are obligated to try again and again.

Democracy costs lives, money, convenience and emotion. Freedom is the result. Strength is the glue that will hold us together. This is why I feel strength, complete and total macho strength of mind and body of our leaders is required to overcome the current threat to our lives.

I suspect the strength shown by the president and his cabinet, all of them, will be seen more circumspectly than the media or pundits would like to allow. History will wash all that out. We can't fail to regard this emergency--this disaster for our culture, for our kids, for our old people, for our soldiers--as fleeting. This is one gift that will keep on giving. Why? Because evil has a huge following. So does negativity and envy.

Remember Who You Are
Nothing's changed, really, since my folks told me that (every dang time I walked out the door!).

No time can be wasted; adequate, sincere words cannot be spared. And if the people on the other side really want to protract the prisoner issue beyond a fair, immediate remedy, we need to fight that and call it what it is: political opportunism.

Fluff up your feathers, girls; comb your manes, boys, wash behind your ears, kids--and step through the gate to better pastures and a lit horizon that includes what our forefathers wanted for their children--that shining city on the hill.

Thanks for the read.

Fireside Chats, Bush Style

The president was a natural on his two interviews with Arab TV. He was properly remorseful; regardless of the toll this terrible prisoner issue has taken on the war effort, the president has remained calm, purposeful and tenacious. His strength is a boost to the rest of us.

What the President Should Do Now

When I saw the eerie image of the man standing in the robe hooked up to electrodes, my reaction was visceral. I threw up my hands, shook my head, and said to my husband, "This is it. This will finish us in the middle east." Hundreds of thoughts raced through my head: What must our troops think? What about the people who died? They died for a handful of cretins set out to ruin us? This has got to be set-up, right? A joke. No one does this, do they? God, this is like Lord of the Flies.

Okay, days later, I'm able to put the problem into straight focus. As our parents used to say--you've learned that life isn't perfect--now what do we do?

I would like the president to speak directly to the Iraqi people on a weekly basis. That's number one.

I would like the president's pr staff to get out and find American people, interview and tape them then collage them into a commercial in which the president interrupts between each person.

FADE IN:

EXT. NY CITY STREET - DAY

Rush hour, cars honk, busses blow, people in a hurry.

ON HANDHELD MICROPHONE

--------INTERVIEWER (V.0)
Excuse me, Sir. I represent President Bush. Could you talk to me a minute? How do you feel about the people who tortured and brutalized Iraqi citizens?

--------MAN ON THE STREET
What do I think of the prisoner abuse? (shakes his head)
I can't...(gulps) I'm so angry at those idiots. Terrible.
(Looks around, in a hurry)
Gotta go. Say, tell the president to tell the Iraqis, will ya?

Man runs off to catch a cab.

EXT. SHOPPING MALL - DAY

ON feet of walking pedestrians.

--------PRESIDENT (V.O.)
Straight from the horse's mouth, my friends. And we found this young mom with her children at the shopping mall.

A young woman with two children, one in a stroller, walks into a shopping mall entrance. Stopped by the interviewer. She's stressed, smiles through it.

--------LADY AT THE MALL
(Picks up her baby, protects him.)
I can't stand it. I'm so embarrassed. I wish those people nothing but ill. And I never, ever want my children to see this. It's barbaric. Someone has to pay.

--------PRESIDENT (V.O.)
I want all of you Iraqis to know what Americans think of this abhorrent behavior. Please listen to one of our senior citizens.

EXT. SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER - DAY

ON a bunch of elderly men playing horseshoes.

--------SENIOR CITIZEN #1
(Stands erect, about to salute, an ex-military man)
We saw these types of things from the Nazis, but man, I just can't believe our own would do this. If it had happened on my tour, you can believe it wouldn't have happened more than once.
(Beat)
You say the president is gonna see this?
(Beat)
Tell Mr. Bush this is one military man who won't give up because of a bunch of bad, well, bad apples.
(embarrassed)
Can I say that on TV?

INT. OVAL OFFICE - NIGHT

ON presidential seal

The president watches a television as the ad fades out. He turns and looks squarely into the camera at the Iraqi nation.

--------PRESIDENT
Yessir, you can say that on TV. In fact, that's what these people are. Bad apples.
(Beat)
My dear Iraqi friends. I want to tell you that my country is heartsick over what occurred at the camp. I hope these images of real Americans help you forgive. Our solemn oath to you is it will be dealt with, and will never happen again. The American people grieve with you during this harsh time of war and liberation. We will stay until the job is done and Iraqis have their own true democracy and freedom.

FADE OUT.

Thanks for the read.

So listen very carefully the first time...

Google is actually run by a two little old ladies who meet twice a week for lunch. Those two kids who say they "founded" the company are only their grandsons doing what they're told.

Of course, that was a joke (so I don't get sued).*

More Gossip

Senator John Kerry unexpectedly broke into his animal imitation yesterday while campaigning at a elementary school. When asked to talk about his favorite books when he was a kid, the presumptive Democrat nominee for pres took on the demeanor of Eyore, the depressed donkey from Winnie the Pooh. Fortunately the interviewer interrupted when the possessed Senator manically faced the wall screaming, "My tail, my God, I've lost my tail!"

The cute little freckled face girl wearing a Deaniac tee-shirt, who held the Senator's tail in her tight fist, suddenly threw it at him saying, "Here, pin the ribbon on yourself, you geek."

Why the long face, Senator?

*Ditto.

Real News

I hate it too-- the daily list of terrorist attacks and Coalition soldiers killed. I absolutely hate it. I force myself to read about and listen to the dangers in Iraq. And I cringe when I hear the daily blasts from the Democrats against the war and the administration. Never have I felt so angry and frightened at the prospect of these pathologic people (the anti-Bushites) getting their turn at running the country.

Even if we can go on for another year without a local attack, I don't see them taking America's safety as their first priority. The left continues its tiring devotion to multilateralist foreign policy comprised of useless documents and treaties that mean nothing. Their preoccupation with what the world thinks is absurd. They refuse to recognize the power of the U.S., or if they do, they demonize the U.S. for being so powerful.

What's good for America is good for the rest of the world.

Remember, the U.S. is the lone superpower in the world. What we are able to accomplish is astounding. The sheer weight of military might astounds the rest of the world. Then there's our wealth. My gosh, think how rich we all are. No, really. Rich in goods and services. Abundantly rich in innovation and energy. And almost an embarrassment of riches in cultures and peoples! What a wonderful place it is.

Charles Krauthammer, a fellow at American Enterprise Institute, has written a stunning essay about America's unique unipolarity: "Democratic Realisim--An American Foreign Policy for a Unipolar World." He says we can't begin to compare our strength to anything in history. Rome was big, but so was Persia and China. Charlemagne was a power, but only a European one. There is no historical parallel.

Nor is there a parallel to the responsibility America has to the rest of world. We know for absolute sure that Islamists want to kill us. There is no doubt. I agree with president when he stresses the need for democracy in the middle east. Democracy, thus freedom will ultimately take the enemy down, if--IF--we can develop Iraq to the point that our beachhead of freedom will appeal to the Iraq's neighbors. Just think of it. A free and democratic Iran. Many, many Iranians are trying and somewhat succeeding to get the democracy movement going. Anyone got a better idea?

Whatever the bitter psychology behind prevailing Democrats' lack of concern for the perpetuation of western civilization might be, or even if it is mere stupidity, we cannot afford to turn the security of our country back over to them. It is the dangerous, naive multilateralism of the last administration which has put our population in peril.

Just when I was ready to let go of my antagonism against Bill Clinton, the 9/11 Commission reared its ugly hydraheads, intent on dissing the president and vice-president (Bob Kerry walked out, for Pete's sake. Who does he think he is walking out on the president of the United States?). So, I'm all mad again.

I knew in 1994 we had a problem with terrorists. Didn't you? I knew that Jamie Gorelick's wall she singlehandedly erected to keep FBI and CIA information separate was a huge mistake. I knew when Clinton gutted the intelligence community, basically eliminating human intelligence, we were in trouble. I said it then. And, from what I've seen, we still don't have a decent number of spys out there.

By the way, there's Clinton news. Seems a publisher gave him $12 mill to churn out some autobiography (tall tale, no doubt). Only thing is he's late with the manuscript; moreover, sources say he's not sorry for anything he did while in office. He still blames that right wing conspiracy. How to tell when Clinton is lying? His lips move. How to tell when he's lying on paper? His lips move.

Curves Loves Dubya

I was in Seattle last week. While working out at the Curves there, I talked to a lot of women about politics. The subject arose when a Bush hater, a woman, demanded that the proprietor take down the president's picture. She said she hated him, and wouldn't come back if the picture stayed.

The manager, obviously a Republican, responded with "I don't want to take it down. Besides, I like President Bush."

The next day, the woman returned, only this time there were about 12 women working out at the same time. The Bush hater started again, and basically received the same reaction from the manager. Not the same, though, was the reactions from the rest of the ladies in the room. Every one of them had positive things to say--that they trusted him--that they liked him.

It did my heart good.

A Better Class of Prisoners

The late Lester Maddox, mad dog racist governor of Alabama, when asked about the poor conditions of prisons in his state, replied. "Well, Suh, you see, we just need a better class of prisoners."

Seems we need a better class of prison guards in Iraq.

Krauthammer's essay, by the way, is available from AEI. Let me know if you'd like a copy.

Thanks for the read.