Extended Holiday Weekend Brain Drippings

Thursday 27 May

The media are all torqued up about gas prices, but no one I know is talking about it. Sure the prices are higher than we have seen, but everyone I know is taking it in stride

Speaking of gasoline, New Jersey prohibits the customer from pumping his own. It's aggravating sitting around waiting for the attendant to arrive and "assist" you in doing something you do for yourself on a daily basis.

Friday 28 May

An 11 year old in Brooklyn was not allowed to pitch in a Little League game against a rival church league because he was too good.. Apparently, the church league's bylaws allow banning participants that are significantly more proficient than their peers.

We went to Rutt's Hut today for lunch. The place is classic New Jersey. Behind the counter, a thirtiesh Italian-American asked my eighty year old mother in law for ID when we ordered beers with our hot dogs. She laughed and thanked him, and he said, "Wait, there's more." And he gave her a big exaggerated wink. Later, I went back the counter for a second hot dog, and the same guy acknowledged my NRA t-shirt, saying "To a fellow NRA member, this one's on me."

With casualties in Iraq now approaching 800 over the better part of a year, here is a little perspective: In 1944, 790 sailors died in one day when the Pacific Fleet encountered a typhoon.

Saturday 29 May

This Memorial Day weekend I am remembering and honoring my Dad, a Marine who loved his country and family. I also honor my good fried Mike, A Navy Seal who sits a dozen feet away at work. Thanks to both of these fine men, who served our country and protected our freedom, and to all those currently serving in our military a hearty "THANK YOU" for their service.

Bob Brinker on his "Money Talk" problem today offered the following analysis of the Islamic terrorists:

Their religion as they interperet it demands they kill all unbelievers. Further, they believe that failure to achieve that goal will result in the same reward as success. Consequently, their is no moderating influence in radical Islam, and no grounds on which to negotiate with the jihadists.

Clearly, if you accept Brinker's premise (as I do) we have no option in the war against radical Islam other than total victory.

Sunday 30 May

I watched tonight on A&E two programs: The Butcher of Baghdad and Son's of Saddam. The brutality of this family was unbelievable. Everyone inclined to complain about the righteousness of this war should be made to invest two hours in these stories.

Fox News reported tonight that President Bush has been given the pistol Saddam Hessein was carrying upon his capture. It is stored in the small study off the Oval Office. You remember that study - Bill Clinton had other, less noble ideas about how to use it.