DIVIDE AND CONQUER

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THE OBAMA CRISIS

I have been so disturbed with our government and our first ruler of the United States that I attempted to avoid the news for a few days. However, it has slipped through on occasion and today I listened to the preachy, stern speech that Obama spewed as he drove a wedge between political parties.
In the many years, which I have seen Presidents come and go, I have never witnessed some of the events that have taken place lately. In addition to Obama’s alienate usage of the terms “We” and “the gang of six” he has (to coin one of his favorite words) CONSISTANTLY pointed fingers at any political party that differs from the Democratic Party or his own agenda. His actions remind me of a famous strategic plan. “Divide and Conquer.”
Our country has seen civil wars and differences of opinions but for the most part, our President has led us to resolution. Americans have treasured their right to belong to whichever political party they wished without being chastised, degraded or bullied by our President! This term, has brought Americans to each other’s throats as he sits back and stirs the cauldron of disgruntlement. As a parent or authority figure, I never would take sides between children (young or old) nor would I instigate or entertain discontentment between co-workers. It’s disingenuous to state your first concern is for the people when you exercise “feces flinging” and favoritism.
His veiled threats and fear mongering to the veterans, elderly and disabled is appalling! I am a staunch conservative who admires the Regan years, but regardless of my vast difference of opinion in how our country should be run – I don’t believe ANYONE on EITHER SIDE wants veterans, military, elderly or disabled to fail to receive their checks nor do I believe either party wants them to do without medical attention.
If you listen to Obama (the man who attempted to take away SEAL team six’s praise for the elimination of OSAMA), he will have a rift between Americans that will take hundreds of years to resolve.
What does he have to gain or what agenda is he orchestrating which would benefit from these actions? The only thing that comes to mind … is Divide and Conquer.

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• Democrats Try Divide and Conquer (politicalwire.com)

(I personally detest the fact Obama is in office but attempt to analyze how he was elected)

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As many of you already know, my son Britt received a kidney & Pancreas transplant last week. After years of being diabetic & on dialysis and the last stages of renal failure – Britt is no longer diabetic nor is he renal impaired. His blood pressure has reached a normal level and even his eyesight is greatly improved. We were blessed – not lucky –BLESSED.

Britt’s journey of ill health began when he was two weeks old and has gradually taken over his entire 32 years of life until last week. As a mother, I watched my son slowly dying and for the last two years found him near death in his apartment too many times to count. His brothers and step sister stayed in fear of the call they expected to receive from me. Britt’s health was declining fast and we just didn’t know how long we would have him.

Britt’s greatest pride is his three year old daughter who lives with her mother in Kentucky. We were acutely aware that in his present condition his precious daughter might grow up without a father. Helpless to stop these events, we knew his legacy would be one of strength as he attempted to work every day so he wouldn’t have to accept food stamps or help. He would leave a legacy of strength and a sense of pride that he could assist in supporting himself.

What his family didn’t expect was a call that came in on Sunday April 17. My phone rang with the caller ID displaying a number I didn’t recognize. Mentally I tried to place the 205 area code with no success. I almost didn’t answer but something nudged me to do so. I excused myself from our dinner guest and answered cautiously – half expecting some telemarketer to try to sell me swamp land in Nevada. A young man called me by name and asked if I was Britt’s mother. His next statements left me almost mute from shock.

“Rhiannon, your son is on stand by for a kidney pancreas that we have available. Can you please give me Britt’s number and be ready to have in Birmingham?” I was in shock! They said we had another year before Britt would even be close to an organ transplant! I, of course, agreed and relayed his phone number to them. “This doesn’t mean he will get this but in case the other patient cannot make it or fails his evals – your son will be next in line. This other patient looks good though and we don’t foresee any complications.”

I ended the call with silent prayer. “Please let the recipients pass all his evaluations and – GOD – please bless the donor family and stay by their side during their loss.” My heart ached for a family’s loss. I would have to pack a bag soon because this call let me know that my son was next on the list. Britt called me from work, excited that he had received his call and we both agreed that we needed to pack a “Go Bag” for when his time came.

About four hours passed as we chatted to our guests on the patio. I had said numerous prayers for the donors family and the recipient of the organs. I assumed the organs would only be viable for four hours so I assumed the transplant was probably taking place. It was then my phone rang again and this time I recognized the number as the UAB transplant center. I answered as if I knew this young man this time – I mean after all he had just called me about a miracle we had prayed about for many years – my sons chance at life.

“Hi Rhia, this is UAB again, we couldn’t reach your sons cell phone so you are our contact support number. You need to get your son here as soon as possible. We have a kidney and pancreas for him. Bring him to the ER at UAB because they will be waiting on him. I looked across at Steve’s questioning face and gave him a thumb up. I said I would have Britt there and we would call when we were 30 minutes out. I called Britt’s work and asked them to page him. When I heard his voice on the phone, I simply said “Meet me at your apartment now. You have a donor and we have to get to Birmingham quick.” He was stunned because, like me, he assumed the previous person on the list had received their transplant.

I rushed into the room as Steve went to the attic to retrieve my suitcase … I threw some clothes in and other things, which made no sense to pack. Within 20 minutes I was on my way to pick Britt up and assist him in packing. He got his emergency packing skills from his mother since he was attempting to pull pictures from the wall and pack them. Three and a half hours later Britt entered the emergency room at UAB and I was looking for a parking spot.

I had continued my prayers for the donor family through admission and had asked my family and friends to pray for them. When we were settled into a room a male nurse came in and said the transplant would have healthy organs. He further explain they were coming from a 19 year old. Even in the blessing of life bestowed on my son my hear ached at the thought of such a loss. My youngest son was 19 and earlier I warned him to be careful since it was prom night. Had some family lost their baby to prom night? Had it been the fierce storms that had swept across the state? I wish I could do something for this family.

Britt went into surgery early the next morning after a barrage of conflicting events. The operation was very long yet they explain they had to get the pancreas ready and then his actual surgery was six and a half hours. I never felt more alone than I did during those hours. I kept slipping down to have a cigarette since they had my cell number to contact. A rather scary man kept coming up to me wanting a cigarette and I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable at that area.

Finally the Transplant doctor came out and assured me that Britt’s surgery went great. His new kidney was already working. He told me to get some sleep but even after 2 days without sleep, I knew I had to stay up a little longer. I couldn’t see him right away so once again, I went downstairs to have a cigarette. I found a little spot out of view whereas the scary man wouldn’t see me. Two nurses came close to where I was to smoke and were talking to each other. They were discussing the young girls horrible death and how her organs had went to help others live. In their conversation, they said a young man had received the pancreas and a kidney.

Anyone that knows me can vouch for my ability to do research and unearth an amazing mass of facts. As soon as I seen Britt and knew he was okay – I was going sleuthing for the donor.

When I entered ICU to see him, he opened his eyes and said “Mama, I know I just had major surgery but I feel better than I can ever remember. I think I could run back home.” I smiled and told him, “Well, why don’t you get through all this and let me drive you home in three weeks?” He nodded his head as he fell back to sleep. Hospitals, surgery and feeling sick were nothing new for him. He had lived his life this way. I kissed his forehead and headed for my hotel room.

Once I arrived, I booted my laptop up, accessed the internet and plugged in the information I knew on the donor. It didn’t take a sleuth or even a professional researcher to find his donor. It was all over the news, Facebook and web pages. There, at last, was a face for me to see. As I read about her, the circumstances around her loss of life and her own entries she posted on Facebook before she passed – I cried and yet thanked her for her giving my son a chance at life. As a mother, I ached when I learned she too had a son. A son, whose father was arrested for ending his mother’s young and vibrant life. It was on my mind constantly, the gift of life she, as well as her family had given my son and the tragic loss of young mother whose heart and soul beat for her child.

I had to return home to take care of Britt’s business and was encouraged to start a benefit fund to help him with his bills during his recovery time. The response was welcomed and I gathered his bills and future medical expenses to make a budget along with a projected amount needed to cover it all. I begin to wonder what to do if he received over the amount he needed for his expenses. Maybe give it to the domestic abuse agency? It was then I knew exactly what I do. I hurried and called Britt to tell him what I decided. He was excited at the idea and not only approved but encouraged me to put my all into it.

Mother to Mother – She had given my son a chance for a new life and we would help her by giving her son the chance she wanted for him. I talked to Compass Bank where I had opened the benefit account and asked them for their assistance. I looked up her great Uncle and asked him for his assistance in sitting up the college fund for his great nephew. He was so kind and helpful and thanked us. Yet there was no thanks needed except for the one we gave his family.

The Britt Orr Benefit Fund will take in donations and all money beyond his 2 ½ to 3 month assistance needed would go into a pre-paid college fund for her baby son. Mother to mother – helping our sons with a chance at life. As it took many to assist her in giving my son life – a transplant team – coordinators – it will also take many to assist me in setting up this pre-paid college fund.

Her family stressed that such wasn’t expected but was appreciated. They said they were happy that it had saved my son and they knew that was what she would want. Well, this is what we want. Heart to heart. She was a 19 year old mother who desirved more than what she received. She worked hard at McDonalds to try to give her son the things he needed. Will you please help me in giving her son a chance at a new life? As it took doctors, transplant personal and social workers to give Britt the chance she offered him – it will take people like you to help me give her son the things a 19 year old mother can hope for her baby.

Anyone wanting to help us with our goals can have a fund raiser or donate to:

Manager Shane Staton

The Britt Orr Benefit Fund

C/O BBVA Compass Bank

8890 Pensacola BLVD

Pensacola, Florida 32534

Phone (850)-857-5045

If you would like to host a fund raiser or make a donation – You can email me at realwithrhia@msn.com

            Long before the actually controversy broke out concerning the construction of the Ground Zero Mosque, a small group of Muslims gathered in prayer/ worship at the Burlington Coat factory, unnoticed by the mainstream public. Their worship place, grandfathered in as were most of the pornography and other businesses surrounding Ground Zero, was quiet and drew little if any attention to their presence. Their religion had taken many black eyes from radicals and extremist that not only killed 3000 Americans in the 9/11 attacks, but had claimed victory in bombing the USS Cole,  previous attempts to Bomb the WTC, hijackings, and too many others to list in an article and all proclaimed in the name of Allah.

            It was not surprising that, when their announcement to build a 13 story Mosque 600 feet from Ground Zero went viral, they would encounter such a strong opposition. Not only Americans but the populace of numerous countries recoiled in a fresh wave of pain and then took to the streets, airways and print to reject such a callous disregard for such hallowed ground. Although most pro-mosqkies (pronounced Mosque-key) like to target Pamela Geller as inciting the anger Americans were experiencing, she is no more to blame or credit than Lou Gehrig is for ALS.

            The entire project, which has changed, grown, been renamed and been very dubious in some of the handlings, has ^(a) 70% of the American population against it or its location. There is no denying it has encapsulated emotions of a nation still in mourning and angered. In reviewing the numerous twists and turns, of the firstly name “Cordoba Initiative” and now “Park 51”, we find many conflicting and somewhat disturbing facts. Whereas, the majority of people do not have the time to research it or put it a timeline, they rely upon the “news” to be their guide along the selective path of the projects history. Finding pure news is like finding a needle in a haystack since it is now slanted with personal opinion.

In reviewing a summarized list of facts, I am sure you will agree, we can assume that this project needs to be watched carefully as its exercises its rights to purchase a property, build, and worship its faith in peaceful assembly.

Lets recap some facts.

1)      ⁽¹⁾The world was informed through public media that Inman Rauf and Daisy Kahn announced its plans to build a 13 story Mosque 600 ft from Ground Zero. The project name was “The Cordoba Initiative”. Plans to build then-named Cordoba House were reported in The New York Times in December 2009

2)     ⁽²⁾The history of Cordoba Spain and the Muslims victory being landmarked by building a Mosque near their conquest rocks the internet. Internet pages and groups against the mosque grow like wildfire with the most vocal being Pamela Gellar’s “Atlas Shrugs.”

3)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ⁽³⁾Those rally against the Mosque’s location plea to the Landmark Society to deny the building permission of the structure where the landing gear of the attacking planes had landed. The majority of the victims’ families pleaded for respect for themselves and for the victims whose ashes had covered the area. They pointed out that many structures were landmarked merely by famous people sleeping at an Inn and this building had not only been the recipient of landing gear and victims ashes but in addition was historic in the fact it housed a very old coat factory.  The Landmark society ignored the facts and gave permission for the Muslims to tear it down and build a Mosque.

4)     ⁽⁴⁾The mayor of New York City came out against the majority of his citizens and gave his approval of the Mosque. Protests in the streets begin and Mayor Bloombergs business and holdings in Dubai come to light.

5)     ⁽⁵⁾Numerous Sleuths start digging into the background of the owner of the property and the people around the Mosque. The owner of the building was a newly established millionaire with his previous job being a waiter in numerous NYC restaurants. He had a criminal history with his latest charge being listed as assaulting the brother of one his tenants when he refused to pay his brothers arrearages in rent. The money trail that made him a millionaire over night become questionable when it split with one area bouncing around in Saudi Arabia. If indeed true, this is where the funding for the 9/11 attacks originated.

6)      Inman Rauf announces despite public outcry asking for respect, he will proceed with “Park 51” and now refers to it as a Multi-cultural center where all faiths are welcome to enter. It will now have basketball courts, restaurants and even a 9/11 Memorial inside the once declared Mosque. The Mosque was explained to be a necessity in the beginning stages because they had outgrown their current building. Somehow the words “Multi-Cultural” is misconstrued as Multi-faith when many people’s thought processes are on their first cycle. To be fair, it is not the public’s fault since high tech sales techniques are massaged into the promotion of this building. Upon deeper inspection, one can lay out the approach and ever changing details to this mosque to any sales class that would could take in order to close the sale.   

7)     When asked why they changed the name from Mosque to a prayer space, Daisy Khan, Imam Rauf’s wife and partner, in August 2010 said: “We insist on calling it a prayer space and not a mosque, because you can use a prayer space for activities apart from prayer. You can’t stop anyone who is a Muslim despite his religious ideology from entering the mosque and staying there. With a prayer space, we can control who gets to use it.” This statement led many people to believe that it was not a community center or an interfaith community center but instead a building where the Inman and his wife could control who entered or attempted to attend any meeting. However, the statement has also been described as a pledge to keep seedy radicals out of their building.( If you were trying to sell a country on project, which way would you present it?)

8)     ⁽⁸⁾Inman Rauf has seen the inside of the court room at least one time. Recently he was in court for basically be a slum-lord and allowing his tenants to live in ghastly conditions. “He’s a terrible landlord who’s unresponsive to the residents who live in his building,” Mark Albiez, a spokesman Union City’s mayor, Brian Stack, told the Star-Ledger. “City officials and inspectors have reached out to him to express the urgency in correcting problems in his buildings, and it’s unfortunate that it’s gotten to this point, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that residents receive the care that is needed.”

He has had numerous letters citations. Letters and visits in an attempt to make The Inman maintain the buildings he owns and is in which he is in charge have fallen on deaf ears since 2008. It is evident that the Inman’s concept of maintaining a safe and operational building and Union Town, New Jersey are extremely different. We can only hope his ideas of maintaining a clean, safe building will coincide with New York’s.

9)     ⁽⁹⁾If anyone’s under the impression that it is only Christian Americans who are against this project then allow me to say that many Muslims are against the building. It isn’t just Americans either as my own page on Facebook had 5000 members asking for the Mosque location and before it was taken over and deleted by a Pro Mosque activist, they hailed from numerous countries from around the world. Oddly, it seems that many pro-mosqkies that are quoting the 1^st amendment are the ones who try to quash the speech of those who do not agree with their opinion and not in a reputable manner either.

In Closing, I hope I remained as factual as possible without injecting too many personal opinions into what has become the strongest bridge to hate, bigotry and intolerance since the actual 9/11 events. I have to admit, when researching this article; I found so many changes, inconsistencies, criminal backgrounds, money trails and outright lies surrounding this project that I don’t see how it will ever fair amongst the people as a reputable organization/religious gathering. Whether its Bloomberg’s ties to Dubai, Inman Rauf’s court battles as a slum lord, the developers rise from waiter to Millionaire over night or the fact that every player in this operation has a dubious history with the exception of MAYBE Daisy Kahn, the Mosque is long past being seen as a Holy place of worship. The Inman states that had he known this project would have caused the pain and outcry it did, he would have never started it. However now knowing, he claims it is too late to back out and he fears retaliation from radical sects of Islam against America. Whereas some take this a threat against America in attempt to shut them up others feel he is just stating a fact. Many say that showing respect for the majority of Americans feelings and renouncing Hamas and radical Islam will show they are indeed true Americans.

How can a house of worship be built on lies, pain and criminal histories? Maybe that is one will have to play out before we can truly know the answer to that question. Either way, there is one thing that we can all be sure of; the division between the 29% of Americans for the building and the 70% against has caused hard feelings that will not be forgotten. No one which I have encountered has denied their right to build or their right to their religious freedoms yet as one “Against Mosqkie” put it “Just because they have the right to do it – doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.”

^{(a) http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/08/poll-nearly-70-of-americans-op.html}

_{(1) http://www.aolnews.com/surge-desk/article/laura-ingrahams-change-of-heart-on-the-ground-zero-mosque/19596778}

_{(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Mosque_of_C%C3%B3rdoba}

_{(3) http://reference.findtarget.com/search/Park51/}

_{(4) http://www.dubaichronicle.com/business/media/bloombergs-office-in-dubai-to-expand-its-activities-14826}

_{(5) http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/08/28/2010-08-28_park51_developer_sharif_elgamal_has_a_history_of_runins_with_the_law.html}

_{(8) http://www.aolnews.com/surge-desk/article/imam-feisal-abdul-rauf-accused-of-being-a-slumlord-by-n-j-town/19633740}

_{(9) http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/muslims-against-ground-zero-mosque}

http://www.billwarnerpi.com/2010/07/sharif-el-gamal-ceo-of-soho-properties.html

http://www.myfoxny.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=5390

Related Articles

• Ground Zero Mosque Builders Want Federal Money [Video] (realestateradiousa.com)

What? You don't want this printed?

(1) MSNBC is well known for being a network of liberal views and a strong condemning voice of other networks. (2)In what appeared to be a respectable stance in enforcing their policies diverted quickly to backing one host in his blatant disregard of their own guiding principle. Within 48 hours of suspending Keith Olbermann, a host that some perceive is a distasteful judgmental voice and others a voice of reason, reappeared on his show apologizing to viewers for being exposed to the “drama”.

Keith Olbermann, the liberal voice for MSNBC, was suspended indefinitely without pay on November 5th after MSNBC, discovered that he contributed to the campaigns of three Democrats last month. (8) He donated $2,400 to the campaigns of Representatives Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and Attorney General Jack Conway of Kentucky. In his actions he broke his contract and the ethical guidelines set forth by MSNBC.

Whereas many missed the point in the whole fiasco, to others it was as transparent. Many hosts, such as (3) Rachel Maddow, grasped the opportunity to muddy the waters with finger pointing at Fox News for Sean Hannerity’s and other Fox hosts political contributions. If, as a country, we want to implement policies and transparencies, we have to stay on track and not be diverted by smoking mirrors. Fox News’s policies do not forbid them to make political contributions. It was MSNBC’s policies which were broken, not Fox News’s.

(4)When President Obama was elected to his office, his pledge of transparency fell upon the ears of those weary of being lied to and kept in the dark, which netted his bid for presidency numerous votes. The need to be informed was in the hearts of the American citizen and we yearned for truth and integrity from every public figure. We need to keep in mind these desires when digesting the flip-flop of MSNBC’s decision.

(5)Amidst rumors of Olbermann would join the Fox Networks, a network he continually bashed, I went in search to validate such a claim yet came back empty-handed with the exception of a couple of entries. Once again, I returned to my original stance of focusing on what is essential to the American people and that is an honorable stance in any government or news medium.

This is not about Fox News or what their Hosts have or have not done. It is about breaking rules and policies and, in addition, the enforcing of any policies made. MSNBC has shown us what their stance on such is by the decisions they have made regarding Keith Olbermann. Whether they realize it or not, they have exposed to us their scruples in making policies and not enforcing them. They are just words on a paper to impress the public. Their employee’s do not have to follow policies, contracts or rules and regulations. They will just litter the airwaves with drama that lacks any sustenance to the American palate.

Fox Networks rules and regulations do not prohibit their hosts or employees from making contributions to political figures. Many may feel they should have such embedded within their employee contracts, however they do not. The finger pointing in this instance can be described as repugnant and insulting to our intelligence. (6) It’s not about which is the correct policy but instead about who has the ethical fortitude to enforce them, to which MSNBC has failed miserably in my opinion.

Will the world be able to trust MSNBC’s ability to uphold any of their rules in the future? Will they continue to portray themselves as a network which enforces a strict code of moral conduct? That is entirely up to what the public feels is significant. They will define themselves as network who believes rules are made to broken or a network that enforces their policies and at another time inspects them to see if they want them rewritten.

Regardless, the reputation they imbue, MSNBC will stay on air while knowing this will be an event that we will all forget over a period of time. That’s human nature to forget when fresher news flashes on our televisions and newspapers. (7)According to a poll, cited on bloggernews.net, republicans trust the news less than democrats. This may be the advantage MSNBC, an admittedly left-wing news source, finds as its “saving grace”. As one part of American pushes this event in the back of their minds, another part will trust them loyally and unquestionably to do the morally correct thing in their policies.

I find it hard to ingest any news coming from a source that cannot stand by their writ of moral conduct. It doesn’t matter if I agree with what is written, it is the ability to follow their own policies that make me distrust anything coming from their network. I won’t be able to have confidence in their opinions on news since they have publicly lowered their standards and integrity.

I don’t see this as reflection on Keith Olbermann but instead one on MSNBC. It truly is not about his breaking the policy (although it does define his mindset) yet instead about the networks “wishy washy” politics within their own company. Their constant maligning of other networks to take the heat off of their selves only adds to my conviction they lack the ability to look at events with an unbiased eye. This is an essential quality to any network regardless of their political angle. We need to have left and right wing networks to ensure we can watch both to achieve balance. However we cannot achieve that balance without truth or enforcement of ethical guidelines.

Keith Olbermann is back where he was before the fiasco, MSNBC is still on air and yes, they are still delivering to you their usual spin on the news. Every network has their spin. The real question is who can we trust to give us the news in a structured, unbiased way? We will have to watch and remember the faux paus of each network and judge for ourselves.

(1) http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/06/business/media/06msnb.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1289408827-xpxUK/YJ71OxHFkoMd+Mvw
(2)http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/11/10/131213206/olbermann
(3) http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/11/05/5417114-on-cable-news-and-cable-not-news
(4) http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/dispatches-heartland/2010/jul/30/do-americans-want-accountable-government/
(5) http://www.damego.com/keith-olbermann-to-join-fox-news
(6) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40062578/ns/politics-decision_2010
(7) http://www.bloggernews.net/114362
(8) http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/olbermann-suspended-from-msnbc-for-campaign-donations/

Image by Yang and Yun's Album via Flickr

Whilst the battle rages on in the debate over a Mosque being built near Ground Zero, the divergence from both sides are riddled with injections of misinformation, fabrication and deceptions. The stance from either side will not be legitimate until the protestors for both sides guide their clash to stay on topic, stay factual and present themselves in a dignified powerful presence. While such a matter is filled with passion, rage and the need to be victorious – all will fall far from the finish line unless they refrain from profanity, insults and deception.
As on my Facebook Page “I don’t want a Mosque built Near ground Zero”, many overzealous posters never adhere to the guidelines or rules which inflames those who do. They feel if they do not step up to the plate and defend their stance in the same manner, then the less savory poster wins the debate. This is not so.
The very title of that page says “I don’t WANT a mosque built NEAR Ground Zero”. While I acknowledge their 1st Amendment rights under the Constitution of The United States of America, I am stating I do not WANT one built there. Yet still, some jack wagon still impedes his stupidity on the page by posting they have the right to construct their Mosque at that location. They chant about freedom of religion and freedom of speech in attempt to stifle our first amendment rights to Freedom of speech, and our right to assemble in a common belief. The site then becomes littered with people hating Muslims, The president, shouting violence and obscenities. They debate the Quran, they scream conspiracy and yes – some come on to sow hatred at Americans.
Luckily I have Admins assigned to my site to help maintain the integrity of the page. I go through more Admins than I care to say. It is hard for them not to be provoked into an argument and ultimately go home kick the dog, yell at the mate or take it out on someone else. I had hopes the site would allow people to vent and ease their frustrations so we could come together and find a solution. How’s that working for me you say? *sighs*
The fact is, I am asking for respect not enforcing unconstitutional restrictions on their project. I am asking for consideration, not rejecting the freedom to practice their religion. I have several Muslims friends who are peaceful, loving and AGAINST this Mosque.
Do I have opinions on our President? Our Congress? The way our Country is ran? On the Rules of Engagement? On how our Military is treated? On Fair Trade? On Immigration? Should dogs & cats be allowed to marry? Is the tanning tax a racist tax? Do I have opinions? YES YES AND YES! Yet I stay on topic and I control my temper. One topic at a time. Maintain the direction and the topic if you want to win the battle.
I personally do sense the money for the Mosque is polluted. I envision some of the backers are criminals. I believe if this was truly a building that is supposed to build peace, love and forgiveness – that upon seeing such discord, hatred stirred, and emotional pain – these people would relocate . I find it odd Bloomberg has holdings in Dubai and yet go against majority to speak in favor of the Mosque. I have a lot of opinions on a variety of subjects yet I pray that our protestors can stay on subject so they can become a proficient, legitimate, educated panel that represents us admirably and victoriously.
I composed an answer for one of my admins who is a military family. Her two sons and husband are in different branches of the military with one son who is spec op. I believe I said it all in that letter and will post the statement made which demanded such a response.
• “xxx Jackson I don’t know if you served in the armed forces or not. I did. I saw combat. I had friends die. I was wounded. I saw action at Lybia and Desert Shield. We served to defend the U.S.A. and all it stands for. One of the things the U.S.A. stands for is the Constitution of the United States of America. The very First Amendment of the Constitution insures the right to freedom of religion. I am not Islamic. I do and will defend their right to worship how they please wherever they please with my very life. I dispise bigotry. If people like you had their way there would only be christians in the United States. Your request to join your cause is Un-American and equally as insensative to the Islamic faith as it is to all faiths. It is also disrespectful to every Vet who died for a real cause…not a “Facebook” cause. These men and women died for FREEDOM. Not just lip service freedom that grants liberty to people we agree with, but to those we don’t agree with. That is true freedom. So, I would ask that you don’t push your KKKlanish ways and that you mature. Respect those who served for your freedom to communicate such hateful things as this.
P.S. I think that no religious organization whatsoever should establish a building so close to a site that was destroyed due to religious differences so great to create such a mass murder.
Respectfully,
xxx Jackson
RP3 USN Retired.
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•
I don’t want a Mosque built near Ground ZERO! An RP3, which is a “Religious Programmer” Third Class, meaning you didn’t go very far rank wise and basically worked for a Navy Chaplin setting up services…While they do and are deployed into war zones for Religious reasons they are not in combat roles… Desert Shield never had a bullet thrown in it… As a matter of fact…it started on Jan 17, 1991 and ended on February 27, 1991 … The ground war lasted 100 hours. Regardless of time frame, we appreciate any service to our country and do not belittle that action.
Being a military family that includes, spec ops and diverse branches of the military and watched my sons deployed, I understand one fact. Just because you went to protect our country – doesn’t make your view infallible nor does it afford you rights to taunt insulting remarks because they do not pursue your beliefs. I, have as much right to voice my opinion as you.
As in your right to your beliefs, and their rights to theirs, we in addition have the right to believe as we do. As you stand-up to practice your rights to freedom of speech, so shall we, and in addition, we will practice the right to assemble in a common cause.
Had you beyond doubt been a minister, I believe you would not have been so swift to judge, call names or make accusations. Instead, you would have used reason and calmly stated your beliefs. In addition, a minister does not judge lest he be judged. You deeming the founder, admins and members as KKKlandish – you have judged and yourself profiled in our entirety into one insulting judgmental group. Freedom of speech does not equate to freedom to speak as YOU believe.
You said it all in your post beforehand “Not just lip service freedom that grants liberty to people we agree with, but to those we don’t agree with. That is true freedom.” Do you not practice what you preach? Is your practice a form of hypocrisy?
Had you, indeed, read the objectives and principles of this assembly, you would have made equations that 1) we don’t “want” a mosque did not assert their lack of right to – erect or establish. It was a statement asking for respect which as a minister you should comprehend.
2) On the front of the main page it states that not all Muslims are terrorists and there are many peaceful Muslims. That, in itself, eradicates any likelihood of racism, bigotry or calls to front any type of conception that they are all the same or lesser than any other human on this earth.
3) While you denounce anyone that brings their stance on a subject to Facebook on one side of your mouth with the other you make your stance on the identical outlet in which you slurred beforehand.

In closing, I would be remiss in not pointing out that numerous aspects of your statement doesn’t congeal, is conflicting in presentation, insulting to a specific group of people and their beliefs, and basically is hypocritical in nature. Whereas you pointedly refer to your self proclaimed service record as a pictogram of piety and righteous representation of the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution you become duplicitous when it is exercised by entity to which you disagree. Admin Two”

http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-dont-want-a-Mosque-built-near-Ground-ZERO/119250771446388

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/Seventy-percent-of-Americans-know-they_ve-been-conned-639878-101758743.html

Despite multiple attempts, the search helicopters were unable to locate the wounded Navy SEAL. On July 2,[2] the village elder, armed with a note from Luttrell, went down to seek help from Camp Blessing, a Marine outpost several miles away, and approached First Lieutenant Matt Bartels with his information.[17]

With this news, the U.S. forces drew up extraction plans which according to Lt. Col. Steve Butow were “one of the largest combat search-and-rescue operations since Vietnam”.[11] As the rescue teams closed in upon the village they ran into Luttrell and some of the villagers who were moving him from one hiding place to another.

Six days after the operation, an American search team located Murphy’s body as well as the body of Dietz. For the next four days, they held out hopes that Axelson might be found alive But their hopes were crushed when his body was found later.”
SEALs
LT Michael P. Murphy 29 Part of 4-Man Seal Team killed in an ambush Patchogue, New York
STG2 Matthew Axelson 29 Part of 4-Man Seal Team killed in an ambush Cupertino, CA [18]
GM2 Danny Dietz 26 Part of 4-Man Seal Team killed in an ambush Littleton, Colorado[18]
FCC Jacques J. Fontan 36 killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down New Orleans, Louisiana
ITCS Daniel R. Healy 36 killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Exeter, New Hampshire
LCDR Erik S. Kristensen 33 killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down San Diego, California
ET1 Jeffery A. Lucas 33 killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Corbett, Oregon
LT Michael M. McGreevy, Jr. 30 killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Portville, New York
QM2 James E. Suh 28 killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Deerfield Beach, Florida
HM1 Jeffrey S. Taylor 30 Killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Midway, West Virginia
MM2 Shane E. Patton 22 Killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Boulder City, Nevada
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment [3]
Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare 29 Killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down of Danville, Ohio
Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature 35 Killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Clarks Grove, Minnesota.
Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby 21 Killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down Pompano Beach, Florida
Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles 33 Killed aboard helicopter when it was shot down Shelbyville, Indiana
Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III 36 Killed aboard helicopter when it was shot down Franklin, Tennessee
Maj. Stephen C. Reich 34 Killed aboard helicopter when it was shot down Washington Depot, Connecticut.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell 31 Killed aboard helicopter when it was shot down Stafford, Virginia
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach 40 Killed aboard helicopter when it was shot down Jacksonville, Florida (Copied & pasted from Wikipedia)
This is a short blog compared to the real in-depth story. Very few are able to read the two amazing books that have been released without crying.
Marcus Luttrell wrote about what happened that day in his book – Lone Survivor. He came back from the mountains that claimed so many lives and recounts the details of that deadly day. His existence among us is nothing short of miraculous and a blessing to us all.
I suggest you visit google and enter his name into the search engine to net more details. Purchasing his book (online or in bookstores) will be one of the best investments you have made. His story touches your heart and yet I believe he is here to share the story so we can learn from the man who lived and the men who died upon this day.
Lt. Michael Murphy had been an exceptional soul through out his life. He had shown immeasurable compassion and integrity almost since his birth. His father, Dan,a purple heart recipient from the Vietnam War had been a shining example of integrity and bravery himself. His mother, Maureen, is one of the most compassionate & sweetest women you will ever meet. However, after reading Gary Williams book “SEAL of Honor” you will see that in the midst of that wonderful soul you will find true courage and bravery in Michaels mother as well. The combination of such shining spirits amidst mankind will show how such an amazing man came to be. I feel blessed to call them my friends.
Gary’s book is available in bookstores across America as well as online. He has donated a portion of his sales towards The Michael Murphy Scholarship Fund to further one of Michael passions- education.
Remember all of these men today, not just the ones I know of personally – but each name listed above. Remember their families who live each day without their presence so we could be a stronger and free Americans. June 28th, 2010 …. That is a day I will never forget … so help me GOD.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxUy7Ner_TI]

1) All people in the United States that are not legal should be deported.
2) No, government benefits, food stamps, drivers License ect; should be issued to a person who cannot prove they are here legally.
3) Any baby born in America to an illegal should not become an anchor baby but instead the parents can choose to give it up for adoption or take it back to their country with them with dual citizenship.
4) Any company or person hiring illegals should be fined $10,000.00 per illegal and if this violation reoccurs within the next 30 days it should be double. The fine should be put into a fund to be dispersed for the expense of deportation & to cushion the blow to schools & hospitals that have been crushed financially because of their presence.
5) Part of the process of deportation should be finger printing and anyone committing the same offense should be put in jail for 90 days where they work for the expense of their upkeep & then deported again. Each offense doubles the time in jail.
6) Borders should be strictly enforced and anyone caught bringing drugs into the US should be placed in solitary confinement for not less than one year.
7) If the country that the illegal comes from is in financial distressed – then we can arrange care packages to be dropped or delivered to assist their people.
Anyone marrying an illegal has the choice to go with their mate during deportation but their marriage will not hold the illegal within our country.
9) Anyone caught in America illegally must wait one year before applying for citizenship & upon the one year anniversary of their deportation – the criminal may then apply for citizenship after paying a $5000.00 dollar fine.
10) If anyone wants to sponsor an illegal with their own money and not the taxpayers – then they should have the right to sponsor this person(s) by placing a surety bond for $20,000.00 per person which can be released after five (5) years during which time they are responsible for any damages or crimes the immigrant enacts during their five year stay. During the 5 years the immigrants cannot draw any public welfare or aid from the government, churches or any other assistant of any form. The sponsor will be totally responsible for this.
[a] After five years of being sponsored by a legal citizen, the immigrant can apply for citizenship after they have completed 1 year of American history and can speak English. If they commit any crimes they shall be deported immediately and the sponsor will forfeit the $10,000.00 and will be responsible for any overages. This keeps the America Tax payer from supporting anyone they do not wish to support. If the immigrant completes his five years in good standing he shall not have to pay any fees for his/her applicant for citizenship. Any children born during this time shall not become citizens until their parents do.

11) Any sponsor not meeting their obligations shall have their assets frozen and held until which time they meet their obligations.
12) The first five years of citizenship shall be on a trial basis and should the new citizen commit any felonies or acts against their allegiance to the United States of America- shall be subject to a citizenship review and possible deportation.

This would be my solution to the problem of illegal immigrants within our country. Anyone who becomes a citizen in the correct way will be embraced. I have friends that have waited long, spend a lot and went through all the proper channels to come here. America is a better place with them in our country.