There they go again

Just when I think the Dems have reached their lowest level, one of them grabs a shovel and starts digging. The Washington 8th District Congressional race has been closer than I would have liked, with incumbent Dave Reichert (R) battling against newcomer Darcy Burner (D) to retain his seat.  This is Washington, after all - home to "Baghdad" Jim McDermott.  However, the Burner campaign is doing something that could be just the lever we need to throw water on their efforts.  A new flyer from the Burner campaign uses/abuses the well-known image of an American Soldier comforting a dying Iraqi child captured by Michael Yon last year.  The flyer features this iconic image along with the words "They won't tell the truth about how bad it is."!  First to report on this was Stefan Sharkansky, at Sound Politics.  His update today confirms that the image was not used with Yon's permission... "It's a copyright infringement, it's a legal matter," D.C. attorney John Mason told me ... Mason said that Yon turned down a request from the Republican Party to use it in campaign literature this year. "Mike's not a political guy. Mike does not want the photo used for any message. He wants it to stand alone." Stooping pretty low there, dems.

Fusileers Answer the Call

The Project Valour-IT challenge is on, and it's time to Choose a Side! I am teaming up with the Fusileers of Argghhh, and joining the Army team ... HOOAH! What's it all about? It's about enabling our wounded to heal ... "At that time I had no use of either hand. I know how humbling it is, how humiliating it feels. And I know how much better I felt, how amazingly more functional I felt, after Soldiers' Angels provided me with a laptop and a loyal reader provided me with the software. I can't wait to do the same, to give that feeling to another soldier at Walter Reed." Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss at TC Override Want to be part of something big? Valour-IT's online fundraising competition begins today! Let's see who can raise the most money to help reconnect ourwounded warriors with the world! WHAT: Friendly fundraising competition for Valour-IT. WHEN: October 30th through Veterans Day, November 10th. WHERE: Based in the blogosphere, spreading everywhere else. WHY: Because giving wounded warriors with hand and arm injuries access to a computer supports their healing and puts them back in touch with the world. HOW: Blogger teams will be divided along military branches, with civilians "up for grabs." The lines are drawn by service rivalry: Jarheads (Marines) will be led by Villainous Company Zoomies (Air Force) will be led by Op-For Squids (Navy) will be led by Chaotic Synaptic Activity. Doggies (Army) led by Matt and Jim of Blackfive Non-military bloggers should choose a branch the Army to support. Sign up for the Army team by enlisting at the Project Valour-IT site and click (under Army) "Join". We'll generate links, buzz, and get these heroes some Commo support! Blog and email regularly about Valour-IT and the competition Tell your friends, family and neighbors about Valour-IT Put up these flyers around your community (I put one up at my local Starbucks). So all you bloggers sign up with your choice of service and get the word out. Donate NOW!!! Check the top of the right hand sidebar to see the ARMY team progress. Feel free to click on the Make a Donation button to toss something in the kitty, and help out the ARMY team! It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious). The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check): Soldiers' Angels 1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493 San Antonio, TX 78248 Let's be a part of something big.

Sunday links

Tha Armorer has a must-read Denizen linkfest posted today ... don't miss the discussions he points to on immigration and the intel community. John and Beth also represented the Castle well this week, as the Leavenworth community paid their respects to Cpl David Unger. Rest in peace, soldier. Fellow Denizenne Maggie points out something scary for Halloween, with hat tip to the guys at Op-For. *Brrrr* ... makes me shudder. Kate of Small Dead Animals links to an enjoyable slap-down of CNN by Lynn Cheney. Smack 'em until they apologize! Beccy Cole's terrific video is all over the web, linked at Argghhh and Blackfive, among others. I'm posting it here for the few folks who might not have seen it yet. Beccy Cole supports her troops ... my hat's off to her and the Diggers she loves.

Call me Spock

Found this one over at ALa's place, and had to give it a shot. I guess that Logic class from college is still stuck in my head after all. You Are Incredibly Logical Move over Spock - you're the new master of logic You think rationally, clearly, and quickly. A seasoned problem solver, your mind is like a computer! How Logical Are You?

Interesting

I'm not sure what combination of answers led to this conclusion: You Are a Sleek Black Bra! Subtle, sophisticated, and classy. You're not the first woman a man notices in the room... But you're the one he remembers a week later. You need a guy who will make a lasting impression on you too! What Kind of Bra Are You? Cheerfully snagged from SWWBO, who in turn was inspired by FbL.

An Angel with a Pencil

I had the great pleasure to meet Michael G. Reagan on Friday, when he came to speak about his Fallen Heroes Project. This is the time of year when our company encourages us to give back to the community, in time and in donations. One of my co-workers invited him to speak about his work, and I now know what angels look like, because I've met Mike. Mike is an artist, and he has a gift for creating sketches that bring a person to life. For the last three years, he has been making sketches for families of those who've been killed in military service in the GWOT. Himself a Vietnam veteran, he will not take money from the families. He takes the photos sent to him, talks with the family members about the kind of image they want, creates his magic, and mails the finished drawing - and not a dime is accepted for it. If you aren't yet familiar with Mike's work, then you should visit his online gallery to see just a few of the more than 400 sketches he has created so far. He's not done, because he hasn't finished drawing all of the fallen troops, and he plans to spend as long as it takes to provide an image for every single fallen man and woman, at the request of their family. As Mike talked about the evolution of this project, he explained that he realized this work is the most important thing he has done in his life, and it has nothing to do with politics and one's feelings about government or policy. It is all about love and respect - for the fallen heroes, and for their families. Towards the end of his talk, Mike mentioned one of the drawings on his list to do soon. He said it would be special, because it involves a Marine who tried to shield his fellow Marines, including his military working dog, and Soldiers from a bomber who approached a line of police recruits. As soon as he explained this, I said "You're going to draw Adam Cann?", which took him back a second. But he confirmed that the Marine he was speaking of was Sgt. Adam Cann, who was killed on Jan. 6th of this year. He asked if I was a friend of Adam's, and I explained that I never knew him, but knew of him from another Marine. My blogson America's Son, was a friend of Adam's felt his loss personally, writing eloquently about his reaction. If you have wondered about a way to help the families of our fallen heroes to deal with the loss of their loved one, this is a wonderful way to help them heal. Go to the Fallen Heroes Project site, and read some of the letters from the families who have received a drawing of their loved one from Mike. Letters like this: Dear Michael, we just received the portrait of my son A.J. and I am just amazed. I feel as though I am truely gazing into my son's eyes. You have captured my son's likeness right down to the smallest detail. You are a very gifted man, as you already know. Yes, Our Father has given you a special talent and we are all lucky you found it. From one veteran to another, I thank you. May God always shine his light upon you and your family. We just returned last night from a trip to Colorado and the young lady that was taking care of our house put your package on the kitchen counter. I knew the minute I saw the package that it was the picture of Michael. WOW! I cannot describe the feelings that my husband and I had when we opened the package. It was Michael looking at us with those sparkling eyes and warm smile. You are truly a gifted artist and can capture that special look that everyone has. Our family will always treasure this work of art and I hope that you know that you gave us back our Michael. I will have it matted and framed to protect it and put it in a place of honor. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS! Take some time to read about the project, and consider donating if you can. Mike needs to continue this work, there are more families who need comfort.

More thoughts on voting

Monday's post ended with an exhortation to honor the sacrifice of our troops, and to make each vote count. This includes the brave men and women who have given the last full measure. It also includes every other service person in uniform today, doubly so for those deployed around the world, and a hundred-fold for those trying to heal from their wounds. One of those currently serving, returned this year from a deployment in Iraq, is Wayne of Savannah Dreamin'. He stopped by and left a comment to my post that I have to highlight. Thanks very much for this post, especially reminding the folks that we are at war and this isn't the time to be voting for the "run for the hills" types out there. That's what would happen if we toss the party out with the bathwater, you see. We'd be cutting and running ... and the troops would be left hung out to dry. Don't be a Murtha *spit*, stay in the fight.

I'm well balanced

At least according to this quiz, I'm relatively balanced between the right brain and left brain functions. You Are 60% Left Brained, 40% Right Brained The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. Are You Right or Left Brained? Cheerfully stolen from SWWBO, who in turn lifted it from ALa.

Don't throw your vote away

Beth has the right of it. Voting is our right and responsibility in this country, and the talk I've heard of conservatives voting for the Dems or not voting at all, as some kind of statement to the Republican party just drives me up a wall. I believe that you should vote for the person who you feel will represent you. Old fashioned, I know. Don't vote for the Democratic challenger to your Congressman or Senator just because you are pissed off at the party. Especially if you didn't write to them or call them during the legislative sessions to tell them exactly how you felt. Vote for the best person, or leave that box empty if you must. Read the initiatives, the pros and cons on the candidates, and go to the polls and weigh in on every issue you have a right to. Don't throw your vote out the window like a child throwing a tantrum, for heavens sake! Also consider helping candidates outside of your district/state. I agree with Hugh Hewitt, we must support the best candidates in the tight races. Protect the political strength of the party. The alternative is too awful to consider: So, the Dems will finally return from the political wilderness and Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Murtha, and Chairmen Conyers and Rangel will team with Majority Leader Reid and Chairman Leahy to: Force a retreat from Iraq; throw money at Kim Jong Il; talk to Ahmadinejad and then throw him a Framework Agreement; Refuse to extend the tax cuts and thus cost every American real dollars every month and large chunks of the estates of their Greatest Generation parents as they pass away; Refuse to confirm qualified judges and blockade Bush nominees in the event any of the Supreme Court's aging elite retire? *shudder* The very thought makes my skin crawl. After the dust of this election settles, if you want to make changes, then go out and get involved. Get hooked up with your local party connections, and make the system work by bringing fresh ideas into the party. As you vote this year, remember that we are at war, that we have men and women in uniform around the world who are fighting to help the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan to keep their new voting rights. Don't you dare let them down.

Shootin' with the Sheriff!

Okay, so I didn't actually shoot with the Sheriff, who is now Congressman Reichert, at the fund-raising event in Bellevue this week. But I did shoot, and got to meet 'n' greet some fellow R's at the Shootin' for Victory event last night in Bellevue. As noted by both John of Argghhh and Dave from Heartless Libertarian, this is my kind of fund-raiser. The chance to go throw lead down range with a group of like-minded folks was too good to pass up! The donation included dinner (BBQ -- YUMM!), use of the firearms, and 2 boxes of ammunition. Of course, I brought my own guns, including my Ruger Security-Six, and enjoyed shooting it as always. But I really had a nice time shooting my friend Dunnermeister's Ruger GP100. Whooo -- what a sweet handgun --- I was quite happy with the results! Almost forgot ... I got to meet Dave Workman as well. Any locals who are into firearms should have a copy of Dave's book Washington Gun Rights and Responsibilities. Unfortunately, mine was at home, so I couldn't get it autographed ... *grin* All in all, a fun event, and a few bucks were raised for the King County GOP. Next on the political agenda -- SEATTLE TIMES DEBATE - WASHINGTON'S EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CANDIDATES WHERE: Meydenbauer Center 11100 NE 6th St. Bellevue, WA 98004 click here for directions and parking info WHEN: Tuesday October 10th - 7pm MORE INFO: kellie@davereichertforcongress.com JOIN US NEXT TUESDAY TO SUPPORT DAVE REICHERT AS HE DEBATES THE ISSUES WITH DARCY BURNER I plan to be there to cheer on Congressman Reichert - we conservatives may be surrounded here in King County, but we don't give in!

Music on my mind

How do you get back on the blog wagon after falling off for a while? In my case, you get pushed tagged. Thanks for kicking me in the butt, Fuzzy! List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your LiveJournal/blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to. Here's what I am listening to these days... Send Me from Keni Thomas / Flags of our Fathers. First of all, the words really resonate right now, as I'm currently reading "Home of the Brave: Honoring the Unsung Heroes in the War on Terror". Secondly, I can sing along (with apologies to Keni) since it matches my voice range. Across the Sun from Keiko Matsui / Deep Blue. I saw her perform this piece and others from the album here in Seattle at the fantastic Jazz Alley. Oh How the Years Go By from Vanessa Williams / Next. Listened to this on the ride to the airport the day my mother died. Nuff said. In the Air Tonight from Phil Collins / Hits. I've been known to kill car speakers with repeated playing of this one at high volume. Why I can still hear is a complete mystery to me! Rollin' (The Ballad of Big & Rich) from Big and Rich / Horse of a Different Color. Big beat music again - reportedly works well when riding into those remote areas on C-130's, for example. Regardez-Moi from Celine Dion / The French Album ... fun to sing along with in the car. Last, and shortest, but definitely not least, there is one item that I listen to frequently at my desk at work. But most importantly, every Tuesday night around 9:04 or so, I love listening to Fired Up, Feels Good -- The Unit style, that is. Gotta go now, the show's coming on ... *grin*

The "Pendleton Eight"

"They were over there to defend us, now it's our turn to defend them!" Click here to read about the "Pendleton Eight" (7 Marines and 1 Navy Corpsman), who are now in prison based on the words of our enemies, are being denied their fundamental right to confront their accuser, and face conviction and death. What can you possibly do to help? 1. Return the favor of their sacrifice, and make a donation (501(c)(3) qualifying for match) to help fund their defense and ensure they at least have the opportunity to realize their right to Due Process which they and their families have sacrificed to protect. 2. The media is not getting this story out, so PLEASE FORWARD this message to as many American Patriots as you know to help these soldiers and their families. 3. Repeat #'s 1 and 2 as often as you can. "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." - Ronald Reagan, 1985. Make a difference and don't wait to help these men out. CLICK HERE NOW. Also take a look at this post from Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive, about a way to help the families deal with the non-legal costs ... and the stress.