Red Clay Citizen

Surge-ing Ahead: Credit Where Due

Well lookie here... the surge worked.
-Max Borders

Say Thank You

"It's not about politics." - the Gratitude Campaign.
-Max Borders

The MSM won't cover the war...

... as this post suggests. Why? asks Jeff Jacoby - because we're winning.
-Max Borders

Has the Worm Turned?

Interesting poll on the sentiments of the Iraqi people.
-Max Borders

Torture: In the Eye of the Beholder?

Supporters of John McCain will like this editorial in the N&O.

Maybe it's just me, but I really don't see how unpleasant interrogation is torture. War is not for the squeamish. Dealing with terrorists surely isn't. And when we're functioning in the extra-Constititutional domain of terrorists and foreign combatants, isn't it worth making their situation unpleasant if the goal is to extract information that will save lives of Americans or innocents? Simulated drowning is scary to be sure. I didn't like it when my older step brother sat on top of my head with a pillow (simulating suffocation), either, but I wouldn't call it torture.
-Max Borders

Semper Fi

It is with a heavy heart that I notify you of the passing of American Patriot, Gunnery Sergeant Thomas George Beattie, United States Marine Corps (Retired).  When I came home from Naval Service in 1993, one of the first 2nd Amendment activist I met was Tom Beattie.  A tireless advocate of the rights of self defense, Tom Beattie handed me his business card when we first met.  The card simply said, “Interesting Projects Undertaken.” His name on the card was Thomas, but everyone around him called him “Gunny.”  The card made no mention of his background as a career Marine who had served in Korea & Viet Nam nor his service in a number of banana republics south of the border. For 22 years Tom Beattie served his country in the company of America’s Warrior-Protectors – The Marines.

One of the “interesting projects” he undertook in retirement was to take up the job that others had little time for – citizen/lobbyist.  He was often found in the halls of the legislature advancing the cause of freedom and protecting North Carolinians’ Right to Keep and Bear Arms.  Pro 2nd Amendment lawmakers enjoyed his visits and appreciated the wealth of information he carried around in his head while the gun grabbing legislators ran in the other direction when they spotted that black felt cowboy hat coming down the hall.  For all of us who don’t have the time or opportunity to button hole politicians on the right to keep and bear arms, Gunny was there for you and me.

Gunny Beattie stood watch as sentry in the Marines and at the North Carolina Legislature.  General Order #5 from the General Orders for Sentries states: “To quit my post only when properly relieved.”  According to the Beattie family, Gunny was on watch Saturday evening at his computer guarding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.  Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Beattie, You Stand Relieved.  Semper Fidelis, Marine.   

Now the rest of us the RKBA community will have to take up the Gunny’s post and try our best to carry out the rest of the Sentry’s orders while standing guard for America’s first freedom.  This Sunday is the eleventh day of the eleventh month, known in this country as Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day in the rest of the English speaking world.  Take a moment this Sunday and remember Gunnery Sergeant Thomas George Beattie, USMC (Ret.) and remember why he spent much of his life protecting your rights.

911 Story

Everyone's got a 9-11 story. I thought I'd share mine with you.
-Max Borders

Bridges: It's Already Starting

North Carolina media outlets are already trying to freak everybody out (here, here, and here) to get eyeballs. And government officials are already ordering the obligatory "studies."

Look: the thing that happened in Minneapolis was terrible, but unlikely. There are thousands of bridges around the country. While we shouldn't fail to inspect bridges (and we have been inspecting them) we can't expect things like this never to happen. It's just a part of life... particularly government run life. So relax.

Update note: (If the State didn't spend so much on unnecessary transportation projects like the Global Transpark, porkbarrel construction, and fourlaning eastern NC, we wouldn't have problems keeping bridges in good repair. Oh, and they can keep their mits out of the HTF, too.)

Iraq: The Petraeus Effect

Stunning article on the war in Iraq by two very prestigious Brookings wonks after a recent visit.

Twin Fears: Climate Change & Terrorism

I have a D.C. Examiner column today about America's twin existential fears and how they may make us do something rash with our energy policy. -Max Borders