American Muslim Views on Osama's Death and Burial

Over the past years I've made various contacts who happen to be American Muslims. Most of them are not 'traditional' in that they don't follow the strict dress code, but they do follow most of the laws, especially regarding prayer. These American citizens are predominantly conservative Republicans, who deeply love and believe in the United States of America. They were sickened just as much (maybe more so) by the attacks of 9-11. Some of them have even served or are serving in various branches of the United States military.
I often seek their opinions on matters, as I've they have a unique view point that I could not come up on by myself, and I've found that to be very valuable.

The past few days I've been discussing the death of Osama with them, and the burial at sea.
They are unanimous in their happiness that Bin Laden is finally dead. They see this as a great and necessary event towards the reclamation of what they truly believe to be their peaceful religion, that extremists have been desecrating.
All of them also are upset with President Obama's decision to not show pictures of the body. Most of them in fact believe this is proof that Osama has been dead for a while, but that the United States just now finally found proof and wanted to make it a hero moment, instead of just stating that Bin Laden is dead. That his natural death would have basically been just too anti climatic for the Obama government, so an operation was created for the sake of publicity and glory.
They find Obama's excuse

It is very important for us to make sure that very graphic photos of somebody who was shot in the head are not floating around as an incitement to additional violence or as a propaganda tool.

funny, hilarious even, when they consider the burial at sea to be a grave (sorry about the pun) insult and a violation of Muslim burial rights. In fact, everyone of them believes that the watery grave will cause more retaliation than any picture could have. And the body being so quickly disposed of, only increases their conspiracy views.

These are not necessarily my views, but I felt it important to share what American Muslim citizens (at least the ones I know) think about what is going on, as it does matter.

This article was published on Landmark Report May 9, 2011

End of the Osama Era

(written May 2, 2011)



Most likely by now you've heard the news that Osama Bin Laden is dead.
At the news, celebrations began occurring around the world. Most notably in front of the White House, Times Square, and Ground Zero. With spontaneous singing of The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America, and America the Beautiful intermeshed with chants of 'USA! USA!' the crowds reveled in being a united America for a time.
This is a huge morale victory for the United States armed forces and their allies. Specifically Seal Team 6 who went into Pakistan, and accomplished the mission of taking Osama dead or alive.

Perhaps most notably infamous for planning and organizing the 9-11 attacks, in which four commercial airplanes, filled with passengers, were hijacked by al-Qaeda members, and then two of them flown into the world trade center towers and another into the Pentagon, with the fourth crashing in a Pennsylvania field. But that was hardly the only act of Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network. CNN has compiled a longer list.

What made bin Laden such an evil was the creation of al-Qaeda and the collection of terrorist groups contained there in. And here is the danger. Osama may be dead, but al-Qaeda is far from it. The death of their leader will likely cause a backlash of vengeance. American armed forces, and various countries have upgraded their alert level in readiness for a possible response. As President Obama said

Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must ---and we will --remain vigilant at home and abroad.

Others have suggested that without Osama to lead them, al-Qaeda will fall apart into disorganized small groups.
We can only hope they will be less effective without him.

For now though, let us remember the victims who lost their lives in the terrorist acts that Bin Laden perpetrated. Let us remember those brave soldiers from various nations which have given their time, sweat, blood, and even lives fighting to end this war that Osama bin Laden began.

But let us also stay ever vigilant in protecting our freedoms, from all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
In the words of former President George W. Bush:

A victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.

God Save The Queen!

(Written April 29)



Like many others around the world, I found myself watching the Royal Wedding as Prince William of Wales and Katherine Middleton took their very public vows. Twas an extremely beautiful, highly ceremonial affair, that the world has not seen the like since 1981 when Prince Charles married Diana Spencer.
Twitter, as with everything that goes on in the world, was full of people loving and hating it. What struck me the most was the people hating on England herself, suggesting things like England still needed to pay back for the war of 1812 or that the United States of America should have nothing to do with England. But one tweet especially caught my eye:

No true American would ever say God save the queen

Now most of those saying such things were clearly just idiots. And I want to state here and now, that the majority of intelligent Americans have the greatest respect for England, Great Britain, the Commonwealths, and the current English monarch.
But for those of you who truly think as that one tweeter did, I clearly need to remind you a little about the last 100 years.
Since the US entry into World War 1 (1917) and especially since Pearl Harbour (December 7, 1941) the greatest ally America has known has been the people of Great Britain, the Commonwealths, and the English monarchy.
British and Commonwealth troops have fought beside our own in almost every war or conflict that we have been involved in. In some cases laying down their lives to save ours.
Let us definitely not forget that it was the British who were the main western defense against Nazism. Had they not kept fighting til America was ready, the world would've likely been overcome.
Yes, before the last century we most definitely had our differences, but we've long ago overcome those, and now have the closest of relationships.
General George S. Patton said it best:

We are two peoples separated by a common language.

I would totally agree with someone who dissed on George III and the monarchy of the early 1800s, but this is not that same monarchy. This is not the dicatorship monarchy that we fought for freedom against, and then were invaded by. This is they very friendly one who ceremoniously leads our greatest friends.
Now I am completely glad and grateful for the system we have, with a lack of monarchy over us, but we aren't discussing our system. We are discussing the system others have chosen to keep for themselves.
Queen Elizabeth II deserves our love and admiration as the official face of England, and to varying degrees the rest of Britain and the Commonwealths.
When discussing her, I strongly believe that no true American would say anything but, God save the Queen!

This was posted on Landmark May 7, 2011

The Censor Strikes Back

The peace loving government of the People's Republic of China has apparently chosen a new enemy, sci fi.
Per the latest guidelines sent out March 31 plots that contain elements of

fantasy, time-travel, random compilations of mythical stories, bizarre plots, absurd techniques, even propagating feudal superstitions, fatalism and reincarnation, ambiguous moral lessons, and a lack of positive thinking. 

are no longer allowed.
This CNN article mostly focuses on time travel, and a few of the big movies that can no longer be shown in freedom loving China. But let's really think about how far this censorship is going.
Fantasy, well that eliminates most sci fi right there, and anything like Lord of The Rings with mythical creatures. Its honestly a very broad term. A good chunk of tv, movies, and books use some form of fantasy. Look at how huge Harry Potter and Twilight are. Magic and Vampires are definitely within the boundaries of fantasy. And of course Star Wars, the ability to control the force is a fantasy power, so no Jedi or Sith allowed. Not to mention dragons, which are extremely tied up witin Chinese identity.
Time Travel has been a part of society since at least the publishing of The Time Traveller. List of tv, movies, and books that use the theory as fact for their basis is quite long. Temporal travel has become a favourite of the Star Trek series. Terminator is based on it. 7 Days, a show I used to enjoy when it was on the air, couldn't have happened without it. And one of my favourite shows of all time Stargate SG1 used it more than a few times, as did its progeny Stargate Atlantis.
But even better are phrases like "bizarre plots", "absurd techniques", "ambiguous moral lessons", and "a lack of positive thinking". Those are so vague and all encompassing anything at anytime could be banned just because a censor felt like it. Even kids shows have all of those. Adult drama's all the more so. We as humans enjoy twists in our stories. And whilst we may really want the happy ending, we are totally accepting when evil does win a bit or someone dies. As much as we enjoy our fiction, it never works without reality being entwined with it.
Worst of all is the real target. Its not a goal of keeping people from enjoying themselves. The real target here is imagination. If people can no longer imagine a world where Marty McFly can travel Back to The Future; or a land where men, orcs, dwarfs, elves, hobbits, and wizards fight in a war over a single ring; or force users with lightsabers duel over the fate of a galaxy far far away; then might not they lose the ability to imagine themselves as free men?

As Americans this should be more than a joking matter. This is a truly serious issue. Our government already censors what we can watch, hear, and read. Lately they have been aiming at controlling the internet as well. Do you really think that those who want that control, wouldn't love to make it so all we could see, hear, and feel was puppies, rainbows, and unicorns?
We need to pay attention now, and make sure our government never gets close to limiting us so much.

(This article can also be found on Landmark Report

Some Thoughts on The World's Unrest Pt. 1

Earlier this year we saw Egypt head toward civil war, as a loud number of its citizenry spoke up for freedom from their dictator, Mubarak. World governments called for him to step down and eventually he did so.
We're still waiting to see if this will actually avoid the civil war so many feared. And who will end up in charge of the country.

Then during March world opinion came crashing down on Libyan dictator Qaddafi. He, his forces, and especially his one son were very clearly suppressing a movement towards a free Libya, even going as far as killing their own citizens.
Actions such as those are reprehensible at best and the world, including the United States, NATO, the UN, and the Arab League, decided enough was enough. A no fly zone was established, with Libya's air force and air defenses smashed. Allied troops were even used to destroy groups of tanks heading to fight the rebels.
Already the world seems content to sit and pat itself on the back for aiding these poor rebels.
Even the world intercession isn't solving the issues. Libyans are still killing Libyans. Qaddafi may still win this civil war.
We also have the question of who are the rebels. Will we end up with someone even worse in power?
What most people missed was that atrocities against Libyans, by their government wasn't exactly a new thing. Yet for various reasons, all the sudden it became the fore front.

Yet at the same time, these same world governments that suddenly begin worrying about the Libyan people, are ignoring other peoples around the world.
Most, if not all, of us remember the mass rallies by the Green Movement in Iran. These people too were being killed for wanting freedom. Yet governments took no action, or if they did they threw no more than words that, with the inaction that followed them, were shown to mean nothing. During this same time as the fights in Libya, the Iranians have been continuing their struggle, with little to no media attention.
And whilst all that is going on, let's not forget that people in other countries are being massacred for their own protests against dictators. People every day are being killed because they desire freedom. Not just in Libya or Egypt, but in countries around the world.
For years we've heard of "Save Dar-fur". Unknown thousands have been killed there, yet no official effective action has been seen from the world governments.
Not long before I started writing this early Monday morning, this came across the Reuters Twitter feed:

Medical source says at least 5 killed in protests in Yemen city of Taiz after police open fire.

This has become a near daily thing there. Yet will we hear anything from the governments that say they promote freedom? At best we will hear words of condemnation. But what will they actually do to stop this regime and the others, who so blatantly brutalize humanity?

In all truth, what can actually be done? If we have an ounce of humanity within ourselves, we must feel the desire to help each and everyone of these countries. But we must acknowledge our own limits. How do we justify helping some, but not others? The obvious is that we can't help all. So how then do we choose which to help, and which to not? How do we know which side is the good side in the fight? These are thoughts and questions we must all face. All the more so in these troubled times.

More later…

Obama to Seek Reelection

My third story published at Landmark Report

Obama: United States Must Decrease Oil Imports

It is now Wednesday, two days since his last televised speech, and Obama needing to be seen, came out with a shocker. The United States must decrease its oil imports.
Well way to go! He finally figured it out.
His answer though leaves us losing the momentarily found hope.
Obama seems to think that our only way to survival is to further indenture ourselves by spending more money on hybrids and alternative bio-fuels.
And so much for the sudden intelligence found in the administration.
Clearly they haven't figured out yet, that the majority of those either do not work, in the times they do simply aren't cost effective, like ethanol take massive amounts away from the food supply, or some combination of the above. Electric cars are another great one, as the amount of coal used up to keep them running, causes more pollution than the oil would, so they can't even claim the movement is actually for environmental reasons.
Whilst Obama did get it right that the United States must become more self sufficient, he's ignoring the obvious ways of doing so.
'Drill here! Drill now!' isn't just a catchy slogan. Tis not just a necessity but the most realistic solution.
We have the resources. Don't pay attention to the Obama administration saying we have as little as two percent of the worlds oil resources. Texas, Alaska, or Colorado each on their own have more than that, and it wouldn't be surprising if others did as well. Despite the denials of liberals (as well as some moderates and conservatives) the United States of America is a resource rich land. It always has been. Those resources are what brought a good number of the original settlers, and later immigrants. And there is a long way to go before there would actually be any legit worry of running out.
A huge result of actually drilling here and now, would be the massive amount of jobs gained by doing so. Thousands at least. Would be nice to see unemployment numbers actually go down. Obama, you do actually want to get America back to work don't you?
And of course with an increase in jobs comes more money. Which would in turn be spent in the communities nearest to the drilling, which would allow business there to order more product from elsewhere. Wouldn't you like to see that stimulus?
Who honestly could be against such things? Definitely not anyone who is legitimately trying to help and improve the United States of America. Any patriotic American would want to see us independent of other nations, and stronger than ever!

Mammoth vs. Blazers

The lines into the Pepsi Center alone tell that this isn't as small time of a sport as one previously thought. The roar of the crowd says it in another way. And then that the arena is at least three quarters full shows it.
Seems the Colorado Mammoth, wearing white with purple sleeves and pink helmets, are already down 1-0 to the red coated Boston Blazers. The hometown crowd is definitely well behind them.
Doesn't take long to notice that the announcer is way more involved in the game, than in other sports. And the Wild Bunch cheerleaders popping out on the field between quarters.
Very odd, to a first timer, is that the teams switch shifts on each possession, as if there are offensive and defensive players. Six players each, counting the goalies. The field players have only helmets and gloves for protection from the near constant slashing of their opponents sticks. Yet the goalies look like they just stopped off the ice, without skates.
2-0 Boston and the crowd doesn't hesitate booing.
2-1 and the crowd goes crazy seeing their Mammoth score.
Back and forth the scoring goes, with Colorado able to tie it at times, yet never taking the lead.
At half time a special event of Police vs. Fire fighters lacrosse game commences. Fire fighters control the ball more, but the police are a lot more accurate, and end up winning 3-0.
The second half commences and the Blazers take control of the game, with Colorado unable to even score during a five on three power play.
Nearing the last few minutes of the fourth quarter its 8-5 Boston. The crowd gets up on its feet, begging for the rally. Truly can feel the energy in the place. No one wants this win more than the thousands of fans in the Pepsi Center.
Now its 8-6. Then 8-7. The crowds energy is amazingly still growing. No wonder they call this the loudest house in lacrosse. And when it is all but over the Mammoth tie it up! We're going to overtime!
Play commences in overtime, the crowd completely backing the home team Mammoth. The mascot is bringing it on, raising the roof, from behind the visitors bench.
Colorado scores! The crowd somehow even finds a higher level of excitement.
Mammoth win 9-8 in overtime. Gaining their second win of the season.
Now the schedules are being checked by the first timers. Can we make it to the two remaining home games? One thing for sure if we can we'll be here.
Who could pass up this excitement?

Officially published!

As of just a bit ago, I'm now officially published!
http://landmarkreport.com/jsangster/2011/03/open-letter-to-barack-obama/ that I've already posted here is up, as well as: http://landmarkreport.com/jsangster/2011/03/arms-to-libya/ a new one, that tisnt up here.

Open Letter to Obama

It is time for you to truly defend and explain yourself.
To start with, just show the birth certificate so it can be done and over with. Most of us never would have cared, had you just done so in the first place. Your refusal to do so was the most suspicious part of the whole matter. Though with all the newspapers that proclaimed you as Kenyan born, when you were running for Senate, and with Kenya itself repeatedly recognizing you as such, I truly would have little faith in any Hawaii certificate.
Let's face it, you should have just done it in the first place and we would've believed it. Now its too late, and nothing but admitting it can change any opinions on the subject.

Secondly, you've yet to do anything to protect our own borders. The war in Mexico spilling over is but the clearest example of this. The fence should have been built long ago, and troops stationed along it.
And the gun scandal is a clear violation of our neighbours borders, violation of our own and international laws, but is also an attack on our own people.
Not only is it aiding a foreign enemy (the drug empires), but anyone involved in it has made themselves to be a domestic enemy.
These people need to be punished not just as criminals, but as traitors.
Now I truly hope that you aren't, though even more so fear you may be, connected to this. I'm not sure which would be worse, that you are, or that you have so little control of our own government.

With your healthcare, you forced it through Congress, against the will of the majority of the country. Congress itself shall and is being held accountable for their actions, and you should be as well.
Defying the will of We The People of The United States of America is not what your job is. Your job is to listen to our voice, and represent us.
Tis time for you to do so. Encourage the Senate to listen to the people. Encourage the House to do so as well.
Obamacare must be repealed, defunded, etc. Make it gone!

On the budget, much the similar. Listen to the American people, and encourage Congress to do the same.
We demand a balanced budget, and we demand it now. No more time for debate.
The time for painful cuts of programs that are just wastes of money has come and the entire government needs to act with it.
NPR, EPA, department of education, and others have failed or have no reason to be government funded to begin with.
If you truly have any desire to save this country's economy, then act now!

Drill here, drill now! We can't afford to pay the prices that the world would charge us. Instead of paying other countries to develop their oil fields, use the money to open our own.
Stop violating the judge's orders and drill in the Gulf as well.
Want to stimulate the economy? See what happens when we gain the jobs, and prices go down.

Libya, I'm not going to deny I supported going in. I wrote on it myself, well before you did anything.
But you (and the world) took too long to act.
Worst of all though, you did not do so within the Constitution. O yes there are close enough things to be considered precedent, but that doesn't make it the right way to do things.
Go and do everything further with congressional approval.

Lastly, no matter the circumstances, you are President of The United States. Act like it!
Apologize to the United States for bowing to foreigners, and never do it again.
Remember that as PoTUS, you are supposed to be the leader of the free world, not a follower.
Stand up for The Constitution and The Bill of Rights.

It is most likely too late for history to remember you as a good President. However, if you change now, at least you could be recognized as a man who admitted his mistakes, and worked to correct them. You could still do great good for the country.

As always, praying for you, and that you'll make the right decisions.