Col. Van Barfoot, True American Hero

Ret. Col. Van Barfoot, 90 years of age, veteran of WW II, Korea and Vietnam, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, lives in a modest residential community outside Richmond, VA.

Every morning at dawn, Col. Barfoot raises his American flag up a 21' flag pole that stands proudly in his front yard.  Every evening at dusk, he lowers that same flag and folds it tri-corner style.  Every day without fail, he dutifully carries out this ritual.

Col. Barfoot is a relatively new resident of this community and his daughter lives several houses away. The homeowners' association of this community hired an attorney who in turn sent Col. Barfoot a registered letter.  This letter told the Colonel that he had a specific amount of time to remove this pole or face legal action.  They cited their demand based on the Homeowner's Association covenants, prohibiting such things that are not "aesthetically pleasing."  How does one define that?  The letter further stated that if he continues to violate this order and fails to remove it by the deadline, he faces daily fines, court costs, and legal fees.

The Colonel's daughter told a local media station that this is physically upsetting her father.  He has been flying his flag on vertical poles as long as he can remember.  The Col. did try to play by the rules, seeking permission before erecting it.  The HOA denied it. When he wanted to appeal, they refused any type of further dialog.

Pictures of him and his home are all over the internet.  A facebook page has also been started on his behalf and as of the this time,  he has over 31,000 friends and supporters. That number continues to grow by the hour.
Numerous organizations have taken up his fight.  Attorneys have offered their assistance pro bono.  This man is a war hero of 3 wars, risking his life, taking prisoners and saving other lives in the process.  Why the hell can't he fly his flag on his own property?  How is flying the American flag on a 21' pole on his front yard an eye sore to others?


The home owner's association says it's not about the flag, but the flag pole.  They demand he conform to standards and do what every one else does.  Why the hell should he?  There is absolutely nothing in the HOA rules that expressly forbids free standing flagpoles.  I'm no attorney, but it's possible he's got a case.  I'm also thinking he's got a lot of friends in high places.
Senators, Governors, VFW, Veteran's Admin, Medal of Honor Society, Patriot Guard Riders, active and retired military personnel, hundreds of thousands strong, are coming to his defense.
 Friday, December 11 is his D-day for this hearing.  I am following this story closely.


Like a true soldier, he will fight for what is right.


Sir, thank you for fighting for our freedom.  We owe you a debt of gratitude.

Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005










The Colonel's home




Footnote:  As of Dec. 8, the law firm of Coates and Davenport withdrew as attorneys representing the Essex Square Homeowner's Association.  
By late in the afternoon, the HOA issued a press release indicating that they would no longer seek legal action against the Colonel.  His flag pole could stay.
I just love happy endings.

DATELINE: Lakewood, WA

Less than a week ago, 4 police officers were viciously gunned down while they were sitting in a coffee shop.  The murderer, Clemmons, was a violent repeat offender, who had been pardoned by then Gov. Huckabee of AR. Huckabee readily admits his mistake, because it seems he thought this dreg of society could be rehabilitated.
Huckabee can't ever make it right.  A lousy apology isn't going to make a difference.
Their blood is on your hands, Huckabee.  How do you sleep at night?

Immediately after this horrible incident, law enforcement everywhere focused on their mission.  Get Clemmons off the street before his police killing spree continued.  One lone police officer, who's name may or not have been released, took the bastard out when Clemmons refused to obey his commands to surrender.  Whoever you are, you have the gratitude of many who wore and continue to wear the badge.

Police blogs everywhere are filled with a varying degree of emotions, along with many memoriams that include pictures of the slain police officers.
Another picture, which could be described as gruesome to the uninitiated, but satisfying to those that suffered this horrendous loss, is of Clemmons lying dead on the road.  The picture is of poor quality but it is obvious Clemmons has a bullet hole in his gut.  I suspect it was taken by an officer or medic off of a cell phone.  Whoever you are, you gotta a lot a balls man!  I seriously hope they never, ever find out who you are.  The brass will rip you a new one and who knows what the media will do.
I will also admit that you sent it to the right source.  DSL will watch your back.

My sympathies and kudos....

            May they rest in peace                                                    

                                                        

In memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice....

The Sea of Blue

So many have gathered together, people you don't even know,

Brothers and Sisters alike, who have all suffered a blow.

They have come from near and far, so many different places.

Among this sea of blue, exists nothing but somber faces.

While you stand attention, so rigid and so numb,

you never wanted to believe that this day might come.

How you hoped you would never have to be in this line.

These indelible images, that will be forever frozen in time.

The line that serves and protects is always true,

a line that will never be anything but long, thin and blue.

Each one that wears the badge upon their chest, 

knows that they are a breed unlike the rest.

Badges of silver and gold, adorned in black mourning bands,

all are spit and polish, white gloves on their hands.

Assembled together, paying homage to one of their own.

Always they will stand together, but today, they stand alone.

With precision steps, the honor guard will pass by,

and then skillfully, they will point their rifles to the sky.

In deference, rigid arms will be raised in salute,

while twenty-one shots will signal silent prayers of tribute.

Almost immediately, the soft whines of the pipes will commence,

praising our fallen hero with its melodic song of reverence.

As "Amazing Grace" reverberates it woeful tune in to your heart,

none will find solace when the sea of blue has been torn apart.

6-7-98

The 9/11 Trials

The US Attorney General, in all of his infinite wisdom, has decided that five Gitmo "detainees" are going on trial for their part in the 9/11 attacks.  These defendants will be brought to NYC where they will be tried in a civilian court, and afforded all the same constitutional rights as any other accused individual.  In other words, we're going to give them the benefit of a public trial by jury and a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Yep, their sorry asses are being transported back to the very city they are accused of decimating.
Can you just imagine finding an unbiased juror in NYC - of all places?  
This is the answer to the present administration's campaign promise to shut down Gitmo? 

This decision has drawn the ire of family members affected by the tragedy, politicians, and law enforcement.  The Police Commissioner says the city can efficiently deal with the security of this high profile trial. Of course he'd say that.  He works for a Democrat.  Former Mayor Giuliani states it's a slap in the face to the victims and an expensive endeavor.  The majority of Republicans would not only rather have a military tribunal, but in concurring with Giuliani's assessment, it should be held in a less populated area at a lower cost to the taxpayers.

On November 23, 2001, Pres. Bush signed an executive order that outlines the detention, treatment and subsequent trial of those individuals suspected of carrying out acts of terrorism.  
A military tribunal is specifically designed to try enemy forces during wartime.  Effectively, the charges would have to be brought by a military authority and the defendants would be prosecuted and sentenced by the military.  The Secretary of Defense would then assess and decide on the location, acting in the best interest of national security.  
In theory, that was a sound order as it would perhaps deter further potential war crimes because technically, we're at war with terrorists.


But the Democrats want to go all moralistic on this matter, perhaps under the misguided belief that we will garner respect from other nations when in fact, we will just be the laughing stock.  All this political posturing is just giving the terrorists what they want, and its putting NYC right back in to the bulls eye.

These terrorist themselves have, in so many words, confessed to their jihadist intentions and are prepared to die all in the name of their fucked up religion.  I say that we have wasted enough time and money on these low life towel heads.  They should NOT be afforded the rights of our Constitution that they are so intent on destroying. 

In this case, the 8th amendment prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment shouldn't apply to these bastards.  Merely executing them is not enough.

May you rot in hell.

Citizens and the Concealed Weapon

Applications for concealed carry permits have tripled in the last year.

I have recently read some comments on other blogs concerning gun rights and ownership.  A number of over-educated liberal morons who know absolutely nothing about handguns, and have obviously led sheltered lives, have been spouting insane theories.  Some have gone so far as to say handguns should be banned, period.  
Mayor Daley of Chicago blamed the Ft. Hood shootings on the easy accessibility of  handguns.  No offense, Mr. Mayor, but you have no idea what you're fucking talking about!  
In the great state of Texas, them's considered fightin' words.  Texans are not easily pushed around and remember, they're a red state.  "Don't mess with Texas!"


Facts being what they are;


In 1975 Washington, DC, the "murder capital" of the US, enacted legislation called the "Firearms Regulation Control Act."  This act prohibited people from keeping firearms that were operable, in their home for the purpose of self defense. Yes, you could have a gun in your home, but it had to be registered with the police and had to be disassembled.  Somebody please tell me why I would want a non-functioning gun in the first place!  History proves that Washington DC began it's rapid rise in crime and urban blight through the 80's and 90's.

Now, the 2nd amendment to the constitution reads in part..."a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed upon."
The case of Warren v. District of Columbia ruled that it should not criminalize self defense when it is not legally obligated to defend the people.  These gun laws forced law abiding citizens to choose between protecting their lives or breaking the law.
The police cannot guarantee your safety nor are they obligated to protect you.  Who will protect you?
I sure as hell can't do it with a non functioning gun and I can't call a time out so I can put it together.  Oh wait, I forgot, it's against the freakin' law for me to kill somebody who is trying to kill me.  Shit!  That sucks doesn't it?
Facts prove that the crime rate goes DOWN when law abiding citizens can arm themselves.

In 2008, the US Supreme Court ruled the District of Columbia's Firearms Regulation Act as unconstitutional, summarizing that people have the right to have a working weapon in their home for the purpose of self protection.
That was a huge victory for gun owners and it proves, that even with socialism knocking on the door, the NRA still wields a little power in Washington.

There are a number of states besides Texas, that have established concealed carry laws and applications for permits have tripled in the last year.  In those states, it is legal to have a weapon in your home, car, or place of business and you do not need a permit.
As for the self defense rule, google "Castle Doctrine" and it will explain that you have no duty to retreat in your home, car or place of business.
It means if you break in to my house, I can shoot and kill you.  And get this - I cannot be charged criminally and the sorry son of a bitch's family can't sue me.  I have no duty to retreat in my own home.  It's my freakin' castle, asshole!

                                                                                             

To carry a handgun concealed, on or about your person, requires a permit.  There are certain standards and training requirements one must meet in order to apply for a Concealed Carry permit.
Training requirements are stringent and enforced.  Certified instructors are held accountable for every applicant they train.  My home state is a 'shall issue' state which means if an applicant meets all the requirements and passes all the exams, the state will issue a permit within 90 days.
Statistics prove that carjackings and home invasions typically decrease.  CWP holders have come to the aid of both citizens and law enforcement.  Mishaps, carelessness and unlawful use of deadly force incidents were less than 3% in 2008.
That percentage simply proves you can't un-train an idiot.  

States with CWP laws on the books and who share reciprocity are; Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana,Virginia, W. Virginia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Missouri, Michigan, Texas, Florida, and Wyoming.  Think what you will, but most law enforcement officers will agree that these laws actually work.

Our fearless leader put guns and ammo on his to-do list of potential tax hits.  Not one day after he won the election, gun and ammo sales skyrocketed.  One year later, ammo is still hard to come by and it's at incredibly high prices.

If the Obama administration continues on its present path, we all could be surrendering our constitutional right to defend ourselves.  What Constitutional right will be next?

"Law is Order, and good law is good order."  -Aristotle-




You be the judge.  

Pilot Error

LONDON, England (CNN) -- British police said they stopped a United Airlines pilot from flying while intoxicated earlier this week, pulling him from a Boeing 767 aircraft at London's Heathrow airport and charging him with being on duty while his blood-alcohol level was over the limit.
Scotland Yard said that Erwin Vermont Washington, 51, was taken off the plane just before take-off Monday. Washington, of Lakewood, Colorado, has since been released on bail.
United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said that "the pilot has been removed from service" during an investigation.
"United's alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry, and we have no tolerance for violation of this well-established policy," she said.
Washington remains in the United Kingdom, Scotland Yard said.

Flying is so easy. So easy that you can do it when you're drunk or using your laptop.

Military Greeter

The Greatest Generation greets the Newest Generation

BANGOR, Maine – Jerry Mundy rarely misses an opportunity to extend his hand and offer thanks to young soldiers and Marines returning home, or departing for the war zone, during their brief layovers at the nation's easternmost major airport, a refueling hub for military transports.
Even when jolted out of bed in the middle of the night, Mundy and other volunteers have answered the call to greet each and every flight since the war in Iraq in 2003. They never figured troops would still be streaming through Bangor International Airport six years later.
"I'd give it up tomorrow if I could, but I won't give up until they're done — or I'm done — whichever comes first," the 74-year-old retired Marine said.
Mundy is one of three senior citizens showcased in a documentary about Maine's troop greeters that will be shown for a national audience for the first time on PBS on Veterans Day.

Semper Fi

Socialized Medicine or a Job?

Well it actually happened...

The Prez pushed his Health Care Bill through the House and now, onward-ho to the Senate. It passed only by a slim margin, but with a Democratic majority, one senses this could be the beginning of a Socialist government.

But I wonder Mr. Prez, how does this bill go to the top of your list of priorities?
Aren't there more pressing matters that require your attention?
Oh, let me refresh;
Unemployment is over 10% and the hope of that decreasing soon is minimal. Millions of people want a job - now. Everyday, hundreds of families still lose their American dream due to foreclosure. What was all that talk about shutting down Gitmo in an allotted time frame? Then your empty campaign promise of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and Iraq? Not so easy is it? You were warned.
Then we don't even want to talk about your lack of knowledge concerning military strategy. Listen to your military leaders. I know, you can't be bothered with that right now. You're like a Zombie repeating over and over again. "Health care bill--must pass, Health Care Bill--must pass."

_____________________________________________

"Health care costs threaten our economy." -Pres. Obama-
_____________________________________________

And this means what, exactly?
How can anyone afford ANY health care without a job?

You just had a major security breach and mass murder on one of the largest military facilities in the nation, and your first news conference after the tragedy starts off with giving a "shout out" to the Chief of the Native American Nation.

Could you look any more tackier or ignorant?
How in the hell did you get a Noble Peace Prize?

UPDATE:  On November 21, an unprecedented Saturday evening Senate vote to pass the health care bill.  All they needed was 60 votes and they got it.  We might as well surrender.

HEROES ALL

The true meaning of courage under fire

Ft. Hood, TX

Once the shooting started, law enforcement had one mission and that was to subdue and take down, by whatever means necessary, an armed suspect who was perpetrating a massacre.

In the interim, many military personnel were attending to the wounded and seeking cover for themselves and others. They too put themselves in harm's way.

However, BOTH Sgt. Munley and Sgt. Todd, of the Ft. Hood PD, deserve full recognition for their acts of bravery and valor.

Terrorism

Just another day in politically correct America.

Everyone is so afraid to call it what it is. Well, it is what it is folks....

Ft. Hood, TX was an act of terrorism committed by another Muslim male extremist.

Camouflaged as an American military officer, Maj. Hasan was on a violent mission, all in the name of Allah.

Facts are coming forth daily from many sources, but the worst part is, the FBI knew of him and his internet postings. If the government had prior knowledge or at least suspected him of terrorist activities or links, why did they not act upon that information? Being in the military really affords you no privacy and some would say, no constitutional rights. How is it that his actions, musings and vocal opposition to the wars, were not heeded as potential threats to his higher ups?

I am sure Hasan will be praised throughout the radical Muslim world for his service to Allah and for killing the infidel Americans. Here, it only serves to make us angry. But where will our American anger be directed? How will we react, if at all?

Meanwhile, this Veteran's Day will become an even more somber moment in our nation's history.