Drone Strikes and Due Process

Photo/ProPulica.Org

As a former member of the military, I

More than understand why drones are authorized to fly;

Maybe save a soldier's life with less civilian loss.

No trials for al-Qaeda members? I don't give a toss.

If your aim is to destroy America then, fine;

You have just declared yourself at war with me and mine.

Am I truly horrified when innocents are killed?

Yes.  Despite the fact our troops are trained and highly skilled

People on the side-lines in a war zone tend to die;

Whether by stray bullets or a bomb dropped from the sky.

I suspect that fewer people die when we use drones

And, no matter how much that the ACLU moans,

'though we skipped due process when we killed a citizen

It was not a question if  he'd try something, but when. 

Still, it's not a bad idea if, when the next drone flew

It was first submitted to some judges for review.

Happy Anniversary to Me

Thank you.

Wish me Happy Anniversary; my blog is 1.

I don't know about you folks, but I'm still having fun.

So, though I've been begged to quit by people with good taste;

I'll continue doing it - 'cause I've got time to waste.

The Blizzard of 2013 vs. The Blizzard of 1978

Hmmm...  Haven't I seen this before?

Battening the hatches down; the winds are gonna blow.

Weathermen predict that Massachusetts will get snow...

Not the kind they're measuring in inches, but in feet.

It could be a week before I make it up my street.

Have to hit the grocery store (again) 'cause I forgot

Only one or two last minute items; not a lot.

These days, any time I hear a blizzard's on the way,

I stock up on everything for an extended stay.

When the winds are howling and it's piling up outside

I feel better knowing that my pantry's well supplied.

Other blizzards came and went in 35 long years;

Back when all I thought to buy was cigarettes and beers.

Across the Pond - Rape

Photo/GlobalPost.com

Think rape victims have it bad in these United States;

Stuck with politicians being stupid in debates?

Women in the Middle East and northern Africa,

India and, worst of all, the ones in Syria

Raped as part of strategy in someone's gruesome war

Or, if they report a rape, they're treated like a whore.

Even those who wear a veil - are covered head to toe -

Know that there are places in their countries they can't go,

Like a busy city street or movies with a friend.

Even if you don't get raped they're pinching your rear end.

Treated like an object; just a way to scratch an itch,

Think it's time that women over there began to bitch.

Veils have not protected them from violence and rape.

Women have to organize and help their nations shape

Future legislation guaranteeing rights for girls...

Women need their laws to start protecting them from churls.

Massachusetts Republicans - Screwed?

Thanks, but no thanks?

Massachusetts cannot get Republicans to run;

Scott Brown, Bill Weld - even Tagg (Mitt Romney's eldest son)

All declined to make a try for Kerry's Senate seat...

Do not want to work their toches off for a defeat.

It's an uphill battle for their Party in my state.

Any chances that will change aren't looking really great.

With these major players out, their Party's in a pinch.

Seems Ed Markey only needs to get by Stephen Lynch.

Can't say that I blame Scott Brown - who lost a bruising race -

His decision proves he isn't just a pretty face.

Bet he runs for Governor and I predict he wins.

(We forgive Republicans a multitude of sins

When they're our Republicans - the Massachusetts kind -

Not the ones in Washington, who've clearly lost their mind.

We don't like to give those guys a solitary vote.)

I bet Scott Brown hasn't, yet, retired his barn coat.

The NRA - WTF? (Wants to Forget)

Since the Newtown massacre the NRA has tried

To deflect attention from the numbers who have died.

(Meanwhile we Americans run out and purchase guns...

Makes me want to swear but I am still afraid of nuns.)

This is what a lobbyist can do when they have cash;

Politicians are afraid the NRA will thrash

Anyone who even tries to bring the issue up.

Is the NRA creating paranoia? Yup.

Once they thought that background checks for everyone was cool;

Advocated for a weapons-free zone at a school.

Now  they say that any list allows our government

To disarm its citizens - with little effort spent.

Now  they want to arm our teachers.  My, how things have changed.

I've begun to fear Wayne LaPierre's become deranged.

Fostering conspiracies appears to be his aim.

Cash is needed if we hope to beat him at his game.

Yarn Junkie

Addiction is a terrible thing.

I've been making blankets lately - I've become obsessed.

Sister taught me to crochet; she does it when she's stressed.

I had never wanted to crochet; I'd rather read.

Sisters all insisted that I learn, so I agreed.

It's been nearly 3 months now and I'm in overdrive.

Started up a new one; this is blanket number 5.

First one that I made was for my darlin' Mr. S.

(Knots were very loose but - overall - 'twas a success.

He calls it his summer blanket.) Now I've got it right.

Since then I have started making all my knotting tight.

Good thing it's my knees and not my hands that have arthritis

Or this could get just as bad as Dr. Seussilitis.