2008 | The Bull Speaks!

Latest Submarine News

WASHINGTON - The US Navy christened its newest attack submarine, New Mexico on Dec. 13 during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va.

U.S. Rep. Heather A. Wilson of New Mexico delivered the ceremony’s principal address.

Designated SSN 779, New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the ‘Land of Enchantment’. The submarine began construction under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in 2004. The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and at Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa.

Congrats to Cmdr. Mark A. Prokopius, a native of Seven Hills, Ohio, who is the prospective commanding officer.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

PEARL HARBOR - USS Ohio (SSGN 726), the first operational Trident guided-missile submarine, pulled into Naval Station Pearl Harbor, before returning to its homeport of Bangor, Wash., from its maiden deployment.

The submarine departed Naval Base Kitsap, Oct. 14, 2007, for its maiden deployment, which began a month ahead of schedule. Claiming many firsts, Ohio was the first Trident guided-missile submarine to complete an equator and prime meridian crossing, the first to achieve SEAL/diver dry deck shelter certification, the first to complete three highly-successful national tasking missions and the first to earn two Navy Expeditionary Medals.

Another memorable event during Ohio’s maiden deployment was the burial at sea of a veteran of World War II. Ohio crew member Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Jason Witty spread the ashes of his grandfather, Eugene Stanley Morgan, in the Philippine Sea, honoring Morgan’s request to be buried with his shipmates of the World War II cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35). Morgan was one of 316 survivors of the sinking of the cruiser on July 30, 1945.

Ohio, the first Trident submarine ever built, returned to the fleet February 2006 after a $250 million, year-long refueling and a $750 million, two-year conversion from a ballistic missile submarine. With this conversion, Ohio and the subsequent convert submarines provide the fleet with the ability to quickly embark and deploy to provide command and control functions for special operations forces and a large volume, (as in approx. 154 TLAMs), strike platform in its operating theater.

Go NAVY!

An (Accused) Asswipe Self-Corrects!

Did y’all catch this on Fox News?

ST. LOUIS â€??? A St. Louis police officer who was under investigation in a child pornography case jumped out of a police car, ran away, and killed himself, authorities said Wednesday.

The officer’s name was not released. He was 37 and had been with the department for 2 1/2 years, city police spokeswoman Erica Van Ross said.

St. Louis County police went to the officer’s home in south St. Louis County on Tuesday.

“We had received an IP address belonging to a computer at that residence associated with child pornography, either the possession or transfer of it,” Panus said. “We went there to serve the search warrant.”

The officer wasn’t home but provided a key when investigators tracked him down. Panus said the computer and personal papers were seized, but the officer was not arrested.

Later Tuesday, members of the city police Internal Affairs division picked up the officer and were driving him to police headquarters. Van Ross said he was being taken in for two reasons: To await results of the county search of his computer and papers, and for questioning about why he apparently lived in the county when city officers are required to live in the city.

Suddenly, just blocks from police headquarters, the officer jumped out of the car and ran, Van Ross said. Police searched but couldn’t find him.

Hours later, a resident called 911 after finding the officer, reportedly behind a church. He had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Van Ross said. Police transported the officer to Saint Louis University Hospital, where he died.

Van Ross said the officer was not technically in custody so he was not handcuffed or restrained in the police car. Police Chief Dan Isom has ordered a review of protocol to see if changes should be made in the method of transporting people to the Internal Affairs Division.

Kinda redefines the term “dirty cop”, doesn’t it?

Seems that this POS has been reading The Bull Speaks! and understood his one remaining opportunity to escape being the new prison bitch and took the tax-saving way out. Just think of all of the tax-payer dollars we just saved!

You guys know how much The Bull detest those child-molesting sons of bitches, but I’m glad to see they are beginning to catch on to their one & only quick way out of the hell we would have brought down upon them. Now we just have to work on convincing the remaining tens of thousands of scumbags to do the same thing and we’ll be on the way to having an America where our kids can be kids once again.

Bull out.

St. Louis, Load Your Gun!

The Bull caught the following on the Fox News website…

ST. LOUIS â€??? A St. Louis city leader frustrated with the police response to rising crime called Tuesday on residents to arm themselves to protect their lives and property.

Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe said police are ineffective, outnumbered or don’t care about the increase in crime in his north St. Louis ward. St. Louis has had 157 homicides in 2008, 33 more than last year at this time.

“The community has to be ready to defend itself, because it’s clear the economy is going to get worse, and criminals are getting more bold,” Troupe, 72, said Tuesday.

Troupe said that when he and residents approached a district police commander last year, they were told “there was nothing he could do to protect us and the community … that he didn’t have the manpower.”

Police did not immediately return requests for comment. Chief Dan Isom told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he understands Troupe’s frustration but doesn’t support citizens arming themselves.

Carrying guns, he said, is not a “recipe for a less violent community.”

The Bull sincerely hopes that the St. Louis populace has enough sense to listen to the Alderman and not this village idiot, Dan Isom, calling himself the Chief of Police!

It’s the usual sad story. After decades of the cops riding around with “To Protect and Serve” stenciled on their cruisers and telling the everyone to just dial 911, the Truth is sinking in that the police can NOT protect anyone. Hell, most of the time they can barely protect themselves! And now that crime is spiking a bit the higher-ups are getting scared about losing their high-paying jobs.

Before anyone starts, I’m not bad-mouthing the street cops. I know many, like damned near all of them, am good friends with a couple, and once even was engaged to one.

Those guys & gals in blue earn FAR more than they are paid. Moreover, they do a damned good job at what they were meant to do. That is to investigate crime and remove the perps from our streets. Sure, they also have the duty to stop the crimes they know about ahead of time – and they do. Problem is that no one has a crystal ball to tell them which house will be broken into or where the muggers will be tonight. That whole “To Protect…” horse shyte is just something cooked up by politicians to lull the ’sheeple’ of society into a more complacent mindset.

The fact is that the police can not protect everyone at all times. The idiot was right in saying he doesn’t have the manpower. Do guarantee the public’s protection he would need two cops to bodyguard every single citizen 24 & 7. One per 12 hour shift for every man, woman & child.

Well, the politicians got what they wanted. The good people of St. Louis looking to them for help when times are rough in their neighborhoods. The shame is that the politicians can never come through – they overplayed their hand.

And the criminals know it!

That’s why crime is so high and why it won’t go down until the thugs have reason to stop. And this is where the idiot was wrong…

Armed citizens can – and DO – deter crime! In every single jurisdiction where citizens can and do legally carry guns you find less crime and fewer shootings than in areas with strict anti-gun laws. Every time. Don’t listen to the idiots that want you vulnerable. Don’t believe me either. Do the research yourself.

To the Good Citizens of St. Louis:

First off, GET TRAINING!
Next, ALL guns come with some sort of child-proof lock now days. Some a good, like the one on my Ruger, are great but it is up to YOU to teach your children and keep firearms out of the hands of the untrained.
As for the guns, I recommend a 20 gauge or 12 gauge Mossberg Model 500 PersuaderÂ® shotgun with the 18 inch barrel for every home loaded with Winchester Super-XÂ® buckshot. These long guns are easy to use, durable, safe, 100% American made, and fairly priced for the average family. The #1 buckshot (in the 12 gauge) is highly effective and gives 16 holes per trigger pull into the bad guy if you do your part. Lots of folks see my sidearm and ask if I’m expecting trouble. my reply is always the old standby: “No. If I were expecting trouble I’d have brought my rifle.” Rifles in urban areas are problematic, so go with the shotgun. You won’t need the penetration of the rifle round and the power of a shotgun is undeniable thug-stopper.
For a carry handgun I always say carry the most you can handle and never skimp on reliability. That said, I’d recommend a strong double action revolver over a semi-auto for the new shooter. I’d go with a Ruger SP101Â® chambered for either the .357 Magnum or the new .327 Federal Magnum. The revolver is very reasonably priced, is damned near indestructible, easily cared for, and again – it is American made. Both cartridges are solid performers for minor caliber bores and both give the option of firing a lower power round for practice or until the confidence level has gone up. You won’t go wrong with Federal Premium ‘Hydra-ShokÂ®’ ammo in either caliber. Just remember that a personal protection handgun is not a primary battle weapon. It is great for getting you the heck out of a bad spot or for fighting your way to your long gun. What you’ve seen in the movies is Hollywood shyte that will get you killed.
…and you’ll never go wrong having a damned good knife somewhere for the ‘just in case’ moments. Choices? What suits you so long as it is GOOD steel and is ALWAYS sharp.

I know, I know… That bit on handguns is a case of ‘do as I say and not as I do‘, but for good reason. I grew up shooting, especially single action revolvers, and I’m used to big bore weapons and their quirks. Most non-shooters and new shooters are intimidated by the mere sight of the hulking .45 (long) Colt case. They will refuse to fire a round regardless of how powerful (or not) the load may actually be.

Get armed, stay armed. Protection is your duty – not the cops. More importantly, it is your RIGHT as an American under our Constitution. Exercise your Rights.

Bull, out!

Pirates: Sink Them Faster!

NEW DELHI â€??? An Indian naval vessel sank a suspected pirate “mother ship” Wednesday in the Gulf of Aden and chased two attack boats into the night, officials said, yet more violence in the lawless seas where brigands are becoming bolder and more violent.

Piracy on the High Seas. It didn’t die out with Blackbeard, nor with the War of 1812 when the British Royal Navy was acting, (quite literally), as a pirate. It has always been an issue somewhere on this globe since man first took to the ocean in boats. Where ever valuable goods traveled on the lonely seas, there too were the thieves. I suspect that it will remain so as long as we continue to sail. If ever space travel becomes commonplace there is no doubt that piracy will soon follow.

The Bull is certain that the good ~~hippies~~, er, people in California will say that to avoid anyone getting hurt the best idea is for us regular folk and peace-loving Nations to simply stop using the World’s oceans for travel and commerce. Furthermore, I’m satisfied that the Obama Administration would rather negotiate with the pirates. The sad fact is that the only way to deal with pirates is to hunt them down, sink their vessels, and hang the survivors, (if any). The current crop of sea-faring sub-humans operating in the Gulf of Aden is no exception.

Enter the brave sailors aboard the good ship INS Tabar…

As reported on Fox News…

A multicoalition naval force has increased patrols in the region, and scored a rare success Tuesday when the Indian warship, operating off the coast of Oman, stopped a ship similar to a pirate vessel mentioned in numerous piracy bulletins. The Indian navy said the pirates fired on the INS Tabar after the officers asked it to stop to be searched.

“Pirates were seen roaming on the upper deck of this vessel with guns and rocket propelled grenade launchers,” said a statement from the Indian navy. Indian forces fired back, sparking fires and a series of onboard blasts â€??? possibly due to exploding ammunition â€??? and destroying the ship.

Fine work! Congrats to the commander and crew of INS Tabar on hunting down and eliminating this one nest of vermin. There are more out there – indeed, too many – and my gut tells me we will hear more from the Indian Navy and the fine ship Tabar. In fact, the Indian Navy was cited in the same story for another recent action against the pirates…

Last week, Indian navy commandos operating from a warship foiled a pirate attempt to hijack a ship in the Gulf of Aden. The navy said an armed helicopter with marine commandos prevented the pirates from boarding and hijacking the Indian merchant vessel.

Excellent! Simply excellent!

Of course, with the pirates currently holding some seventeen vessels along with more than 300 crew members, not to mention a Ukrainian ship loaded with weapons and a Saudi Arabian supertanker carrying $100 million in crude oil, this is no time to slow down for a party. Indeed, we need to be asking: “Where the hell are the World’s other Navies at a time like this?” What is the U.S. 5th Fleet doing? Sure, they patrol. I agree that patrols show little success considering the sheer size of the planet’s oceans. No one can know where the pirates will be on any given day. The thing is that pirates have to make port somewhere in order to sell their ill-gotten gains and we do know those locations.

The Bull submits that every ocean-going Nation on the planet should dispatch a minimum of two frigates, preferably gun-equipped over the guided missile versions, to the Gulf of Aden. A pair of carriers would be good, too. Further, in the interest of global relations, I submit that the combined fleet be commanded overall by any nation other than the United States. The only caveat being that the Fleet Commander must have experience in carrier operations if such vessels are included. Once the Fleet is combined, then it should be open season on pirates.

Just my two cents, for what it’s worth…

Bull, out.

This Is Why America’s Military Is The Best On Earth

Ever wonder why our military personnel are the finest around? Because they have guts. Grit & determination. Add that to the finest training and top-notch equipment and you have a combo that can’t be beat. (As long as the politicians stay out of their way, that is…)

Case in point, Fox News is reporting…

LEWISTON, Maine â€??? Army and Navy recruiters took one look at 330-pound Ulysses Milana and told him to forget about joining. “You’ve got to lose weight,” Milana remembers them saying.

But Marine recruiters were willing to work with him as he began his weight-loss journey in December 2007.

Now, 11 months later, Milana is 140 pounds lighter as he leaves Monday for Parris Island, S.C., to begin boot camp.

It wasn’t easy, Milana said, but he managed to slim down through exercise, healthier eating habits and forgoing an occasional beer after work. The 23-year-old said he even refused a beer at his going-away party Saturday night.

Milana said he always wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps by serving his country. His wife, Latoya, also comes from a military family.

I believe there is but one thing to left to say…

Semper Fi!

Bull, out.

Segregation Update #2 (Itself Updated with Video)

The story is out and is popping up on blogs, newspapers, and TV news shows across the Nation! The WKRG News 5 anchorman, Steve Alexander, just left “The Pasture” having interviewed (with only 5 minutes notice) The Bull and my male spawn, Jacob.

Before coming here, they had interviewed the Principal of Hankins Middle School, Ms. Wittner. Wouldn’t you know it, looks I caught her in a ‘lie of omission‘. From what I was told by the news folks, she told the camera that a meeting had been held to discuss the issue before the school year began and that no parents attended, however she left out the facts that a) the meeting was during a time when a fair number of folks were on vacation, b) that the meeting was billed as concerning the school uniform with NO mention of their plans to sexually segregate the school population, and c) that said segregation would be forced upon the students with no ‘opt-out’ classes available in direct violation of Title IX. Jacob also informed me that Ms. Wittner, the 7th Grade Vice-Principal, and an unknown woman in a business suit visited his class today. Seems Ms. Wittner knows exactly who Jacob is considering the nasty looks that were passed in his direction.

I can’t wait to see how the edited version of the interviews turns out. It is to be aired on the 10PM newscast tonight.

Later…

Well folks, I didn’t make a complete idiot of myself, (…though I can say with certainty that I’ll not be featured in any future Hollywierd flicks…). The star of the event was my lanky spawn. Jacob was simply brilliant! He was quoted: “They just teach us about how wrong segregation was between Blacks and Whites. Now turn around and do the same thing to us.” I’ve never been more proud! I guess my lessons on critical & independent thought are paying off…

WKRG.com

(Video from this story on the WKRG website.)
I kinda felt for the kid at the end of the clip as you could tell he was echoing his parent’s words. I’m also still awaiting the “science” behind these so-called studies Ms. Wittner mentioned showing how differently girls and boys learn.

The media coverage continues but should die down quickly. The School Board now has thirty days to answer the ACLU’s letter.

Bull, out.

Segregation Update #1

The Mobile Press-Register, (with Brendan Kirby and Rena Havner reporting), quotes Mobile County School Superintendent Roy Nichols as follows:

“You get some research reports that show that girls do better in all-girl math classes and some other researchers that say boys don’t act out in classes where there are only boys. Other research reports say the exact opposite.”

Let me ask you, what kind of non-statement is that? Anyhoo, the Press-Register will be running a full story on the topic in the morning.

Bull, out.

ACLU Warns Alabama School District!

And I quote:

MOBILE, AL â€“ After hearing from outraged parents of students who, without notice, were involuntarily segregated by sex at Hankins Middle School in Mobile, Alabama, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Alabama sent a letter to the Mobile County School System today warning that mandatory sex segregation in public schools is illegal and discriminatory. The civil liberties organization also asked, under the Alabama Open Records Act, that the school district make public any and all documents relating to sex segregation policies in Mobile County schools from the past two years.

“Mandatory sex segregation in public schools is not only clearly against the law, it’s also an empty promise for failing schools,” said Allison Neal, staff attorney with the ACLU of Alabama. “Inevitably these experimental programs deny equal opportunity to girls and boys and distract much needed time and money from efforts that we know work like smaller classes, highly trained teachers, sufficient funding and involved parents. Sex segregation doesn’t make public schools more like private schools. If some private schools provide a better education, it’s because of their resources, not because they are single-sex.”

Without notifying parents, Mobile County School System segregated the entire student body of Hankins Middle School by sex for the 2008-2009 school year and failed to provide any coeducational option. In addition to segregating students for all academic subjects, the sex segregation program goes so far as to punish boys and girls who are caught speaking in the hallways.

The ACLU charges that mandatory sex segregation in public schools violates Title IX of the Education Amendments, the Equal Education Opportunities Act and the U.S. Constitution.

There is more. You can find it all here. The “Mark Jones” mentioned is, of course, Yours Truly.

Well, I did warn them – twice, didn’t I?

Bull, out.

A Heads-Up & An Update

Did anyone read my post Welcome Back to the Segregation of Public Schools!? If not, go back and read it now for the matter will be heating up starting today.

The Bull did contact the ACLU. The ACLU did find the matter as disturbing as I – and – they agreed to take action on the matter. The Mobile County School Board and the Principal of Katherine H. Hankins Middle School, Ms. Cheryl Wittner, will be receiving a letter from the ACLU legal-eagles this morning. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the local media outlets will be getting their press release packets on the matter at the same time.

My position is simple. Either the County and the school can drop this ill-conceived idea of sexual segregation or I’ll fight.

I discussed he matter at some length with Ms. Wittner since my original post. However, she was not in the least willing to consider, or even listen to, any ideas other than her own. Sad, really. My son, Jake, pointed out to me something I find very troubling. The school’s mission statement reads:

Katherine H. Hankins Middle School will guarantee a learning environment for all participating students to achieve the necessary skills to succeed at their next level of academic, social, and physical potential.

Social? How can students achieve their social potential when not only are they being segregated by sex under penalty of suspension and the very curriculum they are being taught is based on the notion that the girls can only perform well, and I quote, “a few day per month” due to their menstrual cycles? Anyone with a daughter should be up in arms about the entire mess. Why aren’t they? Because not only was the curriculum not explained to the parents, the parents were not even notified that the curriculum was being changed! Nor were we notified of any plan to segregate our kids. The usual horse crap we here in Mobile have come to expect from our School Board.

Well, I can only hope that the Board is ready for the feces to impact the rotating atmospheric oscillator. I’m in this until this madness is defeated or until Lady Beth buries me. So here’s your ‘heads up’: Expect a regular stream of post on this fight for the next several months. I’ll keep you posted unless gagged by a court order. If that happens I know someone else will do it for me!

Bull, out!

Final Thoughts on Election ‘08

After having a fine, (though artery-clogging), breakfast at my favorite Waffle House here in Mobile County, Alabama with my eldest daughter, I had opportunity to stop in at a local Shell station to gas-up the mini-van. While inside I joined in with a group of locals discussing the election. The group consisted of both blacks and whites as well as Democrats, Republicans, and with my addition an Independent voter. It seems we all were in agreement this morning. That surprised me somewhat considering the demographics of the group, but it was a very nice surprise.

What exactly were we all in agreement on?

First off, that the election process – at every poll represented – went extremely smoothly with everyone in attendance acting like Americans should be expected to act: polite, considerate, and genteel in the fine Southern tradition. Sure, we had widely varying political positions and voted for very different candidates. Above it all, though, we were – and remain – Americans first. Apparently no one witnessed any of the silliness &/or violence reported in other States. I bet a lot of folks will find that strange since we Southerners are considered by most of the Country as knuckle-draggin’, moonshine-drinkin’, skin-head racist if we are white -or- as knuckle-draggin’, uneducated, welfare state junkies if we are black. Just proves true what The Bull has said all along: Southerners are the finest people that America produces – regardless of race.

Secondly, we agreed that the Republican party failed itself and the Conservatives here in America miserably by failing to even try to get out a clear statement of position. I was surprised to hear the Democrats in the group say that they wished that their side had only done moderately better and they wish that more details had been given as to how the plans of the incoming Administration would be implemented. We also agreed that the Republican party as it has existed since the end of the Reagan era is all but dead. The Dems have a chance here to prove themselves and their policies – but only one chance. There is still a heck of a lot of distrust out there for politicians of both stripes.he Republicans will waste no time in rebuilding themselves, and if they are smart they will do so in the image of the Reagan coalition, basing themselves on principles rather than politics. Only time will tell. Agreed it was that far too much money is being spent on these elections. To the point of where it appears that folks are buying their way into office.

We agreed that the time is right in America for the formation of a truly viable third party. Provided, of course, that they start now. The failing on all third parties up to this point is that they go into ’stealth mode’ between election cycles rather than making themselves and their position widely known for the years when others are resting on their laurels. And finally, we agreed that the election is indeed over and that we should all give the partisan crap a rest for a while and see what happens. Four years from now a change can be made should it be warranted. All-in-all, not bad for a bunch of knuckle-draggin’ Southerners…

Bull, out!

Congrats to President-Elect Obama

History is made. America has spoken and for the first time in history She has called a black man to serve Her as President.

Yes. I am deeply saddened that the Liberals are in office. However, One can not deny history when it is made. This also puts me in conflict for I do remember the fiasco of the last really green, really liberal President – Carter – and the horrors of his policies, yet I truly hope that America’s first black president is not a failure for how that will be read by the racist elements still festering in pockets deep in the country’s shadows. I can’t help but want the next four years to be enough of failure on the part of the “Dims” to bring a more Conservative view back into favor, yet nothing is more important than the success of my Country for the future. I suppose that The Bull shall do what is left to The Bull to do: I shall pray. And in every prayer there will still be – as always – a request for guidance towards our leaders. And yes, that will include President Barack H. Obama.

I have heard Mr. Obama’s speech and I quote:

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

My reply: Sir, play straight with me and my Country and I will support you – regardless of party affiliation. Just remember that I shall hold you to your word.

Now I will address the folks out there pulling their hair and gnashing their teeth: Back Off! This crap being spouted about taking bets on how long President Obama will last is disgustingly anti-American! Remember, America is black as well as white – and brown. We are indeed the Great Melting Pot. There is no room for racism and there is no room for blind hatred and talk of violent removal of our leaders. Americans come in all colors and creeds. We have a means of removing those leaders we don’t like: the Ballot Box. In 2010 we will have another Congressional election and in 2012 another shot at the White House. Let’s see how things go for a while and see who needs to be removed by ballot in the next election.

Again, congrats to the President-elect Obama & Family.

Bull, out.

Election 2008 & More (Updated!)

Today is the day.

For what, only time will tell.

If you’ve been wondering where The Bull has been, I’ve been deliberately staying off this blog during the end of the election cycle. Too much drama with no chance of great return regardless of who wins. Granted, IMNSHO, America would be better off with McCain over Obama. The fact remains that I am but one man – one vote. There is a good chance that I’ll be in the minority this election. I decided that I would accept that loss, should it come, with grace & dignity. Something that I predict we will not see from the Left whether they win or lose. All The Bull really cares for is the future of this beloved Nation of my birth.

There are two things that have come from all of this… For the first time in ages I found myself up at 3AM and in Circle, praying as we Pagans do, not for a win today but rather for the future and for guidance for myself. Why guidance? Because I am considering throwing my Balmoral bonnet into the ring for a local school board election. Watching the disgusting display of this election cycle has shown me that I must become more personally involved for I damned sure can’t count on the morons currently in office nor the power-hounds that want the offices to get the job done.

Like Grandpa Homer said, “If you want it done right then you’ve got to do it yourself”.

I also want to take a moment before I close this post to address an email from oe of my dearest & best friends, Nancy Gail. She wrote me a while back taking me lightly to task for my oft stated stance on Muslims. She wrote, and I quote:

I think its about time you said something nice on your blog about at least *one* ?

Muslim soldier fought for America _ and his faith – Yahoo! News

http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20081021/pl_mcclatchy/3078971

To reply: Happily, dear Gail! Happily! For this is not so much a story of a Muslim as it is the story of an American. More, an American Hero. Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan was what all Americans should be. He was also what all Muslims should be, but sadly are not. My complaint about Islam is that it is a religion full of blind followers. People willing to murder children – even their own – because a guy in a cleaner towel told them so. And as I’ve also said, Muslims as a group can not and must not be trusted until they start to police themselves and stop their murderous ways. Khan was the perfect example of what a Muslim can and should be. He prayed devoutly. He followed the spirit of his Faith, and he shunned the bitter extremist of Islam.

Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan was killed by an improvised explosive device in August 2007 along with four other soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter while searching a house in Baqouba, Iraq. The Bull salutes his memory and his surviving family for their supreme sacrifice for the Freedoms we enjoy (at least until Jan.21, 2009) here in America.

When you think about the huge advances made in the evolution of Civilization by Muslims in the past it really is a damned shame how low they have fallen as a people.

UPDATE: I voted today at 11:30AM among a huge crowd at the Tillman’s Corner, AL Community Center. In speaking with the crowd outside it appears that the Conservatives are doing well in our wee corner of Alabama. Of course, the day is young and this is one seriously volatile election cycle. I took my 14yr. old son son along with me to the polls so he could see the process in action, up close & personal. Jake was amazed at the complexity of the ballot in Alabama. Here we vote for various justices as well as a myriad of State constitutional issues – even those concerning far away counties. Hard to believe, but in the next Presidential election my son will be voting right along side The Bull. At least now he will know how…

Pray for our Nation, Pray for others – and VOTE!

Bull, out.

545 PEOPLE

The following message found its way into my mailbox via Lady Beth’s aunt, Sandra. It is reportedly written by one Charlie Reese, (a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper). As with all things email, I can not vouch for the authenticity of that statement until I spend some time researching the subject in more detail. Regardless, it is a message worth getting out to Americans – especially at this time, so close to election day.
Bull*

545 PEOPLE By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don’t write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don’t set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don’t control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don’t care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator’s responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted — by present facts — of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can’t think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it’s because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it’s because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ, it’s because they want them in IRAQ.

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it’s because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like ‘the economy,’ ‘inflation,’ or ‘politics’ that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

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