Searching for Positives

There are times when I liken that quest to Diogenes with his lantern and his seemingly endless search for an honest man – if I don’t broaden my horizons to relegate the media to its proper place.  And if I center my efforts on politics and politicians, the frustration can be boundless even though there are a few bright lights such as Congressman Allen West and Senator Mark Rubio, both of Florida.  And as long as the media includes such stalwarts as Thomas Sowell and Mark Steyn a glimmer of hope remains.

Perhaps one of the roadblocks that influences my task is that I really don’t recognize many “heroes”.  There are people whom I admire, such as those listed in the preceding paragraph along with a few personal acquaintances, a handful of authors, and others whose good deeds and/or perspicacity capture my attention.  People such as Wikileaks founder Julian Assange and his pet “whistleblower” Pfc Bradley Manning hardly fit that criteria.

For my money, a hero is best personified by the short film to be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=RZ7968BbMnU&vq=medium.  A question that often crops up when this story is viewed is, “Where do we find this kind of person?”.  Surely not in the lines crowding the offices dispensing government handouts, nor in the OTW mobs, nor within the ivy-covered walls of academia.  But they are among us.  They understand the meaning of “Duty, Honor, Country” along with traditional values such as integrity, honesty and working hard to get ahead.

Intestinal fortitude can be found in a plethora of scenarios involving many different people of many different persuasions and “identifiers”, but I believe that it is more an accurate reflection of the spirit that built America than anything that the current would-be “architects” of our society esteem.

In this vein, I recommend the movie “Battleship”, which certainly will never come close to garnering any honorable mentions for its acting or script – although the special effects as shown on the big screen are quite spectacular.  But the big story here is the real life of one of the movie’s featured characters.

Gregory D. Gadson, who plays double amputee Army Lt. Col. Mick Canales in the film, is in real life a double amputee Army Lt. Col. who lost both legs in Iraq when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device (IED).  This is a man who played football at West Point, who wears the coveted Combat Infantryman’s Badge on a uniform jacket that also shows many other awards.  One can only speculate what emotional distress such a crippling injury can cause this high-achiever.

But Lt. Col. Gadson (who is still carried on the Army’s active duty rolls through his involvement in the Wounded Warriors organization) has continued to strive to build a meaningful and productive life.  In addition to his continued military service and acting career, he is a “motivational coach” for the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants and considered a member of the team.

So, in the process of enjoying a date night with my wife, partner and best friend, I was fortunate enough to discover something truly positive and uplifting.

Keep the lantern burning.

Beware the Trojan Horse

I have always proscribed having a familiarity with history so that one might learn and hopefully benefit from mistakes made in the past by not repeating them.  But repeat them we will, and of course suffer the consequences.

Although causing pain and discomfort in the immediate, this is not necessarily a completely negative thing.  A quotation from one of my favorite authors: “The best things in history are accomplished by people who get tired of being shoved around.” – Robert A. Heinlein.

Now that, of course, is a statement that begs qualification.

Here in Maine we have a Governor who was elected approximately eighteen months ago.  Since then, he has been vilified, ridiculed, excoriated and accused of nearly every known type of misdemeanor – mainly because he is a Republican and has the audacity to make attempts to balance the state budget by attempting to bring the welfare machine to heel by imposing cuts to “entitlements”, along with other “cruel and heartless” measures.  His main crimes are (1) that he is a Republican (and you know how they are) and (2) that he is greatly disturbing the cozy and financially rewarding nest in Augusta that the past 35+ years of Democratic rule has constructed for the political elite and their sycophants and enablers.  The nerve!

The local media – particularly the portion of it now owned by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and her well-heeled and well-connected “investor” husband, Donald Sussman – has eagerly piled on to help denigrate the new Governor’s efforts, along with the usual collection of Liberal bloggers, union flacks and representatives of the “helping services” community who stand to lose big-time under any cuts to the state Department of Health and Human Services.  Even some of the so-called “Republicans” in the Maine Legislature have shown their good faith by attempting liaison with some of the Governor’s harshest critics under the guise of “cooperative effort” in determining the restrictions of the upcoming state budget.

Any pretense at civility has departed from the blogs and “Comments” sections, with a relatively small number of internet bullies and trolls exhibiting their wares through increasingly wild and improbable accusations.

This local tempest pales in comparison, however, with the ugliness, obfuscation and downright untruths propagated by the self-described “Great Uniter” currently inhabiting the White House, who has seemingly deliberately gone far out of his way to create yawning chasms between his favored special interest (and massive campaign contributors) groups and the American public at large.  Barack Obama’s increasingly shrill and insistent attacks against those “unwilling to give up their guns and Bibles”, religious freedom of expression and beliefs, the rule of law, the Constitutional responsibility of the Supreme Court of the United States, all of “those unwilling to pay their fair share”, “the rich” and pretty much anyone to the right of Nancy Pelosi have divided America to an extent not seen since the Civil War.

One might ponder how on earth such a powerful, productive, rich society might have sunk to such perceived depths of decay and disorder in such a relatively short time.

The answer can be found by recognizing when the first tendrils of Progressive ideology began to seduce the leaders of America, beginning with the naive and vulnerable Woodrow Wilson.  He welcomed the well-disguised gift of this insidious Trojan Horse and for decades the poison of Socialist/Communist/Progressive ideology wove its subversive tendrils into the social, religious, academic and governmental fabric of America.  Decades later, a glittering, effusive, inspirational new prophet burst out of the shell of the Trojan Horse with his coterie of acolytes and disciples, once again wooing the easily swayed and vulnerable with promises of social justice and freedom from want and illness if only they would discard their old, selfish concepts of democracy and convert to the glorious utopia that masks the underlying totalitarianism .

The Trojan Horse worked for the wily Greeks, much to the detriment of the careless inhabitant of Troy.  And its modern equivalent is on its way to destroying the burning torch of freedom that has been unique in today’s world.  But there is still time to reverse the insidious effects of the treachery, if only we are willing to understand what history can tell us if we pay attention – and if we are tired of being pushed around.

Bond Not, Waste Not

The annual budget battle here in Maine has proved quite contentious.  Paul Lepage, our Governor, has insisted that significant cuts to the upcoming budget be made and of course now faces recrimination and vilification from the usual sources (Progressives/Liberals/Whatever, unions, the “helping services”, state government aid recipients and a hodgepodge of assorted other special interests groups).

This particular Governor, being a Republican, has been a constant target of smear tactics, character assassination, and viperous (not infrequently hysterical) criticism which is now being echoed by several of Maine’s daily newspapers, a consortium of which was recently purchased by venture capitalist (aren’t these the bad guys Obama rants about?) Donald Sussman, the recently acquired husband of Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.  Just out of curiosity, I wonder if there are any other politicians who have such direct control over what information can be fed to their adoring voters?

Anyway, a recent part of this conflagration was fanned by the Governor’s reluctance to approve a new bond measure totaling just under $100 million which was being advanced by the state Senate Appropriations Committee.  Gov. Le Page had the audacity to hint that unless his plans to utilize further cuts to welfare designed to bring the state into line with federal standards were approved, he might be less than hospitable toward borrowing more money – perhaps even to the point of exercising his veto powers to deny approval of additional borrowing to pay for pet projects.

The backers of the bond issue (a group which most unfortunately contains some Republicans) trotted out the tired old chestnut that proclaims such borrowing would provide the “stimulus” for badly needed jobs in one of the nation’s poorest states.  Gee, where have we heard that argument before?  And how did that work for America?

A check of the records reveals that during the prior eight years of a Democratic administration here in Maine there were numerous bond issues approved that totaled over $725 million, resulting (according to official Maine Department of Labor statistics) in the creation of exactly 54 jobs while unemployment over the same period grew from 4.8 percent in 2003 to 8 percent in 2011.  On the other hand, from January 2011 to present, when no bond issues had been suggested or approved, the number of jobs tallied by the same source exceeds 3,000.

“Bonds are not the answer”, stated Governor LePage and I am inclined to agree with him.  “If we want good paying careers we must invest in our job creators by reducing red tape, lowering taxes, and making structural changes to energy, education and welfare. These are the long-term solutions that can help revive the American Dream for Mainers,” he said.

The bond package containing $51 million for transportation-related projects, $20 million for research and development projects that would be bid through the Maine Technology Institute, $11.3 million for higher education, $8 million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and $5 million supporting the Land for Maine’s Future Program received glowing endorsements from Republican Senator Richard Rosen (who stated he was proud of the package because Democrats and Republicans came to a consensus on most items) and Democratic Sen. Phil Bartlett of Gorham who pronounced that the bond package will get people back to work and create good-paying jobs.

Gov. LePage suggested that the state “should focus on repaying $500 million that’s owed to state hospitals instead of taking on more debt”.

Getting Maine back on the right side of the fiscal accounting ledger is going to take a lot of hard work a sacrifice considering the hole that the Legislature has previously dug for Maine taxpayers.  It is truly unfortunate that even though the Republicans have for the first time in 35 years gained control of the Legislature and the Governorship, there is, in a number of Legislators of both parties, still a discernible lack of an understanding of what fiscal responsibility must entail.

Good luck, Governor, and keep fighting …… boy, do we need it.

The Expanding Stench of Corruption and Decay

All bureaucracies, be they the product of democracies, totalitarian rulers, or every form of government in between, are guaranteed to be fertile ground for the breeding of corruption.  The only thing that controls the spread of such pestilence is the vigilance and actions of the populace and that is promoted through a sufficient dissatisfaction with the current ruling class to result in their being overthrown through the ballot box - or other means.  Once corruption gains the opportunity to escape restriction, then decay is inevitable.

There is irrefutable evidence that the United States has passed the point where decay should have been recognized as a vital threat and two recent events clearly illustrate a clear and present danger to our representative republic.

In talking with both current and former military personnel, I have found universal shock and anger that a portion of a combined Secret Service/military advanced team preparing for the President’s Brazilian visit engaged in liaisons with prostitutes that could have resulted in security compromises affecting the safety of top American officials.  That such actions were engaged in by individuals who supposedly represent the very best protective units available for our leadership is beyond the comprehension of many of us.  “Duty, Honor, Country” is and has been the creed of our military and the equivalent is no doubt equally important to most members of the Secret Service.  Such blatant disregard of what has traditionally been the supporting pillars of our defenders’ integrity is a deep and bitter betrayal that casts aspersions on all who have devoted their careers (and in far too many instances their lives) to the service of our country.

With the great honor of being part of such elite organizations comes great responsibility.  To defile such a trust is unthinkable for the majority of us who served in a different age.  And, I like to believe, for the greatest percentage of those who currently serve.

In addition, infiltration and compromise of security protocols through sexual compromise is a basic espionage tactic that is so well documented that anyone with an ounce of sense would have avoided the situation that these dimwits so eagerly solicited.

The second illustration is the outrageous expenditures of nearly a million dollars by the General Service Administration in creating a “dream vacation” in Las Vegas for members of its leadership corps.  This is a part of the government that is the despair of many a salesperson for their foot-dragging, nit-picking attitude toward proposals for goods and services offered by the private business sector – all under the pretense of “fiscal responsibility” and “guarding the public’s money”.  Now, given their most recent behavior, can such holier-than-thou, righteous proclamations be replied to by anything other than a raucous snort of utter incredulity?

These two serious incidences have been given justifiable coverage by the media, but I have yet to notice the insertion of a very important consideration.  What could be the rational behind such obviously incorrect actions?

Very simple: the miscreants wanted personal gratification and they believed that (1) it was justified and (2) that since they were entitled (by being special) they could get away with it.

So …… perhaps we are now able to begin to discern the effects of corruption and the decay of moral, ethical and legal precepts that results?

These are but two of the many examples of lack of leadership, honor and personal integrity that are the hallmark of the current administration, but they also are the cumulative result of decades of slow infiltration of our American culture by those who wish our nation harm.

If this is a matter of concern for you, take due notice thereof and vote accordingly, both locally and nationally, come November 2012.  If you really don’t care, there are two other options.  Stay home, or continue to support the actions of a thoroughly corrupt political and social elite whose stated goal is to “change” America.

A Problem in Search of a Solution

There are days when the search for a bit of good news can seem to be a fruitless endeavor, particularly if you are expecting it from the media.  No matter where I turn (minimal TV, some radio now and then, a lot of reading) finding something inspiring, or even to make me smile, seems an overwhelming task.

But then on date night over a nice dinner, the love of my life tells me about a funeral service she attended earlier in the day that honored the life of the mother of a member of her Lions Club.  The recently deceased lady had lived almost though her ninth decade and during the latter part of her life had become an ardent supporter of her church’s activities – not to mention attending to eight children, thirty-two grandchildren, and a growing number of great-grandchildren.  This was a lady who fought through abandonment by a first husband who left her with four children and eventually remarried to wind up with a family of eight.  She lived most of her life in rural Maine and was not rich in a material sense, but she left behind a letter to her family and friends which she requested be read at her service.  My wife said it was one of the most moving things that she has ever experienced, because the message that she wanted passed on dealt with how blessed she felt because of family, friends and faith.

I was not there to hear this missive, but it certainly did start me thinking.  For one thing, the meal that we were enjoying was the result of a gift card given me at a recent birthday celebration by two ladies who have been great friends and neighbors for over thirty years.

I am fortunate in having two intelligent, productive, caring young men for sons and the most wonderful woman I have ever known has been willing to put up with me during the best years of my life.

My health is good enough to allow me to stay active in many physical activities and so far my mental faculties are sufficient to keep me alert and involved.

I have a young, active, affectionate canine companion who enjoys with me my forays into the back acreage.

So, if I direct my search away from the seemingly never-ending stream of crisis-laden reporting that centers upon our rapidly declining nation, it is possible to find some reassuring news.

But unfortunately, one cannot always avoid the invasive nature of our government-dominated modern society, particularly at tax time when one is faced with coughing up what the current overlords have decided is one’s “fair share”.

And that brings me back to what I view as an increasingly disturbing facet of life in America.

I would ask my readers to spend a few minutes viewing a movie cartoon that can be found at:

http://nationaljuggernaut.blogspot.com/2009/09/this-cartoon-seemed-far-fetched-in-1948.html

This illuminating little gem was sent to me by a friend and if you can view this without a cartoon light bulb going on over your head, then you are ultimately doomed and it may come sooner than you think.

Despite glowing promises of “hope and change”, “the most ethical administration ever”, and the ascension of a self-proclaimed “Great Unifier”, America is currently under the stewardship of an autocrat who in his shrill, divisive rants (disguised as campaign speeches) seems intent on pitting citizens one against another in matters of race, social and economic status (rich against poor, have-nots against those who, due to their own efforts prosper), rule by man – or woman - vs. the rule of law, capitalist cronyism vs. the free market, and the subjugation of the God-Given rights described in the Constitution to the “entitlements” conferred by the state upon non-producers.

The resulting chaos is one of the more important tools in the plan to implement rule by the secular Progressives who dream of an enforced “equality” that will ensure their oppressive Utopia.  One of Kurt Vonnegut’s most illuminating works is his 1961 short story “Harrison Bergeron”.  If you want a preview of what Obama and his band of fascist oppressors have in store for us, do not fail to read this chilling tale.

There are so many different warnings available for us, but don’t count on being exposed to them via the current government-directed educational system.

Nor can you expect any good news from the government apparatus, the politicians who infest it, or the corrupted news media who is under its sway.  If you truly seek inspiration, look to the traditional sources of our national welfare: family, friends, and faith.   

America: Land of the Lawless and Home of the Dependent

There appear to be no limits to the attempts by Barack Obama and his fascist-oriented administration to subvert and destroy the principles on which our country has flourished.  And just as disturbing are the actions of elected officials and a preponderance of the ”national” media that support (actively or passively) these never-ending atrocities – not to mention the lack of public outrage.

My, my ….. where to begin?

Well, let’s see.  How about the New Black Panthers, who not only were captured of film intimidating voters at a recent election with an open display of weaponry and verbal harassment, but now also have incited vigilante justice by circulating posters offering a $10,000 reward for the “capture, DEAD OR ALIVE” of George Zimmerman, the purported Neighborhood Watch observer who was involved in the fatal shooting of a black teenager in Florida.  So many illegal acts involved in just these two instances, from election interference to conspiracy revolving around kidnapping and/or potential murder.  So what happens?  A federal investigative team from Eric Holder’s Department of Injustice is dispatched to Florida to ascertain whether or not a “hate crime” was perpetrated against the deceased.  Aggravated voter intimidation?  Buried by the same Mr. Holder, with  no action taken.

There are so many instances of Obama’s confidants/supporters/administrators engaging in avoidance or defiance of the laws that govern the rest of us serfs that it would be unreasonable to expect my readers to plod through an exhaustive list, but here are a few high-profile additional examples that will help set the tone.

Warren Buffet, the multi-billionaire who is endlessly touted by the President as someone who is openly in favor of “paying one’s fair share”, but is currently embroiled in a suit concerning unpaid taxes initiated by the IRS.

Or Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s failure to pay required taxes for several years, but nevertheless was appointed to the post that regulates the enforcement of tax laws.

And, of course, Obama himself, who, with the help of a then Democratic-heavy Congress featuring Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, rammed through legislation resulting in a highly suspect and arguably unconstitutional government intrusion into personal freedoms regarding commerce.  And now this “constitutional law professor” (who taught one narrowly focused, one very specific, issue-related course at the University of Chicago School of Law) has stated that the Supreme Court does not have the authority to overturn decisions made by “the elected majority”.  Patently untrue.

But fall in line, serfs; the King has spoken.

One might question the integrity and intelligence – let alone competence – of a “leader” who performs and countenances such blatant disregard for the rule of law, let alone the constant barrage of divisive rhetoric that characterizes his speeches as the nation approaches national elections scheduled for this fall, unless one is willing to recognize the fact that his actions fit perfectly into his plans to remake America into the mode of socialist European progressivism.

A large part of that plan is the implementation of statism that will ensure the dependency of the public upon the rewards of the “rights” that can be determined only by the government.  Forget about the God-given rights explicitly referred to in our Bill of Rights and Constitution (those pesky documents again – everyone knows that they are outdated and irrelevant in our modern, secular society).  No, we are to be directed by the inspired concepts divined by the King (whoops, President) and his loyal (and lavishly rewarded) minions whose enlightened sense of decency and equality will dictate that the sexual propensities of a 30-year old law student (and long time feminist activist) will be supported by the general public to the tune of $3,000 a year – that’s approximately $8 a day – for birth control products.

You know, I would have a really hard time making this stuff up.  It would hardly be a good fictional read and unbelievable if presented to a reader of two decades ago.

Are you interested in a preview of what an Obama second term will guarantee?  Review the article “Generation Twit: Revenge of the Professional Left” to be found in the March edition of The American Spectator and attend the predictions of Alexis de Tocqueville, who warned “of a new despotism that would (supposedly) relieve citizens of the ‘trouble of thinking and the pain of living’, (whereby) in subsuming themselves in the collective, they would bring about a new kind of despotism in the name of equality.”

And, again from de Tocqueville: “Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number.  Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality.  But mark the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude”.

Obama and his cohorts have big plans for America.  If you plan to vote for him in November, be prepared to line up and take a number and keep in mind the words written by another author, George Orwell:  “all animals are equal, but animals are more equal than others” (Animal Farm, August, 1945).

This Is True Leadership

If you should ever watch nothing else on U-Tube, take the time to view this speech by Sen. Marco Rubio on the floor of the Senate.  This is a perfect example of what a leader is.  Take the time to compare it to the flabby efforts of far too many of our national political figures.

Our problems can be solved, but we must elect the right people to do the job.  This man sets a standard by which you should decide on how you cast a vote.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=WiKrCUiP-fg

Be Concerned, Be Very Concerned

On St. Patrick’s Day, the White House released an executive order titled “National Defense Resources Preparedness”.  It is of interest that in nearly all cases such documents are numbered, but not in this case.  The document in its entirety can be read (at least for now) at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-d.

For those with the stomach to wade through the mind-numbing bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo that characterizes such communications, there are some truly disturbing developments contained within.  For all practical purposes, Obama has laid out the blueprint for peacetime martial law, bestowing upon the federal government the power to seize unlimited components of private industry, draft the necessary manpower to enforce and oversee these assets, and create enforcement organizations to guarantee compliance – all the while bypassing Congressional and Judicial oversight and the checks and balances intended to be their exclusive purview.

This should be no surprise.  Obama has previously let slip his plans for a “national police force” and is creating a campaign issue against a “do-nothing Congress”, as well as exhibiting a proclivity for gathering industries such as automotive, banking and health care under the rapacious wing of Marxist theology.

Utilizing as a protective screen a supposed “updating” and amendment of the Defense Act of 1950, this naked power gab reveals its all-encompassing intent in PART II – PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS, Sec. 201(b), Prioritizations and Allocations Authorities:

(b)  The Secretary of each agency delegated authority under subsection (a) of this section (resource departments) shall plan for and issue regulations to prioritize and allocate resources and establish standards and procedures by which the authority shall be used to promote the national defense, under both emergency and non-emergency conditions.  Each Secretary shall authorize the heads of other agencies, as appropriate, to place priority ratings on contracts and orders for materials, services, and facilities needed in support of programs approved under section 202 of this order.

The key here is “under both emergency and non-emergency conditions” – in other words, the President makes the decision on what circumstances will dictate a huge new bureaucratic engine taking control of America’s economy and the millions of workers who comprise it.  Does the name Hugo Chavez and his government takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry ring a bell?  This is an example of banana republic dictatorship at its most virulent.

Keep in mind the phrase “under both emergency and non-emergency conditions”.

“Sec. 303.  Additional Authorities.  (a)  To create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore domestic industrial base capabilities essential for the national defense, the head of each agency engaged in procurement for the national defense is delegated the authority of the President under section 303 of the Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 2093, to make provision for purchases of, or commitments to purchase, an industrial resource or a critical technology item for Government use or resale, and to make provision for the development of production capabilities, and for the increased use of emerging technologies in security program applications, and to enable rapid transition of emerging technologies.”

And:

“Sec. 308.  Government-Owned Equipment.  The head of each agency engaged in procurement for the national defense is delegated the authority of the President under section 303(e) of the Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 2093(e), to:

(a)  procure and install additional equipment, facilities, processes, or improvements to plants, factories, and other industrial facilities owned by the Federal Government and to procure and install Government owned equipment in plants, factories, or other industrial facilities owned by private persons” (italics mine).

And here is a part that should be of particular interest to Ron Paul followers and/or the anti-war crowd:

PART VI  -  LABOR REQUIREMENTS

“Sec. 601.  Secretary of Labor.  (a)  The Secretary of Labor, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other agencies, as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Labor, shall:

(1)  collect and maintain data necessary to make a continuing appraisal of the Nation’s workforce needs for purposes of national defense;

(2)  upon request by the Director of Selective Service, and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, assist the Director of Selective Service in development of policies regulating the induction and deferment of persons for duty in the armed services” (italics mine)

A little something for everyone, eh?  But I suggest that you read this “Executive Order” in its entirety, or at least as much of it as you can stomach.  The gloves are off, folks.  What you now behold, if you care to open your eyes, is the result of implanting a Marxist and his collective in the halls of power here in the United States.

And rest assured: this is only the beginning if the voters are foolish enough to give this despot another term.

Maine 2011 Deer Harvest Preliminary Report

Courtesy of the Maine Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine’s 2011 deer season resulted in a total harvest of 18,839 deer by resident and non-resident hunters. Although the winter of 2010-2011 was tough, especially mid-winter, snow disappeared rapidly and deer benefited from spring rains and a relatively early spring green up. Overwinter survival of fawns increased, giving a boost to yearlings available during the fall hunting season. Increased success by archers and youth hunters alike continues to demonstrate the allure of bowhunting, and the interest of young hunters in pursuing one of North America’s most exciting game species.

The change in last fall’s deer harvest by -6% compared to 2010 can be accounted for by the significant decrease in Any Deer Permits, designed to provide additional growth in the deer population across much of the state.

The Any-Deer Permit System allows IFW’s wildlife biologists to regulate the taking of antlerless deer. Since adult females are the most important element of the population from a reproductive standpoint, the 2011 decrease in Any-Deer permits will help ensure continued population growth for 2012 and beyond. The protection of antlerless deer resulted in a 23% decline in adult doe harvest and a 25% decrease in the fawn harvest. The adult buck harvest increased by 5% in 2011 compared to 2010. Combined with the mild winter of 2012 (to date), a higher rate of doe survival should be great news to Maine deer hunters and enthusiasts.

In much of the state, deer will be coming out of the 2011-12 winter in great shape. With warm weather on the horizon, the outlook for deer hunting in 2012 should be exceptional. Come Fall 2012, there will continue to be a variety of seasons to choose from, lots of room to roam and a diverse array of locations to hunt. We should expect both an increase in deer numbers and harvest for 2012 providing a great opportunity to hunt deer in Maine.

When You Don’t Fight To Win

First and foremost, the recent indiscriminate murder of Afghan women and children by a member of the United States military is utterly and completely wrong and must be appropriately adjudicated and punished under the provisions of The Uniform Code of Military Justice, which is more than capable of dealing with this atrocity.  Proceedings should be swiftly initiated and brought to a timely close following the rules of due process.  Our perpetrator – our responsibility.

There are, however, collateral issues that must be considered and addressed.  A thorough investigation may provide some understanding of what may have motivated an Army noncommissioned officer to commit such a horrible series of acts.  But equally important should be the realization that the blundering of Washington’s policy makers can play a decisive role in creating an atmosphere that breeds an expanding potential for such unintended consequences.

The alleged perpetrator of the Afghanistan atrocities was on his fourth tour to the Middle East conflicts.  This is not offered as an excuse for his horrible crimes, but the U.S. military – despite its valiant successes over nearly two decades of conflict overseas – is stretched to the breaking point in both the areas of personnel and equipment and is currently under nearly unbearable stress that will be exacerbated by the projected cuts to defense spending resulting from the complete dysfunctionality of Congress (particularly the Democratic-controlled Senate) when it comes to the allocating of federal funds through a realistic budget process.

America has not “won” a war since WWII.  We struggled to an armistice in Korea.  We turned tail and left Vietnam, defeated by a coalition of North Vietnamese, Chinese and Russian aid, weak-willed domestic politicians, a war-weary U.S. public and Communist-backed “peace movements”.  We have, for all practical purposes, abandoned Iraq and are now preparing for a hasty retreat from Afghanistan.

When you commit to fight, force is not necessarily the first option, but once that commitment to wage war is made then the objective should be to neutralize the threat.  From this perspective, America’s recent battles, for the most part, have not achieved that goal – killing Osama bin Laden, being one notable exception.

It should now be obvious that in both Iraq and Afghanistan an end result was not clearly delineated.  Year after year, those two conflicts have dragged on with objectives murky or in some cases changed in mid-stream.  “Nation-building”, “winning hearts and minds”, forming and training police and military are not the tasks that our armed forces are constructed for and forcing them into these roles has been a massive waste of our resources, just as it was in other post-WWII conflicts.

The objective in employing force should be to destroy both the enemy’s will and capacity to do you damage.  Break things and hurt combatants to that end, making sure that your adversary understands that if the threat again rises you will return and impose the same punishment.  Then go home and prepare for the next threat.

The ongoing policies of appeasement, waffling, disengagement, subservience and indecision from several administrations are what has prevented victory.  If you plan to start a fight, make damned sure that you have a plan to win it.

Civilian leadership insists on maintaining control of the military and setting the policies that they use our strength to impose.  Therefore they should also bear responsibility for all that results – including “rogue actions”.