2008 – The Year To Vote For A Third Party Candidate.

The argument against voting for a third party candidate seems to be,  “if you vote for a third party candidate for President you will throw the election to either the democrat or republican candidate”.   That argument in November 2008 election is not valid because it matters not whether McCain or Obama is elected…neither one meets the test.

On the surface there are some differences between Obama and McCain…or are there really any significant differences?

Obama supports abortion, partial birth abortion, homosexual rights, same sex marriage, has no energy solution, is waffling on the Iraq war, supports illegal alien citizenship, weak on border security, and is as far left as possible.

McCain seems to be against abortion but says he wouldn’t seek a change in Roe v Wade, cozies up to homosexual community, against a one man/one woman marriage amendment, has no energy solution, supports the Iraq war, visits with La Raza, supporters of illegal alien citizenship, weak on border security, and supports conservative and some liberal positions.

There are some other minor differences between Obama and McCain but what I hear most as a reason to support McCain is the likely US Supreme Court appointment possibility and the Iraq war.  Both arguments are moot for these reasons.

McCain would not be allowed to appoint a conservative Supreme Court justice in the vein of Scalia, Thomas, Alito, Roberts…the US Senate, Democrats in the majority, would not support it, won’t happen.   The best McCain could hope for is nominating a left-leaning centrist that would survive Senate confirmation.  Obama as President would not change the makeup of the US Supreme Court…if there is a vacancy, it will in all probability be one of the liberal jstices.  Obama will simply appoint another liberal justice not far removed from the one McCain would have to appoint.  Who knows, Obama could appoint a justice that would pull a Souter or Kennedy in reverse?

Remember Republican Presidents appointed recent Supreme Court Justices Souter(Bush 41) a flaming liberal, Kennedy(Reagan) much like McCain, never know where he is coming from, and Sandra Day O’Connor(Reagan), another question mark.  So the argument that McCain would change the makeup of the US Supreme court and tilt it to the right does not meet a reality test.

The argument that an Obama Presidency would jeopardize Iraq success, result in a ill-conceived troop pullout is weak.  Obama is moving toward a reevaluation of his Iraq position favoring a planned, studied approach, and favoring moving troops to Afghanistan.  We’ll learn more of Obama’s Iraq policy after he visits the troops and surveys at ground level.  I suspect he will disappoint his far-left supporters which could cause serious fallout, not that he wants to move to the center but he knows he must.  In essence, there is likely to be little difference between McCain and Obama as we draw closer to November…certainly no devastating premature Iraq pullout.

There is also another variable that sticks in my craw and that’s the performance of Republicans that resulted in their 2006 election rout.  The Republican party abandoned it’s principles during 2000 – 2006 falling into the big government, spending frenzy which cost them the House and Senate in 2006…they deserved to get waxed.   They now must prove receipt of a message…we don’t trust them, nor the Democrats for that matter.

In 1992 we had an incumbent President, George HW Bush, William Clinton, and Ross Perot running for President. Thousands of voters used the excuse “if I vote for Perot I’ll be electing Clinton” so I must vote for Bush.  I’ll tell you, if all the people that said they would vote for Perot, if they thought he could win, would have voted for Perot, he would have won.

During the 92 elections there was a reasonable choice and the third party candidate pulled nearly 20% of the American vote.  George HW Bush violated his pledge “read my lips, no new taxes” by signing a tax bill…America punished him.

The 2008 election gives us no clear choice of candidates…we don’t need to feel guilty about voting for a third party candidate.   Again, if all the people that are of the opinion that a vote for a third party candidate will elect Obama do indeed vote for a third party candidate, the 20% Ross Perot garnered could be 35 or 40 %.

For all “Americans” that are disgusted with the two major party apparatus using us as pawns in their presidential political games, it’s time to send a message.  We won’t send them any money, we will openly oppose them, and at the ballot box we’ll vote for a third party candidate at the Presidential level.

Right now the only third party candidates I’m aware of are Chuck Baldwin, Constitution Party http://www.constitutionparty.com/ ; Bob Barr, Libertarian Party http://www.lp.org/ .   Read their platforms.  I’m supporting Chuck Baldwin. Listen to his acceptance speech.  Hear another option.  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5808710975074355086&hl=en

Voting for a Senator or Representative should be for the best choice, leaning toward throwing out the incumbent.

That’s the way I see it folks……you may view me as losing it but I’ve had enough of the incestuous two party monopoly that is punishing America.

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

http://www.usawakeup.org

Happy Birthday America

Thank God for His Mercy and Grace Over Two Hundred Thirty Two Years

There is considerable concern in some circles about continuity of America based on leadership weakness, moral depravity, cultural disintegration, personal selfishness, and indifference, as examples. 

I am NOT a white, black, yellow, red, conservative, liberal, man, woman, republican, democrat, independent, Irish, northern, or southern American……..I’m simply an “American”, blessed to live in the “land of the free because of the brave”.

Nothing I can find about our signers of the Declaration of Independence that indicates they identified themselves as anything but Americans.  Did they dwell on their ancestry as if it would add something to the cause of freedom?  Was there a big to-do among the signers over personal status as German-American, English-American, Irish American, etc., that in some way trumped being an “American” or in someway lifted their status?  No, our Founding Fathers had a single motive…Freedom - separation from the “mother land” and full allegiance, even to death, in support of the United States of America. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. 

The right of Americans to “redress” our grievances has all but been usurped by a greedy political machine that has destroyed the confidence of citizens and by a government that is no longer accountable.  An Executive Branch that makes it’s own laws; a Congress that ignores the will of the majority; and a Supreme Court that would use foreign precedence or personal ideology rather that the United States Constitution and U.S. laws as the bedrock for their decisions.  In short, America has been hijacked by an incestuous political apparatus that is no longer deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. 

Some would say, myself included, that our “founders” motives are reflected as a mere shadow in America today.  The basic principle of “consent of the governed” no longer relates to “the people” but to the  major political party elite.  Servant status as a representative of the people, as envisioned by our founders, has evolved to a profession of perpetual purchase of high priced political positions.  Ordinary citizens cannot meet the expense to compete for public office, others hold political office in low regard, and some resist being labeled a thief, liar, self-serving, greedy, or untrustworthy as politicians are generally viewed today.  America is still identified as the “land of the free and home of the brave” but not because of our political leadership…a few brave, sacrificial warriors have held America together. 

“Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward  the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings…

Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is 

actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me,

Give me liberty or give me death!” 

I will celebrate Americas 232nd Birthday on July 4th, 2008, thanking God for his Divine guidance in planting America,  protection over the centuries, and pleading for continued Mercy and Grace, full knowing we deserve neither. 

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret 
 
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
 
Take a few minutes, watch  http://www.usawakeup.org/  and  http://talon.eaglesup.us/ 
 

Before November 2008…selfish, power hungry internal squabbles will cause democrats to fracture, implode, result in defeat.

 Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

Has there ever been a war when mistakes have not been made?  Mistakes in leadership circles, mistakes in planning, mistakes in tactics, and yes, mistakes by war fighters?  Of course mistakes have been made.  What the shark infested media’s insatiable appetite for “a story” at any cost ignores is the United States military Uniform Code of Miliary Justice.  The UCMJ is well arranged to deal with mistakes and does so in a policy of “policing it’s own”.

What is appalling is the fabrication of “so-called warrior mistakes” by media and others and an all too willing government attempting to leap great prosecutorial chasms to support “political correct” legal success.  For too long our military heroes of all services have taken the brunt of unsubstantiated rumors planted by anti-America elements, unscrupulous journalist, disgruntled citizens, self-serving media, and selfish, power hungry politicians, to name a few sources.

As an example.  We know facts surrounding Pennsylvania Rep John Murtha’s announcement branding Marines associated in Haditha, Iraq combat as murderers of innocent civilians in cold blood.

“Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood.” Congressman John Murtha, USMC Retired

We also know Murtha made these statements before the smoke cleared from the battlefield, prior to any investigation, without consideration of any verified evidence.  It does not stretch the judgment for a reasonable person to conclude Murtha’s motive was selfish, focused on his agenda, an opportunity to advance a political position, at the expense of an American time honored principle of “innocent until proven guilty” all leading to a despicable, terrible betrayal of combat Marines.

We also know, “with one exception, all of the Haditha Marines now have been exonerated. The exception is SSGT Frank Wuterich…”  A lame-brain politician and a half baked journalist makes public statements based on rumor that Marines murdered innocent civilians contributing to an unbelievable legal horror show for combat Marines.  To even charge these Marines in the first place is a gigantic miscarriage of justice.

This is not a democrat, republican, independent or any other political party issue.  This is about a politician that has proven he is untrustworthy, without judgment, a political opportunist, a betrayer of our Marines in the case of the Haditha issue, a stain on the integrity of America, a reflection of aiding and abetting the enemy, and the cause of enormous pain on innocent Marines and their families.

Now we’re at the point where the rubber meets the road.  Will we allow the ilk of John Murtha to again be elected as a Representative of the people of Pennsylvania, speak for America, and sit in the United States Congress?  Or will citizens search their hearts and consider what’s best for America?  That’s the question.

My personal opinion is that if Murtha is reelected, America no longer gives a damn about our freedom, our flag, our integrity, but chooses the cowardly, dishonorable, disloyal character of Murtha over the honorable, courageous,loyal character of our warriors and our nation, trashing the bedrock principles embedded in our Constitution.

Murtha has opposition.  Lt. Colonel William Russell is a decorated combat veteran who has served in Desert Storm, the Iraq War, and the Pentagon on 9/11….an intelligent, courageous, viable candidate opposing Murtha in the congressional fight.  Again, this is not about political party,  it’s not even about Bill Russell or John Murtha, it’s about honor,  integrity,  and all the principles that have carried America as the greatest nation in the world which are being eroded.

Have we had enough of the slime coming from politicians to say,  “I’m mad as hell and I’m going to do something about it” and really mean it? Are we willing to put politics aside and vote out a self-serving, betraying politicians and seat a fresh face?  God help us, I hope so.

If so, go to William Russell’s web site and sign on to receive his information, read what Russell is about, watch a u-tube presentation, and send him a contribution.

Pass this information to your email friends, add it to your web sites…….let’s sink our talons in John Murtha’s ass and carry him somewhere other than the Congress of the United States.

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret
Crestview, FL

http://www.williamrussellforcongress.com

www.independent-patriots-for-america

Who said “moral relativism” is dead in America?

America has been turned upside down by poor leadership, lobbyist, elitist corporations, subjective courts, criminal elements posing as United States elected politicians, lawyers, and others. The brains in America has clearly reached the sewer.

I am struck by interest groups, legal foundations, courts, politicians, corporations, that seem to want to move all semblance of God, family, security, integrity, honesty, selflessness, to a status as useful principles if they fit or advance the agenda, otherwise a useless nuisance. Similar to our warriors…use them as cannon fodder while politicians smoke and joke but when no longer needed, forget them as another nuisance.

What is the foundation, the compass, the rudder that steers America? For the Christian it’s the Holy Bible, the US Constitution, but for others I don’t know. Perhaps whatever feels good. America seems to view moral principles as folly, unnecessary, old fashioned, which leaves us approaching “law of the jungle” behavior and chaos.

The recent US Supreme Court decision siding with suspected terrorists imprisoned at Gitmo has me in a rage, causing my thoughts to shift to other issues involving “rights”. What is it about “rights” that I don’t understand? Probably a lot but I do understand the Islamic butchers have one right…to meet their maker. A right I can support.

Islamic terrorists, non-US citizens, a bunch of barbaric butchers, targets to be killed on the battlefield, are given sanctuary in US Courts comparable to an American citizen. The US Supreme Court has no clear and convincing evidence in my opinion to support their decision, only the gut feeling of five justices…the court is no longer using law or the constitution, their guide seems to be personal ideology or political persuasion. Personally, the so-called “rights” of all the Islamic radicals in the world are not worth one drop of American blood.

What about the case of the two border patrol officers that were convicted based on the testimony of an illegal alien dope smuggler? A Mexican national, a criminal the US Justice system knew was smuggling drugs while the trial was on-going but not arrested nor the jury advised because of his up-coming testimony. What about the rights of American Border Patrol Officers putting their lives on the line protecting America? This is justice driven by personal ambition on the part of Federal Prosecutors, willing to sacrifice Americans in favor of a scum bag drug smuggling foreigner. A sham of the worst kind.

Then comes the politically driven prosecution of Marines involved with the Hiditha, Iraq issue…a lame-brain politician and a half baked journalist makes public statements that Marines murdered innocent civilians. How about a “right” of innocent until proven guilty? Not today, the “politically correct” environment convicted these warriors before being charged or before a trial. All but one, who is awaiting trial, of the Haditha group have been exonerated…to even charge these Marines in the first place is a gigantic miscarriage of justice.

And further, what about the “right” of an unborn baby to live? Is there any doubt that a human pregnancy results in a human being? What is it about a baby that convinces a court it is a “blob”, something that can be cut out and disposed of as garbage? The same court that says a butchering Islamic terrorist has “rights”, has also said a baby living in the womb has no rights. It’s ok to kill a baby but all steps must be taken to protect the killers of American warriors.

What’s the justification for two men to marry, two women to marry? The people by a large majority say same-sex marriage is unacceptable but two or three black robed idiots turn America upside down…moral decadence and unaccountable courts have taken over.

Friends, I’m no great mind, nor a deep thinker, and don’t write too well but I do love America. I believe God has given me a reasonable measure of common sense, and what I see in America is a complete melt-down of our society in just about every area. The enemy believes America has suffered a self-induced, fatal wound. They wait to strip the carcass…

Our moral fabric is being ripped to shreds by power hungry courts, lawyers, politicians, one-world government elitist,and criminal elements. Our local, State and National leadership is weak, self-focused, even to the extent of cowering in fear, afraid to buck the tide of evil, and do the right thing.

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

I heard something about a troop in the war zone shooting at a copy of the Koran but didn’t hear anything more about it until I received a piece written by COL David Hunt, a Fox News contributor.

God help us, can the US government action described in this report be true? I have no reason to question the integrity of COL Hunt but his report is so astonishing, bizarre, unbelievable, and heart breaking that it borders on insanity.

Here’s a selected sample of COL Hunt’s article:

“I never thought I would write such words, ever. But then again, I never thought I would ever hear the president of the United States apologize for the actions of one soldier. I never imagined, even as bad as the military leadership has been in this war (and it has been awful), that a two-star general in the United States Army would utter the words, “I come before you seeking your forgiveness … I look in your eyes today and say please forgive me and my solders.”

The presidential and general officer apologies, and the pictures of a U.S. Army Officer kissing the Koran and handing it to an Iraqi, should tell us that this war is over. These defeatist words were a completely wrong headed reaction to the criminal activities of an ignorant, ill disciplined soldier who shot at a Koran and wrote graffiti on its pages.

For a general officer in today’s military to make such a statement, as Major General Hammond did last week, he would first have to clear it with his three-star boss, who would have to clear it with his four-star boss who would have to clear it with his secretary of defense boss. And, after hearing the president utter the words of apology, it is clear that this one general’s remarks were cleared all the way to the White House.”

What COL Hunt has to say jarred what little confidence I have left in the U.S. military and civilian leadership. Read COL Hunts story in it’s entirety but I would urge you to sit down, make sure you have taken you BP medicine, have a bottle or two of Gaviscon handy, and get your loved ones out of the room before reading.

If the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision wasn’t enough, now we have a US Army Officer kissing the Koran…I’m at a loss and raging angry beyond description…please read COL Hunts piece and come to your own conclusions.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,364162,00.html

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret

 Impeachment is the only option

Once again, we see United States Courts and other institutions, wittingly in some cases and unwittingly in others, becoming a threat to Americas national survival, undermining our warriors on the battlefield, and providing the Islamic enemy advantages through the American legal system that can’t be won on the battlefield….

In the Gitmo decision, the US Supreme Court has handed the Islamic butchers a wedge into the American legal system that will embolden, support, and aid the enemy.  Freedom is NOT free.

Common sense tells me there is no equal protection under American law for barbaric lunacy demonstrated in the middle-ages that is practiced by non-uniformed Islamic murderers in the 21st Century.

While our border guards languish in prison for actions taken to protect our borders, our military members are on trial for killing terrorist under orders by the US Government, the US Supreme court gives Islamic terrorist sanctuary in US Courts.

Members of the US Supreme Court, Justices Steven Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Kennedy, John Paul Stevens, and David Souter violated their oath. While these Justices cowardly hide behind imaginary legal justification, what they did was and is a crime. They have committed an impeachable offense.

I demand my congressional representatives take necessary action to initiate, support, and convict the aforementioned US Supreme Court Justices.

We have an opportunity to give thanks to God and celebrate June 14th as we honor the Stars and Stripes on Flag Day,and also honor the birthday of the United States Army.

God only knows of the sacrifice, pain, and love millions of soldiers and family members have devoted over the last 233 years in their quest to honor the principles that gird our flag and ensure the freedom America enjoys. Freedom is NOT free.

Get your flag out today, tomorrow, every day, even on the street, but first, enjoy the Army Song.

Please urge all to recognize our Army Warriors on this special occasion and pay tribute to all branches of America’s military services.

Folks, I’ll admit a bit of arrogant pride in the Army today, but don’t for a minute think my pride does not extend to every military service, without which America would not be the greatest and strongest military force ever.

May God continue to bless and protect all our warriors in harms way.

Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret