Tyler Clementi: Shoved off a Bridge by Two Pair of Hands

While some would say that Mr. Clementi plummeted to his death it seems apparent that he was shoved to his death by two pair of malicious hands. Technology is neutral until it is assigned value by the user. The use of a webcam for voyeurism seems the most despicable of behaviors. The intimacy shared by consenting adults should not be violated by those with nothing better to do than to spy on their neighbor. Apparently, intelligence and character are not always companionable within the human frame. My condolences to the family of Mr. Clementi.

article link

Tammy Swofford

The Iran-Iraq War: Tactical Poetics

Approximately two decades have passed since the end of the Iran-Iraq war. It was a conflict spread out over eight bloody years. The war began on 22 September 1980 following a long history of low-intensity hostilities and border disputes which escalated beyond diplomacy. Iraqi military launched a two-pronged assault by land and air. This week the gears are grinding for "The Week of Holy Defense" in Iran. It is a time in which the Shi'a commemorate the war effort with festivals and celebrations.

Islamic tradition retains vibrant oral traditions alongside their written historical documents. But one of the flanking traditions of war is the use of poetry to both taunt the opponent and strengthen the backbone of the warrior for battle. I have quite a few of these selections within my personal library. The cultural ministry of Iran is currently occupied with the many public displays of nationalism and one of the anchoring events is the 19th Holy Defense Poetry Festival.

Resistance literature does not have dominant play within our American historical envelope in same manner as nurtured by the Shi'a. But across the globe aspects of the Battle of Karbala - an ignition point on the historical timeline -are still played out today during festivals honoring Imam Ali and his lineage. The Ahl ul Bayt (people of the house) have a strong legend regarding martyrdom. So it is a natural progression that commemorations would be established for modern conflicts. The link below shows posters displayed in Beirut for a Shi'a Ashura festival last year.

Ashura and Imam Ali

The categories of resistance poetry are submitted and released in four categories: *Holy Defense, *Nation's Resistance, *Holy Defense and Ashura and *Children and teen-agers poetry.

The regional Holy Defense Poetry festivals will now move across borders to include international submissions of poetry. This year Iranians within the diaspora are invited to submit their poetry and in a clever play on words they will be "defiantly invited" to Iran for the congress' closing ceremonies.

Tammy Swofford

Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki: Strategic Targeting

Just a reminder to the readers:

I support strategic targeting of Anwar al-Awlaki and the use of extreme violence against this man. The six-part blog series "Assassin's Creed" can be found in the May archives.

Please reacquaint yourselves with an abbreviated look at the manner in which the internet allows for artificial platforms and voice magnification capabilities. I embrace freedom of expression as a valuable human liberty. But my thoughts have moved within the intellectual battlespace in evolutionary manner regarding digital footprints and their ability to impact society. _Gestalt_ released on Sept. 9th, addresses the need for a new suite of laws and policy considerations to secure America's place as an open society. But our society requires a newly installed gate against men such as Anwar al-Awlaki who seek safe pasture whilst using the tools of democracy against our Republic.

Tammy

Ahmadinejad Speaks and U.S. Diplomats Walk

Your secrets from all knaves you should conceal;
Nor should you mysteries to fools reveal;
Your hopes you should keep close from all mankind;
See you be careful how with men you deal.

Omar Khayyam

Once again the world observed the predictable response of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations against inflammatory rhetoric which doesn't count for much. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opined in accustomed manner regarding 9/11 conspiracies. My team walked.

Personally, having known the intel-lite and boring text would be on full display it would have meant so much more to me if the State Department would have just hired a sultry woman to perform the Dance of the Seven Veils as soon as he left the chamber. But it does pose the uncomfortable question: Is eye-to-eye contact better suited to making a statement than a fanny with a briefcase walking away? Let me move you through a few basic dynamics of communication.

Dominant I.Q. conversations:

The mastery of this aspect of conversation is difficult. My concrete friendships tend toward Ph.D internationalists, well-traveled secularists, Muslims and (atheistic) Jews. I am like a goose. The world looks new every morning. So I have noted a tendency for excessive transparency. Last week I told my friend, "You are the dominant I.Q. As always, you will go away knowing ten new things about me and I will be lucky to learn one new thing about you." Part of the dynamic of I.Q. and interaction is that intelligent people discuss issues and perceptions. The rest of us just talk about ourselves. smile

Power equalization:

While the dynamic is more vigorously sought within small groups and around the negotiation table, power equalization is the hidden goal of any real communication. Part of the equalization process involves a willingness to consider the counterpoint without raising a flag of protest too quickly. This is a skill set which I am gradually learning. If your conversational skills do not move beyond cutting off the opponent in mid-sentence step aside and learn to give.


Secrets, secrets, secrets:

We all have them. My most important one is where I hide my chocolate stash. But as noted in the quatrain by Omar Khayyam deeper levels of thought are not shared with knaves and only fools reveal all of the cards in their hand.

And for president Ahmadinejad? A big cheer and a special little dance. smile

Dance of the Seven Veils

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Dallas Police Chief David Brown: Good Order and Discipline

What is your emotional response when a Dallas police officer is seen in your neighborhood on foot patrol or cruising the streets? If you are innocent of any wrongdoing there should be a neutral response to the uniform. The fear factor should not shadow the average citizen.

Police Chief David Brown fired a posse of officers this week. They were released from duty for all of the right reasons. Reckless endangerment with a firearm, excessive use of force, obstruction of justice, DUI, and theft. Lawlessness cannot be tolerated within the ranks of men and women who have taken an oath to uphold the law. Unfair advantage and immunity for those who wear the uniform must be categorically denied to even the most penitent. God forgives. The law punishes. And any who have raised children know that many times the "I'm sorry" actually expresses sorrow for exposure as opposed to the action. So the uniform must be stripped from the police officer in quick and efficient manner.

Corruption within any area law enforcement demographic is a given. Humans apply for these jobs. Not all are honest, faithful and loyal. Lack of character is not always easily identifiable. And the lure of delegated authority with a legal open carry of a weapon can be quite the rush. Hence corruption and/or abusive practice must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. When ignored these issues create a crisis of confidence and diminish the morale of a department. Let these unprofessional members of an honorable profession now experience the rush of looking over their own shoulders without the protection of their badge.

article link

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Afghanistan, September 24th: Pray for our Troops

The war room is buzzing and Taliban spokesmen Zabihullah Mujahid and Qari Muhammad Yousef Ahmadi are steadily reporting and updating attacks on U.S. and NATO troops today.

The attack on a base located at Gardez-Khost is making the news. A U.S. Chinook has been reported brought down in Dasht Rod district with thirteen dead. Twin blasts against a foot patrol in Gerimer Safar have produced fatalities. Firefights are occurring in Chak Districts Bande Noome area and a NATO logistical supply convoy came under attack in Sayedabad district. Tank destruction by a roadside bomb near Terenkot City is noted as are mine detonations in Shahjoe's Chino village. Foot patrols are engaged in firefights and IED's are ripping through vehicles.

These bits of news are moving along via emails into a major jihad portal tonight. The news is what is coming in from their side. I am unsure of the news from our perspective. But what is being reported by the Taliban appears to be correlating with what is then being reported in mainstream media.

Our American soldiers in Afghanistan are in need of our prayers.

Tammy Swofford

The Christian Trifecta

Speaking with a friend today the topic moved to Christian leadership. She identified three men and proclaimed them a "Christian Trifecta". Not missing a beat I replied, "Don't you mean the Christian Giblets?" Now I don't wish to be excessively ugly toward my own Christian brethren but the truth stings a bit. Let's take a little hop back in history.

Prior to our last presidential election the city of Denver hosted a cadre of approximately 100 conservative Christian leaders who met for strategy sessions to throw their support behind Senator John McCain. The various media organizations sported headlines such as "Evangelicals say McCain the One" (The World Daily News), "Religious Right Starts to Consolidate for John McCain" (L.A. Times), and the chirp from CNN, "Christian Conservatives Unite Behind McCain". Ahhh, the heady days of sloganeering political power! But alas, the usual state of affairs was to follow. My guys are long overdue for a political taxidermy consult.

*The days of Dr. Dobson gaining political traction are over and he is somewhat sliding slowly down the hill whilst hopefully jamming his foot on the brake pedal.

*Another "bright light" of Christology, Ergun Caner, former Dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary has been exposed as a liar. I didn't trust the man to be scholarly after the book he penned with his brother was shoved under my nose. With a bold declaration of an "insider's look" at Muslim's belief I noted a lack of conceptual depth within the text. Absolutely disappointing.

*Joyce Meyer: She managed to sludge through the travails of an IRS audit and come out on the other side with her latest best-of-show salon look on the cover of her book "Power Thoughts". I just can't warm up to the simplistic one-size-fits-all philosophy. Life is never simple and personally, I love the messiness of living as preferred to what looks to me like the resurrection of Mary Poppins.

*Tim and Beverly LaHaye: Jesus take me now! After reading "The Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey during a boring summer college break I swore off all doomsday scenario reading. Life is too short. Pass the chocolates, please.

Steve Strang: He has certainly fought the good fight and made his mark. He has done well for himself. But I always considered Charisma magazine as more enjoyable with a wine cooler than a strong cup of coffee. It is the usual popular Christian reading which is fluffy fun with a cotton candy look.

The Tea Party is reflective of the hybridization process occurring within the Christian Right. But the hybrid is in desperate need of pulling together with a centrist focus.

The lack of solid political leadership with a strong identity and clarity of message still concerns me. There is not any particular name rising to the top and the Christian Right is still grasping. The leadership famine continues; we are banqueting too soon.

Tammy Swofford

Wisconsin District Attorney Ken Kratz: Sexual Predator

Sexual predators have been a part of the social strata since the annals of written history. But what must be done when an unaccceptable outcast population on the fringes of society deploy their craft within the professional ranks? What should be the consequences for a district attorney who uses his power base as a means to intimidate women into a subservient sexual relationship?

Care to send a text like the one Ken Kratz sent to one of his targets? I can either respond with a bow-wow and hand you the collar and leash or I can confront your sorry ass.

Texting a sexual advance seems so cold and calculated; impersonal; person as manipulated object. It is also cheap. No bottle of wine and a box of chocolates; just a taunt that dares you to decline the offer. Unfortunately, sexual predators have a sixth sense on target vulnerability. It is the one lousy gift they do bring to the table.

Naturally, Mr. Kratz is now doing what comes naturally to these capons. Initial guilt is swept aside because rehab is the escape hatch for the powerful. Caught with illegal drugs? Rehab! Sexting vulnerable women who are part of your legal caseload? Rehab! Gosh, just another pesky little addiction. Except in this case, the addiction includes a victim.

I can only hope that Mr. Kratz is not only kicked to the curb but shoved under the legal bus. Some call it addiction, but I call it predatory behavior.

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Tammy Swofford

Establishing Democratic Process with Stability Enhancing Measures

"....the de minimus characteristic of stable government remains the ability of a nation's leader to transfer executive power peacefully...." _Justinian's Flea_ by William Rosen.

In discussing the politics of power and the sway of the people it seems good to take Mr. Rosen's thought a bit further. To imagine the voting booth as the benchmark of democracy is as grand an illusion as to proclaim the eight pound neonate born six months after the wedding a "preemie".

Today I received a music video "for the people" and in support of the working class in Pakistan. Dashing off a quick note to my correspondent I questioned one specific mandate from the guitar-playing, singing Pakistani scholar:

"If the field doesn't provide livelihood to the tiller, burn every cluster of wheat."

Is this really what needs to happen? Do we support revolutionary zeal which brings starvation? Will the uneducated and indigent poor rise up against their misery in a manner which spirals their children to an even lower level on the misery index of humanity? And if every symbol of society is destroyed are ashes suitable for anything except flight on the wind? It is stability-enhancing measures which nurture democracy within societies seeking change.

Movement to democracy must progress via incremental changes which benchmark for the general public the forward movement of the nation. The average citizen must understand that political purchase will be achieved by process and not by revolution. The impatient need not seek membership in this club.

The nation of Turkey accomplished incremental changes within their government via a Constitutional referendum process to decouple military guardianship from the government and address deep state dominion over elected officials. The nation still has a way to go, but again, process trumps revolution. Stability is always the forerunner to beneficial political change.

Afghanistan remains unexemplary except for media spin in favor of the Karzai administration. The corruption and cronyism which plague the central leadership opens the door for the alternative political experiment offered by the Talib.

Democracy cannot be achieved through polling booths, international observers and media frenzy. Democracy moves by a slow maturation process, it must be organic in nature, and malleable to a few concessions with regard to cultural constraints.

Tammy Swofford

America: An Open Society Cowers and Lady Liberty Sheds a Tear

"As our noble Sheikh and Mujahid, Sheikh Usamah bin Ladin (Hafidhullah) reiterated to the kafirs: “If there is no check on the freedom of your words, then let your hearts be open to the freedom of our actions."

Undoubtedly the two (American?) men pictured on a jihad site (presumably) torching a Qur'an are unaware they are now the stars of a Flat Earth Society news organization. Showing off their kahunas after Terry Jones zipped up his own pants and went home seems like a fun way to spend an afternoon. Their photo is below the one of the flag-burning in Somalia, which is placed on this blog. The article and larger montage of pictures is accompanied with a quote attributed to bin Laden and a few other statements so pithy and nasty that it demonstrates once again the need for a complex policy antidote and change in direction for the U.S. government regarding foreign and domestic policy.

Molly Norris has moved into hiding. The online jihad journal which put out the death threat against her life is not hard to find on the internet. Apparently - there is no available net of protection offered for our average citizen. Perhaps the message was, "Lady, 'ya shouldn't have done it." Whilst Homeland Security has an enviable budget larger than the GNP of many a poor nation one American woman takes flight for her life on sovereign soil. She has been advised to enter the land of the living dead as have others before her who dared to presume to live in a free and open society. Anwar Al-Awlaki is alive and well in Yemen and his ability to strike operationally at American targets is well known.

Where do we stand and where do we draw the line? Homo homini lupus. But what can be said when a man stalks a woman and threatens her with death for a liberty which our nation both allows and embraces - that of freedom of expression? How can any of us look Molly Norris in the eye and merely say, "Gee, I'm sorry!" I prefer we not cower. It is impossible to look the enemy in the eye when in a posture of fear.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Possible New Designs for the U.S. Dollar

Click on the link

Did you check out the new dollar designs? It is just great! Very humorous! wink

The man who was smiling at Americans when they had 100 dollars in savings is showcased with the man who is now concerned that you have a dollar left to call your own.

Remember dear readers: the Democrats started us on the path of "The New Deal", a wealth redistribution program designed to last far beyond the needs of a nation struggling with economic depression. And it is the Democrats who now wish to bring us a "Final Solution" regarding how to spend that last dollar bill. Didn't we just inherit a new Czar from the current administration?

Vote anti-incumbency, get rid of the RINO's (Republicans in name only) and maybe you can pass that dollar on to your children.

*I await the arrival of the "Pelosi nickel". It will make an appearance if President Obama becomes a two-term president.

Tammy Swofford

Facebook: From Friendships to Forums

The pressure is constant.

Join Facebook! "It is the window to the world!"

Yeah, like the view from a narrow sidewalk level window in a basement apartment in Seattle.

Join Facebook! "You will meet the most interesting people!"

Probably as interesting as the guy who sent me an invitation for speed dating last week....

Forum or friendship? I will hold onto the one decent friendship as opposed to the cattle call of Facebook on any given day. Enjoy a cup of coffee with me. We will enjoy the laughter and conspiratorial joy of tete-a-tete shared space. Let's share our books and lives seated on a blanket in the park or hanging off the pedestrian bridge feeding the ducks. Our lives will be enriched. Let's haunt a city intersection with bookstores and restaurants and a cheese shop. It is like a mini-vacation.

Shed your tears and I will hold your hand. Tell me a secret, scratch a post with me, or let me lick a wound with you. If appropriate let me give the garment of silence for comfort. For every joy please call me first. And for every sorrow let me be the last to walk away.

Let our relationship be treasured private friendship - never reduced to public forum. smile

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

What is Tammy Reading Today?

Here is a great article sent to me this a.m. by a blog reader.

I appreciate my readers who recognize the "Gap Theory" is alive and well between my ears.

Hence, an enduring willingness to bring me up to speed on topics of interest. smile

Be educated - when you can spare approximately thirty minutes of reading time.



article link


Tammy Swofford

Pentagon Investigation: Secret Clearances held by Consumers of Child Pornography

When Clinton Administration NSA Sandy Berger tried to waddle to a quick escape with classified documents stuffed in his underwear and socks the whole thing seemed like a ludicrous comedy of errors. It was also illegal. But what about men holding secret clearances who love the world of child pornography? Let's call it what it is - it is mental illness.

Exploitation of children trapped in the human trafficking web is a repulsive shame. Men who pay to view images of children being forced into sexual acts or raped by adults are sick animals. Defense Department employees with secret clearances who enjoy child pornography are damn dangerous. Exploit a child - open the door to the exploitation of our nation's secrets.

I remember the day I was asked my opinion regarding an enlisted officer who had been arrested for public display of a sexual fetish. If he could not control the impulse and need for public display of a lewd sexual fetish in time of peace he would succumb to a deeper stress during time of war. His clearance level was affected and his career subsequently brought to a skidding halt with the recommendation for a pysche evaluation.

Should we have a concern for Defense Department employees who cannot control impulses to view images of criminal sexual acts being forced on small children, some younger than a year of age? Isn't it best these individuals undergo a psyche evaluation? Shouldn't we remand them to the custody of the proper authorities for prosecution? Possession of child pornography is a criminal offense. Nothing remains sacred when a person is seduced into child pornography and that includes our nation's secrets. We can engage the investigatorial powers with integrity or we can pay the consequences of gumming a problem which requires the teeth of enforcement.

Damn right there should be a concern. Damn right they should lose their clearance.

Article Link

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

In Defense of the Worker and Against American Government Kleptoparasitism

It is interesting how theft can present in benign manner when using the correct terminology. I learned the lesson well one hot summer during CAX at 29 Palms. There is generic "theft" - when you are caught in the act. But then there is "procurement" - when the theft is acknowledged and allowed for the playing of the game.

Procurement is when you get away with it. That is when one group picks up the grill of meat being cooked by another group and takes it to their own area to engage kleptoparasitism. The joys of Navy procurement on the hot sands of nowhere are sending the scent of memory back to my nostrils. Yeah, baby! Right before the meat you cooked hits between your teeth, I take it! You hunted, field dressed and cooked that hot dog. I get to eat it! Damn, if it isn't the most exhilirating of thefts!

I don't read "The American Thinker". A reader sent the link this morning. But after pondering the commentary I pulled a small book off the shelf, "In the Words of Ronald Reagan" written by his son, Michael. It is good to contemplate the words of our former President regarding government procurement.

"Millions of Democrats must be made to see that philosophically they have more in common with us than those who would erode our defenses, pawning our weapons to pay for some new experiment in social reform. And make no mistake about it, there's been no change in Democratic leadership since the convention of 1972. They are the same people who rediscover poverty every election and promise to cure it. They've cured it so often that they've now made a profession of it. They thrive on failures, on righting wrongs, aiding victims, and so forth. It must be understood that success in those tasks would put them out of business. No matter how many programs are set up and operating, their proponents never claim success for them. To do so would be to say the problems have been solved, meaning the programs are no longer needed. And the programs, not the problems, are the very reason for their being."

"Why the Conservative Movement is Growing"
Southern GOP Convention
Atlanta, Georgia, December 7, 1973

Pass yer' grill of meat to the government. *And do join the anti-incumbency movement.

Article from "The American Thinker"

Tammy Swofford

Chloe's Gift: Thank you for your Patience

Dear Readers:

_Chloe's Gift_ was taken down and placed in drafts last night due to a series of blog comments and emails which came to me late in the evening.

The post was not taken down due to threat. I don't take threats. I deal with them. There has been one other time when the entire blog team dealt with a demand letter and threatened lawsuit. We know the drill.

The post was taken down for other considerations which I will not place in the public domain. These things remain in the private editorial corridor.

An arrest has been made for the homicide death of Chloe Madison Robinson.

The death certificate has been released.

_Chloe's Gift_ is back on the blog.

The blog comments from the last few days in hidden status will be released again for view, minus a few blocked IP's, at a future date.

Tammy Swofford

In You Alone

Enjoy the song. I will be back to blogging soon.



In You Alone



Tammy

The State of the Blog

_Gestalt_ is in travel mode. The spade work is done and I am ready for fun, fun, fun!

As luck would have it, I just received a screenplay from a friend who will be in the Dallas area soon. He wanted me to have a look at his newest artistic venture. America has a vibrant arts culture. And blogs? They remain the eternal springs of hope for the marginally talented.

You will see the return of my first-class marginal talent soon. Golf clap, please. wink

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

9/11 Remembrance: Quietness and Confidence

May September 11, 2010 be a day of quietness and confidence across America.

May our men and women in uniform be strengthened and kept safe.

Let the bread of peace be our portion and may God Almighty heal our land.


Click on link.


Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Swofford Unleashed: I am an American

It is 10:00 a.m. as I write these thoughts. The timeline anniversary of 9/11 begins in less than 48 hours. In Florida an elderly man is planning to “burn a Koran”. His church has maybe fifty members. A few others may join him. In the last week his intent to burn a Qur’an has garnered more international attention then most can hope to achieve in a lifetime. There is outrage. Important military and government officials both exhibit and vocalize fear. We fear for the lives of our military, we fear unrest, we fear acts of terror. An elderly man in Florida is burning molecules. On 9/11 Islamic extremists burned cells and souls. I am ashamed.

Imam Feisal Rauf gives an interview. If the Ground Zero mosque location is moved he claims it will create a national security risk. I am ashamed. If to be an American means I can no longer behave as an American, act as an American and express myself as an American because of Islamic intimidation and fear, then let this soil no longer be my sacred ground.

I am an American. I have stood with teeth gritted but unclenched fist watching my flag burn. It is freedom of expression. I am an American. I am against a mosque overshadowing Ground Zero. But I threaten no other with my opposition. It is freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest which I support. I am an American. I will not burn a Qur’an yet I support the right of an elderly gentleman in Florida to commit a simple act which for him may release the shackle of memory for 9/11. We have crapped on our citizen.

I am an American. But today, less than forty-eight hours before the first aircraft hit the Twin Towers, I am ashamed.

Tammy Swofford

Burning a Qur'an on 9/11: General Petraeus, Propaganda Gifts, and a Look Back in History

7 August 1998: The U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam were attacked. Two-hundred and fifty-eight individuals lost their lives.

There was no Qur'an burning preceding the event.

12 October 2000: The attack on the USS Cole produced a body count of seventeen American sailors.

There was no Qur'an burning preceding the event.

12 May 2003: The Riyadh compound bombings targeted Americans and Westerners. Nine Americans lost their lives.

There was no Qur'an burning preceding the event.

What is the greater reality? It exists.

Truth disinfects.

Tammy Swofford

Chloe's Gift

Sleeping children are beautiful. There is just something angelic and soft within little faces still free of the burdens borne by adults. Standing within an angel's whisper of my friend we looked quietly at the slight frame. Colorful knit cap covered beautiful brown hair. Eyelashes curtsied to cheeks and small nose upturned like open flower. I love the femininity of little girls in colorful dresses. Chloe sported both dress and small vest. The fingers of her right hand were curled around the beads of a pink rosary. Her tiny hands were etched with filigree knuckle lines. As I leaned toward her small face the large bouquets of flowers mixed color with light and shadow with promise.

Gently touching the right side of her forehead I ran my fingers along the bruising. The cap covered the surgical scar. But the bruising? It was another story. A hand reached out to lay across tiny chest. A voice of love sparkled across the small child. My friend spoke softly.

"Chloe, the last time I put my hand over your heart was to feel it beating before you were taken off life support. Now, your heart is beating in someone else." Life from death, hope from sorrow. All available organs were harvested for greater purpose.

Less then two weeks before I had seen the face of death. Still grieving. But this death was different. Chloe was the granddaughter of a friend, another registered nurse. She was only two years old - blunt force trauma - child abuse victim. I had cried with the first death. But the death of a child brings only an initial numbness.

Departing the funeral home I heard two men speaking:

"Did you do it?"

"No, I couldn't go in there."

Despite the pain I remain grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye to Chloe. Today other small children are saying hello to renewed life. And Terri, did I mention that I love you?

Lovingly,

Tammy Swofford

*Editor's note: Chloe's father (the son of my friend) had no part in his daughter's death. But it is an act of domestic violence.

Rachel Zoll: Religious Sensationalism

"American Muslims are boosting security at area mosques...." is the blaring screech coming from AP Religion writer Rachel Zoll.

Read the F.B.I. statistics. Hate crimes against Muslims in the U.S.A. are scarcely worth mentioning.

Ms. Zoll opines that a church in Gainesville, Florida will host a Qur'an burning day on 9/11.

Do the math. There are 300,000 Protestant or other Christian churches in the U.S.A. Only one church membership is exercising their freedom of expression. Is this worth reporting? It is like reporting one case of the flu in the Dallas school system. Again, an anomaly.

Rachel-the-Siren informs us that CAIR is telling Muslims to be on the lookout for hate crimes on 9/11. CAIR continues to overplay their hand. They are the coin flipped with Robert Spencer's image on the other side. Police blotter reporting. Gotta love it!

Meanwhile, sensationalistic reporting from the Zoll school of journalism uncoils the snakes from Medusa's hair in Mogadishu. A spokesman for Al-Shabab happily tells the impressionable youth attending a Qur'an recitation competition that on September 11th there will be a "Qur'an burning day" held by churches all over the U.S.

From sensationalism to the big whopper is always a small step. So always critique and check for accuracy and/or bias. Ms. Zoll is short on facts and big on sensationalism. Al-Shabab takes one reported fact and turns it into mass hysteria.

We are Americans. I refuse to accept the American portrait offered up by either Ms. Zoll or her Somalian counterpart. It is not within our national character to threaten others.

Tammy Swofford

Link to article on hate crimes against American Muslims

Link to church demographics

Link to article by Rachel Zoll

Twitter Storms and Brain Dysfunction

I don't have a wall of "friends" - with 0.1 percent friendship and 99.9 percent spying neighbor. I shut down my professional link and ignore my online literary community. I don't IM with friends and am known to ignore emails. Forget Twitter storms. My gaze is not disconjugate nor gait unsteady. I have yet to suffer a tech-TIA.

Transient ischemic attacks are caused by a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain. This also results in a temporary neurological dysfunction resolved in seconds, minutes, or less than 24 hours.

I am disappointed that a crank-it-up-baby site visited each day has added Tweets; irritated that the area mall plasma screens suspended from the ceiling have done the same. Life as blur as opposed to life lived. Superficiality as opposed to depth of friendship. Man and machine. I am still uncomfortable with the potential for psychological degradation being the by-product of a life consumed within an artificial space.

A trip to the park to view God's handiwork is next on my schedule. How are you spending your day?

Tammy