A Great Day for Iraq and America

This is a pure opinion piece and thus mine and mine alone.

As I watched the MSM coverage and read blogs from the region and their description of the Iraqi elections over the last 36 hours, I felt a great sense of pride in the fact that American men and women had brought Iraq to this point. Now is the time for the men and women of Iraq to take the torch and move down the path to full democracy. I have no doubts that Iraq will succeed; you could see it on the face of every voter as they waved their blue fingers while singing and dancing in celebration.

Today is not only a historic day but a day to be thankful. Thankful for the brave men and women of our armed forces for their steadfast duty and belief in our goals for Iraq, thankful for the brave men and women of Iraq for voting today despite the large number of obstacles. We need also to thank our President for his leadership and the faith that our cause was just in the face of opposition from liberals in this country and pretender allies abroad.

The American people who have supported our troops and their efforts from day one should also take pride that the job is nearing completion. By estimates of the provisional government, Coalition troops could start withdrawing within 12 to 18 months. The Iraqi National Guard and Iraqi Police showed that they are more then up to the task or protecting their fellow citizens. Iraq will be able to defend themselves against the Islamofascists who seek nothing but death and destruction.

The World stood and watched as democracy took its first steps in a strange land. The only ones who should feel shame on this great day are the UN and our pretender allies. Frankly in my humble opinion the United Nations is the biggest loser today. The United States with only help from Canada, on the elections, and the rest of our Coalition allies have succeeded in holding an open and free election when most thought such an event impossible.

Today the World watched as the UN was further proven unnecessary. Typically the role of the UN included organizing and holding fair and impartial elections in fledgling democracies. They refused to help the Iraqi people with this election and thus turned their back on the new Iraq. The role of the UN in the rebuilding of Iraq has been minimal at best and should remain so. The Iraqi should soon benefit from oil revenues if they prove successful in their efforts to prevent attacks in the south and since there has not been an attack in recent months, they appear to be on their way to securing a stable source of income for the country.

The other losers who stayed on the sideline include our “allies” in Europe. France had thought since they have a large Islamic population, they could just walk in at the last minute and do business with the new Iraqi government. I believe they have been told a polite “get lost” by the current Iraqi administration. The Germans while not offering much in the line of assistance for Iraq, other then their NATO commitments, have at least continued in the fight against terror. I think they feel some guilt since they seem to be the largest terrorist training ground outside of the Middle East.

But I don’t want to dwell on the negative like some of the liberals in this country. I don’t think John Kerry helped his chances in 2008, with his assine statement today on Meet the Press. To completely discount the efforts of our men and women in uniform, not to mention the hard work and participation by all Iraqis is such an inappropriate thing to say that I am at a lost to describe how much of a jackass he really is. I spent time flipping between Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN and I must say that someone read the tea leaves this morning and decided that for once that positive was the way to go.

In all, January 30^th 2005 will be a date that stands as a great example of what freedom and democracy can accomplish. A date that should be held high by both Iraqi and Americans alike as another step toward freedom. Every member of our armed forces that had served in Iraq and Afghanistan or supported those missions will be able to say to their children and grandchildren that they helped two countries move to a free and democratic society. From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you to all for your service and efforts in these endeavors. History will look well upon you.

Crossposted at Wide Awakes

WTF Friday Rant Volume 1 Issue 9

Once again a collection of links for review that might make you say WTF? Enjoy and have a great weekend everyone, later..................................

Professor to 911 victims, "You deserved it!"
Mad Tech to Professor, "Get the F**K out of my country, and by the way burn in Hell"
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/

Portland City Council tells Feds, Thanks but no thanks on Terrorism Task Force.
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/

The dead don't just vote in Chicago
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/1/

Don't count on Mexican help for border control, they don't like us that much.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0126
http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/1/22
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/

Teddy, sit down have another whiskey sour and shut the Hell up, the 60's are over.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050127/

Ted, ask Jane, words mean things.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005

Clinton Journalists took money as well? Its official, the MSM are a bunch of greedy bastards.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/1/27

Jenna gives good phone
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050127/2005

Potion No. 9 exists and it's made of girly sweat
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050127/2005

Sex Education on the way to school, what a time-saver
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050127/2005

Big Brother says no smoking and coming soon, no pork fat. Sorry Emeril
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050127/2005

January Blogburst

The Holocaust, symbolized by Auschwitz, the worst of the death camps, occurred in the wake of consistent, systematic, unrelenting anti-Jewish propaganda campaign. As a result, the elimination of the Jews from German society was accepted as axiomatic, leaving open only two questions: when and how.

As Germany expanded its domination and occupation of Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, the Low Countries, Yugoslavia, Poland, parts of the USSR, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Italy and others countries, the way was open for Hitler to realize his well-publicized plan of destroying the Jewish people.

After experimentation, the use of Zyklon B on unsuspecting victim was adopted by the Nazis as the means of choice, and Auschwitz was selected as the main factory of death (more accurately, one should refer to the “Auschwitz-Birkenau complex”). The green light for mass annihilation was given at the Wannsee Conference, January 20, 1942, and the mass gassings took place in Auschwitz between 1942 and the end of 1944, when the Nazis retreated before the advancing Red Army. Jews were transported to Auschwitz from all over Nazi-occupied or Nazi-dominated Europe and most were slaughtered in Auschwitz upon arrival, sometimes as many as 12,000 in one day. Some victims were selected for slave labour or “medical” experimentation. All were subject to brutal treatment.

In all, between three and four million people, mostly Jews, but also Poles and Red Army POWs, were slaughtered in Auschwitz alone (though some authors put the number at 1.3 million). Other death camps were located at Sobibor, Chelmno, Belzec (Belzek), Majdanek and Treblinka.

Auschwitz was liberated by the Red Army on 27 January 1945, sixty years ago, after most of the prisoners were forced into a Death March westwards. The Red Army found in Auschwitz about 7,600 survivors, but not all could be saved.

For a long time, the Allies were well aware of the mass murder, but deliberately refused to bomb the camp or the railways leading to it. Ironically, during the Polish uprising, the Allies had no hesitation in flying aid to Warsaw, sometimes flying right over Auschwitz.

There are troubling parallels between the systematic vilification of Jews before the Holocaust and the current vilification of the Jewish people and Israel. Suffice it to note the annual flood of anti-Israel resolutions at the UN; or the public opinion polls taken in Europe, which single out Israel as a danger to world peace; or the divestment campaigns being waged in the US against Israel; or the attempts to delegitimize Israel’s very existence. The complicity of the Allies in WW II is mirrored by the support the PLO has been receiving from Europe, China and Russia to this very day.

If remembering Auschwitz should teach us anything, it is that we must all support Israel and the Jewish people against the vilification and the complicity we are witnessing, knowing where it inevitably leads.

List of Participating Blogs

So Sad, Too Bad

While I can appreciate the concern of Muslim-Americans that their civil rights might be violated, I don't really care. It's not that I am insensitive to the plight of those who are oppressed around the world and sometimes right here in this country. I understand their concern and if I was Muslim-American, maybe I would feel different, but I am not.

Here's my fairly simple take on this issue. If any American has to be inconvenienced for a few minutes while they are fingerprinted and checked against a database of known criminals and terrorists, then so be it. If I was a Muslim-American and I was returning from the hajj, I would want my government to know that I was not a terrorist. I am sorry that people are being upset but the needs of the many out weight the needs of the few or the one.

Now certainly there are limits to what I think any American should put up with in the name of National Security. Maybe it’s naiveté to expect people to understand that when entering a country, any country, your level of privacy is lower then when in the country. The Supreme Court has already ruled on this subject and a nation’s security concerns are greatest at its borders, hence the different set of rules for entry. Frankly it comes down to the fact that the security of this nation is far more important then hurting the feelings of a few. Later……………………..

Beware The Enemy From Within

For those on the left who disregard the nuttiness of their members and those on the right who don't believe the left can go much farther, this video is for you (hat tip to Raven). If there was ever a true fifth column in this nation it is now. These ignorant kids are so brain-washed by their liberal educators, sorry Robin, that they think socialism and communist is "interesting". If this is the future of the Democrat party then I have to say they have no future. Please before you comment, watch the damn video. Enjoy, and later....................

LA Train Accident

Fox News is reporting on air that the train derailment maybe have been purposely caused by car placed on the tracks. They are citing the LA County sheriff as their source.
Updates to follow..................

UPDATE: Failed suicide cause of train accident, read here.

Hillary Starts Work At CBS

Today is my day to post over at The Wide Awakes so stop by and take a gander at this. Now on to the junior Senator from New York's try-out for a position at CBS news.

Sometimes when a person speaks you just shake your head wonder what the hell is running through their head. Before I point out yet another reason why Senator Clinton should never be considered for President in 2008 much less re-election as Senator in 2006, let me frame my comments with my own views on abortion.

There I said it, abortion. This is where I have a slightly different view then my "traditional" conservatives. I frankly do not feel that a man can dictate what a woman should do with her body. I believe that men should be involved with a decision of that magnitude, but ultimately it is the decision of that woman. Now before you scream Pro-Choice from up on high consider this, as a Christian I shed a tear and say a prayer for both mother and child every time an abortion is performed. Would I like to see fewer abortions performed, of course. But I recognize that I if I am true to the belief that judgment is reserved for my Creator, then I can not and should not impose my beliefs on anyone on any subject. Ok, now that I have that out of the way on the good stuff.

Senator Clinton in a speech on Monday to a group of pro-abortion activists tried to say that the President’s lack of funding for Planned Parenthood centers lead to an increase in abortions in several states. First of all, Planned Parenthood is nothing more then an abortion factory. Any good that they provide to women in a difficult time is over shadowed by the fact that they push women towards abortion above all other options. This is where I think she is really applying for a job over at CBS news. See the study that she quotes her numbers from has been widely discredited as utterly false in many of its assumptions and factually incorrect. Apparently Senator Clinton has some former CBS employees working for her, but since she is a not a journalist and merely a politician I guess she feels it’s ok to blatantly lie about things the rest of the world already knows to be untrue.

After all, when challenged with the facts in this case, she will pull a Rather and tell us how a lowly staffer made a mistake and did not do the proper research. Hell we expect politicians to lie to us and they rarely disappoint on either side of the aisle. The point really is just to illustrate how the Democrats put forth an agenda that lacks of any personal responsibility. First, there was no increase in abortions due to lack of funding by this Administration. The data the Senator quotes from has been horribly manipulated by the researcher so no reliable conclusion can be reached from it.

For arguments sake let’s make the leap and assume that abortions may have increased in some states during the last 4 years. Now if we make that “assumption”, how can the Senator claim that is the fault of any Administration much less then one? Very easy, see it’s the government’s fault that these people had unprotected sex and became pregnant, not their own. The manta of Democrats and Liberals is that you should not take any responsibility for your actions, because after all they believe that you are stupid and the government has a duty to help you live a better life. Think on that statement for a second and let it echo in your mind.

“They believe your stupid and the government has a duty to help you live a better life” The sole duty of our government as laid out by the founding fathers was to protect and defend the nation against all threats, foreign and domestic. The government does not exist for the masses to live off it and vote democratic. It is no more the Administration’s fault for a mythical rise in abortions then is it their fault that I stubbed my toe on one of my child’s toys this morning. The lack of personal responsibility when engaging in sexual activity is the single greatest reason (fact) in the supposed rise of abortions. If you choose to not practice safe sex, then you and you alone are responsible for the results of your actions. It’s is not the government’s responsibility to hold your hand and make you wear a condom or tell you to abstain lest you become a health care burden because of a STD or an unwanted parent.

The bottom line is that most citizens in this country do know right from wrong and do learn in a responsible manner. This is a simple and yet stark fact that makes it very clear what the liberals think of you. The fact is that when we have less government intrusion into our lives and take personal responsibility for our actions, the better off this country is. Let’s hope that the people in the great state of New York awake from their liberal stupor and do not return Clinton to the Senate in 2006, thus signaling the death knell of her ambitions to be President. I am sure she can get a talking head job over at CBS with this latest episode. Later……………...........

The Mad Tech

“Dishing Truth Like It’s Going Out Of Style”

When Is A Friend Really An Enemy?

The time has come for this nation to, because of national security concerns; abandon our dependence of Middle-Eastern oil. I don’t say this because I feel that oil is too expensive or because I am member of the fruits and nuts crowd. I say it simply because I don’t want another dime of American money paying Islamic fanatics to kill and wound American Soldiers and other Americans across the world. The time has come to scale back at the very least or in my humble opinion cut ties with Saudi Arabia. The following quote sums up the betrayal of our supposed ally, the full article is here.

“Fundamentalist Islamic leaders in Saudi Arabia are telling militants intent on fighting "infidels" to join the insurgency in Iraq instead of taking up Osama bin Laden's call to oust the Saudi royal family at home, say Saudi dissidents who monitor theological edicts coming out of the kingdom.”

The Imams of Saudi Arabia have to preach jihad, it’s one of the ways that the royal family maintains it’s legitimacy with the populace. The current situation in Iraq solves a number of problems for them. After the most recent attacks on American and other foreign targets in the Kingdom, the royal decree to the clerics to stop preaching jihad in the kingdom. Since the royals fund all of the clerics in question they complied, some even refuse positions and preached against the Jihadis as they are known.

We now hear confirmed reports out of Iraq that some of the suicide bombers are of Saudi nationality and coupled with the latest preaching’s from the kingdom is that any doubt that the Saudi royal family can no longer control it’s own radicals. While we have a long standing National Security directive that middle-eastern oil is to be defended at all costs, I think a strategy of reduced dependence on their oil will certainly force a change in attitude from this “ally”. The fact that we spend billions of dollars on oil should be a powerful incentive.

The path is clear and we face the fork in the proverbial road. Shall we continue to fill the coffers of a people committed to destroying our way of life, or shall we take “the road less traveled” and make a hard decision? If we have the courage to make the hard choice and prove to the world that the United States can lead the way with our ingenuity and research, we will insure that future generations of Americans never fear the threat of petrol-terrorists like Saudi Arabia.

To quote a great American, “"We do these things ... not because they are easy, but because they are hard." Pres. J. F. Kennedy” The man had a way for expressing great ideals in such simple prose. If our leaders shall not make the tough decision and heed President Kennedy’s words of wisdom then I fear we will make an uneasy bedfellow to the brand of terrorism breeding in the bosom of our “allies”. Rest easy my friends, because of the efforts of our brave men and women in uniform, we have some time to make this decision and cross our Rubicon. Thank a soldier for your freedom today, visit Defend America let them know how thankful you are. Hat-tip to Beth over at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy for the link. Later…………….

Excused Absence

Well folks, I have decided that writing 7 days a week on this site and 1 day on Wide Awakes is cutting into my family time on the weekend so I will not be writing on the weekends for the foreseeable future. Now before you contract a suicide bomber to track me down and take me out, let me explain how this is a good thing.

I don’t consider myself a journalist or for that matter even much of a writer but I do like to do research on the topics for my original posts and I just feel if I continue to post at this pace, the original pieces will suffer and those we come by on a regular basis deserve better.

I was always told that you should do your best regardless of the job or task, so while some may disagree with my opinions or even politics, I do try to do my best with ever post. Thanks again to all of my regular readers, you know who you are, and welcome to everyone coming through from Blog Explosion or Blog Clicker, Blog Crowd or other places.

As to my hint of big things for the Mad Tech, things are progressing as they say and you will be close to the first to know. Thanks again everyone.

WTF Friday Rant Volume 1 Issue 8

Well folks it's Friday and time for the WTF Rant. But first, I would ask that you visit The Wide Awakes to see what mischief I have come up with. I wrote my first post for that site today, so pop over and read it and all the other writers, plenty of good stuff to go around. Here's the rant, enjoy.

Awww, those crazy kids.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05021/446225.stm

Thank you for flying OurSourced Airlines
http://www.kyw1060.com/news_story_detail.cfm?

Nukes! Nukes! Who needs a pair of suitcase nukes?
http://reuters.myway.com/article/20050121/

The Anti-Moore
http://www.nysun.com/article/8027
http://madtechspeaks.blogspot.com/2004/12/

Damnit Jim, Do as I say not as I do.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/

Yet another example of I told you so.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/

Loser, plain and simple.
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2005/

Anybody believe there's a problem now?
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?
http://www.localnews8.com/home/1194357.html
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2005/01/19/
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid

Calamari anyone?
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050121/

HOMER L I V E S.....................
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050121/

This Crazy Beatiful Life

Sorry for the lack of a post today folks. I had the morning off from work to attend to some personal matters and simply ran out of time to research and publish anything I felt good about. On the home front things are ok, so no worries there. There may be some major happenings in the Mad Tech's future and rest assured that you, my faithful readers, will be the first to know. The regular WTF Friday rant will be up tomorrow for all to read. Thanks again to everyone for their encouragement and kind words. Later.............................

The Scary Nuclear World We Live In

What do Boston, Iran, and Russia have in common? Well, let me explain the connection I see. In Boston today officials are scrambling to gather intelligence about a possible nuclear threat to their city. Seems someone called the FBI and reported that 2 Iraqi nationals and 4 Chinese nationals entered this country with plans for fair Boston and they can say nuclear correctly. The story is developing and details are sketchy. The link is from Drudge. This part of the puzzle is called nuclear.

I guess Iran is taking the reports seriously that we have been running covert ops in their country for some time. I don’t doubt the validity of the report in the New Yorker but rather the timing of its release and the motivation of the reporter. Think about it for a second, if we have plans to force regime change in Iran or just simply to prevent them from obtaining nuclear weapons, this type of intelligence gathering is absolutely needed. Frankly, I am glad the President is taking the threat of a nuclear Iran so seriously. One would hope that any data we have is being passed on to the EU to aid; not hinder their negotiations with Iran over their nuclear program. This part of the puzzle is called Islamic fascism.

And last but not least, Russia. What are our good friends the Russians up to? Why they are building statues of Stalin and moving away from capitalism and back to communism. The failure of communism has been forgotten and the people are eager to return to a time when it was all about cruel dictators and defeating the evil United States. I foresee the Russians thinking that they can line up on the side of Iran and opposing any European or American plans to disarm said country. I mean, why not? Russia was able to run terrorist operations as the Soviet Union and not suffer any backlash why should it be any different now? Russia has invested heavily in Iran and Iraq since the cold war ended and since it appears unlikely they will benefit from the money spent in Iraq, they are making nice with Iran. Ever wonder who got them up to speed with their nuclear program? Ding, Ding, you are correct sir, Russia. The puzzle piece here is Nuclear Proliferation.

The common thread here is the simple fact that our enemies and pseudo friends are either working actively to obtain or use nuclear weapons against us or simply ignoring the threat because they don’t feel like it applies to them. My fellow countrymen and women, the future is scary but we will prevail. Later………………

CBS And The Blogsphere

CBS News while suffering from a credibility crisis may decide to do the news Comedy Central style. They seem to think if they make fun of the news that will some how cause the few viewers they have to trust them again. I will now join the rest of the free world and declare CBS dead as a news organization. The link to this incredible piece of information is here.

Many news groups have declared 2005 the year of the blog and I might agreed with them except for the fact that businesses are now going to try and make money off Blogs. Speaking from my own personal experience, if there was an easy way to make money off a blog, there would be quite a few new millionaires given the sheer number of Blogs in existence on the internet.

I think the MSM will work very hard to persuade the public that Blogs are not to be trusted and should be dismissed as uneducated, untrained people sprouting off at topics that they are qualified to comment on. Well, I don’t know about you but I have never even thought of myself as a journalist. But I do have a couple things going for me, I believe in God unlike most journalists, I believe that my fellow citizens for the most part can use their own common sense and smell bullshit pretty far away.

While Blogs are not held to the same “standards” that the MSM is supposed be, if you surf the Blogsphere in any regularity, you will find that most bloggers will try to do their homework lest they be bombarded by deluge of critical comments. Unlike like the MSM we do a pretty good job of weeding out the bullshiters and scam artists. Now don’t get me wrong, as with any news you should consider the source, because there are certainly those out there who like to bend and shape news to fit their view of the world.

Now that being said, a blog is simply a collection of personal opinions, thoughts and observations. One thing that most bloggers will not do unlike the MSM is take ourselves too seriously. I mean we are only locked in a good vs. evil battle with our liberal opponents for the hearts and minds of the free world.

I am happy to announce that I have the privilege to now write for The Wide Awakes on a weekly basis. Here is our mission statement for all to read so beware you leftist moonbats, we are coming for you. Later……………

You Know Your Grown Up When...............

Something light for this Tuesday got this from a buddy in Chicago, MadClax. I still have 5 Gmail invites if anyone needs them. Shoot an email over to ravingsofamadtech@gmail.com with your first name, last name, and a return email address to send the invite to. Thanks again to everyone who used my referral link for BlogClicker; they look like they are going to give BlogExplosion a run for its money. Enjoy and later..................

25 signs you've grown up:

1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next
door won't turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps from noon to 6 PM!
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset,
rather than settle, your stomach.
19. If you're a gal, you go to the drug store for aspirins and
antacids, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never going
to drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that
doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your sorry old butt.
Then you forward it to a bunch of old pals & friends 'cause you know
they'll enjoy it& do the same.

BONUS: When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them
instead of asking "Oh S*$# What Happened?

The Dream and Immigration

Often when one takes a position that is unpopular, they are accused of being insensitive, or intolerant. On this day of recognition dedicated to Martin Luther King, I too have a dream. My stance on illegal immigration is well-known to regular readers of this site. Of late I have been accused of outright racism in regards to my position on illegal immigration. Let me lay some background for you. My wife is Hispanic; my children are 50% Hispanic. I live in Arizona which has become ground zero for illegal immigration. Let that sink in a second for those riding the short bus.

Dr. King spoke of a dream that his children would be judged on the quality of their character and not the color of their skin. I share this dream with that great man. If nothing is done to combat the rampant illegal immigration that plagues this portion of the country, it is conceivable that due to a backlash against illegal immigration, my children will face the same racism that honest, law-abiding, legal immigrates do now.

There are many people of all races and colors that come to this country in the hope of creating a better life. They follow the rules and in many cases, can wait up to years to immigrate to this country. These are the people who we can count on to become productive, law-abiding citizens. Now many will argue that the people who immigrate illegally fit the same category, I beg to differ. Regardless of the reasons for illegal immigration, it is still breaking the law and should not be tolerated. That may seem like a hard line but consider this.

A great deal of illegal immigration is not due to honest people looking to provide for their family, it is due to drug smuggling, human smuggling, and all other sorts of illegal activity. Another fact to think upon is that with the flood of illegal immigration provides excellent cover for terrorists to enter this country undetected. The security of this great country goes hand-in-hand with our immigration polices and until the connection is made by the powers that be in Washington, we are still at great risk for attacks on our soil.

Ronald Reagan spoke of a great shinning city on the hill, and for most who aspire to come to America that is the dream. They come to create a better life for their family and be judged by their character, these are the people that should be rewarded with legal immigration. There is little doubt on both sides of the aisle that immigration needs to be reformed.

This reform needs to take in to account the fact that many of the illegal immigrates have been here for many years and have established roots. Here are a few suggestions from yours truly.

1) Streamline the paperwork to come here legally, reduce the incentive to illegally immigrate. Reward those that follow the rules.
2) Educate potential immigrates on the advantages of legal immigration and ultimately citizenship.
3) Work with local law enforcement to enforce the laws on the books and stop the “catch and release” policy currently in place.
4) Increase federal funding to support new and recent immigrates; don’t leave the burden to the states alone.
5) Educate the American people on the truths of immigration, thus reducing the stigma associated with it. Remember we all came from another country at some point.
6) Pass stiffer penalties for Americans who participate in the business of human smuggling.

Our government needs to respond now before the situation gets out of control. I don’t want my children judged by their darker skin nor the hundreds of thousands of legal immigrates and it assumed that they are just another illegal. Yes, maybe it’s not so bad now and I don’t have anything to worry about, but if nothing is done to stem the tide, there will be a backlash. People on both sides need to take a step back and recognize that most of these illegal immigrates mean us no ill will; they are just braking the law in pursuit of the American dream.

The real crime in all of this is the look-the-other-way attitude of both the US and Mexican government as well as businesses in this country. Now before you accuse me of going “left”, think about this. The sole purpose of the US government is to secure this nation. By failing to do this, by allowing businesses to skirt immigration laws, and by lack of action encouraging the Mexican to tell its citizens, “go north”, the government is putting us all at risk. I am firmly in the camp of the less government the better, but I think in this case, government control of our borders is a much better option then roving bands of armed citizens riding the border.

Hispanics are now the largest minority in this country; are we taking a step back in civil rights by telling them that their not welcome here in America? If no immigration reform is pursued, I am afraid they will not make it to the “shinning city on the hill” now live out Dr. King’s dream.

Football Sunday

Arizona Immigration Update

Apparently the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has returned to their senses and realized that Judges interpret the law and not make the law. The injunction request was only denied and the court has yet to rule on the legality of the law itself that will come in the next few months. You might wonder why I have posted on this subject numerous times in the last few months. Well, frankly this issue affects everyone in this country and it does not really get a lot of play in the MSM outside the southwest or in Washington. I don't pretend to reach that great an audience with this blog but each and every person that spends a few minutes thinking, maybe doing some research on this issue, and contacting their lawmakers in Washington has the potential to swing the tide in our favor. In order to control this countries density, we must control our borders.

The Mexican group that filed the appeal is long rumored to be directly funded by the Mexican government and here in Arizona, it's pretty much accepted as that's just the way it is. I ask the question once more; when is this government, who for years looked the other way when it came to illegal immigration, going to discover some balls and say to Mexico, enough is enough. You can't have an open border and fair immigration with a partner that has a knife firmly planted in your back and his fingers crossed. Kind of heavy for a Saturday eh? Well, read the story the links below. Later...................

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/

The Mad Tech

“Dishing Truth Like It’s Going Out Of Style”

WTF Friday Rant Volume 1 Issue 7

First of all, some blogging business to take care of. BlogClicker is the real deal and if you have not signed up, help a brother out and use this link. I have received over 1600 hits since Monday, so it's for real and they seem to give out more free credits then BlogExplosion. I predict a free credit, and banner impression war between the two sites very shortly. I have been privileged to be selected to write for another blog on a regular basis, watch for a formal announcement on Monday. And without further ado, the WTF Friday Rant. Enjoy the links, later...................

FCUK this and FCUK them (Hint: the F stands for French)
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story

Clint to Mike: " I 'll Kill Ya"
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/

Sears plays dictator, fires critic (hat tip to Mrs. Mad Tech)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business

Who turned up the Freaking heat!!!
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050112/

This couple Yahooed and got a baby boy!
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050113/

Need some money, bag a bad guy.
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050113/

Told you so doesn’t quite do it.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article

Damn good reason to NOT be a wrestler.
http://www.dailytidings.com/2005/0107/

Pentagon gives up on Sex bomb, Love Potion No. 9 and Spanish Fly not strong enough.
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?

Ted Kennedy opens mouth, chugs beer, and inserts foot.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/

Damn Andy Rooney is the man! (At least on this point.)
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005

And last but not least, words of wisdom from the man in white.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?

Mineta Needs To Go

Why in God's name has the President not given this guy his walking papers? Out of everyone in his cabinet, Mineta is the one the President should have out right fired. Forget Rummy you damn libs, that’s another discussion for another time and this guy is the worst, not to mention he’s one of yours. He has opposed every measure purposed to make commercial traffic in this country safer. Here's a taste of his logic:

"What we are concerned with is a very small number of irresponsible people using pen-style lasers and commercially available pointers to illuminate aircraft in a way that could be dangerous to their operation ... or illegal," he said."

Wait a damn second, “or illegal”? As the Secretary of Transportation should not he know if it’s illegal? Yet in many news reports from various sources last week, the "pen-style" laser was not capable of the incidents reported. I quote the AP report from December 31st:

"Scientists discount the possibility that pilots are merely the victims of a popular new Christmas toy or jokesters toying with a $19 laser pointer from an electronics store. Loren Thompson, who teaches military technology at Georgetown University, said a piece of equipment that could do the things the FBI is investigating would be "fairly expensive and fairly sophisticated." He characterized it as a reasonably powerful visible light laser that can lock onto a fast-moving aircraft. "That's not the sort of thing you pick up at a military surplus store," he said."

So what is the truth Norm? If you are trying to continue your MO of saying one thing and then another a few weeks later, congratulations, you have succeeded. The American people deserve a Secretary of Transportation that will not stand in the way of measures to make our travel safer and will not speak out of both sides of his mouth. The first link is to Norm’s comments yesterday and the second is the AP wire report from the 31^st of December about the laser “attacks” on planes around the country. One can only hope that since Fox News is reporting on the grand obstructionist plans of the Democrat Party, the President will end this experiment of having a member of the opposition party in the cabinet. Enjoy the links. Later……………

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=35900
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/10532909.htm

The Mad Tech

“Dishing Truth Like It’s Going Out Of Style”

Quick BC Update

Well, I have been a BlogClicker member since about midday on the 10th of December and have received almost a 1000 hits as of this post. Thanks to everyone who has signed up with my referral link, it's not too late to get in on the madness. Enjoy, later..............

The Mad Tech

“Dishing Truth Like It’s Going Out Of Style”

P.S. I have 5 Gmail invites to pass out. Just send me an email with your first and last name, your email and I will shoot one over. Send the request to ravingsofamadtech@gmail.com.

Fair Tax Proposal

I would encourage those who are quick to dismiss the Fair Tax Plan to step up with their own ideas on how to fix the mess we lovingly call the U.S. tax code. I have seen quite a few people post in favor of this plan and a lot of people (some libs, some not) simply heap criticism on it without either actually reading the material or proposing another solution. The thing that has and continues to make this country great is the free-flowing exchange of ideas. You don't like the Fair Tax proposal, then get off your ass and suggest something else or if you’re a liberal and like higher taxes, then suggest that. The point is that no matter what side you’re on in this issue of Tax Code reform, do something! If we wait and hope the government is going to fix the problem, then my friends we will be waiting for a long time indeed.

Personally the best part of this Fair Tax Plan for me is the fact that savings are not taxed at all, the estate tax is eliminated, and those who earn below the poverty guideline would automatically receive a rebate check every month, so in practical terms they would pay no taxes. The Founding Fathers never intended the government to collect a personal income tax but as we know the best of intentions sometimes go astray.

I have included some reference links below that outline the Fair Tax plan. I would encourage anyone who pays taxes to do some research and read up on the plan as well as others that are being suggested. If you think this plan sounds like a great idea then contact your Congressman, Congresswoman or Senators and let them know. Until we force a change through our voting habits, the tax code will never be reformed. If your opposed, then suggest what you think would be a better idea, don't just complain. Either way get involved, our government has grown fat and lazy under both parties and no longer feels accountable to the people of this country.

http://caosblog.com/archives/2005/01/11/

http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/taxes/a/

http://www.fairtaxvolunteer.org/news/

MSN Joins Yahoo To Syndicate Blogs

Well folks the secret is out, Blogs are joining the mainstream. MSN has decided to follow Yahoo's lead and offer RSS feeds to Blogs directly on members MyMSN pages. I checked this out last night and this morning and could find no information on how to add feeds but will pass it on as soon as I find out how to. Enjoy the links below, later..........................

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-5532778.html

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/

P.S. Down to 6 Gmail invites so if you want one, send your first name, last name, the email you want the invite sent to and your URL if you have a blog to ravingsofamadtech@gmail.com.

BlogClicker Update

Calling all traffic whores. BlogClicker appears to be the real deal. I have gotten over 100 hits since I signed up yesterday morning. New blogs are joining in pretty quickly and the rotation is getting better by the hour. You still may see the same sites on a regular basis but I see them becoming a great complament to BlogExplosion. Just like the early days of BE, the traffic is there to be had on BlogClicker so head on over.
Later.......................

P.S. I have 9 Gmail invites to pass out. Just send me an email with your first and last name, your email and I will shoot one over. Send the request to ravingsofamadtech@gmail.com.

Bloggers' Rights

In today's sad society of political correctness gone wrong, as if there was a right way to be politically correct, this is must reading for every blogger who is not self-employed, left or right. Please pass on the link and spread the word.

Let it be said that we stood united against those who would silence our voices.

The Bloggers' Rights Blog

The ACLU Loses For Once

Well, well, the much heralded protector of our civil rights, the ACLU for those in the blue states, has lost a religion case. It seems that even they can't trample a private landowner’s right to display The Ten Commandments. The case sets a great precedent that I am sure will be used to combat the blatant anti-Christian agenda of the ACLU.

I will make a prediction, the ACLU is about to be handed a series of defeats in their pursuit of wiping the American landscape of its religious nature. The fact is that an over-whelming majority of this country identifies themselves as Christian and the ACLU is simply diluting any good that they might do in the future by continuing to cater to the fringe of our society. In fact they are reaffirming their communist beginnings with each and every frivolous lawsuit. Enjoy the link. Later……………..

http://www.insightmag.com/news/2005/01/10/

Something New To Try

I stumbled across this last night and signed up today. It's called Blog Clicker and it's very similar to Blog Explosion and since I am a well-known traffic whore you know the rest of the story. Apparently it’s just getting up and running so there are not many sites in the rotation. If you were one of the early folks in on Blog Explosion you will remember how much traffic you got in the early days so this has the same potential if you get in now. I will see what effect it has on my stats and let you all know. I also added a link to it in the small banner on the right sidebar. Enjoy for now, I should have something else to rant about later, it is a Monday after all. Later....................

Some Random Sunday Thoughts

24 is a freaking great show and one of the few I actually watch/DVR on a regular basis.

The Colts looked very tough today against Denver and their defense actually played for part of the game.

Even cut to hell, Animal House is one of the greatest movies ever.

Kids are amazing; my almost 5 month old daughter is already teething and will cut a tooth any day.

My son is quite the artist for a soon to be 4 year old.

There is something to be said for those who speak their minds without fear of repression or repercussion, its called respect.

It's hard to write on the weekends with a family.

Is everyone sick of the promos for American Idol? That show is such a waste of time and energy.

I will be back tomorrow with something a little meatier, have a wonderful Sunday.
Later....................

Truck Drivers Help In The Fight On Terror

Next time your on the freeway you could be passing the Department of Homeland Security's latest addition to our war on terror. In Iowa, truck drivers are being trained to observe and report to authorities anything out of the ordinary. I congratulate these Americans for stepping up to help our country. Now let me ask the question, what have you done to make this country safer? If each and everyone just took the time to become more aware of our surroundings in our daily travels, it would act as a great deterrent against any future terrorist attack. Of course the threat to nuke Mecca goes a long way as well. Enjoy the link below. Later............

http://www.woi-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2784433

Boxer Sheds A Tear For Her Wasted Career

Sorry, I don't feel bad for someone who has wasted her time as a Senator. Later..........

Words Of Wisdom For America's Youth

This was forwarded to me by a great friend, Dave Kortes. I don't actually think that Bill Gates gave this speech but someone should as hell should. The advice is 100% correct, all I can add is the loudest AMEN I can muster. Enjoy the post; I am off to play some poker with the guys. Later...............

Bill Gates High School Address

To anyone with kids of any age, here's some advice. Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule! 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

If you agree, pass it on.

If you can read this - Thank a teacher!

If you are reading it in English-Thank a soldier!!

Walk America 2005

The March of Dimes annual Walk America event is fast approaching, it's held near the end of April across the country. If you can help at all, it is surely appreciated. There are too many children both early every year and the number are increasing.

I have personal experience with this subject as both of my children were born at 32 and 31 weeks. I can't put in to words the fear felt by first time parent with a preemie. The donations to the March of Dimes go to support research and programs to help prevent or treat premature birth, birth defects and other threats to babies' health.

Click on the picture if you would like to find out about helping. I have also have added the banner to the right sidebar. Thank you.

WTF Friday Rant Volume 1 Issue 6

It's going to be a lite posting day since today is my 34th birthday and I am off from work. So without further ado, enjoy the WTF Friday Rant in all its glory. Later...........

And the next candidates for Mother of the Year and Parents of the Year.....
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/news/stories
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/4051562/

US to OBL, attack us again and Mecca gets it......
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?

The Guardian of Truth in the Middle East reports Tsunami was man-made.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?

Not all Christian haters are from outside this country
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?

Satellites catch killer wave in the act, film at 11
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6854

Palestinians say who the hell is Richard Gere?
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050106/2005

Truly a Miracle
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050105/2005

PETA urges Jimmy Carter to leave the fish alone and return to peanut farming
http://reuters.excite.com/article/20050104/2005

When Will He Learn?

There is really no point to this posting, just piling on when a former target is down and riling up some liberals. Let me ask a question, If a group of people strongly dislike you and when you visit them you insult their chosen leader, what the hell kind response do you think your going to get?

Yet another example of why John Kerry is a jackass, he is acting like he is still campaigning. According to the ever truthful San Francisco Chronicle in this article, he only met with about 20 soldiers. I was shocked by that report, I mean after all the Chronicle goes on to report on what a warm reception Kerry received. Normally an openly liberal rag like this would never report any details that could be used to embarrass a fellow leftist. Guess in pointing out that he only talked to 20 soldiers they have decided that he should follow Al Gore and fade away.

It is of interest that after spewing his campaign talking points, the article over at NewsMax goes on to report, “Then, perhaps sensing he'd gone too far, the 2008 White House hopeful cut short the Bush-bashing, saying, "Now, it's a different time and different set of judgments that have to be made. I'm here to make judgments about what moves are available to us." Boy, where are this guy’s advisors when he needs them. By the way John, don’t worry about hurting your chances in 2008, the Clinton machine is going to eat you for breakfast.

I will say this, the smartest thing Mr. Kerry did today was his decision to not be in Washington D.C. for the certification of the 2004 election. He wisely choose to sit that dance out, maybe because of his 2008 aspirations or maybe because he realized that no good could come from the ruckus caused by his Senate gal pal Barbara Boxer and the usual suspects in the House. Senator Boxer is another topic for another time, but rest assured fearless readers that she will feel the lash of my keyboard very soon. As far as the Conyers/Waters crowd in the House, they are a bunch of failed politicians and really not worth anyone’s time, much less their constituents.

One last bit of advice for Johnny boy, if you’re really serious about supporting our troops, stop voting against their funding. That “voted for it first, and then voted against it” excuse just ain’t going to fly with these real American heroes. If you can’t “Move On”, then please follow Al Gore in to obscurity.

Have a wonderful day. Later…………

20,000 Served And Counting

Wow, 20,000 hits, kind of snuck up on me. I never though I would ever have this kind of response to my ravings. Thanks to each and everyone that has visited, even if only for 30 seconds. I would like to send special thanks to all who have chosen t0 add me to your blogroll over at Blog Explosion. I have created a new blogroll in the left sidebar, so pay them a visit and said hello. If I have missed you, I assure you it was unintentional, just drop me an email. BTW, you may have noticed that I changed a few things around here, let me know what you think. Thanks again to everyone, later...............

A Liberal That Is Not Out Of His Mind

As I stumble through the Blogsphere, I occasionally find folks of different political leanings that not only don't immediately offend me with their "crazy talk" but make a good point on a topic or even sometimes have a great idea. Today was one of those days.

Allow me to present for your approval the blog of DD Sez. DD is admittedly a liberal but makes a fantastic and yet realistic suggestion for fixing Social Security. The opinions expressed in his post make frighten quite a few of his fellow liberals because they are in fact very close to what the President has already proposed, but that's ok.

The sad fact is that until all parties can finally agree there is a problem with Social Security nothing will be accomplished. The current denial of Democrats that there is even a problem is nothing short of amazing. Well congratulations to DD for recognizing the reality of the situation and making a well-thought, well-written suggestion to addressing the problem. Stop by and give him a read. Later………….

North Korea Makes War Plans

Well what do we have here? Secret North Korean War Plans? SHOCKING!!!!!!!!!!
Not that I think we have any active plans to invade North Korea, but how cool is it that we now have their "top secret" war plans? Is there any doubt that Kim Jong-Il is a complete nutbag? Enjoy the links, later...............

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data

http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?

Arizona Immigration Update

The opponents of Immigration Reform here in Arizona have launched an appeal to the hated 9th Circuit Court of Appeals based in the liberal Mecca of San Francisco. Wait a second; I apologize to Mecca for comparing it to San Francisco that was uncalled for. I have no hope that this law will remain a law after the activist judges on the 9th Circuit Court get done with it. After all these are the same justices that ruled that God should be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance.

Amazing enough in this case, if the law is ruled as unconstitutional that may not be a bad thing. The original way the law was written does leave open the possibility that it will be overturned. If that does happen, a clearer version of the law can be introduced before this fall and once again voted on by the people. Support for this law currently stands anywhere from 60% to 72% depending on the poll so I am sure a second version would pass just as easily as the first did.

If the law is not struck down then great, full stream ahead with its enforcement. But if it is, then it’s supporters should not be disheartened but rather work to get a law passed that will meet court challenges and reduce the amount of state tax dollars going to illegals that turn around and send it south to Mexico. IMHO, Mexico already gets enough foreign aid from the US government and does not need to be supplemented by Arizona state tax revenues. The links to two stories about the appeal are below, enjoy. Later.................

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0104prop200

http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=2763521

Common Sense Economics

Ran across this while surfing BE early this morning. Great example of some common sense applied to the decisions that businesses make. Go visit Where's Your Brain? and say hello.
Enjoy......

Reverse Darwinism In The Business Place

There is a disturbing trend in corporate America. The fact that political correctness has sucked the life out of the decision makers and paved the way for a culture of rewarding mediocrity is just sickening. There is no greater example of this then my current yet nameless employer. Yet I remind any HR or other corporate lackeys, I am writing this on my own time, on my own computer and have never named my employer or fellow employees, so think carefully before you retaliate. That being said, on to today’s rant.

Corporate America, at least in memory, has always been built and advanced by those who were willing to take a chance, make a tough decision, or work a little harder then the next guy. I have only been with my current company for a little less then a year, but I count myself lucky to work with some of my team members. These are professional, dedicated people who take great pride in their job and know that, while we are all under-paid (a lot of that going around these days), there is no point in doing a job if your not doing your best.

I have spoke in the past about the fact that most companies try to get by on the absolute minimal staffing requirements while still doing the job, so I only mention it now to set the stage. Everyday I see the poison of political correctness seep into my workplace and the sad part is that the folks “in power” can’t see the forest for the trees as they say. The laziest, most technically inept and dishonest people continue to be either ignored by “The Man”, for fear of making a decision, or rewarded for their mediocrity with bullshit awards. But why you ask?

The answer is so blindingly simple it may shock you. The fact is that even in a Right-to-Work state such as Illinois or Arizona, management is usually so concerned about covering their ass i.e. saving their job, or trying to impress their bosses that the slackers get a free pass. It case you’re wondering, a right-to-work state is one where union membership can not be required for employment. Does not sound that bad eh? Well one unintended side effect is that anyone up to and including the CEO of a company can be fired at any time without cause. Ok, that does not sound bad either unless you’re a shitty employee. So in theory, it should be easy to get rid of bad employees but that is anything but the case. In fact the opposite is more often the case then not.

This post was partially inspired by a series of unfortunate events. For many months I have witnessed a blatant disregard for the most basic tenets of our corporate environment by a number of employee’s in my nearby workspace. One of the most heinous acts one can perpetrate upon co-workers in a call center is the downright evil act of call avoidance. Not only does it make the rest of the team work harder, which most will never complain about, but it marks the slacker as completely untrustworthy of any and all tasks for the remainder of his or her career. The whole point of a call center is to take calls, otherwise why have it?

I really don’t know what’s worse, the fact that this is tolerated by management or the fact that the team is always behind the eight ball since this person can never again be trusted to just do their job. In many ways the most disturbing facet of this invasion of political correctness is the sheer fact that the inaction by management simply destroys any morale or faith in each other the team might have. The fact is that in a call center, often your best resource is the guy or gal working next to you. Nobody has seen everything but chances are somebody has seen something.

Now even with a “slacker” on their team, the best techs will rise above and continue to excel. That is the “Catch 22” is it not? The better a team does, the more a slacker’s lack of performance is hidden, the better the manager looks to his or her supervisors, the more any problems are kept from view. But even the best teams are worn down over time and eventually their performance sinks to match the slacker’s and when that happens, it’s a lose-lose situation for everyone.

So here I stand on the cusp of a descent into mediocrity. In the end, management might yet do the right thing and remove the cancer that grows among us, if for no other reason but to save their pathetic asses. Some how I doubt it and I take great pride in my optimistic outlook, mainly due to my faith in God and that things always work out for the better. Naiveté you say, maybe but it sure beats the opposite point of view. I have always thought of myself as an above average tech, not because of any special training I have had or any books I have read but because I have a thirst for knowledge and are quick to learn. What’s the saying? Adapt, Overcome, Exceed, that would about sum up my attitude. I had always been taught growing up that no matter the job you had, you had damn well strive to be the best at it that you could be. And with that, I take my leave of you until next time dear readers, later…………….

Mexican Solution To A Shitty Economy: Move To The USA Part 2

Now this just takes the cake, and yes I know it's out on Drudge and American Dinosaur. I had planned not to post on it since it was out there but realized that I had seen it the day it ran (Jan. 1st) and Drudge and everyone else did not post until the 2nd. That is beside the point, this is one of the greatest threats to this countries security and it needs to be discussed and our leaders in Washington need to be put on notice that this problem is no longer acceptable.

Apparently in additional to acknowledging that illegal immigration to the U.S. is keeping the Mexican economy afloat while looking the other way, the Mexican Government is now encouraging people to immigrate illegally with a "How to" comic book that contains no information about immigrating legally. Well, if our government knows this and just gives Mexico a little wink then they are just as guilty and deserve to be voted out of office since their priority does not seem to be the security of this nation.

I would also suggest that we need to seriously look at the friendship of an ally that purposely undermines our border security with this kind of effort. I doubt the Mexican government would be so kind if the roles were reversed. Perhaps if our government actually decides to secure our borders and maybe even put some pressure on Mexico and Canada to do the same then those of us within driving distance of the border could sleep a little better at night. My frustration lies in the simple fact that this is just a "dirty little secret" and that even when it comes to the light of day in print, television, and the internet, people just shake their heads and brush it off like some new fallen snow. Well, I got news for all of you in the rest of the country that don't think there's a immigration problem, it's only going to get worse and it will come to your town sooner then later. I mean don't let the fact that Mexican criminal groups are now sending illegals farther and farther north with plans to set up shop, bother you one bit. Perhaps when the "enlighted" folks on the East Coast run out of illegal nannies then something will get done.

On another note, here's a new German immigration law that we should look at for possible ideas. Basically, the law states that German citizenship will only be granted after a period of time and once certain conditions are met. Immigrates from non-EU nations will still have more loops to jump through but all immigrates will have access to government sponsored classes on how to acclimate to German society. The new law will also help prevent terrorists from immigrating to Germany legally. It bears worth a read if our lawmakers are serious about immigration reform. Enjoy the links, later…………

Lemony Snicket And My Kids

Sorry for the late posting, I was watching football this morning and took the Mrs. and kids to see Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events in the afternoon.

It case anyone cares, I was in the championship game in all three of my leagues and at this moment appear to have won 2 out of the 3. Not to shabby if you ask me, but you didn’t. I was concerned that my soon be 4 year old son would not sit through the movie but he followed along nicely and only got "freaked out" at one point when a very large snake made its appearance. My 4 month old daughter slept through most of the movie and when awake was not quite sure what to make of the big screen with the pretty colors and lights.

The Mrs. and I agreed that it was a very good movie and had just enough adult themes to entertain the 15 years and older crowd. I must confess, I had never heard of the Lemony Snicket books until just prior to the movie's release. Jim Carrey was fantastic as the many faces of Count Olaf.

But the best part of the adventure out from the Mad Tech compound was a phone call from my Mother just as the movie ended. It turns out that one of my younger brothers, a firefighter/EMT, finally gave in to the wily charm of his long time girlfriend and asked her to marry him. Fantastic news, albeit not surprising, the impeding nuptials had been long rumored in the family. Congratulation little brother, R is a great woman and you’re very lucky. Never mind the fact that she and you are Godparents to the little penguino. Overall a good day for our family, now on to the dreaded first Monday of the New Year. Later..............

Something To Think About

Happy New Year to all. Here is something to think about as we start the New Year full of promise and hope, courtesy of Joe Nichols. Later..................

We take His name out of schools.
The lawyers say it breaks the rules.
Pledge of allegiance can't be writ,
An' under God, should not be said.
I wonder how He will take.
I just pray it's not too late.

What if God quit tryin',
He just turned away?
There were teardrops on his face?
Tell me, how would you feel?
You'd probably give up too,
If nobody believed in you.