Off The Top with Red Kingman

Here's a story that is sure to draw your ire.  

An Arizona man is in trouble with his homeowners' association over flying the Gadsden flag, which features a coiled rattlesnake and the words "Don't Tread on Me."  The flag has been adopted by members of the tea party movement for its association with the American Revolution, but Andy McDonel tells the New York Times that he has hung the flag from his roof simply for its historical significance.

Arizona has a state statute that allows Arizonans to fly "the Stars and Stripes, the state flag, flags representing Indian nations as well as the official flags of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard," the Times reports.

McDonel's homeowners' association is strictly interpreting that law to ban the flying of any other flags, including the Gadsden. The American Civil Liberties Union is defending McDonel, saying the homeowners' group is taking too strict a view of the statute and restricting McDonel's right to free speech.  McDonel is chronicling his struggle on a blog, where he is asking for donations for a potential legal battle.

McDonel isn't the only person to run into a dispute over the historic flag.  Eric Smith of Thornton, Colo., said he and his neighbor were sent a letter by their homeowners' association that said "Tea Party flags are not permitted. Please Remove." They were threatened with a $100-a-month fine for flying the Gadsden flag.

Colorado has a statute similar to Arizona's that specifies which flags are allowed to be flown. The homeowners' association eventually reversed its demand, saying his flag fell into the category of "political signs" instead of flags and was thus allowed. (Liz Gordaon, Yahoo news)

Do you agree with the homeowners association, or, with Andy McDonel?

Thank the Lord for financial disclosure forms!  Without them we would never know that the wealthiest members of Congress grew richer in 2009 even as the economy struggled to recover from a deep recession.

The 50 wealthiest lawmakers were worth almost $1.4 billion in 2009, about $85.1 million more than 12 months earlier, according to The Hill’s annual review of lawmakers’ financial disclosure forms.  

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) tops the list for the second year in a row. His minimum net worth was $188.6 million at the end of 2009, up by more than $20 million from 2008, according to his financial disclosure form.  The bulk of Kerry’s wealth is credited to his spouse, Teresa Heinz Kerry, who inherited hundreds of millions of dollars after her late husband, the ketchup heir Sen. John Heinz (R-Pa.), died in a plane crash in 1991.

While the economy struggled through a recession during much of 2009 and the nation’s unemployment rate soared to 10 percent, the stock market rebounded, helping lawmakers with large investments. The S&P 500 rose by about 28 percent in 2009.  Total assets for the 50 wealthiest lawmakers in 2009 was $1.5 billion — that’s actually a nearly $36 million drop from a year ago. But lawmakers reduced their liabilities by even more, cutting debts by $120 million last year.

The only newcomer to the Top 10 list is Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who came straight in at No. 5. He replaced Rep. Harry Teague (D-N.M.), the 10th wealthiest member in 2008. Teague fell off the top 50 list after the value of a company he has a stake in — Teaco Energy Services Inc. — fell in value from $39.6 million in 2008 to at the least $1 million in 2009. (Kevin Bogardus and Barbra Kim, thehill.com)

I REALLY have the wrong job!!  Anybody want to send a wise-cracking, know-it-all announcer to congress?

One of my favorite web sites is SILVERBEAR CAFE.  It is definitely a political website, but it is designed for the common man and not for the ruling elite.  Speaking of the ruling elite, you might want to check out the latest article featured there titled: Relax America, The Global Elite Love You.  It speaks of the so called globalization (corporatization) of Western civilazation.  You might find it illuminating!

And I also wanted to submit for your review and enlightenment a video about free speech and giving the "power to the sheeple" produced by www.brasscheck.com where you can view many many different video clips that may or may not resonate with you.  Here is the video titled "Everything Is Ok", a perfect example of street activism that hopefully some might want to replicate HERE in America.

The Family That Drinks Together...   Here's a family that really enjoys doing things together. In Hopewell, New York, police stopped a vehicle at a DUI checkpoint after observing marijuana paraphernalia inside. The vehicle was occupied by two 18-year-old boys and two 15-year-old girls. Parents of all four teens were called to pick up their children, but the 46-year-old mother of one of the girls was observed to be intoxicated upon her arrival so they stopped her and charged her with DUI. In the meantime, the teen-ager was released to another adult at the scene and police called her dad. Two hours later he drove through the same checkpoint and guess what -- he was drunk too! So he was arrested as well! Good freakin' times! (Poughkeepsie Journal)

Living the High-Tech Life!  Isn't technology amazing? Thanks to a $4.99 iPhone app, Vincent Hunter got to watch a burglary as it happened at his home -- 1,400 miles away! Vincent was in Connecticut visiting his parents when he got a text message alerting him of movement inside his home in Dallas! Having set up a few webcams in the home, he then watched a live feed of two men wearing gloves peeking in his patio door. Seconds later, they started throwing a brick at the glass, eventually shattering it. Hunter and his wife called 911 from out-of-state as their home security system did the same in Dallas. Minutes later, the webcams showed Dallas police officers entering the Hunters' house with guns drawn. Unfortunately all that high tech gear still didn't catch the robbers who remain at large and are suspected in a number of neighborhood burglaries. (Dallas Morning News)

RUSSIAN CULT WORSHIPS GADGET HACKWRENCH FROM "RESCUE RANGERS"  Call it a case of fanaticism (or lamentation) over Disney Afternoon being pulled off the airwaves. A group of pious individuals from Russia found its savior in the form of an animated mouse: Gadget Hackwrench from Disney's long-canceled series "Rescue Rangers."  When asked why they find Gadget so endearing, one of her devotees had this to say: "Why I love her? It's stupid question, how I can't love the Goddess? She is strict, cute, optimistic and her level of technical knowledge is unachievable for a mortal being."

Their admiration for Gadget doesn't stop at mere adulation. A typical day for this cult involves serenading an image of their beloved with music, partaking in meals together and then hitting the town to vandalize public property with obnoxiously large stickers featuring Gadget's godly visage. 

They're apparently not the first folks to take a special interest in the comely mouse -- amountain of fan fiction quibbles over which Rescue Ranger (Chip or Dale) she would be more likely to mate with. Seriously

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How many times have we read the story or saw the video of the angry bull running into the crowd to get even for months of captivity and for the eventual amusement of the "human beings". (I wonder what bulls call us in their language??)  

I for one LOVE watching the videos because for one it focuses attention on the mighty differences between what "we" see as entertainment and "other cultures", AND it underscores the arrogance of man when it comes to subjugating animals for our entertainment. 

When watching this video clip is appears to me that the bull is thinking "This is perfect. No humans on the field, so now is my chance.  I have been working on my jumping for months now, and I am ready to leap over that barrier and go after some of those dumb asp humans in the stands. They have no idea that I am about to airborn!!  A goring I will go, a goring I will go!"

Should they ban bull sports in Spain and around the world?  Heck no!  Fools deserve to have an outlet for their creativity just like regular folk.  I say let them fools keep tempting fate so that guys like me will have something to look forward to and to write about on slow blog weekends.  Enjoy, or, cringe at the video!  It's a little choppy but you'll get the gist....

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Sunday inaugurated the country's first domestically built long-range unmanned bomber aircraft, calling it an "ambassador of death" to Iran's enemies.

Speaking to a group of officials, Ahmadinejad said, "The jet, as well as being an ambassador of death for the enemies of humanity, has a main message of peace and friendship."  The goal of the aircraft is to "keep the enemy paralyzed in its bases," he said, adding that the jet is for deterrence and defensive purposes.  The president championed the country's military self-sufficiency program and said it will continue "until the enemies of humanity lose hope of ever attacking the Iranian nation."

The 4-meter-long unmanned plane, dubbed the Karrar, or striker, in Farsi, was inaugurated on the national day for the country's defense industry in a ceremony aired live on state TV.  No details were provided on the craft's capabilities.

In a speech at the unveiling ceremony, Ahmadinejad said Iran should seek the ability to make pre-emptive strikes against a perceived threat, although he said it would never strike first.

So how many times has President Ahmadinejad said one thing and done another?  And do you really think that he won't use this new capability against Israel or United States  vessels in the region?  And now with his nuclear reactors enriched with fuel giving them the ability to build nuclear weapons, does this tip the scales of balance in the middle east in favor if Iran?  What if they get their hands on some of those Chinese Dong Feng 21D carrier killing missiles?  Now do you see why I say a step closer to Armageddon!

Here are some news headlines concerning a recent poll that asked the question "Is president Barack Hussein Obama a Muslim?"

I have to admit that with his strong stance on the right of the Muslims to build their "community center" (vis a vie a mosque) near ground zero, his cancelling of the national Day Of Prayer, yet allowing a national day of prayer for Muslims, and all the fuss over the nativity scene at the white house last Christmas it sure appears that he favors Islam over Christianity.  Does that mean that he IS a Muslim?  What are your thoughts about the presidents faith?

As I promised my listener friends on my show Monday morning 8/16/10 here are the pros and cons of privatizing Social Security.  Take a look and let me know what you think...yes to privatization, or, no?

Privatizing Social Security

The title of this blog post is a bit misleading, since the topic is all about amphibious vehicles.  Yes for the price of a large house...a very large house, you could enjoy the excitement (and envy of your friends) of owning anamphibious car.

Follow this link and learn all about the wonderful world of AMPHIBIOUS AUTOMOBILE TRAVEL.

How many of you remember the movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray.  It's the story of a cantankerous news reporter sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover Punxstawny Phil the groundhog to report on whether the little woodchuck would see it's shadow or not signaling either a short or long winter depending upon what "he" see's.  Well in the movie Murray's character, Phil Connors is forced to relive groundhog day over and over in order to "get it right", vis a vie treating people the way one wants to be treated.

Well there is a woman in England who is experiencing a real life "groundhog day" movie in her daily life.  Michelle Philpots, 47, is stuck in the year 1994.  Philpots, 47, has her memory wiped clean each day — sometimes each minute — by anterograde amnesia, brought on by head injuries she suffered in two vehicle crashes more than 20 years ago. She wakes up every morning believing it is 1994, the last year from which she can conjure up memories.  

Thus, for the Englishwoman, John Major is still prime mininster, Ace of Base tops the music charts, and "Forrest Gump" is the movie that everyone is flocking to see.  And while such amnesia has been played to humorous effect in movies like "Groundhog Day" and "First 50 Dates" it can be sad and sometimes devastating for Philpots who recently sat down with NBC's Matt Lauer to discuss her amnesia.

Usually doing a sit-down interview with Matt Lauer live in front of millions of viewers would be unforgettable. But while appearing on TODAY Monday, guest Michelle Philpots forgot Lauer’s name before their talk was even finished.  

Philpots’ rare condition is the result of a motorcycle accident in 1985, compounded by a serious car accident five years later. In 1994, she was diagnosed with epilepsy as a result of her head injuries.

Her condition rapidly deteriorated: Not only did Philpots suffer from frequent seizures, she began to become more and more forgetful. She lost her office job when she copied the same document repeatedly during a work shift. Her memory eventually slid to the point where little to nothing stuck past the year 1994. (Michael Inbar, Today Show)

Last week (8-9-10) I told you, and on numerous occasions that the homosexual agenda goes far beyond the "right to marry", and this weeks boycott is just one of many examples of what I said.

Late Thursday, MoveOn.org announced plans to escalate its ongoing protest against Target, America's second-largest retailer. In an e-mail to supporters, the group described its new initiatives, "including skywriting above Target's headquarters, viral videos from angry customers, and live events outside stores around the country." It also plans to give the company an online petition with more than 200,000 signatories who promise to boycott the store "until it stops spending money on elections."

So why are the homosexuals and far left mad at target?  Did they disparage homosexuals or something?  Well, not directly.  And there seems to be confusion over what, exactly, landed Target in the doghouse. In an interview on Friday, Ilyse Hogue -- MoveOn's director of political action and the author of the emails -- stressed that her organization and the petition's signatories are focused on the question of Target's political contributions: "Target dramatically miscalculated the outrage of their customers when they tried to buy this election." In other words, Hogue believes that Target shouldn't make any political contributions at all.  The nerve!

On the other hand, most protesters are incensed by the specific politician that Target's money will help fund. The company gave $150,000 to MN Forward, a pro-business, pro-education political action group that is backing Minnesota state senator Tom Emmer for governor of Minnesota. While Emmer's economic priorities aren't terribly controversial, his social policies are a different matter: The senator has openly expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage, and he previously met with Bradlee Dean, the leader of a group that vehemently opposes homosexuality.

First of all Target has done nothing illegal or wrong in their contributing.  By law they have every right to financially endorse whatever political candidate that they choose.  What gives homosexuals the right to expect that they can exert THEIR WILL on someone else, be they an individual or corporation? Why are they seemingly so arrogant when it comes to pushing their various agendas upon a citizenry that by and large rejects that "lifestyle choice"? (Perhaps not anymore) 

Should it surprise anyone that our president, Barack Hussein Obama has given his endorsement to the building of that Muslim community center three blocks from ground zero in lower Manhattan.  This is the same American president who offered a deep bow to the King of Saudi Arabia suggesting submission in the eyes of many. And now once again he is showing just how out of touch he is with the American public, or, showing his utter contempt for them.  And the arrogance displayed during the prepared speech that he gave during an iftar dinner held at the White House.  

Oh, and by the way iftar refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is done right after Maghrib (sunset) time. Traditionally, a date is the first thing to be consumed when the fast is broken.  Why would such a dinner be held at our White House by a non-Muslim president? Or is he non-muslim?

Here are some excerpts from his speech and my comments in parenthesis:

"we must all recognize and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan" (ground zero)

"The pain and experience of suffering by those who lost loved ones is just, unimaginable. (Just as unimaginable as our president's endorsement of the mosque)  So I understand the emotions that this issue  engenders. (The mosque going up near ground zero) And ground zero is indeed hallowed ground."

(The nice talk ends, and the arrogance begins) "But let me be clear.  As a citizen, and (More importantly) as President, (he didn't bother say American citizen or American president, both givens, but then so is religious freedom in this country!) I believe that Muslims have the right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country, and that includes the right to build a place of worship and community center onprivate property in lower Manhattan in accordance with local laws and ordinances. (Sure but 1)I thought it WASN'T going to be a mosque?!? It only suppose to be a "community center" with a "place for worship"?? 2) What happened to understanding the pain and suffering of those who lost loved ones on Sept. 11 yadda-yadda-yadda? And 3) Don't you wish that Obama would stand up for Christianity like that!)

This is America.  And our commitment to religious freedom must be (said with force) unshakable!  The principle that peoples of all faiths are welcomed in this country (Not Christians it seems) and that they will not be treated differently by their Government. (No to a nativity scene on the White House lawn, but yes to a dinner commemorating iftar?) The writ of the founders (founding fathers) must endure.

Are you outraged by the president endorsement, or, do you feel that he is representing your feelings on religious tolerance in America?  Or what opinion DO you have?