Where are the Consequences?

Freed reporter Steve Centanni made it an early point in his first public comments. He stated he hoped he and Olaf Wiig's kidnapping ordeal would not dissuade other reporters from continuing to venture into Gaza to "tell the story of the Palestinians".

"I hope that this never scares a single journalist away from coming to Gaza to cover the story because the Palestinian people are very beautiful and kind hearted," Centanni told reporters. "The world needs to know more about them. Don't be discouraged."

These sentiments have been parroted numerous times since by Fox News reporters as they covered the release of these two. They are always followed by accolades about the "professionalism" and admirable dedication to their efforts to get the story at whatever costs.

No doubt it is a brave thing to say. What could be braver?

Would it perhaps require more courage to declare the absolute barbarity of the act of these terrorists? In essence, the Free World was again held hostage alongside of these two men. We prayed for them and their families. We watched each kernel of news with anticipation and hope. We remotely lived the uncertainty of what would be the eventual destiny of these captured men. They were held longer than others before them. There was more time that elapsed
before the inevitable video was released of yet two more of our hostages held against their will and means. There were demands of terrorist prisoner releases, deemed 'equivalent' in the minds of the captors, with deadlines that came and went. More uncertainty followed... would they kill or torture them? Would they release them ever? Who were these "new" animals who claimed membership in a never before heard of group of "freedom fighters" called the Holy Jihad Brigades?

Ultimately and thank God, they were "released". On Sunday morning, Fox News reporter Kelly Wright even made the brief mistake of stating it as a "rescue". It certainly was nothing of the kind. We did not know where they were or who was holding them. And we were evidently powerless to find out.

Wiig's wife, Anita McNaught, thanked Palestinian officials. This after she previously sat days before, on camera, with wives and relatives of terrorist prisoners and stated her "sympathies" for their plight.

Does this spectacle seem contradictory and bother anyone but me?

More from the Fox News article:

"Before the journalists' release, a new video was released, showing Wiig and Centanni dressed in beige Arab-style robes. Wiig, of New Zealand, delivered an anti-Western speech, his face expressionless and his tone halting. The kidnappers claimed both men had converted to Islam."

Haniyeh also confirmed the kidnappers were from Gaza, squashing speculation that Al Qaeda had directed the abduction. "The kidnappers have no link to Al Qaeda or any other organization or faction," Haniyeh said. "Al Qaeda as an organization does not exist in the Gaza Strip."

So Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh "confirmed" that there was no Al Qaeda connection and that's it? It is absolute and unchallenged because he says so?

It remained unclear whether the kidnappers had ties to Hamas or the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a violent offshoot of Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement. A third group, the Popular Resistance Committees, claimed Sunday it had helped mediate the release of the journalists.

Would that be the same Hamas that was alleged to have coordinated with Hezbollah in their near simultaneous attacks and kidnappings on Israel just a few weeks back? The same Hamas that also reportedly received its' directions and timings from Iran to remove attention from their escalating nuclear program? Iran has no ties, connections or relations with Al Qaeda?

This has been nothing but beneficial for the armed thugs in the Palestinian territories. It got them publicity and undeserved whining about a conflict that they themselves have created and continue to perpetuate. We sit around now and extol our gratitude ...our prayers have been answered for the release of Centanni and Wiig.

We are grateful. It is the answer to our prayers.

But let's at the very least be honest! It has been nothing more than a massive pro-terrorism propaganda lesson for those of like minds amongst the enemy.

Consequences? There have been none for the terrorists. We bear them all. Even after the fact, our cowering and effective appeasement continues. And in doing so, reinforced by calls to continue to "report" the "Palestinian side", we relegate ourselves to further repeats of the episode. Shouldn't there be some basic standards of conduct to maintain our continuation of subjecting our reporters to these potential dangers? Why do they get a blank slate while we the civilized are forever held to the highest standards?

If it was a movie, now would be the time for the fade out to terrorist smirks and laughter...


*UPDATE*

Brit Hume at Fox News is so good at calling reality... reality! How old fashioned! Many thanks to Ms. Underestimated for transcribing his words for all of us to treasure.

(PS: Juan Williams remains an insufferable apologist and stubborn idiot.)

Yes, and what an appealing faith these thugs must believe Islam is, that conversions have to be effected at the point of a gun. And what of the argument that all of the ills and troubles that beset the Palestinian people, that lead them to terrorism, are the cause of what they endlessly refer to as the illegal Israeli occupation.

Consider the latest rounds of trouble in Gaza and Lebanon, two places from which Israel has withdrawn.

It has been noted that not for one day after the Israeli pullout from Gaza did the rocket attacks that came from Gaza ever stop. We’re not dealing here with something that is susceptible to a political resolution of the kind of which the State Department and many a president has dreamed.

We’re dealing here with a lawless enemy whose goal far transcends any side-by-side, two-state solution. That isn’t going to do it. We’re dealing with a terrorist, gangland-style enemy, which I think it’s fair to conclude, and this episode only further illustrates it, must be defeated [emphasis mine].

Theresa Peguese:
Emulation of New McKinney-esque "Standards"

Theresa Peguese (I) is a Councilwoman in Ecorse, Michigan, who now stands accused of striking Mayor Larry Salisbury on July 18th during a council meeting. She was arguing, and apparently losing the disagreement, on behalf of a resident when she decided it was time to play the "McKinney Card".

Prosecuting Attorney Bill Colovos stated that she could get up to 93 days in jail if convicted (yeah, right!) and that, after reviewing the videotape of the incident (I'm still trying to get it), she "was out of control" and "is in need of some serious anger management classes".

According to the reports,

...the police chief was at the meeting when Peguese and Salisbury began arguing over a zoning ordinance that dictates rules for building manufactured houses in the city.

Peguese was siding with a resident who wanted to build a modular home, despite the city attorney telling her that the council didn't have the authority to bypass zoning rules.

"Councilwoman Peguese continued by saying that this would not be the first time that City Council would have committed a criminal act," Anthony's report says.

The mayor then told Peguese that she "should be the last person to call someone 'criminal,'" the report says.

After telling the mayor he didn't want to "go there," the report says Peguese walked toward Salisbury "in what appeared to be an effort to engage him in a fight."

Standing within inches of Salisbury's face, the report says, Peguese "struck the mayor in the chest and neck area with both of her hands, causing him to stumble backward into his desk."

Council members Robert Hellar and Angela Smith, along with Anthony, restrained Peguese as the mayor left through a back door. The police chief immediately took Peguese into another room to question her about what had just happened.

"Councilwoman Peguese calmly acknowledged that she had assaulted the mayor because she did not like being called a 'criminal,'" the report says. "She also apologized for her behavior and stated that she was prepared to be arrested."

While there's no mention of any racial slurs in the report, Peguese told The News-Herald that what led to her confronting the mayor was that he called her a "n——- criminal."

That's not in the report, Salisbury said, because it didn't happened [sic].

"I never referred to Ms. Peguese by the n-word or any other racial slur," Salisbury wrote in a letter to The News-Herald. "I can only imagine that if I had used this derogatory and demeaning term toward her or any other African-American, I would have been immediately denounced and the council meeting would have evolved into chaos, if not riot.

"Those things did not happen because there were no racial epithets used or uttered. Isn't it odd that this allegation didn't come up immediately, but only surfaced several days after her attack on me?"

Does this sound familiar? Remember it was a couple of days before superabundant Cindy skillfully submitted the 'Race Card'? Also recall that one of her whip threatened a reporter who was following her for comment as she ascended the steps of Congress a few days later?

After being interviewed by the police chief that night and released pending further review, Peguese allegedly threatened a resident before she left City Hall.

Police Officer Lawrence Rivera, who was called into the council chambers for crowd control, said he saw Peguese point a finger at a 67-year-old woman and threaten her by saying: "And you, you will get yours from me. I don't care if I have to do life for it."

Rivera said he also heard Peguese say, "People do not know who they are messing with."

Perhaps that is what she would like to believe, but I'd say we're "messing with" the first of the offspring of Cindy's New Rules. As always, they call them precedents for a good reason. Slippery Slope Surfing, anyone?

Theresa apparently is also the self proclaimed "CEO" of a private company she calls D&T Express. While it is supposedly a private construction company who has had contracts with the city in the past (allegedly illegal and the reason for her two month expulsion from the Council back in September of 2004), it seems to be offering website development at this site, opening with the enticing line:

"I like to welcome all personels [sic] to the web site of D&T Express which was astablish [sic] in 1997 which has grough [sic] through the years."

Very ummmm... polished. Have a look around. It exudes professionalism and attention to detail don't you think? Maybe they can do sumpin' for you, too?

Haloscan Comments Enabled

Thanks to a recommendation, switchover guidance and some custom code that Kevin at Blogiburton made for me, Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog. His script has allowed me to retain my old posted comments as well as now be Trackback enabled. What a nice thing for him to do... Thanks, Blogi!

My apologies for the gap in posting here. Work, family and life have been rather pre-occupying these last few days. Additionally, I have been watching the progress of Israel's surrender to terrorism. More to come...

Israel: You Deserve
What You Will Now Get...
Again

With the deaths and maiming of its' innocent northern citizenry, numerous dead and wounded soldiers, kidnapped soldiers still unreturned (or even solidly verified alive), Hezbollah remaining in southern Lebanon and still launching rockets, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has agreed to a ceasefire. He had an estimated 90+ % support from his country's people in the war effort yet he has folded and promised to have his troops cower and withdraw, recognizing officially Hezbollah as if it were some legitimate entity rather than the organized band of murderers they truly are. What a stunning surrender from a now publicly weak kneed "leader"!

Well, it got tough, huh? ...too difficult to route out these terrorists? Afterall, Condi, Kofi and Co. have encouraged it as the sensible move (no surprise here... these are the same people who have effectively condoned and recognized Hamas as leaders of the Palestinians). And hey, Rice did point out that there is a provision in their "declaration" that there can be no support or resupplying of Hezbollah via Syria or Iran... or ELSE! Or else they will be in violation of the UN Resolution!

Whoopdie-f***in'-dooo!

When did this world's human population morph into such withering, repentant, self-flagellating lambs?

There will be 15,000 or so UNIFIL troops from Italy, France, Turkey (and others) who will now supposedly go into southern Lebanon and oversee the withdrawal of the surely dejected Israeli troops. Then, you can bet your hind quarters, they will oversee the repopulation/resupply of the area by Hezbollah. While the Iranians and Syrians celebrate the victory, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah will maneuver into his always sought position of the being next Lebanese President. And now that these wizards have just made him a hero to his terrorist supporters, he will make it to his goal.

Nice job, Jorge, Kofi, Condi and Ehud. You have just guaranteed that this will be a significant downturning point in the worldwide war against Jihadistan. It could have been a victory, but not without the spine that you all have replaced with a jello-like Sheehan/Murtha intestine.

My sympathy for the Israelis just dwindled to squat doodle. You don't speak up loudly when 90% of you understood the threat and authorized the sacrifice of your people to fight it? You don't flat footedly cry out against your Prime Minister's cowardice and rancid appeasement?

Then you deserve the spoils that Hezbollah will bring you. Fools.


*UPDATE*

Alas, the completely predictable materializes:

Hezbollah Claims Victory Against Israel

Hezbollah Claims Big Victory

Hezbollah inspires Hamas

Olmert is an Idiot!


UPDATE #2:

Emboldened by Israel's cowardly cease fire cave-in, terrorists in Gaza have now kidnapped two Fox News journalists. What mystical 'shield of steel' do reporters in the press think that they have when dealing with such savages? Say some prayers for Steve Centanni (USA) and freelance cameraman Olaf Wiig (New Zealand)... we are ALL targets. Israel's astonishing mistake is one we will all heavily pay for.

While Liberals may miss the significance, Iran, Syria and all Al Qaeda subsets were counting on this weakness and will capitalize on it. Jorge Bush and Condi Rice are directly responsible for their collaboration and encouragement in this shameful charade they call a "solution"! They have elevated a bloodthirsty terrorist gang to the same status as a nation through recognition and appeasement via the amoebas in the UN. Premature, but it will prove true when Nasrallah becomes the next President of Lebanon.

What an abominable failure!


UPDATE #3:

I highly respect and enjoy reading Jeff Goldstein. He has a very different and much more encouraging "take" on this "ceasefire" that is excellent reading. I sure hope he proves me wrong, but I still remain unconvinced.

Maintaining That Warm,
Secure "Feeling"

Michael Chertoff pisses me off!

Tuesday, he gave us Saran Wrap assurances that the 11 missing Egyptians that arrived in New York on student visas and then vanished, ALL of them (three now captured) supposedly in transit to their claimed destination at Montana State University, were just kids skipping school:

Homeland [Imaginary] Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was less than pleased when the Federal Bureau of Investigation put out a BOLO (be-on-the-lookout) for 11 Egyptian students who failed to show up for class.

“The secretary was not happy that we went so far for a just a bunch of kids who cut class,” said one senior Homeland Security official. “It’s a visa violation not a national security matter. “

Today, as his follow up, he has fulfilled his view of his job description by keeping that glowing, fuzzy oozing and telling the American public:

"our aviation system remains safe and secure"

Rubbish! Only two days after the 'students' have coincidentally, simultaneously gone missing and London is essentially shut down to all incoming and outgoing air travel from a huge discovered terrorist plot, he somehow feels compelled to continue to lull Americans into some happy sing song that we all continue to cheerfully live within our 'bubble of safety'.

Preparedness for attack, caution, keen observant skills peaked, family plans and emergency supplies in place, home defense measures at the ready, full tank of fuel and back-up gas can, radio and spare batteries... These are USEFUL reminders the Homeland Mythical Security Secretary could have calmly, assertively encouraged Americans to have in place. We don't know where this is going and what may still be yet undiscovered! He could have emphasized calm but realistic acceptance of the facts and what their implications might be. There will be little to no time potentially when a disaster terrorist strike of epic proportions occurs... again.

One headline last evening on the news was that polls in Israel reflect that over 90% of its' civilian population is supportive of their country's war effort and remain prepared for the worst at all times. What would it take to replicate the same consensus and demeanor in the USA?

Factually based Leadership without the sugary happy faces!

There is no such thing as safety. Chertoff is perpetuating this Liberal falsehood to the detriment of us all. Liberalism, and all it doesn't stand for, has poisoned this country, seemingly permanently.

Better Living
Through Totalitarian Theocracy

Research promises that there will eventually be
no sex starved Iranian citizen.

Blogi Does It Again

Damn, this is GOOD!

As If She Was
Waiting For My Cue...

The whining blame game begins. She lost by a full 19% yet she predictably claims it must have been the electronic voting machines... a real "threat to our democracy".

Cindy, honey... tell me about "hard work".


*UPDATE*

McKinney staff members got physical with media reporters... twice... AGAIN!

*UPDATE #2*

Who would have believed she could actually lose (again)? Afterall, she has had Al Jazeera's endorsement for years now:

"Cynthia McKinney, an honest, progressive, and brave Congress woman from the 4th district of Georgia. She was among the few representatives who dared not to support the pro-Israel resolution, in April, which rewarded Israeli aggressors. As a result, she is being targeted by pro-Israel groups to prevent her reelection in August, 2002. If you care about a genuine representative, who cares about Georgria [sic] and the United States, support Cyntia [sic] McKinney."

When Stripes Diverge

McKinney's absence from the debates apparently suggested to Georgia's DemoRats that perhaps that isn't what 'representation' is all about? So they canned her most plentiful ass. What a wonderful breakfast item (although I did expect it) to awaken to! That loud mouth, cellophane classic won't be missed in my household. Doesn't it make you wonder what kind of conversation she will have with herself in the aftermath? It seems it was beyond her comprehension that she could be rejected yet again. What I really look forward to is her littany of "reasons" excuses and blame that are sure to follow. Stay tuned to this channel... whining up ahead.

What I find particularly interesting here is that Cynthia was not ejected by Dem's to install a pro-defense, conservative type alternative... Johnson stands on no more competent platform than she did. He is just a different face of the same plate full of muck. He is, however, a different entity and that is all that seems to be really required by the lefty voters. Image is everything and he hasn't slapped any cops (yet) and he did show up for the pre-election debates. Poof! You're elected! Who needs substance or direction when you are a Liberal?

Meanwhile, up in Connect-'em-up, the Party of Surrender has beheaded the guy who sat dutifully by Algore in their determined march towards defeat just six short years ago. He was endorsed and extolled as the 'tough' example of the Democratic wingers... the man they all affirmed to take over Al's footsteps in the event of a Presidential catastrophe. Man, this is a GREAT day!

Lieberman is LIBERAL to the core, except he believes that we ought to kill terrorists who want to kill us. Well, that's just not good enough for those "let's all hold hands and hug" Peaceniks. No, Sir... sounds too much like a Republican to them. We now have another golden example of where the party faithful's hearts and minds truly lie... Well, they don't actually lie. You can't run away or wave a white flag while lying down. Now old Joe must leave the party and run as an Independant to have a shot at remaining in his state's Senatorial seat. The icing on this eastern version West Coast Cake will be if he LOSES come November. I like it when the Libs show us where their importance is placed. Running away is a great cardiac workout.

I have faith that the rest of American voters will clearly see this as the defining moment. This is GOOD for Republicans. The people figured it out in 2000, again in 2004 and those same voters will be paying attention this year as well. Conservative views and values do not flip flop, nor do the people who espouse them. The "Progressive" rhetoric will be loud as always, but the truth will speak louder. Every time the Jihadis make another move against freedom and liberty, people will consider the 'facts of Democratic acts'.

Where are the Democrats really turning? Left, center, or....

A Phenomenal Story

I am late finding this, but at least I didn't miss it altogether. Read this exceptional novella of the demise of a bar room brawler who learned the hard way. It delivers a poignant lesson surely irretrievable by most Liberals. But since Liberals don't read my tirades here anyway, the rest of you certainly will get it.

Thanks to Mr. David Bogner at Treppenwitz. Fantastic job!

Frigid French Flavored Flatulence

Well, "Here we go now!" ...(fade in hot rocking Cooper Tire commercial background music)...





















The Middle East is about to suddenly go silent and all hostilities are about to end... "permanently". Why? Because France says it will be so (and besides, not able to resist yet another opportunity to appear equally as foolish, we have concurred). And thus, it will be so. *meretricious echo* Amen... er... Allah Akbar!!

Who knew how easily this has been to solve all these years? How could we have overlooked the appeasement surrender diplomatic capabilities of our fair weather close friends in France? I mean, come on now... who else would we go to for professional instruction/demonstration on how to construct and wave a White Flag?

Well, I sure will sleep better tonight knowing that France has eradicated the Hezbo threat and put those damnable Joooooooooooos in their place!

Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah...
Facts vs. Myths

I found this linked from Age of Hooper's excellent site. While I agree with him that I also try to be something other than just a "link board" and present as much original material and my own opinions here, this is simply too good not to point out. It is short and very well presented. Don't miss viewing it!

Hezbollah Investigates
Espionage Allegations

Learned from multiple years of the examples set by American 'Progressive' Liberals and in accordance with their commitment to fair, humane treatment of suspected collaborators with the "Zionist aggressors", Hezbollah shows the world the depth of their concern for the well being of the alleged Lebanese conspirators.

No wonder Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora stands in solidarity with his countries' saviors from Iran!

Knowledge of these acts of consideration and kindness must do much to dispel any possible early on concerns by these other 50 Israeli criminals. Liberals were right. Look what their repeated whiney requests for civility and measured conduct with these "misunderstood militants" have finally brought to fruition...

"Just give Peace a chance, Baby!"

Good Thing Israel Is Apparently Serious...

Because the rest of the players seem to be waffling around with each change of wind direction. The UN is busy coming up with another resolution of fantasy. We are trying to figure out when it is politically ideal to endorse a cease fire. And the French are ready to gallantly march into southern Lebanon and "save the day" for the best political "we're so KEWL" points they have seen a chance of scoring in, oh, well, maybe a decade or so.

Yeppir, gotta' luv that France! They will keep things secure... AFTER the Israelis do all the heavy lifting and WITH the "assistance" of other countries (like Italy). Once they can get GUARANTEES that they won't have to actually do anything to quell any violence, or in any way risk getting their respective white diapered, wussy asses shot off, for every reason political and no reason humanitarian... the French stand ready to pretty much, well damn near, almost somewhat totally secure Israel from rocket fire and protect Hezbollah from uh, er... unfair oppression. Just another example of why the world needs and reveres France.

(And don't worry, they really mean it, too!)