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Qana Photo Staging? No Question Anymore

Posted by JPS on Thursday, August 10, 2006 1:30:30 PM
 There's been a fair amount of discussion lately regarding whether or not pro-Hezbollah individuals were using (abusing really) dead children and other victims from the war in Lebanon as propaganda fodder; especially as it relates to the recent Israeli bombing in the town of Qana.  The so-called "Green Helmut" guy (pictured below) seems to appear an awful lot whenever people die in Lebanon as a result of Israeli actions.  This picture seems particularly damning in and of itself in that what could possibly be the reason for holding a child's dead body up like that except as a photo-op.


But many, particularly on the left, are ready to defend the reporting as straight-forward, free from the taint of manipulation.  OK, fine.  Let's grant that a picture like this does not represent proof of journalistic manipulation.  Perhaps Green Helmut is helpfully displaying this child's body to a gathered group of grieving parents in the hopes that one will be able to identify it.  A slightly plausible, and gruesome, method but let's grant that all the same.

Allow me to call your attention to the following video.  If you still harbor any doubts, and I mean ANY, as to the motives of Green Helmut, you owe it to yourself to watch this.  It absolutely puts the lie to anyone who claims this guy is up to anything other than total pro-terrorist propaganda designed for consumption by a gullible (that's the charitable version) mainstream Western media.  As far as I'm concerned, any major news media organization that ever publishes another photo where this guy is within 1000 feet of it is engaged in propaganda; pure and simple.  Is it asking too much for our own media companies to wake up! 

Green Helmut as Film Director
  
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Gun Grabbers Left Scratching Their Heads in Florida

Posted by JPS on Thursday, July 13, 2006 3:56:44 PM

Florida has become one of the most gun-owner friendly states in the union with fairly liberal "right-to-carry" and "stand-your-ground" type laws that empower citizens to better defend themselves without fear of an over-zealous state prosecution. As a result, prominent gun-control advocates have been warning of Florida's impending gun violence crisis for many years.  One of the latest examples comes from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence which states the following:

On October 1, 2005, Florida became a more dangerous place. That's when the Shoot First Law goes into effect, giving the people of Florida the right to use deadly force as a first resort when they feel threatened, even in a public place. But the Shoot First doctrine isn't just staying in Florida — it's about to become a national disgrace.

In a country where thousands die needlessly every year in gun accidents and violent confrontations, this law is an enormous step backwards in civic responsibility and public safety. What's more, it envisions a society in which fear and distrust are the rule, and reason and responsibility are an endangered species.

If you live in Florida, or plan on visiting Florida, get the facts on the Shoot First Law. Know when you're safe, and how to avoid misunderstandings. Learn about when the people of Florida can shoot to kill... and when they think they can.

Sarah Brady states "Florida's legislature should repeal this law. And other states thinking of passing this law should stop and look at the results in Florida."  The Orlando Sentinel news report referenced describes several incidents where potentially questionable use of force was applied by citizens as evidence of the failure of the "Shoot First" law. However, the author himself states that it's too early to tell whether the law makes Floridians safer or puts them at greater risk. Additional stats are needed.

OK, let's look at some actual results in Florida as opposed to a few cherry-picked incidents. 

PalmBeachPost.com reports the Florida 2005 crime rate stats and shows them to be at the lowest level since 1971. You can view a copy of the actual state crime report here in PDF format. It's interesting to note that even though Florida's population is on the rise, the total gun homicide number fell over 6% while total homicides fell nearly 7%. This naturally translates to an even greater fall in the acutal rates for each category due to population growth. Granted this only covers the first 3 months since enactment of the new law. It will be interesting to view the 2006 stats this time next year when they become available.  Is anyone seriously ready to predict that 2006 will buck a 34-year trend and show violent crime and homicide on the rise? I suppose some might.

As noted in the Palm Beach Post story: "A telephone message left for comment after hours with the The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence in Washington, D.C. was not immediately returned."  There's a shocker.

I've read in several places that the gun-control lobby is all but dead now in Washington D.C.  The issue is viewed as a total political loser even among the more ardent left-wing factions.  Good.  The truth about more guns in the hands of responsible citizens has a way of revealing the emotion and hysteria of folks like Sarah Brady.  Now if only California would wise-up and do the same as Florida.
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Michael Moore - Sage or Idiot?

Posted by JPS on Friday, July 07, 2006 1:04:44 PM
 

"There is no terrorist threat in this country. This is a lie. This is the biggest lie we've been told." - Michael Moore

FBI uncovers plot to bomb NYC transportation system.

How many people still listen to this guy?  Far too many I'm afraid.

Update-Aug 10, 06; 11:00am Pacific:  Well, the hits just keep coming:

Mass Murder Plot over Pacific Ocean Foiled

Most of us woke up this morning to the news of a massive plot to blow up multiple American airliners traveling from Britain to the US.  Hey Krispy Kreme Boy!  Any further comments about how we're being lied to about terrorist threats?  I'd love to hear your explanation about how this is all just a figment of the world's imagination and that people aren't really planning to try and murder as many of us as they can.  If it's all the same to you, I'll continue breathing until you get back to me.
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Inaugural SISF post

Posted by JPS on Thursday, July 06, 2006 5:14:27 PM
Well, here goes nothing.  As of this minute I've told exactly no one that I intend to begin posting thoughts on my own political blog.  A year from now I may wish that I'd kept it that way.  Time will tell.

About me:  Live in San Francisco with my wife Michele and four dogs, drive a Toyota Prius hybrid, work in the internet technology sector, own guns, sing in a band, still love the Oakland Raiders in spite of the continuing embarassment and frustration they seem to generate each season, and hold libertarian-leaning conservative views.

The title of this blog page is pretty much how I feel living in the Northern California Bay Area.  Leftist ideology is well-entrenched here and forces me to constantly analyze my beliefs and views (which I feel is a great thing BTW) against the constant drumbeat of the "progressive" message pumped out by local/national media, co-workers, neighbors, friends, etc... 

I'm hoping this web page will provide an outlet of sorts where I can express my thoughts and maybe (hopefully?) attract both kindred spirits as well as those who disagree and wish to present a thoughtful and compelling counterpoint to my views.

So with this post, it looks like I'm off and running.  My goal is to try and get at least one post in every day with at least one significant post (specific topic) once a week.  Drop a line if you're so inclined; especially if you're a fellow Bay Area conservative feeling a bit adrift at times.
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