Another Strike Against Americans By The 9th Circuit Court

I am absolutely flabbergasted!

There just isn't another way to state my utter disbelief at today's ruling by a short 9th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding four students at Live Oak HS in Morgan Hill, California who were inexplicably instructed by a school Vice-Principal to change out of their American flag T-shirts on the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo, so as to not cause a disturbance amongst the Mexican students. (*See my commentary entitled, "Cinco de Mayo Follow-up" on  06May 2010.)

In today's ruling, the Appeals panel ruled that the school was justified in their insisting these four your American men change their shirts! In essence, the Court ruled that, out of concern for the safety of all students, that the American flag is offensive to Mexicans living here in the US on that particular day of the year, and should be regarded as an inciting symbol to those of Mexican heritage (both legal and illegal) who value Mexico above that of their chosen country, The United States of America.

What the hell?!

I am at such a loss for words that I'll just put up the article as written on The Huffington Post, and let you formulate your own response:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - "Officials at a Northern California high school acted appropriately when they ordered students wearing American flag T-shirts to turn the garments inside out during the Mexican heritage celebration Cinco de Mayo, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the officials' concerns of racial violence outweighed students' freedom of expression rights. Administrators feared the American-flag shirts would enflame the passions of Latino students celebrating the Mexican holiday. Live Oak High School, in the San Jose suburb of Morgan Hill, had a history of problems between white and Latino students on that day.

The unanimous three-judge panel said past problems gave school officials sufficient and justifiable reasons for their actions. The court said schools have wide latitude in curbing certain civil rights to ensure campus safety.

"Our role is not to second-guess the decision to have a Cinco de Mayo celebration or the precautions put in place to avoid violence," Judge M. Margaret McKeown wrote for the panel. The past events "made it reasonable for school officials to proceed as though the threat of a potentially violent disturbance was real," she wrote.

The case garnered national attention as many expressed outrage that students were barred from wearing patriotic clothing. The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based American Freedom Law Center, a politically conservative legal aid foundation, and other similar organizations took up the students' case and sued the high school and the school district.

William Becker, one of the lawyers representing the students, said he plans to ask a special 11-judge panel of the appeals court to rehear the case. Becker said he would appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court if he loses again.

"The 9th Circuit upheld the rights of Mexican students celebrating a holiday of another country over U.S. student proudly supporting this country," Becker said.

Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when Mexican troops defeated a French army of Napoleon III, then considered the mightiest military in the world. It is considered a bigger holiday in the U.S., celebrating Mexican heritage with parades and revelry in many major cities."

 

Here's an idea...If the school officials are so worried about how the Mexican students will be on this non-existent holiday, why don't they just cancel any celebrations? After all, this isn't an American holiday. It's barely even recognized in Mexico. Why tolerate students celebrating this non-holiday in the first place? 

Disallowing American students from wearing patriotic clothing in favor of the supposed pride in a foreign holiday is mind-boggling. Since when do the feelings of non-US citizen students preclude the rights of these American citizens?

Words like Pathetic, Disgusting, Jaw-dropping, Un-patriotic, Subversive and Astounding come to mind at this decision by the 9th Circuit Court. I'd offer more, but the words simply escape me right now.

I sincerely hope that this case is taken all the way to the US Supreme Court. Let's settle, once and for all, just how many "rights" these illegal aliens have over those who are--through birth or Naturalization--actual United States citizens.

President Obama Compares Marijuana to Alcohol

An article on today's SeattlePI.com states that US President Barak Obama thinks that marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol. Here's the brief article:

"President Barack Obama says he doesn’t think marijuana is more dangerous than alcohol.
Obama doesn’t argue for legalizing pot. But he says in an interview with “The New Yorker” that pot is less dangerous than alcohol, quote, “in terms of its impact on the individual consumer.”
The president has acknowledged using pot when he was young and calls it “a bad idea.” He says he’s troubled that poor kids, many of them African American and Latinos, are far more likely to get locked up for smoking pot than middle-class kids.

But Obama urges a cautious approach, saying people who think legalizing pot will solve social problems are, quote, “probably overstating the case.”
When it comes to harder drugs, he says, the harm to users and the social costs are profound."

I take exception to the President's remarks because I feel they are short-sighted and dangerous towards the moral health of the country. As with his comments regarding gay marriage, illegal immigration and his oft-verbalized Jesse Jackson-like beliefs in racial inequality, the President is placing his personal opinion above that of the majority of Americans. What he says is right; and anyone who disagrees is wrong, hateful, etc.

As if its champion, President Obama seems to tout the "What's wrong is actually right; and what's right is now wrong" line of thinking that is now constantly pushed on the country by media, drug users, the gay agenda, anti-religionists, historical revisionists and other such groups or persons who advocate that morally corrupt practices are perfectly acceptable; while those who stand firm in their morals are called hateful, short-sighted, antiquated, bigoted, idiots, etc.

The President seems to be turning his back on the historical truths that formed this country, and made it a beacon of freedom and good to the entire world. As he leads the charge against morality and the greater good of the United States, he does so in the most reckless manner; and, in a way I would have never thought possible of a US President only a few short years ago.

By selectively ignoring the greater good of all Americans, Obama is failing to "Uphold and Defend the Constitution of the United States." He is placing the interests of the Federal Government above that of the individual States, and literally forcing the citizenry to abdicate their freedoms of both thought and fair and equal representation on both the State and Federal levels.

How is this right? As it was devised, the Constitution was designed to assure freedom of thought, freedom of choice and freedom from governmental intrusion in our daily lives. Yet, President Obama tells everyone what is right, what is wrong, how we should think and feel and that big brother is only looking out for the good of everyone.

What a load of hogwash!

One of these days, Americans will awaken to the reality of the moral and ethical decline of the United States; then wonder how we got there. The President's remarks on this, and other subjects, clearly show how this decline is progressing; propagated by a supposed leader who clearly has his own personal agenda that stands above the greater good of the United States.


The comments that followed the article were filled with hateful expressions towards anyone who disagreed with the President. Name-calling was prevalent, and respondents were downright mean and hateful towards anyone who stood against marijuana use. One respondent attacked the classification [by the Federal Govt.] of marijuana as a Class 1 drug. They went on and on about "how stupid" it was that their maryjane was so wrongly listed. Being a former medic, I took exception to this person's viewpoint and responded to that remark. Here is my comment:

"Marijuana is a Class one drug because it alters a person's LOC (Level of Consciousness). Despite what all the bullies on here say, alteration of LOC--no matter how small or large--is NOT a good or acceptable thing.
Name-calling and attempted intimidation by these pro-pot bullies in an effort to cow others into a position of acquiescence only shows how narrow-minded they are; never interested in any real and thoughtful dialogue, but only in their own viewpoint."

As anticipated, I was attacked for my contrary opinion.

A Judge Overturns A Majority Opinion

This afternoon, a Federal Judge in Utah struck down a provision in the Utah State Constitution regarding the definition of marriage, which was voter approved in 2004 by a 66% majority. The article contained all the now usual celebrations from the gay community; but few from anyone who disagreed with the Judges ruling.

In a previous blog (during the whole Proposition 8 debacle), I stated that I think gay marriage is an inevitability in the US. However, I disagreed with the manner in which this struggle was being fought; which is to say that the LGBT community is seeking to force their agenda on everyone rather than allowing time to go about its slow, steady change to the opinions of Americans everywhere.

Now, these five years later, we are seeing almost every day new rulings that tell the majority of Americans that they are wrong and now must accept gay marriage whether they like it or not. Dissenting opinions are quickly quashed by those who claim tolerance, but display none towards anyone who dares speak out.

Anyway, I had to write my dissenting opinion on the local paper's boards. I won't go back and read any comments to my opinion because I know that they will be filled with hateful words, and my beliefs will be reviled and attacked at every turn.

Here's my response:

"Next up...The PC Thought Police will be attacking anyone who has the temerity to even THINK differently than what the gay agenda tells everyone they MUST think. If you disagree, you are hateful, bigoted, prejudiced, blah, blah, blah...

I didn't grow up in Utah; I have know a number of people who are gay, worked well with them, and have no problem with anyone who is gay. However, I personally find the thought of gay marriage to be morally repugnant. I will never agree that gay marriage is a civil right, and that the laws and interpretations regarding such have been twisted and skewed to create a hostile environment towards anyone who disagrees with the LGBT position on the matter. Our lawmakers, corporate leaders and local leaders are being relentlessly, viciously attacked and cowed into positions of acquiescence to make it appear that all Americans view gay marriage with open arms. 

 This is a great lie that the majority of Americans fail to speak out against for fear of being called names and labeled with terms that most gays don't even understand, but which help them to belittle anyone who dares have an opinion contrary to what they are telling everyone else that they should believe. This incredibly vocal minority is dictating to a vast majority of Americans how to think, and in doing so, are stripping our populace of their freedom of speech on this matter. There is no open dialogue; no differing of opinion. In this matter, there is ONLY the opinion that the LBGT community dictates. Anyone who thinks otherwise is hateful, bigoted, prejudiced, blah, blah, blah..."

Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th

May America never forget the sacrifices of "the greatest generation" both at Pearl Harbor, and throughout the ensuing US involvement in WWII.

We ALL owe an immense debt to those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that our freedoms were intact.

Thanks to all those 2400 who lost their lives that terrible morning in 1941.

Many more thanks to all those brave men and women who helped to deal with the aftermath of the attack. What they saw and did is well beyond my comprehension. May you also be remembered for your service and your heroism!

A Problematic Resignation

Today, Martin Bashir, a political reporter with MSNBC, resigned following supposed uproar over comments he made about former Alaska Governor and one-time VP candidate, Sarah Palin. Although the commentary about Palin was rather innocuous, Bashir was forced to resign anyhow.
The message boards all either attacked Palin as the idiot that Bashir decried, or attacked the reporter as a leftist coward who should be held accountable for such treasonous views. However, not one respondent addressed the real issue at stake, so I had to elucidate the issue as succinctly as I could.
Here is my response:


"So now the Press can no longer hold our politician's feet to the fire?
If anything, the Press in the United States has been soft on our elected leaders as corporate media owners are deeper and deeper into the pockets of our politicians' war chests.

Where is the political accountability of days past when media pressure effected real change? These days you can't say boo about a politician without drawing the ire of some idiot who thinks that we have to pussy-foot around issues, scandals, etc. so that no one's feelings are hurt.

This "resignation" is problematic of the greater, systemic issue of media oversight that is increasingly bound and gagged, disallowing true freedom of the Press. As a whole, the US Press needs to step up and really investigate issues and stop being afraid of those who want truth and accountability hidden from the general public."

So far, in the 37 minutes since my posting, not one person has addressed my comments; opting instead to add fuel to the fire of either side the message board opinions as illustrated earlier in my comments. This lack of awareness as to the real issue typifies a growing ignorance and lack of caring about the direction in which our political landscape is headed, and of the perils [to the United States] which accompany such a dangerous path.

My Response: Huffing In Utah County

An article in today's Provo Daily Herald discusses the dangers of huffing legal substances that are generally easily available in just about any store. This particular article focused on huffing Air Dusters--the cans of compressed air everyone uses to clean computers and other electronics.
All in all, the article was fairly well-written, and did an OK job at educating the public on the dangers of huffing in general. The responses that followed the article were not really intelligent, and failed to address the issue in our community.

Here is me response:

"Anyone who believes there isn't a drug problem in Utah county is either an idiot, or in heaps of self-denial. Whether it's illegal drugs, or readily available OTC items, the drug problem is as bad here as anywhere in the nation.

Unfortunately, LDS Church members prefer to sweep any issues under the rug; presumably so their families don't look bad to other church members. The ONLY thing this accomplishes is allow the drug abuse to escalate and possibly even spread within the family; further damaging every family member--in some way--in the process.

Addressing substance abuse, in whatever form, is vital to the battle. Acknowledgement, addressing it and productively dealing with the problem are the best ways to tackle any abuse issues. As parents, you must stand up and protect the other children in your household; while standing up to the abuser. It's not fun; but hiding from the problem does NOT make it simply go away.

Forget the embarrassment you might face at church. The well-being of your family is vastly more important than denying such abuse exists. So do what you MUST do in order to save yourself, your child or your family from the devastating effects of drug abuse!"


~16 Oct 13 Follow-up~

I only got one response to the comment above and, typical for this area, the respondent denied the scope of the drug problem here in Utah County. His comment:

"Utah county's drug problem is as bad as anywhere in the nation? You've clearly never been to Detroit or Baltimore or pretty much any other metropolitan area in this country. We do have a drug problem in Utah, no doubt, but you're crazy if you think it compares to some of the worst areas in this country. We actually have it pretty good compared to them."

Of course, with that kind of a comment, you know I had to respond; so, here is my follow-up to the reader:

"Sorry...your argument is hollow. I've spent considerable time in Chicago, LA, Seattle, Tampa and Detroit, and have been a medic on the streets of Atlanta. The drug problem in Utah County IS as bad here as anywhere; we simply don't see it so openly displayed as in other cities.
Denial of the problem by individuals such as yourself does not help anyone address the issue. Drugs are here, they've been here for years, and the problem will only continue to grow on our streets and in our homes if everyone sits around saying, "We actually have it pretty good compared to...[those other cities]."
So bury your head in the sand--like so many others in this area--and continue to deny the scope of illicit drugs in our community. Maybe the drugs will just go away...
...after all, we live in Happy Valley where nothing bad goes on... (right?)"

"And by the way AP, Thank you for perfectly illustrating my point that I placed in the first two lines of my original comment. Love it when others do that for me! Have a wonderful day!"

China on the US Debt Crisis

From today's News...

"BEIJING –With days to go before the United States debt default deadline, Beijing aired its frustrations with the shutdown Sunday, saying it was time to consider a “de-Americanized” world order.
With $1.28 trillion in U.S. Treasuries, China is easily the biggest foreign holder of American debt.
China has also funneled billions of dollars into private American investments – to the tune of an estimated $54 billion in 2012 alone.
“As U.S. politicians of both political parties are still shuffling back and forth between the White House and the Capitol Hill without striking a viable deal to bring normality to the body politic they brag about, it is perhaps a good time for the befuddled world to start considering building a de-Americanized world,” according to a stinging op-ed article by state news agency, Xinhua.
The article, published Sunday, conveyed Beijing’s frustration with the spending and debt impasse that has paralyzed Washington for more than two weeks.
"Days when the destinies of others are in the hands of a hypocritical nation have to be terminated, and a new world order should be put in place, according to which all nations, big or small, poor or rich, can have their key interests respected and protected on an equal footing,” the piece added.
Should Congress not come to an agreement by Thursday’s deadline on a new raised debt ceiling – the upper limit set by Congress on the amount of money the Federal government may borrow – China’s potential losses stand to be devastating.
Prior to Sunday’s commentary article, Chinese officials had been more measured in their analysis of the U.S. budget impasse. Last week, Vice-Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao  noted only that “we have to see that the clock is ticking.”
To many in China, the restraint on the part of China’s ruling Communist Party over its second-largest trade partner’s government problems was perhaps based in the belief that neither party, Democrat or Republican, would allow the U.S. to not honor its financial obligations.
“If we are really rational, I cannot imagine why someone would dare to bear this kind of responsibility because any real default will have a huge impact not only on the U.S. and China, but on the global economy,” said Professor Zhao Longkai, a dean at the Guanghua School of Management at Beijing University. “It’s hard for us to imagine anyone can be that crazy to push the limit to that level.”
Zhao said the patience China had shown until recently was rooted not only in Beijing’s confidence in America’s ability to deal with the budgetary crisis, but also its own burgeoning self-confidence.
“For average Chinese people [the budget crisis] is a show there and we’ve seen it before… we also know that it's not only the United States that we are relying on, we have a lot of other investments,” Zhao said. 
The Xinhua commentary may raise eyebrows in Washington, but Beijing’s frustration underscores a key point: Despite a desire to diversify its holdings, the Chinese government continues to buy U.S. Treasury bonds out of political and economic necessity.
As long as China’s domestic growth and stability are boosted by American debt, the deep ties between the two countries will likely endure.


Here is my response:

"The statement from the Chinese government sounds like the rhetoric so often heard during the Cold War with the then Soviet Union. The more things change, the more they stay the same, I guess.

China IS right in one regard, though; that the US has far to large a presence on the world stage. The Founders never intended for the United States to have a world wide military; never for us to exert our beliefs on other countries; never for us to poke our noses in everyone else's business and internal affairs.

Yes, we have done a lot of good over the last 75 years; but at what cost to America? Our manufacturing base is nearly gone, the dollar is at the weakest point it has ever been, the middle class is shrinking--along with its majority tax base--millions of jobs are now on foreign soil, resentment amongst the world community towards the US is at an all time high, the politics in Congress have become an embarrassment to any democratic nation, the last two Presidents (current one incl.) have openly trampled on the very Constitution they both swore to uphold and defend and our national debt is so vast that we will never get it balanced again.

So yeah, China is right about a few things. However, their statement today could be a headline from thirty years ago. In spite of all the change, the Cold War is still going strong...at least in China's overreaching view of the world."

Baseball Mediocrity Rewarded

A report surfaced yesterday out of Seattle that the Mariners Execs had extended the contract of GM Jack Zduriencik as his initial five year contract is set to expire at the end of the current season.

JackZ--as he's known to Mariner fans--inherited a franchise in disarray following a GM who basically destroyed the club from the inside out. JackZ promised to build the Mariners into a World Series team; but espoused patience in the process. After an initial break even season, the Mariners have had three successive campaigns of sub-500 ball; and this season is headed for a fourth straight losing season. Yes, some things have improved; but other things have not. Bad Free Agent signings, unequal trade results, and poor on-field play have all been recurring issues for the GM.

When CBS News reported the [JackZ] signing, I responded with the following brief, but incredibly valid observation...

If true, then the M's Upper Mgmt. should be awfully proud that JackZ built a sub-500 team from the ground up. Mediocrity as a measure of success...this could rewrite the book on underachieving!

I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it...I'm a lifelong Mariners fan; have been since their inaugural season. But aside from the Lou Pinella years, Seattle really IS the greatest farm team in the Major Leagues! And with yet another sub-500 season well under way, I really don't see this changing anytime soon. Go sub-Mariners!

In the hours since I commented, not a single respondent alluded to, attacked, negated or assailed my observation. Once again, it seems I have a point.