As I viewed the opening session of the Senate inquiry, or should I call it inquisition, of Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan yesterday, a question came to mind, “If the United States Senate can investigate, with total access to all the papers and writings of Elena Kagan, why do the American people not have similar access to the writings and papers of Barack Hussein Obama as well as the all-knowing Michelle Obama?
The last I heard, all of the documents from the years that Obama studied at Occidental, Columbia and Harvard are unavailable. Papers of a similar nature authored by Michelle Obama at Princeton University are sealed or embargoed. I think it is fair to ask, “Why?”
It seems to your Commander that President and First Lady Obama in many ways are clearly in a position to render decisions that impact not only the day to day lives of every single living American citizen, but the future of our children and grandchildren. In some cases their actions have even equal or greater significance to that of a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Where is equal treatment under the laws of our land?
It is politics, as always, and it stinks to high heaven.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
DISAPPOINTMENT CAN CLOAK FUTURE SUCCESS
Each Christmas my stocking has a wonderful small desk calendar and my 2010 gift covered trivia. Thus, each morning there is another interesting factoid that can be amusing, informative or surprising, which often starts the day with a smile.
Today was just such an example, and I want to share it with you, because it proves that we should not make quick judgments before we know all the facts. The question today was, “What Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet was granted a conditional appointment to West Point, but had to leave after failing the grammar and math section of the entrance exam?”
The answer is Carl Sandburg, in 1899. One quickly must wonder just what kind of an Army Officer Sandburg would have made. This just proves an old expression my late Scottish Mother-in-law frequently said, “What is for you won’t go passed you.” Sandburg may have suffered a huge disappointment when he did not make it into West Point, but just look at what his future held
COMMANDER GRANGER
Today was just such an example, and I want to share it with you, because it proves that we should not make quick judgments before we know all the facts. The question today was, “What Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet was granted a conditional appointment to West Point, but had to leave after failing the grammar and math section of the entrance exam?”
The answer is Carl Sandburg, in 1899. One quickly must wonder just what kind of an Army Officer Sandburg would have made. This just proves an old expression my late Scottish Mother-in-law frequently said, “What is for you won’t go passed you.” Sandburg may have suffered a huge disappointment when he did not make it into West Point, but just look at what his future held
COMMANDER GRANGER
Friday, June 25, 2010
WHERE ONE STARTS IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS WHERE ONE ENDS
As a history buff I ran across an interesting factoid relative to Thomas Paine. Way back in my early school days I studied Paine’s significant contribution to the American Revolutionary movement when he authored his pamphlet Common Sense. If you do not remember Common Sense I strongly urge you to read it again because it is a seminal document. Remember it starts with, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
I turned to Wikipedia and found an extremely interesting report of 12 pages, which if you’re interested in history you should find most enlightening at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine
Paine is frequently referred to as the Father of the American Revolution, because of the influence of his writings. One of the things I learned was that he was a proponent of Deism (belief in no need for faith or organized religion), and it caused him great harm over the later years of his long life. A fascinating fact I learned was that he served a six-year apprenticeship as a teenager in England as a corset maker, which was his father’s trade.
At the time of his death at age 72 the New York Citizen reported, “He had lived long, did some good, and much harm.” Considering the importance of his contributions to America’s independence, I found it shocking that only six people attended his funeral.
This story is certain proof that it makes little difference where one starts their journey, because the end of the trail can be both significantly influential and controversial.
COMMANDER GRANGER
I turned to Wikipedia and found an extremely interesting report of 12 pages, which if you’re interested in history you should find most enlightening at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine
Paine is frequently referred to as the Father of the American Revolution, because of the influence of his writings. One of the things I learned was that he was a proponent of Deism (belief in no need for faith or organized religion), and it caused him great harm over the later years of his long life. A fascinating fact I learned was that he served a six-year apprenticeship as a teenager in England as a corset maker, which was his father’s trade.
At the time of his death at age 72 the New York Citizen reported, “He had lived long, did some good, and much harm.” Considering the importance of his contributions to America’s independence, I found it shocking that only six people attended his funeral.
This story is certain proof that it makes little difference where one starts their journey, because the end of the trail can be both significantly influential and controversial.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, June 14, 2010
BAN THE VUVUZELAS IMMEDIATELY
With all the publicity attached to the FIFA World Cup 2010 soccer matches in South Africa which began last week, I tuned in to the England vs. USA game this past Saturday. I was immediately struck by a shrill and annoying noise and learned quickly that it is a custom in South Africa to blow Vuvuzela horns at their soccer games.
I found the buzzing noise so distracting that I quickly turned the channel to another program that did not give me an instant headache. Admittedly I am not a huge fan of soccer, but I recognize the sport’s international popularity, and I am trying to develop an appreciation of the game. Clearly the participants must have great endurance and skill, but it is just not my game of choice at this point in time.
It is your Commander’s opinion that the organizers must address the buzzing noise the Vuvuzelas create or the games will draw very low viewing ratings around the world with anyone other than true soccer aficionados. I believe the Vuvuzela will set back growing U.S. interest in soccer, and the excitement of the World Cup will be greatly diminished.
COMMANDER GRANGER
I found the buzzing noise so distracting that I quickly turned the channel to another program that did not give me an instant headache. Admittedly I am not a huge fan of soccer, but I recognize the sport’s international popularity, and I am trying to develop an appreciation of the game. Clearly the participants must have great endurance and skill, but it is just not my game of choice at this point in time.
It is your Commander’s opinion that the organizers must address the buzzing noise the Vuvuzelas create or the games will draw very low viewing ratings around the world with anyone other than true soccer aficionados. I believe the Vuvuzela will set back growing U.S. interest in soccer, and the excitement of the World Cup will be greatly diminished.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, June 13, 2010
OATH OF OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
While searching for some information relative to the office of President of the United States, I ran across a very interesting web site, which I believe will be of interest to anyone who has an inquiring mind relative to history. If you have a few minutes I suggest you take a look at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_the_President_of_the_United_States
My original inquiry was to determine the exact words of the Presidential Oath which is as follows: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, PROTECT, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
While there are many minds far more qualified than mine, it is my personal opinion that President Barack Obama is not fulfilling his Oath of Office as he is failing to provide security of our borders from intrusion by illegal immigration. It is thus judicious, appropriate, and necessary for State authorities, i.e., Arizona, to initiate local legislation to protect their residents from criminal elements illegally entering their boundaries.
The recent announcement to send a paltry 1,500 National Guard troops to the border is a pure political move meant to deflect or defuse public opinion that clearly establishes that 70% of the electorate want the border secured. Obama wants the Hispanic vote and is stalling appropriate action.
Additionally, you will find numerous interesting factoids related to earlier Presidents and Vice-Presidents, such as who took his Oath of Office outside the United States?
And should you still be confused about President Barack Obama referencing himself as a Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago, let me suggest you take a look at;
http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/was_barack_obama_really_a_constitutional_law.html
Read it for yourself and you will find that he was a Senior Lecturer who did not have tenure or full-time status. In academia there is a real distinction between Senior Lecturer and Professor. Just question any full-time tenured Professor.
Interesting facts make compelling reading, and thus one wonders if everything Obama says should be run through FactCheck.Org. Perhaps only his teleprompter or speech writer actually knows the real truth.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_the_President_of_the_United_States
My original inquiry was to determine the exact words of the Presidential Oath which is as follows: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, PROTECT, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
While there are many minds far more qualified than mine, it is my personal opinion that President Barack Obama is not fulfilling his Oath of Office as he is failing to provide security of our borders from intrusion by illegal immigration. It is thus judicious, appropriate, and necessary for State authorities, i.e., Arizona, to initiate local legislation to protect their residents from criminal elements illegally entering their boundaries.
The recent announcement to send a paltry 1,500 National Guard troops to the border is a pure political move meant to deflect or defuse public opinion that clearly establishes that 70% of the electorate want the border secured. Obama wants the Hispanic vote and is stalling appropriate action.
Additionally, you will find numerous interesting factoids related to earlier Presidents and Vice-Presidents, such as who took his Oath of Office outside the United States?
And should you still be confused about President Barack Obama referencing himself as a Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago, let me suggest you take a look at;
http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/was_barack_obama_really_a_constitutional_law.html
Read it for yourself and you will find that he was a Senior Lecturer who did not have tenure or full-time status. In academia there is a real distinction between Senior Lecturer and Professor. Just question any full-time tenured Professor.
Interesting facts make compelling reading, and thus one wonders if everything Obama says should be run through FactCheck.Org. Perhaps only his teleprompter or speech writer actually knows the real truth.
COMMANDER GRANGER
SENATE - ADVISE AND CONSENT
Here we go again with another nomination to fill a vacated seat on the Supreme Court of the United States. It is your Commander’s fervent desire that the U.S. Senate approaches this crucially important decision with improved emotional rhetoric and by sticking to an objective and thorough vetting of the candidate, Elena Kagan.
I am not so naive as to believe that our politicians will not perform their “dance of the all-powerful” in posturing before the Senate television cameras, but let’s keep the dialog restricted to civility. We must always remember the Oath of Office that our President and Senators have taken to “PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.” *Editorial note: The Senate Oath of Office is slightly different, but essentially contains the same words “to support and defend”.
Of equal importance is to remember the Preamble to our Constitution – “WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION, ESTABLISH JUSTICE, INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY, PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENCE, PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE, AND SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY TO OURSELVES AND OUR PROSTERITY, DO ORDAIN AND ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. The way I interpret these inspiring words it does not mean “Social Engineering,” but adherence to the Constitution. Additionally, the Oath calls to “preserve” or preservation of the Constitution, and that is a very specific charge.
I suggest that a good starting point to better understand Elena Kagen’s qualifications is to read the 13 page Wikipidia report on the Harvard Law School at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_Law_School
While I have been warned that Wikipidia can be found to contain biased material, this analysis does much to expand our collective knowledge for the debate. There are issues raised, such as the fact that five of the nine sitting Justices are all Harvard Law School graduates. Is that diversity or a problem of consequence? One, too, can wonder if anyone will question the degree of influence being established by Harvard University over the country with so many graduates holding major positions of influence. “Is that appropriate?” is a fair question to be addressed by the Senate inquiry.
Let me also draw your attention to a most surprising Editorial in the 5/11 issue of the New York Times, which also raises some interesting questions. Even this liberal mouth-piece of the Obama Administration wonders about the fact that Kagan has no judicial experience and an extremely thin paper trail to study.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/opinion/11tue1.html?scp=1&sq=5/11/2010%20Elena%20Kagan%20Editorial&st=cse
I choose to reserve judgment at a later date on the Kagan nomination. The hearings should be interesting and revealing, at least I hope so. Personally, I expected to see Obama nominate a more controversial liberal, such as Michelle Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, or some wacko from the ultra-liberal left Coast 9th Circuit. Apparently, Obama is reading the tea-leaves that indicate he must quickly begin to tread lightly as the November 2010 elections pose substantial challenges to his socialist trending policies and the Democrat Party.
COMMANDER GRANGER
I am not so naive as to believe that our politicians will not perform their “dance of the all-powerful” in posturing before the Senate television cameras, but let’s keep the dialog restricted to civility. We must always remember the Oath of Office that our President and Senators have taken to “PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.” *Editorial note: The Senate Oath of Office is slightly different, but essentially contains the same words “to support and defend”.
Of equal importance is to remember the Preamble to our Constitution – “WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION, ESTABLISH JUSTICE, INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY, PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENCE, PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE, AND SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY TO OURSELVES AND OUR PROSTERITY, DO ORDAIN AND ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. The way I interpret these inspiring words it does not mean “Social Engineering,” but adherence to the Constitution. Additionally, the Oath calls to “preserve” or preservation of the Constitution, and that is a very specific charge.
I suggest that a good starting point to better understand Elena Kagen’s qualifications is to read the 13 page Wikipidia report on the Harvard Law School at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_Law_School
While I have been warned that Wikipidia can be found to contain biased material, this analysis does much to expand our collective knowledge for the debate. There are issues raised, such as the fact that five of the nine sitting Justices are all Harvard Law School graduates. Is that diversity or a problem of consequence? One, too, can wonder if anyone will question the degree of influence being established by Harvard University over the country with so many graduates holding major positions of influence. “Is that appropriate?” is a fair question to be addressed by the Senate inquiry.
Let me also draw your attention to a most surprising Editorial in the 5/11 issue of the New York Times, which also raises some interesting questions. Even this liberal mouth-piece of the Obama Administration wonders about the fact that Kagan has no judicial experience and an extremely thin paper trail to study.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/opinion/11tue1.html?scp=1&sq=5/11/2010%20Elena%20Kagan%20Editorial&st=cse
I choose to reserve judgment at a later date on the Kagan nomination. The hearings should be interesting and revealing, at least I hope so. Personally, I expected to see Obama nominate a more controversial liberal, such as Michelle Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, or some wacko from the ultra-liberal left Coast 9th Circuit. Apparently, Obama is reading the tea-leaves that indicate he must quickly begin to tread lightly as the November 2010 elections pose substantial challenges to his socialist trending policies and the Democrat Party.
COMMANDER GRANGER
SUPPORT OUR BORDER PATROL AGENTS
Your Commander recognizes that it is dangerous to draw firm conclusions solely based upon what one reads in the newspaper. I want to draw your attention to the recent incident near El Paso where a U.S. Border Patrol Agent shot and killed a 15 year old Mexican National who was video taped throwing rocks at the Agent.
It is reported that Sergio Adrian Hernandez Huereka had been arrested on six previous occasions related to human smuggling or illegal entry. In this current incident the victim had again entered the U.S. illegally, and was in fact throwing rocks at the Border Patrol Agent.
It is my personal opinion that it is sad that the teenager died, but he was clearly warned and he broke several American laws by his personal actions. Unfortunately he got what he asked for, and the Border Patrol Agent acted appropriately and was justified to protect himself.
Our liberal Attorney General Eric Holder has reported his personal regret and the FBI is reviewing the incident. Your Commander suggests that the responsibility for this death can be placed directly in the Oval Office of the White House and the Halls of Congress, because they have repeatedly failed to provide appropriate security at our borders with Mexico and Canada. Additionally, the Mexican government holds equal responsibility for not providing appropriate security on their side of the border, because had they done so this incident would not have occurred.
Now Mexican President Felipe Calderon has the audacity to criticize our Border Patrol’s actions. It is far past the appropriate time for our government to tell Calderon to get his own house in order, and we should immediately institute the exact same immigration rules that Mexico exerts against any violators of their laws.
Tragically, I again suggest that our current administration and Congress really does not want to secure our borders, because they want the cheap labor, and the huge potential vote of illegal immigrants who they hope to somehow strong-arm into a legal voting status.
It is time for our government to not send 1,500 National Guard troops to our southern border, but to send the entire 82nd Airborne Division to the Mexican Border fully armed. Close down the Mexican Border completely, and see just how long Calderon can stay in office. Anyone who wants to enter the USA illegally can do so at their own risk of life and limb.
We have passed the time to permit the continued care and feeding of illegal aliens who gorge at our public trough, just like our elected officials. The unidentified Border Patrol Agent who shot this criminal should be supported, and saluted for putting his life on the line to protect you and me.
President Obama will probably send that tin-horn Mexican President a sympathy card and several million dollars as a continuation of his World Apology Tour Agenda.
COMMANDER GRANGER
It is reported that Sergio Adrian Hernandez Huereka had been arrested on six previous occasions related to human smuggling or illegal entry. In this current incident the victim had again entered the U.S. illegally, and was in fact throwing rocks at the Border Patrol Agent.
It is my personal opinion that it is sad that the teenager died, but he was clearly warned and he broke several American laws by his personal actions. Unfortunately he got what he asked for, and the Border Patrol Agent acted appropriately and was justified to protect himself.
Our liberal Attorney General Eric Holder has reported his personal regret and the FBI is reviewing the incident. Your Commander suggests that the responsibility for this death can be placed directly in the Oval Office of the White House and the Halls of Congress, because they have repeatedly failed to provide appropriate security at our borders with Mexico and Canada. Additionally, the Mexican government holds equal responsibility for not providing appropriate security on their side of the border, because had they done so this incident would not have occurred.
Now Mexican President Felipe Calderon has the audacity to criticize our Border Patrol’s actions. It is far past the appropriate time for our government to tell Calderon to get his own house in order, and we should immediately institute the exact same immigration rules that Mexico exerts against any violators of their laws.
Tragically, I again suggest that our current administration and Congress really does not want to secure our borders, because they want the cheap labor, and the huge potential vote of illegal immigrants who they hope to somehow strong-arm into a legal voting status.
It is time for our government to not send 1,500 National Guard troops to our southern border, but to send the entire 82nd Airborne Division to the Mexican Border fully armed. Close down the Mexican Border completely, and see just how long Calderon can stay in office. Anyone who wants to enter the USA illegally can do so at their own risk of life and limb.
We have passed the time to permit the continued care and feeding of illegal aliens who gorge at our public trough, just like our elected officials. The unidentified Border Patrol Agent who shot this criminal should be supported, and saluted for putting his life on the line to protect you and me.
President Obama will probably send that tin-horn Mexican President a sympathy card and several million dollars as a continuation of his World Apology Tour Agenda.
COMMANDER GRANGER
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