Objective Journalism, CNN Style

Required Reading: Debra Burlingame

One of the most powerful editorials I've ever read, from a 9/11 family member. Here's the final paragraphs:

We now have the ability to put remote control cameras on the surface of Mars.Why should we allow enemies to annihilate us simply because we lack the clarity or resolve to strike a reasonable balance between a healthy skepticism of government power and the need to take proactive measures to protect ourselves from such threats? The mantra of civil-liberties hard-liners is to "question authority"--even when it is coming to our rescue--then blame that same authority when, hamstrung by civil liberties laws, it fails to save us. The old laws that would prevent FBI agents from stopping the next al-Mihdhar and al-Hazmi were built on the bedrock of a 35-year history of dark, defeating mistrust. More Americans should not die because the peace-at-any-cost fringe and antigovernment paranoids still fighting the ghost of Nixon hate George Bush more than they fear al Qaeda. Ask the American people what they want. They will say that they want the commander in chief to use all reasonable means to catch the people who are trying to rain terror on our cities. Those who cite the soaring principle of individual liberty do not appear to appreciate that our enemies are not seeking to destroy individuals, but whole populations.

Three weeks before 9/11, an FBI agent with the bin Laden case squad in New York learned that al-Mihdhar and al-Hazmi were in this country. He pleaded with the national security gatekeepers in Washington to launch a nationwide manhunt and was summarily told to stand down. When the FISA Court of Review tore down the wall in 2002, it included in its ruling the agent's Aug. 29, 2001, email to FBI headquarters: "Whatever has happened to this--someday someone will die--and wall or not--the public will not understand why we were not more effective and throwing every resource we had at certain problems. Let's hope the National Security Law Unit will stand behind their decisions then, especially since the biggest threat to us now, [bin Laden], is getting the most 'protection.'"

The public has listened to years of stinging revelations detailing how the government tied its own hands in stopping the devastating attacks of September 11. It is an irresponsible violation of the public trust for members of Congress to weaken the Patriot Act or jeopardize the NSA terrorist surveillance program because of the same illusory theories that cost us so dearly before, or worse, for rank partisan advantage. If they do, and our country sustains yet another catastrophic attack that these antiterrorism tools could have prevented, the phrase "connect the dots" will resonate again--but this time it will refer to the trail of innocent American blood which leads directly to the Senate floor.

A powerful peice, from a steady voice in the midst of all the hysteria.

Dennis Prager on Hamas, the Palestinians, and the Left

Prager speaks clearly to the election of terrorists by Palestinians:

So the Palestinian vote reveals the falsity of the worldwide Left's view of the Palestinians as committed to peace. It likewise reveals the falsity of the Left's belief that Palestinian terror is supported by a small minority of the Palestinian population.
That is one reason why the Bush doctrine -- we need to spread democracy everywhere possible, including, or even especially, in the Arab world -- is so valid. You cannot deal with any problem in life -- from the most personal to the most macro -- by engaging in wishful thinking and denying reality. Thanks to this election, the mask has been removed. When given the opportunity to express themselves, most Arabs and many Muslims elsewhere support terror and seek the annihilation of Israel. That is why the Hamas victory is such a defeat for the world's Left -- university professors, news media, socialist parties, the European Union, the United Nations, "peace" activists, editorial writers, and all other apologists for the Palestinians.

An excellent piece, sure to make my friends on the Left cringe. Think about what he says before you comment. Let the emotion pass, and think. Then comment if you'd like.

Flight 93: Another Movie

Good review of the A&E version of Flight 93, premiering tonight. We need to remember what those passengers did, and what our soldiers are still doing to fight Islamo-Fascism.

Winning

How is it that the Left has come to a place where good news from Iraq is bad news for them? Sad. Very Sad. (HT to Instapundit for the link.)

Commiserating With a Friend

A great friend of Liberty Just in Case lost a huge contract yesterday. Craig, we're grieving right along with you. Don't hesitate to let Matt or I know if we can do anything for you. As always, you will be in our prayers.

Go For Throttle Up: Twenty Years Ago

Shuttle flights became "routine" in the 80's, and school kids stopped watching. But, with the first teacher in space planning to do lessons from Earth orbit, the televisions were rolled in to the classrooms across the country. And we all saw it, live and in color.

This was the beginning of the end for NASA, though even now that huge bureaucracy hasn't realized it even now. Manned space travel will become routine again, but only when private enterprise is given free reign to do the exploring. The money now going to keep the technology of the '70's going should be reinvested to the 21st century private space enterprises cropping up all over the country. This would be the most fitting memorial to the brave men and women of Challenger.

A note about the photo: This frame captures the moment the O-Ring failed. The first gouts of flame are clearly visible just above the main engine exhaust. Fractions of a second later, it was over, and they were gone.

The NSA Surveillance: Justice Department White Paper

I've been looking for this. It's the 45 page document from the Department of Justice outlining their case for the continuing surveillance. Interesting that the Defeatocrats have changed their tune slightly since this came out.

Religious Discrimination at The University of Wisconsin

Great catch from Chad at 4 The Little Guy. Free speech only exists if you agree with the radical leftist agenda of today's college campuses.

WMD Moved to Syria? We've Heard This Before

We'll see. Another guy trying to sell a book. Sorry, but I've got way too many to read right now as it is....

More on the Canadian Election

HT to Canuckistan Chronicles for this analysis of the changes in Canada. Far deeper than anything I've found in the MSM here in the States. Good stuff!

Leave It To The Palestinians...

...to shoot themselves, and the peace process, in the foot. It has been the history of the Palestinians, whenever peace is close, to do something to stop it. From Munich to Camp David, history is littered with the failure of the Palestinians to grasp peace with Israel.

The latest chapter, with the terrorist organization Hamas winning a majority of seats in the Palestinian parliament may be the last, and worst, bullet the Palestinians can shoot at themselves. Hamas has not changed, or recanted their charter, the Martyr's oath:

"Our struggle against the Jews is very great and very serious...The Movement is but one squadron that should be supported by more and more squadrons from this vast Arab and Islamic world, until the enemy is vanquished and Allah's victory is realised...

That's the beginning. Here's the final paragraph:

Israel, Judaism and Jews challenge Islam and the Muslim people. 'May the cowards never sleep.'"

I'm having some trouble seeing these folks as "partners in peace." It's time we realized that the Palestinians have never wanted peace. They want victory. Hamas has offered to give them that victory, and the Martyr's Oath of Hamas spells out the terms of that victory, the total destruction not just of Israel, but of Judaism. At least Hamas is honest about its goals, at least for now. Their honesty may change as they gain political power. The goals won't. But the honesty may fade as they seek to consolidate their gains before launching their next attack on Israel, and it's ally, The United States.

An Honest Liberal Speaks: Hugh Hewitt

Great interview with the author of Warrior and Wusses including the audio. What a jerk. No other word for it. The ignorance of this columnist is just staggering, and Hugh Hewitt brings out this ignorance without Mr. Stein even realizing he looks like...well...a jerk.

The First "Earthlike" Planet

Well, sort of. Only five times the size of Earth, its the smallest planet detected. Not exactly a vacation spot, but it give us some evidence of other rocky worlds orbiting distant suns. It's only a matter of time until we find one like ours.

NSA Surveillance: It's Legal, It's Moral, and It Will Continue

I've not spent much time on the whole NSA issue. I think it's just one more time bomb that will eventually blow up in the Left's face. But this post from Powerline spells out the program, and the MSM's blatant ignorance. Like Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) the MSM needs to look up from the DNC talking points occasionally.

Joel Stein: An Honest Liberal at Last

Joel Stein admits the illogic of saying you support the troops but don't support what they are doing. It's about time a liberal told the truth. I'm not expecting this truth telling to start a trend on the left however...

How to Become a Liberal in 22 Steps

The list is great, and the huffing and puffing of the comments is almost as funny as the post itself. Very good stuff!

Oh Canada! In a Squeaker.

Wonder Woman and Richard have the details.
Mark Steyn has a great look at the new Prime Minister.
And The Vancouver Sun breaks down the vote by region.
I'll be humming "Oh Canada!" all day. It's much easier to sing than "The Star Spangled Banner, " especially after last night.

A Great Post From Canada

It will be great to have an ally to our north again. Looks like the Liberals are on their way out in Canada. Germany, Canada, the U.S. Just keeps getting better and better.

The Evolution of Math

I don't post stuff I recieve in email very often, but this one is definitely an exception. Thanks to Sue for this one:

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The countergirl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1.Teaching Math In 1950
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2.Teaching Math In 1960
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3.Teaching Math In 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4.Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5.Teaching Math In 1990
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living?
Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? There are no wrong answers.

6.Teaching Math In 2005
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80.

Sigh.

Learning From History: The Great Influenza

The Great Influenza (revised ed) : The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History
Few books have captured the horror and the heroism of 1918 as has this one. The horror of hundreds of thousands of deaths, touching every family in the United States. The heroism of the doctors and nurses who fought, and often died, of the same influenza.

And, as the death toll climbs from the latest flu outbreak, it's vital we look back to the last great pandemic, learning the lessons of their heroism and horror.

33 Years Ago: Roe v. Wade

The dissenting opinion of Justice White:

"I find nothing in the language or history of the Constitution to support the Court's judgment. The Court simply fashions and announces a new constitutional right for pregnant mothers and, with scarcely any reason or authority for its action, invests that right with sufficient substance to override most existing state abortion statutes. The upshot is that the people and the legislatures of the 50 States are constitutionally disentitled to weigh the relative importance of the continued existence and development of the fetus, on the one hand, against a spectrum of possible impacts on the mother, on the other hand. As an exercise of raw judicial power, the Court perhaps has authority to do what it does today; but, in my view, its judgment is an improvident and extravagant exercise of the power of judicial review that the Constitution extends to this Court.

"The Court apparently values the convenience of the pregnant mother more than the continued existence and development of the life or potential life that she carries. Whether or not I might agree with that marshaling of values, I can in no event join the Court's judgment because I find no constitutional warrant for imposing such an order of priorities on the people and legislatures of the States. In a sensitive area such as this, involving as it does issues over which reasonable men may easily and heatedly differ, I cannot accept the Court's exercise of its clear power of choice by interposing a constitutional barrier to state efforts to protect human life and by investing mothers and doctors with the constitutionally protected right to exterminate it. This issue, for the most part, should be left with the people and to the political processes the people have devised to govern their affairs." (coutesy Wikipedia)

Today, in the home state of Tom Daschle, the legislature of South Dakota is taking the first steps to reverse Roe. It's too late for millions of unborn, but it's a beginning.

Canadian Soldiers Head for Afghanistan

Great post from Wonder Woman over at North American Patriot. Worth a mention, and a thank you to these brave soldiers helping the U.S. and the Afghans secure freedom.

Wish I'd Seen This: A Positive Portrayal of an Evangelical on Scrubs

Great read. I may have start watching the show now.

End of the Spear Opens Today

If you grew up Evangelical Christian as I did, you likely knew the name of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot before you knew the name of the President. The story of the five missionaries who died, and their wives and children bringing the Gospel to the very tribe that murdered them was told and retold through out my childhood.

End of the Spear tells that story from the point of view of the tribesmen themselves. It's the latest in a series of independent movies marketed to the growing number of us tired of the "Brokeback Mountain" and " Hostel" garbage coming from Hollyweird. End of the Spear is playing on 1200 screens beginning 1/20/05.

The Last of the Nine: New Horizons

I've been waiting for New Horizons to launch for three days now. We will finally get a look at the either the last planet, or the first resident of the Kuiper Belt, depending on how you look at it. Either way, we're going to have some fantastic pictures in a few years.

The Origins of the Great War: 2007

An analysis of the origins of the Great War, also known as World War IV (2007-2011) and the ways history repeats itself. Required reading, folks. Hat Tip to NeoCon Express, a must read site.

Bin Laden Speaks...From the Dead?

Now here's an interesting quote from the new Bin Laden tape:

"The delay in similar operations happening in America has not been because of failure to break through your security measures. But the operations are happening in Baghdad and you will see them here at home the minute they are through (with preparations), with God's permission," he said.

What's interesting is his confirmation that the terrorists are very much tied down in Iraq, something the Left has gone to great pains to deny.

When the tape was actually made is still being determined. But the threat is very real.

Are You a Heretic?

A fun quiz, but with an important message. Christianity was defined in the first four centuries of its existence by the heresies it faced. This quiz helps sort out those historical heresies from the truth as defined by the great Councils of the Church, especially the great councils of Nicea and Chalcedon. HT to RSP for this one.

You scored as Chalcedon compliant. You are Chalcedon compliant. Congratulations, you're not a heretic. You believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451. Chalcedon compliant 92% Modalism 58% Monophysitism 58% Monarchianism 58% Nestorianism 50% Apollanarian 33% Adoptionist 33% Pelagianism 25% Gnosticism 8% Socinianism 8% Albigensianism 0% Arianism 0% Docetism 0% Donatism 0% Are you a heretic? created with QuizFarm.com

Update: If you'd like to know what all these are, and what heresy you may have mixed in, go here.

So, Yesterday Was MLK Day...

and Matt posted one of the most moving, most poetic speeches in our nation's history. The impact of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" oratory continues to resonate through our national conciousness.

So, what did the Defeatocrats say in memorial to this great Christian leader?

A current U.S. Senator, and future Presidential candidate, spoke of "plantations," disgracefully playing the race card in hopes of getting elected to the Presidency on 2008. She said this at the annual "Al Sharpton Homage Dinner," a requirement of all Defeatocrats running for office in New York. I wonder if Tawana Brawley was invited?

A former U.S. Senator, former Presidential candidate with aspirations to run again, proclaims the current President a criminal, and calls for hearings. Just a few words here:
Budhist Temple. Ruby Ridge. Waco. Elian Gonzalez. Aldrich Ames. Perjury. Cigars. Impeachment.

And the erstwhile Mayor of New Orleans gives some interesting culinary suggestions for bringing back his flood ravaged city:

"It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans _ the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," the mayor said. "This city will be a majority African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans."

Mayor Nagin also gives his reasons for believing Katrina, and other hurricanes hit.

Mayor Ray Nagin suggested Monday that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and other storms were a sign that "God is mad at America" and at black communities, too, for tearing themselves apart with violence and political infighting.

"Surely God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it's destroyed and put stress on this country," Nagin, who is black, said as he and other city leaders marked Martin Luther King Day.

"Surely he doesn't approve of us being in Iraq under false pretenses. But surely he is upset at black America also. We're not taking care of ourselves."

Can you picture the reaction of Pat Robertson saying such a thing?

Another great Federally-mandated holiday to race bait, whine and complain for the Left. Martin Luther King would be appalled, and rightfully so.

Freedom of Religion...NOT!

Great post from Chad over at 4 The Little Guy. Didn't realize freedom of religion ended when one took public office.

Mark will be away for a while

I'm off for a 3 day family vacation in Galena IL, home of one of our greatest Generals, and worst Presidents. But one of the great things about having a partner is that Liberty Just in Case will just keep purring along. And, by the way, I think I liked Matt's results better than my own on the Superhero test. Sigh.
Your results:
You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern 60% Supergirl 45% Superman 45% Batman 40% Spider-Man 35% Hulk 35% Iron Man 30% Wonder Woman 25% Robin 22% The Flash 15% Catwoman 10%

Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

Columns Like This Were What Made Me a Blogger: Peggy Noonan

Noone can put words together and say just what I'm thinking like Peggy Noonan. Great, great look at the Alito hearings, in a way only she can accomplish.

Blogosphere Politics: Michael Barone

A must read column. An important analysis of what the blogosphere has wrought on politics, both left and right.

The Defeatocrats Score a Victim

HT to The Corner for this one. I hope Senator dick, Leahy, Kennedy et al are feeling proud tonight. They've browbeat a good man, and made his wife cry. Nice work, don't you think?

And, Lindsay Graham is off the RINO list after his wonderful performance in these hearings. Of course, if he hangs out with John McCain for awhile, he will quickly find his way right back on the list.

1918 Here We Come

(HT Hugh Hewitt)
Looks like the bird flu is mutating, becoming more deadly each time...

Catch and Release: Michael Yon

When you see the picture, you'll remember this hero's body being dumped on the tarmac. What you may not know is that he was tortured by the beasts in front of a microphone, hoping to get him to scream for the waiting journalists. He didn't. So they killed him. And now Germany has released the terrorist who killed him.

All of Michael Yon's posts are important. This one may be his most important of all.

Alito Meets the Munchkins

I just can't get the image out of my head, every time I see one of the Defeatocrats ask Alito a question in these hearings. Now, I have to admit, I've been massively bored with the whole thing this time around. So far, no Defeatocrat has come close to asking a coherent question, though Illinois' private shame, Senator Dick, tried very hard.

It'll be good to see Judge Alito join Judge Roberts on the court in a few weeks.

More Media Myths: Mine Safety

Have you heard the media mantra yet? It goes something like this:
Those poor miners wouldn't have died if Bush had done his job! This is Bush's fault!

Um, wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Read the whole peice from TCS, unless you want to keep believing lies and myths, of course.

Media Myths: Military Recruiting

See! See! NOONE supports the illegal, immoral war on the innocent in Iraq! The evil U.S. military isn't even able to meet their own recruiting goals!

Uh, wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Even this heavily biased story, which seeks to downplay the whole story, can't hide the truth:

December was the seventh consecutive month that the Army met its goal.

And this:

The Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps also exceeded their monthly recruiting goals — which were all two to three times the Army's number. All four military services also met or exceeded their reenlistment goals for the month.

One more myth bites the dust. So, let's review, shall we?

The Iraqi front is part of a wider war, referred to as GWOT, or World War IV. It's legal, and authorized by Congress, including a majority of Defeatocrats. And the action in Iraq is working, and providing a base for further action on other fronts. And Iran, Syria and North Korea knows that far better than the Defeatocrats here in the United States.

Is Bin Laden Dead?

Michael Ledeen has been right to often to ignore. We can always hope his Iranian friends are right. And speaking of Iran, the threat of war looms larger with this development.

Saddam's Terror Camps: The Tip of the Iceberg

(HT to PajamasMedia)
Let's see. The Defeatocrats mantra is "There is no link between Saddam and Al-Qaeda." One more leftist lie that bites the dust from Saddam's own document cache. Read the whole thing, though. Looks like this is just the beginning. The main argument against releasing the documents en masse is the fear that the MSM will cherry pick them, and distort them.

But, the MSM is ALREADY DOING THAT. Should the documents be released, the blogosphere will take care of the analysis, and the distortions attempted by both left and right.

Sometimes Getting What You Want Isn't As Good as the Wanting

'Ole Ronnie's witchhunt of Tom Delay will no longer be a distraction for the GOP in the House. One more peice of evidence for the Defeatocrats' ideation, with some help from some useful idiots on the right side of the aisle.

The Defeatocrats' Continuing Suicidal Behavior

I'm becoming deeply concerned that sharp objects, belts, even shoestrings should now be removed from the Democrat Party, as they are at great risk of hurting themselves...this from Drudge is one more peice of evidence.

Art Bell's Wife Dies Suddenly of Asthma Attack

I love Coast to Coast AM. I seldom agree with anything said, but it's a fun way to spend an evening when you can't sleep. And, Art Bell is the best interviewer I've ever heard. He can take the most whacked-out, in need of serious meds, time traveling, alien abducted mad scientist and make him seem reasonable. And he can keep 'em talking for 4 hours straight!

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Bell on the loss of his wife. I have a lot of experience with asthma, and know how much she must have suffered. The loss is felt by all of us who listen to Coast to Coast AM.

Warp 6. Engage

Where's Zefram Cochran when you need him? Seriously, someday some far out theory like this will get us to the stars...I hope:

AN EXTRAORDINARY "hyperspace" engine that could make interstellar space travel a reality by flying into other dimensions is being investigated by the United States government.

The hypothetical device, which has been outlined in principle but is based on a controversial theory about the fabric of the universe, could potentially allow a spacecraft to travel to Mars in three hours and journey to a star 11 light years away in just 80 days, according to a report in today's New Scientist magazine.

Wouldn't that be cool beyond words? And oh how it would change everything down here on planet Earth.

The Anti-Christian Agenda for 2006

So, here's the plot of the new weekly series on NBC:
A Jewish Rabbi/Muslim Cleric/Buddhist Priest with a drug problem, an alcoholic wife, a gay son, a promiscuous straight son and a drug dealing daughter has conversations with Jehovah/Mohammed/Buddha in his car. Jehovah/Mohammed/Buddha never, ever judges the man or his family, but dispenses "valueless" advice, much like a therapist.

Oh, sorry. It's an Episcopal Priest, and he talks to a watered down Jesus. Guess that's makes it okay. After all, who cares if Christians are offended, right?

A Polite Way of Telling Congressman Murtha to Shut Up.

Time to Wear my Ronny Cap

I seldom wear my SS Reagan cap. I never served in the military, and don't want to be mistaken as one of those brave folks who did. But today I may have to, as The Reagan makes her maiden voyage of World War IV.

Crimes and Misdemeanors

A fascinating interview by Hugh Hewitt with a liberal law professor and columnist. Umm, she didn't exactly make a great case...

Glass Houses and Defeatocrats

Wondering why you aren't hearing much from the Defeatocrats themselves on Abramoff? Oh, I know the MSM is frothing at the mouth, always mentioning "Abramoff" and "Republican" in the same breath, but here's the real story of the Abramoff scandal: It touches both sides fairly equally.

Required Reading: Mark Steyn and the Death of the West

(HT to Hugh Hewitt)

Just When You Thought Israeli Politics Couldn't Get Any More Chaotic

Journalism On Parade: Mining for Ratings

I went to bed last night believing there were no survivors. About 1 AM, I got up with some back pains, went down stairs and turned on the TV. Blaring across every cable news outlet was the wonderful news of the 12 miners survival. I went to bed as what was reported to be the first of several ambulances roared past a giddy Anderson Cooper on CNN on it's way to the hospital.

I awoke at 5 this morning to the awful truth. Only one miner was alive. The rest were dead. And at no point had the officials at the mining company said anything else.

The vultures of the morning show set, The Today Show, hurried to interview the families, who were now angry and grief stricken. Expecting the gold of having their loved ones back, they recieved instead the ultimate coal in their stocking of finding they had not been told the truth.

Now the blame game begins. And the MSM is pointing it's collective finger everywhere but where it belongs, at themselves, and their own shoddy journalism. But we should be used to this level of reporting. Remember the hundred thousand dead of New Orleans? The "rapes" and "shootings" at the Superdome? The "dozens of bodies" in a meat locker at the Convention Center?

There are a few in the media accepting blame:

Many editors, at big papers and small, rushed to admit, explain or defend their error, on their Web sites on Wednesday. Sherry Chisenhall, editor of the Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, was on who accepted blame. "If you saw today's printed edition of The Eagle, you saw a front page headline and story that are flat wrong," she wrote. "I'll explain why we (and newspapers across the country) went to press last night with the information we had at the time. But it won't excuse the blunt truth that we violated a basic tenet of journalism today in our printed edition: Report what you know and how you know it."

Scott Libin, a faculty member at the Poynter Institute, wrote today,
"This case reminds us of a lesson we learned, at least in part, from Hurricane Katrina: Even when plausibly reliably sources such as officials pass along information, journalists should press for key details....If we believe that when your mama says she loves you, you should check it out, surely what the mayor or police chief or governor says deserves at least some healthy skepticism and verification. I understand how emotion and adrenaline and deadlines affect performance. That does not excuse us from trying to do better."

I wonder what CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews, and the rest would be saying today if the false story of survivors had hit the blogosphere first? The first rule of journalism is Check your Sources. Then, recheck them. No one in the MSM bothered to do that last night. No one.

At what point do we say enough? At what point do we hold journalism in this country accountable? How many more Katrinas do we have to have? How many more Swift Boats? How many more forged documents? How many more families lifted to the heights, then crushed in their grief by an irresponsible Press? A biased, out of control MSM that cares more about their ideology and their ratings than the truth? How long do we allow this to go on?

Chris Mathew's Silence

Michelle Malkin has a great clip from Hardball. The way Chris Mathew's face falls, and his silence at the end is priceless. Wonder if Pete Williams got reprimanded for stepping off the talking points?

Before the Left Does the Snoopy Dance Over the Abramoff Plea...

...remember that in the end, Abramoff may bleed at least as many Defeatocrats as Republicans, most notably Matt's own senior Senator, Harry Reid. Ah well, he can always become a funeral director. Of course, the way the Defeatocrats are committing political suicide, he already is one, isn't he?

The Attack on the Blogosphere

Rather you are left or right, the attack by the MSM on Bill Roggio should send chills up your spine.

Required Reading: VDH and Sowell and Colson

Thomas Sowell looks at the coming slide over the falls if and when Iran goes nuclear, and our choices when they do.

Victor Davis Hanson looks at the price of success in America.

And finally, Charles Colson has a nightmare, a nightmare very close to reality should we listen to the Defeatocrats.

Argali: The Phone Book for the Internet

Thanks to Kim Komando for this link. The best phone book I've found for the internet by far. Both white and yellow pages, and searches multiple listings. Great stuff!

Narnia on Top Again

So, is anyone in movie making listening? Probably not, if the huge ad for a movie disputing an historical Jesus is any judge.

Changes, And Promises

A great post from someone you would least expect it from. Worth reading a couple of times. And, in case anyone thinks such a major change might change her politics, read the post just below the one in the link. Sigh.

And Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Use Your PC

I'm thinking this is a really bad thing...

The flaw, which allows hackers to infect computers using programs maliciously inserted into seemingly innocuous image files, was first discovered last week. But the potential for damaging attacks increased dramatically at the weekend after a group of computer hackers published the source code they used to exploit it. Unlike most attacks, which require victims to download or execute a suspect file, the new vulnerability makes it possible for users to infect their computers with spyware or a virus simply by viewing a web page, e-mail or instant message that contains a contaminated image.

“We haven’t seen anything that bad yet, but multiple individuals and groups are exploiting this vulnerability,” Mr Hyppönen said. He said that every Windows system shipped since 1990 contained the flaw.

Sigh. I didn't get a Mac for Christmas either...

Oh Great Part II: Hot Chocolate Isn't What They Are Drinking In Oklahoma

The fires are still burning in Central Oklahoma, threatening the towns of Prague, Stroud, and a dozen other small communities. Per contacts there, the grass is so dry it breaks apart in your hands, and the trees are so dry that they literally explode when they catch fire. With no rain in weeks, and none predicted for the foreseeable future, things are looking grim in Oklahoma, Texas, and now New Mexico.

From Russia, With Love

PajamasMedia has begun to fulfull its promise of complete news coverage through blogs. This peice on the crisis in Ukraine, and the great analysis from blogs across Europe, will tell you more in five minutes than a whole day of watching CNN.

Its a very scary development for the new democracies of Eastern Europe. This map tells the story of the stanglehold Mother Russia has on it's former client states. President Bush may have looked in to Putin's eyes and seen something. But now he needs to look at Putin's actions and DO something.

Russia Flexes It's Gas Muscles: Will Ukraine Retaliate?

No matter how you look at it, this is a very dangerous development...

A New Year: New Promises, New Struggles

I'm looking at the Drudge Report, it's about 11PM on 12/31/05 CST.
There's the usual drivel: Angela Jolie is carrying Brad Pitt's baby, The Donald may run for Governor of New York, China promises to "open up" and help with world peace...yeah, right. And of course, the MSM is still trying to beat the NSA surveillance story into something the Democrats can use. The story will die, unless the probe into the leaks turns up somebody really big as the leaker, like Senator Rockefeller himself.

But there are some huge story looming on the final Drudge page of 2005. The U.S. has plans to attack Iran. (Let's hope so) And, another story about North Korea's nukes. Add to that the coming elections of November, the suicide strategy of the Defeatocrats, the ongoing struggle for Democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we have the makings of an exciting year. We'll cover it all here at Liberty Just in Case.

The addition of Matt to LJiC has been a true blessing. It's odd in these days of the blogosphere that some of my best friends are people I've never met in the flesh. Heinlein would be shaking his head in awe at how far we've come. I look forward to a wonderful partnership with Matt over the coming months and years.

But perhaps the most amazing promise of 2006 for me personally reached its climax on 12/30/05. A dear friend, who I have sparred with often over the past year, became more than a friend. She became a spiritual relative, a sister in Christ. It was a renewal for her, and for me, as she took a step into a wider, deeper world. I'll say no more, until she is ready to say more herself. I look forward to her continuing growth, and my own over the coming year.

So, having indulged in more personal reflections than I should have on this site, let me just say;

Happy New Year!