This is just Wrong!

I enjoy listening to talk radio during my drives to and from work. I can listen in the morning to one of several stations, one of which is my favorite KVI, a local Fox News affiliate. In the mornings I listen to Kirby Wilbur, and sometimes I drive home in time to catch the last bit of John Carlson - both intelligent right-thinking hosts who cover the gamut from local politics to international issues. Recently the state legislature passed a law which will raise the gas taxes we pay by 9.5-cents per gallon, starting immediately this June with a 3-cent per gallon raise. Very quickly an initiative (I-912) was registered, and petitions have been out for signature for the last month. Much discussion was held during Kirby and John's shows regarding the tax, the state's woeful inability to keep spending down and lack of accountability, and the current petition drive status. Now, a judge has decided that the amount of time spent by the hosts correlates to advertising for the campaign!! In support of free speech, and KVI Friday, July 8, 2005 Editorial Judge Christopher Wickham of Thurston County Superior Court trod dangerously on the First Amendment last week. He ruled that Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson of KVI Radio had pushed the gas-tax rollback initiative so zealously on the air that it amounted to advertising. Therefore, he ruled, the campaign had to report their support as a political contribution. The campaign duly estimated the value of Wilbur's and Carlson's support at $10,000 each for the month of May, and reported it to the government. See what is being done here. The judge is following a simple syllogism: All political contributions may be regulated; Speech is a political contribution; Therefore, speech may be regulated. Whoa there, Judge Wickham, there's this little thing called the First Amendment. Perhaps you've heard of it? I understand that there is a concern in keeping political discourse open to both sides of an issue when there are elections pending, and both candidates are provided with equal access to the airwaves. But what-in-hell does that have to do with public discussion on an initiative? By the way - both John and Kirby have also donated their personal time to the petition drives, and both also donated money. There is no question that they supported the initiative, as do at least 230,000 other people who signed the petitions. But they actively tried to bring onto their shows opponents of the initiative for discussion, there was no forcing of an issue down the throats of the public. First McCain-Feingold and the threat of applying it to bloggers, now this. Our rights are being chipped away bit by bit. I hope and pray that this is fought in the appellate courts - it needs to stop NOW! UPDATE ... Heartless Libertarian also has some words on this.

Bad day in London

More cowardly bombing attacks - in the subway and bus system of London. Pray for the victims and their families. Ghost of a Flea has an informative post with running updates. H/T to John Donovan at the Castle, where the Union Jack flies today, as it will here. As John says ... Wahabism Delenda Est! UPDATE ... Excellent Letter to the Terrorists posted at Michael Totten's site! H/T to Dusty at Castle Argghhh!

Funny, and yet sad...

Seattle is often referred to as the Emerald City, and it is indeed a very green area. The evergreen trees abound, and the mountains are not far, it's a pretty place to live. But as Stefan Sharkansky of Sound Politics explains, not as Green as it could and should be. Seattle's new city hall is an energy hog Seattle's new City Hall was designed with the environment in mind, using the most energy-efficient technologies. But the building acts like an old-fashioned electricity hog. It has lofty public spaces and walls of glass designed to welcome citizens and suggest an open and transparent government. It also uses 15 percent to 50 percent more electricity some months than the older, larger building it replaced, according to Seattle City Light utility bills. The new City Hall cost $72 million, by the way. And the new one is smaller! Pretty high price tag for inefficiency, wouldn't you say? It gets better ... In other Seattle environmental news, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cited the city of Seattle for illegally filling wetlands. All of which reminded me of general liberal silliness, like this Conversation with a Liberal from new blogger Pre64M70 at Fort Constitution. Minor language warning - but it's fun ... go read !

When Eagles Learn to Fly

Kristin Johnson read a poem written by Pfc. Jamie A. Goldsteinm that inspired her to create the Poet Warrior Project. This is a section of her Poems for You site that is dedicated to the works of those serving and their families. When Eagles Learn to Fly by Pfc. Jamie A. Goldstein 2nd Battalion, 58th Regiment Jan. 14, 2005 High atop a mountain, The newest look around. In their hearts they yearn to jump, But to the nest, they're bound. They see what's going on abroad, And it consumes their thoughts. There's shoes to fill and prey to kill, And targets to be caught. They may be mean, they may be angry, Strong may be their drive. But all of that means nothing, 'Til these eagles learn to fly. They sacrifice their blood and sweat, Earn feathers one-by-one, And bleed and sweat they will, until The day of training's done. And at that time, they then reflect, On things they all have learned, And often re-read passages, From pages that they've turned. With contempt for their confinement, They sing verses as they cry, But that will all soon change When these eagles learn to fly. Their blood is hot. Their eyes are cold. Their hearts know not of fear. They dream of wreaths of olive leaves, But still clutch tight their spears. Collectively they ponder, The enemies they will try. They've skills to hone and wings to grow, But that, they know, takes time. When the sand has fell completely, And their wings spread true and wide, They'll soar across the skyline And the world shall hear them cry: "Those who dare burn olive branches, Those who force their way, Those who seize what isn't theirs, And dare refuse to pay, Those who live by wicked values, And dare to walk with pride, Clear your throat and swallow, For we have learned to fly!" "Those who dare crusade, Against the name of what is just, Those who dare raise arms, By exploiting others' trust, And expect a repercussion, No more violent than a sigh, Today you shall be proven wrong, For we have learned to fly!" "Those who dare condemn us, For enjoying our free will, Those who feel our choices, Make us wrong enough to kill, Those who dare assault us, Anywhere at any time - You've met your final adversary; For we have learned to fly!" Original story here, as part of the America Supports You series.

Remembering those lost

I stand firm on support for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the overall mission of taking war to the terrorists. We must never forget the sacrifices of those lost, however. The current toll is over 1700 souls, but the number doesn't really tell the tale completely. To help bring home the cost and personalize it, check out this site from the Palm Beach Post. You may zoom in on areas of the map, and select a dot, to see the names of the service members lost from those communities... (Click map to connect to live site) Thanks to Cassandra at Villainous Company for sharing the link. UPDATE Boquisucio points out in the comments that the interactive map only displays the lower 48 states plus the District of Columbia, not Hawaii or Alaska, and also does not include the territories. This is a really good point. I explored the map, and found that once you open the interactive page, you can read the Editor's Note to find this addendum... The casualties reflected on this map are names released by the Pentagon as of Wednesday, June 29. It doesn't include 37 soldiers whose hometowns were in other states, U.S. territories and, in one case, a different country: Puerto Rico, 20 Hawaii, 5 American Samoa, 4 Federated States of Micronesia, 2 Virgin Islands, 2 Alaska, 1 Guam, 1 Northern Mariana Islands, 1 United Kingdom, 1

Military Blogger with a Request

Erik Holtan of A Long Strange Trip is a deployed MN National Guardsman currently in Iraq. He has his back up, and needs some help. First, he has legal concerns requiring both 1st Amendment and employment specialties. Then he'd like to find a journalist, especially in Minnesota, to hear his family's story. Go read his post, you'll understand.

New Blog Alert!

Welcome new blogger MSG Keith to the blogworld, over at My Army Life. If you have been hanging around Castle Argghhh!, you will recall that Keith was in Afghanistan this past year, and was a wonderful source of great news from there. Now he can tell his stories directly for us to link! A win-win situation ... *grin* Welcome, MSG Keith!!!

Happy Independence Day!

I wish everyone a safe and happy 4th! There are a lot of deployed troops in the Milblog realm - here are just a few to visit today... From My Position... Chuck is now at Walter Reed being treated for the wounds received when he tangled with an IED almost two weeks ago. His wife Carren is a great lady - keeping us all informed of his progress. Others include Dadmanley, Firepower Forward,AH-64D Apaches over Iraq,Assumption of Command, The Siegrist Blogs, A Strange Long Trip, and Major K. Also, remember folks like ArmorGeddon and Trying to Grok, and others who are posted to bases outside the U.S. For other links, check out Castle Argghhh!, Blackfive and Mudville Gazette - their sidebars are much more complete than mine. Happy Birthday, U.S.!

Offering Prayers and Thanks

While you are planning for July 4th events like picnics, parades and fireworks, keep in mind the origins of this day, and honor the wisdom of our founding fathers. Read again the words of our Declaration of Independence (image from the Library of Congress site, text here): IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WHEN, in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's GOD entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes which impel them to the Separation. We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed ... WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connexion between them and the State of Great-Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of Right do. And for the Support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of DIVINE PROVIDENCE, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honour. With Honour and sacrifice, the men and women of our military serve every day, going into harm's way so that we can continue to live in a free and strong country. Their families also serve, giving up their loved ones for long deployments. They do this so that you and I can stay home, in comfort and safety. Think about what you can do to give back. The news last week of the downed helicopter, and loss of all 16 soldiers and sailors onboard was devastating. Offer your prayers for the families, and for the SEALs still missing. Then take some time to do something for them, and something for the men and women now in Iraq and Afhanistan. Blackfive reminds us of some great organizations who help the troops and their families : One thing that you should do is visit America Supports You. Another is donate to Soldiers' Angels or volunteer. There's a great need right now for help in the hospitals in DC and San Antonio, Texas. So, if you're in that area and want to be an Angel to our wounded, and are not afraid of committing a lot of time over the next few weeks to help, please contact Soldiers' Angels and volunteer. And finally, the United Warrior Survival Fund and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation need your help to provide for the spouses and children of our Fallen Heroes. Show your support, and take a minute to thank the service people and veterans around you. We are still the Land of the Free -- because of the Brave!

Linky stuff

A new blogger asks and answers Who in their Right Mind would be joining up? Since he's already flying AH-64D Apaches Over Iraq, I think he's answered it quite well for himself! Desultory Girl better be listening ... If you've been following the news on Chuck Ziegenfuss, his wife Carren has added two must-read entries. First a long time friend talks about things we should already know - but which should be said anyways ... about sacrifice and the rest of us doing our part. Please go read it - then go follow his advice. Then move up to the next post, because Chuck Speaks!!! With all that has happened to them in the past week and a half, I am humbled that Carren keeps finding the time to share Chuck's progress with us. They truly appreciate the words of encouragement and prayers ... go visit, won't you? Beth reminds us that this week's Carnival of the Recipes is up ... with the recipes organized by color! Sgt B continues his Piping lessons, and entertains a great debate (in comments) over the proper music for a Piper in training. Continuing her Self Portrait Friday theme, Katy asked folks to post tattoos. Quite an interesting bunch. Wonder what she'll think up for next week? Need a chew toy for an active puppy? Check out what Sarah at Trying to Grok lets her little guy Charlie chew on! Thanks to Kermit for sharing the link to this treatise on the Genus Libratas Americana. Libratas may be found on every continent of this planet. The genus is as diverse and varied as any other found on earth, yet there are many common threads, as it were, that positions them in a singular genus. While the untrained observer may not differentiate between libratas and homo sapiens, there are indeed key differentiations between the two genus. The following is a general list of attributes that libratas shares with our kind, as well as a basic guide to be used in distinguishing libratas from homo sapiens, especially for the untrained observer. Distinction One: Libratas has a sparse fur, or hair, covering its body, except in cases of abnormal bodily disfunction. Much like homo sapiens, the fur, or hair, is concentrated on the top of the head, pubic areas, and beneath the arm pits. We did find however, that this fur or hair covering was oft time more pronounced in Libratas than in our kind. Distinction Two: Libratas is warm-blooded, as is homo sapiens, however, libratas is susceptible to bouts of irrepressibly elevated body temperature when certain stimuli are introduced to its environment. While the authors could not hope to compile a complete list of these "triggers", we did find that the utterance of certain sounds, or words, could stimulate this unusual increase in body temperature. We submit the following examples: Example one: The verbalization or utterance of the word "bush", triggered incredible increases of body temperature in most libratas. We found this unusual, because similar utterances, such as "shrub", "tree", or "hedge" had no visible effect on libratas. Example two: The word "rove" (as in, "bison rove o'r the plains) was particularly stimulating to most Libratas south of the Dominion of Canada, causing rapid increases in temperature and anxiety. When presented with similar sounding words, such as "drove", or "cove", we could discern no basil temperature change in libratas. We humbly submit that there seems to be no reason for libratas' reaction to certain sounds or words, other than the fact that the words are monosyllabic. Heh ... That's just a tiny sample. Keep reading and hitting Next, to reveal the habits of the various species like "Libratas Scriptor" and "Libratas Administratio"!! Finally, I found this t-shirt hugely funny, although I probably wouldn't wear it!

Don't beat yourself up

This brings a Whole New Meaning to the phrase ...

Weekend links

It felt more like a weekend than a Friday while driving in to work this morning - lots of folks taking of early for the 4th. If you're driving somewhere ... Be careful and stay safe. Some folks are staying off the roads and keeping their fingers to their keyboards for a good cause this weekend. The Puddle Pirate and Word Girl are doing some Rear Echelon blogging to raise money for a good cause. Make a donation to their special tip jar to benefit the Armed Forces Relief Trust, and get a blogger on caffeine to post on a topic of your choosing! H/T to The Armorer! I learned to read Science Fiction through the books of Asimov and Heinlein, so I enjoyed reading Dean Esmay's defense of Heinlein's work. I agree with much of what Dean says. However, I happen to enjoy the latter half of Heinlein's 'catalogue' as well as the first half - I just won't give them to children to read! And speaking of Reading -- Punctilious at Blogoram has an interesting concept / proposal -- a Book Review carnival. She and the rest of the Blogoram gang are trying to churn up good reading ideas, to help avoid mental atrophy during their airplane travels. I hope to get time to join in with a post & link of my own this weekend