They say success has many fathers, but Benghazi Libya is the orphan on the White House step

This snippet from a CNN feature story after the fall of Libya’s strongman Moammar Gadhafi put the whole gambit in Libya into proper political perspective:

“The fall of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is a significant foreign policy triumph for U.S. President Barrack Obama.” It further went on to say “Gadhafi's utter defeat seemingly put new wind in the sails of humanitarian intervention.”

This was to be the “good” foreign policy military intervention for the administration to show us how it’s done.

Hillary Clinton sealed the deal for the removal of Gadahfi when she stated:  "left unchecked, Gadahfi will commit unspeakable atrocities.”

National Security Council Senior Director Samantha Power, led the drafting of PSD-10, the Presidential Study Directive on Mass Atrocities, used as the policy justification to topple Gadahfi.

So there was a lot of prestige riding on the decision to remove Gadahfi by the Obama administration and see a triumphant Libya blossom under a new government.

Although Gadahfi was brutal in his attempts to stifle dissension, there were also many reasons to leave the country alone and let it settle its own differences without interfering. 

Gadahfi had become an ally in the terror war and was providing valuable intelligence to us ...He had even given up his nuclear ambitions to show his sincerity. Under Gadahfis 40 year rule, Libya became one of the most prosperous and peaceful countries in Africa.

But the decision was made to get rid of Gadahfi by the Obama administration. After his regime collapsed, his arsenals were left unguarded and an estimated 20 thousand shoulder launched  missiles & countless high powered weapons, were let into the hands of terrorists and extremists.  Israel reported these missiles were right on their border.

Military experts say to leave these arsenals unguarded was a grievous error in planning and should have been taken into account by the Obama administration when they moved to help topple Gadahfi.

The looting of the arsenals was downplayed and ominously, so was the emergence of strong militant groups linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic radicals, evidently unforeseen by the Obama administration.

But to give the air of success and normalcy, especially with a presidential election on the horizon, evidently it was felt best to keep a low profile for embassy security in Libya….In spite of repeated requests by the soon to be murdered ambassador Stevens for more force to protect him.

Eight months after the attack on our consulate, many of the key players involved in the decisions on Libya have distanced themselves from the administration. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has retired, so have Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and CIA Director David Petraeus.  Senior National Security Advisor, Samantha Power & UN Ambassador Susan Rice, both resigned to “spend more time with their families.” Many of the top military commanders in that region of the world have been replaced.

Eight months after the murder of our ambassador and 3 other Americans, no one has been brought to justice, as President Obama promised. 

With the announcement of new Congressional hearings on Benghazi coming at the beginning of May and the promise whistle blowers will be testifying, perhaps we will be seeing someone brought to justice soon.  

Time to re think Islamic terrorism - It’s a war stupid

 Islamic terrorism - It’s a war stupid

 The Boston terror bombing brings home the fact we are in a state of war, even though our government leaders don’t want to acknowledge it.

The attitude by the present administration is eerily similar to what the Clinton administration had, that lead up to the 9/11/2001 terror attacks.  Criminalizing terror is in fact ignoring the active war being waged against our country and western society.  As if we don’t name it, then it doesn’t really exist.

During the Clinton administration, our world trade center was attacked with a truck bomb and our embassies in Africa were bombed killing hundreds.

The reaction by the Clinton administration was to classify them as criminal acts, to be dealt with as if they are common lawbreakers.

Later, in a frank moment, Clinton admitted he screwed up when he had a chance to kill Osama Bin Laden and didn’t take it, because: He had “no controlling legal authority to do so.” 

This is lawyer talk, not a commander in chief who is responsible for the safety of American citizens….

The terror war against our country is by radical Islamic terrorists,

The Obama administration still refers to the slaughter of American soldiers at Ft. Hood Texas by Major Hassan, as workplace violence, even though he had ties to radical Islam and he was uttering Allah Akhbar as he squeezed the trigger killing our unarmed soldiers.

The underwear bomber who tried to blow up a passenger airplane over Detroit was whisked away and given Miranda, although he wasn’t an American citizen.

This administration downplayed the attack on our embassy in Benghazi that killed 4 of our personnel including our Ambassador.  They initially tried to put the blame on an unruly mob enraged by a cheesy internet video. When in fact it was a well organized attack by an Al Qaeda connected group.

But the Boston bombings have brought this war squarely in our face, on our soil again. From preliminary reports, Russian intelligence warned us one of the bombers was tied to radical Islamic organizations.  Why didn’t the administration pursue this? Were they afraid to offend someone?

But Islamic radicals want to kill us in the name of their religion…Why? Because we are Americans.  Boston was an act of war, not a criminal act.

Shortly after the bombings, a gunfight erupted outside of a nuclear power plant in Tennessee.  The assailants escaped on a boat and the FBI is investigating. See Fox story

In this same time frame, a terrorist plot was foiled in Canada when authorities arrested two radicals with ties to Al Qaeda in Iran.  They were planning to blow up a passenger train bound for New York.

How long will it be before Al Qaeda and other radical Islamic groups are equipped with far more lethal means of attacking us? Iran is close to nuclear weapons capability and is closely tied to Syria with vast supplies of chemical and biologic weapons.

These are not criminals who are trying to destroy us and our way of life, they are soldiers in a war against us.

Boston terror bombing shows glaring need to secure our borders

No matter who or what is behind the terror bombing in Boston, it should put the spotlight on how terribly porous our borders are.

The politicians in Washington tell us there are only 11 million “undocumented” aliens in our country.  But many estimates run  3 times higher than that number.

So what is the real truth?  Lets suppose it is somewhere in the middle and put the figure at 20 million.

That’s 20 million people who entered our country, most without permission and we do not know who they are, or where they are. That’s a recipe for disaster when it comes to terror potential.

This administration keeps patting itself on the back and saying our borders are more secure now than ever. But the truth is, the job they are doing is totally unacceptable.

We already know there are drug and smuggling corridors openly used between Mexico and our border states.  It is relatively easy to cross the border in many areas and that puts our national security at risk. See Congressman Chaffetz report

The many people flooding our borders illegally, are from countries throughout the world. But alarmingly, we see a growing influence in Latin America, of Iran, narco states and jihadism, this potentially can be a huge problem. See article

Out of the 20 million illegals,  even if 99% of them are here to work and have a better life for themselves and their families, that leaves 1%, or 200,000 who might have malevolent intent towards us....But we really don't know do we, we are navigating in the blind.

America should be paying attention to the borders first and foremost before anything else is discussed on immigration.  What this administration is saying about secure borders is false and that is verified by ICE officers who are suing the administration because they claim they will be fired if they enforce immigration law. See story.  ICE agents are not happy with orders given them regarding border security and immigration policy. See ICE agents.

Many people get into the country legally, yet overstay their visas and become illegal. In most cases we do not know where these folks are or what they are doing.  The responsibility for visas should be turned over to the private sector. A credit card company who already has infrastructure and expertise in place, could do a far better job than what is now being done by the government.

There is no country in the world that can survive as a going concern that does not have control of its borders. A country without borders is not a country.

Not so fast Washington, Americans want bills on guns and immigration read before you vote on them

Warning sign in US border state

Last time there was a headlong rush to pass legislation in Washington, Obamacare was birthed.  2,500 pages of excruciating small print, plopped on legislators desks just days before they were expected to vote on it. 2,500 pages purchased with “sweeteners,” “arm twisting” and coercion. Almost all of it done behind closed doors.

Speaker of the House at that time, Nancy Pelosi, brazenly told Congress and the American people, that we could get to know what was in Obamacare after they passed Obamacare,….egregiously misnamed “The Affordable Healthcare Act.”

Pelosi was right, Obamacare has proven to be full of surprises as the 2,500 pages of “Frankenstinian” details and regulations get exposed to the reality of actually trying to implement the law.  Hidden taxes and fees, miles of red tape and special dispensation to Obama supporters are just some of the “surprises.”

The new immigration bill is reportedly 840 pages long and it too has been negotiated in secret behind closed doors, by the gang of 8 bi partisan Senators.

How much devil is hidden in these details? No one in the media has seen it to report on the good, bad or ugly that lies within.

Reportedly it will be sprung on the Senate Tuesday and leader of the Senate, Harry Reid, has uncharacteristically promised a swift vote.

Why?  What’s the rush Harry? Shouldn’t the public and the Senate have plenty of time to read through and debate these 1,500 pages of proposed legislation? This legislation can profoundly affect the very make up of our country. 

Under Reid’s leadership the Senate has turned into a very “deliberative body,” remember it took 4 years to produce one budget.

Pro gun rights ad

The same can be said for gun control legislation.  The knee jerk response from the politicians is to attack America’s 2^nd Amendment rights, in order to look like they are doing something.  When in reality, they are really just putting a band aid on an arterial wound.

The root cause of violence is too difficult for them to tackle because it will affect their base of support in big cities and Hollywood.  So instead, they go after the guns and not the mental health issues, the street violence and violence in films.

Ask the Obama Justice Dept why it isn’t enforcing the laws already on the books?  Out of 15,700 fugitives and felons who tried to illegally purchase a firearm, the Obama Justice Department prosecuted only 44.  Perhaps if they just enforced the existing laws, there would be far less violence.

The American people don’t want anymore surprises sprung on them hidden within benign sounding legislation.

Addicted nation - the price tag to our society and a way out for those suffering

America an addicted nation

America launched a war on illegal drugs in 1979, spending an estimated 1 trillion on law enforcement efforts since then…..How’s that working out so far?  See CNN's War on drugs, a trillion dollar failure

Mexican drug cartels are profiting hugely from our war and have now grown so powerful they are moving into the United States.

Americas insatiable desire to get high, has kept our prisons full.  Many of those incarcerated, abused drugs or alcohol; which may have accounted for the criminal behavior that landed them in prison…Perhaps they were involved in the sale and marketing of drugs, or were themselves the end users.

The cost of addiction to our society can’t even be measured in dollars alone. What bad decisions do addictions cause when judgment is impaired? How many families are shattered? Careers and reputations ruined? Accidental deaths and overdose?

In a world view, President Clinton commented on an incident in his book.  He said he was briefed by the Secret Service after they found Russian President Boris Yeltsin standing outside the White House guest quarters, totally inebriated.   Dressed only in his underwear, he was trying to hail a taxi in order to get a pizza…this was a world leader with his finger on the button of nuclear weapons. Yeltsin was well known for his chronic drinking problems.

Libertarians like Fox News correspondent John Stossel, have been calling to legalize current “illegal drugs,” saying it’s no business of the government to tell adults what they can, or cannot ingest. See his opinion here

Many experts in the field of addiction say it’s time to take the focus away from criminalization and the stigma that goes with it and focus instead on education/treatment. 

There are many great organizations ready to help those suffering from addictions.

Alcoholics Anonymous has successfully helped millions of alcoholics to become productive members of society. Many other organizations adopted AA's basic premise of 12 step groups and have successfully helped millions of others in their struggle with addictions to drugs, gambling and other harmful behaviors.  AA and organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous,  are available to help those suffering and are free of charge. See addiction recovery groups

Addiction treatment facilities have developed their own unique and successful ways of helping people break their addictions.  Some are free or relatively inexpensive such as what the faith based Salavation Army offers. There are also many state supported facilities which offer drug and alcohol treatment for a nominal fee or free of charge. See recovery resources

There are private rehabilitation facilities offering state of the art treatment using their unique brand of intensive psychotherapy and holistic treatments, such as those developed by Richard Taite at Cliffside Malibu. Richard outlined his roadmap for an addiction free life in his book: Ending Addiction for Good

Louise McCallion's facility in Northern California,  Reflections, has devoted itself to providing treatment for not only the addictions to drugs/alcohol...But also has expertise in dual-diagnosis and co-occurring disorders, all under the care of her well qualified and professional staff.

But private treatment facilities can be expensive; from several thousand dollars for a 30 day stay, to tens of thousands and more for high end facilities.  

Other unique forms of help are available such as what Declinol offers in natural cures for alcohol cravings.  It is an eight-week at home alcohol program that is completely anonymous. There are no group meetings and clients can go about their regular daily routine. Declinol claims its unique blend of herbs assists the body by restoring the balance and helps to reduce alcohol cravings. While on their program, they offer phone support to answer questions and an online forum where you can communicate with current and past clients of the program. 

Declinol isn’t a long term treatment program and doesn’t purport to be, but like many of the other programs, it can be a tool to take that first step towards a long term sober lifestyle…. for a fraction of the price that rehab facilities charge.

Millions of people suffer from their addictions, they should know there is a helping hand ready to lift them up.  All they have to do is ask for help

Will Benghazi come back to bite Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama? 700 retired Special Forces warriors demand answers

US Special Forces

It seems no matter how hard the Obama administration tries to keep the lid on the simmering pot of Benghazi, someone comes along and turns up the heat.

This time it's an open letter signed by 700 of some of Americas top retired special operations military personnel.  The letter demands answers to many of the unanswered questions regarding the Benghazi terrorist attack that killed four Americans and wounded several.

Of key concern to the Special Ops personnel, is the code that says the US will support its forces and do everything humanly possible to send help if they are under attack. Answers provided so far by the Obama administration, seem to contradict that code and point in the direction that our personnel were abandoned by orders given high up in the chain of command.

See related Benghazi stories

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 Governor Huckabee compares Libyan cover up to Lewinsky and Watergate scandals

Unfolding Libyan scandal could sink Obama and end Hillarys career

Sex sells as media finally delves into Libyan scandal

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Military personnel point out that if our fighting forces feel they will not be backed up if they are in dangerous situations, it will send a chill throughout the entire military.

Of course we still do not know who made the decision to deny our Libyan ambassador the additional security he desperately requested in the days leading up to the attack, even though he warned Hillary Clinton's state department his situation was dangerous.

Here is the letter in its entirety   

Some of the key questions include:

Why was there no military response to the events in Benghazi?

 Was military assistance requested by the Department of State? If so, what type?

 How many US personnel were injured in Benghazi?

Why have the survivors of the attack not been questioned?

Where are the survivors?

 Were any strike aircraft (such as an AC-130 gunship) in the area or possibly overhead that would cause former SEAL Tyrone Woods to laser-designate his attacker’s position and call for gunship fire support, thereby revealing his own location that led to his death?

Who gave the order to “STAND DOWN” that was heard repeatedly during the attacks?  

Why are so many agencies now requiring their personnel that were involved in or have access to information regarding the events that took place in Benghazi sign Non-Disclosure Agreements?

Even though the main stream media and the Obama administration seem to want to forget about this, a large segment of the American population doesn’t… and they are demanding answers.

Kelsey Grammer as "Boss" comes back on Blu-Ray to portray politics in Chicago

When the brilliant television series Boss didn’t get renewed for a third season, superstar Kelsey Grammer didn’t hold back when he voiced his opinion that politics was behind the decision

“Boss” featured Grammer as the all powerful, amoral/corrupt Tom Kane,Mayor of Chicago, who knew how to keep the city running by political patronage, outright corruption and making offers you better not refuse.

Grammer, an unapologetic republican, has publicly stated his conservative political leaning has made him a target in Hollywood and might have something to do with the shows cancellation. He also thought his politics had something to do with his Emmy snub last year, after he earned a Golden Globe for the role.

But the Starz Network, who brought the show to the screen, said that declining audience numbers were behind the decision to cancel the show after only two seasons.

Grammers acting was superb and showcased his talent that transformed him from the likable character he played in “Cheers” and  “Frazier,”  into a ruthless politician in “Boss.” He deserved the Golden Globe for his acting ability and fans also thought he deserved the Emmy as well.

As Mayor, he secretly suffers from a debilitating brain disease which must be kept from his enemies as well as his allies…they remind you of what it would be like to hold a rabid wolf by the ears. Finding the right drug treatment keeps him publicly on an even keel, but just below the surface he is plagued by demons which the disease manifests.

His wife Meredith, brilliantly played by Connie Nielsen, (Starred in Gladiator) is just as addicted to the reins of power as her husband. She can be as cold and ruthless as Grammer in order to maintain that power.  But the marriage is more a political partnership than a real marriage and there is little, if any love between them.

Their daughter Hannah, is a 20 something drug addict, a product of the loveless marriage of convenience. Hannah Ware, plays the role perfectly as she rebels against  the facade her family has created.  She delves into the world of drugs and has a love affair with a low level drug dealer affiliated with Chicago gang violence.

The cast of characters in the show are gritty and realistic and portray a corrupt world of politics that probably is uncomfortably close to the truth, for many of Americas big cities.

Boss season 2 is available on Blu-Ray and DVD starting April 9 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment