Political rights distinct from natural rights

AMERICAN THINKER, 4/3/2010 by Geoffrey P. Hunt - Who Will Guarantee ObamaCare Rights When the Duty-Bound Refuse? [...] Since the post-WWII period, duties as the enabler of rights have been conveniently and deliberately dismissed or harnessed only to a fading minority. The most expensive newly created rights have been of the social contract entitlement variety, imposed by unelected judges, executive orders, or one-party votes. ObamaCare is the latest, most dramatic expansion of rights-centric social contract provisions for beneficiaries who shoulder none of the burdens. These newly created health care rights with sweeping social welfare giveaways for a few are also accompanied by diminished rights for the many -- most acutely, confiscation of property, loss of due process, and diminished personal liberty. Read more at American Thinker... Read More......

Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas

A PROCLAMATION: BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Our Nation's thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour.

As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA
November 6, 2009 Read More......

Honoring a fallen soldier

Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time.

Nowadays one can be led to believe that America no longer respects honor and no longer honors sacrifice outside the military. Be it known that there are many places in this land where people still recognize the courage and impact of total self-sacrifice. Georgia remains one of those graceful places. The link below is a short travelogue of that day's remarkable and painful journey.

But only watch this if you wish to have some of your faith in people restored. Read More......

Three people died last week. Who do we honor?

Via email (Hat tip: Patricia Anderson)

Michael Jackson
Farah Fawcett
Bert Bank

We know what Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett are known for. But what about Bert Bank? ∴ Bert Bank was 94 years old and a survivor of The Bataan Death March in WWII. Most of you are familiar with it, but here is a short reminder:

78,000 prisoners were taken captive in the Phillipines by the Japanese and forced to march over a 100 miles in the tropical heat. Beheadings, cut throats and casual shootings were the more common and merciful actions - compared to bayonet stabbings, rapes, disembowelments, numerous rifle butt beatings and a deliberate refusal to allow the prisoners food or water while keeping them continually marching for nearly a week (for the slowest survivors like General Jacob Vass) in tropical heat.

Falling down or inability to continue moving was tantamount to a death sentence, as was any degree of protest or expression of displeasure.

Prisoners were attacked for assisting someone failing due to weakness, or for no apparent reason whatsoever. Strings of Japanese trucks were known to drive over anyone who fell. Riders in vehicles would casually stick out a rifle bayonet and cut a string of throats in the 20 lines of men marching alongside the road. Accounts of being forcibly marched for five to six days with no food and a single sip of water are in postwar archives including filmed reports 78,000 started the march. 54,000 finished it.

Out of the 54,000 who made it to the POW camp, 1 out of every 6 died by the end of the war.For those who survived, the average body weight loss was about 35%. So if a man weighed 150 lbs when it began, he weighed about 98 lbs when it was over.

Thank you Mr. Bank. I appreciate what you did.

Today I choose to honor you.

Note: This was likely written before the death of Billy Mays on June 28, 2009. Mays was a memorable and outstanding American pitchman for various products sold through television or Internet direct advertising. Read More......

"The Journey from Fate to Freedom"

NRCC HONORS VETS IN CONGRESS - On March 12, 2008, the National Republican Congressional Committee held its annual President's Dinner, featuring President George W. Bush. The evening, which raised more than $8 million for House Republican candidates, paid tribute to the more than 50 GOP members of congress who've served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The event featured a video tribute to these men and women titled, "The Journey from Fate to Freedom." Read More......

An Act of Bravery... Not Told

Blackfive, May 9, 2007

Milblogger, Blackfive, is disgruntled that no media attention was given to a very special event which took place eight weeks ago recognizing a soldiers' incredible act of bravery while serving in Mosul, Iraq in November of 2005. "On February 26th, 2007, Army PFC Stephen C. Sanford received the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor, for his courage and valor." We should have been made aware of this. Please read the account of this man's astounding act and pass it on.

Army PFC Stephen C. Sanford - Someone You Should Know

Thank you Blackfive. Read More......