"High Crime!"

Have any of you ever been betrayed by a friend? Has a buddy or girlfriend ever betrayed a confidence, or gone behind your back and deliberately hurt you? I remember in the "Godfather Part II", Freddo, Michael's brother, setting up Michael for assassination by an organized crime rival. Michael was crushed by the fact that his own brother could commit such a treasonous act against him. When I was sworn in to the Army, my oath said to follow lawful orders, and protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. This oath should not be taken lightly by a prospective soldier, sailor, airman, or marine. Every act you take in uniform is supposed to protect America and your fellow service persons.

United States Constitution:

Section 3: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them AID and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.

I recently wrote about the Wikileaks Chief, Julian Assange, a self proclaimed genius, and social activist. His irresponsible organization has put the lives of all of our fighting men and women in jeopardy because of the leaks of confidential information to the ENEMY! He is not a citizen of the United States; he perpetrates this criminal behavior from the safety of a foreign land. Those men and women who will die because of his acts are his responsibility, yet he will probably never answer for their sufferings and deaths. He is not an American! He has no allegiance to this country; he's taken no oath.

Bradley Manning, 22 years old, Private First Class, working for intelligence in Baghdad, handling secret and sensitive security information for America, has been linked to the Wikileaks scandal. He is alleged to be Wikileaks contact and "leaker" to those sensitive, secret documents that were stolen from our country and given to our enemy.

The question I am raising: is Private Manning guilty of espionage or treason? If he is guilty, will the Army prosecute him for these crimes? Did these acts give AID to our enemies? It is reported that radical Muslim groups are already going through these document, searching for names of American sympathizers. If they are found, their lives will most certainly be forfeit.

There are some people who are so foolish, they believe Manning to be some kind of hero; in reality, Manning used his position of trust to betray the good people of the United States of America. I know he is only 22 years old, a shame, but age has no bearing on the gravity of his offense. Private Manning should be charged with treason; his acts gave AID TO THE ENEMY! I have no doubt that American lives will be lost because of Private Manning's treasonous acts. Ask yourself this question: in 1943, what would have been the fate of someone in the military for giving information to the NAZI regime? We are looking at a comparable act!

An example must be made of this soldier. Too young; sorry about that; you were young when you committed the crime. Some things are called "high crimes", treason is a high crime; especially from someone who has sworn to protect our nation. The maximum punishment must be sought in this instance. Perhaps, the next potential traitor will think twice!

"Double Edged Sword"

Do any of you know a person who is just too frank for their own good? You know; that person who said things he was only supposed to be thinking. Some people spend their lives "tripping over their tongues", blurting out words they couldn't pull back in. Brutal honesty is pretty hard to swallow. "Does this dress make me look fat?" What a loaded question that is. Is there a man out there brave enough to be honest in that situation? How many times have we watched a public figure dodge an issue during an interview: endless words without substance. How many of us remember the statement "It depends on what the definition of is, is"; what does that mean!? I hope I'm not the only American who looked puzzled by that answer from Bill Clinton.

Jay Leno makes a living saying things most people only think. Jay makes a very nice living blurting out words to millions of Americans on a nightly basis. He shows a real "non-partisan" attitude when it comes to making fun with truthful observations of America's current situations and those involved in them. I'm sure NBC doesn't tell Jay much about what he is allowed to say; he generates too much income for NBC for them to "rock his boat". I'm sure that some folks out there smile in an uncomfortable way when Jay does his monologue. Like the bible says "the tongue is a double edged sword" and that tongue can cut pretty close to the bone when commenting on a touchy subject.

Lately, Robert Gibbs has been having a problem with his words. Not very long ago Robert said that the democrats could lose control of the House of Representatives in the November election. That statement did not go over well with Nancy Pelosi! The "Queen of Congress" was very upset over Gibbs's remark; she had meetings behind closed doors (Dems really like those secret meetings) where Gibbs's remarks were fervently discussed. Now, a new controversy is surrounding the words of Robert Gibbs. In an interview, Gibbs stated that the "professional left" wouldn't be happy until we had Canadian health care, and, eliminated the Pentagon. This explosion of honesty was not well received by the democrats. Congressman, and resident buffoon, Alan Grayson said Gibbs should be fired calling Gibbs "Bozo the Spokesman". Robert Gibbs, to his credit, is sticking to his guns under fire from the far left of his party. He has already said he is not going anywhere.

This situation is putting Barack Obama in a tough position, as he is in the midst of trying to woo his far left base, where he has been losing support. If Obama hangs Gibbs out to dry, he may help his cause with the far left, but he will also show another poor choice he made in the appointment to a key position on his staff. That double edged sword is pretty dangerous! I don't envy Robert Gibbs right now; he is between that "rock and hard place". He doesn't know what Obama will do. Robert, I have to say "Barack is a politician, and he will drop you like a bad habit" if it appears you are a pariah to his ambitions. That "double edged sword" may cut off your political head!!

(No post tomorow I have some appointments, see you Monday)

"Old Mistakes, New Mistakes!"

Yesterday, I wrote about my trip to Chicago. I had a really good time as I walked through my old neighborhood. In some ways, I relived those days. I saw things in my "mind's eye". I remember my buddy Will's little brother running down the block "buck naked", as his poor Mom yelled "WAYNE!!" at the top of her lungs; Wayne was about two years old and hated his clothes. I remember Madelyn, my first love from afar as a seven year old; dark hair, dark eyes, an Italian dream. I remember my Dad spanking me for running across Grace Street (I can still feel it). I even remember pulling a hot iron on my arm, and having bandages on it for a very long time. I've certainly made my share of mistakes, as have most of us. Every mistake is a learning experience if we take something of value from it. Criminals return to jail because most of them don't learn from their mistakes; they continue to repeat the mistakes of their past.

In 2006, former President George W. Bush told Congress (Democrat controlled) that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae needed some regulation or we could face some real financial problems down the road. Barney Frank, for lack of a better phrase, "blew him off", saying the loan programs were solid and problem free. As it turned out, Freddie and Fannie were the fuse that ignited the mortgage crisis in America. Loans given to unqualified purchasers began to fall apart; it marked a policy of poor decisions based on social justice. Homes for those who really couldn't afford them were the purpose of this spurious program.

Guess what is happening now? Freddie Mac needs more money! Freddie needs more of your money, to once again bolster a bad policy. Freddie needs 1.8 billion dollars of taxpayers' money to restructure mortgages for borrowers who can't afford their payments! In the last 3 months, Freddie lost 4.7 billion dollars; in the previous 3 months Freddie lost 6.8 billion dollars; talk about financial wizards! Now
Freddie needs 1.8 billion on top of the 60 BILLION DOLLARS that has already been provided. As a side note, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are not mentioned in the Obama financial reform bill. This seems odd, as neither organization has done very well handling other peoples' money.

How much longer can the American people continue to subsidize the loans of people who are "bad risks"? Owning a home is not a right, although the democrats believe this. People who use bad judgment in taking out loans they can't afford are not the responsibility of the taxpayer who lives within his means.

Soon Fannie Mae will be asking for more funds, as they are also operating at a loss. In the last 3 months, Fannie has lost 1.2 billion of your dollars. All this is in the quest for "social justice". Leveling the playing field for those who aren't good managers of their money should not be a government responsibility. When will we abandon these spurious policies? Why were these organizations not part of financial reform? Why is this administration not learning from past mistakes? We are now repeating the mistakes of the past. How many more old mistakes can America tolerate from this administration before we say "ENOUGH!"?

" BAROCK STAR!!"

Last weekend, I traveled to Chicago to visit family and take a nostalgic ride into the city, to the places of my early childhood. I lived in the city proper until I was about ten years old, then we moved to the "burbs". I had some real revelations as I walked down the street. I saw a hole in my grade school fence that had not been repaired since 1951, I saw the curb where I had my first fight with my buddy Tony (I won!). I walked around the corner where a convenient store now occupies the space that was where "Foley's Sinclair" used to be; our old neighborhood grocery store, "Moppins", is now a tavern. Things certainly change over the years. I remember my first presidential race, Dwight D. Eisenhower vs. Adlai E. Stevenson. I remember Dad liked "Ike". Actually everybody liked Ike. The nation was facing the possibility of a recession and Ike was a warrior hero of WWII; a proven leader. He held the peoples trust. He handily won the election and proceeded to cut taxes, and strengthen defense. He recognized the threat of communism, and stood firmly in his opposition to a dangerous foe. He followed what the American people wanted. Television was new back then so we didn't see the President every ten minutes. He made statements to the nation as needed; without drama, and without political motivation. By following the will of the American people, President Eisenhower easily won re-election. America liked "Ike", because Ike liked and respected the American people. He knew he worked for them!

A little over a week ago, Missouri had a vote on the federal health-care bill. This was a good barometer of how the nation feels about "Obamacare". If you all remember the health-care bill (2000+ pages) was passed along party lines by the democrats. National polls overwhelmingly showed disapproval of the bill by the American people. There were demonstrations across America against this bill, yet Congress and the President pushed it on the people. Television was a virtual marathon of commercials touting "Obamacare" as "the greatest thing since sliced bread". Oddly enough, Americans weren't buying into it. Well, Missouri really made it clear about the way Middle-America feels about "Obamacare". 71% of the voters rejected the federal initiative; a HUGE number. Nearly three quarters of those voters are saying "SHOVE IT", to Obamacare. They have passed an amendment to their constitution that says they are not obligated to purchase health care provided by the federal government. Now, we all know how much Barack Obama likes to sue the states, so stay tuned. I'm sure Eric Holder will be gunning for Missouri. After all, what right has 71% of the voters have in the choice of health care?

How much longer will Obama, Pelosi, and Reid ignore the people of America in pursuit of an agenda that will force America into a fiscal abyss of financial irresponsibility and loss of individual rights? Unlike Dwight Eisenhower, Barack Obama has no regard for the will of the American people. He has shown he feels more connected to the will of the U.N., illegal aliens and socialist radical ideas, than those precepts that are America. America liked "IKE". America is losing patience with our self-serving "BaROCK STAR" president. SEND HIM A MESSAGE IN NOVEMBER!!!

"We The People..."

When I was a recruit in the Army, I was told everything I did was to be controlled by my superior officers and noncoms; my will was not my own. If I was told to jump, all I could do was to ask "How high?" The Army is basically a dictatorial organization. You are told that you don't have to obey unlawful orders; orders that are criminal in their intent, or in opposition to constitutional mandate. When you eat, where you eat, if you eat, are all at the discretion of those in charge; pretty much government sanctioned slavery. I know this sounds terrible, but in a military scenario, this type of control is vital. National defense requires that soldiers must respond to orders to achieve their mission; sometimes, this means without question, as time may not permit debate. Those military goals are there so our men and women in uniform can protect our nation from foreign powers, and protect our freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. The military keeps us from becoming slaves to anyone or anything.

13th Amendment to the Constitution states:

Section 1-Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime where of the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2-Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Recently, Pete Stark (D-Ca.) was at a town hall meeting when he ran into something no politician wants to face; an informed constituent. Obamacare was brought up on the floor and a young lady stated "How can legislation be constitutional when it seems to be in conflict with the 13th Amendment?" At first, Stark gave the appearance of a boxer caught "flat-footed" by a knock-out punch. Then Stark made a huge mistake; he told the truth about how Congress feels about our Constitution. Stark stated "I think there are few constitutional limits that would prevent the federal government from rules that could affect your private life. The federal government can do most anything in this country!" I'm not sure he even knew what he said, but it spoke volumes of what our current Congress believes about their power over the people. It seems that our Congress wants to tell us "How high to jump", and we have no say-so in the matter. We are subject to their rule. This includes the mandatory purchase of a health-care initiative that America doesn't want; but is being ram-rodded down its throat. Oddly enough, if one reads the 13th Amendment, Congress is obligated to enforce just the opposite intent of what seems to be their current belief in constitutional law.

Americans are not Army recruits; we are citizens protected under the Constitution. We are not subject to Congress; they are subject to us! If Congress believes we are beholden to them, then democracy, as we know it, may be dying. As we approach November, we must remember the lessons of the past. The Germans allowed government to hold the whip hand and an entire society was destroyed. WE THE PEOPLE are in charge, we have to let our "public servants" know it!

(this is my last blog this week, I will return on Tuesday__Guard the Republic!)

"When Will He Leave?"

I like having company in my home. Good food, good conversation, music and laughter make for a fun time for all involved. My Mom and Dad liked to entertain, and they had many friends. We always had our cousins around us on every occasion, on every holiday family flocked to our house. I promise you this; whenever a large group of Italians get together food and fun abound.

My Dad also had regular poker games at home, in our rec-room. Mom would prepare large platters of cold-cuts or roast beef, chips and dip and other types of finger food was always provided; and it was plentiful. I was never awake for an entire "poker night", as these nights lasted into the "wee hours". Everyone was gregarious when the game started, there was a lot of joke telling and reminiscing. Later on, the room became quiet as the game took over the socializing. I remember one occasion when I awoke and the game had just ended; it was about 9:00 A.M; Dad was saying his goodbyes, and Mom was picking up the house. When the door closed, I heard my Mom say "I thought they would never leave!" The gathering that started out so happily had become a trial of length; a grueling gauntlet of hospitality. The guests had overstayed their welcome; they didn't know when to leave the party.

In Congress, presently, Charlie Rangel is going through some changes. It seems Charlie has been a "BAD BOY". As the former head of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he was among the most influential people in Washington. Charlie has been charged with some serious tax issues, and ethics violations. It has been said Charlie has a rent-controlled apartment in his district in New York's Harlem area. Actually, it is several apartments combined into one large residence that rivals Park Avenue condos. Charlie is a man of "discriminating taste". Charlie likes the good things in life; no matter who is paying for it! So far, eleven ethics violations have been alleged, not mentioning the tax abuse. Charlie has been in his district 40+ years, filling the seat formerly held by Adam Clayton-Powell. Charlie is an affable type, smiley and charming in his demeanor. He is the type of guest one would welcome into their homes. Unfortunately, this house guest not only has overstayed his welcome; it seems he has cheated at the card game. Congress went behind closed doors to give Charlie a chance to "leave the game" with little to no consequences; Charlie is staying. Charlie wants another term in Congress. A congressional trial is all but assured as Charlie won't take a hint about retiring. Even Barack Obama gave him a strong message about a dignified exit, but Charlie is deaf on the situation. This doesn't bode well for the democrats as they enter the fall election; a scandal at election time will reflect on the entire party.

Charlie needs to understand the "party's over" for him. I'm sure right now someone in the democrat party is whispering "Is he ever going to leave?"

"Improper Use of Tools!"

Do you own tools? I have tools that I use regularly; power drill, sander, socket wrenches, power saw, chain saw, yard tools of all types and of course, my kitchen tools; pots, pans, crock pot, deep fryer and much more. I take care of my tools for a couple of reasons; they are costly to replace and they mean something to me; I depend on them for repairs and construction. My Dad had numerous tools, and he kept them in excellent condition; always cleaned and oiled. Every tool has a specific use and is to be used for only those purposes. I'm sure everyone has used a butter knife instead of a screw driver on one occasion or another; not good for the knife or the screw, both are usually damaged in the process. A shoe is not a hammer; a knife is not a saw!

Our Constitution is a group of tools designed for specific purposes. Each tool does something differently than its counterparts. Executive, Legislative, Judicial; all of these groups serve in a different capacity and are not intended to infringe on the responsibilities of one another.

We are all pretty clear on the Executive branch; Commander-in-Chief, protector of our borders, signer of amendments to the Constitution, etc. The Legislature designs bills that could potentially become the law of the land. The Judicial branch measures these bills as to their constitutionality; it also hears cases that have been appealed to the highest court in the land. The Judicial branch is not a legislative body.

Supreme Court Judge, Antonin Scalia, believes that our court may be losing its way; legislating from the bench. He states the term "living Constitution" is now a common term used by potential Justices, and a term that is detrimental to the framers of our Constitution's intent. As an example of his opposition to judicial activism, Scalia said "Nothing I learned in my courses at Harvard Law school, none of my experience I acquired practicing law, qualifies me to decide whether there ought to be, and hence is, a fundamental right to abortion or assisted suicide." Appointed by President Reagan in 1986, Justice Scalia is a Constitutionalist in his beliefs, and is highly regarded by all members of the legal profession. He made a statement that really rings true today in regards to judicial activism, "Most Americans are not alarmed by loss of liberty because they do not understand the Constitution or the American system of government.... ignorance shields activist judges from scrutiny and criticism even as their decisions have devastating consequences". The term "living breathing Constitution" is the progressive "mantra" that is allowing activist judges to legislate from the bench. In actuality, the duty of a Justice is to follow the Constitution, not rewrite it.

Barack Obama said "I'm not unsympathetic to Judge Scalia's position, ultimately, though, I have to side with Justice Breyer's view of the Constitution__that it is not static, but, rather a living document , and it must be read in the context of an ever changing world. How could it be otherwise?"

So one presumes, he (Obama) would have no problem with judges making policy__and LAW__from the bench. It appears Mr. Obama is using a butter knife for a screw driver on the Constitution. It also appears America is the one to be SCREWED!!!