“Hi! I’m Fred from the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy!”

Think Fred is crazy?

Actually, our entire solar system, including planet Earth, is from the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy – we just never knew it. (Hat tip to David Hay.)

A big thanks goes to ViewZone for focusing attention on a study published in Astrophysical Journal which shows the overlapping orbits of two galaxies.

We once thought Earth and her Sun belonged to the Milky Way. Now we know we have been “stolen” from the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy by the greater forces of the much larger Milky Way.

And it appears that we are approaching a critical moment in that process, when the Sagittarius Galaxy will finally be ripped apart. As might be expected, this phenomena is causing many observable changes in our solar system, including temperature increases on every planet (not just Earth) and growing atmospheres on Mars and our Moon. (So much for “man-made” global warming.)

The phase we are entering may actually be the reason for the discontinuation of the Mayan Calendar, long held to be the most accurate on Earth. Apparently it could not advance past the point where the Pleiades Star Cluster ceases to be a constant, which will take place during this apocalyptic transformation.

Be sure to check out the ViewZone article and click on the animation links to get a better idea of how two galaxies interact.

And get used to your new place in the universe!

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It appears that Idaho Falls is “on the map” to stay as the city continues to attract big names this summer.

Yes, Glenn Beck, star of radio and television, will be the headliner at the Idaho Region 7 Republican annual summer barbecue to be held at Riverbend Ranch in Idaho Falls on August 4.

Beck, rising from teenage disk jockey to nationally ranked radio talk show host with the Glenn Bock Program, is now also seen as well as heard nightly on CNN Headline News. He is also a contributor to ABC’s Good Morning America. Locally, Beck’s radio program airs on KID 590 on AM. Beck is also the founder and editor of Fusion Magazine.

Glenn Beck takes often-controversial positions on such issues as the war in Iraq, political correctness, Islam, President George Bush, and stem cell research. Beck is pro-gun, anti-abortion, and delights in skewering liberal hypocrisy. His opposition to the theory of global warming was recently the subject of his live appearances in his “Inconvenient Tour” in June.

For tickets to the Idaho Falls event, or for more information, email to mick.webster@yahoo.com or call 542-2502 after 5pm.

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It’s Flag Day – time to hoist Old Glory aloft! It only takes a moment to slide that flag pole into the holder, or to run the flag up the pole. What better way to remind your kids, your neighbors, and any passersby that the flag stands for freedom, and it’s worth celebrating.

While we’re at it, flag etiquette tells us it is also appropriate to fly the flag on Fathers Day, as well as all other holidays. If you don’t have a flag appropriate for outside display, pick one up at your local store today. Even a paper flag looks great in a window!

And take just a moment to reflect on the blood that’s been spilt over the last two centuries to keep that flag floating on the breeze.

It’s difficult to imagine the self-justification of one who raises and trains dogs to fight each other. But it appears high-profile NFL player Michael Vick has been caught in the act. While an investigation is ongoing, it is reported that a complete dog fighting operation was present at a home owned by the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, according to a Sports Illustrated article.

Associates claim Vick has long been involved in the dog fighting culture, frequently betting on his own dog. He asserts that he has been set up in a smear campaign, that relatives living in the home were actually responsible for the blood-covered “pit” where dogs fight, the 30 or so pit bulls found around the property, and the other accoutrements of the “sport”. But exoneration may not come so easily for Vick, as law enforcement is now involved.

According the president of the Humane Society of the US, Wayne Pacell, there is a definite “sub-culture” of dogfighting in the NBA as well as the NFL. He implied that having someone of Vick’s stature fingered for dogfighting would bring welcome attention to the problem.

Imagine the scene as dogs, some valued at as much as $40,000, square off with each other in the “pit”, then commence tearing each other to shreds while the supposed “intelligent” humans on the sidelines cheer them on, savoring each crunching bone and mutilation.

But famous multi-million dollar pro athletes don’t have a corner on animal fighting. Cock fighting is a “cultural” aspect of some Middle Eastern countries, as well as Central and South American nations, many of whom have brought it to the US as well. Illegal in 49 states, cock fighting nonetheless takes place in many hidden corners of the US.

Until each state legislature and every level of law enforcement recognizes animal fighting for what it is – a serious crime of animal cruelty (with implications for human relationships as well) worthy of heavy penalties – this inhuman practice will continue. Where pro athletes think wealth and privilege excuse their participation, where immigrants, both legal and illegal, refuse to leave a barbaric practice in their home country, wherever law enforcement or neighbors turn a blind eye, these despicable practices will continue.

It is imperative that every thinking person take a stand against animal fighting and all its trappings. Check your local and state laws to be sure there are hefty penalties for anyone found to be involved in the practice. Where lacking, join with your local humane society to plug the gap,and help spare countless animals a horrible existence and ultimate death.

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A brand new tool is available for those seeking information from government, from city to federal. WikiFoia is designed to start you on your quest for information with links to your state Freedom of Information laws and contacts and even templates for phrasing requests. Don’t miss the great quotes regarding open government, such as this gem from Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor:

A fundamental premise of American democratic theory is that government exists to serve the people. … Public records are one portal through which the people observe their government, ensuring its accountability, integrity, and equity while minimizing sovereign mischief and malfeasance.

And when you’re successful with your FOIA request, be sure to return to WikiFoia to add your own experience and tips. That’s the beauty of a “wiki” site, of course.

You’ll also want to check out the associated blog, State Sunshine and Open Records for fascinating articles and links. If you wish, subscribe to their feed. Your eyes will be opened (if they aren’t already) by the ways government tries to conceal its actions and associated facts.

For instance, the State Sunshine and Open Records blog cites a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report detailing the efforts of the student loan office employees, costing $409,000, to hide their expenditures on luxuries for board members.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency lost a 19-month legal battle in February and was forced to release records showing that its board, composed mostly of state lawmakers, spent $860,000 on expenses such as facials, pedicures, culinary classes, fly fishing, expensive wine, falconry lessons and a $491 limo ride to shopping outlets.

Of course, Pennsylvania taxpayers will be hit twice, as they pick up the tab for the luxuries and the cost of trying to conceal that figure.

With few exceptions, government officials will conceal their actions if possible. Even where FOIA laws are strong, the request for the information must be made before it becomes public and citizen action can be taken.

Make your government more transparent – access and utilize WikiFoia, a new tool for achieving open government.

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Good friend Ed Cook, The Lone Gunman, reminded me of this great quote, which is as true today as the day it was first uttered:

The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.
– attributed to Albert Einstein

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Having just passed another year’s milestone, I have taken a moment to reflect on that dreaded event, the birthday.

Most women of my age are in a permanent holding pattern at 29 (or even 39), loathe to admit that they add 1 to their age with the passing of each new year. Some men are even hesitant to observe the anniversary of their birth. Almost universally, birthdays bring taunting from the younger set, commiseration from peers, and groans from the birthday girl or boy.

(Our oldest daughter used to tease her father on each birthday that he was “half way to 100”, or whatever. That suddenly ceased as she is approaching the age of 30 herself!)

I happen to see this anniversary of birth a little differently. I love the celebration, attention from family and friends, expressions of love and friendship, and the small (and large!) remembrances I receive.

In my own naturally unbiased opinion, I feel I get better with each passing year. I am smarter, wiser, more compassionate and understanding. I have observed more of life and learned from the mistakes of others as well as my own. I am less motivated by “keeping up with the Joneses”, and more motivated by family, friends, and the truly lasting.

I refuse to believe that the best is in the past and I enjoy being a grandmother. There are very few moments in my life I would wish to relive, though admittedly there are a few I wish I could “do over” with my increased wisdom and perspective.

In retrospect, I don’t know why my husband married the immature, self-assured, callow child of 20 that I was when we tied the knot. All bright young men should get ahead in life instantly by marrying a 50- or even 60-year-old woman of wisdom. Imagine the advantage an older wife would bring to the union, with her life experience, sagacity, and common sense!

Yes, I enjoy my birthdays, every one. And as I like to tell my octogenarian friends, birthdays surely do beat the alternative!

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When losing an argument, simply make an accusation. This seems to be the modus operandi of many in today’s political environment. When presenting the concerns about the current immigration legislation before Congress, for example, all the arguer has to do is charge the opponent of the current open-borders policy with being a bigot, racist, or xenophobe. And regrettably, it frequently works. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have, after all, made careers of doing just that.

There was a time when liberals were recognized as being tolerant, open-minded, and logical. Indeed, most definitions of liberal include references to tolerance and broad-mindedness. That time apparently is long gone. The same advocates of political correctness in the name of tolerance are among those who have absolutely no tolerance for people of faith, especially Christians, or anyone of a different mind-set on political issues. Yet these are they who claim to be more enlightened and more tolerant than the rest of us. If they are so enlightened, why is it that they cannot engage in debate without calling names, casting aspersions, or labeling their conservative opponent in pejorative terms? Perhaps they’re not that enlightened after all.

I think most of us on the right don’t expect those of opposing views to agree with us, or necessarily even respect our positions. But in the realm of ideas, emotion is the least desirable element to be invoked into the public discourse. Debating someone over the technical merits of legislation while they’re invoking emotional arguments is like arguing over potatoes and bananas. They have little in common and no clarity is achieved through a debate over their respective attributes. What we on the right strive for more than consensus is clarity; however that is impossible when the emotion card is played.

You’d never guess this based on my columns, but I’m slightly opinionated. I don’t expect everyone to agree with my perspective, though I believe they’re in alignment with most Idahoans, but I would hope others would be open-minded to my rationale. Do I hate those who don’t concur with me? Absolutely not. Those who are intellectually honest deserve my respect, even absent my agreement. But to hear the acrimonious diatribes launched against conservatives by those on the left, I think it’s pretty safe to say that not only do they not tolerate us, but they hate us.

I’m convinced that many on the left are smitten with a mental defect, something like selective tolerance disorder. Terrorists, criminals, law breakers, conspiracy theorist nuts, and sexual deviants are deserving of tolerance, but heaven forbid that tolerance be extended to anyone with a conservative ideology who argue a position based on logic rather than emotion.

The vituperation, intolerance, and abject hatred are painfully obvious. Illustrative examples abound. Ward Churchill, the mendacious Colorado professor travels around the country spewing his anti-American venom on college campuses to standing ovations. Yet the Minutemen, a group of vigilante-like citizens dedicated to assist in the protection of our borders get physically assaulted on college campuses. Vice President Cheney can’t even deliver a commencement address at BYU without drawing protesters. Jean Kirkpatrick, the brilliant former U.N Ambassador quit visiting university campuses years before she passed away because she couldn’t even deliver a speech without being heckled and verbally assaulted.

Even here locally, conservative bloggers on the Idaho State Journal websites are called virtually every name in the book because of their opposing views. By advancing a logical and cogent position on the illegal migration problem, we earn the scorn of leftists who think the issue should be approached emotionally instead of logically. They implement an untenable process of extrapolating racism and bigotry from rational arguments opposing open borders and amnesty.

This lack of tolerance is most obvious in the language utilized to describe opponents. I could have created a very nice stock portfolio if I just had a dollar for every time I’ve heard President Bush or Vice President Cheney referred to as “Nazis” over the past six years, or a dollar for the virtual quiver full of demeaning and hateful adjectives used to describe the administration or conservatives in general. Yet they claim conservatives are the ones who use “hate speech.” You’d think they’d realize a little culpability on their part. I think they suffer from the “I see the mote in your eye but I can’t see the beam in mine” syndrome. If we advance a cogent position which they oppose, we are the ones using hate speech because there may be perceived victims of our proposals. Yet they liberally use literal hate speech, and they are not culpable. Explain that one for me. If you really want to see how far the hate speech and intolerance of the left goes, check out any of the liberal “blogs” after Rev. Jerry Falwell died. Absolutely disgusting!

Even Christopher Hitchens, the secularist and author of “God is not Great” said in a New York Post interview, “More and more I find that those people are the real enemy intellectually. There’s no dishonesty like liberal dishonesty, just like there’s no intolerance like liberal intolerance. There’s nothing they won’t excuse and no excuse they won’t deploy. Their piety is a big aspect of that.”

It is obvious that the left has its own set of “values,” thought by them to be superior to any value system espoused by the right. And the highest value of all is emotion. Emotion trumps all others as the penultimate trait. One of the local bloggers is fond of quoting scripture for validation of his argument which is proper if we are genuinely seeking counsel on how to direct our personal lives. It is not, however, the canon for government operations. Christ taught us how to live our lives, and he showed us the way through his compassionate service. However, he did not use his doctrine of charity to take over the Sanhedrin and impose charity as the ruling doctrine for the small Roman vassal state. Largesse and magnanimity are admirable, even requisite, traits for individuals, but not for the government at the expense of taxpayers in a “rob Peter to pay Paul” redistribution scheme.

Despite all the platitudinous talk of being “tolerant” of peoples’ differences, “open-mindedness” has been rendered nothing more than empty rhetoric by liberals’ tendency to label all things conservative as “ignorant, racist, xenophobic, homophobic and extremist.” A little more actual tolerance and abandonment of the churlish politics of the left would go a long way in narrowing this ideological chasm the country is experiencing right now.

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From Andi Elliott, Humane Society of the Upper Valley

- There is no law that says hounds must spend their lives chained; most have very shabby housing (which often matches that of their owner). It is NOT illegal for hounds to have decent living conditions.
-Most other advanced nations (including South Africa), have banned the mutilation (cropping of ears and docking of tails) of dogs. These procedures are performed for cosmetic reasons (can we say “owner vanity”) …very few for health reasons…such as the bloody condition know as “happy tail”.
-It is an old wives’ tale that a dog should have a litter of puppies before spaying…sometimes the process of pregnancy changes the dog’s disposition for the worse. (It sure has for many women.) If you want a pet, then make her a pet from the beginning and not a puppy factory.
-The local Bar is NOT the repository for unwanted animals…this is no place for pets. When patrons leave the bar, it becomes hazardous for abandoned animals and humans alike.
-Contrary to popular belief…neutering a dog or cat does NOT affect the masculinity of its male owner in the least, unless the man is experiencing some personal psychological issues.
-Because a senior citizen has cats does not mean that she wants your drop-offs. Chances are she is good hearted and trying her best, on a limited income, to spay/neuter and feed the ones she already has. Next time you “drop off” a litter, be sure to “drop off” a check along with it.

Andi Elliott
President
The Humane Society of the Upper Valley
POBox 51021
Idaho Falls, ID 83425

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Each year Memorial Day brings us an added opportunity to reflect on the men and women who have given their lives to secure our liberty.

From the Revolutionary War to the conflict in Iraq, nearly countless American lives have been laid down willingly for the benefit and freedom of others. How true it is that “The tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of patriots . . . “.

I cannot help recalling the verse of scripture found in John 15:13:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

However, as great as is the legacy of the mortal freedom fighters, there is one sacrifice that is still greater than them all.

Only one life, given as an offering for others, could yield both freedom in an eternal sense and new life, even immortality, to those who have perished in freedom’s cause throughout earth’s history.

That one life belongs to Jesus Christ. And so immense and far reaching is this dearly-bought gift which He offers that all, both the great and the small, the honorable and the shameful, the famous and the unknown, will be partakers of the “heavenly gift”.

As we remember this Memorial Day those who have given the last full measure for freedom, even their lives, let us also remember He who is the giver of life, our “author of liberty”.