On This Day In History...strange how the mood has changed over the years

Its strange how the mood of the people of Massachusetts have changed over the years.  Stranger yet is how the news media like to brag about their historical significance in the war of independence and yet put people in office today that want to take that independence away...they embrace the idea that we the people must now depend on the government.  Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Barney Frank...who are these people that want to force their socialistic and Marxist ideology on the rest of us?  They're definetly not of the caliber of James Otis nor John Adams just two of the heros of American Independence mentioned in the story below.  The story comes to us from Cape Cod Today a huge supporter of the former senator, Ted Kennedy, and most likely the other two elected officials mentioned above.  Kennedy, Kerry, and especially Barney Frank would have been tarred and feathered...maybe even hung, if they were to attempt to impose their anti-independent philosphy on any of the people of pre-revolutionary America.  Though the James Otis' flame of fire may be still flickering in the land of the formerly free, it will be extinguished before the tricentennial anniversary of his birth, 2025.  Then the media can brag about how they destroyed this great experiment called America.  ~ Norman E. Hooben

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1725: Revolution-era 'flame of fire' is born in Barnstable

02/05/11 ·

1725: James Otis Jr. was born on this day in West Barnstable

On this day in 1725, James Otis Jr., one of the most influential figures in fomenting revolution against Great Britain by the 13 colonies that formed the United States, was born in the village of West Barnstable.

The oldest of 13 children, Otis was educated at Harvard and began his law practice in Plymouth before relocating to Boston in 1750. A decade later, he was appointed to the prestigious position of Advocate General of the Admiralty Court, which oversaw maritime affairs. Otis soon resigned, however, rather than argue in favor of the Writs of Assistance, vaguely worded warrants that allow searches of colonial property and vessels without warning or probable cause.
In a dramatic five-hour speech at the old State House in February 1761, Otis represented pro bono the merchants who challenged the legality of the writs before the Superior Court, a predecessor to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

" A man's house is his castle," Otis argued, "and whilst he is quiet, he is well guarded as a prince in his castle. This writ, if it should be declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege. Customhouse officers may enter our houses when they please; we are commanded to permit their entry. Their menial servants may enter, may break locks, bars, and everything in their way; and whether they break through malice or revenge, no man, no court may inquire. Bare suspicion without oath is sufficient."

" ... Every man prompted by revenge, ill humor, or wantonness to inspect the inside of his neighbor's house, may get a writ of assistance," Otis went on to say. "Others will ask it from self-defense; one arbitrary exertion will provoke another, until society be involved in tumult and in blood."

" A man's house is his castle, and whilst he is quiet, he is well guarded as a prince in his castle." James Otis, 1761.

Among those who heard Otis was future president John Adams, who described the Barnstable native as "a flame of fire; with a promptitude of classical allusions, a depth of research, a rapid summary of historical events and dates, a profusion of legal authorities."
Adams would later write that "the child independence was then and there born,[for] every man of an immense crowded audience appeared to me to go away as I did, ready to take arms against writs of assistance."
(illustration credit, http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/)

New York Times vs Clarence Thomas

My Grandfather's Son, a biography of and by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a very interesting read...  Upon finishing the book I was so impressed that shortly thereafter, I had made the statement, "The only person in the federal government that deserves my overwhelming trust is Clarence Thomas...I trust no other!"  Well that was somewhat short-lived when Justice Thomas did nothing in his power to review the Obama birth certificate issue; he apparently went along with all the others who declared that so and so (and that should include we the people) did not have standing.  The fact of the matter is every American, from the moment of birth to the last living breath has standing.  It is a fundamental right!  Its also the law that Obama must prove his eligibility...he never has!  So my trust is somewhat diminished but I must remain faithful that Justice Thomas will eventually live up to his grandfather's expectations. (side note: If you want to know a few facts about Biden, Shumer, and a few other nasty people that are running our country into the ground, I highly suggest you read the book.  Much of what Thomas writes about I can vouch for myself, as can any who may have watched the shameful proceedings on live television.  The vitriol and scum that came out of those senate hearings can best be summed up by the words of Clarence's mother, "I ain't never votin' fo' another Democrat long as I can draw breath." ...and this after wrongfully assuming that all these years they were "sensible leaders". [Sometimes it takes a rude awakening for people to know who really is stabbing them in the back, I was awakened back in the sixties, but that's another story.])

So now we have a major story coming out of the left wing's modern papyrus otherwise know as the New York Slime. Immediately the Times wants to create a negative image of Judge Thomas simply because his wife, Virginia Thomas, has taken up ideological postions that, according to the editorial, may affect future decisions by her husband. Here's the quote:

Justice Thomas “should not be sitting on a case or reviewing a statute that his wife has lobbied for,” said Monroe H. Freedman, a Hofstra Law School professor specializing in legal ethics. “If the judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned, that creates a perception problem.”

Kind of a lame excuse there Mr. Freedman...if you're going to use that form of deductive reasoning then it stands to reason then the usurper in charge, Mr. Obama, should not be signing bills nor creating Executive Orders (EO's) that Mrs. usurper, Michelle Obama, has lobbied for...makes sense doesn't it or you only like to make the rules to fit your un-American agenda. Does not the New York Times create perception problems?  How else would I know they are un-American? ~ Norman E. Hooben

The following from the New York Times

February 4, 2011

Justice Thomas’s Wife Sets Up a Conservative Lobbying Shop

By ERIC LICHTBLAU

WASHINGTON — The wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, who has raised her political profile in the last year through her outspoken conservative activism, is re-branding herself as a lobbyist and self-appointed “ambassador to the Tea Party movement.”
Virginia Thomas, the justice’s wife, said on libertyinc.co, a Web site for her new political consulting business, that she saw herself as an advocate for “liberty-loving citizens” who favored limited government, free enterprise and other core conservative issues. She promised to use her “experience and connections” to help clients raise money and increase their political impact.
Ms. Thomas’s effort to take a more operational role on conservative issues could intensify questions about her husband’s ability to remain independent on issues like campaign finance and health care, legal ethicist said.
Justice Thomas “should not be sitting on a case or reviewing a statute that his wife has lobbied for,” said Monroe H. Freedman, a Hofstra Law School professor specializing in legal ethics. “If the judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned, that creates a perception problem.”
Ms. Thomas’s founding of her own political consulting shop, Liberty Consulting, was first reported Thursday by Politico, which said she had begun reaching out to freshmen Republicans in Congress.
The move comes a few months after she gave up the top spot at Liberty Central, a conservative Web site that she founded in 2009 and that has strong links to the Tea Party movement.  ...Story continues here.

Regarding the recent snow storm...I have to make a trip up north and checking in with my cousin, she assured me that the roads are all clear

Will it be a cold day in hell when Colin Powell apologizes for these words? ...or will global warming force him to tell the truth!

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Obama is a Muslim and there's no significant evidence that he is a Christian...

Is there a problem with that? 

East is East and West is West and never the two shall meet....Muslims want to destroy the west! ...and Obama wants to destroy the country!

And there IS significant evidence that this is so...

What say you now Mr. Powell?

PS: I went back over that entire interview Mr. Powell...and it was discusting!...every word of it! ~ Norman E. Hooben

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news about the economy

Four Chaplins...uncommon valor!

A H-T and hearfelt salute to Lew Waters for this reminder of NATIONAL FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY

I remember this story from my early days at the orphanage.  It was not only read to us by the nuns but we even heard it on the news (which we didn't hear often of in such a closed environment).  The outside metal steps leading up to the orhanage's laundry room rose up by the kitchen window where we would occasionally play...sliding down the handrail.  It was during one of these playful times that we could also listen to the radio that was constantly on just inside the kitchen window.  On this day the window was open so all could hear without straining an ear.  The news just came out that President Truman (now I'll be honest I don't remember exactly what he said until I was reminded by Lew's story that follows) spoke at some ceremony honoring the four chaplins...the same four chaplins in the story previously read to us by the nuns.  The part that I do remember about this incident is, one of the other kids (can't remember which one) after hearing about the chaplins, made the statement, "When I grow up, I want to be a hero."  "We can't all be heroes some of us have to stand on the sidewalk and clap as they go by."  Will Rogers said that, not me.  ~  Norman E. Hooben...thanks Lew!

FEBRUARY 3 –NATIONAL FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY


By REES LLOYD (re-posted with authors permission)
Also seen at World Net Daily


“Four Chaplains Day” is to be observed annually on February 3 in America by the unanimous resolution of the U.S. Congress in 1988. It is a day to remember February 3, 1943, one of the most remarkable and inspiring acts of heroism in the history of warfare took place in World War II. It is a day to honor the heroism of the Four Chaplains, who selflessly gave their lives “that others may live.”
However, although veterans in The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other veterans organizations, will hold special observances on Four Chaplains Day, most American media, most American schools, and, therefore, most Americans, will not observe it. Indeed, most Americans, including children who will not be taught about in their schools, will not even know that there is a National Four Chaplains day, or why. This is true even though, as a former soldier who owed his life to them has said: “[T]heir heroism is beyond belief. That is one of the reasons why we must tell the world what these people did.”
On February 3, 1943, the Dorchester, a converted luxury cruise ship, was transporting Army troops to Greenland, escorted by three Coast Guard Cutters and accompanied by two slow moving freighters.
On board were some 900 troops, and four chaplains, of diverse religions and backgrounds, but of a common faith and commitment to serve God, country, and all the troops, regardless of their religious beliefs, or non-belief. The four Chaplains are:
Rev. George Fox (Methodist); Father John Washington (Roman Catholic); Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode; and Rev. Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed).
At approximately 12:55 a.m., in the dead of a freezing night, the Dorchester was hit by a torpedo fired by German U-boat 233 in an area so infested with German submarines it was known as “Torpedo Junction.”
The blast ripped a hole in the ship from below the waterline to the top deck.
The engine room was instantly flooded. Crewmen, who were not scalded to death by steam escaping from broken pipes and the ship's boiler, were drowned.
Hundreds of troops in the flooded lower compartments were drowned, or washed out to the frigid waters, where most would die.
In less than a minute, the Dorchester lost way, and listed on a 30-degree angle. Troops on deck searched for life jackets in panic, clung to rails and other handholds, saw overloaded life boats overturn in the turgid water, leaped overboard as a last desperate hope for life. Many with life jackets drowned when the life preservers became waterlogged.
Of the 900 troops and crew on board, two-thirds would ultimately die; most of those who survived, had lifelong infirmities and pain from their time in the icy waters.
Dorchester survivors told of the wild pandemonium on board when it was hit and began sinking. Many men had not slept in their clothes and life vests as ordered because of the heat in the crowded quarters below. There was panic, fear, terror; death was no abstraction but real, immediate, seemingly inescapable.
The four Chaplains acted together to try bring some order to the chaos, to calm the panic of the troops, to alleviate their fear and terror, to pray with and for them, to help save their lives.
The Chaplains passed out life jackets, helping those too panicked to put them on correctly, until the awful moment arrived when there were no more life jackets to be given out.
It was then that a most remarkable act of heroism, courage, faith, and love took place:
Each of the four Chaplains took off his life jacket, and, knowing that act made death certain, put his life jacket on a soldier who didn't have one, refusing to listen to any protest that they should not make such a sacrifice.
They continued to help the troops until the last moment.
Then, as the ship sank into the raging sea, the four Chaplains linked hands and arms, and could be seen and heard by the survivors praying together, even singing hymns, joined together in faith, love, and unity, as they sacrificed their lives so “that others might live.”
The few survivors testified to the selfless act of the four Chaplains:
“The ship started sinking and as I left the ship, I looked back and saw the chaplains with their hands clasped, praying for the boys. They never made any attempt to save themselves, but they did try to save the others. I think their names should be on the list of ‘The Greatest Heroes' of this war,” testified Grady L. Clark.
“I saw all four chaplains take off their life belts and give them to soldiers who had none. The last I saw of them they were still praying, talking, and preaching to the soldiers,” attested survivor Thomas W. Myers Jr.
“It is impressed clearly in my mind that these chaplains demonstrated unsurpassed courage and heroism when they willingly gave their life belts to four enlisted men, who, because of the utter confusion and disorder brought about by the torpedoing, had become hysterical. They helped save the lives of many of the troops,” testified John F. Garey.
These testimonies, taken from author Dan Kurzman's valuable book “No Greater Glory: The Four Immortal Chaplains and the Sinking of the Dorchester in World War II,” are but some of the sworn statements of grateful survivors upon which Congress awarded the Four Chaplains an unprecedented “Congressional Medal of Valor” in 1961.
Earlier, in 1944, they were awarded Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross. They did not receive the Medal of Honor because of restrictions limiting that medal to combatants. In 2004, delegates to The American Legion National Convention representing 2.7-million wartime veterans, voted to support making an exception and awarding the Medal of Honor to the Four Chaplains.
The lesson of their lives is as inspiring as is the lesson of their ultimate sacrifice. Information is available from a number of sources, principally by the Immortal Chaplains Foundation, and the affiliated Chapel of the Four Chaplains, which awards the Immortal Chaplains Prize for Humanity, and whose logo is: “That others may live.” (www.immortalchaplains.org; The Immortal Chaplains Foundation, On the Queen Mary, 1126
At the dedication of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains in 1951, then-President Harry S. Truman said their sacrifice reflected the fact that “the unity of our country is a unity under God.”
“This interfaith shrine will stand through long generations to teach Americans that as men can die heroically as brothers so should they live together in mutual faith and good will,” President Truman said.
Ben Epstein, a Jewish survivor who often spoke to audiences about the Four Chaplains, was quoted by author Kurzman as describing the meaning of their sacrifice by putting a question to himself, and, thereby, to all other Americans:
“I ask myself, could I do it? Take my life preserver and give it to someone else? Absolutely not. I don't think I could do it. I didn't do it. And I ask you in the audience, how many of you could do it? And I don't want an answer. That's why I say their bravery; their heroism is beyond belief. That is one of the reasons why we must tell the world what these people did.”
The American Legion has been conducting annual Four Chaplains remembrances for almost half a century, publishes material, and has produced a video, “The American Legion Remembers the Four Chaplains,” all of which are available through its Chaplains Program. (Acy@legion.org; The American Legion, Attn: Chaplains Program, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317-630-1212).
May the God the Four Chaplains served bless and keep them; and may the nation they so heroically served always remember and honor them.

[ Rees Lloyd is a longtime civil rights attorney and veterans activist.]