Apr 03 2010

Right Wing Extremist Hate Groups On The Rise

guns

Early in the Obama administration Homeland Security and other intelligence gathering organizations warned of a dramatic rise in right wing extremist groups. Many ultraconservatives objected and claimed it was an attempt to stifle the people’s first amendment rights. They also claimed that it was the first step in violating our second amendment rights by laying the groundwork to confiscate the arms of the citizenry. Meanwhile people began showing up at conservative and Tea Bagger’s rallies carrying weapons in a display of supporting their rights. Things began getting even uglier as the congress began debating health care reform. Suddenly town hall meetings became a battle ground where right wingers shouted down civil discourse and basically denied those present the opportunity to exercise their own first amendment rights.

It came to past that these self proclaimed patriots began openly advocating sedition and the overthrow of a government that was duly elected by a majority of American citizens. They talk of secession and armed resistance. What kind of patriot plots and plans for the violent revolt against a legal change of power in the government? Meanwhile, the GOP silently ignores the threat and continues their lockstep march to resist any positive change in this country. Any attempt at passing legislation that would benefit all the citizens of this country are thwarted in the favor of their corporate masters. The sore losers have become the party of NO.

Well, come to find out the warnings of our intelligence organizations were correct. The rise of right wing militias and hate groups have flourished and grown in the past year.

At least 10 death threats have been leveled against members of Congress since the health care vote. Windows at four district offices or county party headquarters have been shattered with bricks.

A gas line was severed at the home of the brother of one Democratic congressman from Virginia, and a man was arrested for making death threats against Republican Minority Whip Eric Cantor and his family.

And Monday, nine members of a Michigan-based anti-government militia group called the Hutaree were charged with conspiring to kill law enforcement officers. (Source : CNN)

All the while members of groups like the Tea Baggers continue to foster anti-government sentiment and encourage their followers to resist any attempt to implement change. As they have become more vocal we’ve seen dramatic increases in their numbers. Republican radical like Sarah Palin fan the flames of these nut jobs by coining rethoric like, “don’t back down, reload” and others claiming to have politicians “in their crosshairs”. The entire movement has come up with another word being coined to describe them. They are now called Hatriots.

Today’s Hatriots are potentially even more dangerous because of their ability to recruit and radicalize people via the Internet. They have proliferated in an environment where fear and hate are used to pump up hyperpartisanship — including elected officials raising the specter of secession and talk radio hosts blurring the line between losing an election and living under tyranny.

There is an understandable impulse to dismiss the danger of the lone wingnut whose posts dot Hatriot Web sites. But in the last year, we have seen a half-dozen murders committed by unhinged individuals who drank deeply from Hatriot and anti-government conspiracy theory sites, including those implicated in the deaths of three Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, police officers and two Florida sheriff’s deputies. (Source : CNN)


One of America’s greatest strengths has always be that even though we are comprised of many different ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds we stand together as one. We have always been able to work out our differences with the goal of making a better world for all of our citizens. Our strength has always been in our solidarity. Yet today we have groups actively and vocally doing their best to rend the nation apart and further divide our citizenry through political extremism. A result has been the forming of right wing Christian extremist groups like the Hutaree in Michigan. A group who plotted to kill police officers and topple the order of society.

The group says on its Web site that Hutaree means “Christian warrior” and describes the word as part of a secret language that only a few people are privileged enough to know. The group quotes several Bible passages and states: “We believe that one day, as prophecy says, there will be an Anti-Christ. … Jesus wanted us to be ready to defend ourselves using the sword and stay alive using equipment.”

The site also features a picture on the site of 17 camouflaged men, all holding large guns, and includes videos of camouflaged men toting guns and running through wooded areas in apparent training exercises. Each wears a patch on the left shoulder with a cross.

According to investigators, the Hutaree view local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel as a “brotherhood” and an enemy, and planned to attack them as part of an armed struggle against the U.S. government.

The idea of attacking a police funeral was one of numerous scenarios discussed as ways to go after law enforcement officers, the indictment said. Other scenarios included a fake 911 call to lure an officer to his or her death, or an attack on the family of a police officer.

Once other officers gathered for a slain officer’s funeral, the group planned to detonate homemade bombs at the funeral, killing scores more, according to the indictment. (Source: Military.com)

And this is going to help our country how? These are the anarchists in our midst. They are dangerous people, not only to those they target, but to the entire fabric of American life. If something is not done about them soon we will find our selves held hostage by right wing militias and religious extremist. You know, much like having our own little backyard Taliban. Their goal is to render our government as impotent as that of Somalia. They give me the creeps.

No responses yet

Mar 31 2010

Outrageous Court Decision Claims Marine’s Dad Must Pay Westboro Legal Costs

Published by DaFrog under Military,Opinion,Veterans

westboro

In April 2008 the courts ruled that the Westboro Baptist Church must pay Al Snyder for the pain and suffering he and his family experienced at the hands of demonstrators. His son, Matthew, was killed while serving his country in the fight against global terrorism. At his funeral the thugs of the WBC showed up with their hateful signs and disrespectful behavior. Al Snyder sued, and won. The WBC has appealed and the case is scheduled to go before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile another court has claimed that Al Snyder must pay the court costs of the offensive organization who disrupted his son’s funeral.

Albert Snyder got a bill for $16,500 on Friday — the latest result of his ongoing legal battle with the Westboro Baptist Church.

Church members are seeking to recoup costs from federal appeals court, which dismissed Snyder’s lawsuit against them. Snyder’s lawyer, Sean Summers, said the court declared last week that Snyder was responsible for the costs. (Source: Military.com)

These shameless publicity whores deserve no compensation for their legal costs. Instead they should be tarred and feathered. They are nothing more than a hate group who prey on the victims of violence and the families of heros fallen defending their country.

The Snyders have no means of paying this levy made by the courts. If you’d like to help this family you can go to their website and contribute.

One response so far

Mar 12 2010

The Fox Hat

Published by DaFrog under Incoherent Rambling,Video

This is the best commercial I never saw.

No responses yet

Feb 05 2010

Rubio – Don’t Count Aliens

Published by DaFrog under Political

Marco-Rubio_1

Mario Rubio, teabagger wannabe from south Florida said that we should not count legal or illegal aliens in the upcoming census. His obvious ignorance of what the census does if overwhelming. We’ve had a census in this country since before we back a nation.

Rubio still favors excluding illegal immigrants from the formulas that dole out $400 billion in federal aid and seats in Congress. His position puts him at odds with his opponent, Gov. Charlie Crist, and many other elected officials who say leaving out illegal immigrants would keep the state from getting its fair share.

“It would be pretty damaging to Florida,” Republican U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said at a Capitol Hill news conference Wednesday promoting a thorough count. “The reality is, whether you like it or not, there are undocumented, illegal people in the state. Pretending they’re not there, not counting them, doesn’t make them go away.”

State Rep. Esteban Bovo of Hialeah, chairman of the Hispanic caucus in the Florida House and a Rubio supporter, said, “So much funding is tied to the census, and to be undercounted could have devastating effects down the line. … I really don’t want our community to get shortchanged.” (Source: St. Petersburg Times)

Instead of pretending they are not here, we should seek them out. Gather the numbers and get our share of federal tax dollars to cover some of the expenses they cost the state. If the federal government was doing their job we would have far less of these illegals sucking our resources dry. They overwhelm our health care, schools and public services. If we don’t have the tax dollars to help offset this problem then it all falls on the citizens of the state to carry the burden.

It is a shame that the Republicans in the State of Florida have no one better to run for senator. Rubio is clueless and would just perpetuate the “Party of  No” agenda in Washington. And Charlies Crist is just an empty suit who has done absolutely nothing as governor, except campaign for the brass ring in congress.

No responses yet

Dec 27 2009

Col. Robert L. Howard, MoH, R.I.P.

Published by DaFrog under Historical,Military,Veterans

Robert_L_Howard_web

America lost a true hero, living legend and great warrior. Col. Robert L. Howard passed away in Waco, Texas Wednesday, December 23, 2009. He was the most highly decorated soldier living at the time of his death. Colonel Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in a thirteen month period, but due to the highly classified nature of his work in the Army Special Forces he was awarded the honor only once. His citation reads:

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 December 1968. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer’s equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant’s belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard’s gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army. (Source: U.S. Army Center of Military History)

During the 54 months Col. Howard served in Vietnam he was wounded fourteen times. He received eight Purple Hearts. Colonel Howard was awarded many additional medals and honors during his 33 years of service, including the Distinguished Service Cross and multiple Silver and Bronze Star. He was more highly decorated than the legendary Audie Murphy.

The 70-year-old Howard died in a hospice in Waco, according to a report in the San Antonio Express News today. The paper, quoting a longtime friend of Howard’s, retired Sgt. Maj. Benito Guerrero, said Howard had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Howard began his Army career as an enlisted man. During one 13-month tour in Vietnam he was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times, but in the first instance the award was downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross. Several biographies say that downgrade, as well as another — to the Silver Star — was to avoid the problem of noting in the Medal of Honor citation specifics of the combat operations, which were covert. (Source: Military.Com)

Rest in Peace Colonel Howard, this nation owes you a debt that can never be repaid.

No responses yet

Dec 26 2009

Sergeant Thomas P. Lavin, Jr. USMC – R.I.P.

Published by DaFrog under Military,Veterans

tom_lavin

Sergeant Thomas Lavin served his country for eight years in the Marine Corps. He saw duty in the Dominican Republic during the revolution and later in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. After he left the military he returned home to St. Petersburg where he again served his community as a police officer. Tom died the other day at age 63. He was a lifelong friend.

I first met Tom in the early 1950s. We attended classes together from junior high to high school. As a team we got in a lot of trouble and enjoyed every minute of it. We were even suspended together a couple times. To get back into class we had to submit to ten whacks each for our infractions. The whipping we got in school couldn’t compare to what we got at home. Yes, back in the day whipping was the norm. There was none of this psycho-babble about the harm it did. We took our licks and turned out pretty good. We had a lot less problems in school back then. After the assistant principle, Cherokee Charlie, got through with Tom the boy turned around and asked, “is that the best you can do?” That was just the way Tom was, he could take whatever anyone wanted to dish out.

During high school the war in Vietnam escalated. Tom’s dad, Tom Senior, was a Marine who had served in the Pacific theater. Senior saw action in Guadalcanal and was a tough son of a bitch. Tom idolized him and joined the Marines himself right out of high school. He was the perfect Marine. Tom stood about 6 foot 4 inches and weighed nearly 300 pounds when he was a senior in high school. Every bit of it was hard muscle and determination.

After eight years and a purple heart Tom found he had too many bullet holes in him to continue life as a Marine. He wanted to stay, but by time he was in his mid twenties he was released with a disability. He struggled with the VA for a long time and finally got a 100% disability after years in and out of VA hospitals. He had wounds you could see and some you couldn’t. Tom battled PTSD most of his life. He never fully returned to civilian life and had little patience with those who had not served. He was one of those guys who would tell you that if you hadn’t been in combat you didn’t know shit.

Tom and I camped and fished all across the state of Florida for years after he returned. He loved Florida and especially the Ocala and Gainesville area. He was a Gator.

More than twenty years ago I asked Tom to be my best man. I was getting married, again. Tom refused. He said he didn’t want to be held responsible if it didn’t work out. I’m still sorry he didn’t accept. Jane and I are still married and it worked out well this time. Tom did not have a lot of luck in relationships. It was not until eight years ago that he found someone who would share his life with him and accept him for what he was, not what they wanted him to become. He left behind a family who thought the world of him. I am glad he was able to find someone to share his last years with.

Tom was laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Now he is surrounded by all those heroes who went before him. I know he is in good company. Tom was always a communicator. I’m sure he is catching up for lost time with all his fallen comrades.

Farewell brother. You will be missed by all who knew you. It was an honor and privilege to be your friend.

2 responses so far

Dec 06 2009

Sweet Revenge – United Airlines Breaks Guitars

Published by DaFrog under Video


A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. United apparently damaged his treasured Taylor guitar ($3500) during a flight. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar. During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded: “Good luck with that one, pal.”
So he posted a retaliatory video on YouTube. The video has since received over 5.5 million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Naturally his response was: “Good luck with that one, pal.”

Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has lead to a sharp increase in orders.

In the spring of 2008, Sons of Maxwell were traveling to Nebraska for a one-week tour and my Taylor guitar was witnessed being thrown by United Airlines baggage handlers in Chicago. I discovered later that the $3500 guitar was severely damaged. They didn’t deny the experience occurred but for nine months the various people I communicated with put the responsibility for dealing with the damage on everyone other than themselves and finally said they would do nothing to compensate me for my loss. So I promised the last person to finally say “no” to compensation (Ms. Irlweg) that I would write and produce three songs about my experience with United Airlines and make videos for each to be viewed online by anyone in the world. United: Song 1 is the first of those songs. United: Song 2 has been written and video production is underway. United: Song 3 is coming. I promise. (Source: Dave Carroll’s webpage)

Obviously United, after nine months of runaround and bullshit, finally agreed to take responsibility. Dave said thanks but no thanks. Meanwhile the incident has introduced a lot of us to one very talented musician. For that we can be grateful to United.

No responses yet

Nov 25 2009

American Hero Colonel Lewis L. Millett – Medal of Honor – Passes On

Published by DaFrog under Historical,Military,Veterans

col_lewis_millet

Lewis L. Millet was born December 15, 1920 in Mechanic Falls, Maine. He grew up in South Dartmouth, Mass. Colonel Millett died November 14, 2009 in Loma Linda, California. During the colonel’s colorful life he distinguished himself many times over.

When war broke out in Europe Millett joined the Army in 1940. He was determined to help in the fight against fascism. But when it looked like the United States was not going to enter the war he deserted, joined the Canadian army and was stationed in England. After America joined the war he turned himself into the American Embassy and rejoined the United States Army.

In 1942, while Millet was serving in London, the United States entered the war. Millet turned himself into the U.S. Embassy there. He was eventually assigned to the 1st Armored Division. As an antitank gunner in Tunisia, Millet earned the Silver Star after he jumped into a burning halftrack filled with ammunition, drove it away from allied soldiers and jumped to safety just before the vehicle exploded. He later shot down a German fighter plane with a vehicle-mounted machine gun.

As a sergeant serving in Italy during the war, his desertion to join the Canadian forces caught up to him. He was court-martialed, fined $52 and denied leave. A few weeks later he was awarded a battlefield commission. After the war, he joined the 103rd Infantry of the Maine National Guard, and attended college, until he was called back to active duty in 1949. (Source: Military.com)

While he was a company commander in Korea he read some captured documents that stated the communist feared cold steel. He was determined to become their worse nightmare.

“We had acquired some Chinese documents stating that Americans were afraid of hand-to-hand fighting and cold steel,” he told Military History. “When I read that, I thought, ‘I’ll show you, you sons of bitches!’ ” (Source: Washington Post)

It was during the Korean war that he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He was credited with leading the last full fledged bayonet charge in American history. The first since Cold Harbor 1864.

Citation

Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service. (Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Organization)

Colonel Millett served for 35 years. During Vietnam he was a part of the Phoenix operation. He would later found the Royal Thai Army Ranger School with help of the 46th Special Forces Company. Millett also earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit and four Purple Hearts during his military career.

He was a warrior. Rest in Peace.

No responses yet

Nov 24 2009

Tea Baggers are Douche Bags

Published by DaFrog under Opinion,Political,Video

Corporate shills who call themselves patriots heckle Midge Hough. Mrs. Hough lost her uninsured daughter and granddaughter needlessly.

Her daughter, Jennifer,  ended up in an emergency room with double pneumonia that developed into septic shock, had a heart attack, a brain bleed and a stroke. The baby died and Jennifer died a few weeks later.

The Chicago Douche Bags heckled Mrs Hough and accused her of lying. It makes you ashamed to be an American when you witness this kind of display. These people do everything they can to stifle the democratic process as they do the dirty work of the health care industrial complex.

The Baggers are nothing more than today’s equivalent to the Brownshirts that plagued Germany in the 1930s. Hateful, disgusting cretins.

One response so far

Nov 10 2009

A Salute for Veterans Day

Published by DaFrog under Historical,Military,Veterans,Video

This is a classic. I hope you enjoy it.  Have a good Veterans Day, you’ve earned it.

No responses yet

Next »