Saturday night at Murumbi

Attended the SPFC Sport (Recife) game last Saturday night at Murumbi
stadium SP. SPFC won a defensive game 1-0 with a goal in the 90th minute.

Montana Oil?

Could it be we have most of the oil we need under our very noses?

And then, this story of Heroism

19 year-old young lady who is serving as a medic in Afghanistan is only the second female since WWII to receive the Silver Star for heroism.

Pure Joy at 80,000 feet - SR-71 Blackbird

Great essay by Major Brian Shul. Thank you for your service to this country Major.

Christmas in Memphis

Do you like flying?

Great review of Delta by Dean Barnett. We have all had these stories. I am amazed that these dinosaurs stay in business. This year I have made over a dozen overseas flights. I can say with assertion that not one has gone as planned. Many did not even go! Further, there is no sympathy from any airline employee. I think they screen them with personality tests to find people who enjoy kicking their dog. Oh…never but never raise your voice. You must act like a lemming or you will removed as a security threat.

I agree with the assertion by many in the comments section that the overseas airlines are better. I think the comment about unions probably gets close to the source. Unions only train their members to be selfish. …but that is another rant.
Oh, one other acronym…
DELTA “Doesn’t ever leave; terminates Atlanta”

Indonesia is becoming unstable

Alarming review of the current state of affairs in this island nation.  Indonesia is becoming an increasingly important player in the basic material trade globally.  Further, its strategic geographic location near the Asian shipping lanes is also a key issue for strategists to reconcile.

The Evil Tongue

We witnessed this out of so many lately.

Cramer on the comedy show just yesterday is the latest example.  Kerry tried a stupid joke and made a stupid, non-sensical but likely accurate to his feelings statement about.  The art of diplomacy is the art of mamanging the tongue.  Not managing it well, as James tells us, is a downfall of mankind.

James 3:5-10

[5] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of
great exploits.  How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! [6] And the tongue
is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of
iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of
nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. [7] For every species
of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and
has been tamed by the human species, [8] but no one can tame the
tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless
the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the
likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.
My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.

End of an Era

Thanks Arnie!

Nut Jobs

It is hard to believe these professors teach at institutions of “higher learning.”

Bold!

http://www.memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=1050

Zarqawi Intel

Here is an interesting translation of a text depicting the terrorists current position in Iraq as well as a plan to induce an American Iran war.

Global Jihadi Network

Capt Ed does some thoughtful analysis of the arrest in Toronto of the 17 Islamist extremists and the interconnectedness of these hate groups.  The work was done by the Canadian authorities who have been tracking this cell for 2 years, sharing the information with other governments, including the US.  The result has been a multitude of arrests globally.

And, the Libs want us to not track internet or phone calls.  Dummies!

The Speaker, the NOLA rep and CIA Leaks

This sounds like a Ludlum who dun it full of all the intrigue.

A Duty of Compassion

Read this, pray and reflect on Memorial Day.

I fear a blood bath is brewing in November

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.  This truism holds for people with conviction too.  The president and senate et. al. are selling us out on immigration.

Where the battle is really being fought

This is a good discourse on where we are fighting this current battle for freedom – in the hearts and minds of our own citizens.  Read this and reflect.

USA Today Drive By Media Hit Piece Falling Apart?

The USA Today story supposedly exposing the NSA surveillance of telephone records appears to be falling apart.  Now, two of the carriers are denying involvement.  A further investigation into the USA Today reporter shows some strange relationships with Dems too.

Sounds like this could turn into a Jason Blair type story.  I wouldn’t want to be a shareholder for Gannett.

Strategic Choke Points

Interesting assessment of world choke points.

You are not going to like this

This not the way our wounded soldies should be treated.  And before you jump to conclusions that I am talking about the crazy moonbats at code pink, read carefully.

The CO's in these outfits should be horsewipped.

Where Have All the Communists Gone?

You've got to read this article by Linda Kimball.  It puts a face and an explanation on all these wacko leftist groups.  No more will I call them insane.  They are insanely brilliant in their long-term effort to co-opt America.  Simply stunning!  And, it explains almost completely what we see going on today on the left and in the MSM.  The great irony is that Joe McCarthy was probably mostly right.

Stuck in the Middle

Interesting use of a Harvard Business case to analogize the problem with the Republican congressional leadership.  I had a marketing professor in grad bus school who used to call the middle "s*** city".  You never ever want to be stuck in the middle.  That is the problem with "good, better, best" strategies.  You spend a lot of money developing "better" that nobody wants.  When was the last time you bought 89 octane gas?  It's either 87 or 93.

What we have here is a failure to communicate

I love that old quote.  And, it is relevant to this story, which sums up the old addage that communicating the message is as important as the message itself.  That is why we have to be so meticulous on how we communicate a presentation, e-mail or note to colleagues, customers, suppliers, neighbors, friends and family.  I wonder how many wars were started or relationships destroyed because we failed at communication?

Russert's Econ 101 Lesson

Great stuff helping to dispel the myth that the left wing press is all knowing and all powerful.  This guy Russert is just plain dumb!

Easiest Sanctions on Iran Yet

Sometimes the easiest answer to a problem can be right in front of you. James Woolsey articulates an obvious solution.

What the American Populace Thinks of Illegal Immigration

Interesting Zogby poll out showing more support - significanlty more support - for the House version of an immigration bill versus the Senate bill.  The House bill has tougher enforcement provisions with no amnesty elements.

The Backlash Begins

Now we see what happens to those pols who support non-defensible borders.  Not sure what the answer is.  But, defending lawlessness is not a winner.

Hilton...Phooeeey

I always thought this corporation was just a little too arrogant.  Now look at what they are doing to a great ministry to our Vets.  Scoundrels!  They are all caught up in the “I’m smarter than you fly over folks attitude.”  These folks need a good lesson in manners.

Great New Miliblog to check out

Go here.  These guys are good.

Jones' take on this years Master's

Wise advice from the old sage himself.  He predicted the outcome many decades ago.  His observation on the challenge of short putt is…oh so painfully true.

Want a $1 Nassau in this foursome?

This is a good laugh...

Reflection during Holy Week

Very good post by the Anchoress relating a piece written in her parish bulletin yesterday, Palm Sunday.

Please Donate to this Airman's Family

Unbelievably tragic story. Please make a donation to help this family through this crisis.

1,2,3,4,5,6

Hadn't seen this one. But, just look don't send.

More on WMD's

It seems that drip by drip the truth of what happened to Iraq's WMD's comes out. Here is a classic Hobson''s choice for the President - accuse Russia of duplicty and re-start the Cold War, or continue to take the heat from the liberal media and pols in the US for the "lack of discovery" of WMD. The real irony is the press and probably many of our liberal pols are communist sympathizers or moles. Who would have thought...

This is beneath contempt

How dare they besmirch the memory of the most loved coach in 'Bama history. Oh the high crimes and misdemeanors!

Conservative Editorial Pages

Many of us like the Mobile Press Register too. Guess others have noticed.

Cellular Debit Card

Now your cell phone will let you buy beer at the 7-11. This is what you call technology convergence.

Religion of Peace?

We are in the crucible of history at this moment. I pray the good Lord is watching out for us. The stories we are seeing around the world are simply stunning.

Back from Brazil

Been gone 2 weeks.  Back now.  Try to get caught up.

India Wireless Growth

The paradigm has changed.  Wireless has supplanted land lines.  India having growth of over 40%. 

More on Haleigh

Updates and an excellent moral analysis. This story is heart breaking.

Celebrating Haleigh's Life

What other can you say to this but…

Amen.

Now they are confiscating churches

This story will make you angry.  So sit down before you read.  Here is a snip-it.

"Since the Supreme Court’s controversial Kelo decision last summer, eminent domain has entered a new frontier. It’s not just grandma’s house we have to worry about. Now it’s God’s house, too."

Sell-outs

Here is an excellent and lengthy discussion why we must hold the NY Times to account for the NSA leaks.

A 1st LT responds to Hillary's plea for armor

What would you expect from a political opportunist like a Clinton. The facts eventually get out. But, she has already made her hit piece, er statement, and moved on. Think the MSM will correct the record?

The plot against America that the MSM is hiding from us

I am at a loss to understand why the press would not disclose this plot uncovered and foiled by Italian authorities.  The only explanation I can discern is that the MSM has a single minded agenda to take Bush down as discussed here.  These journalists are despicable people.  Read further below in the same article and see what the President has to say about the tone of debate.

Myth busting the President lied meme

Cheney re-iterates that there were in fact linkages between Iraq and terror groups.  Imagine that!

What do you do with a guy who reveals national secrets?

This guy Tice sure has an over-inflated opinion of himself.  Read the fisk of the ABC interview by Blackfive.  I especially like some of the punishment meme in the comment section.

Biden's Baloney

This windbag just can’t figure out when to shut-up.  What is the old wise tale?  It is better to sit down and the world think you a fool, then to stand-up and remove all doubt.  What a blow hard!

Bush Economy

Sounds pretty good to me…

A White House press release:

Economic Growth Continues – Unemployment Falls Below 5 Percent

Today, The Unemployment Rate Fell Below 5 Percent. The unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent – lower than the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. 108,000 jobs were created in December, and revisions to previous months added 71,000 jobs. The economy has created more than 400,000 jobs over the last two months, over 2 million jobs over the past 12 months, and over 4.6 million since May 2003.

• Economic Growth Is Steady And Strong. For 10 consecutive quarters, GDP growth has exceeded 3 percent.

The Economy Is Strong And Continues To Grow

• GDP Growth Is Strong. The economy grew at 4.1 percent in the third quarter, the 10th consecutive quarter in which GDP grew at a rate above 3 percent. The composite index of leading indicators increased 0.5 percent in November and has risen 1.7 percent over the past 6 months, indicating continued economic growth.
• Consumers Are Confident. The Conference Board index of consumer confidence surpassed expectations and rose to 103.6 in December as consumers felt the benefits of falling gas prices and continued job growth. Additionally, both the University of Michigan sentiment index and Rasmussen consumer index reflected strong consumer confidence.
• Incomes Are Rising. Over the past 12 months, real disposable personal incomes were up 1.5 percent. Since 2001, real after-tax income per person has risen 7 percent. Household net worth is at $51.1 trillion – an all-time high.
• Manufacturing Continues To Expand. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM), a private research group, reports manufacturing activity grew for the 31st consecutive month in December. The ISM's manufacturing index reading of 54.2 indicates continued sector expansion. According to the Federal Reserve, total industrial production rose by 0.7 percent in November and manufacturing industrial production is up 3.9 percent over the past 12 months
• Durable Goods Orders Surged In November. New orders for durable goods increased 4.4 percent in November, far surpassing expectations of 1.2 percent growth. Over the past 12 months, orders have increased 12.1 percent.
• Productivity Growth Is Strong. After posting strong initial numbers of 4.1 percent, productivity was revised up 0.6 percentage point to 4.7 percent at an annual rate in the third quarter. Productivity has grown at a 3.4 percent annual rate since the end of 2000.
• Construction Spending Is At An All-Time High. Construction spending rose 0.2 percent in November to a record high of $1.146 trillion at an annual rate and has risen 7.8 percent over the past 12 months. According to the Commerce Department, housing starts rose to 2.123 million units at an annual rate – nearing a 20-year high. More Americans now own their homes than at any time in the Nation's history, and minority home ownership is at a record high.
• Inflation Remains In Check. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.6 percent in November – more than market expectations – reflecting a decline in energy prices. Core CPI has increased a moderate 2.1 percent over the past year, indicating that core inflation remains contained.

Christmas Holiday in Alabama

We always have a good time seeing family at Christmas time. It seems that part of the joy of the season is seeing all the family together.





As you can see by this pic, there was a pile of us there.











We played games.













We celebrated birthdays too.













Momma, I didn't know cake was this good!














Nana played the piano while brother John sang.













And, we wore Papa out.

Christmas Cookie Night

One of the highlights every year at Christmas time is the traditional cookie bake. The recipe is simple. The art work is complex and deep.


Here we see mom and and our youngest cutting out the cookie dough and baking the cookies.








Here we are making the icing, which is so important for the future artisans of the cookie trade!







The kids are completely enthralled and enjoy the incredible anticipation of decorating the first cookie! Mom is in her element and enjoying every minute.





The careful attention to detail is astonishing. One wonders where the talent comes from. As a dad, I am so impressed with the effort.







And, the results speak for themselves. Uh...could some one pass me the milk?

Oh My! Troops Terrorizing Iraqis?

You would think John Kerry’s handlers would have learned after the last election to change the tape when he opens his mouth.  But, the truth always seems to let Johnny Boy down.  See these tidbits on how are troops really behave from Michelle Malkin.

Washington State Democrats Show How They Really Feel About Christians

This denigration does not surprise me at all.  I heard other day that we have opened a new front on the War on Terror and it is here in the good ole’ US of A for the hearts, minds and souls of Americans, especially our children.

MSM Bias?

If you read this headline,…

November retail sales fall short

…you and most people would think that the wheels are coming off this economic expansion.  Right?  But, the truth, go down to the 6th paragraph and you get this interesting tidbit.

Much of the weakness in November's sales was due to a 5.9 percent drop in sales at gasoline stations -- a direct result of the decline in gas prices last month and hardly bad news for consumers. The drop in that category was the largest decrease since April 2003. When excluded, retail sales rose 1.0 percent in November.

1.0% increase!  Who is kidding who here.  And, gas prices down.  A double boost.

These MSM people are shameful.

Seen the new GOP video?

You can catch it here via Drudge Report.  Predictably, the Surrendercrats are outraged.  I find it interesting that the Libs seem to dish out treasonous venom, but can’t take any heat, even when it’s their own words used back in their faces.

Update on Good Things going on in Iraq

Good progress on all fronts.  The story you will never hear in the MSM.

Emily's Perfect Corner Kick

Thanksgiving In Germantown

Wow! Debbie out did herself this year.


Check out this turkey.







The meal consisted of turkey, ham, corn, peas, stuffing, mash potatoes, broccoli cheese casserole, my yam casserole, 2 cranberry sauces, 5 breads, pumpkin and pecan pie and a good bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.






Flat Jackson visted from Mobile and carved the turkey.








We have a lot to be thankful for as Americans and a family this year. Celebrating around the dining room table with a prayer of thanks to the Lord is the best fellowship you could ask for.

Mom gave us a history lesson on Plymouth, England during the blitz.




Yum, Yum!









Obviously I enjoyed my meal :)

Wolfpack lays the wood to the Keydets

VMI 55 – NCSU 75

Go Wolfpack!

Eloquent explanation on why we are at war

This soldier explains much better than any pundit or politician can why winning this war is vital.

A Great Hero of Business Passes

Peter Drucker wrote the bible on business management.  His insights have helped many leaders over the years.  His council will be missed.  Thank you for your many contributions to bettering our capitalist way of life.

Go Wolfpack!

NCSU 20 FSU 15

Selective Outrage

I found the enemy.  It’s the MSM.  Amazing hypocrisy by the media over national secrets.  Some of these reporters should spend some time in Leavenworth.

Difficulty of a Perjury Conviction

Look at this analysis by a former prosecutor on Libby's situation.

Big Brother is Watching

The digital imaging revolution has created some attendant side problems - like counterfeiting. To combat this it appears that the Sercret Service in cooperation with several of the main printer suppliers has a covert printing sub-routine run on every digital image, which captures the serial number of the printer as well as time and date printed as a bunch of small dispersed yellow dots. You can read more about this here in the WaPo.

I printed on an HP printer this afternoon and found the little yellow buggers. It requires good lighting and a 10x scope (jeweler's scope).

More Kelo Shennanigans

More eminent domain abuses surfacing.  And here.  The Supremes created a monster here.

I reiterate my point on why this SCOTUS pick is important.  The Kelo decision has allowed the legal taking of one person's property to give to another.  This decision is a gross distortion of eminent domain and the reason why we need originalists on the court.  Is Hariett up to the challenge?

I think Mr. Bush has blown this one

Look at the sampling of grassroots conservative frustration that Michele Malkin has picked up with the Harriet Miers nomination.  Here is a sample…

You have lost my support, President Bush. You have failed to deliver the type of judicial nominees that social conservatives prayed you would appoint. If your choices of John Roberts and Harriet Miers turn out to be good picks, we won’t know it for many months, if not years. In the meantime you have proven to me that Republicans treat social conservatives exactly the same way that Democrats treat blacks. Sucker them in long enough to get their vote and then ignore them.

Maybe Harriet is OK.  But there is too much at stake for us to trust “I know her heart.”  Remember he said the same thing about Putin.  I think we are in for a long 3 years…or more.

Looks like George Will is in agreement. More here.   Professor Bainbridge has his take on what little conservative support exists. Hugh Hewitt continues to be a lone voice in the wilderness supporting the prez.

My take?  I think the President missed a huge opportunity.  SCOTUS is the big leagues and you need a big league gun at the battle.  Miers may turn out to be OK.  But if you had the first round pick in the draft would you choose Peyton Manning or some unknown NCAA Div 3 College quarterback?  Bush is taking too big a gamble.  It also gives me some pause to some of the other decisions he has made.  What other gambles are we taking?

This is why the next SCOTUS nominee is important

Read what has happened to the eminent domain ruling now.  No one’s home is safe!

Check Out Google Earth

What a fascinating tool.  I have already traced a few routes and looked at some of our mill sites.  Great transportation tool.  Also, an excellent way to look at a road trip before you take it.  You can download it here.

I guess the watch out is what this odes to put detailed info in the hands of our enemy.  Not sure how you would stop it without significant curtailment of public info.

Historical Perspective on Iraq

Good run-down of the history of this region, its people’s perceptions and the difficulties currently faced.

Weekly Reader

Links to article to read…

In War, Appeasement is Surrender Written by Lee Ellis

An Interview With Katharine DeBrecht, Author of Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under My Bed! Written by A.M. Siriano

Know Thy Place Federalism is a good strategy, even, if not especially, in disasters. By Chris Edwards

Moral poverty cost blacks in New Orleans, by Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson

More Hurricane Katrina: Folklore vs. Fact from Gateway Pundit

The Man in the Mirror by Edward Morrissey

 Rough Road by Fred Barnes

The Atrocities that never happened in NOLA

All we heard non-stop was mass deaths, murder, rape, mayhem.

Four weeks after the storm, few of the widely reported atrocities have been backed with evidence. The piles of murdered bodies never materialized, and soldiers, police officers and rescue personnel on the front lines assert that, while anarchy reigned at times and people suffered indignities, most of the worst crimes reported at the time never happened.

Somehow the truth always comes out.

How the MSM Creates Perception

Good analysis of how the media create a perception and then report it as fact.  Unless you are sceptical about your sources and use a variety of them to gain perspective, you’re just drinking the Koolaid.

Memphis makes War on Terror front page

Even here in Memphis, we are not immune to the GWT.  To think I fly out of that airport regularly too.  One thing interesting to note.  His e-mail address had 747–200 in it.  I know this is a stretch but there are no commercial 747’s flying out of Memphis (NW hub with mostly Airbus, 757’s and MD-80’s).  We do have a significant air freight presence here (Fedex hub and UPS mini-hub).  International flights loaded with lot of fuel.  Too scary to think about.  Glad they caught this creep.

Maybe we had a good Katrina response?

Despite the MSM and liberal scaramongers would have you believe, much heroism and surprisingly good coordinated evacuations of NOLA did happen.  This view could be an emerging alternative view of what happened.  Stay tuned.

Just the Facts

Here is a time line of the Katrina response put together by FactCheck.org.  You can make your own judgments.  I am sure more facts will come to light.

Could the Feds have evacuated NOLA?

Good basic time and distance analysis.  Obvious answer is no.

You Go Condi

Sometimes the most profound and best responses to sniping are simple statements.

Letter from the CNO

Moving letter from the CNO to admirals in command.  Says it all about the spirit and willingness of our armed forces.

Closer to the truth

Read this analysis of some displaced folks from New Orleans.  We have seen the same thing here in Memphis.  Why isn’t this story being told?  What about the amazing outpouring of care and affection for our fellow citizens that has happened as a result of this storm?

Where is the outrage at the media for ignoring the good?  Maybe we should start a boycott of every company that advertises on MSM.  It works for the hate mongers.  Why not put this tool to good use for a change?

Katrina Commision Results

DJ Drummond nails this one.  I am sure the MSM will make note of his appointment by a Republican (look at comment section).

Talk about incompetence on top of incompetence.

This is damning

Disgusting

…but W is to blame, right????

As busy as a cat covering s*** on concrete

Gotta read the string of comments after the post. I wonder what Blanco is really up to? This is getting fun watching the donks, the liberal wingnuts and their wacko media friends paint themselves into a corner.

More Investigation into the State of Louisiana's Poor response

The government of the State of Louisiana is an embarrassment. See note below picked up at the Corner from Fox News reporter Major Garrett.

Best response to a Lib yet

Check out Geraghty’s response to Ann Rice’s diatribe to America.

Debunking Katrina's Urban Legends

Great article laying out some facts about the Katrina response.  However, the MSM no longer deals in facts, only Bush bashing.

The Blame Game

A comprehensive round-up of all the blame being passed around…Klingons?

And here is a more realistic assessment.

Took less than 24 hours

So Bush, et.al. are now responsible for Katrina.  These people must think we are stupid.

More on the truth of Camp Casey

So much for spontaneous grieving of a mother. Look at this on site report. Also, look at this spectacle staged with Sharpton. And, here is some background on her handler. Feeling good about Mother Sheehan now?

How about the mainstream media fawning over this woman. The behavior of the media here is the real story. They are very quickly revealing the truth about themselves, becoming discredited and irrelevant.

Where are the protesters?

This blogger asks a fundamental question.  Low and behold, when you look at the facts they speak mountains about the anti-war movement.  Its small.

What Bush Should Say to Cindy Sheehan

Interesting letter written by a fellow who is normally a satirist.  In this case he is right on the mark.

What is really going on in Iraq

Not only does this paint a truthful picture (PDF download), it also paints a positive picture of a nascent economy.  Look on page 11.  Interesting observation that the bulk of telecommunication is cellular.  This fact is also scene in China and India.  Land lines and the companies attached to land lines are becoming dinosaurs.

The Cindy Sheehan Tragedy

People react to grief differently.  We all grieve that she lost a child in the Iraq war.  We have a neighbor up the street who lost a son as well.  They are very proud of his service.

What we often do not know, is that people are not always what the media makes them out to be.  See the real colors of Ms. Sheehan here.  Judge for yourself.

Big John Tries Niagra

Not even Big John can get it across Niagara. Must be using the wrong balls.

No puns here, of course!

Duty, Honor, Respect

This is a note my sister wrote me in response to the article on Jane Fonda, the PA Lt. Gov and the Ohio arsonists.  I am posting it for everyone because I think it could not have been written more eloquently and is right at the heart what troubles us over this leftist mind set. Some on the right are not much better.  I don’t know if Jane Fonda should be locked up.  But someone ought to get a willow branch, put her over their leg, and give her a good woopin’.  We have become spoiled brat children in this country and it is about time we step back and see ourselves for who we are.  The first step to change is recognizing where your are…

Dear Walter,

What's happened to honor and respect?  Do these people not understand that that we have a real threat this war on terror.  The three articles on your blog story are unbelievable.  Don't people understand that we need to stand united and most of all support our men and women fighting see we can wake up in the morning have our coffee read our paper go to work peacefully.  Do they not understand what a privilege we have in this country.  I don't know if people have gotten spoiled soft or what but we have more privileges and rights of any country the land of opportunity.  You can make what ever you want of yourself without
limitations and people are willing to die for us to keep that privilege.  Jane Fonda should have been locked up a long time ago.  I don't know if she just has been so sheltered from the reality's of the world and just picks and chooses what appeals to her to listen to.  You
know these men and women fighting for us can't pick and choose what  they
want to listen to and they are not sad for it.  They are proud to be serving and bettering our world.  I don't know I just wish people would remember honor duty and respect.  Seems like a forgotten theme.

Margaret

She's Back

Is there a RICO statute that can be brought against this women?

Unfriendly Libs

Now they are attacking our fallen soldiers family. This is a hate crime. I hope they get caught.

The political class isn't much better.

China - Friend or Foe?

Here is in an interesting take by Cal Thomas referencing Dr. Constantine Menges who was the former special assistant for national security affairs to President Reagan and national intelligence officer at the CIA.

As anyone who has bought anything can attest, the United States is fulfilling one of Lenin's doctrines by purchasing the rope with which the communists plan to hang us. Too many things sold in America are made in China and too many corporations have moved their plants and operations to China, undermining the U.S. domestic economy and helping a nation that seeks to destroy us.

I for one want to believe that economics will transend hegemony.  However, it is hard to dispute the facts.  And, history shows us that dictatorships seek to control and not let democracy flourish.