Words fail me

It is so sad that children think that being a pop-star is the most important thing they can achieve with their lives. I guess that is where post-modernism is leading us.

Posted by Zikan @ 5:45 pm EDT | Permalink | 4 Comments

Quote of the Day

"Against terrorism, what's needed is not a war. It is, as France has done for many years, a determined fight based on vigilance at all times and effective cooperation with our partners."
...
"It is the duty of France and Europe to show that the clash of civilizations is not inevitable," he said. "No one retains this wisdom, inherited from our history, as we, French and Europeans, do," he said.
  -- French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin

Two questions here. First, what is the difference between a war and a determined fight?   Second, the only reason France has any wisdom or history left is because of the 'determined fight' of America and her allies who declared 'war' on the aggressors of the time.

Posted by Zikan @ 11:46 am EDT | Permalink | 3 Comments

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is always an emotional time, but this years is a little more poignant as it is the first Memorial Day since our local reserve unit the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, returned from service in Iraq. This is the unit that lost 20 members in the course of three days last August. You can read more of their story here. At the memorial ceremony this past March, the Battalion Commander gave the following remarks which are quoted here in their entirety since they pretty well sum up what Memorial Day is all about and also include the names of the fallen:

Today we pause to honor thirteen American service men…thirteen brothers-in-arms…thirteen friends. Their lives touched us; their deaths sadden us and their heroism inspires us.

What I have to say will be far less eloquent than the heartfelt tributes just given and pales in comparison to the sacrifice made by these valiant men, but to remain silent--to squander an opportunity to praise these American heroes--would be a travesty. Today we join with many grateful people throughout the world to thank these brave men for giving their lives for us. Trusted, respected, and loved, these men were unique individuals whose courage, honor and commitment will forever be remembered.

In this morning’s ceremony we paid our respects to thirteen incredibly courageous and selfless men. Our homage is both appropriate and right; but our debt is not paid. Tomorrow and every day hence, we must continue to honor these fallen warriors by protecting the innocent and eliminating the terrorists. We must accomplish our mission; because when all is said and done, our actions will be our most enduring memorial to these noble men.

During World War II, another trying time in our nation’s history, President Franklin Roosevelt eulogized a fallen American solider by saying, “He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die [that] freedom might live, and grow, and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it he lives--in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.” These stirring words ring true for each of the gallant men honored here today.

Staff Sergeant Ivy, Staff Sergeant Goodwin, Sergeant Cepeda, Sergeant Marzano, Corporal Derga, Corporal Tremblay, Lance Corporal Davids, Lance Corporal Erdy, Lance Corporal Graham, Lance Corporal Grant, Lance Corporal Grez, Private First Class Dixon and Hospital Corpsman Third Class Wiener:

May they rest in peace; may God bring comfort to those who mourn them; and may they never be forgotten.

Semper Fidelis.

Posted by Zikan @ 3:10 am EDT | Permalink | 2 Comments

Aid and Comfort

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-05-10-nsa_x.htm

It appears the latest fad these days to try and get the Government to trust you so that you can learn some secrets and then run and blab them to the press as quickly as you can.  Apparently, Article III Section III of the Constitution does not count as long as you do not have your name printed in the newspaper.  Apparently we learned nothing from Hanoi Jane and the Winter Soldier Congressional testimony?

Posted by Zikan @ 1:07 pm EDT | Permalink | 3 Comments

Clueless school officials

Here is an article about how kids can get around Internet filters set up by schools.

The quote that, once again, chaps my hide:

... Ryan didnt face disciplinary action. "Its against our acceptable-use policy, but hes not going to quit trying, (and this way) we can keep learning."

Imagine that, he was not punished for breaking the rules, so he is going to do it again. Whod have thunk it?!?

I have to wonder if these people are complete idiots. Do they not listen to the news? Do they not know that bad people lurk out there on the Internet hoping to find little rebels like Ryan so they can do naughty things? How about explaining to Ryan why those restrictions are in place, and notifying him that if he ever violates the terms of use again, he will be permanently banned from using the schools computers. Give him a week or two suspension from the Internet so he has time to think about it and realize that you are serious.

The thing that was the most disturbing to me, was how random it was that he finally got caught. That the technology expert was not pro-actively monitoring students activity and teachers/aides are not monitoring things more carefully is inexcusable.

Posted by Zikan @ 12:02 pm EDT | Permalink | 1 Comments