Pakistan: The Usual Handshake and Dagger Act

As siblings, my brothers and I engaged in the fool’s game of tattling. It was not so much for the joy of viewing the whipping. My father would calmly take his progeny by the hand and into the bedroom and close the door. The view of the action was obstructed. Instead, we gladly awaited the two or three exaggerated shrieks of terror as we listened to the sound of a belt hitting the seat of learning. We were not at the age of maturity yet. We found the whole thing quite enjoyable to turn on our flesh and blood for the sake of the moment.

One day the mood changed. Having previously spanked the wrong offender, my father had enough. This time he lined up the tale bearer, their intended target and the awaiting “spectators”. Whacking us all soundly and warning us to cease the foolishness it is a lesson which is remembered by all of us to this day. The story is actually recounted with humor amongst us now that we are all adults. Parenting children is the hardest job in the world. But let me amend the thought. Parenting a nation is a much more vigorous endeavor.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just concluded her visit to Pakistan. There was the usual glad clapping by your national leadership for a $500 million aid package. But not totally unexpected, the sole of the sandal is also shown. The continuing uneasy alliance due to a deep-seated mistrust and anti-American sentiment shows that a whole lot of tattling has been going on.

There remains the continuing irritant and memory of the ill-fated “bombplomacy” remarks made immediately after 9/11 when seeking Pakistan’s malleability to our military entrance into a nation with which you share a one thousand mile stretch of border. Surely we have all learned from that episode, one in which Americans were dealing with a heightened state of alert, alarm and fear. Unless you were with us, it is difficult to convey the kick in our national gut. We fairly well disguised the depth of our response because as Americans we are stoic in times of crisis. The average citizen gave to multiple charities to help the families of the firefighters and victims and continued about his daily business. We kept our mouths shut and trusted our leadership to formulate a strategy to protect us.

But it seems that the nature of the beast is one which is bred in captivity, the generalized mistrust and anti-American sentiment which pervades your own geographic landscape. Our nation presents to you as a Pisonian conspiracy of epic proportions with much of the mistrust based on the word on the street, and dare I say it –tale bearing.

The goat which is tethered to the hoof of mistrust against the external forces exerted on Pakistan finds itself also constrained by the lack of confidence in the Western horn to manage her internal affairs and volatile societal rims. Scapegoating an adversary is standard political fare when a nation is struggling with tremendous challenges. My sympathy is extended. But the challenge remains for both nations to continue along a path of mutual goodwill. A failure in this regard will have unforeseen consequences.

A nationally recognized news daily in Pakistan printed a succinct editorial after the visit of our Secretary of State. It brought to the forefront our nation’s continued concern regarding attacks on our sovereign soil by non-state players of Pakistani extraction. SecState Clinton spoke of this issue in no uncertain terms. The editorial also mentioned the difficulties Pakistan faces due to American troops in neighboring Afghanistan. I certainly understand Ribaat and how the increase in cross border flow of Taliban fighters is affected by the warfighting concept. And yes, war creates a ripple across borders. We have asked you to shoulder some of our burden. In exchange, a robust aid package to then lighten your own load.

I lack the wisdom to even begin to suggest how our nations can remedy this ongoing issue. Just as in childhood, my view of the action is obstructed. But I can hear the shrieks coming from the other side of the door. My voice is small. Perhaps just an echo of thought. Maybe you can help us. Tell us what you think and why you think in thus manner. Let us focus on the major compelling issues and quickly clear up the minor concerns. The 21st century is worthy of political maturation. If it doesn’t happen, just line us all up.

Tammy Swofford

WikiLeaks and Security Clearance: From my Mouth to God's Ear

Part of the monumental process of becoming a DCO (direct commission officer) involved the time-consuming paperwork submission to receive my security clearance. When my background checks, etc. finally cleared I made a determination. "From my mouth to God's ear", would be the standard set based on my character. I have a husband. He is not god. He also lacks a clearance. There has been no violation of my oath, even with the one who is as my own flesh.

This century brings us to a more dangerous war theater. It is a century of asymmetrical warfare. The ground engagements across the board involve guerrilla warfare tactics due to the nature of the battlespace. It is a century where the enemy resides within the urban landscape. He strikes from within the landscape and then uses it for foliage. The need for our troops to maintain heightened vigilance for longer periods of time is undoubtedly a factor in the PTSD rates. The human brain and body can only sustain certain chemical cascades for so long before fatigue and collapse set in. So our troops sustain greater danger of emotional impairment.

The battlespace is also threatened due to the age of digital access. In earlier wars pivotal documents leaked out slowly over a period of years, at times decades. This allowed for a slow process of after-action debriefing by both scholars and the greater public. It also added for the perspective brought by a buffer of years since the event for evaluation of societal impact in the aftermath of conflict.

But the recent WikiLeaks? They are already causing damage by subtle means. I am seeing a heightened animosity and virulency on message boards maintained by our adversaries. Last night I viewed a chilling video which was posted on a site maintained by the Taliban. It was of a protest in Great Britain. Now while not sure if the protest was related to the WikiLeaks, it had only 304 views. This a.m. it had 1,003 views. I will not post it because microcosm does not equal mass. But one of the signs carried by a protester stated, "U.K. and U.S.A. watch your backs. Salahudeen is coming". The nine minute video in entirety gave me a chill. It reminded me of the nature and power of words. While pundits speak of the danger to those in Afghanistan who have assisted us, I see an increased danger on national soil due to the leaks. Maybe I am Chicken Little. I hope to be wrong.

I continue to write my latest brief, "Gestalt". There is a chapter addressing freedom of expression in the 21st century. Open societies are going to have to make some increasingly difficult decisions to remain, indeed, "open". But as for the individuals who leaked the sensitive documents? If there be a god which bind me to my oath, there is also in existence a devil.

Tammy Swofford

Fact-based Responsiveness and Journalism,Part III: Print Journalism

Print journalism can be a real time thief, but a few simple guidelines will assist even the beginning researcher to upgrade their cognitive abilities.

*Identify the journalist. Do even a primitive biographical sketch to determine professional affiliations. This will assist you when determining underlying agenda. We all write for a reason. There is a message we want to convey to the audience. Fair enough.

*When reading an article through for the first time use a yellow highlighter to identify similar word usage and phrases. These provide the puzzle pieces to identify the dominant theme.

*There are times when you need to allow an article to "rest" and pick it up a few days later. This allows for a more objective lens.

Tammy

Fact-Based Responsiveness and Journalism, Part II: Images Solitary and in Combination

When viewing the second image above what word comes to mind? The word which came to my mind was "excess". My second thought was, "I hope the dessert is chocolate!" smile

But this image is not in solitary confinement. The first image is of a small African child dragging his dead family member by the arm. It is a photo of abject poverty. By placing the images in combination the above - now looks like "criminal excess". This is the nature of image-sharing on line.

Viewing multiple image selections is a bit more difficult task than a quick view of the solitary offering. The presenter is sending two trains speeding toward each other at a high velocity. The crash comes when the spectator is left with a heightened sense of social injustice.

It is interesting to note the evolution of image-based messages. There are statements which I have received in my email which are text-based and fairly benign. Perhaps the anonymous wordsmith meant little harm in expressing his thoughts. But succeeding rounds from other individuals will sport a solitary image and perhaps later, a complete photo montage. This trend has been most prevalent in emails regarding my Commander-in-Chief. Should we be ashamed?

As in all examination of images raise your index of suspicion for photo-shopping. And then apply a filter as you read. Remember the following: Educated individuals discuss concepts. Uneducated individuals discuss people.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Fact-based Responsiveness and Journalism, Part I: YouTube Analysis

As noted in a prior post I refer to YouTube as "NeuralTube". So let me teach how to do analysis of YouTube propaganda.

The first step is to identify the emotional frame. What emotion is the individual trying to evoke with their propaganda production? As sentient beings we are gifted with a mind, will and emotions. The healthy order of precedence allows an intellectual enquiry to proceed to an act of the will. We determine the correct course of action and then we act. The emotional reponse which buds out and flowers as a consequence of our actions is based on our perception that we have once again engaged the world around us. Life has meaning.

But what happens when the meaning of life is reduced to one of reaction instead of responsiveness? YouTube can function as a negative feedback loop like a primitive hand grip. What happens when the order of precedence flips? Establish the emotional framework. Does the frame give you a sense of anger? Does it challenge a sense of social justice? Do you feel malice rising up in you? Is the feeling one of patriotism or isolation from the mass of humanity? These clues can present in subtle manner. There are times when I forward a YouTube to establish a sense of emotional pulse. Bingo! The recipient vocalizes the emotional frame. Mission accomplished for the agit-prop. It works.

After identification of the desired emotional component look at the picture painted within the frame. Is there a musical score? What is the nature of the music? Is it brooding or lilting? What is the cadence? Does it move with a steady drumbeat which rises to a crescendo at the end? The presenter is now seeking to access the sensory system on multiple levels. Each one of us learns best based on our sensory preference. An auditory-visual presentation can be powerful.

The additional aspects of format are also important. Does the presentation give multiple factoids which require hours of research for confirmation of text? Do they use primary source documents, archived material or recent press releases? Is the text militant or pseudo-intellectual? Does it seek to lull to passivity?

All of these factors are important when evaluating the "NeuralTube" selections sent into an email box. But most importantly, if the frame presents a sentiment which seeks to target an individual or an organization with malice consider it propaganda. Consider yourself a marionette.

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Navy Sailor Captured by Taliban

"Zabihullah Mujahid, reached by telephone said Saturday the American invaders got confronted by Mujahideen ambush in Dasht Kala area of Charkh district, Longar when Mujahideen tried to stop the enemy vehicle, the occupants of the vehicles opening fire and one was killed...."

The remainder of the message involves monitoring of our search movements via telephone by Zabihullah Mujahid and confirmation that our sailor has been moved to a "safe place", with a reference also to Pfc Bergdahl also still alive and secured in his location. The site is hard to load and crashes every 2-3 seconds, which tells me traffic is heavy. My assumption is this is the sailor who is still alive. Unsure. We will not know until official confirmation. This site is an official one maintained by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Their message will soon load onto sister sites. That is the nature of the propaganda.

No video yet. It will come.

Tammy Swofford

From Pfc Bergdahl to Navy Sailors: The Taliban

Quickly scouting through several of the "usual suspects" this a.m. it was noted that none of the jihad sites had as of yet posted a video of the Navy sailors who came under fire and into Taliban possession. The Taliban site and others run on behalf of fighters in Fallujah and Chechnya were still mute on the topic both in message forums and official releases.

MSM reports one sailor deceased, his remains being offered in an exchange for prisoners in our custody. These things can be tricky if our negotiators lack the expertise and understanding of the cultural terrain for such transactions. The various madhhab (jurisprudential schools) vary slightly on these issues but certain aspects of such deals remain fairly standardized. These issues move from justice for loss of life or limb all the way down to injury to an eye, hearing, male reproductive organs, loss of a tooth, etc.

The Taliban's media arm has become very efficient in presenting their case. As with many sites on line, there is a steady evolution which includes greater mastery of topic presentation, improved graphics, and multilingual platforms. They will release a video of our sailor because it is to their advantage. For those who have not yet read the six part series, "Assassin's Creed" regarding jihad sites it can be found in the May archives or by clicking on the meta tag below.

In writing a few days ago and commenting on fact-based responsiveness it seems a good time to write a blog or two on how to cast the critical gaze on the massive deluge of information now at our fingertips. In the meantime, prayers for the families of the sailors and the sailor in custody seems a good way to start the day.

Soldier of the Year: Staff Sgt. Zackary Filip

Congratulations to a Texas soldier, Army Staff Sgt. Zackary Filip, for his selection by The Army Times as their "Soldier of the Year". I retain tremendous respect for our field medics. They are the first line of defense for injured personnel.

It was my pleasure to examine the contents of an eighty pound medical pack at a training evolution several years ago. The Delta Force medic parachuted with his heavy load into a field adjacent to our training area. Your family member is in good hands when receiving care from a combat medic. Highly trained and capable. Those are the words which come to mind. smile

Article Link

Tammy

Anwaar, Ishtiaq and Tammy: For the Good of Pakistan

Anwaar Hussain
Ishtiaq Ahmed - Part I
Ishtiaq Ahmed - Part II
Ishtiaq Ahmed - Part III
Tammy Swofford

Behind the public diplomacy and the media whirlwind surrounding the visit of Secretary of State Clinton lies the quiet voice of restraint for Pakistan. Undoubtedly Ms. Clinton is a tsunami. But these articles demostrate the additional waves of progress sought for Pakistan.

Although the three of us were not working in tandem on the journalistic endeavor we all share a love of universal concepts applicable and healthy for humanity. As this blog posts, Professor Ahmed is returning to Stockholm from a stint as a visiting research professor at the University of Singapore. He will be working on a book which I hope to review for this page on its completion. It will be approximately one thousand pages in length! Mr. Hussain lives on the other side of the globe. For all I know, he is snoozing. As for me, my pantry is empty so what am I doing seated at the laptop?! smile

The articles are in alphabetical order as opposed to chronological order which would be thus: Professor Ishtiaq Ahmed, to me, and finally LtCol Anwaar Hussain, Pakistan Air Force (Ret.)

*Also and quite naturally I placed Mr. Hussain first. He outranks me!

When you have time for a cup of coffee, please read the compendium of thought.

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Shirley Sherrod and BP: 'Tubing and Photoshopping our Brains into Oblivion

What do Shirley Sherrod and BP share in common?

Yeah, I know. The question springs like a baited trap for a very poor joke. But the public love of imagery and insatiable appetite for "breaking news" in a day of internet access appears to be taking its toll on our brain cells. Goebbels may be dead but a Goebbels-ization of media is on the rise. Our propensity for gullibility is going to set us up for the propaganda-driven national psyche of the future.

I have not viewed the first video, a work which was intentionally meant as a crucifixion of the character of Shirley Sherrod. I am not fond of such endeavors. As such, I have not viewed the amended offering either. Problematic with these things is the requirement of a time investment to ascertain the truth. I have noted the rise of a distinct flank of journalism moving forward at rapid pace by minions of careless and lazy journalists. This class of journalism is crucifixion of character. YouTube makes it all possible and the tool should be renamed "NeuralTube" because that is what is left of my brain after viewing what comes into my email from day to day. smile

BP and their photoshop merely requires a flyswatter. But a simple "photo altered for cosmetic reasons" would suffice. Little damage done, but the company is battling a cloud of distrust and suspicion.

Swofford's No. 1 rule for journalism:


1)Fact-based responsiveness

Americans with neural tubes, arise!!


Article link Shirley Sherrod

Article link BP photoshop

Joseph Goebbels

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

The Heat is On: Political Activism

Two nights ago my husband received a phone call. A local judge running for re-election wanted my expertise to wordsmith his campaign properly. Last night found me seated in a crowded living room with the other members of his team, each with their own distinct talents.

It was interesting to see the team make-up. One man had managed ten election campaigns of his own noting with dry wit, "I shouldn't have managed the first four." Another member and I had worked together for the campaign of a member of the Texas legislature who had lost his first run at the prize to a woman. His victory party became a funeral dirge after the results came in and he graciously conceded defeat. The next election cycle found him in the winner's seat. The victory was sweet!

In seeking to raise name recognition for this incumbent judge it was suggested, "Maybe you could streak." We all laughed. This was a reference to a cadre of mud-slinging Democrats when they circulated old newspaper clippings from 1974 of a college streaking stunt staged by hundreds of students at Southwest Texas State University, including an 18-year-old Pete Sessions. He is the man who mounted a campaign against a powerful incumbent, Martin Frost, and beat him fair and square. Mr. Sessions continues his duties as a a U.S. Congressman. But I still haven't quite forgiven his own HQ team for sending me out deep into "enemy territory" one night to have doors repeatedly slammed in my face when attempting to hand off bags of goodies and information. smile

My primary rule and presentation of our message? It is more beneficial to play to strengths and mute the voice of the opponent. As such, we all agreed that his adversary would never be referred to by name but only as "my opponent". We discussed web design, domain name, format and a Wikipedia page. Access of centers of influence, organisational contacts and phone banks received a look.

We discussed yard signs, and how industrious little ants for the opposition like to snatch them in the darkness of night. We yammered about the $35,000 dollars for a one-time expenditure for a flyer. Demographics of each city were discussed as we held maps in our hands. Statistical data of prior elections were discussed with inclusion of the draw down from the governor's race to local races. Of primary concern, the anti-incumbency movement and how to flank that message. For all of us, it is great to be a part of this continuing experiment called Democracy. We the People!

The heat is on!



Tammy Swofford

Coppell Mayor Jayne Peters: Life Unbearable, Life Taken

There are two stories recounted in Old Testament history which show the two souls of anguish and despair. In the first, a tale of famine and a pact by two women to become cannibals at the expense of their babies. The second story also one of famine and the pact of a widow and her son. Making a determination to share a final small piece of bread and to die together of malnutrition they would allow misfortune to take her course.

When life becomes unbearable and hope is deferred difficult decisions are made. Life or death? These are the choices held in the hand.

There is a saying that life happens while we are making other plans. I have found it to be true in my life. The journey is a series of detours along paths less-traveled. But what should we do when life as we know it ceases to exist? Mayor Jayne Peters took the slow and winding path which led to a murder-suicide.

A mother killing her child seems such an unnatural act. Yet Ms. Peters committed quite a few unnatural acts before murdering her nineteen year old daughter Corinne and then turning the gun on herself. The article I have chosen to link tells that Corinne loved the song "Tiny Dancers". It is a selection which brings tears to my eyes because it reminds me of a loss in my own life.

So for Corinne, a link to her favorite song by Elton John.

Link to article

Link to song selection

Tammy Swofford

Anwar al-Awlaki: Strategic Targeting and now a Specially Designated Global Terrorist

The top photo shows the romantic "I am a statesman" view of Anwar al-Awlaki, a thumbnail from an interview he gave recently enumerating his laundry list against America, the land of his birth. The second photo was posted yesterday on a jihad site run by a Dutch-speaking webmaster. This photo is a "first sighting" for me. The jihad co-host shown earlier is now presented as a warrior arming himself for the fight coming to him. It appears the terrain and climate of Yemen a bit more unfriendly than his prior habitat in Virginia. The man who is on a strategic targeting list for his part in causing an officer to break rank, violate his oath and kill his own brethren surely sleeps knowing the violence which left his calling card has become a heat-seeking mission against his own flesh. The United States government has extended their jurisdiction further via the Treasury Department. Al-Awlaki has made the list for Specially Designated Global Terrorists. He is on the run and with another posse after any financial trail. It is as it should be.

Tammy Swofford

The Vatican: Putting Two Cats into a Burlap Bag

We all know what happens when two cats are placed into a burlap bag. The result is not pretty. Hence, it would seem the Vatican misfired their weapon in wild manner yesterday.

The release of the revisions to laws of internal governance made it easier to discipline priests accused of acts of sexual abuse. Yet the lawgivers put two cats in the bag when announcing they considered ordination of women as grave an offense as pedophilia.

The reasoning behind the wording was based on sentiment to show that both actions are grave offenses. But placing the psychological wound inflicted by pedophilia on the victim as a moral equivilency with the wound to the Catholic doctrine of ordination is unfathomable. If my child were raped there would be no need for a trial, merely a burial.

Two cats were placed into the burlap bag. It was unnecessary.

On the one hand, pedophilia is a crime punishable by the laws of the state. It is a heinous and selfishly lustful act perpetrated against the innocence of a child. But the determination to deny women ordination is about the pull between tradition and modernization of roles, conviction and preference.

The choice of wording was poorly constructed and the Vatican will take a beating by both friends and foes. A sexual crime against a child is deserving of societal responsiveness. As to whether the ecumenical will of the Vatican should bow to the will of a small but growing lobby of activists who are proactive for a female priesthood is up to their final determination.

Tammy Swofford

Osama bin Laden: The Glory of it All

With all of the "much ado about nothing" over the maiden voyage of "Perspire", er.... I mean, "Inspire" - it is good to remember that American troops are on the ground in Afghanistan and still seeking to take out the top tier of Al-Qaedah. The photo was snatched from a website and is old photography put to new use. OBL was known to be mincing along with a cane due to a bad knee 'bout 2003. Anyway, a man stripped of his own citizenship turned our citizens into missile components on 9/11. Can't say that the English version of the organizational magazine has much more worth reading than the Arabic versions of the past. But the buzz is out there on this one. Now, if we can ever just catch the damn buzzard....

Swofford never forgets.

Bristol Palin: The Creation of a Hollywood Myth

Just when mothers across America think it cannot get any worse, we have the latest churned out trite bit of news regarding Bristol Palin. Horny teenage boys become sperm donors and the latest clueless teenage girl joins the rank of Medicaid motherhood. They come into both poverty and entitlement in droves every single day. Society shoulders the cost and our taxes subsidize stupidity for many years after the birth of the child. Don't get me wrong. I believe children are a blessing and national treasure. But I don't believe Hollywood should continue to glamourize unwed motherhood with willing accomplices such as Bristol Palin.

Perhaps the Palin family created their own monster. Championing a pro-life agenda as opposed to supporting the abortion industry is a great choice. But shoving a daughter into the national spotlight to showcase "the cause" lacked common sense on the part of Mrs. Palin. Lil' Bristol figured out how to turn (media) tricks.

Bristol is a woman of few talents, lacking education to sustain a career and has little to offer the world at the immature age of nineteen years. But there is no doubt she is a driven business woman intent on making a bundle of cash. Levi Johnston also joined the carnival side show with lesser measure of success. But watch out now! 'Tis a marriage made in heaven! What could be better than a team effort at running a new family business? Am I thoroughly disgusted? You betcha.

Bristol Palin is getting married. Good. And good riddance!

Article Link

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

The Sea and the BP Oil Spill

Lavender and emerald, cobalt and grey; foam capping the mug of her cup, stinging ocean spray. These are the memories I retain of a trip on the sea. I have always loved the sea. Her shadowy vaults retain mysterious treasures and coral beds teeming with life. She refreshes herself throughout the centuries. With scant heed to the bones of men buried in her depths but divine purpose regarding the sustainment of a vast ecosystem, the sea brings remembrance of creationary force.

Many of us have prayed for the men and women directly impacted by the BP oil spill. The livelihood of those whose strong knuckles and nets harvest the living colors of her colonies depend on their trade to sustain the earthbound creation which enjoys her delicacies.

Just as the face of the earth is replenished from day to day, the sea also maintains daily tasks. We can do in limited manner that for which technology makes allowance. The rest will take care of its self with time. This is the promise of the sea.

Tammy Swofford

Erasing Critical Word Usage from the Lexicon: The Uganda World Cup Bombings

"In simultaneous bombings bearing the hallmark of international terrorists...."

These were the words posted with the latest news on the bombings in Uganda which both killed and maimed American citizens. What could be more casual and enjoyable than viewing the World Cup with friends? And what could be more "European" than to be seated outside a cafe drinking a beverage and talking with the local community? See? I used the word "European" to describe the cafe scene.

We must not shy away from identifying violent acts against citizens with the correct adjective usage. The international terrorists were acting out "Allah's anger" according to one F-ckin crazy self-proclaimed sheikh. Hence, it was an act of Islamic (adjective) terrorism. (noun)

We should address the issues at hand without averting the gaze from the need for Muslims to mount their own defense against a war of increments within their ranks which is asymmetrical, violent and lacking conscience. It is not malicious, intended to provoke anger in correctly reporting the news. It is disengenuous and lacking integrity to remove words from the lexicon of usage when the journalistic pen is directed toward the public.

I will be meeting this week to engage inter-faith dialogue with an American Muslim counterpart. Islam. Heal Thyself.

Tammy Swofford

An Acceptable Fast

".... and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood." Isaiah 58: 7 (NIV)

The words above are powerful. We consider a fast as an act of self-denial. But in reading Isaiah 58 it seems that an acceptable fast is really about caring for others and mending a few fence posts. It is about passion as opposed to complacency; outward action as opposed to inward piety.

Christianity in distilled form and function is all about love.

"For God so loved...." John 3:16 That pretty well nails down the primary tenet of my faith.

But why is it the expressive function of Christianity so quickly finds itself mired in the complexity of basic family relationships?

Having talked with many adult children at odds with their parents I remind them that the commandment is to honor their parents. Honor is the gift bestowed, while respect is the gift which is earned.

Have you ceased to honor a parent? Perhaps they are deserving of the physical distance because of actions seemingly unpardonable. What does it mean to not turn away from your own flesh and blood? If nothing else, send the occasional card and make the monthly call.

Siblings? I have five and that is a tough one. The bloodline is the same but the blood can boil. I have one brother who has maintained contact with me but has set aside relationship with the other siblings for five years. A family consensus on an issue brought pain. I chose to walk with him through the pain. To not forsake..... Can you stick with the black sheep when the going gets tough?

It takes endurance and a sense of righteousness to deprive the body of nourishment. But it takes faith, to nurture the relationships which have caused us pain. May my simple words speak to you today. Take that first small step toward an acceptable fast.

Tammy Swofford

H.R. 4899, Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010

*This came into my email today from my MOAA chapter, an organization in which I have proudly served in the past as a board member and continue to support with membership.

The 10-day Fourth of July recess is about to come to a close. The Senate reconvenes at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 12. The House returns at 2 p.m. the following day, Tuesday, July 13.

Reaching consensus on supplemental funding legislation should top lawmakers "to do" list when they return. This critical wartime funding remains ensnared in a political tug-of-war between fiscally conscious lawmakers, those seeking to end funding for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those willing to use these needed resources as leverage to help secure funds for domestic agenda items.

When first adopted by the Senate in May, H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010, contained a total of $45.5 billion in discretionary funding for FY 2010. This included $37.12 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and $13 billion for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. But the House add-ons approved prior to the Independence Day recess tacked on another $23 billion in spending, mostly for domestic issues, all of which must now be agreed to by the Senate. Reaching harmony on that much extra spending will be difficult.

Complicating matters further, the House-approved version reduced funding for one of the President's key education initiatives by $500 million, an action that drew immediate criticism from the White House and a veto threat if it is included in the final bill. If the President ends up rejecting the measure, money DoD said it needed last week could be further delayed.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Congress in June that the Pentagon would have to do "stupid things" if it didn't approve the supplemental spending request by the 4th of July. These steps included diverting funds from day-to-day programs, furloughing civilian employees and eventually withholding pay and allowances from the troops. We don't know if the department initiated such drastic action yet, but one thing is certain, only timely action by Congress will prevent it from occurring.

It is difficult to understand how some lawmakers would even think of using defense funds as leverage for other programs while our troops face the threat of death overseas. The funds desperately needed by our men and women in combat should never, repeat, never be delayed or diverted to other domestic concerns. That is why NAUS supports a freestanding bill, absent of funding for issues other than national defense.

Congress needs to make this issue its first priority when members return from recess next week, and they need to hear from you. You can use the NAUS CapWiz system to tell your elected representatives in Washington to pass a clean war funding measure without further delay.

Ferenc Deak

James Oppenheim is a dear friend. We enjoy sharing our thoughts and he has taught me quite a bit. We have been introduced to the life and times of Ferenc Deak by one of my blog readers who has now crossed the stream to read the online journal of Mr. Oppenheim. As my writing resembles the babblings of an individual suffering from anoxic encephalopathy compared to the superior wordcraft of my friend I have only one word of advice for the reader in question:

Steven! Keep reading my site! smile

Mr. Fodor wrote a guest blog. You will find his biographical sketch here:


Link to sketch

Link to Oppenheim site.

Tammy Swofford

The Cordoba Initiative: a $100 million dollar project blighted with ill-will

"Viscosum beneficium - a kindness smeared with birdlime".

These were the words penned by F. W. Farrar in describing the emotional state of Seneca after receiving the gift of a villa from the estate of Britannicus, who was murdered by Nero. (1)

It seems time to examine the impact of The Cordoba Initiative. I received a YouTube last week, which has brought this issue to the front burner for me over the last few days.

Also viewing the video on the home page for the Cordoba Initiative I note the usage of a valuable sub-discipline of the Qur'anic Sciences, that of balagha. (eloquence of speech) Nahj-al-Balagha comes to mind, which is a collection of the sermons and speeches of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the 4th Caliph of Islam. Imam Feisal makes an eloquent case for the Cordoba House, collapsing the project into the envelope of interfaith dialogue.

There are a few problems:

* I cannot find any study online which presents an impact statement as to the effect of this project on the psyche of the American public. If it exists, it should be prominently displayed on the website.

*The video sent to me against this project is climbing toward the two million view mark. Tracking it the last few days, it appears to be at approximately one thousand hits per day.

*It is estimated there are 1.5 million American Muslims.

*The time-line for this ambitious project seems off. It is interesting to consider that the Shi'a still cry out for revenge against the descendants of the Caliph Yazid for killing one of their own. Think in terms of centuries! Americans are not attached to the concept of family revenge in such strict manner as bedevils the Muslim culture. But we are not yet even at the decade point for the tragedy which befell our citizens on 9/11. As for myself, the psyche is not healed. I see falling bodies when remembering the event.

*Did the visionaries for this project divest their vocabulary of the words "ought" and "ought not"? These are simple concepts which I have worked to instill in my children. There are things we "can do" because of free will and liberty. But certain things we "ought not" to do for the greater good. I am not sure the Cordoba House represents the greatest good due to the sentiment and imagery which surrounds their site location.

It seems necessary to release a final arrow of thought into the landscape. This one is a bit tricky:

*New York City will surely benefit from this economic gift. Many a construction worker, cement truck driver, tile installer, and plumber will find a steady paycheck to feed their family. The mayor sees economic health. But I have just a bit of a nagging thought at the edges of my own psyche.

The foot of a non-Muslim is not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwara. The deference to the Muslim has its place in Qur'anic ayat for Makkah, and the later concurrence of scholars for the latter city. Perhaps, we (the non-Muslims) should be allowed our sacred soil?

The Cordoba Initiative


The Shi'a Tragedy

(1)Farrar, Frederic W. D.D., F.R.S., "Darkness and Dawn or Scenes in the Day of Nero", University Press, John Wilson and Son, Cambridge, 1893

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

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Bloggers Note:


In discussing these issues with both sides, the emotions and passions run high. As for myself, it seems best to follow the words which were penned by Browning (A Death in the Desert)


'For life, with all its yields of joy and woe,
and hope and fear - believe the aged friend -
Is just a chance of the prize of learning love;
How love might be, hath been indeed, and is;
And that we hold henceforth to the uttermost
Such prize, despite the envy of the world


In years of blogging I have developed a deep respect for freedom of expression.

But I have also come to realize the need to speak the truth in love.

Without love, we will continue to be bereft of solutions.

So with love in my heart, yet unflinching gaze - the above blog is offered for reflection.

Non-Violent Struggle: The Historiography of Hungary

One of the blog readers is an international businessman who was born in Hungary. Possibly because his early claim to fame was being in prison at the tender age of three years, he is actively involved in non-violent solutions. (No, he didn't commit a kiddie crime. His whole family was tossed into the cell.)

We enjoy a long distance friendship by telephone and email. He sent a link last week. I am a regular recipient of his thoughts and preferred articles. The link takes only a few minutes to read and provides a good synopsis of how the Hungarians mounted a passive resistance movement which spanned nearly two decades. This tenacious and patient political process produced the changed landscape of today, one which Hungarians owe to their wise ancestors.

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Article Link

Remember. Diplomacy is always preferable to rant-a-plomacy. wink



Tammy Swofford

Freedom of Expression and the Right to Peaceful Protest

It was a shock to receive a demand letter from a necrophilic porn producer threatening a lawsuit against this blog. My team dealt with it by a consensus process. It was just as great a shock for the "Reverend" Spitz (Army of God) to venture into the comments section. But surely nothing can compare to the shock felt when a sacred ceremony is desecrated by a group of mongrels.

This week finds a smallish, inbred "shock wave church" climbing up out of their hellish cave to heap their scorn on a few Dallas-Fort Worth churches. The members of Westboro Baptist Church based out of Topeka, Kansas are guilty of the most vile twisting of one of our flanks of freedom of expression - that of the right to peaceful protest.

Having been involved in peaceful protests in the streets and also within City Hall it seems good to remind blog readers of the rules of engagement which shadow this liberty.

*If you are marching, manning a picket line, or shouting at the tops of your lungs it is perfectly o.k. as long as the concern is based out of a sense of love. If hatred is in your heart, please stay home. Hatred holds a small list in her hands with regard to accomplishments. smile

*Do not harm another citizen in your quest for change. If speakers at an organized event advocate proxy violence leave immediately and head home. I distinctly remember watching one protest on television in which participants were encouraged to beat the police officers. No way, Baby!! We are Americans. We embrace rights coupled with responsibility.

*Recognize the right of the opposing team to also voice their opinion on the street. If a situation devolves into a shouting and shoving match, it is also time to hit the road. Did you hear the sound of a toilet flushing? Solutions just washed down the pipe with the first clenched fist.

As for the senseless actions of a small group who love to strut about with signs which read "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "Thank God for IED's" it is my best guess they are functional illiterates who are incapable of writing the words for which the acronym IED stands. But Jiminy! They don't mind the dismemberment of a sacred moment.

My sense of social justice is quite strong. I find it abhorrent that freedom of expression would seek to intentionally wound military families in their greatest season of sorrow. Laying a soldier to rest within the soil for which his blood was shed is a sacred moment. Perhaps the members of this "church" should be ordered to dig the graves of our fallen until their hands blister and bleed. Let them dig until their shoulders ache and their backs hurt. Let them consider the dirty nature of their own souls with each shovelful of dirt which they extract from the earth. But let them not continue their campaign of hate in the name of their non-existent god.

Please read this link




LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

4th of July 2010: Freedom!

The truth is self-evident. America has freedom! It is the cherished gift bequeathed by our forefathers: men of letters, enlightenment and predominantly of the Christian faith. God has blessed our land. America! America! God shed His grace on thee! There is no need to apologize for the tap root of our nation. It still nurtures our land.

The mighty tree of our Republic has stretched forth her branches and provided shade to our generations. The state of our union is strong and so it will remain - if we remember to Whom we owe gratitude.

This freedom allows us the full expression of our humanity, and that without restraint. So sing with me. And dance too! Freedom! What a beautiful place - this land where each is free to chart his course!

Freedom!

Tammy Swofford

Al Gore: Sequel to Marital Implosion

The death of a marriage is always somber news. It is especially sad when public servants who were lauded for their long term commitment find themselves cast again into the open range of media scrutiny due to divorce. Al and Tipper Gore, their children and grandchildren now suffer from the underbelly of fame.

In the beginning, God created man. But then He stepped back and said, "Thou doest yet lack a part". Placing Adam into a deep sleep the Almighty extracted a rib and constructed a shield. Eve, the mother of humanity and graced with vulnerabilities and fragile nature of her own, was equipped with a protective nature. When the "two became one" the shield swung to the front for the love of a man and eventually the love of his progeny.

The shield of the wife can guard her husband from the taint of scandal. Many a wife stands holding her shield while hiding her hurt. As for "the other woman", she also knows the stakes. Her eyes are wide open to her encroachment into the marital pasture. But secrets can be buried for years out of respect for the wife who holds the shield.

The allegations brought against Mr. Gore remain unproven. But one thing is clear. Tipper Gore has put her shield down. It now falls to Mr. Gore to fight his own battle regarding his reputation.

Tammy Swofford

Swofford's Political IED Library

For several years I have been a proponent for the development of a political IED library within our military ranks. My own library supports such a shelf of writings alongside classical literary works of Persian poetry, etc.

I purchased the top selection several years ago from a jihad site as an eBook. If you recognize the image, you will most likely be familiar with the writing. The second image should also be familiar to analysts. It is Sheikh Saeed Abu Saad. The title translates roughly as "Heroes of Truth and Lies". The third selection is by none other than a man who is on a strategic targeting list for engaging proxy violence at Fort Hood via a uniformed military officer. His opening salvo, is the usual rhetoric.

These writings, while labor-intensive and sucking brain cells right out of the skull, are a necessary flank of research.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com