Black bears in Shenandoah National Park

If you're going to Shenandoah National Park, you will see deer.
They are everywhere! But ...
... did you know you'll more than likely also see black bears ... like the one pictured above? What d'ya mean, you don't see a bear in the photo? It's right there ... a yearling cub ... in the greenery.

And here's a full grown black bear. What? You don't see it either? It's right there just behind the tall wild flowers ...

... and these are people standing within 30' of a full-grown wild black bear as they snap photos.

We worked our way through the traffic jam that had completely blocked Skyline Drive as people jumped out of their vehicles and rushed across the roadway to see the bear.

When I was a child, my family went camping at Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee where black bears were prevalent. A memory in my six-year-old mind was of cars stopped along the roadways and people standing with cameras taking photos of black bears. My sensible parents did not allow us out of the vehicle nor did they venture out. The danger was obvious.

Years later as my husband and I explored Yellowstone National Park, we were surprised at the people who exited their vehicles to take photos of the buffalo, the huge beasts that looked as if they would be slugs ... but those suckers are lightning fast.

All those memories flooded back this week while traveling along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and seeing the same type of traffic jams whenever black bears were spotted.

As we inched our way through a throng that had clogged the Drive on the stretch between Rt. 33 and Big Meadows, I called out the window, "What are we looking at?" A nice lady standing on the shoulder of the roadway alerted me to a full-grown black bear not 30' away. It seemed harmless enough as it rooted for grubs and did whatever bears do in the middle of the day.

Another lady turned and said, "You've got to get out of the car to see it." And, indeed, it was difficult (but not impossible) to see the bear from that vantage point ... but I said, "Oh, that won't be happening."

What I really wanted to say was, "You have got to be kidding! There is no way on God's green earth I would stand 30' away from a wild black bear and snap a picture. No way! This is a national park ... not a zoo!"

I guarantee you that bear could cover 30' faster than I would be able to scramble back into the vehicle. I didn't get a photo of the bear ... all I got was foliage. As we pulled away, the crowd was still straining their necks, cameras in hand, hoping for a glimpse of a bear.

I guess those folks may not have heard that the black bear population is exploding in the western part of Virginia ...

... or about the hunter who was attacked by a black bear in a nearby county ...

... or the aggressive bear alert put out last Fall in Shenandoah National Park ...

... or that bears have been nabbing family pets ...

... or the bear that attacked a man in Augusta County in 2006 ...

... or our across-the-street neighbors who were awakened in the middle of the night in 2007 when a black bear was breaking into their storage shed.

Hope we don't ever hear that a black bear attacked a visitor in the Park.

2009 Republican Round-Up

You and Your Family Are Invited!

2009
REPUBLICAN
Round-Up

Featuring Rep. Eric Cantor
Republican Whip

Saturday, October 17, 2009
3-6:00 pm * Rain or Shine
SnagAJob Pavilion at Innsbrook
Glen Allen, Virginia

Free Fun for the Entire Family!
Entertainment
Picnic Fare
Cotton Candy
Wine & Beer
Popcorn
Climbing Wall & More

"Oh, Shenandoah ..."

Shenandoah National Park on a gorgeous summer day.

The layers of mountains go on and on and on....

Big Meadows Lodge

Campground ampitheater

In Virginia we are blessed with one of the most beautiful places I know ... Shenandoah National Park. It's a perfect week with low humidity (thanks to a high sitting north of the Shenandoah Valley) and, with Valley temps in the lower to mid-80s, the coolness of the Skyline Drive is welcomed ... highs of 68F to 71F. Bears, deer, wild turkeys ... all part of being in the Park.

"Almost heaven...."

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 14, 2009

Eric Cantor: Getting Americans back to work

Rep. Eric Cantor's column at RedState begins:

Is there any doubt that President Obama’s economic policies have failed to generate the jobs and healthier economy that they were sold on?
...
Leadership requires making choices – often difficult ones.

Read the entire article here.

How to be a patriot

Don Feder at GrassTopsUSA has shared what he believes are the 12 steps to be a patriot. Good points ... and I particularly agree with #12.

Patriotism isn’t a seasonal occupation – something to be packed away with the flags and bunting until next year – not if you care about your country. Defending America is a year-round, 24/7 cause that requires knowledge, stamina and commitment.

Especially in our hour of peril, with a doctrinaire leftist in the White House, who is, at the very least, indifferent to his country’s fate (that’s America’s, not Kenya’s) – think Michael Moore on Slim Fast, think George Soros without the creepy, Transylvanian accent – now more than ever before, we need to raise up a new generation of patriots.

If you’re wondering where to begin, you can start here:

1. Know your country’s history – You can’t defend America if you don’t understand America. American history is barely taught in high school and rarely taught in college. A 2000 poll by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni gave seniors at elite colleges and universities a D or F grade on a high-school level history test. (Only 22% knew that “Of the people, by the people and for the people” came from the Gettysburg Address.) Read history by authors who believe in America – “A History of the American People” by Paul Johnson; “America: The Last Best Hope” (2 volumes) by William Bennett, and “A Patriot’s History of the United States” by Schweikart and Allen. The more you read, the more you’ll believe, and the more you’ll want to fight.

2. Tell America’s story – Especially to the young. And a glorious saga it is, from the Mayflower Compact to the Continental Congress, from Bull Run to the Bulge and Baghdad, from Washington’s Farewell Address to Ronald Reagan’s “A Time for Choosing” speech and beyond. Remind Americans that our national holidays mean something. Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving aren’t there just to give them a three-day weekend, but to strike what Lincoln called the “mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone.”

3. Stop the slander – The left has made an art of defaming America, especially among the young and susceptible. Anti-Americanism is inculcated in public education, academia, and the entertainment and news media. The contagion is spread through multiculturalism, historical revisionism, magnifying our mistakes and ignoring our triumphs. The left insists that we perpetually repent for slavery – an institution that existed ev erywhere for most of recorded history. America is the only nation that fought a Civil War (in which more than 600,000 died) to abolish this evil. Students won’t hear that from the time-servers of the National Education Association, who are too busy sex-educating and global-warming indoctrinating to bother with Nathan Hale and Omaha Beach.

4. Defend the Constitution – Not the Constitution a la William J. Brennan, David Souter and Ruth Bader-Ginsburg – the fantasy Constitution of judicial activists that permits late-term abortion but forbids public display of the Ten Commandments -- but the Constitution that protects freedom of speech (whether or not The New York Times likes that speech), the right to profess a belief in God in public places, our right to keep and bear arms, and a government of limited powers. Speak out against hate-crimes laws, gun control legislation, efforts to socialize the economy, attempts to regulate speech on talk-radio and the Internet, and the confirmation of Quota Queen and “wise Latina woman” Sonia Sotomayor.

5. Know that we are still very much “One Nation Under God” (Not Allah) – America was founded by Christians on Judeo-Christian principles – witness multiple references to God in the Declaration of Independence, in the words of Madison, Adams et al., and in lyrics from “in God is our trust” in the National Anthem to Mr. Berlin’s “God Bless America.” The Founders were inspired by a uniquely Biblical worldview – liberty, equality under the law, charity, and representative government. Because of this spiritual legacy, America had a greater impact on the last two centuries than any other nation. Without it, America makes no sense. A nation can’t be strong – militarily or economically – if it’s weak spiritually. The patriot should work for public display of religious symbols, the return of prayer to the public schools, and a public acknowledgement on the role religion played, and continues to play, in our national life. Whatever his faith, the patriot must counter the presidential big lie that we are no longer a Christian nation, but are deeply indebted to Islam.

6. Free the Market – There’s a reason why Europe has stagnated in the post-War era while America has generally prospered. We believe in individual achievement, income-mobility, celebrating success and private property. They believe in class warfare, envy, resentment, “leisure” (as a life- goal), welfare and collectivism. Now, we have a President – who knows even less about economics than national security -- committed to the European model. As much as Judeo-Christian values and the family, capitalism defines who we are as a people, and why America has worked so well for so long.

7. Demand an End to Illegal Immigration – As Ronald Reagan noted, a nation that has lost control of its borders has lost its sovereignty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, immigrants (who accounted for one household in 21 in 1970) now represent one in 8 American households. How many immigrants incapable of assimilation can the country take in? With illegal immigration, we don’t know who’s coming here, and which of the intruders are hard-core criminals or terrorists. The man who loves his family will protect his home from invasion. The man who loves his country will protect it from invaders. That means opposing any more amnesties, in-state tuition and drivers’ licenses for illegals, and demanding enforcement at and beyond the border.

8. Insist on English – In 2007 more than 55 million people in the United States were living in households where a language other than English was spoken. There are powerful forces working to turn America into a bi-lingual (or multilingual) nation – including bureaucrats, business interests and ethnic lobbying groups. English is the linguistic glue that holds our country together. All of the documents on w hich America was founded were written in English. Without a common tongue, dissolution is inevitable. The patriot will oppose bi-lingual education, bi-lingual ballots and language pandering. Pressing a number for a language other than English shouldn’t be an option.

9. Defend the Family – America can’t be strong without strong families. The family is the incubator of civic virtues, including patriotism. Functional families are the foundation for a nation that works. Every social ill that afflicts America – drug abuse, crime, poverty, illegitimacy, etc. – has its roots in family breakdown. Families are the first line of national defense.

10. Support Israel – America and Israel are two countries joined at the heart – more intimately connected than any others, including the U.S. and the U.K. America was founded on the vision first glimpsed at Sinai. Without ancient Israel, there would have been no America. Without America (circa 1948), there would have been no modern State of Israel. The same Marxists and Islamacists who would destroy Israel also have America in their sights. The Hussein in the White House is doing his best to undermine Israel and jeopardize its survival. (His spiritual mentor accuses Israel of “genocide.”) To betray Israel is to betray ourselves.

11. Know that America’s survival is at stake – What happens next year will determine America’s fate – perhaps for all time. Instead of fighting a war on terror, Obama is deploying WMDs against the economy. He just agreed to cut our nuclear arsenal by a third – based on the word of Putin’s puppet. He is working to spread Marxism in Latin America and Islam worldwide. He is determined to make a majority of Americans dole-addicts, and to leave America vulnerable to its enemies. With his party’s super-majorities, the United States Congress has become the rubber-stamp equivalent of China’s National People’s Congress. 2010 is a hill that must be taken. Otherwise, the sacrifices of generations of patriots that came before us, all the way back to Valley Forge, will all have been in vain.

12. Don’t despair – In the words of Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never quit.” Don’t say it’s all hopeless because the all-powerful media serves as an adjunct White House Press Office, because Obama is subsidizing a partisan army from the Treasury, because the Party of Treason has 60 votes in the Senate, because billionaire Bolsheviks like George Soros bankroll groups like Move-On.org, because Michael Jackson-worship reflects the degeneration of American culture, or because many of our fellow Americans are too dumb or apathetic to understand what’s happening. Consider the odds Washington faced in the winter of 1776, when the fate of the patriot cause hung by a thread. Imagine what it was like to be a G.I. wading ashore under withering fire on D-Day. With God on our side and a firm faith in the justice of our cause, we cannot lose – or, in the words of The Star-Spangled Banner, “Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just.”

Don Feder is a former Boston Herald writer who is now a political/communications consultant. He also maintains his own website, DonFeder.com.

1987 SCOTUS hearings: Ted Kennedy "borking" Judge Robert Bork

Remember back in 1987 when Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass) "borked" Judge Robert Bork during Supreme Court hearings? Greg Hengler at Townhall.com has the video that will refresh your memory.

Staunton News Leader cuts 5 more positions

Newspapers continue to hemorrhage jobs and the local Staunton News Leader is no exception. From a full staff of 90 full- and part-time workers, the NL is now down to 55. The latest were four full-time and one part-time jobs.

The NL's parent company, media giant Gannett that publishes USA Today, slashed 1,400 jobs throughout the company including those in Staunton.

Brad Zinn at the News Leader has all the details.

SCOTUS stays VA murderer's execution

Death penalty? I agree with Brian Kirwin's thoughts at Bearing Drift.

Congress, sign the pledge to read the bill

Let Freedom Ring is encouraging all representatives in Congress to sign a pledge that they will read bills before voting on them.

Seems pretty simplistic, doesn't it?

It bears repeating....

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." -- Ronald Reagan

"Congress Needs a 'Read-the-Bill' Bill"

Lawmakers voted on the stimulus and global warming bills without having read either. Eventually they'll vote on health care legislation that could fund unrelated items. Time to end this systemic fraud. --Investors Business Daily, July 13, 2009

How much plainer can it be stated than Investors Business Daily's suggestion that, in the myriad of bills passed by Congress, perhaps they should pass a "Read-the-Bill" bill.

A body of supposedly intelligent individuals (questionable before but especially now that Al Franken is in the U.S. Senate) elected by their constituents throughout the country (what was Minnesota thinking?) has turned into such a partisan pack of Democrats that something as common sense as reading the entire bill before voting on it has to be suggested.

Think about it.

When the office of Rep. Tom Perriello (D-5th CD) was called and the question posed as to whether he had read the Cap-and-Trade bill before voting on it, the response was, "A staffer read it."

A staffer? Did the voters of the 5th District vote for the staffer? Soon that same excuse was heard from other Democrat offices ... "the staffers read it."

Here's a suggestion: Have the person who will be voting on the bill read it. That includes 300-page addendums added at 3 am.

What happened to Barack Obama's campaign promise to post bills online for 72 hours before voting? What happened to the transparency this administration promised?

From Politico:

President Barack Obama promised during the campaign to post a bill online for five days before signing it into law. But he hasn’t followed through on the pledge as president, almost never waiting the full period. The White House has since reworked that approach, saying it will now post the bills before they pass Congress.

The Democrats are gaining the reputation of brass-knuckled bullies who have declared to America, "It's our way or the highway." Here's hoping America remembers and holds them accountable in upcoming elections.

M*A*S*H ... Afghanistan style

We lost several American soldiers in Afghanistan the past few days, and British troops have been hit hard. As a result, the British field hospital at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, has been overrun with battlefield injuries and fatalities.

I can almost see Radar with an ear cocked to the sky as choppers are heard in the distance ... and the PA system blaring out, "Attention, all medical personnel! Attention! Incoming choppers! Repeat! Incoming!"

For all the comedy in that show, the underlying seriousness was that Korea was a real war ... and so is this one.

Eight British soldiers were killed Friday in Britain's bloodiest battles of the Afghanistan war. From Reuters:

Britain and the United States have launched simultaneous operations this month in Afghanistan's most violent province, Helmand, nearly half of which was under Taliban control until this month.

The British "Operation Panther's Claw" has met tough resistance from Taliban home-made bombs and sniper positions. Fighters have also struck back elsewhere in the province.

Britain has been a valued ally in the war on terrorism. Our prayers go to the fallen heroes and their families in Britain and America.

Outrageous

Sonia Sotomayor backers want reporters to dig into firefighter Frank Ricci's background. Why? Because he took his case to the supreme court after Judge Sonia Sotomayor and the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against him ... and he won.

Supporters of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor are quietly targeting the Connecticut firefighter who's at the center of Sotomayor's most controversial ruling.
...
"To go after so sympathetic a plaintiff as Frank Ricci . . . is a new low in the politics of personal destruction," said Roger Pilon, the director of the libertarian Cato Institute's Center for Constitutional Studies. "If they were smart, they'd keep a low profile."

Ricci, though, has his own advocates, including conservative commentators such as CNN's Lou Dobbs and Fox's Sean Hannity.

What did Frank Ricci do to make shady character assassins go after him?

The 35-year-old Ricci was the lead plaintiff in the case Ricci v. DeStefano, challenging New Haven's refusal to promote white firefighters after African-American and all but one Hispanic firefighters failed to score high enough on a promotion exam.

Affirmative action run amuck.

Last month ... the Supreme Court overturned the 2nd Circuit by 5-4.

"Once . . . employers have made clear their selection criteria, they may not then invalidate the test results, thus upsetting an employee's legitimate expectation not to be judged on the basis of race," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority.

With his awards for bravery, some 17 years of fire department service and history of overcoming dyslexia, Ricci has become a compelling human character in the Sotomayor confirmation drama. Senate Republicans have summoned him, along with Lt. Ben Vargas of the New Haven Fire Department, as two of their 14 witnesses next week.

Another private citizen, caught up in the politics of personal destruction....

This is scary ...

... cyber attacks across the world including U.S.

Eric Cantor on Fox News Sunday

This Sunday, July 12, Eric Cantor will be a guest on Fox News Sunday at 9:00 am EST with Chris Wallace to discuss current issues facing America including economic recovery, healthcare reform and the controversial cap-and-trade system. Check out Congressman Cantor's campaign blog to share ideas and practical solutions to the current economic challenges Americans face.

Hey, Phil ... in a word, "yes"

Fellow SWAC blogger Yankee Phil asked a question: Do other bloggers get into these non-blogging moods?

In a word, the answer is "yes."

It's time to enjoy the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! Your boys are out of school, Scout camps are going on, family vacations are in high gear, the pool and lake are calling, the mountains in this area are always calling ... who wants to spend all day in front of a computer if you don't have to?

Best of all, it's not a job but a hobby so we don't have to!

Enjoy. You'll get your groove back soon enough ... probably when school goes back into session and family routines go back on a regular schedule.

Meanwhile ... give your fingers a holiday, answer the call of the mountains, and have fun following your boys on a hiking trail. It's summertime!

On the road again ... Tim Kaine crisscrosses the U.S. for DNC

The media have taken notice of Democrat Gov. Tim Kaine's MIA status in Virginia, something brought to the attention of the public for Republican Party of Virginia's Chairman Pat Mullins. Today he is on the road again in Minneapolis; next week he is scheduled to be in Colorado.

A Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request was filed with the governor's office by RPV requesting travel and expense records. It was denied.

Associated Press (AP) filed an FOIA request. It was denied.

The Washington Post filed an FOIA request. It was denied. They did their own research and determined the Governor was spending 30% of his time outside Virginia on his moonlighting job.

RPV wrote:

The news media these days is doing a nice job of keeping Tim Kaine’s feet to the fire over his obfuscation related to his time, energy and resources spent doing his sideline job of Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The Washington Post – one of the news organizations which filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the governor’s office – has been frustrated in its repeated attempts to learn about the political movements of our elected chief executive. The Post has determined that Kaine spends approximately 30-percent of his work week doing the bidding of his political party rather than seeing to the needs of Virginians struggling with joblessness and the flagging Obama economy. See the Post’s story on this here.

Maybe the DNC Chair has to work so hard because President Obama's job approval ratings have dipped. Again from RPV:

... both Tim Kaine and Barack Obama have dipped under the magic 50-percent mark for job approval ratings. Kaine registers at 49-percent, while Obama comes in at 48-percent, according to a recent poll conducted by the Democrat pollster Public Policy Polling out of Raleigh, North Carolina.

You would think that with rising unemployment, enormous budget deficits and crumbling transportation infrastructure, Kaine would refocus his energies on his many tasks here at home in the Commonwealth. You would think that, but you would be wrong. Instead he is off on another series of junkets to Mississippi, Minnesota and Colorado.

No wonder less than half of Virginia citizens think he is doing a good job.

Bob over at The Journey blog responded to an earlier post with words to the Willie Nelson song that suited Gov. Kaine:

On the road again...
I can't wait to be
On the road again...
The life I love is raising money for my friends!
I can't wait to be on the road again!

Stay tuned to Gov. Kaine's next DNC adventure on the road again....

Thomas Jefferson on "inheritance" of office

Thomas Jefferson refused to serve a third term as President, saying, "If some period be not fixed ... [the] office ... will soon degenerate into an inheritance." (1807)

Tom Perriello (D-5th CD) supports ideology of Dems instead of economic interests of working people

"Thank you Tom Perriello -- for stabbing the working people of the 5th District in the back."

So begins a column by John Barnhart in the Bedford Bulletin. He goes on to say:

On June 29, 41 House Democrats had the courage to stand up to Supreme Leader Nancy Pelosi. They voted against her cap-and-trade energy bill. Congressman Perriello was not one of them. He voted for this nightmare, which narrowly passed the House of Representatives by seven votes.

Writing about lost jobs, ideology over "global warming," and industry moving overseas, Mr. Barnhart lays it on the line. He ends by saying:

So, thank you Tom Perriello for supporting the ideology of your party’s well-heeled elite instead of the economic interests of the 5th District’s working people.

Indeed.

An award for Sarah Palin ... a strong, independent leader

As Virginians who thrive on the words of Commonwealth native Patrick Henry to "give me liberty or give me death," Sarah Palin embodies the individuality and spiritedness that we have coarsing through our veins.

Bob at The Journey has come up with "The Dr. June McCarroll Award" to celebrate brilliance and persistance ... and he has decided who the first recipient should be.

Who is Dr. June McCarroll? As Bob writes:

After she was run off the road by a truck, [Dr. June McCarroll] came up with the idea for a dividing line to be painted down the center of roads. When she took the idea to the government, they politely ignored her. She made her point, however, by painting a center line on one mile of US 99 in Indio, California. Her invention was then impossible to ignore and became part of highway history.

So who does Bob think deserves the first-ever "Dr. June McCarroll" award?

This year's award goes to a young mother who sought to make her own community better.

In 1992 she ran for city council of Wasilla, AK, and served there until 1996 when she became mayor.

She was appointed to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and served as Ethics Commissioner from 2003 to 2004. She resigned and exposed corruption in the commission, fingering prominent members of her own party. Her credentials as a reformer clearly established, she ran for Governor in 2006 and defeated incumbent Republican Governor Murkowski in the primary. She went on to win the general election and became, at 42, Alaska's youngest Governor in history.
...
People are unnerved by her appeal to the common man and she is now routinely villified by media and entertainment 'elites.'

Bob goes on to cite Gov. Palin's current favorable opinion of 76% in a Rasmussen poll. He concludes:

Sarah Palin represents a rebirth of that Jeffersonian ideal where people from ordinary life go up to Washington to represent us and then come home! She's no Washington insider in a grey suit. She got involved in the first place because she cares.

It is with great pleasure that I nominate her to receive the first ever Dr. June McCarroll Award, given here this day, July 9, 2009.

Hear, hear!

Go to The Journey to read the entire post.

The verbal suicide bombers on the left must stop savaging Sarah Palin

"The lynching of conservatives must stop. The verbal suicide bombers on the left must stop. The ideological bigotry must stop.

If it does not, payback against the liberals will be bloody, as they reap what they sowed. --The Tigyrrrr Express blog

Sarah Palin, savaged by liberals as well as some in her own Party, has said enough is enough and is stepping aside as Governor of Alaska.

That's sad.

Gov. Palin is a strong, intelligent, hard-working conservative woman who is not an inside-the-beltway insider. In other words, she's a person ... not a politician.

Guess what. Most of us are not inside-the-beltway insiders. We're everyday people who believe in hard work, paying our own way, standing up for what we believe in, and being civil about it. That is why we identify with Sarah Palin. She loves her God, country, husband and children, raises her kids, has a son in Iraq fighting for our freedoms, hunts and fishes ... she's one of us.

Perhaps every person in the Lower 48 should visit Alaska. It's a different land ... residents are survivalists and individuals who do not depend on the government or anyone else because, after all, in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness there is no one else to turn to but yourself. They are independent and unencumbered by the narrow thinking of most in the Lower 48.

Why do those who are intimidated by Gov. Palin and others like her feel they must sink to the politics of personal destruction? Being accused of frivilous, false charges is time-consuming, a waste of time and expensive as she defended herself over and over, causing a financial drain on herself and her state.

Read this excellent post by Eric at The Tigyrrrr Express. It says what many are thinking.

TX Gov. Perry defends AK Gov. Palin on national radio

Texas Gov. Rick Perry was on Glenn Beck's national radio show today defending Gov. Sarah Palin and her decision to step down as governor of Alaska.

Gov. Perry also talked about his state's defense of the 10th Amendment, their low unemployment rate hovering around 6% at a time when the national unemployment rate is 9.5%, highest since 1983 (and some believe it is actually at 20%), and the multi-million dollar surplus his state enjoys, even with no state income tax, at a time when California is broke and other states are floundering.

Gov. Palin endorsed Gov. Perry earlier this year and will be campaigning for him leading up to his 2010 reelection. It seems appropriate that the Republican governors from the two states with probably the most independent-thinking constituents would support one another.

Republicans supporting Republicans....

If it's Friday ...

... Democrat Gov. Tim Kaine is scheduled to be on the road again ... in Minneapolis, MN, this time, on DNC business.

His track record of being in the state taking care of business is not good these days....

Ron Paul's thoughts on the Federal Reserve

The following was written by Rep. Ron Paul who offers some interesting thoughts about the current economic climate and the role of the Federal Reserve.

The Fed Must Be Stopped
By Ron Paul

Our country currently finds itself in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the 1930s and, as during all economic crises, people search for the answer as to why this has happened. Not only have large financial firms been affected, but also mainstays of American industry such as GM and Chrysler, all the way down to the Mom & Pop stores on Main Street. The easy way out is to blame the traditional scapegoats: foreign governments, fraudulent businessmen, and greedy speculators. But the real villain is far more sinister; the organization entrusted with maintaining a stable dollar and touted as the guarantor of economic stability – the Federal Reserve.

In the United States, monetary policy has been the domain of the Federal Reserve since its inception in 1913. Since that time we have had a number of cyclical recessions, each one following a boom caused by the Federal Reserve's loose monetary policy. The problem with the Federal Reserve is that it interferes with market pricing functions. Interest rates are a price just like any other and arise because of the fact that people prefer to consume in the present rather than in the future. The extent to which people defer present consumption is reflected in interest rates, which in a free market are determined by the spontaneous interactions and decisions of millions of people.

Fed intervention to set prices throws markets and interest rates out of equilibrium. When the Federal Reserve pushes interest rates below what the market rate would be, everyone wants to borrow money for long-term projects. Shortages of loanable funds would occur, except that the Federal Reserve has the ability to create bank balances out of thin air. The Fed can create a bank ledger on paper, or on a computer, establish a balance of millions or billions of dollars, and then spend these dollars out into the economy.

Loans become cheap, and the result of these lower interest rates is an economic boom which eventually manifests itself as a bubble. Beginning in 2001, the Federal Reserve pushed interest rates to as low as one percent, which after adjusting for inflation meant that the real interest rate was negative, so businesses were actually making money by taking out loans. This was the fuel for the housing bubble and the reason there are 19 million empty houses today.

Because of this awesome power to create money out of thin air, the Fed has jumped in to stabilize ailing financial firms by pledging over $7 trillion through various guarantee programs and credit facilities. This is equivalent to over half of the entire nation's GDP. Over $1 trillion of this is already in play, propping up banks and other institutions that should be allowed to fail. All of this has taken place with no oversight by Congress. The Fed was created by Congress, and it is unconscionable that we have allowed it to act in such a way without our oversight. Currently the Federal Reserve's credit facilities, open market operations, and agreements with foreign governments and central banks are all exempt from any sort of audit or oversight. Earlier this year I introduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, HR 1207, that would remove all restrictions on Federal Reserve audits and call for a f ull audit of the Federal Reserve System to be completed by the end of 2010. At this writing, 245 of my fellow Congressmen have cosponsored this bill and we hope to have hearings in the near future. In the Senate, Republicans Jim DeMint, Mike Crapo and David Vitter have cosponsored S. 604, companion legislation introduced by Bernie Sanders. I am very encouraged by the tremendous growing momentum on Capitol Hill.

Our Founding Fathers never intended for a single entity such as the Federal Reserve to have this much power. In fact, there is no authority in the Constitution for the federal government to create a central bank, to enact legal tender laws, or to print paper money. The Tenth Amendment is quite clear that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” The states themselves are prohibited from emitting bills of credit, i.e. paper money, arising from the Founders' negative experiences with paper money during the Revolutionary War. Cheap, un-backed, easily counterfeited paper money nearly lost the Revolution, until the government returned to minting gold and silver coins. Unfortunately, like too many other lessons learned by the Founders, the painful experiences of paper money have been forgotten by those living in the pres ent. We even ignore the experiences of Germans in the 1920s, Argentines in the 1980s, and Zimbabweans over the past decade. The Fed doubled the monetary base last fall in a matter of months, and God help us if any of this high-powered money begins to make its way through the economy.

An audit of the Fed is only the first step towards returning to where our Founders intended this country to be. The Founders knew that paper money could ruin a country, and drafted the Constitution in such a way that they thought would ensure sound, commodity-backed currency. Unfortunately, the Constitution was dispensed with long ago, and we find ourselves now suffering under an unconstitutional regime of un-backed paper money. Until we abolish the Federal Reserve and return to a stable currency that is not able to be manipulated to create boom and bust cycles, we will continue down the path of economic ruin.

Congressman Ron Paul serves the fourteenth district of Texas.

Gov. Palin stumps for Gov. Perry ... more popular than ever

After endorsing Gov. Rick Perry in February, Gov. Sarah Palin will continue to work with him in his reelection campaign against Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Trailblazers speculated about the possibility of a Palin-Perry 2012 ticket in our future. Who knows? The LA Times reported:

It could make sense. Republican national tickets typically do much better with governors than legislators. Texas is a rich source of conservative political donors. And it would get the GOP back with a genuine Southerner on the ticket, historically a strong suit and one that would help counter Barack Obama's likely choice of current Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, the new head of the Democratic National Committee, to replace the aging Joe Biden, who'll be 70 by then.

Gov. Palin pulls huge crowds when she speaks.

She inspired a local businessman, Tom Sheets, to put his own money behind "I Am Voting For The Chick" signs to distribute throughout the area. They were so overwhelmingly popular that they ended up going nationwide.

When appearing in Richmond last fall to a capacity crowd, she was inspirational enough for my 80-something parents to stand in line with their "I Am Voting For The Chick" signs to hear her address the enthusiastic crowd.

Everywhere she appeared throughout the country on behalf of the McCain-Palin ticket, record-breaking crowds of thousands eagerly lined up to hear her inspirational, "I'm-a-conservative-and-I'm-proud-of-it" remarks.

At the Republican National Convention in Saint Paul in September 2008, the night that Sarah addressed the packed convention center (there was not an empty seat to be found), the place was electrified! Roars of approval and cheers almost brought down the roof.

Her popularity continues.

The latest Rasmussen poll shows 76% of Republicans are more behind her even after her resignation announcement.

In June her appearance in a small New York town brought thousands -- the crowd was estimated at 20,000 -- out to line the streets and cheer for Sarah, many holding signs urging her to run for president in 2012. When she prepared to address the crowd, they began chanting, "Run, Sarah, Run."

In June, comedian David Letterman's crude remarks on national TV about Gov. Palin's 14-year-old daughter brought millions to her defense resulting in an apology by Mr. Letterman.

Gov. Palin continues to appear before sold out events throughout the country and remains popular in her own state of Alaska. Will she prevail?

My bets are on Sarah.

Global warming? Then why is it so cold?

Global warming? The temp dropped so much for the 4th of July cookout that Barb wrapped in a blanket while others donned sweaters and jackets. Jerry at From On High, who always has just the right way with words, nails it again.

Meanwhile, there are some representatives who are speaking up:

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today introduced legislation that would save taxpayers $12.5 million this year and millions more in the future by prohibiting the United States from contributing to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is fraught with waste and is engaged in dubious science.

Be sure to keep up with the latest global climate information at Ice Cap with articles about extreme cold and unexpected cold throughout the U.S. and the world.

Rasmussen: 76% of GOP voters still favor Sarah Palin

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin resigned from her position last week, and tongues are still wagging. While many have written her off, Rasmussen's latest poll appears to say, "Not so fast:"

Seventy-six percent (76%) of Republican voters have a favorable opinion of Palin, even after her decision to resign as governor of Alaska, with 45% whose view of her is very favorable. Palin trails Huckabee, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. Huckabee is favored by 78%, with 41% who feel very favorably toward him.

It will be interesting to see if Sarah's approval numbers continue to climb once she is out of office and able to freely travel and speak throughout the country.

Team Sarah.org

What did we get for that "hope and change"?

H/T to Barb

Solution to closed Virginia rest areas

Previous post:
- Democrat Gov. Kaine & VDOT to close rest areas ... call to protest


H/T to Home Educators Association of Virginia

Gov. Palin supported by Alaskan

Tom at Virginia Right! has a letter to the editor from a Houston resident from Alaska who defends Gov. Sarah Palin. Good letter.

"Why do I have to learn...."

A mother mouse and a baby mouse are walking along, when all of a sudden, a cat attacks them. The mother mouse yells, "BARK!" and the cat runs away.

"See?" says the mother mouse to her baby. "Now do you see why it's important to learn a foreign language?"

- An Old Joke

H/T to Home Educators Association of Virginia

Democrat Kaine & VDOT closing 18 rest areas ... call & protest

~Valley I-81 rest areas slated to close July 20~

Call Democrat Gov. Tim Kaine and tell him NOT to close rest areas: (804) 786-2211 (see additional contact info below). You may also want to ask for an audit of VDOT.

Democrat Gov. Tim Kaine can be held accountable for playing political games with taxpayers' money and their kidneys at a time when the General Assembly is not in session and the people of Virginia have not been polled about closing interstate rest areas.

Rest areas along roadways in Virginia are a way of life, a convenience for citizens, and a welcome sight for out-of-state travelers. They are also an integral part of safety while driving endless miles of interstate ... literally becoming "rest" areas to pull over when getting sleepy behind the wheel.

Now comes word that 18 rest areas will be closing July 20. The alternative? From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

"These are so much better than we have in Canada," Stan Jacobs said. "In Canada, you pretty much got to run to the bushes."

What is it with Democrats who want to go backwards and copy Canada in health care and rest areas? So we have a possibility of people relieving themselves along the roadways? Gee, thanks, Gov. Kaine.

While driving to Harrisonburg Monday, I saw flashing signs positioned on the shoulders of I-81 at the Mount Sidney rest areas at mile marker 242.4 announcing the closure of the northbound rest area on July 20 and the southbound rest area on July 21.

Politics? You betcha.

First, what better time to rouse travelers' ire than closing rest areas during the busy summer travel season?

Second, rest areas are a result of taxpayer money that Virginia citizens can actually see and use as opposed to the pork that is in the budget that could have been cut.

It was not long ago that VDOT poured millions of dollars into the Colonial Downs rest area on I-64 near Williamsburg. Now we cannot keep others open? Why would the Virginia Department of Transportation play games with the Commonwealth's citizens by closing popular rest areas?

Check out VDOT's budget here. Check out their plans for I-81 here.

Tim Kaine could have stopped this ... but he didn't.

Republican reps have tried for months to halt this senseless move. Now Democrat Gov. Kaine, who also is the Democratic National Committee chairman and MIA from his job in Richmond much of the time these days, has moved ahead with the closings at a time when the General Assembly is not in session and representatives can do nothing about it.

It makes no sense except ... it smacks of politics.

The list of 18 rest areas being closed July 21 by Democrat Gov. Kaine and VDOT:

I-81 North Rural Retreat
I-81 South Smyth
I-81 North Radford
I-81 South Troutville
I-81 North Mt. Sidney
I-81 South Mt. Sidney
I-81 South New Market
I-95 North Ladysmith
I-95 South Ladysmith
I-95 North Dale City (cars)
I-95 South Dale City (cars)
I-66 East Manassas
I-64 East Goochland
I-64 West Goochland
I-85 North Dinwiddie
I-85 South Dinwiddie
I-85 North Alberta
I-85 South Alberta

The Waynesboro News Virginian reminded of past inquiries into VDOT's accountability:

Some minds inquire but don’t yet know. Bob McDonnell ... roughly a year ago urged lawmakers to order an external audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Chapped that VDOT planned to close a string of Interstate 81 rest areas to cut costs, state Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, and Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Woodstock, echoed the call in March. Responses flowed like hardened mud.

Its balances unchecked by independent snoopers, VDOT has proceeded with the whittling Obenshain, along with a pair of Republican locals, Sen. Chris Saxman, of Staunton, and Del. Steve Landes, of Weyers Cave, detested. The agency announced Thursday that it would shutter 19 rest areas, reaping $9 million in savings as part of $1.5 billion in cuts in a six-year improvement program.

Stops in Mount Sidney made the list. For most motorists, the move is a trifle. Not so for truckers. They rely on rest areas particularly on highways like I-81, a glorious ride for ordinary drives but a grind for professionals making hauls up steep grades on 18 wheels. Rest areas provide a chance to cool heels along with gears.

Why didn't Tim Kaine tell VDOT to cut pork before cutting services that would affect the public?

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports today that VDOT plans to "mothball" the rest areas. Columnist Bill Lohmann jokes that rest areas brought all kinds of relief. But he is spot-on with some of his comments:

Out-of-state visitors might be enchanted by the history of Jamestown, the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the solitude of the Eastern Shore, but they'll go home, and you know what they'll tell their neighbors? "I really had to pee," they'll say, "and Virginia locked its bathrooms."

Having traveled much of America by car, my family can tell you which states have nice rest areas (and, yes, Virginia ranks up there as one of the best) and which states have awful rest areas. It definitely leaves an impression.

Del. Chris Saxman tried to bring attention to the issue here and here. Senator Mark Obenshain and Del. Todd Gilbert expressed concerns here, here, here, and here.

Solution? Find money in VDOT's budget (they need to be audited), and look into privatizing rest areas.

Contact Tim Kaine's office and tell him you do NOT want rest areas closed down: (804) 786-2211 or email or check website.

I called "Constituent Services" at the Governor's office (#4 on the menu) and expressed my concern to the young man who answered the phone. He didn't ask for any information and when I questioned whether he needed something because I felt he was not writing it down or taking it seriously, he hung up on me. Nice.

Update: Bob at The Journey has written about this issue, No Rest Areas for the Weary, and has some good thoughts. Check it out for more on closing of rest areas.

Update: Solution to closed Virginia rest areas

Gypsy Hill Park's 4th of July concert under the stars

Yankee Phil and sons waited for concert to begin at the Gazebo
in Gypsy Hill Park on the 4th of July.

A great crowd turned out Saturday evening for the concert.

The crowd stood and sang along with the Lee Greewood song:

"I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the ones who died who gave that right to me ...

And I'd proudly stand up next to you and defend her still today 'cause there ain't no doubt I love this land ... God bless the USA."

The injured finger that had Yankee Phil in the emergency room with his son Friday evening.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 4, 2009

Politics

"Politics gets in the way of logical, common sense thinking."
--Laura Ingraham, conservative talk radio commentator
Fox & Friends, July 8, 2009

SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... fireworks!

After dark the little white lights came on and the fireworks came out.

"The Frog Prince" was popular.

Sparklers ...

... and more sparklers ...

... and yet even more sparklers.

* "SWAC House" coined by Yankee Phil in his post about the cookout

Previous posts:
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 1
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 2
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 3
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... a Marine in Iraq: "Freedom Isn't Free"
- 4th of July = flags, flags, flags

- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... fireworks!

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 4, 2009

Is America a Christian nation?

From David Barton with Wallbuilders....

Christian America?

In recent weeks, President Obama has declared that America should no longer consider itself a Christian nation, but that we are one of the largest Muslim nations in the world. (According to the government's own statistics, however, only about 1 percent of Americans are Muslim.)

Most Americans are unsettled by his dual declarations and believe them to be wrong but se em to lack the ammunition to refute his reckless pronouncements.

I Peter 3:15 instructs us always to be ready to give a reason for the belief within us, and to that end we have prepared a simple and concise historical report demonstrating that America has been and still is a Christian nation. We have included specific evidence from all three branches of government, including both early and recent historical sources. (The report is available in a downloadable format so that you can attach it and email it to others.)

While we hope you enjoy this piece, we especially hope that you will share it with others. We can't let America be redefined simply because the President says it should be so.

Americans are now listening to truth in ways they have not in recent years, so let's retake ground the President is trying to give away!

God Bless!

David Barton

To sign up on the WallBuilders email list and receive future information about historical issues and Biblical values in the culture, visit Wallbuilders.com.

Contribute to WallBuilders.

Don't forget to listen to WallBuilders' daily radio program, WallBuilders Live!, the intersection of faith and culture, or you can download the daily podcast.

Entire GOP ticket leading in latest poll

From Republican Party of Virginia's Chairman Pat Mullins....

Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins today noted the results of a new poll released by the firm Public Policy Polling, which shows each of the three Republican statewide candidates with a clear lead following the Democratic primary election. Candidate for governor Bob McDonnell leads Creigh Deeds by a 49-to-43 margin; Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling leads Jody Wagner by 46-to-40; and Sen. Ken Cuccinelli bests Steve Shannon 45-to-38 in the race for attorney general.

“Several polls conducted immediately after the primary had shown Deeds moving into the lead but it appears his bounce has worn off,” reported PPP in a press release from Dean Debnam, president of the firm.

Additional good news for McDonnell in the poll is his 21-point lead among self-described independents: 54-to-33.

“It’s pretty clear that any boost the Democrats may have gotten from the publicity surrounding their primary election has disappeared,” RPV Chairman Mullins said. “It’s also obvious that the more Virginians tune into the race, the more they like our impressive slate of candidates.”

The poll was conducted between June 30th and July 2nd and contacted 617 likely voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

“It’s clear that voters are hungry for candidates who have innovative ideas for how to bring jobs to Virginia and inject some energy into the economy,” Mullins said. “Our Republican candidates best represent those ideas.”

Details of the poll can be found here.

“While this is good news, we are aware that this campaign is a marathon and not a sprint,” Mullins said. “We intend to run hard and strong and continue to spread our optimistic message of jobs and economic opportunity for all Virginians.”

Poll: McDonnell +6, Bolling +6, Cuccinelli +7

Good news for the GOP....

McDonnell leads for Governor

Public Policy Polling's first post primary look at the race for Governor of Virginia finds Republican Bob McDonnell holding a 49-43 lead over Democrat Creigh Deeds.
Several polls conducted immediately after the primary had shown Deeds moving into the lead but it appears his bounce has worn off.

Both candidates are pretty popular. McDonnell is viewed favorably by 51% of the electorate, with 32% holding an unfavorable opinion. For Deeds it's a 48/29 spread. McDonnell's lead is due largely to a 54/33 advantage among independents.

There is some good news for Deeds in the results. He currently leads just 68-16 among African Americans but Democrats often under poll in that demographic this far out from an election and end up doing better at the ballot box. Also, there are more undecided Democrats than Republicans, giving him room to grow.

"The race for Governor right now is in a very similar place to 2005," said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. "The Republican Attorney General has a modest lead four months out from election day. The question now is whether McDonnell can sustain it, unlike Jerry Kilgore, or whether Deeds will come from behind to win as Tim Kaine did."

Republicans hold similar leads in the races for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Incumbent Bill Bolling is up 46-40 on Jody Wagner in the former race and Ken Cuccinelli has a 45-38 lead over Steve Shannon in the latter.

PPP surveyed 617 likely general election voters from June 30th to July 2nd. The survey's margin of error is +/-4.0%. Other factors, such as refusal to be interviewed and weighting, may introduce additional error that is more difficult to quantify.

Complete results can be found at www.publicpolicypolling.com.

Maxine Waters' socialist slip of the tongue

Via HotAir we hear Rep. Maxine Waters' slip of the tongue. Video.

H/T to Dave

Staunton 4th of July parade ... Del. Chris Saxman

Del. Chris Saxman (R-Staunton)
Staunton 4th of July parade
July 4, 2009

Talking with a supporter.

The trademark sweat-soaked Oxford shirt.

Since 2001, Chris Saxman ... greeting friends & neighbors.

Staunton's 4th of July parade ... Congressman Bob Goodlatte

Congressman Bob Goodlatte & Mary Ellen Goodlatte
Staunton 4th of July Parade
July 4, 2009

Earthquake rattles downtown Short Pump

Not quite as earth-shattering as the constant development of the past 10-15 years, Downtown Short Pump was hit with an earthquake last night that was verified by the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory.

I remember something similar years ago when I was about 15 years old ... a small earthquake that was felt in the Bon Air area of the Richmond metropolitan area. It's not something we encounter often in this part of the world.

H/T to Jason Kenney

Sarah: "I don't need a title to usher in what needs to be done...."

From ABC News:

Palin said the family hasn't discussed any plans to move away from Alaska. But when the family discussed whether she ought to leave office, it was her eldest child, son Track, who is serving in Iraq, who voted "hell, yeah."

The mainstream media made it a point to talk about Joe Biden visiting his son in Iraq for the 4th of July ... but how many Americans know Sarah Palin's son is in Iraq?

A firestorm has surrounded the Palin family since last August. Gov. Palin finally said, "Enough."

A real leader is willing to give up power. Others hold onto it for the wrong reasons.

Usually when a door closes, a window opens ... and Gov. Palin will find that window. Leaders always do.

While remembering Michael Jackson, take a moment to remember our fallen heroes

While America prepares for Tuesday's Michael Jackson funeral after 24/7 coverage of his June 25th death, and as thousands prepare to invade Los Angeles, we may want to take a moment to remember American military forces who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) during the month of June 2009.

Here are the names of those who died protecting the freedoms we enjoy:

Afghanistan
1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw, 24, of Steilacoom, Washington, died June 25 in Kheyl, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Bradshaw was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Two soldiers died June 21 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their unit was attacked by indirect fire. Killed were: Sgt. Ricky D. Jones, 26, of Plantersville, Alabama. Jones was assigned to the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Polk, Louisiana. Spc. Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas, 27, of Germantown, Maryland. Munguia Rivas was assigned to the 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York.

Two Illinois National Guard members who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom died in Kandahar, Afghanistan of wounds sustained when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Melton, 26, of Carlyle, Illinois. Melton was an Illinois Army National Guardsman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry, Marion, Illinois. Sgt. Paul G. Smith, 43, of Peoria, Illinois. Smith was an Illinois Army National Guardsman assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry, Aurora, Illinois.

Command Master Chief Jeffrey J. Garber, 43, of Hemingford, Nebraska, a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations in the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility, died of non-hostile causes June 20 aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the North Arabian Sea.

Sgt. 1st Class Kevin A. Dupont, 52, of Templeton, Massachusetts, died June 17 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, of wounds suffered March 8 in Kandau, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Dupont was assigned to the 79th Troop Command, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

Spc. Jonathan C. O'Neill, 22, of Zephyrhills, Florida, died June 15 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, of wounds suffered June 2 in Paktya, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. O'Neill was assigned to the 549th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne) at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ricky L. Richardson, Jr., 33, of Franklin, Missouri, died June 10 while supporting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Richardson was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Spc. Eduardo S. Silva, 25, of Greenfield, California, died June 9 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of a non-combat related incident. Silva was assigned to the 563rd Aviation Support Battalion, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Whittle, 20, of Downey, California, died June 6 while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Whittle was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Maj. Rocco M. Barnes, 50, of Los Angeles, died June 4 in Afghanistan of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. Barnes was a member of the Tactical Command Post, 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, assigned as an individual augmentee to the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Three members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard, Calhoun, Georgia, died June 4 near Kapisa, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. Killed were: Maj. Kevin M. Jenrette, 37, of Lula, Georgia., Staff Sgt. John C. Beale, 39, of Riverdale, Georgia, and Spc. Jeffrey W. Jordan, 21, of Rome, Georgia.

Spc. Roberto A. Hernandez II, 21, of Far Rockaway, New York, died June 2 in Paktya, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his mounted patrol was attacked with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. Hernandez was assigned to the 549th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Four members of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Fort Drum, New York died June 1 in Nerkh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Jeffrey A. Hall, 28, of Huntsville, Alabama. Sgt. Jasper K. Obakrairur, 26, of Hilo, Hawaii. Pfc. Matthew D. Ogden, 33, of Corpus Christi, Texas. Pfc. Matthew W. Wilson, 19, of Miller, Missouri.

Iraq
Spc. Casey L. Hills, 23, of Salem, Illinois, died June 24 in Iraq of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. Hills was assigned to the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, Pago Pago, American Samoa.

Spc. Chancellor A. Keesling, 25, of Indianapolis, Indiana, died June 19 in Baghdad, Iraq of a non-combat related incident. Kessling was assigned to the 961st Engineer Company, Sharonville, Ohio.

Capt. Kafele H. Sims, 32, of Los Angeles, died June 16 in Mosul, Iraq, of a non-combat related incident. Sims was assigned to the 18th Engineer Brigade, Schwetzingen, Germany.

Sgt. Joshua W. Soto, 25, of San Angelo, Texas, died June 16 in Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Soto was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss Texas.

Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo, 23, of Salem, New Hampshire, died June 13 in Samarra City, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device that his explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was acting to neutralize detonated. Edmond was assigned to the 797th Ordnance Company, 79th Ordnance Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas.

Lance Cpl. Robert D. Ulmer, 22, of Landisville, Pennsylvania., died June 5 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Anbar Province, Iraq. Ulmer was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Spc. Charles D. Parrish, 23, of Jasper, Alabama died June 4 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered earlier that day in Jalula, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade. Parrish was assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Spc. Christopher M. Kurth, 23, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, died June 4 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade. Kurth was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Sgt. Justin J. Duffy, 31, of Cozad, Nebraska, died June 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Duffy was assigned the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Kuwait
Spc. Joshua L. Hazlewood, 22, of Manvel, Texas, died June 25 in Arifjan, Kuwait, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. Hazlewood was assigned to the 614th Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment.

New Market 4th of July parade and tea party

"I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy!"

Tea Party patriots lined up to sign petitions.

The signs explain why Americans are upset.

"Can you hear me now? Don't Tread On Me!"

Patriots pause to go to God in prayer.

Lining up on the parade route.

Todd Gilbert for reelection as Delegate.

Parade lineup....

Photos by Fred Hughes
July 4, 2009

SWAC House* 4th of July bash ... part 4

Long may she wave....

Global warming? Barb had to wrap up in a blanket Friday night
as the temps dropped into the 50s.

Lots of discussing politics and other issues in this conservative crowd.

Some of the young people were having discussions of their own.

Empty chairs while folks were in the food line.

The Chester family.

Home school parents and students.

There was a wide assortment of food brought by guests ... side dishes, desserts, drinks, chips, offerings from gardens.

A helping hand with condiments....

Home school graduates.

* "SWAC House" coined by Yankee Phil in his post about the cookout

Previous posts:
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 1
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 2
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 3
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... a Marine in Iraq: "Freedom Isn't Free"
- 4th of July = flags, flags, flags

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 3, 2009

09.12.2009 ... March on Washington!

March on Washington

09.12.2009
Washington, DC

We the People
are heading to the Nation's Capital.
See you there!

Happy Birthday, President George W. Bush

Happy Birthday, President George W. Bush!
July 6, 2009

"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended ... we're ready, we're steady, we're resolved."

Thank you for your leadership after the 9/11/01
terrorist attacks on America.

"We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail."

"I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people."

George W. Bush
American President (2001-2009)

SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... a Marine in Iraq: "Freedom Isn't Free"

Nate with the "Welcome Home" flags in 2007
after first deployment to Iraq.

Nate with "Welcome Home" sign in 2007.

Iraq

Cpl. Nate Salatin, USMC, at work in Iraq.

There was someone missing from this year's Independence Day cookout ... but his parents and siblings were there ... and we all remembered him before the blessing.

Cpl. Nate Salatin, USMC, was at last year's cookout (and previous years). But this year he spent the 4th of July in Iraq on his second deployment on the other side of the world. On a day when we paused to be thankful for our independence, we were reminded that Freedom Is Not Free.

Military veterans in attendance were recognized including those who served in World War II, Korean War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Southeast Asia/Vietnam War.

We are thankful to those who protect our freedom and to their families who hold down the home front.

Prayers go up for Nate and his family. Semper Fi.

* "SWAC House" coined by Yankee Phil in his post about the cookout

Previous posts:
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 1
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 2
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 3

4th of July = flags, flags, flags

American flags against a cloudy Shenandoah Valley sky.

Newest addition was the Gadsden "Don't Tread On Me" flag.

The flags greeted guests for the Independence Day festivities.

Read the flag ... 'nuff said.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 3, 2009

SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 3

A 4th of July kiss....

The party continued after dark....

Good conversation ... topical discussions.

Soccer, frisbee, Capture the Flag in the back yard.

Fun and games.

Family, friends, fellowship....

Barb & Mom

The swing was popular.

Mom talks with Francis Chester.

* "SWAC House" coined by Yankee Phil in his post about the cookout

Previous posts:
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 1
- SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 2

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 3, 2009

SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 2

David (Augusta Conservative) & Mike (Fishersville Mike).
Not pictured is Yankee Phil (see his post about the cookout).

SWAC Daughter talks with my step-dad and Fonda.

Kelly and Fonda

Alice and Francis Chester.

Alex serves a guest. He manned the grill along with
SWAC Son Matt and brother-in-law Jon.

Two little patriotic cuties.

Larry & Barb Tillett.

The shirt says it all.

Staunton Councilwoman Andrea Oakes and her husband Kenny
shared a table with the Salatins whose son, Nate, is currently in Iraq with the USMC.

A tradition is SWAC Daughter's flag cake.

* "SWAC House" coined by Yankee Phil in his post about the cookout

Previous post: SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 1

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 3, 2009

SWAC House* 4th of July blast ... part 1

What is the 4th of July without American flags? They were in abundance.

Relaxing and taking photos before guests arrived.

Alex puts up flag over grilling area.

Flags, flags, flags.

The grilling area ready for
100+ guests ... three grills, three cooks,
100 hotdogs, 100 hamburgers, 100 Italian sausages.

* "SWAC House" coined by Yankee Phil in his post about the cookout

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 3, 2009

Staunton, VA, 4th of July parade

The traditional old-fashioned 4th of July parade, vendors, and food booths were once again on display in Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. On a cooler-than-normal July day, many enjoyed the afternoon entertainment at the Gazebo including cloggers and musical groups. A large crowd was on hand for the evening concert and fireworks as another 4th of July was enjoyed by all.

A rainy morning in the Valley

The gentle pit-pat of raindrops can be heard this morning through the open windows as the gray, overcast sky finally produced what it had been threatening for several days. Mother Nature kindly held off sending the rain until after the Independence Day picnic on Friday and the 4th of July celebrations yesterday. The rain is appreciated and helps settle the dust and water the garden.

It was a perfect Independence Day 2009.

MSM target: Sarah

Jerry succinctly nails the obsession of the mainstream media and some "Republicans" to destroy Sarah Palin....

Sarah's 4th of July message: "I look forward to making a difference -- with you!"

Sarah Palin's 4th of July message from Team Sarah....

Happy 4th of July from Alaska!

On this Independence Day, I am so very proud of all those who have chosen to serve our great nation and I honor their selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too.

If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you.

First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska’s best interest and it always feels good to do what is right. We have accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two – and I am proud of the great team that helped to build these wonderful successes. Energy independence and national security, fiscal restraint, smaller government, and local control have been my priorities and will remain my priorities.

For months now, I have consulted with friends and family, and with the Lieutenant Governor, about what is best for our wonderful state. I even made a few administrative changes over that course in time in preparation for yesterday. We have accomplished so much and there’s much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most. And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier – I’ve never been one to waste time or resources. Those who know me know this is the right decision and obvious decision at that, including Senator John McCain. I thank him for his kind, insightful comments.

The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the “politics of personal destruction”. How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it’s right for all, including your family.

I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change; I’ve never thought I needed a title before one’s name to forge progress in America. I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me. Now is the time to rebuild and help our nation achieve greatness!

God bless you! And I look forward to making a difference – with you!

Sarah

Sarah! The best is yet to come ...

Via Real Clear Politics, the video of Sarah Palin's remarks on July 3, 2009, explaining that she will be stepping down as Governor Alaska.

Those who like her will continue to like her. Those who dispise her will continue to dispise her. As a member of Team Sarah, I believe she will hold her head high and the best is yet to come.

Other links:

VIDEO: Andrea Mitchell: Sources Say Palin "Has Had It" With Politics
VIDEO: Kristol Calls Palin Resignation A "Shrewd Move"
VIDEO: MSNBC's Shuster: Palin's Political Future Is "Done"
Palin's Brother: "Negative Media" Has "Weighed On Her For a Long Time"

Bob McDonnell: "Thank a service member or veteran for the gift of freedom"

A video message from Bob McDonnell and his daughter, Jeanine:

CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO

I hope you have a happy holiday and time to celebrate with family and friends. Whether you are spending the holiday on the campaign trail like we are in Virginia Beach, Prince William and Fairfax, or you are relaxing at the beach, please take a few moments to thank a service member or a veteran, and to appreciate the great gift of freedom their sacrifices have made possible.

God bless,

Bob McDonnell

Bob McDonnell for Governor 2009

Celebrate America! The Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.


56 signatures appear on the Declaration:

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple

Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott

New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton

RPV's Pat Mullins: "Remember our history while celebrating this wonderful holiday"

RICHMOND - Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins today issued the following statement regarding the July 4th holiday:

"In the city of Richmond in 1775 when American patriotism was unpopular and dangerous, a group of Virginians gathered at St. John's Church on what is now known as Church Hill. Near the end of a contentious meeting, a young lawyer from Hanover County stood and expressed his frustration of those who did not see that the right path was freedom for America.

‘Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!'

"Those were the words of patriot Patrick Henry, who exemplified the bravery of the colonists of the time. His speech was notable in that it was given at a time when standing against the Crown of England was treasonous and risked summary execution. Henry and his brethren were, after all, mere merchants or farmers, armed with mostly picks, shovels and muskets. Meanwhile the British armada was amassed off the coast of Virginia. For these men to stand for American freedom was a singular act of bravery for all world history to take note.

"Slightly more than a year later, a larger group of patriots put their names on a document authored by Thomas Jefferson that once and for all severed the colonies from England. Jefferson's words are eternal:

‘When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.'

"For many Americans the 4th of July means hot dogs, parades and fireworks. I would encourage each citizen to take a moment to reflect on exactly how and why we enjoy the freedoms we do.

"While tomorrow we celebrate our 233rd anniversary as a country, I think it important to remember that American blood has been spilled around the world to ensure these rights and freedoms. There is no amount of gratitude that we can extend to those who have sacrificed so much.

"I encourage all Virginians to remember our history as they celebrate this wonderful holiday."

Happy Independence Day!

Glenn Beck: "Reflect on what we're celebrating"

From Glenn Beck....

July 3, 2009

Hello America,

Here it is, another Fourth of July. Traditionally, this is a day to gather with friends, maybe fire up the barbeque and play with kids until the sun sets and the fireworks start. But in thinking back on the meaning behind this day, we must never forget that our nation was baptized in the blaze of a very different kind of "fireworks." Yes, this is a day of rest and relaxation, as well it should be, but this year…I'd like to ask you a favor. At some point during the day, I hope you'll take time to think and reflect on what it is we're truly celebrating on the 4th of July -- our Independence Day. Of course the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 but it's so much more than that. On this day, 233 short years ago, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk.

Never has a simple act of signing one's name carried such weight, such a profound commitment. By signing the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stood in direct defiance of the British government. They became marked men, and willingly so. As I was doing some research on the significance of July 4th, I came across some interesting facts about these men. Today as we all enjoy the freedom our forefathers guaranteed us, join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of 56 extraordinary Americans.

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War.

If you ever feel like your lone voice can never be heard, that the political system isn't set up for "regular" Americans to change the course of history, remember: The signers were flesh and blood, mortal men with a divinely-inspired aim.

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were well educated, smart enough to know that by signing the Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrants. They did it anyway, and God bless them for it.

As we enjoy our liberty on this 4th of July, or any day of any month, we must never take that liberty for granted. Too many have given too much. In the words of the Signers themselves, "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor -- I think that's a price paid worth a few minutes of reflection, don't you? But let's not be solemn in that reflection. I say rejoice and share this information with your friends and family, especially your kids. The Signers asked for nothing in return for their pledge, but I say that we show our thanks with a pledge of our own: To remember, to be grateful, and to carry on in their spirit. America is the greatest country this world has ever and will ever know, and it will stay that way so long as "we the people" remember that just like in 1776.

It's US that surrounds them, and we'll never back down.

Happy Independence Day, and God bless America.

Glenn

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 3, 2009

4th of July = flags, flags, flags

American flags against a cloudy Shenandoah Valley sky.


Newest addition is the Gadsden "Don't Tread On Me" flag.

We're ready for Independence Day festivities.

Read the flag ... 'nuff said.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 3, 2009

Sept. 12: Tea Party march on Washington

Tea parties are being held around the country on July 4 ... check here for locations, dates, and times ... building momentum for the national tea party to be held September 12, 2009, in Washington, DC:

We’ve had enough of the out of control spending, the bailouts, the growth of big government and the soaring deficits. And we reject the future tax increases to pay for all of this spending and debt down the road. We are gathering on 9-12-2009 to deliver our message in person that we’ve had enough!

The far left ... Janeane Garofalo, Keith Olbermann, Nancy Pelosi and the mainstream media ... have laughed us off or called us derogatory names. But we know that this is because they fear this grassroots movement against the growth of government, and the debt, deficits and taxes that are bankrupting our country.

This July 4th and September 12th, we will send a powerful message to them, to the U.S. Congress, and to the president that we are a force more powerful than anything they ever expected.

Help us spread the word about our historic March on Washington on September 12th. Enjoy your Independence Day celebrations, and keep working hard to defend liberty.

Adnan: "Happy Independence Day and God Bless You"

Many remember Adnan Barqawi, the Virginia Tech cadet who captivated many when he addressed the RPV Convention in Richmond on May 30. He sent the following Independence Day message out to his Facebook group....

Fellow Americans,

Before I depart Houston, TX. to head to our Nations Capitol, I wanted to wish you a Happy Independence Day. As we enjoy this great time with family and friends, may we never forget those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.

I was disappointed today when I learned that my 5th Graders did not understand what July 4th was all about. I shared with them the story of our founding fathers, and the tremendous sacrifices made by those who believed in today’s America. My gift to them was the video of my citizenship ceremony. I was amazed at how much they were moved by it. I told them it is their duty to educate those who do not know the importance of our independence day.

Despite all that is going on in our nation, we remain to be the strongest and greatest country, because we are founded on ideals that are so solid and grounded in the blood of those who believed in us before we believed in ourselves.

Happy Independence Day and God Bless You.

Happy 4th from Team Sarah

A 4th of July message from Team Sarah...

Greetings Patriots,

Happy 4th of July!

As we prepare to celebrate our freedom and the splendor of this great nation, let us bask in the glory and honor we share as fellow Americans and recognize all who have given of themselves to protect our freedom. With the coming of this 4th of July , I present these fine words to you that transcend our history:

“Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit.” – Ronald Reagan

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal'". – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." – John F. Kennedy

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” – Benjamin Franklin

My fellow patriots, today and always ...

... LET FREEDOM RING!

At Team Sarah, we are blessed to have such dedicated, talented, and patriotic members! Be sure to check out the latest Team Sarah newsletter, aptly titled "Freedom."

Check here for all your 4th of July Tea Party needs, including printable Team Sarah calling cards, nametag inserts, and rally posters.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday!

More snake sightings

This rattlesnake was under a rock ledge in Shenandoah National Park last Friday. It's always a good idea to see where you are putting your hands or feet especially at this time of the year. A man in his 40s was bitten repeatedly by a timber rattler Tuesday afternoon which brought a reminder from biologists to be careful.

Photo by Dave
June 25, 2009

Augusta County wants to replace employee cell phones?

Augusta County supervisors are spending money as if we were in fantastic economic times even though thousands of residents protested increased real estate assessments earlier this year.

Now Augusta Conservative reports on what appears to be the supervisors' next expendature: replace of government employee cell phones. David wrote:

The Augusta County Government center issued a request for sealed proposals for new cell phones and services for government employees.

Currently the County of Augusta employs 400 full time and part time employees, they have 250 active cell phones, and the county employees’ average 50,250 minutes of total wireless usage per month. The proposal request asks for a replacement of these phones with new ones that have GPS, internet access, access to email, Bluetooth, must come with a belt clip, and other options for Blackberry phones.

Specifications are requested to be tailored to the Blackberry 8300 Series or higher, pictured above. Where are we getting the money for this?

Proposals are due by July 9th, with a vote of approval by the Augusta County Board of Supervisors on July 22nd, and finalization on August 1st.

The Government Center just laid off 18 employees due to budget cuts and, yet, supervisors continue to spend, spend, spend.

Wednesday, July 22, at 7 pm at the Government Center ... residents may want to attend the Board of Supervisors meeting to hear what the supervisors have to say about replacing hundreds of cell phones at taxpayer expense.

Fake Democrat townhall meetings?

How fake can Obama's townhall meetings get? If President George W. Bush had done anything like this, it would have been all over the front pages of newspapers nationwide.

Why the Star-Spangled Banner?

Our National Anthem.

Glenn Beck's "Common Sense"

SWAC Husband just walked in the door with a smile on his face and a copy of Glenn Beck's "Common Sense" in his hand. The NY Times #1 best seller, a "re-do" of Thomas Paine's famous work of the same name (with inclusion of that work), has been difficult to find as disgusted Americans have snatched them up since last week's publication.

A quick read of the "Note from the Author" already has me nodding my head in agreement. There is an unrest going on out there and I've seen it at the local level where 600 people turned out for an informational townhall meeting to hear how their voices could be heard with the local government ... where some have suggested replacing supervisors ... where 1,000 people turned out for a Board of Supervisors meeting in March to protest excessive real estate tax assessments ... where 10,500 Augusta County citizens signed petitions to sue the supervisors for assessments more in line with the financial times.

Nationwide we've seen it as hundreds of thousands of Americans turned out for tea parties and, more recently, protested last week's ObamaCare infomercial by protesting outside ABC studios around the country.

From Glenn Beck's "Common Sense," these pearls of wisdom and knowledge and, yes, the seeds to change:

Do not remain neutral. Do not sit idly by. Do not let others speak for you. Silence has gotten us nowhere so it's once again time for our collective voice to make a simple yet powerful demand ... Don't Tread on Me.
...
Thomas Paine was an unremarkable man living in a remarkable time. He proved that it doesn't take celebrity, stature, or wealth to make a difference -- it only takes someone willing to say the things that need to be said.
...
Thomas Paine and his fellow revolutionaries shed their blood so that future generations would have access to weapons immeasurably stronger than muskets or bayonets: the weapons of democracy. Those are the tools that we will use to usher in a second American revolution, a revolution that won't be fought on battlefields, but in the hearts and minds of the three hundred million people lucky enough to call America home.

Glenn Beck does not advocate violance but, rather, citizen involvement and responsibility. He notes that Martin Luther Kind once said, "Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time."

Rather than be distracted by a media that are fixated on the death of Michael Jackson, we must stay informed about cap-and-trade, universal health care, local issues, and other events that will affect our lives. We must contact our representatives to let them know how we want them to vote. We must show up at the ballot box on election day. We must educate ourselves and others and encourage them to become more involved.

Glenn Beck's "Common Sense" is less than $10 in most outlets. It includes the original Thomas Paine "Common Sense" as well as the 9 Principles and 12 Values of the 9.12 Project ... and it's chocked full of ... common sense.

Oh ... and Don't Tread On Me.

Helen Thomas & Chip Reid grill Obama press secretary

Is the honeymoon over between the MSM and the Obama administration?

Yesterday's testy questioning of White House press secretary Robert Gibbs by Chip Reid, chief CBS White House correspondent, and long-time White House reporter Helen Thomas, was an interesting -- and welcome -- exchange to watch. The reporters persistently kept at Mr. Gibbs about the White House "staging questions" ... Mr. Gibbs tried to gloss over it with equal parts smart-alectness and dancing-on-a-hot-griddle.

World Net Daily reported:

Reporters on the White House beat are alarmed over the apparent staging of a question for President Obama's news briefing Tuesday, and they have grilled press secretary Robert Gibbs about it.

There were accusations the White House "planted" a reporter with a question. That led to a defense by Gibbs of the practice that brought a query at one point from Les Kinsolving, WND's correspondent at the White House that, "Aren't you – you and the president aware that this cast suspicion that all of such questions may be presidentially planted."

Read the article for the entire exchange between Mr. Gibbs and reporters or watch the video here.

Did Fox News Channel's Major Garrett's bold question of the president, "What took you so long?" -- talking about Iran -- lead the way for honest questioning by others in the media?

McDonnell invites Deeds to debate

GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has invited Democrat gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds to participate in a series of 10 debates over the next few months. In a press release sent out by the McDonnell campaign on Wednesday, Mr. McDonnell said:

"This series of ten gubernatorial debates statewide from July through October will reinvigorate political discourse in Virginia, and ensure that this race is marked by a serious discussion of the major issues facing the Commonwealth."

For more information check out Bob McDonnell's website.

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl

Honduras ... NOW Obama wants to interfere with another country?

After insisting the the U.S. would not interfere with Iran, Barack Obama wasted no time siding with communism (interfering?) when it came to Honduras.

I received a message today from a friend who lives in Harrisonburg but is originally from Honduras. Because he's from there, I trust what he says ... and he thinks Barack Obama is wrong to side with the Communist dictator who was removed by the military earlier this week. He wrote:

Lynn, I was born in Honduras and I support the new president. I already went to our local media to express my heart about this administration, and I will ask those who preach about "justice" about Obama's actions against my parents, friends and the people of Honduras."

The United States stood firmly by Zelaya, however, with State Department spokesman Ian Kelly saying Washington sees no acceptable solution other than Zelaya's return to power. He said the United States is considering cutting off its aid to Honduras, which includes $215 million over four years from the U.S.-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Is this social justice from obama?...you tell me....

Then I received the following from RedState with additional information urging us all to contact our representatives:

Barack Obama has decided to align American foreign policy with South American marxist thugs and drug cartels.

Last week in Honduras, the Honduran President Zelaya ignored the Honduran Supreme Court, Honduran Congress, and his own cabinet, deciding to stay in office beyond the expiration of his term. Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez supported him.

The Congress and Supreme Court ordered the Honduran military to remove Zelaya from office to prevent him from setting up another marxist dictatorship.

Barack Obama has sided with Zelaya, Chavez, Castro, and the South American drug cartels that have profited under Zelaya.

Call your Congressman today. Urge him to pressure the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees to support the democratic government of Honduras as the new President Roberto Micheletti.

The land of the free should be siding with people who support freedom, not would be despots who have known allegiances to drug cartels and marxist dictators.

Click here to get the relevant contact information for your Congressman.

Why is Obama siding with our enemies?

UPDATE: Adam at NetRightNation provided the following links on the Honduras story:

- In Honduras, Freedom Restored
- Cartoon: In Honduras, Enough About Obama
- The Marx Brothers Find a Fourth
- VIDEO: Tribute to the Heroes of Honduras
- Nothing So Shocking About This Coup (this ran in the Miami Herald)
- Cartoon: The Obama Doctrine
- Very Constitutional Coup (this is from the Washington Times)
- A Great Day in Honduras

Rattler bites hiker along Blue Ridge Parkway

[UPDATE: The snake bite has reportedly been declared bogus by park rangers although some still question the incident since no further information has been given. See comments under the News Virginian article.]

A hiker along the Appalachian Trail was reportedly bitten five times on the hand by a venemous snake on Tuesday afternoon. Other hikers found the man and rescue workers were called to airlift him to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville:

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was spotted about 2 p.m. leaning against a tree at the 9.6 mile marker at the Dripping Rock pull-off, said Chief George Maupin of the Waynesboro First-Aid Crew. Maupin said the man told a passerby that he'd been bitten five times in the hand by a timber rattlesnake.

By the time rescue personnel arrived at the scene, Maupin said, "he wasn't able to talk to us when we got there. He was in a dazed state."

Maupin said the victim, whose identity has not been released, was airlifted from Reed's Gap. He did not know the man's condition, but added, "we would assume he was critical."

There have been unusual snake sightings this year after a wet, cool spring.

As Bob at The Journey recently commented:

"The snakes will not attack humans unless harassed."

You've probably hiked close to more rattlers than you know. The cold spring has them 'warming up' more on rocks and near trails. Both snakes I've seen this year 'buzzed' their tails as I approached them. I HEARD the snakes before I saw them.

Rattlers are not as agressive as copperheads. Keep a sharp ear out for them. If you hear one, give the snake some space. Observe from a distance and always remember the primary rule of wildlife observation:

It is the snake, not you, who is the one who decides when it's been 'harassed.'

Heads-up out there.

Other SWAC Girl psots about this year's snake season:
- Unusual snake season in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Watch your step on the trail ... rattlers are out
- The Journey: "More on snakes and bears"
- Timber rattlers out for summer

American Power: "Are you Franken serious? Vile comedian to take seat in Washington"

The stanglehold on America is complete.

With the declaration that lefty comedian Al Franken has won the Minnesota senate seat by "defeating" incumbent Norm Coleman, the Democrats now rule the White House, Senate, and House.

Background: Norm Coleman won the general election but, in a recount, votes materialized for Al Franken.

As a result, you get Al Franken who called Senator Coleman "butt boy," wrote a book calling Rush Limbaugh a "big, fat idiot," said he hated Karl Rove and Rush Limbaugh, and has said he's not interested in politics for the good reasons and that he would not make a good elected official.

In the words of many ... send in the clown.

It happens to us all

Most of us have dealt with it ... visits by those leftists who swarm our blogs to leave character-attacking hate-filled comments. Donald Douglas at American Power has had to deal with them and writes about others who have done the same and ended up having to moderate comments because of the viciousness of the attacks. Donald concludes:

It's too bad James and his leftist friends have stooped to such a low level. But being conservative doesn't mean having to cave to these idiots.

Good read.

Words of wisdom from James Madison

"We have staked the whole future of American Civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."
--James Madison (1751-1836, VA statesman, 4th President of the United States)