The Roving Reportertag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2008://202008-08-18T14:21:17ZMovable Type 3.33The Harder the Conflict, the More Glorious the Triumph.tag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2007://20.1672007-07-05T12:54:59Z2008-08-18T14:21:17ZBy Sherri Reese "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain, too cheap, we esteem too lightly:--'Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods;...By Sherri Reese
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain, too cheap, we esteem too lightly:--'Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated....... I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."
Thomas Paine- The American Crisis (Also the author of Common Sense.)
Common Sense was published on January 9, 1776 and became an instant best seller. It was a 50 page pamphlet that outlined a strong case for the colonies to go to war, seeking Independence.
Amidst the latest happenings in the Middle East and War on Terror, I thought this story appropriate and needed. I can't help but think of the courage of our forefathers. While most people I know talk much about George Washington, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere; the one man I remember the most is Caesar Rodney. Most Americans have no idea who he is, unless of course you have lived in Delaware. Let me share with you perhaps the most incredible story of a man that knew his purpose and life was bigger than himself.
It was late June in 1776, and Caesar was in Sussex County Delaware. Rodney was a "Brigadier General of Delaware's militia, speaker of the state assembly which had also declared him as their leader. He was alternately in his seat in congress, and at work in Delaware, stimulating the patriots and repressing the royalists." He was also dying of cancer. He received word from Thomas McKean that he was needed in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. It was made clear that without his signature, there would be no independence. He knew if he signed the Declaration he would never be able to return to England, his only chance of survival would be gone. Knowing he would never be able to live out the dream of freedom thriving in his soul, he mounted his horse and started on his journey for Philadelphia.
With cancer eating the flesh from his face and asthma gripping his every breath, he ventured onward through brutal humidity, thunderstorms, and torrential rains. He was racked with pain, sought by the British, and exhausted. The trip was not a simple ride on well traveled trails. He crossed rickety bridges, streams, and fields. He knew every hour and every one of the 80 miles were bringing him closer to signing his own death warrant, and bringing him closer to freedom.
Finally he reached Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Caesar Rodney staggered into Congress with only minutes left of the debate. Others in the room saw his condition and quickly came to assist him. His face was wrapped in linen, now covered with blood, sweat, and mud; in fact his entire body was laden with mud. It is believed he spoke these words as he cast his vote, "As I believe the voice of my constituents and of all sensible and honest men is in favor of independence, my own judgment concurs with them. I vote for independence," and then he collapsed.
Caesar Rodney cast the DECIDING vote.
My heart swells with utter pride and my eyes sting of tears when I think of this man's excruciating mission. Whenever I get a quarter, I check to see if it is his. Yes, the Delaware quarter features his valiant ride on its back. This is the epitome of integrity to me. He risked it all. He was dying of cancer. His only chance for survival was to go back to England, but he not only stayed and fought, but he gave it his all. What is more amazing is that Rodney was a 48 year old bachelor. In the 1700's, 48 was not a young age, and he had no wife or children to be leaving a legacy of freedom to. It was about his honor and duty; it was about freedom, justice, and liberty. It was about a dream.
In the years to come we will hear stories like these of the people in Iraq. They won't be riding horseback through streams and fields for 80 miles. They will be those that walked deserts, and stood in front of police stations that were the targets of choice for suicide bombings. They will be of women who dared to work in public or just leave their homes without covering their faces. We are in the midst of these great stories. Once again, America is leading the charge. We are helping others achieve the great history we hold so dear for themselves, as we did in Europe and Japan. They may not remember what our valiant and heroic soldiers did, and how our nation was ripped in a political fervor to make it all happen; but we will.
As the media tries to infuse panic about gas prices and falling stock markets, what will we do? As Israel battles the entire world of terrorist Muslims that seek their annihilation, what will we do? Will we cower and fret over our retirement funds? Will we wring our hands over the thought that the world won’t “like” us?
Rejoice in being an American today.
In the words of Thomas Paine, "We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world."
]]>
Madison Forum Hosts "Cobb Idol!"tag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2007://20.1632007-06-30T18:04:15Z2007-07-03T14:57:15ZOkay, it wasn't an official Cobb Idol competition, but it was certainly worth television "air time." If you have not attended any of the Madison Forum social events- you are missing out! Our members are a thoughtful, educated, and active...
Grease, and danced to too many songs for me to remember! For one very special night, I truly felt like a woman! Thank you Karl!
Watch out folks, Bill can SING! I had a sneaky feeling that Michael Opitz was an entertainer at heart, and I was RIGHT! WOW- MICHAEL! You rocked the house! Your duet with “Trixie” was a MUST SEE! But I never would have guessed that Bill Byrne was a STAR- and Bill- YOU ARE A STAR!!!!!
Now it is YOUR turn! If you were there folks—share your 3 favorite things of the night!
]]>
MORE to DO!tag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2007://20.1472007-06-10T22:35:31Z2007-06-10T22:36:17ZMy Fellow Patriotic Americans (otherwise known as xenophobes by La Raza, Libs, Big Business, the media and politico’s) CONGRATULATIONS on the latest vote of cloture on the No Borders Necessary Immigration Bill! But the fight is not over, the groups...
Security and Prosperity.”
The media has already begun to spin this as a “win” for right wing “extremists. All the polls I have seen show that well over 70% of Americans were against this bill and against any form of Amnesty. Imagine that! Over 70% of Americans are EXTREMISTS! This proves to us just how much disdain the elitists in this country have for their own people.
DO NOT REST! They won’t give up, and there is MUCH more to be done.
It is imperative that people learn about the initiative and plan for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) that our President is actively trying to implement- without your knowledge or permission. I have begun to research this plan and have written about my findings HERE. I encourage others to help uncover more of the lies and make this information available.
You may have heard talk of the “North American Union.” Many dismiss this as conspiracy talk. In order to expose the truth and prove that this is not a conspiracy theory, we need to stop referring to this as the North American Union. We need to address this by its real name- the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (the SPP)- and use facts to prove that this is a gateway to a European Union-like organization with the same purposes and same outcomes, just under a different name.
Here is my proposal:
** Diligently educate ourselves and others on the SPP
** Block all efforts our government makes to carry out this plan.
** Demand that the Anchor Baby scam be stopped NOW!
** Demand Border Enforcement
** Demand Employer and Government enforcement of our existing laws and Constitution
** Refuse all forms of Amnesty and new creative “Visas”
** Demand our National Security stay in OUR hands and not the hands of Mexico or Canada in any way shape or form
** Demand that NO Social Security Funds go to any individual NOT an American Citizen
** Educate ourselves and others on Fast Track Authority, Trade Bills, and Trade Courts
** Put a STOP to Fast Track Authority, Trade Bills, and Trade Courts
It is a long list, but it NEEDS to be done!
]]>
The North American Union IS a Conspiracy Theorytag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2007://20.1432007-06-06T01:54:22Z2007-06-06T10:40:18ZThere are several different versions of the history of the European Union. In my research however, I was able to find most sources agree on several points. Talk of a body such as the EU had started before WWI, but...
The six nations (Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and West Germany) all agreed to give decision-making authority on coal and steel production in their countries to an independent body called the "High Authority".
I recommend people do their own research, but I feel confident that once they do, most people will agree on the following:
*The goals of the EU were Security and Prosperity.
The means by which to achieve these goals was to create treaties that were based on the economic common good of all the countries included. “Member states soon spoke of creating a genuine "common market" between themselves and removing all trade barriers that hindered this.” This would not only spur the economy, but would then make it in the best interest of these countries to remain peaceful or face great economic strain. Kind of like a “it pays (literally) to be nice to your neighbor” atmosphere. Traveling from one country to the next became very easy for both goods and people. This was achieved through trade agreements and treaties.
Now fast forward to today...... and this kook theory about President Bush joining hands with Mexico and Canada to create a North American Union. We all know that under ARTICLE II, SECTION 2 of the Constitution that the President cannot sign a treaty with another nation without the consent of Congress. The Constitution also states that trade deals work the same way. Oops, I mean they were supposed to work the same way, until “Fast Track Authority” was invented in 1974. Leave it to government to derail the Constitution.
(In an effort to be balanced, I have provided 2 links Here and Here about the Fast Track Authority. I strongly recommend reading BOTH of them in entirety.)
Here comes the bubble buster for us conspiracy theory folks. There is no plan for a North American Union, but there IS a plan for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP).
If you visit the previous link you will find some heavy and flowery language about what is “good for America.” You will even find a Myth vs Facts page.
We will start with this page.
If you dare to take the time and actually read the PDF files provided at this site (along with other sources provided in this article), you will find that the “myths” are no longer myths, and the “facts” are no longer facts.
The page is clear that there is no plan for a “North American Union.” It also makes it clear that no agreement was ever signed. (emphasis added)
Myth: The SPP was an agreement signed by Presidents Bush and his Mexican and Canadian counterparts in Waco, TX, on March 23, 2005.
Fact: The SPP is a dialogue to increase security and enhance prosperity among the three countries. The SPP is not an agreement nor is it a treaty. In fact, no agreement was ever signed. (emphasis added)
Not an agreement? Uh, no it is an “unsigned” PLAN!
Also notice that the myth and fact statements below include the currency point. All the evidence I have found shows that there is no plan for a common currency. Now let’s take out the currency point:
Myth: The SPP is a movement to merge the United States, Mexico, and Canada into a North American Union and establish a common currency.Fact: The cooperative efforts under the SPP, which can be found in detail at www.spp.gov, seek to make the United States, Canada and Mexico open to legitimate trade and closed to terrorism and crime. It does not change our courts or legislative processes and respects the sovereignty of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The SPP in no way, shape or form considers the creation of a European Union-like structure or a common currency. The SPP does not attempt to modify our sovereignty or currency or change the American system of government designed by our Founding Fathers.
Does not change our courts or legislative process? No I think the CAFTA Trade agreement (and others) along with the Fast Track Authority have already accomplished this, but SPP certainly will enhance these abuses of our people and our Constitution.
Myth: The SPP is being undertaken without the knowledge of the U.S. Congress.
Fact: U.S. agencies involved with SPP regularly update and consult with members of Congress on our efforts and plans
.
Hah, so here they do admit it is a plan; and by the way, which members of Congress? ALL OF THEM? I want a list.
Myth: The SPP is illegal and violates the Constitution.
Fact: The SPP is legal and in no way violates the Constitution or affects the legal authorities of the participating executive agencies. Indeed, the SPP is an opportunity for the governments of the United States, Canada, and Mexico to discuss common goals and identify ways to enhance each nation’s security and prosperity. If an action is identified, U.S. federal agencies can only operate within U.S. law to address these issues. The Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security coordinate the efforts of the agencies responsible for the various initiatives under the prosperity and security pillars of the SPP. If an agency were to decide a regulatory change is desirable through the cooperative efforts of SPP, that agency is required to conform to all existing U.S. laws and administrative procedures, including an opportunity to comment.
I think I have already pointed out this thing certainly violates the Constitution, maybe not “technically,” but when combined with the CAFTA trade deals, Trade Courts, the “unsigned” plan, all the groups and committees formed at the behest of the “plan,” and the new “Immigration Reform” Bill, etc, I’d say this ABSOLUTELY VIOLATES the Constitution!
Myth: The U.S section of the SPP is headed by the Department of Commerce.
Fact: The SPP is a White House-driven initiative. In the United States, the Department of Commerce coordinates the ‘Prosperity’ component, while the Department of Homeland Security coordinates the ‘Security’ component. The Department of State ensures the two components are coordinated and are consistent with U.S. foreign policy.
Does “White House-driven” leave any doubts about this being Bush’s plan for a “North American Union" yet? Not to mention that the Department of Commerce is not at the top of my list when I think of groups that have the best interests of every-day Americans at heart. Not to mention that it is thoroughly UNCONTIONABLE that the Dept of Homeland Security would put one iota of “trust” in the hands of Canada and Mexico when it comes to terrorism and invaders. (The “Security” part of this plan places our security into the hands of Mexico and Canada)
Myth: The U.S. Government, working though the SPP, has a secret plan to build a "NAFTA Super Highway."
Fact: The U.S. government is not planning a NAFTA Super Highway. The U.S. government does not have the authority to designate any highway as a NAFTA Super Highway, nor has it sought such authority, nor is it planning to seek such authority. There are private and state level interests planning highway projects which they themselves describe as "NAFTA Corridors," but these are not Federally-driven initiatives, and they are not a part of the SPP.
Myth: The SPP will cost U.S. taxpayers money.
Fact: The SPP is being implemented with existing budget resources. Over the long-term, it will save U.S. taxpayers money by cutting through costly red tape and reducing redundant paperwork. This initiative will benefit the taxpayers through economic gain and increased security, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and quality of life in our countries.
What budget resources....... and WHO’S budget? As far as economic gain, I say we ask the citizens of Detroit about that. (FYI, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation are “Corporate Sponsors” of La Raza)
Is it not ironic that one of the first Key Themes of the 2005 Leaders Report for the SPP is to put in place a North American Steel Strategy by 2006? (Read p5 of the SPP 2005 Prosperity PDF file. Isn’t the stated goal of this SPP to better the lives of the people? Which people? (I hear the folks in Detroit are living in the lap of luxury.) With no EPA in Mexico, I bet you can get a permit for about $50 and 2 burritos. Labor south of the border is quite the bargain too, so I hear. WOW! And with the US government seeking ways to move cargo across the borders that are not only easier and faster, but also with tax relief incentives (see p16 of the 2006 Prosperity PDF file), it’s a big WIN for GM and friends in the BIG AUTO INDUSTRY.
Folks, do we not notice the key words in the establishment of the EU and the SPP? Security and Prosperity. You don’t have to force the pieces to fit, they naturally fit. I have done some research. These “unions” start with the notion that this is needed for peace and for the economy. It is sold under the guise of fear of war and poverty. The FIRST steps are to make the movement of goods and people across borders quick and easy.
President Bush has not signed a treaty or created a “High Authority.” But do not be mistaken, there is an agreement (I mean plan) and authorities; and it gets worse my friends.
The PDF files outline Initiatives, Key Milestones (which include a timeline for completion), and the Status of the Milestones. Remember, this “non-treaty” agreement was first initiated (according to our government) in March of 2005. Many Milestones of this initiative are found in the current Bill before the United States Senate.
Now, this is where the real research starts:
I have done a lot of research so far but as a fully employed single mother of 3, I am calling on fellow citizens to help use the tools provided here in this article to help by doing their own research in connecting all the dots; and making that information available via the internet. I also hope that some people will use their talents and take the time to make easy to read charts of the information.
The links are all at the SPP site, but here are some links below for your convenience. All of the information on the site is important but the PDF files are the “proof in the pudding.”
2005 Report to the Leaders:ProsperitySecurity2006 Report to the Leaders:ProsperitySecurityThe 2006 Leaders Summit
Is anyone surprised why this is not common knowledge among the American people? When President Bush scolds his base and claims this bill is “good for America” I wish he would take the time to point out exactly what he means. What he means folks, is that it is good for America because of his Security and Prosperity Partnership for North America initiative. Make no bones about it, he is not just tired of fighting the left, or out of solutions to fix the problem; it is all part of his plan.
I don’t want or trust Mexico and Canada to play a role in protecting our families from terrorism! I don’t want “cargo” and “travelers” moving freely across our borders! I don’t want any courts other than our own to be overseeing land and/or trade deals within our borders! I don’t want a limitless amount of foreigners (who do not share the same allegiance to this country, our Constitution, and our Heritage) to be permanent legal residents. These people will have the very rights we do without any true appreciation of what it means to achieve it, let alone keep it. Canada and Mexico do NOT share our same ideas of what a “democracy” is. (I use quotation marks because even the propaganda for this “Partnership” does not recognize that the United States is a Republic and NOT a true democracy.) These people do not share our values, our heritage, or our interests.
I use to half-jokingly accuse this bill of truly solving the illegal alien issue by just making anyone who wants to cross the border legal. Well it is no joke. This is exactly what this bill and this SPP is all about. Eventually, NO Visa will be necessary, not even the infamous Z Visa. (I haven’t even touched on the biometric cards mentioned on p49 of the Security PDF of the 2006 Report to Leaders and on p6 in Section 111 – Biometric Entry-Exit System- of La Bill)
So there you have it folks. The North American Union rumor is just that, just a rumor. But you know what they say about ducks, and I say this thing QUACKS!
]]>
Walter Reed: The Games Congress Critters Playtag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2007://20.1162007-03-25T21:31:39Z2007-04-07T15:36:17ZBy Sherri Reese Don’t believe all the bashing you hear about Walter Reed Army Medical Center. No, I am not condoning the conditions of the rooms in Building 18 described by the media. Not nearly ALL the facts have come...By Sherri Reese
Don’t believe all the bashing you hear about Walter Reed Army Medical Center. No, I am not condoning the conditions of the rooms in Building 18 described by the media. Not nearly ALL the facts have come out, and quite frankly, I am not sure they ever will. The entire issue has become a media and political frenzy (almost a witch hunt from both sides) instead of a real attempt to fix the problems in the system that lead to the entire situation.
There are plenty of problems with the “socialized” health care system our military Veteran’s are forced to endure. These problems have existed for decades. The system is full of bureaucracy, the chain of command leaves much room for finger pointing, and dealing with Congress to fix anything is skull splittingly painful. Unless of course you break the rules. Media and reporters are strictly forbidden inside- they take the whole right to medical privacy thing very seriously- and rightfully so! Could you imagine if reporters were allowed to wander the halls of hospitals? If you are willing and able to break the rules, you can always find someone disenfranchised and then publish an article intended to trash Republicans, while painting the image that your real agenda is to "support the troops."
Even then, it’s not likely that Congress will actually fix the cause of the problem. Instead they will merely waste a lot of hot air trashing anyone other than their own, holding public hearings to share their “deep concern,” and finally just whipping out a big fat band aid to battle the growing cancer sore. These clowns countinuously practice knee-jerk reactionary politics; always running to a fire, but never bothering to notice the matches in the hands of a two year old.
When reading about the terrible conditions at Walter Reed's Building 18, keep a few things in mind. The residents of Building 18 have a few “perks” not available in other buildings. Some facilities may provide satellite, cable and internet access while others may provide cable and DVD players, etc- or any variance of such commodities. My sources tell me that one of the soldiers complaining was offered other accommodations, but was unwilling to move to another facility because he didn’t want to give up certain perks. Some of his fellow soldiers are quite angry with this guy, but are not able to share with the media, assuming the media would even care to bother with such information.
There is a lot more information I found out during my visit (none of this information was gained inside any Walter Reed facilities), but sharing it would just lead to more problems. For starters, I would be smeared for accusing a soldier of some very unbecoming behavior; and with the “PC police” out there we are not allowed to tell the truth about “victims” (in fact I bank on getting smeared for just sharing this much). Secondly, it would all just be discounted as “rumors” since I am not a professional journalist. Although I could take a few lessons from Rather and Mapes and just claim I received this information from an Hispanic woman in Texas, via kinkos and dare anyone to “prove” I lied, since this seems to be the new journalistic standard.
But I digress.
The third and most significant reason I won’t share is because I very much want and plan to return to Walter Reed (and other military facilities). The highlight of my visit to DC was not the rally on Saturday; it was my visits to Walter Reed on Thursday and Friday when I was able to welcome home, support, and love on our troops. If I don’t respect and adhere to their rules, they won’t allow me to come back. This just goes to prove that I am not cut out to be a reporter (see "the new journalistic standards" above). I hold values that would leave my family and me starving. I learned this lesson about myself 2 years ago when I traveled to La Grange, GA to cover an important story.
There is one very important thing to point out. The medical care for our troops inside Walter Reed is extraordinary. Walter Reed is a place of miracles and life. Walter Reed is responsible for many children not losing their mothers and fathers. The medical care our troops receive at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital is exceptional. The problems (that our media has so courageously uncovered) start once a patient is released. Like any business or household, prioritizing is a necessary tool for optimum effectiveness, success, and growth. The majority of resources are spent treating the patients at Walter Reed in their most critical stages. Once a soldier has healed enough to check out of the hospital, the soldier slips down the list of priorities. There is nothing sadistic or malicious about this, it is just a logical step based on reality.
My point is this; the problem is NOT Walter Reed and the quality of medical care our troops receive there. In fact the real problems and the real sotry lies in the system in place to deal with the living facilities for outpatient care and follow up medical needs once our veterans return home. This is what socialized medicine looks like folks. This is Hillary and gang’s plan for you and your family. Could you imagine having to call or write your Congressman in order to receive adequate health care? Anyone ever heard of the phrase, “It would take an act of Congress?” As if this is not encumber some enough, it’s strange how the media seems to support socialized health care, and yet write about this “scandal” with total blindness to how they are actually proving how socialized medicine is so ineffective.
It is also sickening that so many in DC have known about these problems for years, but neglected to do anything effective to address it. It has been a “pass the buck game” of utter neglect in the halls of Congress until the media was able to find a smoking gun. Instead of the media and politicians focusing on how Congress is responsible for not just enabling but actually creating such problems (Building 18 is a sniffle compared to the real fractures in the system), they are hiding under their desks, and lobbing bombs at those men who have served this country with dignity and honor for most of their lives.
]]>
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!tag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2007://20.1132007-03-23T21:02:58Z2007-04-07T15:36:58ZBy Sherri Reese March 17, 2007 was an historic event. You surely would not know this if you are using the Main Stream Media for your information, let alone for a balanced perspective. I will be addressing this fact even...By Sherri Reese
March 17, 2007 was an historic event. You surely would not know this if you are using the Main Stream Media for your information, let alone for a balanced perspective. I will be addressing this fact even further in a future piece on Walter Reed. I will also be writing articles to cover the history leading up to Gathering of Eagles and the silent heroes that dedicate so much of their lives to our country, our military, and their families.
Let me make one thing clear. I whole-heartedly believe that there are people in America who oppose war altogether, and people of all political ideology who are sincerely against the War in Iraq, but are NOT Communist. These are not the people you will find leading these protests.
The media does their very best to portray the members of ANSWER and other communist groups as being peaceful, peace-loving, patriots with a human rights agenda. Listen up folks, these protestors are NOT any of these things. They are anarchists, Marxists, and Communists, who celebrate people like Castro, Che Guevara, and Saddam Hussein. Make no mistake, these people HATE America, all we stand for, and the very foundation of our existence. These people have gathered donations here in America and sent the money to terrorist gangs in Iraq to help fund their bloody attack on our troops. You can go to the websites of these groups and research this information for yourself. You can also visit American and Patriotic blogs and web sites to see the pictures you won't find in the MSM (Main Stream Media).
(Click on the photo for a bigger and better look)
Most of the media did not cover the anarchists covering their faces. NONE of the media covered the flag burning that took place that day, nor did they report on the conspiracy kooks milling about trying to give away their propaganda on how President Bush was the mastermind behind 9/11. They never mentioned the aroma of illegal drugs wafting through the air. I stood right there on media row with them and got a whiff of the stuff myself. I watched these folks try desperately to incite violence by charging into the GOE permitted areas with their Che Guevara flags, and desecrated American flags. I saw first hand how they called out to Gold Star Mothers, telling them that their sons were rapists and murderers. I saw the ones who were literally stumbling around high on drugs.
The people organizing and attending these protests are hard-core anti-American Communists. They are working hand in hand with many members of the Democrats in Congress. Patriotic Democrats shoud be the group speaking the loudest against their members who associate themselves with the behavior, antics, and agenda of groups like ANSWER and Code Pink - much like true pro-lifers spoke out so clearly against the violent criminals who bombed abortion clinics claiming to be pro-life. Sharing a common thought with someone does not mean sharing the same values. I fully believe that one can disagree with the War in Iraq AND be a Patriotic American, although I may question your knowledge and judgement. I do not believe that it is patriotic to seek media attention and go to extreme measures to feed hope to the enemy we face. The way to peace in Iraq, bringing our troops home, and keeping America safe is to allow the troops to finish their mission.
One of the truths you will not see the media cover is that on Saturday, March 17, 2007, the Americans outnumbered the Communists by 3 to 1. I arrived at the Vietnam Memorial Wall at about 8:00 am and there were a good 500 to 600 Americans already there. Total strangers started chipping in to help carry thousands of flags that the Gathering of Eagles/Rolling Thunder/Move America Forward had collected from patriotic Americans across the country who donated these flags for this event. Move America Forward will also be sending these flags to our troops overseas.
I ran into some technical problems with my interviewing equipment that I had in tow for my radio show, so I headed to ‘media row’ (this is basically the gathering area for media vans, etc). For this event, 'media row' was located on Henry Bacon Dr (map of area provided later in this article). I approached one of the media vans and said, “I need help from some friendlies.” We never got the equipment operational, but I had a revealing conversation with them. They pointed out that the turn out was pathetic for the Communists (who had claimed they would show up 100,000 strong), and the GOE obviously had them outnumbered. They were also kind enough to tell me to watch out for the anarchists in red and black. (more on this group and others to be covered in future articles)
This brings up an important point. At the previous Communist rally against our troops, on January 27th in DC, a FOX News van had its windows busted out by these folks, but nary is a word heard about this by any media outlets. If you notice in the first picture above, the police are wearing gas masks. You won’t see this highlighted in the media either. A standing joke among the DC FREEPers is “No Tear Gas Necessary" in our areas, after all, we are conservatives. This tidbit of info, along with the picture above, surely helps to put things into perspective.
Here are some more facts about the events of March 17th in DC. The original plan for the Communist group ANSWER (yes- they are communists, you can do the research yourself- another fact rarely mentioned in the media), was to gather at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, in order to use it as a backdrop in the media coverage for dramatic effect. Above is a map of the area. I have shaded in areas to help show and explain the events leading up to the 17th and the events of the day itself. First notice the circle area. The circle area is the original area permitted and sought out by the Communists. This area is known as Constitution Gardens. Three weeks before March 17th, ANSWER announced that they were switching from the Constitution Gardens to the triangular shaped park off Henry Bacon Dr. on the west side of the Wall. The DC FREEPers were handling the permit for the GOE, and immidiately ammended their permit to hold their rally at Constitution Gardens. This set off a turn of events that would leave the ultimate outcome unresolved until the days before the actual rally. The final decison of the the DC Parks service was to split Constitution Gardens between both groups, because ANSWER insisted that even though their main gathering point would be in the triangular park, they would have 10,000 people gathering at their designated area of Constitution Gardens. Because of ANSWER's intransigence the Eagles were forced to hold their rally in a narrow mud filled swamp. On March 17th not one ANSWER protester showed up to make good their word to the Park service.
Map Legend for March 17, 2007:
GOE presence = white shaded areas
ANSWER main rally point = red shaded areas
ANSWER forsaken area - pink shaded areas
ANSWER march through the gauntlet of Eagles = purple
(The Eagles also lined the bridge across the Potamic River but my technical abilities lack in presenting this in the best light possible)
Keep in mind these folks were planning on 100,000 fellow Commies to show up. Their intent was to use the entire Constitution Gardens area around the reflecting pool and the Lincoln Memorial.
There were many DC area Americans who had already planned to show up on March 17th. These particular Americans were also present- with permits for areas at the National Archives (across from the Navy Memorial) and Upper Senate Park (on Capitol Hill) - at the January 27th Communist rally organized by United for Peace and Justice. Don’t let the name fool you, they are another anti-American gang. Again, the American people don’t know this, because the media purposefully refuse to inform you of these things.
On January 27th, a group of the Communists managed to vandalize the steps of the Capitol. The police were ordered by their political masters in Congress (the Democrats) to avoid arresting these people as much as they could. In fact, they were ordered to fall back and just protect the doors of the Capitol. The authorities were in a tough spot there. They were responsible for maintaining peace and order, but were also instructed to allow these folks to spray paint the Capitol. I surely don’t want to sign up for that gig!
It is important for people to realize that it is a goal of Cindy Sheehag (A well deserved title) and her minions to purposely break the rules in order to be arrested. They salivate for the media coverage of their arrests. I know some of you think I am making baseless accusations, but I assure you- this IS A FACT! They know the media coverage of their arrests will make the international media and this gives them the opportunity to travel to other countries and claim that they live in a “police state” ruled by the iron fist of the Bush “regime.” (I will cover more about this in a future article, including how I gained this information)
The above information is important to know in order to understand how and why the GOE (Gathering of Eagles) was birthed.
Back to the map. As I mentioned earlier the media was camped out on Henry Bacon Dr. The white shaded areas are those areas permitted and/or patrolled by GOE (GOE were also gathered across the bridge- not shown in the map- to protect Arlington Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial). In the circle area you will notice a strip of non shaded area through the center. The police used temporary metal dividers (the dividers resemble the metal structures you might find in public areas for bike riders to park and lock up there bicycles) here on either side with a 12 foot open space between the two areas.
The Communists all ended up gathering in the red shaded area. If you visit the ANSWER web site, you will see where the Carlos Commie announced their plans to march on Constitution Ave. The original announcement on their web site specifically stated that they planned to meet at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial with ‘Constitution Gardens’ written in parenthesis. The thick black line in the map is Constitution Ave. For any of you nay-sayers, let me point out, if the presently posted claim by the Commies were true, and they did not originally intend to bother The Wall or families visiting the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, how pray-tell did they plan to “march on Constitution Avenue”?
It is plain to see by looking at the map that the GOE was sincere and honest about their true intentions to protect the sacred ground of our Memorials to our fallen heroes. If you take a good look at the map above, you will see how spread out the GOE were. You will also notice the small area in which the Communists gathered. If the main goal and purpose for the GOE had been media coverage, the planners would have not sought to spread their people out so much. While the GOE was hopeful that the media would accurately report on our presence, it was not expected nor the paramount goal.
Once the Communists crossed the bridge, they were supposed to turn to their left and continue on to the Pentagon. This was so clearly understood by ANSWER, GOE, and the police that at the area where the road splits to the left and to the right, there was only one lone officer standing between the GOE on the path to the right. Lo and behold, a group of Communists decided to break away from the plan and headed towards us GOE folks standing at the split to the right. The officer started to get quite nervous, fervently waving them back and informing them to not come any further. One of the Vets called out to the officer, “Do you need any help?” The officer held up his index finger of his right hand, turned his head back to the Vet and yelled, “I’ll tell you in a minute!”
The group ignored the officer and kept marching towards us. The GOE all gathered tightly, shoulder to shoulder, forming our own wall to protect the sacred ground we had come to guard and as they approached from one side we shifted that way; as they tried to move to the other side we shifted that way. The Veterans showed GREAT restraint, quietly keeping their heads down and just shifting side to side when needed and avoiding any chance to ignite violence. Finally, the police on horses came galloping to the scene- pushing back the rush of Communists approaching in the grassy areas, and a motorcade of cycle-mounted authorites came roaring to the scene with lights and sirens blaring to push back the Commies still on the paved streets. They were finally forced to give up, and retreated back to the rest of their anti-American marchers.
Sadly- it has taken over 30 years for the Vietnam Vets to finally be shown the support and honor they deserved all along. As Kristinn Taylor (Co-Leader of the DC Chapter of Free Republic.com) put it, “We didn’t do this for the media. We did it for the Vets, for our troops, and for patriotic Americans who love this country.”
Eagles gathered to protect the Memorials of our fallen heroes. We gathered to show the world that the silent majority will no longer go ignored. We gathered to honor our Vets. We gathered to let our troops in Iraq know that we will NOT ALLOW ANYONE to do to them what our media, John Kerry, and Jane Fonda did to our Vietnam Vets.
This is why Eagles Gathered.
As Kristinn Taylor said on Fox News on the morning of Monday, March 19, 2007……
"Mission Accomplished"
]]>
Sherri Hits DC: Sleeping With John McCaintag:www.rovingreporter.madisonforum.org,2007://20.1082007-03-21T18:13:41Z2007-04-07T15:38:27ZBy Sherri Reese Do any of you remember how magazines and TV shows were pondering over what was the greatest invention of the 20th century? If I remember correctly, I think they finally decided on the paper clip. I hate...By Sherri Reese
Do any of you remember how magazines and TV shows were pondering over what was the greatest invention of the 20th century? If I remember correctly, I think they finally decided on the paper clip. I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but I believe I have proven them wrong. I left my home in Acworth, GA at 11:30 pm Wednesday night, headed for Washington, DC. I discovered that the truly greatest invention of the 20th century is CRUISE CONTROL. Hands down!
You see, I like to sit with my heels planted firmly underneath the opposite thigh. (Have we started sending folks to re-hab for using the term ‘Indian style’ yet?) I have even mastered the art of sitting this way in a dress for any occasion. (Do NOT attempt this in public; be sure to practice at home. And NEVER try this in a miniskirt- NO ONE is THAT talented) This is just the most comfortable position for me to sit, in fact, I am in this very position as I type. Needless to say, I drove about 75% of the trip this way- thanks to great automotive engineers who invented cruise control. It was a much better drive with this feature, as it allowed me to set my speed, crank up the radio, and “seat dance” my way to DC.
I realized that I was slated to arrive in the DC area smack dab in the middle of morning rush hour traffic, so I stopped off about an hour south of Roanoke, VA to catch about 2 hours of shut-eye. This sounded like a much better way to spend two hours rather than in traffic. As I pulled off the exit, I noticed a Hess gas station with a closed Burger King behind it, and a Flying J truck stop behind the Burger King. I figured sleeping in the Burger King parking lot would allow me to be close enough to lights without being directly in the lights, which would allow for better power napping. Just as I pulled into a spot to park, I looked in front of me and low-and-behold, what did I see? John McCain! (well, not him exactly, but the tour bus he was sleeping in)
I was eager to ask the Senator a few questions. I had them all lined up. “So what makes you think that Congress can shut down the First Amendment and call it “finance reform?” Or “If you are elected to President, will you insist on being paid in pesos?” “Why do you call yourself a Republican? Do you actually know what the GOP claims to stand for? Can you define ‘conservative’ for us?” I quickly ran inside the Flying J desperately searching for any sign of a self-righteous hypocrite, surrounded by servants, as he tried to avoid touching anything inside a business frequented by ‘commoners’. No sign of any such person. I decided against knocking on the bus door at 4:45 am, and risk seeing the immediate response of the 2nd Amendment in full usage. Instead, I just parked my car smack dab in front of the tour bus so as to be assured they couldn’t leave without waking me from my slumber. Yes, I got to sleep next to John McCain. (Yes, I showered extra long once I reached my destination!) I awoke at 6:50 am, and still no sign of life from the bus. I was anxious to get on my way, so I hit the highway to continue my journey.
Stay tuned for more…….
]]>
