I Understand How You Feel

Hey folks,

I really do. Happy Thursday to you. I get it. I understand. I feel the same way. All I have talked about in the last day and a half is what will I do if we DO come down to Hillary or John. I know some of you out there are just going to sit this one out. Some of you again. You figure, why bother.

So what are our choices if it does come down to Hillary and John? Let's look at that a bit. Romney's Florida down fall started with a John McCain endorsement by a VERY popular Governor here in Florida, Charlie Crist. They McCain was endorsed but Senator Mel Martinez. That one is a given. But then you have the questions I raised yesterday about Independents voting, illegally, for McCain in some places here.

So McCain wins. 36 Percent of the vote. Edwards drops out. Yup, Haircut Boy is out. Then last night Rudy decides to and does quit and endorse McCain himself saying this.

“John McCain is the most qualified candidate to be the next commander in chief of the United States. He is an American hero.”

So McCain now has all the momentum in the world going into Super Tuesday.

Hillary wins Florida, although the delegates are not suppose to count, so she has momentum. Now people are starting to ask, what happens in a head to head,

McCain, a Lib in Conservative cloths? Perhaps. What would we get from McCain? His own words tells us. He is FOR Global Warming initiatives. He is FOR Amnesty. He is FOR hindering free speech to a certain degree. Now he promises to make the Bush tax cuts permanent. He promises to veto wasteful spending in Congress and require a majority vote before ANY taxes are raised. He promises to keep protecting American security. He says that HE will get Bin Laden.

Hillary? Her own words again. She calls for a shared Society. A "We're in it together Society." She says she wants Socialized Medicine. She says she will take Profits from private sectors for the good of the country. She says College is overrated and wants young people to learn trade {To serve this new Socialist Society better} She wants the Fairness Doctrine. She wants Amnesty. She already said, if she cannot get what she wants from Congress, she will simply use Executive orders to get it.

So you ask, why should I vote? What difference does it make.

I cannot answer that completely. I am having the same problem. But I can tell you the way I see it. McCain says one thing, but his past actions say differently. Hillary says one thing, well no, she said, no, wait, I mean, she said this. Or was it that? Anyway, she does want Socialism. Plain and simple.

However, remember 06? A lot of people sat out that one, to teach the Republicans a lesson. Now we have what we have. The WORST do nothing Congress we have EVER had. Do you REALLY want to sit this one out? Are you sure you REALLY want others to make the decision for you?

We still have Super Tuesday. This is not over by a long shot for either Romney or Obama. They both have some ground to cover, they both are still very much in this. We really will have to wait and see what happens. For those of you who have not voted yet, think about THIS possibility. John McCain and Hillary Clinton battling it out in the General.

I can not tell you how to vote this election. I understand why you do not want to. I really do. But I think I would rather take a chance on someone who may have a conscience than to vote for someone I KNOW does not.

From the Emails tomorrow. See you then.
Peter

McCain and Hillary Wins Florida

Questions Being Asked

Hey folks,

Well, McCain did it. Hillary beat Obama in Landslide, but it doesn't count. Right now that is.

Florida Totals

Republicans
John McCain 36%
Mitt Romney 31%
Rudy Giuliani 15%
Mike Huckabee 13%

Democrats
Hillary Clinton 50%
Barack Obama 33%
John Edwards 14%

» 100% of precincts reporting

But already, as of the start yesterday that is, questions were already being asked. First the big news is this. According to the AP, and many others, Giuliani prepares to exit, back McCain,

In the end, 9/11 wasn't enough. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, once the Republican presidential front-runner thanks to his status as "America's Mayor," suffered a debilitating defeat in Tuesday's Florida primary. He prepared Wednesday to quit the race endorse his friendliest rival, John McCain.

Giuliani stopped short of announcing he was stepping down, but delivered a valedictory speech that was more farewell than fight-on.

The former mayor finished a distant third to the winner, McCain, and close second-place finisher Mitt Romney. Republican officials said Giuliani would endorse McCain on Wednesday in California. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of the public announcement.

"I'm proud that we chose to stay positive and to run a campaign of ideas in an era of personal attacks, negative ads and cynical spin," Giuliani said as supporters with tight smiles crowded behind him. "You don't always win, but you can always try to do it right, and you did."

Asked directly whether he was dropping out of the race, Giuliani said only: "I'm going to California."

Well, that did not say he SAID he was dropping out, nor did it say he was backing McCain. Will he or won't he? But it DOES seem that he most like should end his run this time around at least. He just does not have the votes.

I love the last paragraph in this article.

"They'll be sorry!" a woman with a New York accent called out to the mayor as he spoke. "You sound like my mother," Giuliani joked.

She is telling the truth. You know, actually I have not seen ONE quote from Rudy saying that he WAS dropping out OR endorsing McCain. I guess we will have to wait to see.

This is interesting, and one of the questions being asked. Get this, from the Miami Herold Clinton, McCain win; tax measure passes.

Clinton's win in Florida yielded not a single delegate, but provided some momentum in the wake of her South Carolina loss last weekend to Barack Obama, who finished a distant second in Florida, where Democrats were prohibited from campaigning.

''I could not ask you for your votes,'' Clinton said Tuesday night during a rally at the Signature Grand catering complex in Davie, near Fort Lauderdale. ``But I'm here to thank you for your votes.

''I am so grateful to the countless Floridians who organized on their own,'' she said. ``You made a very big difference, and as we go forward in this campaign, all of your voices will go with me.''

Was she or was she NOT campaigning? Sure did sound like it to me. She played with words, but she was here, and thanking voters for their votes? Typical.

Then you have another question, will Florida and Michigan Delegates count? She WANTS them to. Because she won. But will they? Even though SHE and the DNC said they will not?

Then you have THIS question. Now I'm not making excuses, nor endorsing any kind of conspiracy theories here, but I actually WITNESSED this yesterday at the polling place where I voted, and have been hearing of this sort of thing for two days.

There was a Gentleman in front of me. When he got up to sign in, he was told by the poll worker that he was registered as an Independent and could only vote on the tax amendment. He asked to be changed to a Republican. She asked if he WAS a Republican, he said , "Well, I lean more Democrat in most my views, but I really want to vote Republican." Folks, THAT is an exact quote. She went to ask someone who was in charge, and the next thing I saw was him voting.

Yesterday on Rush Limbaugh, he said this.

"This is a potential scandal. I don't know how widespread this is. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel, right down the road there in Ft. Lauderdale, is reporting that independents are showing up at polling places and are declaring to be Republican and are given a card to go vote. They're given a ballot to go vote. Can I read the passage to you? "In northern Coral Springs, near the Sawgrass Expressway and Coral Ridge Drive, David Nirenberg arrived to vote as an independent. Nevertheless, he said poll workers insisted he choose a party ballot. 'He said to me, "Are you Democrat or Republican?" I said, "Neither, I am independent." He said, "Well, you have to pick one,''' Nirenberg said. In Florida, only those who declare a party are allowed to cast a vote in that party's presidential primary. Nirenberg said he tried to explain to the poll worker that he should not vote on a party ballot because of his 'no party affiliation' status. Nirenberg said a second poll worker was called over who agreed that independents should not use party ballots, but said they had received instructions to the contrary. He said, 'Ya know, that is kind of funny, but it was what we were told. I was shocked when they told me that.' Nirenberg said he went ahead and voted for John McCain."

So an independent showed up and they said you can't vote unless you declare a party so he was allowed to declare a party right in the polling place and then went in and voted for McCain. In Palm Beach County an interruption was reported at Kings Point, a south county retirement community, according to the supervisor of elections, Arthur Anderson. It's just a little bitty passage here in a much longer story about independents. I don't know how widespread this is, but you'd have to assume McCain is behind this. I thought when you registered to vote, that's what you had to declare. I didn't know you could declare or change your status at the polling place, but apparently they're allowing it to happen in certain places here in Florida."

I just witnessed this last night. First hand. Here is the Article he was talking about. Sun Sentinel - Long lines, high turnout, few glitches as polls close

They seemed to have updated the story, but left THIS part in. So what is the problem? Simple, this is ILLEGAL. This violates Florida's election laws. This is why I AM registered as a Republican. But you have this starting to be reported a lot. So could THIS be the reason McCain and Hillary won? Was this a legitimate election?

Now I'm sure that the media may chose to stay away from this. Both the people they wanted to win., won. However, THIS one is a question that NEEDS to be answered. Sounds like a pretty organized effort on someones part if you ask me.

See you tomorrow.
Peter

Sources:
AP - Giuliani prepares to exit, back McCain
Miami Herold - Clinton, McCain win; tax measure passes
Rush - Independents Voting in Florida?
Sun Sentinel - Long lines, high turnout, few glitches as polls close

Analysis Of The State of The Union Address

Hey folks,

Last nights State of The Union Address was a good one. I know that some of the Democrats will take this as an opportunity to do what they do best. Attack Bush, and do nothing. But here is my take on what the President said.

“In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. And so in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.”

They are going to have a major problem with this one. It goes against their very nature. They WANT a Socialistic society. They do NOT believe in personal freedom. They want to control EVERY aspect of your lives. They have said so.

“To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future.”

Again, this goes against what they truly believe. They do not want you to keep your money. They think they KNOW what is best for you. They want to tax you to the point you HAVE to rely on them. The truth of the matter is this. Either out of arrogance, greed, or sheer stupidity, they just do not understand economics 101. Lower taxes, increase revenue and HELP the economy. Works EVERY TIME. But they think you are too stupid to understand how to spend your money.

“In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that that growth is slowing. So last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. (Applause.) This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible.” (Applause.)

I told you they are already trying to do this. They need to leave it alone and pass this.

“We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we've delivered over the past seven years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I'm pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders. (Laughter and applause.)

Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about their federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There's only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the tax relief permanent. (Applause.) And members of Congress should know: If any bill raises taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it”. (Applause.)

ABSOLUTELY!

“Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely. Next week, I'll send you a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs, totaling more than $18 billion. The budget that I will submit will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012. American families have to balance their budgets; so should their government. (Applause.)

The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks -- special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. Last year, I asked you to voluntarily cut the number and cost of earmarks in half. I also asked you to stop slipping earmarks into committee reports that never even come to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So this time, if you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I'll send it back to you with my veto. (Applause.)

And tomorrow, I will issue an executive order that directs federal agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not voted on by Congress. If these items are truly worth funding, Congress should debate them in the open and hold a public vote.” (Applause.)

This should be fun to watch. BOTH sides LOVE earmarks. They will most definitely not like this one.

I’m still having a bit of a problem with the housing bail out. But I would like to see the details before making further comment.

“To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options. We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. (Applause.) The best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control. (Applause.) So I have proposed ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this year. (Applause.)

The Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create Association Health Plans for small businesses, promote health information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits. (Applause.) With all these steps, we will help ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor's office -- not in the halls of Congress.” (Applause.)

NOT Universal Healthcare that has FAILED every time it has been tried. Show me ONE example of when this has ever been a good idea?

AS far as Education goes? How about getting all the agenda driven bunk out, and the basics back in. We have many schools across the country that would rather make sure that kids know why Susie has two Mommies, that there is no God, and how to be politically correct, then they do about if the kids can read and write when the GRADUATE.

Capitalism is good. Trade is good.

“On matters of life and science, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries.”

Sorry, some on the Left have NO moral boundaries. Therefore we must regulate this.

“In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life. (Applause.)

So we're expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. And so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life.” (Applause.)

I told you about this. Along with many more possibilities that show promise. There has been NO advancement or signs that Embryonic Stem Cells have ANY benefit whatsoever. Lets divert money from these FAILED programs and put it into those that actually show promise.

“On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. (Applause.) I've submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.” (Applause.)

This will not change. On either side.

As for Charitable organizations? As long as we have ways of making sure that those that receive Government funds are doing the right thing. Personally, I do not think the Government should be involved with them at all. It should be by donations from those that wish to donate. NOT paid for by tax dollars that you may or may not agree with their causes.

“The other pressing challenge is immigration. America needs to secure our borders -- and with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We're increasing worksite enforcement, deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings. We've effectively ended the policy of "catch and release" at the border, and by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents. Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. (Applause.) This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm. We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals.” (Applause.)

As long as there is amnesty in it Mr. President, the American people will be against it. As you and Congress have already found out.

They will never agree on the War of Foreign Policy. Some on the Left really are ignorant enough to believe all we have to do is play nice and talk nice and the world will love us.

He ends his State of The Union Address with a direct comment to those running for office and some of those in Congress that continue to seek a Socialistic Society.

“By trusting the people, our Founders wagered that a great and noble nation could be built on the liberty that resides in the hearts of all men and women. By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on Earth and a beacon of hope for millions. And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure, and the state of our Union will remain strong.”

If not, the America we know and love maybe lost forever. The power is not in the hands of Congress to prevent this. Some of them WANT it. The power is not in the hands of the next President to prevent this. Some of THEM want it. The power is in YOUR hands. Get educated, get ready, and when the time comes, GO VOTE.
Peter

President Bush Delivers State of the Union Address

Chamber of the United States House of Representatives
United States Capitol

Presdient Bush: Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.

All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people's business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. It remains our charge to keep.

The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time. (Applause.)

From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we've made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.

In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. And so in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.

To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future.

In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that that growth is slowing. So last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. (Applause.) This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible. (Applause.)

We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we've delivered over the past seven years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I'm pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders. (Laughter and applause.)

Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about their federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There's only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the tax relief permanent. (Applause.) And members of Congress should know: If any bill raises taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it. (Applause.)

Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely. Next week, I'll send you a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs, totaling more than $18 billion. The budget that I will submit will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012. American families have to balance their budgets; so should their government. (Applause.)

The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks -- special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. Last year, I asked you to voluntarily cut the number and cost of earmarks in half. I also asked you to stop slipping earmarks into committee reports that never even come to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So this time, if you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I'll send it back to you with my veto. (Applause.)

And tomorrow, I will issue an executive order that directs federal agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not voted on by Congress. If these items are truly worth funding, Congress should debate them in the open and hold a public vote. (Applause.)

Our shared responsibilities extend beyond matters of taxes and spending. On housing, we must trust Americans with the responsibility of homeownership and empower them to weather turbulent times in the housing market. My administration brought together the HOPE NOW alliance, which is helping many struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. And Congress can help even more. Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernize the Federal Housing Administration, and allow state housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages. (Applause.) These are difficult times for many American families, and by taking these steps, we can help more of them keep their homes.

To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options. We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. (Applause.) The best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control. (Applause.) So I have proposed ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this year. (Applause.)

The Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create Association Health Plans for small businesses, promote health information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits. (Applause.) With all these steps, we will help ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor's office -- not in the halls of Congress. (Applause.)

On education, we must trust students to learn if given the chance, and empower parents to demand results from our schools. In neighborhoods across our country, there are boys and girls with dreams -- and a decent education is their only hope of achieving them.

Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no one can deny its results. Last year, fourth and eighth graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are on the rise. African American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs. (Applause.) Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibility for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, provide extra help for struggling schools.

Members of Congress: The No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan achievement. It is succeeding. And we owe it to America's children, their parents, and their teachers to strengthen this good law. (Applause.)

We must also do more to help children when their schools do not measure up. Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships you approved, more than 2,600 of the poorest children in our Nation's Capital have found new hope at a faith-based or other non-public school. Sadly, these schools are disappearing at an alarming rate in many of America's inner cities. So I will convene a White House summit aimed at strengthening these lifelines of learning. And to open the doors of these schools to more children, I ask you to support a new $300 million program called Pell Grants for Kids. We have seen how Pell Grants help low-income college students realize their full potential. Together, we've expanded the size and reach of these grants. Now let us apply that same spirit to help liberate poor children trapped in failing public schools. (Applause.)

On trade, we must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the world and empower them by opening up new markets overseas. Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American goods and crops and services all over the world. So we're working to break down barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We're working for a successful Doha Round of trade talks, and we must complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we're pursuing opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements.

I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. And now I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia and Panama and South Korea. (Applause.) Many products from these nations now enter America duty-free, yet many of our products face steep tariffs in their markets. These agreements will level the playing field. They will give us better access to nearly 100 million customers. They will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say "Made in the USA." (Applause.)

These agreements also promote America's strategic interests. The first agreement that will come before you is with Colombia, a friend of America that is confronting violence and terror, and fighting drug traffickers. If we fail to pass this agreement, we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come together, pass this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life. (Applause.)

Trade brings better jobs and better choices and better prices. Yet for some Americans, trade can mean losing a job, and the federal government has a responsibility to help. (Applause.) I ask Congress to reauthorize and reform trade adjustment assistance, so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs. (Applause.)

To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology. (Applause.) Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. (Applause.) Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. (Applause.) Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. (Applause.) Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. (Applause.)

This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. (Applause.) The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy-efficient technology. (Applause.)

To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Last year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask Congress to double federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on Earth. (Applause.)

On matters of life and science, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life. (Applause.)

So we're expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. And so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life. (Applause.)

On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. (Applause.) I've submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote. (Applause.)

In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need. Over the past seven years, more of our fellow citizens have discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in record numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair, with newfound support from the federal government. And to help guarantee equal treatment of faith-based organizations when they compete for federal funds, I ask you to permanently extend Charitable Choice. (Applause.)

Tonight the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast. America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. We reaffirm our pledge to help them build stronger and better than before. And tonight I'm pleased to announce that in April we will host this year's North American Summit of Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans. (Applause.)

There are two other pressing challenges that I've raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration. Every member in this chamber knows that spending on entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is growing faster than we can afford. We all know the painful choices ahead if America stays on this path: massive tax increases, sudden and drastic cuts in benefits, or crippling deficits. I've laid out proposals to reform these programs. Now I ask members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and our grandchildren. (Applause.)

The other pressing challenge is immigration. America needs to secure our borders -- and with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We're increasing worksite enforcement, deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings. We've effectively ended the policy of "catch and release" at the border, and by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents. Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. (Applause.) This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm. We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals. (Applause.)

This is the business of our nation here at home. Yet building a prosperous future for our citizens also depends on confronting enemies abroad and advancing liberty in troubled regions of the world.

Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace. In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty. We've seen citizens in Georgia and Ukraine stand up for their right to free and fair elections. We've seen people in Lebanon take to the streets to demand their independence. We've seen Afghans emerge from the tyranny of the Taliban and choose a new president and a new parliament. We've seen jubilant Iraqis holding up ink-stained fingers and celebrating their freedom. These images of liberty have inspired us. (Applause.)

In the past seven years, we've also seen images that have sobered us. We've watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Pakistan carrying the caskets of beloved leaders taken by the assassin's hand. We've seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs. On a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant. These horrific images serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists -- evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.

Since 9/11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense, we will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to our enemies. (Applause.)

We are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the 21st century. The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we hold dear. Yet in this war on terror, there is one thing we and our enemies agree on: In the long run, men and women who are free to determine their own destinies will reject terror and refuse to live in tyranny. And that is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to the people in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Palestinian Territories. And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom. (Applause.)

In Afghanistan, America, our 25 NATO allies, and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people defend their freedom and rebuild their country. Thanks to the courage of these military and civilian personnel, a nation that was once a safe haven for al Qaeda is now a young democracy where boys and girls are going to school, new roads and hospitals are being built, and people are looking to the future with new hope. These successes must continue, so we're adding 3,200 Marines to our forces in Afghanistan, where they will fight the terrorists and train the Afghan Army and police. Defeating the Taliban and al Qaeda is critical to our security, and I thank the Congress for supporting America's vital mission in Afghanistan. (Applause.)

In Iraq, the terrorists and extremists are fighting to deny a proud people their liberty, and fighting to establish safe havens for attacks across the world. One year ago, our enemies were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Iraq into chaos. So we reviewed our strategy and changed course. We launched a surge of American forces into Iraq. We gave our troops a new mission: Work with the Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqi people, pursue the enemy in its strongholds, and deny the terrorists sanctuary anywhere in the country.

The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened. Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw tens of thousands of American forces flowing into their country. They saw our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists, and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return. And they saw our troops, along with Provincial Reconstruction Teams that include Foreign Service officers and other skilled public servants, coming in to ensure that improved security was followed by improvements in daily life. Our military and civilians in Iraq are performing with courage and distinction, and they have the gratitude of our whole nation. (Applause.)

The Iraqis launched a surge of their own. In the fall of 2006, Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaeda's brutality and started a popular uprising called "The Anbar Awakening." Over the past year, similar movements have spread across the country. And today, the grassroots surge includes more than 80,000 Iraqi citizens who are fighting the terrorists. The government in Baghdad has stepped forward, as well -- adding more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the past year.

While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago. (Applause.) When we met last year, many said that containing the violence was impossible. A year later, high profile terrorist attacks are down, civilian deaths are down, sectarian killings are down.

When we met last year, militia extremists -- some armed and trained by Iran -- were wreaking havoc in large areas of Iraq. A year later, coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of militia fighters. And Iraqis of all backgrounds increasingly realize that defeating these militia fighters is critical to the future of their country.

When we met last year, al Qaeda had sanctuaries in many areas of Iraq, and their leaders had just offered American forces safe passage out of the country. Today, it is al Qaeda that is searching for safe passage. They have been driven from many of the strongholds they once held, and over the past year, we've captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al Qaeda leaders and operatives.

Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who have turned on al Qaeda and admitted that coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq. Ladies and gentlemen, some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated. (Applause.)

When we met last year, our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of "return on success," and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home.

This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders. This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the front lines. Soldiers and sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the past year, you have done everything we've asked of you, and more. Our nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight in this hallowed chamber, with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our nation. (Applause.) And I ask Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops. (Applause.)

Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated, and we can still expect tough fighting ahead. Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and, eventually, to a protective overwatch mission. As part of this transition, one Army brigade combat team and one Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home and will not be replaced. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Taken together, this means more than 20,000 of our troops are coming home. (Applause.)

Any further drawdown of U.S. troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders. General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in the "disintegration of the Iraqi security forces, al Qaeda-Iraq regaining lost ground, [and] a marked increase in violence." Members of Congress: Having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen. (Applause.)

In the coming year, we will work with Iraqi leaders as they build on the progress they're making toward political reconciliation. At the local level, Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds are beginning to come together to reclaim their communities and rebuild their lives. Progress in the provinces must be matched by progress in Baghdad. (Applause.) We're seeing some encouraging signs. The national government is sharing oil revenues with the provinces. The parliament recently passed both a pension law and de-Baathification reform. They're now debating a provincial powers law. The Iraqis still have a distance to travel. But after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking place -- and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future. (Applause.)

The mission in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation. But it is in the vital interest of the United States that we succeed. A free Iraq will deny al Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty is possible. A free Iraq will be a friend of America, a partner in fighting terror, and a source of stability in a dangerous part of the world.

By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden the extremists, strengthen Iran, and give terrorists a base from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies, and our homeland. The enemy has made its intentions clear. At a time when the momentum seemed to favor them, al Qaida's top commander in Iraq declared that they will not rest until they have attacked us here in Washington. My fellow Americans: We will not rest either. We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated. (Applause.) We must do the difficult work today, so that years from now people will look back and say that this generation rose to the moment, prevailed in a tough fight, and left behind a more hopeful region and a safer America. (Applause.)

We're also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we have new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel. Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security. This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year. The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side-by-side in peace. (Applause.)

We're also standing against the forces of extremism embodied by the regime in Tehran. Iran's rulers oppress a good and talented people. And wherever freedom advances in the Middle East, it seems the Iranian regime is there to oppose it. Iran is funding and training militia groups in Iraq, supporting Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, and backing Hamas' efforts to undermine peace in the Holy Land. Tehran is also developing ballistic missiles of increasing range, and continues to develop its capability to enrich uranium, which could be used to create a nuclear weapon.

Our message to the people of Iran is clear: We have no quarrel with you. We respect your traditions and your history. We look forward to the day when you have your freedom. Our message to the leaders of Iran is also clear: Verifiably suspend your nuclear enrichment, so negotiations can begin. And to rejoin the community of nations, come clean about your nuclear intentions and past actions, stop your oppression at home, cease your support for terror abroad. But above all, know this: America will confront those who threaten our troops. We will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf. (Applause.)

On the home front, we will continue to take every lawful and effective measure to protect our country. This is our most solemn duty. We are grateful that there has not been another attack on our soil since 9/11. This is not for the lack of desire or effort on the part of the enemy. In the past six years, we've stopped numerous attacks, including a plot to fly a plane into the tallest building in Los Angeles and another to blow up passenger jets bound for America over the Atlantic. Dedicated men and women in our government toil day and night to stop the terrorists from carrying out their plans. These good citizens are saving American lives, and everyone in this chamber owes them our thanks. (Applause.)

And we owe them something more: We owe them the tools they need to keep our people safe. And one of the most important tools we can give them is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they're planning. Last year, Congress passed legislation to help us do that. Unfortunately, Congress set the legislation to expire on February the 1st. That means if you don't act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will be in greater danger. Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in the efforts to defend America. We've had ample time for debate. The time to act is now. (Applause.)

Protecting our nation from the dangers of a new century requires more than good intelligence and a strong military. It also requires changing the conditions that breed resentment and allow extremists to prey on despair. So America is using its influence to build a freer, more hopeful, and more compassionate world. This is a reflection of our national interest; it is the calling of our conscience.

America opposes genocide in Sudan. (Applause.) We support freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma. (Applause.)

America is leading the fight against global poverty, with strong education initiatives and humanitarian assistance. We've also changed the way we deliver aid by launching the Millennium Challenge Account. This program strengthens democracy, transparency, and the rule of law in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative. (Applause.)

America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than half the world's food aid comes from the United States. And tonight, I ask Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine. (Applause.)

America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we're working to cut by half the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is treating 1.4 million people. We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next five years. (Applause.)

America is a force for hope in the world because we are a compassionate people, and some of the most compassionate Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us. We must keep faith with all who have risked life and limb so that we might live in freedom and peace. Over the past seven years, we've increased funding for veterans by more than 95 percent. And as we increase funding -- (applause.) And as increase funding we must also reform our veterans system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation. (Applause.) I call on the Congress to enact the reforms recommended by Senator Bob Dole and Secretary Donna Shalala, so we can improve the system of care for our wounded warriors and help them build lives of hope and promise and dignity. (Applause.)

Our military families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is serving far from home. We have a responsibility to provide for them. So I ask you to join me in expanding their access to child care, creating new hiring preferences for military spouses across the federal government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children. (Applause.) Our military families serve our nation, they inspire our nation, and tonight our nation honors them. (Applause.)

The strength -- the secret of our strength, the miracle of America, is that our greatness lies not in our government, but in the spirit and determination of our people. (Applause.) When the Federal Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, our nation was bound by the Articles of Confederation, which began with the words, "We the undersigned delegates." When Governor Morris was asked to draft a preamble to our new Constitution, he offered an important revision and opened with words that changed the course of our nation and the history of the world: "We the people."

By trusting the people, our Founders wagered that a great and noble nation could be built on the liberty that resides in the hearts of all men and women. By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on Earth and a beacon of hope for millions. And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure, and the state of our Union will remain strong. (Applause.)

So tonight, with confidence in freedom's power, and trust in the people, let us set forth to do their business. God bless America. (Applause.)

Johnstone Vs Trifunovic

Hey folks,

Back on May 13, 2007, I told you we were about to have a special guest.

On Monday we will be having a VERY special guest. On Thursday May 10, 2007, the daily article was "Race or Belief?" I was talking about the "Fort Dix Six" and the fact that the Mass Media was downplaying the fact that these were linked to terrorists. As a matter of fact, they we doing everything in their power to convince you that they weren’t. Well, we have a comment left by someone with a lot of authority and knowledge to speak on this topic. I will be highlighting his comment on Monday for all those that chose not to checkout the comment section.

Mr. Darko Trifunovic, MSL is a lawyer based in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro and working as lecturer at the Faculty of Security Studies-University of Belgrade. He is a specialist in Terrorist and Security Studies, and was the author among other books&studies in 2002 of the study: Islamic Fundamentalists, Global Network and Modus Operandi: Model Bosnia Part I, and in 2004 Islamic Fundamentalists, Global Network and Modus Operandi: Model Bosnia, Part II published by the Documentation Center of the Government of Republica Srpska's [CBureau for Relations with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Mr Trifunovic was previously a diplomat 2001, (First Secretary) in the Foreign Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina at UN , 2003, Adviser to the State Secretary for War Crimes of Republic of Srpska for Terrorism and Violence and in 2005 Adviser to the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Srpska, BIH.

Since 2004, Darko Trifunovic was designate as representative for Serbia and Montenegro of International Strategic Studies Association (ISSA), Defense & Foreign Affairs publications, the Global Information System (GIS). ISSA is the Washington-based worldwide membership organization of professionals involved in national management, and particularly national and international security policy.

Prof.Darko Trifunovic is Chief Editor of the prestigious University international bulletin "Security in Serbia"

On Monday May 14, 2007, I posted this by Prof. Darko Trifunovic

Build-Up of Bosnian-Albanian Terrorist Activity in US Follows Extensive, But Ignored, Warnings

The arraignment on May 8, 2007, in the US District Court in New Jersey, of six men on terrorism-related charges relates directly to a pattern of Islamist terrorist support operations by Bosnian and Albanian radicals in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area which had been extensively document by number of services in recent years. Initial US Government statements on the matter, including the initial statement by White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, attempted to obfuscate the origins, nature, and links of the alleged plot by the six defendants arrested in connection with a planned attack on the US Army facility at Ft. Dix, New Jersey.

And while documented linkages of a legal evidentiary nature between the six arrested men and the known al-Qaida-linked Bosnian/Albanian figures may be difficult to obtain, the circumstantial linkages, and the climate of preparation for such an event, are clear from an intelligence assessment standpoint.

Firstly, all the men charged with conspiring to conduct the attack were within the area where Bosnian Islamists worked with "Islamic charities" to develop terrorist training operations before and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Secondly, four of the six men charged are ethnic Albanians from the former Yugoslavia, and three of those Albanians charged are members of the Duka family, who operated a roofing business, which is also the area of business in Brooklyn, New York — very close to Cherry Hill, NJ, the home of the Dukas’ — of Florin Krasniqi, an Albanian from the Serbian province of Kosovo. Krasniqi was a major supplier of weapons from the US to the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), a declared terrorist organization, and a man who had known links with a major KLA figure linked to al-Qaida, Niam Behzloulzi, also known as "Houlzi".

"Houlzi" is a second-ranking leader in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA/UCK: Ushtria Clirimtare e Kosove), who provided the explosives for the terrorist attacks on London (July 7, 2005) and Madrid (March 11, 2004). [The Madrid bombings reportedly used a mixture of CK123 — a Chinese [PRC] plastic explosive — and C4 explosive; the London bombings used the CK123 and some other additives, according to XXX sources.]

See Special Analysis, October 25, 2005, entitled New Evidence Highlights Albanian Link to Explosives Used in London, Madrid Bombings.

It is not possible that the Dukas and Florin Krasniqi were not known to each other. Krasniqi, however, had powerful US political allies, having engaged in fundraising activities which gave money to then-US Presidential candidate and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander (SACEUR), Gen. Wesley Clark, with Krasniqi working both with Clark and former US (Clinton Administration) Ambassador to the UN Richard C. Holbrooke.

The six men charged in connection with the alleged plan to attack Ft. Dix are:

Mohamad Ibrahim Shnewer, 22, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; born in Jordan; currently a US citizen who drives a taxi in Philadelphia;

Eljvir Duka, 23, of Cherry Hill, NJ. He also goes by the names Elvis Duka and Sulayman; born in the former Yugoslavia. Illegally residing in the US; operates businesses known as Qadr. Inc., Colonial Roofing, and National Roofing;

Dritan Duka, 28, of Cherry Hill, NJ. Also goes by the names Distan Duka, Anthony Duka, and Tony Duka. Born in the former Yugoslavia. Illegally residing in the US; operates, with his brother, businesses known as Colonial Roofing, and National Roofing.

Shain Duka, 26, of Cherry Hill, NJ. Also goes by the name Shaheen. Born in the former Yugoslavia and resides in the US legally. Operates businesses known as Colonial Roofing and National Roofing with his two brothers, named above;

Serdar Tatar, 23, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born in Turkey. Illegally residing in the US. Last known employment was with a 7-Eleven convenience store in Philadelphia;

Agron Abdullahu, 24, of Buena Vista Township, Atlantic County, NJ. Born in the former Yugoslavia. Legally residing in the US; employed at a Shop Rite Supermarket.

The Duka family name is well-known in Albania, where Agron Duka was Minister of Agriculture and Food, but also — concurrently — a major figure in cocaine smuggling [see Special Analysis, July 17, 2006: Current Narco-trafficking Routes in Albania Linked with Former Prime Minister Fatos Nano]. However, there is no evidence at this stage of a connection between the Duka family in the current US terrorist case and the former Albanian minister. However, the known linkage of Minister Agron Duka with Albanian organized crime — and therefore, almost certainly, the KLA, which manages much of the international Albanian criminal activity — makes the prospect of connections with Albanian KLA-linked financial interests in the US, such as Florin Krasniqi, very likely.

Significantly, much of the "former Yugoslavia" jihadist terrorist network — including much of the activity linked with jihadist and KLA activities in Kosovo — still centers around Bosnia. It is believed that one of the key figures supporting terrorist training and operations in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania areas, a man known as Safet Catovic, may be Albanian. He was illegally given a Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) passport [Passport No. BH-46600] in Vienna, Australia, by an Islamist BiH official, Huso Zivalj, who later became BiH Ambassador (Permanent Representative) to the United Nations, in New York. There, he secretly, and illegally, brought "Catovic" into the diplomatic BiH structure just before and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York.

Zivalji’s and Catovic’s involvement in supporting terrorist operations in the US was detailed in Defense & Foreign Affairs Daily of September 17, 2003, in a report entitled Bosnian Official Links With Terrorism, Including 9/11, Become Increasingly Apparent as Clinton, Clark Attempt to Justify Support of Bosnian Militants, and in subsequent reports. A Defense & Foreign Affairs Special Analysis report of May 2, 2005, entitled Bosnia-Herzegovina Proposes as New Ambassador to the US Woman With Strong Links to Islamist Terrorism, highlighted the links which Zivalj had with the woman, Dr Bisera Turkovic, a radical — but modern — Islamist supporter of the late Pres. Alija Izetbegovic, subsequently sent to the US as BiH Ambassador, where she currently still serves.

Significantly, Zivalj moved out of the US immediately after the 9/11 attacks, and before his normal tour of duty should have ended. The whereabouts of Catovic — who maintained the links to the regional terrorist training camps and "Islamic charities" — is now unconfirmed. However, a Saffet Catovic is now listed as a teacher of religion at Noor-ul Iman school in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. An Abir Catovic, presumably his wife, was also listed as a teacher of religion at that school. One student at Noor-ul Iman school in 2007 described Saffet Catovic as "usually scary and sometimes mean". Again, however, while it is presumed that Saffet Catovic, the Muslim religious teacher at the New Jersey school, is the same as the Safet Catovic who worked with improperly-secured UN credentials with Amb. Zivalj, this has not been verified.

Once again, however, the apparent linkages are too important to overlook. And even if no direct linkages can be ascertained, the reality nonetheless remains that people such as Krasniqi, Zivalj, and Catovic set a tone of jihadism — and, in fact, promoted or undertook physical actions in support of terrorism — which were alleged to have been taken up by the six defendants in the Ft. Dix affair. Moreover, there is rarely a neatly documented linkage between terrorist actors and their sponsors, but the current "soup" surrounding the Ft. Dix operation contains key US political figures — Gen. Clark and Amb. Holbrooke, two confidantes of Pres. and Sen. Clinton — and a serving Bosnian Ambassador to the US, and increasing evidence of the critical involvement of Bosnian and Kosovo Islamists in terrorist activities across Europe and the US.

What is significant is that the US Government has been careful to downplay the potential of any linkages into the Balkan terrorist hub, in large part because the US State Dept. and Intelligence Community backed both the Bosnian jihadist-oriented Government of Pres. Alija Izetbegovic and the KLA operations in Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). There is, as a result, a greater sense that US officials are more concerned with preserving their careers than admitting that they unwittingly supported groups who were, in the final analysis, actually opposed to the US itself.

Prof. Darko Trifunovic


Well, just today, I received this from Richard Johnstone. According to the Profile on his blog,

My name is Dr. Richard Johnstone and I am lawyer by occupation and human rights activist from Toronto, Canada. I started this blog because I am sick and tired of Darko Trifunovic's attempts to censor and silence individuals and journalists who criticize him. Nobody is going to silence my freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is a right, not a privilege. My favorite research is centred around contemporary history, World War I and II with focus on the South Eastern Europe (Balkans); and Srebrenica genocide with focus on the International Law and Justice. Srebrenica genocide claimed 10,000 lives and is the worst act of genocide since the world war II.

He wrote this.

Truth about DARKO TRIFUNOVIC - Serbian Self-Proclaimed "Terrorism Expert", Identity Thief, and Srebrenica Genocide Denier

On March 12 2002, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia & Herzegovina (comprised of Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats) fired Darko Trifunovic from B&H diplomatic services due to his involvement in document forgery.

Only after expulsion from the diplomatic service of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Darko Trifunovic became self proclaimed "expert on terrorism" writing mostly against Bosnia and Herzegovina and labeling anybody who criticized him as "Al Qaeda terrorist."

As an experienced document forgerer and identity thief, he offered his services to defense teams of various indicted Serb war criminals at the International Criminal Tribunal (ICTY).

In 2001, he stated for B92 he even had evidence that indicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic (who on numerous occasions threatened the total destruction of Bosniak Muslim population of Bosnia-Herzegovina) obeyed Geneva Convention. It would not be surprising to learn that Darko Trifunovic forged and submitted those kinds of documents for defense teams of many indicted Serb war criminals.

Here is an archived press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, quote:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the decision on suspension of Darko Trifunović, who has worked at the MFA BiH since 2 April 2001, performing diplomatic function - the First Secretary at BiH Mission to UN. In accordance with the rules of service, Trifunović will be deprived from BiH diplomatic passport and he will be unable to obtain a travel document for his return to BiH, since it is about the man who falsified BiH

citizenship.

Following the conclusion of BiH Council of Ministers to review citizenship of all employees in state service bodies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH asked from the Ministry of Civil

Affairs and Communications of BiH to review the way in which Trifunović gained BiH citizenship in 1996.

By the review, it was established that Trifunović cancelled his registration on 27 March 1996 from the register of residence in Belgrade, where he was born, and on the same date he registered in Brčko. According to the fictive residence, he obtained ID card of BiH on the same date.

Since the procedure of the issuance of ID card was illegal, Police Service in Brčko District cancelled residence and BiH ID card, Decision dated 25 February 2002.

On the basis of these facts, Ministry of Civil Affairs and Communications of BiH, in accordance with legal procedure deprived Trifunović from BiH citizenship. Results of several months' investigation as well as documentation that prove the conclusions will be submitted to the competent prosecutor's office that will adopt decision on possible criminal charge and judicial prosecution against Darko Trifunović.

After a multi-ethnic and multi-religious group of Muslim, Christian and Jewish journalists from Bosnjaci.net Magazine criticized Darko Trifunovic for Srebrenica Genocide denial, he sent them threatening messages and labeled them as terrorists. For Srebrenica genocide victims, he stated: "I wish Mladic killed them all." Soon after, Bosnjaci.net was brought down due to hack attack (known as Denial of Service attack) from sympathizers of Darko Trifunovic's extremist ideology. Darko Trifunovic blamed Muslim, Christian and Jewish reporters for fabricating E-mail against him, however, as influential Srebrenica Genocide Blog reported, quote:

Contrary to Darko Trifunovic's claims published at "Serbian Unity Congress" website in which he alleges that information against him was "fabricated," the fact of the matter is that he was the author of an E-mail in which he stated: "I wish Mladic killed them all." We got in touch with contributing authors Haris Djapic and Alan Jusufovic and asked them to provide "Full Header" copy of Darko Trifunovic's E-mail. Then we compared IP# of that E-mail with IP# of several other E-mails in which Darko Trifunovic threatened to the New York based magazine. The IP# was the same. Due to confidentiality reasons, we will not release IP#; however, we have forwarded this information to Bosnjaci.net and requested inclusion of this information into FBI investigation of recent threatening E-mails coming from Darko Trifunovic (his E-mail is publicly listed at the Serbian Unity Congress web site).

The public should exercise caution in dealing with Darko Trifunovic, his extremist supporters and his published writings. Darko Trifunovic has been discredited by respected journalistic agencies in the past. According to the "Freedom of Speech in South East Europe:

Media Independence and Self-Regulation" (ISBN 978-954-9396-05-8) published by the South East European Network for Professionalization of Media, quote:

An exemplary manipulation article can also be found on p. 2 on March 9 entitled ‘Abuse of religion and faith’ by D. Majstorovic. It reports that Darko Trifunovic, portrayed as “leading Serb expert for international terrorism” from the Belgrade Security Faculty, in one of his recent “lectures beforemembers of the US Congress” stated that radical Islamists from all over the world, who have been assigned in all almost all European states upon order of the terrorist network Al Q’Aida, abuse religious facilities and use them for spreading their fundamentalist-like ideas.

Reportedly, Trifunovic also “warned that Kosovo and Metohija and BiH are unfortunately brimming with persons likeTalovic (Sulejman, 19-year old from BiH who killed 5 people at Salt Lake City recently) and Bektasevic (Mirsad, sentenced to 20 years prison term for planning terrorist attacks in BiH), mostly thanks to people from the top authority, who at some point inthe past brought the most brutal terrorists of the present time to these regions. Hereby he refers to “Haris Silajdzic”, aprominent Bosniak politician.
Although attributed to an “expert” thus fulfilling the formal requirements of the Press

Code, these absolutely wild speculations presented as “serious” information are an insult to logic first, Bosniaks second. (Sulejman Talovic was Bosnian American, but his crime was much the same as earlier Columbine crimes, or a subsequent massacre by a Korean American – work of teen angst. Confounding him, a wannabe terrorist Bektasevic, and bringing them in context with a legaland legitimate political representative is a sign of uttermalevolence and lack of elementary ethics).

For more, visit Darko Trifunovic Blog @ http://darko-trifunovic.blogspot.com

OK folks, I'll admit my first thought was that this guy, Dr. Johnstone, seems a little obsessed with Prof. Darko Trifunovic. He created a whole blog just to talk about him. I also have no way of knowing if these "Facts" are Facts or not. But since Prof. Trifunovic was nice enough to join us, and this Dr. Johnstone seems concerned about him, I thought I would put this in the forefront and welcome both to join us here for further comment or debate if they chose.

Have a great Monday folks, see you tomorrow.
Peter

IWA For Sunday 012708

Hey folks,

It’s Sunday! Time for the IWA. This weeks winner is no secret of being one I find to be idiotic. I think she is dangerous. I think she will do and say anything to get what she wants. I thing she is a danger to our freedoms, way of life, even our very country.

She is Hillary Clinton. Or as I have named her, Supreme Leader Wannabe Hillary. Do you remember when Michigan and Florida decided to move up their Primaries? They want, and rightfully so, to have more of a say in who the nominee will be for their respective Parties. They got tired of just a couple of states really deciding. More Liberal states at that. So they talked about moving them up.

So what happened. They were told that their Delegates won’t count. Hillary herself said that they “don’t count for anything” because they had the, uh, nerve to go against the DNC.

Well, well, well, what happened? Hillary released this statement.

“I hear all the time from people in Florida and Michigan that they want their voices heard in selecting the Democratic nominee.

I believe our nominee will need the enthusiastic support of Democrats in these states to win the general election, and so I will ask my Democratic convention delegates to support seating the delegations from Florida and Michigan. I know not all of my delegates will do so and I fully respect that decision. But I hope to be President of all 50 states and U.S. territories, and that we have all 50 states represented and counted at the Democratic convention.

I hope my fellow potential nominees will join me in this.

I will of course be following the no-campaigning pledge that I signed, and expect others will as well.”

{Laughing} What happened? She won Michigan. She expects to win Florida. She wants the Delegates to count because they would be HERS.

David Plouffe, Obama campaign manager sent this response:

“No one is more disappointed that Florida Democrats will have no role in selecting delegates for the nomination of the party’s standard bearer than Senator Obama.

When Senator Clinton was campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire, she made it clear that states like Michigan and Florida that wouldn’t produce any delegates, ‘don’t count for anything.’ Now that Senator Clinton’s worried about losing the first Southern primary, she’s using Florida for her own political gain by trying to assign meaning to a contest that awards zero delegates and where no campaigning has occurred. Senator Clinton’s own campaign has repeatedly said that this is a ‘contest for delegates’, and Florida is a contest that offers zero. Whether it is Barack Obama’s record, her position on Social Security, or even the meaning of the Florida Primary, it seems like Hillary Clinton will do or say anything to win an election. When he is the nominee, Barack Obama will campaign vigorously in Florida and Michigan to put them in the Democratic column in 2008.”

He is right folks. Like I keep telling you, she will lie cheat and steal to get what she wants. She has, will now, and will if she ever gets elected. This is a CLEAR example of it.

Congratulations Mrs. Clinton, for continuously showing us who you really are, and this LAME excuse to help you to win, even though YOU were one of those that wanted to PUNISH these states for not doing what YOU told them to do, you ARE the Idiot of the Week. Now that you have lost South Carolina, start spinning how this was a victory, and move on. Who knows, you may still find a way. Keep looking.
Peter

H.S. For Sunday 012708

Talk About Psychobabble

He folks,

This one? {Sigh} In the Health and Science segment this week, I saw this article that got my attention. I was actually interesting in what it had to say. The title of this is Loneliness Breeds Belief in Supernatural. OK, sounds interesting. But then I read it. Live Science.com - Loneliness Breeds Belief in Supernatural Fri Jan 25, 7:35 AM ET by Andrea Thompson

People who feel lonely are more likely to believe in the supernatural, whether that is God, angels or miracles, a new study finds.

So not only are you stupid, but lonely as well. But I can somewhat see the logic in this being a possibility. You know, the way some single people treat their pets. But then again, some people always treat their pets as family. Some people always talk to their cars, themselves, imaginary friends, etc. Even if they are married, have lots of friends, they still do this. However, I was still interested at this point, so I read on.

Humans have evolved as social creatures, so loneliness cuts to the quick. Living in groups was critical to the survival and safety of our ancient ancestors, and complete isolation or ostracism has been tantamount to a death sentence, said University of Chicago researcher Nicholas Epley, who led the study.

STOP! OK, so we evolved from our ancient ancestors that needed to huddle together to survive? Mr. Epley? You wouldn’t be an Evolutionist would you? Perhaps YOU do not believe in God, or the Supernatural so those that do must be forced to by loneliness? Or there is some other mental disorder? Intelligent and rational people can not possibly believe in such things. Right? I kept reading.

While group living isn't critical to survival in the modern world, feeling socially connected is. Feeling isolated and lonely is a very painful emotional state for people, Epley said, and can lead to ill health, both physically and mentally.

Being socially isolated is just not good for you, he said.

Says WHO? Folks, Let me tell you something. When I was in the Hotel Business, I met hundreds of people every day. From the rich and famous, the average Joe, and all the way to the bum on the street. No matter who it was, no matter how I felt, no matter my mood, I turn on the smile, even if empty at times, and the charm. At the end of the day, when I was alone in my home, in the silence, I was happy as can be.

For five years I lived alone. I was happy. For five years in different jobs, I was always happiest when I could find the silence. I even wrote a poem about it. Basically I said, “You can keep the glitter and gold, I’m happiest when I’m alone.” Do not worry, I’m not sharing the whole thing with you. {Smile} I have never understood why some people DO seem to need that connection, so I read on.

When people feel lonely, they may try to rekindle old friendships, seek out new ones or, as Epley's study suggests, they may create social connections by anthropomorphizing nearby gadgets, such as computers or cars, pets, or by believing in supernatural events or religious figures.

Pets and religion

In their study, detailed in the February issue of the journal Psychological Science, Epley's team tried to induce feelings of loneliness in people to see how it affected how they thought of pets and their belief in religious figures.

In one experiment, college undergraduates were shown movie clips and told to try and empathize with the protagonist as best they could, in order to set them in one of three emotional states.

OK, THIS is where my intellect took over. This is where I could no longer follow this illogical babble.

One group was shown a clip from Cast Away, the movie in which the main character played by Tom Hanks is deserted on a remote island, in order to induce a feeling of isolation. The second group was shown a clip from the crime thriller The Silence of the Lambs to promote a sense of fear. A third, control group was shown a clip from the sports comedy feature film Major League.

All three groups were then asked to describe a pet they owned or knew well and pick three traits from a list that best described them. The list included anthropomorphic traits that related to social connections (thoughtful, sympathetic) and simple behavioral descriptions (aggressive, energetic, fearful).

Participants from the loneliness group were more likely to describe the pet using the anthropomorphic descriptions than those in the fear or control groups.

Uh-ha.

All three groups were also asked to rate their belief in ghosts, angels, the devil, miracles, curses, and God, and again, those in the loneliness group reported stronger belief in these supernatural agents.

I got news for you, those that believe, BELIEVE. Those that do not, do not. They most likely used those they though would be most effected in each group. That would make sense. But if I do not believe something, sorry, watching a movie is not going to make me.

Future predictions

In another part of their study, Epley and his colleagues asked participants from the University of Chicago to fill out a personality questionnaire and were then told that the answers would be fed to a computer which would generate a future-life prediction for them. Half of the participants were read statements implying they would be lonely later in life, while the other half were told they would be socially connected for the rest of their lives.

We tried to manipulate their loneliness, to make them feel lonely, Epley said.

{Sigh} You CAN'T make someone feel lonely. But this guy, Epley, thinks people can use mind control on others. That is actually true folks. I fully believe this from experience. It truly is amazing what you can get people to do by using the right words and tones, body language, and suggestions. But if he did this with these groups, then one would have to ask, how accurate the results.

The participants were then asked to rate their belief in the same supernatural agents in the other study, and those in the lonely group reported stronger belief than those in the connected group. The results were also compared to ratings the participants gave before they got their life predictions, and those who reported a belief in God before and were made to feel lonely reported a stronger belief after the experiment.

We found that inducing people to feel lonely made them more religious essentially, Epley told LiveScience, though he notes it won't cause any sudden conversions.

Health benefits

Owning pets and religious beliefs and practices are both known to increase a person's sense of well-being, but why exactly that is isn’t well known, Epley said.

Epley and his colleagues plan to probe the issue further to see if anthropomorphizing pets or believing in anthropomorphized supernatural agents is what is responsible for alleviating feelings of loneliness. If it is, it could provide alternate means for people to feel socially connected when connecting to humans isn't an option.

So go to a Psychobabboligist and tell him/ her that you fell lonely and they will tell you to believe in God? {Laughing}

There are health benefits that come from being connected to other people, and those same benefits seem to come from connection with pets and with religious agents, too, Epley said.

So who is This guy?

Nick Epley is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Before moving to the University of Chicago GSB, he was an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Harvard University. His current research interests are primarily focused on mind-reading—how, and how well, people can intuit others’ thoughts, feelings, and internal mental states, ranging from inferences made about other humans, non-human animals, as well as religious agents. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, and has been published in psychology, management, decision-making, and behavioral economics journals. He received his B.A. from St. Olaf College in 1996, and his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 2001.

In other words, he is a Psychobabboligist. Sorry, but I just do not by this. If you like being alone, be alone. If you like talking to your pets and treating them like one of your family members, then do it. If you believe in God, you are smarter than this guy, and you should not be insulted by idiots like this.

There are so many things wrong with these studies, it’s not even worth discussing any further. What were the questions? How were they asked? What was the surroundings of the participates when they participated in this study? How were they selected?

Sorry, I just find this to be more bogus Psychobabble bunk.
Peter