Civilization Calls: November 2004 Archives

Tabby Update

(Hat tip, Ethne!)

Fox News has an article on Tabby's status, and she's doing well!

Life is a mix of bad news and good. This sort of good news makes the bad more bearable. Cheers to Tabby, and to her family, and the greatest blessings of Gods and men to all who fought so hard to make this miracle possible.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 07:27 PM : Comments (0)

Rest Ye Sweetly

I got The Call last night, the one I've been expecting for oh, a number of years. My grandfather, aged 96, has shuffled off this mortal coil. I have no doubt that he flew straight to my grandmother's waiting arms.

I cannot cry.

His passage represents such a huge chunk of history. He immigrated to America as a boy, and settled with his parents around what is now Temple, Texas. He joined the Marines and fought in WWII. He fell in love with my grandmother while on leave. Her family's farm wasn't that far from his. She took a train, all alone, to New Jersey to marry him beore he took off on deployment. I still have that lovely navy-blue and white dress she wed him in.

He came home and made a career with the Marines. My father grew up around Quantico. I will never know if my grandfather was disappointed when my father joined the Navy.

After leaving the Marines, he worked for places like GE and Teledyne. I learned a couple of years ago that my grandfather actually etched tiles for the first space shuttle.

He took care of me for nigh two years while my father had to go elsewhere for his job. Grandpa and my grandmother used to argue in Czech so that I wouldn't understand what they were saying. He built me a treehouse in a huge pecan tree in his backyard. The tree, and the house, fell down only five years ago.

I still can't cry.

He was a good man, a stern father, and a doting grandfather. He called me his princess.

We have no money with which to go to his funeral. We're too broke for that. I feel a lot of ways about that, which I won't go into here lest this post dissolve into a whine of some sort.

My father called on his cell phone last night, and spoke for only a couple of minutes with my husband. His regular phone service is knocked out, thanks to storms, until at least tomorrow. He was out of minutes on his pay-as-you-go cell, and has to purchase some more. He just told S. to tell me that my grandfather passed around 7:00 a.m., Thanksgiving Day, and went peacefully in his sleep.

OK, now I'm crying. Goodbye, Grandpa.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 02:50 PM : Comments (5)

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

As we enter the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year season, I think that it is important for everyone to take a step back and remember that we can all have fun without getting dangerous. I've attached a rather graphic picture of an overdose victim, not for its shock value, but in the hope that everyone remains aware of his or her limits. When you look at this picture, remember that this did not have to happen.

(Received in email.)

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:01 PM : Comments (2)

Added to the Blogroll

Ok, so I'm a bad, bad girl. When I was told of the newest member of the High Country Blogger's Alliance, I did try to come right out and add him to my blogroll. But the site kept timing out that day because the Eeeevil Corporation^(TM) I work for was fucking with their new automatic proxy settings. So, I went on about my business, and forgot.

Until this morning, that is, when the memory came flooding back and left me feeling somewhat sheepish.

So, without further ado, please go over and give lots of blog-love and mad props to The Roseville Conservative. If you tell him I sent you, he'll probably have no idea what you're talking about, and that could be fun, too.

Seriously, he's a good read. If you like conservative voices in general, and are interested in what's happening politically around Placer County, California, you'll love this blog. He has a sly sort of humor that's had me choking on my coffee once of twice. Go. Read. I'll be here when you get back.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:27 PM : Comments (1)

Not Much

Truly, I really don't ask for much.

It's my one-and-only must have! All of Bill Whittle's essays in one bound source! What could be better?
Gleefully rubs hands together.

I'll put it on the bookshelf next to Twain.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 08:17 PM : Comments (0)

To Do This Weekend:

Whereas the pepper jelly is a done deal, I need to finish putting together cookie mixes in jars. I also want to finish hemming the dish towels that Little Miss is giving for Yuletide, and I want to start my cross stitch project.

I'm also doing more canning:

Chocolate Raspberry Spread

5 cups prepared fruit (buy about 2 qt. fully ripe red raspberries)
1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin
5 squares BAKER'S Unsweetened Baking Chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp. butter or margarine (optional)
7 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl

Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
CRUSH raspberries thoroughly, one layer at a time. (Press half of the pulp through a sieve to remove some of the seeds, if desired.) Measure exactly 5 cups prepared fruit into 6- or 8-quart saucepot.
STIR pectin into prepared fruit in saucepot. Add chocolate; mix well. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
LADLE immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

(From Kraft Foods.com.)

If I get it all done now, I can relax as the holidays and our daughter's 2^nd birthday approach.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 11:26 PM : Comments (2)

Yep, I'd be the tech...

Today's "User Friendly" strip describes the marketers and salesmen I work with.

shudder

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 09:48 PM : Comments (0)

'Tis the season

I have my annual urge to mosey on down to Hobby Lobby and pick up stuff to do a cross stitch.

I don't know why. Every November I get visions of sitting down in the evenings to do needlework.

But first, I'd better finish hemming those dishtowels that Little Miss is giving for Yuletide.

That's all I have for now.

As you were.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:17 PM : Comments (3)

Dear Left,

By Dean Esmay.

I couldn't agree more.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 06:09 PM : Comments (1)

Veterans Day

Dear American Veterans,

I woke up a free woman, today. I can speak and write freely, without fear. I can practice my religion without persecution, and pursue my happiness without fetter.

I can travel wherever I wish without interference, and with my husband, raise our child according to our sense of principles and honor.

I can work whatever job I wish, dress as I please, and keep and bear arms. I can laugh, scream, dance, run, play, and sing as my heart moves me.

That is all possible, thanks to you. Thank you.

All my love and blessings forever,
Linda
"Civilization Calls"

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 07:39 PM : Comments (0)

Remember that Arafat was a Terrorist

CAMERA has the timeline of his atrocities.

May the Goddess grant his soul precisely the justice and mercy it deserves.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 07:21 PM : Comments (0)
» Committee for the Advanced Application of Common Sense links with: God Bless America and Her Vets, Fuck Arafat

Happy Birthday, USMC!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Marine Corps!
Happy Birthday to you.

November 10^th is the official birthday of the US Marine Corps. Two hundred and twenty nine years later, they're still a jewel in the array of our armed forces -- some of the toughest, best, and most honorable men and women on earth.

While I was safely at home, tucking my daughter into bed last night, I thought of all our soldiers, sailors, and Marines out there, fighting, bleeding, and dying for my freedom, and that of my child. You are the men and women who make it so she sleeps securely at night, surrounded by people who love her. Thank you, and Semper Fi.

MARINES' HYMN

From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.

Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job, the United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:30 PM : Comments (3)

Marines Sing in Fallujah

If this video linked by Blackfive doesn't lift you up, then perhaps nothing can.

The Marines are singing in Fallujah. Victory is surely at hand.

Display all comments »

That was beautiful. The Marine Corps Birthday is tomorrow. My father in law is celebrating it by taking a well deserved day off.

posted by ethne at November 9, 2004 09:06 PM

who are you kidding? the war in iraq, originally justified with an aknowledged lie, now has an (iraqi) civilian death count around 15,000, and you're all turned-on by some mediocre singers on home video in front of a flag?

according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the US city of Baltimore the risk of death by violence for civilians in Iraq is now 58 times higher than before the US-led invasion.

the bombs bursting in air might mean that the american flag is still there, but it does not mean that iraqi's are better off.

just because saddam was bad, doesn't mean the american army isn't worse.

posted by Matthew at November 10, 2004 05:21 PM

Well, first, it wasn't a lie, and second, the US military will have to do a lot more to be "worse than Saddam". Third, did it occur to you that Mikey Moore's vaunted "minutemen" might have a bit to do with that increased violence?

But I guess you don't want tyrannical governments toppled unless everything goes immediately to normal within a few weeks of the toppling. In other words, almost never.

(Cue Democrat talking points in 3... 2... 1...)

posted by Patrick Chester at November 11, 2004 08:58 AM

there are no weapons of mass destruction, president bush lied.

of course no one expects everything to immediately go back to normal, but no one expects the job to be done so poorly either.

according to the New York Times:

The major causes of death before the invasion were myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, and other chronic disorders whereas after the invasion violence was the primary cause of death. Violent deaths were widespread, reported in 15 of 33 clusters, and were mainly attributed to coalition forces. Most individuals reportedly killed by coalition forces were women and children. The risk of death from violence in the period after the invasion was 58 times higher than in the period before the war.

if you can't finish the job, don't start it. as it turns out, americans are empirically worse than saddam.

posted by Matthew at November 16, 2004 09:07 PM

Matthew,

If you really believe that, then you haven't been doing your own research.

As evidence, here are two links exposing the mass graves of Iraq:
"Iraq's Legacy of Terror: The Mass Graves"
and a BBC Article, "Babies found in Iraqi mass grave"

I also refer you to the Iraqi bloggers:

The Mesopotamian
Healing Iraq
Hammorabi
Iraq the Model
Iraq at a Glance

I encourage you to read for yourself the experiences of people from Iraq, who are glad for our assistance, and want for us to stay to help them out.

One more thing: as someone who grew up in the military, and as someone who has a cousin serving there right now, giving me reports from the ground of things as they REALLY are, you are not welcome to come to this blog and bash the military. If you want to spew anti-military, hate-Bush rhetoric, go ahead and do it on your own bandwidth. That's what you have a blog for. I'm rather sick of debating with people like you who refuse to research beyond the mainstream media, or explore the possibility that your information might actually be tainted, or flat-out incorrect.

I have not come to your blog, and posted hatefully there. You may not do so here. If you have curiosity, and are open to a different viewpoint, you are welcome. But bashing the efforts of the men and women on the ground in Iraq is something I will not tolerate.

Got it?

posted by Linda at November 17, 2004 05:12 PM

how could your cousin "on the ground" know everything that is happening in iraq? that's one person, you think i don't know people who have been to iraq and afghanistan? the difference is i'm not out on the internet using them to establish some kind of faux credibility.

i do not hate bush, i never said i did. i said he lied about weapons of mass destruction, i don't require hatred to tell the truth.

as for iraqis who welcome americans, that is neither here nor there. there are many compelling reasons for iraqis to welcome american troops, but that does mean the campaign there will be a success, that it was ever a good idea, or that the promise of freedom will be fulfilled in the form they have been led to believe. there is a huge difference between being a democracy and being militarily occupied by the army of a democracy.

i'm sorry you believe the new york times is "tainted, or flat-out incorrect.' it would seem that if someone isn't blowing sunshine in your face, they are "refusing to research beyond the mainstream media."

the "your sources are wrong, mine are right" line of argument is a knife that cuts both ways.

have you ever explored the possibility that your information might be tainted? well, i offer you information and you dismiss it without even considering it, on the grounds that your alleged cousin is more reliable than the new york times.

your document says saddam killed 400, 000, but a survey conducted by scientists from Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University and Al Mustansiriya University in Baghdad compared the death rates of Iraqis before and after the American invasion. They estimated that 100,000 more Iraqis have died in the 18 months since the invasion than would have been expected based on Iraqi death rates before the war.

considering the americans have been ruling iraq for a fraction of the time that saddam did, how long will it take before those numbers start to even out?

so you have some iraqi bloggers, does that negate what the Al Mustansiriya University in Bagdad has to say?

posted by Matthew at November 17, 2004 09:02 PM

I do refute the New York Times. I question the statistical sampling performed by Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and by Al Mustansiriya Universities.

Your mask is slipping, with the "blown sunshine" and "faux credibility" comments. You are making the incorrect assumption that my cousin is merely a grunt.

Bush did not lie. There is a basic difference between receiving incorrect intelligence, and outright lying. History needed to be taken into account. In 1988, Saddam Hussein used chemical agents against the Kurds. Have you forgotten the news coverage of the bodies lying in the street; the little children who never made it within doors? A man may be judged by his actions, and it was well known that terrorist elements moved freely in and out of Iraq. Saddam's historical actions proved him to be a megalomaniac. Deposing him was done with just cause, and done in context of both history and the available intelligence. Besides that, I believe that chemical and biological, if not nuclear weapons were in development. The inspection teams found botulinum. Platforms for the delivery of chemical weapons were being planned, and were in design if not actual manufacture. Intent was shown, and that is good enough for me.

You get one more chance to be courteous, Matthew. After that, you're out of here.

posted by Linda at November 18, 2004 04:41 PM

Wow, comparing our military to Saddam and the "insurgents."

Side by side comparison for a moment, using the newest example of "American Military is evil" propaganda:
A Marine walks into mosque and sees that one of the wounded is still moving. He yells out to his companions "He's faking it! He's not dead!" After dealing with booby trapped bodies and suicide bombers he decides to take the cautionary way out and shoots the wounded man. You can argue about human rights all you want, but after being over there for how long and seeing some of your buddies die the day before by some of the same tactics, I honestly cannot blame him. If I were in the same position, who is to say I wouldn’t have done the same thing.

The other side:
Contract workers are going to their job in helping to rebuild the country. Their SUV is ambushed, and they are dragged from the wreckage, burned alive and strung up over a bridge. Or how about the humanitarian workers being captured, tortured and then having their heads cut off? Killing your own fellow citizens while they are standing in line to get a job. Or how about car-bombing children as they are getting treats from our soldiers? Where does that fall in your range of evil?

By the way, the Iraqi body count does not seem to agree with Johns Hopkins or the 100,000. And they give very compelling reasons why.

posted by Ethne at November 18, 2004 04:50 PM

actually, the source i quoted says "most individuals reportedly killed by coalition forces were women and children." are the women and children booby trapped as well?

Luckily, all of the scenario's you describe can be easily avoided. stop invading foreign countries, and these scenario's cease to exist. if americans want lucrative private contracts "rebuilding" countries that they themselves demolish, then you can at least can the moral outrage when you encounter resistance.

i have no "range of evil." this is cause and effect. if america wants to build it's militarily enforced empire of global private enterprise, then (in the words of nike) just do it. you don't have to play these silly games of blaming the victim for the whole war when they defend themselves. just take what you want and be done with it. the english never apologized for their empire, why are you apologizing for yours?

posted by Matthew at November 18, 2004 09:36 PM

Matthew, would you please post the link to your source that says this: "actually, the source i quoted says "most individuals reportedly killed by coalition forces were women and children.""

If the resistance was directed towards military targets, that I would expect. But it's not. It's directed towards humanitarian workers, civilian contractors and the Iraqi people themselves.

posted by Ethne at November 19, 2004 02:40 PM

the post is from the New York Times Monday Nov 1st. it's from an editorial by Bob Herbert.

if you invade a country and start dividing up the spoils - in this case private contracts given to american companies for infrastructure - no one (especially iraqis) are going to be fooled by what's going on. the very borders of iraq were drawn by the british, do you think this is their first time dealing with a western empire?

americans aren't "rebuilding" iraq, they are taking by force the spoils of war - infrastructure. With the notable exception of the Oil Ministry, which was guarded by American troops, the majority of government and public buildings were totally plundered in the days following the attack of bagdad, to the point of there being nothing of any value left. At the Yarmuk Hospital, not only all beds, but absolutely all its medical equipment, both large or small, was stolen. the only hospital that managed to keep on functioning did it by organizing local vigilante as armed guards. hundreds of american soldiers were placed in and around the Ministry of Oil building, but sat back and allowed mobs to wreck and then burn the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Irrigation, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Information. Americans could spare 2,000 soldiers to protect the Kirkuk oilfields but couldn't even invest 200 to protect the Mosul museum.

the plan is simple, the american army invades, allows all government infrastructure to be destroyed (with an obvious exception), and begins handing out "rebuilding" contracts to private companies back home. there is more than one way to make money off a war. all you're doing is using military force instead of the usual political pressure tactics to privatize the public infrastructure in foreign countries. the same goal, but more aggressive tactics.

if the american government is going to use private contracters as military pawns in the building of an international privatized empire, then naturally the iraqis are going to see those contracters as military targets. neither side is "playing fair," and if private contracters can't see their role, naivety is no excuse.

if you want the money so badly, then quit complaining about how you have to risk your neck for it. stay home. no one asked americans to go into iraq, in fact the world was begging you not to go. don't start whining now about how the enemy has no honor (they don't do "what you expect"). americans have created a war and are reaping the economic rewards as we speak, so naturally the most violent and unreasonable people (on both sides) are going to come to the forefront.

it's obvious americans don't like diplomacy - but that is one of the advantages of it, truly dangerous people (on both sides) are kept in a harmless minority. now that you've shunned that advantage and run in with all your guns blazing, you can't start complaining that the worst element of iraqi society has come out to greet you.

there is a big difference between being a democracy and being occupied by the military of a democracy.

posted by Matthew at November 19, 2004 06:38 PM

Matthew since when are editorials fact?!? You've been invited to provide links, etc. But one opinion piece is enough to make all the research people like Linda and Ethne have done wrong? It's quite obvious you are wasting bandwidth, trying to get a reaction from people wh will never believe your crap. You are the definition of a troll, and personally I can't understand why Linda hasn't banned your IP. So how bout you back the fuck off, and go comiserate with Ted Rall, Michael Moore, and the rest of the moon-bat-shit-crazy-liberals. that refuse to listen to reason, or provide actual fact or proof. Quoting editorials...dumb fuck.

posted by Viking at November 19, 2004 07:56 PM

Lovely idea, Viking.

Matthew, you have been banned. Trying to pass off an editorial piece as some sort of fact, indeed!

Beyond that, you came here looking for a fight. Your first post was confrontational, and you are not open to exploring other viewpoints. You only want to abuse and belittle us. You want to score verbal points. You are not a good example of liberal ideas, wherein everyone's position is explored with an open mind; wherein every facet of an issue is deconstructed back to its most basic elements, and then put back together with a reality-based sense of context and history. Trust me on the precepts of Renaissance thought. I was a liberal until 9/11.

It's like this: I'm not interested in playing your game. Differing viewpoints are always welcome on this blog, but only when couched in respectful terms. You came in poised for attack, and have pulled out the same tired, disproven theories -- no, outright lies -- that have been refuted over and over again in any number of publications both on-, and offline.

Go back to your blog. Spew your bitterness there.

You are not welcome here, and no more energy or bandwidth will be wasted on you.

posted by Linda at November 19, 2004 09:28 PM

Divisiveness, I have discovered, is disagreeing with a liberal regardless of how much tact is used.
-Howard E. Halvorsen
Chester, VA

from http://imao.us - Letter from our soldiers in Iraq.

Ok, I know that Linda doesn't want any more waste on bandwidth, but here is a final thought. I notice that Matthew saw fit to blame the soldiers for the fact that Iraqis were looting and plundering all the other building around them. Perhaps the blame would be better suited going to the plunderers. As for the global conspiracy of an international privatized empire, I am wondering where that conspiracy came from. If that were indeed true, I honestly believe that the military would have been allowed to level entire countries. We could have taken over Kuwait if we just needed oil. It probably would have been a lot less messy than Iraq. We could have claimed Afghanistan as well, since we had all ready rooted out the government there.

I'm not buying that claim that the US went into Iraq to build "our Empire."

I do take issue with the whole "Our Soldiers are war criminals" because they aren't. As for your orginal snark point:
"the war in iraq, originally justified with an aknowledged lie, now has an (iraqi) civilian death count around 15,000, and you're all turned-on by some mediocre singers on home video in front of a flag?"
I am -as you say- turned on by some impressive men who have good voices singing our national anthem while many miles from the home that they love so much that they are willing to lay down their lives in foreign lands for it, or for the cause they believe is just. I am turned on for the good in humanity that many of these men and women possess. If you don't believe me, check out operation give's homepage, or tabby's story - they are all linked here. Or all the other various charities that the men and women of this nation have started to help those less fortunate around the world. I am impressed by the generosity of a country that is currently spending 10x more money on AIDS relief in Africa then the rest of the world - combined. I am proud of them, of their sacrifice, and what they stand for. And I will not tolerate anyone spitting on them either literally or figuratively.

posted by Ethne at November 19, 2004 10:21 PM

Which is the only reason why I began the debate in the first place, Ethne. The insult was given to honorable, courageous men and women, and because they are not here to speak for themselves, it's up to those of us left at home to speak up for them.

If America wanted Empire, we would have it at this very moment. If we merely wanted oil and plunder, there is no one who can stop us, and frankly, gas would be mere cents a gallon. If we meant to level the Middle East and all the souls living there, it would be glowing with radiation as I type these words.

Truth to tell, that's the reason why "Civilization Calls" was first launched. It was meant as a tribute to our service people; a means of thanking them, and speaking to the reasons why the Global War on Terror must be fought, and why wars are never won with a strictly defensive strategy. I wanted a means of keeping the home fires burning; to let my cousin, his battalion, and all our warriors know that we are guarding the van, and they will return to a home worth the name.

The American Armed Forces are not war criminals, whatever our banned troll and his ilk would have us believe.

If anything, I'm grateful that Matthew popped up. It led to reaffirming what I started this blog for, and has answered the question of how I shall proceed.

I'm also grateful to you, Ethne, for your clear arguments, and to Patrick for humorously pointing out the obvious in the first place, and to Viking, who observed that the debate was moot.

So, now that we've cleaned house, as it were, let's get back to having fun while supporting our troops.

posted by Linda at November 19, 2004 10:59 PM

Awwww, Linda. (pout) I tried to get over here as quick as I could. :-)

Hey, Mathilda, just in case you still have read privies:

5330 Bent Tree Forest Dr,#712
Dallas, TX

Come spew your Bush-hating, military-hating bullshit to my face, bub. Let's see how tough you really are, chickenshit.

Anytime your 'nads grow past the size of pinheads, assmunch.

posted by Lord Spatula I, King & Tyrant at November 20, 2004 02:21 AM

Lord Spatula, Matthew is a Canadian. I highly doubt he will even bother taking the time to follow your link, let alone fly down to Texas. However, I do live a great deal closer to him. (insert evil laughter here). I can handle it... if you would like, M'Lord. :)

posted by Ethne at November 20, 2004 02:50 PM

« Roll up all comments

posted by Linda at 07:20 PM : Comments (17)

Job Quest

Unabashed self-promotion:

Anybody in the northern tip of the Front Range in Colorado want to hire a slightly used, but very talented, technical writer?

You'll be lucky to have me now, while I'm on my way up. I'm priced very reasonably too.

I'll only appreciate in value, so get me now, while I'm a bargain!

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:50 PM : Comments (0)

They're on to me!

Mentioned at LGF's post about "Choice Moonbat Quotes" following the election, is this gem originating on a pagan forum over at Livejournal:

(Note: the following screed is quoted as written -- no edits by yours truly.)

**Magical Election Ta pering: SHUT IT DOWN!** Ok, I can understand the restlessness I've been feeling since yesterday. There's a lot riding on this election, and passions are running high on both sides, so naturally eceryone and their naked brother who has an ounce of Power and no clue about Shielding is leaking energy like a hair dryer in a bathtub. So it's Shields Up for me, but I'm still getting enough bleedover to make me jittery and a little manic if I don't concentrate. That's all to be expected.
What wasn't expected was that once I filtered out all that background noise, I started hearing a calm, resonable, and powerful head-voice saying things like
"Kerry doesn't have the experience we need in these troubled times." and "Give Bush a chance to make it better."

Anyone who knows me KNOWS these are not my thoughts! And besides, I
voted last week. No, there's no way in Hades these are my thoughts.

Gods-damn it! The f*cking Republicans have got Magical help pumping out
a clear, unified, focused broadcast, and you can be sure, every sensitive is
picking it up. These are the people most likely to vote Kerry, and I'd like to think they are resolute enough not to be swayed by telepathic subliminal advertising, but it's such a rarely-done thing, and so few people are properly trained these days, that I fear it will be more effective. Just watch
and see who says "I was going to vote for Kerry, but for some reason I
changed my mind at the last minute."

Who would be doing this for them? Gee, who are the Mages driving around
in those black Mercedes and Lincolns with the tinted windows? The ones who live in the mansions with the hell-hounds in the yard and the 7-foot tall hairless black doormen? Every town has some, the bigger the town, the more of these "High Magi" you will find.

I have no idea what their agenda may be, but you can be damn sure the
welfare of the common human on the street is not a part of it.

So shield, people, shield. And screen. And if you can shield a polling
place, do it! I'm not saying to try to interfere with people's choices, but rather prevent them from being interfered with.

This is important, people, and it may be too late already.
**end**

[Linda stops laughing with a physical effort/wipes eyes]

Wow.

A bit of advice: Honey, those voices aren't necessarily magical workings or the voices of your spirit guides. Lithium and/or thorazine sometimes help. Talk to your doctor.

But otherwise...wow. Who woulda thunk I had that much power?

So, now and forevermore, let me be known as Linda, High Magistra of the VRWC...

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:59 PM : Comments (7)

The People Prevail: Four more years.

President George W. Bush has received the nod from we, the People of these United States.

Tally this morning?
Bush: 51% of the vote, with 269 electoral votes.
Kerry: 48% of the vote with 238 electoral votes.

All right.

We can now finish what we started. Alaa, take heart: we knew what was right, and we reelected the man who led the war to free your homeland from the horrors of the psychopath Saddam. You and your people will not now be abandoned to terrorists and murderers.

Osama: watch your back. You hurt us one. You threatened us again. You know nothing of us as a people if you think we'll just roll over for you like Spain. Start counting your breaths. Your days are numbered.

Hamas, Hizbollah, al Qaeda, et al: Start running. Keep running. Or, change your ways. We're still coming.

People were watching and listening this election. The Silent Majority held their tongues mostly until Election Day, and then they made their preference irrefutably clear: we want Bush.

I should hope that John Kerry will now take the gentleman's route, and bow gracefully out. I know he won't -- I know he'll put his after-election handbook of litigation into high gear and try to turn elections into something run by the court system.

This is exactly what makes him so undesirable to the majority of people in the United States: he either refuses, or is incapable of seeing, that actions do make the man, and his actions generally leave a very bad taste in the mouth of the American on the street. He has acted without integrity on many occasions -- in fact, he's made a career of it. His quickness to litigate disgusts many; especially the sure knowledge that he was plannning this all along.

So, let me say this directly to the Senator:

Senator Kerry, we don't want you. You have not received the office of President. You could demand that we all go and recast our vote today, and we still will not want you. You are not cut of the right cloth for the highest office of this land. We all suggest that you behave once as a gentleman should, and go quietly home.

Farewell.

UPDATE: Well, I owe Senator Kerry a kudo. There is a gentlemanly bone in his body. He called President Bush to concede the election. That had to hurt, and was most likely the hardest call he ever made. I respect him for that.

News sources:

Source 1: Yahoo! News
Source 2: AP News
Source 3: Fox News
Source 4: MSNBC
Source 5: ABC News
Source 6: CNN

UPDATE 2:

Kerry publicly concedes.

OK, let's get back to work.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 01:11 PM : Comments (3)

With An Eye To the Future

(Hat tip: David of Ripples.)

Fifty Reasons Why by Vanderleun at American Digest.

His post summarizes everything I've been trying to say for the last two years.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:39 PM : Comments (3)

Election Day 2004

OK, people, this is it. Time to make your voice heard. Get out there and cast your ballot.

We've been doing this for more than 200 years. Let's show the world what real democratic process looks like. Today is the day that we hold ourselves above pundits, politicos, and lawyers.

Now move.

Display all comments »

posted by Linda at 04:08 PM : Comments (1)