Naked Body Scan or Grope?

Everyone is talking about these newly installed naked body scanners found in air ports across the United States. I have heard some arguments that I believe are lacking in thought and are driven by a combination of fear and expediency.  I figured it was time for me to share my opinion.  Before I do I'll start with two arguments I have heard recently, "better safe than sorry" and my favorite "let's have one plane with naked scanners and one plane without any security and lets see what plane people decide to fly on, and good luck finding pilots".  It's clear that most people form an opinion without thinking about what they are saying.  Our opinions tend to be a conglomerate of cliche sayings and ideas found in the common vernacular that have been so far removed from independent thinking we can come up with them quickly yet completely absent of original thought.  Both of these arguments assume that there is no other option on the table.  Good thing "We the people" can think outside the box and use some common sense here.  What are we giving up?  What are we gaining?  Is there a better proven way to achieve the same result?

Here is how I see it.  We have .0001% of the population that tries to strap explosives to their crotch and get on a plane (that was a rough estimate).  And we also have 99.999% of the population that has no interest in becoming a martyr through the suicide bombing of innocent people (another estimate).  Yet the leaders of the TSA have devised a fool proof plan - Lets assume everyone is a terrorist and treat them equally so we can maintain our political correctness and keep the ACLU off our backs, Brilliant!  Not really.

When people form opinions similar to the ones I mentioned in the first paragraph they could possibly be thinking.  If so they would be thinking as a pragmatist.  The pragmatist takes the path of least resistance, the easiest way out, the fastest way to yield results.  Quality of the results and long term effects, however, is not taken into account.  Is it too much to ask our government to come up with thoughtful solutions to these types of problems?  No.  It is not too much to ask, but it does require the government to do a good and thorough job and that is not pragmatic.  It takes a lot of hard work and due diligence to achieve high quality results.  It can't be done by people in empty suites who have been appointed to positions they are not qualified to fill by their political buddies.

So who's in charge of the TSA?  John S. Pistole.  And who is above him running the Department of Homeland Security?  Janet Napolitano.  And who's in charge of the company OSI Systems that made millions of dollars selling naked body scanners to the TSA?  Deepak Chopra.  I don't have enough info right now to draw any concrete conclusions, but someone made a quick buck out of this deal.

This week Katie Couric said, " last year 136 dangerous weapons were confiscated by the TSA, and that's worth a little discomfort."  I wonder if 136 law abiding citizens are missing their swiss army knives?  How many of those 136 were linked to potential terrorists threats with connections to radical groups?  How many were average citizens who forgot to take their pocket knife out of their pack back?

Conclusion
There is a better way to handle airport security that does not involve naked pictures or invasive groping of law abiding citizens.  For example the Israeli method.  It just happens to be more politically correct and easier to treat EVERYONE as a terrorist.  Government is being lazy.  The side effects of government laziness, in this case are citizens losing some of their freedoms.  Not to mention the radiation exposure to frequent fliers.  That's why I'm ticked off.



Read more here

Those Voices Don't Speak for the Rest of Us August 18, 2010

Is there another Ronald Reagan out there who can lead this country?

1 Judge vs California August 7, 2010

When a judge struck down California's ban on same-sex marriage Wednesday, he handed gay rights advocates a historic and invigorating victory, but also a temporary one in a long fight that may be heading toward a showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court.  Read more at: SFGate.  FOX.  ABC.  CNN. 

"The whole nation is watching, and the whole nation should be quaking to think that a single judge sitting in California can reverse the will of 7 million voters." -Douglas Napier

Does it matter that Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, is himself gay?

Hydrogen Barackside July 29, 2010

How To Brainwash A Nation July 28, 2010

What can we learn from Yuri Bezmenov (aka Thomas D. Schuman)?  Are we learning from history or repeating it? Soviet Subversion of the Free World Press, Conversation with Yuri Bezmenov, former propagandist for the KGB.

Jennifer Keenton Must Change Belief's In Order To Graduate July 27, 2010

Lawsuit Claims College Ordered Student to Alter Religious Views on Homosexuality, Or Be Dismissed
 Jennifer Keeton, 24, has been pursuing a master's degree in school counseling at Augusta State University since 2009, but school officials have informed her that she'll be dismissed from the program unless she alters her "central religious beliefs on human nature and conduct".  Augusta State University faculty have promised to expel Miss Keeton from the graduate Counselor Education Program not because of poor academic showing or demonstrated deficiencies in clinical performance, but simply because she has communicated both inside and outside the classroom that she holds to Christian ethical convictions on matters of human sexuality and gender identity.  Read more: Fox, The Augusta Chronicle.  Can anyone explain the process required to change one's beliefs?  If so what is the difference between that process and brain washing?

Knuckle Head of the Day: Marilyn Miller July 14, 2010

BEND, Oregon. -- It was a time of mourning for a few dozen people who gathered at Bend's Drake Park Thursday evening for a memorial to honor 109 Canada geese that were euthanized last week.  This is a real news story click here to read more.  Did you notice anything eerie about this?

Illegals Must Show Their Papers... July 13, 2010

Knuckle Head of the Day: Pete Stark June 30, 2010

A California congressman known for edgy sarcasm mocked an opponent of illegal immigration during a town hall meeting last week, asking, "Who are you going to kill today?".  Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., no stranger to controversy, mocked the idea that the borders are not secure when asked about the federal government's lack of activity on border security.   Stark asked the Minuteman what he would do to secure the border.  "I would send about about 25,000 troops for one thing and build a wall down so vehicles could not pass," the Minuteman said.  "How high and long would it be?" Stark asked.  "As high and as long as it takes," the Minuteman said, elicting cheers.  Stark said he would start a ladder company with the Minuteman if he designed the wall and doesn't shoot the people coming over.  "But I've got to know how high the wall is and I'll sell a whole lot of ladders for people who want to come," Stark said.  Read the full story at Fox News or Politico.  If Stark believes that having open boarders is a good policy, how did he get elected to preserve the constitution?  Is there any example of open boarders leading to the success of an established country?  How can security be enforced with undocumented people pouring through everyday?

Immigration By The Numbers June 23, 2010

This is a video of a Roy Beck lecture that clearly show's the harsh reality when the US takes in more people than it can accommodate each year.  This is as clear as day and should really make you re-think our current immigration policy.  Can anyone argue against this?

Joe Barton Apologizes to BP June 20, 2010

Congressman Joe Barton (R) who represents the 6th district of Texas is under fire for accusing the White House of engaging in what he called a "$20 billion shakedown" -- requiring BP to establish a fund to compensate victims of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  He apologized to the oil giant's CEO, Tony Hayward, on Thursday morning during a congressional hearing into the April 20 oil rig explosion that killed 11 workers, unleashed a flood of oil that has yet to be stemmed and has been widely called the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.  Read more at Politico, or Fox.  See Ben Steins take on the issue at The American Spectator.  Even if the right thing for BP to do would be to set up an escrow account does that justify the Obama administration forcing their will on a private company?  Should proper legal measures be taken?  Or is this a special case where the ends justify the means and it is ok to side step our legal system and have government function like a dictatorship?

Teachers' Anti-War Message Draws Fire June 16, 2010

SOUTH YARMOUTH — Some students are calling for the firing of two Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School teachers who held an anti-war sign during a school assembly Friday.History teacher Marybeth Verani and English teacher Adeline Koscher made their silent protest during the part of the assembly in which school officials recognized graduating seniors who are entering the military.  See the full story in the Cape Cod Times.  First question: Where is the logic in protesting war in a vague general sense?  Second question:  Is it appropriate for a teacher to make that illogical protest during a ceremony honoring those who serve our country?

Helen Thomas Ends Her Career June 15, 2010

Helen Thomas worked in the White House for over 50 years as a correspondent for the press.  Days after her remarks about Israel were caught on camera she has retired.  She will be 90 years old on August 4, 2010.  Do you think Israel has a right to exist? 

Jerusalem Post An open letter to Helen Thomas

Breitbart.tv Helen Thomas Speech Canceled

CNN Should Helen Thomas be given a break?

ABC Arab Press and Hezbollah Praise Helen Thomas for 'Courage'

Letter to the President June 8, 2010

Dear President Obama:
I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for my health, and I would like to ask you to assist me.  We're planning to simply walk across the border from the U.S. Into Mexico, and we'll need your help to make a few arrangements.  We plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws.  I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Calderon, that I'm on my way over?  Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:

1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. Please print all Mexican government forms in English.
4. I want my grandkids to be taught Spanish by English-speaking (bi-lingual) teachers.
5. Tell their schools they need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my grandkids to see the American flag on one of the flag poles at their school.
7. Please plan to feed my grand kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do plan to get a car and drive in Mexico , but, I don't plan to purchase car insurance, and I probably won't make any special effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from their president to leave me alone, please be sure that every patrol car has at least one English-speaking officer.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. Flag from my house top, put U S. Flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, or have any labor or tax laws enforced on any business I may start.
13. Please have the president tell all the Mexican people to be extremely nice and never say critical things about me or my family, or about the strain we might place on their economy.
14. I want to receive free food stamps.
15. Naturally, I'll expect free rent subsidies.
16. I'll need Income tax credits so although I don't pay Mexican Taxes, I'll receive money from the government.
17. Please arrange it so that the Mexican Gov't pays $4,500 to help me buy a new car.
18. Oh yes, I almost forgot, please enroll me free into the Mexican Social Security program so that I'll get a monthly income in retirement.

I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all his people who walk over to the U.S. From Mexico . I am sure that President Calderon won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.  Thank you so much for your kind help. You're the man!!!

(unknown author)

Knuckle Head of the Day: Tavis Smiley June 3, 2010

To maintain an intelligent discussion, nothing needs to be said in response to Tavis's comments. However some closely related topics are Tavis's consumption of paint chips as child, the dumb-ing down of America, or how relativism masks reality.  Do you see what happens when someone takes a sliver of truth and makes it an absolute?



Thanks to Michael Graham's Natural Truth Blog for digging up these video's and paring them together.

Dan Fanelli Political Ad June 1, 2010

Check out these politically incorrect political ad's by Dan Fanelli.  Do you think he'll win running for congress in Florida?

State Rep. Struck By Illegal Immigrant May 25, 2010

A serious car crash involving a local lawmaker Mike Moran and an intoxicated illegal immigrant is threatening to reignite already heated debates about immigration on Beacon Hill, according to police reports.  See full story at Fox.  In late April Moran voted in favor of state funding for illegal immigration.  He voted against Jeff Perry's amendment 119 which would require the state to verify citizenship status before handing out state benefits.  State police were unable to notify immigration authorities that Naranjo might be illegal because Gov. Deval Patrick revoked an order by former governor Mitt Romney three years ago which gave state police power to investigate immigration violations.  A passenger in Moran's vehicle is currently in critical condition.  Will tax payer dollars pay for vehicle repairs and hospital bills?  Do you think the suspected illegal immigrant has insurance?  Why does Massachusetts continue to enable illegal immigrants?  Is political correctness above the law?

Felipe Calderón Against Arizona Law May 21, 2010

After appearing before Congress and attacking Arizona’s new illegal immigration law, Mexican president Felipe Calderón appeared on CNN to talk shop with Wolf Blitzer.  Blitzer turned the tables on the president, opting to ask him instead about his country’s immigration laws, and whether they were just as strict (if not stricter) than Arizona’s.  See the full story at Mediaite.  Consider this:  In Mexico if you don't have the proper papers they send you back to where you came from.  Immigration to Mexico is a process where you have to fill out certain documents and go through proper channels to be recognized as a citizen.  By the way the language in SB-1070 has been changed (click here to read the referendum) so a person cannot be pulled over because they look illegal.  A “lawful stop, detention or arrest” needs to be made first.  So what exactly is wrong with the Arizona law again?  When is it ever ok to be illegal?  Is political correctness damaging our country?

Arrested For Saying Homosexuality is a Sin May 3, 2010

Wokingham, Cumbria, UK - Dale McAlpine was charged with causing “harassment, alarm or distress” after a homosexual police community support officer (PCSO) overheard him reciting a number of “sins” referred to in the Bible, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same sex relationships.  See full story at the Telegraph.  Beware the story that appeared in the NY Daily News is miss leading because the picture posted is from an entirely different event in Philadelphia that is not associated with the McAlpine arrest in the UK.  Compare and contrast the Telegraph story with the NY Daily News Story of the same event for a great example of how media bias is alive and well.  Should someone be arrested for saying homosexuality is a sin?  Does freedom of speech exist in the UK?  Is preaching on a street corner to people passing by effective Christian outreach?

Record Number of Women Running For Congress April 30, 2010

You'd think Sarah Palin would be praised for being an average person standing up for what she believes in, that's what you'd think.  She took action, ran for office and actually did something instead of sitting on the side lines complaining.  But the main stream media didn't recognize that.  If you find your self beginning to dislike Palin ask yourself, why?  Is it because you disagree with her positions or because you've been bombarded with negative media over and over again?  After a while all the negative news can begin to sink in subconsciously and you exchange the truth for a lie.  She may not be ready to run for president but if she were your next door neighbor would you still harbor such animosity?  Is Sarah Palin held to a different standard than Nancy Pelosi?  This year a record number of women are running for congress.  You may not hear much about it because most of them happen to be conservative.  See full story at The Washington Post.