"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line."

 "If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."

 "Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."

 "He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."

"We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs."

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."

"Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building! weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies."

"There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has invigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies."

"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them."

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country."

"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it  will continue for as long as Saddam is in power."

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction."

"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear  weapons..."

"I will be voting to give the President! of the United States the authority to use force-- if necessary-- to disarm   Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."

The vast majority of our imports come from outside the country." 

If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure.

One word sums up probably the responsibility of any Governor, and that one word is 'to be prepared'.

I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future.

The future will be better tomorrow.

We're going to have the best educated American people in the world.

I stand by all the misstatements that I've made.

We have a firm commitment to NATO, we are a part of NATO. We have a firm commitment to Europe. We are a part of Europe.

Public speaking is very easy.

A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls.

We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur.

For NASA, space is still a high priority.

Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our children.

It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.

It's time for the human race to enter the solar system.

- John F. Kerry

---

I have known men that were part of The 3rd infantry (The Old Guard). Every duty they perform is considered an honor and a privlidge. However, in the case of this particular task, I could never have made it without cursing and drinking and raising hell! lol.

If you ever get the chance to see any of these troops, it is well worth it. They are the epitome of discipline, honor and esprit de'corp.

be well,
Smitty

1.  How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps.  It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. 

2.  How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1 

3.  Why are his gloves wet? 

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. 

4.  Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not? 

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. 

5.  How often are the guards changed? 

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. 

6.  What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? 

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30." Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.  They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.  After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb.  There are only 400 presently worn.  The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet.  There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.  Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV.  All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.  A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred.  Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E.  Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty. 

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. 

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm.  On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.  They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"  Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson.  The tomb has been patrolled continuously,  24/7, since 1930. 

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve. 

God Bless and keep them.

After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's license with her face covered, this editorial was written by an American citizen and published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please! 

"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.... 

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. 

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! 

"In God We Trust " is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. 

If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every! citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE. 

AMEN 

(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.) 

Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years. 
 

Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it. 

You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in  society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan. 

In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan. 

For all practical purposes their plan works like this: 

When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die. 

Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments. 

For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives. 

This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two Dignitaries. 

Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives. 

Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA....ZILCH.... 

This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them... You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds; 

     "OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"! 

From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into, -every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer)- we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after retirement. 

Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits! 

Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made. 

That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us ..... then sit back and watch how fast they would fix it.

As I said, I don't condone what happened to the prisoners...but until the Iraqi's and the Arab Community gets their act together...  I wish the
American news elite would stop being part of the problem and stop using this story to the benefit of the Arab community.

YES, I'M A BAD AMERICAN 
by
George Carlin 

I Am Your Worst Nightmare.
 I am a BAD American.
 I am George Carlin.
 I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some mid level governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican!
I'm in touch  with my feelings and I like it that way, damn it! 

I think owning a gun
doesn't make you a killer,
it makes you a smart American. 

I think being a minority
does not make you 
noble or victimized,
and does not entitle you to anything. 

I believe that if you are selling me
a Big Mac, try to do it in English. 

I think fireworks should be legal
on the 4th of July. 

I think that being a student
doesn't give you any more
enlightenment than working
at Blockbuster.
 In fact, if your parents
are footing the bill
to put your pansy ass
through 4 years plus, of college,
you haven't begun to be enlightened. 

I believe everyone has a right to pray
to his or her God
when and where they want to. 

My heroes are 
Colin Powell,
John Wayne,
Babe Ruth,
Roy Rogers,
and whoever canceled Jerry Springer. 

 I don't hate the rich.
I don't pity the poor. 

I know wrestling is fake
and I don't waste my time
arguing about it. 

I think global warming is a big lie.
Where are all those experts now,
when I'm freezing my ass off
during these  long winters
and paying, paying, paying? 

I've never owned a slave,
or was a slave,
I didn't wander forty years
In the desert after getting chased
out of Egypt.
I haven't burned any witches
or been persecuted by the Turks
and neither have you!
So, shut-the-Hell-up already. 

I want to know which church
is it exactly where 
the Reverend Jesse Jackson
practices,
where he gets his  money,
and why he is always
part of the problem 
and not the solution.
Can I get an AMEN on that one? 

I think the cops have every right
to shoot your sorry ass
if you're running from them.
 I also think they have the right
to pull your ass over
if you're breaking the law,
regardless of what color you are. 

I think if you are too stupid
to know how a ballot works,
I don't want you deciding
who should be running
the most powerful nation in the world
for the next four years. 

I dislike those people
standing in the intersections
trying to sell me crap
or trying to guilt me
into making "donations"
to their cause.
 These people should be targets. 

I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents. 

I believe 
if she has her lips on your Willie,
it's sex,
and this applies even if you are
President of the United States. 

And what the hell is going on
with gas prices... again? 

If this makes me a BAD American,
then yes, I'm a BAD American.
 If you are a BAD American too,
please send this to everyone you know.
 We need our country back!

I Am The Flag of America

My name is Old Glory. 

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. 
I stand watch in America's
halls of justice. 
I fly majestically
over institutions of learning. 
I stand guard
with power in the  world. 

Look up and see me. 

I stand for
peace, honor, truth and  justice. 
I stand for freedom. 
I am confident. 
I am arrogant. 
I am  proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners, 
My head is a little  higher, 
My colors a little truer 

I bow to no one! 
I am recognized  all over the world. 
I am worshipped
I am saluted
I am loved
I am  revered.
I am respected
I am feared 

I have fought in every battle
of every war
 for more then 200 years. 

I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox. 
I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest,
Anzio, Rome and the 
beaches of  Normandy. 
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam
know me. 
I was  there.

I led my troops,
I was dirty, battleworn and tired, 
      But my soldiers  cheered me and I was proud 

      I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries
I have helped set free. 
It does not hurt for I am  invincible. 

I have been soiled upon,
burned, torn and trampled
in the streets of my country.

And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle
it  hurts. 
But I shall overcome
for I am strong. 

I have slipped the 
bonds of Earth
and stood watch over
the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point
on the moon. 
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours. 

But my finest hours
are yet to come. 

When I am torn into strips
and used as bandages 
for my wounded comrades
on the  battlefield,

When I am flown at half-mast
to honor my soldier, 
Or when I  lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen
son or daughter, 
I am proud. 

  I heard some Arabs are asking 
  for an apology.  I humbly offer mine here: 

  I am sorry that the last seven times we Americans took up arms and sacrificed the blood of our youth, it was in the defense of Muslims (Bosnia, Kosovo, Gulf War 1, Kuwait, etc.). 

  I am sorry that no such call for an apology was made upon the extremists after 9/11. 

  I am sorry that all of the murderers on 9/11 were Arabs. 

  I am sorry that Arabs have to live in squalor under savage dictatorships. 

  I am sorry that their leaders squander their wealth. 

  I am sorry that their governments breed hate for the US in their religious schools. 

  I am sorry that Yassir Arafat was kicked out of every Arab country and hijacked the Palestinian "cause". 

  I am sorry that no other Arab country will take in or offer more than a token amount of financial help to those same Palestinians. 

  I am sorry that the USA has to step in and be the biggest financial supporter of poverty stricken Arabs while the insanely wealthy Arabs blame the USA. 

  I am sorry the United Nations scammed the poor  people of Iraq out of the "food for oil" money so they could get rich while the common folk suffered. 

  I am sorry that some Arab governments pay the families of homicide bombers upon their death. 

  I am sorry that the homicide bombers think babies are a legitimate target. 

  I am sorry that Muslim extremists have killed more Arabs than any other group. 

  I am sorry that foreign trained terrorists are trying to seize control of Iraq and return it to a terrorist state. 

  I am sorry every time terrorists hide they find a convenient "Holy Site". 

  I am sorry they didn't apologize for driving jets into the World Trade Center Towers that collapsed and severely damaged Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church - one of our Holy Sites. 

  I am sorry they didn't apologize for flight 93 and 175, the USS Cole, the embassy bombings, etc. 

  I am sorry Michael Moore is American; he could feed a medium sized village in Africa. 

  America will get past this latest absurdity. We will punish those responsible because that is what we do. We hang out our dirty laundry for all the world to see. We move on. That's one of the reasons we are hated so much. We don't hide this stuff like all those Arab countries that are now demanding an apology. 

  Deep down inside, when most Americans saw this (Abu Grabe) reported in the news, we were like - so what? We lost   hundreds and made fun of a few prisoners. Sure, it was wrong, sure, it dramatically hurts our cause, but until captured we were trying to kill these same prisoners. Now we're supposed to wring our hands because a few were humiliated? 

  Our compassion is tempered with the vivid memories of our own people killed, mutilated and burnt amongst a joyous crowd of celebrating Fallujans.