"Hominy-Hominy-Hominy!"

No, this isn't a post about Ralph Kramden, or Jackie Gleason, though that might be a fun topic. This is about Hominy. It's taken a while for me to ferret out the information. After all, aside from seeing cans of Hominy in the store, or seeing pictures of Hominy in menudo - a spicy tripe soup - my only up-close-and-personal knowledge of Hominy is in its dried, ground version we know as Grits.

I like Grits. On my days off I have two favorites for breakfast. Either egg/sausage/cheese burritos (which take maybe ten minutes to prepare) or grits. While the pot of coffee is brewing (dripping?) I want to make something fast, easy, and tasty. When I make grits I fry up some sausage, usually a single patty, and add some chopped green pepper. That's the hardest part.

I use Quick Grits - again, I want something fast and easy - and they are so easy it's laughable. 3 tablespoons of grits in a quart-bowl, one cup of water, a sprinkle of salt, then into the microwave. I run it on high for one minute, then stir, another minute and stir, another minute and stir, then 30 seconds. After that it sits quietly in the microwave for a few minutes.

I pull the bowl out, add a bit of butter (actually margarine, 'cause who can afford butter?) and stir in the fried sausage and green peppers. And, man, it's good eatin'!

I can just see some of you shaking your heads in disgust. "Ewww," you might be saying, "Grits?"

I used to make Cream of Wheat all the time. I liked it. I even tried Cream of Rice, too. But the rice is pretty bland. And I grew tired of Cream of Wheat. So I decided to give grits a try. My brother bought grits - well he begged my mom to buy him a canister of them - way back when we were still kids. I think he had them once, then never touched them again. My sister and I certainly never gave them a second thought. After all, with a name like Grits, who in their right mind is gonna eat them? Am I right?

Anyway, I had ordered them as a sidedish in an Egg Platter restaurant one time a few years ago (how many times can you get Home Fries or Hash Browns, huh?), just to see what they tasted like. And I liked them!

A little butter, a dash of salt. Not bad!

Wal-Mart has its own "Great Value" brand of Quick Grits, so I bought a canister. Just like an oatmeal canister from Quaker Oats, minus the smiling Quaker. Quick Grits are inexpensive, and they are pretty filling. So adding a few tid-bits to them merely adds to the flavor. And I've been eating grits for nearly a year now.

But I got to wondering about them. What is Hominy? I mean it looks like big, fat corn, right? But just what the heck is it? So I went googling. Of course.

And got lost. I mean how hard is it to just say what hominy is? Where did it come from? And so on? But, dang! The sites I hit went all around the subject leaving me scratching my head and frustrated. But this morning I tried again and finally found the basic information I was seeking.

Hominy is just dried corn. Dried corn that's been treated. Okay? Nothing exotic at all. It doesn't come from some secret 'Hominy' plant in the hinterlands of America. Ahh, but it's what is done to the corn that creates Hominy.

And basically here's what they do to make Hominy from corn.

Hominy was traditionally prepared by boiling the cleaned (got to get the dried silk and debris off, right?), dried corn kernels in a dilute lye solution made from wood-ash leachings until the hulls could be easily removed by hand and flushed away with running water. The lye in the wood ash causes the corn kernels to expand and thereby lose their outer skin. The resulting hominy would be washed at least seven times to remove the lye before being ground to a paste which was be made into tamales or tortillas. In the modern commercial technique, the corn is boiled in dilute sodium hydroxide, and the hulls are removed by the combined action of rotating cylinders and running water.

Wikipedia describes Hominy:

Hominy or nixtamal is dried maize (corn) kernels which have been treated with an alkali of some kind.

The traditional U.S. version involves soaking dried corn in lye-water (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide solution), traditionally derived from wood ash, until the hulls are removed. Mexican recipes describe a preparation process consisting primarily of cooking in lime-water (calcium hydroxide). In either case, the process is called nixtamalization, and removes the germ and the hard outer hull from the kernels, making them more palatable, easier to digest, and easier to process.

[...]

The earliest known usage of nixtamalization was in what is present-day Guatemala around 1500–1200 BC. It affords several significant nutritional advantages over untreated maize products. It converts some of the niacin (and possibly other B vitamins) into a form more absorbable by the body, improves the availability of the amino acids, and (at least in the lime-treated variant) supplements the calcium content, balancing maize's comparative excess of phosphorus.

Many aboriginal American cultures made hominy and integrated it into their diet. Cherokees, for example, made hominy grits by soaking corn in lye and beating it with a kanona (corn beater). The grits were used to make a traditional hominy soup (called Gv-No-He-Nv A-Ma-Gi-i), a hominy soup that was allowed to ferment (Gv-Wi Si-Da A-Ma-Gi-i), cornbread, dumplings (Di-Gu-Nv-i) or fried with bacon and green onions.

No reason you can't put syrup on them at breakfast. Or add some berries to them. I recommend grits to you. If you like Cream of Wheat, give Grits a try. I think you'll prefer them.

From bfeedme (eat well & laugh often) comes this:

Exploring the History of Grits

Grits are a common breakfast plate in the Southern US states where they are usually eaten with salt or cheese and never sugar unless you want a firm talking-to from the locals or an accusation that you don’t appreciate or understand the wonders of grits. Grits are also common, however, in East Africa where it is called Ugali and in southern Manchuria where it is called Gezi. The word ‘grits’ is a derivative of the Old English word ‘grytta’ which means a coarse meal of any kind. No matter the name, grits are a wonderful and delicious way to start or end the day.

Grits are basically coarsely ground corn that makes a sort of maize porridge. They are prepared simply by boiling the grits into a porridge or until enough water evaporates to leave them semi-solid, depending on your preference. They are traditionally served at breakfast, but I find that they are a perfect side for an evening steak.

I just may try that, next time I broil a steak. After all they're nothing more than corn. And did you know that corn is the only grain commonly eaten as a fresh vegetable? Think about it. It's true.

Mona Lea explains how she makes and cans her own Hominy. Interesting! She uses Baking Soda rather than a lye.

Recipes for Quick Grits.

By the way ... if you think that maybe grits are kinda silly for supper, consider Polenta. It's corn, too. As Wikipedia notes:

Polenta is very similar to corn grits, a common dish in the cuisine of the Southern United States, with the difference that grits are usually made from coarsely ground kernels. When properly cooked, grits and polenta have similarly smooth textures, "grit" referring to the texture of the dried corn before cooking. Another variation uses ground hominy, lye-treated corn kernels.

Polenta is similar to boiled maize dishes of Mexico, where both maize and hominy originate.

The Brazilian variety is also known as angu. Originally made by native Indians, it is a kind of polenta without salt nor any kind of oil. However, nowadays "Italian" polenta is much more common at Brazilian tables, especially in the southern and southeastern regions (which have high numbers of Italian immigrants), although some people still call it "angu". The city of São Bernardo do Campo is famous for its restaurants specialized in frango com polenta (fried chicken with fried polenta).

I'd bet Patrick is familiar with the South African version, too. Mealie pap which is made from cornmeal mush.

I watched a cooking show where the lady sliced open a tube of polenta from the grocery store (very wet!), sliced it, mixed the sticks of polenta with oil and spices, and baked them to create polenta fries - a kind of corn-meal fries. They looked awfully tasty!

Corn! It's good for you!

The Women of Windsor

The Princess Mary with her mother, the future Queen Mary,

stands next to her brother Edward. Albert - future King George VI - is at far right.

I was watching a PBS showing about the Windsors - the British Royal Family - and I was reminded again that the modern press seems to delight in describing these people as rather homely. Horse-faced seemed to be the favorite description, especially regarding Prince Charles and Princess Anne. As I watched the program I saw a brief glimpse of the Princess Royal , Mary, daughter of King George V, and his wife Queen Mary. She was the couple's only daughter. Two of her brothers would become Kings: Edward VIII, then George VI. She live a long life, passing away in 1965.

The Windsor men seem to carry the same narrow skull. It makes for a long face and, reinforced by the Mountbatten genes - think Prince Phillip - left poor Prince Charlie with that famous long face. His ears simply add to the overall look. Unfortunately Princess Anne also received the narrow skull of her father, grandfather - King George VI, and great-grandfather George V. Anne also seemed to favor hairstyles that did nothing to take the eye from the narrownees of her face.

But looking at the other women of the family it's actually quite striking how handsome many of these women are/were. Images of Elizabeth II in her youth and early years show a very pretty woman. Her sister Margaret was a beauty in her time.

So who was this very first of the Windsor women? The first daughter of the man who chose to take the family name Windsor instead of the German family names of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha?

Born in 1897 to the Duke and Duchess of York, Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary, her great-grand-mother, Queen Victoria, then celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, called the baby, "My dear little Jubilee baby". She was the third child to the future King George, after Prince Edward and Prince Albert (later George VI).

Wikipedia:

Princess Mary was educated by governesses, but shared some lessons with her brothers, Prince Edward (later Edward VIII), Prince Albert (later George VI), and Prince Henry (later Duke of Gloucester). She became fluent in German and French and developed a life-long interest in horses and horse racing. Her first state appearance was at the coronation of her parents at Westminster Abbey on 11 June 1911.

With the outbreak of the Great War in August 1914, Princess Mary, like the rest of her family, went to work. The Royals became a rallying point for the British people, despite growing mumurs of discontent. The family, decscended from the royalty of Germany, was nonetheless completely British. But the family name became a bone of contention. Told that some of the people were saying he was a German, an alien, George replied, “I may be uninspiring, but I'll be damned if I'm an alien!” Thus he abandoned the family's germanic name and adopted the name suggested by an aide: Windsor.

From Marilyn's Royal Blog:

Princess Mary was extremely shy but she was her father's favorite child. Cooking was a favorite pastime and she enjoyed working the model dairy that her grandmother Queen Alexandra had set up at Sandringham, milking the cows, churning the milk, and making little pats of butter for her father's breakfast. She had her own school room, sharing her lessons with the younger daughters of the Duke of Devonshire. She studied piano and singing and shared drill classes with her brothers. Quick and intelligent, she was an excellent rider, and a good linguist, fluent in French and German.

During the First World War she was active in welfare organizations, particularily involved in projects to provide comfort to troops. This concern led to the creation of the Princess Mary gift box which was sent out to troops in Christmas 1914. These boxes contained one ounce of pipe tobacco, twenty cigarettes, a pipe, a tinder lighter, a Christmas card from the King and Queen and a photograph of Princess Mary. Non-smokers received a box containing a packet of acid tablets, a khaki writing case containing pencil, paper and envelopes together with the Christmas card and photograph. Princess Mary also took a nursing course and in 1918 went to work at the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

In 1922 she married Henry, Viscount Lascelles, a man 15 years her senior at Wesminster Abbey. At first they made their home at Goldsborough Hall, near Knaresborough. Seven years after their wedding, Lord Lascelles succeeded his father as the sixth Earl of Harewood and they moved into Harewood House. Princess Mary loved Yorkshire and she was known as the 'Yorkshire Princess'. They had two sons, George the present Earl of Harewood, born in 1922 and Gerald born in 1923.

Follow the links to learn more about this woman, the first daughter of the first Windsors. A woman of real substance, dignity, devotion. And quite the handsome lass, as well. Princess Di was not the first lovely lady in the British Royal family of Windsors. The Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood was that lady.

The Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood at Google

Tony Snow Is Gone

Robert Anthony "Tony" Snow

(June 1, 1955 - July 12, 2008)

From Wizbang, I read the sad news. I googled to find more. From CNN.com:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former White House press secretary Tony Snow -- who once told reporters "I'm a very lucky guy" -- has died at the age of 53 after a second battle with cancer.

Snow, who had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for a recurrence of the disease, left his White House job September 14, 2007, and joined CNN in April as a conservative commentator.

In parting comments to reporters at his final White House news conference, he said, "I feel great."

He also called the job "the most fun I've ever had."

Snow said he was leaving the White House position to make more money. His White House salary was $168,000.

"The White House is so deeply saddened by this loss," said his replacement, White House press secretary Dana Perino. "He was a great friend and colleague and a fantastic press secretary. And his dear family is in our thoughts and prayers."

From Wikipedia:

Early career
Snow began his newspaper career in 1979 in newspapers as an editorial writer for The Greensboro Record in North Carolina, next working as an editorial writer at The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, Virginia (1981-82), editorial page editor of The Daily Press in Newport News (1982-84), deputy editorial page editor of The Detroit News (1984-87) and editorial page editor of The Washington Times (1987-91). Also, The Detroit News published his commentary from 1993 to 2000, and he was a Counterpoint Columnist for USA Today from 1994 to 2000.

Snow also wrote a syndicated column for Creators Syndicate between 1993 and 2000. As a nationally syndicated columnist, his commentaries appeared in more than 200 newspapers nationwide. Snow won numerous awards during his print career, including citations from the Virginia Press Association, the Detroit Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, The Associated Press and Gannett.

He appeared on radio and television programs worldwide including The McLaughlin Group, The MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour, Face the Nation, Crossfire, and Good Morning America. Until 1994, Snow was the writer, correspondent and host of a PBS news special, The New Militant Center.

In 1991, Snow took a sabbatical from journalism to work in the White House for President George H. W. Bush, first as chief speechwriter (Deputy Assistant to the President for Communications and Director of Speechwriting) and later as Deputy Assistant to the President for Media Affairs (1992-1993).

From 1996 to 2003, he served as the first host of FOX News Sunday, a Sunday morning interview and roundtable program produced by Fox News, airing on affiliates of the Fox Broadcasting Company and later in the day on Fox News Channel.

Snow served as the primary guest host of Rush Limbaugh's program from the mid-1990s on. He was also a frequent commentator on National Public Radio. Snow's own Tony Snow Show on Fox News Radio premiered in late 2003. It ended when he became White House Press Secretary in April 2006.

Kim Priestap, whose Wizbang post got me looking, writes:

"I was on a couple of blogger conference calls with Mr. Snow when he was press secretary for President Bush, and he was so nice and kind. I was thrilled when, upon getting the chance to ask him a question, he remarked how much he liked my posts and that he wanted to email me to tell me so but didn't know how to contact me.

This is such a shame."

Yes, it is. So long, Tony. You will be missed.

By the way: While looking for images of Snow I found this wonderful characature by John Cox of Cox & Forkum. The image accompanied a post from May of 2006. I also miss the Cox & Forkum duo.

A Repost - Sarah Palin For VP: Maverick & Maverick?

With the Republican Convention nearing, and the questions of who will be McCain's pick for a running-mate swirling through the blogosphere, I figured I should repost this - from February - as a reminder of someone out there who would be as good a choice as any for the Republican standard-bearer. Who would you choose?

And do you care who the Obamamessiah picks for His running-mate?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“I respect our military personnel and understand the importance of Alaska's National Guard. As I watched our military men and women being deployed I recognized how important it is for their families to know how much Alaska and America support them.” - Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is the incumbent Governor of Alaska and former Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska. A Journalist, she is the first Governor of Alaska born after Alaska was granted statehood. She took office at the age of 42, making her the youngest Governor in Alaska's short history, as well as the first woman Governor.


Palin's oldest child, and only son, Track, joined the Army in 2007, at the age of 18. Palin also has three daughters, Bristol, Piper, and Willow, who live at home in Wasilla. Husband Todd is a commercial fisherman. Sarah Palin has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Idaho, and is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

“I am a lifetime member of the NRA, I support our Constitutional right to bear arms and am a proponent of gun safety programs for Alaska's youth […]” - Sarah Palin

Some of her political imagery comes from her private life. When marijuana was still legal in Alaska - a true maverick state! - she admits she tried it, but didn't like it. One wonders just how good or bad Alaskan Gold is. She eats mooseburgers, and rides snowmobiles.

Gov. Sarah Palin responds to a question in her downtown Anchorage office next to a grizzly her father shot in Denali Highway country. - photo by STEPHEN NOWERS / Anchorage Daily News
Palin's political career began with two terms on the Wasilla City Council, then was elected Mayor for two terms. She was elected President of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. From Wiki:

In 2002, Palin made a failed bid to become the state's lieutenant governor, coming in second place behind Loren Leman in a four-way race, some say due to her inability to raise campaign contributions equal to that of her opponents. After Frank Murkowski became governor, resigning from his long-time U.S. Senate seat, Palin was considered by some to be a candidate for that job; however Murkowski appointed his daughter, then State Representative Lisa Murkowski.

Governor Murkowski did appoint Palin to serve as a commissioner on the state's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission which she served on during 2003–2004, but later resigned, in protest over what she perceived to be the "lack of ethics" of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders. This included the state party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich, a fellow commissioner, who was accused of doing work for the party on public time and providing a sensitive email to a lobbyist. She filed formal complaints against both Ruedrich and former state Attorney General Gregg Renkes, who was eventually found not guilty.

Hmmm, spunky and ethical! No wonder the MSM ignores her while deifying Oprah and Hillary. A Republican takes on the Republican Party, and it ain't the MSM's favorite Maverick, John McCain, but a woman in Alaska. But the Republican Party had a small comeuppance coming.

In 2006 Palin took on the sitting Republican Governor Frank "Bridge To Nowhere" Murkowski in the Republican Primaries. She beat the party and Murkowski. Then she went on to the general election and whipped the former Governor, Tony Knowles, by 8 percentage points in a six-candidate race. Her plurality was 48%+. How many times have we sat back and groaned as the Party went out of its way to shove good candidates aside to protect lousy, incumbent Republicans in their re-election bids? Well, Palin fought them, beat them, and then beat the Democrat. And it turns out she has been so good as Governor that, in July 2007, Palin was heralded in the national media as being the most popular governor in the country, with an approval rating often in the 90s. An August 2007 poll had her approval rating at 84%, with 5% disapproving. Wonder who disapproved? Democrats, no doubt, wishing for a bigger government and more handouts.

Wanna talk about a Maverick? Sarah Palin supports moving the Legislative sessions out of Juneau - the state Capital - on occasion. She also pushes sending the state's wealth back down to the municipalities. Which, of course, is where that wealth came from in the first place. This is Municipal Revenue Sharing, something the National Football League uses a form of to keep smaller teams in smaller cities afloat. And after all, the locals know far better what is needed in their town than some elected twit in the Capital. I know that's political Heresy to the Left, but it's a fact nevertheless. Palin seems to understand that a government's wealth comes only from taking it from those who actually worked for it. Governments do not make money, nor do they create wealth. Ever. They consume it, ravenously, if allowed.

Maverick? When Palin was elected Governor, she decided Juneau had seen enough inaugurations. She moved the ceremonies to Fairbanks, Alaska. Imagine the President of the United States being inaugurated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania rather than in Washington, D.C. Where would all those Big Wigs and government muckety-mucks stay? And just who would they impress? I like Palin's idea. Maybe we ought to try it one of these days for the President's inauguration, eh?

Sarah Palin is not immune to the disease of government meddling in things economic. And she did not come out looking good. Again, from Wiki:

Gov. Palin received widespread criticism for her handling of Matanuska Maid Dairy, a state owned dairy. When the State Dairy Board recommend the closing of the unprofitable state owned business, Palin fired the board and appointed long-time MATSU Borough associates to run the board, including influential real estate businesswoman Kristan Cole. The new board quickly approved raising the price of milk offered by the dairy in a vain attempt to control hemorrhaging fiscal losses and despite the fact that milk from the state of Washington was already offered in Alaska for much less the Mat Maid milk. In the end the dairy was forced to close and the state tried to sell the assets to pay for its huge debts, but because the initial minimum asking price was set too high no bids were received.

I hope she understands that government is not the answer to every problem. She does seem to.

“As Mayor and CEO of the booming city of Wasilla, my team invited investment and encouraged business growth by eliminating small business inventory taxes, eliminated personal property taxes, reduced real property tax mill levies every year I was in office, reduced fees, and built the infrastructure our businesses needed to grow and prosper.” - Sarah Palin

Palin did sign into law Alaska's largest operating budget ever, but also used her veto pen to make the second largest cuts ever, in the state's construction budget.

As the Murkowski Administration came to a close he appointed his Chief of Staff, Jim Clark, to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority. Shortly after her inauguration, Palin tossed Clark off the Authority. In Murkowski's closing days he okayed the building of an eleven-mile-long gravel road to a mine outside Juneau. Palin scrapped that. Although it took a few years, Palin finally managed to sell the jet Murkowski bought for the state - with state money, of course - on eBay. That was one of her campaign promises. And she kept it.



Can you imagine her as a Commander in Chief? Touring the Bunker Hill.

As for the Social Values voters in conservative America, here's more Wiki:

Palin is strongly pro-life and belongs to Feminists for Life. She opposes same-sex marriage, but has gay friends and has otherwise been receptive to gay and lesbian concerns about discrimination. While the previous administration did not implement same-sex benefits, Palin followed an Alaska Supreme Court order and signed them into law.

She supports a democratic advisory vote from the public on whether there should be a constitutional amendment on the matter. Alaska was one of the first states to pass a constitutional ban on gay marriage, in 1998, along with Hawaii.

Palin's first veto was used on legislation that would have barred the state from granting benefits to gay state employees and their partners. In effect, her veto granted State benefits to same-sex couples. The veto occurred after Palin consulted with her attorney general on the constitutionality of the legislation.

I don't particularly care for that last part. State Benefits are just a way of redistributing wealth. If same-sex couples need benefits they should pay for them. I pay for mine. My folks pay for their's. And there is such a thing as a Will. Gays should learn to write them and use them rather than seek governmental approval of their lifestyle. Contracts are binding. Write up a contract, people! *sigh* Rant over.



Now you know something about Sarah Palin, Republican Governor of Alaska, and fair-to-middling conservative. I hope she's on John McCain's short-list as a Vice Presidential running mate. Let's hope we don't see a replay of the 1980 Republican Party trying to shoehorn in Gerald Ford as Ronald Reagan's VP running mate/co-presidential candidate (since the Party knew that Reagan couldn't win the election on his own. Have we learned anything, Republicans?). Enough of the old Party garbage. Let's put the old Pols to bed. Maybe Palin isn't the perfect VP candidate, but she's proven electoral candidate, she has managed a growing city and a growing State. And she's smart, bold, brave, ... and a Maverick!

Sarah Palin for Vice President of the United States of America!

Sarah Palin at ontheissues.org
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin For VP?
Palin meets with McCain to talk about Pork
Que Sarah, Sarah
Sarah Palin for VP
Draft Sarah Palin For Vice President

According to VoteMatchQuiz, Palin is a Moderate Populist Conservative.

Independence Day!

The Summation of this document read as follows:

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

To read all of it, just as a reminder to us all, go on over to Wake Forest University.

Clark & McCain: Contrasts

General Wesley Clark (ret) is a mouthpiece for the Democratic Presidential Nominee-apparent, Barack H. Obama. Touting his magnificent military record as evidence of his political acumen he has attacked Senator John McCain on quite a few occasions. The Obama campaign is using Clark as a stalking horse against McCain to give the American public the perception that McCain is not the man they say you think he is. Why use Wes Clark in this capacity?

General Wesley Clark - a Democrat - is considered by the Democratic Party a genuine military hero, much in the manner of John "France" Kerry, and thus immune to any counter-attacks by the mean-spirited Republicans and their thugs. As the Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, his words carry a lot of weight, though this is not the usual case for the Democratic Party. The fact that he was fired from that position - by the Clinton Administration! - is conveniently ignored.

From Counterpunch:

[...]
Anyone seeking to understand the bloody fiasco of the Serbian war need hardly look further than the person of the beribboned Supreme Allied Commander, General Wesley K. Clark. Politicians and journalists are generally according him a respectful hearing as he discourses on the "schedule" for the destruction of Serbia, tellingly embracing phrases favored by military bureaucrats such as "systematic" and "methodical".

The reaction from former army subordinates is very different.

"The poster child for everything that is wrong with the GO (general officer) corps," exclaims one colonel, who has had occasion to observe Clark in action, citing, among other examples, his command of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood from 1992 to 1994.

While Clark's official Pentagon biography proclaims his triumph in "transitioning the Division into a rapidly deployable force" this officer describes the "1st Horse Division" as "easily the worst division I have ever seen in 25 years of doing this stuff."
[...]

And there's this:

[...]

While he regards his junior officers with watchful suspicion, he customarily accords the lower ranks little more than arrogant contempt. A veteran of Clark's tenure at Fort Hood recalls the general's "massive tantrum because the privates and sergeants and wives in the crowded (canteen) checkout lines didn't jump out of the way fast enough to let him through".

Clark's demeanor to those above is, of course, very different, a mode of behavior that has earned him rich dividends over the years. Thus, early in 1994, he was a candidate for promotion from two to three star general. Only one hurdle remained - a war game exercise known as the Battle Command Training Program in which Clark would have to maneuver his division against an opposing force. The commander of the opposing force, or "OPFOR" was known for the military skill with which he routinely demolished opponents.

But Clark's patrons on high were determined that no such humiliation should be visited on their favorite. Prior to the exercise therefore, strict orders came down that the battle should go Clark's way. Accordingly, the OPFOR was reduced in strength by half, thus enabling Clark, despite deploying tactics of signal ineptitude, to triumph. His third star came down a few weeks later.

Because Wesley Clark believes he is a truly gifted military man, and the Democrats want so desperately to believe that also, his word is accepted as Gospel in the Party. The Obama campaign clearly sees no problem in throwing Clark's insidious attacks in McCain's way. Despite disavowing Clark's statements - and not really! - Clark remains their stalking horse. What is it about Clark that has earned enmity from those in the military who served above, with, and under him? Why is the Golden-Haired Boy of his early military days now exposed for the cheap, vain, small-minded, little man he seems to be?

From Oceanguy at Somewhere on IA, comes "Wesley Clark - Useful Idiot":

I once described Wesley Clark as one of those military officers who believed their Fitness Reports… I still believe it.
I don't think the military is unusual in having a problem of inflated evaluations, but it's a system I'm very familiar with. Whatever the cause of the phenomenon, I lived it during a 20 year career in the Navy, both as an evaluator and as one being evaluated. Grades are inflated to the point that Ratings of "above average" are a slap in that face that could be career killers. "Superlatives" were merely average grades. The whole evaluation process was often laughable. I had one evaluation as a young 24 year old Lieutenant Junior Grade which described me as "sagacious" and "perspicacious." Yeah, at 24 I may have thought I was, but I still laughed at the comments, and was almost embarrassed during my evaluation interview.

[...]

And here I thought grade inflation was only used by the Leftist School Administrations. But, no, the military finds it easier to pass than fail.

Again:

I look at Wesley Clark and I see one of those men who believed their fitness reports. For his entire career he was almost certainly told he was superlative… just like 90% of his peers… if he hadn't been he'd have never been a General… and through the luck of timing, and maybe a politically minded mentor, or through his own burning ambition, he wound up in charge of something important ant a momentous time. The fact that he was basically fired, doesn't matter, because through it all, even after he was removed from the post, he believed his fitness reports. In fact his firing was publicly presented in such a way as to keep his superlative self-esteem intact. He was a success while being fired.

It's not at all surprising to me that such a man, one who feels great about his accomplishments while ignoring the reality of the results, winds up as a voice in today's Democratic Party. A sympathetic press, eager to have a military hero as a Democratic spokesman, rush to hold him up as an icon to their commitment to National Security. It's not at all surprising that, given that platform and his unfailing belief in his own fitness reports, that he would pull out his crank and stomp on it while attacking a genuinely courageous and soft-spoken hero. It's extremely offensive, but not at all surprising.

I think the most telling statement that shows exactly what a 'useful idiot' Clark is would be his most recent back-handed slap in McCain's face. While explaining that McCain had not had that much experience so as to be a President, he said, "I don't think getting in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to become president."

No, that isn't a qualification. Nor is being the Editor of the Harvard Review, which is one of Barack Obama's chief resume points. But that simplistic bit of nastiness wasn't enough for Ol' Gen'rul Clark, no he wanted to make sure we all understood. His previous words were, "I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in the armed forces, as a prisoner of war, [...]"

Look, I may not know all that much about matters military, but I don't recall ever reading that description. McCain was serving as a US Naval Aviator, not as a Prisoner of War. I imagine one does not 'serve' as a prisoner of war so much as endure. And McCain endured. For five-and-a-half years. Clark's words are an insult, not to mention stupid beyond belief. He may have been a Rhodes Scholar, and nobody will say he's not bright, but he's not terribly smart. Instead he's a weak man, full of himself, still hoping for greater things in his life. And McCain is a handy target for his unfulfilled ambitions. He's just another tool of the Obama smear campaign.



And what of Senator John McCain? Who the heck is he that he commands such ugly attacks on himself? Here's an excerpt from the Jerusalem Post article/editorial, "A not-so-public man: the private character of John McCain":

[...]

It's pretty amazing when you think about it. War hero John McCain has been in the public eye almost his entire adult life. He's run numerous campaigns, served in Congress for 25 years, and is in his second run for the presidency.

Yet, there is so much of his life that reveals an absolutely sterling character, but remains largely unknown to the public. And in spite of the tremendous political advantages that publicity could confer, McCain instinctively keeps that information private. Although as a presidential candidate he may be forced to overcome this reticence, he honorably shies away from using his personal heroics for political gain.

How aware is the public that McCain has raised seven children? Or that he adopted his two oldest sons as small boys (children from his wife's prior marriage)? Or that he has raised a Bangladeshi girl with severe health problems adopted from Mother Theresa's orphanage? Or that his own sons have served in the military, including in Iraq?

It's widely known that McCain, a Navy pilot, was shot down, captured and tortured by the North Vietnamese for 5 and a half years - an episode worth a forthcoming column all its own. But few are aware that he refused early release until all the POWs captured before him were freed, and that he refused special treatment offered once it was discovered that he was the "crown prince" (the son of the admiral in charge of the Pacific Fleet) because he wouldn't provide the enemy with any propaganda victories.

Even fewer seem to know that those years were a fraction of a 22-year Navy career. Although broken and battered, after his release from Vietnamese captivity he went right back to the Navy, where he continued to serve for an additional eight years.

[...]

Remember the whispering campaign the MSM trumpeted in 200? You know, the one that hinted that John McCain had a “black baby”? I remember, and I recall wondering who really cared? After all we were coming to the close of the Bill Clinton era, the era of BJs in the Oval Office and other nasty behavior in the White House. Did anybody really care about John McCain? Well, some believe that campaign of innuendos ruined McCain’s chances at the Republican nomination in 2000.

I didn’t believe it, and I did vote for McCain that year. Not G.W.Bush. Of course it was more a protest vote against the Republican Party, but still ... I voted for McCain in 2000.

McCain may be a hot-head - the word is ... he is! - and he’s never going to be the conservative that we right-wing Republicans want. Like Barry Goldwater, McCain steers his own course, heedless of the opinions of others. If he doesn’t have all the facts he goes with his guts. That means he can be way off base, as he is with the Illegal Alien issue, or with the phony Man-made Global Change hysteria.

But with John McCain there is a solidity that his opponent does not have and his attackers have never had. With McCain Honor is not just a nice-looking word but a credo to live by. His loyalty may not be to the Republican Party, but it is to the United States of America, which he served for 22 years as a military man. His loyalty is to his constituents in Arizona whom he has served for 25 years. His loyalty is to his family.

While John McCain touts his political service and experience, his military service and experience, he rarely discusses his captivity and torture in North Vietnam. He shields his family from the public glare as much as is possible, and goes about his business. He is an honorable man, a prickly man, and as much a hero as any who served during the Vietnam War.

By the way, Wesley Clark also served in Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star for his work as a Staff Officer, and was wounded in combat one month after taking command of A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division in January 1970. For his actions he was awarded the Silver Star. His “meteoric rise” through the military ranks began then. His press clippings rose, too.


Gen. Wesley Clark at YearlyKos conference in Chicago, Aug. 3, 2007.
Chicago Tribune photo by Charles Osgood.


Of the two men, I know whom I consider the far better and greater man, and the one whom I would trust. And it ain’t Wes Clark.

It Didn't End With Piglet

In Tayside, Scotland, it seems the Police have mightily offended the local Muslim population. How did they manage to offend the Muslims of Tayside, you ask? I bet some of you already know, but allow me to elucidate. The Tayside police produced what the Brits call a Postcard, which is a kind of advertisement. In this case an advertisement to let the locals know what the new non-emergency telephone number is and to remind them that "999" is the emergency number to call.

How did that offend the Muslims of Tayside - or at least the usual vocal idiots? The image the police chose for the card consists of a puppy sitting in a constable's hat. Now isn't that enough to make you choke with rage and indignation? Puppies! Good Lord, how offensive! Right?

Well, it is to overly-sensitive Muslims, it appears, as they are unable to turn their heads and not look at the offensive image of an unclean - non-Haraam - animal. They just can't get it out of their heads, as Jeff Lynne might say.



From The Daily Mail Online:

The advert has upset Muslims because dogs are considered ritually unclean and has sparked such anger that some shopkeepers in Dundee have refused to display the advert.
Dundee councillor Mohammed Asif said: 'My concern was that it's not welcomed by all communities, with the dog on the cards.
'It was probably a waste of resources going to these communities.
'They (the police) should have understood. Since then, the police have explained that it was an oversight on their part, and that if they'd seen it was going to cause upset they wouldn't have done it.'
Councillor Asif, who is a member of the Tayside Joint Police Board, said that the force had a diversity adviser and was generally very aware of such issues.

Ahh, yes, the politically correct 'Diversity Adviser." What a wonderful world the Scots now live in where images of puppies are deemed offensive. Yeesh!

Rebel, the offensive pup, has now been completely inoculated, though not against human stupidity, and will be taking to the streets. We can expect that local Muslims will now complain about police use of dogs in their work, which is already a hot-button issue everywhere in Britain. Again from the Daily Mail:

A spokesman for Tayside Police said: 'Trainee police dog Rebel has proved extremely popular with children and adults since being introduced to the public, aged six weeks old, as Tayside Police's newest canine recruit.
'His incredible world-wide popularity - he has attracted record visitor numbers to our website - led us to believe Rebel could play a starring role in the promotion of our non-emergency number.
'We did not seek advice from the force's diversity adviser prior to publishing and distributing the postcards. That was an oversight and we apologise for any offence caused.'

How sad is it that the police feel any need to apologize for displaying a cute puppy on an advertisement? From the Daily Telegraph article comments section, a moment of sanity and clarity:

8. Posted by Stevie The Scot on July 02, 2008 10:04 AM
If Muslims find dogs offensive or, indeed, any other part of British life not to their liking, why don't they bugger off.

They moved here, so they either adapt to our culture or they can get lost.

I find them quite offensive at times, so I wouldn't dream of moving to a Muslim country because of that.

It's fairly simple.

I wish it really were that simple. I know you remember the hue and cry in Britain when Muslims - in 2005 - discovered Piglet. Mark Steyn wrote about it. So offensive was Piglet's image that local government's and employers sprang into action to erase the offending image. And that included ordering a homeowner to remove porcelain pig figurines from her windowsill. Can't be offending the Wogs on the street, now can we?

Even British Banks got into the act by banning ... wait for it ... Piggy Banks! The offense isn't to your regular British Muslim, but to the radical Islamists that have turned some areas in Britain into mini-nation-lettes under Muslim control. Even bare-shouldered images of little girls have been banned from Passport photos by overzealous bureaucrats. I would think that these are incredibly offensive actions to most British people.

Then again, perhaps not. They have yet to complain in sufficient numbers to put a stop to this stupidity. It continues. And it grows. Like the cancer that Islamism is.

So, hide your puppy pictures if you go to Scotland, cover your bare shoulders in Great Britain, and try not to be offensive. "Can't we all just get along?"

*Woof!*
Tip of the Hat to Callimachus!

Father's Day 2008

In 1973 my Father died in a rather pointless car accident - broad sided by another car - and left me, then 17-years-old, feeling somewhat adrift. Within two years, my Mother remarried. The new husband was a man I knew, a friend of the family - both families were politically active - who also was a part of the Boy Scout Troop I had once belonged to. He was a divorced father of four who was now stepping into a family of three children. Well, one child and two late teenagers. It was not an easy task, and I confess I made it very difficult. I am, as I have always been, a wise-ass. And Walt never had the chance to ease into getting to know me.

So he entered our family, hurt and perhaps angry at the loss of our Father, unaware, I think, of just how much trouble he had gotten himself into. And yet, he didn't murder me in my sleep, slap the snot out of me, nor treat me like the whiny, superior, wise-cracking smart-ass I was. And remain to this day. And he turned out to be every bit as supportive as any Father could be.

Over the years we've come to an understanding and have become friends, I hope. And he's managed to love my mother - a very difficult, demanding, loving, pain-in-the-ass woman, from whom I got every Wise-cracking, Class Clown gene I possess - for many years. My Step-Father is a first-class Father, and one world-class man. And I dedicate this Father's Day post to him. Happy Father's Day, Walter!

When Did We First Celebrate Father's Day?

In Fairmont, West Virginia, June 5th 1908, it was first celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, perhaps inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December, is believed to have suggested the service to the pastor.

However, that same year of 1908, across the country in Spokane, Washington, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, daughter of Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day, began her own push to establish a day to celebrate Fathers. Initially suggesting June 5, the anniversary of her father's death, Mrs. Dodd did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA. And Mrs. Dodd was on her way.

From Happy Father's Day:

Sonora Smart Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.

After Mrs. Dodd became an adult she realized the selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man.

About Sonora Dodd, Wikipedia has this to say:

Sonora Louise Smart was born in Jenny Lind, Sebastian County, Arkansas in 1882 to farmer William Jackson Smart (1842-1919) and his wife Ellen Victoria Cheek Smart (1851-1898). William Smart was a member of The First Arkansas Light Artillery and fought in the 1862 Battle of Pea Ridge during the Civil War. The Smart family moved West and finally settled near Spokane, Washington.

When Sonora was 16, her mother died in childbirth with her sixth child. Sonora was the only daughter and shared with her father William in the raising of her younger brothers, including her new infant brother Marshall. Sonora Smart married John Bruce Dodd (1870-1945) and had a son, Jack Dodd, born in 1909.

Sonora Smart held her father in great esteem. While hearing a church sermon about the newly recognized Mother's Day, Sonora felt strongly that Fatherhood needed recognition as well. She approached the Spokane Ministerial Alliance and suggested her own father's birthday of June 5 as the day of honor for fathers. The Alliance chose the third Sunday in June instead.

From Wikipedia:

Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. President Woodrow Wilson was personally feted by his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

Sonora Smart Dodd was honored at the World's Fair in Spokane, Washington in 1974. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd died in 1978 at the age of ninety-six. She was buried in Greenwood Memorial Terrace, Spokane Washington.

I think her father would have been quite proud of his daughter’s achievements. And we owe Father’s Day to her.

Flag Day - June 14, 2008

Last year, for Flag Day, I posted a longish look at Flag Day and the history of the United States Flag. You can check it out here: "Flag Day". Also Flag Day 2006. But this year I thought, along with some information you might have forgotten, I would take a look at one of the odder aspects of American myth-making as it applies to our flag. And that is the Myth of the Civil Flag of the United States of America.

It seems that at one time writer Nathaniel Hawthorne was an employee of the U.S. Customs Service. And while an employee he noted the flying of an odd-looking flag over the Customs Posts. Rather than having horizontal stars and stripes this flag had vertical stars and stripes. Rather than a field of blue with white stars this flag had a field of white with blue stars. He noted this almost in passing in his 'The Custom House', the introduction to Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous book 'The Scarlet Letter'; which was published in 1850. Nothing more was written about it by Hawthorne. In point of fact this was the Customs flag. And it was a variation of certain nautical flags which evolved in the United States in her early years.

Now, the myth arises in this way. As some web sites will claim (and this is the general idea):

It is believed by some historians that the Civil Flag was discontinued after the Civil War when the federal government imposed military governments in the States and disbanded civilian government. As a show of it's power over the States, Civil Flags were discontinued and Old Glory became the sole emblem representing the People of the United States of America, united under military (or admiralty) rule. For over 100 years, the Civilian U.S. Flag was flown by a select citizenry that could afford to buy them. While most were of the design of the Customs Bureau and it's American Eagle, many continued to adorn the original look from 1777 with a constellation of stars on a blue field and with red and white vertical stripes. By 1900, the Civil Flag had all but disappeared except for the occasional use by the government's revenue cutters and more recently, the Coast Guard with a modified design. By 1980, nearly all documentation of the Civil Flag had been omitted in school text books and it's existence left as a mystery in a few old photographs and a rare mention in classic books".

And of course this turns out to be utter nonsense, though intriguing at first. The original Revenue Ensign, adopted in 1799 was to be flown from Customs Cutters.


Revenue Ensign of 1799

From "The Civil Flag - Forgotten Flag or Flag of Fiction":

... engaged in the prevention and detection of smuggling, in lieu of the National Ensign (the Stars and Stripes). The "Revenue Ensign" was the equivalent of a policeman's badge, letting ships know that the Cutter flying this ensign was a US Customs Revenue Cutter, and had the Authority to stop any vessel within the boundary of U.S. waters. The Flags were also flown over U.S. Customs Houses. And what was the job of the Revenue Cutters and the Customs Houses? To make sure that the Excise Tax on all imports were collected. Notice the word "Revenue" (like in "Internal Revenue")? In other words, the Revenue Ensign (or Customs Flag) was the flag of Uncle Sam's TAX Collector! Now, can you imagine the same People who started a Revolution over "No Taxation without Representation" turning around and adopting the "Tax Collectors" Flag to represent peace or civil authority? The idea is ridiculous! Also, as stated above, the "Revenue Ensign" was the equivalent of a Policeman's Badge (or Blue/Red Lights), letting ships know that the Cutter flying this ensign was a US Customs Revenue Cutter, and had the Authority to stop any vessel within U.S. waters. Now can you imagine your Local Police handing out Badges or Blue Lights to everyone in town? Again, the idea is ridiculous!

But that doesn't stop the myth-makers, or those who want to see something ominous in the "military" flag of the United States. So they had to "find" something else to use. And they did. Or, in fact, they simply made it up. Again from "The Civil Flag - Forgotten Flag or Flag of Fiction":

The Other Flag being proposed as the Civil Flag is described as a "White Union with Blue Stars and a field of 16 Vertical Red and White alternating Stripes" - The "Civil Flag of Peace".


Mythical Civil Flag or 'Peace' Flag

I can find no documentation, or historical evidence, to support that this Flag has ever existed. And believe me I looked! I did, however, find evidence of FRAUD on these sites (whether intentional or not, that is for the reader to decide). So, lets now examine what I actually found when I went looking!

You can click on the link to read all of his research. It's very enlightening! He reports on claims by the Civil Flag theorists who assert, for instance, that "Before 1940, no U.S. flag, civil or military, flew within the forty-eight states except in federal settings and installations. Only state flags did." And this is silly on the face of it. A simple look at old photographs show the Star and Stripes flying in many places, none of which are Federal sites. Do look at this site and read the story. It's funny. It's kind of sad, too. Sad, because these people seem to think they can manufacture something to bolster their belief in something that never existed, and strengthen their distrust of the military "occupiers" of these United States. As Patrick, I think, has noted, at Born Again Redneck, the United States seems to be a perfect place for conspiracists to hatch. And if you don't think we have more than our share of Conspiracy Nutters here, then you haven't been paying attention. Just look up JFK Assassination on Google. You'll find a plethora of silly theories showing that his murder was the work of everyone in the world.

On this Flag Day, let's give thanks for our nation's symbol: The Red, White, and Blue; the Stars and Stripes; Old Glory. The most recognizable symbol of a Nation on the face of this planet. Earned with the blood of its citizens, the treasury of its citizens, the love of Liberty of its citizens throughout its existence.

GOD Bless America and the Red, White, and Blue! Happy Flag Day!

If you'd like to read my short story about one person's account of the American Flag, why not look at A Flag Tale, which I posted last July for the Independence Day post.

Here are some important Federal Acts regarding our Flag, from the Encyclopedia Smithsonian:

Until the Executive Order of June 24, 1912, neither the order of the stars nor the proportions of the flag was prescribed. Consequently, flags dating before this period sometimes show unusual arrangements of the stars and odd proportions, these features being left to the discretion of the flag maker. In general, however, straight rows of stars and proportions similar to those later adopted officially were used. The principal acts affecting the flag of the United States are the following:

• Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777 - stated: "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
  
• Act of January 13, 1794 - provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795.
  
• Act of April 4, 1818 - provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th of July following the admission of each new state.
  
• Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 - established proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.
  
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.
  
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated August 21, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically.

My favorite configuration remains what we call the Betsy Ross Flag with it's circle of thirteen stars. To me it doesn't matter how many states have been added to the Union. I prefer to think of our flag with that circle of stars as our real United States flag.

"I Had No Horse"

With those words, Jockey Kent Desormeaux explained why Big Brown was walked home most of the last half-mile of the 140th Belmont Stakes, finishing last. No Triple Crown this year, as has been the case the past thirty years. Another loss in the final gem of the Triple Crown for the favorite. And this one was an odd one for the viewers.

Fighting out from the rail Big Brown ran in third place most of the race. But as the horses entered the final turn - the place where Big Brown has thundered past the leaders in the last two races - it became apparent that he was not going to catch up to the leader. What was wrong? Did the lack of training, caused by Big Brown's hoof problems, cause him to be out of shape? Was there a problem with the heat, in the nineties at post-time? Was there something wrong with the horse internally?

We don't know yet, and may never know. But when the horses went around that final turn, Desormeaux pulled back on Big Brown and stood in his stirrups, slowing the big horse to a slow gallop. In contra point to the shrill shrieks of the Animal Rights ninnies, the jockey did what a good jockey does: he protected his horse. Desormeaux knew Big Brown had nothing left. For whatever reason Big Brown was running on empty. And his jockey decided to end the race. There was no attempt to lessen the amount of the loss, try, against all hope, to at least show. Nothing like that. Instead Kent Desormeaux pulled up and made Big Brown slow and stop racing.

``Just before he went into the last turn, I had no horse,'' Desormeaux said to ABC television immediately after the race. He said he [had] no idea what was wrong.

The temperature at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, was 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 Celsius).

``It was hot as hell out there,'' Desormeaux said.

Rather than protect his own stats or fame as a jockey, Desormeaux protected the horse.

Big Brown was rank [A horse that is fractious or unmanageable by the jockey is said to be rank.] at the start and failed to respond when Desormeaux asked him to run in the last turn. At that point, Desormeaux eased him up.

The loss hit Desormeaux especially hard.

"This horse is the best I've ever ridden," he said. "Something's wrong, and I took care of him."

In his own impressive race, Nick Zito-trained Da'Tara with Jockey Alan Garcia aboard, led from wire-to-wire to win the Belmont. An excellent race by a pretty horse.

So, the racing world will have to wait at least another year for a Triple Crown contender. Nick Zito has won another Belmont Stakes - Zito won in 2004 with Birdstone, who spoiled Smarty Jones’ Triple Crown try - and spoiled a possible Triple Crown, although the contender had stopped racing before the finish.

"... I had no horse ..." What a sad way to end the bid for a Triple Crown. But what a fine way for a jockey to finish.

Note: From Sir Barton, the first winner of the Triple Crown in 1913, until Seattle Slew died in 2002, there had always been a living Triple Crown Champion. The next winner of the Triple Crown will be the only living Triple Crown winner.

Another Note: When Grey Lag won the Belmont in 1921, it marked the first running of the Belmont Stakes in the counter-clockwise manner of American fashion. This 53rd running was a mile and three-eighths over the main course; previous editions at Belmont Park had been run clockwise, in accordance with English custom, over a fish-hook course which included part of the training track and the main dirt oval.

Yet Another Note: Who ran the fastest Belmont? Who else? Secretariat set a world-record that still stands for the mile and a half distance on a dirt track at 2:24. (He had finished a mile and a quarter at 1:59, faster than his own Derby record of 1:59 2/5.) Here's video of that amazing performance in 1973:

If D-Day Happened Today: How Would The MSM Report it?

I do get email, and sometimes, along with the silly garbage and spam crud: "Do you want a larger penis?" "I have your lottery winnings!" "Get drugs from Canada Cheap!" I find some gems. And this is one I've seen before, so why not use it today?

As the sender notes, I don't know the author of this, but it's well done, in my humble opinion. As to the people who were a part of the real D-Day Invasion, planning, support ... may G_D watch over them and keep their Spirits in His hands. Well done, my Friends, well done!

It is once again the Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion on Normandy. This one is always a great read to remind us of the differences in media coverage between 1944 and today.


How Would the D-Day Invasion be Reported today?
(This is what you would hear if today's media reported on D-Day at Normandy)

(We regret we do not know the author of this piece which was forwarded by a friend. We would give credit if we knew who wrote this.)

June 6, 1944. -NORMANDY- Three hundred French civilians were killed and thousands more wounded today in the first hours of America's invasion of continental Europe. Casualties were heaviest among women and children. Most of the French casualties were the result of artillery fire from American ships attempting to knock out German fortifications prior to the landing of hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops. Reports from a makeshift hospital in the French town of St. Mere Eglise said the carnage was far worse than the French had anticipated and reaction against the American invasion was running high. "We are dying for no reason," said a Frenchman speaking on condition of anonymity. "Americans can't even shoot straight. I never thought I'd say this, but life was better under Adolph Hitler."

The invasion also caused severe environmental damage. American troops, tanks, trucks and machinery destroyed miles of pristine shoreline and thousands of acres of ecologically sensitive wetlands. It was believed that the habitat of the spineless French crab was completely wiped out, threatening the species with extinction. A representative of Greenpeace said his organization, which had tried to stall the invasion for over a year, was appalled at the destruction, but not surprised. "This is just another example of how the military destroys the environment without a second thought," said Christine Moanmore. "And it's all about corporate greed." Contacted at his Manhattan condo, a member of the French government-in-exile who abandoned Paris when Hitler invaded said the invasion was based solely on American financial interests. "Everyone knows that President Roosevelt has ties to big beer," said Pierre LeWimp. "Once the German beer industry is conquered, Roosevelt's beer cronies will control the world market and make a fortune."

Administration supporters said America's aggressive actions were based in part on the assertions of controversial scientist Albert Einstein, who sent a letter to Roosevelt speculating that the Germans were developing a secret weapon, a so-called "atomic bomb." Such a weapon could produce casualties on a scale never seen before and cause environmental damage that could last for thousands of years. Hitler has denied having such a weapon and international inspectors were unable to locate such weapons even after spending two long weekends in Germany. Shortly after the invasion began reports surfaced that German prisoners had been abused by Americans. Mistreatment of Jews by Germans at so-called "concentration camps" has been rumored but so far, remains unproven.

Several thousand Americans died during the first hours of the invasion and French officials are concerned that uncollected corpses pose a public health risk. "The Americans should have planned for this in advance," they said. "It's their mess and we don't intend to clean it up."

Sound about right? Yeah, it does.

Born Again Rednaeck has a good link: "D-Day"

Bookworm has this: "Remembering D-Day"

Rick Moran of Right Wing Nuthouse posts: "A WORD ABOUT COURAGE"

Wretchard at The Belmont Club takes a completely different look at: "The sixth of June"

Were it not for the D-Day Invasion, which led to the unconditional Surrender of the Nazi government of Germany, people like Barack Obama, Jeremiah Wright, Louis Farrakhan, and the rest of the America Haters, would be in slave labor camps or dead. A lot of evil Americans died to save people across the ocean. Just like an awful lot died to defeat the Confederate States of America and freed the black slaves. We ain't perfect, but we're better than you concede we are.

G_D Bless America!