Ron Paul: Enough is Enough

Hat Tip: Drudge Report

Generally, I think that Congressman Ron Paul is a moron and those who worship him are idiots. This time, however, he does make sense. This is the rare case of a stopped clock being right at a particular time...

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Terror Plot By Yemeni-Based Al-Qaeda Branch Foiled Updated with Video

A terror plot by the Yemeni Branch of Al-Qaeda has been foiled. The plot involved sending several explosive packages to synagogues in Chicago.


An explosive-laden package was intercepted in Dubai, another on a cargo jet at Midlands in the United Kingdom and planes were searched at Philadelphia and JFK Airports.






President Obama made a brief address to the nation concerning the series of incidents. Here is the video of that statement:













White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs relayed a timeline of events in the current terror plot and John Brennan, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, made a statement and took questions along with Robert Gibbs. I will have either the audio or video posted of that later. 


**6.29pm** 


Here is the audio:



**1.51am** 


Here is the full briefing, including the statement from the President and the Press Conference that followed:

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National Situation Update: Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I'll be posting the FEMA National Situation Updates from time to time. 

See the source for today's report.

The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

National Weather



West: A strong cold front is pushing through the region. Behind the front temperatures will drop up to 25 degrees below average and snow levels to will drop to 6,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies by tonight. Accumulations of one to two feet of snow are possible forecast at elevations above 8,000 feet in northern Utah by tomorrow. Sustained winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts over 50 mph are likely from Montana to Arizona. The winds will contribute to critical fire weather across the southern half of the region.

Midwest: The Plains however will heat up due to southerly winds which will also transport Gulf of Mexico moisture into the region. The frontal system dropping out of out of the Rockies today combined with the moisture from the Gulf will produce severe thunderstorms (gusty winds, large hail and even tornadoes) in the central Plains. Severe thunderstorms could develop in western Kansas and spread east-northeast into Iowa and Missouri.

South: Under high pressure most of the region will be cool and dry. The frontal boundary across southern Florida will produce a few thunderstorms and moisture flowing off the Gulf of Mexico into Texas will also produce thunderstorm activity. Fire danger will remain high over northern Florida due to low humidity levels.

Northeast: The circulation on the backside of a low over Eastern Canada will produce cool temperatures and scattered precipitation.  Most of the precipitation will be in the higher elevations of New York, western Pennsylvania, and northern New England. (NOAA's National Weather Service, Various Media Sources)

Tsunami Strikes American Samoa



• A magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck at 1:48 pm EDT Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009 approximately 140 miles southwest of American Samoa.
  
• Capitol city of Pago Pago hit with significant tsunami wash of 5.1 feet with lower heights seen elsewhere.
  
• Western District of American Samoa is without power--estimated at a minimum of 30 days to repair.  More than half of the Eastern District is without water and power.
  
• Fatalities and injuries have been reported.
  
• LBJ Hospital has power and water and is operational.
  
• Significant damage to infrastructure including power, water, and industry.  Total extent unknown-on-the-ground assessment on-going.
  
• Road washouts and debris are prevalent.  The bridge leading to the town of Leona has been repaired and is open to emergency traffic only.
  
• USGS reports numerous aftershocks ranging from 4.8 to 5.8 magnitude.
  
• AS EOC reports 15 shelters open, and 2,690 displaced persons.
  
• Damage assessments are currently being completed.
  
• The seaport at Pago Pago is operational.  The USN is sending the USS Ingraham to provide as-needed support-arrival time estimated at 1900 local time 30Sep09.
  
• Main airport on American Samoa reported by the FAA to be cleared of debris with both runways operational.
  
• Hawaiian Airlines is planning a humanitarian flight coordinated with American Samoa later on 30Sep09 (tentative 1500PST). (Region IX Spotrep, USGS)

Federal Response
Region IX:

• RRCC at Level 1 (24/7) with all ESFs
  
• A modified IMAT (White Team) is deploying to American Samoa at approximately 0600 PDT, Wednesday, 30 September, 2009.
  FEMA Headquarters:
  
• FEMA NRCC is at Level 1 (24/7) with selected Emergency Support Functions (Region IX, FEMA HQ)

Tropical Storm 18W



4:00 am (EDT) the remnants of TS 18W were located approximately 63 miles west-northwest of Guam, tracking west-northwestward at 21 knots over the past six hours. TD 18W has completely dissipated as it crossed over Guam, degenerating into linear convergence. The energy associated with this system will continue to track west-northwest towards Typhoon 19W (Parma) and will eventually be absorbed. This was the final warning on this system by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Guam is back to Condition of Readiness (COR) 4. COR 4 (normal day to day activities).

Federal Response:
Region IX
A modified IMAT (Blue Team) is deploying to Guam on Thursday, 1 October.
RIX LNO deployed to Guam OCD in response to TD 18W. Small IMAT team to deploy to Guam OCD in response to TD 18W. IMAT team will arrive today.
Region has three personnel in place with Guam Office of Civil Defense with MERS Commo and IT support en route.

Tsunamis



The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that tsunamis are generated when there is any large, impulsive displacement of the sea level. They can also be triggered by landslides into or under the water surface, or by volcanic activity and meteorite impacts. Tsunamis can range in size from a few inches to more than 100 feet.
Largest Tsunami in Recorded History
July 9, 1958: Regarded as the largest recorded in modern times, the tsunami in Lituya Bay, Alaska, was caused by a landslide triggered by an 8.3 magnitude earthquake. Waves reached a height of 1,720 feet in the bay, but the tsunami did not cause much damage. It sank a single boat, killing two fishermen.
Deadliest Tsunami in Recorded History
In 2004 nearly 230,000 people in 11 countries were killed in a series of tsunamis that struck after an earthquake in the Indian Ocean . Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand were among the hardest hit. The estimated 9.0 quake was one of the largest quakes recorded on a seismograph. The tsunami traveled as far as 3,000 miles to Africa with enough force to kill people and destroy property. Media reports put the size of the waves as high as 50 feet. (NOAA, USGS)

Southeast Flooding

 

Current Situation

• Recovery efforts in the Atlanta metro area continue.
  Federal Response

HQ FEMA:

• FEMA NRCC is at Level 1 (24/7) with selected Emergency Support Functions due to the tsunami in American Samoa.
  
• The NRCC continues to monitor the situation.
  FEMA Region IV:
  
• RRCC Status:  Level III from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Watch Unit is at 24/7
  
• Region IV has seven (7) LNO's in the GEMA EOC; FCO, Dep. FCO, Operations Chief, IA, PDA coordinator, PA and SBA.
  
• Joint FEMA, GEMA and local government officials continue conducting preliminary damage assessments.
  
• PA PDAs have been completed in 15 counties.
  
• PA PDA Teams will assed five counties yesterday.
  
• Partial PA PDAs have occurred in two Counties.
  
• Disaster Recovery Centers:
  DRC  Intake  Services Delivered
  Cobb County  374   952
  Cherokee County  80   438
  Douglas County (Fixed)  82   304
  Douglas County (Mobile)   302   324
  Joint Field Office:
  The FEMA-1858-DR-GA JFO, will be located at: 4360 North East Expressway, Atlanta, Georgia  30340
  Critical Infrastructure (CI) Key Resources (KR)

Georgia

• Wastewater:
  o The influent pump stations for Heard County and the two Douglasville-Douglas County Wastewater Systems were damaged by the flood and the plants are out of service.
  o Trion's wastewater treatment plant's sludge handling facilities were damaged. The plant is still in operation.

State and Local Agencies
Georgia:

• The State Emergency Operations Center is activated to Level II.
  
• Fatalities Reported To Date: 9 Fatalities in total
  
• Injuries Reported To Date: None Reported
  
• Shelters: 173 Total Residents Remain in 3 Shelters (ARC)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)



No activity (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook



Atlantic
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 48 hours.
Eastern Pacific
A broad area of low pressure located a few hundred miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California continues to produce a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system during the next day or so as it moves west-northwestward around 10 mph.  There is a medium chance (30 to 50 percent) of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
Central Pacific
No tropical cyclones are expected through Thursday afternoon.
Western Pacific
Tropical Storm 20W (Melor)
At 5:00 am EDT the center of Tropical Storm 20W (Melor) was 650 miles east of Guam. Moving northwest at 16 mph. A decrease in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are 50 mph. TS 20W is expected to intensify throughout the forecast period. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center.
Based on the current warning this system will be at typhoon strength and pass just north of the island of Rota early Saturday morning (EDT) Oct 3, 2009.
Typhoon 19W (Parma)
Typhoon 19W (Parma) is not expected to affect U.S. Territories. (NOAA, HPC, National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Wildfire Update

National Preparedness Level:  2
National Fire Activity as of Tuesday, September 29, 2009:

• Initial attack activity:  Light (84 new fires)
  
• New large fires:  2
  
• Large fires contained:  2
  
• Uncontained large fires:  8
  
• States affected:  CA, OR, MT, WY, ID, and NV (NIFC)
  

Disaster Declaration Activity



On September 29, 2009, FEMA-1859-DR was declared for American Samoa as a result of Earthquake, Tsunami and Flooding that occurred September 29, 2009 and continuing. Individual Assistance, Public Assistance (Categories A and B), and Hazard Mitigation for all islands in the Territory of American Samoa have been authorized. The FCO will be Kenneth Tingman. (FEMA HQ)

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Senators Gun For Background Checks At Gun Shows

First, the Press release (emphasis added throughout):

Press Release of Senator Lautenberg

Senators Join Shooting Victims and Family Members to Push for Closing of the Gun Show Loophole

Contact: Lautenberg Press Office (202) 224-3224

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today joined Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and victims and family members of the Virginia Tech tragedy, to introduce legislation to close the nation’s “gun show loophole.” The bill introduction follows the tenth anniversary of the Columbine tragedy and the second anniversary of the tragedy at Virginia Tech this week. The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), John Kerry (D-MA), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Carl Levin (D-MI), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). “There is no rational reason to oppose closing the loophole. The reason it’s still not closed is simple: the continuing power of the special interest gun lobby in Washington,” Sen. Lautenberg said. “My legislation would require background checks for every gun purchased at every gun show across America and would help keep guns out of the hands of criminals. Without this change in the law, anyone – from felons to terrorists to fugitives – can buy a gun at a gun show, no questions asked. That needs to change.” The Senators’ bill would close the loophole by requiring background checks on all sales at gun shows. The bill defines a gun show as any event where 50 or more guns are offered or exhibited for sale. In addition, the bill would require:


gun show promoters to register with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), maintain a list of vendors at all gun shows and ensure that all vendors acknowledge receipt of information about their legal obligations; and federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to submit information, including the manufacturer/importer, model and serial number of firearms transferred at gun shows to the ATF’s National Tracing Center (NTC). No personal information about either the seller or the purchaser would be given to the ATF. Instead, as under current law, FFLs would maintain personal information in their files. The National Tracing Center would request personal information from an FFL only if a firearm becomes the subject of a law enforcement trace request.

“As someone who served in the Army, I have great respect for firearms and responsible gun ownership. The Gun Show Background Check Act is a responsible and common sense approach to preventing firearms from winding up in the hands of criminals and straw purchasers,” said Senator Jack Reed. “This legislation is critical to making our communities safer, which is why it is strongly supported by law enforcement officers nationwide. Passing this bill would help prevent the killing of innocent people, and it would do so without infringing on anyone’s right to own a gun.”

“We don’t need any more evidence that a gun in the hands of the wrong person is a real threat to our schools, our families, and our communities. Allowing sales at gun shows without identification, without accountability and without knowing whether the buyer is a felon or mentally ill, is unacceptable,” Senator Feinstein said. “This legislation proposes common sense protections that do not limit the rights of law abiding citizens to own and purchase guns.” “Closing this long-standing, flagrant, irresponsible and increasingly dangerous loophole in federal gun laws will make gun show transactions safer for all our people, and it’s urgently needed. It makes absolutely no sense to tolerate this loophole that allows criminals and terrorists to buy guns at gun shows and avoid the minimal federal regulations that now exist. I commend Senator Lautenberg for introducing this bill, and I look forward to its enactment into law as soon as possible. Too many lives are in danger for Congress to delay any longer,” said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

“Ten years after two dangerous young men used gun show guns to kill and maim, it is way past time to extend the successful Brady background check system in America to gun sales at gun shows,” said Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “There is no rational reason why as a nation we should not do this. I want to applaud Senator Frank Lautenberg for championing this bill to close the gun show loophole."

The victims and families of the Virginia Tech tragedy joining the members for the announcement included Omar Samaha, the brother of Reema Samaha, and his father Joe. Omar’s sister Reema was one of 32 victims who were shot and killed at Virginia Tech. Omar was recently followed by ABC News into a gun show where he was able to purchase ten guns, in under an hour, with no questions asked.

“My sister Reema was shot and killed at Virginia Tech because of a loophole with the background check system for gun purchases. Ever since April 16th I have been working to fix problems with America’s gun background check system – and the gun show loophole is the most outrageous gap. It’s time for Congress to step up and require background checks for all sales at guns shows,” Omar Samaha, the brother of Reema Samaha, said.

“A national law to close the gun show loop hole will prevent guns from falling into the hands of felons, domestic abusers and the mentally adjudicated. This piece of valuable legislation must be enacted to protect the citizens of this country,” Suzanne Grimes said. Suzanne is the mother of Virginia Tech survivor Kevin Sterne. An Eagle Scout, Kevin saved his own life by putting a tourniquet on himself to stop the bleeding after being shot in his femoral artery.

In 1993, the Brady Law was passed requiring prospective purchasers of guns sold by federal firearms licensees, like gun shops and pawn shops, to go through a background check. However, a loophole in current law allows people to purchase guns from unlicensed dealers at gun shows without going through a background check. The ATF reports that between 25 to 50 percent of firearm vendors at gun shows are unlicensed.

As a result of this loophole, convicted felons, fugitives, domestic abusers, the mentally ill and other people who are prohibited by federal law from owning guns are able to purchase firearms at gun shows. For example, the two teenagers who shot and killed 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School in 1999 used guns obtained from gun shows.

In 1999, Sen. Lautenberg introduced the first bill in Congress to close the gun show loophole. Later that year, in the wake of the Columbine tragedy, the Senate passed Sen. Lautenberg’s legislation to close the gun show loophole as an amendment to a juvenile justice bill. The legislation passed by one vote, with Vice President Gore casting the tiebreaking vote. However, the gun lobby killed the legislation in House-Senate conference.

# # #

Source: US Senator Frank Lautenberg
Hat Tip: Senatus

Here are some definitions of terms and some of the requirements contained in the bill:


DEFINITION OF GUN SHOWS: Gun shows are defined to include any event at which 50 or more firearms are offered or exhibited for sale. This definition includes not only those events where firearms are the main commodity sold, but also other events where a significant number of guns are sold, such as flea markets or swap meets.

GUN SHOW PROMOTERS: Gun show promoters would be required to register with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), maintain a list of vendors at all gun shows, and ensure that all vendors acknowledge receipt of information about their legal obligations.

BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ALL TRANSACTIONS: The bill requires that all firearms sales at gun shows go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). If a non-licensed person is selling a weapon, they would use an FFL at the gun show to complete the transaction. The FFL would be responsible for conducting a Brady check on the purchaser and maintaining records of the transaction.

IMPROVED FIREARM TRACING: FFLs would be required to submit information including the manufacturer/importer, model, and serial number of firearms transferred at gun shows to the ATF’s National Tracing Center (NTC). However, no personal information about either the seller or the purchaser would be given to the ATF. Instead, as under current law, FFLs would maintain this information in their files. The NTC would request this personal information from an FFL only in the event that a firearm subsequently becomes the subject of a law enforcement trace request.


Commentary

If you want some weapons that are "off the books" and haven't taken action...your window of opportunity is closing.

My prediction is that after they make it very hard for you to purchase weapons and/or ammo, their next step will be in outlawing certain types of weapons and/or ammo. Then, they will find ways to take them.

The time to stand is now. Not when we're nearly disarmed.


In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

--Pastor Martin Niemöller

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NC General Assembly 03-02-2009 Legislative Calender

The official evil business of the North Carolina General Assembly doesn't start until late today...

5:00 PM	JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON MUNICIPAL INCORPORATIONS Topics: Etowah (Henderson County); Lake James (Burke County); Fontana Dam (Graham County)	544 LOB
7:00 PM	Session Convenes (House)	House Chamber
7:00 PM	Session Convenes (Senate)	Senate Chamber

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Mission Accomplished, Mr. President

I will leave this new banner up for the rest of the week in tribute to our 43^rd President, George W. Bush. I wish to thank him for his selfless service to our nation.

---

Mr. President, 

I want to thank you for keeping this country safe from terrorism in the wake of 9/11 when everyone expected that more attacks would follow regardless of what we did to stop them.

You did what they said could not be done. You provided the leadership when America needed it. Against all odds you succeeded.

Thank you, Mr. President...for a job well and faithfully done.

---

You can leave your own note of thanks at Mission Accomplished...the place where I swiped the design for my tribute banner to the job President George W. Bush did in keeping America safe.

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New Homeland Mission for 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team

The 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team has spent 35 of the last 60 months in Iraq patrolling in full battle rattle, helping restore essential services and escorting supply convoys.

Now they’re training for the same mission — with a twist — at home.

Beginning Oct. 1 for 12 months, the 1st BCT will be under the day-to-day control of U.S. Army North, the Army service component of Northern Command, as an on-call federal response force for natural or manmade emergencies and disasters, including terrorist attacks.

It is not the first time an active-duty unit has been tapped to help at home. In August 2005, for example, when Hurricane Katrina unleashed hell in Mississippi and Louisiana, several active-duty units were pulled from various posts and mobilized to those areas.

But this new mission marks the first time an active unit has been given a dedicated assignment to NorthCom, a joint command established in 2002 to provide command and control for federal homeland defense efforts and coordinate defense support of civil authorities.

After 1st BCT finishes its dwell-time mission, expectations are that another, as yet unnamed, active-duty brigade will take over and that the mission will be a permanent one.

“Right now, the response force requirement will be an enduring mission. How the [Defense Department] chooses to source that and whether or not they continue to assign them to NorthCom, that could change in the future,” said Army Col. Louis Vogler, chief of NorthCom future operations. “Now, the plan is to assign a force every year.”

The command is at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., but the soldiers with 1st BCT, who returned in April after 15 months in Iraq, will operate out of their home post at Fort Stewart, Ga., where they’ll be able to go to school, spend time with their families and train for their new homeland mission as well as the counterinsurgency mission in the war zones.

Source: Army Times

Related:

3rd Infantry Division

1st BCT, 3rd ID

Fort Stewart

CBRNE Training Center

Peterson AFB

US Northern Command

Commentary

It is about time that the Army started to learn new warfighting skills and be available for a quick response to disasters (both natural and man-made) here at home. In this increasingly sophisticated society, people have demanded an ever faster response from the government to hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and so on.

Military units have the advantage of having trained together and having the expertise to deal with logistical problems in harsh circumstances.

The 1st Brigade Combate Team is scheduled for rotation to either Iraq or Afghanistan in early 2010, so they will have been able to enjoy 20 months or so at home.

In the meantime, they’ll learn new skills, use some of the ones they acquired in the war zone and more than likely will not be shot at while doing any of it unless the lefties and anarchists get paranoid.

They may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control or to deal with potentially horrific scenarios such as massive poisoning and chaos in response to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive, or CBRNE, attack.

Training for homeland scenarios has already begun at Fort Stewart and includes specialty tasks such as knowing how to use the “jaws of life” to extract a person from a mangled vehicle; extra medical training for a CBRNE incident; and working with U.S. Forestry Service experts on how to go in with chainsaws and cut and clear trees to clear a road or area. We could have used them when Hurricane Opal came through our area, as those of us on the local fire department spent a solid week clearing roads and homes of trees.

The 1st BCT’s soldiers also will learn how to use “the first ever nonlethal package that the Army has fielded,” 1st BCT commander Col. Roger Cloutier said, referring to crowd and traffic control equipment and nonlethal weapons designed to subdue unruly or dangerous individuals without killing them.

The package is for use only in war-zone operations, not for any domestic purpose, so calm down, lefties.

I'm guessing that if any of them knew at the time about the BioWar 95 exercise that I participated in ...they would have freaked out then as well. The only way we can learn new skill sets is to practise them, and if you train like you fight, then you will fight like you train.

**2.24 PM** A Soldier's Perspective Weighs In...

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Live Coverage of the Ground Zero Ceremonies Remembering 9/11

Here is a link to a live feed of the Ground Zero eremonies marking the 7th Anniversary of the murder of nearly 3,000 Americans by Islamic Terrorists. Windows Media Player may be equired to view the feed.

C-SPAN is also expected to have live coverage beginning at 8.30 AM.

September 11 News has an exhaustive resource for the events of September 11, 2001.

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Behind the Scenes: Security at the Democratic Convention in Denver

We all know every lunatic who can afford it is going to be in Denver this week for the Democratic National Convention, including Democrats.



The MACC (Multi-Agency Communications Center) opened up on Saturday at the Federal Center in Lakewood. The Federal Center is a 670-acre facility that houses 6,200 federal employees working for 26 different Federal agencies in 4 million square feet of offices, warehouses, laboratories and more.

This week, the Secret Service will manage 62 different federal, state and local agencies as they monitor all manner of communications in and around Denver, including live camera suveillance, satellite imagery and reports on the ground.

Some of the federal agencies involved in the MACC include the Secret Service, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) and several agencies representing the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.

Denver Police and other city agencies, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, state Homeland Security, along with representatives from several public utilities, will also monitor what is going on from the MACC so they too can respond to any emergency.

Source: 9NEWS.com

The reason the Secret Service will be in charge of this event is President Clinton's PDD-62:

In May of 1998, President Clinton issued Presidential Decision Directive 62 (PDD-62). In effect, this directive formalized and delineated the roles and responsibilities of federal agencies in the development of security plans for major events. The clarifying of responsibilities serves to focus more clearly the role of each agency and eliminate the duplication of efforts and resources.

In 2000, the Presidential Protection Act of 2000 became public law. Included in the bill, signed on December 19, was an amendment to Title 18, USC § 3056 which codified PDD-62. Now, with the support of federal law, the Secret Service is authorized to participate "in the planning, coordination and implementation of security operations at special events of national significance."

When an event is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), the Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan. The Secret Service has developed a core strategy to carry out its security operations, which relies heavily on its established partnerships with law enforcement and public safety officials at the local, state and federal levels.

The goal of the cooperating agencies is to provide a safe and secure environment for Secret Service protectees, other dignitaries, the event participants and the general public. There is a tremendous amount of advance planning and coordination in preparation for these events, particularly in the areas of venue and motorcade route security, communications, credentialing and training.

Source: United States Secret Service

Here is a slide from an unclassified Power Point Presentation regarding NSSE's (National Special Security Events) planned for this year:



So, while all the nuts who can afford to get to Denver are parading around in the streets, and the DNC Delegates do their thing, rest assured that there are people doing their best to keep them safe, and if the once unthinkable happens, they will be ready to swing into action to respond to the situation.

I will be monitoring the action from the Pig Pen, and will be posting frequent updates on the situation in Denver.

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Predator Drone ‘UAV’ On Long Island Sparks Terror Investigation

The investigation began in February of last year, when investigators first learned testing of the drone was underway. Officials said the drone was being designed to carry more than 600 pounds of explosives.

“It could be in the air for 8-10 hours and there’s potential harm if it is carrying a large amount of toxic material,” NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in explaining why his department’s counterterrorism officials were concerned.

Police surveillance video obtained by News 4 New York shows a white van rolling onto the tarmac, a small group of men jumping out and ground testing the unmanned flight vehicle.

Kelly said the engineer building the drone never reported his work to any agency including the Federal Aviation Administration or local authorities. Investigators said concern increased for a time when they learned the man behind the project was an Egyptian national who had entered the U.S. on a Sudanese passport.

Source: National Terror Alert

Move along, people, nothing to see here. Keep moving!

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Keep The Change, Obama: FISA

Senator Obama voted against immunity before he voted for it. Priceless!

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Lefties Realize Olberman, Obama Were Faking It On FISA

Keith Olbermann on FISA earlier this year...he was against it before he was for it!

On January 31 of this year, Keith Olbermann donned his most serious face and most indignant voice tone to rail against George Bush for supporting telecom immunity and revisions to FISA. In a 10-minute "Special Comment," the MSNBC star condemned Bush for wanting to "retroactively immunize corporate criminals," and said that telecom immnity is "an ex post facto law, which would clear the phone giants from responsibility for their systematic, aggressive and blatant collaboration with [Bush's] illegal and unjustified spying on Americans under this flimsy guise of looking for any terrorists who are stupid enough to make a collect call or send a mass email."

Olbermann added that telecom amnesty was a "shameless, breathless, literally textbook example of Fascism -- the merged efforts of government and corporations that answer to no government."

Source: Glenn Greenwald


And, when confronted with Obama's acceptance of FISA, Olberman reveals his true colors:

Last night, Olbermann invited Newsweek's Jonathan Alter onto his show to discuss Obama's support for the FISA and telecom amnesty bill (video of the segment is here). There wasn't a syllable uttered about "immunizing corporate criminals" or "textbook examples of Fascism" or the Third Reich. There wasn't a word of rational criticism of the bill either. Instead, the two media stars jointly hailed Obama's bravery and strength -- as evidenced by his "standing up to the left" in order to support this important centrist FISA compromise:

<





Now this is too funny!!!

Will the lefties keep on drinking the Obama Koolaid as Olberman has done?

Obama was against immunity before he was for it.


**update** 11.20 AM


Olberman has fired back at Greenwald over at KKKos Kidz.

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Shuler, Foxx, and McHenry Vote To Pass FISA

Democratic Congressman Heath Shuler (NC-11) joined with Republicans Virginia Foxx (NC-05) and Patrick McHenry (NC-10) to pass HR 6304, better known as FISA, in a 293 to 129 vote.

This bill will provide much needed immunity from prosecution to Telecomms who have cooperated in good faith with the Federal Government in monitoring the communications of terrorists.

I salute Congressman Shuler and the Democratic Leadership who voted to support President George W. Bush and the Republicans in the effort to protect our nation from future attacks.

Congressman Shuler has proven himself as a Democrat much like Senator Joe Lieberman, only more conservative.

**update** 2.52pm June 22, 2008

Shuler's Office has a Press Release on the FISA Vote, and it follows:

Rep. Shuler Statement on House Passed FISA Legislation

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Heath Shuler released the following statement today after the
House passed, H.R. 6034, The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Act of 2008.

“The FISA legislation passed by the House today strikes the important balance between protecting our
nation from new and evolving terrorist threats, while also safeguarding our civil liberties. I am glad that
after working for nearly a year on this legislation, Democrats and Republicans came together to achieve a
positive, long term solution.

“This legislation improves the civil liberties protections in the original FISA by specifying that individual
warrants are required to conduct surveillance on Americans residing inside or outside of the United
States, and outlaws the practice of reverse-targeting. It also affirms that FISA is the only means available
to the U.S. government to conduct surveillance.

“The bill we passed today does not provide retroactive blanket immunity for warrantless wiretapping.
Instead, it requires any telecommunications company that provided information to the Department of
Justice following the attacks of September 11th
to prove in Federal court that this information was
demanded by Federal agencies and that the Department of Justice provided written assurance that its
actions were legal.

“Courts will not have the discretion to provide any immunity for government officials who have violated
the law. This requirement will ensure that the truth will finally come out in open court, and that any
government official who broke the law will be held fully accountable.”

###

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A Deal on FISA Reached

Red State is reporting that a compromise has been reached on Telecom Immunity:

If the companies can show a federal district court judge "substantial evidence" they received a written request from the attorney general or head of an intelligence agency stating the president authorized the surveillance and determined it to be lawful, the cases against them will be dismissed.

Source: Red State

Won't lefties be upset when they discovered they all had permission. At least the Democratic Leadership figured out a way to reach a compromise that their nutroots won't see coming!!!

Of course, the Idiot Ron Paul Supporters will still squeal about imaginary lost liberties.

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Feds Mum On "Missile" Fired At Airliner

27 May 2008 Shortly after takeoff yesterday morning, the pilot of Continental Flight 1544 reported seeing a rapidly moving object with a thick smoke trail closing in on his aircraft and shooting past his cockpit window. According to some of the crew and passengers aboard Flight 1544 traveling from Houston to Cleveland, it appeared like some kind of missile was headed toward the aircraft. The plane was at an altitude of 5,000 feet and 11 miles east of Bush International Aircraft when the pilot radioed the control tower to report the sighting. The object was described as "missile-like with a thick contraii," and traveling at a high rate of speed.

Source: Northeast Intelligence Network

I guess this incident will be as ignored as the would-be suicide bomber in Oklahoma, and other incidents.

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Carl Mumpower: "I Am Not For Sale"

Responding to mounting pressures from within his own party to change his position on proposed additional immunity for telecommunications companies, 11th District Republican Congressional Candidate Carl Mumpower proclaimed, "I am not for sale," in a Good Friday press release.

"Voters who want someone willing to abandon his principles to artificially support the Republican party need to look elsewhere," said Mumpower. "I am an authentic conservative - I'm not a party hack willing to fall into the line when I'm told to - especially considering how often my party has betrayed its core values in recent years."

"The additional retroactive immunity provisions found in FISA are a con job," said Mumpower. "Yet, normally 'right-thinking' Republicans are sadly just falling 'right-into-line' and in the process, sacrificing their integrity, liberty, and the Constitution for fear-based arguments and the good graces of party leaders."

"This is one of the reasons I will accept only personal campaign contributions and none from unions, PACs, business groups, or even the Republican National Congressional Committee," said Mumpower. "I will serve independently, from a principled position that it is clear and up-front or I will not serve at all. I will not be beholden to special interests or the Republican party structure. I am not for sale."

---End Press Release---

Campaign Website

Commentary

You gotta give it to Dr. Mumpower, he has tenacity.

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A Substantial Difference Emerges in the GOP NC-11 Primary

Well, the primary between the three hopefuls in NC-11 has finally stumbled upon some issue of divergence, FISA.

From Dr. Carl Mumpower:

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Separates
Republican Congressional Candidates


A Monday press release by Republican Congressional Carl Mumpower has stimulated strong reactions from 11th District challengers John Armor and Spence Campbell. "I am not in favor of the immunity found in recent FISA legislation for telecoms or anyone else and I continue to believe that the pervasive bureaucratic dysfunction of America's intelligence agencies offers few incentives for more hidden powers," said Mumpower. "Securing our borders, enforcing existing laws, and both financial and productivity audits of our intelligence agencies will do more than allowing the government to expand its veil of secrecy."

Campbell and Armor share a common ground with a majority of Republican legislators, the President, and even 11th District Representative Heath Shuler. Shuler has come out in support of immunity to telecom companies and made a request of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that future FISA legislation support that goal. Campbell has said that Congress should grant the telecoms immunity, while Armor stated, "I could not disagree with (Mumpower) more - this is garbage."

"As an Independent Republican, I support conservative principles with full heart and action," said Mumpower. "I am not, however, obligated to a Republican power structure that continues to betray those values and take short-cuts around the Constitution with actions like this. The rule of law, accountability, and liberty should not be for sale - especially to people who are quick to use the "terror card" to justify or conceal misbehavior."

"I am fond of Ben Franklin," said Mumpower. "He said that "Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." I'm sure it could be argued that there are practical justifications for immunity - one can always find a reason to take small steps away from the right thing. This is one of those times when a politician faces the temptation to fall into line with what's popular or take a principled position and the heat that results. I'll leave political conformity to others - and keep my eye on the Constitution."

Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate

67

From Col. Spence Campbell (Ret.):

March 18th, 2008

CAMPBELL RELEASES STATEMENT
ON FISA REAUTHORIZATION

Hendersonville—US Republican Congressional Candidate Spence Campbell released the following statement on the FISA Reauthorization bill:“As a former career U.S. Army intelligence officer, I know firsthand how important it is that we have solid, reliable intelligence in order to protect this great country and its citizens from harm. We must do all we can to ensure the safety of Americans and the citizens of western North Carolina.“We must not forget that we are a nation at war. There are people who actively seek to harm America, and we must ensure that our government has the tools and resources needed to ensure the safety of us all. “It is the height of irresponsibility for anyone to seek to undermine or try to prevent our government from doing all it can to protect its citizens, especially in a time of war. By criticizing portions of this bill, which allows companies to work together with our government to provide them with critical information and intelligence, is more than irresponsible. It is in fact, foolhardy, and dangerous. Anyone that seeks to put Americans in harm’s way should not be allowed the privilege of representing the citizens of western North Carolina in Congress.”

From John Armor, Esq.:

Mumpower Misunderstands FISA Issues,
Misquotes Ben Franklin

Carl Mumpower, Republican candidate for Congress from the 11th District, has put out a press release saying that the efforts in the US House to extend the FISA Act “demonstrate sharp differences between him and the other candidates.” He is right, but has the wrong conclusion, based on a gross misunderstanding of the subject.

FISA stands for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The ACLU (the American Civil Liberties Union) is using American civil courts in an effort to gut-shoot the government’s efforts to stay ahead of the terrorists seeking to kill Americans in America. It seems that Carl Mumpower has not done his homework before taking a position on this subject.

The quote that Carl Mumpower uses in the name of Benjamin Franklin in his latest News Release is a false quote, although with an ancient pedigree. Mumpower quotes Franklin as writing: “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” This comes from the title page of An Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania (1759).

However, anyone with a little skill in using an Internet search engine, like Google, can quickly find that the accurate Franklin quote is: “Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” It is both better written, and has a different meaning, than the bad quote used by candidate Mumpower.

“More importantly, Carl Mumpower seems blissfully unaware of what brought about the immunity provisions in the original FISA Act,” said John Armor. He pointed out that lawyers for the ACLU had filed several damage claims against several telecom companies, seeking damages for their cooperation with international security searches as sought by the federal government.

Commentary

I am afraid that Mumpower has chosen the wrong side of this issue. My impression of the whole FISA argument is that the attempt to deny immunity to the telecoms is part of a lawfare technique used by the enemies of America to weaken, and ultimately destroy her ability to defend against attacks from Islamofascism and Progessivism.

I lump Progressives together with the Islamofascists because both would rather that America not participate in World War IV. They have become allies of convenience at this point.

In a different category, I place "the honest civil-libertarians": Mumpower, through good intentions (like the libertarians), has found himself trapped by applying a misunderstanding of the issue.

Both Spence Campbell and John Armor understand the necessity of immunity for the telecoms.

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A Video About the American Insurgency

Find out more at Move America Forward

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The Peace Movement Turns Violent, Again

The Peace Movement is many things, but it has never been about peace.
As many of us suspected, the Domestic Terrorist who bombed the Marine Recruiting Station in Times Square was NOT an al-Qaeda-type.
Before the attack, letters and photos were mailed to at least 8 Democrats in the US House of Representatives. The photos were of the Marine Recruiting Station.

Hat Tip: Sister Toldjah

The bomb itself was a crude device in a surplus ammo box, and surveillance cameras captured the scene, and a suspect on video:





The Jay Mundy Show asks, "Was An Anti-War Liberal Behind The Times Square Bombing?"



So, it appears that the increasingly violent anti-war movement may be about to cross a line that they can not turn back from once crossed...they will have gone from psychological violence and psychological terrorism to physical violence and terrorism proper, just like in the 60's and 70's.

Oh, and have I mentioned that Progressive Democrat Presidential Candidate Barack Obama is friends with a terrorist from the 60's and 70's?

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Blast At Recruiting Station Closes Times Square

CALL 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS BOMBING. WITNESS REPORTS INCLUDE A MAN LEAVING THE SCENE ON A BICYCLE.



Photo Courtesy AP

Cars and police tape blocked vehicles from entering the area.

The explosion appeared to have taken place near a military recruiting centre in the square in central Manhattan, reports say.

Members of the police department's bomb squad and fire department officials were at the scene.

Source: BBC News

NEW YORK (CNN) -- New York police were investigating a reported explosion in Times Square early Thursday, police said.

Two witnesses, a man and a woman, each told a local TV station they heard a "huge bang" from their hotel rooms, but there were no police or fire reports of serious damage or injuries.

"I was on the 44th floor and I heard it. I can feel it from up there," a woman told WABC-TV.

Police and fire squads cordoned off part of an area around Times Square. They gathered outside a military recruiting station with a large hole in the front window, The Associated Press reported.

Source: CNN

I'll have more after I get to the office around 8am. If it was lefty radicals...it was a very stupid move.

The Cityroom Blog has an update:

The New York City police just issued a statement describing the source of the explosion as an “improvised explosive device” and putting the time of the blast at 3:43 a.m. Subways and traffic are running normally through Times Square.

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**updates**

8.06am Gateway Pundit has coverage of the event.

9.52am Atlas Shrugs has commentary, and some links, noting that the unhinged left is saying it was righties to gin up hate for the lefties. Riiight! if all else fails, play the victim card.

9.51am Cityroom Blog again: The police have attributed the blast to an improvised explosive device, and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said the device had been placed in an ammunition box like the kind that can be bought at a military supply store. Mr. Kelly spoke with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a news conference at 9:30 a.m. in Times Square. The authorities are looking into a possible connection to two earlier bombings at foreign consulates in Manhattan, in 2005 and 2007. Officials said that in today’s attack, a man in a gray hooded sweatshirt was seen leaving the scene on a bicycle. Subways and traffic are running normally through Times Square.

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