9 posts tagged “republican”

Here is a rule everyone with common sense would recognize as being sensible.  When someone uses all of their powers of hatred, propaganda, vitriol, smears, and lies against someone or a claim is false, you can count on the fact that what they (the person they are trying to destroy) are saying is true.  The difference between righteous indignation and full on hateful anger is as simple as right and wrong.

When a group of people or government do not want the truth to shine, they will use every means within their power to belittle, slander, libel, threaten, and lie about those spreading the truth about their lies.  Those simply angry with those telling lies will simply point their lies out and tell the truth.  The liars, will be wailing and gnashing their teeth with great fervor.  It always happens, and has been happening for centuries.

For example, this out right lie called ObamaCare, has its supporters and its opposers.  The opposers are attending so-called "town halls" and merely asking why certain things that are in the bill are being forced upon us.  The reaction is typical of someone attempting to hide a lie.  They either:

• Deflect the question by simply saying "that's a lie" even though they know it's true.
• Deflect the question by making an unfounded accusation against the one asking the question (you work for an insurance company).
• Avoid the question by staging fake "town halls" and only have prepared questions asked by those usually designed to bring sympathy rather than truth (children).
• Deflect the questioner by directly threatening them with physical force (SEIU or Acorn thugs).
• Broadcast on TV propaganda known to be quite full of lies, and easily provable as such.
• Intimidate those in opposition by collecting names of those in opposition and instilling fear with threats of home, family, and property (more thugs).
• Lie and say everyone is in support (the so-called scientific "consensus" of "Global Warming" is a convenient excuse from debate for example).
  
• Get your media friends to bully those in opposition echoing your claims (MSNBC, CNN, etc.)
• Make the opposition's life a living hell by threats, false accusations, numerous frivolous lawsuits to bankrupt them etc.  Kind of like what they are doing the Sarah Palin.

These tactics usually work ... until people stop backing down and have had enough of their crap.  The so-called "new" views of "progressives" and "liberalism" are not new at all.  In fact, they are the oldest ideas passed down throughout the centuries, except just packaged in a new name and a new pretty wrapping.  What they preach has brought down great nations.  Has halted innovation and science, even though they claim allegiance to science.  Their message of only smart people (intellectuals) know better how to govern than the peasant people.  Their message of so-called "free" programs such as welfare, health care, etc. have always been the means of enslaving a populace.  They think the people are too stupid to govern themselves, so they devise ways to sneak in methods of control under the guise of "fairness" or "equality" or the "environment" or a "crisis" or even "charity" to accomplish their designs.

History has overwhelmingly proven that an oligarchy of snobs brings misery to every populace,  Such practices never bring the best out of people, nor does it breed harmony.  Liberty, is the biggest enemy to those who desire full control.  Never has an oligarchy achieved control by telling the truth.  Yet, what happens is they summon support by those they have convinced are "victims" of society, or those sympathetic to that message to achieve their designs.  It is done quickly, so as to prevent the individual from analyzing it; as it would fail a common sense and logic test quite easily when scrutinized.

Socialism doesn't improve lives.  It never has.  In fact, throughout its history it has brought only equal poverty and equal misery.  Those that support socialism and Marxism don't understand it.  Those that do understand Marxism, are those that fervently oppose it, because they understand it doesn't work and only brings out the worst in people and governments.  Karl Marx wasn't a genius, he was a naive moron.

Things like the television, personal computers, personal cell phones, video games, choice in the grocery store, the automobile, organ transplants, miracle medicines, and so on didn't come from Marxist or socialist societies and nations.  They came from individuals with the liberty and incentive to develop such wonders.  The world was dirt roads, horses, and wagons for THOUSANDS of years.  What changed the world in a little over 200 years?  It was LIBERTY.  Liberty means you choose how you live and there's only enough law to prevent someone else from eliminating your liberty, the rule of law, a Republic.  The new idea (notice "new") that if people were allowed to be free to live their lives and conduct commerce as they pleased with those in power on there to protect them from others and enforce common sense laws, then greatness would come.  In that short period of time, the world changed.

Technology, medicine, hygiene, life expectancy, travel, science, everything that would be considered magical or wondrous just 200 years ago we have now because of Liberty, not socialism, not an oligarchy of know-it-all snobs, but of individuals living their lives as they see fit to live it without government interference.

Rome had wondrous technology and innovations when they were a Republic and the people were free.  When the public demanded more handouts and freebies (because corrupt senators knew it was an easy way to keep their job and get money), a crisis ensued and a usurper gained power and called himself Emperor.  It took a while for Rome to fall, but they did.  They tossed away their liberty for so-called "safety" and handouts.  It happened with the Greeks, the Anglo-Saxons, Mexico, and many more great civilizations of the past.

Those that lie and usurp power always do it with a great orator that claims they will take care of them, they will make "change", they will punish the "rich" etc.  Unfortunately, the rich are the ones that give the jobs.

Notice how Obama's "change" is creating more and more unemployment and misery?  Notice how Obama and his supporters have put this nation into so much debt that it will be almost impossible to pay it, almost as if they are trying to topple the economy to replace it with something else?  If you don't see this, then you must be either stupid or blind.

Does the left think that once a powerful government has its claws set, that things like protesting and environmental issues will make a difference with it?  No, they were just a means to an end, that end being control.  Does the homosexual lobby think that social medicine is going to treat people that have a lifestyle that is known to be susceptible to HIV and disease, and does not reproduce?  They are blind if they think so.  When you eliminate the individual in favor of the collective, you eliminate any causes you may support if it doesn't support the "collective good".

When you support the government going into people's houses and telling them how to live, you also support that happening to you too, and believe me, it will happen.  When a government encourages its populace to report "suspicious activity" you become suspicious too, and it can used as a weapon against you should you become someone's enemy.

You see, when you help the government tear down others in opposition to bad policy, you invite them to do it to you some day.  Oligarchies have no friends, ask the friends of Lenin (oops, he killed them), or Castro, or Chavez, or Caesar, none were friends, all feared them, even those who used to support and helped them to where they were or are now are either dead, exiled, or in prison.  When you know an oligarchy's weaknesses, you become expendable.

Those that support socialism have no understanding of people or of how economies work.  Hence, it is why they always always always fail.  They have the arrogance to think they know better than individual.  Socialism, Marxism, Fascism, are all just synonyms for slavery.  In fact, Abraham Lincoln once said, "Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally."  Change his word "slavery" to social medicine or socialism, and the meaning is the same.  Notice how the President and Congress have conveniently left themselves out of the social health care?  They know it's bad and they think themselves above the (stupid or ignorant) people.

Abraham Lincoln also said, "Property is the fruit of labor...property is desirable...is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built."  If only those in support of socialism and ObamaCare understood these common sense principles, our world wouldn't be in the state it is in now.

Those with valid arguments and truth use facts to back them up as proof.  Those with lies use threats, hatred, vitriol, slander, distraction, libel, physical threats, and verbal threats to hide their lies.  If Obama and his congress weren't lying to us, they'd simply use the bill itself to prove those, speaking against it, wrong.  They aren't, as they know the opposition is exposing their lie.

So I say this, knowing I am right.  President Obama, his advisors, his friends, and the Congress are LYING TO YOU about government health care and everything else (in the past year) so far.  The reasons for stimulus?  A lie!  The reasons for taking over banks and other private businesses?  A lie!  All are lies, and the people are raising their voice against it, the easier it is to see the government's lies.  Their attempts at shutting people up, just prove it more.  Their cries of racism?  All lies, both white, black, Asian, Arab, Indian, Native American, Latino, Polynesian, all see their lies.  People aren't angry at Obama's race.  They are angry with his lies, and what he has already done to this nation to destroy it and turn it into something nobody intended.  You can't hide the truth forever.

So my friends, when the wicked wail and gnash their teeth at you, throw hatred, lies, and vitriol at you; when the very powers of hell conspire against you, know then you are telling the truth and the truth will always prevail.

To those that try to stop the truth from being told, a wise old President once said, "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it.  Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise
their Constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it.", yes, Abraham Lincoln

Be revolutionary, vote these liars out of office.  Make Obama impotent.  Vote people in that will hold him to the Constitution.  Which, by the way, is his duty, and the only thing that gives the President his authority.  Anything else is illegal.

July 8, 2009 - From The Glenn Beck Newsletter

Last week Glenn got a call from a very impressive young man named Jerome Hudson, who told Glenn he had written an op-ed during the 2008 election on being a black conservative. He sent it in and it's fantastic. Enjoy!

While attending a black fraternity party, I recently learned it’s a bad idea to profess one’s affinity for Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.   

Worse, according to current polls, it appears I may be the only black 22 year old in America who will be voting for Sen. John McCain.   

It’s not that I was unaware that being a black conservative Republican puts me in the ultimate “minority.”   After all, Shelby Steele’s classic article “ The Loneliness of the Black Conservative” has become an article of faith that I’ve all but committed to memory.    

But I guess I had made the mistake of buying into all that liberal yammering about being “open minded” and supporting “diversity” that I’d deluded myself into believing that a civil, discussion about the herd-like ideological mentality of so many of my contemporaries suffer from was possible.   

Boy, was I wrong.  Big time!   

My official “Negro” card got stripped away.  I instantly lost my “blackness.”  And now, consequently, I now am greeted with this: “Hey, y’all, here comes The Black Republican.”    

And that’s when I think to myself, Hmmm…so this is how it feels to be an "Uncle Tom."   

Still, being labeled “The Black Republican” is undoubtedly a promotion from: "Hey, why are you dressed so nice?  You got a job interview or something?"  Or, worse, “Man, why are you talking like that?  You sound white?  Who do you think you are?  A conservative Kanye West?”
 
But my path to ideological emancipation began where all the most important things always begin—with my father and mother.  Growing up, my Army drill sergeant father was a firm believer in tough love.  My parents instilled in us Christian values.  But I believe that first part—having an involved mother and father—was critical.  With 70% of all black babies being born out-of-wedlock, it’s no wonder black poverty remains entrenched, welfare has become a way of life, and that many of my fellow young black male counterparts choose gangsta life over college.    

But it wasn’t until college that I realized I had been ensnared in what John McWhorter calls the “Cult of Victimology.”  One of my professor’s pointed me toward a world of literature I’d never been introduced to:  Thomas Sowell, John McWhorter, Shelby Steele, Star Parker, Angela McGlowan, Larry Elder, Walter Williams—they obliterated the Leftist foolishness that floods my community.   

It was then that my eyes were opened to the truth, a truth that my father was willing to give his life for, a truth that hundreds of thousands of American soldiers have paid the ultimate price to pass on to future generations.  And that truth is this: America remains the greatest country that God gave to man.  

So imagine me, a member of various organizations that largely consist of young black Americans, most of whom are womb to the tomb Democrats and liberals, speaking openly about the many opportunities and blessings we enjoy in our great nation and refuting Michelle Obama’s supposition that America is a “downright mean place..” 

Can you say…..social suicide?   

"So Jerome,” the partygoers asked, “you’re REALLY a Republican?!" 

Duh! 

Of course I’m a Republican!  And your great grandparents were too!

Yes, I’m a member of the Anti-Slavery Party, the party responsible for: the 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (gave former slaves full citizenship rights), the 15th Amendment (gave slaves voting rights), the Civil Rights Act of 1871(protecting southern blacks from the Ku Klux Klan), the Reconstruction Acts, and the 1866, 1875, 1957, 1960, and 1964 Civil Rights Acts.

And no, my brothers and sisters, yesterday’s southern Democrats are NOT today’s Republicans!  If so, former Klansman, Sen. Robert Byrd—the highest ranking senate Democrat and President Pro-Tempore of the Senate—apparently didn’t get the memo and forgot to switch parties.

But it’s more than just the history.  I’m proud to stand for self-empowerment, personal responsibility, strong family values, small government, low taxes, free markets, a strong military, and individual achievement etc.

And don’t even get me started on which side stands up for the precious 1.4 million unborn children (32% of whom are black), who will be casualties in the war inside the womb.  When I see these so-called “black leaders” bashing conservatives for “racist policies,” I wonder how they justify cheering on the political team who proudly defends the annihilation of 13 million black children since 1973. 

And conservatives don’t care about black people?    I don’t think so!

No, I think I’ll ride with the team who says enough with the welfare cancer that has destroyed people’s innate desire to achieve.  Yes, I’ll ride with the folks who respect me enough to consider me their equal and not insult me with Affirmative Action racism.  Yeah, I’ll ride with the gang who would rather create effective policies than emotional “feel good” symbolism that robs individuals of their desire to aspire.

So while it may take a little getting used to walking into college parties where I’m known as “The Black Republican,” I now realize I am a newly inducted member of a rich tradition of ideologically emancipated black conservatives.  And guess what? I’m more than cool with that.   I’m proud, actually.

“The conservative Kanye West”? 

Hmmm….

Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Jerome Hudson is a sophomore at Tallahassee Community College with plans to transfer to Florida A&M University in the fall.
 

And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land called America , having lost their morals, their work initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as “The One”. He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, “I am sent to save you. My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my association with evil doers are of no consequence. For I shall save you with Hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who preceded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed.”

And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what “The One” would do, he had promised that he would bring change, and they proclaimed “Yes We Can”.

And “The One” said “We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!”

And the people said, “Hallelujah!! Change is good!”

Then He said, “We are going to tax the rich fat-cats,”—- And the people said “Sock it to them!” “—- and “Redistribute their wealth.”

And then He said, “Redistribution of wealth is good for everybody”

And the people said, “Show us the money!”

And Joe the plumber asked, “Are you kidding me? You’re going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??”

And “The One” ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe’s personal records were hacked, publicized, and ridiculed; though no crime could be found.

One lone reporter asked, “That shouldn’t be, isn’t that Marxist policy?”

And she was banished from the kingdom!

Then a citizen asked, “With no foreign relations experience and having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radical terrorists?”

And “The One” said, “Simple. I shall sit with them and talk kindly to them and show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!”

And the people said, “Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons into free cars for the people!”

Then “The One” said, “I shall give 95% of you lower taxes.”

And one, lone voice said, “But 40% of us don’t pay ANY taxes.”

So “The One” said, “Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!”

And the people said, “Hallelujah!! Show us the money!”

Then “The One” said, “I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!”

And the people yawned and the already slumping housing market fully collapsed.

And He said, “I shall mandate employer-funded health care for EVERY worker and raise the minimum wage, and lower the white collar wage. And I shall also give every person unlimited health-care and medicine and even transportation to the free clinics.”

And the people said, “Give me some of that!”

Then he said, “I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas.”

And the people said, “Where’s my rebate check?”

Then “The One” said, “I shall bankrupt the coal industry, and perhaps even the oil industry (Cap & Trade/Carbon Tax) and though electricity rates will skyrocket, we shall soon build wind farms and solar power stations and drive green cars that I shall mandate in Detroit!”

And the people said, “Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don’t care for that part about higher electric rates.”

So “The One” said, “Not to worry. If your rebate ($10/week) isn’t enough to cover your extra expenses ($3,000/year), we shall bail you out. Just sign up with ACORN and your troubles are over!” “Only the fat cats will have to pay.”

Then He said, “Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let’s grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing…”

And the people said, “Hallelujah!!” And they made him King!

And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers; though they sold much less of their products. Others simply gave up and went out of business, and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff. The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.

So “The One” again blamed the prior administration, extended unemployment benefits to a year, bailed out his favorite banks, and then took over the banks and auto industries. “The One” said, “I am the “The One” - The Messiah - and I’m here to save you! We shall just print more money so the government will have enough!” “Surely one trillion dollars will make everyone happy.” And immediately the Fed complied and the money presses roared.

And China reconsidered their one trillion dollars of loans to the US ,, and threatened to call in their debts. Other foreign trading partners said unto “The One”, “Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more.. for everything.. as your dollar becomes worth less.”

And the people said, “Wait a minute.. That is unfair!!”

And the world said, “Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced. Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. What factories are not owned by your government are owned by us. Now you shall play by our rules!”

And “The One” said “Americans are arrogant, divisive, and derisive!” “We will listen.”

And the people cried out, “Alas, alas!! What have we done?”

But yea verily, it was too late. The people eventually set upon “The One” and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung. But the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change that “The One” had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them from within, and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built.

And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish, “Give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!”

But it was too late, and the once-glorious “Home of the Brave and Land of the Free” was no more..

-- An anonymous Pastor's Wife.

You may think this is a fairy tale, but it’s not. It’s happening RIGHT NOW, Already—- everything down to the last couple of lines….

I received the following email from a great man, Colonel Riley, aka "Sarge".  A truly great man that just loves his country and is fighting to give it back to the people.  I share his sentiments:

Hi Everyone,

As with some of you, I have been getting an untold number of emails from various sources about How to save the GOP I get this stuff constantly from Newsmax, Human Events, Newt Gingrich and a huge number of others. Of course the chronic talk of how Conservative Republicans (?) can get back POWER??

I have a suggestion for all these pundits, editorialist, and talking heads.

HOW ABOUT SAVING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA????  SCREW THE PARTY AFFILIATIONS!  Where are Real Americans willing to serve this country and defend the Constitution, our Freedoms & Liberties, and get GOVERNMENT OUT OF OUR LIVES and the Private Sector?

Playing with politics and BS Party Lines is why we are in the shape we are in today.  Playing with the Constitution is why we are where we are today.  What happened to serving the country as opposed to serving Party Agenda, special interest, and buying votes with programs that amount to redistribution of the wealth?

We are a unique country in that we all have the right to the Pursuit of Happiness.  The key word is PERSUIT!!  The Constitution does not provide anything more than your right to pursue your happiness, You cannot pursue your happiness with the government involved in your life or business, Nothing is guaranteed, and if you fail to pursue or fail in your pursuit, that does not justify or obligate the government with other people's money to provide it for you!  Remember the government does not have any of its own money.  The money the government has comes from Americans whom they do not feel can apply it properly so the government has decided to spend your money for you in ways they determine for you.  Why has this never sunk in is beyond me.  Of course someone getting a free ride or something for nothing from the government is grateful.  They do not seem concerned with the restrictions and controls placed on them for their acceptance of government money.  This includes most states in this country who are or have forfeited their control and sovereignty to the Federal Government in the name of accepting funds for more and more programs they should not be involved in, in the first place.  The rights of the individual are disappearing with more and more government and government control.  The pursuit of happiness is void when government has too much control.

We have two options:

1. Accept Socialism and more and more government control over our lives and private industry and redistribution of the wealth.  Thus giving up our heritage and all of what our forefathers fought and died for
2. Accept Freedom, Liberty, Much Less Government involvement in our lives.  Become independent and lead our lives as we chose within reasonable laws of course.  Take responsibility for our own actions and lives without the lame excuses or relying on the government or someone else to do it for us.

Socialism is winning big time right now.  I know there are those in denial about the socialist agenda and that is why they are winning.  People / Americans are in denial because they have been conditioned to believe that it could never happen here.  Guess What???  It is happening!!!  It's not about America anymore, it's about power, & control and if that reality does not scare you, nothing will.

America has lost its pride and its soul.  A Great Nation, that while not perfect, has accomplished so much good in this world and for its self, has lost its sense of resilience and independence.  Our leaders travel the world apologizing for imagined faults to countries who owe their existence and prosperity to this country.  Our Leaders are traveling the world visiting and sending messages of weakness and apology to enemies that would like to see every American Dead and this great country destroyed.  America seems OK and very acceptable with this conduct from our leaders.  What is missing is the simple fact that one can be a PROUD AMERICAN without being ARROGANT!  The Arrogance is not average Joe or Jane American, but the elitist who can only find fault with the country that has provided them with so much, and think they have the right to think and speak for all of us!  How about America being ashamed of such conduct by these leaders and electing them right out of office.  Some comments by some leaders are borderline sedition if not sedition in fact.  Where is the outrage?  There is none, it's simply accepted.

So I ask again, how about focusing on saving this once great country, I think that is far more important than saving any political party.  Historically political parties are more concerned with power and control. Granted some political agendas want more power than others and in differing ways.  The core of this Nation is the Constitution and it is under its most sever attack right now today. Both Major Political Parties are guilty of abuse of the Constitution.  Elected officials are sworn to protect and defend the Constitution.  Yet, they ignore it in the name of power and buying more votes by providing programs and money they have no business getting involved in and is not in their Constitutional authority.  Unless of course, as they have done without our consent, voted themselves such power and authority.  The attack on the Constitution is dramatic if one takes the time to look into it.  America is far too accepting of using the government and expecting government to be the answer to any and all problems.  You live in a hurricane zone below sea level, common sense says you can expect to be hit hard by mother nature.  It is your decision, and responsibility, so why does America have to pay to get you out of trouble and rebuild your life??  The afore mentioned comment is meant in just general terms to make a point and nothing more.

So it goes.

Sarge

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical." -- Thomas Jefferson

"Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty." -- Thomas Jefferson

Andrew McCarthy, a man with genuine BALLS.  A well respected former Federal Prosecutor by both parties, who served under two Presidential administrations (Clinton & Bush), received the Attorney General's Special Service award (by Janet Reno), author of "Willfull Blindness" (a book about his prosecution of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman the leader of the first World Trade Center attack), poignantly turns down an in invitation by Attorney General Eric Holder and the Obama administration to participate on the "roundtable" Presidential Task Force on Detention Policy for enemy combatants.

Mr. McCarthy says it plainly, cites law, and gives logical and intelligent reasons for his refusal.

Now if only we had Congressmen this willing to stand up for their country.  If anyone questions the Tea Party movement, we'd honestly say that this man should be leading it.  His sentiments and reasoning are exactly why there is a Tea Party movement.  We are sick and tired of a government running afoul of the highest law of the land, the U.S. Constitution.  It is the very document that gives them their authority, and yet they disregard it, thinking their newer laws trump it.  No, they are governed by it.  The pigs have broken into the garden and are gorging themselves.  They need to be put back in the pens where the Federal government belongs.

The Federal government answers to the US Constitution and the States.  It is clearly written down and is clearly the LAW.  A law the Congress and Administration clearly ignore.  That is incompetence and blatantly tyrannical.

The US Constitution is this country's Highest Law, not the Congress, not the President, and most certainly not any foreign law.  It is what made this country great.  It is not a "living" or "breathing" document.  It's just as valuable now as when it was conceived, and conceived by much more intelligent men than are in our society now.  It is what brought the world out of the dark ages.  It is what made our modern world possible.  It was the liberty that document guarantees.

Andrew McCarthy knows this better than many people, as the law is his specialty, and representing the people was his duty.  Duty to the people, a concept the current Federal government has no grasp or concept of.

Here is Mr. McCarthy's reply to that invitation:

Andrew McCarthy's Letter to Attorney General Holder

May 1, 2009

By email (to the Counterterrorism Division) and by regular mail:
 
The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.
Attorney General of the United States
United States Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.  20530-0001
 
Dear Attorney General Holder:
 
This letter is respectfully submitted to inform you that I must decline the invitation to participate in the May 4 roundtable meeting the President’s Task Force on Detention Policy is convening with current and former prosecutors involved in international terrorism cases.  An invitation was extended to me by trial lawyers from the Counterterrorism Section, who are members of the Task Force, which you are leading.
 
The invitation email (of April 14) indicates that the meeting is part of an ongoing effort to identify lawful policies on the detention and disposition of alien enemy combatants -- or what the Department now calls “individuals captured or apprehended in connection with armed conflicts and counterterrorism operations.”  I admire the lawyers of the Counterterrorism Division, and I do not question their good faith.  Nevertheless, it is quite clear -- most recently, from your provocative remarks on Wednesday in Germany -- that the Obama administration has already settled on a policy of releasing trained jihadists (including releasing some of them into the United States).  Whatever the good intentions of the organizers, the meeting will obviously be used by the administration to claim that its policy was arrived at in consultation with current and former government officials experienced in terrorism cases and national security issues.  I deeply disagree with this policy, which I believe is a violation of federal law and a betrayal of the president’s first obligation to protect the American people.  Under the circumstances, I think the better course is to register my dissent, rather than be used as a prop.

Moreover, in light of public statements by both you and the President, it is dismayingly clear that, under your leadership, the Justice Department takes the position that a lawyer who in good faith offers legal advice to government policy makers—like the government lawyers who offered good faith advice on interrogation policy—may be subject to investigation and prosecution for the content of that advice, in addition to empty but professionally damaging accusations of ethical misconduct.  Given that stance, any prudent lawyer would have to hesitate before offering advice to the government.

Beyond that, as elucidated in my writing (including my proposal for a new national security court, which I understand the Task Force has perused), I believe alien enemy combatants should be detained at Guantanamo Bay (or a facility like it) until the conclusion of hostilities.  This national defense measure is deeply rooted in the venerable laws of war and was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in the 2004 Hamdi case.  Yet, as recently as Wednesday, you asserted that, in your considered judgment, such notions violate America’s “commitment to the rule of law.”  Indeed, you elaborated, “Nothing symbolizes our [administration’s] new course more than our decision to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay….  President Obama believes, and I strongly agree, that Guantanamo has come to represent a time and an approach that we want to put behind us: a disregard for our centuries-long respect for the rule of law[.]”  (Emphasis added.)

Given your policy of conducting ruinous criminal and ethics investigations of lawyers over the advice they offer the government, and your specific position that the wartime detention I would endorse is tantamount to a violation of law, it makes little sense for me to attend the Task Force meeting.  After all, my choice would be to remain silent or risk jeopardizing myself.

For what it may be worth, I will say this much.  For eight years, we have had a robust debate in the United States about how to handle alien terrorists captured during a defensive war authorized by Congress after nearly 3000 of our fellow Americans were annihilated.  Essentially, there have been two camps.  One calls for prosecution in the civilian criminal justice system, the strategy used throughout the 1990s.  The other calls for a military justice approach of combatant detention and war-crimes prosecutions by military commission.  Because each theory has its downsides, many commentators, myself included, have proposed a third way: a hybrid system, designed for the realities of modern international terrorism—a new system that would address the needs to protect our classified defense secrets and to assure Americans, as well as our allies, that we are detaining the right people.

There are differences in these various proposals.  But their proponents, and adherents to both the military and civilian justice approaches, have all agreed on at least one thing:  Foreign terrorists trained to execute mass-murder attacks cannot simply be released while the war ensues and Americans are still being targeted.  We have already released too many jihadists who, as night follows day, have resumed plotting to kill Americans.  Indeed, according to recent reports, a released Guantanamo detainee is now leading Taliban combat operations in Afghanistan, where President Obama has just sent additional American forces.

The Obama campaign smeared Guantanamo Bay as a human rights blight.  Consistent with that hyperbolic rhetoric, the President began his administration by promising to close the detention camp within a year.  The President did this even though he and you (a) agree Gitmo is a top-flight prison facility, (b) acknowledge that our nation is still at war, and (c) concede that many Gitmo detainees are extremely dangerous terrorists who cannot be tried under civilian court rules. Patently, the commitment to close Guantanamo Bay within a year was made without a plan for what to do with these detainees who cannot be tried.  Consequently, the Detention Policy Task Force is not an effort to arrive at the best policy.  It is an effort to justify a bad policy that has already been adopted: to wit, the Obama administration policy to release trained terrorists outright if that’s what it takes to close Gitmo by January.

Obviously, I am powerless to stop the administration from releasing top al Qaeda operatives who planned mass-murder attacks against American cities—like Binyam Mohammed (the accomplice of “Dirty Bomber” Jose Padilla) whom the administration recently transferred to Britain, where he is now at liberty and living on public assistance.  I am similarly powerless to stop the administration from admitting into the United States such alien jihadists as the 17 remaining Uighur detainees.  According to National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair, the Uighurs will apparently live freely, on American taxpayer assistance, despite the facts that they are affiliated with a terrorist organization and have received terrorist paramilitary training.  Under federal immigration law (the 2005 REAL ID Act), those facts render them excludable from theUnited States. The Uighurs’ impending release is thus a remarkable development given the Obama administration’s propensity to deride its predecessor’s purported insensitivity to the rule of law.

I am, in addition, powerless to stop the President, as he takes these reckless steps, from touting his Detention Policy Task Force as a demonstration of his national security seriousness.  But I can decline to participate in the charade.

Finally, let me repeat that I respect and admire the dedication of Justice Department lawyers, whom I have tirelessly defended since I retired in 2003 as a chief assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York.  It was a unique honor to serve for nearly twenty years as a federal prosecutor, under administrations of both parties.  It was as proud a day as I have ever had when the trial team I led was awarded the Attorney General’s Exceptional Service Award in 1996, after we secured the convictions of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and his underlings for waging a terrorist war against the United States.  I particularly appreciated receiving the award from Attorney General Reno—as I recounted in Willful Blindness, my book about the case, without her steadfastness against opposition from short-sighted government officials who wanted to release him, the “blind sheikh” would never have been indicted, much less convicted and so deservedly sentenced to life-imprisonment.  In any event, I’ve always believed defending our nation is a duty of citizenship, not ideology.  Thus, my conservative political views aside, I’ve made myself available to liberal and conservative groups, to Democrats and Republicans, who’ve thought tapping my experience would be beneficial.  It pains me to decline your invitation, but the attendant circumstances leave no other option.

                                                                                    Very truly yours,

                                                                                    /S/      

                                                                                    Andrew C. McCarthy
cc:        Sylvia T. Kaser and John DePue
National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section

Way to go Andy!  You are a true American, not a Republican, not a Democrat, just a loyal American with honor and integrity.

This is a rather unusual article today.  I spent a great many hours today reading the articles of other bloggers on the Internet, both professional and amateur.  The read the likes of Ann Coulter, Newt Gingrich, Chuck Norris, etc. and of course many unknowns.  I even read the comment sections.  Usually with the pros the comments were only from the readers without response of the author.  This, usually, is a good thing, to isolate the author from the public, for the high profile authors.  However, I would like to see the occasional reply or debate from these professionals.  Such debates tend to be interesting and revealing.

I did, however, read many more of the amateur blogs and thought how interesting and different some were.  I could easily spot the ones completely living off of gossip and the FUD of the world, sucking up all of the available BS and propaganda as if it was gospel; obviously without any research whatsoever.  I also saw some carefully thought out and researched articles, some I didn't agree with, but I could certainly see and respect how they came to their conclusions.

One common thing I found interesting was the comments sections of the good articles tended to keep with the subject of the article itself.  The vague or bad articles, if they had comments, typically was full of flaming tirades having nothing to do with the topic at hand.  There were lots of "you suck!" or "Bush lied!" or other such well worn excuses to blather or jump to when you can't put together a coherrant and intelligent argument.  One even turned into a "yo mama's so fat" back and forth!  Oddly enough, more interesting than the article itself.

When I write an article, I know it's a good one based upon the type of comments I receive, if any.  It doesn't matter if those comments are an argument against my opinions or for them.  I find if the person is passionate and thoughtful about their response, I know I have done my job.  I've written articles along many topics so far, not all politically based, although I tend to lean in that direction.  Some had 100% positive comments full of "way to go!" and such, and others have been controversial enough to have well thought out debates and contrary opinions in the comments.  Both I consider successful.

Sure, I don't get the readership I want, but those that do read deem it worth their time to offer their opinions in the comments section.  This is my ultimate goal, is to get people to think and talk about topics I find important enough to spend the time to write.

Finally, I get to the sad part.  It's those bloggers who, even though it's their right, have no business wasting bandwidth and our time.  These are the complainers, the ones who just barf their FUD all over the place without any sort of research or even reality as their foundation or basis.  It's like reading a post by one of those people on the Tonight Show's "Jay Walking" shorts.  These are people who somehow floated through school but couldn't show you where they lived on a map, or tell you who the Vice President is, or even tell you how the government works (if writing about such a topic); but could certainly tell you who won and lost on American Idol or what happened on the lst episode of Lost.  It is those kind of posts where you have realized that you wish you could have that wasted experience sucked from your brain and that wasted time back.  It's like those people that say they voted for a candidate because they promised "change", but couldn't tell you what that change was.  You know the type.

Then there are the new bloggers, those are the ones I mainly thought about when writing the headline for this article.  It takes a lot of courage to write a blog and let people know your opinions.  There are people out there that are like ravenous wolves that can tear you to pieces, verbally, if you do not have a good foundation in what you write about. 

There are predators out there that live to flame.  It's the only thing that gives them meaning in life.  There are also those that may have a very good case contrary to your opinion, or at least a valid point of view.  Some are blinded by a political agenda, and some take things way too personally.  Nevertheless, one must never ever allow themselves to tuck their tails between their legs and think their efforts were for nothing.  If you are wrong, admit you are wrong.  If you are right, then intelligently show why you are.  Never ever think you are a failure just because your readers continue to hold their beliefs, opinions, or points of view, and aren't suddenly converted or swayed by your charm and charisma.  This is the melting pot.  It's full of the wise, smart, moronic, stupid, idiotic, ignorant, genius, profound, humorous, boring, loving, hateful, jealous, paranoid, conservative, liberal, moderate, gay straight, perverted, religious, agnostic, atheist, scientist, philosopher, dreamer, intellectual, and so on.  Understand you are expressing yourself and hoping people listen or read, think about and discuss your topic.  Never expect instant praise, respect, or even hate.

If someone gives you a "wound", don't whine and moan about how you were deceived or tricked into getting it.  Learn from it and press on.  If you can't then perhaps you may want to try another hobby or form of expression.

You have a right to express your opinion, and your readers have every right to prove you're a moron / genius / visionary / idiot etc. if your foundation is poor.  Don't cry about it.  Show a little backbone you weenie!

May I present people, intelligent people that know how to think, these people also explain their thoughts and conclusions.  They aren't star struck.  They are also not afraid to express their opinions.  They are also not afraid to call a spade a spade, a liberal a liberal, and a Marxist a Marxist.

First, may I present a young, handsome, African American Conservative:

You'll never see that on the drive-by media!

Here's one you did see on the liberal media, although not intentionally; and on CNN for that matter!  Yet another African-American Conservative:

I believe he articulated his desires and issues quite eloquently and intelligently.

Perhaps, just perhaps, African-American Democrats may just want to study some history.  Especially around the time of slavery and the civil war.  A new political party was formed in support of freedom for all.  It was once a "third party" that many of the Whig and older Federalist party defected to out of conservative solidarity.  It was the party that got an unlikely candidate elected to be President of the United States.  That party was the Republican Party and that President was Abraham Lincoln.  The south mostly consisted of Democrat slave owners.  The North, while also having Democrats, had a majority sympathetic to the new Republicans.  Although those remaining in the Whig party didn't care if the south seceded or even had slaves, the Republicans grew tremendously quick.

Well, after the North won the Civil War, and President Lincoln ended slavery and of course new amendments made to the Constitution, the Democrats didn't like the idea.  Some local southern Democrat offices helped to start and fund a new organization and movement designed to secretly, yet overtly make former slaves lives a living hell.  This new organization was the Klu Klux Klan.  True, it was not "officially" sanctioned by the national Democrat party, it was funded and endorsed by local chapters.  The national party never denounced it either.  It was essentially the militant wing of the Democrat party.

As history progressed and racism remained, it was always the Democrats in the various local and State governments resisting change (for the better) for African-Americans.  In fact, those most resistant were always Democrats, including Governors!

As history progressed further, and the 1960's happened.  The liberal "peace" movement was the perfect time for the Democrat party to be suddenly seen as "friends of the oppressed."  It was pure genius.  They, instead of fight the "former slaves" decided to instead buy off their loyalty.  They offered and promised handouts, social programs and such as a means to "get even with whitey".  The genius here is that instead of conventional slavery, they would instead enslave them financially and still keep their votes and loyalty.  They would promise them that the USA did them wrong, so now the USA would support them by giving them what they "deserved".  Programs like welfare, low income housing government projects and such were excellent means to gain a loyal enslavement.  A free check from the government meant they wouldn't be asking for and competing for "white jobs".  It also guaranteed poverty and a means to keep them somewhat angry.

The message of the Republicans, that anyone can succeed if they worked at it and tried hard was lost to the free handout.

The last conservative statement given by a Democrat was John F. Kennedy, and was apparently lost to deaf ears:  "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."  That is a basic Republican and Conservative standard, yet spoken by a Democrat... how odd.

What's happened today?  The Democrat party has managed to indoctrinate and and convince people to vote for a system that is a social system that has historically failed miserably time and time again, and resulted in the poverty and failure of cultures.  They, through an African man, have managed to tell people to go to hell and at the same time made them look forward to the trip by sheer devotion.

Obama is a false messiah, an anti-Christ (that is the definition).  There have been and will be many more, but he is one of the bigger ones.  It is amazing that a group of people that have a long history of oppression by many nations and cultures, would embrace something and someone so against personal freedoms and liberties, that it can only be attributed to long term genius of deception and indoctrination.

Unfortunately, this time the enslaved people are chosing enslavement of their own free will because the guy looks like them and says he will give them free things.

Frankly, sometimes, in the very end, after all efforts to show you the truth are exhausted, you get what you deserve.

Incidentally, the only Presidents in the history of the USA that employed and entrusted African-Americans with cabinet, military, and advisory positions where Republican Presidents (Reagan, and both Bush's).

People of all races will vote Democrat, thinking that 60 years of failed social programs, just might work this time.  According to recent studies of respected economists, the great depression dragged on ten times longer by FDR's socialist "New Deal" than if the market was allowed to recover on its own.  The new socialist restrictions on a capitalist economic system actually limited the market's ability to recover.  How Hoover failed was by doing nothing at all to combat serious issues with the economy, which were socialist restrictions and a lack of control of greed (yes you read that right).  Even capitalism has its severely uncontrolled dark side called "Monopolism".  If you take the "human" out of capitalism it becomes cold Monopolism quite quickly, and that's what happened with the great depression.  Had Hoover put in controls on worker's rights and basic decency, I seriously doubt the depression would have been much to speak of and so-called workers unions would have been unnecessary.

Now to today's economy.  Democrats try to blame it (along with everything else) on the Bush administration.  I'm afraid not.  It's socialist restrictions put on banks and the stock market, enforced by two bloated government insured bureaucracies allowed to run amok with their socialist rules and agenda which nearly ruined the banking system and thus the economy.  All aspects traceable to the Jimmy Carter administration, Clinton administration, and the congressional oversight committees chaired by Barney Frank.  Not allowing banks to refuse risky home loans was a major factor in this.  The so-called "everyone is entitled to a home" was a socialist rule and a big problem for the economy to support forever.  It's like chopping down the whole forest just to keep warm.  That's how Democrats create "good economies" and how they leave it to a Republican to clean up the mess and take the blame when there's no more forest to burn.

Socialism cannot be maintained.  When you steal from the rich, and give to the so-called poor, eventually the rich become poor or get to a point to where it isn't worth working 60 hours a week for only 30 hours worth of take-home pay (and employing 30 people) and know it's going to some bum that doesn't want to work (France anyone?).  It's a fundamentally flawed system that will never ever work.  Why bother?  Just fire 25 of those workers and leave it at that.

What better way to control people!  Have them all dependent on the government.  Remember the Soviet bread lines, poor quality housing, bad public safety, no freedoms, etc?  That is the kind of government that Obama wants.  That's the kind of power he wants over you, because you are "too stupid" (or can't be trusted) to make your own decisions.  He will take care of you, the government will know best.  Remember, he's the "saving messiah".

Now, listen to this.  Companies give people jobs.  Many "rich" people own companies.  Many invest in companies.  These companies could not make their money without PEOPLE employed for their various tasks.  The greater the employee's responsibility and affect on profits their actions have, the larger their compensation is.  Usually, this involves a lot of expensive schooling or years of experience.  Not every rich person is born rich.  In the USA, most are self-made rich.  They got that way by having a great idea and working hard at it.

Now, if someone like Obama, wants to steal hard earned money from companies and those that achieved an income level by working hard and a long term personal and financial investment to get there, then they would have to get rid of those employees making them money, when that money that Obama takes from them could be paying employee's wages.  Social taxation feeds high-unemployment.  France (and now a lot of Europe), is an excellent example of this social burden.  It's why none of them have growing economies.

The USA got to be as great and powerful as it is because of capitalism and enginuity AND the desire to sell a new idea.  Take away the incentive and you take away the economy it's based on.

The only permanent poor in this country are living in Democrat run areas of this country (New Orleans anyone?).  Using socialist welfare programs to just barely keep them alive.  That money would be better spent teaching them a trade and giving them an incentive to work hard and thus improve their lives, instead of keeping them where they are, by a regularly given handout.  A hand-up and must more useful and compassionate than a handout ever will be.  Besides, doing so would leave more funds and more means to better support and take care of those that truly cannot take care of themselves like the severely physically and mentallty challenged.
 

Well, here we go again.  Senator Barack Hussein Obama, the president of hypocrasy, socialist poster-boy, and "the One", the liberal messiah, is whining again when the truth about him is spoken.  Poor Obama, FOX News is picking on the omnipotent one.  It's just not fair.  If FOX had not been doing their jobs, asking the questions the rest of the media should be asking, checking the claims both candidates make and calling them on it when shown to be lies, and questioning the personal friends and associations of each candidates; then Obama would be 4% higher in the polls.  Well, duh!  Oddly enough, that is true, but not for the whiney reasons he'd want us to believe; that is, FOX is needlessly picking on him.  As with all liars and narcissicsts, when the light of truth shines upon them and exposes their various lies, they tend to lash out, even to the gnashing of teeth.  How dare they tell the truth!  How dare they expose your anti-American friends!  How dare they expose your shady dealings in Chicago politics and Acorn!  How dare they point out his inexperience!  Only he is allowed to do this himself (ala the probes into Sarah Palin and "Joe the Plumber")  The plan and ruse was going so well!

It's like watching an episode of Scooby Do, where the kids catch the bad guy and those famous words, "If it hadn't been for you meddling kids, my plan would have worked!"

The news media is so excited about this election, they want it to happen and happen for Obama in the worst way.  They ignore Obama's association with Bill Ayers, Reverend Wright, Senator James Meeks, the crooked Antoin "Tony" Rezko, Acorn, Sam Graham-Felson (a communist/marxist), all in favor of the story of the century.  Liberals are so excited, they are like a dog that latches on to your leg and "goes to town" because he's so excited your there.  Liberals don't care about who he is, his lack of experience, his associations, nothing.  They are just hoping a true Marxist makes it into the Oval Office so they can tell him what to do.

Obama is a Pinnochio.  Without his teleprompter, he's useless.  His managers try their best to keep him isolated (alluding to the first paragraph).  When he strays, his true Marxist nature comes out.  Yes, Obama said he wants to "spread the wealth".  Get rid of companies, business owners, corporations, the rich, etc. you are left with only one thing, the poor.  The Soviet Union is an excellent example of what socialism and communism is.  The party members becomes the rich, not those with talent and incentive, and the poor are the rest of the populace.  Without incentive and the ability to invest and take risks, the economy stagnates and eventually the whole system falls apart.

Before you start up about the economy and current situation, may I remind you it was government enforced social rules on banks that ruined the system.  Forcing them to give home loans to those that, frankly, should still be renting, not owning.  Any time the government exercizes socialist controls on a capitalistic system it causes that system to collapse, as our economy has demonstrated.  Oh, incidentally, one of those that was directly involved in this problem, besides Barney Frank, was Barack Hussein Obama.  However, the press will never bring that up.

If Barack's plans were ever to come into effect, I guarantee you that the Jimmy Carter era will look like nothing compared to the mass failures in the market expected by Obama's plans.  Mass Socialist programs galore.  When you take money away from businesses and those that give people jobs, all you do is remove the incentive for them to make money and hence HIRE PEOPLE.  Less people with jobs, the less people buying goods, the more people dependant on government.  Eventually no more money is being generated or collected, and the incentive to make it is gone, especially if the government is going the STEAL your hard earned money and give it to some bum not willing to work hard.  Giving someone a hand up is one thing, but giving a hand out is theft.

Why should I work 60 hours a weel in a small business to earn me $200,000 a year, when Obama wants to take a large portion of it and give it free and clear to some so-called "poor" person who didn't earn it, just to "spread the wealth"?  Why not instead educate that poor person on a skill or how to run their own business instead?

"Poor" in this country is not static, like Carl Marx wanted people to believe.  This country has always been the land of opportunity, a place where the poor can become rich and successful if they work hard at it.  This means the majority of the poor are no longer "the poor" a decade later.  They are replaced by other "poor", some who used to be "rich".  It's a fluid situation.  In fact the only areas where you can demonstrate "permanent poverty" are where social "hand out" programs are in effect.  After all, why go and get a job, when you get a check from the government every week (New Orleans, anyone)?

Senator Biden has been dropping gaffe-bombs, left and right, many going way beyond stupid and mis-statements.  The guy is an idiot, and has been in the Senate for decades!  Yet, the wolves of Obama's campaign and the media ship a bunch of lawyers off to Alaska to investigate a GOVERNOR to see if she is qualified to be a Vice President.  Such obvious partisanship is responded to with "whaaat?  Oh no, we are just checking on her statements."  We hear things like "Governor Palin has no experience to be Vice President"  WHAT?!!  How about Barack Hussein Obama's complete lack of experience to be President?!!  His been an active senator for 120 days and before that he handed out flyers!!

What better person to meet with foreign dignitaries than someone who is friendly, down to earth, tough, and very endearing to others.  Why have a stuffy politician when you can have a genuine American as a Vice President?  Joe Biden?  He's an idiot, and every time he opens his mouth he proves it.  Sarah Palin?  She proves her competence every time she opens her mouth and she proves she doesn't take crap from anybody in that same process.  I am confident the liberals fear the lack of control and lack of coersion Sarah Palin demonstrates fuels their vitriol.  This includes those in Congress, Hollywood, and the main stream media.  They fear Sarah Palin because she is not buyable.

Barack Hussein Obama is mad, steaming mad and hopes if he can just avoid the truth just until election day, he'll have the election in the bag.  This is why he's angry.

This leaves with the following story, I have no idea if it is true, so let's just assume it is humorous fiction.  Nevertheless explains it all:

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old rancher, who's hand was caught in the gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man.  Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his bid to be our President.

The old rancher said, "Well, ya know, Obama is a 'Post Turtle'".

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a "Post Turtle" was.  The old rancher said, "When your driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'Post Turtle'".

The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face so he continued to explain.  "You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, and he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, and you just wonder what kind of dumb-ass put him up there to begin with."

Today, I was going to write this big and long winded blog about how the USA is falling into the cesspool of political correctness and so-called "progressiveness".  I was half way into it, and doing some research (blog posters DO research don't they?) I came across this magnificently made video that I am completely sure is in the accurate spirit of the man Thomas Paine himself.  Watch it, and share it with everyone you know.  I could not have said it better myself, and decided to ditch my work in favor of a simple embedded link to the video, which says it so much more eloquently than I could ever have said: