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Ogre's Politics & Views

December 07, 2005

Pearl Harbor Day

Today is Pearl Harbor Day. View more pictures.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pray for those lost on December 7, 1941, and we honor the courage of a generation of Americans who devoted themselves to one of the great missions in our country's history. After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor took more than 2,400 American lives, millions of our citizens answered the call to defend our liberty, and the world witnessed the power of freedom to overcome tyranny.
Liberty's ultimate triumph was far from clear in the early days of World War II. When our country was attacked at Pearl Harbor, America was emerging from the Great Depression, and several nations had larger armies than the United States. In Asia and Europe, country after country had fallen before the armies of militaristic tyrants. However, the brave and determined men and women of our Nation maintained their faith in the power of freedom and democracy. They fought and won a world war against two of the most ruthless regimes the world has ever known. In the years since those victories, the power of freedom and democracy has transformed America's enemies in World War II into close friends.
Today, our goal is to continue to spread freedom and democracy and to secure a more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren. We are grateful to the men and women who are defending our flag and our freedom in the first war of the 21st century. These patriots are protecting our country and our way of life by upholding the tradition of honor, bravery, and integrity demonstrated by those who fought for our Nation in World War II. The service and sacrifice of our World War II veterans continue to inspire people across our country, and we remain deeply grateful for all that these heroes have done for the cause of freedom.
-- President G.W. Bush

(Linked to TMH's Open Trackbacks.)

And Peter Porcupine has much more!

Posted by: Ogre at 12:05 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Greg Dority?

Word is that Greg Dority will challenge alleged Republican Walter Jones in the 3rd Congressional district of North Carolina.

The 3rd district is out in the eastern part of the state, so I'm not familiar with these names. You can be sure that the way the slanted, biased, scum-sucking Democrat NC Legislature draws the districts, that there will be no competition from Democrats in a Republican district, so this race will likely be settled in the primary.

The current occupant of the seat, Walter Jones, helped sponsor the resolution that demanded Bush set an exact date for troop withdrawal from Iraq. Dority, quite clearly, would never suggest such a thing. So, if this turns out to be a race between conservative and RINO, it should be very interesting to watch.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:08 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 06, 2005

US Citizen

Via Oddy:

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

No problem here. I'm not sure about today's high school "graduates..."

Posted by: Ogre at 08:00 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Carnivals!

A couple nice, shiny carnivals for you to check out this week (look, something shiny!)

First up, the always popular (at least in my mind) Showcase Carnival. This week it appears at Dave's Not Here. This one shows the latest and newest in blogs. See what all the new people are doing!

Next, the growing Carnival of Liberty. This is a carnival of, well, Liberty. If you're not sure what liberty is (and if you learned in the gub'mint schools, you weren't taught it), be sure to head over to Below the Beltway and read all about it. This one really shows where and how government destroys liberty.

Finally, don't forget this week's Tarheel Tavern. This week it's at Colonel Corn's Camera. What? That's some craaazy alliteration there. Anyway, Colonel Corn hosts the Tavern and adds a couple really cool pictures that show how I imagine the Tarheel Tavern Carnival to be! Go read for the latest from the Turpentine State (that's NC).

Posted by: Ogre at 06:04 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Red is positive

In case you've forgotten who the good guys are and who the bad guys are (since no one is wearing white and black hats any more), read what Rob B. has to say. He's talking about alleged "secret prisons" and torture by the CIA. Good stuff there, I couldn't have said it better myself.

Posted by: Ogre at 04:05 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Joshua Sparling

Have you seen this yet? The story about the school-child letter to injured American soldiers that says "DIE" on it? It's sick. But then, this IS what the left and the Democrat leadership in America stand for. This is the type of thing the ACLU supports. It IS disgusting, and it is wrong.

Keep up with Michelle's post, as she's updating with good links and information about how to support the injured troops, unlike the Democrats and the left would have you do. I'm sending my card directly to Joshua Sparling. I'm also going to send some other cards and phone cards for those who are willing to put their lives in danger so I might be free.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:02 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Charlotte Incompetence

I know when it comes to government, to even mention the word "incompetent" in the same sentence as government really is redundant. Government, in today's manifestation, is completely incapable of doing what government should do, and totally screws up anything they try and do.

For example, today in Charlotte, NC, the temperature was below freezing. Apparently everyone knew this -- except the morons managing the city of Charlotte.

This is the same city that, two years ago, spent tens of millions of dollars buying brand new snowplows that get used an average of one day a year. So the one day when they're actually needed, where are they? In the garage.

There's a loop around the city ("interstate") that is a series of overpasses. At 7:00am, as rush-hour traffic is massively increasing, this loop was closed. Why? Because the salt truck was salting the bridge.

Apparently this freezing was just a shock to the city management and they just didn't expect it. If they did, they might have done as all the smaller surrounding towns did and SALT THE DAMN ROADS. Why wait until 7am to close the road and salt it? Because the management of the city of Charlotte are complete morons.

Now I'm not the one who complains when a once-a-decade snowfall of 1 foot falls and the city can't clear the roads -- that's a completely different story. This is a very small number of 20-30 yard sections of road that the city cannot figure out are frozen until rush hour traffic starts crashing on them. That's incompetence.

This example of the uselessness of government brought to you by Pam Syfert (city manager) and the letter "U" (for useless).

Posted by: Ogre at 12:30 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

End of Grade Test?

In the state of North Carolina, all government school students (and those who choose not to participate in the cesspool that is government-run socialization programs) are required to take a standardized test at the end of grades 3, 5, and 8.

The state board of education requires these tests to ensure that only those who pass the tests will be "promoted" to the next grade. There is a great amount of stress in the schools and much pressure placed on "educators" to ensure that students pass these tests.

However, if a student fails one of these tests, there is only a 21% chance that they will actually be held back. In other words, 79% of the students who FAIL the end of grade tests actually repeat a grade. And yes, the students are well aware of this fact.

So why are the tests in place? No one seems to know. The state board chairman Howard Lee (D) said that the board may have to "throw in the towel."

In other words, the state board of education set the rules, the schools are ignoring them, so the board is considering changing the rules. What a total waste of money and resources. Can anyone give me ANY reason that the state should have ANYTHING at all to do with education?

I think a box full of rocks has more intelligence and could do a better job running the state education system.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:05 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 05, 2005

Free Dome?

It's weird the things you can find in cyberspace. I was reading a post at Harvey's about Freedom of Speech and what is considered freedom of speech.

That led me to a different post on Alex in Wonderland that was quite a bit more serious in speaking of freedom of speech, and more specifically about suppression of speech by "shouting down" or crushing someone's will for free speech.

Then, reading further into the comments on that post, Contagion piped up about something called the "Free Dome" of speech and mentioned he had posted on it before. I found a neat post of his about Cowboys and Indians, but nothing about this "Free Dome."

So I did what everyone with the internet does -- I googled it, and found it. Unfortunately, the Free Dome project apparently closed their tent and evacuated the circus grounds in Binyamina at the end of June, 2005, according to their press release. But don't worry, they're still fund raising in hopes of re-opening in the future.

I'm not quite sure how you raise funds for something that's free, nor why anyone would want to put a tent in a dome. I guess if you want to know, you should ask Harvey -- he started all this.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:03 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Guard Our Borders

Euphoric Reality supports a blogburst each Monday -- the "Guard Our Borders" blogburst. Usually there's a reference, entry, or suggested subject for the blogburst, but I haven't seen one for this week (unless that entry about the poor cat was it...) So, I guess I'll just find something on my own...

Checking the news wires, the first listings all reference "businesses that need foreign laborers." Excuse me? Need? I guess this is just another person changing the meanings of words to fit their own usage, never mind what the words really mean.

There's no such thing as a business that "needs" illegals. Sure, some might enjoy paying some people less, and criminals might work for less, but that doesn't mean they "need" them. If a business would cease to exist if they stopped "employing" illegals, I say, "Good riddance."

The Asbury Press has an article that suggests America is "hooked on illegal labor." Well, some people are "hooked" on crack cocaine -- does that mean we should make it legal, give them more, and pay them to continue to use it?

I cannot find the bill now, but I know one has been introduced in Congress -- that bill would very quickly solve the illegal employment problem. The bill (please help me if you know the bill or the sponsor) would allow the IRS to effectively enforce immigration laws -- it would make it so that a company could not deduct the earnings paid to illegals.

So if a company employed $50,000 worth of illegals, that deduction for expenses would be disallowed by the IRS -- and the company could not write off that $50K in expenses -- meaning the company would have to pay taxes on that $50K as a profit instead of an expense. It might not stop illegals entirely (it would take stopping GIVING them so much stuff), but it sure would cut down on their employment -- one of the big reasons people come here.

(Belatedly linked to Euphoric Reality's Blogburst).

Posted by: Ogre at 04:52 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Christian Persecution

When I make comments, both here and on other blogs, about Christians being persecuted in America today, some of those on the left laugh. They claim that it simply isn't possible and that it isn't happening. Well, they are wrong, and here's a huge example of it.

I first read this story on Cross Blogging a week or so ago, but I haven't had time to post about it. I cannot let it sit any longer.

Can you imagine 7- and 8-year old children attending a government-run school in America today and participating in coloring and learning for December? The students might learn about Jesus, King of the Jews, who was God come to earth.

They might put on a play where they re-enact the manger scene with Joseph, Mary, angels and shepherds. They might learn about the 10 commandments and even be expected to memorize them.

The students might be given Bible verses and have different verses that they would be expected to memorize each week. They might even say prayers ending with, "In Jesus name we pray, Amen."

They might even learn about the real meaning of Easter, complete with the entire resurrection story about Jesus and all His miracles. They might read stories and re-enact the story of the loaves and the fishes.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:07 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Democrats in Jail

You've seen how Republicans act when merely accused of crimes -- they resign their positions, cede leadership, and the like. Democrats, however, act quite different. If you want to see what Democrats do when they are CONVICTED of crimes, see what Teach reports.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:07 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Jim Black Above the Law

Jim Black is just now trying to enforce the law -- laws that he has broken repeatedly and may be under investigation by the FBI for breaking.

However, he's appointed a "committee" to "consider strengthening lobbying laws." As John Hood, president of the non-partisan John Locke Foundation says quite accurately, "He’s announcing appointments to his damage-control commission."

As a reminder, Jim Black is at the center of the controversy surrounding the "resignation" of at least 3 officials named to the lottery commission for alleged kickbacks and outright payoffs and employment by Scientific Games, the company highly likely to be named to run the NC lottery.

And of course, Jim Black's suggested changes won't take effect until 2007, so Jim Black, since he will write the new rules through his pawns on the committee he appoints, will have plenty of time to inform the lobbyists how to avoid breaking the law and still pad his pocketbook.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:01 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 04, 2005

New Neighbor #36

Once again, it's time to introduce a new neighbor. Each week I pick a blog at random from the large Evangelical Blogroll over there on the right and introduce it to you good readers. This week:

Rob's Place aka Orangejack Blog

Rob has moved to a new blog recently, just a couple months ago, from a blogspot blog. He's got a new blog, but I'm not positive what system is running it (wordpress?). Sure looks nice, though.

He's done something that seems to be a trend in blogs these days -- putting menus across the top to allow even more content on the blog (gee, much like I did here, but a bit different). He tells all about his move here.

Recently with all the activity in the College Football world, orangejack is quite focused on the bowl activities. He's also got a new bowl system. Me, I'd just go with a darn playoff system.

He's got lots of neat photos, including a brontosaurus photo.

So head on over and take a look -- lots of neat stuff and regular updates. Heck, he's got a whole category just for blog and RSS tips!

Posted by: Ogre at 11:04 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Football Terms

That 1 Guy reminds us that Smiling Dynamite was looking for "unusual" football phrases.

I think the one I miss the most when I watch games today is "jailbreak." Does anyone else remember when there was a massive rush of players towards the ball that it was described as a jailbreak? You just don't hear that one any more.

And while I'm on the topic, where are they finding these moron announcers these days? When a flag is dropped, the location nearly ALWAYS will tell you what the penalty is. But with the exception of the Sunday night guys, no announcer seems to know!

For example, when a flag is thrown and the play is called dead just as, or before the ball is snapped, the offense moved and it's a false start. The only time there's an exception to that is if the defense made contact with the offensive players. Yet the announcers sit back and say, "Oh, there's a flag. Let's wait and see what that is."

And yes, I could do a better job than a lot of those people...of course I'm usually watching the Dolphins who get the... well... not the first string announcers, I'm sure...

Posted by: Ogre at 07:05 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

New Neighbor...

It's time for the weekly new neighbor feature...

But at the moment I'm writing this, the blogroll that I use to find new neighbors is broken and showing me nothing -- so I can't pick a new neighbor.

I'll wait until later tonight and see if I can get to the blogroll. If I can, the new neighbor feature will return this evening (or early tomorrow am). If not, well, I'll just make up something else.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:05 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 03, 2005

Ogre's Not Here

Sorry for the lack of good, shiny stuff to look at this weekend -- I'm off skiing. Wheeeee!

Posted by: Ogre at 05:05 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Elephants in NC

The North Carolina zoo is expanding -- in a BIG way. They've been working on this expansion of their elephant exhibit for a number of years. They currently have just 3 elephants, but they're building and building more space to include almost a dozen.

I've followed and helped with these developments over the years. I have been a contributing member of the zoo for many years now. I visit at least 3 times a year, usually more often, despite the fact that the zoo is about a 1.5 hour drive.

The NC zoo really is awesome. They have 500 acres of land that they're using now for exhibits from Africa, North America, and Austrailia. This zoo is set up that the animals are roaming and you walk around (a lot!) to visit them. If you've never seen this zoo, you really should (but be prepared to walk).

In fact, the new elephant exhibit will be 7 acres -- only Disney's Animal Kingdom has a larger elephant exhibit (other than that place south of France). The zoo also has an additional 900 acres that they can use for further expansion and development.

One of the reasons I really love the NC zoo? It is almost entirely privately funded. So I like my zoo animals, and I'm paying for them. If you don't like them, you don't have to pay for them.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:06 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

December 02, 2005

Another Marine Joke

Sent along by livelaughlove_02 in the comments:

A college professor, an avowed atheist and active in the ACLU, was teaching his class. He shocked several of his students when he flatly stated that once and for all he was going to prove there was no God. Addressing the ceiling he shouted: “GOD, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I’ll give you exactly 15 minutes!!!!!”

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by. ” I’m waiting, God - if you’re real, knock me off this platform!!!!” Again after 4 minutes, the professor taunted God saying, “Here I am, God!!! I’m still waiting!!!” His count down got down to the last few seconds when a Marine, just released from the Marines after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and newly registered in the class, walked up to the Professor. The Marine hit him full force in the face, and sent the Professor tumbling from his lofty platform. The Professor was out cold.

The students were stunned and shocked. They began to babble in confusion. The Marine nonchalantly took his seat in the front row and sat silent. The class looked at him and fell silent…waiting. Eventually, the professor came to and was noticeably shaken. He looked at the Marine in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and could speak he asked: “What the hell is the matter with you! Why did you do that”?

“God was really busy, protecting America’s soldiers, who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot…so he sent me!!”

Posted by: Ogre at 07:03 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

Winston Churchill Says

Some see private enterprise as a predatory target to be shot, others as a cow to be milked, but few are those who see it as a sturdy horse pulling the wagon.

That would be 99% of elected representatives in Congress for the first two.

We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.

But Congress sees taxes as helping the man by taking the water out of the bucket.

You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.

Very few politicians have enemies.

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.

And the left, especially, is more interested in the latter.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:03 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)

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