Consumed

I am currently consumed with writing a federal contract proposal. If you've never had the pleasure, it is much like being circumcised... again. I'll be back later.

An Elephant Never Forgets

Mr. Nathan Nelson, over at RedState posted a piece that I wish that I had written. It begins:

The Left seems mystified by the fact that the Republican Party, minus a few defectors, simply will not give up on Iraq. Why, they wonder, would Republicans continue to insist on continuing an unpopular war that cost us during the 2006 election and is likely to cost us in 2008 if nothing changes dramatically for the better? The Leftist minority is dumbfounded that we are continuing to stand by the Iraq War on principle because they have forgotten what principle is. Consumed for over a decade with simply achieving a political majority again, they have pushed aside all of their own principles and have gone whichever way the political wind blows. Thus they cannot understand why the Republican Party won't do the same when it comes to Iraq, but they're certainly willing to capitalize on the opportunity it presents them with.

There's a simple explanation for why we won't abandon Iraq to terrorism and sectarian violence, and it can be summed up in a familiar saying: an elephant never forgets. We haven't forgotten, for example, that there were Loyalists in the late eighteenth century who would have preferred for America to never become a nation rather than going to war with the British Empire. We haven't forgotten that James Buchanan and Stephen Douglas were prepared to give Southern secessionists whatever they wanted, including indefinite slavery, in order to avoid the Civil War. We haven't forgotten that it took the sinking of the Lusitania and the death of 128 Americans, a budding alliance between Germany and Mexico, and the sinking of three American merchant ships before Woodrow Wilson finally committed us to the Allied cause in World War I. We haven't forgotten Neville Chamberlain's failed policy of appeasement, nor have we forgotten that it took Pearl Harbor for Franklin Roosevelt to commit us to beating back the fascist threat in World War II. Last, but certainly not least, we haven't forgotten that it took September 11 and the deaths of three thousand Americans before our government finally got serious about the threat of international terrorism and nations that support it - nations like Saddam Hussein's Iraq, which financed Hamas and other terrorists in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Read the rest.

Idiocy Rages

Just clicking around the blogsphere, I am amazed at the idiocy that has manifested itself this weekend.

Al Gore won an Oscar for his ridiculous documentary... despite actual science. The five inches we got here in Virginia actually closed most of DC. Truly, the emperor has no clothes.

Angelia Jolie was admitted to the Council on Foreign Relations. I know several members and I can't image what is hoped to be gained by this little slice of mystery. Can any serious organization do without silly PR stunts? Anyone?

60 Minutes showed a stomach-turning piece on active duty troops who are against the war. Old news, but here is the link the the real story behind this "grassroots movements." Sorry, that .04% of the military is opposed to the war. Too bad the 99.96% don't get a segment with the MSM.

James Cameron (of Titanic fame) willingly commits blasphemy as he has found the "true" story behind Christianity. As Ace might say, enjoy the barbed cock of satan, asshat.

More news is just bummin' me out. Ya'll get the gist.

Cool Videos

Okay, I haven't had fun in awhile, so to relieve the stress of the last post, here is some nonsense.

This is one beach I won't be taking the wife. She would totally freak at least once an hour.



Totally crazy. Uh. Kinda.



K-Fed is a complete jackass. 10 bucks to anyone who can watch more than three minutes of this.




Have a good weekend! More Boer War next week!

Political Nostalgia

I have been unable to watch the news recently. As I have mentioned before, the recklessness of the Congress and Senate (particularly in the defeatist rhetoric on the war) weighs heavily on many a veteran. The list of outrages is long... unchecked illegal immigration, talk of increasing taxes, uncontrolled spending, etc. So, I occasionally turn on Fox News to find... non-stop coverage of Anna Nicole Smith. You've got to be freakin' kidding me. Meanwhile, all the REAL news from Iraq (that I get from close friends) is stunningly positive. The "surge" is already working. Violence is decreasing, Baghdad is quieting, Al-Sadr has fled to Iran, etc. Didn't know about that? Don't be surprised that you won't get any of this from the MSM.

Where will we turn for leadership? Where are the true believers?

I don't know.

Not helpful to this question, but I long for the "old days." President Ronald Wilson Reagan. This is a man who I closely identify with my maternal grandfather. Both were truly good men with solid mores and stalwart hearts. I am not worthy of being in my grandfather's bloodline. I endeavor to live up to his example. Mea Culpa. Mea Maxima Culpa.

While there doesn't appear to be a man who is great like President Reagan, we are fortunate to have his logic, love of man, and thoughtful words to encourage and motivate us. If you have some time (say a half-hour), here is Mr. Reagan giving a speech in 1964. Replace references to Communism with Militant Islam and it is as relevant today, over forty years later. 24 minutes into the speech, is an excellent piece on surrender. Absolutely amazing. Also, reflect on the fact that you never hear this sort of persuasive speech in today's times. Any conservative who may try to give a speech of this length would be shouted down by a leftist protestor. Debate is not allowed by the Left. Free speech and the First Amendment is only defended if it aligns with leftist ideals. Interesting how conservatives politely allow liberals to talk their heads off and it is rarely reciprocated. Depressing and rage inducing.

This sort of speech simply isn't given to a wide audience nowadays. The patients have taken over the madhouse. Idiocracy reigns, and the Left is largely to blame. Thanks, dicks.

Lent

So, while waiting to receive my ashes yesterday, I pondered what would be a challenging sacrifice for Lent. Many options floated through my mind, but none seemed to weigh upon me as a sacrifice. Finally, I settled on something that I believe will be an genuine challenge and sacrifice. I will fast from sunup to sundown on Fridays... drinking only water (though I will minimize it as much as possible).

I regard fasting as the M1A1 Abrams of the spiritual connection world. All living things are hardwired to constantly seek out sustenance. With most of the animal kingdom, the search for food defines daily life. Man is fortunate to have been blessed with a rational knowledge that has allowed us to grow and gather food in abundance (my belly is a clear example). Going without a meal is, for most of us, a consequence of unhealthy absentmindedness or determined dieting. Consciously choosing to sublimate this imperative to sate our hunger elevates the Fast to a place of primary spiritual importance. Fasting during Lent increases the divine obligation and does so with authority.

In antiquity, fasting was akin to abstinence in its ecclesiastical brilliance, but appears to be an unwritten law (after all, Lent is an Apostolic institution). In later years, the Church made fasting a part of ecclesiastical law and forbade eating on Fridays during Lent. This law subsequently changed to allow the eating of meat, but forbade the consumption of fish and flesh on the same day, and so on. Now the Catholic Church encourages parishioners to not consume meat, but no longer excommunicates those that do... which is nice. The Protestants encourage parishoners to give up something meaningful, but no longer instructs members on how to fast. It is clear to anyone with doctrinal discipline that the integrity of the fast is rarely observed in these days. I for one, intend to add some small amount of integrity to Lent.



How do I intend to fast? Allow me to try and lay it out for you.

1. Conscious determination. Know why you are fasting.

I have successfully fasted in the past and found it to be enlightening. I recognize that I am fasting for one reason... to bring myself closer to God and vanquish the evil that lies within me. The guidance that I require from Christ is normally difficult for me to hear. When fasting, I find it much easier to hear Him.

2. Determine the level of your commitment. How long will you fast (ie- a month, day, or single meal)? To what extent (ie- consume liquids)? Will it affect your daily schedule (ie- workouts)? How much time will you devote to prayer and reflection?

For Lent, I have chosen Friday for a daylight hour fast. For me, this means that I will not eat until sundown on Friday night... and only after some personal time in the evening with JC. While you want to be committed, remember what Matthew said in Chapter 6, "16'When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.'

3. Prepare.

I make a list of all my sins. I can't possibly hit them all because I am a really, really able sinner. Part of the renewal process, however, is acknowledging your sins and seeking (with Christ and yourself) forgiveness. Lutherans do so by reciting the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness. It is particularly appropriate during Lent.

1 John 1: 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.

I then try and figure out all the people that I have wronged and seek forgiveness. If appropriate, I'll try and make it right. I try earnestly to surrender myself to Him by reading 1 John 5. I then just steel myself for temptation by reading Galatians 5: 16-26.

4. Get the body ready for the Fast.

In the days prior, I stay away from sugar and most carbs that tend to raise my blood sugar levels. You can't really avoid the crashes, but you can make them a lot easier by getting ready for them. I also try to remind myself that I'm likely to be a bit cranky and impatient, so I give some berth to the co-workers and family.

5. Make a reasonable schedule.

As this is all about God, I start the day with prayer and Bible readings (pre-picked) and then program my Outlook calendar to remind me to pray throughout the day. I also will give up TV and most computer surfing for the day so that I can remain focused.

6. Expect rewards.

John 14: 21 "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Stay faithful and you will be rewarded.

What will you be doing for Lent?

DE PROFUNDIS CLAMO AD TE, DOMINE, DOMINE, AUDI VOCEM MEAM!
(Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice!)

Back in the Saddle

Sheesh. Okay, gone for two weeks and I'm, like, totally smoked. I don't have a creative drip left in my body, so you'll have to bear with me as I conjure up something sufficiently crappy for you. Thanks for noticing that the lights have been off in the house. Luckily, I didn't end up like this guy. I did manage to get away from work for one evening (I was down on the Gulf Coast) and hit New Orleans and an exceptionally chilly Mardi Gras. Sweeeet. Alas, it was too cold for the chicas to earn beads. Bummer. My favorite bar was a place called "Bourbon Cowboy." Totally recommend it. Other than that, I'm just plain pooped. When on travel, I always log in tons of hours cause I figure, "hell, I'm away for the family... so why not?" Oh, additional information... I stayed at a very nice Hotel and Casino while on travel. Highly recommend it as lodging of choice.

Well, even though it is getting late on Saturday night, I've gotta keep getting some work done. No doubt I'll have my batteries fully recharged this weekend. Till next post, "so long... and thanks for all the fish!"

Meanwhile, check out this video via Michelle Malkin. Then go visit the Victory Caucus and see which Republicans crossed the line.

On Travel

My apologies. I've been (and continue to be) on travel and working my a$$ off. I hope to have some more Boer posts up to fill the void.