by Clio
If you’re a conservative, you may notice a feeling of sentimental yearning for the good old days … of Bill Clinton’s presidency. In contrast with the current administration, Mr. Clinton’s era in the Oval Office almost seems benign and uncontroversial. We are in a new era of American politics, one that I believe will make Watergate and other scandals involving sexual and fiscal indiscretions seem almost mundane in comparison.
Yesterday, I watched a video clip of children singing and chanting an ode to the Great One – Obama. My mandible joined the chorus of conservative jaws dropping across the nation with the unspoken thought (remember, our jaws are still gaping, frozen in disbelief. I know that my TMJ is going to give me grief later), “OMG, what is next?”
“Barack Hussein Obama. He said that all must lend a hand to make this country strong again, mmm”
The first coherent (and polite) thought that comes to mind is that we are watching the advent of Obama’s Hitler-Jugend (Hitler Youth). Obviously, my opinion is not unique; as I searched the Internet for information about HY, I found numerous blogs, essays and reports that posited on the same notion.
“Barack Hussein Obama, he said we must be fair today; equal work means equal pay, mmm”
Comrades - We are living in momentous times” – James Larkin
I studied German in high school and college and remember watching the “World at War” series as part of my high school curriculum. I don’t have perfect recall, but the footage of 80,000 children saluting, singing and marching for der Führer is an image that leaves a strong imprint. However, I feel that it is important to verify information that I publish online and not rely on my dusty high school German class memories, so I spent the afternoon online, sifting through search returns and visiting history and blog sites.
If I have any praise for Mr. Obama, his administration and policies it is that they served as a catalyst to push me into historical research: the American Revolution, the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, the pamphleteers (today, one would call them Internet bloggers) and patriots who informed and fomented the movement to oust the oppressive British rule and create a new nation. While all of us studied these facts during in our early school days, the facts fade and blur with the passing of time.
“Barack Hussein Obama, he said we must take a stand to make sure everyone gets a chance, mmm”
Thanks to Mr. Obama, I have rediscovered the richness of our history; the protests, riots and confrontations that led to the Revolution. I acquainted myself with words of the Founders of our nation and felt a sense of awe as I read the wise and almost eerily-relevant words of Thomas Jefferson.
“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” – Thomas Jefferson
Last year, during the presidential campaign, another video surfaced in which teen-aged boys, dressed in paramilitary garb, marched in unison and chanted pro-Obama propaganda. I was discomforted as I watched the video and, later in the year, alarmed when television reports on November 4th, Election Day, broadcast footage of bereted Black Panthers at polling precincts.
At that point in time, I knew enough about candidate Obama to base a decision to cast my vote for his opponent. I had grave concerns about his lack of experience, sophomoric grasp of international politics and hints of socialist ideals in his wealth redistribution statements.
My earlier viewpoints, I feel, were vindicated within days of his Inauguration. Sadly, he has now surpassed my worst expectations and I find myself aligned with people who expressed a ‘gloom and doom’ Obama presidency; a “game-changer” for America’s future.
“Barack Hussein Obama, he said red, yellow, black or white, all are equal in his sight.”
Does the above have a familiar ring? It should if you’re a Christian and attended Sunday School at least once: “Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World.” If you’re not agape or aghast, you’re not paying attention.
Wake up, countrymen!
It is incumbent upon every American, every patriot of our great nation, to fight to protect our country from the idiotic and dangerous politics of the left. We must protest Mr. Obama’s agenda, support candidates who view America’s Constitution as an inspired document and revere it as such.
We must zealously guard our Bill of Rights (and avail ourselves of its provisions) before those rights are eroded or revised to support the ethos of liberal extremists. If you think this can’t happen, stay seated on the sofa, rant at the television, but do nothing … just wait and see your country, your life changed forever.
I implore you: engage and speak out on behalf of our country before the rapacious agenda of the far-left destroys or alters the foundation of this shining city on the hill and extinguishes a beacon of hope and democracy to the world.
Seig Heil, Obama! (Hail Victory, Obama!)
---
Saturday, September 10, [1938]over 80,000 Hitler Youths marched into the city stadium and performed military-style parade maneuvers, which they had been practicing for an entire year, ending with a grand finale in which they spelled out the name 'Adolf Hitler' in the grandstand. After a tumultuous welcome, Hitler gave a speech in which he spoke candidly about his own youth and painful adolescence and then ended by telling them, "You, my youth, are our nation's most precious guarantee for a great future, and you are destined to be the leaders of a glorious new order under the supremacy of National Socialism. Never forget that one day you will rule the world!" http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/wwii/articles/hitleryouth.aspx
Lyrics to songs to Praise the President:
Song 1:
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Song 2:
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!"
Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!
Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country's economy number one again!
Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!
So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick
So here's a hearty hip-hooray ----
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
(note: at publication, I have not been able to determine the author of these lyrics – Clio)
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
An Inconceivable Violation...
by Clio
On September 11, 2001, I awakened late in the morning to another sunny day in Calabasas. Sunlight seeped through the slats of my bedroom blinds as I put on my robe and stumbled into the kitchen to make my morning cup of tea.
I didn’t rush or worry about getting to the office on time; I was recently unemployed. My company, a subsidiary of large privately-held publishing group, laid off its entire staff a few days earlier – the result of a depressed economy.
The light on my answering machine blinked, but I ignored it – probably another call to a company that used to have my phone number or a telemarketer.
After retrieving the newspaper, I closed my front door with one hand and pressed the play button on the answering machine with the other. I froze as I heard my mother’s voice, urging me to stay calm, that she and my Dad were okay and to not be afraid… end of message. My parents live in Portland, Oregon, so many thoughts raced through my mind: St. Helens erupted again, their house was on fire or there was a car accident.
I remember thinking that if it was St. Helens, it would probably be on the news, so I looked for the television remote while punching in my mother’s phone number: busy. I dropped the phone and turned on the TV.
Sights and sounds exploded before my eyes on CNN; my knees weakened and I crumbled to the carpet. With shaking hands holding the remote, I surfed the cable news channels, only to see the same visions of panic and pain. News anchors reported assaults on the Pentagon and New York and planes crashing in Pennsylvania, it was clear: America was under attack.
I watched terrified people running, covered in gray dust; my television screen filled with images of flames and buildings collapsing, creating tsunamis of dust and debris. I didn’t know that the pandemonium and horror in front of my eyes took place three hours earlier – everything seemed immediate and confusing.
I tried to reconcile my mother’s voice mail message with the television footage, the barrage of reporters’ words and alarming sights … bombs, the Pentagon, fires … Initially, I thought our country was the target of an invasion (based on my mother’s reassurances from Portland) and tried to think of who would have the audacity to launch an attack on America?
Eventually, news reports put the words and pictures into context: there were terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon, as well as another plane crash, its mission unfulfilled due to a courageous coup by the hijacked passengers, into a vacant field in Pennsylvania.
Professionally, I’ve been a publicist, business development executive and, now, a media consultant and writer. That morning, as I watched jet-fueled planes, filled with innocent civilians, deliberately driven into the Twin Towers, the only words I could verbalize were “oh, my God, oh my God” – literally, a plea or a prayer, but not a phrase I used frivolously or with disrespect.
Unable to move from my spot on the floor, I sat and watched the reports for hours; silent tears streamed from my eyes. I was numb with the horror of what my brain told me was inconceivable.
In the hours and days that followed, the true culprits were revealed: a terrorist group, Al-Qaeda.
2,975 innocent lives were lost on September 11, 2001 (I won’t add the deaths of the 19 terrorists to that toll; they don’t deserve, in my opinion, to be counted among their victims).
The terrorists rejoiced at their success, but I knew they had made a huge mistake. The fiends who planned and carried out their heinous attacks seriously underestimated or misunderstood America. There would be retribution for their lethal schemes and it would be swift and decisive.
While examining the rubble and remains of the Twin Towers in New York City, President George Bush draped his arm around a fireman, and, with megaphone in hand, addressed hundreds of workers and rescuers at the scene. A shout from the crowd; someone couldn’t hear the President’s words:
“I can hear you. I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!”
- President George W. Bush, September 14, 2001
He kept his word. On October 7, 2001, a strong and effective military strike, Operation Enduring Freedom, was successfully mounted against the terrorists and their supporters in Afghanistan.
“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend – even a friend whose name it never knew. “
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001
Eight years after the attacks, I can still recall every emotion I felt that morning, as well as the intensity of the anger and grief that permeated every waking moment. I remember the sight American flags flying from every house, apartment or car – even billboards. It was hard to find an American who wasn’t a patriot – an angry, indignant and injured patriot.
My personal belief system encourages me to forgive and forget, but September 11th is my personal exception. I will never forget and I pray that Americans and the rest of the world will never forget what happened on that day. Sadly, we must continue to keep these memories alive, to remember the fallen – the victims and the heroes. We must remember for the safety of our country, for the protection of our freedom and way of life.
It is vital that we remember every minute of that day, from the moment we first glimpsed those visions of horror on television, as well as the sadness, anger and resolve for retribution that we, as a nation, felt in the days and weeks ahead. We must remember, so we can make sure it doesn't happen again.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
On September 11, 2001, I awakened late in the morning to another sunny day in Calabasas. Sunlight seeped through the slats of my bedroom blinds as I put on my robe and stumbled into the kitchen to make my morning cup of tea.
I didn’t rush or worry about getting to the office on time; I was recently unemployed. My company, a subsidiary of large privately-held publishing group, laid off its entire staff a few days earlier – the result of a depressed economy.
The light on my answering machine blinked, but I ignored it – probably another call to a company that used to have my phone number or a telemarketer.
After retrieving the newspaper, I closed my front door with one hand and pressed the play button on the answering machine with the other. I froze as I heard my mother’s voice, urging me to stay calm, that she and my Dad were okay and to not be afraid… end of message. My parents live in Portland, Oregon, so many thoughts raced through my mind: St. Helens erupted again, their house was on fire or there was a car accident.
I remember thinking that if it was St. Helens, it would probably be on the news, so I looked for the television remote while punching in my mother’s phone number: busy. I dropped the phone and turned on the TV.
Sights and sounds exploded before my eyes on CNN; my knees weakened and I crumbled to the carpet. With shaking hands holding the remote, I surfed the cable news channels, only to see the same visions of panic and pain. News anchors reported assaults on the Pentagon and New York and planes crashing in Pennsylvania, it was clear: America was under attack.
I watched terrified people running, covered in gray dust; my television screen filled with images of flames and buildings collapsing, creating tsunamis of dust and debris. I didn’t know that the pandemonium and horror in front of my eyes took place three hours earlier – everything seemed immediate and confusing.
I tried to reconcile my mother’s voice mail message with the television footage, the barrage of reporters’ words and alarming sights … bombs, the Pentagon, fires … Initially, I thought our country was the target of an invasion (based on my mother’s reassurances from Portland) and tried to think of who would have the audacity to launch an attack on America?
Eventually, news reports put the words and pictures into context: there were terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon, as well as another plane crash, its mission unfulfilled due to a courageous coup by the hijacked passengers, into a vacant field in Pennsylvania.
Professionally, I’ve been a publicist, business development executive and, now, a media consultant and writer. That morning, as I watched jet-fueled planes, filled with innocent civilians, deliberately driven into the Twin Towers, the only words I could verbalize were “oh, my God, oh my God” – literally, a plea or a prayer, but not a phrase I used frivolously or with disrespect.
Unable to move from my spot on the floor, I sat and watched the reports for hours; silent tears streamed from my eyes. I was numb with the horror of what my brain told me was inconceivable.
In the hours and days that followed, the true culprits were revealed: a terrorist group, Al-Qaeda.
2,975 innocent lives were lost on September 11, 2001 (I won’t add the deaths of the 19 terrorists to that toll; they don’t deserve, in my opinion, to be counted among their victims).
The terrorists rejoiced at their success, but I knew they had made a huge mistake. The fiends who planned and carried out their heinous attacks seriously underestimated or misunderstood America. There would be retribution for their lethal schemes and it would be swift and decisive.
While examining the rubble and remains of the Twin Towers in New York City, President George Bush draped his arm around a fireman, and, with megaphone in hand, addressed hundreds of workers and rescuers at the scene. A shout from the crowd; someone couldn’t hear the President’s words:
“I can hear you. I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!”
- President George W. Bush, September 14, 2001
He kept his word. On October 7, 2001, a strong and effective military strike, Operation Enduring Freedom, was successfully mounted against the terrorists and their supporters in Afghanistan.
“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend – even a friend whose name it never knew. “
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001
Eight years after the attacks, I can still recall every emotion I felt that morning, as well as the intensity of the anger and grief that permeated every waking moment. I remember the sight American flags flying from every house, apartment or car – even billboards. It was hard to find an American who wasn’t a patriot – an angry, indignant and injured patriot.
My personal belief system encourages me to forgive and forget, but September 11th is my personal exception. I will never forget and I pray that Americans and the rest of the world will never forget what happened on that day. Sadly, we must continue to keep these memories alive, to remember the fallen – the victims and the heroes. We must remember for the safety of our country, for the protection of our freedom and way of life.
It is vital that we remember every minute of that day, from the moment we first glimpsed those visions of horror on television, as well as the sadness, anger and resolve for retribution that we, as a nation, felt in the days and weeks ahead. We must remember, so we can make sure it doesn't happen again.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, August 28, 2009
Torture Outrage!
by Clio
While reading accounts of physical and psychological torture inflicted on political detainees, one can’t help but feel sympathy and concern for those who were held for such a long period of time under the most inhumane circumstances.
Such reports prompted me to research some of the cases of alleged abuse; some of you may be familiar with this information, but it bears repeating, if only to shine a light on the atrocities these people experienced at the hands of their captors.
Yes, there are claims that the “detainees” were, initially, treated kindly and respectfully. One guard was quoted as being offended by even being called a guard, saying that it was “too cruel.” The guards told the detainees that they should consider themselves as guests!
Perhaps the initial treatment of these people was humane – even if the “guests” were taken against their will and imprisoned. However, as we now know, the detainees were bound, often for days or weeks; some endured long periods of solitary confinement, forbidden to speak to one another, stand, walk or leave their areas unless they needed a bathroom break.
Frequently, the detainees expressed that they were threatened with execution – and they took those threats seriously. Torture is not limited to physical abuse (those incidents are well-documented), but emotional and psychological cruelty leaves scars and wounds that may never fully heal.
One night was extremely terrifying for the detainees: their guards donned masks and rousted them while they were sleeping, led them to another location, searched them, forced them to strip to their underwear in preparation for a mock execution. The guards loaded and prepared their weapons to fire, then ejected their cartridges and told the prisoners that it was just a joke, something that the guards “had wanted to do.”
Can you imagine the fear and agony these people experienced while waiting for their captors to pull the trigger? They were helpless and under the total control of the guards.
Of course, these are just a few examples of the barbaric treatment the captives endured and it must be noted that many of them suffered enduring physical and psychological damage.
One captive went on a hunger strike, two tried to commit suicide: one by breaking a water glass and slashing his wrists after being locked in a dark room; another banged his head against corner of a door, knocking himself out and cutting a deep, bleeding gash in his head. The latter suicide attempt goaded the guards to make this prisoner a target for abuse which included creating a mock electric chair with wires, taunting him with a horrifying execution.
Other prisoners reported threats to boil their feet in oil, cut their eyes out, or kidnap and kill a disabled child and `start sending pieces of him to your wife.`
Finally, after 444 days of captivity, the 53 imprisoned hostages in the American Embassy in Iran were released on January 20, 1981; moments after President Ronald Reagan took the Oath of Office.
The captors, primarily Iranian students who called themselves "Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line," demanded that the United States return the deposed Shah back to Iran for trial and execution. However, the Shah died during this period and that negated their primary motivation for the protracted captivity of the hostages. Negotiations continued and, finally, the Embassy hostages were released, flown out of Iran and welcomed home with a ticker tape parade through New York’s Canyon of Heroes.
On September 11th, 2001, operatives of the al-Qaeda terrorism network, hijacked four airplanes, flew two of those planes into New York’s World Trade Center Twin Towers, one plane was crashed into the Pentagon and the fourth plane plummeted into a field in Pennsylvania after an onboard passenger revolt. The number of deaths from the plane crashes and the collapse of the Twin Towers: 3017.
Approximately one month after the attacks, the United States led a broad coalition of international forces in the removal of the Taliban regime for harboring the al-Qaeda organization.
The United States set up a detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to hold what they termed "illegal enemy combatants" who were captured during the strike on Afghanistan or arrested due to information gleaned from prisoners at the Guantánamo Bay (Gitmo) facility.
On August 24th, 2009, Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. announced he would conduct a preliminary investigation into whether some CIA operatives broke the law in their “coercive” interrogations of suspected terrorists in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
These coercive interrogations, or torture, as many consider the treatment, include the following, according to an ABC News investigation:
"They would not let you rest, day or night. Stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down. Don't sleep. Don't lie on the floor," one prisoner said through a translator. The detainees were also forced to listen to rap artist Eminem's "Slim Shady" album. The music was so foreign to them it made them frantic.” (author's note: Americans are also subjected to this type of torture when we tune our radios to the wrong channels – we feel their pain.)
Below are descriptions of some of the techniques used by a small group of trained CIA operatives to obtain information from the prisoners:
1. The Attention Grab: The interrogator forcefully grabs the shirt front of the prisoner and shakes him.
2. Attention Slap: An open-handed slap aimed at causing pain and triggering fear.
3. The Belly Slap: A hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors consulted advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage.
4. Long Time Standing: This technique is described as among the most effective. Prisoners are forced to stand, handcuffed and with their feet shackled to an eye bolt in the floor for more than 40 hours. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation are effective in yielding confessions.
5. The Cold Cell: The prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout the time in the cell the prisoner is doused with cold water.
6. Water Boarding: The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt.
(source: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Investigation/story?id=1322866)
Perhaps listening to a rap album or even water boarding goes beyond what any human should have to endure, however, let’s put a few things in perspective: the 53 Embassy hostages were subjected to similar, if not worse treatment than the enemy combatants held in Gitmo – and they were innocent victims.
A terrorist group in Iran targeted and carefully planned the takeover of the American Embassy and did so with the consent and approval of their leader, the Ayatollah Khomeini and militants supporting the Iranian Revolution.
In contrast, the prisoners at Gitmo were taken on the battlefield or arrested for aiding or abetting al-Qaeda in its unforgivable act of violence against innocent civilians. (Please remember that attacks on September 11th were not the first or last acts of terrorism by anti-American, Muslim militants.)
George W. Bush’s administration instituted strong measures to ensure the safety and well-being of American citizens, including creating a Department of Homeland Security and instituting the Patriot Act. These measures and strategies helped prevent planned terrorist events from taking place and kept our country safe for eight years.
Torture should be abhorrent to any civilized society, however, coercive interrogations, including forcing prisoners to listen to rap music or open-handed slaps in the face, seem mildly appropriate. Militant groups, such as al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Taliban, to name just a few, are avowedly hell-bent on attacking and killing innocent citizens while brazenly shouting “Death to America, ” – make no mistake: the terrorists mean what they say and intend to make it a reality.
What measure is too strong to take against those who have boldly stated their intention to destroy our country and murder its citizens?
References:
Bowden, Mark, Guests of the Ayatollah: the first battle in America's war with militant Islam, Atlantic Monthly Press, (2006)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis#cite_ref-75
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks#Immediate_response
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
While reading accounts of physical and psychological torture inflicted on political detainees, one can’t help but feel sympathy and concern for those who were held for such a long period of time under the most inhumane circumstances.
Such reports prompted me to research some of the cases of alleged abuse; some of you may be familiar with this information, but it bears repeating, if only to shine a light on the atrocities these people experienced at the hands of their captors.
Yes, there are claims that the “detainees” were, initially, treated kindly and respectfully. One guard was quoted as being offended by even being called a guard, saying that it was “too cruel.” The guards told the detainees that they should consider themselves as guests!
Perhaps the initial treatment of these people was humane – even if the “guests” were taken against their will and imprisoned. However, as we now know, the detainees were bound, often for days or weeks; some endured long periods of solitary confinement, forbidden to speak to one another, stand, walk or leave their areas unless they needed a bathroom break.
Frequently, the detainees expressed that they were threatened with execution – and they took those threats seriously. Torture is not limited to physical abuse (those incidents are well-documented), but emotional and psychological cruelty leaves scars and wounds that may never fully heal.
One night was extremely terrifying for the detainees: their guards donned masks and rousted them while they were sleeping, led them to another location, searched them, forced them to strip to their underwear in preparation for a mock execution. The guards loaded and prepared their weapons to fire, then ejected their cartridges and told the prisoners that it was just a joke, something that the guards “had wanted to do.”
Can you imagine the fear and agony these people experienced while waiting for their captors to pull the trigger? They were helpless and under the total control of the guards.
Of course, these are just a few examples of the barbaric treatment the captives endured and it must be noted that many of them suffered enduring physical and psychological damage.
One captive went on a hunger strike, two tried to commit suicide: one by breaking a water glass and slashing his wrists after being locked in a dark room; another banged his head against corner of a door, knocking himself out and cutting a deep, bleeding gash in his head. The latter suicide attempt goaded the guards to make this prisoner a target for abuse which included creating a mock electric chair with wires, taunting him with a horrifying execution.
Other prisoners reported threats to boil their feet in oil, cut their eyes out, or kidnap and kill a disabled child and `start sending pieces of him to your wife.`
Finally, after 444 days of captivity, the 53 imprisoned hostages in the American Embassy in Iran were released on January 20, 1981; moments after President Ronald Reagan took the Oath of Office.
The captors, primarily Iranian students who called themselves "Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line," demanded that the United States return the deposed Shah back to Iran for trial and execution. However, the Shah died during this period and that negated their primary motivation for the protracted captivity of the hostages. Negotiations continued and, finally, the Embassy hostages were released, flown out of Iran and welcomed home with a ticker tape parade through New York’s Canyon of Heroes.
On September 11th, 2001, operatives of the al-Qaeda terrorism network, hijacked four airplanes, flew two of those planes into New York’s World Trade Center Twin Towers, one plane was crashed into the Pentagon and the fourth plane plummeted into a field in Pennsylvania after an onboard passenger revolt. The number of deaths from the plane crashes and the collapse of the Twin Towers: 3017.
Approximately one month after the attacks, the United States led a broad coalition of international forces in the removal of the Taliban regime for harboring the al-Qaeda organization.
The United States set up a detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to hold what they termed "illegal enemy combatants" who were captured during the strike on Afghanistan or arrested due to information gleaned from prisoners at the Guantánamo Bay (Gitmo) facility.
On August 24th, 2009, Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. announced he would conduct a preliminary investigation into whether some CIA operatives broke the law in their “coercive” interrogations of suspected terrorists in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
These coercive interrogations, or torture, as many consider the treatment, include the following, according to an ABC News investigation:
"They would not let you rest, day or night. Stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down. Don't sleep. Don't lie on the floor," one prisoner said through a translator. The detainees were also forced to listen to rap artist Eminem's "Slim Shady" album. The music was so foreign to them it made them frantic.” (author's note: Americans are also subjected to this type of torture when we tune our radios to the wrong channels – we feel their pain.)
Below are descriptions of some of the techniques used by a small group of trained CIA operatives to obtain information from the prisoners:
1. The Attention Grab: The interrogator forcefully grabs the shirt front of the prisoner and shakes him.
2. Attention Slap: An open-handed slap aimed at causing pain and triggering fear.
3. The Belly Slap: A hard open-handed slap to the stomach. The aim is to cause pain, but not internal injury. Doctors consulted advised against using a punch, which could cause lasting internal damage.
4. Long Time Standing: This technique is described as among the most effective. Prisoners are forced to stand, handcuffed and with their feet shackled to an eye bolt in the floor for more than 40 hours. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation are effective in yielding confessions.
5. The Cold Cell: The prisoner is left to stand naked in a cell kept near 50 degrees. Throughout the time in the cell the prisoner is doused with cold water.
6. Water Boarding: The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to almost instant pleas to bring the treatment to a halt.
(source: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Investigation/story?id=1322866)
Perhaps listening to a rap album or even water boarding goes beyond what any human should have to endure, however, let’s put a few things in perspective: the 53 Embassy hostages were subjected to similar, if not worse treatment than the enemy combatants held in Gitmo – and they were innocent victims.
A terrorist group in Iran targeted and carefully planned the takeover of the American Embassy and did so with the consent and approval of their leader, the Ayatollah Khomeini and militants supporting the Iranian Revolution.
In contrast, the prisoners at Gitmo were taken on the battlefield or arrested for aiding or abetting al-Qaeda in its unforgivable act of violence against innocent civilians. (Please remember that attacks on September 11th were not the first or last acts of terrorism by anti-American, Muslim militants.)
George W. Bush’s administration instituted strong measures to ensure the safety and well-being of American citizens, including creating a Department of Homeland Security and instituting the Patriot Act. These measures and strategies helped prevent planned terrorist events from taking place and kept our country safe for eight years.
Torture should be abhorrent to any civilized society, however, coercive interrogations, including forcing prisoners to listen to rap music or open-handed slaps in the face, seem mildly appropriate. Militant groups, such as al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Taliban, to name just a few, are avowedly hell-bent on attacking and killing innocent citizens while brazenly shouting “Death to America, ” – make no mistake: the terrorists mean what they say and intend to make it a reality.
What measure is too strong to take against those who have boldly stated their intention to destroy our country and murder its citizens?
References:
Bowden, Mark, Guests of the Ayatollah: the first battle in America's war with militant Islam, Atlantic Monthly Press, (2006)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis#cite_ref-75
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks#Immediate_response
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Saturday, August 22, 2009
While Rome Burns ...
by Clio
… We sit in our easy chairs, watch or read the news on our computers. Every day, elemental aspects of America are being changed, manipulated and excised, and most of us sit, watch, read or perhaps engage our family or colleagues in discussion or debate about our country’s transformation.
Throughout my life, I also watched, read and, when I felt my company might appreciate my perspectives, expressed my views. I guess I was a political wallflower.
My earliest memory of a national news event was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I remember the somber mood in our home as my parents spoke with relatives and friends about the tragedy.
As an adolescent, the riots of the 60s raised the issue of racism at our dinner table; I read accounts of the Vietnam War protests and Watergate (resulting in President Richard Nixon’s resignation) in one of my favorite magazines, Rolling Stone. I remember the slogans and chants and probably repeated some myself. I was a typical teenager in many respects: naively judgmental and relatively uniformed.
My high school Social Studies class covered the feminist movement and explored our deep concerns about nuclear proliferation. The U.S.S.R. was our Cold War enemy and the films and novels of the day reflected American fear of a smirking Russian with a ready finger on the nuclear “red button.”
Skyjacking, Libyan-supported terrorism and Muslim extremists replaced the smirking Russian in our nightmares and newspapers. In 1979, the American Embassy in Iran was invaded and Iranian students held 53 Americans hostage for 444 days. President Jimmy Carter organized a disastrous rescue attempt (“Operation Eagle Claw”), but the hostages were freed only minutes after Ronald Reagan, who defeated Carter in the election, took the oath of office.
President Ronald Reagan took bold steps to end the Cold War and did so without a single shot being fired. “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Reagan demanded; a bold command that reverberated around the world, changed the course of history and led to the lifting of the Iron Curtain.
There are many memorable events in the Reagan presidency, however, his election was particularly poignant for me because I became a Republican, voted for the first time and chose Ronald Reagan to lead our country.
I remember how empowered I felt after I left the voting booth on November 4, 1980. Later that evening, I watched the election returns and as the final votes were tallied, it occurred to me that if I hadn’t voted there would have been 43,903,229 instead of 43,903,230 votes cast for Ronald Reagan and his vice president, George H.W. Bush. My one vote would not have affected the outcome of the election, but it was counted! I took part in democratic process and was proud to be an American.
During the Persian Gulf War, I read newspapers, watched a war on television 24/7 and marveled at seeing reporters speaking to us “live” from various parts of the world, via satellite, on cable TV news stations. We watched the War as if it was a primetime series (“Operation: Desert Storm”) and combat vernacular (smart bombs, Scud and Patriot missiles) became part of our water cooler conversations.
Such was the extent of my political “activism” until the 2000 Presidential campaign. I joined the Bush-Cheney grassroots effort and created a virtual precinct. I attended some parties, was quoted by a Village Voice reporter and cast my vote. I did something, made an effort, but felt that I had more to give and wanted to give to my country.
The political timeline continues with great accomplishments and disappointments: recessions, recoveries, bear and bull stock markets, technology and Internet booms and busts, the space shuttle program launches Columbia on its maiden flight; later, the Challenger shuttle crash claims seven lives. We endured and observed more terrorist attacks … and, then September 11, 2001. Do I need to say more?
Last November 4, 2008, we witnessed a looming American tragedy: Barack Hussein Obama won the presidential election and ushered in a new era of extreme liberal agendas, supported by majorities in the House and Senate.
Six months into his presidency, Mr. Obama has made swift, drastic and expensive changes to this country without few impediments. Our venerable system of checks and balances in this administration is compromised and the current administration has free rein (or is it “reign”) to plunge our nation into a multi-trillion dollar debt, appoint cabinet officials, “czars” and judges with spotty records with little or no opposition, attempt to institute a government-sponsored health care industry – an ineffective, costly socialist-type of program that has failed to be effective in other countries.
Obama’s health care bill, like the TARP program and industry bailouts, will be a financial burden for generations to come. Experts tell us that H.R. 3200 will create a huge bureaucracy that will amount to 1/6th of our national economy. There are frightening aspects of this bill that may affect the way we treat senior citizens, ration care, create diminished quality of care and will negatively affect small businesses through tax increases and other measures.
Health Care Reform Bill, H.R. 3200 shares some commonalities with Obama’s other hasty endeavors (TARP, corporate, banking and auto industry bailouts): his administration presents lengthy and complicated legislative bills (H.R. 3200 has over 1000 pages) and then applies pressure for an immediate vote. Our representatives in Washington aren’t given enough time to read the entire complex and hefty legislative literature, leaving our representatives no choice but to blindly vote on the measures and their constituents in the dark and at the mercy of Mr. Obama’s aggressive plans.
However, something unexpected (at least to Mr. Obama and his minions) is taking place: seniors and other citizens are verbalizing their concern and anger over the more pernicious parts of the bill. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin recently wrote forcefully about the health care rationing on her Facebook Notes:
“… who will suffer the most when they ration care? The sick, the elderly, and the disabled, of course. The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama’s “death panel” so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their “level of productivity in society,” whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil.”
Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi compared the protestors to Nazis and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid accused them of trying to "sabotage" the democratic process. As a nation, we’re in trouble when our leaders try to trample on our First Amendment rights and attempt to suppress our freedom of speech by impugning our patriotism and intentions with inflammatory comments and slander.
I applaud the patriots who raised their voices in outrage over the health care reform bill and I admire those who attended recent “tea parties” to protest tax increases and the burgeoning national debt.
Former Governor Palin has taken more abuse from Obama and his staff than any politician in recent history, but she is unafraid to stand up to his administration and condemn this latest deeply-flawed piece of legislation – her actions and leadership command my respect.
While “Rome” burns, we can sit, read, watch and wait until someone else tries to stamp out the flames or we can, as a country, take a stand and demand better leadership from Washington’s enthroned elite.
It isn’t necessary for all of us to march on Washington, D.C., engage in protests or attend tea parties – we can throw our own Revolution if each of us will just take some kind of action, such as write to our elected officials, send a letter to the editor, attend a town hall meeting or even post a notice on our church or community bulletin board.
We can achieve tremendous results and perhaps douse the flames that threaten this great democracy if we get out of our chairs and start walking our talk... even small efforts can bring remarkable changes.
If the ire of a few of our senior citizens can attract international press coverage and one former governor’s strong statement, via the Internet, prompts a change in the bill, surely we can make a difference in the future of our country if we just stop talking about what we don’t like about the current state of affairs and do something in defense of America. We must act now, before we have nothing left but the ashes of a divinely-inspired Constitution and a charred and ruined country.
Clio
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
… We sit in our easy chairs, watch or read the news on our computers. Every day, elemental aspects of America are being changed, manipulated and excised, and most of us sit, watch, read or perhaps engage our family or colleagues in discussion or debate about our country’s transformation.
Throughout my life, I also watched, read and, when I felt my company might appreciate my perspectives, expressed my views. I guess I was a political wallflower.
My earliest memory of a national news event was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I remember the somber mood in our home as my parents spoke with relatives and friends about the tragedy.
As an adolescent, the riots of the 60s raised the issue of racism at our dinner table; I read accounts of the Vietnam War protests and Watergate (resulting in President Richard Nixon’s resignation) in one of my favorite magazines, Rolling Stone. I remember the slogans and chants and probably repeated some myself. I was a typical teenager in many respects: naively judgmental and relatively uniformed.
My high school Social Studies class covered the feminist movement and explored our deep concerns about nuclear proliferation. The U.S.S.R. was our Cold War enemy and the films and novels of the day reflected American fear of a smirking Russian with a ready finger on the nuclear “red button.”
Skyjacking, Libyan-supported terrorism and Muslim extremists replaced the smirking Russian in our nightmares and newspapers. In 1979, the American Embassy in Iran was invaded and Iranian students held 53 Americans hostage for 444 days. President Jimmy Carter organized a disastrous rescue attempt (“Operation Eagle Claw”), but the hostages were freed only minutes after Ronald Reagan, who defeated Carter in the election, took the oath of office.
President Ronald Reagan took bold steps to end the Cold War and did so without a single shot being fired. “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Reagan demanded; a bold command that reverberated around the world, changed the course of history and led to the lifting of the Iron Curtain.
There are many memorable events in the Reagan presidency, however, his election was particularly poignant for me because I became a Republican, voted for the first time and chose Ronald Reagan to lead our country.
I remember how empowered I felt after I left the voting booth on November 4, 1980. Later that evening, I watched the election returns and as the final votes were tallied, it occurred to me that if I hadn’t voted there would have been 43,903,229 instead of 43,903,230 votes cast for Ronald Reagan and his vice president, George H.W. Bush. My one vote would not have affected the outcome of the election, but it was counted! I took part in democratic process and was proud to be an American.
During the Persian Gulf War, I read newspapers, watched a war on television 24/7 and marveled at seeing reporters speaking to us “live” from various parts of the world, via satellite, on cable TV news stations. We watched the War as if it was a primetime series (“Operation: Desert Storm”) and combat vernacular (smart bombs, Scud and Patriot missiles) became part of our water cooler conversations.
Such was the extent of my political “activism” until the 2000 Presidential campaign. I joined the Bush-Cheney grassroots effort and created a virtual precinct. I attended some parties, was quoted by a Village Voice reporter and cast my vote. I did something, made an effort, but felt that I had more to give and wanted to give to my country.
The political timeline continues with great accomplishments and disappointments: recessions, recoveries, bear and bull stock markets, technology and Internet booms and busts, the space shuttle program launches Columbia on its maiden flight; later, the Challenger shuttle crash claims seven lives. We endured and observed more terrorist attacks … and, then September 11, 2001. Do I need to say more?
Last November 4, 2008, we witnessed a looming American tragedy: Barack Hussein Obama won the presidential election and ushered in a new era of extreme liberal agendas, supported by majorities in the House and Senate.
Six months into his presidency, Mr. Obama has made swift, drastic and expensive changes to this country without few impediments. Our venerable system of checks and balances in this administration is compromised and the current administration has free rein (or is it “reign”) to plunge our nation into a multi-trillion dollar debt, appoint cabinet officials, “czars” and judges with spotty records with little or no opposition, attempt to institute a government-sponsored health care industry – an ineffective, costly socialist-type of program that has failed to be effective in other countries.
Obama’s health care bill, like the TARP program and industry bailouts, will be a financial burden for generations to come. Experts tell us that H.R. 3200 will create a huge bureaucracy that will amount to 1/6th of our national economy. There are frightening aspects of this bill that may affect the way we treat senior citizens, ration care, create diminished quality of care and will negatively affect small businesses through tax increases and other measures.
Health Care Reform Bill, H.R. 3200 shares some commonalities with Obama’s other hasty endeavors (TARP, corporate, banking and auto industry bailouts): his administration presents lengthy and complicated legislative bills (H.R. 3200 has over 1000 pages) and then applies pressure for an immediate vote. Our representatives in Washington aren’t given enough time to read the entire complex and hefty legislative literature, leaving our representatives no choice but to blindly vote on the measures and their constituents in the dark and at the mercy of Mr. Obama’s aggressive plans.
However, something unexpected (at least to Mr. Obama and his minions) is taking place: seniors and other citizens are verbalizing their concern and anger over the more pernicious parts of the bill. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin recently wrote forcefully about the health care rationing on her Facebook Notes:
“… who will suffer the most when they ration care? The sick, the elderly, and the disabled, of course. The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama’s “death panel” so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their “level of productivity in society,” whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil.”
Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi compared the protestors to Nazis and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid accused them of trying to "sabotage" the democratic process. As a nation, we’re in trouble when our leaders try to trample on our First Amendment rights and attempt to suppress our freedom of speech by impugning our patriotism and intentions with inflammatory comments and slander.
I applaud the patriots who raised their voices in outrage over the health care reform bill and I admire those who attended recent “tea parties” to protest tax increases and the burgeoning national debt.
Former Governor Palin has taken more abuse from Obama and his staff than any politician in recent history, but she is unafraid to stand up to his administration and condemn this latest deeply-flawed piece of legislation – her actions and leadership command my respect.
While “Rome” burns, we can sit, read, watch and wait until someone else tries to stamp out the flames or we can, as a country, take a stand and demand better leadership from Washington’s enthroned elite.
It isn’t necessary for all of us to march on Washington, D.C., engage in protests or attend tea parties – we can throw our own Revolution if each of us will just take some kind of action, such as write to our elected officials, send a letter to the editor, attend a town hall meeting or even post a notice on our church or community bulletin board.
We can achieve tremendous results and perhaps douse the flames that threaten this great democracy if we get out of our chairs and start walking our talk... even small efforts can bring remarkable changes.
If the ire of a few of our senior citizens can attract international press coverage and one former governor’s strong statement, via the Internet, prompts a change in the bill, surely we can make a difference in the future of our country if we just stop talking about what we don’t like about the current state of affairs and do something in defense of America. We must act now, before we have nothing left but the ashes of a divinely-inspired Constitution and a charred and ruined country.
Clio
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Bold Pursuit...
by Clio
Earlier this year, I stumbled upon a quote by Thomas Jefferson: “I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way.” The words of this great patriot resonated very strongly with me.
In the months leading up to the creation of TheBoldPursuit, I was actively involved with a political network. One of the network’s primary goals was to sort out inaccuracies and confront rumors with facts on blogs, mainstream media and liberal web sites.
These efforts, while noble, took us into places where vulgarity was the native tongue and lies and deflection the common vernacular. Visiting these sites left me feeling nauseated and defeated; it is pointless to offer an intelligent, factual comment or response to those who simply aren’t interested in the truth. The denizens of those mendacious and polluted places are there for confrontation – truth and accuracy are of no concern to them.
I knew there had to be a better, more effective way to represent and defend the causes in which I believe and that is when I started working on a concept: “The Bold Pursuit.”
This is an excerpt from my first, private, brainstorming session:
Mission:
"TheBoldPursuit aspires to be a conservative news, commentary and blogger portal; a place where intelligent and thoughtful perspectives are invited, as well as a setting for relevant and respectful interaction. Our beliefs are rooted in the United States Constitution. We support a conservative agenda, but welcome all points of view."
Website Concept:
A first attempt at launching TBP.com was unsuccessful due to technical issues with the template and internal differences within the group that I assembled to create the web site. (There was a soft launch of the site on July 27th.)
We can learn from our failures, perhaps even more than from our successes. I took some time to consider the options for TBP, as well as the need for another conservative web site. My conclusion is that the concept for TheBoldPursuit is sound and vital. TBP is capable of evolving as a refuge for thoughtful exchange, intelligent commentary, insightful articles and investigative reportage. We are already underway with a new “test site,” a place to refine and define the site so that it is relevant and useful to its visitors.
Why do I believe it is time to embark on this journey, this bold pursuit?
There is, at last, a slow “awakening” in America to the deception and mishandling of our government by the current administration. Our countrymen are beginning to hear the alarm that bloggers and conservative reporters and commentators have been sounding throughout the past eight months: the rush to implement questionable and fiscally-irresponsible legislation is leading this nation into a crushing debt that, at best, will be passed on to future generations.
The president's true agendas are emerging – Mr. Obama has transformational plans that will nullify the America we know and love … A country founded in the wisdom and blood of patriots and for which generations of men and women have fought, died and sacrificed.
President Ronald Reagan once called America that “shining city upon the hill.” ‘America’ is more than a country; it is a concept, an icon – a brightly shining beacon of hope and democracy for the world to see. However, that “shining city” is becoming obscured by the dark and blustery clouds of a disingenuous regime. Our shining city may become the dark fortress of Obama and the liberal left.
We cannot be silent or allow the aggressive agendas of the current White House to take effect without protest or objection. We must demand the transparency in government that we were promised. We need to attend town hall meetings, tea parties and other events to ensure that the ‘powers that be’ know that we are aware, informed and ready to fight for what we believe.
If we are “bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way,” we may reclaim our country, protect its Constitution, fundamental values and conservative principles.
I hope you’ll support TBP and those who believe in the words and intentions of our Founding Fathers – fellow patriots who love their country and express it in word and deed. We’ll unite in The Bold Pursuit of knowledge, integrity and accountability in government and our voices will be heard!
Clio,
Publisher, TheBoldPursuit.com
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Earlier this year, I stumbled upon a quote by Thomas Jefferson: “I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way.” The words of this great patriot resonated very strongly with me.
In the months leading up to the creation of TheBoldPursuit, I was actively involved with a political network. One of the network’s primary goals was to sort out inaccuracies and confront rumors with facts on blogs, mainstream media and liberal web sites.
These efforts, while noble, took us into places where vulgarity was the native tongue and lies and deflection the common vernacular. Visiting these sites left me feeling nauseated and defeated; it is pointless to offer an intelligent, factual comment or response to those who simply aren’t interested in the truth. The denizens of those mendacious and polluted places are there for confrontation – truth and accuracy are of no concern to them.
I knew there had to be a better, more effective way to represent and defend the causes in which I believe and that is when I started working on a concept: “The Bold Pursuit.”
This is an excerpt from my first, private, brainstorming session:
Mission:
"TheBoldPursuit aspires to be a conservative news, commentary and blogger portal; a place where intelligent and thoughtful perspectives are invited, as well as a setting for relevant and respectful interaction. Our beliefs are rooted in the United States Constitution. We support a conservative agenda, but welcome all points of view."
Website Concept:
- We are patriots.
- We love our country and present TheBoldPursuit as a venue for expression of patriotic and political views.
- We value truth
- We accept all points of views
- We insist that blogs, articles and comments are presented thoughtfully and respectfully
- We reserve the right to remove any comment, blog, article or advertisement that is offensive, regardless of political or philosophical beliefs.
- We reject intolerance or abusive behavior and will ban anyone who engages in such behavior from TheBoldPursuit.
- We endeavor to create an atmosphere of respect
A first attempt at launching TBP.com was unsuccessful due to technical issues with the template and internal differences within the group that I assembled to create the web site. (There was a soft launch of the site on July 27th.)
We can learn from our failures, perhaps even more than from our successes. I took some time to consider the options for TBP, as well as the need for another conservative web site. My conclusion is that the concept for TheBoldPursuit is sound and vital. TBP is capable of evolving as a refuge for thoughtful exchange, intelligent commentary, insightful articles and investigative reportage. We are already underway with a new “test site,” a place to refine and define the site so that it is relevant and useful to its visitors.
Why do I believe it is time to embark on this journey, this bold pursuit?
There is, at last, a slow “awakening” in America to the deception and mishandling of our government by the current administration. Our countrymen are beginning to hear the alarm that bloggers and conservative reporters and commentators have been sounding throughout the past eight months: the rush to implement questionable and fiscally-irresponsible legislation is leading this nation into a crushing debt that, at best, will be passed on to future generations.
The president's true agendas are emerging – Mr. Obama has transformational plans that will nullify the America we know and love … A country founded in the wisdom and blood of patriots and for which generations of men and women have fought, died and sacrificed.
President Ronald Reagan once called America that “shining city upon the hill.” ‘America’ is more than a country; it is a concept, an icon – a brightly shining beacon of hope and democracy for the world to see. However, that “shining city” is becoming obscured by the dark and blustery clouds of a disingenuous regime. Our shining city may become the dark fortress of Obama and the liberal left.
We cannot be silent or allow the aggressive agendas of the current White House to take effect without protest or objection. We must demand the transparency in government that we were promised. We need to attend town hall meetings, tea parties and other events to ensure that the ‘powers that be’ know that we are aware, informed and ready to fight for what we believe.
If we are “bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way,” we may reclaim our country, protect its Constitution, fundamental values and conservative principles.
I hope you’ll support TBP and those who believe in the words and intentions of our Founding Fathers – fellow patriots who love their country and express it in word and deed. We’ll unite in The Bold Pursuit of knowledge, integrity and accountability in government and our voices will be heard!
Clio,
Publisher, TheBoldPursuit.com
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Grab your Merriam-Websters and some red pens. According to Obama and crew, it’s time to update our dictionaries!
March 24, 2009
Man-Caused Disasters and other irritating issues (Part II):
The Obama administration is playing fast and loose with our language again. Are you ready for this? The “global war on terror” is just an icky name, according to Mr. Obama’s regime. We’re now going to call it, and, no, I’m not making this up, the “Overseas Contingency Operation.” I know the new phrase will make the Iranians, Al Qaeda, the Taliban and every malcontent willing to strap a few sticks of TNT to his or her chest feel all warm and fuzzy about America.
In the spirit of reciprocity, I fully expect that Muslim extremists will cease to call us the “Great Satan” and use a less incendiary substitute, such as “kinda big demonically-inclined” or “super-sized malevolent one.” Perhaps we could start a contest for best alternative language for “Great Satan?” (“Big Bad” is already taken by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” While the show is out of production, the term is closely associated with Buffy and the Scooby Gang.)
The announcement regarding the Overseas Contingency Operation comes on the heels of a language modification by our Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. I was taken aback when I learned that Napolitano decided to tinker with the term “terrorism,” declaring that it was now just “man-caused disasters.”
I simply cannot find the words … however, I’m certain that Obama et al will find an appropriate way for me to express my feelings.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I just can’t wait for the publication of the new, revised American Dictionary according to Obama.
Link to the Washington Post article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402818.html?hpid=topnews
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Man-Caused Disasters and other irritating issues (Part II):
The Obama administration is playing fast and loose with our language again. Are you ready for this? The “global war on terror” is just an icky name, according to Mr. Obama’s regime. We’re now going to call it, and, no, I’m not making this up, the “Overseas Contingency Operation.” I know the new phrase will make the Iranians, Al Qaeda, the Taliban and every malcontent willing to strap a few sticks of TNT to his or her chest feel all warm and fuzzy about America.
In the spirit of reciprocity, I fully expect that Muslim extremists will cease to call us the “Great Satan” and use a less incendiary substitute, such as “kinda big demonically-inclined” or “super-sized malevolent one.” Perhaps we could start a contest for best alternative language for “Great Satan?” (“Big Bad” is already taken by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” While the show is out of production, the term is closely associated with Buffy and the Scooby Gang.)
The announcement regarding the Overseas Contingency Operation comes on the heels of a language modification by our Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. I was taken aback when I learned that Napolitano decided to tinker with the term “terrorism,” declaring that it was now just “man-caused disasters.”
I simply cannot find the words … however, I’m certain that Obama et al will find an appropriate way for me to express my feelings.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I just can’t wait for the publication of the new, revised American Dictionary according to Obama.
Link to the Washington Post article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402818.html?hpid=topnews
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Man-Caused Disasters (Part I)
March 17, 2009
This isn’t a blog; this is just me, taking a moment to absorb what I just heard on “Hannity” this evening:
I turned off my laptop less than an hour ago, planning on spending some quiet time with my pet, watching the news and relaxing after a long day.
During a FoxNews commercial break, I surfed over to “Larry King Live” a few minutes, just in time to hear Larry’s guest, Donald Trump, stroking his ego over claims that he warned us two years ago about the imminent economic disaster. Thanks, Donald.
Mr. Bush, Trump whined, ‘left us with an awful mess.’ Someone should inform Mr. Trump, tycoon-extraordinaire, that this “awful mess” is grounded in legislation and tactics put in place by former presidents Carter and Clinton. Trump went on to predict that Mr. Obama would eventually do okay… well, that’s comforting, isn’t it?
Turning back to Fox, Sean Hannity was recapping the news of the day; one story mentioned that Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, is taking on the august task of changing American English to reflect her disagreement with the “policy of fear” of the previous administration. Terrorism, she proclaims, should be renamed as a “man-caused disaster.”
Are … You … Kidding … Me? (Expletives, sighs, gasps, groans and sounds of human suffering deleted.)
I’m not sure if the tears I feel on my cheeks are from repressed hysterical laughter or from a deeply-felt fear of what the future holds for Americans under this administration.
For example, Obama closed Gitmo, but doesn’t know what to do with its prisoners – he isn’t even sure where to send them or what to call them. Mr. Obama decided that the term “enemy combatant” is too impolite for the um, guys we arrested on the battlefield in Afghanistan (GWABAs?).
I used to be a press agent, so I understand how subtle manipulations of words and sentences can change and affect the intent of a message. Secretary Napolitano’s use of a “nuance” to camouflage a serious and on-going threat to the safety and security of every American is frightening – and she is the head of Homeland Security.
While we’re here, shall we open the floor to other politically-correct concerns and demand that Secretary Napolitano explain why terrorism is a “man-caused disaster” and not a “female-caused disaster?” I’m waiting for Gloria Steinem to chime in on this one.
I’m not known for snarky diatribe, but I was, initially, speechless after learning of Napolitano’s terminology tampering. I had to grab my laptop and express my incredulity … I don’t have high expectations for the Obama administration, but it pains me to see so much effort expended to undermine the well-being of our nation.
Here’s the link to the original report on FoxNews:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509597,00.html
If you want a good laugh or cry, try reading the Detroit Examiner’s story about Obama’s soft-hearted and weak-minded terminology adjustment regarding GWABAs, formerly known as enemy combatants. If you have time to post a comment to this article (the feature is heavy on insults to President Bush – can you imagine what would have happened without George Bush at the helm during the 9/11 attacks? Could Gore, Kerry or Obama have coped with the pressure of that vicious man-caused disaster?), feel free to flame. Here’s the link:
http://www.examiner.com/x-1300-Detroit-National-Politics-Examiner~y2009m3d16-Good-riddance-to-enemy-combatants
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This isn’t a blog; this is just me, taking a moment to absorb what I just heard on “Hannity” this evening:
I turned off my laptop less than an hour ago, planning on spending some quiet time with my pet, watching the news and relaxing after a long day.
During a FoxNews commercial break, I surfed over to “Larry King Live” a few minutes, just in time to hear Larry’s guest, Donald Trump, stroking his ego over claims that he warned us two years ago about the imminent economic disaster. Thanks, Donald.
Mr. Bush, Trump whined, ‘left us with an awful mess.’ Someone should inform Mr. Trump, tycoon-extraordinaire, that this “awful mess” is grounded in legislation and tactics put in place by former presidents Carter and Clinton. Trump went on to predict that Mr. Obama would eventually do okay… well, that’s comforting, isn’t it?
Turning back to Fox, Sean Hannity was recapping the news of the day; one story mentioned that Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, is taking on the august task of changing American English to reflect her disagreement with the “policy of fear” of the previous administration. Terrorism, she proclaims, should be renamed as a “man-caused disaster.”
Are … You … Kidding … Me? (Expletives, sighs, gasps, groans and sounds of human suffering deleted.)
I’m not sure if the tears I feel on my cheeks are from repressed hysterical laughter or from a deeply-felt fear of what the future holds for Americans under this administration.
For example, Obama closed Gitmo, but doesn’t know what to do with its prisoners – he isn’t even sure where to send them or what to call them. Mr. Obama decided that the term “enemy combatant” is too impolite for the um, guys we arrested on the battlefield in Afghanistan (GWABAs?).
I used to be a press agent, so I understand how subtle manipulations of words and sentences can change and affect the intent of a message. Secretary Napolitano’s use of a “nuance” to camouflage a serious and on-going threat to the safety and security of every American is frightening – and she is the head of Homeland Security.
While we’re here, shall we open the floor to other politically-correct concerns and demand that Secretary Napolitano explain why terrorism is a “man-caused disaster” and not a “female-caused disaster?” I’m waiting for Gloria Steinem to chime in on this one.
I’m not known for snarky diatribe, but I was, initially, speechless after learning of Napolitano’s terminology tampering. I had to grab my laptop and express my incredulity … I don’t have high expectations for the Obama administration, but it pains me to see so much effort expended to undermine the well-being of our nation.
Here’s the link to the original report on FoxNews:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509597,00.html
If you want a good laugh or cry, try reading the Detroit Examiner’s story about Obama’s soft-hearted and weak-minded terminology adjustment regarding GWABAs, formerly known as enemy combatants. If you have time to post a comment to this article (the feature is heavy on insults to President Bush – can you imagine what would have happened without George Bush at the helm during the 9/11 attacks? Could Gore, Kerry or Obama have coped with the pressure of that vicious man-caused disaster?), feel free to flame. Here’s the link:
http://www.examiner.com/x-1300-Detroit-National-Politics-Examiner~y2009m3d16-Good-riddance-to-enemy-combatants
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Good News! There are anti-Sarah hate groups on Facebook…
January 27, 2009
Did that subject line get your attention? If so, please don’t start to hyperventilate, froth at the mouth or begin writing an angry retort. Please allow me to explain why this is a good thing for the Governor.
A couple of days ago, I decided to join the burgeoning crowd of Facebookers and start my own page. While searching for groups and friends, I typed in the keywords “Sarah Palin.” The search rendered three pages of results: “Women Against Palin,” “Why We Hate Sarah Palin,” “People with no idea why, but Hate Sarah Palin” (okay, I made up the last one).
My search also yielded links to pro-Palin groups, as well as the Governor’s official Facebook page, too. Some of the groups favoring Sarah had a few members, some had a few thousand, some had tens of thousands and the Governor’s page had hundreds of thousands of members.
What struck me as important is the polarity of public opinion about Governor Palin. You love her or hate her (hate is such useless and spiritually/intellectually destructive trait, wouldn’t you agree?), but few people are indifferent. Indifference doesn’t get votes.
Sarah Palin creates controversy and attracts supporters who admire her “Mainstreeter” style, devoted to her because of her values, achievements and promise for a reinvigorated GOP. She is a positive portent for change in the coming years.
Some newscasters have noted that months have passed since the election and we’re still talking about Sarah Palin. She continues to be newsworthy and has a growing, significant support base. The McCain/Palin ticket failed to win, so why didn’t she quietly fade into obscurity like other vice presidential candidates?
While some of the established good old boys of the GOP would like to downplay the Governor’s importance and impact on America, it would be foolish to ignore or dismiss Sarah Palin as a flash-in-the-pan phenomenon. Celebrity fads fade fast and this rising star has just begun her ascent.
BTW, my background is in entertainment, not politics. This is the just the POV of a former celebrity publicist: she has star power. Yes, she has many strengths and a sharp mind, but she also has that elusive quality that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Do you remember watching her acceptance speech at the RNC convention? I felt the exuberance of the crowd through my television and got chills. The previous evening, Mr. Obama gave his acceptance speech to a teary and cheering crowd. He was on his game and even I felt moved by his words. However, the next evening, Sarah Palin made America (and even the media) forget the Styrofoam Greek columns of the Altar of Obama and we embraced this sharp, self-assured and savvy politician from Alaska. Yep, a star was born that night.
What is star quality or star power? Let me give you one example, one I’d personally not like to use, but you can’t deny he has “it”: Barack Obama. Few people outside of Illinois were familiar with Mr. Obama (aside from William Ayers, et al.) before the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Obama’s skill as an orator wowed the crowd and, while people stumbled over his exotic name, the liberal left noticed and anointed a new star, making him their very own political construct and hope for the White House in 2008.
We must be fair to Mr. Obama; when he gives a speech, he really delivers. There is no doubt that he is talented in delivering the rhetoric. Regardless of our powerful, intense and, apparently, accurate measures of the man, he also has “star power.” I think that’s why many opined that Obama was running against Sarah Palin – not John McCain.
Personally, I feel it’s too early for the Governor to announce her intention to run for office, but she’s right on track with creating a PAC, getting a book deal and taking steps to create a positive pubic image. If Governor Palin gets a strong team behind her, creates a solid plan for her political future and raises the funds she needs for a successful campaign, there is good reason for the liberal left to tremble.
Do I believe Sarah Palin, a controversial, conservative and charismatic politician can achieve our nation’s highest office? You betcha.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Did that subject line get your attention? If so, please don’t start to hyperventilate, froth at the mouth or begin writing an angry retort. Please allow me to explain why this is a good thing for the Governor.
A couple of days ago, I decided to join the burgeoning crowd of Facebookers and start my own page. While searching for groups and friends, I typed in the keywords “Sarah Palin.” The search rendered three pages of results: “Women Against Palin,” “Why We Hate Sarah Palin,” “People with no idea why, but Hate Sarah Palin” (okay, I made up the last one).
My search also yielded links to pro-Palin groups, as well as the Governor’s official Facebook page, too. Some of the groups favoring Sarah had a few members, some had a few thousand, some had tens of thousands and the Governor’s page had hundreds of thousands of members.
What struck me as important is the polarity of public opinion about Governor Palin. You love her or hate her (hate is such useless and spiritually/intellectually destructive trait, wouldn’t you agree?), but few people are indifferent. Indifference doesn’t get votes.
Sarah Palin creates controversy and attracts supporters who admire her “Mainstreeter” style, devoted to her because of her values, achievements and promise for a reinvigorated GOP. She is a positive portent for change in the coming years.
Some newscasters have noted that months have passed since the election and we’re still talking about Sarah Palin. She continues to be newsworthy and has a growing, significant support base. The McCain/Palin ticket failed to win, so why didn’t she quietly fade into obscurity like other vice presidential candidates?
While some of the established good old boys of the GOP would like to downplay the Governor’s importance and impact on America, it would be foolish to ignore or dismiss Sarah Palin as a flash-in-the-pan phenomenon. Celebrity fads fade fast and this rising star has just begun her ascent.
BTW, my background is in entertainment, not politics. This is the just the POV of a former celebrity publicist: she has star power. Yes, she has many strengths and a sharp mind, but she also has that elusive quality that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Do you remember watching her acceptance speech at the RNC convention? I felt the exuberance of the crowd through my television and got chills. The previous evening, Mr. Obama gave his acceptance speech to a teary and cheering crowd. He was on his game and even I felt moved by his words. However, the next evening, Sarah Palin made America (and even the media) forget the Styrofoam Greek columns of the Altar of Obama and we embraced this sharp, self-assured and savvy politician from Alaska. Yep, a star was born that night.
What is star quality or star power? Let me give you one example, one I’d personally not like to use, but you can’t deny he has “it”: Barack Obama. Few people outside of Illinois were familiar with Mr. Obama (aside from William Ayers, et al.) before the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Obama’s skill as an orator wowed the crowd and, while people stumbled over his exotic name, the liberal left noticed and anointed a new star, making him their very own political construct and hope for the White House in 2008.
We must be fair to Mr. Obama; when he gives a speech, he really delivers. There is no doubt that he is talented in delivering the rhetoric. Regardless of our powerful, intense and, apparently, accurate measures of the man, he also has “star power.” I think that’s why many opined that Obama was running against Sarah Palin – not John McCain.
Personally, I feel it’s too early for the Governor to announce her intention to run for office, but she’s right on track with creating a PAC, getting a book deal and taking steps to create a positive pubic image. If Governor Palin gets a strong team behind her, creates a solid plan for her political future and raises the funds she needs for a successful campaign, there is good reason for the liberal left to tremble.
Do I believe Sarah Palin, a controversial, conservative and charismatic politician can achieve our nation’s highest office? You betcha.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Feminism and Palin Panic
October 13, 2008
I first declared myself a feminist at the age of 14. In reality, I knew very little about feminism, but the ideal resonated with my strong sentiments about personal freedom. My activist English teacher discovered my interest in feminism and guided me to books by all of the popular feminist authors of the day. It was a lot for a young girl to absorb and understand. My teacher urged me to join the Student Senate, so that I could endorse her class on activism in our high school. At that time, I didn’t understand her motivation; I was just barely in my teens and still quite naive.
Today, my personal definition of feminism is very similar to what I believed in my youth; it simply means that a woman should be able to choose her own life path, work in a profession of her choosing and receive fair and equal compensation. A woman shouldn’t encounter or accept discrimination because of her gender.
So, why are feminists and others (still) alarmed by the popularity and respect so many have for Governor Palin? I find it baffling because I view Governor Palin as an example of my definition of a true feminist: she’s smart, savvy, ambitious, courageous and patriotic. She sought the highest office in her state and won. She is a mother, a Christian, a governor, a reformer and the first Republican woman nominated for the Vice Presidency.
My point is that she chose her own life path; she’s a mother and has a career. I thought that’s what feminism was all about – to be free, without discrimination, to choose our lifestyles, professions and interests. I believe Sarah Palin is one of the best feminist role models we have in public life.
While reading various blogs and message board posts, I am surprised by the comments and slurs by some posters. You don’t have to like her, agree with her or vote for her. You certainly don’t have to accept or even understand my endorsement of Governor Palin on the basis of feminism, politics or qualifications (and, yes, I thought she was very qualified) for the vice presidency. However, a little cool-headed discussion and/or disagreement would be more appropriate in your forums.
Let’s be honest – very few people are swayed by radical, epithet-ridden pointless diatribes. Just reading these puerile posts is depressing: are these messages representative of the collective American political mindset? Aren’t we capable of exchanging thoughts and disagreeing in principle without resorting to schoolyard bullying and name-calling?
If you're one of the hatemongers, please feel free to disagree with me, but tell me why – what is your position on my message? If you’re not bright enough to come up with some intelligent dialogue, well, I guess the only appropriate response, one that you’ll understand is: sticks and stones may …
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
I first declared myself a feminist at the age of 14. In reality, I knew very little about feminism, but the ideal resonated with my strong sentiments about personal freedom. My activist English teacher discovered my interest in feminism and guided me to books by all of the popular feminist authors of the day. It was a lot for a young girl to absorb and understand. My teacher urged me to join the Student Senate, so that I could endorse her class on activism in our high school. At that time, I didn’t understand her motivation; I was just barely in my teens and still quite naive.
Today, my personal definition of feminism is very similar to what I believed in my youth; it simply means that a woman should be able to choose her own life path, work in a profession of her choosing and receive fair and equal compensation. A woman shouldn’t encounter or accept discrimination because of her gender.
So, why are feminists and others (still) alarmed by the popularity and respect so many have for Governor Palin? I find it baffling because I view Governor Palin as an example of my definition of a true feminist: she’s smart, savvy, ambitious, courageous and patriotic. She sought the highest office in her state and won. She is a mother, a Christian, a governor, a reformer and the first Republican woman nominated for the Vice Presidency.
My point is that she chose her own life path; she’s a mother and has a career. I thought that’s what feminism was all about – to be free, without discrimination, to choose our lifestyles, professions and interests. I believe Sarah Palin is one of the best feminist role models we have in public life.
While reading various blogs and message board posts, I am surprised by the comments and slurs by some posters. You don’t have to like her, agree with her or vote for her. You certainly don’t have to accept or even understand my endorsement of Governor Palin on the basis of feminism, politics or qualifications (and, yes, I thought she was very qualified) for the vice presidency. However, a little cool-headed discussion and/or disagreement would be more appropriate in your forums.
Let’s be honest – very few people are swayed by radical, epithet-ridden pointless diatribes. Just reading these puerile posts is depressing: are these messages representative of the collective American political mindset? Aren’t we capable of exchanging thoughts and disagreeing in principle without resorting to schoolyard bullying and name-calling?
If you're one of the hatemongers, please feel free to disagree with me, but tell me why – what is your position on my message? If you’re not bright enough to come up with some intelligent dialogue, well, I guess the only appropriate response, one that you’ll understand is: sticks and stones may …
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
I Get It
February, 19, 2009
The day before the Inauguration, I was in my car driving home from the gym. As I turned down one street, I noticed a little house on my left; it was festooned with US flags, garlands, and twinkle lights. An African-American woman was on the porch excitedly chatting on her cellphone while continuing to adorn her home. Her countenance radiated enthusiasm, pride, patriotism and joy.
I realized that this lady’s happiness was in sharp contrast to my own disappointment and bewilderment over the man who won the vote for President.
As I watched this woman for a moment while waiting for the light to change, I remembered an email I received from a former client a few months earlier; he and his family were endorsing Obama and encouraging all of their friends to vote for him.
I met my former client during my first professional career as an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles. He is an African-American comedian/radio personality who retained my services for almost 10 years. During the decade that we worked together, I became well acquainted with him and his family.
Before I was retained by this client, my knowledge and association with African-Americans was limited. I was raised in a predominantly white neighborhood and had few friends of different ethnicities. There were racial tensions in the early days of high school, but those difficult days eventually subsided during the early – mid 1970s. Still, there was tension within the student body that occasionally created a divisive feeling between whites and blacks. It wasn’t until I started working my former client that I became a little more enlightened about the ethnic and cultural lives of African-Americans.
During the years of our association, I became good friends with my client’s wife. When I was diagnosed with a serious illness, Joan was by my side throughout the entire ordeal. I will never forget and will always be grateful for her calm, spiritual presence when I was frightened and ill.
Joan gave me a little window into her life, the racial climate in which she was raised (Atlanta, Georgia) and challenges she faced growing up in that area. Joan is a dignified individual – there is no anger, sense of entitlement or resentment. However, as she told me about her life and experiences, she revealed a world that was a bit different from mine. I knew, of course, that there is a chasm between races, perhaps less now than in the past, but Joan helped me see it from her perspective – a valuable gift to me.
I’m not pleased with the outcome of the election – that is my most polite statement on the subject. However, as I watched that woman preparing her home for a celebration, a day of symbolism and significance, I got it. A man was elected who represented many things to people of color: acceptance, success and recognition of not only their heritage, but of their dreams, too. I get that and I can respect those feelings.
One of my greatest regrets is that I would have loved to join in her jubilation and celebrate with her the fulfillment of the American promise of equality and fairness to all. Our nation witnessed an historic event and I am saddened that I couldn’t share the joy that millions felt on January 20th.
Prior to the election, I came to have very grave reservations about the qualifications, integrity and preparedness of Mr. Obama. I disagreed with his proposed agendas and policies before the election and I’m alarmed at the precipitous and ill-prepared actions of the new administration’s first days and weeks; it doesn’t portend well for the next four years.
As a former publicist, I know that he is a political construct of the far left. Behind the smoke, mirrors, flags, pseudo-presidential seals and Styrofoam Greek columns, I could see the image-makers and the media manipulation that influenced the opinions and votes of a hopeful country.
The president of the United States is often referred to as the most powerful man in the world (perhaps, someday soon, woman?). This nation needs a strong and learned leader to shepherd us through a complex and dangerous time in our history; the Oval Office is not the place for affirmative action or social experiments.
It’s wonderful to know that Americans can look beyond race and gender and consider a variety of candidates for high office. It speaks well of our tolerance and maturity. Nevertheless, we need, now more than ever, the best and most qualified individual to lead our nation. I don’t think the new inhabitant of the White House is ready or competent for the job, certainly his actions, words and deeds are proving my sentiments to be on target.
I have goodwill toward the lady with the patriotically-decorated porch. I’m happy for her happiness. Still, I will pray for our country and the man whose victory she proudly celebrated.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The day before the Inauguration, I was in my car driving home from the gym. As I turned down one street, I noticed a little house on my left; it was festooned with US flags, garlands, and twinkle lights. An African-American woman was on the porch excitedly chatting on her cellphone while continuing to adorn her home. Her countenance radiated enthusiasm, pride, patriotism and joy.
I realized that this lady’s happiness was in sharp contrast to my own disappointment and bewilderment over the man who won the vote for President.
As I watched this woman for a moment while waiting for the light to change, I remembered an email I received from a former client a few months earlier; he and his family were endorsing Obama and encouraging all of their friends to vote for him.
I met my former client during my first professional career as an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles. He is an African-American comedian/radio personality who retained my services for almost 10 years. During the decade that we worked together, I became well acquainted with him and his family.
Before I was retained by this client, my knowledge and association with African-Americans was limited. I was raised in a predominantly white neighborhood and had few friends of different ethnicities. There were racial tensions in the early days of high school, but those difficult days eventually subsided during the early – mid 1970s. Still, there was tension within the student body that occasionally created a divisive feeling between whites and blacks. It wasn’t until I started working my former client that I became a little more enlightened about the ethnic and cultural lives of African-Americans.
During the years of our association, I became good friends with my client’s wife. When I was diagnosed with a serious illness, Joan was by my side throughout the entire ordeal. I will never forget and will always be grateful for her calm, spiritual presence when I was frightened and ill.
Joan gave me a little window into her life, the racial climate in which she was raised (Atlanta, Georgia) and challenges she faced growing up in that area. Joan is a dignified individual – there is no anger, sense of entitlement or resentment. However, as she told me about her life and experiences, she revealed a world that was a bit different from mine. I knew, of course, that there is a chasm between races, perhaps less now than in the past, but Joan helped me see it from her perspective – a valuable gift to me.
I’m not pleased with the outcome of the election – that is my most polite statement on the subject. However, as I watched that woman preparing her home for a celebration, a day of symbolism and significance, I got it. A man was elected who represented many things to people of color: acceptance, success and recognition of not only their heritage, but of their dreams, too. I get that and I can respect those feelings.
One of my greatest regrets is that I would have loved to join in her jubilation and celebrate with her the fulfillment of the American promise of equality and fairness to all. Our nation witnessed an historic event and I am saddened that I couldn’t share the joy that millions felt on January 20th.
Prior to the election, I came to have very grave reservations about the qualifications, integrity and preparedness of Mr. Obama. I disagreed with his proposed agendas and policies before the election and I’m alarmed at the precipitous and ill-prepared actions of the new administration’s first days and weeks; it doesn’t portend well for the next four years.
As a former publicist, I know that he is a political construct of the far left. Behind the smoke, mirrors, flags, pseudo-presidential seals and Styrofoam Greek columns, I could see the image-makers and the media manipulation that influenced the opinions and votes of a hopeful country.
The president of the United States is often referred to as the most powerful man in the world (perhaps, someday soon, woman?). This nation needs a strong and learned leader to shepherd us through a complex and dangerous time in our history; the Oval Office is not the place for affirmative action or social experiments.
It’s wonderful to know that Americans can look beyond race and gender and consider a variety of candidates for high office. It speaks well of our tolerance and maturity. Nevertheless, we need, now more than ever, the best and most qualified individual to lead our nation. I don’t think the new inhabitant of the White House is ready or competent for the job, certainly his actions, words and deeds are proving my sentiments to be on target.
I have goodwill toward the lady with the patriotically-decorated porch. I’m happy for her happiness. Still, I will pray for our country and the man whose victory she proudly celebrated.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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