Blogs that whisper...

Many Sex Offenders Not Where State Says

The following linked article is lengthy but worth the read!

The Montgomery address listed for Terrance Robert Green doesn't have a mailbox. It doesn't have a front door. In fact, there is no house. The convicted child rapist's address is nothing more than a concrete slab. Green is one of many sex offenders in Alabama who don't live at the addresses they have registered with state and local law enforcement, according to a check by The Birmingham News. A search for 127 sex offenders identified by the Alabama Department of Public Safety found that 48 - or 38 percent - aren't living at the registered addresses. Full Story

Does this really surprise anyone? It doesn't surprise me. That's why we, as everyday citizens, need to keep on top of this situation. It says right on my state's registry site that,

Due to time delays in processing sex offender data, this information should be verified with the appropriate Sheriff's Department or Chief of Police.

Call, write, email or take some kind of action to bring this to your community's law enforcement. I'm sure they are aware of it already, but we can keep reminding them and making some noise about it to get them to keep it updated. Now, of course, I realize it's not the law enforcement's fault these creeps LIE about where they are living but doesn't someone in authority have the right to check up on these "registered" sex offenders to make sure they are where they say they are? Another quote from the article:

"It's reflective of what's happening," Ahearn said. "We're expecting the most cunning of all criminals to follow what amounts to an honor system. It's not working."

Well, ain't that the truth? More:

It's also no surprise to Alabama Attorney General Troy King, who is meeting with law enforcement agencies across the state to discuss problems with the state's sex offender registration. "I think it gives a false sense of security and complacency in our state," King said. "People think the offenders ... are somewhat under law enforcement's eye. And that's really not the case."

Keep writing to your newspapers, local news talk radio hosts and the like. I've done it and will plan to keep doing it. Our little local newspaper, The Madison Record, still has NOT listed the 7 or 8 registered sex offenders living in our area as they said they were going to do. Yes, I've emailed them AGAIN about their promise. No response. Now I think it's time for a phone call. They will occasionally put in an article about registered sex offenders but they still have yet to actually list the pictures and details of each sex offender like the Mobile Registered did several weeks ago. But, don't give up, keep at it people. If we don't no one will. It's or responsibility and civic duty to stay ever vigilant regarding our children's safety. Don't you think?

What is your community doing about this problem? Do you know?

Cross Posted at An American Housewife

Lying Leftists

Obviously, all the PHONY ranting on the left about Karl Rove is total bullshit.  Baldilocks and Blackfive (among others) have noted the PHONY blogswarm surrounding Rove's honest assessment of the left's "Blame America, coddle the terrorists" mentality.  The Astute Blogger has a nice bit of evidence in that regard.

It's just like the lefty blogs to do that.  Keep repeating it until it becomes reality--after all, that's what the mainstream media and their political leaders do.  Keep talking about the QUAGMIRE until everyone thinks that's the reality--and as a result, create that reality.  They don't care if it causes the loss of American lives, they relish it because then they can say Bush=Idiot. 

What Rove said is absoutely on target, and if they can't accept the truth, then maybe they should reconsider their own beliefs if having them pointed out is so hurtful to them.  They see nothing wrong with comparing Gitmo with Nazis/Pol Pot/gulags, but should anyone DARE to say they want to coddle the terrorists by questioning how WE were responsible for 9/11, and all hell breaks loose.  THEY KNOW how phony their whining is, and if they don't, they're just plain stupid.

Instapundit says maybe it was all intended by Rove to draw out all the anti-American liberal rhetoric.  I'm not sure that he really thinks it was intentional, but really, could you have expected any other reaction?  There are so many examples (WILLisms has a collection) of anti-American leftist drivel it's impossible to even bother trying to link to it all.  And really, why bother?  Show me a lefty that proudly says "AMERICA FIRST" or something similar.  You can't, because "America first" or "America is the greatest nation in history" is verbal poison to them.  We--those who believe that--are Nazis, fascists, evil, stupid, whatever, to them.  They think they're the true patriots because they dissent.  They think they're "supporting the troops" by opposing the war--nevermind what the troops themselves say, they're just ignorant Bible-thumping working class fools "forced" into the military because Bush either brainwashed them or ruined the economy so they had no choice.  It's inconceivable to them that anyone could REALLY support the war against Islamofascism.

So tell me, Howard Dean says "I hate the Republicans and everything they stand for," and precious few on the left utter a word of disapproval.  OK, fine.  I hate the Democrats and everything they stand for.  Also the independents on the left.  But watch, I'll be a "fascist" for saying so.

Baldilocks said it all right here:  "Soldiers get their lives endangered but no one is supposed to say jack. Liberals get their feelings hurt and scream bloody murder.  It's enough to make you a bit cynical."
"Cynical" might just be the Understatement of the Century.

(Cross-posted at My VRWC)

New Special Forces unit deploying to Iraq

The Pentagon announced today the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called the US Redneck Special Forces (USRSF).

These men from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and North and South Carolina will be dropped into Iraq and have been given the following information about terrorists:

1.  The season opened today.
2.  There is no limit.
3.  They taste just like chicken.
4.  They don't like beer, pickups, country music, or Jesus.
5.  They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt.

The war in Iraq should be over in a week.

OOPS!

Did you come here looking for naked pictures of Rachel Ray?
Sorry, just recipes and other stuff about her, but you might like this:

Rachael Ray talks dirty

Wild Thing: RNC Unveils New Ad Mocking Liberal Outrage

(Text on Screen): A long, long time ago ...
(Montage of past presidents)
Franklin D. Roosevelt: "The only thing we have to fear ..."
Harry S. Truman: "... and are determined to work for peace on earth."
John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
(Text on Screen): Today ...
(Video) Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean: "I hate what the Republicans are doing to this country. I really do."
(Video) Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: "It is very hard to stop people who have never been acquainted with the truth."
(Video) Mr. Dean: "A lot of them have never made an honest living in their lives." (Print) Mr. Dean 6/6/2005: (Republican Party) "It's pretty much a white, Christian party."
(Video) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi: "Our plan is to stop him ... stop him ... he must be stopped."
(Video) Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin: "You would most certainly believe this must have been done by Nazis, Soviets in their gulags, or some mad regime -- Pol Pot or others -- that had no concern for human beings. Sadly, that is not the case. This was the action of Americans." (Print) Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid 5/6/2005: "I think this guy (President Bush) is a loser."
(Video) Mr. Reid: "I apologized for the 'loser'; I haven't for the 'liar.'?"
(Video) Jon Stewart: "We turn our attention now to Washington, and the Democrats. Political party founded in 1792 that enjoyed an active role in American politics through much of the 20th century. Perhaps you've heard of them. No? Ask your parents."
(Text on screen): The Democrats Today. No Vision. No Plan. Not your Parents' Democrat Party.

Note that Hillary rushed to the media to condemn Karl Rove's remarks. Her response to Durbin's comments denigrating American troops? You check around and see if you can find one. I can't. Harry Reid dismissed Durbin's remarks and called the controversy over them a calculated attempt at distraction but he demanded an immediate apology or resignation from Rove for his milder, and certainly not seditious, comments . I could keep working my way through the list of the Democrat leadership comparing the level of response to each man's statements but what's the point? We know how such a comparison will turn out. Obviously, as others have said, this is a tempest in a tea pot.

If you want to do something useful instead of just seething over the hypocrisy of it all the phone number for the White House is 202-456-1111 or you could always e-mail President Bush at president@whitehouse.gov. Although I'm sure he doesn't need it you might feel better after you let the President know that you support Karl Rove and agree with his statements.

RedState.org has more on how this is just idiocy fueled by a dishonest media.

The full text of Karl Rove's comments can be found at the Washington Post.

[Cross posted at Common Sense Runs Wild]

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Ah....Vacation: Add Water, Sun and Fun!

I can smell it - vacation!  My last day of work was today - we leave Saturday for a week of fun involving a jet ski, a boat, some water tubes and tons of sunscreen!

I can hardly wait!  I can already feel the sunburn, the windburn and a tall cool one in my hand!

So far, I have the housewife from An American Housewife guest blogging (she has already put up a GREAT post - and a must read).  I also have Beth from MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy signed up as well.  She promised to only post about virtuous things (yeah, right!). 

Update:  I've got a few new guest bloggers I've invited, and who have accepted!  Jane from Armies of Liberation,  Janette from Common Sense Runs Wild, E.M. Zanotti from The American Princess, Jody from Steal the Bandwagon and the ever wise, ever funny Preston Taylor Holmes from Six Meat Buffet, who has to hold his own amidst all of these fine women.  Good luck, Preston - watch out for the estrogen!

Thanks to everyone!  Knowing you all are here in da house I have no worries!  On to the fun and the sun!

A Profile Of The Child Molester

Housewife is co-guest blogging for Merri Musings today. I cannot blog about this topic enough. It needs to be brought to the forefront of America. Please, take the time to read the following links. Please take the time today to do a search in your zip code to see how many registered sex offenders are living near you and your children. We have 8 registered sex offenders in my little town; not all of them are child molesters. I focus on the child molesters. About two weeks ago I downloaded their fliers from the internet database and mailed them off to the public parks and recreations department.  Granted, they are living within legal limits; but barely. In fact, during one MapQuest I found that one molester was living within legal limits but his backdoor led right out to one of our main ballparks; I mean the ballpark was his back yard! But on MapQuest; following directions from his physical address to the ballpark, yes he is living within the limit of the law; you know, if you follow the street directons provided by MapQuest.

A Profile Of The Child Molester

The majority of pedophiles prefer children on the brink of puberty and prey on a child's sexual ignorance and curiosity. To quote one molester, "Give me a kid who knows nothing about sex, and you've given me my next victim."

The actual number of members in these organizations is unknown, though one, the Rene Guyon Society, is listed in the Gale Encyclopedia of Associations as having five thousand members. Other major pedophile organizations include NAMBLA (The North American Man-Boy Love Association) and PAN (Pedophile Alert Network) in the Netherlands. Members receive monthly magazines and newsletters that include seduction techniques and advice on avoiding detection and prosecution. One group¹s "Lure of the Month" column gives advice on approaching and seducing children. In one month¹s column, soap crayons were praised for their effectiveness: "Children undress themselves!" In addition to attending pedophile conferences and conventions, some child molesters meet via the Internet where they may swap methods, success stories, even names, descriptions, and images of children. Customs officials indicate that the anonymous nature of Internet communication is quickly replacing the printed pedophile newsletter.

Now why oh why can we not do something about the above mentioned group? Anyone have any ideas on what to do about these sick, sick monsters? Well, I do but I'd go to prison for it. All I can say is teach your children about the realities and arm yourself with the facts and be ever vigilant. We are no longer living in a society where my children can ride their bikes around our little, teeny tiny neighborhood anymore. I remember when I was a kid I'd ride my bike for miles; probably wasn't a good idea back then either now that I reflect. I see and meet a lot of parents who are ignorant when it comes to child molesters; they are under the false security that because they live in a "nice" neighborhood that their children are safe. Go do a search. Also, I hate it when parents say, "well I just have to trust God that He has them in His Hands when I let them go out the door." This annoys me to no end. Yes, I know someone who has actually said that to me at one time. While it may be true in a sense; please I beg of you to tell your children the truth - that there are sickos out there ready to pounce on them and hurt them and kill them. Now, you know I'm not talking about telling a 5 year old this awful truth. I also know parents who let their children wonder the neighborhoods who should NOT be on their own because of their young age. When I see this I promptly escort the child home to their parent. Oh and don't even tell me that because they have a walkie-talkie with them that it makes it "OK" and they are safe. It's a bunch of crap.

The CHILD LURES COMMUNITY PLAN is a multi-media campaign guaranteed to raise awareness and - more importantly - prevent crimes against children by arming all segments of the community with personal safety strategies that work.

Search Your Area for a registered sex offender. It's listed by states and all you have to do is enter your zip code and sit back and be shocked to see who is living in YOUR neighborhood.

I had better shut up now or Merri will never ask me back again.

Stop the ACLU! Blogburst - the American Flag

I'm a patriotic American.  I get choked up when I hear the national anthem.  The American flag is a symbol that represents our country and all we stand for - the red, white and blue.  The Stars and Stripes.  Whenever our country faces adversity or hardship, i.e. 9/11, what symbolizes our strength as a nation, our unwavering belief that we will prevail?  Our flag.  Old Glory.

The ACLU called the House's approval of the "Flag Desecration Amendment" a "loss for freedom and an unwarranted assault on the First Amendment."  I find it fascinating that the ACLU declares that there is growing, nationwide opposition to this Amendment.  I haven't talked to a soul that says "yeah, let's burn the flag...it's our right!  We don't like abortion, let's burn the flag.  We're mad that they ended Everybody Loves Raymond - let's burn the flag!" 

Terri Ann Schroeder, Senior Lobbyist with the ACLU Washington Legislative Office (aka Head Blahblah) said:

"Today's vote was a victory not for the flag, but for lawmakers seeking cheap political points. The flag is a symbol, and today's vote is an assault on the freedoms that it embodies. In a democracy, freedom means that we must tolerate all peaceful forms of expression, no matter how uncomfortable they make us feel, or how much we disagree. Lawmakers cannot silence individuals just because they don't agree with their message or how it is expressed."

Perhaps you may think I'm a bit too patriotic, but I find the burning of the flag far from "peaceful" and for me it borders close to violent.  To me, a "peaceful form of expression" would be signs, speeches, or human chains.  When I think of flag burning, I think of militant Islamofascist freaks who would not only like to burn said flag, but a few million Americans as well.

Do I believe in freedom of speech?  Absolutely.  But I don't believe in desecration of the flag - something that represents our country, our honor and the blood, sweat and tears shed by countless Americans defending the very right to fly such a beautiful flag.

Please stop by Stop the ACLU! for their weekly ACLU blog burst.  They'll keep you informed and - if you are like me - somewhat ticked off, too!

I am the Flag

by Ruth Appeasing Rois

I am the flag of the United States of America.

I was born on June 14, 1777, in Philadelphia.

There the Continental Congress adopted my stars and stripes as the national flag.

My thirteen stripes alternating red and white, with a union of thirteen white stars in a field of blue, represented a new constellation, a new nation dedicated to the personal and religious liberty of mankind.

Today fifty stars signal from my union, one for each of the fifty sovereign states in the greatest constitutional republic the world has ever known.

My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country.

My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters.

My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all.

My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith.

I represent these eternal principles: liberty, justice, and humanity.

I embody American freedom: freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the sanctity of the home.

I typify that indomitable spirit of determination brought to my land by Christopher Columbus and by all my forefathers - the Pilgrims, Puritans, settlers at James town and Plymouth.

I am as old as my nation.

I am a living symbol of my nation's law: the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

I voice Abraham Lincoln's philosophy: "A government of the people, by the people,for the people."

I stand guard over my nation's schools, the seedbed of good citizenship and true patriotism.

I am displayed in every schoolroom throughout my nation; every schoolyard has a flag pole for my display.

Daily thousands upon thousands of boys and girls pledge their allegiance to me and my country.

I have my own law—Public Law 829, "The Flag Code" - which definitely states my correct use and display for all occasions and situations.

I have my special day, Flag Day. June 14 is set aside to honor my birth.

Americans, I am the sacred emblem of your country. I symbolize your birthright, your heritage of liberty purchased with blood and sorrow.

I am your title deed of freedom, which is yours to enjoy and hold in trust for posterity.

If you fail to keep this sacred trust inviolate, if I am nullified and destroyed, you and your children will become slaves to dictators and despots.

Eternal vigilance is your price of freedom.

As you see me silhouetted against the peaceful skies of my country, remind yourself that I am the flag of your country, that I stand for what you are - no more, no less.

Guard me well, lest your freedom perish from the earth.

Dedicate your lives to those principles for which I stand: "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

I was created in freedom. I made my first appearance in a battle for human liberty.

God grant that I may spend eternity in my "land of the free and the home of the brave" and that I shall ever be known as "Old Glory," the flag of the United States of America.

When the BTK Killer Whines, the MSM Listens

Why does this vile, evil shit stain get the time of day? I could care less about his whining rants about his attorneys and the fact that his wife is contemplating divorce.  HE'S A FRIGGIN murderer.  I'd get a divorce, too!  And the MSM just sucks it up for their next "hot story."  What a waste of bandwidth.

White Trash Wednesday - White Trash Art

Hi ya'lls!

I got me a durn road trip comin' up here in a spell.  Since I gotsta get my mobile trailer ready to go, I ain't got much time to stop by.  But I did want to edeewcate you, my cuzins, by gettin' you some culture:

That thare is white trash and art, all together in one.

Well, I'll be damned - that thare is some White Trash Art as well.  I reckon we gots us a trend!

And that one thare, that is my favorite art piece.  Kinda looks like my garbage can, except for the whiteness.  I gots me bits of egg and pop all throughout, not to mention Mad Dog 20/20 stains.  That White Trash shore is purty.

Well, I reckon I must be off.  You done got yer culture, and I done spent some time with the best during cuzin's this side of the trailer!

Ya'll go visit everyone else, ya hear?

Meme Tag - Music!

LindaSoG over at Something...and Half of Something tagged me for a meme that's all about music:

Total volume of music files on my computer:

511 MB (okay, so I still listen to lots of CD's - but I'm getting my iPod loaded slowly but surely!

The last CD I bought was:

Soundtrack to "Madagascar."  The kids love the "We Got to Move It" track (and yes, there are Kids Bop CDs in my truck!  ACK!)

Last aquired:

A whole bunch of 80s songs (Blondie, songs from "The Wedding Singer" and much, much more!)

Five songs I listen to a lot, or that mean a lot to me (eclectic, I know):

"Out Here on My Own" - Irene Cara (from the movie Fame)

"Nothing Else Matters" - Metallica

"Break Stuff" - Limp Bizkit (a great song for the drive home from work!)

"Island of Life" - Kitaro with Jon Anderson

"Eyes Wide Open" - Creed

I have to add that I love 80s music (born and raised child of the 80s).  I have tons of 80s music!

Four people to whom I'm passing the baton (if they so desire to take it):

Beth at MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy

The 'wife at An American Housewife

Tammy at A Mom and Her Blog

Raven at And Rightly So!

These are merely some shameless linking to some of my favorite sites (and ladies, you don't have to do anything if you don't want to).  Wheeeeeeeee!

We're Havin' a Ball!

It's party time again!  Please go visit us over at the Cotillion - and bring your dancin' shoes! Er, seems as that's too, well, nice.

As Beth might say:  Report at once to the mistresses (for your whippings?):

Crystal Clear
A Mom and Her Blog
Fistful of Fortnights

And don't forget to stop over at the Cotillion website.  We have many new debutantes who have joined us - the party is even more exciting!

Update:  Beth...better?  I'm no chicken, dammit!

Bonfire of the Vanities

So - I couldn't help but nominate myself for an entry in the Bonfire of the Vanities....Dirty Minute Meals is making history!  Check it out here and here and here!  Oh, and here, too!

Weeeeeeee!  Let the fun begin!

It's a Sick World

This is a sick story, and I'm so outraged I can hardly type:

SPARTANBURG, SC (FOX Carolina News) - A Campobello teen is accused of raping one neighbor's dog and another neighbor's two little girls. Now the dog has died and charges against the teen have been upgraded.

I'm not putting the whole story here as I think there is a pretty graphic account of what this 17 year old, Cory Williamson, did physically to the dog (it's in the link above).

I'm outraged on two fronts.  First, of course it is awful what this boy did to the dog - I cannot fathom that this boy's mind is right.  It is readily apparent that he needs to be punished and according to the article he will be charged with the highest level of animal cruelty charges on the books.  Obviously the guy needs counseling, too.

The second reason I'm outraged is how much is played up on the abuse of the dog and how little is mentioned of the fact that this slime bag is also charged with sexually abusing two little girls in the same neighborhood.  I love animals - I have 3 dogs - but when does what happens to a dog outweigh what happened to two little girls?  He RAPED them!  I counted the references in the article.  There were 7 full paragraphs that referenced the situation about the dog and only 3-4 sentences that mention that he also raped two little girls in the neighborhood.  I have to ask...since when is a dog more important than the well-being of two little girls?!?!?   

Punta del cappello:  NIF 

What Planet are You From?

You Are From the Moon

You can vibe with the steady rhythms of the Moon. You're in touch with your emotions and intuition. You possess a great, unmatched imagination - and an infinite memory. Ultra-sensitive, you feel at home anywhere (or with anyone). A total healer, you light the way in the dark for many.

Susan Torres

Jody from Steal the Bandwagon has a post up regarding Susan Torres, a young woman, who is brain dead, who is also carrying their very premature baby.  I can only imagine how heart wrenching this situation is for Susan's family, but I think I would want my family to keep my body alive so my unborn baby has a chance to live.

Read more about Susan's story here and be sure to hug your loved ones extra tight - life can change instantaneously!

Study: Second Bush Team Whiter, Older, More Experienced

These are the types of stories that the mainstream media feels compelled to print because...[please insert reason here]?   

WASHINGTON -- A new study shows Team Bush has fewer minorities and young people, and more government insiders, in the president's second term than in his first.

A study by the news weekly National Journal shows that 17 percent of those in the top 367 managerial jobs are minorities. That's down from 20 percent four years ago.

A roughly comparable tally of the Clinton administration put the figure at 27 percent.

Plus the average age in Bush's second-term administration is 51, compared with 48 in the first.

Also, an administration that was experienced four years ago is even more so now. The National Journal found 88 percent of those in the top jobs had previous executive branch posts. That compares with 59 percent in the first term.

I believe that reports such as these are an attempt to undermine the credibility of the presidency.  What about a report on how the president brought in "the best person for the job" versus the breakdown in age, race, sexual orientation, etc.?  The title of this article almost makes it seem like "more experience" is a bad thing.  This handy little story "confirms" the ideas in the minds of liberal whackos that Bush is bad - now the mantra will be "Bush discriminates" or "Bush isn't as mindful of diversity as Clinton was."

I guess I should be used to this banter, but it still drives me crazy.  I just want a person in place to do a particular job who is the best.  Say I needed to hire a body guard.  Would I just select someone because they were a minority?  No - how fair or appropriate is that?  I would check everyone's experience, interview them to get a feel for how they would perform on the job and make a decision regarding who I would hire based upon a consistent list of criteria.

If I was a partner in a physician office whose specialty was surgery, should I hire the young physician right out of school and training, or should I hire the experienced surgeon with a proven track record of success?  As a wise business person, I should hire the surgeon with more experience.  Wouldn't you want that as a patient?

Carnival of the Recipes #44

Michele over at Meanderings is hosting this week's Carnival of the Recipes.  There are a TON of outstanding recipes.  I can't wait to check them out!

For those of you who like shrimp, and want something quick and easy to fix, I posted my recipe for Pan Shrimp Scampi in the carnival.  Thanks for going over and visiting Michele and "meandering" about.

Helping A Neighbor

I thought I would share a personal story that had a happy ending - it personally touched me and wanted to share.

Last Saturday, I was leaving our house around lunchtime.  I had my small children with me and we were going to go get some lunch and visit my dad.  As I was locking up the house, there was a rather loud crash.  Once I saw that nothing had harmed the kids, my eyes locked on a red car that had plowed into the electrical pole outside our home.

I ran to the car, and a woman I would later know to be named Carol was extremely shaken up, but there was no blood.  She had been wearing her seat belt, thank God.  It took me a good minute to get her to focus on me so I could ensure she was okay and didn't have any life threatening injuries.  We found her glasses - miraculously not broken - and I got her to put it in 'park' and turn off the car.  We then called 911.

Carol's immediate response to me was that she was okay, but slightly shaken up, so we didn't initially ask for an ambulance.  She did, however, seek out her cigarettes.  Can't say that I blame her - the car was a mess.  She was driving a compact car, and it was even more compact following its encounter with the pole.  This lady had been through so much.  She recently moved here following what sounds to be a bad divorce situation.  She had an open heart surgery scar.  She said she was diabetic.  I was pretty certain she may have blacked out or fainted because she doesn't remember how she hit the pole.  She worried that her ex-husband paid for the insurance on the car.  I kept thinking that I had no reason to think my day was going bad at all as I heard her story unfold.  A neighbor walking his dog stopped and kept the kids busy while we waited for the police.  I also called Carol's sister on my cellphone, who arrived at the scene fairly quickly (actually before the police).

Once her sister had arrived, and once the police arrived, it was clear that the adrenaline was wearing off.  Carol sat down and the police were worried enough that they called a rescue squad. 

I have to say that prior to the police arriving on the scene - other than the neighbor walking his dog - we only had one person slow down and ask if we needed any help.  Everyone else just drove by and rubber-necked.  In the back of my mind I was incredulous.  I thought it was natural to want to help people who needed it but it seemed as though no one had the time or the desire to want to help.  Perhaps I was overreacting at this point?

Once the ambulance and fire truck arrived at the scene, everything became a melee.  The street was now blocked off, so everyone had to take detours to get to their destinations.  I guess the siren prompted all of the people in the neighborhood to flock the scene.  There had to be 20 people who ran to our block.  Out of all of these people, one woman approached and offered assistance - she was a trauma nurse.  I thanked her, but by that time the EMTs were assisting Carol.

I double-checked with the police officer to see if he needed me for anything further and he said he had all the information he needed.  I was worried my kids were starving by this time and thought I should dismiss myself and get them to the restaurant.  Then I realized they had loaded Carol onto a stretcher and were taking her to the hospital.  I asked Carol's sister if everything was okay and she said they were concerned about her with all of her health conditions and she was going to ride to the hospital with her.  She took the time to tell me she really appreciated me helping her sister and that she was certain that I helped Carol get through a tough situation.  I replied that I was happy to help and also hoped that had I been in the same situation someone would have helped me.

So the ambulance took off and I loaded the kids in the truck and off we went.  My mind processed the whole situation and after a call to my husband to share what happened, I started to worry about Carol.  I hoped with all my heart that she was okay.

The week progressed and work and all things work and summer filled the hours of each day.  Last night, when things calmed down I realized we had a voice mail.  It was Carol!  She shared that she had searched out my phone number and wanted to call to thank me for helping her.  She had spent four days in ICU with severe headaches and dizziness, but was now home and okay.  She said she really appreciated me helping her and said she didn't know what she would have done if I hadn't have been there.  She actually wanted to bring me some flowers to thank me!  I called her back and left her a message, letting her know that flowers weren't necessary and that I was thrilled to know that she was okay.

I was truly touched that she went out of her way to find my phone number and give me a call - something truly unnecessary, but greatly appreciated.  Would I help someone again?  Absolutely.  I can't imagine not helping someone in need.  I'm just happy that I was there and could help.  And happy that she's okay.          

Molester May Have 36,000 Victims

Okay, now I'm pissed.  ...and sick to my stomach.  ...and generally just want to break stuff.  ...and probably cry a little.

Look into the face of a sick monster.  A monster who may have molested as many as 36,000 - all children and mostly boys.  He took meticulous notes of his sick and vile criminal acts.  I thank GOD they have him in custody.  These snippets really tick me off:

Schwartzmiller apparently did not register as a sex offender, so his history did not appear in the "Megan's Law" databases in California or other states, authorities said.

Although police said Schwartzmiller appears to have spent much of the past 30 years in California, he has been arrested on child molestation charges in New York, Arkansas and Washington. He also served prison time in Idaho for child molestation in the late 1970s, and is wanted in Oregon on sexual assault charges involving a minor.

In the 1980s, he lived in Brazil, and was extradited from there to Idaho again in the later part of the decade to serve more time, Cornfield said. Police believe he may have victims in Brazil and Mexico.

Authorities also arrested Schwartzmiller's roommate, another convicted child molester wanted for violating parole in Oregon. Fred Everts was charged with child molestation in San Jose.

Read the whole story here, if you can.  What a sick, vile, disgusting situation.

Oh, the Irony!

Two employees of PETA dumping animals in a trash bin?  Wow - now that's loaded with irony!

AHOSKIE, N.C.  — Two employees of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have been charged with animal cruelty after dumping dead dogs and cats in a shopping center garbage bin, police said.

Investigators staked out the bin after discovering that dead animals had been dumped there every Wednesday for the past four weeks, Ahoskie police said in a prepared statement Thursday.

PETA has scheduled a news conference for Friday in Norfolk, Va., where the group is based.

Police found 18 dead animals in the bin and 13 more in a van registered to PETA. The animals were from animal shelters in Northampton and Bertie counties, police said.

The two were picking up animals to be brought back to PETA headquarters for euthanization, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said Thursday. Neither police nor PETA offered any theory on why the animals might have been dumped.

Police charged Andrew Benjamin Cook, 24, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Adria Joy Hinkle, 27, of Norfolk, Va., each with 31 felony counts of animal cruelty and eight misdemeanor counts of illegal disposal of dead animals. They were released on bond and an initial court date was set for Friday.

Hinkle has been suspended, but Cook continues to work for PETA, Newkirk said.

Hmmmm....what an "interesting" statement Newkirk has about all of this:

Newkirk said she doubted Hinkle had ever been cruel to an animal and said if the animals were placed in the bin, "We will be appalled."

More to come, I'm sure!  One question, though, and please note the deep level of sarcasm here:  So, if PETA is supposed to be a group of animal rights wackos, WHY were they picking up animals to be euthanized?  I thought they wanted animals to live?!?!?!  (see the dripping sarcasm?  It's oozing everywhere!)

Our American Hero

Now here's a story of a TRUE red, white and blue American hero:

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2005 – For the first time since World War II, a woman soldier was awarded the Silver Star Medal today in Iraq.

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, a National Guard unit out of Richmond, Ky., received the Silver Star, along with two other members of her unit, Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein and Spc. Jason Mike, for their actions during an enemy ambush on their convoy. Other members of the unit also received awards.

Hester's squad was shadowing a supply convoy March 20 when anti-Iraqi fighters ambushed the convoy. The squad moved to the side of the road, flanking the insurgents and cutting off their escape route. Hester led her team through the "kill zone" and into a flanking position, where she assaulted a trench line with grenades and M203 grenade-launcher rounds. She and Nein, her squad leader, then cleared two trenches, at which time she killed three insurgents with her rifle.

When the fight was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded, and one was captured.

Just reading this story, you can get a sense of the person behind the uniform.  Sgt. Hester says it best:

"Your training kicks in and the soldier kicks in," she said. "It's your life or theirs. ... You've got a job to do -- protecting yourself and your fellow comrades."

People like Sgt. Hester - brave, heroic, yet humble - have put their lives on the line to build America and have protected America from evil that has lurked throughout history.  I am so greatful to have people like Sgt. Hester protecting me.

Army Lt. Gen. John R. Vines sums it up nicely:

My heroes don't play in the (National Basketball Association) and don't play in the U.S. Open (golf tournament) at Pinehurst," Vines said. "They're standing in front of me today. These are American heroes."

I'll second that!

Update:  Mr. Kurtz's Neighborhood has a great post that also has some history - a woman who won the Silver Star in WW II - Lt. Mary Louise Roberts.  A great story!

punta del capello: CitzCom

Stop the ACLU! Blogburst - Teens and Abortion

From the ACLU's website:

BOISE, ID -- The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood Federation of America argued in court today that Idaho’s third attempt at enforcing a dangerous measure restricting teenagers’ access to abortion should be enjoined.

"The safety of Idaho’s most vulnerable teens should be our first concern," said Rebecca Poedy, President of Planned Parenthood of Idaho. "Putting politics before health care, the state persists in its efforts to enforce a law that would harm teenagers, especially those in need of emergency abortions."

How about putting life before death?  How about allowing parents to be responsible for their children versus enabling children to go behind their backs for medical procedures?  More from the ACLU's website:

The law in question prevents teens under 18 from having an abortion unless they receive the written consent of a parent or a court waiver of that requirement. Although slightly modified from two earlier versions already struck down by the courts, the law at issue in today’s case suffers from two flaws previously declared unconstitutional: It compromises the confidentiality of teens who need emergency abortions, and of teens seeking waiver of the parental consent requirement.

I'm sorry, but as a parent, I am responsible for my child's welfare until they are an adult - age 18.  If my child had a problem with their appendix, a physician and the hospital would require my consent for surgery.  While significant moral issues exist around abortion, let's take them out of the equation for a moment.  Abortion is a medical procedure.  Why should a parent not be allowed to give consent and be informed?  If a parent isn't allowed to know that their daughter went and got an abortion, how will they know to make sure she is okay?  How will they be able to respond effectively if something goes wrong medically? 

Okay, now I have to put the moral issues back into the equation.  I should be able to help my child work through life-altering events such as pregnancy - it is my obligation and responsibility as a parent to teach my children right from wrong, to share my beliefs and other life lessons and to help them weigh all sides when making decisions that will impact them the rest of their lives.  If I am not given an opportunity to know about a pregnancy, and my daughter elected to have an abortion, how can I possibly support her emotional needs and speak to the guilt that typically accompanies the decision to kill an unborn child?  Why am I, the parent of this minor, the excluded party here?  Should my daughter make the mistake of getting into the situation of an unplanned pregnancy, my involvement is invaluable - I have raised her and should know how to reach her and help her come to a decision on what to do next. 

There's more to "solving" an unplanned pregnancy than medical equipment.  I truly do not believe A-C-L-U spells Mom or Dad...or God, for that matter.

Please visit Stop the ACLU! and also visit other sites participating in the Stop the ACLU! Blogburst - you'll see rather quickly that the ACLU truly doesn't care about the welfare of children and minors - they only care about their sick, twisted agenda.

Douglas Wood Rescued

Australian hostage in Iraq has been rescued by an Iraqi force backed up by U.S. troops..

Rusty has the details.

You know, I'm dead beat tired today.  But it would do me well, and you too, to remember that no matter how crummy you may feel on any given day, it's nothing compared to what this man has gone through the last six weeks.

Cross posted at Vince Aut Morire, My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, And Rightly So!

WTW Rachael Ray's "Dirty Minute Meals"

So ya'll.  Anyone one who knows me will tell you that I love that thar Rachael Ray of that cooking channel.  Well, me and my love of Al Gore's internet (ya'll got that thar joke, right? Right?  Damn...it twas just a joke.  Sheesh) got togethar and we found out that even li'l ole Rachael has a trashy side. 

Yes, she did pose in one of them man rags - FHM.  But I was talking about how she TALKS on her show.  This here lady over here, she calls it "Dirty Minute Meals."  That's why that ole Rachael has so many males who sit in the dark watching her show - only to hit the button over to NASCAR when their ole lady walks in the room.  Lookie here - this is White (dirty) Trash at its finest, ya'll:

On the Cuisinart... "Just go up and down. Quick quick quick!"

Corn on the cob... "I used to suck on the corn cob. So bad!"

On stuffing burgers... "Tuck this inside. That's gonna be a tasty little surprise!"

On a cucumber... "We're gonna put a little of him in."

On sharpening knives... "I make my baby brother do it for me, but he's not always around."

On oiling... "I give it a little rub, though, to get the heat going."

On hot pans... "I want them waiting for me, not the other way around."

On the top of an onion... "I'm gonna whack it off here."

On chopping chard... "And I go right down to the stem."

On beating eggs... "See, you can just get down and dirty with 'em."

On vegetarians... "Somebody in the house just doesn't do meat."

"It's not about 'thicker is better.'"

On pre-washed spinach... "I get so excited about it, I'm stuttering. It's a thirty minute girl's best friend."

On breading chicken... "Try to keep one hand free, one hand clean, so ya got somethin' to work with."

On bread under the broiler... "It's a lotta back and forth, but man when it goes, it GOES!"

On grilled bread... "Transfer these to a plate and get these guys off, too."

On the Santoku knife... "It goes through anything wet like it's butter."

Back from the break... "I'm Rachel Ray, and today, I'm pleasing a crowd."

Intro... "You'll be able to make the whole crew happy in under thirty minutes."

"You need it three times, deal with it once. Right?"

On a lemon... "Oh yeah! Look at those juices flow!"

On the griddle... "On top, this is awesome."

On having friends over early... "And they'd be munchin' that in just a few minutes."

On veal... "I'm gonna nest him in the middle so he gets some action."

On weeknight entertaining... "You may try not to do it too often, but once in a while, it's inevitable."

On bay leaves... "I want a big one."

On variety of meats... "I'm gonna give you a little peek here at what we're playin' with today."

On a fakeout cassoulet... "It's not exactly the same thing, but let me tell you, when you put it in your mouth, you're gonna be just as happy."

On sausage... "I'm just gonna give 'em a little prick."

On whisking... "I think I'm gonna use my stronger hand."

Outro... "My mouth's gonna be really full soon."

"Don't beat it too hard, or too soft."

On plating... "Remember to wipe off your lips there."

On prep time... "Good lord! She wants it faster!"

On salami... "I never met a salami I didn't like, really."

So don't ya'll be afraid to tune into my pal Rachael Ray's show.  She has something fer everyone!  And talkin' 'bout sumthin' fer everyone, don't fergit to stop on by all my friends at ye ole Trailer Park:

They Need No Introduction

They are at it again!  Another showcase of the best female conservative bloggers on the web!

Join this week's hostesses:  Darlene's Place, Who Tends The Fires & Right Girl over at the Cotillion!  They'll be sure you have a marvelous time!   

Grandpa Abuses Granddaughter - Grandma says "You Got What You Deserve!"

...and I thought Grandma and Grandpa were supposed to keep the grandkids safe and happy:

SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) - A couple have been indicted on aggravated sexual assault charges after authorities alleged the man raped his 13-year-old granddaughter and then her grandmother told the girl she "got what she deserves."

Arthur Y. Pena, 58, and Lidia Pena, 54, were indicted June 6. Arthur Pena faces three counts of aggravated sexual assault. Lidia Pena is accused of allowing an assault April 10, according to court documents.

What kind of sick asshole would do this to his granddaughter? 

"When the victim exited the bedroom, the (grandmother) laughed at her and told her she got what she deserves," Tom Green County Sheriff's Deputy Ron Sanders wrote in criminal complaint documents filed in state district court.

To me, the grandmother is as guilty as the sick bastard who abused her.

This poor girl, upon examination, showed evidence of chronic physical and sexual abuse.  She's thirteen years old and has had to grow up too fast - attempting to shelter herself from the very people who should love and protect her.  Dammit, it is so unfair for a child to be subjected to this horror.   

And to make matters worse, the girl has 3 younger siblings, who also lived with the grandparents.  Thank God they are out of there - they may have been next.

Arthur Pena was in the Tom Green County Jail on $100,000 bail Monday. Lidia Pena was released after posting $100,000 bond. A separate arrest warrant has been issued since her indictment. She had not been arrested as of Monday.

Please find and arrest that evil woman so this girl and her siblings don't have to worry about her being out there, around the corner.

Oh, Darn. Say It Isn't So!

Oh darn.  Paris Hilton is telling us that she will be bowing out of public life to focus on family and her new man, Paris.  She even has it penned on her calendar to do this approximately 2 years from now.  Do we really have to wait so long? 

Mamamontezz's "Twisted" Strawberry Preserves

All I've got to say is YUM!  My kids would love this on their toast!  Oh, and so would I. 

Not Guilty?

So they found Michael Jackson "not guilty" on all counts.  Am I surprised?  No.  Will you ever convince me he's innocent?  No.

I can't even write about this - I'll leave it up to others here and here and here.

Excuse me while I go puke now. 

Letter From a Farm Kid, Now a Marine Corps Recruit

Dear Ma and Pa,

I am well.  Hope you are.  Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile.  Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed til nearly 6 a.m. but I am getting so I like to sleep late.

Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things.  No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay.  Practically nothing.

Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water.  Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee.  Their food plus your holds you til noon when you get fed again.

It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much.  We go on "route marches," which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us.  If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different.  A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home.  Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

The country is nice but awful flat.  The sergeant is like a school teacher.  He nags a lot.  The Captain is like the school board.  Majors and colonels just ride around and frown.  They don't bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing.  I keep getting medals for shooting.  I don't know why.  The bulls-eye is near big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home.  All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it.  You don't even load your own cartridges.  They came in boxes. 

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training.  You get to wrestle with them city boys.  I have to be real careful though, they break real easy.  It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home.  I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake.  I only beat him once.  He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'6" and 130 pounds and he's 6'8" and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and joing before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter,

Gail

Where are the Children?

According the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC):

• 85% to 90% of the 876,213 persons reported missing to America’s law enforcement agencies in 2000 were juveniles (persons under 18 years of age). That means that 2,100 times per day parents or primary care givers felt the disappearance was serious enough to call law enforcement.
• 152,265 of the persons reported missing in 2000 were categorized as either endangered or involuntary.
• The number of missing persons reported to law enforcement has increased from 154,341 in 1982 to 876,213 in 2000. That is an increase of 468%.

These numbers are staggering.  In the event of disease affecting this many people in the population, the CDC would label it an epidemic and appropriate action would be taken to find a cure.  As a nation, we would also do our best to protect others from coming into contact with the disease.  But, hey, it's only our children affected, right?  These numbers are the norm, status quo.  We'll just have to live with them. 

That's hardly the sentiment for many parents, particularly those whose children are missing or have been harmed in any way.  Not only are the number of missing children on the rise, criminal activity harming our children is also increasing.  I cannot open any news source, locally or otherwise, without hearing about some non-parent abusing their child or some evil, vile person who decided that a child for a victim - whether it be pedophilia, child abuse, child neglect or child endangerment - would be right up their alley.

I think there are a number of challenges that make it difficult to protect our children from these criminals.  In most cases, children are kidnapped by their own family members.  Pedophiles tend to be the normal-looking bus driver, teacher or little league coach.  These types of criminals tend to blend in to society, only appearing once they are caught.  How many times have you read about the neighbor who "couldn't believe" that such-and-such could do such a thing. 

I also believe that another challenge we face is the "softening" of our society, primarily how issues, such as child abuse or pedophilia are discussed or written about.  There is a great article over at Schadenfreude that focuses on this very topic.  It's a matter of twisting a few words around to make it sound less harsh; however, in doing this, it makes it seem that the child could be to blame (emphasis mine).

The abusers of children, and let's call it what it is, have managed to defer the public impact of their hideous crimes by adopting a 'Madison Avenue' approach to soften their image. Vachss takes issue with the term "Child Prostitute", making it clear that these children do not benefit from the transactions either financially, or personally. He is right to state that the correct term is "Prostituted Child". The word itself implies a judgment of character, and a willing exchange. "The difference in calling them a "Child Prostitute" and a "Prostituted Child" is not purely semantic. It is more than the difference between a hard truth and a pernicious lie. It not only injures the victims; it actively gives aid and comfort to the enemy. By allowing the term "Child Prostitution" to gain a foothold in our language, we lose ground that can never be recovered."

This type of romanticism (for lack of a better word) absolutely pisses me off:

The courts allow testimony that colors the crimes in romanticized language. Children don't "lose their virginity", they are victims of rape. Children aren't "fondled" by pedophiles, they are molested. A judge, granting work release to a convicted sex-offender, declares that the 5-year-old victim was "Unusually Promiscuous"?

Unusually Promiscuous?  A 5-year-old?!?!?  C'mon, the child was MOLESTED!

I yet again gaze through the various news sources at my fingertips only to find:

Shasta and Dylan Groene are still missing.  The FBI is offering $100,000, Dad is offering his $25,000 Harley Davidson and there are local rewards of ~$7,500.  These children have been missing for close to 4 weeks and in the same period of time, there have been no leads.

***

Tennessee - Haley Spicer is four years old and already a survivor. The Campbell County sheriff says the girl might make an appearance at the trial of the three people deputies say beat and burned her.  And just who are those three people?  Her "dad" (for lack of a better word), Tommy Owens, and his girlfriend, Charlotte Claiborne, are charged with the abuse and the sitter, Teresa Draughn, is accused of not reporting it.  Why do we have 4-year-old survivors?  Why would a 4-year-old need to be subjected to abuse like this?

Jury selection for these scum begins Monday and the town has had to add extra officers and security because these "poor little criminals" have had some death threats.  Of course they have - they don't deserve to live.

***

Kansas City, MO - A man who is set to stand trial in November after allegedly kidnapping his children told a newspaper that the children are with a "well-off family."

Daniel Porter has refused to tell police and his ex-wife the whereabouts of the two children since they disappeared in June 2004 when he picked them up for a weekend visit.

"The children are fine," Daniel Porter told The Kansas City Star in a telephone call from his jail cell.

Porter refused to say where the children are staying.

Porter was sentenced in May to 10 years in prison on an unrelated gun charge, a sentence that prosecutors hoped would persuade him to reveal the whereabouts of his children, Sam and Lindsey.

Since the children, then 7 and 8, disappeared, investigators have searched the Kansas City suburbs of Independence and Sugar Creek and searched the area around Porter's hometown of Trenton in northern Missouri.

The man's motivations for kidnapping his children and "hiding them" stem from his belief that their mom, his ex-wife, is a bad parent.  He claims they are alive and well and the couple who have them know that they could eventually be in more hot water than he is, legally.  Excuse me, but being in jail for a 10 year sentence makes you a "better" parent, Mr. Porter?

The problem with this is that the man previously told police he had strangled the children - his own children.  He said he made up that story because he didn't like being questioned by police.  The mother is concerned that he's now changed his story - stating the kids are safe - in order to raise her hopes that the kids are okay, only to dash them later.

"He is the only key to this," Green said. "He knows it, and I think he likes it. He's getting a power trip. It's his way of continuing to have power over Tina and probably the police."

Porter, 42, is charged by the state with two counts each of terroristic kidnapping and parental kidnapping, for which he faces up to 38 years in prison. He is scheduled for trial in November.

I hope and pray that Porter isn't just blowing smoke - I truly hope the kids are safe somewhere.  If he truly did kill his own children, I hope and pray justice's aim will be true.

***

Toronto - A convicted pedophile violates the conditions by which he was released.  Thank God it only took him a day and he's now back behind bars.

Toronto cops issued a warning, when 63-year-old Lawrence Samuel Sears was released from prison yesterday. He was deemed a high risk to re-offend, after serving 15 years in jail on charges such as sexual assault, and having sex with a girl under 14. Constable Christine Bacharach says many conditions were imposed on his release, including staying away from anyone under the age of 18.  Sears allegedly violated that condition yesterday, when he was found around people under 18 at a movie theatre in Toronto. He's being held pending a hearing.

***

I could go on and on.  Stories of people abusing children, children dying at the hands of their own parents, pedophiles, sex rings, NAMbLA, missing and exploited children...scenes from the nightmare of any real parent out there.  However, as horrifying as all of those situations are, I find it equally horrifying that more isn't being done to keep our children safe.  Why is it such a controversy for a town to want to keep sex offenders, particularly pedophiles, away from their parks, schools, churches and neighborhoods?  Why does an organization such as the ACLU go after people who just want their children to be safe, all because they believe the criminal needs to be treated "fairly?"  Why does the mainstream media dumb down their reporting in such a way readers don't get the real understanding of what happened?  Why do we require the CRIMINAL to report their whereabouts for a sex offender database - um, they are CRIMINALS, people.

We need to see this terrible trend reversed.  It's time for a change, and change begins with me and it begins with you - without raising our voices, the criminal will always get better treatment than the victim.  The pedophile will move in next to a school, perhaps our son or daughter's school.  Non-parents will continue to harm or kill their own children and we will continue to hear about all of these types of tragedies each and every day.

Why?!?

Why Would She Admit It???

A freelance writer is suing celebrated author Stephen King because she claims to be the real Annie Wilkes from King's best-seller "Misery."

That's according to a report Tuesday posted on "Celebrity Justice" online, which obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed by Anne Hiltner of New Jersey.

According to "Celebrity Justice," Hiltner claims "invasion of privacy" in the suit because the book's main character, "Psycho Nurse Wilkes," is a caricature of her.

Why would she admit this?  Hmmmm...she also says the psychic nurse in King's Animal Kingdom is based on her, claimed King's "Riding the Bullet" was stolen from her brother's manuscript and King plagerized her own writings for Misery.  Ah....perhaps claiming she's Annie Wilke's *isn't* so far off the mark!

Did He Get Gastric Bypass, or Just Stop Eating McRibs?

Ronald McDonald has joined the diet craze, among the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Randy Jackson:  "Ronald McDonald, the colorful frontman for the fast food chain, will be slimming down in a new ad campaign that the company says is aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle."

"To keep up with this active lifestyle, Ronald McDonald went shopping and picked out a whole new wardrobe. These new outfits complement his fun, energetic style," said Rogovin.

Ronald's new threads include a warm-up suit, basketball, soccer, football uniforms, and a tuxedo for formal events. He will keep his red shoes. The streamlined version of Ronald is aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle, company officials said.

Okay, it doesn't matter to me.  Obese or healthy, Ronald McDonald is scary.  There's just something about those evil clown eyes and pale complexion that gets me every time.  Gulp.  :::shiver:::

Why, Daddy, Why?

NEW YORK -- No, illusionist-comic Penn Jillette of the Las Vegas duo Penn & Teller isn't pulling a trick on this time: He and his wife have given their baby a name you probably haven't heard before.

Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette was born on Friday.

Jillette said they "chose her middle name because when she's pulled over for speeding she can say, 'But officer, we're on the same side. My middle name is CrimeFighter.''

He didn't give an excuse her first name, Moxie.

Okay "Moxie CrimeFighter" is one of the most stupid names I've ever heard, but I'll cut him a little slack...at least he didn't name her APPLE. 

Celebrity Breath Up for Auction (um, who cares?)

An enterprising celebrity spotter is offering fans the chance to buy a jar of fresh air allegedly breathed by stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for close to $US15,000 (now currently over $200,000).

"Be the first to own this jar of celebrity air, which may contain air molecules that came in direct contact with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt," the seller's statement said on eBay.

Here's the auction listing.  People are flippin' nuts.

Carnival of the Recipes #43

Songstress7 at News from the Great Beyond presents Carnival of the Recipes #43.  She did an amazing job of not only highlighting some of the best recipes on the web, she also presented a nice summary of each of us who submitted. 

I submitted my Thai Pork Tenderloin and Long Beans recipe for this week's Carnival, and Songstress7 gave a great plug for the Cotillion as well!  Please stop over and you'll get your saliva glands working overtime!

The Troops of the 82nd Need You!

SondraK alerted us that our troops of the 82nd want to hear from us and need our support!  Please stop over at her site to find out how you can help!

Stop the ACLU! Blogburst -

Anyone who reads through my site will conclude fairly quickly my lack of love for the ACLU.  As a matter of fact, I truly believe that the ACLU shakes the very foundations of the freedom I am afforded as an American.

There is a great article over at GOP USA I encourage you to read.  I think the author summarizes a number of my concerns up nicely.

For years the American Civil Liberties Union has pushed its agenda as to what the Constitution "really says," and what freedom "really means" through judicial extortion.

The ACLU's attorneys are akin to the old "ambulance chaser" adage...targeting particular hot bed situations and finding "the offended" who are willing to have the ACLU champion their cause. 

Many who have dared to stand up against the ACLU might have won the battle in the court room, but lost the war as their organizations were driven into bankruptcy under crushing legal bills.

I think the author, Justin Darr, is right on when he says:

However, in the last few years the tide has started to turn. Alternate civil liberties groups, such as The American Center for Law and Justice, conservative radio commentators, and even some in the media, have drawn attention to the ACLU's pattern of abuses, fanatic beliefs and outright hypocrisy. For the first time the ACLU is faced with legitimate public outcry over their tactics and slowly those who once would quietly give up their freedoms have been instilled with the will (and pro bono legal support) to fight. In addition, despite the efforts of obstructionist liberals in Congress, the court system is being given a much needed infusion of new judges who recognize that their interpretation of the Constitution should in some fashion be similar to those who wrote it. The ACLU understands its days of forcing Christianity, traditional values, and freedoms out of American public life are numbered.

The ACLU has changed their strategy, broadening the circle with their court cases by including leaders and private citizens who are leading causes against the ACLU.  The best known case of this is the ACLU's focus on Sean Hannity and his "crossing" of the US/Mexico border while interviewing Minutemen in Arizona.

...the ACLU, which led the good fight by trying to obstruct the Minutemen and goad them into conflicts while enabling the rampant invasion of illegals into our nation, decided this was an offense that could not be tolerated. Apparently upset at Hannity's drawing interest to the good work of the Minutemen, Arizona State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, under the auspices of the ACLU, demanded Hannity's arrest. 

This was not motivated due to a need to uphold immigration law.  This was "personal."  But as Darr writes, this is a larger issue than the ACLU just embarrassing Hannity.

It is indicative of a terrifying new trend from the ACLU where they are attempting to hold individual citizens legally liable for doing nothing more than thinking they are wrong. With large organizations starting to resist them, the ACLU must now found a new defenseless target unable to afford to fight them: private citizens.

There are several other cases Darr mentions that have recently presented illustrating this point:

• In Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, the ACLU has called for the arrest of school teachers and administrators because the ACLU does not feel they adequately exorcised all Judeo-Christian influences from their classrooms and cafeterias.
• In San Diego the ACLU is suing five local personalities, including Rush Limbaugh sub Roger Hedgecock, because they do not like the wording they have chosen to represent the "Arguments For" section of a local ballot initiative to save the Mt. Soledad Cross.
• In the Keystone School District in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, even after the school board caved into the demands of the Pittsburgh ACLU, the ACLU is still suing the district because they felt that some in the community still "hoped" that there would be a prayer offered at the high school graduation.

Hmmmm...isn't hope constitutional?  Last time I checked it was.

Obviously, the ACLU's approach is alarming, but I can tell you that slowly their "minions" are starting to lose faith, tearing up their membership cards.  An ACLU who supports criminals more than victims, protects child molesters more than the child, initiates ridiculous cases to remove Ten Commandment monuments from public land and shreds their own documents is not the ACLU most want to support, even the most liberal souls out there.  There are just some things (can you say NAMbLA?) that even the most liberal liberal will refuse to support.

Today is Stop the ACLU! blogburst day!  Please head over to Stop the ACLU! and offer up your support.  There are many involved who continue to fight the good fight and you will find substantial information about the ACLU with just one stop!

Substitute Teacher Choking Student is Learning Opportunity?

I don't need to make any comments on this story, as it speaks for itself:

BOSTON (AP) - The Department of Social Services is investigating a claim that a substitute teacher choked a 12-year-old boy until he lost consciousness.

The alleged incident took place last Thursday at the John Marshall Elementary School in the city's Dorchester neighborhood, where Anthony Jackson is in the fifth grade.

According to a report in Wednesday's Boston Herald, the teacher allegedly asked the class how long it would take for a student to black out. When students didn't know, she began to choke the boy.

Anthony told his grandmother that the teacher held him so tightly around the neck for so long that he lost consciousness, the Herald said, and no one called for medical help after he fell to the floor. He quickly regained consciousness and was not injured, other than a slight headache.

School officials apologized to Jackson's mother, the Herald reported. DSS received a complaint on Tuesday, prompting the investigation, agency spokeswoman Denise Monteiro said.

"We have a lot of interviewing to do," she said.

A preliminary report is due within 10 days.

School officials declined to release the substitute's name. She has been given an administrative assignment until the investigation is complete and was told to stay away from the Marshall School and its students, school officials said.

"We take very seriously all claims of incidents involving students in schools," Boston Public Schools spokesman Jonathan Palumbo said.

Okay, so I was wrong and do need to comment on this.  How horrific, first of all, that an ADULT would think this is okay.  Secondly, in any other instance, the police would be called...this is an assault on a child.  This teacher could have KILLED him.  Okay, so someone called the DSS, but if *I* were the parent, I'd have called the cops. 

...an Interesting Take

If you want a good read about God and evil, head over to Atlas Shrugs who shares one I really enjoyed reading.  I always love seeing the trap door open and you can almost hear it creaking this time! 

White Trash Wednesday - Wonder Twin Powers, ACTIVATE!

I cain't help but thunk thar is some kinda jean-etic ties here (it's all in the eyes my Momma says!):

Please take a gander at my other cuzin's trailers:

Thai Pork Tenderloin and Long Beans

This is a recipe I grew up on.  My dad, who was in the Air Force, had a few tours of duty in Thailand and picked up this dish there.

2 tbsp vegetable oil (or infused Wok Oil)

8 cloves garlic, chopped

½ pound pork loin, cut into thin medallions

½ pound raw shrimp, shelled & deveined

1 pound long beans (AKA raw green beans, whole)

3 tbsp fish sauce (nam pla)

2 tsp granulated sugar

1 tsp ground black pepper

In a wok, heat oil over very high heat.  Add garlic and quickly stir-fry until light brown.  Immediately add the pork and toss with garlic until pork is light brown.  Add the shrimp and continue stir-frying for about one minute.  Add the beans and cook for at least 2 minutes (they will be very crispy - I typically cook until I start to get a bit of a wilt to the beans).  Stir in the fish sauce, sugar and black pepper.  Toss everything together and serve.  I serve with some steamed Jasmine rice (an aromatic rice that I also grew up on.  Dad had it in Thailand and won't eat any other kind with Thai food).

Enjoy!

Salmon Patties Recipe

Believe it or not, this is one of the few ways I can get my kids to eat fish - it is so tasty, and a favorite of my family since I was a little girl.

Ingredients:

vegetable oil (or similar light oil), enough to cover bottom of large skillet
2 6-oz cans of skinless, boneless pink salmon (or one regular size, with skin/bone removed)
10 saltine crackers, crushed
2-3 large eggs
kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat large skillet over mid to high heat. Drain the salmon and add to large bowl. Crush the crackers into the bowl. Add salt/pepper and 2 of the eggs. Mix together with a spoon. The mixture should be quite moist, but allow you to form patties. If it is still dry, add the additional egg. If the mixture is too moist to make patties, then add a couple more crackers at a time, until you reach the right consistency.

Form into patties of uniform thickness. Add oil to the skillet and then place the patties into the oil. Cook on both sides until a nice, golden brown crust forms on both sides. Remove from the skillet and drain on a couple of paper towels.

My two cents: You can serve this with most anything - typically we serve it with fried potatoes or french fries, but you can also serve it with macaroni and cheese or a nice rice dish. I've seen some people use a cocktail sauce for dipping, and even tartar sauce. It also makes a nice sandwich!

The Cotillion Ball - Boop Boop Da Boop

Everyone remembers the Charleston.  A well-loved dance that originated in the early 1920s in Speakeasies during Prohibition, its energized, dynamic and vivacious moves perfectly personify the zeal of these following ladies of the ball.

Rightwingsparkle asks us a question of war, comparing the fanatical Islamic belief to that of a hornet's nest.  She states it simply:  "This fanatical Islamic belief isn't going away, it stung several times and will again if given the chance."

Over at sisu, Sissy is so glad sad-sack, glass-half-empty Kerry isn't the Leader of the Free World. What does it say about his contempt for the American people when he embraces the "smoking gun" of Downing Street Memogate as "stunning, unbelievably simple and understandable"? Doh?  Amazing dance moves you have there, Kerry.

Kate from Small Dead Animals crosses the dance floor with her own take on potential chaos at next month's G8 summit stirred by the absence of black musicians at the events staged to benefit Africans.  Kate gave us her own suggestion on how to handle the situation.

What is the difference between our Word and theirs?  Jody at Steal the Bandwagon steps us through the comparison, reminding us it is just another reason to pity the Muslims and their sad religion. Apparently they, too, have respect for their holy book, but it is seemingly nothing more than just words and sentences, grammar and syntax.  For them, no life is as sacred as the flimsy pages of a book.

TFS Magnum's Zendo Deb brings us the story of a victim of an armed robbery - with a permit to carry a concealed weapon - who shot one of his assailants in self-defense.  Instead of a justified, self-defense shooting, a horrible instance of a child shot will be the song-and-dance of the Brady Campaign.  Whether this shooting is a tragedy, or prevented a tragedy depends on your point-of-view. 

One of our dear hostesses of the Cotillion Ball this week, our own princess, The American Princess, brings us harrowing tales of Oxfam and liberal Hollywooders who tried to fight poverty in China and all they got was a lousy bracelet. 

Dahling Fausta of The Bad Hair Blog foots it through a number of reviews in the New York Times and concludes that as far as the Times is concerned, some forms of class mobility are more equal than others.

Our dear Denita at Who Tends the Fires speaks of recent life events, dancing through such topics as shopping, a party with friends (and an observation in their not-so-differences), dangerous storms, the Swan Man, a surprise party and - we can't forget - her birthday! 

We're all quite envious of Beth at Yeah, Right, Whatever who is vacationing and exploring the hot spots of St. Louis.  She speaks of animals at the zoo and even those who break out of the zoo. Send us a postcard, dear, and many happy returns!   

As for me, I must thank our gracious web mistresses Beth, Janette and Jody for their support and enthusiasm.  They are truly Belles of the Ball!

I must now direct your attention to my lovely and talented co-hostesses our Dear Housewife, the darling Princess and all of their fine constituents.

...and now I must bid you a fond Adieu until we meet again!

The Cotillion - The Dance, Part II

I'll be a Hostess for the Best Party of the Week tomorrow.  Please join me, An American Housewife and The American Princess for The Dance, Part II.

Animal Rights Whackos = Terrorists?

I think we're onto something here (emphasis mine):

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - New Jersey is using an anti-terrorism law for the first time to try six animal rights activists charged with harassing and vandalizing a company that made use of animals to test its drugs.

Prosecutors say the activists, who will stand trial next week, used threats, intimidation and cyber attacks against employees of Huntingdon Life Sciences, a British company with operations in East Millstone, New Jersey, with the intention of driving it out of business.

The six, members of a group called Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC), are charged under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, amended in 2002 to include "animal enterprise terrorism," which outlaws disrupting firms like Huntingdon.

If convicted, the group and its accused members face a maximum $250,000 fine and three years in prison.

SHAC argued that the charges are a violation of free-speech rights and it is the victim of a government crackdown on dissent. "This is a frightening step in the Bush administration's path to war on domestic dissidence," the group said on its Web site.

The defendants are also charged with interstate stalking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and $250,000 fine, and with conspiracy to engage in interstate stalking, carrying the same penalty.

Whoa, stop.  So this group is saying that the charges are a violation of free speech, huh?  Since when does committing a crime, such as stealing, trespassing, destruction of property and assult constitute "freedom of speech?"  Protesting peacefully is one thing, but these whackos are out causing harm to people and property.  They SHOULD be charged:

Their tactics included invading offices, damaging property and stealing documents. They also charged with physical assault -- including spraying cleaning fluid into the eyes of employees -- smashing the windows of their homes and threatening to kill or injure members of their families, prosecutors said.

The list of potential defense witnesses includes actress Kim Basinger (she joined a protest outside a Huntingdon laboratory in Franklin, New Jersey to try to stop such companies using animals to test their pharmaceutical products).

Hey - wasn't she supposed to leave the country when Bush was elected or something like that?  Oh yeah, I forgot.  She's an "actress."  She must have been "in character" at the time.

If you take the animals out of the picture, and just focus on the crimes by themselves, we have a bunch of hoodlums here.  If any of these whackos had their items stolen, had someone trespass on their property, or had been assulted, you can bet they'd be crying foul.  Who do they think they are to presume they are above all that?

Carnival of the Recipes #42

Drew at Conservative Friends is hosting this week's Carnival of the Recipes!  Stop over and have a drool, er, a look!

For those of you who like great appetizer ideas, my Taco Cheesecake recipe is part of the carnival.  It's an awesome dip that is great served with hearty tortilla/corn chips!

His Book is Just Too Patriotic

I was listening to the radio this morning and they had an interview with Winston Groom, probably best known for the book "Forrest Gump."  Groom has a new book out entitled "1942: The Year That Tried Men's Souls" and received a particularly scathing review from New York Slime's critic Patricia Cohen.  I didn't think much of it until it was mentioned in the interview that Ms. Cohen pretty much deemed that the book was "too patriotic."  Huh? 

Now, I haven't read the book, so I can't profess to understand what the critic means when she refers to "terrible" writing in the review, but I find it rather amazing that anyone could conclude that a book, in particular a book that centered on the year 1942, World War II and the attack on our soil at Pearl Harbor, was too patriotic.

As I read Cohen's review, the first clue I had about how she felt about the book was how she approached the subject matter.  I believe her words about WWII and Pearl Harbor were along the lines of "well-worn history."  The review progressively irritated me.

Groom writes in his forward "I write to the average American reader, in hopes that he or she will take renewed pride in what our forefathers dealt with, and determined to accomplish, when faced with danger of the utmost severity.''  Good.  As an American, I should understand what is chronicled in history and what our forefathers did to pave the road to freedom.  This makes sense to me.  Not to Ms. Cohen (emphasis mine):

It is not surprising then that ''1942: The Year That Tried Men's Souls'' tends to read like a portable pep rally designed to fire up the home team for the next epic showdown. The ''Great Democracy'' versus the evil Axis -- or, more recently, the axis of evil.

Well, that pretty much seems to sum up how Ms. Cohen feels about President Bush and our involvement in Iraq while carrying with it a certain undertone of Anti-Americanism. 

She has a bit of an interlude in the middle, actually giving him some small accolades about his background and the history he tells.  I actually thought she might give the guy a break.  I was wrong.

Unfortunately the narrative is frequently interrupted by clunky writing, incongruous asides and relentless cheerleading.  The story is told in two dimensions with little of the ambiguity, nuance and complexity of real life. In Groom's account, the Japanese are ''wild-eyed,'' treacherous and unrepentant and their planning for Pearl Harbor ''diabolical.'' Their refusal to surrender is lunatic zealotry while the Americans' intention to fight to the end is heroic. Their imperial designs are part of a ''rapacious'' and cruel plot to ''control most of the world'' and squeeze America to death, while the colonial records of the Allies who already control it are glossed over. Following ''the tragedy of World War I,'' Groom writes, the ''Western powers had actually begun agreeing to return many (but of course not all) of their overseas possessions to the native inhabitants.''

Reading about WWII, even in school, the first thing I thought of was that America's will to fight to preserve freedom and liberty *was* heroic.  I'm glad Ms. Cohen wasn't in charge back then - we'd have laid down our arms, perhaps, and had a big ole group hug.  THAT would have taken care of those nice, pleasant Japanese men flying those nice little planes over Hawaii.

It goes on and on from there and she ends with the following:

And when an American officer on Corregidor says he hoped his troops could rest and receive medical attention after surrendering, Groom writes, ''This last observation raised perhaps the grossest example of false hopes in the history of the world.''

Well, maybe. Unless you were hoping for a sophisticated account of the war in the Pacific.

I read a number of critic reviews on Groom's book and none were even remotely as harsh and critical as Ms. Cohen's and many were quite favorable.  I truly believe there was some kind of political agenda here on her part, which biased her review of the book.  Thanks to Patricia Cohen's review, I'm buying the book to check it out for myself (perhaps Groom should give her a cut for all the books she's going to help him sell...nah!).  Oh, and I failed to mention that Patricia Cohen is the NYT's THEATER Critic.  Perhaps Groom's book wasn't nearly as entertaining to her as all the song and dance numbers "Cats" had [insert your own conclusion here]. 

The ACLU - a Sexual Predator's Best Friend!

President of the Lower Chichester Board of Commissioners Rocco Gaspari Jr. believes sex offenders have the right to settle down and begin a new life, just not near the schools and playgrounds in the township where he lives.

So Gaspari and his fellow commissioners have asked township solicitor Frank Sbandi to draft an ordinance that prohibits sex offenders from residing within 2,000 feet of a school, playground or other places children congregate in Lower Chi.

As could be expected, the ACLU has strong words for such an idea.

"This is great legislation, if we’re trying to create a leper colony," said Larry Frankel, executive director of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the ACLU.

But a constitutional expert with the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, said it was "a close call" whether such an ordinance would hold up in court.

The courts will have a lot to decide on this issue. Hamilton, N.J., passed a law that, in effect, bars convicted sex offenders from its town. The same is true of two cities in Florida. Weston will consider a new law this summer, which virtually makes the entire town off-limits to convicted sex offenders. In Pembroke Pines, the law allows certain areas to remain open for sex offenders to live, but the residents of those communities are storming city hall -- they want to be off limits, too.

Towns in New York and Massachusetts are considering their own limits on where sex offenders may live within their communities.

A Megan’s Law Web site, initiated by the Pennsylvania State Police in January, contains details about 6,981 sex offenders in Pennsylvania, including 13 who live or work in the Linwood/Boothwyn area. At http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/, interested Internet searchers can discover an offender’s name and photo, the type of offense committed, the date of conviction, year of birth, current residence and current employer.

But Lower Chi has decided to try to take the information one step further. While no one wants to close the door on giving convicted criminals a chance at rehabilitating their lives, no one wants a pedophile next door to an elementary school, either. It just doesn’t make sense.

Whether the courts agree with Linwood or the other towns trying to keep sexual offenders away from the children in their area, only time will tell. But someone in this state needed to step up with communities in other states to test the limits of the law.

Linwood is taking a chance, a worthwhile chance. They may not succeed, but that hasn’t ever stopped this town from trying out ordinances or procedures some critics said would never fly.

Obivously there are some well educated leaders in Linwood.  More towns and cities should follow their lead.  It has been demonstrated time and time again how infrequent sex offenders are rehabilitated (I would go so far to say that the only "rehabilitated" ones are the ones still in jail, away from victims).  Allow a sex offender next to a school and it is like putting a drug addict in front of a meth lab.  It's irresponsible and dangerous - just like the ACLU.

Update:  It's Stop the ACLU! Blogburst Day.  Please stop by their site and offer your support.

Oh, the Good Old Days in a Small Town

Growing up in the 70s and 80s in small town Nebraska, I felt safe.  We left the car doors unlocked, we left the house unlocked and I don't think I saw a house with a dead bolt.  We could leave the windows open all day and all night and the last thing that crossed our minds was someone trying to break in.  I was only 10 minutes away from "the big city" and I still felt safe.  The last thing anyone in my hometown would have expected to hear about was a child being sexually molested, killed by their parents, or murdered by their sibling.  I think the worst thing that happened in my childhood was a classmate who committed suicide. 

As I became a young adult, I moved into "the big city."  Mind you, the "big city" in Nebraska would fit squarely inside many other cities across America, but even with that I became just a bit more paranoid.  I always locked my car doors - after all, I heard about carjackings.  I always locked the door to my home because there had been some home invasions.  There was always murder or arson or gang violence on television or in the newspaper.  But even with these periodic news-makers, I always felt relatively safe.

Then I became a parent and the world has changed.  I have a compelling need to protect my children, be involved in their schooling, their interactions with friends, their televison shows, their video games.  My doors are always locked and my husband has safely stowed a small arsenal in order to protect ourselves and our property.  Oh, and we have a dead-bolt.

What has our world come to?  I'm starting to see the world through my childrens' eyes with my adult mind and it is rather scary.  No playing out in the front yard unless a parent is there, no running down to the park without Mom or Dad.  No walking to or from school, we take the car.  When I was in grade school, I played with Barbies, watched Looney Tunes and my biggest worry was whether my friend Jenny was mad at me.  My children are faced with Stranger Danger, Bad Touch/Good Touch, DARE to keep kids off of drugs, an increasing number of kids who don't have more than one parent in their lives, limitation of what they may learn in school because it may be "religious" in nature, softer approaches to grades in school and purple ink versus red ink so kids can feel "good" about themselves.  I feel that our future world is spiraling out of control as a segment of society responds to the likes of the ACLU, other "advocate" groups, or even some parents of children who attend school with my kids.  And these responses seem to become the doctrine by which society acts. 

How do we relate to our children their world as it exists today?  How can I explain to my son or daughter that Brendan Gonzales was killed by his own father because he thought he was satan?  How can I explain why Jessica Lundsford was killed?  Or why Dylan and Shasta are still missing?  Or why Osama Bin Laden hates America?  I remain strong for my kids, and assure them they are safe, of course.  But inside, my mind and my heart are heavy with my concerns. 

I look at the news, and it seems like we are seeing a rash of issues impacting our children.

Brenda Groene, 40; her boyfriend, Mark McKenzie, 37; and her 13-year-old son, Slade Groene, were found bound and beaten to death in their home on May 16. Groene's two other children, Dylan, 9, and Shasta, 8, had vanished.

There are no suspects and no motives and little Dylan and Shasta are still among the lost after a search of 800 tons of trash in a landfill didn't turn up any new clues to their disappearance.  I pray that they are okay.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A 7-year-old boy beat his baby half-sister to death with his fists, feet and a two-by-four because he was jealous of the attention the girl was receiving and because she would not stop crying, police said Wednesday.

The State Attorney's Office is deciding whether to file charges against the boy in an attack that rattled even veteran homicide detectives.

"The veteran detectives who worked on this case have never seen a case with someone as young as a 7-year-old show so much violence and so little remorse," Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

His sister, seven-month-old Jayza Laney Simms, was pronounced dead when she was taken to the hospital.  Seven months old, and murdered by her seven year old brother.  The State Attorney's Office hasn't yet determined how to proceed, or whether they will press charges.

Hillsborough County State Attorney's spokeswoman Pam Bondi said prosecutors were just beginning to review the case and the complex legal issues involved with bringing charges against such a young child. Among the elements prosecutors will have to consider is whether a child so young is competent to stand trial for a crime, Bondi said.

"There are a lot of issues," Bondi said. "This is the first time we have dealt with a 7-year-old accused of such a violent crime."

How do you NOT do something about this?  I'm not for sending this seven year old to death row, but if he is capable of this much violence at the age of seven, what kind of man will he grow up to be?  I'm shocked that a child my son's age would have so much rage.  What happened to him?

And where were the adults in charge with regard to this situation?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Two students were charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting a mentally disabled girl in a high school auditorium. The former principal was charged with failing to notify police.

The case generated criticism because school officials did not immediately report the allegations to police and said they feared negative media attention if they did.

The 16-year-old girl told a teacher at Mifflin High School that she had been dragged into the auditorium March 9 and forced to perform oral sex on at least two boys as other students watched and one boy videotaped, according to investigators.

Two boys, Brandyn Hobbs, 15, and Timothy C. Armistead, 16, were charged with juvenile counts of rape, sexual battery and kidnapping.

Regina Crenshaw, who was removed as principal because of the incident, was charged with failing to call police. If convicted, she could get anything from probation to 30 days in jail.

Crenshaw said Wednesday she did not break the law because the girl's father called police and the school district's policy on when to call authorities is contradictory.

What about common sense and knowing right from wrong, Ms. Crenshaw?  Aren't you responsible for the well-being of the students at your school?

"I did not expect any criminal charges to be put on me. This came as a total surprise, total shock," she said.

Of course it did, lady, of course it did - it's called being accountable, but perhaps you haven't heard of this concept?

Authorities said an assistant principal at the school warned the girl's father not to call 911 because he did not want to alert the news media. The girl's father ignored the request.

An employee perhaps provided with that directive by Ms. Crenshaw?

The district has moved to fire Crenshaw and a hearing before an independent mediator is set for Thursday. Three assistant principals at the school were suspended and reassigned.

Superintendent Gene Harris said the district will continue to train staff on proper procedures, but said attention should be paid to what students did - not just what adults didn't do.

I would agree that attention should be paid to the crimes the students committed, but do not want to take away from the fact that it happened on SCHOOL PROPERTY and was not reported by SCHOOL OFFICIALS for fear of getting bad publicity.  Let's not forget about THAT, Gene.

How to best approach the challenges my children will face as they grow up?  I personally will continue to hug my kids, provide a level of structure and discipline in their lives to ensure that they can see the difference between right and wrong (as well as consequences), protect them from strangers, drugs, bullies, and whatever else could possibly happen to them, and provide a stable, two parent family environment where they can learn how to treat each other, their friends, their family, their teachers and other adults. 

I'm also going to tickle them until their sides hurt, take them to amusement parks, take them to the zoo and to movies.  I'll take them boating and to Wal-mart (because they love that place!).  I'll do what I can to help them laugh every day, and create the memories of a good childhood that they deserve.  Oh, and did I mention I was going to hug my kids?