Decoration Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).

It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.


There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. A hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead".

While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868.




It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Source

Judge Orders VA Cemetery to Allow "Jesus Christ"

From the Metro Voice News:

"A federal judge slapped down the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday, saying it can't stop a pastor from using the words "Jesus Christ" in his Memorial Day invocation at Houston National Cemetery.


"The government cannot gag citizens when it says it is in the interest of national security, and it cannot do it in some bureaucrat's notion of cultural homogeneity," U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes wrote in his order, granting the Rev. Scott Rainey's motion for the court to intercede. "The right to free expression ranges from the dignity of Abraham Lincoln's speeches to Charlie Sheen's rants."

How sad this nation has descended so far that a Christian pastor cannot deliver a Christian prayer invoking the name of Jesus Christ on public land at memorial service without a court order.

"It's private speech that happens to be on public land," said Hiram Sasser, Rainey's attorney. "The Supreme Court has said on five occasions that the government has no business censoring religious private speech on public land or in a public venue."

But, apparently, these hide bound bureaucrats are not listening.

For childhood and youth are vanity

Ecclesiastes 11:

"1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity."

Westboro Nutjobs Plan Protest for Joplin MO this Sunday

First came the destruction. Now, the pestilence.

From Ozark First dot Com:

"(Joplin, MO) -- The controversial Westboro Baptist Church is planning to protest President Obama's visit to Joplin, Missouri Sunday.

On its website, the church writes, "Thank God for 125 dead in Joplin."

Church members claim Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has attacked them by promoting laws banning them from protesting at soldiers' funerals."

Because with nutjobs, it's all about them. And the time and money required to transport these Westboro nutjobs to their self-absorbed hate fest couldn't possibly be better spent on relief efforts.

Update: No sign of nutjobs in Joplin on Sunday, although some guy exclaimed that he had the "EF-5 jitters" upon seeing Pres. Obama in Joplin. Draw your own conclusions.

Neurosis Obamanation

As stated earlier, I see no point in any POTUS making an appearance in a disaster area.

U.S. Adults Estimate That 25% of Americans Are Homosexual

So says a recent Gallup poll.

Translation: One fourth of characters portrayed on TV, in movies, and music are homosexual.

Perception is reality – and the goal of propaganda.

The actual number of homosexuals in any given population is closer to 2%-3%.

James Joiner at OTB explains that people in general are "woefully innumerate," and extrapolates this malaise to the larger policy arena:

"In other words, Americans–and, one imagines, people generally–are woefully innumerate. They simply don’t understand numbers, including even elementary percentages and other statistics. That’s why it’s impossible to have a rational public dialog about such things as federal spending, budget deficits, and the like. The numbers are too big and simply have no meaning to most people, for whom the difference between a million, a billion, and a trillion is simply theoretical."

Friday Night Hoopla

One Week - Barenaked Ladies

CNN's Randi Kaye Offers "Mixed Interpretations" for the Term 'Slut'

T*ts for brains. That's all ya gots, Randi.

Try using that same illogic with the "N" word, and see if you still have a job tomorrow.

The US Constitution Still Applies In Dearborn-istan, Michigan

Even if it offends Muslims. And even if the local police chief is a buffoon.

This Just In...

"When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the Republic." - Benjamin Franklin

If Franklin didn't say this, he should have. Historians differ on the subject. The mis-attribution is probably a derivative from the Alexander Tytler quotation, "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury."

Porkulus: Cash for Tax Cheats, by Michelle Malkin.

"According to a new General Accounting Office audit conducted over the past year, nearly 4,000 stimulus recipients received $24 billion in Recovery Act funds — while owing more than $750 million in unpaid corporate, payroll and other taxes."

Welcome to the Obama nation.

I Looked Up “incompetent” in the Dictionary

Yet found no reference to race whatsoever.

Although, next to “idiot” was James Clyburn’s picture.

Go figure.

Related: Hey, James. Is the whole Senate racist?

Missouri State Officials Travel to Joplin Today

From Missouri News Horizon:

"All state agencies with a role in assisting victims in the recovery will be present, along with officials from FEMA, the American Red Cross and the City of Joplin. Victims will be able to meet individually with staffers to discuss the steps that will need to be taken in order to obtain food and cash assistance, counseling, temporary housing and unemployment benefits, along with other government aid programs. Department leaders will also provide an overview of services available.

The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at Missouri Southern State University’s Taylor Performing Arts Center, 3950 Neman Road in Joplin."

Related: Roughly 7,000 Volunteers Descend On Joplin MO.

"Missourians looking to aid in the Joplin recovery are asked to call 2-1-1. Out-of-state volunteers are asked to call (800) 427-4626.

Any volunteer workers with medical expertise are asked to register online at www.showmeresponse.org."

Update: From The KC Metro News Monitor:

"More emergency workers continue to roll into the area. The State Emergency Management Agency estimates there are 500 firefighters, 133 Highway Patrolmen, 154 emergency medical technicians, and 275 members of various search and rescue teams.

Police and fire officials in Joplin are encouraging anyone who does not have a home in the affected area to please stay away from the damage site."

CC: Barack Obama

Updated update: Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon signs order waiving certain medical rules.

Obama to View Destruction in Joplin on Sunday

 Why?

No, seriously. What's the point?

I said the same thing back in 2005 when Lefties messed their diapers about GW Bush's fly-over of New Orleans, post-Katrina.

Will the President do triage? Dig rubble, or man the kitchen? The Missouri Highway Patrol issued a statement yesterday urging sightseers to stay away.

"Every news station is streaming this live and on the internet. If you want to watch and see the destruction, watch it on TV."

When local conditions equal a war zone, and a POTUS appearance - by definition - creates huge disruptions and a drain on local resources, what good will it do for those suffering a horrid trauma to have the POTUS leave his Irish beer and English pudding to score face time in front of a TV camera?

It's why God made state governors.

Related: Violent thunderstorms kill 9 in Okla., Kan., Ark.

Congress Gets an American President -- For a Day

Rabbi Aryeh Spero at AT rightly observes,

"Benjamin Netanyahu's speech extolled America and the ideals for which it stands. The enthusiasm of the members of both the House and Senate was born not only of their admiration and love for the State of Israel, but also because a man of stature stood before them and announced something they haven't heard during the last two years, namely, that America represents the best the world has ever seen.

Unlike President Obama, who has reminded us that American values may not be suitable for most countries, Mr. Netanyahu spoke of his pride that his country, Israel, mirrors the idealism and nobility of America. Contrary to Barack Obama, Netanyahu believes in American exceptionalism."

Watch and learn, Mr. Obama.

If Obamacare is so Great, Why Do Obama's Cronies Want out from Under It?

Michael Barone at The WaEx asks that question and answers with a few observations.

117 dead from Joplin, Missouri Tornado; More Severe Weather Forecasted

Missouri tornado deadliest in decades.

From comments at Lucianne dot com:

"If you can, watch Anderson Cooper’s interview with the lady who is a Red Cross volunteer. She was in her car, under a bridge when the tornado went over. Her apartment is destroyed, and she continues to volunteer with the Red Cross. Cooper is astounded (!) that she isn’t complaining, but is volunteering. It’s worth watching. Another video has a shot from the air of the swath of ground the tornado chewed up. Just amazing the destruction..."

Barren wasteland: Joplin destruction deadliest single twister since 1950.

How you can help Joplin relief efforts.

Prayers welcomed.

Klavan on the Culture

Your Putz Reference Point Headquarters which explains to all the putzes how Osama bin Laden utilized his free will to opt out of the humanity clause in the Social Contract.



But never mind all that. Simply join in with the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in West Palm Beach, Fla. to pray for the soul of OBL, et al.

From TIME Magazine:

"Parishioner Henry Borga requested the Mass intention on behalf of one Osama bin Laden. It is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church to offer Masses for souls in purgatory or to remember someone who has died or to honor someone still living. Borga told a local television channel that he placed the request for bin Laden because "he needs forgiveness and compassion from God."

Two points for Mr. Borga to ponder;
1) Remembrance or honor is one thing, but what's the point of praying for a dead person? The time for salvation is in this life, not the next.
2) Yet, I wonder if Mr. Borga was ever moved to organize a misguided prayer vigil at the death Ayman al-Zawahiri or Saddam Hussein or any number of thousands killed during the Iraq war?

We are called to forgive, yes, but that does not mean we are required to forget their evil - or tolerate it.

Dear Congress, Your Credit Application Has Been Turned Down

Been. Done. Got t-shirt. We all have.

Why shouldn't Congress face the same usual and customary credit scrutiny as any other prospective borrower who's upside down and underwater?

Why should the American people keep extending credit to Capitol Hill?

Netanyahu Urges U.S. Return To 1845 Borders

Israeli PM calls for “just solution” to end the conflict.

This, of course, in reference to that lil problem we have on our southern border.

How's That Hopey-Changey Stuff Workin' Out for Ya?

Survey says!: Recent college grads sour on Obama.

But the real question is "will these amoral indoctrination products show up at the voting booth to make a difference?

It’s the Rapture Round-up!

 You did know the world will end today, right?

Friday Night Hoop-la

 Vic Damone - Something's Comin'

When community organizers govern: Ignorant. Tone deaf. Dangerous.

Elliott Abrams unpacks Obama’s Empty Speech, in which our president tacitly invites Hamas to wage war against Israel.

Related: The Perils of the Pre-1967 Proposal.

Update: I wonder if this Goldberg clown was just as indignant when Obama traveled the world on his 2009 Apology Tour insulting America?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidago

From Wikipedia:

"The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo in Spanish) is the peace treaty, largely dictated by the United States to the interim government of a militarily occupied Mexico City, that ended the Mexican-American War (1846 – 48) on February 2, 1848.

With the defeat of its army and the fall of the capital, Mexico surrendered to the United States and entered into negotiations to end the war."

I would argue that Mexico is still waging war today.

In 1848, James Polk(D) was president. General Scott was the hero of the war. Many thought the war a pre-text to expand slave holding territory. Thoreau's essay, "Civil Disobedience," emerged out of his experience opposing the Mexican-American War.

"Under the terms of the treaty negotiated by Trist, Mexico ceded to the United States Upper California and New Mexico. This was known as the Mexican Cession and included all of present-day California, Nevada and Utah as well as most of Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

Mexico relinquished all claims to Texas and recognized the Rio Grande as the southern boundary of the United States."

Those who cannot - or will not - remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

The current crop of seditious La RACIST / Aztlan agitators know this all too well, as borne out by the current truth of revisionist history indoctrinating students in California / Arizona gub'mint schools, paid for by your tax dollars. At each and every protest against the U.S. of A. by these seditious La RACIST / Aztlan agitators, cries of "this land was stolen!" can be heard.

Wrong. This land was not stolen. It was won by conquest.

Hence, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

GET. OVER. IT. 

Or go back to Mexico.

However, you can keep the land of fruits n nuts with its $19 billion/yr deficit.

Oh. And mind the alligators.

TY BG

Brutal Irony Alert.

To wit: Irreverent Leftist punks – like Colbert, Stewart, Maher, et al – in their fatuous zeal to champion ridicule uber alles, find their own legitimate endeavors to be mere farce worthy of ridicule.

Pass the schadenfreude, please.

Plus, MM links to some sweet satire by Doc Zero.

Obama Tells Companies to 'Step Up' and Hire Workers

His faulty premise being that businesses exists to provide jobs, and that gub'mint can control the means of production.

When community organizers govern: Ignorant. Tone deaf. Incompetent.

Obama's Bin Laden Mission 'Gutsy' -- What About Bush's 'Surge'?

 The brilliant Larry Elder has a rare misstep and asks Liberals to be logical and consistent.

Friday Night Hoop-la

Tony Bennett - If I Ruled the World

Blog Notes

Blogger was attacked either by a case of the runs, or gremlins, and as such all of Thursday's posts have been lost.

C'est la vie.

Update: Ooops. Looks like the Gremlins had an attack of conscience and put some of the posts back in place.

Hamas Leader Declares "We'll accept 1967 borders, but never recognize Israel"

Translation: Hold on, while we reload.

Hispandering

 From Boortz:

"At this point, Barack Obama has lost support among every single economic or ethnic demographic segment of our society …even among black voters.  Although, his approval ratings with black voters are still in the 80% range. 

The young, the poor, rich, white and even Hispanics … barely half of each of these groups approves of the job that Obama is doing.  Recent reports say that Obama has had to make waves in the gay community, in order to make up for campaign donations otherwise lacking from wealthy supporters. When it comes down to it, Obama is still likely to carry the vote for certain groups of voters: blacks, the young, the poor, the government workers, the union workers, single women. 

But there is one giant group out there that Obama is desperate to win over: Hispanics."

Yet another kinetic political action from our post-racialist  president.

Hedge Fund Founder Convicted in Inside-Trade Case

NYC jury convicts hedge fund founder of conspiracy, fraud in massive insider trading case.

"Prosecutors said (Raj) Rajaratnam faces a maximum term of more than 19 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said the verdict sends a message that white collar laws apply to everyone, "no matter how much money you have."

Or, apparently, who benefits from your political donations.

According to Open Secrets, Mr. Rajaratnam liked to donate to democrat politicians. A lot. 

Search Criteria:
Donor name: Rajaratnam, Raj
Cycle(s) selected: All

Out of the $87,100 total that Rajaratnam donated to politicians or political committees, $83,100 went to democrats.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and something called the DNC Services Corp. were by far the largest benefactors, banking in a total of $52,900 between them during 2006-08.


The most favored individual politician of  Mr. Rajaratnam's largess?  Hillary Clinton, depositing $11,100 during her time as the democrat Senator from NY.  Let's hope Mrs. Clinton will return this ill gotten gain as she did with the nearly $800,000 she received from Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu. He was arrested & convicted of violating campaign finance laws back in 2009.

Plus, arch swindler and convicted con man (now deceased) Bernie Madoff also liked to donate big to democrat politicians. Sen. Charles Schumer(D-NY) was blessed with over $29,000 from Madoff. Further down on Madoff's list was Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) who received $9,000 for her Senate and failed presidential campaigns. Some of that tainted money was donated to charities.

Finally, since Pres. Obama is such a stand up guy when it comes to transparency, especially with campaign contributions, any bets if Obama will return the $4600 in campaign contributions he received from Mr. Rajaratnam?

From the Fact Check Desk: President Obama’s Speech on Immigration Reform

In short: Presidential bombast that's accurate, but fake.

And does nothing to close the revolving door facilitating the influx of undocumented democrat voters.

Amish Teabagger Charges Cockpit While Yelling ‘Allahu Akbar’

A great headline from Doug Powers.

The guy’s family said that maybe he was just looking for the bathroom.

Happens to me all the time.

Update: Rick rightly ruminates "How many media outlets ignore the shouting of "Allahu Akbar" on plane?"

Bin Laden Sons Say U.S. Broke International Law by Killing Daddy

Hey, Omar. Go cry about it to Rosie O'Donnell. Brutal commie dictator Fidel Castro is pretty upset about it all, too.

From Volokh:

"For what it’s worth, Bin Laden was formally indicted on criminal charges in the Southern District of New York in 1998. If he had wanted an arrest, a criminal trial, and the presumption of innocence, he certainly didn’t lack the opportunity."

Somebody call a wham-bulance.

First Lady Invites Rapper to White House

The Daily Caller has the much ado about nothing.

A sample of Lonnie Lynn, Jr's. (AKA Common) 'poetry' can be found here. Word is this Lynn guy is pretty much a candy @ss according to 'real' gangsta thug rappers.

But I don’t care this rapper doesn’t like GW Bush. Or that he champions convicted cop killers, or even that he's an anti-white racialist. It doesn't surprise me this rapper is invited to the White House for yet another self-indulgent soiree.

Nope. What’s amazing to me is how bad this Lonnie Lynn Jr’s. ‘poetry’ SUKKS!! His butchery of the English language is decidedly all too ‘common,’ apparently.

However, that’s obviously quite satisfactory for this declasse, tone-deaf posse of community activists which currently reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Your tax dollars at work, citizens.

Bin Laden's Last Facebook Post

Heh.

Pakistan-U.S. Rift Widens

CIA Station Chief in Islamabad Outed by Newspaper. This also happened back in December.

Bob Woodward says Bin Laden Was Giving U.S. The Finger - "We're Hiding Right Under Your Nose."

Gee. Ya think?

But, wait. There's more!

Rosie O'Donnell's skid-marked undies speak: "Without Due Process For Bin Laden, We May Be ‘Monsters’"

Plus, marginally talented, always trying to grab the lime light back-up singer Sheryl Crow likes the crease in Obama's toilet paper. Or something.

TY TS & L

Survey Results: If Supermarkets Were Like Public Schools

The original survey from Thursday can be found here.

Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish

"Instead, Robertson says, most people feel pretty good about seeing bin Laden meet justice, although they’re not terribly happy to see that their military can’t detect an American incursion to a point within walking distance of their leading military academy, and that their intelligence service was either unable or unwilling to find the world’s most wanted terrorist within a two-hour drive of the capital of their country. A rise in anti-American sentiment doesn’t appear to be an issue, but the Pakistani government and military will not get off so easily:(VIDEO)"

May the Lord have mercy on his miserable soul.

Real Power

Psalm 99

1 The LORD reigns,
let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.

2 Great is the LORD in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.

3 Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.

4 The King is mighty, he loves justice—
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.

5 Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel was among those who called on his name;
they called on the LORD
and he answered them.

7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

8 LORD our God,
you answered them;
you were to Israel a forgiving God,
though you punished their misdeeds.

9 Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his holy mountain,
for the LORD our God is holy.

~nuff said.

You Better Treat Your Momma Right!

Mothers have the toughest, most influential job on this rock.

Happy Mother's Day!

My Heros Have Always been Cowboys

"Well done to one president for enacting all of these policy changes, and well done to his successor for keeping them in place."

From the inimitable Mark Steyn: "There’s an element of the Mussolini from the lamppost thing that this whole episode could use.”

ZING!

TY NRO via GWP

Friday Night Hoopla

Ear bleed edition.

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You - Led Zeppelin

Green Nutjob Van Jones Wants "Human Rights" for Decidely Non-Human Things

 Like dirt, rocks, trees, and streams. But not unborn babies. Go figure.

Liberalism truly is a mental disease.

If Supermarkets Were Like Public Schools

What if groceries were paid for by taxes, and you were assigned a store based on where you live? 

From the WSJ:

"No family would be permitted to get groceries from a public supermarket outside of its district. Fortunately, though, thanks to a Supreme Court decision, families would be free to shop at private supermarkets that charge directly for the groceries they offer. Private-supermarket families, however, would receive no reductions in their property taxes.

Of course, the quality of public supermarkets would play a major role in families' choices about where to live. Real-estate agents and chambers of commerce in prosperous neighborhoods would brag about the high quality of public supermarkets to which families in their cities and towns are assigned."

What do you think? Update: I'll post the results Monday morning. Promise.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

TY IP

Beyond Our Walls

The church is called to make a difference outside the walls of a church building, but the world despises that word of conviction, it's commission, and  the philosophy behind it.



"These things I command you, that you love one another. If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." - Jesus Christ (John 15:17-18)