December 26, 2010

Big Sis Is Watching

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the use of full-body scanners and invasive pat-downs at airports around the country will not change for the "foreseeable future".

She also dismissed a news report about major airports failing secret tests designed to get guns and knives past security screeners.

And then:


The High LowLights:
An airline pilot is being disciplined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for posting video on YouTube pointing out what he believes are serious flaws in airport security.

The pilot has worked for the airline for more than a decade and was deputized by the TSA to carry a gun in the cockpit.

Three days after he posted a series of six video clips recorded with a cell phone camera at San Francisco International Airport, four federal air marshals and two sheriff's deputies arrived at his house to confiscate his federally-issued firearm.

At the same time as the federal marshals took the pilot's gun, a deputy sheriff asked him to surrender his state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon.

A follow-up letter from the sheriff's department said the CCW permit would be reevaluated following the outcome of the federal investigation.

A letter from the TSA dated Dec. 6 informed the pilot that "an administrative review into your deputation status as a Federal Flight Deck Officer has been initiated."

The pilot's attorney said he believed the federal government sent six people to the house to send a message.

"And the message was you've angered us by telling the truth and by showing America that there are major security problems despite the fact that we've spent billions of dollars allegedly to improve airline safety," Werno said.
 Yes, Change has come to America. 




  H/T:  Weasel Zippers

December 20, 2010

Six Fallen Heroes

A suicide bomb attack killed six American soldiers in Afghanistan on December 12th.

The Soldiers were all Infantrymen assigned to Company B., 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division and were based at Fort Campbell, KY

The six killed were:

Cpl. Sean M. Collins, 25, Ewa Beach, HI

Collins’ awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Support Medal; Army Service Medal and the NATO Medal.

Cpl. Willie A. McLawhorn Jr., 23, of Conway, N.C.

McLawhorn’s awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Expert Infantry Badge; Parachutists Badge; and Air Assault Badge.



Spc. Patrick D. Deans, 22, Orlando FL

Deans’ awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Medal; and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Spc. Kenneth E. Necochea Jr., 21,San Diego, CA

Necochea’s awards and decorations include: the National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and Army Service Medal.

Spc. Derek T. Simonetta, 21,Redwood City CA

Simonetta’s awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and Army Service Ribbon.

Spc. Jorge E. Villacis, 24, of Sunrise, FL

Villacis’ awards and decorations include: Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; and  Combat Infantry Badge.


Requietum en Pacem, Soldiers


This Nation Will Remain The Land Of The Free 
Only So Long As It Is The Home Of The Brave
  - Elmer Davis

December 13, 2010

Holidaze Favorites

Holiday Lights:

Holiday Tree:

Holiday Decoration:


Holiday Toon:

Santa:

December 11, 2010

Fallen Hero: Brandon Coates

Brandon Coates served his country as a U.S. Marine, completing two tours of duty in Iraq before joining the Orange County Sheriff's Department four years ago.

Brandon, age 27, fell in the line of duty on December 8th.


Requiescat in Pace


This Nation Will Remain The Land Of The Free 
Only So Long As It Is The Home Of The Brave
  - Elmer Davis

December 07, 2010

The 69th Anniversary of the "Day of Infamy"

Just in case your social progressive educator (aka teacher) skipped the lesson on this date in American History:

Pearl Harbor: December 7, 1941

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial


Pearl Harbor is a large U.S. Naval installation located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. 
 
On Sunday, December 7th, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack against the U.S. Forces stationed here.
 
This precipitated The United States’ entry into WW II.

Japanese commander Admiral Nagumo hoped to catch the entire US fleet in port, but the aircraft carriers and one of the battleships were not there.

When the attack was over: 2,403 killed
                        (over 1,000 from the USS Arizona, alone) including 68 civilians

Of the 8 Battleships in port, 5 were Sunk:
 
     USS Arizona: Total loss when a bomb hit her magazine; 1,144 lost
 
     USS Oklahoma: Total loss when she capsized and sank; 429 lost
 
     USS California: Sunk at her berth
 
     USS West Virginia: sunk at her berth
 
     USS Utah: sunk
 
     USS Pennsylvania: light damage
 
     USS Maryland: light damage
 
     USS Tennessee: light damage
 
     USS Nevada: beached to prevent sinking


 

 The U.S.S. Arizona, then


   The U.S.S. Arizona , Now


The U.S.S. Arizona's 'Tears'