Is there a Mirror Around?

With all MSM outlets claiming "Civil War" is now running rampit in Iraq, the Washington Post in an article last Friday, puts a little bit of a different light on things. Instead of Civil War, the Post uses "Sectarian", which as most know has been taking place in Iraq for the last two years. Yes it is true that the bombing of the Mosque has inflamed many to acts of violence but is it really "Civil War"? Can we as Americans look into our past and see the resemblance any? For how many years did the states argue between themselves over who had the rule of the land before we reached a decision on a federal form of goverrnment and followed it?

Sectarian Violence Kills Over 100 in Iraq
Shiite-Sunni Anger Flares Following Bombing of Shrine
By Jonathan Finer and Bassam Sebti - Washington Post Foreign Service

Friday, February 24, 2006; Page A01

"...Long ruled by its Sunni Arab minority, Iraq has experienced a fundamental political shift since the fall of President Saddam Hussein. The Shiite majority, repressed during Hussein's rule, has won the most votes in two successive elections, giving Shiite parties control of the country's security forces. At the same time, Sunni Arabs have bridled at their loss of influence and privilege-- initially rejecting the new political system but recently moving to join the process. Sectarian violence, however, has flared sporadically since Hussein's fall, and intensified since the middle of last year."

The Rest of The Story

Should We Expect Anything Less from the MSM?

Well, I guess unless you're not the recipient and your school wasn't involved, then you have a right to present a contrasting point of view. With the cost of going to college on the rise and cutbacks on federal education loans, many colleges and universities are receiving "donations" from outside the main stream. Recently, Boone Pickens made a donation to Oklahoma State University. A donation that was perfectly legal and well above board. However, the "MSM" tries to put a different light on things as the following article from "FREE MARKET PROJECT" so eloquently puts it. I guess they think it could be put to better use?

'Oops!' They Did It Again

NY Times, CNN sling mud at businessman Pickens’ charitable gift, calling it a ‘controversy’ even though actions were legal and school benefits from the gift.

“I may not be the smartest person around, but when you’ve invested $6 million with someone and they’ve turned it into $31 million, it makes you feel confident enough to have all your investments with that person.”– Mike Holder, athletic director for Oklahoma State University, beneficiary of Boone Pickens’ donation

By Amy Menefee - Free Market Project - Feb. 24, 2006

Audience beware: when the media say “some” unidentified people or unnamed “critics” are questioning something – it means the media are questioning it.

That’s what The New York Times did to billionaire investor and philanthropist Boone Pickens on February 24. The Free Market Project is one of many beneficiaries of Pickens’ generosity. Pickens made a massive donation to his alma mater’s athletic program, but the Times jumped on the contribution to question his ethics, saying “to some,” it raised ethical questions.

The Rest of The Story

Could Fitzpatrick's game be called on Constitutional Technicality? It very well could be. It seems as laid out in this artical in the New York Sun, that there has been a "slight" mistake made regarding the "appointment" as "special prosecutor". Could this sink the Fitzpatrick ship?

Libby's First Defense
New York Sun Editorial, February 24, 2006


The last time we checked in on the criminal case of the man who served as Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, it was an editorial of December 8, 2005, "A Season for Giving." We offered a series of reasons why our readers might see fit to donate to the legal defense trust set up for Mr. Libby's defense. "One could be a neo-conservative who believes that the Iraq war spread freedom. One could be a defender of the freedom of the press who believes that government officials in America should be free to talk to the press without fear of being thrown in prison by a prosecutor. One could be a Clinton loyalist who remembers how special prosecutors were used against the previous administration. One could be a believer in a strong presidency who thinks the whole idea of criminalizing policy differences has a tendency to sap the boldness of the president. Finally, one could just be a believer in the underdog and want Mr. Libby to have a fair fight against the special prosecutor."

Yesterday, a federal court filing by Mr. Libby's team before Judge Reggie Walton raised another good reason in Mr. Libby's favor - the appointments clause of the Constitution. It was a well-crafted, and by our lights, persuasive shot across the bow of the prosecutor. The motion to dismiss filed yesterday signaled that Mr. Libby is on offense, prepared to fight the constitutional issues in this case all the way to the Supreme Court. The argument is that the indictment should be dismissed "on the ground that it was obtained, approved and signed by an official - Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald - who was appointed and exercised his powers in violation of the appointments clause of the Constitution."

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Congress Checks IN?

The rage. The horror. The stupidty. The arrogance. This has been the cries from members of congress. Now that this has been brought to full view regarding the "Port" deal. The Democrats are giving out with the cries of how the administraion is again not being truthful with the "CONGRESS" or the American people. How stupid is that? I will tell you.

#1 Again we hear the vicious outcries from the left and from some on the right, about how the president and his administration has been covertly going around the Congress and the American people by not bringing this to light earlier. And how they are outraged that this president could even think about handing ports over to an "ARAB COUNTRY". What is amazing to me is the fact that the CONGRESS has the audacity to now think that they are beinging left out of the loop. None of them, not one, over the last 5 years has taken the time to check on this countries "port" security. Oh yeah, they talked about the "containers" coming into this country unchecked. Yet they have not once brought forth a resolution to this problem or to WHO has been running this security. Not once have they stepped out of their little circle of idiots to take a look at what is going on.

Now they want to act like they are just so surprised. They have made it clear that they want to rule the government, all branches. They don't want the president to make a move without first consulting them. I ask this question, How many times in the past century has the Congress even asked about who is running or operating our port securities? Answer: NONE. Why? Because it does not fall under the oversite of the Congress. If it did they would have been included in the talks with UAE regarding this move. Which by the way came after the British decided to sell out. Have any of them asked who was providing security prior to 9/11? They sit back in their nice easy chair (paid by tax payers of course), acting like they know what they are doing until something pops up under their nose, then they act surprised. Then they want "full disclosure" of all the details.

Open your eyes people and especially those in Congress, look at the facts, what will change security wise. NOTHING. It is still handled by the US, not UAE. Check your facts before you flap your jaws. Do I hear "PROFILING" coming from those that don't like being accused of it or like accusing the other side. There is no National Security issue involved. Does this word sound familiar "arabphopia"? If these words were to come out of the mouths of the Republicans they would be slammed for racism, profiling, bigotry, etc. Ooooh, I am so scared, the Arabs are coming. Folks they have been here for a long time. Are we now going to fulfill "Bore" Gore's fright flight, that Arabs are being gathered up in droves and imprisoned, tortured and placed into camps? That is what this sounds like.

The Real View From Iraq's Frontlines

Yes, there is civil unrest (to an extent) in Iraq. But unlike what the Media is putting out, there are calmer voices coming from within Iraq. Please read this one and maybe you will rest a little easier, I know I will.

Iraqi Security Forces Continue Progress in Quantity, Quality

By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2006 – Iraq now has 123,000 trained and equipped police officers, but numbers don't tell the whole story, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said during a briefing from Baghdad today.

"What we're seeing across Iraq is that the police forces are indeed gaining capability and gaining public confidence," Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch told reporters, adding that police forces are the coalition's focus this year. "They continue to grow in not just quantity, but in quality and capability."

The Rest of The Story

Marines Step Up Pressure on Terrorism...OOOYAH!!!

MARSOC activates, helps fight Global War on Terrorism

Submitted by: Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Command

StoryStory by Cpl. Ken Melton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.

(Feb.24, 2006) -- Since the founding of the United States of America, there has been a special operation’s unit. First, there were Rodger’s Rangers who fought against the British during the Colonial period. Next came Mosby’s Rangers who fought for the South during the Civil War. More than 50 years ago, the United States activated the Office of Strategic Services, which consisted of three of the military branches (Navy, Army, Air Force) to help defend the country.

Friday, in a ceremony here with high military and government officials present, America’s newest weapon will activate and give terrorists more reasons to fear as the United States Marine Corps establishes Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and joins the celebrated ranks of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

The Rest of The Story

Amidst the confusion...

With all that is taking place in Iraq, the war on terror continues. This story was posted on ARNEWS (Army News)

Iraqi police arrest seven; U.S. troops nab six insurgents

KIRKUK, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 23, 2006) – Iraqi police captured seven insurgents for their involvement in a roadside bomb discovered by the Iraqi Highway Patrol in Kirkuk. Feb. 23

Though not involved in the arrest, Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division arrived at the scene to help secure the area around the bomb located in the eastern edge of the city.

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All Vets Need Not Apply

Now isn't that a crakerjack of an idea. The proceeds form this "concert", [cluster F***], will only be going to those Vets that oppose the war and veterns for "peace". Talk about isolating any vet that served his country.. I have always disagreed with Ms. SHEEEEEEHHHHHAAAAANNNNN (sound of a donkey), considering her a major attribute to stupidty. To me, and only in my personal opinion, this is a slap in the face to those that went and served honorably. Although it is unlikely that most vets (who honor their service) will give this "person" (used lightly) a second thought (other than total disgust) and would want nothing to do with their money. I should have known that Ms. Garafalo, would waste precise money given to "Air America Radio" to keep them afloat, on Ms. SHEEEEEEHHHHHAAAAANNNNN. No insults intended but, may this "CF" turn out to be the biggest flop yet. God, this has major flashbacks to what was taking place in the late sixties, I thought we had grown out of this. Guess not!!! ;)

Lineup set for anti-war concert

From United Press International
NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan will be the guest of honor at the "Bring 'Em Home" concert at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom.

Among the performers scheduled to play March 20 are R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, Bright Eyes, Rufus Wainwright, Fischerspooner, Public Enemy's Chuck D, Devendra Banhart and Peaches, Billboard.com reported.

Sheehan will address the audience at the concert noting the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Billboard said.

Janeane Garafalo will broadcast her Air America Radio show "The Majority Report" live from the concert.

Money raised by the show will go to Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace.

SD Legislature and Senate Takes Stand on Abortion

And the race is on. South Dakota moves the nation into a heads on battle over the ROE vs WADE issue again. This time with a resounding 23-12 vote. The S.D. Legislature announced "It is the time for the South Dakota Legislature to deal with this issue and protect the lives and rights of unborn children,"... This along with the two Appellant court rulings on "Partial Birth" Abortion today, will definitely set the courts on a head on collision with Abortion Rights groups and the SUPREME COURT. It is now time to see if America is willing to "stand up for the unborn child". This ruling by the SD Legislature bans abortion, except for extreme reasons (saving the life of the mother for instance), could make it criminal for doctors or others to perform this procedure.

Feb 22, 6:35 PM EST
S.D. Senate Bill to Ban Most Abortions
By CHET BROKAW Associated Press Writer

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Legislation meant to prompt a national legal battle targeting Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, was approved Wednesday by the South Dakota Senate, moving the bill a step closer to final passage.

The measure, which would ban nearly all abortions in the state, now returns to the House, which passed a different version earlier. The House must decide whether to accept changes made by the Senate.

"It is the time for the South Dakota Legislature to deal with this issue and protect the lives and rights of unborn children," said Democratic Sen. Julie Bartling, the bill's main sponsor.

The Rest of The Story

Counter-Terrorism "Tapping" at Work

Does this sound like an invasion of privacy to you? I think not. This is what tracking emails and phone calls from FOREIGN to DOMESTIC is accomplishing. Let's hear it from the Left as to how these three should be released and allowed to carry out their plot to do harm to our soldiers.

Toledo-Area Men Arrested for Terrorist Activity
Feb 21, 2006, 10:07 AM CST

TOLEDO -- A federal grand jury has indicted three Toledo-area men for terrorist activities. Prosecutors say the three conspired to wage a "holy war" against the United States and coalition forces in the middle east.

According to the indictment from the US Attorney's office, the suspects are Mohammad Zaki Amawi, Marwan Othman El-Hindi, and Wassim Mazloum. The indictment says all three are citizens of the United States, and have been living in the Toledo area.

In count 1 of the indictment, prosecutors say the three met together many times, going back as far as November 2005. The three reportedly conspired to recruit and train others for a violent jihad against United States forces and US allies in Iraq. They also reportedly put together the funding needed for the operation, and collected the equipment needed.

The Rest of The Story

Let Your Voices be Heard

ALRIGHT! I think that this is a fantastic way to counter the church group from Nebraska attending soldiers funerals. This just happens to coincide with an article posted on "God Bless America". Griz got the scoop on this group and posted their request for people to join the group. Thanks Griz for bringing this to the fore front.

Biker Group Drowns Out Protesters at Soldier Funerals

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006 9:34 a.m. EST

Wearing vests covered in military patches, a band of motorcyclists rolls around the country from one soldier's funeral to another, cheering respectfully to overshadow jeers from church protesters.

They call themselves the Patriot Guard Riders, and they are more than 5,000 strong, forming to counter anti-gay protests held by the Rev. Fred Phelps at military funerals.

Phelps believes American deaths in Iraq are divine punishment for a country that he says harbors homosexuals. His protesters carry signs thanking God for so-called IEDs - explosives that are a major killer of soldiers in Iraq.

The Rest of The Story

Let The Battle Begin

Now, we all know where this is going. This will be the first review by the SCOTUS with new judges in place. The moment that all the left wingers have been waiting on, so that they can start their ranting. This is where they will come out and state that Alito will cast his vote in banning 'Partial Birth' Abortion, and he is a puppet of the Bush administration. Thus setting up the battle for "Roe vs Wade".

`Partial Birth' Abortion Ban Draws U.S. Supreme Court Review

Feb. 21 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to decide whether the federal government can ban what opponents call ``partial birth'' abortion in a case that will pose the first test of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.'s approach toward reproductive rights.

The court today said it will hear the Bush administration's appeal of a ruling that said the 2003 Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act is unconstitutional because it doesn't make an exception when a mother's health is at risk.

The case has the potential to mark a turning point on abortion for the court, which in 2000 struck down a similar Nebraska law on a 5-4 vote. Abortion-rights advocates say a decision upholding the federal law would mark a retreat from the 2000 ruling and the principle that doctors can take steps they deem necessary to protect a patient's health.

``The procedures banned by the act provide ...

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UAE and Port Security - A Contradiction of Terms

OK, I try to defend our President and Administration on every turn. However, on this one guys I am going to have to raise a great big FLAG. To me it seems having the UAE provide "security" for certain ports in the U.S. is definitely wrong. I do not understand how a country that has had strong ties to terrorism is going to be allowed to provide security at our ports. To me it is a definite contradiction of terms. Which exhaust pipe is Chertoff sucking on.

As reported on World Net Daily:

HOMELAND INSECURITY - Bush admin defends Arab control of ports - Congressional leaders blast idea, say DHS boss 'just doesn't get it'

© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

In the face of national outrage and sharp criticism from Republican and Democrat leaders, President Bush's head of homeland security is defending the plan to turn over operations of six U.S. ports to an Arab company.

"We have a very disciplined process, it's a classified process, for reviewing any acquisition by a foreign company of assets that we consider relevant to national security," DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff told Tim Russert on NBC's "Meet the Press."

The Rest of The Story

OK, the MSM has had their "shot" at the story. It has been "rifled" down our throats from every network. Now they are trying to say that the White House is making them look bad. Huh, excuse me guys, but you don't need any help in looking bad. You do an outstanding job on your own.

FROM THE DRUDGE REPORT:

MAIN PRESS PLANS ANOTHER WEEK OF CHENEY SHOOTING COVERAGE

Sun Feb 19 2006 10:57:36 ET

"...On CNN's RELIABLE SOURCES, WASHINGTON POST reporter Dana Milbank fretted that the White House is exploiting the public's growing disdain for the mainstream media. "Of course they succeed,” Milbank said of Bush aides. “The press always looks awful. They will once again make us look awful.”

The Rest of The Story