Welcome Home!

Late last Friday evening, word got out the Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, the US Marine being held in Mexico for taking a wrong turn at the border, had been released.  And indeed he has.

Welcome Home Sgt. Tahmooressi!

Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi

While we are certainly thrilled to have Sgt. Tahmooressi back home, we can only imagine what pain and suffering our beloved US Marine was exposed to during what I consider to be a kidnapping.  There is no doubt Sgt. Tahmooressi will face hurdles as he tries to move forward in his life, and we offer our full support and best wishes in his endeavor.

The citizenry of our nation should be appalled that this whole ordeal ever happened in the first place.  For a citizen, much less a Marine, to be held in Mexico in the fashion he was by our supposed friend and neighbor Mexico is very troubling.

Of much more concern is that apparent lack of attention paid to this matter by our Commander in Chief, who seems to have done next to nothing to persuade the Mexican authorities to release the innocent Marine.  One might surmise, that with all the help we give Mexico on an annual basis, President Obama would have a great negotiating position to fight for his release.  By all accounts, and I will stand corrected should information come out to the contrary, Obama was not willing to engage Mexico regarding the release of Sgt. Tahmooressi.

Florida Senator Bill Nelson did not appear to be concerned about the plight of Sgt. Tahmooressi either, troubling since Sgt. Tahmooressi is from Weston down on the west coast of Florida. How sad.

Perhaps the strongest advocate for the release of Sgt. Tahmooressi was FOX News Greta Van Susteren, who continued to present his story on FOX News Channel while most media outlets buried the story. Others of note who I know helped keep the story alive were Mark Levin, Glenn Beck, Oliver North, Sean Hannity and Sarah Palin.

Rep. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Duncan Hunter (R:CA) worked hard to get Sgt. Tahmooressi released. Those who were present and most helpful in his release were Sgt. Robert Buchanan, Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ.), former governor Bill Richardson (D:NM), Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) and former Marine and talk show host Montel Williams, who is among the most vocal advocate for the veterans of this nation.

It is worth noting that Sgt. Tahmooressi's mother, Jill Tahmooressi, worked tirelessly for the release of her son.  Tonight, they are together enjoying a beautiful evening here in The Sunshine State.  God Bless them both!

Squeeze The Songbirds

We are approaching the Memorial Day weekend, where most Americans, at least those who remain gainfully employed, will enjoy a three day weekend with family and friends. 

A sadly decreasing amount will take time to remember our fallen heroes, who have paved the way for the freedoms our nation currently enjoys.  Although our thoughts and prayers are unable to pay adequate respect to these brave souls, they are offered with heartfelt gratitude.

 

While we have have tens of thousands in service, perhaps in harms way and away from their families and loved ones on this holiday weekend, one US Marine on this day finds himself in a unexpectedly dangerous plight.  He is currently being held captive in a Mexican prison, essentially for trespassing and in possession of legal firearms.

Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, who was in San Diego for PTSD treatment, made a wrong turn at the border after dining out with friends and found himself in Mexico, where he sought assistance from the Mexican authorities.  Greta Van Susteren has more, including how easy it would have been for a wrong turn to be made at night at the border.

Sgt. Tahmooressi, who served two combat tours in Afghanistan, has now been imprisoned for over 50 days and now fears for his life.  In a point of clarification, jails in Mexico make our jails look like an afternoon dining at Taco Bell.

Given the high level of disdain of our military by the Obama administration, I know you would be shocked to learn that there has been no attempt by the administration to reach out to Mexican authorities to rectify the situation.

We will save the disgusting issues surrounding the Veterans Administration for a later post (boy howdy am I torqued), but Obama could use some goodwill in this arena, and obtaining freedom for  Sgt. Tahmooressi would seemingly be an easy way to accomplish that.  Imagine the photo op!

Secretary of State John Kerry, who served in Vietnam, visited with Mexican authorities today, perhaps championing some global climate change nonsense, but there was no hint of the subject of Sgt. Tahmooressi having been engaged.



Sgt Tahmooressi

Some are working to secure the release of Sgt. Tahmooressi, most notably Rep Duncan Hunter of California.  As reported by Investors Business Daily, Hunter, R-Calif., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has asked Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to suspend military aid to Mexico, including training, intelligence cooperation and equipment transfers until Tahmooressi is released, a plea that has fallen on deaf ears.

"You have the authority to suspend cooperation with the Mexican military in a number of areas," said Hunter, who served two tours as a member of the Marine Corps in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. "In light of the Mexican government's incarceration of Andrew, I urge you to immediately consider suspending training and equipment assistance to Mexico until Andrew's case is resolved."

What legitimate reason could our President have for not sternly asking for the cooperation of the Mexican authorities in this matter?  After all, Mexicans are illegally entering our country, by the hundreds, on a daily basis, usually in possession of illegal narcotics.  Should they fail to cooperate, the United States has a myriad of punitive and persuasive actions that could be taken, as their actons have grown quite tiresome.

I think Obama, due to Fast & Furious, is not pressing the issue with Mexican authorities, who might start singing like a songbird if the squeeze is placed on them.  You see, in one of the scandals the Democrats think is a political attack, it appears the Obama administration illegal gun-running operation which sold major weaponry to powerful Mexican drug cartels in a backdoor effort to attack the second amendment.

With the help of the communications arm of the administration, otherwise known as the mainstream media, the administration has done a decent job of covering up that impeachable action, and it would certainly be a shame for Mexican authorities to mess that all up now.

The actions of this President with respect to our military is disgusting, and it can no longer be tolerated.  Any and all legally permissible action must be taken, and while I doubt it will do any good, I will be placing a call to the offices of each of my Senate representation, Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio, in an effort to get our American hero, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, home.

I hope you will join me.  It is something we all could, and should do, as we enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.  If we move fast, maybe Sgt. Tahmooressi can home in time to give the command to start engines Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR's running of the Coca-Cola 600.

We would honored.

#MARINEHELDINMEXICO

Reprehensible & Rancid Reid

These are always among the toughest days.

Eight of America's finest were killed, and several were injured, in a training accident at Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada.   Reports indicate a cache of weapons exploded in error, fatally wounding the Marines in training.

America mourns the passing of these heroes, and prayers for their families and friends are extended.  In addition, prayers for a full and speedy recovery for those injured are placed.

"We send our prayers and condolences to the families of Marines involved in this tragic incident. We remain focused on ensuring that they are supported through this difficult time," said the force's commander, Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Fox. "We mourn their loss, and it is with heavy hearts we remember their courage and sacrifice."

Many folks in the public eye with a dog in the hunt expressed their sorrow at the turn of events, including former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who posted on Facebook the following:

 

Sadly, not even in the wake of the loss of our finest Americans can the left take a break from political posturing as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, (D:NV) hit the Senate floor to blame the sequester for the tragic events, which took place in  his home state.  Take a listen to Reid, and keep in mind, the details of the accident remain unknown at this time. Listen HERE.

Like many of us, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R:MN, was appalled.

 

Senator Reid, who has many friends on the hill, including many Republicans, is an individual who I find despicable.  Reid routinely uses the floor to spew lies and mistruths, and has no issue with using any event to foster political gain.  We recently recall Reid accusing Mitt Romney of being not fulfilling his tax burden without any credible evidence to substantiate the claim.

 

During the normal course of action, this type of action should offensive to any American, but to run the mouth as families are in process of being notified of the loss of their loved ones is beyond reprehensible.  Is this the type of discourse we expect from those we place in leadership?

 

Former Rep. Allen West, (R:FL), is just as disgusted with Reid as the rest of us are, finding the actions of Reid offensive.  Joining Greta Van Susteren "On The Record", West more than appropriately lets Reid have it.

 

I completely agree with Rep. West in his assessment regarding Senator Reid.  Reid did not make a "clumsy" statement as Van Susteren wondered; he is a cold and calculating individual who believes the ends justify the means, no matter who is negatively affected by his comments and actions.

Sadly, for Reid, this includes American citizens and dead servicemen, who are our finest treasure.  It is most offensive, and he should resign immediately.

Reid does not represent most of America, who are mourning this tragic loss. May God Bless the Marines lost in this tragic accident, their families, our outstanding military members, and the United States of America.

Walk Over in Wisconsin



Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

The thunderclap heard hither and yon last night was the recall victory by Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker, and his lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, in what was was described by DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Shcultz as a prelude to the 2012 presidential election as Obama and his dreams from his father of a socialist utopia face off against Mitt Romeny and his ideas of free market capitalism and entrepreneurial spirit.

Well, THIS is what democracy looks like.

We recall this all began when Walker sought to curb union influences as deficits began to grow out of control across Badger Country.  America witnessed thousands of thugs overtaking the state capitol as Walker opponents gathered signatures to force the recall election.  We witnessed Democrats leaving the state to escape performance of the duties they were elected to perform. Cowards all.

Unions bused in customary thugs from anywhere and everywhere to "occupy" Madison.  With the lap dogs news media slobbering at the sure to come demise of Walker, it would appear the voters of Wisconsin were turned of by, not in to, the despicable antics of the union representatives and communists who made Madison a temporary home.  On Wisconsin!

With Walker winning by a greater margin than in 2010,  Badgers from Barry Alverez to Paul Ryan mus be thrilled.  Wisconsin voters spoke loudly, demanding fiscal sanity.  While many do appreciate the central tenants of unions, as Sarah Palin appropriately noted, the union leadership are not serving the members properly, operating as thugs wasting dues supporting progressive, socialist and communist candidates.  Palin summed up the win in pinpoint fashion in an interview on FOX News "On The Record" with Greta Van Susteren.



Wisconsin, land of the progressive, strongly sounded support for free market capitalism.  Bathing in arrogance over at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, I suspect it was like a tree falling in forest for the Obama campaign. 

Good, for it sure seems a much, much stronger thunderstorm is in forecast for November.

Shooting Straight in Seminole

Normally, I do not offer posts on elements of street crimes that plague our cities, including my own here in Central Florida. If fact, only one post on the Casey Anthony saga here in Orlando was offered. I am not Greta Van Susteren!

Every now and then, unfortunately, a case has issues that go beyond the police blotter and commentary is relevant and helps offer clarity on a more significant issue. Such is the case in the recent shooting death of young man in the town of Sanford, on the north end of Greater Orlando in Seminole County.

From reading local media accounts and hearing the 911 tapes, I gather the following:

A neighborhood crime watch captain, one who appears to have called 911 with a level of frequency above normal, called to report a man walking outside in the gated residential community who was described as "up to no good" by the caller, identified as George Zimmerman. During the call to 911, 911 operators got a description and told Zimmerman to cease any further pursuit and they would handle it from that point. Rather than retreating as directed by the 911 operator, Zimmerman, armed, continued pursuit until engaging the potential suspect, who was identified as 17 year old Trayvon Martin, who it is learned was talking to his girlfriend on the phone while traveling back from a convenience store. An altercation came to pass, and the end result was that Martin was fatally shot by Zimmerman. Obtained by authorities, Zimmerman claimed that he shot Martin in self defense. The Sanford Police Department, who has a less than stellar, and rightfully so, reputation, has not filed charges against Zimmerman.

The community is outraged, and from what I have been able to ascertain, I share their outrage. The local media is on fire, and the story has gained national attention. In fact, Al Sharpton is scheduled to be here on Thursday.

I have absolutely no use for Sharpton, who I see as a racism pimp. You see, Zimmerman is Hispanic and Martin was black, which, as justice is color blind, should not be an issue. Sharpton does not show up attempting to help families of Americans, only black Americans.

Mr. Zimmerman is innocent until proven guilty. However, it seems to me we have a potentially racist overzealous neighborhood crime watch volunteer who failed to respect the advice of the 911 operator and took action miles beyond his very limited authority which resulted in the death of an innocent young man with a seemingly bright future. I am not a lawyer, but I call that manslaughter.

Most unfortunately, the Sanford PD has failed the community once again, and more powerful authorities need to intervene. The community has been legally active in protest, which seems warranted. Whether the victim was black, white, or polka dot, it appears an injustice is taking place in Sanford.

We don't need Al Sharpton to know that.

Against The Wind: Illegal Immigration

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Due to the lack of federal enforcement of existing immigration laws, the state of Arizona enacted their own immigration law, one that closely parallels the one on the books of the federal government. Behind the leadership of Governor Jan Brewer (R), Arizona correctly took steps to protect their state from illegal immigrants, who are benefiting from public services and in many cases, engaging in criminal activity.

Some 63 % of the US citizenry approves of the measure Arizona is taking. Oh sure, several left wing moonbats and many illegals are against Arizona, and the list includes the City of Los Angeles and long forgotten musical duo Hall & Oates. President Obama is not happy and met with Gov. Brewer at the White House to voice his displeasure. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton later announced from Ecuador that Obama will be suing Arizona without informing Gov. Brewer first in a classy move.

So Obama is waging battle against Arizona against the will of the majority of the citizenry and creating chaos in the process. Arizona junior Senator John Kyl has a thought, and I deem him correct, on the method to the madness of Obama. The lovely Shannon Bream of FOX news (and FSU) has a report:




The border has been a problem for decades but as escalated in recent years since coupled with the drug problem, we now have national security issues with the increasing threat of dirty bombs. With this in mind, this has to be the top failing of the previous administration.

However, Bush was not using the border as a crisis to craft political legislation. The legislation Obama is hoping to get will give those illegals amnesty and secure significant block of Democratic voters going forward, most of whom will happily accept any and all entitlements offered by the socialist regime in DC.

And in the event the legislation is thwarted, the groundwork is being laid, or an attempt is being made at moving the Overton Window. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis thinks all workers, illegal or not, deserves to get paid legitimate wages, which would be against the law. FOX News Greta Van Susteren and former George W. Bush press secretary Dana Perino discuss the PSA Solis created.




Workers of the world unite! Andy Stern, who up until recently headed SEIU, is a huge backer of Solis. It seems clear that Solis is part of the Obama team of union thugs who are actively working to govern against the will of the people and inflict social justice upon our citizenry,where collective rights trump individual rights.

This against the views of our founding fathers, free market capitalism and the American way. Therefore, I join Sarah Palin and many others in support of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in crafting legislation to protect the state of Arizona.

Systematic Deception

It is most unfortunate that much of the country is not engaged enough to warp their arms around the deception being thrown at them by the Obama administration and our Congress. Even more distressing is the arrogance and thought process behind the hood winking of the public, from incorrect job numbers, saved jobs and hidden aspects of bills being rushed without proper review.

Greta Van Susteren, host of "On The Record" on FOX News, discusses the deception and lack of transparency with Wall Street Journal senior economics writer Steve Moore:



Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi warns that she will make every effort to push trough this 2000 page bill no one has had time to read this weekend. So much for the transparency Obama campaigned on. Are they hiding something? Why the rush? Sarah Palin accurately calls out the administration on her Facebook page .

Unemployment is now at 10.2% (due to the policies implemented and the free market interference of this administration in the aftermath of a bubble bursting) and things seem to be spiraling out of control, and under the sense of emergency that appears to exist, the government is asking you to trust them as they take power away from from you, through health care and cap & trade for example, and aim to dictate your life.

Our founding fathers wanted limited government, and as Ronald Reagan once said, as government expands, liberty contracts:

A Predictable Economic Event

Wall Street Journal senior economic writer Editorial Board member Steve Moore, whose face time seemed to explode since I visited with him last fall, discusses how the recent raise in the minimum wage has been a major contributor to the steep rise in the unemployment rate for our young workers. Take a listen:


Certainly, in what seemingly is the most significant financial downdraft in our lifetimes, the unemployment rate of all potential workers would rise to difficult levels. But the Congress, in yet another this sounds good when you say it fast move, raised the minimum wage which has had unintended consequences.

Think if you owned a pizza parlor and had five high schoolers working the dining room working for minimum wage, which for discussion is $6/hour. Your budget for dining room employees was $32 per hour. Increased traffic at the pizza parlor for eat in customers could increase your overall revenue, therefore allowing you hire an additional dining room worker. But for the time being, you have 2 cents per hour left in your budget per hour.

In the midst of a growing recession and a rising unemployment rate, Congress decides to raise the minimum wage to $7/hour. Suddenly, should the business owner retain the current staff and hold the hourly schedule, the business owner is now running a budgetary deficit with respect to payroll of 3 cents per hour. With dining room traffic decreasing due to the economic issues, this does not paint a pretty picture.

Additionally, your other staff members, who did not get a raise dictated by the government, are now in a less favorable position versus the hourly workers as the action seems to disregard the merit raises these staff members have achieved over their tenure, potentially leading to a decline in morale.

Since it would be unwise to operate this portion of your business at a deficit, you have some choices to make. How about rising prices? This would be foolish given the current environment. Reduce staff? This is the sensible thing to do, since the remaining workers, happy to be employed and with little alternative due to the economic conditions, will eagerly pick up the slack.

So, the business owner who operated within his budget spending $30 per hour originally, does not go to the government ordered $35 per hour, which exceeds his budget. The business owner drops the dining staff to 4 workers, which would fall within his budget at $28 per hour. Although the business owner has a hard working staff, service suffers with one less worker.

Additionally, the decrease in dining room traffic, coupled with the higher cost of hiring staff, causes the business owner to reduce the budgetary item for dining room workers, which leads the business to be operating with less employees in a contracting environment.

The higher minimum wage acts essentially as a tax on business operations during declining revenues. Recall, when you tax something, you get less of it. In this case, you get less service and most importantly, less jobs, which was the one thing Congress was trying to increase.

Boggles the mind!

College Football Fever Hits FOX

You have to love that Ainsley Earhardt! And where is Shannon Bream when you need her? Go 'Noles

Right On Rush

On Greta Van Susteren's FOX program "On The Record", she played a clip of talk show icon Rush Limbaugh unleashing on President Obama. Take a listen:



As far as I am concerned, Rush hit a towering shot out far left center field of Royals Stadium. I agree with every bit of the tirade and I hope Obama's attempted socialistic policies fail miserably. This is a road America will be much better for not having traveled, as evidenced by the failure of socialism everywhere it has been attempted. Apparently the arrogant one is a bit lacking in historical economics, but of course, I already knew that.