Hammer Attack

This pair must have been part of the peaceful crowd...
Bosnian community in St. Louis outraged over fatal hammer attack in Bevo Mill neighborhood : News
What a crock of shit, the media trying to put a happy face on evil.

TransCanada Still Stalled

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE November 24, 2014, for Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes:

• Senate: Keystone XL Pipeline - Passage
• Senate: Surveillance Authorities - Cloture
• House: EPA Research Standards – Passage

Both chambers are in recess until Monday, December 10.
Hoo rah.

Recent Senate Votes:
Keystone XL Pipeline - Passage Vote Failed (59-41)
The Senate rejected a bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed to raise the majority requirement for passage of the bill to 60 votes.
Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted YES
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Now why in the world do you think those boys raised the level passage? My deduction is to render votes for inconsequential. God damned dishonest bunch  of rat bastards. The voters have spoken start listening.

Surveillance Authorities - Cloture Vote Rejected (58-42)
The Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to a bill that would prohibit the bulk collection of domestic telephone and Internet metadata by intelligence agencies. It would allow intelligence agencies to query data held by telephone companies if the government can demonstrate the search is needed to fight terrorism.
Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted NO
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted NO
The result and the votes by Georgia Senators are aligned with the principle of restricted government. Unfortunately I don't think the intelligence agencies think their boundaries are serious encumbrances. In my understanding, they pretty much do whatever they want.

Recent House Votes:
EPA Research Standards – Passage Vote Passed (237-190, 7 Not Voting)
The House voted to pass a bill that would prohibit the EPA from proposing, finalizing or disseminating a rule or other regulatory impact analysis or guidance unless all scientific and technical information used to support the research results is made publicly available and can be independently analyzed and reproduced. It also would clarify that environmental research law does not require the disclosure of information that is prohibited by law.
Rep. David Scott voted NO
What's the point, Reid won't do anything with it. 

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Taking Advantage

I have a strong suspicion that the president made his announcement about an executive order timed to coincide with the Ferguson Missouri issue.
Most of the news for the last 2 days since the announcement has been focused on what the grand jury is doing in Missouri.
The network news sources are entirely focused on what might and might not happen. A practice of hyperbole and prediction that is always driven me a little bit crazy.

The Big Lie

Because he did it much in the way that I like to comment on political statements, Mark Alexander of the Patriot Post deserves full credit for this post.
Legend:
EO = Executive Order
BO = Barack Obama
MA = Mark Alexander
Otis = Me

MA: As for some of the EO specifics outlined by Obama, allow me to take those apart: 

BO: When I took office, I committed to fixing this broken immigration system.

MA: But he didn’t, as I have already outlined.

BO: Families who enter our country the right way and play by the rules watch others flout the rules.

MA: And Obama is now rewarding the latter group with amnesty.

BO: Business owners who offer their workers good wages and benefits see the competition exploit undocumented immigrants by paying them far less.

MA: So now, all those jobs can go to people who are willing to do them for far less.

BO: It’s been this way for decades. And for decades, we haven’t done much about it.

MA: As noted, Democrats have obstructed border security measures for decades.

BO: Over the past six years, deportations of criminals are up 80 percent. 

MA: Actually, more Demo smoke and mirrors. Obama changed how “deportations” are counted.

BO: Overall, the number of people trying to cross our border illegally is at its lowest level since the 1970s.

MA: Obviously that is because it is evident, even to prospective illegal immigrants, that Obama’s economic “recovery” policies14 are a colossal failure and the prospects even for low paying jobs have dried up.

BO: There are actions I have the legal authority to take as president – the same kinds of actions taken by Democratic and Republican before me.

MA: Actually, those “actions taken by Democratic and Republican presidents” are in no way comparable to Obama’s EO, as noted by legal scholars both liberal and conservative.

On his three point plan:

BO: First, we’ll build on our progress at the border with additional resources for our law enforcement personnel so that they can stem the flow of illegal crossings, and speed the return of those who do cross over. 

MA: No, “build on our progress at the border” is more double talk for obstructing efforts to “stem the flow of illegal crossings.”

BO: Second, I’ll make it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy. 

MA: As noted, this really means “receive all associated taxpayer-subsidized services like housing, schooling and medical care” and join the ranks of dependent Democrat voter constituencies.

BO: Third, we’ll take steps to deal responsibly with the millions of undocumented immigrants who already live in our country. 

MA: That means, in the end, figure out how to provide them fast-track citizenship.

Obama continues:

BO: We’re a nation of laws. 

MA: The audacity of including those words in an announcement to abjectly violate those laws falls squarely into the BIG Lie propaganda category.

BO: It’s not who we are as Americans. 

MA: Barack Obama is wholly unqualified to advise Patriots “who we are as Americans.”

BO: Their … hopes, dreams and patriotism are just like ours.

MA: Again, Obama is wholly unqualified to advise Patriots “who we are as Americans.”

BO: We expect people who live in this country to play by the rules. 

MA: We expect the same of our president.

BO: To those members of Congress who question my authority … I have one answer: Pass a bill. 

MA: Actually, passing a bill comes first. You have no authority to legislate.

BO: That’s not how our democracy works… 

MA: Indeed, it is not.

BO: Let me tell you why I … feel so strongly about [immigration]. 

MA: No, tell us why you did nothing about it in 2009 or 2010 when your party controlled the House and Senate?

BO: [Immigrants are not] taking a dime from the government. 

MA: Seriously?

BO: Scripture tells us that we shall not oppress a stranger, for we know the heart of a stranger – we were strangers once, too. 

MA: So now Obama is citing Exodus 22:21 from a government podium? Can he do that given the whole “wall of separation” thing? I wonder if his mentor Jeremiah Wright added that line for him?

BO: What makes us Americans is our shared commitment to an ideal – that all of us are created equal.

MA: Unless you’re Obama, in which case you are above all others.

Otis: Normally I would be inserting similar but more poorly written comments, all the while cursing at the computer screen.  Mr. Alexander manages to address many points, using prior documentation to support.
The Democrats' goal is to build constituency that is why they have resisted enforcing border control. The Republicans have compromised in the past, pushed reluctantly by their own constituency, allowing rule changes in exchange of promised enforcement. Now that a pattern of Democratic dishonesty has been PROVEN, the Republicans have now choice but to resist.
BO created all lot of his legislative problems by forcing ACA through without Republican support, He proved that  was incapable of compromise and later has been revealed of having purposefully lied to divert Republican characterizations that ACA was effectively a government grab of control over the medical industry.
The bride generally gets angry with me for using profanity but within the reach of BO's sound, anything is fair.

Keystone Kops

Congress.org presents:  MEGAVOTE, November 17, 2014, for for Georgia's 13th Congressional District:

Recent Congressional Votes:

• Senate: Child Care and Development Block Grant - Cloture
• House: Keystone XL Pipeline - Passage

Upcoming Congressional Bills:

•  Senate: Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014
•  House: EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013

Recent Senate Votes:

Child Care and Development Block Grant - Cloture - Vote Agreed to (96-1, 3 Not Voting)
The Senate voted to invoke cloture on a motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill that would reauthorize, through fiscal 2019, the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and institute new educational, health and safety standards on child care providers that receive funds.
Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted Not Voting
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Something that all Senators can agree on must be something that they are afraid to vote against.  Johnny Isakson you just voted the same as Harry Reid, doesn't that give you pause.  Saxby Chambliss's vote is in pink, because either doesn't have the courage to vote no or couldn't be bothered to show up.

Recent House Votes:
Keystone XL Pipeline - Passage - Vote Passed (252-161, 1 Present, 20 Not Voting)
The House voted to pass a bill that would immediately allow TransCanada to construct, connect, operate and maintain the pipeline and cross-border facilities known as the Keystone XL pipeline, including any revision to the pipeline route within Nebraska as required or authorized by the state. It also would consider the January 2014 environmental impact statement issued by the State Department sufficient to satisfy all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Rep. David Scott voted YES

So there has been a valid impact study published for 10 months and now some Democrats are willing to vote affirmatively? This tells me there has been no outstanding pipeline construction issues other than the warnings from the hysterical anti-development establishments. 

Upcoming Votes:
Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 - S1086
The bill would reauthorize, through fiscal 2019, the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and institute new educational, health and safety standards on child care providers that receive funds.

Already discussed above, safety standards established with the built in lure of redistributed cash. 

EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013 - HR1422
The bill would amend the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration
Authorization Act of 1978 to provide for Scientific Advisory Board member qualifications and public participation.

Seems plausible, but only if advisory board members could be unbiased in approach. Today it seems that so many have politicized agendas from the start.

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Iron City Beer

When I was a youngster in college,  finding this beer, Grain Belt Beer was a real treat. When it appeared at my local packy, had to buy a sixer.
Wasn't as good as memory serves.

Close But No Cigar

Only counts in horseshoes and atom bombs.
A coworker took this picture in New Hampshire just before the election, a sign saying

Democrats Want to Steal Your Money and Liberty

They will cheat and lie to hang on to the opportunity.

Clearly the opinion of  person in the minority.
Jeanne Shaheen beat Scott Brown in a surprisingly close election, Shaheen carrying 51.6 percent of the vote.
The day before the election information was released that links Jeanne Shaheen to Lois Lerner and the IRS Targeting scandal.
Do you think the result might have been different if the IRS has no dragged its knuckles in releasing the evidence of wrongdoing? My guess is yes,
Point to Eric Holder for obstructing the truth.
Justice is no longer the domain of the DOJ.

Letter from the Swamp

At least that's what Washington DC used to be.

Right after the election a promise from the President to roll up his sleeves and work hard.

Yesterday, millions of Americans cast their ballots. Republicans had a good night, and I congratulate all the candidates who won.
But what stands out to me is that the message Americans sent yesterday is one you've sent for several elections in a row now. You expect the people you elect to work as hard as you do. You expect us to focus on your ambitions -- not ours -- and you want us to get the job done. Period.
I plan on spending every moment of the next two years rolling up my sleeves and working as hard as I can for the American people. This country has made real and undeniable progress in the six years since the 2008 economic crisis. But our work will not be done until every single American feels the gains of a growing economy where it matters most: in your own lives.
While I'm sure we'll continue to disagree on some issues that we're passionate about, I'm eager to work with Congress over the next two years to get the job done. The challenges that lay ahead of us are far too important to allow partisanship or ideology to prevent our progress as a nation.
As we make progress, I'll need your help, too. Over the weeks and months ahead, I'll be looking to Americans like you, asking you to stay engaged.
I am optimistic about our future. Because for all the maps plastered across our screens today, for all the cynics who say otherwise, we are more than a simple collection of red and blue states. We are the United States.
And yesterday, millions of Americans -- Democrats and Republicans, women and men, young and old, black and white -- took the time out of their day to perform a simple, profound act of citizenship. That's something we shouldn't forget amid the din of political commentary. Because making progress starts with showing up.
Let's get to work.
President Barack Obama

A week later it appears that the Democrats are using the media to push the theory that the the exodus toward the Republicans in two of the last three elections is a call to be ready for compromise. Shit the Democratic Senate has not budged an inch for six years. They, led by Harry Reid have tabled virtually every bill put up by the House, including a couple of budgets, all the while laying blame at the doorstep of Speaker.
I would be fine with compromises on the budgets, nominations, and foreign policy. On immigration, no way, promises have been broken, broken with intent.  On the firearms, just leave that alone, let the states handle it.
There is a whole litany of topics that have conservatives and Democrats are separated by foundation philosophy. That said, not all Republicans are conservative and the likelihood that we'll take a few more steps to the left is high.

43% Will Do Something Special to Observe Veterans Day

I am embarrassed to say that I was unaware of today's holiday. Went to the bank at lunchtime, was convinced that the local branch had closed. Have family members that have served and deserve appreciation.  Hard to be in the ungrateful majority it is.

Rasmussen Poll link to follow...

43% Will Do Something Special to Observe Veterans Day

Honey Don't

Like the old Carl Perkins' song, 

"I say you will when you won't, ah-hah honey don't"

We've had six years of a recalcitrant Senate protecting the President's backside, doing nothing and blaming the House of Representatives for their own wrongdoing.  Now that the hammer has been passed to our team, pulling your own teeth seems self destructive. This is a letter just faxed to both of my Senators.

Senator Johnny Isakson
U.S. Senate, 131 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Isakson,
We have heard that Congressional Republicans are considering passing a long-term omnibus spending bill in the lame-duck session of Congress. Please don't! If a long-term bill is passed, how will Republicans defund President Obama's executive amnesty early next year? Please make sure that only a short-term continuing resolution is passed.
Republican options for blocking the president's executive amnesty are few in number. The president can veto whatever legislation is passed, but a bill is unlikely to be passed because it is likely to be filibustered in the Senate. A spending bill is the only option.
Passing a long-term omnibus spending bill before President Obama issues his executive actions to amnesty illegal aliens simply makes no sense. Why would your party give up the one chance it has to defund the president's amnesty? The American people voted at the polls against the president's plans, so I hope you will make sure only a short-term bill is voted on by Congress during the lame-duck session.
Looking for your support,

No doubt, this is the kind of compromise Saxby Chambliss thinks makes him more "Senatorial" looking.

Hanging On

A couple of weeks back my new business owner told me that I needed to get a new vanity tag for my truck. The tag is for the Georgia Tech 2006 ACC Coastal champion. Have to admit that I agree that I need a new tag.
This tag I saw a car Hiram Georgia car show.  In some ways it's a quaint reminder of how serious folks were about keeping the south southern. It is nearly 40 years old.

Wasn't there Charlie Daniels song it said something about tearing Walace stickers off the bumper's of cars, I think it was The Ballad of Uneasy Rider.

Lone Survivor

A pass along from a coworker who is also a Army veteran.
Lone Survivor is book written by Marcus Luttrell, with assistance from Patrick Robinson. This was published by Back Bay Books in 2007.
The book is described on the cover as "the eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and the lost heroes of Seal Team 10".
This is the self autobiographical story of Marcus Luttrell, a Navy Seal and sole survivor of a mission that started with four men.  Three of his team were killed in action against the Taliban in Afghanistan. More men were killed when a rescue team in a helicopter was shot down.
Luttrell describes in great depth his childhood, the motivating people in his life and the early decision to devote his soul and all of his effort to god and country.  The book describes in great detail the SEAL training process and how the candidate group was reduced from nearly 200 men to less than thirty.
The final mission for Luttrell, the same that left three of of his teammates dead was known to be treacherous from the onset and seemed in many ways to fulfill many of the tactical roadblocks anticipated.  Men were sent on a mission against a force that could have outnumbered them by a a factor of 50 to 1, on steep mountainous terrain absent of sufficient cover.
After heavy firefight and a retreat that could be better described as falling off a mountain, Marcus Luttrell was found a protected by a Pashtun tribe.
The soldier endured injuries that there is little doubt would have finished most, certainly me. He was buoyed by his training, faith in god and trust in family.
A clear message that come through early and consistently, is that war is difficult to execute when encumbered by the rules of politicians and bureaucrats, thrusting the ignorance of of the sheltered over the experience and need for freedom to self preserve.  There were choices made that precipitated the fight that a more ruthless election might have maintained secrecy for the team.
I enjoyed the book a great seal and found it simple to read.  This has been made into a movie with Marky Mark Wahlberg, something that will surely be on my to see list.