9/11/2011...Images, Memories, Prayers...from Mark

President George W. Bush with some powerful words yesterday in Shanksville, where the brave passengers of Flight 93 saved the Capitol or the White House from destruction...


It was ten years ago today...on a beautiful Tuesday morning....over 3000 people would go to work, or out to eat, or what have you....and never come home...

19 scumbag islamofascist thugs would use innocent people and aircraft as weapons to try to pry us into fear...Here are some images and remembrances from that horrible day...


Shortly after the attacks, our Commander in Chief told the bravest and finest we were with them and made a vow....



A vow that not only led to a new emphasis on those who fear us because we are free, but led to freedom for millions who had been under the heel of brutal e dictators...And the justice for this, while it may never be complete in this life, the cowardly dirtbag who orchestrated this has been sent to hell...



And though that particular devil is gone, there are more out there, looking to try to do what UBL and others have tried and failed to do: Bring America to her knees. As long as America has the brave men and women of the military and the law enforcement and first responders, as long as we are a people of freedom and liberty under God; then no group of religious fascist fanatics can destroy us....God bless the men and women who serve us....

God bless our brothers and sisters who ran into the maelstrom as others fled, seeking to save everyone they could...and God bless those who took things into their own hands to defeat evil with a cry of "Let's Roll..."

May we never, ever forget the Fallen....




Let us continue on to live our lives as they lived, striving to be all we can be and live out this unique American Dream, but with a renewed vigilance and understanding of how rare, precious, and special is our gift of liberty. Let us live in freedom, hoping for peace but ready to defend the cause of justice and liberty...God bless America....

I Guess Rosie Believes Finally That Osama Was Involved in 9/11

I don't think Oprah knows what she is getting into giving Rosie airtime on her beleagured and failing network, OWN. Or maybe she is into exhibiting stupidity? Of course she is, she gave us Dr. Phil! Here is Rosie's latest:

ROSIE O'DONNELL (43:40): Why is it, if people question whether or not filming Americans in the streets chanting 'USA!' and a lot of the coverage of the White House protesters [sic] seemed to be drunken fraternity boys, why this is in some way determined to make you un-American if you don't support that. You can be happy for the death of the person because he no longer walks the Earth. That he quote-unquote 'didn't deserve to live.'

You can also be upset about the fact that he didn't have due process, that he didn't get tried, that he wasn't brought to The Hague for war-crime tribunal [sic].

Hey piggy wiggy! Guess what? He admitted to it on video...repeatedly. You moron. But at least after 10 years you came around to being open to the fact he may have been involved with 9/11. Remember this gem of Trutherism?

Obama's Way of Saying Never Forget: A Form Letter

OK, so first only a select number of 9/11 families were invited to partake of the presence of the Annointed One. You would think the staff of the White House would actually take the time to find out names of the departed loved ones, but no, they are too busy getting the President's menu of scallops and Michelle No Belle's menu of a side of ribs and such ready to be trifled with honoring the fallen or showing a modicum of respect:

NEW YORK (PIX11)—
As 50 carefully selected families prepare to join President Barack Obama for a ceremony at the World Trade Center site Thursday, one of the invited 9/11 families have decided to pass on the Commander-in-chief's visit.

Although many consider it to be a once in a lifetime invitation, the Vigiano family of Deer Park, Long Island have respectfully declined.

"If this form letter was the invitation, it was kinda lame," John Vigiano told PIX 11 News when describing the email invitation sent to him from the White House.Jan and John Vigiano received the email invite Tuesday and admitted that they nearly deleted it, thinking it was spam. The private invitation complete with the White House seal informed the couple about President Obama's visit to the World Trade Center site just days after news broke about Osama bin Laden's death.

What rubbed the Vigiano's the wrong way was not what the email said, but how it was addressed.

"It says 'Dear 9-11 family member,' - no names" " John Vigiano said, reading the invite aloud to PIX 11 cameras. "I don't know if its disrespectful, but it doesn't work for me."

The Vigianos lost both their sons on September 11, 2001. John Vigiano Jr. was 36, and a FDNY firefighter, while their youngest Joe Vigiano was an emergency services detective with the NYPD.

"There is no closure," a sobbing John Vigiano said. "There is none."

The Vigiano family is just one of fifty families sent the exclusive invitation to meet the President at what is being billed as a historic visit to Ground Zero Thursday. With all that considered, the mourning father says he's not going.

"I'm honored the President of the United States is coming to New York," he said. "[But] to me its just going to be a photo op."

Isn't it sad that 9/11 families feel this way about the Photo OP-erator in chief? Everything is a chance to make him look good. Pathetic.

Jeannie Evans, of Elmont, who lost her baby brother firefighter Robert Evans on 9/11 will also not be there Thursday. She wasn't invited.

"I guess I feel lucky and leftout," Evans said as she held a picture of her brother. "Its always a select few. Is it fair? No. We all have voices."

Evans says she will probably watch Obama's visit on television but wishes she could ask him a few questions.

"Why not show us proof, that Bin Laden was killed? I would like to see that," wondered Evans.

The 9/11 families deserve closure. And letting faked photos and conspiracy theories get out there because you are respecting the memory and corpse of a mass murderer so as not to offend people who want to kill us anyway is just disgusting. It is sad that Osama Bin Laden gets more respect for his memory than Danny Pearl, Nick Berg, or the 3000 killed on 9/11. Shows you who Obama really respects, doesn't it?

On 9/11

John Boehner:

The events of recent weeks have reminded us how central the September 11th attacks remain to our national consciousness. The shock and grief we felt that Tuesday still echo in our hearts, still reverberate in our minds.

America stands tall as a beacon of freedom and tolerance because her people have risen to the occasion each time these values have been tested. It is with that in mind that we turn our thoughts today to the police, firefighters, and first responders who ran into burning buildings so others could get out. We renew our awe for the passengers who dug in rather than give up and charged the cockpit of Flight 93. We remember how Americans from all walks donated blood, gathered at candlelight vigils, and organized care packages for relief workers. The resilience that propels us forward as a people is drawn from the courage of our heroes and the compassion of our citizens.
Each year on this day, we have the opportunity and the solemn responsibility to honor the heroes and victims, and to keep faith with their loved ones. Through these thoughts and prayers, we can heal, and we can steel ourselves to repeat the words ‘never again.’
Over the last year, we have seen in the most immediate way how terrorists still have innocent Americans in their sights, starting with a plot to blow up the New York City subway system, and continuing with the attacks at Fort Hood, Times Square, and on board Northwest Flight 253. Each of these attacks represented new strands of terrorism, new signs of an enemy ready and willing to adapt. Now more than ever, as citizens and patriots, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist threat. That is why we should also take a moment today to salute the endurance, discipline, and valor of our troops, who have volunteered to take the fight to the enemy and keep the light of freedom burning bright.

Jim Renacci:

Nine years ago today, America witnessed one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our nation. September 11, 2001 is more than a day we must never forget, it’s a day that we must always remember. It’s a day we must remember not only for the burning buildings, the loss of life and the barbarous acts of terrorism, but also for the countless acts of selfless and heroic bravery that so many Americans exhibited that day.

Although our country was unified in shock, sorrow and deep anger in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, we were also unified in our resolve to stand together as Americans in defense of our country, our freedom and our way of life. While our nation’s rich diversity is one of its greatest treasures, far too often we focus on our differences rather than the common bonds that we share as Americans. I sincerely hope today, as we take time to reflect on one of the darkest moments in our country’s past, that we may revive a new sense of unity as we move forward to tackle the great many challenges that lie ahead in the future.
While the pain of loss endures every day for the family members and friends who lost loved ones in those horrific terrorist attacks, all of America stands with them today as we honor the memory of the victims of 9/11. May God bless the victims who lost their lives that day, the loved ones they left behind—and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Rich Iott:

It was nine years ago this morning that our nation came face to face with terrorism - a type of evil that had not been seen on American soil since our founding. That evening, as the reality of what had happened began to sink in, President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the Oval Office. As we remember those we lost - on that day and since - I thought it was appropriate to share with you some of that address. He said:

"A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
...
"This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world."
May we always remember that the United States of America is 'the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world' and may we always be resolved to keep her so.

About That Book Burning

I've been trying to get my head in the game on what exactly I think about this preacher in Florida wanting to burn a Koran on 9/11. I have mixed emotions on the subject, but I am opposed to it for several reasons.

First, I think General Petreaus has a point: Islamofascists, (not the cute and cuddly "moderate" Muslims who fart rainbows; but the real, hard core Muslims who like to chop heads and stuff) will use this event as an excuse to lash out at American serving around th globe.

Second, book burning is really anti-American. It just is. Sure, dude has the right to burn his personal property, but if this were really about that he wouldn't have made such a spectacle of himself. I don't like it when Islamofascists burn the American flag and/or shout "Death to America" either.

But...

I saw this article on Rasmussen that I think sums up part of why I hestitate to totally condemn the whole exercise:

It may well be that I'm giving Jones too much credit, but I think he and others have been driven mad by a media-elite double standard that requires the Christian religious right to be sensitive, but not Muslims.

When the controversy involves the ground zero mosque, the elites cite the First Amendment; when the controversy draws on the free-speech rights of the devout, editorial page editors switch to the issue of tolerance.
...
There is no sense of proportion. The left portrays the religious right as extremists, if they oppose, say, abortion or same-sex marriage, while it ignores Islamic cultures' unequal and at times violent treatment of women and gays.

At some point, we have to stop tolerating the violence that Muslims perpetrate on humanity. I'm not a real "eye for an eye" kind of guy, but I do think that symbolic gestures of friendship are only seen as weakness by the Islamofascists.

I guess I'd be more supportive if this preacher man had announced his intention to burn a Koran as a response to some other event much like the Islamofascists do as standard procedure.

Just seems like a really bad idea to me though...

OH-18: Gibbs - "No Mosque at Ground Zero"

Statement:

Lakeville, OH - Bob Gibbs today announced his strong opposition to the building of a mosque on 'ground zero' in New York. "We cannot allow the memories of those who lost their lives on 9/11 to be disgraced by the building of a mosque at ground zero. The President's decision ignores the will of the American people and is insensitive to victims' families," said Gibbs.

Gibbs also called on his opponent, Congressman Zack Space, to break his silence on the issue and join him in opposing the mosque. "President Obama wants to allow the mosque, and Zack Space's silence is deafening," said Gibbs. "It is time for Congressman Space to finally separate himself from the President and break ranks because this issue is too important to our country and the families who lost loved ones on 9/11."

This topic has been a hot one on my FaceBook Wall today...

9/11 Thoughts by State Rep. Josh Mandel

Here are some remarks sent to me from 17th District State Rep. Josh Mandel, who is running for Treasurer of the State of Ohio:

This week, we will mark the eighth anniversary of the September 11th attacks that forever changed our nation. We will never forget those who lost their lives in that tragedy, nor will we forget those who have since paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe.

As a Marine serving in Iraq, I can tell you that I was inspired knowing that hard-working, patriotic Americans from across the nation were saying prayers, writing letters and flying their flags in support of all of our troops overseas.

It reminded me of the movement that spread like lightning through our country on 9/11 and the days to follow. We weren’t Republicans or Democrats…we were Americans.

September 11th might not be an official holiday, but I hope you will urge all of your family, friends and neighbors to fly their flag and tell their children and grandchildren what it means to be free.

As a great President once said, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

On the eighth anniversary of these attacks, please take a moment to not only remember the lives that were lost, but the responsibility incumbent upon us to keep their memory, and the freedom for which so many have sacrificed, alive for future generations.

Best Wishes,


Josh

9/11

STATEMENTS:

Jeff Beatty, candidate for the United States Senate (R-MA):

“As we mark the seventh anniversary of September 11, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives that terrible day. I had the honor to have worked with the Pentagon and the WorldTrade Center to train their hundreds of security personnel to harden their perimeter against ground attack. Those brave women and men did their job inan outstanding manner. They saved lives on that terrible day. Many I had the privilege to know, made the ultimate sacrifice to get others to safety.

As we honor their memories and the memories of the thousands more citizens and public safety personnel who perished in a senseless act of violent extremism, let us remember the countless fellow Americans who gave so selflessly and so compassionately at a time when it was most needed. We did not seek a war with terrorists, but one has been thrust upon us. We must not lose sight of the fact that there are those who wish to do even greater harm to Americans. So let us guard against complacency and dedicate ourselves to properly protecting Americans by applying the appropriate national resources, no more and no less, to our public safety and security.

Let us also remember that from the grief and destruction of 9/11 sprang a renewed spirit of unity and American pride. Today, let us recommit ourselves to maintaining that sense of unity, standing together not as Democrats and Republicans, but simply as Americans.“

Joe Lieberman, United States Senate (I/D-CT):

“Today we commemorate the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember those who lost their lives and we salute the heroism and strength of character that Americans, from first responders to ordinary citizens, demonstrated in the face of death and destruction. While on that day we witnessed pure evil, we also saw why America, our freedom, and our values will always triumph.

“Today, we also honor those men and women in our armed forces who have sacrificed their lives in the war that began on that day seven years ago. These heroes have made us safer and have protected our country from another attack. We will be forever grateful to them and to their families for their sacrifice—what Abraham Lincoln called ‘the last full measure of devotion.’

“As we remember that horrific day, we should also rededicate ourselves to remain vigilant and united against an extremist foe that threatens our security and our freedom. This is a struggle of humanity against barbarism, of justice against tyranny whose outcome will affect the lives of not only our citizens, but billions of others throughout the world.

“Just as America and all freedom-loving peoples prevailed over the twin evils of fascism and communism in the last century, we will prevail over the evil of Islamist terrorism that attacked us on that September day seven years ago. Let us stand united in that cause.”

George Voinovich, United States Senate (R-OH):

“Seven years ago today, we suffered a horrific national tragedy, the images of which will forever remain in the minds of the American people,” Sen. Voinovich said. “The senseless brutality of 9/11 shocked the world. But rather than destroying our faith in the American ideals of liberty and freedom, it united us in a way I have never seen before. The spirit of self-sacrifice that day inspired was truly remarkable. Today we remember the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor first responders who make little-noticed sacrifices every day that keep our families safe.”

Bob Latta, United States Congressman (R-OH):

“Today is a day of prayer as we remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. As we mourn the tragic loss of life seven years ago today, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families still grieving. We also recall the heroic acts of patriotism on that day and those who died in service to their fellow man. The memory of those individuals will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Americans.”

“Now more than ever, our country stands together as we continue to fight the global war on terror and bring those responsible for these cowardly acts to justice. Our troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, and across the globe continue to defend our freedoms and liberties, keeping us safe from those who wish to compromise them.”

Republican Leader John Boehner:

“In 1776, our Founding Fathers began building a new nation founded on liberty and freedom. In the last 232 years America has prospered and flourished. We have fulfilled the vision of our Founders that America would be a beacon of hope against tyranny.

“The attacks of September 11, 2001 were aimed not just at buildings or people. They were aimed at the things we hold in the highest esteem: our liberty and our freedom. The attacks that day took many lives, and too many family members, even today, feel the pain of loss.

“But despite the scars, the attacks of 9-11 failed. They failed…and today freedom and democracy are taking root in parts of the world where they were once only a far off dream.

“Today we remember those we lost. We honor the memory of public servants who willingly gave their lives to save others. We also honor those we lost in Afghanistan and Iraq defending our country and pursuing those still dedicated to our destruction.

“Benjamin Franklin once said ‘There is no little enemy.’ And if the dreams of our radical enemy come true, it would spell the end of our freedom.

“Americans will never let that happen. America is a great nation, and we remain a beacon of hope to those living under the thumb of tyranny. And so this day, we say with one heart and with one voice that we will not forget. And we will not walk away from the defense of our freedom and liberty.”

Rememberance

Fred Thompson:

Six years have passed since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Today is a day to remember those who lost their lives at the hands of radical Islamic terrorists who despise our values and way of life, as well as those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice helping their fellow citizens that tragic day, and defending freedom in the years that have followed.

We must never forget that America has shed more blood defending freedom here and abroad than all the other countries in the world combined. And it was no different on 9/11. Before the twin towers fell, before the smoke had cleared from the Pentagon, before the brave men and women of Flight 93 had made a stand over Shanksville, Penn., Americans were fighting back.

America’s heritage of defending freedom has fallen to us. It is a great trust that our generation willingly accepts and must uphold. But the best way we can do that – while honoring the tragic loss of our fellow citizens six years ago today, and in all of the years since – is to make sure our nation continues to stand for freedom, remains strong and united in the face of threats, and secure.

Rep. John Boehner:

“I can still remember how blue and peaceful the East Coast sky was the morning of September 11, 2001, and how that peace was shattered by the attacks on our country. Every generation of Americans has its own unique challenge, and the challenge of this generation became clear to all of us on that day. It was a day that forever changed us and the way we look at the world.

“America was brutally attacked without mercy and without warning, and we will never, ever forget those we lost. Likewise, we will never forget the work of the police, firefighters, and first responders who willingly risked or gave up their lives to save others.

“As our nation faces the challenge posed to us and our freedom by radical jihadists, we also continue to honor the sacrifice and heroism of our Armed Forces. These men and women stand each day in defense of freedom, and they are bravely fighting a determined enemy in the war on terror. They deserve our respect and support to ensure that our children and their children never have to live through another day like September 11th.”

MORE LATER...

House Republicans Target Rep. Murtha's Earmark

Via email:

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today announced House Republicans will offer a measure on the House floor that would ensure scarce intelligence funds are used to fund programs that protect the American people instead of funding wasteful congressional pork-barrel projects.

The GOP measure would take funding away from an illegitimate earmark tucked into an important intelligence bill to benefit senior Democratic Rep. John Murtha (D-PA), and use the money to restore funding for human intelligence programs that protect the American people against attacks from terrorists. Democrats cut funding for such valuable intelligence programs against the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

The Murtha earmark has drawn a torrent of criticism from House Republicans not only because it is a wasteful use of taxpayer dollars, but also because it was tucked into the intelligence bill in apparent violation of House rules meant to keep pork-barrel projects from passing Congress without appropriate scrutiny and debate.

The Murtha earmark would authorize tens of millions of federal dollars to be spent on the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), a government agency based in Murtha's district that the House Government Reform Committee has deemed "an expensive and duplicative use of scarce federal drug enforcement resources," according to an article in the May 8 edition of The Hill.

The GOP measure will request an audit of the NDIC and shift $23 million away from NDIC into human intelligence programs. The measure would leave $16 million in the NDIC account to cover the estimated termination costs of the facility.

Against the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, Congressional Democrats cut funding for human intelligence programs as well as other initiatives related to America's efforts to counter radical jihadists. The Republican measure today would take money away from Rep. Murtha's illegitimate earmark and use the money to restore some of the intelligence funds slashed in the original bill.

UPDATE: Americans for Prosperity weighed in here...

Boehner Statement on the Confession of 9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

Via email:

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) issued the following statement this morning after Khalid Sheikh Mohammed confirmed he planned more than 30 terrorist attacks around the world, including the September 11 attack that killed thousands of American citizens:

“The confession of Osama bin Laden’s chief operative serves as yet another reminder that we are in a global war on radical Islamic terrorism. We know from his statements that our enemy remains committed to pursuing its war on America , threatening the safety and security of American families and citizens across the globe.

“The terrorists that seek to destroy America do not subscribe to arbitrary timelines for withdrawal, so we must not either. They will not be constrained by the politics of elected officials, so our elected officials must not constrain our troops in the fight against them. As Congress debates whether to give our full and unqualified support to our generals and our troops, we must be mindful of the disastrous consequences of failure. Between their ‘slow-bleed’ strategy and plans to import terrorists from Guantanamo Bay into American communities, Democrats are advocating policies that will set us back disastrously in the fight against al-Qaeda. Our soldiers have the will to continue the fight, and they deserve the opportunity and the support needed to succeed.”

NOTE: The Politico newspaper recently reported that Democrats are planning to relocate many of the 385 or so remaining terrorist suspects – including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed – to military brigs along the East Coast such as Quantico , Va. , and Charleston , S.C. ” To view the full story, click here.