More Storms Gathering

"Putin’s mission is restoration. First, restore traditional Russian despotism....And then, having created iron-fisted “stability,” march."
~ Charles Krauthammer

I'm reading Winston Churchill's The Gathering Storm. It chronicles the mistakes the U.S. and Europe made in the post-World War I years that set the stage for the even more devastating World War II.

Given current geopolitical events, especially in Ukraine, the book is very eerie reading. The human race appears to be a slow learner with a short memory.

During President Reagan's administration, we heard much about "peace through strength." That seems so long ago. Today we had best be prepared for war through weakness. When the United States of America shrinks back from the world stage, as we have done under the Obama presidency, the global bullies are empowered to take their star turns.

What's the difference between Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin, anyway? Only about 70 years. We had better get ready for some more nasty international weather.

A Line Too Far

“We have a genetic memory of fascism here.”
~ Anatoly Skripnik, a businessman in Kiev, Ukraine

Another world crisis erupting, another line drawn by the U.S. president. How embarrassing.

Kiev, Ukraine - Photo: The New York Times

Did he really need to use the term "cross the line" in reference to Kiev, after the Syrian fiasco? The entire world is now highly familiar with President Obama and his invisible red crayons. Other nations are not likely to pay much attention to America's puffball threats.

The president has proven himself quite comfortable navigating all kinds of lines. He has crossed constitutional lines, intoned campaign promise lines, fed us healthcare lines. Barack Obama seems to have a new line every day. Americans are used to that.

But when people in other countries are fighting and dying for the freedom we in this country enjoy and take for granted, tossing off a line that has no meaning behind it is disrespectful at best. To borrow a phrase, President Obama has crossed a line. This time, he may have stepped over into irrelevancy.

Beyond Recognition

L'etat, c'est moi ("The State, that's me.") - Louis XIV, King of France

"I can do whatever I want." - President Obama


I don't see much difference between the ruling philosophies of the 18th century absolute monarch of France and our current president.

We used to have leaders who understood they were one part of a multi-layered governing structure designed by the Framers of the U.S. Constitution. Now we have a ruler who makes unilateral dictates on what individuals, private businesses, charities, and religious organizations can and can not do.

Barack Obama certainly has succeeded in "fundamentally transforming the United States of America." Truly, I hardly recognize my country anymore.

Day of Life

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
~ Psalm 118

As of 4:18 A.M. today, I have a granddaughter. That makes the trifecta of grandmother-hood for me: a grandson each in 2012 and 2013, and a grand-girl today.

I can't help but think how happy Pete would be if he were here today to share in this miracle. I feel his absence most keenly in milestones moments such as today. But I console myself with the thought that he probably met all of our grandkids long before I did.

Life is good. Welcome to it, Aubrey Mae; I just can't wait to meet you.

Countdown to Catastrophe

"The most significant incident of domestic terrorism involving the grid that has ever occurred."
 ~ Jon Wellinghoff, former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

Have you heard about this sniper attack last April on a California electrical power substation? Neither had I, until today.

The Wall Street Journal - article by Rebecca Smith

Can you imagine if the father dude from Duck Dynasty had done the shooting? We'd be getting 24/7 media coverage. But while our vapid cultural climate remains preoccupied with the mainstreaming of gay marriage, "the war on women," and the occasional tormented celebrity who tosses his life away on the head of a heroin-laden needle, our enemies use their time wisely and plan their next destructive surprise.

Meanwhile, the FBI isn't worried:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation doesn't think a terrorist organization caused the Metcalf attack, said a spokesman for the FBI in San Francisco. Investigators are "continuing to sift through the evidence," he said.

Still sifting, since April 2013? No pressure, guys. It's only the national power grid. Take your time.

It's going to happen eventually, for certain. We are going to get slammed again, and this time it will be completely our own fault. I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it. Our borders are wide open, and the government's eyes are shut tight.  Government--the main duty of which is to protect its citizens--is asleep at the switch. The U.S.A. is in a countdown to an all-encompassing national catastrophe.

Will we rise to face it? The way things are today, I just don't know.

UPDATE: Peggy Noonan's Wall Street Journal article has more on the threat to America's electrical grid.

Capitol Coldness

This is the great political failure of progressivism: They always go too far.
~ Peggy Noonan

The Capitol of Panem - The Hunger Games

I once heard a commentator remark that when Peggy Noonan is "on," her words are worthy of being carved in stone. Her Wall Street Journal column, "Meanhwile, Back in America," is one example of why she has earned such high praise.

Noonan once again puts her finger on the quiet sense of desperation pulsating through the American populace. Not, as she so artfully illustrates, that anyone in "the Capitol" cares.

Timeless Teacher

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
~ St. Thomas Aquinas

Perhaps the most famous Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, has his feast day today, January 28. He was arguably the most influential Church Doctor as well, being the author of the world famous, deeply studied (for many centuries) Summa Theologica. The well-known "Five Ways," or arguments to prove the existence of God, occupy less than two pages of that 3,000-plus page document. Now, that's getting to the point on an important topic.

Thomas lived nearly 800 years ago, but it seems he was capable of a witty quip or two that can be appreciated today. Genius, good humor, and holiness are quite a combination. No wonder his influence has stood the test of time.

A Story Worth Knowing

I went to see Lone Survivor today. Now I'll be reading the book.

That's backwards, I know. But having watched this riveting story, I want to know more of the details. This often happens when I see a truly compelling story on film. I end up backfilling by reading the book, and it's always been worth it.

There's no doubt this time will be no exception. The story of Operation Red Wings is one I've followed for years, including a blog posting in 2007 when a posthumous Medal of Honor was awarded to Lt. Michael Murphy, the team leader.

One critic has called the film "war porn." Really? That's an ungracious description by a very unheroic individual. Despite the blood and brutality--or perhaps because of it--I say we should all know more about the terrible sacrifices made by our courageous military fighters. Lone Survivor, written by Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, helps us to better understand the incalculable human cost of war and the heroes who stand so bravely in harm's way.

Whatever it is that makes such men, I'm so very grateful for them.

Night and Day

John Podhoretz presents some interesting thoughts on why Chris Christie is being savaged by the media over traffic jams while President Obama remains untouched by the IRS scandal. It's nauseating, but it is true.

Although I find him refreshing, I'm not on fire for Gov. Christie. But I did find several dramatic contrasts in the way Christie handled a crisis in his administration vs. how President Obama handles the many in his own. Just for starters, Christie:

1. Faced (a hostile) press, immediately
2. Took responsibility
3. Apologized 
4. Talked for two hours--without a teleprompter
5. Fired guilty parties
6. Asked what fault was within him that enabled the bad behavior

The last point is a key takeaway.  Barack Obama labors under the delusion that he is perfect, so it doesn't occur to him to question his own contribution to any variant behavior in his underlings. While Christie may or may not be "finished" politically, by his actions he has proven himself to be the more decisive, proactive leader. With our current president, presenting such a stark contrast really doesn't take too much effort. The media may refuse to note the difference. But nonetheless, there it is for all to see.

Great Man, Great Life

Jerry Coleman - Old Timers Day, 2010

"The best second baseman I ever saw on the double play."
~ Yankee manager Casey Stengel

"We weren't heroes. The only heroes I know are dead."
~ Jerry Coleman, awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses

The late, great Jerry Coleman - sorry to contradict him, but he was an American hero, and I just can't say enough about him:

* Marine fighter pilot, WWII and Korean War

* New York Yankees Baseball World Series MVP 

* San Diego Padres Baseball Hall of Fame Broadcaster

Read about this remarkable man for yourself, and you'll know why San Diego is so sad tonight. "Hang a star" on that life. You will be so missed, Jerry. And oh, doctor--is Pete ever going to be glad to meet you.