When I first heard this quote I was blown away. What did the esteemed speaker of the house mean? Does Ms. Pelosi wish to use the almighty power of the government to subject us, the citizenry of the United States, to scrutiny? Are we to have our electric bills examined, our driving habits and pattern's analyzed?
I've been researching this,and so far have no definitive answers. It appears she may have been making an off the cuff remark when she said "Every aspect of our lives must be subjected to an inventory ... of how we are taking responsibility." However coming from a Senator who, seems to think, government power should know no limits, this is scary. In the same speech she also said "I do see this opportunity for climate change to be ... a game-changer," she said at Tsinghua. "It's a place where human rights — looking out for the needs of the poor in terms of climate change and healthy environment — are a human right."
Perhaps 'Human rights, and "social justice" will be the issue she, and other democrats,will push in order to justify this draconian intrusion into the every day lives of ordinary Americans. In light of the fact that, with her Democratic Majority in the House, as well as, Mr. Reids in the Senate, this country is effectively a one party state, statements like these are even more alarming. Some commentators even seem to think that environmental extremists see the Chinese system of government as a possible vehicle to realizing their far left environmentalist dreams
Time will eventually tell, this may just be a broad generalization of what she thinks every American should do, or it may be the first hint at an agenda that a lot of Americans will not like. We'll see what the future holds in store.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Korea Threatens World!
"Merciless punishment beyond imagination!" That is what North Korea has threatened to any who dare to stand up to their outrageous behavior of the last,not just days,but years. How long is the world, let alone the United States, gong to put up with the juvenile antics from this lunatic? Reportedly the Russians are preparing the public in their eastern provinces for nuclear war!
As I listened to the news this morning their were some quotes from certain world leaders that, made me think, they wish this would all just go away. Well I've got news for you folks this isn't going away. The only thing thugs like him, and Saddam Hussein, and Al quida, or however the hell you spell those freaks name,understand is force,brutal, unrelenting, merciless force.
The Democrats in this country ridiculed our former President for naming Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, the "Axis Of Evil". One leg of the Axis is gone but the other two are still standing, and more capable now, of mischief, than ever before.
I propose a solution to this " North Korean" problem. It's time for a coalition between ,America Russia,China, South Korea, and Japan. The Chinese could mass their military on the Korean's northern border. Have Russia form up on their western side, America and South Korea to the south, and The United States Navy, as well as The Japanese Navy, off their eastern coast.
Then tell them in no uncertain terms, either they stop this rush to war, or we,The United States will put the same shock and awe that George Bush put on Bagdad, right square on their heads.
If they refuse to heed this warning, then shock and awe baby! If, however, they still have one nuke left, and unwisely use it, then all the "Coalition Powers" would unleash their full conventional arsenals loose on them!
As I listened to the news this morning their were some quotes from certain world leaders that, made me think, they wish this would all just go away. Well I've got news for you folks this isn't going away. The only thing thugs like him, and Saddam Hussein, and Al quida, or however the hell you spell those freaks name,understand is force,brutal, unrelenting, merciless force.
The Democrats in this country ridiculed our former President for naming Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, the "Axis Of Evil". One leg of the Axis is gone but the other two are still standing, and more capable now, of mischief, than ever before.
I propose a solution to this " North Korean" problem. It's time for a coalition between ,America Russia,China, South Korea, and Japan. The Chinese could mass their military on the Korean's northern border. Have Russia form up on their western side, America and South Korea to the south, and The United States Navy, as well as The Japanese Navy, off their eastern coast.
Then tell them in no uncertain terms, either they stop this rush to war, or we,The United States will put the same shock and awe that George Bush put on Bagdad, right square on their heads.
If they refuse to heed this warning, then shock and awe baby! If, however, they still have one nuke left, and unwisely use it, then all the "Coalition Powers" would unleash their full conventional arsenals loose on them!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Dec 7Pearl Harbor remembrance and salute to three veterans I know
Why have I chosen to post this? Because two men who I know and admire, were there on that day, and served with distinction, and valor. I came to know these true American heroes through my wife, they are her Uncles William (Bill) Richards, and Theodore (Chick) Manning. The third veteran is my son Travis O'Neill. below is an account of what transpired at Pearl Harbor, as well as,Iraq, and my tribute to these men, and all who have served this country
Following is the official account of the attack on the USS Pennsylvania, December 7, 1941.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVYYARD WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
USS Pennsylvania, Report of Pearl Harbor Attack
A16-3/(01535)
U.S. S. Pennsylvania
10/js
Hawaiian Area,December 16, 1941.
From:
The Commanding Officer.
To:
The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject:
U.S.S. Pennsylvania's Report of Action during Enemy Air Attack morning of Sunday, 7 December 1941.
References:
(a) Cincpac conf despatch 102102 of Dec. 1941.(b) Cincpac conf mgm 111310 of Dec. 1941.
Reports of the Action of December 7, in accordance with references, – of the extent and sequence of attacks, of the times of attacks, of the number of planes involved –, are based on conflicting and confused testimony of many observers, including the Commanding Officer, none of whom could observe more than a part of the action at any one time.
STATUS AND CONDITION OF SHIP BEFORE ACTION.
In drydock No. k, with three propeller shafts removed. Destroyers Cassin and Downes in dock ahead of Pennsylvania. New drydock West of Pennsylvania dry but not occupied. Floating dock West of new drydock occupied by destroyer Shaw. Cruiser Helena with Oglala alongside dock at berth B-2, (Pennsylvania's normal berth) astern of Pennsylvania. Across the channel in berth F-3 – California; berth F-5 – Maryland inboard, Oklahoma outboard; berth F-6 – Tennessee inboard, West Virginia outboard; berth F-7 – Arizona; berth F-8 – Nevada.
Pennsylvania had been excused from anti-aircraft drills while and because of being in drydock (no drills scheduled for Sunday). Machine guns in foremast were, however, manned. A Condition Watch of anti-aircraft personnel was available on board but not on guns. Commanding Officer and First Lieutenant were aboard, together with department representatives from each department. No orders to alert were received.
Ship was receiving steam, power and water from the Yard.
NARRATIVE OF ACTION.
First Call to colors had been sounded, when about 0757, explosions were heard on the end of Ford Island abreast drydock No. 1. When second explosion took place, it was realized that an air raid was in progress. Men started proceeding to their stations and "Air Defense" was sounded. Shortly after, general quarters was sounded. Condition "YOKE" was set as soon as stations were manned. In many cases men knocked off locks of ammunition ready boxes and ready stowages, not waiting for keys. 0802 - Attack by torpedo planes came in from West and South, attacking Oglala and Helena and battleships across the channel. Number of planes not recorded, estimate 12 or 15.
0802 to 0805 (Exact time not known). Pennsylvania commenced firing at enemy planes, – reported as first ship opening fire by personnel on board. All anti-aircraft batteries were rapidly brought into action. After release of torpedoes three planes came in low from the port beam, strafing Pennsylvania, – strafing attack not effective. During the torpedo attack, one enemy plane was observed to burst into flames about 2,000 yards on the starboard bow.
Dive bombing attacks, torpedo attack on Pearl Harbor and dive bombing attacks on Hickam Field continued.
Sometime between 8 and 8:30 a.m. the Nevada was observed to be getting underway and reached a point about on the Pennsylvania's starboard quarter, distant about 600 yards when a dive bombing attack was observed to approaching the Pennsylvania on the port bow, 10 or 15 planes coming in succession, low altitude. This was between 0830 and 0900. This attack apparently was directed at the Pennsylvania and the two destroyers in dock. These attacking planes were taken under heavy fire. Just before reaching Pennsylvania, about two-thirds appeared to swerve to the left, a number of them dropping bombs at the Nevada, with some misses ahead, some misses astern, and at least one hit apparently in the vicinity of the bridge. The Nevada was observed to stop.
At the same time, other planes of this attack passed to port and over the Pennsylvania and dropped bombs which fell in the water beyond the caisson. Except probably for machine gun bullets it is believed that the Pennsylvania was not hit during this attack.
One of the dive bombers dropped a bomb on the Shaw in the floating drydock, setting it on fire.
The Nevada was observed to slowly swing around, head to port and broadside to the channel, later drifting across the harbor, on fire forward.
During the period 0830 to 0915 - HIGH BOMBING ATTACK.
About 5 high bombing attacks were observed to pass over the Pennsylvania, one from the port bow, one from ahead and one from ahead passing to starboard, two from astern. These attacks were in "V" formation generally with from 4 to 6 planes in each formation, usually five. Formations maintained straight course and I estimate were at an altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet.
The first attack coming in from ahead and passing to starboard is believed to have bombed the battleships across the channel.
The second attack coming in slightly on the port bow dropped bombs on the ships in the drydock, one heavy bomb hit the destroyer Downes in the dock ahead of the Pennsylvania, one hit the dock approximately abreast frame 20 starboard of the Pennsylvania and one hit the boat deck of the Pennsylvania a few feet abaft 5"/25 gun No. 7, passing through the boat deck and detonating in the casemate of 5"/51 gun No. 9. The fifth bomb is believed to have struck the water outside the dock.
The third high bombing attack from ahead, appeared to drop bombs shortly after passing overhead on battleships across the channel.
The bomb hits on the Pennsylvania and Downes occurred at 0906.
All high bombing attacks were fired on by all batteries. 5" bursts appeared to have been accurate, but later it was estimated that fuze settings were too short and that the bombing formation was not being reached, perhaps by several thousand feet.
SPORADIC ATTACKS.
Sporadic attack continued for some 15 minutes afterwards. Last observed attack was from a plane passing to the South at a low altitude along the port beam of the Pennsylvania. About thirty machine gun hits in the shield around the maintop machine gunners may have come from this plane. These machine gun bullets did not penetrate the shield. This plane was taken under heavy fire by our port battery and was hit by the machine gun on the port side of the stack while going away and crashed in the hospital grounds. This destruction of plane is practically certain (observers on this ship claimed to have destroyed six enemy planes. There is fairly good proof of two having been hit by this ship, but there is no way to confirm the other claims).
FLOODING OF DRYDOCK.
Flooding of drydock was started about 0920. At this time both destroyers ahead were heavily on fire. The bomb hit on dock at 0907 had cut yard power, and subsequently power on the ship for lights, gun operation, etc., was taken from the ship's storage batteries. At the same time, fire main pressure, being received from the yard, was cut off.
Fires were lighted under No. 4 boiler, beginning at 0830. Raising steam on board was hampered because of the smoke coming from a cold boiler. This smoke interfered with anti-aircraft fire, so that it had to be minimized. At 1010 the dock had become sufficiently flooded. Fire and bilge pumps on the ship were started, and at 1028 power on ship was taken on two generators.
FIRE IN THE DOCK.
Both destroyers ahead were on fire from stem to stern, and fire was transmitted to oil on the water in dock, setting fire to the paint on the starboard bow of the Pennsylvania. Fire was being fought by hose from the dock, on the side of the Cassin. No hose was available for fighting fire on the Downes.
About 0930, explosions on the destroyers ahead began to take place, and at 0941, war heads on Downes exploded on the starboard side, covering the area with debris. A section of torpedo tube, weighing between 500 and 1,000 lbs. struck on the Pennsylvania's forecastle. Precautionary measures were taken on the bow of the Pennsylvania to prevent the spread of the fire internally. Aluminum paint in compartments A-102 and A-602-1 melted and flowed down to the bottom of the compartments. Fire was brought under control before serious damage to the Pennsylvania resulted.
The Cassin, from which part of the bottom of the hull had been removed for dock work, rolled over on the Downes during the fire.
DAMAGE TO PENNSYLVANIA.
A 500-lb. bomb dropped from high altitude bomber, 10,000 to 12,000 feet, penetrated the boat deck inside the protective shield and just abaft No. 7, 5"/25 cal. gun. After passing through this deck, apparently it was either deflected or rolled slightly in the compartment before detonating. The detonation caused the boat deck to open up for a space of about 20' X 20', opening up upward, and the casemate deck was opened up in a similar area, opening up downward. The bulkhead abaft Gun No. 9, 5"/51 cal. was blown out, and gun was put out of action. Explosion wrecked a considerable part of galley equipment and caused fuel oil from the service tank to run into the decks below.
The explosion blast and fragments dished in the main deck and penetrated to the second deck. 3" ammunition was being passed through the compartment on the main deck just forward of 3" clipping room, serving No. 3, 3"/50 cal. gun on quarter deck. At the time of the explosion, boxes containing about 24 rounds of 3" were in this compartment. Of these, cartridge cases of 8 - 3" projectiles were perforated, the fragments causing the propellant powder to burn, but none exploded.
Fragments on the boat deck struck a 40' motor sailing launch in the skids perforating the side in a number of places. This motor launch probably saved some personnel manning port guns.
This bomb explosion caused fire in the casemate and on the main deck and on the second deck. Fire was difficult to put out because of the lack pressure on fire mains, and because of difficulty of extinguishing fire in the painted cork lining on bulkheads. A large number of fire extinguishers were used. Fire, water and oil caused damage to officers' rooms on second deck in vicinity of explosion.
Casing of ammunition hoist to 5"/25 battery was dished in by the explosion putting this ammunition hoist out of action for the time being. Three flights of the hoist were also buckled.
Degaussing cable in vicinity of explosion was ruptured, necessitating complete repairs. (Degaussing cable was also cut in a number of other places by fragments).
Platform for operation of Gun No. 7, 5"/25 was raised by the explosion and this gun was adjacent to the large section of deck blown up. After explosion gun could not be trained to the limits of train forward, but after casualties had been replaced gun was continued in action.
Power failures from the dock were frequent necessitating using local control on one battery practically throughout the engagement. The battery power could only be used for one side.
CASUALTIES.
The bomb explosion in casemate No. 9, caused the death of about 26 men and two officers. One officer, the First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander J.E. Craig, U.S.N., was probably passing through the compartment to carry out specially assigned duties aft. Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard R. Rall, Medical Corps, U.S.N., was at the Battle Dressing Station in the Warrant Officer's Mess Room, when killed.
Of the men, a number were killed on Gun No. 7, a larger number in casemate No. 9, some additional in the "V" division compartment on the main deck under casemate No. 9, and some in the vicinity of No. 3, 3" gun.
One man, manning the donkey boiler on the dock (supplying steam to the ship) was killed, probably either by a machine gun bullet or by the bomb hit on the dock on the starboard side of the ship.
Total number of wounded was 29. Nature of wounds -- severe burns, multiple wounds.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT.
The conduct of all officers and men was of the highest order. There was no flinching. There was no necessity of urging men to action. Rather was there perhaps in some cases over zeal in the matter of expending ammunition. The Commanding Officer would be glad to recommend each individual participating in the action for distinguished conduct, but recognizes that this cannot well be done.
There were, however, a number of cases of wounded men insisting on continuing on station, serving guns, until ordered to battle dressing stations to have the wounds attended. A complete list of these is not yet available.
A number of yard workmen assisted in handling lines fighting fires and one even joined the ammunition group of a gun's crew.
It was noted by everyone participating in the action that after it had been going on for an hour and a half to two hours, each officer and man experienced a heavy thirst which was largely unquenchable, requiring excessive drinking of water. This confirms the necessity of having water at all battle stations in readiness for action.
EXPENDITURE OF AMMUNITION.
At about 1030 the Pennsylvania sent motor launches to West Loch for more ammunition. At about 1800 complete replacement of ammunition had been made. The first motor launch returned with ammunition during the noon hour. It was impossible to make a complete check of ammunition expended and received, however, the estimated expenditure was:
5"/25
–
650 rounds.
3"/50
–
350 rounds.
.50 cal.
–
60,000 rounds.
3"/50 caliber was in a number of instances fired at high altitude bombers, beyond their range. Under the conditions it was probably unwise to attempt to stop this. .50 caliber was fired at high altitude bombers on a number of occasions with a consequent waste of ammunition. Steps were taken to correct this.
REPAIRS.
Preparatory work for repairing damage of bomb hit was started by the ship's force about 1400. Later, – the following day, this work was carried on by yard forces and ship's force together. One 5"/51 gun and mount was obtained by the ship's force from the West Virginia for installation on this ship.
In addition, No. 3, 5"/25 gun, was slightly bulged by our own fire. New gun was obtained from West Virginia by the ship's force.
It is estimated repairs will be completed on December 17. Ship was ready to go to sea immediately upon undocking on December 12, with exception of not having No. 9, 5"/51 gun ready.
It is not practicable to estimate the total number of planes that participated in the attack on the ships in Pearl Harbor and Ford Island, but I would say at least 60.
[signed]C.M. COOKE, Jr.
Copy to:
CBD-2CombatshipsCombatforFile.
Source: Enclosure (E) to CINCPAC action report Serial 0479 of 15 February 1942, World War II action reports,the Modern Military Branch, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740.
On the morning of Dec 7,1941 Ted and Bill were preparing to go to church when the attack ocurred. Needless to say, they didn't get to worship that day. Neither Ted nor Bill have ever talked about their service very much. I still don't know to this day exactly what Bill did on that day, I do know he received a commendation,as well as either the Bronze or Silver star. For all I know, perhaps even more medals. Ted the same thing, Presidential Commendation plus Bronze or Silver Star. I've never seen Bill's medals, and Ted's only once.
A few years ago our family went out to North Carolina, and visited Ted. During our stay we visited the USS North Carolina.On this day Ted talked more about that day, than He did before or since. The North Carolina is either a sister ship, or in the same class as the Pennsylvania. Actually as far as I know that may be the same thing.
Any way Ted took me to an anti-aircraft gun that was his battle station on that fatal day. He called,if I remember right, a thirty eight. This gun was at deck level. There was another identical gun on the right hand side,elevated by a few feet. Ted told me that when the attack commenced he immediately ran to his gun and began firing.
On the elevated gun next to his, was a good friend he had gone through basic with. Ted told that as the battle ensued, a Japanese aircraft came in and his friend was hit in the head by a round from the plane's guns. He recounted how his buddie's head exploded and half his brain landed on the trigger area of Ted's gun. He said all he could do, was sweep away this man's brain with his hand, and keep on shooting.
That day on The North Carolina was the most he ever said about his service at Pearl Harbor.During our visit on the ship he became somewhat emotional and wanted some time alone. My family and I set off to explore the rest of the ship. Several minutes later we were on a higher deck and saw Ted surrounded by a crowd of people. He had become an unofficial ship's guide. I'll always treasure that day. Ted's gone now, but I love his memory, and thank God. that I was privileged to know him.
Bill, thank God is still with us. However,as I said, Bill has never talked about his service. I do know that he went on to distinguish himself on patrol torpedo boats, and saw action in the Korean War as well. He served this country for twenty years then retired. I cannot express in words the admiration I have for these men.
The third veteran is my son, Travis O'Neill, the one and only follower of this old man's blog. Travis enlisted in the Marines in 1998 when he was a junior in high school. A short time after he graduated high school, he shipped out for the Marine Corps. Recruit Training Depot in San Diego. After graduation, and Combat training at Twenty Nine Palms , he was stationed at Camp Pendelton California.
I'll never forget the emotion, and pride, I felt when I saw him march across the Parade Ground, at the M.C.R.D., in San Diego. He went on to be stationed with the first Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion, at Camp Pendelton.
In the late summer of 2002 he shipped out, or rather flew, to Iraq. He eventually found himself station at First Marine Division Headquarters in Al Rhamadi Iraq during some of the heaviest fighting of the insurgency. At that time the area was known as the "Triangle of Death".
Those were damn'ed tough day's for his mother and I. Travis was stationed in one of the Saddam brother's former Palaces in Al-Rhamadi, and endured daily mortar shelling, as well as small arms attacks, from al-quaeda insurgents. At one point ay least, perhaps more, because I feel he has never told us all that he went through, he was actually blown out of bed by one of these rounds.
After six months in theater,thank God,he returned home safe and sound. Wow! what a happy day that was. Ted,Bill, and Travis, I cannot express the pride, love, and admiration I have, for theses three men, as well as all the men and women who have served, and sacrificed, for this country. This is just my feeble attempt to express my gratitude for the part they played in keeping this country safe and free.
Following is the official account of the attack on the USS Pennsylvania, December 7, 1941.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVYYARD WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
USS Pennsylvania, Report of Pearl Harbor Attack
A16-3/(01535)
U.S. S. Pennsylvania
10/js
Hawaiian Area,December 16, 1941.
From:
The Commanding Officer.
To:
The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Subject:
U.S.S. Pennsylvania's Report of Action during Enemy Air Attack morning of Sunday, 7 December 1941.
References:
(a) Cincpac conf despatch 102102 of Dec. 1941.(b) Cincpac conf mgm 111310 of Dec. 1941.
Reports of the Action of December 7, in accordance with references, – of the extent and sequence of attacks, of the times of attacks, of the number of planes involved –, are based on conflicting and confused testimony of many observers, including the Commanding Officer, none of whom could observe more than a part of the action at any one time.
STATUS AND CONDITION OF SHIP BEFORE ACTION.
In drydock No. k, with three propeller shafts removed. Destroyers Cassin and Downes in dock ahead of Pennsylvania. New drydock West of Pennsylvania dry but not occupied. Floating dock West of new drydock occupied by destroyer Shaw. Cruiser Helena with Oglala alongside dock at berth B-2, (Pennsylvania's normal berth) astern of Pennsylvania. Across the channel in berth F-3 – California; berth F-5 – Maryland inboard, Oklahoma outboard; berth F-6 – Tennessee inboard, West Virginia outboard; berth F-7 – Arizona; berth F-8 – Nevada.
Pennsylvania had been excused from anti-aircraft drills while and because of being in drydock (no drills scheduled for Sunday). Machine guns in foremast were, however, manned. A Condition Watch of anti-aircraft personnel was available on board but not on guns. Commanding Officer and First Lieutenant were aboard, together with department representatives from each department. No orders to alert were received.
Ship was receiving steam, power and water from the Yard.
NARRATIVE OF ACTION.
First Call to colors had been sounded, when about 0757, explosions were heard on the end of Ford Island abreast drydock No. 1. When second explosion took place, it was realized that an air raid was in progress. Men started proceeding to their stations and "Air Defense" was sounded. Shortly after, general quarters was sounded. Condition "YOKE" was set as soon as stations were manned. In many cases men knocked off locks of ammunition ready boxes and ready stowages, not waiting for keys. 0802 - Attack by torpedo planes came in from West and South, attacking Oglala and Helena and battleships across the channel. Number of planes not recorded, estimate 12 or 15.
0802 to 0805 (Exact time not known). Pennsylvania commenced firing at enemy planes, – reported as first ship opening fire by personnel on board. All anti-aircraft batteries were rapidly brought into action. After release of torpedoes three planes came in low from the port beam, strafing Pennsylvania, – strafing attack not effective. During the torpedo attack, one enemy plane was observed to burst into flames about 2,000 yards on the starboard bow.
Dive bombing attacks, torpedo attack on Pearl Harbor and dive bombing attacks on Hickam Field continued.
Sometime between 8 and 8:30 a.m. the Nevada was observed to be getting underway and reached a point about on the Pennsylvania's starboard quarter, distant about 600 yards when a dive bombing attack was observed to approaching the Pennsylvania on the port bow, 10 or 15 planes coming in succession, low altitude. This was between 0830 and 0900. This attack apparently was directed at the Pennsylvania and the two destroyers in dock. These attacking planes were taken under heavy fire. Just before reaching Pennsylvania, about two-thirds appeared to swerve to the left, a number of them dropping bombs at the Nevada, with some misses ahead, some misses astern, and at least one hit apparently in the vicinity of the bridge. The Nevada was observed to stop.
At the same time, other planes of this attack passed to port and over the Pennsylvania and dropped bombs which fell in the water beyond the caisson. Except probably for machine gun bullets it is believed that the Pennsylvania was not hit during this attack.
One of the dive bombers dropped a bomb on the Shaw in the floating drydock, setting it on fire.
The Nevada was observed to slowly swing around, head to port and broadside to the channel, later drifting across the harbor, on fire forward.
During the period 0830 to 0915 - HIGH BOMBING ATTACK.
About 5 high bombing attacks were observed to pass over the Pennsylvania, one from the port bow, one from ahead and one from ahead passing to starboard, two from astern. These attacks were in "V" formation generally with from 4 to 6 planes in each formation, usually five. Formations maintained straight course and I estimate were at an altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet.
The first attack coming in from ahead and passing to starboard is believed to have bombed the battleships across the channel.
The second attack coming in slightly on the port bow dropped bombs on the ships in the drydock, one heavy bomb hit the destroyer Downes in the dock ahead of the Pennsylvania, one hit the dock approximately abreast frame 20 starboard of the Pennsylvania and one hit the boat deck of the Pennsylvania a few feet abaft 5"/25 gun No. 7, passing through the boat deck and detonating in the casemate of 5"/51 gun No. 9. The fifth bomb is believed to have struck the water outside the dock.
The third high bombing attack from ahead, appeared to drop bombs shortly after passing overhead on battleships across the channel.
The bomb hits on the Pennsylvania and Downes occurred at 0906.
All high bombing attacks were fired on by all batteries. 5" bursts appeared to have been accurate, but later it was estimated that fuze settings were too short and that the bombing formation was not being reached, perhaps by several thousand feet.
SPORADIC ATTACKS.
Sporadic attack continued for some 15 minutes afterwards. Last observed attack was from a plane passing to the South at a low altitude along the port beam of the Pennsylvania. About thirty machine gun hits in the shield around the maintop machine gunners may have come from this plane. These machine gun bullets did not penetrate the shield. This plane was taken under heavy fire by our port battery and was hit by the machine gun on the port side of the stack while going away and crashed in the hospital grounds. This destruction of plane is practically certain (observers on this ship claimed to have destroyed six enemy planes. There is fairly good proof of two having been hit by this ship, but there is no way to confirm the other claims).
FLOODING OF DRYDOCK.
Flooding of drydock was started about 0920. At this time both destroyers ahead were heavily on fire. The bomb hit on dock at 0907 had cut yard power, and subsequently power on the ship for lights, gun operation, etc., was taken from the ship's storage batteries. At the same time, fire main pressure, being received from the yard, was cut off.
Fires were lighted under No. 4 boiler, beginning at 0830. Raising steam on board was hampered because of the smoke coming from a cold boiler. This smoke interfered with anti-aircraft fire, so that it had to be minimized. At 1010 the dock had become sufficiently flooded. Fire and bilge pumps on the ship were started, and at 1028 power on ship was taken on two generators.
FIRE IN THE DOCK.
Both destroyers ahead were on fire from stem to stern, and fire was transmitted to oil on the water in dock, setting fire to the paint on the starboard bow of the Pennsylvania. Fire was being fought by hose from the dock, on the side of the Cassin. No hose was available for fighting fire on the Downes.
About 0930, explosions on the destroyers ahead began to take place, and at 0941, war heads on Downes exploded on the starboard side, covering the area with debris. A section of torpedo tube, weighing between 500 and 1,000 lbs. struck on the Pennsylvania's forecastle. Precautionary measures were taken on the bow of the Pennsylvania to prevent the spread of the fire internally. Aluminum paint in compartments A-102 and A-602-1 melted and flowed down to the bottom of the compartments. Fire was brought under control before serious damage to the Pennsylvania resulted.
The Cassin, from which part of the bottom of the hull had been removed for dock work, rolled over on the Downes during the fire.
DAMAGE TO PENNSYLVANIA.
A 500-lb. bomb dropped from high altitude bomber, 10,000 to 12,000 feet, penetrated the boat deck inside the protective shield and just abaft No. 7, 5"/25 cal. gun. After passing through this deck, apparently it was either deflected or rolled slightly in the compartment before detonating. The detonation caused the boat deck to open up for a space of about 20' X 20', opening up upward, and the casemate deck was opened up in a similar area, opening up downward. The bulkhead abaft Gun No. 9, 5"/51 cal. was blown out, and gun was put out of action. Explosion wrecked a considerable part of galley equipment and caused fuel oil from the service tank to run into the decks below.
The explosion blast and fragments dished in the main deck and penetrated to the second deck. 3" ammunition was being passed through the compartment on the main deck just forward of 3" clipping room, serving No. 3, 3"/50 cal. gun on quarter deck. At the time of the explosion, boxes containing about 24 rounds of 3" were in this compartment. Of these, cartridge cases of 8 - 3" projectiles were perforated, the fragments causing the propellant powder to burn, but none exploded.
Fragments on the boat deck struck a 40' motor sailing launch in the skids perforating the side in a number of places. This motor launch probably saved some personnel manning port guns.
This bomb explosion caused fire in the casemate and on the main deck and on the second deck. Fire was difficult to put out because of the lack pressure on fire mains, and because of difficulty of extinguishing fire in the painted cork lining on bulkheads. A large number of fire extinguishers were used. Fire, water and oil caused damage to officers' rooms on second deck in vicinity of explosion.
Casing of ammunition hoist to 5"/25 battery was dished in by the explosion putting this ammunition hoist out of action for the time being. Three flights of the hoist were also buckled.
Degaussing cable in vicinity of explosion was ruptured, necessitating complete repairs. (Degaussing cable was also cut in a number of other places by fragments).
Platform for operation of Gun No. 7, 5"/25 was raised by the explosion and this gun was adjacent to the large section of deck blown up. After explosion gun could not be trained to the limits of train forward, but after casualties had been replaced gun was continued in action.
Power failures from the dock were frequent necessitating using local control on one battery practically throughout the engagement. The battery power could only be used for one side.
CASUALTIES.
The bomb explosion in casemate No. 9, caused the death of about 26 men and two officers. One officer, the First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander J.E. Craig, U.S.N., was probably passing through the compartment to carry out specially assigned duties aft. Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard R. Rall, Medical Corps, U.S.N., was at the Battle Dressing Station in the Warrant Officer's Mess Room, when killed.
Of the men, a number were killed on Gun No. 7, a larger number in casemate No. 9, some additional in the "V" division compartment on the main deck under casemate No. 9, and some in the vicinity of No. 3, 3" gun.
One man, manning the donkey boiler on the dock (supplying steam to the ship) was killed, probably either by a machine gun bullet or by the bomb hit on the dock on the starboard side of the ship.
Total number of wounded was 29. Nature of wounds -- severe burns, multiple wounds.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT.
The conduct of all officers and men was of the highest order. There was no flinching. There was no necessity of urging men to action. Rather was there perhaps in some cases over zeal in the matter of expending ammunition. The Commanding Officer would be glad to recommend each individual participating in the action for distinguished conduct, but recognizes that this cannot well be done.
There were, however, a number of cases of wounded men insisting on continuing on station, serving guns, until ordered to battle dressing stations to have the wounds attended. A complete list of these is not yet available.
A number of yard workmen assisted in handling lines fighting fires and one even joined the ammunition group of a gun's crew.
It was noted by everyone participating in the action that after it had been going on for an hour and a half to two hours, each officer and man experienced a heavy thirst which was largely unquenchable, requiring excessive drinking of water. This confirms the necessity of having water at all battle stations in readiness for action.
EXPENDITURE OF AMMUNITION.
At about 1030 the Pennsylvania sent motor launches to West Loch for more ammunition. At about 1800 complete replacement of ammunition had been made. The first motor launch returned with ammunition during the noon hour. It was impossible to make a complete check of ammunition expended and received, however, the estimated expenditure was:
5"/25
–
650 rounds.
3"/50
–
350 rounds.
.50 cal.
–
60,000 rounds.
3"/50 caliber was in a number of instances fired at high altitude bombers, beyond their range. Under the conditions it was probably unwise to attempt to stop this. .50 caliber was fired at high altitude bombers on a number of occasions with a consequent waste of ammunition. Steps were taken to correct this.
REPAIRS.
Preparatory work for repairing damage of bomb hit was started by the ship's force about 1400. Later, – the following day, this work was carried on by yard forces and ship's force together. One 5"/51 gun and mount was obtained by the ship's force from the West Virginia for installation on this ship.
In addition, No. 3, 5"/25 gun, was slightly bulged by our own fire. New gun was obtained from West Virginia by the ship's force.
It is estimated repairs will be completed on December 17. Ship was ready to go to sea immediately upon undocking on December 12, with exception of not having No. 9, 5"/51 gun ready.
It is not practicable to estimate the total number of planes that participated in the attack on the ships in Pearl Harbor and Ford Island, but I would say at least 60.
[signed]C.M. COOKE, Jr.
Copy to:
CBD-2CombatshipsCombatforFile.
Source: Enclosure (E) to CINCPAC action report Serial 0479 of 15 February 1942, World War II action reports,the Modern Military Branch, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Revolution Begins!
Steve Wiegand
The Sacramento Bee
"California voters have crushed efforts by elected leaders to patch a gaping hole in the state budget with a package of ballot measures that included borrowing, extending $16 billion worth of taxes and promising to reform future budgets with a reserve fund and a spending cap.
With about a quarter of the state's precincts in as of 9:30 p.m., the Secretary of State's Office reported none of Propositions 1A through 1E were garnering more than 41 percent of the vote. Only Proposition F, which would freeze the salaries of state elected officials in bad budget years, was winning - and it was winning big".
"The era of apologizing for Republican mistakes of the past is now officially over. It is done. The time for trying to fix or focus on the past has ended. The era of Republican navel gazing is over. We have turned the corner on regret, recrimination, self-pity and self-doubt. Now is the hour to focus all of our energies on winning the future".
Michael Steel Chairman R.N.C.
Speech to R.N.C. State Chairmen 05/19/2009
Mr. Steele has made a good start, but The party still has much to do. Not only do Republican Candidates have to run on these traditional planks of the G.O.P., but they will also have to carry through on the Promise.
A Freedom lover. "Let Freedom Ring"!
The Sacramento Bee
"California voters have crushed efforts by elected leaders to patch a gaping hole in the state budget with a package of ballot measures that included borrowing, extending $16 billion worth of taxes and promising to reform future budgets with a reserve fund and a spending cap.
With about a quarter of the state's precincts in as of 9:30 p.m., the Secretary of State's Office reported none of Propositions 1A through 1E were garnering more than 41 percent of the vote. Only Proposition F, which would freeze the salaries of state elected officials in bad budget years, was winning - and it was winning big".
"The era of apologizing for Republican mistakes of the past is now officially over. It is done. The time for trying to fix or focus on the past has ended. The era of Republican navel gazing is over. We have turned the corner on regret, recrimination, self-pity and self-doubt. Now is the hour to focus all of our energies on winning the future".
Michael Steel Chairman R.N.C.
Speech to R.N.C. State Chairmen 05/19/2009
Tonight's title is "The Revolution Begins". I started this post last night to talk about Michael Steel's address the the R.N.C. state chairman. However I got a late start and figured it could wait. I'm glad I did. Because yesterday California voters showed they had had enough and said No! to their elected leaders .
Pundits, columnists,and journalists, of the liberal stripe, thought that the teabaggers were an anomaly, just a curiosity for them to ridicule and make fun of. Yesterday's vote should go far to disabuse them of that notion. The people of California,in their wisdom,demonstrated that the men and women of that state have had enough of government run wild, and I believe, reflected the sentiments of a sizeable number of people in the Nation.
Many people that I work with, and have spoken with, that supported Obama, are rapidly becoming disillusioned with what the current crowd in Washington is doing. The President, as well as the Democrats in Congress, would do well to pay heed to the messages being sent by the -"Teabaggers- as well as the people of California. Californians were at the forefront of the last "Taxpayer Revolt", that culminated in Ronald Reagan being elected President. Indeed I am convinced ,a second conservative revolution, is even now in the making. I wish it God's speed.
Now to R.N.C. Chairman Michael Steel.
Since the last election. those of us who call ourselves conservative, and identify with the Republican Party, have been told that -we must shift to the "center'-in other words we need to turn left. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The reason the Republicans lost Congress, as well as, the presidency, is that they strayed from the conservative principles, as well as promises, they ran on.
They promised to cut spending, but increased it They promised to end earmarks, but didn't. They promised to bring "change" to Washington, but the people just got more of the same old thing. Then along came the Likes of Polosi and Reid promising to reign in spending, cut earmarks, and most important of all, end what they called "The culture of corruption in Washington", what really happened? Instead of ,"Change we could believe in", we got more of the same, and worse.
Lets take a quick look at what these characters have done. In their first four months in office they spent more money than President Bush spent in eight years! In fact, this bunch, has out spent every administration, since the founding of the Nation!. Add to that the fact that these Bozo's set new records in the earmark department, and lets not even talk about the "New Culture of Corruption". (Remember all those nominees who hadn't paid their taxes). No wonder the Democratic leadership never saw a Dollar they didn't want ,or a tax, they didn't love. Oh then there is the little thing about Nancy Polosi lying about what she knew about the so called "torture" issue.
If the Republican Party wants to win back Congress, as well as the Presidency, they will have to pledge to cut taxes, end earmarks, and stop business as usual in Congress. they are going to have to get back to Reagan Conservatism, sound fiscal policies, and the principles that served them so well through the eighties and nineties.Mr. Steele has made a good start, but The party still has much to do. Not only do Republican Candidates have to run on these traditional planks of the G.O.P., but they will also have to carry through on the Promise.
A Freedom lover. "Let Freedom Ring"!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Barack OBama Delivers Speech at Notre Dame
"For if there is one law that we can be most certain of, it is the law that binds people of all faiths and no faith together. It's no coincidence that it exists in Christianity and Judaism; in Islam and Hinduism; in Buddhism and humanism. It is, of course, the Golden Rule -- the call to treat one another as we wish to be treated. The call to love. The call to serve. To do what we can to make a difference in the lives of those with whom we share the same brief moment on this Earth".
Barack Obama, Notre Dame 05/17/09
Today,over the objections of many Catholic faithful, President Obama delivered His commencement address to the 2009 graduating class at the University of Notre Dame. In this address he referenced the words of Jesus Christ "To do unto others as you would have them to do unto you". Has our President, in light of his support of unrestricted abortion, thought about the unborn child? He has said we must seek to follow "The Golden Rule", and yet he, in his unwavering support for, abortion at any time for any reason,seems to have failed to look at the perspective of the unborn, and through empathy, and extend to them, the same protections under law, as he would himself would expect.
At one time in our history, the Supreme Court declared,In the Dread Scott decision, that the Black race had no Constitutional rights, and that, in fact, they were not persons. In this decision, the Supreme Court said that the Federal Government could not prohibit slavery in the States. Something very similar has happened with the unborn. In the Roe vs Wade decision, In this decision the court basically said, the States could not prohibit abortion The Supreme Court has,over the course of time , made the unborn, non persons. In doing so they have repeated the mistakes of the past.
Our nation fought a terrible Civil War to free the black man. That war made it possible for this President, at this awesomely historic time to become President. Truly a miracle, and a sign of how far we have come. Would that Mr. Obama give similar concern to the plight of the unborn , and seek to emancipate them from the oppression of abortion!
Barack Obama, Notre Dame 05/17/09
Today,over the objections of many Catholic faithful, President Obama delivered His commencement address to the 2009 graduating class at the University of Notre Dame. In this address he referenced the words of Jesus Christ "To do unto others as you would have them to do unto you". Has our President, in light of his support of unrestricted abortion, thought about the unborn child? He has said we must seek to follow "The Golden Rule", and yet he, in his unwavering support for, abortion at any time for any reason,seems to have failed to look at the perspective of the unborn, and through empathy, and extend to them, the same protections under law, as he would himself would expect.
At one time in our history, the Supreme Court declared,In the Dread Scott decision, that the Black race had no Constitutional rights, and that, in fact, they were not persons. In this decision, the Supreme Court said that the Federal Government could not prohibit slavery in the States. Something very similar has happened with the unborn. In the Roe vs Wade decision, In this decision the court basically said, the States could not prohibit abortion The Supreme Court has,over the course of time , made the unborn, non persons. In doing so they have repeated the mistakes of the past.
Our nation fought a terrible Civil War to free the black man. That war made it possible for this President, at this awesomely historic time to become President. Truly a miracle, and a sign of how far we have come. Would that Mr. Obama give similar concern to the plight of the unborn , and seek to emancipate them from the oppression of abortion!
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Revolution
Last night I changed my Header to read "A proud member of the Conservative underground".
"The Revolution is Coming".
What is all this talk of "Revolution? You are probably thinking , oh no, this is one of those wild eyed, right wing extremists. But I.m not talking about violent revolution I'm talking a quite revolution, akin to the Reagan Revolution of the 1980's. In the late 70's early 80's, the Democrats, had tried to spend their way to prosperity. Prosperity,however, is not what we got. Instead we got "Tax and spend politics" as well as double digit inflation, unemployment, and double digit interest rates.
People Had become discouraged. The President Jimmy Carter, said that a "Deep Malaise" had overtaken the American People. Many said that America's best days were behind her. Very similar to today. Now we have commentators on the major networks telling us we have to learn to live with less and get use to a lower standard of living.
To this I say nonsense! Why? Because I've been down this road before. The days leading up to he Reagan revolution were very similar to today. This was how it was, when along came Ronald Reagan. A movie actor who the left ridiculed as a bad actor, and characterized as a bumbling buffoon.
Reagan was in good company because Lincoln had many times been called a buffoon and likened to an ape. Any way I digress. Reagan came on the scene with a message of hope. America's best days were not behind her, but in fact, were yet to come. he came preaching the gospel of freedom, free markets, capitalism, and personal responsibility. He cut taxes, cut some spending , but was opposed at every turn by the Democrats.
Reagan cut taxes across the board. He lowered the capital gains tax, and lowered the rate of taxation upon the wealthy, because He understood these are the people who create jobs. His reasoning was if they could keep more of their own money they would spend it creating jobs.
He also understood if the Government would cut taxes on the "working man" then the middle class would have more money to spend on consumer goods. This is the essence of true stimulus let every person, rich and poor, keep what is rightfully theirs, and spend it as they see fit.
I believe their is another revolution coming because our current President, as well as the Democratically controlled Congress, have chosen a failed path from the past. You cannot spend your way to prosperity.
The people are rousing. Tea parties and tax rallies are sprouting like flowers, or might I better say, dandelions, in spring. Even people who voted for OBama are expressing remorse. I predict that by the mid term elections, the Republicans, if they will get serious about doing away with earmarks, pledge to cut taxes, and limit the size of government, and actually carry out their campaign promises, will regain control of Congress and even the Presidency.
I think the time is ripe for a new dawn of hope, freedom , and true empowerment of the people in America. I pray that those who cherish freedom, love Independence, and just flat out love this country, will wake up and say enough is enough!
As William Wallace, being played by Mel Gibson, in the movie "Braveheart said ...
" Freedom"!
"The Revolution is Coming".
What is all this talk of "Revolution? You are probably thinking , oh no, this is one of those wild eyed, right wing extremists. But I.m not talking about violent revolution I'm talking a quite revolution, akin to the Reagan Revolution of the 1980's. In the late 70's early 80's, the Democrats, had tried to spend their way to prosperity. Prosperity,however, is not what we got. Instead we got "Tax and spend politics" as well as double digit inflation, unemployment, and double digit interest rates.
People Had become discouraged. The President Jimmy Carter, said that a "Deep Malaise" had overtaken the American People. Many said that America's best days were behind her. Very similar to today. Now we have commentators on the major networks telling us we have to learn to live with less and get use to a lower standard of living.
To this I say nonsense! Why? Because I've been down this road before. The days leading up to he Reagan revolution were very similar to today. This was how it was, when along came Ronald Reagan. A movie actor who the left ridiculed as a bad actor, and characterized as a bumbling buffoon.
Reagan was in good company because Lincoln had many times been called a buffoon and likened to an ape. Any way I digress. Reagan came on the scene with a message of hope. America's best days were not behind her, but in fact, were yet to come. he came preaching the gospel of freedom, free markets, capitalism, and personal responsibility. He cut taxes, cut some spending , but was opposed at every turn by the Democrats.
Reagan cut taxes across the board. He lowered the capital gains tax, and lowered the rate of taxation upon the wealthy, because He understood these are the people who create jobs. His reasoning was if they could keep more of their own money they would spend it creating jobs.
He also understood if the Government would cut taxes on the "working man" then the middle class would have more money to spend on consumer goods. This is the essence of true stimulus let every person, rich and poor, keep what is rightfully theirs, and spend it as they see fit.
I believe their is another revolution coming because our current President, as well as the Democratically controlled Congress, have chosen a failed path from the past. You cannot spend your way to prosperity.
The people are rousing. Tea parties and tax rallies are sprouting like flowers, or might I better say, dandelions, in spring. Even people who voted for OBama are expressing remorse. I predict that by the mid term elections, the Republicans, if they will get serious about doing away with earmarks, pledge to cut taxes, and limit the size of government, and actually carry out their campaign promises, will regain control of Congress and even the Presidency.
I think the time is ripe for a new dawn of hope, freedom , and true empowerment of the people in America. I pray that those who cherish freedom, love Independence, and just flat out love this country, will wake up and say enough is enough!
As William Wallace, being played by Mel Gibson, in the movie "Braveheart said ...
" Freedom"!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Political Correctness Run Amok
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter".
George Washington First President of The United States".
I missed making a post last night. I wanted to comment, on what I think is a good example of "Political correctness run amok". There are two examples I want to explore-one involves the controversy over the Miss California furor-the other,the scandal, yes I said scandal of ,former presidential candidate, Alan Keyes being arrested for protesting President Barack O'Bama's upcoming address at Notre Dame.
"SOUTH BEND, Ind., May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alan Keyes and 20 peaceful pro-lifers were arrested yesterday after they walked onto Notre Dame's campus praying the rosary and pushing baby strollers carrying baby dolls covered in "stage blood" to protest the invitation of Notre Dame to President Obama to deliver the commencement address at this year's graduation."
What is wrong with this picture? Alan Keyes, a Catholic, wants to peacefully protest what He considers "an abomination", of having ,what is arguably one of the most radical pro-abortion presidents we have ever had, give the commencement address at the most prestigious Catholic university in the nation.
Why Is the President's message an abomination? Because Catholics hold dear, as do many Christian denominations, the belief that life begins at conception. Indeed the, Pope the Shepherd of the Catholic church, has expressly condemned this aweful practice of abortion. How ,one asks, can a supposedly Catholic university, give a platform to a man who condones letting unwanted infants die, even after they have survived the barbaric partial birth abortion procedure. A person who apparently supports abortion , for any reason at any time.
Whats more is ,Alan Keyes is a Catholic, Barack OBama is not. and yet Keyes lands in jail. Should he not, being a Catholic, be allowed to protest a decision that flies in the face of Catholic doctrine, And yet, The President, who is not Catholic, and many might say, is not a Christian, is given the high honor of addressing the graduating class of Notre Dame.
How is this an example of political correctness run amok? Because during the Bush years, a professer At Notre Dame, Peter Walshe, organised a two part protest , against President Bush address to the 2001 graduating class of Notre Dame.
"George W. Bush, 2001
After Notre Dame alumni, including then-National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, recruited President George W. Bush to address the class of 2001 at Commencement. Another controversy erupted, again expressing the concern the University was neglecting its Catholic values and traditions with the invitation.
The Republican president, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Notre Dame, was protested against because his stance on capital punishment, labor, the environment and the military were seen in contrary to Catholic moral teaching.
A petition, signed by a group of faculty, students and alumni led by then-faculty member Peter Walshe, gathered 667 signatures and Walshe organized a two-part demonstration to protest Bush’s appearance at Commencement.
Walshe, the author of the petition, said in a May 18, 2001 report the “petition objects to a range of policies being pursued by President Bush. But it let’s the president off too lightly.”
In his speech, Bush reported on the United States’ commitment to the poor and said Notre Dame, as a Catholic university, “carries forward a great tradition of social teaching. It calls on all of us, Catholic and non-Catholic, to honor family, to protect life in all its stages, to serve and uplift the poor. This university is more than a community of scholars, it is a community of conscience.”
Kevin Gosztola http://open.salon.com/blog/kevin_gosztola/2009/04/29/notre_dame_flap_with_obama_isnt_a_first
Apparently it is O.K to allow the faculty at Notre Dame to protest a pro-life president, but not a radical pro-abortion candidate. How dare someone speak out against abortion. those who support abortion are never arrested, while those who oppose it are gagged at every turn. If you doubt what I'm saying ,Google The Freedom of Clinic Access law that was put into effect when Clinton was President. It in effect, criminalized opposition to abortion.
Well I've rambled a bit long for tonight. We'll explore my second example of P.C.R.A. tommorrow.
June 14 2009
Well, as promised I will discuss the second example of "P.C Run Amok"
By Now Everyone has heard the story of Miss California Carrie Prejean. When asked by one of the judges, a one Perez Hilton, about her views on homosexual marriage Miss Prejean, committed the unutterable sin of going against the liberal establishment, and in an honest answer, said she believed marrriage was defined as a union of "One Man to one Woman". Simple as that. She had the unmitigated gall, as well as the temerity, to blaspheme against modern liberal orthodoxy, and dogma. How dare she say such a vile and revolting thing! Not to mention that she gave an honest answer, something that many liberals have a problem with, by stating what her belief and opinion is. More and more frequently, it is becoming not only inconvenient, but downright dangerous to disaggree with the political correctness of the radical left. THIS WOMAN ALMOST LOST HER TITLE BECAUSE SHE EXPRESSED AN HONEST OPINION. Excuse me for yelling, but this sort of thing really ticks me off. How long will it be before people can lose thier job, or perhaps even be thrown in jail, for not toeing the party, mostly Democratic Party, line. Something is wrong, when in two seperate instances, people who dared go against the liberal status quo, were punished for what they believe. My God for years I heard about McCarthyism. People, mostly persons of a liberal stripe, were blacklisted.
How damned hypocritical of them to treat people who don't agree with them as badly, and possibly one day soon, worse than they were treated under the old P.C. be the likes of Joseph McCarthy. There is good that came out of all this, Miss Prejean got back her title, because people were'nt willing to just set idly by and do nothing! And Alan Keyes inspired even more people to protest against giving an honorary degree to one of the most radical anti-life Presidents we have ever had at what should be a pro-life university.
Well I better go, the better half say's I'm violating her P.C by being on the P.C. too long . well goodby auntil tommorrow.
"The very aim and end of our instituions is just this: that think what we like and say what we think"
Oliver Wendell Holmes".
.
George Washington First President of The United States".
I missed making a post last night. I wanted to comment, on what I think is a good example of "Political correctness run amok". There are two examples I want to explore-one involves the controversy over the Miss California furor-the other,the scandal, yes I said scandal of ,former presidential candidate, Alan Keyes being arrested for protesting President Barack O'Bama's upcoming address at Notre Dame.
"SOUTH BEND, Ind., May 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alan Keyes and 20 peaceful pro-lifers were arrested yesterday after they walked onto Notre Dame's campus praying the rosary and pushing baby strollers carrying baby dolls covered in "stage blood" to protest the invitation of Notre Dame to President Obama to deliver the commencement address at this year's graduation."
What is wrong with this picture? Alan Keyes, a Catholic, wants to peacefully protest what He considers "an abomination", of having ,what is arguably one of the most radical pro-abortion presidents we have ever had, give the commencement address at the most prestigious Catholic university in the nation.
Why Is the President's message an abomination? Because Catholics hold dear, as do many Christian denominations, the belief that life begins at conception. Indeed the, Pope the Shepherd of the Catholic church, has expressly condemned this aweful practice of abortion. How ,one asks, can a supposedly Catholic university, give a platform to a man who condones letting unwanted infants die, even after they have survived the barbaric partial birth abortion procedure. A person who apparently supports abortion , for any reason at any time.
Whats more is ,Alan Keyes is a Catholic, Barack OBama is not. and yet Keyes lands in jail. Should he not, being a Catholic, be allowed to protest a decision that flies in the face of Catholic doctrine, And yet, The President, who is not Catholic, and many might say, is not a Christian, is given the high honor of addressing the graduating class of Notre Dame.
How is this an example of political correctness run amok? Because during the Bush years, a professer At Notre Dame, Peter Walshe, organised a two part protest , against President Bush address to the 2001 graduating class of Notre Dame.
"George W. Bush, 2001
After Notre Dame alumni, including then-National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, recruited President George W. Bush to address the class of 2001 at Commencement. Another controversy erupted, again expressing the concern the University was neglecting its Catholic values and traditions with the invitation.
The Republican president, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Notre Dame, was protested against because his stance on capital punishment, labor, the environment and the military were seen in contrary to Catholic moral teaching.
A petition, signed by a group of faculty, students and alumni led by then-faculty member Peter Walshe, gathered 667 signatures and Walshe organized a two-part demonstration to protest Bush’s appearance at Commencement.
Walshe, the author of the petition, said in a May 18, 2001 report the “petition objects to a range of policies being pursued by President Bush. But it let’s the president off too lightly.”
In his speech, Bush reported on the United States’ commitment to the poor and said Notre Dame, as a Catholic university, “carries forward a great tradition of social teaching. It calls on all of us, Catholic and non-Catholic, to honor family, to protect life in all its stages, to serve and uplift the poor. This university is more than a community of scholars, it is a community of conscience.”
Kevin Gosztola http://open.salon.com/blog/kevin_gosztola/2009/04/29/notre_dame_flap_with_obama_isnt_a_first
Apparently it is O.K to allow the faculty at Notre Dame to protest a pro-life president, but not a radical pro-abortion candidate. How dare someone speak out against abortion. those who support abortion are never arrested, while those who oppose it are gagged at every turn. If you doubt what I'm saying ,Google The Freedom of Clinic Access law that was put into effect when Clinton was President. It in effect, criminalized opposition to abortion.
Well I've rambled a bit long for tonight. We'll explore my second example of P.C.R.A. tommorrow.
June 14 2009
Well, as promised I will discuss the second example of "P.C Run Amok"
By Now Everyone has heard the story of Miss California Carrie Prejean. When asked by one of the judges, a one Perez Hilton, about her views on homosexual marriage Miss Prejean, committed the unutterable sin of going against the liberal establishment, and in an honest answer, said she believed marrriage was defined as a union of "One Man to one Woman". Simple as that. She had the unmitigated gall, as well as the temerity, to blaspheme against modern liberal orthodoxy, and dogma. How dare she say such a vile and revolting thing! Not to mention that she gave an honest answer, something that many liberals have a problem with, by stating what her belief and opinion is. More and more frequently, it is becoming not only inconvenient, but downright dangerous to disaggree with the political correctness of the radical left. THIS WOMAN ALMOST LOST HER TITLE BECAUSE SHE EXPRESSED AN HONEST OPINION. Excuse me for yelling, but this sort of thing really ticks me off. How long will it be before people can lose thier job, or perhaps even be thrown in jail, for not toeing the party, mostly Democratic Party, line. Something is wrong, when in two seperate instances, people who dared go against the liberal status quo, were punished for what they believe. My God for years I heard about McCarthyism. People, mostly persons of a liberal stripe, were blacklisted.
How damned hypocritical of them to treat people who don't agree with them as badly, and possibly one day soon, worse than they were treated under the old P.C. be the likes of Joseph McCarthy. There is good that came out of all this, Miss Prejean got back her title, because people were'nt willing to just set idly by and do nothing! And Alan Keyes inspired even more people to protest against giving an honorary degree to one of the most radical anti-life Presidents we have ever had at what should be a pro-life university.
Well I better go, the better half say's I'm violating her P.C by being on the P.C. too long . well goodby auntil tommorrow.
"The very aim and end of our instituions is just this: that think what we like and say what we think"
Oliver Wendell Holmes".
.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Some things to think about.
"The business of our Nation goes forward.These United States are confronted with an economic affliction of great proportions. We suffer from the longest and one of the worst sustained inflations in our national history. It distorts our economic decisions,penalizes thrift,and crushes the struggling young and the fixed income elderly alike. It threatens to shatter the lives of millions of our people."
"Ronald Reagan First Inaugural Address"
I lived through the early eighties. At the time I was in my early twenties, married, and my wife and I were-"The struggling young"-today's problems actually pale by comparison. These words were penned after the Democrats-under Jimmy Carter- Had attempted to spend their way to prosperity-and when that failed-attempted to tax their way to prosperity. Current events seem a lot like the movie"Groundhog Day". I've seen this, done this, and lived this ,once already. We need a solid conservative like Ronald Reagan. Simon and Garfunkle asked "Where have you gone Joe DiMaggioo". I ask where have you gone Ronald Reagan". It's time the party of Lincoln and Reagan reclaim it's conservative principles.
"Ronald Reagan First Inaugural Address"
I lived through the early eighties. At the time I was in my early twenties, married, and my wife and I were-"The struggling young"-today's problems actually pale by comparison. These words were penned after the Democrats-under Jimmy Carter- Had attempted to spend their way to prosperity-and when that failed-attempted to tax their way to prosperity. Current events seem a lot like the movie"Groundhog Day". I've seen this, done this, and lived this ,once already. We need a solid conservative like Ronald Reagan. Simon and Garfunkle asked "Where have you gone Joe DiMaggioo". I ask where have you gone Ronald Reagan". It's time the party of Lincoln and Reagan reclaim it's conservative principles.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Shameless self promotion
Since I created this blog, I've wondered how to get my blog noticed, especially locally. So I decided to e-mail Tom Bradley at the eagle 939.com. I told him I liked the show and wondered if he could give me a shout out so I might get some exposure. I figured hey who am I. Little old Gene O"Neill, Tom ain't going to give me no shout out. Well. imagine my surprise. when immediately following the news at 5:55 The first words out of Toms mouth at six O'clock were "Gene writes".
Wow I was freaked out. I never thought he would really read my e-mail on the air. Any way he says ain't no way he's giving me a shout out, and said something to the effect that his show was not a forum for my "shameless self promotion". Wow He gave me a shout out anyway.
Here's the sad part of this story. Tom read,what he thought was the address for this sight over the air, the problem, I gave him the wrong address. I somehow omitted the freedomlover part of the address. Once again proof of how "The plans of mice and men often go astray".TGIF have a great weekend.
Wow I was freaked out. I never thought he would really read my e-mail on the air. Any way he says ain't no way he's giving me a shout out, and said something to the effect that his show was not a forum for my "shameless self promotion". Wow He gave me a shout out anyway.
Here's the sad part of this story. Tom read,what he thought was the address for this sight over the air, the problem, I gave him the wrong address. I somehow omitted the freedomlover part of the address. Once again proof of how "The plans of mice and men often go astray".TGIF have a great weekend.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Democrats might want to pay heed to Republican example
While driving home this evening I tuned in my favorite talk radio station.93.9 The Eagle. Sean Hannity was on interviewing James Carville. Seems Carville has a new book out, "40 More Years", "How The Democrats Will Rule The Next Generation".
During the interview Hannity brought up the point that Carl Rove made a similar statement after the Republicans regained Control of, not only the Presidency, but also Congress. Rove apparently made a reference to Republicans being able to maintain durable majorities for years to come. Boy, was he ever wrong.
What He and most of the Republican Congressmen forgot was that they were voted into power to bring "fundamental" change to the Federal Government. They lost sight of that promise to the American People. They had campaigned against pork barrel politics as usual. They ran on a platform of smaller government, and conservative fiscal policies. But once they got into D.C and whiffed of the rarefied air of power they ran amok and did no better than the Democrats they replaced. For a time they got away with it,until the 2006 mid term elections.The Democrats thought,mistakenly I believe,they won because of dissatisfaction with the war, but what I think really happened is the base of the Republican Party stayed home to punish what they perceived to be a betrayal of conservative principles by the Republican incumbents. So they"threw the bums out. Many had campaigned promising to pursue term limits but had a change of heart when they got to Washington. Well the people had the last word on that.
Whats all this have to do with the Democrats? Just this they too, in the midterms promised to end earmarks and stop politics as usual. Barack promised to bring fiscal responsibility, and slash the Bush deficit. Ha He's already increased the deficit in his first 100 days, more than George Bush did in eight years.
Already there are signs of extreme voter dissatisfaction, i.e. the "Tea Parties", if they keep going on this path they too will be, term limited by the People, when they once again "throw the bums out".
Then rather than "Ruling " for forty years, they will find themselves on the out side looking in for at least 2-4 more years,hopefully longer.
During the interview Hannity brought up the point that Carl Rove made a similar statement after the Republicans regained Control of, not only the Presidency, but also Congress. Rove apparently made a reference to Republicans being able to maintain durable majorities for years to come. Boy, was he ever wrong.
What He and most of the Republican Congressmen forgot was that they were voted into power to bring "fundamental" change to the Federal Government. They lost sight of that promise to the American People. They had campaigned against pork barrel politics as usual. They ran on a platform of smaller government, and conservative fiscal policies. But once they got into D.C and whiffed of the rarefied air of power they ran amok and did no better than the Democrats they replaced. For a time they got away with it,until the 2006 mid term elections.The Democrats thought,mistakenly I believe,they won because of dissatisfaction with the war, but what I think really happened is the base of the Republican Party stayed home to punish what they perceived to be a betrayal of conservative principles by the Republican incumbents. So they"threw the bums out. Many had campaigned promising to pursue term limits but had a change of heart when they got to Washington. Well the people had the last word on that.
Whats all this have to do with the Democrats? Just this they too, in the midterms promised to end earmarks and stop politics as usual. Barack promised to bring fiscal responsibility, and slash the Bush deficit. Ha He's already increased the deficit in his first 100 days, more than George Bush did in eight years.
Already there are signs of extreme voter dissatisfaction, i.e. the "Tea Parties", if they keep going on this path they too will be, term limited by the People, when they once again "throw the bums out".
Then rather than "Ruling " for forty years, they will find themselves on the out side looking in for at least 2-4 more years,hopefully longer.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Have you heard of the Fair Tax
The FairTax is a proposed change to the federal tax laws of the United States that would replace all federal income taxes[1] with a single national retail sales tax. The plan has been introduced into the United States Congress as the Fair Tax Act (H.R. 25/S. 296). Wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_tax. If in the course of time we will be forced to pay back the billions which have been borrowed, then maybe we should reconsider how we will raise the revenue neccessary to pay back this debt. Perhaps it would behoove us to consider how an earlier generation handled a similar problem.
Thomas Jefferson, in his second inaugeral address said,"The suppression of unnecessary offices, of useless establishments and expenses, enable us to discontinue our internal taxes". Jefferson understood that the best government was small government. During Jeffersons time,the National debt was 83 million dollars, quite a sum in those days, his goal was to pay off the debt nad balance the budget, sound familiar?
Well old Tom had a plan, and that plan, at the time called a "luxery tax" was actually a consumption tax. In his second inaugeral address Jefferson made reference to this, after having said that his goal was to retire the Federal debt, and eliminate, get this eliminate, internal taxes, he aid the rest could be paid "cheifly by those who can afford to add foreign luxeries to domestic comforts".
Thomas Jefferson, in his second inaugeral address said,"The suppression of unnecessary offices, of useless establishments and expenses, enable us to discontinue our internal taxes". Jefferson understood that the best government was small government. During Jeffersons time,the National debt was 83 million dollars, quite a sum in those days, his goal was to pay off the debt nad balance the budget, sound familiar?
Well old Tom had a plan, and that plan, at the time called a "luxery tax" was actually a consumption tax. In his second inaugeral address Jefferson made reference to this, after having said that his goal was to retire the Federal debt, and eliminate, get this eliminate, internal taxes, he aid the rest could be paid "cheifly by those who can afford to add foreign luxeries to domestic comforts".
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Share the wealth
On the eve of our struggle for independence a man who might have been one of the greatest among our founding fathers,Dr. Joseph Warren,President of the Massachusetts Congress, said to his fellow Americans,"Our country is in danger but not to be despaired of...On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important questions upon which rests the happiness and the liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves".
Hello again.
Wow it has been an awesome day in mid Missouri. Lots of sunshine and the weather was perfect. As I have already said I work for what is called "a first tier supplier" in the Automotive industry. What this means is the products that we make are finished and ready for assembly when they arrive at the customers plant.
In a matter of speaking I'm a Joe the factory worker. If memory serves right, Joe the Plumber asked-then candidate-Barack Obama about wealth redistribution. Mr. Obama later went on to say small companies that make 250,000 dollars a year or less would see no tax increase. Well I'll believe that when I see it.
What brings me to this? Well the company I work for is a small company, however we gross more,than 250,000 dollars per year.
This company has been able-so far-to weather this crisis in the auto industry,but,and there is always a but,our profit margin is very small. We have to work hard to compete with the rest of the world. We've done it by being very lean, and relying upon computer and robotic technology
I fear that in the next few years -or sooner-Barack's, share the wealth, scheme may drive a good, American company, out of business.
Well as Sean Hannity is fond of saying "elections have consequences".
I'll have to let it rest there for today. As Long John Silver said in Treasure island "I've either said too much or to little"._
Hello again.
Wow it has been an awesome day in mid Missouri. Lots of sunshine and the weather was perfect. As I have already said I work for what is called "a first tier supplier" in the Automotive industry. What this means is the products that we make are finished and ready for assembly when they arrive at the customers plant.
In a matter of speaking I'm a Joe the factory worker. If memory serves right, Joe the Plumber asked-then candidate-Barack Obama about wealth redistribution. Mr. Obama later went on to say small companies that make 250,000 dollars a year or less would see no tax increase. Well I'll believe that when I see it.
What brings me to this? Well the company I work for is a small company, however we gross more,than 250,000 dollars per year.
This company has been able-so far-to weather this crisis in the auto industry,but,and there is always a but,our profit margin is very small. We have to work hard to compete with the rest of the world. We've done it by being very lean, and relying upon computer and robotic technology
I fear that in the next few years -or sooner-Barack's, share the wealth, scheme may drive a good, American company, out of business.
Well as Sean Hannity is fond of saying "elections have consequences".
I'll have to let it rest there for today. As Long John Silver said in Treasure island "I've either said too much or to little"._
Monday, May 4, 2009
Frugality
Tonight I was setting at my picnic table under the old oak. I began to think about what has been going on for the last few months with the economy and all. I work for a company that supplies parts to the Automotive industry. In the last few months we have become quite frugal. Over a 150 of my coworkers were lay'ed off. And every purchase,every expense,is scrutinized. My company has had to tighten it's belt.
At the same time I have seen the folks on the liberal networks talking about the new frugality. How Americans are now willing to do with less, not live as lavishly as in the past, but save more. All this is well and good, but For too long now many of us have lived beyond our means. Still I was bothered by the euphoria of the talking heads.Then it dawned on me. They reasoned that if hard working honest folk were saving more, they were spending less, then that would be that much more money they could tax.
Just something to think about.
"We are all Republicans,We are all federalists.If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or change it's republican form,let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.
Thomas Jefferson. First Inaugural Address.
At the same time I have seen the folks on the liberal networks talking about the new frugality. How Americans are now willing to do with less, not live as lavishly as in the past, but save more. All this is well and good, but For too long now many of us have lived beyond our means. Still I was bothered by the euphoria of the talking heads.Then it dawned on me. They reasoned that if hard working honest folk were saving more, they were spending less, then that would be that much more money they could tax.
Just something to think about.
"We are all Republicans,We are all federalists.If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or change it's republican form,let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.
Thomas Jefferson. First Inaugural Address.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Just getting Started
Hello my Name is Eugene O'Neill,but my freinds call Me Gene.
For some time now I have thought about starting a blog just to get some of the thoughts,and opinions, that I have about our current political landscape off my chest. I'm a fairly conservative midwestern male, employed in the Auto Industry. I live in the center of Missouri- and on most things - you have to Show Me. I will attempt to post a comment -or as my wife calls them "Rants"-on the blog daily. That is a brief introduction of myself to you, and of blogging ,to my self. Well until tommorow may the sun shine on your face and the wind be to your back.
For some time now I have thought about starting a blog just to get some of the thoughts,and opinions, that I have about our current political landscape off my chest. I'm a fairly conservative midwestern male, employed in the Auto Industry. I live in the center of Missouri- and on most things - you have to Show Me. I will attempt to post a comment -or as my wife calls them "Rants"-on the blog daily. That is a brief introduction of myself to you, and of blogging ,to my self. Well until tommorow may the sun shine on your face and the wind be to your back.
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