Great Satan, Inc.

“The government takes what they want, and taxes what they leave behind.” – Atlas Shrugged II

Directive 10-289

Atlas Shrugged Part 2 hits theaters October 12th, 2012.  We’ve been waiting for part two since we finished watching Atlas Shrugged Part 1.  We know where we’ll be that Friday night, along with the SandCastleScrolls crew, VOX, Exurban League, and An Inconvenient Man, and many others.

H/T Joe at The View From North Central Idaho.

Update:  Check out Kevin’s post, “It’s a LEGAL System, Not a JUSTICE System“.

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By now, you’ve probably heard that U.S. ambassador Chris Stevens, and three other American diplomats were murdered in Benghazi, Libya, coincidentally on September 11th, 2012. I say “coincidentally” because the U.S. media is weaving quite a tall tale in order to prevent any connection to President Obama’s foreign policy, or lack thereof.

How is this fairy tale woven?

Media outlets in the U.S. want you to believe that a Youtube video, posted two months ago, insulted the Muslim religion so much it’s frothing adherents had no choice but to go on a murderous rampage. The video is allegedly a trailer for a movie that apparently doesn’t really exist, performed by actors who swear they didn’t utter the lines in the video, which had offensive dialog dubbed into the clip, then was translated and re-dubbed into arabic with even more offensive dialog, by a man who doesn’t seem to exist, but is a Jewish/Coptic Israeli/Egyptian. The backlash from the video caused immediate protests (two months later) that magically turned violent.

This storyline is so perfect, that any criticism of arming the Muslim Brotherhood to overthrow dictator Mo Gaddafi during the “Arab Spring” is blasphemously “politicizing” this tragic, but predictable outcome for political gain. This is particularly true if you are applying for the job of President and believe you can provide a better outcome.

How is this story reported outside of Never Never Land?

Some group, most likely al-Qaida, meticulously planned an operation to target the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi in an attempt to kill the ambassador and as many other Americans possible to celebrate the anniversary of their September 11th, 2001 terror attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  The State Department had received advanced warning of the attack.  As with other al-Qaida attacks, this attack was preceded by a video from al-Qaida leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri. Ayman al-Zawahiri called on Libyans to avenge the death of his Libyan deputy, Abu Yahya al-Libi, in an American drone strike in June.

After attacking the consulate, terrorists armed with RPGs followed the staff to (or already knew) the official “safe house”. Some reports even say that precision mortar strikes rained down on the safe house.  Hardly a spontaneous display of rage over an insulting video, but likely a show of force demonstrating that al-Qaida is still a threat.

Back in Never Never Land

Obama supporters in the U.S. media are desperately clinging to their fiction, lest the President’s foreign policy look like a failure.  The American press actually expects Romney to refrain from commenting on world events, or they’ll make him look bad.  After all, this horrid attack has happened days after the President received drooling praise at the DNC Convention last week, where they even gave him credit for the Arab Spring.

In a move so stupid it defies any sane explanation, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, called publicity whore Koran burning preacher Terry Jones to ask that he pull his support of the offensive video.  At the highest levels of our government, the best national security plan they could come up with was calling a two-bit rabble-rouser in Florida and asking him to “tone it down”.  I guess the administration believes Terry Jones is THE religious leader of America, and/or that radical Islamikazes will stop being suicidal terrorists if Jones gives the video a thumbs down.

Even American scholars are providing cover for the President by suggesting we further limit the First Amendment through banning “hate speech” (as determined by politicians).  They don’t want you to realize the emperor has no clothes and is visibly ill-equipped  to deal with national security issues that require quick, decisive, and effective action.  The El Dorado Canyon kind of action that stopped old Mo from being a threat to U.S. citizens 26 years ago.  Instead, the storytellers want another four years of the presidential puppet show.

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Today is our annual day of mourning for the murder of more than 3,000 Americans on September 11th, 2001.  Most consider today a “day of remembrance”, but for me it stirs resentment.

Our biggest memorial to those lost on that September morning is an unfinished war in Afghanistan, a huge bureaucratic expansion of inept Government, and too many of our best and brightest killed or wounded in combat without clear goals.

I remember September 11th when I see frail elderly women “asked” to climb out of their wheelchairs and walk through body scanners at the airport, because those crippled old women could be dangerous terrorists.

I remember September 11th when I see a love note from Transportation Security Administration in my luggage, reassuring me that they’ve rummaged through my underwear for “prohibited items” and found nothing of interest.

I remember September 11th when the news media covers “important” issues – demands to see Mitt Romney’s tax returns, what’s happening on Jersey Shore, and how President Obama’s  “jobless economic recovery” has saved the United States.

I remember September 11th when I see the men and women of the National Guard Association of the United States holding a conference in the same hotel as the 7th annual Gun Blogger Rendezvous.

I remember September 11th when attending the Gun Blogger Rendezvous, which was held to raise money for Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT.

I remember September 11th when I see the young men and women at the hotel for the Tailhook Association reunion (an association for aircraft carrier and sea-based aircrews).

I remember September 11th when Mz. VRWC remarks that those young men and women look like they’re barely out of high school.

I remember September 11th when I remind her that those same young professionals are trusted to fly heavily armed, multimillion dollar aircraft, while making life and death decisions as part of their daily job.  Unfortunately, they don’t have the right carry a concealed weapon on most college campuses, because they can’t be trusted to “use the best judgment”.

I remember September 11th when I remember how we went to war to drive the Taliban out of Afghanistan.

I remember September 11th when I wonder how and when the war in Afghanistan will end.

I remember September 11th when 11 years later, we’re negotiating to give Afghanistan back to the Taliban.

I remember September 11th when I see the faces of those who have given everything while delivering our response to the terrorism of that September morning.

Yes, I remember that day and I mourn the loss and the pain of those directly affected by that act of terrorism.  I also remember the people lost during our response to a barbaric attack directed at civilian U.S. citizens.  I won’t forget that day, nor the losses we’ve had since, but I can’t help remembering my bitter resentment too.

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That’s right, Arizona House Bill 2625 does nothing!

HB2625, sponsored by AZ House Majority Whip Debbie Lesko, allows employers to opt-out of certain mandated benefits, based on the business owner’s beliefs. It doesn’t authorize the firing of women, it doesn’t violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), it won’t deprive women of health care or contraceptive choices, kill kittens, or dictate the color of your panties.

HB2625 merely lets a business owner choose what they will and won’t pay for in the reproductive health insurance area. Contrary to the ACLU’s dishonest agitprop, the bill doesn’t, “give your boss the green light to fire you for using birth control.” It does prevent employees and politicians from forcing their beliefs onto a business owner.  An employer’s rights shouldn’t be any different than yours.

Sadly, there are allegedly liberated women, freaking out that the government might not use laws to take care of their tender bits.  Shocking isn’t it?

This outraged woman happily shared her personal details with Arizona State Representative Brenda Barton and everyone else on Facebook.  Alvin (not her real name) can’t claim privacy rights when she’s posting the details of her period for the whole world to see.

I thought most women wanted the government to stay out of their nether regions.  These outraged women are unfortunately getting false information and haven’t stepped back to look at the situation.  If you invite the government, and your employer, into your “women’s healthcare” issues, don’t be surprised when the government, or your boss, wants to have a say in what you do with those body parts.  This bill removes your boss and your government from your reproductive organs.

If you believe contraceptive issues are your private business, please support HB2625 and don’t use the government to force other people to pay for your beliefs.

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The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) held their annual luncheon on Saturday in Tucson.   If you are unfamiliar with AzCDL‘s mission:

The purpose of the Arizona Citizens Defense League is to protect individual freedom and laws that attend to it through lobbying, petitioning, fund raising and all lawful means to enforce Article 2, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Arizona.

You want to know what Article 2, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution is about?  Well, I’m glad you asked.  Article 2, Section 2 states:

Article 2 – Political power; purpose of government

Section 2.

All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.

Mz. VRWC and I headed down to the Old Pueblo for the annual celebration of individual rights and some great BBQ. About 400 of AzCDL’s 5,000 members attended the luncheon, and almost everyone open-carried, with a few concealing.

For an event like this, it is customary for the attendees to get dressed up a bit. For many, it meant opening the gun safe and grabbing a pretty gun appropriate for this special event (much like having a strand of pearls or a tuxedo for special occasions).

We had a tasty lunch of barbequed chicken, pork ribs, and beef tri-tip, slaw salad, cobblers and more, catered by Sapphire Catering.  As we finished our meal, AzCDL Communications Director and JPFO Executive Director, Charles Heller spoke to the crowd for a bit before turning the microphone over to Arizona State Representative Brenda Barton (AzCDL rated A+) to introduce the rest of the speakers.  The speakers included Gabriela Saucedo Mercer, candidate for the Arizona District 7 House seat (running against Raul “boycott my state” Grijalva) and Arizona State Senator Frank Antenori (who is considering a run to replace Rep. Gabriel Giffords). Also in attendance, AZ State Representative John Kavanagh, accepting a lifetime achievement award on behalf of AZ State Senator Russell Pearce, AZ State Senator Paula Aboud, as well as chief’s of staff for various other legislators. It’s always good to see that elected citizens aren’t afraid to be around those they represent.

There were even raffles for various firearms. Despite the Smallest Minority handing us two raffle tickets before retiring for an early siesta, we did not win the Ruger LC9 he should have won. However we did steal win a faux zebra skin rifle case (perfect for Mz. VRWC’s tactical shotgun) and a family membership to Shooters World, an air conditioned indoor range in Phoenix, at the silent auction.

Long story short, the annual luncheon was a pleasure and again, members were given the microphone to suggest new laws they wanted to fight for, as well as laws they wanted repealed.  I have no doubt that AzCDL will continue the fight to maintain and regain our liberties.

Bottom line, don’t pay any attention to the lazy hippies and communists putting on their Occupy Wall Street demonstration (sidewalk camping).   They won’t accomplish anything sitting around whining for “change” and whining for handouts.  Joining, supporting, and participating in a group that represents and lobbies for your interests will get you the government you want and deserve.

If your state doesn’t have an organization like AzCDL, consider starting your own group.  Citizens have a right to the same access and persuasion as any other special interest.  The power is yours, if you want it.

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Independence Day is right around the corner and this year we’ve got a little something extra to celebrate.  Thanks to some pro-liberty Arizona Legislators and our Governor, there will be a significant increase in shiny things during our 4th of July festivities.

Late last year, Arizona bill HB 2246 went into effect, and a variety of “non-aerial” consumer fireworks became legal.  Not perfect, but a good start to restoring the liberties and freedoms that Government Gone Wild so casually and continually strips from its citizens.  The law includes a provision that allows incorporated cities and towns to regulate fireworks in their jurisdiction, and as soon as the law passed, many of the liberal leaning, nanny cities immediately banned their use.  Fortunately, we live in one of the few cities where common sense still pokes its head out from time to time, and we are permitted to have fun with approved fireworks on our property from June 28th to July 4th, and again from December 30th to January 1st.  Again, not perfect, but something to build upon.

Another positive effect of the legalization of fireworks in Arizona?  Capitalism at its finest.  Small and large tents are popping up all over town selling these “approved” fireworks.  The jobs created by our new freedoms are sorely needed, as Arizona’s official unemployment rate is currently 9.3 percent.

Economic liberty breeds capitalism.  Capitalism creates jobs.  Jobs create a healthy economy.

And that’s the fact, Jack.

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