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November 27, 2005
Let It Snow!
It snowed overnight in Brian Head, Utah! There was no snow on the table when we went to bed, and we awoke to this.
Maggie May was having a great time checking out the new snow.
Cassie was less enthusiastic about all the snow but managed to enjoy herself until her feet got too cold.
Posted by Rick | November 27, 2005 09:29 AM | Just A Thought
November 26, 2005
Thanksgiving Postmortem
The guests have gone home, the leftovers have been put away, and the house appears to be in one piece. I am exhausted, but as long as everyone had a good time, it was worth it.
We have retreated to our humble condo in Brian Head, Utah, to recuperate. It would be a little nicer if there was some snow. It is the first time since we have been coming here that we couldn't ski following our Thanksgiving feast. The ski resort is hoping to open the lifts by December 10th, with a little help from Mother Nature, of course.
I started to write a little about what I am thankful for this year, and frankly, there is so much to be thankful for it seemed almost trite to put it into words.
Our family did have some health issues this year, and sadly, we lost a cousin this year to cancer. She will be missed! Ultimately, the doctors have been able to put almost everyone back together again as good as new.
We live in such a great country. (Although to hear some people talk, you would think we are the devil incarnate.) Opportunity abounds everywhere. We have wonderful schools, public and private. Stores are filled with everything your heart desires. We have the best medical care available in the world. With a little effort, virtually everyone can lead a wonderful life in America. Throw in a smidgen of talent and perhaps a little luck and you can have it all - a lovely family, a beautiful home, a great career, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom.....now if we could only do something to get the Democrats onboard.
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. It has begun to snow! Only 400 inches to go...
Posted by Rick | November 26, 2005 08:19 PM | Just A Thought
November 22, 2005
Presidential Pardon
Today President Bush pardoned another turkey in honor of Thanksgiving. This year's lucky bird was named Marshmallow, who will spend the rest of his days at the 'happiest place on earth', Disneyland.
I saw part of today's ceremony and noticed that the President managed to keep his distance from Marshmallow. The above photo is from a few years ago, and reminds of the famous quotation by George Santayana: "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Photo Courtesy Of INDC Journal
Posted by Rick | November 22, 2005 10:32 PM | Just A Thought
November 18, 2005
Turkey, Chicken Or Crow For Thanksgiving?
Congressman John 'Jack' Murtha (D-PA), who originally voted to support the war in Iraq, has now called for the immediate withdrawal of our troops.
I believe before the Iraqi elections, scheduled for mid December, the Iraqi people and the emerging government must be put on notice that the United States will immediately redeploy. All of Iraq must know that Iraq is free. Free from United States occupation.
In closing Congressman Murtha said:
Our military has done everything that has been asked of them, the U.S. can not accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. IT IS TIME TO BRING THEM HOME.
Taking exception to the proposal by Congressman Murtha, White House spokesman Scott McClellan, responded Thursday:
Congressman Murtha is a respected veteran and politician who has a record of supporting a strong America. So it is baffling that he is endorsing the policy positions of Michael Moore and the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic party.The eve of an historic democratic election in Iraq is not the time to surrender to the terrorists.
The outcry over those remarks could be heard all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. John Kerry said it was "the lowest form of smear and fear politics." Other terms used to describe the comments ranged from dismal and pathetic, to disgusting, while another said it was "as low as you can get."
Then today, Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH) relayed a message from Marine Corps Reserve officer and State Representative from Ohio, Colonel Danny Bubp (R-West Union, OH) to Congressman Murtha which said in part that we should 'stay the course' and went on to say "cowards cut and run, Marines never do." Unfortunately, Ms. Schmidt was forced to withdraw the remarks, regardless of how accurate, under threat of rebuke.
Lest the Democrats forget, the far-left bomb-thrower and noted America hater Michael Moore was an honored guest at the Democratic convention, sitting proudly next to former President Jimmy Carter. If Murtha was there at all, I'm sure he was up in the cheap seats so why are the Democrats so upset that he would be mentioned in the same breath as the great hero of the Democratic party, Mr. Moore.
Tonight in the House of Representatives a vote was held on Congressman Murtha's proposal just so that all those who feel that we should cut and run are able to go on record.
Ultimately, the Democrats in the House of Representatives did not have the courage to vote their convictions despite all their posturing. After a short debate during which Mr. Murtha took up most of the Democratic time reiterating his position and reading three letters from families of servicemen who were killed or injured in Iraq, only three lone Democrats could muster the courage to vote for the immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. The House of Representatives voted against the immediate withdrawal of our troops 403 to 3, with 6 courageous representatives voting present.
This Thanksgiving I hope the brave troops and all those who are proud of America's efforts to bring freedom and democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan enjoy their turkey!
To those on the left who quietly wanted to vote for the resolution, but did not - Enjoy your chicken.
To the vocal supporters of Congressman Murtha who continue to undermine the war on terror and the troops, while not being able to vote their convictions - Eat crow.
Posted by Rick | November 18, 2005 03:12 PM | Political Science
November 16, 2005
The 2005 Weblog Awards
The nominations are open for the 2005 Weblog Awards. This weblog qualifies for Best New Blog and other categories. If you are so inclined, you can nominate this site for Best New Blog here.
They request the name of the weblog: red meat
and the URL: http://www.redmeatblog.com
There are many award categories, so if you have a favorite conservative blog; a favorite liberal blog; a favorite sports blog; or you want to nominate your favorite blog for Best Blog, go here to find the category that suits your favorite blog.
After the nomination process, the voting begins December 1, 2005, and I belive you can vote once a day for your favorite blog in each category. Vote often.
Posted by Rick | November 16, 2005 04:33 AM | Just A Thought
November 9, 2005
Bush Screwed The Pooch On This One
Today President Bush gave the Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, to a number of distinguished Americans. Below is the official press release:
Presidential Medal of Freedom RecipientsPresident George W. Bush today announced the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award. Established by Executive Order 11085 in 1963, the Medal may be awarded by the President "to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." President Bush will honor these recipients at a White House ceremony on Wednesday, November 9, 2005.
Muhammad Ali is one of the greatest athletes of all time. He was the first three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, successfully defended the title 19 times, and was a Gold Medalist for the United States at the 1960 Olympic Games.
Carol Burnett is one of America's most accomplished comediennes and actresses. She debuted on Broadway in 1959 and starred for more than a decade on The Carol Burnett Show. Ms. Burnett won a special place in the hearts of people across America through her combination of creativity, humor, and compassion.
Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn designed the software code that is used to transmit data over the Internet. Dr. Cerf and Dr. Kahn have been at the forefront of a digital revolution that has transformed global commerce, communication, and entertainment.
Robert Conquest is a historian known for his groundbreaking work on Soviet history, politics, and foreign policy. More than 35 years after its publication, his landmark book, The Great Terror: Stalin's Purge of the Thirties, remains one of the most influential studies of Soviet history and has been translated into more than 20 languages.
Aretha Franklin has brought joy to millions with her music. She has nearly two dozen number-one singles and has won numerous awards. Ms. Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Alan Greenspan has chaired the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve for the last 18 years. Mr. Greenspan has been an extraordinary leader who has made great contributions to America's economic growth and prosperity.
Andy Griffith is an American icon of the stage, cinema, and television. He first achieved national acclaim in the 1950s for his stand-up comedy routines, and he went on to star in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, as well as numerous Broadway productions and films.
Paul Harvey is one of America's most respected radio personalities and has set a standard of excellence for broadcasters. Since his radio broadcasts first aired nationally in 1951, Mr. Harvey has won the trust of millions of radio listeners.
Sonny Montgomery was a champion for veterans during his 30 years as a Member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi. His signature achievement was the Montgomery GI Bill, which has helped make education affordable for millions of veterans.
General Richard B. Myers served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during one of the most challenging and dangerous periods in American history. General Myers was at the forefront of preparing America's armed forces to meet the threats of the new century. His tenure was marked by the toppling of brutal dictatorships in Afghanistan and Iraq and the liberation of more than 50 million people.
Jack Nicklaus is the greatest professional golfer of all time. He won 18 majors as a professional, the first in 1962 and the last in 1986, and he won more than 70 PGA Tour events.
Frank Robinson is one of the greatest baseball players ever. Among his awards are National League Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player in both the American and National Leagues, and the American League Triple Crown in 1966. He also has been a top manager and earned Manager of the Year in the American League in 1989. He broke the color barrier for managers, becoming Major League Baseball's first African-American manager in 1975.
Paul Rusesabagina demonstrated courage and compassion by sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. By risking his own life, he helped to save the lives of more than 1,000 fellow Rwandans. Mr. Rusesabagina's selfless acts have inspired millions, and he represents the best of the human spirit.
Unfortunately but understandably, they left off the fact that Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, was a convicted draft dodger. Although his conviction was somehow overturned on appeal, the fact remains that when his country asked him to serve, he would not. It takes a lot of chutzpah for the President to give this award to a draft dodger when Americans that he sent to war in Afghanistan and Iraq are dying in the service of this country every day. This was a slap in the face to all those that serve and have served their country with dignity and courage when asked.
I don't know what the President was thinking when he decided to give this award to Muhammad Ali, but I know that the 'great' Ali did not deserve this honor.
I find it quite ironic that Sonny Montgomery, who was a advocate for veterans while a member of the House of Representatives, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard B. Myers, were also honored. If I were them, being honored with the 'great' Ali would have turned my stomach.
No doubt about it, President Bush screwed the pooch on this one.
FYI: 'Screwed The Pooch' is commonly used in the military and generally means that a big mistake was made. If you are interested in reading about more about 'Screwed The Pooch', click here. Since the 'great' Ali didn't serve in the military, I know he will want to read all about it.
Posted by Rick | November 9, 2005 10:40 PM | Social Studies
November 4, 2005
Let Them Eat Cake
The streets of Paris are burning. A number of buildings and over 1200 vehicles have been torched and over 250 arrests have been made.
For years, France has opened its doors to Muslims and north Africans who are now turning on their hosts and burning the country, promising 40 days of violence. Now the Parisians are beside themselves. As Japan Today put it:
The seemingly uncontainable violence has proved deeply embarrassing to the government, focusing global attention on the often terrible conditions in deprived suburbs, where largely immigrant populations complain of dismal economic prospects, rampant discrimination and heavy-handed policing.
What is the reason for the violence? The initial excuse was that two hoodlums were electrocuted while running from the police. Of course the fact that the low-lifes were hiding at an electrical substation had nothing to do with their demise.
If things are so bad in France, why don't the downtrodden immigrants go back where they came from?
This is nothing but violence for violence sake. France should shoot to kill those who are burning and looting, but they won't. The French believe in appeasement, until it's time to surrender.
In France, the inmates are running the asylum. French President Chirac certainly doesn't get it. I heard his initial response to the violence was: "Let them eat cake."
Posted by Rick | November 4, 2005 01:40 AM | Political Science
