Talk about a unique opportunity to really become involved in our community. Prince William Conservation Alliance is having a Green Breakfast. No, the food won’t really be green but the conversation will.
Remembering one of our greatest Presidents, Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, in my opinion, is one of our bravest Presidents. Initially a resistant “abolitionist”, his intent only to save the Union, irregardless of slavery, he soon came to realize, it was not only the Union that was at risk, but the very soul of a nation, birthed on the premise of equality for all men. Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, was integral in Lincoln’s understanding that slavery was not only an evil circumstance for the slave, but for the slave owner also.
Lincoln, in a mere 10 sentences, delivered the most profound speech on the deeper meaning of the civil war. With a little more than 200 words, he seared into the soul of our collective moral compass, the foundation of our Nation, freedom and equality for all.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government : of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth
Corey, now is your opportunity to put your “money where your mouth is” , I know you want to!
Here is the perfect opportunity, for Corey, to implement his new found direction, away from the divisiveness of immigration and towards rebuilding our community. In the Washington Post today, the article focuses on the business license requirements in Prince William County.
Supervisor Martin E. Nohe (R-Coles), a small-business owner who expressed reservations about the business license requirement last year, said it could put Prince William at a competitive disadvantage because people in other counties can apply for their certification online or by mail.
“Anything that makes it harder to do business or adds an additional burden to small-business owners is fundamentally unfair,” he said.
Prince William’s ordinance went into effect July 1. The county issued 286 licenses last year. In January, it issued 148 licenses.
Mark Klein, another accountant whose clients are upset about the new law, said the policy strikes him as anti-business and is inconsistent with the county’s objective to promote economic growth.
As we can so easily recall, only yesterday, Corey was sharing his new found direction for the county.
Stewart’s approach is to push Republicans away from their emphasis on social issues and back in the direction of pocketbook concerns. Stewart, once the leading voice on tackling immigration, now carries a mantra of lower taxes to gatherings of statewide Republicans, to lawmakers in Richmond and to the board chambers where he helps guide county policy. And he has championed it in a manner unfamiliar to many who clashed with him on immigration.
You know the old saying Corey, ” you can’t turn the page, until you’ve read the one you are on”. It will be impossible to “turn the page on immigration”, unless and until, you deal with the consequences the various policies and your rhetoric have reaped upon our community. Repealing this measure is your chance to demonstrate your intentions to lead this county in a new direction, focusing on the issues that most of us care about–our long term fiscal health, our schools, and our ability to attract a great commercial base so that we are not dependent on our real estate taxes to thrive.
Bill O’Reilly Declares War on NY Times
So, apparently Bill O’Reilly has “declared war” on the NY Times for its most recent editorial, which by the way, was inspired to do a follow up editorial to clarify their position. The NY Times does NOT advocate “open borders” but instead believes in comprehensive immigration reform while addressing our border security at the same time.
Did you know that VDARE, a pre-eminent anti immigrant group, based their name of the first white child, Virginia Dare, born in the new American colonies? Anyway, I digress for a moment. Well, back to my premise about Bill. You will need to read the piece by the NY Times, “The Nativists are Restless” in order to fully understand his subsequent wrath. I also included a youtube video, which from my perspective, allows the viewer keen insight into some peoples fear about the new “color” of America. For anyone who does not believe that immigration eventually reduces itself to race, take a listen to what Bill O’Reilly’s biggest fear is……the disempowerment of “white Christian men”. Hmm, does the converse of that mean that as a “woman” and a “nonchristian”, I may be “guilty” of usurping his power and instead find myself in the fortunate position of gaining the power O’Reilly imagines he is losing?
Not that we didn’t know the war was already on but now it’s official – again.In a jaw-dropping series of segments on last night’s (2/2/09) O’Reilly Factor, Bill O’Reilly and each of his four guests attacked the New York Times for having the nerve to call O’Reilly and some FOX News regulars “racialist extremists” who are clinging to nativism in the hope that they can use illegal immigration as a wedge issue. A steady stream of right-wing pundits go on FOX and call liberals treasonous and worse. But on FOX, evidently, slurs are OK so long as you’re a Republican dishing them out. If you’re a Republican on the receiving end, it’s time for war. And that’s exactly what O’Reilly pledged repeatedly last night, with a unanimous chorus of support from each of the four guests involved. One of them, Jim Pinkerton, made the astounding statement that he was not involved in the Willie Horton campaign ads. There has been a lot of reporting otherwise. With video.
The first of three segments on the subject began with O’Reilly saying that the reason the Times favors amnesty for immigrants is “primarily” because it’s “a way to gain political power.” It was a charge he’d repeat several time that night without offering any evidence to support it.
KKK visits Haymarket
You just never know what someone might share over Challah french toast, scrambled eggs, and coffee! I had a little gathering for breakfast today, and to my shock, one of my guests who lives near Bull Run Mountain, out of the blue, says “hey, did I tell you that someone from the KKK delivered a newsletter at the end of my driveway?” With jaw open from shock, I reply “Uh, no, you didn’t tell me”.
So apparently, a little over a week ago, this person discovered this “news” piece at the end of their driveway. I asked if they knew if any other people had been lucky enough to get this “jewel” delivered, and they said they didn’t know. I wonder, why is it that the KKK believes that there is fertile ground in places like Prince William and Loudon Counties?
The Ku Klux Klan, which just a few years ago seemed static or even moribund compared to other white supremacist movements such as neo-Nazis, has experienced a surprising and troubling resurgence due to the successful exploitation of hot-button issues including immigration, gay marriage and urban crime. Klan groups have witnessed a surprising and troubling resurgence by exploiting fears of an immigration explosion, and the debate over immigration has in turned helped to fuel an increase in Klan activity, with new groups sprouting in parts of the country that have not seen much activity.
“yes we can”…….AND…Yes We Will… truimph as a Nation through this current crisis!
The message of President Obama (I know, its a day early, but this is the Inauguration thread!), is one of hope and belief, belief not only in ourselves, but in each other. I will be watching the event with several family members and friends. I feel like we are about to embark on a journey frought with joy and pain, hope and struggle, and if we can just weather this storm, not struggling simply to save ourselves, but save each other in the process, will will emerge as a nation, stronger and more unified.
YES WE CAN!
Is President Bush an illegal alien aider and abettor?
Oh no, President Bush is a liberal left wing illegal alien apologist, aiding and abetting the enemy? Although I am no fan of President Bush’s, I wonder, how do all the Republicans get past this idea of “compassionate conservatism” as it relates to illegal immigration? In this most recent article, the Washington Post demonstratesthat President Bush clearly sees the future of the Republican party on the precipice of a downward spiral unless a new inclusive dynamic is implemented.
Read More
Robb Pearson Joins AntiBVBL Discussion of Anti-immigrant Psychology — Rick B. and Michael Beg to Differ
Update: Today Robb Pearson, featured in the videos below, joined the conversation and answered a host of questions and comments from Anti posters. Thanks Robb for your insights into anti-illegal immigrant psychology.
For those not familiar with Robb Pearson’s story, you should watch the Part 1 before Part 2. In Part 1 Robb tells us how a hunger for attention prompted his transition from popular blogger to infamous anti-illegal immigrant activist. His honesty here sheds some light on the psychology of Greg Letiecq, whom he briefly references in this part of the interview.
But Part 2 contains a surprising revelation about the anti-illegal immigration mindset. If you think you understand the mindset now, you will understand it differently after watching this.
Citizenship does not equate to residency when in comes to college tuition rates!
A guest post by Katherine Gotthardt! Thank for your very thoughtful contribution regarding this very important life issue for so many young people who were brought to this country as children.
According to Inside Higher Ed, “The California Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal of a lower court’s ruling that placed in doubt the legality of a state law granting in-state tuition rates to some immigrant students who lack the legal authority to be residents of the state, the Los Angeles Times reported. While the California Supreme Court’s ruling would only be binding in that state, it could influence debates in other states with similar laws. Higher education officials and advocates for immigrants have worried that the lower court’s ruling, if it stands, could make it impossible for many of the students covered by the law to remain in college, given the large difference in tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students and the limited aid dollars available to students who are not legal U.S. residents.” (http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2009/01/05/qt)
The LA Times article says, “The California Supreme Court case revolves around a 2001 state law, known as AB 540, that permits the tuition breaks. Under the law, illegal immigrant students qualify for in-state rates if they attended a California high school for three years, graduated here and signed an affidavit saying they will apply for permanent residency as soon as they are eligible. The law has remained in effect during the legal challenge.” (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-immigtuition5-2009jan05,0,3248207.story)
Before considering this case, it is important to understand the admissions and financial aid systems.
Seriously, “Obama the Magic Negro”, sent out by RNC committee member?
Really, the whole story should make any mature adult wonder, “Seriously, are these people in a position of power?”
Apparently, Chip Saltsman, RNC member hoping to gain RNC chairmanship, actually thought, hey, sending out an offensive CD is a good idea! If I recall correctly, this past election, demonstrated clearly, that the Republican Party, in order to thrive, must deviate from old habits and start enticing a more diverse population to join their party. Ahh, hint Chris, THIS, is NOT the way to draw a more diverse membership.
Even the current RNC Chairman, Robert Duncan was “shocked and appalled” that one of his possible successors had sent out a CD this Christmas with the 2007 parody ” Barack the Magic Negro”. It’s one thing when Rush Limbaugh does it, but when such insensitivity is codified by the RNC, not good, not good P.R. at all.
(CNN) — A candidate for the Republican National Committee chairmanship said Friday the CD he sent committee members for Christmas — which included a song titled “Barack the Magic Negro” — was clearly intended as a joke.
“I think most people recognize political satire when they see it,” Tennessee Republican Chip Saltsman told CNN. “I think RNC members understand that.”
The song, set to the tune of “Puff the Magic Dragon,” was first played on conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh’s radio show in 2007.
Teenager, moved by plight of Sudanese women, raises money for fuel efficient stoves
Our discussion, from the last thread regarding the plight of Afghan women, led me to wonder, how DO we help women that are suffering in different parts of the world. Women, risk life and limb in Sudan, just to search out firewood in order to keep their families alive. Darfur, another place on Earth that more resembles Hell, than G-d’s earth, is another glaring example of women in danger. Compelled to take action, seventeen year old Spencer Brodsky, deciding that he could not idly stand by while women lost their lives or were raped simply because they had to search out firewood, raised money to buy fuel efficient stoves. One person can make a difference in the lives of strangers.
WASHINGTON (CNN) — In Sudan’s Darfur region, where violence and genocide are rampant, women risk their lives every day performing tasks as seemingly mundane as seeking out firewood.
But, from his suburban home, one Maryland teen has dedicated himself to making life a little safer for those women.
The United Nations estimates that 300,000 people have been slaughtered in the ongoing violence in the north African country. Countless others have been forced out of their homes and are living in refugee camps.
People living in the camps are relatively safe, but there is danger for the women and young girls who leave the compounds in search of firewood to cook meals. Firewood in the desert is scarce, and the women often have to walk up to seven hours to gather enough wood to bring back to their camps. Some women have been targeted, sexually assaulted and killed.
Spencer Brodsky, 17, learned about the violence and decided to raise money to purchase fuel-efficient stoves to send to Darfur. The stoves burn 75 percent less firewood.
John McCain, the Mack is Back!
Finding this article in the Yuma Sun, I was heartened to recognize the old John McCain being described. I am hopeful that he and Obama will be able to create the immigration reform this country desperately needs.
Remember the John McCain that many Arizonans grew to like over the years – the one who stuck by his principles but was not politically dogmatic or doctrinaire, and instead tried to represent the interests of people in general?
Well, that John McCain seems to be back after a long journey into the dark jungle of presidential politics where he seemed to veer from his familiar middle-of-the-road approach to politics – an approach that a lot of Arizonans prefer, based on their long support for him.
While here in Yuma he praised the work done on border security and fencing along the border, acknowledging the desire of many Arizonans and other Americans to have a secure, safe border as the top priority.
Yet he has not reduced his support for humane changes in our nation’s immigration policies. He wants reforms and better foreign worker programs so workers from Mexico and elsewhere who want to fill needed jobs in America can do so.
“These are God’s children, and there has to be a humane and compassionate approach to this issue (illegal immigration),” McCain told a Tucson newspaper.
Those words represent the McCain we have known for years, the one who could upset not only Democrats but also Republicans because he set his own agenda. The word “maverick” when it comes to politicians is probably over-used, but in the case of John McCain it fits.
Viagra, a new way to turn the tide in Afghanistan?
Is this what 21st century warfare looks like….handing out Viagra? Apparently, the U.S. military is using new and unusual tactics to win over Afghan Chiefs. In this latest article in the Washington Post, the idea is, in order to gain information and earn the trust of Afghan Chiefs, we, as in the U.S., must be willing to think of unique ideas to entice cooperation from tribal leaders. Hey, if it saves live of innocent Afghans and our soldiers, I say hand out as many little blue pills as it takes! As long as we are building schools for girls, in conjunction with happy pills, I am fine with this strategy. In the end, the way to “win” this war, is to “win” over the Afghan’s themselves and make the Taliban as unpopular as possible.
The Afghan chieftain looked older than his 60-odd years, and his bearded face bore the creases of a man burdened with duties as tribal patriarch and husband to four younger women. His visitor, a CIA officer, saw an opportunity, and reached into his bag for a small gift.
Four blue pills. Viagra.
“Take one of these. You’ll love it,” the officer said. Compliments of Uncle Sam.
The enticement worked. The officer, who described the encounter, returned four days later to an enthusiastic reception. The grinning chief offered up a bonanza of information about Taliban movements and supply routes — followed by a request for more pills.
For U.S. intelligence officials, this is how some crucial battles in Afghanistan are fought and won. While the CIA has a long history of buying information with cash, the growing Taliban insurgency has prompted the use of novel incentives and creative bargaining to gain support in some of the country’s roughest neighborhoods, according to officials directly involved in such operations.
A tangible way to help the Smith family, bring food for Jean and Jim’s wake!
On our thread, while discussing the tragedy of Jean and Jim Smith, many people shared their pain regarding this horrific event. I wondered if there was a way we could help this family, whether we knew Jean or Jim, did not matter to me. I received a call from someone today, that indeed, there is a way for us to help. Apparently there may be up to 1,000 people attending the wake on Saturday. Clearly, food is going to be in great need, along with many other items. At this point, there is still a need for macaroni salad, potato salad, and hot casseroles. For those who would like to help, here is a tangible way for us to show our respect for the lives of these two people. I will post the parameters of the specific request below. This thread is ONLY about helping this family, NOT about race, not about gun control, not about any political issue whatsoever. Thank you in advance for respecting this request to keep the thread on topic and also for any help you can offer the Smith family.
Date:Saturday, December 27th
Place:Holy Family Catholic Church, 14160 Ferndale Road, Dale City
Time: between 11:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Request: macaroni salad, potato salad, hot casseroles (please bring in disposable tins to ensure easy clean up). Please LABEL on top what item you have brought.
Please bring food directly to Gym
I have been asked to keep track of who is bringing what, so please let me know via the blog thread or if you have my personal e-mail address
Thanks again 🙂
Couple who named child Adolf Hitler, denied custom birthday cake
The most telling part of this story is when the father of little three year old Adolf Hitler, recounted,
“he was raised not to avoid people of other races but not to mix with them socially or romantically. But he said he would try to raise his children differently.”
To me, this story demonstrates, cleary, how mistrust of others is passed on through generations. If this dad really watned to have an open circle of friends for his children, he would not have named them “pariah” names.
EASTON, Pa. – The father of 3-year-old Adolf Hitler Campbell, denied a birthday cake with the child’s full name on it by one New Jersey supermarket, is asking for a little tolerance. Heath Campbell and his wife, Deborah, are upset not only with the decision made by the Greenwich ShopRite, but with an outpouring of angry Internet postings in response to a local newspaper article over the weekend on their flare-up over frosting.
Deborah Campbell, 25, said she phoned in her order last week to the ShopRite. When she told the bakery department she wanted her son’s name spelled out, she was told to talk to a supervisor, who denied the request.
Karen Meleta, a spokeswoman for ShopRite, defended the supermarket. She said the Campbells had similar requests denied at the same store the last two years and said Heath Campbell previously had asked for a swastika to be included in the decoration.
“We reserve the right not to print anything on the cake that we deem to be inappropriate,” Meleta said. “We considered this inappropriate.”
The Campbells ultimately got their cake decorated at a Wal-Mart in Pennsylvania, Deborah Campbell said.
The Campbells’ other two children also have unusual names: JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell turns 2 in a few months and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell will be 1 in April.
