For relevance concerning the quote I've used here for my title, please refer to my blog entry of 10 November 2009, entitled "At Tale of Two Killers". Really, Nidal Hasan? You really love death more than we love life? Then why aren't you clawing for it? Why aren't you taking responsibility, exclaiming to the press, investigators, and the entire citizenry of the United States how your convictions led you to the killings? Why aren't you asking your appointed legal counsel to get out of your way so you can get to your gates of heaven with enthusiastic haste? Really, you vile lover of life!?!?! Careful, as your post-terror act behavior may give your god second thoughts about accepting you into the afterlife alongside him and your brethern. No! It is clear from your "lawyering up", and because you invoked your rights under the 5th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, as an American Citizen, that you fear what is coming for you and your diseased soul, that your natural instinct towards self-preservation is no different than that instinct within any of us, and that you love life so much more than death. You coward and hypocrit! Please do the world a favor: After your death, return your spirit to the earth to exclaim to all its inhabitants that, those who use their free will to commit acts of terror and general hate upon fellow human beings, find their spirits in a place of eternal damnation, pain, and suffering, rather than in a "heaven with a god named Allah". Happy trails, Mr. Nidal Hasan.

As seen on FREEREPUBLIC.COM, 12 Nov 2009: French President Nicolas Sarkozy says there is no place for full face and body veils such as the burqa, or for the debasement of women, in France. Sarkozy says all beliefs will be respected in France but says "becoming French means adhering to a form of civilization, to values, to morals." Sarkozy said Thursday during a speech on national identity that "France is a country where there is no place for the burqa." Not PC enough you might exclaim? The U.S. should take on this very attitude, lest we be blindsided, if you can call it that. The knockout punch being thrown at the U.S. now can be seen with the naked eye and common sense, well before it has even been thrown. We need to wake up. Hail Mr. Sarkozy, for leading the way. Who would have every thought it would come from Europe, and specifically France, in times such as these?

Driving to work this morning, I heard two unrelated news reports, but could not help but draw a connection between the two stories, and what the connection might say about dark hearts; more importantly, the effective influence on them from one culture to another. What insights do we derive about the respective core characters of two killers, given their deeds, their motivation, and their post-murderous behavior? One, we have Mr. Scott Roeder, whose conviction on the abortion issue led him to passionately kill Dr. George Tiller, and who has since admitted he killed Dr. Tiller, making it clear that he has no remorse, and who stands by his conviction that led him to his actions. Two, we have Dr. Nidal Hassan, whose conviction led him to passionately kill Fort Hood Soldiers/civilians, yet who has since "lawyered up", in hopes of avoiding responsibility, if not at least being found less culpable than he knows he is, and ultimately, at least publicly, abandoning the conviction that led to his actions. On the one hand we have a lone murderer, who, although having been fully aware and believing that killing is wrong, has justified the end result of his actions in his own mind, and is willing to face the consequences of his actions. On the other hand we have a single murderer, who, having been fully aware and believing that killing is wrong, is now not willing to acknowledge the act, thus the justification he arrived upon before he pulled the triggers, and therefore, is clearly unwilling to face the consequences of his actions. For Dr. Hassan to have been so convicted of his beliefs that he was willing to bring them to the societal storefront, but then run from the consequences of the actions he took on behalf of those beliefs, makes him the character of less fiber - the ultimate coward. While Mr. Roeder's actions prior to and during the killing of Dr. Tiller do not make him a character of honorable fiber, his actions afterwards may. Both men will answer to an entity more powerful than the justice system of a single country, on earth, in this solar system, in this galaxy. In the meantime, let’s recognize the fiber of our character, and let’s find the conviction to see it through both the darkness and the light.

Of course Ms. Pelosi will not read this; most likely no one will. Shameful, isn't it, that my opening sentences are reflective of how the Congress/Senate has left most of us feeling? Despite my belief, in case we get lucky, I will write it anyway. It is not how the elected official feels on an issue that matters, but rather how that official's consituency feels. Elected officials, to a very broad extent, seem to have forgotten this. The American citizen is, indeed, much smarter than our politicians actually realize, when those politicians pay lip service to us, often interjecting in their interviews a statement such as: The American people are smart enough to know... Indeed we are, Ms. Pelosi - smarter than you truly realize, that is. For neglecting to represent your constituency and for paying lip service to important people and issues, however, there is still time to redeem yourself, one step at a time - perhaps even your career. You can start by leading the passage of the war-funding bill (INCLUDING the Detainee Photographic Records Protection Act). When it comes to survival - and that is what we've come to, as a country, Ms. Pelosi - we must do whatever it takes. Do not give the enemy more propoganda than it has already mustered and dessiminated - quite successfully, I might add, and often with the help of American politicians and "left-thinking" organizations (e.g. the ACLU). We are a fair country, but we do not need to allow the enemy to use our fairness to our ultimate and final detriment. Survival MUST be foremost in importance. So, though it could be "fair", and in keeping with American values, to release the additional detainee photos (out of the context of the investigations, I'm sure), it would not be "wise". Secondly, you can come clean about your role in the CIA enhanced interrogation briefings (passive role or otherwise). I believe it was a passive role (that is the absolute most benefit of the doubt I can give you on this matter, based on what I have seen reported, coupled with statements you've made on the matter). Redeem yourself, I implore with you, before the American electorate takes the action that is inevitable in 2010. Consider this a promise to remove you from office, using a tried and true method, and great American tradition and exercise in Democracy - Open and Free Elections. Good luck. Sincerely, [Author Name]

"...spokesman said the release was part of 'the wider Iraqi government reconciliation process of reaching out to groups that are willing to set aside violence in favor of taking part in the political process.'" Apparently, the terrorist, Al-Khazali's, release is in support of an agreement involving the release of ONE of five British hostages, in exchange for the release of TEN members of the terrorist cell/group/organization known as Asaib Ahl al-Haq. This cannot be real, coming from powers that have sworn never to negotiate with terrorists. This cannot be real - one for 10? This cannot be real, inviting the enemy to come take part in the political process. If we've learned anything in the West, it should be that the enemy will only take part in the political process insomuch as he can affect the changing of the process, until it is not longer what it is, rather it becomes what his ideals wished it to be in the first place. I would not give them such hope as to think they can and will participate to the extent they will come to ultimate power. Therein lays the danger; they may come to ultimate power, as we witnessed with Hamas in Palestine and with the Democratic regime in America. Ronald Wilson Reagan is rolling over in his grave, with the harrowing knowledge that we've negotiated (and continue to negotiate) with terrorists. Sure lives have been and will be lost, should we not negotiate; but they will be lost if we do negotiate as well. What do we believe we are doing? We should NOT negotiate with terrorist. Even if you are in the camp that believes we should negotiate with terrorists - 1 for 10? Give us a break! Nevermind, you've done enough.

The cowardly shooter most likely did not carry a card that would identify him as an enemy combatant against the United States military. However, let there be no mistake; by his own admission, he was an enemy combatant. Private Long and Private Quinton Ezeagwula were the United States’ first military-outfitted combat fatality and wounded, in the Global War on Terrorism, here on American soil. Yes, the wars we are fighting, despite the belief of many as to the reasons they were started, are – at present and have been for some time, even if not from the beginning – part of the Global War On Terrorism. If you’ve determined to join in agreement with the idealogy of the enemy, whether you’ve met them or not(and in this shooter’s case he did travel to meet them), AND have carried out an aggressive act on behalf of that idealogy, you have become a member of the terrorist’s self-prescribed army. Private Long and Private Ezeagwula are deserving of the Purple Heart.

Wanna talk about a “New World Order”? More appropriately, wanna talk about a shift in the New World Order? How about the Old World Order? Unknowingly, certainly, but former President G. Dubya B. revived it with, “You’re either with us or against us” and “Wanted, Dead of Alive”. Those seemed harsh words, considering the "we-are-the-world" geopolitical climate of the times (pre-911 and, surprisingly, even still to a large extent). It seems rare that many leaders anymore can clearly identify the enemy and, more importantly, realize how the enemy must be dealt with, whether those dealings are popular or not. G. Dubya was able to do so – identify and deal with the enemy, whether you agreed or not. History has shown that when other evils emerged in the form of self-serving agendas, complacency and inability to identify and deal was not nearly as widespread as it has been between the fall of the Berlin Wall and September 11, 2001. I don’t want to wear out the WWII example, but if President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchhill, and other Allied countries’ leaders was as complacent then as is apparent some are now, beyond the Euro, Europe would have much more in common.(Notes: Stalin not mentioned purposely, as his problem was not one of complacency, but rather one of self-service. He actually assisted Germany in its “bad behavior” until, once Germany was finished with Europe, it turned its guns on Russia; shocked, I don’t know why, but only then did Stalin join the Allies in the defeat of Germany’s Nazis in WWII. Also not necessarily credited here is France’s Prime Minister, Edouard Daladier, who like PM Churchill’s predecessor, believed an appeasement policy would better serve to ward off the evils of the Nazi forces – wrong then and wrong now.) The New World Order, I would say is slowing-to-reversing; things are changing, as they inevitably do on this planet. South Korean President Lee Myung Bak and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seem to have recently determined it is not in the best interests of the survival of their respective countries’ very existence to play nice with neighboring threats any longer. They’ve opted to take their balls and go home, and to ‘circle the wagons’, if you will, just as G. Dubya did for nearly eight years. I believe history will show that he was not errant in doing so. SOUTH KOREA: President Lee entered office of the inclination to cease rewarding North Korea for repeated bad behavior; he did just that, ceasing the “Sunshine Policy” that had been extended to North Korea through the terms of the nation’s prior two presidents. As a result, the spoiled dictator to the North is now behaving like the baby that had his candy taken away. I recognize there are other motivations as well, but believe Kim Jong Il feels slighted by the fading desire of his neighbor to the South to keep feeding and keeping warm the North Korean populace. In recent days, South Korea rhetoric has made it clear that they will no longer tolerate Kim Jonng Il’s tirades of irrationality. ISRAEL: Prime Minister Netanyahu is likewise taking a hard line against the compromise that has not worked for Israel over the past few decades. The problem with compromise is that it only works when both sides of an issue give up equal amounts of their respective beliefs on the issue in question. Israel clearly has given much more to the efforts to get along with the Arab communities than has its Arab neighbors. The results are repeated attacks against Israel, forcing its hand in response. Thanks to apparent politically correct complacency, they now face near-imminent annihilation by Iran(and who knows which others are perhaps in bed with Iran on this). History shows us that a great leader is one with the foresight to identify the issue, and the fortitude to deal with it head on. This was the United States of America in WWII. In current crises, South Korea and Israel are clearly leading with the right insight and fortitude, while the current U.S. regime has somehow determined an appeasement policy is "the way to go". It sure is. Who would have thunk the U.S. and "the rest of the free world" would be switching positions in 2009. The left owes its thanks to Mr. Obama, while the right owes the blame to Mr. Obama. I concur with the latter. God Bless.

Coming towards me the other day, as I walked along the street, was a t-shirt that read, “BORN FREE” across the front of it. As I walked past the body sporting the t-shirt, I couldn’t help but take a glance over my shoulder to see if the back read, “RAISED IN CAPTIVITY”; it didn’t. But I imagined it did, as I chuckled to myself — painfully. That version of the t-shirt is being reserved for the next generation, who will be laden to its knees with the economic, social, and cultural chains that we have begun prepositioning. Perhaps they can even add the words, “DESTINED TO DIE CAPTIVE AND BROKEN”. In America generations of people have been born free, have lived free, and have died free. No longer, my friends. But it is not too late to ensure this for future generations. For anyone who has not noticed, we have been “living” in a divided country for far too long. A president cannot unite us, our “leaders” cannot unite us, and no other external force can unite us. You know the next line. To quote Smokey Bear, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” No enemy external is as strong as we, and we sure are showing ourselves the truth in that, as we divide, tear, and rip assunder with all the claw and teeth we have. ’We have seen the enemy and the enemy is us.’ God Bless.

If you’re an American involved in corporate business in America, it may be advisable to get out of business until this country returns to an openly, competitive, free market system. Of course, this will only occur after the American people wake up, demand(by legitimate means) policy change, either during the current administration’s rule or by ending it in 3+ years; and even then the undoing will undoubtedly take longer to accomplish than it took for the Obama regime to take us down this slick slope. Between me, myself, and I (oh, and anyone with common sense), we should rebuke(in actions) the leadership of this country at present, and implore directional change. The government who “does not want to run an auto company” should NOT run an auto company. The government who does want to run an auto company should also NOT run an auto company, nor a bank, nor a credit card company, nor independent healthcare, etc. The modern liberal may be surprised to find, upon personal interspect, that he is feeling more depressed in recent days than he had been consistently feeling for the eight years before 2009. God bless us.

Concerning the CIA memos the Obama administration ordered released in recent days, I must say I am neither disappointed nor shocked by their contents. Further, by their very existence they indicate a Bush presidency seeking to do the right thing, even in very trying times, when it would have been easier to proceed without inquiring into the legality of specific methods of interrogation. I wonder when those who seek to do us harm will release THEIR memos – you know, the ones authorizing the certain deaths of NONCOMBATANTS in the WTC on 9/11, a rash of beheadings of NONCOMBATANTS, and so on? Some American Protectors SIMULATED drowning of COMBATANTS, and that is a larger negative press target than the conduct of our enemy against noncombatants? It seems the current administration has has unknowingly joined the enemy propaganda machine(as has the American press), making the United States look like the evil and our enemies the victims. The current administration not only has its eyes off the ball; but it seems it has its eyes off the entire game, a danger that may mean we are once again sure to pay the ultimate price. God bless us.

Tongue-in-cheek: Brad Pitt and Nancy Pelosi hanging out on Capital Hill today is almost as incredulous as a Penn and Chavez join-up. What would one call that – Penncha or Chapenn? Not tongue-in-cheek: I wonder if Mr. Penn would visit and sup with his neighbor, if his neighbor were to make it blatently clear the he was hell-bent on destroying Mr. Penn’s house, his family, and all that he holds dear. If so, to what end? Speaking of Hugo Chavez, I recently saw a photo of Hugo Chavez in military uniform, somewhere between his nationalization of Banco de Venezuela and Cargill(an American Company operating in Venezuela). The photo chilled me – the sort of chills one now gets when one reads stories or views images of a certain German leader prior to the point at which his more blatently offensive mandates began to appear obviously “not quite right”. Back to the idea of Follywood stars hanging out with the world’s leftists, Jimmy Stewart didn’t go across the Atlantic to hang out with Adolf, my friends; he went across the Atlantic to fly B-24 bombers over Mr. Hitler’s head and drop well placed bombs from them. Where are today’s pop culture leaders with the ability to judge genuinely honest character? Why does it seem only us of the proletariat have or exercise any common sense?

Conversations about the economy in which we once used terms like “millions”, but are now using terms like “trillions”, indicate to me an obvious problem. The baby has gotten so large we can no longer afford to feed it. Just what do experts mean when they state that we need to find ways to grow the economy? I can see stabilizing and maintaining a healthy economy, but “grow it”, I think not. Just how large can it get before it cannot function under its own weight? Have we reached that point yet? Gluttony is as much a problem for a society as it is for an individual.

Today President Barack Obama signed into law the stiffulus bill. Perhaps my cynicism is misplaced. One can only hope. Time will tell. Now that we’ve begun, how long will we reward those who have made and continue to make bad decisions, shirking personal responsibility?