Memorial Day: The Legacy of President George W. Bush

Today we honor our dead - the men and women in uniform who provided a backbone of defense for our nation at the cost of their own blood. It seems necessary to pay tribute to our prior Commander-in-Chief. Having taken an oath of office, he then called on those under his chain of command to honor their own oath.

President George W. Bush had only two choices after the attack of 9/11. America could run. Or America could stand. And to stand was the choice he made clear when mere hours after the attack he addressed a nation which was still reeling with shock.

I watched as Americans were pushed to their deaths by the licking hands of flame at their backs. I watched as the Pentagon burned. I watched as an aircraft was located in a field after a desperate attempt by American men to give their own lives to defend each of us who remain among the bundle of the living today. But most of all, I watched for the response of our President.

We could run. We could stand. Which would it be?

There has been much discussion regarding our entrance into Iraq. I concur with some of the assessments. But I have a bottom line: We don't run. We stand.

President George W. Bush sent our troops out as both shield and magnet. They are the shield for our shores and the magnet abroad. Those of us who wear the uniform say to our foe, "Make us the target. We are the bulls-eye. But do not harm innocent civilians residing within our sovereign borders."

For all men and women in uniform who have shed their blood since 9/11, my heartfelt gratitude. My heart is still beating. The bellows of my lungs are still full of the breath of life.

And to a beloved Commander-in-Chief? My deepest respect. We don't run. We stand.

V/R LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

Memorial Day 2010: The Awesome Price of Liberty

Readers,

I posted a Memorial Day tribute by James McEachin a couple of years ago when it was offered as a pre-release to the blogsite. The earlier format for the blog no longer loads from the link. But here is the same, via another venue. It seems fitting to offer his tribute again as we move into our Memorial Day weekend activities and events.

To all families with faded photographs of military deceased and to the new generation of families with the raw exposed wounds of a recent loss, this Navy Nurse salutes you.

Click on link


V/R LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": Oh, the Fun Military of the Future!

Enlisted Navy Retirement:

Several years ago my detachment hosted a retirement for a beloved and respected petty officer. She was a sweet Catholic girl and just a great Navy sailor. Maria walked us through the highlights of her military career. The story ended wildly at the end befitting the manner of all of the best of our sea stories. Here is what she said:

"I have done everything in my Navy career. I have even danced on a table for men. My only regret is that I never had the opportunity to screw an officer!"

We all laughed and just gave her the best send-off with her certificates and gifts afterward. But her concluding response does bring up a serious concern. What will the new military look like when gay sexual preferences are openly acknowledged and they are allowed to sleep-within-the-ranks, or through the ranks, so to speak?

So here is how the scuttlebutt in the chow line may sound in future years thanks to the President-who-doesn't-like-us and his staff, who like us even less.

"Hey, Lt. Jeffries. Did you hear the news? The recruiter was seen in the shower with his latest recruit. Poor guy is just eighteen. You think the 'Dozer would hang out with men his age."

"See that E3 over there, Margaret? He is sleeping with the Rear Admiral's wife. Sez she has a tattoo on her butt. It's colorized too."

"Check out that Navy nurse. Word on the street is that she is ran a little side business on the hospital ship and made enough cash to retire. No wonder she looked tired all the time."

Read my lips. The marital boundary is a good benchmark for good order and discipline. This boundary has served our military well when it comes to keeping our ranks cohesive and focused on their primary mission, the defense of our nation. To allow gays to openly cohabitate in the military while castigating heterosexual singles for sexual activity or punishing adultery is the worst kind of hypocrisy and also favoritism toward a class. Our current administration is in bed with a powerful political lobby. Their interest in deconstructing the UCMJ for their benefit appalls me. If we are to allow open cohabitation then it must extend to all members of the military regardless of gender, sexual orientation or marital status. Just brand us all and designate all of us as free range cattle. Moo!

I have said it before and I will say it again. We must vote out the incumbency in coming election cycles. The scaffolding is corrupted and our elected officials bow to the minority voice. Vote for people who uphold the traditions which have served us well. Remove the incumbency.

Removing the Incumbency

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

Sarah Ferguson: Just Like Us

The Duchess of York made a recent negative dive into the media pool when she fell for a cleverly deployed scam. Influence peddling. It sounds so..... well, ugly. Mr. and Mrs. Salahi tried their best to pander their way up the social ladder when securing the photo opportunity at the White House state dinner. I found that event extremely hilarious. Mrs. Salahi gave a new level of meaning to the word "blonde", albeit her tresses are caressed with resplendent salon color. If she had merely kept the photos off her FaceBook page, they would still be living the moment in grand style.

Society sports the powerful influential class at the top of the food chain. Underneath, are the upwardly mobile who lack the capability to live within the glass bubble but know that they are just a few friendships away from success. At the bottom of the heap are bloggers. Yep. People like me who are subterranean trolls with limited talent and huge ego issues.

But is Sarah Ferguson much different than any of us? I have lived long enough to endure name-dropping, periodic viewing of moment-in-time photos of friends with the rich and famous and to see the hyena's dribble on the chin of the successful.

Several years ago I gave a presentation at a rather upscale event for a cadre of Naval Academy alumni. Wearing my best smile, a new suit and armed with a few notes I mingled with the men prior to the luncheon. When questioned as to my station in life, accomplishments, domicile and acquaintances I was naturally honest. One man lost complete interest when he sized me up and determined my lack of value in the scheme of things. I could see the disdain in his eyes.

I learned a lesson that day. I will never be one of the "beautiful people". But in light of the recent thwarted attempt by the Duchess of York to enhance her financial status it does occur to me that I have a few influential friends of my own. I have been too selfish with these things.

For a pound of Caribou Cafe's "Obsidian" coffee and a box of hand-dipped Belgium chocolates - I will sell my contact list. wink

The Salahi Fiasco



Tammy Swofford

Swofford Unleashed: Pakistan's Military - A Highly Polished Apple with a Worm

"When General Musharraf dissociated himself from the extremists, the links with al Qaeda were ruptured but an institutional decision was taken by the military top brass to continue secret low profile support of the Taliban. The more recent delinking in recent months has cost the military and the ISI dearly." Ishtiaq Ahmed

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Ishtiaq Ahmed writes a weekly column for "The Daily Times" every Tuesday. In a recent commentary he noted what is not so much a well-kept secret rather an ongoing concern for Pakistan and her allies. The highly polished military apple contains a worm. The "worm" is an ideological penetration of the ranks. On the lowest level the worm harms good order and discipline. And in a worst case scenario, the worm threatens their national security.

When reading through the above article for the first time my thoughts turned back to a summer when I was part of the military complement for an exercise at Twenty-nine Palms, California. Standing at attention, the voice of each mustering petty officer rang out in waves in response to the query of the Commandant. "All present and accounted for, Sir!" The mixture of sand and sweat was stinging my eyes at this point but suddenly, the cadence of this type of moment, one which transcends time, was broken by the voice of one man.

Somewhat in officious manner, predominantly with an imperious voice, the response rang out, "All present and accounted for, Sir!" The desert air became so still as to seem surreal. Everyone seemed to grasp the moment. The intonation of the officer, denoted insubordination. How dare he be questioned regarding the status of his troops? His voice contained a combination of mockery and bravado.

The Commandant "invited" the officer to join him when muster was concluded. The story was later whispered amongst the ranks. The man had his ass kicked across the quarterdeck in a verbal shakedown which gave a shiver to those of us listening to the first-hand account from another officer who was present. I learned an important lesson that day regarding leadership and respect, chain of command and oversight.

Insubordination. The Navy is extremely strict against such things. We hail from the days of wooden ships when mutiny of the crew was the biggest threat. So our ranks stand strong, and we hope - impenetrable. We don't allow mutiny on even the lowest levels.

What is to be done when insubordination has moved beyond mere voice inflection to working at cross purposes with a national ally? The Pakistan military has been attacking the issue. A culture which in the past overlooked institutional insubordination is being dismantled. The most unpopular thing in the world is the truth. But in the end, truth stands alone. Betrayal of an oath is a fearsome thing. How much more so, should be the punishment?

Article Link


Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

The Blind Side: A Different Kind of Tale

Americans were heartened and left theaters in cheerful manner after viewing the film, "The Blind Side", starring Sandra Bullock. But months before the film release date in November of 2009, an adult male was perpetrating a dangerous myth on the high school sports community of Odessa, Texas.

Our towns thrive on the camraderie provided by area high school athletic programs. The community bonding which reaches its peak of display for Friday night football games and other athletic events continues to do its magic throughout the weekend, creating an oasis of local pride with each winning game.

Beyond the most grievous - under the Texas penal code Guerdwich Montimere will face a charge of statutory rape - Odessa is a community which was "bamboozled" (words of assistant principal at Odessa Permian). Bamboozled, indeed!

Article Link

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Stolen Valor, Security Risk

It is unforgivable when any individual falsifies their military record or displays ribbons not rightfully earned. But it is frightening when a man is capable of penetrating our military ranks posing as a noncommissioned officer.

I pulled up Navy recruitment guidelines from NAVEDTRA 14172, and the following is noted:

Fraudulent Enlistment.– An enlistment procured
through any deliberate material misrepresentation,
omission, or concealment by a person to the
government which, if known at the time, might have
resulted in rejection of that applicant.

My own military package to become a direct commission officer was a six month endeavor, including the process to receive an appropriate security clearance. The recruitment irregularities must be addressed.

Article link

Tammy Swofford

Drawing Muhammad: The Perpetuation of Animosity

The photo came into my email last week. A sign posted on the door of an establishment of an American Muslim merchant had a follow-through rant by the poster about how the notice commemorated the hijackers of 9/11. Two initials on the sign, told the real story. It took maybe five seconds for me to put the puzzle together. The photo had nothing to do with 9/11 or anti-West sentiment. It did have everything to do with the growing problem faced across the globe. Internet communication is slowly moving forward as a means to perpetuate unsubstantiated animosity.

I do not belong to any social networks. This blog, is your only window into my life and for the most part I keep the shutters closed. My life is not that interesting. Neither is yours, by the way. But beyond the self-absorptive world of Facebook and "a thousand friends" lies the still uncharted world of societal impact and capabilities of these loosely construed networks to deconstruct societal boundaries.

Layered within the social networks harmless aspects lie the "Champions of Human Liberty". These self-appointed experts are capable of much harm. Such is the nature of the beast with the Facebook shout out to draw Muhammad. I supported the concerted effort by the cartoonists in the Netherlands to print their Prophet Muhammad cartoons several years ago. I still support the effort as one of a professional cadre of political cartoonists reaffirming the obvious: open societies have bequeathed their citizens with generous liberties. That being noted, I do not see the need for the average citizen to trumpet a liberty already secured, and jurisprudentially unassailable in a court of law. I disdain any citizen who has neither shed their blood nor seen the sweat break across their brow when he or she purposefully perpetuates animosity with the click of an internet posting.

The government of Pakistan is bound by their Constitution and their penal code, amongst other things. Article II of the Constitution proclaims Pakistan an Islamic Republic. Section 295 C of the penal code addresses blasphemy against Muhammad. Section 298 A, extends the right of protection against defamation to Muhammad's wives, family members, the Caliphs and even the well known Companions of the Prophet. Below, the text of section 295 C.

"Use of derogatory remarks, etc; in respect of the Holy Prophet. Whoever by words, either spoken or written or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine."

So how is Pakistan to respond when a liberty embraced by the West creates a public safety issue on the streets of their cities? They do what every government will at some point be forced to do at a future date: deny communication capabilities.

There is an interesting Qur'anic-Hadith linkage which recounts the story of a man who was summoned to speak to Heraclius regarding Muhammad. When he was asked, "Do the nobles follow him or the poor people?" - the response was, "It is the poor who follow him." When further prodded by Heraclius, "Is the number of his followers increasing or decreasing?" - the response was, "They are increasing."

Across the world today a disproportionate number of Muslims remain poverty-stricken. Encumbered with high birth rates there is little chance for dramatic change to the socioeconomic fortunes of many Muslims entering adulthood in this century. Poverty is handcuffed to high illiteracy rates in many Muslim-majority countries. High illiteracy rates create populations which are vulnerable to manipulation which target the emotional response. Undoubtedly many of those hitting the streets in defense of their Prophet are functionally illiterate but they are hyper-passionate regarding an insult to their belief. So while "Drawing Muhammad" may be a fun way to spend your day in the West, it can create societal unrest within nations which are barely hanging onto their stability by their bloody claws. Shame on the individual who felt the need to kick up a bit of dust.

The color of our laws on freedom of expression in the West allow us to draw outside the lines which constrain our neighbors in the Orient. That right will never be taken away from us. It is earned, and it will be here to stay. I can draw a picture of Muhammad and post it on my blog tomorrow. I wouldn't feel a moment of remorse. But neither do I feel the need to appear the champion. My liberty is secure.

Should we color inside a few lines for the sake of our global neighbors? You decide.

*Editorial note: Qur'an/Hadith link available on request.

Tammy Swofford

Pakistan and Facebook Ban: Drawing Muhammad

Please read the link below. I will write an editorial on this issue which will post next. A quick view of a message board maintained by participants in the protest showed little activity yesterday. It will be necessary for me to revisit a few sites and check for sentiment. But I believe you may be surprised regarding my own personal stance. smile

Drawing Muhammad: Article Link

Tammy Swofford

"Some Girls" by Jillian Lauren

The old adage "Sleep up!" certainly seems to apply when contemplating Jillian Lauren's new book, "Some Girls: My Life in a Harem". But since "very few girls" will ever attain to the surreal life portrayed by the author, one of wham-bam-thank-you-Ma'am sex and plenty of cold cash, it seems fair play to talk about prostitution. Human trafficking in women is a worldwide problem. And if the average prostitute were to put up a web page about her life, it would look hauntingly different than that of Mrs. Lauren.

Several years ago the Dallas Morning News sent me out as a scout to write a commentary on prostitution. Entering a secured pod within an area police department I spent approximately an hour with two senior vice officers. They displayed tremendous professionalism as they discussed their undercover work and "why" they choose to do this line of work. Both of them were married, and had either sisters or daughters. The women in their lives, were very important to them.

In-call prostitution, women to whom men come for services, can at times operate as solo operations by purchasing a condominium for business, but actually living elsewhere. It is the out-call prostitution which is controlled by organized crime. Clients seeking an escort are normally speaking to an operator in another country, who then shuttles the request back to the regional office which sends out the escort to her next assignment. For vice officers to make an arrest both price and sexual act must be discussed. So securing an arrest can be tricky. Prostitutes are adept at recognizing a sting and will size up documentation with contents of luggage in rooms, etc. to make sure the transaction is legitimate.

When asking these men how to provide guidance to young girls regarding their value beyond their physical characteristics they noted praise for grades and athleticism, and an accountability structure were good starting points.

Mrs. Lauren gives an interview where she hopes to patch things up with her parents regarding her book and notes that her husband could not bring himself to read certain chapters. No explanation needed on those two issues.

But the whole thing sickens me. How many young ladies who enter what is essentially a commodity-based economy are able to make a transition later in life to a knowledge-based economy? How many prostitutes turn the corner to receive university level degrees? It seems Mrs. Lauren is still chugging along with her commodity-model of service. And if sexual flashbacks are the best she can manage to make a buck, I feel sorry for her.


For the bored

Tammy Swofford

Attorney General Eric Holder: Seeking to Modify Miranda Rights

I am not legally qualified to speak of any modification to the Miranda warning with regard to terrorism suspects. But it does seem that a few questions are worthy of reflection.

*Is a decoupling process for special circumstances warranted beyond the already available public safety clause? It seems sufficient.

*Does lack of access to an attorney increase the likelihood of unprofessional interrogation procedures? This factor concerns me greatly.

*Should due process be deconstructed to allow for a lengthened interrogation period prior to advising the individual in custody of his rights?

*What is the cascading capability of a Miranda warning modification regarding the secondary suspects swept up into the security net after a primary target is sequestered? In other words, if Suspect "A" identifies "Suspect B", does the modification also apply to additional persons of interest in an investigation? What if I am identified as "Suspect Y"? See what I mean?!

On a gut level, I am against any modification of the law as it currently stands.

Tammy Swofford

Pam Murphy and James McEachin

My very dear friend, James McEachin, has been writing me about a very remarkable lady, Pam Murphy, the widow of Audie Murphy. He is currently interfacing with staff at the White House to seek national recognition for this lovely lady who spent a good share of her ninety years serving our nation. Her life was not one of political grandstanding and grandiose speech. Her life was one devoted to volunteerism. The most beautiful Americans are those who with quiet voice and sense of purpose devote their unique gifts to their fellow man.

Tammy Swofford

Shafts of Light

Cell phone cameras are amazing. This picture was taken during a morning walk in my favorite area park. I love photography with light and shadow performing a dance.

Smiling,

Tammy

Assassin's Creed VI: Crafting the Legislative Shield

"From their misery they sought escape, and the stars were too remote for them. Then they sighed: 'O that there were heavenly paths by which to steal into another existence and into happiness!' Then they contrived for themselves their by-paths and bloody draughts!"


Thus spake Zarathustra

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Policymakers were caught off guard and unprepared for the challenges of the 21st century. The lack of a legislative shield has certainly played a part in the vulnerability of American citizens to terror attacks on our sovereign soil. It is hoped that the current administration does not have to deal with a large scale attack, as did our former Commander-in-Chief. A legislative shield will certainly decrease the probability.

Exposure to violent streams of thought with the concurrent desire of webmasters and forum members to recruit Americans to commit acts of carnage against their fellow citizen presents a danger which I believe few of us fully grasp. I have been in the trenches and I see the horizon.

If you are familiar with my writings it is readily apparent that I embrace freedom of expression as one of the most precious and wonderful liberties afforded to us. Because I wish to keep this liberty I now speak out for the need to more clearly define the limits of freedom of expression.

It is a right to be enjoyed but also to be carefully guarded. It is blessing in the hands of the wise and a curse in the mouth of fools. For the wise, it bears up under a tremendous weight of responsibility. But for fools, it provides a garbage-strewn landscape.

It is time for Congress to enact legislation which places an onus on the shoulders of Americans to behave in a manner befitting our Western societal mores. Malum in se. Malum prohibitum.

Yesterday I wrote the office of Senator Lieberman and thanked him for his sponsorship of the Terrorist Expatriation Act. We need to support this legislation. Any American who leaves our shores with the intent to solicit training to kill us needs their citizenship yanked. Their ticket is one way, they won't ever see our shores again. Let them starve to death in Somalia or wander the streets of the Netherlands. But let them forever be marked in the manner of Cain.

Any American who moves outside of recognized chain of command structures to attend a training camp on our soil to learn death arts of destruction needs a gentle reminder. I can shoot an M-16 at a range in Mineral Wells, Texas. I have taken an oath of allegiance and what passed my lips binds me to responsible behavior. If you haven't taken the oath, beware. Retain your right to bear arms. I support it. But retain the common sense bequeathed by the Almighty.

But we must demand more. It is necessary that we reset a few fence posts. The visa application of any foreign student who has frequented jihad sites must be denied and the visa revoked for any student on our soil who is in same manner betraying a trust. It does not matter if the student has an IQ comparable to Einstein. The entry into jihad sites merely designates them a potentially more dangerous adversary.

We must demand criminal penalties against any webmaster found on U.S. soil who maintains a message board or forum site to propagate a path of violence against innocent citizens. On a personal note, I support the severest of penalties for native born Americans who engage jihad. It is unforgiveable that an American who has enjoyed our open society seek to slam the door shut on our liberties with acts which increasingly turn us into a police state. Let's be honest. The word that comes to mind is "sedition". Americans must rise up against sedition.

Please educate yourself further on these issues. It is time for a shield of defense.



Follow my lead!

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Assassin's Creed V: Spare not the Children

The maturation process has been a slow one. The untrained eye will not detect the subtle growth and development of a flank of Islamic extremism. But the changes are certainly there. I have observed the modifications and the distillation of thought regarding children within the battlespace. It is a sad world, one in which the delusional refine their craft.

On the internet, the media presentation and indoctrination targeting children began with simple posters with colorful graphics and simple themes. There are now in existence full-fledged stories of jihad, one in particular, worthy of a short eBook.

One selection which I read last year was written by a female author. Taking a yellow highlighter I set to work to track the dominant themes. The thoughts are chilling, especially when tracking sensory stimulants. But let me address three major themes.

*Imagery surrounding the martyr's trip to Paradise. All of the senses are exploited, including the sense of smell. Dream imagery also figures prominently within adult jihad literature and it has made its way to children's selections.

*Deconstruction of the family unit is also a dominant theme. The role of the father for guidance is discounted. The mother is a clueless soul who does not really understand the stakes. The child is enticed to believe that he (or she) is a free moral agent, unrestrained by societal boundaries, an individual with a free will to chart a course. To embark on jihad does provide for the ultimate teenage rebellion. The intoxicant is not drugs or alcohol but it is that most powerful intoxicant of all - a sense of a great personal destiny.

*Themes regarding secrecy are also woven into literature for children. The mission must be protected at all costs.

While Americans honor organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America which provide essential life skills to young men as they are undergoing their physical maturation we must be cognizant that alternative organizations grasp for the youth. The Bomblets of the Taliban comes to mind. According to one interview with a Taliban recruiter, boys as young as age five are desirable for recruitment into the ranks of future suicide bombers. Let that little thought sink into your skull. Currently, messages of jihad directed toward children are embedded in adult sites. My gut tells me that within five years there will be multiple jihad sites for children, fenced assets with a high level of sophistry.

The tools of democracy are being used against us. The final blog will address the need for a legislative shield. Are you passionate enough to give a damn? Follow my lead!

Anwaar Hussain's Article

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

The Assassin's Creed IV: al-harbu al-muqaddasatu

"The response will be harsh, O Cross Worshippers and O Cheap Puppets".

The title above, from an article "on loan" from one jihad site to the next, late last year. Message boards and forums actively share their articles and files. These things resurrect with more lives than the average cat.

What do we do with individuals who believe they are engaging a war against one-third of the world's population? I am included in the statistic. I am a Christian. So pardon me, if I take it a bit personally.

How do we deliver the counter punch against the "General Command" of the "Global Islamic Media Front"?

Tonight while on line I located plegiarized writing coming out of India. It just so happens that I recognized the article, because the words were actually written by the first scholar who provided a mentorship process to me in understanding basic Islam. I pulled the article out of a file to be sure. Yep. The shadow of his influence still exists. It is the power of the pen in a digital age.

My mentor has been dead for nearly six years. His writings, repackaged and sported as the thoughts of a new writer, still making the rounds. The dead still speak. And the living, act on their words.

There will be two more blogs: one on jihad sites and children and the final one, legislative concerns.

Tammy Swofford

The Assassin's Creed III: The Minor League Players

Three intelligence failures in six months:

Nidal Hasan, Umar Farouk Abdulmuttalab, Faisal Shahzad.

There should be no real comfort about "53 hours and twenty minutes". A cluster was barely averted in Times Square last week.

All three men involved had recruiters in the shadows, men whose writing influenced their actions. It is time to open the "Swofford files".

The cleric community who write articles anchored in "jurisprudence" to justify suicide bombings and attacks of peaceful civilians are the major league players. But a secondary danger exists. It is the minor league players: the recruiters who work alongside their cleric counterparts. While the well known cadre of Sheikhs provide "the law" as a means of constructing the psychological trigger in the brain to introduce their audience to the killing fields, it is the recruiter who writes to psychologically posture the recruit to desire to pull the trigger. Killing fields and martyrdom. What a deal!

Jihad journalism. The charge against them is "pour encourager les autres". I was first introduced to this style of writing and began to study its impact several years ago. One man in particular, caught my gaze. Claiming to be present at a meeting of female suicide bombers immediately prior to their operation his words were crafted like an emotional dagger. The site on which he has posted has since been scrubbed.

This new breed of journalists and pseudo-scholars accomplish assassination-by-proxy by propelling their online readership through a masterful brainwashing process with a final goal of achieving operational capability with either a lone wolf or a cell of individuals.

These recruiter/handlers are playing games of statistical probability. They are reaching out to locate the one person within the mass of humanity who will do their bidding. A virulent strain of writing is moving across the internet, things written by men (and women) who are skilled wordsmiths, predatory terrorists seeking their next vulnerable target to commit suicide bombings, car bombings, and engage proxy violence on their behalf.

The need to leave jihad sites up for intelligence exploitation is a risk/benefit paradigm which I increasingly feel we cannot afford. We catch guppies. We catch the sharks after the fact. What faces Pakistan today should provide a lesson for Americans today. The seepage of poison into ground water is a slow and mostly invisible process. But once in the ground water, extracting it is a hell of a deal. I both fear and predict that if we do not more diligently target these writings and remove every damn fingerprint of their ideology off the internet that we will see an increased operational tempo of attacks and attempted attacks on our soil. Think Jihad Jane.

We can no longer afford to wear a dismissive mask which believes it is only the primitive mind which is capable of falling under the spell of the recruiter's pen. Do you disbelieve what I state? My writing is based on fact.

The man who wrote so eloquently several years ago on the joys of women blowing themselves up to accomplish the greater good? His writings influenced the Jordanian physician who mounted the suicide attack and killed seven C.I.A. employees and a Jordanian intelligence official. And the Sheikh whose writings influenced the doctor? It is Abu Muhammed al-Maqdisi.

Tammy Swofford

The Assassin's Creed II: The Major League Players

Do you recognize these men? The top photo is a recent release of a picture of Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki copied from a jihad site. The second is of Sheikh Abu Muhammed al-Maqdisi. It is an archived photo taken from a site where it was posted last year. The photo and his accompanying message found its way to a minimum of three websites. I chose a major portal in support of Chechen rebels for blog copy.

Most of us are familiar with Anwar al-Awlaki because of the intense media scrutiny after the Fort Hood terror attack by American Army officer Nidal Hasan. Major Hasan was influenced by the writings of Al-Awlaki, as were some of the terror operatives of 9/11. It appears that his writings also influenced Umar Farouk Abdulmuttalab and also Faisal Shahzad. I can attest to the fact that one of his newest writings made an appearance on a jihad site within the last two weeks. His vocal cords, are still vibrating. He is screechingly loud, I might add.

Al-Maqdisi is most likely the less familiar face to the American public. If his name does ring a bell, it is most probably linked to the remembrance of his role as a mentor of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Today he is considered an influential scholar whose writings and guidance is highly sought after amongst the "Mujahideen of the Caucasus Emirate."

The two men showcased above are just a sample as to what is out there in the world of cyber jihad, where stridency counts for intellectualism. Some of these men are highly influential and every word they speak is weighed, and if needed, acted upon.

Whether any cyber-Sheikh is "dead or alive" as far as their personal status on any official strategic targeting list is not my major concern. I have no access to such lists, albeit they are in existence. But what must be contemplated is the following: The drone which may take out Anwar al-Awlaki tomorrow removes the active voice. But it does not kill "the message". The digital message can be retrieved via any number of search engines with relative ease. Hence, my capability to offer up one of the pictures on the blog today.

It is imperative that we also kill the message. Both active voice and the echo of cyber transmission must be removed and sites scrubbed. Active denial. It involves more than physical force and strategic targeting.

The writings and religious "rulings" of these men represent the flank of emerging Islamic doctrine powered by the same internet which allows us the benefit of ordering a pair of new shoes online. But the power afforded the new generation of cyber-Sheikhs is not about purchasing shoes. It is about the purchase of souls for asymmetrical warfare which targets peaceful civilian populations. It is jihad with the thinnest veneer of governance to give legitimacy. But it is a bastardization of true governance by which wise men seek avenues of change through acceptable political process. We have reacted too slowly. We are behind the snake and not in front of it.

Tomorrow let me discuss what might be considered "minor league players", the recruiters in the shadows. It is time we recognize how poison is moving into the ground water in the West. The danger is growing.

Tammy Swofford

Assassin's Creed I: eFactories of Hatred

The enormity of the problem cannot be overstated. Cyber graphics for jihad sites are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their presentation. I chose not to use graphics which gave email addresses of the individuals who post their works on message forums. Neither did I place any photos which identified the jihad sites. Although these sites are easily accessible - if I can find them, so can you - it is my preference that you learn via the cognitive realm as opposed to the emotional realm. The photos merely represent the frame around my future thoughts. The graphics are representative of the ideological flank which spans from the Caucasus to the Horn of Africa, from southeast Asia to the Arabian Peninsula. The top graphic is for a "collectors edition" of a jihad magazine. The second photo, should be self-explanatory. The third, is a graphic posted after the recent Moscow bombing by two female suicide bombers. The next one, taken from a poster to celebrate a "children's martyr festival". The little guy wants to grow up to be just like Daddy. In the final graphic, just another representation of what is out there for the disenfranchised, disoriented, senseless individual.

We need to discuss these issues in subsequent blogs because education is the first step to seeking solutions. We need legislative solutions at this point. The next blog will address the major idealogues and how their writings influence the fabric of civil society. I will then move to a discussion on the minor league players, those whose names are not publicly recognized yet these men have tremendous influence behind the scenes. You will read about jihad and children and finally, there will be concluding remarks regarding "what next" for America.

I consider our nation at a critical timeline to enact some major legislative changes for the common good of all Americans, be they of any religious stripe or political persuasion. In subsequent blogs expect to see a level of passion which is tempered with both a deep sentiment toward the common good and a distinct pen-as-sword against those who would seek to influence toward anarchy in our land.

Tammy Swofford

The New Immigrants: Bowing to Ethnocentric Demands

Our nation hosts a massive number of illegal immigrants. Their children reside in our school systems, a bilingual quagmire that does little good. The lack of assimilation and desire to master English language skills by the parents is duly noted by their many progeny who enter their first day of school knowing how to say "Happy Meal" but very little else. I have relatives within this profession. They pull their hair out.The illegal immigrants have decimated our tax resources and deconstructed our classroom environments. So there should be hell to pay for the school administrators who harrassed students wearing Old Navy T-shirts with flags on Cinco de Mayo. Personally, one of my sons had the same T-shirt. He wore it with pride.

I maintain that not meeting the demands of legal citizenship deprives the immigrant of what is a very important component to the societal health of our nation. The illegal immigrant has breached our borders with nary a concept as to what it means to be a United States citizen, part of the greater whole. And in doing so, there is a new political tension - that of the immigrant pushing for their ethnocentric "rights" in the public domain - and this, at the expense of the strength of the State of the Union.

America is a melting pot. Fortunately, earlier generations of immigrants coming to our shores in wooden ships and steam-powered ships understood the need to create a cohesive whole. I remember an elderly gentleman who was a child of immigrants recount how his father spanked him for not being diligent to learn English.

It is not for the host to adapt to the guest, rather the guest to the host. But we are at a point in our nation where lack of enforcement to maintain legal immigration quotas has produced a critical mass of entitled "quasi-citizens" who pull at the seams of our union with demands that their ethnocentricity supercede that of a national identity.

Sure, all immigrants deserve the freedom to enjoy the traditions of their land of birth within their homes and places of worship. Allowances are also made for days which provide a time of special remembrance for the symbols of their homeland. So we have Irish marching in parades, Chinese New Year celebrations, and big in Texas, the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

But pardon my cursing. It is a damn shame when American citizens are asked to turn T-shirts with emblems of flags inside out, to not "offend" someone else. If public policy does not support a structure in which to be "an American first" is the goal, we will become reduced to bubbling pots of ethnocentric self-absorption. Why weren't "the complainers" sent to the principal's office for their knee-jerk response to the flag that represents America?

Love America. Be an American. Not a hyphen-American. Be an American first.

Tammy Swofford

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National Day of Prayer 2010: Swofford's Prayer List

It seems an odd conclusion that a federal judge declare an American tradition, a national day of prayer "unconstitutional". Beyond our right to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness is our right to congregate freely in peaceful manner. Prayer, is one of the deepest expressions of human liberty. In the end, human liberty can never be harnessed by the powers of government, but it can only be superficially managed.

My prayers always begin with an expression of gratitude. To begin with a thankful posture reminds me of my finite and frail human condition. It also gives me grace for my fellow man.

So what is on the Swofford list today?

Gratitude: *Simple pleasures for simple minds!

Ducks, geese and turtles!
Anything with (the color) red!
The sound of laughter
Dark chocolate
White Zinfadel
Family
Friends

Concerns:

Oil spill in the Gulf
American troops
National security
Unemployment

Remember, the true liberty which resides within the human spirit can never be chained. Let us pray!

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

The Nightingale of Mosul

With the book review "The Nightingale of Mosul" taken care of last month, I continue to have a bit of communication with George Luz, Jr. , the husband of the author, Col. Susan Luz.

This is a busy season with the obligatory television and radio interviews that accompany the launching of a new reading selection. An author will readily admit that writing a book is difficult enough a discipline. But the marketing and promotion to generate sales can require a difficult season working within a compressed time element. Susan is now busily getting the word out.

It is a wonderful time for Colonel Luz and her family. I am posting a link sent to me a couple days ago by Mr. Luz as a reminder to consider the purchase of the story of an Army nurse who answered our nation's call to duty.

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Tammy Swofford

Column by Jeff Crouere

Jeff Crouere sent me his column today. It is worth reading.

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Tammy

Times Square Car Bomb Whodunit

In the aftermath of even failed terror attacks on our soil, the jihad message boards begin to buzz with excitement. Early on, an Urdu language site posted a YouTube taking responsibility for the car bomb incident in Times Square. The link is no longer available but a crowing message remains:

"Here are download links in case those jewish vultures decide to delete this:YouTube - Qari Hussain Mehsud from Tehreek-e-Taliban accepts the responsibility of Attack on Times Square."

As in all things "jihad" several further links appear in differing formats for the interested viewer. I had no interest in loading them as hatred streaming through the bloodstream of others does little of good for my own psyche. These things tend to be repetitive anyway. Yada yada.

A hastily slap-and-dash video of forty minutes in length was also posted today with the usual scenes of Osama bin Ladin, footage of 9/11, etc. Again, a "Jews we are coming for you" message.

I called a Jewish friend today. Informed him the latest word of the day for his ethnicity is "vulture". Meantime, if there is the involvement of an international nexus of terror it will all depend on solid detective work with little regard for the drumbeat of rhetoric on these sites. The truth presents itself with physical facts, digital fingerprints and money trails. Until the puzzle is solved, a killer remains on the loose. May all the pieces to the puzzle quickly fall in place. For if this was merely a type of false flag operation to assess response times it is imperative that authorities blockade the non-state players from bringing "Plan B" to operational viability. This latest incident, is a serious one.

Tammy Swofford

From Borderlands to Badlands: The Need for State Enforcement Against Illegal Immigrants

The time has come for border states under seige to move on behalf of their citizens to protect their rights and economic liberties. Borders which have become semi-permeable membranes instead of areas of active denial of migrational flow must be addressed.

Arizona is just one border state dealing with the looming danger of Mexican drug cartel activities on sovereign American soil due to the lack of initiative and political compromise within the federal branch of government. One Arizona rancher has been gunned down in the last month and conveniently of course, the suspected illegal immigrant has fled back across the border.

Today, Arizona citizens are reeling from the news of a Deputy Sheriff targeted by the spawn he was tracking along an Arizona desert corridor known for both trafficking in humans and narcotics. If law enforcement is under attack how much time remains before citizens are gunned down on the streets in broad daylight? Cuidad Juarez de America, Ole!

Federal laws are in place but not uniformly enforced. Local initiatives from municipalities and states are slapped down by the very hand which refuses to intervene. Enough is enough. Arizona needs to vigorously enforce their new law which targets illegal entrance to America by those who seek our largesse without engaging due process, and even worse, those who seek our soil as a platform for criminal activities. Immigration must be orderly, a vetted process which keeps criminal elements and undesirables from achieving their goal of coming to the U.S.A. to enrich themselves by illegal means. And certainly, Americans should expect the minimum requirement of governance: to live free of fear. Borders must be clamped down and it is time to make a sweep of the landscape toward deportation of illegal immigrants. No apologies. We are a nation of laws.

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Tammy Swofford