I'm not feeling particularly well today (too much Thanksgiving feast, perhaps), so this weeks top 10 will be delayed. I will complete it sometime over the weekend, though.

I hope your Thanksgiving was well and meaningful.

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Eleven

Dallas Cowboys 24 Oakland Raiders 7

Okay, I'm going to start with the fact that I predicted the final score to be 24-6 and since I am almost always wrong, I'm going to gloat. With that said, this was the kind of game that gives you no clear idea what to think. If the Cowboys would have squeaked by (or lost), then we'd know they are really in serious trouble. If they won big, then we could say that it was only the Raiders and meaningless. Instead, the score was relatively pedestrian, but the offense rolled up almost 500 yards (494 to be exact).

Big plays were the theme of the day, as Dallas had 10 of them (plays covering at least 20 yards). That was the most they have had all season long. But in reality, the defense deserves a great deal of credit today, as well. Even though Oakland is far from being a powerhouse, they did defeat the (probably) playoff-bound Bengals last week and they have a strong rushing offense.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- Once again, Romo was the catalyst for the offense. He started off slowly, and had a few drops along the way, but after that slow start was on target most of the day. His uncanny ability to avoid sacks and throw on the run puts his in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks.

Anthony Spencer, Outside Linebacker -- For the third week in a row, Anthony Spencer stood out from the crowd. He is fast becoming one of the most valuable players on defense. Of course, having DeMarcus Ware on the other side helps quite a bit. But Spencer finally got a sack, and then in one Oakland drive, late in the game, got another. Plus, he made two additional plays on that drive to finish the Raiders last gasp.

Miles Austin, Wide Receiver -- Austin had been relatively quiet the past two weeks, after catching over 470 yards in passes the two weeks prior. But today, against a top-notch cornerback (Nnamdi Asomugha), Austin caught seven passes for 145 yards, and a touchdown. Plus, he had a TD catch called back when he was ruled the side of his foot touched the ground. He is clearly Romo's #1 receiver. But it was nice to see Roy Williams make a couple of nice grabs, which will hopefully take some coverage pressure off of Austin.

ZEROES

Marcus Spears, Defensive End --It has long been proven that Spears is not a very good pass rusher. However, he does succeed in run defense. Yet today, the Raiders ran for 124 yards - 5.2 yards per carry. The fact that they are inept in the passing game is regardless. The run defense was soft all the way through and while you can get away with that against the Raiders and Redskins, the Giants and Saints (two teams coming up on the schedule) will eat you alive.

Nick Folk, Kicker -- I am very concerned about Nick Folk. Granted, his miss was from 49 yards out. But he also has missed 3 out of his last 4 kicks. Confidence is a very tricky thing with kickers and I have seen Richie Cunningham (not the Happy Days one) and Mike Vanderjagt lose theirs, only to lose their jobs soon after. I don't think Folk is in jeopardy to be released. But with December coming up, he needs to get his groove back, and soon.

Kevin Ogletree, Wide Reciever -- Really, not a lot of "bad" came out of this game and my placing Ogletree here says more about how well the team played than anything the rookie receiver did. However, he did make the one fumble today and although it was recovered by Dallas, it could have been costly. I guess I could give him the "Leon Lett" award - named so because like in Super Bowl 27, his blunder was excused because it made no difference in the game.

For the second week in a row, the Cows held a bad team to just 7 points. In fact, Phil Simms pointed out that it has been 12 years since the Cowboys have let up a 4th quarter TD on Thanksgiving. So Dallas is used to dominating on Turkey Day. Even though the Raiders are a weak team, it is still an NFL team, and gaining 500 yards against anyone is an accomplishment. But though they gained so many yards, they only had 24 points to show for it. An improvement, yes. But still a lot of work to do. Now they have 10 days to heal and rest before their rematch against the Giants.

Next Game:

Dallas..............................27
NY Giants........................24

Ten Things Part I

I clearly have a thing for lists of ten. For today, boys and girls, I will rant about the ten things that are worth ranting about today.

1. Adding Insult to Infamy -- On October 23, 1983, simultaneous suicide truck-bombings destroy both the French and the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, killing 241 U.S. servicemen. It took 20 years for an American court to finally find the nation of Iran legally responsible for providing Hezbollah with financial and logistical support that helped them carry out the attack.

Four years later, the victim families were awarded $2,656,944,87, to be divided among the victims; the largest award was $12 million to Larry Gerlach, who became a quadriplegic as a result of a broken neck he suffered in the attack.

But there is now a snag. In order to appease the unappeasable, the Obama administration is going to court to try to block payments from Iranian assets that the families’ lawyers want seized, contending that it would jeopardize sensitive negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and establish a potentially damaging precedent.

These people will probably never see a dime of justice served. And to make matters worse, Obama is foolishly naive enough to believe he can make friends with the Ayatollahs. Well, Achminahomo did suggest that he was open to a deal if he simply threw Israel under the bus. I don't think Obama will be able to completely accomplish that. But he has taken serious steps to piss Israel off.

Regardless, the shame is on us for ignoring the rights of our own citizens, while kissing the ass of tyrants. Change indeed.

2. Kentucky Census Worker Committed Suicide -- I don't know how many of y'all followed this story originally. What happened was that a Kentucky state census worker was found hanging from a tree last September 12th, with the word "fed" (as in federal employee) crawled across his chest.

Almost immediately, lefty bloggers took the story as an indictment against the south, and against "Right-wing extremists" (you know, like you and me). Newsbusters has a list of the most prominent left wing blogs who jumped the shark, and you can access it here.

I would wait for an apology, but I still haven't heard one from all those left wing bloggers who indicted the Duke University lacrosse players. But this is the era of hope and change, right?

3. Why The Media Ignores ClimateGate -- It doesn't take a genius to figure that one out, does it? Proof that the whole global warming fear was smoke, mirror and hype means nothing to the mainstream media. Besides, I'm sure they are far too busy combing through Sarah Palin's "Going Rouge", looking for spelling errors, probably, then to devote any time to the biggest scam in world history.

At least Al Gore can hock his Nobel prize to pay for all the lawsuits he's about to face.

4. Doug Ross linked my latest post today. That makes him my hero for the day. I'm small potatoes compared to Mr. Ross - who is more in the stratosphere of Michelle Malkin, Andrew Breitbart and Ace of Spades (to name a few of the top Conservative blogs). Doug recently ranked #15.

Me? I wasn't listed (the list only goes up to #133). But I have no doubt I would be in the top 134...thousand. Face it, I love my small readership and I have no illusions of grandeur. But it really is a good feeling when one of the big ones notices me.

5. Wonderful newly discovered websites -- I'm constantly on the look out for humor sites that fit my personality. Here are a couple of new ones I discovered recently and will be adding them to my links list shortly:

My First Fail -- You may have heard of FAILBlog, where any mistake, error or lapse in judgement will be seen and mocked with reckless abandon. Well, My First Fail is the same concept, just with children. Many times, it's more adorable than mean.

Very Demotivational -- Everybody loves motivational posters, right? There are a few funny poster sites out there, but I found this one to be the best so far. Try it, you may be motivated (or not).

Stay tuned for part two of this post tomorrow (or the latest on Friday).

There's a news story out of Belgium today about a man who doctors believe lapsed into a coma in 1983, following a car accident. However, new brain-imaging technology (done in 2006) found that he had a fully functioning brain and that he was, in fact, wide awake for the past 23 years.

As most of you know, I was in a coma for four weeks, following my failed bypass (which led to a minor stroke). From the stories I hear, some people remember things that happen in their comas, and others simply "sleep" through them.

I did both.

I don't know exactly when it happened, but I woke up during my coma for a few moments. I recall seeing my two brothers in my room and the younger one (who is six years older than me), when he saw my eyes, asked me how I was. I tried to respond, but I had a tube in my throat and all I could do was blink. At the time, I figured I was just walking up from the surgery. But apparently, I had been comatose for a while at that point. I also recall seeing my oldest brother standing by the wall.

It was actually a couple of years later that I even remembered that happened. When I mentioned it to my brother, he acknowledged that it had, in fact, happened. But that was the only time I woke up during my month-long coma.

What I remember most about it, though, were the nightmares and begging my sister to help me wake up. I think I was pleading with her because she was very instrumental in raising me and I looked upon her as my savior.

But with each nightmare, I felt more and more frustrated, lonely, isolated and yes, tortured.

That's why, when I read this story about this Belgian, I was so taken back. I can not imagine how tortuous it must have been for him to know he was awake and aware, yet be able to do nothing about it. For 23 years, he suffered in absolute silence while the world went on around him.

What did he hear? Did doctors talk about pulling the plug? Did his family give up? Could you imagine being told you were a vegetable, while your brain was thinking and aware?

This also led me to wonder about Terri Schiavo.

Remember her? She was the young woman who was taken off life support because he husband successfully convinced the courts that she was in a complete vegetative state. Even though video showed her being aware of her surroundings, she was deemed not conscious and unable to ever improve. So they pulled the plug and she died.

What if they would have done that with this guy? Perhaps it is possible that Ms. Schiavo, as well as others like her, were merely unresponsive because they too were incapacitated.

The brain is an incredible machine. Scientists and doctors do not fully understand how and why it works the way it does. This Belgian just proved them that while they are getting closer, they still have a long way to go.

It took a little over a month to finally finish it. But for those of you who are interested, I have just published chapter 9 of my transplant story on my website. Click here for the direct link.

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Ten

Dallas Cowboys 7 Washington Redskins 6

Ugh. Two weeks in a row and the Cowboy offense looks completely out of sync. It seems the Packers found something in their game planning a week ago that the Redskins - who do have the best pass defense in the league - were able to copy this week.

For all intents and purposes, it was still a victory for Cows against an NFC East rival. But it was extraordinarily ugly and in all honesty, the 'Skins should have won. But bad teams find a way to lose and good teams sometimes win badly. Hopefully, the momentum from winning in the last 3 minutes will carry over to Thursday. In the mean time, thew will be playing Oakland, who are simply horrible. Walk away with a win on Thanksgiving, and the Cows will be 8-3, with 10 days to get healthy.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- Romo was beaten and battered all game long. On the first drive, he hurt his back while tackling London Fletcher, who had just recovered Marion Barber's fumble. It was apparent that his injury affected the way he throws, as many passes early on sailed high and away. But when it mattered most, Romo put aside the pain and led his team for the winning score. The TD pass was a thing of beauty, as Romo escaped a furious rush, scrambled to his left, stopped and threw a bullet across the field to Patrick Crayton. It was clearly not his best game. But he proved why he is this team's leader.

Anthony Spencer, Outside Linebacker -- For the second week in a row, Anthony Spencer stood out from the crowd. The Cowboy defense was very good today, especially considering they had little room for error. Spencer just missed his first sack (again), when Jason Campbell just threw the ball out of bounds before he stepped out, and he made THE play of the game when he intercepted Campbell on Washington's last stand.

Keith Brooking, Inside Linebacker -- Brooking shows up for every down of every play. He is outstanding against the run, excellent against the short throws, wonderful as a blitzer and extremely vocal and animated on the sidelines. Along with Gerald Sensibaugh, Brooking has been a terrific addition to the defense and has clearly returned to Pro-Bowl form. He sacked Campbell once today and was in his face three additional time, wrecking havoc against the 'Skins O-line.

ZEROES

Roy Williams, Wide Receiver --What can I say. Roy Williams has been terrible. Jerry Jones spent a lot of money to bring the former-Texas Longhorn back home and so far, it has completely backfired. Last week, he dropped a crucial pass and fumbled on another play. This week, he didn't fumble, but he dropped a couple more passes. Granted, they weren't well thrown balls. But as the supposed "number 1" receiver, he has to make those plays. The reason Miles Austin has not made the plays he made before is because defenses are able to double him - since they are no longer concerned with Williams. He's been a terrible waste and consideration should be made to put Crayton back at the starter (or Sam Hurd).

Nick Folk, Kicker -- Nick Folk has been a terrific kicker for the Cows. FOr the past two years, since he was drafted in the 6th round (the highest round a kicker was ever drafted by Dallas), he has been money in the bank. But this season has been different. He has missed 5 of his 19 kicks and has already lost his kicking off duties to David Buehler. His miss this week did not end up hurting the team, but two weeks in a row he has missed kicks that were very makeable. When your team is only averaging 7 points a game (for the past two weeks), missing field goals are not an option.

Jason Garrett, Offensive Coordinator -- Even if you excuse last weeks loss to Green Bay (I didn't), today's performance against Washington was inexcusable. I will give Garrett credit for running the ball effectively - something the Cows have not done for a few weeks - but they were playing one of the worst run defenses in the league. The offense looked completely out of sync and unprepared to play against a bad team. Again.

Scoring 14 points in two weeks is a recipe for a losing season. The Cows are very lucky to walk away with a split of the two. Luckily, the have the lowly Raiders on Thanksgiving and then have twn days to get healthy for the final stretch of the season. If they play this December like previous ones, it won't matter. But these past two weeks have looked like previous Decembers. Can they right the ship this time? Thankfully, at 7-3, they are in position to do just that. Whether or not they can is yet to be seen.

Next Game:

Dallas..............................24
Oakland...........................6

We had a nice voter turnout this week and I thank all of you who took the time to vote. The winning song was "Old Days." I think this is the first time my favorite was actually yours too.

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

With the exception of America and maybe The Eagles, no rock band has meant more to me than the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). I was really first introduced to their music when “Evil Woman” became a hit, in 1975. But that was only when I first realized who they were.

My real infatuation with their music grew in earnest the following year, when they released their breakthrough LP, A New World Record. It was 14 years old and my friends and I started a band (we played one gig and broke up – probably because we weren’t very good) and one of the first songs we attempted was “Telephone Line.”

For some reason, I associate much of their music to trips I took back then. In 1979, Discovery (which was their best selling record) was a common album played in my high school dormitory. My favorite ELO album was Time, which came out n 1981. But everyone of Jeff Lynne’s records, whether they were ELO recordings, George Harrison’s, Tom Petty’s or the Traveling Wilbury’s, has a special place in life’s soundtrack.

It was very hard to choose just 10 songs to post. It seems like every one of their songs has an accompanying video. But the ten I did choose are definitely among my favorites and give a good representation of their body of work.

Showdown – 1973

Jeff Lynne is a huge Beatles fan. On September 28, 1974, John Lennon gave the song quite an endorsement when he appeared on the New York City radio station WNEW. Said Lennon: "'Showdown' I thought was a great record and I was expecting it to be #1 but I don't think UA [United Artists] got their fingers out and pushed it. And it's a nice group - I call them 'Son of Beatles' - although they're doing things we never did, obviously. But I remember a statement they made when they first formed was to carry on from where the Beatles left off with 'Walrus,' and they certainly did. This is a beautiful combination of 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' by Marvin Gaye and 'Lightnin' Strikes' by Lou Christie, and it's a beautiful job with a little 'I Am The Walrus' underneath."

Can't Get It Out Of My Head – 1974

This was the bands’ first top 40 hit (#9) and helped boost public awareness of the band in America; however, back in the UK the single and LP (Eldorado) failed to chart. It was a turning point for them as they had only really enjoyed success in England to this point. Considered a fan favorite, this song has been covered by Velvet Revolver and Fountains of Wayne.

Strange Magic – 1975

In 1975, ELO released their 5th album, Face the Music, which was their first LP to go Platinum (1,000,000 in sales). The first single of the record was “Evil Woman,” which tore up the charts and became their first worldwide hit, reaching #10 in America and Great Britain. This follow up single also hit big, hitting #14 in the US. The song appears in the film The Virgin Suicides featuring the song in the homecoming dance scene but is not on the soundtrack album.

Telephone Line – 1977

Following the success of Face the Music, the band then released a greatest hits package, titled OLE ELO, which was aimed towards the US market in order to introduce their earlier music to American fans. The album went top 40 and it built up anticipation for new music. Their next release, A New World Record, did not disappoint. Considered by critics to be their finest body of work, the album featured four top 25 hits, including this song, which was their highest charting single to date (#7), as well as being their first Gold record (500,000 in sales).

Shangri-La – 1977

Although not released as a single, “Shangri-La” (the final track on A New World Record) is a personal favorite. The song utilizes the same thread that winds through the entire album, most notably the operetta and strings, and places the final touches on what is considered to be their masterpiece. Shangri-La was a fictional paradise from James Hilton's 1933 novel "Lost Horizon." It is often associated as a place of Earthly paradise. This song seems to have two meanings: One referring to a loved one that is never going to come or never come back, the other being that it could be the main characters referring to the mystical lands itself.

Midnight Blue – 1979

1977 to 1980 was considered the “golden years” for ELO. The follow up LP to A New World Record, titled Out of the Blue, was their most commercially successful record and even though it was a double-album, it was written in just three weeks. Jeff Lynne hid away in a Swiss chalet to write it and the LP garnered five hit singles. The next year, they released Discovery (or as band member Richard Tandy calls it, “Disco Very”). Much of the sound the band is known for (especially on Lynne’s side projects) was formulated on this album. This song, while not released as a single, is a personal favorite..

Last Train To London - 1979

This song was the B-side to the hit single “Confusion.” However, because it received such extended play in the states, it was then re-released as a single on its own. Originally, the single (with “Confusion”) reached #8 and was their 7th straight top 10 hit in the UK (their fourth from the Discovery album). Re-released, it still reached the top 40 in the US, stopping at #39. In 2002, the British girl group, Atomic Kitten, recorded this song with new lyrics and titled it “Be With You.”

Here Is The News – 1981

The following year, Lynne and his band mates were approached about writing songs for a remake of the Rita Heyworth movie, “Down to Earth.” The new film, Xanadu, starred Olivia Newton-John as a muse sent to earth to help a struggling artist. The movie itself was a flop (although it has since become a cult favorite and has spawned a Tony Award winning musical), but the soundtrack was huge. It hit #1 and spawned four top 40 hits (2 by ELO and 2 by Newton-John). After that, Lynne set out to create a concept album about a man who is taken 100 years in the future. The LP, Time, received mixed reviews. Some loved it and yet others felt it was to “out there.” Personally, I loved it and it is one of my all time favorite LPs. In a Rolling Stone interview, rocker Steve Winwood admitted that he was greatly influenced by Time.

Stranger – 1983

The band’s next album was again conceptual. Originally, Secret Messages was to be a double-album. But their record company felt that it would be too expensive for a double vinyl LP due to the early 80's oil crisis. Secret Messages, as its title would suggest, was littered with hidden messages in the form of backmasking, some obvious and others less so. This was Lynne's second tongue-in-cheek response to allegations of hidden satanic messages in earlier Electric Light Orchestra LPs by Christian fundamentalists, which led up to early 1980's American congressional hearings. The LP was not as successful as previous albums and contained only one American top 40 hit (“Rock and Roll is King”). “Stranger” was released as a single, and although it was their lowest charting US single, it was my favorite song from the album.

Calling America – 1986

Balance of Power was ELO’s last studio album (until 2001’s Zoom) and for me, the album seemed like an afterthought. The band was whittled down to just three members – Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan and Richard Tandy (on Zoom, only Tandy appeared and even then, just on one track – making it more of a Jeff Lynne solo record). However, the LP was introduced with their last top 20 hit, “Calling America,” which musically upbeat and bright but lyrically darker, concerning a dishonest lover. After this album left the charts, the band essentially broke up, although no official announcement was made for the next 2 years, during which George Harrison's Lynne-produced album Cloud Nine and the pair's follow-up (with Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty) Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 were released. After that came Roy Orbison’s last record, “You Got It”, which was a huge hit (and pretty much an ELO song) along with Tom Petty’s comeback LP, Full Moon Fever (featuring more ELO-styled recordings). Bevan approached Lynne to make another ELO album in 1988. Lynne was not interested and went on to announce that ELO was no more.

Bonus Tracks

Beatles Forever – 1983

In 1983, Lynne wrote a tribute to his greatest influence, The Beatles. The song, “Beatles Forever,” was intended for the album Secret Messages. When the album was cut from a planned two-disc set to a single LP, "Beatles Forever" was abandoned — and somewhat abruptly, given that it had previously been cited as the likely lead-off single from the intended double LP. It currently remains the only "lost" track from the original Secret Messages album not to appear later as an official bonus track or part of a compilation. However, the chorus part of "Beatles Forever" was used by Jeff Lynne on his "Video!" solo single (see below). At an ELO Fan Club Convention, "Beatles Forever" was played as a treat for fans under strict conditions concerning the presence of recording equipment. These conditions were evidently not strict enough, and a recording was made (somewhat ironically) using a portable video camera. This bootleg recording was subsequently made available as an MP3 download, with predictably low sound quality given the source, format, and date of the recording.

Video – 1984

During a lull between their last two albums (in 1984), Lynne was once again approached to write a song for a movie soundtrack. This time, the movie (Electric Dreams – a film that depicts a love triangle between a man, a woman, and a home computer) AND the soundtrack both flopped. However, the song, “Video” is now forever saved on You Tube. In 1988 ELO drummer Bev Bevan approached Jeff Lynne wanting to do another ELO album. After Lynne declined to participate, Bevan intended to continue the band without him. Lynne objected and lawyers were soon involved. The legal agreement reached between Lynne and Bevan resulted in Bevan forming a new band in 1989 initially called Electric Light Orchestra Part Two. After two curious albums, they disbanded as well. In 2001, Lynne decided to release a new album of original tracks under the ELO name, titled Zoom. It was the first ELO studio album in 15 years and featured a more organic feel with less reliance on electronic effects and a return of strings in the form of cellos. Although billed as a return to the classic ELO sound the album sales were relatively poor and a planned North American concert tour was cancelled.

Charles Krauthammer hits another home run...

Travesty in New York

WASHINGTON -- For late-19th-century anarchists, terrorism was the "propaganda of the deed." And the most successful propaganda-by-deed in history was 9/11 -- not just the most destructive, but the most spectacular and telegenic.

And now its self-proclaimed architect, Khalid Sheik Mohammed, has been given by the Obama administration a civilian trial in New York. Just as the memory fades, 9/11 has been granted a second life -- and KSM, a second act: "9/11, The Director's Cut," narration by KSM.

September 11, 2001 had to speak for itself. A decade later, the deed will be given voice. KSM has gratuitously been presented with the greatest propaganda platform imaginable -- a civilian trial in the media capital of the world -- from which to proclaim the glory of jihad and the criminality of infidel America.

So why is Attorney General Eric Holder doing this? Ostensibly, to demonstrate to the world the superiority of our system where the rule of law and the fair trial reign.

Really? What happens if KSM (and his co-defendants) "do not get convicted," asked Senate Judiciary Committee member Herb Kohl. "Failure is not an option," replied Holder. Not an option? Doesn't the presumption of innocence, er, presume that prosecutorial failure -- acquittal, hung jury -- is an option? By undermining that presumption, Holder is undermining the fairness of the trial, the demonstration of which is the alleged rationale for putting on this show in the first place.

Moreover, everyone knows that whatever the outcome of the trial, KSM will never walk free. He will spend the rest of his natural life in U.S. custody. Which makes the proceedings a farcical show trial from the very beginning.

Apart from the fact that any such trial will be a security nightmare and a terror threat to New York -- what better propaganda-by-deed than blowing up the entire courtroom, making KSM a martyr and making the judge, jury and spectators into fresh victims? -- it will endanger U.S. security. Civilian courts with broad rights of cross-examination and discovery give terrorists access to crucial information about intelligence sources and methods.

That's precisely what happened during the civilian New York trial of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers. The prosecution was forced to turn over to the defense a list of two hundred unindicted co-conspirators, including the name Osama bin Laden. "Within ten days, a copy of that list reached bin Laden in Khartoum," wrote former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, the presiding judge at that trial, "letting him know that his connection to that case had been discovered."

Finally, there's the moral logic. It's not as if Holder opposes military commissions on principle. On the same day he sent KSM to a civilian trial in New York, Holder announced he was sending Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, mastermind of the attack on the USS Cole, to a military tribunal.

By what logic? In his congressional testimony Wednesday, Holder was utterly incoherent in trying to explain. In his Nov. 13 news conference, he seemed to be saying that if you attack a civilian target, as in 9/11, you get a civilian trial; a military target like the Cole, and you get a military tribunal.

What a perverse moral calculus. Which is the war crime -- an attack on defenseless civilians or an attack on a military target such as a warship, an accepted act of war which the U.S. itself has engaged in countless times?

By what possible moral reasoning, then, does KSM, who perpetrates the obvious and egregious war crime, receive the special protections and constitutional niceties of a civilian courtroom, while he who attacked a warship is relegated to a military tribunal?

Moreover, the incentive offered any jihadi is as irresistible as it is perverse: Kill as many civilians as possible on American soil and Holder will give you Miranda rights, a lawyer, a propaganda platform -- everything but your own blog.

Alternatively, Holder tried to make the case that he chose a civilian New York trial as a more likely venue for securing a conviction. An absurdity: By the time Obama came to office, KSM was ready to go before a military commission, plead guilty and be executed. It's Obama who blocked a process that would have yielded the swiftest and most certain justice.

Indeed, the perfect justice. Whenever a jihadist volunteers for martyrdom, we should grant his wish. Instead, this one, the most murderous and unrepentant of all, gets to dance and declaim at the scene of his crime.

Holder himself told The Washington Post that the coming New York trial will be "the trial of the century." The last such was the trial of O.J. Simpson.

Can someone please explain to me why this administration is so Hell-bent on making a mockery of our country?

Around the News in a Day

Legal Insurrection has an excellent post today about how liberal women are starting to realize that attacking Sarah Palin is incredibly hypocritical. The Newsweek cover (which incidentally, the magazine did not own the rights to the picture - it was owned by Runner's World), was the final straw. Love her or hate her, she clearly scares the daylights out of the left. The liberals I know all claim they don't consider her at all, or if they do, it's only to point out how "stupid" and "inexperienced" she is (as if Obama didn't prove that to be meaningless).

But still, they talk about her. Her book is flying off the shelves and her interview on Oprah gave the talk show icon her highest rating in two years. And yet, the Washington Post still saw it normal (and oddly ethical) to have someone review the book, even though the reviewer admitted she didn't even read it. According the FOX News, during her book launch, the MSM ran 39 stories about the former Alaskan governor. 37 of them were negative.

Still wonder if the media is biased?

****************

President Obama has made a big deal about how much he appreciates dissent, during his visit to China. Michelle Malkin asks, "how come he goes to so much trouble to stifle dissent in America?"

Good question. Any ideas?

Oh yeah, I forgot. To question is racist.

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Speaking of good questions, here is Senator Lindsay Graham, speaking to Attorney General Eric Holder: "What happens if Khalid Sheik Mohammed wasn’t mirandized?"

This idea may be the dumbest one this administration has come up with - and that says something. Seriously guys, this is ludicrous. In fact, it may turn out to be the main reason Obama turns out to be a one-termer.

One of two things can happen here. Either he's convicted, in which case sympathizers around the world will scream that the fix is in - especially given Obama's comments today. Or, he will beat the rap, in which case there is no way the Democratic Party would survive the wrath of the public. Add this to the negative reaction he's receiving by trying 9-11 mastermind in the shadow of the Twin Towers, and I just can't see how this is a good idea for Obama.

Plus, where the heck is he going to find an unbiased jury in New York? Which leads one to believe that the defense will file motions to move the venue. So what was the point?

All in all, it looks like a naive decision. Unfortunately, this is far from his first.

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You know, Al Gore is a lot of things. But in my opinion, he's mostly a snake-oil salesman, who deserves no mention on my blog. However, I could not pass up this opportunity to show just how ridiculous the former Vice-President is.

According to Mr. Gore, the temperature of the earth's core is "several million degrees." Now, I'm really not a scientist, but even I know that if the earth's core was that hot, the earth wouldn't be a planet, but a star. If the core were that temperature, we would never need to wear clothes again, since our skin would have long since burned off.

Uh, Al? The temperature, at the earth's core, is 5,000-7,000 degrees Celsius (9,032F - 12,632F).

****************

From the "He Must Really Think We're Stupid" department, comes the story out of Washington that in the government stimulus monstrosity (recovery.gov), the Obama administration credited job growth in 440 districts that do not exist.

Okay, one, maybe two districts I can see. But 440??? Either they are completely incompetent, or they are terrible liars. You make the call. Regardless, even the recovery.gov website admits that they have no idea how many, if any, jobs were saved by the stimulus.

Don't worry, folks. It's just your children and your grandchildren who will be responsible for the $787,000,000. Besides, with interest (probably paid in Chinese currency), they'll be on the dole for a hell of a lot more than that.

Don't you just love the Chicago way of doing things?

****************

Other bits of news going around my head...

Obama bowing to Japanese Emperor Akihito made me throw up in my mouth. Either Obama is a fool, or his protocol department is incompetent.

Is there any doubt in any one's mind that the The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's recommendation that women between 40-49 do not need mammograms was anything but a preview of what life will be like under ObamaCare?

Forget about what is right for the patient. Let's let a Washington bureaucrat decide what the patient needs. After all, when Washington calls the shots, you can be sure that it is what's most cost-effective - regardless of need.

I'll leave you with a little Israeli humor - courtesy of Don Surber:

Keep in mind Obama's close association with these thugs...

Union troubled by Eagle Scout project in Allentown
After layoffs, SEIU president complains about city's use of volunteers, contractors


November 15, 2009 - In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.

Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city's largest municipal union.

Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.

"We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council.

Balzano said Saturday he isn't targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city's decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said "there's to be no volunteers." No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.

"We would hope that the well-intentioned efforts of an Eagle Scout candidate would not be challenged by the union," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski in an e-mail Friday. "This young man is performing a great service to the community. His efforts should be recognized as such."

Balzano said Saturday the union is still looking into the matter and might cut the city a break.

"We are probably going to let this one go," Balzano said .

The possible entanglement of a local Boy Scout in a union dispute underscores the frustration and anger SEIU members feel after being the lone city union to suffer layoffs in the ongoing financial crisis. It may also serve as a preview of future labor battles as the city tries to outsource some necessary jobs as a result of the layoffs.

Anderson, a junior and varsity soccer player at Southern Lehigh High School, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 301 of Center Valley.

He got the idea for the trail while taking hikes along the partially complete, 165-mile Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. He noticed there were a few missing connections to the trail in Kimmets Lock Park, which is on the Lehigh River near Dauphin Street. He already has logged 250 hours trying to carve out a walking and biking trail along the river.

"I decided to do my part in completing this part of the trail. In that way, others could enjoy walking along the river, without having to walk on the busy road," Anderson said in an e-mail Friday.

During last week's budget hearings, where City Council reviewed the Public Works and Park and Recreation departments' funding requests, it was made clear that the layoffs and early retirements -- all of which have led to the lowest city staffing levels in two decades -- are bound to create union disputes in the weeks and months ahead.

For example, the city currently does not have an electrician available because of the layoffs and an employee on an extended sick leave. As a result, the city has been forced to hire an outside union electrician to oversee the installation for the popular Lights on the Parkway holiday display.

"In the spirit of the holiday, we decided to let that go," Balzano said.

Greg Weitzel, head of the Parks and Recreation Department, which lost 17 full-time employees as a result of the layoffs and retirements, said the low staffing levels will require more outsourcing of labor and a greater reliance on volunteers.

"There are some things that we can do in-house and other things we will have to bid out," Weitzel said Tuesday. "We originally had plans to do more with our labor force, but now we have to bid out that work."

I especially liked the comment, "No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path."

Look, I think unions really served a purpose in the early 20th century. Truth is, while the idea of unionizing is noble and altruistic, today's unions have mostly become cesspools of corruption and kickbacks. I realize the union is "probably" going to let this go. But the fact that it is even an issue should send shivers up the spine of any American who remembers what it was like in the old days when volunteerism was considered to part of the nation's greatness.

SEIU has shown, time and again, that they are out of touch and out of line. That Obama has been attached to them (and ACORN) tells you all you need to know about our President.

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Nine

Green Bay Packers 17 Dallas Cowboys 7

Just prior to kickoff, I gave a shudder and thought (for some reason) that this could be a "trap" game. You know, when it looks so obvious that one team is going to walk away with an easy win - after all, the Packers have let up 38 points two games straight, and they have a very suspect offensive line). But as I thought that, I then reconsidered because this is a more mature Cowboys team and since inserting Miles Austin into the lineup, a far more potent one also.

But then the omens began. First, Nick Folks misses his first kick inside the 40 all year, then when they finally seem to figure it out and throw a long completion to Roy Williams, he fumbles it away, along with whatever momentum the Cows built up.

There is plenty of blame for losing to the Packers today, so let's get to it.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- Yes, he threw an interception in the red zone, but that was a ridiculous catch by defender Charles Woodson. Romo was sacked 5 times and harassed all day. But he put the team in position to score and possibly win. Even though he had no running game supporting him (what was that all about), lost his starting right tackle and had numerous mind numbing drops, he single-handidly kept Dallas in the game.

Anthony Spencer, Linebacker -- I've not been very impressed with Spencer this year, but he deserves praise for his play today. The biggest knock on him is that he isn't Greg Ellis and has yet to record a sack. But he came close a number of times and was all over the field making plays today. The better he gets, the more the opposition will have to respect him and take some pressure off DeMarcus Ware.

Mat McBriar, Kicker -- It's about time I gave some love to the Cowboys' punter. He has been incredibly consistent (as always) and is having his best year, after losing half of last season to a broken foot. While his average was down this game, he leads the league in punts inside the 20 and has been the difference in a number of games with his accuracy.

ZEROES

Roy Williams, Wide Reciever -- I know what you're thinking - How can I call a guy who had 5 catches, 105 yards and a TD a zero? Well, I can when said player fumbles on a crucial play, doesn't go after an underthrown pass (that could have been intercepted because he didn't come back for it) and drops a sure 3rd down pass that would have kept their best drive of the day going. In addition, I am very sick of his antics whenever he gets a first down. He's not Michael Irvin, so stop acting like it.

Curtis Johnson, Linebacker -- This is really more because of his play on special teams. Johnson, who rarely sees action on defense had two bone-headed penalties called on him on kick coverage. In Jimmy Johnson's day, he would have been kicked off the team for his transgressions. But being Wade Phillips' team, stupid penalties have become an acceptable evil.

Jason Garrett, Offensive Coordinator -- There is really no excuse for what happened today. Green Bay was reeling, after two games in row (Tampa Bay and Minnesota) where they let up 38 points. After the first half, when it seemed there was a Packer in Romo's face the whole time, the Cow's seemed to make no real adjustments. Only down 3, Garrett abandoned the run (the first two runs of the game by Barber went for 20 yards - he only carried the ball 3 more times all day for additional 6 yards). That was the main reason Green Bay was able to control the clock (almost 2:1 by the end of the 3rd quarter).

The hope is that this game was a mere "bump" in an otherwise seamless road. But this game looked awfully like the loss earlier this year against Denver. Both teams play a 3-4 style defense and you would think that since Dallas plays it as well, they would know how to defeat it. On the other hand, this was "do or die" for the Packers and to their credit, they didn't lay down and die. The Cows, however, need to realize that while they are still alone in first place in the NFC East, they aren't good enough to just show up against lesser teams and expect to win.

Next Game:

Dallas..............................27
Washington.....................10

While we didn't receive too many votes last week, the song voted as the favorite for 1985 was "Invincible" by Pat Benatar. Thank you for voting!

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

Chicago

From early as I can remember, I have always loved the band Chicago. As a kid, all I knew about the city was from watching game shows, where the announcer would always say that whatever prizes the contestants won were from “the Spiegel Catalogue, Chicago Illinois, 60606.”

All that changed in high school, were I had a roommate who was from the windy city. The best part about that was when his folks would send him care packages with Jay’s potato chips, a Chicago standard. Over the ensuing years, I made friends with a few other Chicago natives, but unless I was watching “Good Times” on TV, I thought very little of the town.

But that all changed in 1990, when my company transferred me there. At the time, I only spent one year in the West Rogers Park neighborhood. But I felt welcome and at home. A few years later, as luck would have it, we moved back there and stayed for another 3 years. I guess even I knew eventually I’d make it back and in 2003, my family and I returned for good. I found outstanding doctors, good schools for my kids and some good friends.

Yes, it is a very politically corrupt town. But it has an amazing history. Just like the Band that adopted its name. Here are my ten favorite songs by them, in chronological order.

Beginnings (1969)

This song was the band’s second release (following “Questions 67 & 68”), but like its predecessor, did not make much noise. However, after the band began to see some chart success the following couple of years, they re-released this song and it climbed to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 (it also topped the Adult Contemporary chart – the first Chicago song to accomplish that).

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (1970)

This song was not released as a single until two records from their second album ("Make Me Smile" and "25 or 6 to 4") had become hits. It became the band's third straight Top 10 record, peaking at #7 in the U.S. The song deals with the stress of the Vietnam War on young people who were living with the threat of the draft, coping with the deaths of their friends or even the possibility that they would be drafted and killed themselves. Thus the lyrics state that one should not care about such mundane issues as what the current time of day was.

(I've Been) Searching So Long (1974)

Continuing a string of hit records, this song, released in February of 1974, was the first hit of the album Chicago VII, and it became their 10th top 20 hit (finally peaking at #9). It also continued a trend of the bands to spread the glory around; as four different lead singers and 5 different writers all had top 10 hits by this point.

Wishing You Were Here (1974)

Chicago was considered (at the time) a jazz-rock fusion band that relied heavily on its brass section. In its early days, they were in the same league as Blood, Sweat and Tears. By the time Chicago VII was released, they were in a league of their own, making up their own sound. This ballad cemented Peter Cetera as the main voice of the band, although Robert Lamm and James Pankow were also well recognized.

Old Days (1975)

Following up the huge success of Chicago VII was no easy task. To make things sound fresh, the band returned with a more streamlined sound for Chicago VIII. Preceded by Lamm's nostalgic "Harry Truman" (#13) as lead single, Chicago VIII was held over for release until March 1975 as Chicago VII was still riding high in the charts. While it easily reached #1 in the US, the album had a lukewarm critical reception - still commonly considered, by some as one of their weakest albums, resulting in the briefest chart stay of any Chicago album thus far. However, the Pankow-penned nostalgic tune “Old Days” still reached #5 on Billboard.

If You Leave Me Now (1976)

In order to take a break from their whirlwind recording and touring, the band decided to release a greatest hits compilation next (Chicago IX). Even though their previous album took a slide on the charts, Chicago IX turned out to be a huge success (it went to #1 on Billboard) and reignited passion in the band once again. The single topped the US charts on October 23, 1976 and stayed there for two weeks, making it the first number one hit for the group. It also reached the number one spot in the UK, maintaining the position for three weeks. It was popular in multiple radio formats, and at one point during its peak listeners could hear it being played simultaneously on four different New York City radio stations.

Take Me Back To Chicago (1978)

The band followed up the success of Chicago X with their 10th studio album (any guesses what it was called?). In September of 1977, the released the Cetera-penned “Baby. What a Big Surprise” and launched a worldwide tour to accompany the album. In concert, one of the most requested songs was “Take Me Back To Chicago” – a sweet homage to their home city. It did not chart very well (only hitting #63), but the album was the final one to feature guitarist Terry Kath, who accidentally and fatally shot himself during a party at a roadie’s house.

Hard To Say I'm Sorry (1982)

Following the death of their lead guitarist, Chicago – after a period of mourning – decided to move on and besides adding new guitarist Donny Dacus and producer Phil Ramone, the band eschewed the number titles and released the album Hot Streets. However, after album failed to make a buzz, they returned to familiarity with Chicago XIII. But that album failed to have a charting single and is considered to be their worst album. To make changes in their success, the band switched labels and hired producer David Foster and using outside writers for the first time, they radically redefined their sound for the 1980’s. Benefiting most was Cetera, whose soft-rock leanings were more in synch with Foster. The result was a return to the top of the charts with “Hard To Say I’m Sorry.”

Hard Habit To Break (1984)

With renewed interest in the band, and the advent of music videos, Chicago was suddenly hot again. With their next release, Chicago 17 (they stopped using Roman numerals after Chicago XV – Greatest Hits Vol. 2), they again turned to Foster to continue the AC sound that brought life back to the band. Chicago 17 was a slow burner, finally reaching #4 in early 1985. However, along the way, they accumulated four top 20 hits on the LP. Chicago 17 was also the final one for Peter Cetera, who had become the primary voice of the band. He left to pursue a solo career, which led to his #1 hit “Glory of Love” in 1986..

If She Would Have Been Faithful... (1987)

Chicago 18 was the beginning of yet another new era for the band – the post-Cetera years. Chicago hired Jason Scheff, son of Jerry Scheff (who had backed up Elvis Presley for years), to replace Cetera's high register vocals and bass duties. Although founding member Robert Lamm still took an active part in the band, the most used voices in Chicago now belonged to their two newest recruits: Scheff and Bill Champlin, who had joined the band in 1981. "If She Would Have Been Faithful..." was written by Steve Kipner and Randy Goodrum (who is best known for composing Ann Murray’s “You Needed Me” and Steve Perry’s “Oh, Sherrie.” Chicago 18, while still going gold, saw a noticeable drop-off in album sales following Cetera's departure (17 went platinum six times). The album did not fare well on the charts either, peaking at #35. Thus, Chicago emerged as a singles band having major hits, but with merely competent album sales from this point on.

If I really wanted to, I could re-post ever article by Charles Krauthammer and feel as if I've gotten my my point across. I look forward to Fridays for the simple pleasure of knowing Mr. Krauthammer will once again, express in words what many of us on the right (and center-right) feel.

Once again, he doesn't disappoint:

Medicalizing Mass Murder

What a surprise -- that someone who shouts "Allahu Akbar" (the "God is great" jihadist battle cry) as he is shooting up a room of American soldiers might have Islamist motives. It certainly was a surprise to the mainstream media, which spent the weekend after the Fort Hood massacre downplaying Nidal Hasan's religious beliefs.

"I cringe that he's a Muslim. ... I think he's probably just a nut case," said Newsweek's Evan Thomas. Some were more adamant. Time's Joe Klein decried "odious attempts by Jewish extremists ... to argue that the massacre perpetrated by Nidal Hasan was somehow a direct consequence of his Islamic beliefs." While none could match Klein's peculiar cherchez-le-juif motif, the popular story line was of an Army psychiatrist driven over the edge by terrible stories he had heard from soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

They suffered. He listened. He snapped.

Really? What about the doctors and nurses, the counselors and physical therapists at Walter Reed Army Medical Center who every day hear and live with the pain and the suffering of returning soldiers? How many of them then picked up a gun and shot 51 innocents?

And what about civilian psychiatrists -- not the Upper West Side therapist treating Woody Allen neurotics, but the thousands of doctors working with hospitalized psychotics -- who every day hear not just tales but cries of the most excruciating anguish, of the most unimaginable torment? How many of those doctors commit mass murder?

It's been decades since I practiced psychiatry. Perhaps I missed the epidemic.

But, of course, if the shooter is named Nidal Hasan, whom National Public Radio reported had been trying to proselytize doctors and patients, then something must be found. Presto! Secondary post-traumatic stress disorder, a handy invention to allow one to ignore the obvious.

And the perfect moral finesse. Medicalizing mass murder not only exonerates. It turns the murderer into a victim, indeed a sympathetic one. After all, secondary PTSD, for those who believe in it (you won't find it in DSM-IV-TR, psychiatry's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), is known as "compassion fatigue." The poor man -- pushed over the edge by an excess of sensitivity.

Have we totally lost our moral bearings? Nidal Hasan (allegedly) cold-bloodedly killed 13 innocent people. In such cases, political correctness is not just an abomination. It's a danger, clear and present.

Consider the Army's treatment of Hasan's previous behavior. NPR's Daniel Zwerdling interviewed a Hasan colleague at Walter Reed about a hair-raising Grand Rounds that Hasan had apparently given. Grand Rounds are the most serious academic event at a teaching hospital -- attending physicians, residents and students gather for a lecture on an instructive case history or therapeutic finding.

I've been to dozens of these. In fact, I gave one myself on post-traumatic retrograde amnesia -- as you can see, these lectures are fairly technical. Not Hasan's. His was an hour-long disquisition on what he called the Koranic view of military service, jihad and war. It included an allegedly authoritative elaboration of the punishments visited upon nonbelievers -- consignment to hell, decapitation, having hot oil poured down your throat. This "really freaked a lot of doctors out," reported NPR.

Nor was this the only incident. "The psychiatrist," reported Zwerdling, "said that he was the kind of guy who the staff actually stood around in the hallway saying: Do you think he's a terrorist, or is he just weird?"

Was anything done about this potential danger? Of course not. Who wants to be accused of Islamophobia and prejudice against a colleague's religion?

One must not speak of such things. Not even now. Not even after we know that Hasan was in communication with a notorious Yemen-based jihad propagandist. As late as Tuesday, The New York Times was running a story on how returning soldiers at Fort Hood had a high level of violence.

What does such violence have to do with Hasan? He was not a returning soldier. And the soldiers who returned home and shot their wives or fellow soldiers didn't cry "Allahu Akbar" as they squeezed the trigger.

The delicacy about the religion in question -- condescending, politically correct and deadly -- is nothing new. A week after the first (1993) World Trade Center attack, the same New York Times ran the following front-page headline about the arrest of one Mohammed Salameh: "Jersey City Man Is Charged in Bombing of Trade Center."

Ah yes, those Jersey men -- so resentful of New York, so prone to violence.

Did Joe Klein really blame the Jews????

The Death Penalty

I had a discussion with my far-left leaning boss the other day about the death penalty. As a matter of policy, I have always felt it is a necessary policy. But my convictions were never very strong. As a lib, my boss is adamantly opposed in all instances. Of course, you don't have to be a liberal to oppose it. However, he was clear that his opposition is consistent with his liberal views.

It was a good discussion, unlike many of our disagreements because it brought to light many of the pros and cons of the subject. For instance, while the Torah allows it, a Jewish court that utilized it (at the time of the Holy Temple) was considered a "murderous court."

One of his biggest issues with the death penalty is the fact that it really isn't a deterrent. I mean, if someone is hell-bent on killing another person, it's unlikely that the threat of execution is going to stop it. Although, I suppose it has caused some to reconsider. Furthermore - and this may have been his biggest complaint - is that the possibility exist that we may execute the wrong person (the person may have been wrongly accused). It isn't THAT rare when the courts make a mistake.

After all, once a person is executed, realizing an error was made is not something we can correct. Not with that guy, anyway.

These are all valid concerns and there are no easy answers to them. On the other hand, there are also valid reasons to allow the death penalty as well. But we must be very certain that there is not a shadow of a doubt of guilt, before taking the life of someone.

Obviously, the most recognized reason - as morally unfortunate as it may be - is the revenge factor. You killed someone's loved one and now you will pay with your own blood. An eye-for-an-eye, so to speak. Another consideration is executing someone who is exceptionally dangerous, even in incarceration. Furthermore, there must be values to the people who have fallen victims. For instance, assassinating the President, or a policeman, should carry with it a more stern punishment.

What about child molesters? Well, if their victim survived, the animal should not be executed. But if in the act of the molestation he kills the child? This man has no right to occupy the air we all share. Someone who is capable of murdering children is beyond rehabilitation.

The reason I vacillate between being pro and con on this issue is because as someone who faced death, I know how scary and lonely it is. The idea that there is no more...anything is frightening beyond words. However, as I healed, I began to understand that while life on earth does end, we do not just "end." Call it heaven, call it a weigh-station or call it Montana, whatever it is, it is. I know it and because I know it, I know longer fear the day I will discover it first hand.

With this knowledge, I no longer feel sorry for the execution of certain people. John Allen Muhammad murdered 11 people in the Washington, D.C. area in the fall of 2002. With his rampage, he scared hundreds of thousands of people who feared they would be next. He had no rhyme or reason to kill these particular 10 people. The legal reason for the execution was because of his shooting Dean Harold Meyers, 53, who was shot and killed while pumping gas at a Sunoco station in Manassas, VA.

It could have been anyone. I fill up my tank with gas every other week. Another of those killed Oct. 3 was Lori Lewis Rivera, a 25-year-old nanny and mother. She was vacuuming her employer's minivan at a Shell station at Connecticut and Knowles avenues when she was shot in the back. The bullet fragmented inside, destroying her left lung.

Conrad Johnson was standing on the top step of Ride On Bus number 5705, when a bullet pierced through the abdomen of the 35-year-old driver. At the time of the murder, Johnson and his wife had two sons, ages 13 and 21.

Imagine what it's like for a 14-year-old boy to lose his dad because some arrogant, unstable SOB decides it's open season on everyday Americans.

Where is the justice for him and his brother?

The stories are heart wrenching. Yes, I know that prison is not something any sane person would want. But just like what my boss said - that execution is final - the other sode of the coin is the possibility that this monster can be set free one day. Whether it be through the appeal process, jailbreak or an ACLU lawyer discovering that page 265 of the conviction is unvalid because they only made 4 copies, and not the required 5. So they throw out the conviction.

Do you doubt something like this happens?

And what about Nidal Malik Hasan?

If this is a case of homegrown terrorism, will he be charged with Treason? That's an executable offense. I love all of these talking heads on the left who are ignored Hasan's religious doctrine and instead focusing on how an Army Major could have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Speaking as someone who was diagnosed with the disorder, following my transplant, I can tell you it did not make me feel homicidal. If anything, it made me very sad, and at times suicidal. But how do you contract PTSD when you didn't have any trauma? Fail.

But this is not about why Hasan did what he did. The question is, should he be put to death for his crimes? How about Osama Bin Ladin, assuming we ever capture him? Had we caught Hitler alive, would we have spared his life? I'm sure there are many on the left who would say "yes."

After all, by executing someone - whether they deserve it or not - we are playing G-d. It's interesting to hear that from Atheists, though. So here is what I'm thinking...

The death penalty is needed perhaps not as a real deterrent to stop someone of committing a crime, but as a consequence. Obviously, the death sentence should 0nly be used where the evidence is so overwhelming and doubt is not in doubt (i.e. Major Hasan - there is no doubt of his guilt. The only question some have is his motivation).

My feeling is this - if you take someone else's life on purpose, you lose your right to live. Even though death comes relatively quickly in an execution, for that brief moment when the lethal injection is put in, he will then know and see what his victims knew and saw. He will feel the same horrific fear that they feared. It isn't perfect, but it is justice.

When I had my heart attack, I was rushed into the hospital and I recall a female doctor who was there from Los Angeles. After asking her if she were an angel, she responded that I was still alive, but barely and they must get me into the OR immediately. G-d showed tremendous grace on me by making me forget the next 4 days. But what I do remember was the feeling that my heart was a ticking bomb and the only way I can get better was through a bypass. However, I was still way too sick to survive the surgery. I was constantly reminded by the machine that was pumping my heart, that any number of things can go wrong between then and four days later.

I had to make my peace and it was a good thing i did. What I mean is, I remember the feeling of preparing for death in your mind. In some of these cases, they were lucky enough to die instantaneously, instead of suffered and dying slowly. Cruel and Humane punishment laws are in affect so we don't torture the murderer. But I honestly believe that should someone kill another human being in cold blood (pre-meditated), he should learn first-hand what it is to die.

This is not - I repeat - IS NOT real. But it is funny, nonetheless.



Considering all the crap going on around the world, a little humor is good.

I am always amazed at the complete lack of sense of today's liberal establishment:

Mr. Netanyahu, Tear Down This Wall

Is he THAT stupid? Or just antisemitic?

Does it make a difference?

As many of you know, I am strongly against this health care monstrosity that is being forced upon us by our elected officials. Thankfully, enough Democrats care enough about their constituents to actually represent their wishes and will most probably, reject this horrible seizure of 1/6 of our economy.

I am simply astounded at the utter arrogance of Pelosi, Obama, and anyone else who is foisting this behemoth entitlement against our freedom. These communist/socialist/Marxist (or maybe they are simply stupid) will probably never understand why they are eventually voted out of office (assuming they aren't tarred and feathered first). I guess stupidity and arrogance does go hand in hand.

As always, Doug Ross has the goods:

The Health Care Bill in Ninety Seconds

The key 'features' of of H.R. 3962:

Cost

The CBO now estimates health bill spending at $3 trillion over 10 years. Since the CBO historically underestimates expenses, assume massive new deficits for a country that can ill afford them.

Personal Requirements

You'll be required to buy a 'qualified' health plan. A family earning $102K a year will pay $1,700 a month in premium and out-of-pocket expenses. 'Willful' failure to buy a plan will result in a fine of up to $250,000 and 'imprisonment of up to five years'. Illegal immigrants are exempt from fines and imprisonment.

Business Requirements

Every business in America must provide a 'qualified plan' for employees and pay 72.5% of the cost. Failure to do so results in an 8% payroll tax.

Impact to Seniors

Medicare reimbursements will be slashed by $500 billion. Medicare Advantage plans will be slashed by 20%. In many cases, seniors will be forced to see nurse practitioners rather than doctors.

Payments for Community Organizers, Translators and Racial/Ethnic 'Balance'

The bill provides grants to community "entities" with no required qualifications. The bill also provides translators for patients who do not speak English and offers grants to schools serving students with "disadvantaged backgrounds including racial and ethnic minorities."

Illegal Immigrants Covered, Abortion Funding Still Possible

Proof of citizenship requirements were gutted, so illegal aliens will be subsidized. The legislation also "doesn't close the door to using taxpayer funds" for abortions.

This bill truly is, as Michele Bachmann describes it, the "crown jewel of socialism". Its implementation will result in an economic catastrophe of the first order as certainly as the sun rises in the morning.

How can anyone with half a brain want this??? For those of you who do, do you not realize the ramifications of your desires?

I would love to hear from someone, anyone, who supports this plan and please explain to me why you think this is a good idea. I'm not saying that American health care is perfect. But if you must do something, and there are very valid arguments for doing something, why do something as horrible and dangerous as this?

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Eight

Dallas Cowboys 20 Philadelphia Eagles 16

I certainly didn't expect the Cows to be where they are today. Not after barely beating Kansas City, just a few weeks ago. But here they are at 6-2 and thanks to the sudden demise (although, I dare say it won't be permanent) of the New York football Giants, they find themselves alone at the top of the very challenging NFC East.

However, as much as winning a road game in Philadelphia - especially after what happened there last year (6-44 anyone?), it is tough to get too excited about a game in November. After all, we have been here before. But I also believe that this year's team is quite different from the past. There is a certain cohesiveness that was lacking in years gone by. I won't place all of it on Terrell Owens. But ever since Miles Austin broke out, the Cows seem alive and extraordinarily confident.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- His numbers were not as stellar as it was the past few weeks, and he threw his first interception in a month Although, he did throw for over 300 yards against an excellent defense). Still, with what seemed to be a blitz in his face on every play, Romo was not rattled and was almost always on target. His lone interception was a joint effort with his receiver, who thought Romo was going to throw to his other side. Romo is showing vastly improved leadership skills and finally got Roy Williams involved.

Gerald Sensabaugh, Safety -- In what may turn out to be the best free agent acquisition of the off-season (along with Keith Brooking), former Jaguar Sensabaugh adds a terrific element to this defense. Because of a broken arm, he missed most of three games this year and the team suffered for it. Tonight, he led the team with 6 tackles, made a diving interception which led to the first touchdown of the game. In addition, his reputation as a big hitter led directly to two dropped passes by Eagle receivers.

Wade Phillips, Head Coach -- I have to admit, most of the last three seasons I found much to criticize a head coach who has amassed a 28-12 record since joining the Cowboys. However, I stand by all I've said in that regard. But certainly, Phillips deserves a tremendous amount of praise and respect for the way the Cows' defense played against the 7th ranked offense in the league (the Eagles score an average of 29 points a game, 3rd best in the NFL), and held them to 16 points and under under 300 yards. In addition, Donovan McNabb had thrown one interception all year. Tonight, he suffered two - and could well have had two more, had the defenders had better position. McNabb was harassed all day and was unable to find his big play receiver, DeSean Jackson, all night.

ZEROES

Marcus Spears, Defensive End -- I can't really find a reason for Marcus Spears to play, much less start. The only reason I can come up with is that he plays his position so well, that he allows everyone else to make plays around him. For the season, he does have 14 tackles and two sacks. These are great numbers for a third-string lineman. But Spears, a former first round pick, is a full time starter. In comparison, Stephen Bowen has a couple of sacks and is always around the quarterback. Yet he plays 1/4 of the time that Spears does.

Felix Jones, Running Back -- I really don't want to rag on Felix Jones. This guy is definitely a play maker. But either because the Eagles were ready for him, or he simply had a bad game, he was a non-factor for the second week in a row. In his defense, the Eagle defense is outstanding against the run. But early on, when they were plugging up the middle and stopping Marion Barber, Jones was needed to spread the offense out. Unfortunately, because he is still less than spectacular (and I'm being very nice here) against the blitz, Phillips was forced to go with either Barber or Tashard Choice since Philly blitzed so much.

The officials -- This goes out to both teams. The officiating was average at best, horrible at worst. Non-calls on certain plays and phantom calls on others nearly wrecked the flow of the game. It certainly destroyed any chance that Philadelphia had for a comeback. While I fumed at a couple of misses the refs had that benefited the Eagles, I can't help but feel sorry for Andy Reid's bunch when McNabb seemed to clearly get a first down (on a 4th and one), only to lose the challenge. That play spelled the end for the Eagles hopes because the failed challenge left them with no challenges and no timeouts left in the game. I won't go so far to say the Eagles were robbed, because the Cows were victims of the poor officiating as well. But if I were an Eagle fan, I'd be pretty upset.

For three and a half games, the Cowboys are looked like one of the best teams in the league. I won't saw the best team - not while New Orleans, Denver, Minnesota and Indianapolis are out there - but certainly a team to contend with. Given where they were a month ago, I think that is amazing. A lot of credit goes to the coaching staff who has kept this team focussed on the big picture. Even had they lost 20-16, instead of winning, I would still feel like these guys were heading in the right direction.
Here is my pick for next week:

Dallas..............................38
Green Bay........................24