"Question: What is the truest definition of Globalization?"
Well, it's been a while and I've been "busy" (read "distracted"). But this just came in and I couldn't let it pass. You may have read it already, but... re the title's (and author's) question:-
-quote- Answer: Princess Diana's death.
Question: How come?
Answer: An English princess with an Egyptian boyfriend crashes in a French tunnel, riding in a German car with a Dutch engine, driven by a Belgian who was drunk on Scottish whisky, (check the bottle before you change the spelling) followed closely by Italian Paparazzi, on Japanese motorcycles; treated by an American doctor, using Brazilian medicines.
This is sent to you by a Canadian, using Bill Gate's technology, and you're probably reading this on your computer, that uses Taiwanese chips, and a Korean monitor, assembled by Bangladeshi workers in a Singapore plant, transported by Indian lorry-drivers, hijacked by Indonesians, unloaded by Sicilian longshoremen, and trucked to you by Mexican illegals.
That, my friends, is Globalization. -endquote- - Unknown
MIAMI Cruise Liner Attacked!
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MIAMI A luxury cruise liner has been attacked off the east African coast.
A spokesman for Miami-based Seabourn Cruises says pirates fired a rocket-propelled grenade and machine guns at the "Seabourn Spirit" today about 100 miles off the coast of Somalia. Link above for "the rest of the story".
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-Andy says:
Pirates, my eye! Another "Achilles Laurel"!!
And we know who did that, right?
Link
A Bird Flu Resource Guide
If the avian influenza slowly spreading from Asia to Europe turns into a global pandemic, as many fear, few will be able to say there was no warning.
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World health experts have been alarmed by this new, deadly strain of bird flu since it killed more than 30 people in Thailand and Vietnam last year. And television outlets ranging from PBS to local television stations have weighed in on the chances of a bird flu outbreak in the United States.
The full story and references in link above.
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-Andy says:
Never know when we will need this info... I suggest you bookmark the URL's in this post.
Link
Appeals Court Declares Parenthood Unconstitutional, Group Says
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
November 03, 2005
(CNSNews.com) - A new ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is prompting cries of judicial activism.
On Wednesday the court dismissed a lawsuit brought by California parents who were outraged over a sex survey given to public school students in the first, third and fifth grades.
Among other things, the survey administered by the Palmdale School District asked children if they ever thought about having sex or touching other people's "private parts" and whether they could "stop thinking about having sex."
The parents argued that they -- not the public schools -- have the sole right "to control the upbringing of their children by introducing them to matters of and relating to sex."
But on Wednesday, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit dismissed the case, saying, "There is no fundamental right of parents to be the exclusive provider of information regarding sexual matters to their children...Parents have no due process or privacy right to override the determinations of public schools as to the information to which their children will be exposed while enrolled as students."
Judge Stephen Reinhardt, writing for the panel, said "no such specific right can be found in the deep roots of the nation's history and tradition or implied in the concept of ordered liberty."
Full story of the 11/02/2005 opinion in the link above.
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-Andy says:
So, does this open the door for NAMBLA and other assorted people to introduce education to our young'uns?
No, it doesn't open a door; it DOES open major flood gates to that end. How can we have pederasty, pedophilia, and other sex-crime-against-children laws that stick?
Whether this is judicial activism or an accurate reflection of what is, or is not, a constitutional right, I suggest that congress must find a way - in all subjects - to pass law that will survive judicial fiat, for if the Ninth's edict were to survive nationally, vox populi will settle the matter... one way or another. NO ONE MESSES WITH MY KIDS will, IMHO, be the cause cÈlËbre for the 21st century.
The text of the Ninth Circuit Appelate Court's opinion is not yet on their web site. Check later at http://www.ce9.uscourts.gov/web/bap.nsf/Memos%20by%20Date?OpenView.
Link
A Sixth Armed Service:
In response to the October 15th 2001 Virginian Pilot opinion article, "A sixth armed service: U. S. Homeland Defense Force", by Neil McNulty, a former Marine officer. The article was not available during a recent search of the Pilot and its archives.
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A Sixth Armed Service?
I think not!
Author lays a reasonable scenario of responsibilities to the homeland defense effort, but I must disagree with forming a "sixth armed service". First, and foremost, is the constitutional argument (founding father warnings) against large standing armies, but second, this contingency is met by the constitutional provision for a militia.
Considering our current population, a two to three million armed forces organization cannot be really considered as "large standing armies" as it represents but one percent of the population. But the inclusion of another federal force, particularly one dedicated to homeland defense, alerts my citizen senses to Condition Charlie. And while it may start at author's complement level of twenty thousand with half again in reserve, we know that things grow quickly at the federal level. And that this federal force "would be a military service assigned to domestic security and incident response" putting it on our streets and perhaps in our homes, for domestic security indicates law and order, and incident response means - well, we know what that means. I do realize author is seeking to cover the bases for homeland defense, and I agree with him as to the systemic need, not only of coordination and logistics, but the massive geography requiring comparably massive personnel commitments, ergo - growth. But the system is already in place; it is the militia.
The constitution empowers congress "to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States" . USC10 311 creates two classes of militia as "the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia." It goes on to define age limits and other parameters. So, with National Guard units called to federal service, the militia is already in the game at hand. But what of the unorganized militia? Well, isn't this the draft? When, as, and if the draft is again implemented, won't it be the able-bodied of the male citizen population in a certain age group? Constitutionally we "can't" put federal troops on the streets, so with the Guard mobilized, how do the states maintain security and defend themselves? Well, there is the State Defense Force (SDF) initiative and - the unorganized militia not yet in active service.
Let's look at Virginia.
The Code of Virginia, in ß 44-1 provides "The militia of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall consist of all able-bodied citizens of this Commonwealth and all other able-bodied persons resident in this Commonwealth who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, who are at least sixteen years of age and, except as hereinafter provided, not more than fifty-five years of age. The militia shall be divided into four classes, the National Guard, which includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, the Virginia State Defense Force, the naval militia, and the unorganized militia." Of these classes only the Virginia State Defense Force (VSDF, now VaDF) cannot, by current law, be called to federal service - by congressional edict it is its name: "State Defense Force". In Virginia code 44-1 and 44-54 through at least 44-115 the VaDF mission is defined, it's manning level set, and it's structure and administration established. Essentially, the VaDF is tasked to control Virginia National Guard facilities and property left by the Guard after it's mobilization, and to provide other services as called by the Governor. It's complement is "at least 1200", trained as a military force, and serves as the home of the unorganized militia when it, or any part thereof, is called to service - "it shall be incorporated into the Virginia State Defense Force until relieved from service."
And of course, the VaDF members are volunteers. Patriots. They are also the Work Force. If and when called, they are obligated to leave their families, homes, and jobs.
It is fairly obvious that it is the militia, both organized and unorganized, which already has the core responsibility of local homeland defense/security. The various State Defense Forces should be brought up to at least base complement, trained in various aspects and techniques of security, assistance to First Responders, and other subjects in which many municipalities are already engaged. These SDF's then, as "well regulated" - trained - can readily and properly respond to events, and be the designed nucleus of a larger manpower effort with the introduction of the unorganized militia.
Which brings us to my favorite place. Many older Americans are able to perform services, and many are veterans and military retirees with years of experience valuable to building a credible SDF. Current militia age requirements should allow for capability.
The size of the SDF's and the unorganized militia called to service by their governor ebbs and flows with the needs at hand - they are not a permanent standing force as would be a federal homeland defense force. They will go home and to work after their service.
The militia has a constitutionally mandated mission; for over two hundred years the state militias have provided community and state security and defense. It is only in need of mobilization, training and support to provide both direct and assistance services in support of homeland defense. Rather than a sixth permanent armed force of the United States, it is correct and proper that the militia - the National Guard, naval militia, State Defense Force, and unorganized militia - of the various states be mission-designated to homeland defense.
Andrew H. Barr
Copyright 2001 All Rights Reserved
NOTE: This http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/newsletter/opeds/2003Nov.pdf article discusses the SDF program. Also a Google on: State Defense Force provides pages of information.
Link
The Case for an Active Unorganized Militia
Preface: This is an OpEd piece I'd hoped our paper would have printed. It was deemed too long and I didn't want to change it. Much has happened since written, including the losses.
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25 September 2001
The Case for an Active Unorganized Militia
in the War On Terrorism
The loss of more than 6000 lives and massive property destruction on September 11, 2001 by an attack perpetrated by terrorists has spurred the United States to assume a war-time footing. The effort is in motion; the armed forces are on high alert and preparing our direct response; National Guard and Reserve units have been called up; security of airports and other areas is increasing. The President has warned the nation that this "War on Terrorism" will be a prolonged effort, that we should expect losses, and that the nation may yet again suffer attacks on American soil. The President, among other actions, has initiated a central command and control for what essentially will be the coordination and administration of the civil defense - the Office of Homeland Security. This paper will attempt to show where and why the Unorganized Militia, and particularly the able-bodied among older Americans can, and must be, an integral part of this security effort.
First, what is the militia and who are the participants? Let's see.
The Constitution of the United States delineates the powers of the legislative, executive and judiciary branches of the federal government. With respect to the militia, Congressional powers are:
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To... provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 15: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 16: To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress.
The Executive power is cited as:
Article 2, Section 2, Clause 1: The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States.
The details of these powers are fleshed out in the US Code:
10 USC Sec. 311 01/02/01 TITLE 10 - ARMED FORCES Subtitle A - General Military Law, PART I - ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL MILITARY POWERS CHAPTER 13 - THE MILITIA, Sec. 311. Militia: composition and classes -STATUTE-
The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
The classes of the militia are -
the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.
The Constitutions and codes of the various states should be researched by their residents. I will speak to Virginia.
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia in Section 13. Militia; standing armies; military subordinate to civil power:
That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.
And the Code of Virginia, in ß 44-1. Composition of militia:
The militia of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall consist of all able-bodied citizens of this Commonwealth and all other able-bodied persons resident in this Commonwealth who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, who are at least sixteen years of age and, except as hereinafter provided, not more than fifty-five years of age. The militia shall be divided into four classes, the National Guard, which includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, the Virginia State Defense Force, the naval militia, and the unorganized militia.
Thus, answering the question "What is the militia and who are the participants?"...
IF you are not a Regular in the active Armed Forces of the United States and you are a male Citizen of the United States in a certain age bracket and able-bodied - or a female citizen in the National Guard - YOU are the Militia; and,
IF you are not in the various National Guard or Reserve forces, are an able-bodied male citizen in a certain age bracket, YOU are the Unorganized Militia; and, in Virginia,
IF you are not in the National Guard, are an able-bodied female citizen of Virginia, and otherwise qualifying in age, YOU are the Unorganized Militia.
The outlook for the civil defense:
Federal, state and county/municipal governing bodies are preparing increased security and emergency services nationwide. As this effort progresses from planning to execution, various elements of the National Guard and Reserves, called to federal duty, will initially assume security positions to preserve the transportation and utilities systems, and other facilities for the distribution of military materials and the flow of normal commerce, including food, water and other essentials. This effort would probably include electric generating plants and distribution grid systems, natural gas distribution, rails, highways, bridges, tunnels, and the various maritime facilities and waterways. Certainly, potable water source, holding, treatment and distribution systems will demand a high priority of security given the danger that biological and chemical agents represent. Policing will fall to state and local forces, in many cases augmented by police reserve and auxiliary recruiting. Some policing tasks may be supported by, or shared with, federal authority, particularly in dire situations.
But, what of the manpower? Aside from the constitutional and legal impediments to putting the military on homeland streets, the challenges of supporting overseas operations, concerns for a vibrant economy, national morale, fiscal integrity and decent living standards, there is the need for manpower - let's look at it:
Military forces will initially get augmentation and replacements from the organized militia components, from voluntary enlistment, and a draft, if implemented. And until a draft, the National Guard and Reserve units will be competing for the same volunteers.
Federal positions, particularly in law enforcement and emergency services will expand. State and local police, fire & rescue, medical services, and other activities will intensify recruiting to replace draw-downs to the military and provide for expanded duties.
This "musical chairs" scenario primarily affects males in the lower half of the generally 18 to 65 aged work force. This reduction moves the rather heavy responsibility of production and delivery of all manner of products and services to those men generally over age 35, to women, and to those retirees who might rejoin the work force.
As you can see, a long-term, sustained effort to neutralize or erase the current threat has manpower consequences across the board; and it certainly can impact the security effectiveness of the home front.
The premise of this paper is that the "Unorganized Militia can, and must be, an integral part of this homeland security effort". Why?
All of the above - particularly where providing manpower for vacant billets and relief. In any city, county or town, there are a myriad of locations which may require a security presence - schools, libraries, civic complexes, roadways, utilities and other sites of importance. In Hampton Roads, our cities also have to consider the security of miles of waterways and beaches. Virginia Beach must also consider its potable water distribution system that stretches across several counties. Any major "event" would shift the priority of professional public safety personnel to the scene reducing the security presence at other locations.
As for the Unorganized Militia itself, it will face the attrition to other forces too. The upper age limit federal is 45 and in Virginia 55. Perhaps in colonial times and even the past century these limits were logical, life expectancy as it was. Today people in America live longer, work longer, and generally are alert, effective citizens longer. These age limits, particularly in the light of current age discrimination laws, should be reviewed. I would suspect the ceiling should be more in line with ability and not the calendar. The able among these elders can, and I am sure will, provide valuable service as members of the Unorganized Militia. They can provide eyes and ears and communications for a "first alert" and convey an assuring presence in the field for the community.
Many citizens across the nation have military experience, know how to follow and issue orders, understand the chain of command, and know how to organize - and participate. Each has had a position of responsibility at some level, and many - authority. Many are retired military, with years of this same responsibility. Many live clustered around military bases, the same bases that provide the forces for this War on Terrorism. Of disparate age, these retired military professionals are, or have been, both the work force and Unorganized Militia. They are a treasure trove of experience and ability; they can and will if asked, provide their communities with a fast-track nucleus of field security assistance.
This is the case for an active Unorganized Militia (by whatever name it may be known). Let those in our nation, state and local leadership say "Make it so."
Andrew H. Barr
Copyright 2001 All Rights Reserved
