Question Of The Week, 12/31/06

Good morning. Another year has come and gone, well it's down to the final hours anyway. If you plan on celebrating tonight please be safe and sensible. Would anyone care to take a look at some predictions that were made by some visitors to a Republic, if you can keep it and I on January, 1, 2006? Looks to me like we came close or got some of them right. You might have guessed. This weeks Question Of The Week will be a multiple question.

(1) What was the biggest success of 2006?
(2) What was the biggest failure of 2006?
(3) What issues and events will be the big news stories of 2007? Your predictions please.

I'll post my answers in the Comment Section Monday night.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

When They Came (food for thought)

I want to share something that was in today's e-mail.

When They Came...

When they came for the Fifth Amendment,
I did not say anything because I had done nothing wrong.
When they came for the Fourth Amendment,
I did not say anything because I had nothing to hide,
When they came for the Second Amendment,
I did not say anything because I did not own a gun,
When they came for the First Amendment,
I could not say anything.

-- Anonymous

Just something to think about.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic

President Gerald R. Ford Dead At 93

Lets put politics aside for the time and call on God to be with the family of President Ford during their time of need.

38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford Dead at 93Rest In Peace Mister President.

Thanks go to the Chicago Tribune.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Doctor Claims Castro Has No Cancer

A December 26, 2006 NewsMax.com article says,

Doctor Claims Castro Has No Cancer

The Spanish surgeon treating Fidel Castro on Tuesday said the ailing Cuban leader does not have cancer and is recovering slowly from a serious operation. Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Sabrido flew to Havana last Thursday to see the Cuban leader and determine how his treatment was progressing.


Castro, 80, has not appeared in public since undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July, but has since released little information on his condition. Castro placed his younger brother, Raul, in charge of the government.



"He hasn't got cancer" Garcia Sabrido said at Madrid's Gregorio Maranon Hospital, where he is chief surgeon.


"It is not planned that he will undergo another operation for the moment," he said. "His condition is stable. He is recovering from a very serious operation."



© 2006 Associated Press.

I think where is Fidel Castro(?) could turn out to be one of the unanswered questions of 2006. My wife feels he passed away months ago and that Raul and the rest of the powers that be in Cuba are afraid that the people will revolt and overthrow the government when they get the news officially saying Fidel is no longer with them. I'm not going that far out on the limb myself. I'm just going to say we should be keeping a close eye on news from Cuba. Something is about to happen.

Thanks go to NewsMax.com

God Bless America, God Save The Republic

Happy Kwanzaa?

I read an article in my local paper that tells about the Kwanzaa celebration that will be starting today.


Kwanzaa events to begin today

St. Joseph News-Press

The Juneteenth Steering Committee will kick off its Kwanzaa celebration today.

Ramadhan Washington, Juneteenth organizer, said the focus this year will be planting the seeds of economic security and empowerment.

"The first fruits of the harvest, we're going to plant seeds and that seed is going to be an economic agenda," Mr. Washington said. "We're going to get the collective benefit of what Kwanzaa is supposed to bring. It is a cultural enrichment program."

The seven-day Kwanzaa celebration begins at 6 p.m. today with a lighting ceremony at the Bartlett Center, 408 S. 18th St.

For the next six days, the Kwanzaa schedule at the center will include:

6 p.m. Wednesday: Creating Wealth seminar by Drew Brown.

6 p.m. Thursday: Creating Wealth agenda.

6 p.m. Friday: Storytelling with Roy Wedlow.

2 p.m. Saturday: Soul Cinema presentation.

2 p.m Sunday: Pot luck Karami feast, music, family fun. Patrons are asked to bring covered dishes.

2 p.m. Jan. 1: Wealth Creation wrap-up agenda: Planting the Seed.

For more information, call 233-8201 or 387-9598.


After I read the News-Press article I read three more about the Kwanzaa Celebration and the man that got it started in the United States.

Peterson: Kwanzaa-Racist Holiday from Hell

Kwanzaa, my Azz!

So This Is Kwanzaa, what have you done...?

They make you wonder just how much the people that will be celebrating this week know about Ron Everett, aka Dr. Karenga. I would hope that this celebration wouldn't be taking place if they read these three articles.

Thanks go to the St. Joseph News-Press and the Federal Observer.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

The Reason For The Season

Please don't forget what we are celebrating today.

Bible, King James Version

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Luke.2 Verses 1 to 20

[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.


The birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

From our house to yours, we'd like to wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas from the Schantz family.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

I've Been Thinking About This All Day.

I stopped by Update America earlier today. I hope you'll go there and see what might happen if the Virgin Mary came to Bethlehem today.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Question Of The Week, 12/24/06

Good Morning, and Merry Christmas to all! This weeks Question Of The Week comes from an article I found in the Austin American-Statesman/statesman.com.


Texas teen fighting efforts by police to remove bullet from head
Prosecutors say slug is evidence that he tried to shoot businessman after robbery.
By Juan A. Lozano

ASSOCIATED PRESS


Friday, December 22, 2006

PORT ARTHUR — In the middle of Joshua Bush's forehead, two inches above his eyes, lies the evidence that prosecutors say could send the teenager to prison for attempted murder: a 9 mm bullet, lodged just under the skin.

Prosecutors say it will prove that Bush, 17, tried to kill the owner of a used car lot after a robbery in July. And they have obtained a search warrant to extract the slug.

But Bush and his lawyer are fighting the removal, in a legal and medical oddity that raises questions about patient privacy and how far the government can go to solve crimes without running afoul of the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

"It's unfortunate this arguably important piece of evidence is in a place where it can't be easily retrieved," said Seth Chandler, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center. "You have to balance our desire to convict the guilty against the government not poking around our bodies on a supposition."

Investigators say that Bush was part of a group of gang members who broke into a used car lot and tried to steal vehicles. According to police, Bush tried to shoot lot owner Alan Olive. When Olive returned fire, police said, a bullet struck the teenager and burrowed into the soft tissue of his forehead.

Prosecutor Ramon Rodriguez said gang members who took part in the robbery identified Bush as one of those involved. When he was questioned about a week later, Bush admitted to taking part in the robbery but not to the shooting, police said.

"The officers noticed the guy looks like hell. One of his eyes is black, and he has a big old knot on his forehead," Rodriguez said. "He tells police he got hurt playing basketball."

A few days later, Bush went to the hospital and told doctors he had been hit by a stray bullet as he sat on a couch in an apartment.

"Officers started putting events together," Rodriguez said.

A judge took the unusual step of issuing a search warrant to retrieve the bullet from Bush's head in October. But a Beaumont doctor determined that small pieces of bone were growing around the slug, and he did not have the proper tools in the emergency room to extract it. The doctor said that removal would require surgery under general anesthesia and that no operating rooms were available.

Police then obtained a second search warrant and scheduled the operation for last week at the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital in Galveston. It was postponed again, however, after the hospital decided not to participate for reasons it would not discuss.

Prosecutors said they continue to look for a doctor or hospital willing to remove the bullet.

All sides agree that removing the bullet would not be life-threatening. But Bush's family and attorney say it would be a violation of the teenager's civil rights and would set a dangerous precedent.

"When the medical profession divorces itself from its own responsibility and makes itself an arm of the state, it's a dangerous path," said Rife Kimler, Bush's lawyer.

Olive told police that after officers had left the scene of the robbery and he began cleaning up, a man appeared in a nearby alley and threatened to kill him if he helped authorities in their investigation. The man fired at Olive, he said, and a shootout followed.

"I just can't believe I missed him at that distance," Olive, a competitive pistol shooter, said in court papers. Olive told authorities he never saw the man's face in the dark alley.

Bush is in jail on charges related to the robbery but not the shooting.

His mother, Tammie Bush, disputed allegations that her son is in a gang.

"We know he's not a criminal," she said. "He's a good kid."

Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, predicted that Bush's rights as a patient will trump the state's desire to get the bullet and said authorities might have a hard time finding someone willing to extract the slug.

"It truly is a moral quandary," Caplan said. "Doctors are caught between wanting to help solve crimes and their responsibility to patients' rights to refuse a procedure."


This weeks Question Of The Week is. Would removing the slug from Joshua Bush's forehead violate his Fourth Amendment rights?

I'll post my answer in the Comment Section Monday night.

Thanks go to the Austin American-Statesman.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Lets Put Bill Of Rights Day On The Calendar

Chances are (if you stop by often) you already know I feel December 15 is a very special day. I just got an e-mail alert from Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership (JPFO) thanking everyone for the part they played in making Bill Of Rights Day 2006 a success. JPFO is already making plans for Bill Of Rights Day 2007 and they are asking for our help.


ALERT FROM JEWS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF FIREARMS OWNERSHIP
America's Aggressive Civil Rights Organization

December 22, 2006

JPFO ALERT: Bill of Rights Day a Success!

We'd like to thank everyone who made this Bill of Rights
Day, December 15, such a success.

Renee Kimball's celebration at The Bomber Restaurant in
Oregon was joined by over 50 people, and Jim and Margie's
gathering in Evansville, Indiana garnered _90_! Those who
have been following our alerts know that there were many
other celebrations as well.

This is the time to plan your events for next year's
celebration. And we've got a new idea for you.

Like us, every year you no doubt receive a promotional
calendar from your drycleaner, your dentist, your pool-
cleaning service, and half a dozen other companies. Most
of those calendars are helpfully marked with various
holidays. This year, contact the publisher of the calendar
and ask them to add Bill of Rights Day on December 15.
The contact information is usually printed on the back or
bottom of the calendar. And if the publisher has any
questions, just send them to our website at
www.jpfo.org/bord.htm !

We also ask that you let us know the publishers you've
contacted. That way we can encourage others to contact that
same publisher. If many people request it, there is a better
chance of making it happen!

By doing the above, you'll ensure that EVERYONE who receives
a calendar will be reminded of that day when we honor our
national heritage, the Bill of Rights. This is something
very simple that you can do to help protect your rights,
and it could influence potentially MILLIONS of people.

So let's spread the word in 2007!

- The Liberty Crew


Every year a friend of ours gives me a calendar with patriotic or dog pictures on it. It looks like I'll be contacting the publisher of the calendar this year. Lets put Bill Of Rights Day on the calendar.

Thanks go to Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Military Growing

I've read several articles that say Bush wants to increase the size of our military and one in my local paper that says that is possible.


Recruiters unfazed by bigger goals

Marshall White
Reporter

President Bush's desire to enlarge the military shouldn't present problems for local recruiters.

Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas are prime areas to meet and exceed goals because of patriotism and educational goals, local recruiters say.

"The bottom line in Northwest Missouri is patriotism," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael W. Brownfield, a Missouri Army National Guard recruiter.

Recruits still want to serve their country, Mr. Brownfield said. The president said in a news conference Wednesday that he has asked Defense Secretary Robert Gates to look into adding more troops to the nearly 1.4 million uniformed personnel on active duty.

The prospect of drumming up additional recruits in the midst of two wars has local recruiters unfazed.

"The United States Marine Corps hasn't missed a recruiting goal in Northwest Missouri for the last 101 months," said Sgt. Dustin Hecker, a Marine recruiter. "We don't throw money at potential recruits, but if being a Marine is what they want, then we'll give them a chance to be a Marine."

Meeting goals hasn't been a problem in the last four years that Tech. Sgt. Krista Krause, of Missouri Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Wing, has been a recruiter. This year, the Missouri Air National Guard selected Ms. Krause as its top recruiter.

"A lot of kids want to go to school and it's getting expensive, so they turn to the Air National Guard," Ms. Krause said.

Education helps the Navy meet its goals, said Electronics Tech. 1st Class Chris Conn, a local Navy recruiter. The Army and the Missouri National Guard say they meet their goals because of patriotism.

"You can't beat it in Northwest Missouri, where we meet and exceed our recruiting goals," said Sgt. 1st Class Hugo Wills, the Army's chief recruiter in St. Joseph. Last quarter, the six-man office in St. Joseph had a goal of 25 and recruited 30.

While the Army has six recruiters, the Navy has three and the Marines have two, the Air Force only has one in Northwest Missouri - Staff Sgt. Billy Brewer.

"I've never had a bad reception," Mr. Brewer said.

Last quarter's goal of six was exceeded with eight enlistments, Mr. Brewer said. Most of the recruits won't make the Air Force a career, but they want to be able to come out of the service with enough practical experience so they won't have to start at the bottom in the career of their choice.



To be honest I didn't think we had that many people trying to get into the military right now. I thought that increase in numbers meant the return of the draft. I'm still expecting to see something about that in the future.


Thanks go to Deseret News.com and the Saint Joseph News-Press

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Public Service Announcement

I hate to hear about people being ripped off by identity thieves. Just like it is at shopping centers, this is a busy time of year for identity thieves. Some Christmas shoppers minds seem to be somewhere else while standing in the check out line, trying to remember, was something forgotten, where will they go to get that item that wasn't available at the shop they are about to leave? Sometimes they are just so busy that they might not notice what the person standing behind them in the check out line is doing. Sometimes they might not even be watching the cashier. There was an article about the distractions of the season in my local paper this morning.

Distractions of season increase chances of ID theft

Ahmad Safi
Public Safety Reporter

The story never tires this time of year: Some Grinch wants to steal your Christmas, and in some cases, your life.

The holidays may be the time for sharing, but that doesn't mean everyone's in a giving mood. More consumer activity means more risk of exposing your financial information, and shoppers often become more lax with personal information, said Detective Richard Shelton, an investigator with the St. Joseph Police Department's financial crimes unit.

The latest: Agile thieves can use camera cell phones to take photos of your credit cards while you're making purchases, your PIN number while you're at the cash machine and your bank's routing number when you're writing a check.

It's called "shoulder surfing."

To make matters worse, dishonest seasonal employees can steal credit card numbers by sliding a card through a second machine that stores the information from the magnetic strip.

When this happens, people have not only lost their credit ratings, money and reputations, they may spend years trying to straighten out their lives, Mr. Shelton said. Some may be refused loans, educational opportunities and job offers, he said.

Especially of concern during the holidays, he said, is that many people who don't have experience with online sales look around for the best prices and end up at Web sites with weak security.

He said it's also common that scam artists will target seniors or the "trusting generation," with intimidation calls, Mr. Shelton said.

"They will call and say, 'your information has been compromised and if you can prove who you are, everything will be OK,'" he said. Once the scammers have your Social Security number, your date of birth or even sometimes just your address and telephone number, they can use that information to pretend to be you, he says.

With that information, Mr. Shelton says a thief can open new credit card accounts, access your current bank accounts, rent a house or apartment, establish utility company accounts and even obtain a job - all in your name.


I hope that you are aware of what is going on around you while standing in that check out line at all times. Please don't allow yourself to become a victim.

(Thanks go to the St. Joseph News-Press)

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Hillary For President?

On Friday, December 8, 2006 I said, "I'll be in the Third Party or Independent camps again in 2008. Unless of course the Democratic Party can do something to really impress me, I'm sure there will be something about that here in the future." One name that keeps popping up when you mention Democratic Party presidential candidates is Senator Hillary Clinton. I think you'll agree when I say she was a major player during the Clinton/Gore years. I wanted to remind you of something that took place during that time and I'm not talking about the Monica Lewinsky scandal. I know this isn't Sunday but I'm going to ask a question anyway. Do we really want to run the risk of putting someone in the White House that might prevent congress from getting anything done because they spend all their time investigating the president and trying to figure out what happened in the latest scandal?

I have a feeling that there will be more to come here.

Thanks go to Judicial Watch and Coffee Shop Times


God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Question Of The Week, 12/17/06

Good morning. It seems like there are a lot of questions being ask about capital punishment because of a botched lethal injection in Florida. So I'll ask one of my own. This weeks Question Of The Week is. Do you support or oppose capital punishment? You can explain why if you'd like to. I'll post my answer in the Comment Section Monday night.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Does My Local News Paper Omit?

My local news paper never mentioned the fact that the city councilman from my district sponsored a resolution (that was passed by a vote of 9-0) making December 15 Bill Of Rights Day in Saint Joseph, Missouri. I submitted three Letters To The Editor, trying to draw some attention to the resolution and the day. One of them was published on December 16, the day after Bill Of Rights Day, it was submitted (E-mailed) on December 13.

From Letter To The Editor, St. Joseph News-Press, December, 16, 2006.

Speaking out

I noticed both of the letters to the editor in the Dec. 13 News-Press were written by young people, Kayla Weese and Kylie Lofts, both of Faucett, Mo. I think that is great. Two young people speaking out, voicing their opinions. Practicing their right to free speech, which is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

I wonder if they realize that Friday, Dec. 15, was Bill Of Rights Day? The first 10 amendments (our Bill Of Rights) to the United States Constitution were ratified on Dec. 15, 1791. I'd like to urge Kayla and Kylie to continue speaking out and I want to wish both of them a happy Bill Of Rights Day.

David Schantz

St. Joseph

The letter had been edited, most of the time I'd have little or no problem with that,but. In this case I'd hoped to get the letter published in time to draw attention to Bill Of Rights Day. The letter I submitted said,"I wonder if they realize that Friday, Dec. 15, is Bill Of Rights Day?" That was changed to, "I wonder if they realize that Friday, Dec. 15, was Bill Of Rights Day?" Something else is missing. When I close a Letter To The Editor I do it the same way I close a post here, "God Bless America, God Save The Republic." That was missing from this and every other letter I've had published in the News-Press. It seems that my local paper omits, or edits anything they don't like or disagree with.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Bill Of Rights Day 2006

Today is December, 15, 2006, Bill Of Rights Day. I hope you have figured out a way to celebrate the day. Please take the time to read the First Ten Amendments (Our Bill Of Rights) to the United States Constitution with me now.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.


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Amendment II

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.


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Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.


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Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.


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Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.


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Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.


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Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.


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Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.


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Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.


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Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Discuss them with your friends (Don't forget you have friends here in the Comment Section) and family members. Find out if they think they are as important today as they were when they were ratified on December, 15, 1791. By the time the day is over you might even decide you want to be a part of the Bill Of Rights Culture. Or become interested in what you can do to defend your rights.I've been thinking. Since my City Councilman, Mike Bozarth sponsored a resolution officially making December 15 Bill Of Rights Day in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and it was passed by a vote of 9-0 the time has come to move on and start another Bill Of Rights Day project. Wouldn't it be great if I could come back here next year and tell you that December 15 is now Bill Of Rights Day in the entire state of Missouri. I would really like to hear that each of the fifty states passed Bill Of Rights Day resolutions by December, 15, 2007. I will soon be writing a letter to my state representative and one to my state senator urging both of them to sponsor Bill Of Rights Day resolutions for the state Missouri. I hope you will contact your elected officials and urge them to sponsor a resolution for your state.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

President George Washington Passed Away

I was just going through my e-mail and was reminded of the fact that President George Washington passed away on this day in 1799. Ok, it's not Sunday, time for the Question Of The Week. I want to ask you a question anyway. What were President Washington's last words? Check the Comment Section for the answer.

God Bless America. God Save The Republic

Updated Let's Make December 15 A Bill Of Rights Day To Remember

Be sure to read all the way to the bottom to see the latest updates. See if there will be a Bill Of Rights Day event in your area.

On Friday, November 24,2006 I posted a message about a Bill Of Rights Day Resolution, something I'd like to see more of. I was just reading an e-mail I got from Alan Korwin of the Bloomfield Press that also mentions Bill Of Rights Day. It tells of a Bill Of Rights Day event/luncheon that will take place in Phoenix, Arizona.

Don't Miss the Bill of Rights Day Luncheon Dec. 15

For Immediate Release
Contact: Alan Korwin at Bloomfield Press, 602-996-4020


Special presentation by "Patrick Henry" now planned --
Special presentation by "Patrick Henry" now planned --


Activist, author, and actor Dr. Lance Hurley will deliver, in full period costume, excerpts from Patrick Henry's speech attacking the dangers and the flaws of the Constitution, and his instrumental role in establishing the Bill of Rights to remedy his concerns. History has proven that his concerns were valid. Don't miss this historical extra. YOU MUST RSVP to attend (see below).

--------------
An open invitation:

BILL OF RIGHTS DAY LUNCHEON
BILL OF RIGHTS DAY LUNCHEON
BILL OF RIGHTS DAY LUNCHEON



Make a little time to celebrate your precious rights.
Reflect on what makes America great!

Left, right, centrist, statist, libertarian, no matter.
Bill of Rights Day is one thing that brings us together.

We will read the original Bill of Rights out loud from a parchment copy, and then jointly discuss its health in roundtable style. Is it working? Are there threats to our rights? What are the future prospects?

Join us in Phoenix, or at an event near you.
You will remember this experience for a long time to come.

The Goldwater Institute is graciously providing the use of its auditorium for this special event:

Goldwater Institute, 500 East Coronado Road, Phoenix.
One block north of McDowell, west of 7th Street.

A delicious hot buffet luncheon will be provided for $15, payable at the door.

The caterer needs a mouth count,
so YOU MUST RSVP by email to attend:
alan@bloomfieldpress.com
Respond no later than 12/12/06!
Do NOT change the subject line of this email when you reply.


The Bill of Rights Luncheon
Friday, December 15, 2006
At the Goldwater Institute auditorium
500 E. Coronado Ave., Phoenix
1 block N. of McDowell, W. of 7th St.
High noon to 1:30 p.m.


P.S. Are you too busy or too far away to join us? Hold your own luncheon! Gather with friends on Fri., Dec. 15, go to lunch, and read the Bill of Rights -- aloud. It's a magical moment, as the words sing out. Take time in your busy schedule to enjoy this reflective pause, and recount the tremendous values these freedoms have brought to you, your family and the world.


This gave me an idea. I'm sure this will not be the only Bill Of Rights Day event that will be held this year. Every time I hear of one between now and December 15 I will update this post. If you know of a Bill Of Rights Day event that will be taking place in your area leave some information about it in the Comment Section of the most recent update and try to attend the event yourself. Let's see if we can make Bill Of Rights Day 2006 one of the best in recent history.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.


Updated, December 5, 2006

If your going to be in Milwaukie, Oregon on December 15, 2006 it looks like you'll get a chance to attend a great Bill Of Rights Day celebration, but you must act quickly. Seating is limited.

ALERT FROM JEWS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF FIREARMS OWNERSHIP
America's Aggressive Civil Rights Organization

December 1, 2006

JPFO ALERT: This Just In!
We wanted to alert our readers to a Bill of Rights
celebratory event sponsored by JPFO supporter Renee
Kimball & Hugo Schulz.

Held at the Bomber Restaurant in the Wings of Freedom
Museum, the event will feature lots of great food and the
opportunity to view the historical items in the museum, as
well as a reading the Bill of Rights. PLUS each person
attending will receive a copy of the Constitution!

If that's not enough, you'll get the opportunity to meet
Louise de Beauclair, who in World War II served as a test
pilot, shuttling newly-manufactured bombers to military
bases. Women were used in this position because they were
considered "expendable" by the military, which gives you
an idea of the Louise's bravery.

EVENT INFORMATION
Friday, December 15th from 6-9pm
"The Bomber Restaurant"
13515 SE McLoughlin Blvd
Milwaukie, Oregon
in the "Wings of Freedom Museum"
red building on the right just behind the Weeping
Willow tree

If you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. as there is limited
room! PH: 503-238-6973 or email Renee@EnufWaste.com

There will also be a Bill Of Rights Day celebration in Lake Worth, Florida.

The Constitution Committee of the United States/Florida
is planning a Bill of Rights Day celebration in Lake
Worth, Florida:

Date: December 15, 2006
Place: The Bohemian Garden Seafood & Steakhouse
(in the Private Dining Room)
5450 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL 33463
Time: 6:30 PM
Dinner: $35 (complete)
Notes: VIP reception, cash bar, more

For more details including directions, payment arrangements,
hotel reservations (if coming from out of town), or if
you have any questions, call 561-582-9129 or email
CFCEIG-BillofRightsDay@Yahoo.com

The Evansville, Indiana Bill Of Rights Day celebration will be a day late, but that takes nothing from the meaning. In fact this might make it possible for some of you to make it to two celebrations.

Jim and Margie Tomes are also celebrating Bill of Rights
Day in Evansville, Indiana:

Date: December 16
Place: Four Freedoms Monument in Evansville Indiana (located
on the riverfront)
Time: 10 am

Contact Phone: 812-985-5473
Contact Email: jmtomes@pngusa.net




For those who won't be able to make this or other Bill of
Rights Day events, please view our alert of 11/28/06 at
www.jpfo.org/alert20061128.htm for ideas on things you CAN
do to honor this special day!

- The Liberty Crew
JPFO mirror site: http://www.jpfo.net


December 6, 2006 Update

This one doesn't tell of an event. It is a note that was e-mailed to me by my City Councilman Mike Bozarth telling about the passage of his Bill Of Rights Day Resolution making December 15 Bill Of Rights Day in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Hi David,

The City Council passed the Bill of Rights Day Resolution 9-0. Mayor Shearin gave me a few minutes to tell the audience why I thought it was important. I saw a lot of heads nodding approval as I explained the importance of the Bill of Rights and why its remembrance was important.

Mike

December, 14 update.

I wanted to let you know that Always On Watch has posted a very interesting Bill Of Rights Day Message. I do hope you will check it out.

Just In From JPFO (Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership)
Information on a Bill Of Rights Day documentary that is to be aired on George Mason University public access television and a Bill Of Rights Day celebration in Loveland, Colorado.

ALERT FROM JEWS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF FIREARMS OWNERSHIP
America's Aggressive Civil Rights Organization

December 14, 2006

JPFO ALERT: What Are You Doing for Bill of Rights Day?

Tomorrow, December 15, is Bill of Rights Day, the day when
we should all take time to honor and celebrate America's
precious national heritage, the Bill of Rights.

Throughout the last several weeks, we've been notifying our
readers of various Bill of Rights Day celebrations taking
place throughout the country. If you're having a celebration,
please send us an email today and we'll send out an alert
tomorrow to let others know.

Even if you haven't planned to attend an event, it's still
not too late for you to celebrate in some way. If you receive
George Mason University's public access station (GMU-TV), you
can watch our award-winning documentary _Bill of Rights or
Bust_ on December 15 at FOUR different times: 9:30am, 1:00pm,
4:00pm, and 7:30pm. Thanks to JPFO supporter BP for his work
in getting _Bill of Rights or Bust_ on the air this special
day!

Or you can share our article "You'll be Freer and Richer in
the Bill of Rights Culture"
( http://www.jpfo.org/borculture.htm ). Link to it, email it,
or print and distribute it. Visit
http://www.your10rights.com/bord.html for more ideas on how
you can celebrate your freedoms tomorrow!

As requested by our supporters, we'd also like to draw your
attention to our article, "Candles on the Train" -- an
inspirational story for America, a country now in the shadow
of darkness. You can read it at
http://www.jpfo.org/alert19991212.htm

Finally, don't forget to take a look at our Bill of Rights
Menorah at http://www.jpfo.org/menorah.htm . You can read a
full explanation of it at
http://www.jpfo.org/whybormenorah.htm .

Freedom's flames are flickering lower and lower each year ...
tell your children and grandchildren what you're doing to keep
them burning brightly.

- The Liberty Crew

PS This just in! 7th Annual Bill of Rights Day celebration
will be taking place on December 16, 2006 from 3:30 to 10:00
PM at the Pulliam Building 524 North Cleveland in downtown
Loveland, Colorado. More information can be found at
http://www.lovelandnet.com/bord/ .
============================================================

JPFO mirror site: http://www.jpfo.net



I will continue to update this post every time I hear of a Bill Of Rights Day event between now and December 15, 2006.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

A Friendly Reminder

Just in case you had forgotten. I wanted to remind you. Bill Of Rights Day is now just two day's away. I hope that you had planned on doing something to make it a special day.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Lawsuit Season

I got an e-mail alert from Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership. It tells about a lawsuit being filed over Christmas trees.


ALERT FROM JEWS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF FIREARMS OWNERSHIP
America's Aggressive Civil Rights Organization

December 12, 2006

JPFO ALERT: The Wrong Rabbi

Recently the Christmas trees that graced the Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport for the past 25 years were removed.
The reason? Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky threatened to sue if the
trees weren't "balanced out" by a Menorah to honor the Jewish
holiday of Chanuka.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2715008&page=1

The airport decided removing the trees was the only viable
solution. Explains Patricia Davis, president of the Seattle
Port Commission, "We were faced with the choice of spending
unknown amounts of the public's money on litigation, or, in
the next few days, trying to figure out how to accommodate
all the cultures in our society."

Rabbi Bogomilsky is reportedly "appalled" at the result.

One wonders what, exactly, the Rabbi _thought_ would happen.
He threatened the airport with a lawsuit if it did not include
a symbol of his religion.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of religions within the
United States alone, many of which celebrate a holiday on or
around December 25. Had the airport bowed to the Rabbi's
demands, it is a virtual certainty that representatives of
many of those religions would follow suit.

The Rabbi's demand to add a Jewish holiday symbol to the
airport's Christmas display was both ridiculous and
short-sighted. In his quest for "equal" holiday
representation, he only succeeded in eliminating from the
public eye a symbol of peace, charity, fellowship and love.

As it happens, the Rabbi came on Michael Medved's national
radio show on December 11 and admitted that he was wrong.
He forthrightly stated that he did not ever want the Christmas
trees actually removed, that the whole issue got out of hand.
He admitted that he had not thought about the results of
threatening a lawsuit, and he frankly regretted everything
he did. The Rabbi now wants the Christmas trees restored,
with or without a Menorah.
From JPFO's perspective, the key message for Jews is not to
worry so much about "equal time" for the Menorah. Rather,
it is important for Jews -- and everyone -- to respect and be
thankful for the Christian Americans who established a nation
with a Bill of Rights and a welcoming culture of individual
freedom that have provided the safest place on Earth for
minorities of all types.

Now what we need to do -- whether gathered around the Menorah
or the Christmas Tree -- is pledge to join together to
protect our American values and way of life.

We can start on America's first holy day in December: Bill
of Rights Day, December 15.

- The Liberty Crew

Update: Just prior to sending this alert, we received the
following news story: Trees Being Returned to SeaTac Airport
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20061212/D8LV9I1G0.html

I'm thinking this should teach us something. Think before you file or everyone loses.

Don't forget, Bill Of Rights Day is just three days away.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Straight Talk With Sam Vol. 6, Issue 50, December 11, 2006

I subscribe to my United States Representative, Sam Graves (R-MO.) news-letter, Straight Talk With Sam. In the most recent issue he talks about it now being easier to get a tax deduction for doing what is right. Helping those that have less than you.

Season of Giving

Volume 6, Issue 50, December 11, 2006

Americans are very generous folks, especially those in Northwest Missouri. Donating to a charity is one of the greatest gifts one can give, and there is no greater time to give than the holiday season.

We see our churches collecting clothes for those less fortunate, local organizations gathering special goods to send to our loved ones serving our country overseas, and school children going out on canned food drives to collect food for the hungry. Charities play an important role in our society, because they can provide much needed help to the poor. And charities can only work with the help of generous Americans.

Many Missourians are anxious to help, but Uncle Sam hasn't always made it easy. Until recently, taxpayers who did not itemize their deductions on their tax forms were not eligible to deduct their charitable contributions from their income. This was simply not fair. But with the help of my colleagues earlier this year, Congress passed a bill which allowed every taxpayer to deduct charitable contributions, regardless of whether they itemize their deductions.

Americans can afford to be more generous when they have more money in their wallets. This bill ended the practice of giving some taxpayers financial relief for their generosity while excluding others. It's only fair we treat every charitable contribution the same, especially during this holiday season.


Sincerely,

Sam Graves


I hope this will get more of those that have to help those that have not. There is one thing that I wish Sam would have said and he didn't. I'll say it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Question Of The Week, 12/10/06

Good morning. Do you ever find yourself wondering what if ----? Or just suppose ---? I do and that's where this weeks Question Of The Week comes from. Just suppose both of our major political parties decided the time had come to have a female presidential candidate. What if your one of many people that feel voting for a Third Party or Independent candidate is the same as throwing your vote away? That part will be hard for me, see Friday, December 8, 2006. The Republican candidate is, Condoleezza Rice and the Democratic candidate is Hillary Clinton. This weeks Question Of The Week. If you had to choose between the two in 2008 who would you vote for?

I will try to have my answer posted in the Comment Section Monday night.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Al D' Amato: McCain Will Be GOP Nominee

It has never taken much to drive me out of one of our two major party camps.Especially during a presidential campaign. My support/vote has gone to Third Party and Independent candidates for quite some time now. If what former GOP Senator Al D'Amato has to say in this NewsMax.com column (Al D'Amato: McCain Will Be GOP Nominee) is correct I'll be in the Third Party or Independent camps again in 2008. Unless of course the Democratic Party can do something to really impress me, I'am sure there will be something about that here in the future.

For now I'd just like to say that there is no way I could bring myself to support someone for president after they turned their back on their fellow soldiers during a time of war. Here are some easy to find examples of McCain doing just that.

John McCain A Fraud.

Rhinestone Hero (Part One)

Rhinestone Hero (Part Two)

God Bless America, God Save The Republic

Armed Teachers

Wouldn't you know it. I've already saved my next Question Of The Week as a draft. Now I find an article about teachers being allowed to carry concealed weapons in Utah schools. The article ask some interesting questions that common sense should answer. Should they be allowed to get some training? Who will pay for the training. Any other citizen that wants a concealed carry permit has to get training and pay for it themselves. Who will be held liable for a gun carrying school employee? Any other citizen would have to be responsible for their own actions. What would make a school employee any different? Do I think armed teachers are a good idea? Yes I do. I feel that it has been proven that gun-free school zones don't work. It is impossible for police officers to be every where they are needed as soon as they are needed and we are fools if we think they can be.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

City Life

A few times I've told people that if I wasn't married I'd live a little different than my Wife and I do. I wouldn't need a house with pictures and stuff on the walls. I'd be happy with a Quonset hut out on the edge of the woods. If I wanted it to be real nice I'd hook up electricity, plumbing and have it heated. Nothing fancy, something that looks like a farmers out building. Of course I've been ask why I'd want to live like that. Check out this December 7, 2006 St. Joseph News-Press article By Aaron Bailey to see why.


Armed robbers invade house, snatch Xbox 360

Aaron Bailey

A group of people burst into an East St. Joseph home early Wednesday and tied up two people at gunpoint before taking a video game console.

It wasn't the PlayStation 3 console, which spawned sporadic violence across the nation when it was released last month, that invoked the group - rather the Xbox 360 console, which has been on the market for more than a year.

"Maybe that's all they could find that interested them," said St. Joseph Police Cmdr. Jim Connors about the peculiar home invasion and armed robbery. "It's unusual."

Police say a 20-year-old male and his 25-year-old girlfriend were awake in their house in the 3500 block of South Leonard Road when they heard a loud noise around 3 a.m. The man asked "What was that?" before an undetermined number of men and possibly some women rushed into the house.

Mr. Connors said the victims believed the group to be black, but were unable to tell exactly how many people there were. Some members of the group were allegedly armed with guns, the victims told police. The group then took the victims into the bedroom of the house where they were tied up with zip ties.

Mr. Connors said the victims waited for about five minutes until they couldn't hear the group going through the house. The male victim was then able to locate a knife and cut his hands loose and free the pair from the bindings before calling police. No one was injured.

The house is isolated and located in a large industrial area just east of Interstate 29.

The only items that were reported to police as stolen were the Xbox 360 and some games. Mr. Connors declined to say how many games since that information is sensitive to the investigation.

The Xbox 360 was released last year to large lines and bloated prices on auction Web sites like eBay. But the system is now available at almost any electronics store, and the price has dropped to about $300.

Last month, the release of the PlayStation 3 console was met with shortages, stampedes and unruly crowds. A Connecticut man was even shot by armed robbers after purchasing the PlayStation 3 and refusing to give it up.

But the motivation seems a little less clear in Wednesday's armed burglary in St. Joseph. Police have interviewed both victims, but still have a murky picture of the crime, Mr. Connors said.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed something in the area around 3 to 3:30 a.m., or anyone who has any information, to call the TIPS Hotline at 238-TIPS


A Quonset hut in the woods just seems more civilized than life in the city to me.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Pearl Harbor Day

I'm pretty sure there are columns like this one By Ken Newton that I found in the St. Joseph News-Press in just about every news paper in the country today. Please don't skip the one in your local paper. Time is doing what Japan couldn't. Our Pearl Harbor survivors numbers are dwindling. With each one we lose we lose a personal story, a little bit of history. After you read that story take a little time to quietly think of those that didn't make it through December 7, 1941.

From the December 7, 2006 St. Joseph News-Press.


65 years on, the memories still burn

Ken Newton
Senior Reporter/Columnist

The day that would live in infamy began with Dean Kreek topside, trumpet in hand, standing alongside 17 other musicians ready to play morning colors.

Planes buzzed Ford Island, a common sight as training flights flew day and night over Pearl Harbor. But the plane that got the musicians' attention approached slowly and low, barely above the mast of the USS Nevada.

On its side shown the emblem of a rising sun.

"When that plane was alongside, we could see that," Mr. Kreek recalls. "We knew what it was."

Over the next two hours, the Holt County native bore stretchers of wounded and battled fires aboard the Nevada. And, 65 years ago today, he stood eyewitness to America's first fight of World War II.

The surprise attack by the Japanese killed nearly 2,400 Americans, wounded about 1,200 more and sank or damaged 19 U.S. ships. Today, in a nation still rattled by the terrorism of Sept. 11, 2001, the unprovoked airstrikes in Hawaii provide the closest historical comparison.

Mr. Kreek's horn took him to the South Pacific. From his home in Oregon, Mo., he can point out the window to the place he grew up. He played in the school band and attended a one-month citizen military training one summer break.

Later, a recruiter came to the school and won over the teenager. "When I saw the Navy training film," he says, "I thought that would be better than walking like we did in the Army."

At age 18, he enlisted, listing his preferences as torpedo school, then music school. A bandmaster liked what he heard in a tryout, and Mr. Kreek headed for the fleet music school in San Diego. Eight months later, in April 1941, the country boy arrived in paradise.

Hawaii offered pleasant temperatures and nice duty. The fleet set sail for training on Mondays, headed back to port on Saturdays. Sailors had the balance of the weekend free. "It was a good life," Mr. Kreek says.

But the Japanese knew this schedule, knew the Sunday morning lethargy left the fleet vulnerable.

The Nevada moored at the north end of Battleship Row, nearest the doomed USS Arizona. After the ship's band played "The Star Spangled Banner" that Dec. 7, Mr. Kreek and his crewmates went to battle stations. (He stopped first to stow his trumpet, though seawater would ruin it as the attack played out.)

The seaman's battle station was three decks below the ship's forward turret, but smoke drove the sailors out. Stretcher bearers began collecting the wounded and hauling them to the fantail, where doctors got them ready for evacuation.

Hit by armor-piercing bombs, the ship found itself ablaze. Mr. Kreek and others were dispatched to carry mattresses from the sleeping compartments. Doused with water and applied to the flames, the mattresses helped control the fires.

With history taking shape all around, the Nevada crewmen kept their heads down and followed their training. "We didn't have too much time to think," Mr. Kreek remembers.

His parents would not know if he was alive or dead for two weeks.

The Nevada holds a distinction as the only battleship in Pearl Harbor to get under way during the bombings. Thirty minutes after being struck by an aerial torpedo, the ship made its way into the channel and headed through the heart of the attack. Japanese dive bombers took aim. Crippled finally, the ship grounded itself and sank in shallow water.

(Fifty of the 1,500 members of the Nevada crew died in the attack. Two of the crewmen received Congressional Medals of Honor for their gallantry.)

Mr. Kreek and his comrades spent the night on the Nevada. Taken ashore on Dec. 8, they were eventually dispatched to other ships. The Oregon man served three months on a tug, then eventually took a spot on the USS New Mexico, which sailed to the Aleutian Islands off Alaska and then to the Gilbert Islands in the South Pacific.

"We went from cold to hot," he says.

During a hiatus in his sea duty, Mr. Kreek spent time at the naval base in Pensacola, Fla. There, he began dating an Alabama girl. He married Mary after leaving the Navy, and they remain wed after 58 years. They have three children.

Back in Holt County, he farmed 10 years before going to work the next two decades for Feeney Construction. His work with veterans organizations continues, and the trumpeteer played "Taps" at countless observances and funerals through the years.

Passing years diminish numbers in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, in which Mr. Kreek has long been active. Last month, the Kansas City chapter decided to curtail activities. Not enough members.

For this reason, Mr. Kreek doesn't mind repeating the story of that day. Posterity needs its retelling. The lesson remains relevant.

"Keep your armed forces ready for any eventuality," he says.


I would like to thank every Veteran that has ever served in the United States military.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Honesty

I'd like to share something that was e-mailed to me by a good friend, Christian and patriot.

"Honesty

Many times I have felt like Diogenes, out with my lantern searching for the honest man in the political realm, a perpetual search that goes unfulfilled.



But we must not despair. In our quest to restore the Republic of the Constitution, we must continually shine the light of truth, exposing the lies of those who would deceive us into tyranny.



We must demand the highest standard of honesty among ourselves and our public servants from the local alderman to the president of the United States. We must expose their failure to live by their oath of office and demand their removal when they violate the trust of their office.



It is the lack of outrage and failure to hold them accountable that has allowed such dishonesty to proliferate."

It reminds me of something that was pointed out to me in the Bible several years ago.

Eph.5 Verses 9 to 13

[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Maybe it is just me, but I feel that is also saying when we see corruption/dishonesty in our elected officials we are to bring it to light and have them removed from office.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.

Question Of The Week, 12/3/06

Good morning. I didn't have to look to far to come up with this weeks question. It comes from a Townhall.com column by Dennis Prager that starts out by saying,"Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress, has announced that he will not take his oath of office on the Bible, but on the bible of Islam, the Koran." As far as I know this is a first. What do you think? This weeks Question Of The Week is. Should Keith Ellison, or any other elected official be allowed to decide what book they will put their hand on while taking their oath of office?

I'll post my answer in the Comment Section Monday night.

God Bless America, God Save The Republic.