The Differences: Fast and Furious versus Wide Receiver.

The latest defense from the Democratics over the whistle blower revealed gun scandal known as Fast and Furious is to say that it was simply a continuation of a Bush era program.
Jason Howerton puts that argument to rest with the fourth in his list of ways in which the two programs differed.

(4) Perhaps the most convincing piece of evidence proving the two operations are separate from each other is the fact that Wide Receiver was shut down in 2007 shortly after it was clear the program was a failure. This was before Obama was even in office and nearly two years before Fast and Furious began.
Fast and Furious wasn’t shut down until late 2010 after the deaths of hundreds of Mexicans, a border agent and an ICE officer.

So, clearly Fast and Furious is not a continuation of Wide Receiver since Wide Receiver ended before Obama was elected.

The number of guns involved, the number of people killed (zero for Wide Receiver), the method of tracking the guns, and the involvement of Mexican officials are also points of difference. The time frame and reasons for shutting the program down too, are different, and in each case the facts all favor the responsible approach of Wide Receiver over the unfathomable and careless method dictated to the field officers.

Where the orders came from, the orders which insisted on letting thousands of guns be purchased by or for Mexican drug traffickers, where those orders came from is the mystery. And who is preventing the Congressional oversight from finding out who ordered Fast and Furious? At last word it was President Obama when he invoked executive privilege.

On a Life Of Restoration

A man in Nova Scotia has done something I wish I'd had the foresight to tackle, I had one opportunity in Louisville and passed. Dumb kid that I was.

Restoring and old building.

More Fun With Poster Generator

Watch for coming posters: such as-
Obfuscate and Diasappoint
Priviledge
Barack Hussein Kardashian
Unconstitutional

A Leak Investigation And Returning to Ethical Norms

Via Kate an essay on the national security leaks comes to our attention; worth a read.

What Is It?

Found on the Baltic Sea floor.

They promise to provide more information soon.

Better Than Milk

Not.

John Yoo has some pertinent thoughts on why what Obama did is a violation of his oath of office.

Imagine the precedent this claim would create. President Romney could lower tax rates simply by saying he will not use enforcement resources to prosecute anyone who refuses to pay capital-gains tax. He could repeal Obamacare simply by refusing to fine or prosecute anyone who violates it.
So what we have here is a president who is refusing to carry out federal law simply because he disagrees with Congress’s policy choices. That is an exercise of executive power that even the most stalwart defenders of an energetic executive — not to mention the Framers — cannot support.

A carrot to: Instapundit

Epstein On Supreme Court Laziness

Richard Epstein provides a window into a little know case and a lazy effort by some of our Supreme Court jurists in arriving at their decisions. The prime culprit in their frivolous deliberation is the use of a subjective standard called "rational basis".

In the run up to the Supreme Court’s decision on health care, few people will pay any attention to the Court’s most recent constitutional failure of intellectual nerve in Amour v. Indianapolis. But they should. This instructive case encapsulates what goes wrong when the Supreme Court abandons its constitutional obligation to prevent the nonstop shenanigans of local governments.

Ottowa Airport Goes Full Big Brother

Disturbing news.

Sections of the Ottawa airport are now wired with microphones that can eavesdrop on travellers’ conversations.

Jonah Goldberg Cliche Buster

Via C-Span2 comes a wonderful interview with the National Review online editor.

More than a book promotion, this interview offers insight into the nuts and bolts of the distortions that hinder political comity in this country.  It is a long interview, worth every minute; especially watch for the response to the interviewer's question about conservative cliche. One is tempted to hear the question and assume the interviewer is looking for ammunition against conservatives, but, her manner throughout and his response shows the fallacy of any such assumption. Goldberg gives a thoughtful response, honest and important to the introspective conservative.

Dad Kills His Daughter's Abuser

He is being charged but may not face a conviction as the law allows lethal force to halt a sexual attack.

The case is headed to a grand jury but this guy’s more likely to land on Barbara Walters’s couch than in prison. I’d be surprised if there’s a GJ in America that would indict him; if there is, lord knows it’s not in Texas....

If what he did to save his young daughter isn't legal, it should be. Case closed.

Trumping That Tweet

WiFi networks have names. And, it seems more than are few are using that fact to promote their favorite candidate.

SSID as political slogan.

According to the linked OpenSignalsMap webpage, the average Tweet has a useful life of about one hour, the name of your WiFi service goes on and on thus giving your view a longer shelf life than a Tweet.

Is It Time To Call Him J Edgar Holder?

Senator Cornyn, a man of vast experience at justice says it is time for him to go.

“The American people deserve better; they deserve an attorney general who is accountable and independent; they deserve an attorney general who puts justice before politics,” he said. “And it’s my sincere hope that President Obama will replace you with someone who’s up to that challenge.”

J Edgar Hoover developed his leadership of the FBI into a tyrannical reign wherein he was unaccountable to any other American, including the Congress or even the President. Hoover accomplished his largesse through making himself too dangerous for anyone to threaten. Why am I getting the feeling that Holder sees himself as invulnerable too?

Related: Roger Simon has found a comparison that I have long held; Obama is most like Nixon among former Presidents.

Hoover, and Nixon, did contribute good to America; but their flaws outweigh their worth and we do not need another of either in this country again.

I Already Knew That

Why You Shouldn't Become A Writer.

But here’s the question you should be asking yourself: Can I write? Not literally. Not physically. Not technically. Anyone can do that. Can you make the words sing? Does your prose have that certain something? Are you gifted at showing not telling, or telling not showing, or creating an entire world that didn’t exist before that is born again when someone else reads your work?

I accept that I am limited in this regard. So be it.
Though, I am working on a chronicle of everything bad I have ever done,  without any pretense that it will be readable, worth reading or ever read.

Justice Isn't Blind

Justice isn't blind, it just doesn't know where to look.
Ask Galileo. Ask the Salem witches. Ask any of the multitude of those who were innocent, or right, and taken to task anyway.
Today comes word that we can officially add Lindy Chamberlain (a dingo took my baby) to the list. As, the authorities have now reported that her story was correct, and, thus, her time in jail, and the derision of her fellow citizens were mistakes.

Many Australians initially did not believe that a dingo was strong enough to take away the baby. Public opinion swayed harshly against the couple; some even spat on Chamberlain-Creighton and howled like dingoes outside her house.
No similar dingo attack had been documented at the time, but in recent years the wild dogs have been blamed for three fatal attacks on children. Few doubt the couple's story today, but the latest inquest — which the family had fought to get — made it official that Azaria was killed in a dingo attack.

I am reminded of a comedy sketch, (see the video clip below), wherein those standing on the wall debate the implausible. We never get to see if they arrive at a correct assumption, but, then, they missed the greater point in even asking the question. And, thus it happens over and over again, debate occurs as if to see the tree and miss the forest. Granting control to those who claim superior knowledge is often a formula for misdirection.

Ask Wegener, if he was still around to tell his story he would say that he was right all along even if he had to refocus the audience away from the tree at times to see the forest. He was right, the forest was there. 

Justice isn't blind, it just doesn't know where to look. I have a number of recent stories in mind now. Voter intimidation in Philly. Again and again. Fast and Furious. George Zimmerman. National Security leaks. Florida voter fraud.

The lawsuit follows Detzner’s effort to make the federal government comply with a law that requires it to help states verify the eligibility of people to vote in state elections. Florida officials are concerned that up to 180,000 non-citizen residents are inappropriately registered to vote.

Planned Abstinence in High School

Laura Ingraham hosted The O'Reilly Factor, covering among other stories the news that Planned Parenthood has set up a clinic within an LA area high school.

The controversial abortion and contraceptive provider Planned Parenthood has set up a clinic on a Los Angeles high school campus to provide free and confidential access to birth control, screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, counseling and pregnancy tests to teenage girls. Parental consent is not needed.
The collaboration between Planned Parenthood and the Los Angeles Unified School District is the first of its kind in the country, according to the Los Angeles Times. Family PACT, a family planning program that targets low-income families, pays for the clinic’s services.

Ingraham was joined by sex expert Dr. Laura Berman .  The segment eventually turned to  abstinence as the most secure method for avoiding the perils of sex, (i.e. disease and pregnancy). Berman agreed that abstinence is the surest method of avoidance of the problems, but counseled that "abstinence only" programs are less effective than "abstinence based" education. I did a search of her website and found zero results for the term "abstinence based", so I am at a loss for what that means. And, how does it differ from "abstinence only" curriculum.

The section her site does provide on abstinence seems to contain a fair share of reasonable information.

Abstinence is a healthy choice for a variety of reasons. As I’ve said before, any sexual relationship presents risks. Abstinence is a very good way to postpone taking those risks until you are better able to handle them. Women who abstain until their 20s — and who have fewer partners in their lifetimes — may have certain health advantages over women who do not. They are less likely to get sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which I also like to refer to now as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are also less likely to become infertile or develop cervical cancer.
Beyond protecting your long-term sexual health, you are also protecting your heart. By waiting for sex until you are mature and deeply in love, you will have laid the groundwork for a healthy sexual relationship that comes from a place of trust and honesty.
But can this really be done in today’s sexually charged society? Abstinence is often easier for young women than young men. It’s not that women aren’t sexual in nature. But let’s face it, men — especially young men whose hormones are working double time — are up against testosterone. While both sexes have the natural urge to procreate, for men the chemical combination is often too strong to control. Even with the best of intentions, it’s seemingly more difficult for men to abstain from sex until they get married. That’s not to say it can’t (or shouldn’t) be done.
Staying abstinent is a choice you make every day. Don't reevaluate your decision to stay abstinent during sexually charged situations — stick with your decision until you can think about it with a clear head. However, if abstinence isn’t in your cards, safer sex definitely should be. Remember not having sex is the only fail-safe method of birth control. Still, it’s important to fully explore all your contraception options and use a method that works best for you.

But, is anyone listening. And, would this other program, "abstinence based", really impact the statistics; today's kids grow up in a culture where not having sex marks you as the enemy. Back when I was young the term was pressure, pressure to have sex. I believe today it isn't so much pressure as indoctrination and the presence of an organization with the reputation of Planned Parenthood within an already culturally relaxed school system can not be a deterrent to casual sex. It is more likely to be, as Planned Parenthood usually is at all locations, a vehicle to elimination of unwanted pregnancy.

Alive!

In my opinion each unique life begins when the two living elements, one each supplied by a male and a female, merge. The resultant cell division is further proof that the union is successful in establishing a new individual and as this life divides (cell division) and becomes more complex we see that it becomes a person. But, that life is unique because of the traits passed through from the two contributor lives, and each part is alive even before they meet and merge, it becomes a unique individual life upon merger and cell division.

A carrot to: The Blaze 

Related news to watch-

Sex-selective abortions. Say what? In America?

Genetic screening unborn inaccurate. Another case of, we think we know more than we really know, we are a long way from knowing how it all works.

Ray Bradbury, R.I.P.

Fahrenheit 451 is the tome of his that I know best, written in 1953, the year of my birth, and I know it best from seeing the movie. It carries forth a message we may need to heed if the world gets much crazier.

Ray Bradbury has died at 91. His most famous book, "Fahrenheit 451," is about book-burning in a world where entertainment on wall-size screens (“parlor walls”) has replaced reading. Published in 1953, it’s a dystopia woven from a fear of television.
Its redemptive ending establishes another theme: the power of memory. The books aren’t gone. Their texts have been preserved in the memories of people who read them and will keep them alive until it’s safe to write them down again. One man has Plato’s "Republic," another "Gulliver’s Travels," another the book of Ecclesiastes. Books aren’t physical objects. They’re words that resonate and linger in the mind.

 As happens, I wasn't aware that he was still living, I read yesterday that he suffered a stroke just a few years ago, which would have diminished his public appearance, but, that somehow seems the great shame of his passing. That, and the fact that his talent will not bring us much from that fine mind. Notice of his death will call me bck to his work, as Postrell wrote in that piece I link above, when I was young I wasn't mature enough to appreciate his writing. I don't have that excuse anymore.

Apparently, all young people do not suffer from a lack of appreciation for  his works.  This gal seems particularly taken by him, a funny video, clever lyrics, but not for the puritanic.

F*ck Me, Ray Bradbury - watch more funny videos     

    


 

Judge Denies Blogger His Free Speech

Writing words critical of a "convicted domestic terrorist" is enough for a Judge to bar the blogger from mentioning the terrorist again, and enough for that same blogger's arrest? Really? In, America?

Those Rights endowed to us by our Creator don't get the respect they once did. Where is the ACLU on this? Apparently not in the blogger's corner, because he is a conservative.

Another Domestic Terrorism Tactic Exposed

Swat-ing.

A number of conservative bloggers allege they have been targeted through the use of harassment tactics such as SWAT-ting (fooling 911 operators into sending emergency teams to their homes), in retaliation for posts they have written, and now Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., has stepped into the matter. He has sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder urging him to investigate the SWAT-ting cases to see if federal laws have been violated.
“I am writing with concern regarding recent reports that several members of the community of online political commentators have been targeted with harassing and frightening actions. Any potentially criminal action that incites fear, seeks to silence a dissenting opinion, and collaterally wastes the resources of law enforcement should be given close scrutiny at all levels,” Chambliss wrote in the letter.

Isn't making false 911 calls a crime? Surely it should be. And, don't 911 centers have caller ID, or other ability to locate the caller? When one of these calls is made every effort should be immediately made to locate and detain the caller; the severest penalties should follow. Such calls not only serve the intended intimidation purposes but also waste community resources and stress a much needed emergency response system. Gitmo would be too good for these terrorists.

The FBI has investigated a number of SWAT-ting incidents in the past.  In 2009, Carlton Nalley was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to offenses related to a SWAT-ting conspiracy in Fort Worth, Texas.

Well, that's a start.


Note: Just noticed, corrected error in spelling terrorism in headline. 6:33am 6/8/12.

Update: Florida Congresswoman calls for DOJ investigation.

“My concern is someone is going to get hurt,” Rep. Adams told me on Friday. “It’s very dangerous for the people living in the home that didn’t call 911, because they have no awareness whatsoever that something like that had happened. So they open the door to law enforcement whether it’s with or without guns drawn.”
“It’s a danger to the law enforcement agency that is being sent there, and it’s also a danger to the people in the community, because you’re pulling people away from what could be a real emergency.”

Tea Party Rises Up, Has Fine Time In SF

The T(axed) E(nough) A(lready) Party showed up to be heard when Obama arrived to collect more money. The Campaigner In Chief was properly greeted in my opinion.

Because San Francisco, home to Nancy Pelosi, has a reputation as America's most liberal city, one might think that The One would be safe from criticism here.  It is not so.

Nor, should it be.

Sign of Hope, Opportunity to Unite

Topic: Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch winning recall elections in Wisconsin

Take: There are still more reasonable people in Wisconsin than unreasonable takers.

Long-term Impact: Mixed. This may represent a shift in acceptance of government as the answer for all. But, those who have made their living suckling at the government tit are not going to move to solid food without first throwing a tantrum. There is a chance for this to unite us in the belief that all will be cared for and treated justly. However,  overcoming the violent reticence of some is the main obstacle to widespread understanding of how it can work, but that challenge must not dissuade us from that aim.

Best Case Scenario: The forces of good sense displayed in these ballots will be pervasive this November resulting in the replacement of both the President and control of the Senate, (while continuing non-progressive control of the House of Representatives). And, with control taken from the fiscally irresponsible there is hope that true reform can lead to a renewed American economy and with it a renewed American spirit of self. It won't be easy, and with the media message machine working against its cause it will be very hard work requiring an unwavering resolve; but it is worth it. Along with the fiscal progress can come a lessened voice of opposition to capital commerce, this will require consistent evidence of programs that are working and a restructuring of the mentality of the political media bosses and will not happen in our lifetime.

Analogous Situation: The current fiscal theories, as practiced by current governments are not working. There must be better answers. I am reminded of an article I just read in Smithsonian Magazine, When Continental Drift Was Considered Pseudoscience. When Alfred Wegener proposed the idea that the continents move, he was lambasted as a kook. But, he persevered, and today we know that he was right.

But Wegener was not timid about disciplinary boundaries, or much else. He was an Arctic explorer and a record-setting balloonist, and when his scientific mentor and future father-in-law advised him to be cautious in his theorizing, Wegener replied, “Why should we hesitate to toss the old views overboard?”

Others, authorities in their time, were not so open to change:

Rollin T. Chamberlin, who was also a University of Chicago geologist, did his father’s dirty work: The drift theory “takes considerable liberties with our globe,” he wrote. It ignores “awkward, ugly facts” and “plays a game in which there are few restrictive rules.” Young Chamberlin also quoted an unnamed geologist’s remark that inadvertently revealed the heart of the problem: “If we are to believe Wegener’s hypothesis we must forget everything which has been learned in the last 70 years and start all over again.”

He didn't get everything right the first time, but, just as we must do today to correct fiscal matters, he stuck to his underlying premise and today is known to be correct.

Wegener took the assault as an opportunity to refine his ideas and address valid criticisms. When critics said he had not presented a plausible mechanism for the drift, he provided six of them (including one that foreshadowed the idea of plate tectonics). When they pointed out mistakes—his timeline for continental drift was far too short—he corrected himself in subsequent editions of his work. But he “never retracted anything,” says historian Mott Greene, author of an upcoming biography, Alfred Wegener’s Life and Scientific Work. “That was always his response: Just assert it again, even more strongly.” By the time Wegener published the final version of his theory, in 1929, he was certain it would sweep other theories aside and pull together all the accumulating evidence into a unifying vision of the earth’s history.