Friday Afternoon ... Whatever

So it seems that our fair city ... actually, just Elmendorf AFB ... will be visited by TOTUS next Wednesday. It is exciting to watch Air Force One land and take off, both of which are clearly visible from downtown. Other than that, meh. It seems the plane will refuel here on its way to a 10-day Asian tour.

I wonder when the "live" album will be released?

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Some somebody-or-other at the U. of Iowa (a single bright spot in an otherwise bleak landscape) has issued an economic analysis that Alaska was a bad investment purchase for the U.S. It seems the state has absorbed more federal dollars than it has returned. While I'm no fan of a continued federal handout, Alaska's location and terrain are apparently beyond his feeble reckoning skills. They wanted people to move here, and - strangely enough - Americans here want many of the same amenities enjoyed elsewhere. Small population + non-existent infrastructure = federal expenditures. Go figure.

I don't recall asking his opinion, but it must go along with Missouri Senator McCaskill taking Alaska Native corporations to task for following existing federal contract bid requirements. She thinks they get an unfair advantage; they maintain the 'advantage' was written into federal law in the late '70s, under President Peanut.

They're right, of course, but most of them are large enough now that they might not need the competitive advantage any longer.

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The weather is turning colder again; it's 37 with a misty drizzle. Since the weatherman predicts a 10-degree drop overnight, is white stuff in the forecast?

Um, not so much. This drizzle wasn't forecast, either, so who knows? It's a lead-pipe cinch that AccuHunch doesn't have a clue.

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In my original post yesterday about the Fort Hood massacre, I ended by asking how long it would be before the Bradys and/or their ilk would call for banning firearms on military bases. I then took it off, because it just didn't feel right to inject a snarky political comment.

But the calls for tighter rules didn't take long, did they?

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Y'all have a fantastic weekend: heal if you've been stressed, and relax just because. Thanks for stopping by.

A Prayer for Our Soldiers, and Their Families

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5)

He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow ... (Deuteronomy 10:18)

The LORD watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down. (Psalm 146:9)

Father, please comfort the survivors - the victims and their families. Surround them with Your presence and keep them safe. Lord, let them feel Your love in every waking moment, and let them sleep in peace. Send those across their paths who will minister to them in any way they need it.

We also ask that you aid the investigators, and all who labor to set things right. Let justice be done.

We also ask that you guide the hands and thoughts of the doctors and nurses who are charged with mending the bodies of those who were injured. Aid the counselors who work with the survivors, and grant Your peace to all.

Lord, we also ask that you help us all to understand that we live in a fallen and broken world; that sometimes, despite our best efforts, bad things happen. Especially comfort the children whose lives have been shattered, and hold them close.

We ask all this in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

UPDATE: 13 dead in shootings at Fort Hood

This is beyond awful. In an Associated Press story, they say:

WASHINGTON – 13 people were killed and 30 wounded in a pair of shootings Thursday at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas, the Army says. An army spokesman in Washington says the base has been locked down following the shootings. Lt. Gen Bob Cone said at a news conference that one shooter has been killed and two suspects were apprehended on Thursday. He says they are all U.S. soldiers.

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SNIP
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The White House said President Barack Obama was notified of the shootings.

My prayers go out to the families of those slain or wounded; "going in harm's way" shouldn't include your home base, Stateside.

Well Said

From a comment left at GOC's post on Ammo Sales:

... It's sort of comedic, the way the anti-gun folks have spurred gun sales. But the underlying note is a chilling one. We sense something bad is coming. The borrowing can't continue. The controls are ever-more invasive. Somethings got to give. We don't know where or what, but we're uncomfortable. We take a small amount of comfort in knowing that, if civil controls fail, we're armed.

Having a gun is no panacea. There are always people out there with bigger guns, and more of them. A gun in my hand doesn't mean I can't be killed. But it does mean I can't be enslaved. They can take my life but not my humanity.

These are disturbing thoughts to be harboring in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Our political leadership will say I've become another dangerous right-wing kook. Is it true? It's a question I ask of myself. Have I moved into crazy territory? Or am I just telling it like it is?

In any case, I'm not a danger to anyone. Not planning on launching a revolution. I'm just getting on with my stupid life. But I sleep better knowing that if anything comes after me, I've got the right tool to do what must be done.

Posted by TalkinHorse at November 4, 2009 04:04 PM

Exactly.