AubreyJ.org

CNN Florida Republican Presidential Debate - January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T22:25:00.001-06:00

Rick Santorum file photo from his official campaign website

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Tonight’s CNN Florida Republican Presidential Debate was held in Jacksonville, Florida at the University of North Florida.

As in the last Debate, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney squared off in another fiery debate that I for one enjoyed. Especially when Rick Santorum jumped in, (after what seemed like an hour of Newt and Mitt trying to out bitch the other,) and told everyone he had heard, ENOUGH!

Rick went on to say, basically… that he believed both were good men and then asked for Wolf and the two of them to PLEASE get on with debating the main issues at hand. YOU GO RICK!!!

With that said, I would say if you just had to have a winner tonight in the Debate… it would had to have been Rick Santorum, hands down. He really out did himself. Great JOB tonight, Rick! Your best performance in ALL the Debates, I’d have to say.

Now… as for Newt and Mitt… Well… Newt is my man and overall I think he did just fine… And I must say Mitt had his times for sure tonight also.

I for one do believe many more people left out tonight with not as good a feeling about Mitt as they might have had coming into tonight’s Debate.

That should show up in the polls soon enough if so. But I don’t believe Newt lost anyone in the Debate tonight and hopefully he gained many, MANY more voters tonight too.

My friends at Fox News think otherwise… Believing Mitt spanked Newt all over the place tonight and he, Newt… just might as well go home, lol. We shall see………

What’s next!!!? Sadly, I really do believe Newt is going to get trashed to heck and back, by EVERYONE… and from ALL sides, (even MORE so than what he has already been getting,) starting Friday morning and going on throughout this weekend. Through Tuesday, Election Day, as far as that goes. So all in all… it’s going to be VERY interesting as to just how Tuesday’s voting comes out!

Watch the Polls my friends; they should start giving us a good hint Saturday evening sometime…

AubreyJ………

Newt 2012

U.S. Navy SEALs Free Two Hostages, Killing NINE Somalia Kidnappers in Process

2012-01-25T10:53:00.000-06:00

U.S. Navy file photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Anthony Harding

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* USA Today had the following AP report posted up on their website early this Wednesday morning and it starts off like this… U.S. Navy SEALs parachuted into Somalia under cover of darkness early Wednesday and crept up to an outdoor camp where an American woman and Danish man were being held hostage. Soon, nine kidnappers were dead and both hostages were freed… President Obama himself authorized the mission two days earlier, and minutes after he gave his State of the Union address to Congress he was on the phone with the American's father to tell him his daughter was safe…

Read the full report at link below…

U.S. military raid in Somalia frees American, Dane

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This news video posted on the web by AP

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SECDEF Releases Statement on Hostage Rescue Operation in Somalia

Release Date: Wednesday morning - 1/25/2012 -- From the Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta released the following statement Jan. 25 regarding the hostage rescue operation in Somalia:

Last night U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted, by order of the President of the United States, a successful mission in Somalia to rescue two individuals taken hostage on October 25, 2011. Ms. Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen employed by the Danish Demining Group, and her Danish colleague, Mr. Poul Thisted, were kidnapped at gunpoint by criminal suspects near Galcayo, Somalia.

Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted have been transported to a safe location where we will evaluate their health and make arrangements for them to return home.

This successful hostage rescue, undertaken in a hostile environment, is a testament to the superb skills of courageous service members who risked their lives to save others. I applaud their efforts, and I am pleased that Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted were not harmed during the operation. This mission demonstrates our military's commitment to the safety of our fellow citizens wherever they may be around the world.

I am grateful to report that there was no loss of life or injuries to our personnel.

I express my deepest gratitude to all the military and civilian men and women who supported this operation. This was a team effort and required close coordination, especially between the Department of Defense and our colleagues in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They are heroes and continue to inspire all of us by their bravery and service to our nation.

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I do not say this often but on this one… GOOD JOB Mr. President!

I could not be prouder of all those involved but mostly of those brave men that carried out this mission so successfully. You guys are just, AWESOME!

You Make Our Nation Proud!

AubreyJ………

State of the Union Address- Tuesday, January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T22:50:00.000-06:00

State of the Union

President Barack Hussein Obama

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

President Obama delivers State of the Union Address in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 24, 2012 - White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

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Like many of you out there… I too am a Political Junkie. And being so… I MADE myself watch the State of the Union address tonight… like I have done for so many years before. But one thing is for certain this year. This one, like all the others of past, was just BORING as heck!

With that said… Some of these State of the Union speeches are better than others. But my friends… this one was just plainly FLAT!

Where was all that fire and parting of the waters? HOPE and CHANGE if I may… from the man who promised us so much just 3 years ago. Didn’t see none of that tonight, did we…

His biggest so-called achievement over these past 3 years, Healthcare… well he hardly even mentioned that. Now I wonder why that was.

It was good to see him talk up the Troops tonight. Most of that part of his speech I didn’t have any problems with. But when he got into how strong and looked up to we were in the world’s eyes… Come ON, Mr. President! You have ruined us in that line of world thinking… and did so after being on the job as a weak President for less than a year!!!

Again… tonight’s State of the Union Address was just BORING as heck! But… we didn’t expect anything more than that… did we?

.
AubreyJ………
Newt 2012
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Heated Charges and Counter-Charges Just Part of Tonight’s NBC, Florida Debate - January 23rd, 2012

2012-01-23T23:24:00.001-06:00

Republican Presidential contenders Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich clashed repeatedly in heated, personal terms Monday night in a crackling campaign debate in Tampa, Fla. (Jan. 23rd)

This video posted on YouTube by AssociatedPress

Special Note: Since this past Friday… Chuck Norris, Michael Regan and Fred Thompson have all come out and endorsed Newt for his Presidential run.

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Good debate tonight, overall... Though I wish the crowd would have been able to have been more a part of it. I heard one commentator after the debate say something like… Newt just didn’t seem to be able to get any fire/moments going like he did in the last two debates... Well... How could he... With the audience muzzled like they were! Good job with that, NBC.

Anyway… another good debate goes into the record books tonight… And I think my man, Newt looked VERY Presidential! Above all the mudslinging, if I may, tonight.

AubreyJ………

Newt 2012

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Just had to add this one to tonight’s post!

Flashback to 2008: Romney will say anything to get elected!

Newt’s 2012 web ad, “Desperate”

About video: The polls in South Carolina are tightening and Mitt Romney's attacks against Newt Gingrich are getting more desperate and more dishonest. We've seen this play out before. The last time Mitt Romney ran for president, he ran equally dishonest and desperate attacks against John McCain and Mike Huckabee when he fell behind in the polls.

To remind voters of Mitt Romney's history of launching desperate and dishonest attacks against his rivals, Newt 2012 released a new web ad, "Desperate."

The ad features clips of John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson remarking on Mitt Romney's desperate attacks against them as well as his multiple positions on multiple issues.

This video posted on YouTube by ngingrich

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POST UPDATE: Tuesday, 24, 2012

The Laura Ingraham Show

Gingrich: Romney has never done a single thing to further conservatism

This video/audio posted on YouTube by IngrahamAngle

US Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Enters Strait of Hormuz

2012-01-23T15:30:00.000-06:00

Monday, January 23, 2012

File photo by United States Navy

* SMH.com.au brings us the following report and it starts off like this… The United States, Britain and France delivered a pointed message to Iran, sending six warships led by an aircraft carrier [USS Abraham Lincoln] through the sensitive waters of the Strait of Hormuz… The deployment challenged Iranian threats to close the waterway and coincided with an escalation in the West's confrontation with Iran over the country's nuclear ambitions…

Read this report in full at link below…

Warships from three nations call Iran's bluff in the Gulf
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* AJC.com has this report up on their website mid Monday afternoon that goes in part like this… …Iranian officials have turned to one of their most powerful cards: The narrow Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf and the route for a fifth of the world's oil. Iran has rattled world markets with repeated warnings it could block the hook-shaped waterway, which could spark a conflict in the Gulf… Military experts have questioned whether Iran has the naval capabilities to attempt a blockade. But the U.S. and allies have already said they would take swift action against any Iranian moves to choke off the 30-mile wide strait - where the American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with British and French warships, entered the Gulf on Sunday without incident…

Read this report at link below…

Iran revives Gulf threats after EU sanctions

* Albawaba.com had this report posted on their website Sunday afternoon and it goes in part like this… …Israel told US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey during his recent visit this weekend that Israel will not ask for the permission of the US to attack Iran and will only give America a 12 hour warning before the attack…

Read the full report at link below…

Report: Israel to give US 12 hour warning before attack on Iran

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This video posted on the web by FoxNews.com

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AubreyJ………

Presidential Election 2012 - South Carolina Primary

2012-01-21T18:17:00.006-06:00

Presidential Election 2012 - South Carolina Primary

South Carolina Voters Have Now Spoken in Nation's 2nd Primary of the 2012 Presidential Campaign…

Winner by an Upset, Newt Gingrich!

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

Campaign file photo by Gage Skidmore

….

Primary Results:

Saturday Evening - As of 11:35pm CST

100% of the votes are in…

Number of delegates posted below projected by CNN

25 Total Delegates at stake in this SC Primary

…

1st) Newt Gingrich - 40% WINNER!

243,153 - 23 Delegates

2nd) Mitt Romney - 28%

167,279 - 00 Delegates

3rd) Rick Santorum - 17%

102,055 - 00 Delegates

4th) Ron Paul - 13%

77,993 - 00 Delegates

Delegates total to date:

(Note: 1,144 Delegates needed to win Republican Presidential Nomination for year 2012)

Mitt Romney 31 - Newt Gingrich 26 - Ron Paul 10 - Rick Santorum 08

…

But for now, keep up with the latest at link below…

FoxNews.com: Track the race in real time HERE

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Congrats go out to my man Newt Gingrich for an upset, first place finish! Job well done, Newt… over what you have been able to do this past week in the Debates and on the Campaign Trail.

With that said… On to Florida!

All FOUR Candidates are now off to Florida ahead of that state's January 31^st Primary. Need a STRONG finish there too, NEWT.

Good luck!!!

AubreyJ………

CNN South Carolina Republican Presidential Debate - January 19, 2012

2012-01-19T22:07:00.000-06:00

Gingrich lashes out on 'ex' question

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Best part of the Debate tonight would have to been the first opening minutes with Newt! As the above video shows…

You tha MAN NEWT!!!

AubreyJ………

Newt 2012

Texas Governor Rick Perry Drops out of 2012 Presidential Race - Supports Newt

2012-01-19T14:53:00.001-06:00

(From Governor Perry’s Campaign Website)

Anita and I Thank You for Your Support

Posted on January 19th, 2012

Today I am suspending my campaign for President.

Anita and I have been blessed by the many supporters who have believed in our conservative vision for the country.

Although I will no longer be on the campaign trail, I will continue to champion conservative principles: a Washington that is humbler with a federal government that is smaller, real tax reform that can spur economic growth, and a renewed commitment to fiscal discipline so the future of this country is not mortgaged on a mountain of debt.

As we return to Austin and the Texas I love, I am proud to continue as governor of this great state and will work every day to make Texas a better place to do business and create jobs for all Texans.

We cannot thank you enough for your generous support which enabled our campaign to champion these conservative values.

God bless,

Rick Perry

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Good run, Governor Perry!

Many say they think you should have gotten out of the race when you went back to Texas to think it out a few weeks back. I for one am glad you didn’t and instead hung in there.

You really made a good showing for yourself these last few weeks and I’m soooo happy you went ahead and folded today and not after getting a spanking this Saturday. I also want to thank you for giving your support to my man, Newt!

With that said…

Nothing but the best to you and yours.

AubreyJ………

#37- AubreyJ’s Energy Update Report - Wednesday, January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T12:35:00.001-06:00

AubreyJ’s Energy Update Report

President Barack Obama's Administration To Reject Keystone Pipeline Project

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

-- Wells of Past -1967 --

Grandfather’s Farm, Red Shute Plantation

Photo credit: AubreyJ

* FoxNews.com gets us started off with the following, highly disappointing report and it starts off like this… The State Department will announce the decision on Keystone XL pipeline is “no,” as early as Wednesday, an industry source told Fox News, suggesting that the department will say 60 days is inadequate time to do the required environmental impact assessment on the path of the coveted pipeline… While the State Department for three years has been reviewing the initial proposal to run a pipeline from Canada down to Texas through a sensitive Nebraska aquifer, it retreated early from indications it would approve the plan after environmentalists complained… Industry workers and Republicans contend the project would create thousands of jobs, and Canada's prime minister has warned if the U.S. can't get on board, the North American nation will look to team with China…

Read the full report at link below…

Industry source: State Department will reject Keystone pipeline reroute

…

This video posted on the web by FoxNews.com

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* CBSNews.com has this take on the upcoming news out of the State Department on decision over the Keystone Pipeline… The Obama administration is expected to reject TransCanada's controversial $7 billion Keystone XL pipeline later Wednesday, a source familiar with the decision told CBS News Monday, adding that a formal announcement is expected from the State Department… Multiple media outlets have reported that the decision is imminent, citing unnamed sources, but the White House and the State Department have not confirmed the announcement…

Read the rest at link below…

Obama administration expected to reject Keystone XL pipeline permit today

* Canada.com has the following report posted up on their website and it starts off like this… Supporters and opponents of the $7 billion Keystone XL pipeline are awaiting a possible decision Wednesday afternoon on the oilsands project, with U.S. media citing sources saying the Obama administration will deny a permit for its construction… But it's still unclear whether a rejection of Keystone XL will mean a final end to the project… A ruling on the Calgary-based TransCanada Corp.'s application for a presidential permit was expected as early as 3 p.m. ET…

Read the full report at link below…

U.S. to kill Keystone pipeline, but new route possible: reports

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Just how LOW can this President go!!!?

AubreyJ.........

Fox News Republican Presidential Debate - 01/16/2012

2012-01-16T23:43:00.002-06:00

Monday, January 16, 2012

File photo by Newt's 2012 Campaign Website

During Monday night’s Fox News Debate in Myrtle Beach, SC, Newt Gingrich got the only standing ovation of the night for his comments he passionately gave to questions given him by Juan Williams.

Click it out in video below…

Newt Gingrich to Juan Williams: Americans Want Paychecks, Not Foodstamps!

This video posted on YouTube by ngingrich

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This video posted on the web by FoxNews.com

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NOTE: One more Debate to go before Saturday's SC Primary!

CNN/Southern Republican Leadership Conference Debate

This final South Carolina Debate will be held in…

Charleston, South Carolina

Thursday evening, January 19^th, 2012

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm CST

If it is anything like the one we just had Monday evening… it will surely be worth the time to watch!

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What an unbelievably fantastic Debate Newt gave us Monday night. GREAT JOB my friend -- GREAT JOB!!! Now… do as well in the next Debate this Thursday evening, right before the South Carolina Saturday Primary… and we just might WIN this thing this weekend. Fingers crossed!!!

AubreyJ………

Newt 2012

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta orders probe into video that purports to show U.S. Marines urinating on bodies of dead Taliban

2012-01-12T12:23:00.000-06:00

Image pull from YouTube video showing four Marines

preparing to urinate on corpses of dead Taliban.
.

- Fox News brings us the following troubling report out of Afghanistan today and it starts off like this… The top commanders of the Marine Corps U.S. forces in Afghanistan are investigating a video that purports to show U.S. Marines urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta ordered a probe into behavior he described is "utterly deplorable."… "I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," Panetta said Thursday of the actions depicted in a video released a day earlier. "This conduct is entirely inappropriate for members of the United States military and does not reflect the standards or values our armed forces are sworn to uphold. Those found to have engaged in such conduct will be held accountable to the fullest extent."…

Read the rest at link below…

Panetta orders probe of video allegedly showing Marines urinating on dead Taliban

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U.S. Marines Urinate on Taliban Corpses

WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES 18 +

This video posted on YouTube by bjnr0

As Ronnie Marler writes in comments on YouTube: A slap in the face to every American and a punch in the gut to every soldier who has done their job with dignity. These men bring shame to all of us.

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Looks to me like they were just going through the act of looking like they were urinating on the dead fighters. But regardless, what a stupid, totally out of taste, shameless thing to do in any case!

AubreyJ.........

Presidential Election 2012 - New Hampshire Primary

2012-01-10T20:11:00.004-06:00

Presidential Election 2012 - New Hampshire Primary

New Hampshire Voters Have Spoken in Nation's First Primary of the 2012 Presidential Campaign - Winner, Mitt Romney

Tuesday, January 10, 2012
.

Romney Campaign File Photo
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Primary Results:

Early Wednesday afternoon - 2:20pm CST

100% of the votes are in…

…

1st) Mitt Romney - 39% WINNER!

97,532 - 7 Delegates

2nd) Ron Paul - 23%

56,848 - 3 Delegates

3rd) Jon Huntsman - 17%

41,945 - 2 Delegates

4th) Newt Gingrich - 09%

23,411 - 0 Delegates

5th) Rick Santorum - 09%

23,362 - 0 Delegates

6th) Rick Perry - 01%

1,766 - 0 Delegates

FoxNews.com: Track the race in real time HERE

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Congrats go out to Mitt Romney for another First Place Finish!

Job well done, Mitt… and a STRONG first place finish too I might add.

With that said… On to South Carolina!

All six candidates are now off to South Carolina ahead of that state's January 21^st Primary. Need a STRONG finish there, NEWT…

So get with it!!!

Florida will hold their Primary on January 31^st.

AubreyJ………

Taking a Moment to Honor our Fallen Heroes

2012-01-09T17:14:00.000-06:00

Since that tragic day on 9-11-2001… many of our bravest have given their all while fighting for this great country of ours. Please take a moment to thank them, in your own way, for all they have done and were willing to do for you -- me and this great country of ours. May God bless each and every one of these fallen Heroes, all of those who have been wounded, all of their families, friends, loved ones and their comrades in arms who were at their side.

Never forget those that protect us -- Each and every day...

AubreyJ.........

Iraq: On Ground Updates - Friday, January 06, 2012

2012-01-06T14:30:00.001-06:00

File photo by Army Sgt. Andrew Jacob, Special Operations Task Force-Central

- ABC News brings us the following report this early Friday afternoon and it starts off like this… An Iranian-backed Shiite militia that carried out deadly attacks on U.S. troops has agreed to lay down its arms and join the political process, the Iraqi official in charge of reconciling with the country's armed groups said Friday… Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's adviser for reconciliation, Amer al-Khuzaie, said the group, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, has not yet turned in its arms but has agreed not to use them anymore. He welcomed the group's decision to play a constructive role in Iraqi politics and said the group plans to run in the next parliamentary elections under a new name…

Read the rest at link below…

Iraqi Official: Shiite Militia Will Lay Down Arms

- The Sydney Morning Herald has this take on the latest news out of Iraq… It was one of the deadliest insurgent groups in Iraq in recent years, an Iranian-backed militia that bombed US military convoys and bases, assassinated dozens of Iraqi officials and tried to kidnap Americans even as the last soldiers withdrew… But now the Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is welcoming the militant group into Iraq's political system, a move that could tilt the nation's centre of gravity closer to Iran…

Read this report in full at link below…

Iraq embraces deadliest militia group

- AFP brings us this troubling report… Rockets were fired against Baghdad's Green Zone as Iraq's military marked its anniversary with a parade Friday, a day after the country suffered its worst attacks since August and weeks after US troops left… Further violence against Shiite pilgrims, who were the targets of Thursday's bombings, killed two people, the latest in a spike in attacks against the majority community amid a political crisis that has stoked sectarian tensions… Meanwhile, top officials in Nasiriyah, worst hit by Thursday's bloodshed, held a funeral for two Sunni soldiers who, officers said, tried to prevent a suicide attack that killed 47 people in the southern city…

Read the rest at link below…

Rockets hit Green Zone as Iraq marks Army Day

- The Boston Globe reports…

An apparently coordinated wave of bombings targeting Shi’ite Muslims killed at least 78 people in Iraq yesterday, the second large-scale assault by militants since US forces pulled out last month… The attacks, which bore the hallmarks of Sunni insurgents, come ahead of a Shi’ite holy day that draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across Iraq, raising fears of a deepening of sectarian bloodshed. Rifts along the Sunni-Shi’ite fault line just a few years ago pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war… The bombings in Baghdad and outside the southern city of Nasiriyah appeared to be the deadliest in Iraq in more than a year…

Read the full report at link below…

78 killed in Iraq bombings targeting Shi’ites

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POST UPDATE:

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

- The Washington Post gets us up-to-date with the following report and it starts off like this… Three schoolboys were among at least 10 people killed in Iraq on Tuesday, extending a wave of bloody attacks that have rocked the country since American troops pulled out… Several of the Tuesday attacks struck predominantly Sunni areas north of Baghdad, though an evening blast in the capital appeared to target Shiite pilgrims commemorating a holy period known as Arbaeen… The violence followed deadly car bomb blasts the evening before, and pushed to more than 100 the number of Iraqis killed in less than a week…

Read the full report at link below…

Wave of violence extends in Iraq; latest attacks kill 10, including boys on way to school

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What a MESS!

AubreyJ………

Iowa Caucuses, What a Night!

2012-01-04T16:00:00.002-06:00

Photo from Santorum official campaign website

Here’s a few good political reads I ran across this afternoon that you just might like to click out…

- USAToday.com had this interesting read and it starts off like this…

Why didn't Newt Gingrich praise Mitt Romney for his squeaker win in Iowa, when he spoke warmly of Rick Santorum, who came within a handful of votes of the top spot?… "Other than the fact that Governor Romney ran a relentlessly negative campaign of falsehoods, which earned one of his ads four Pinocchios from the Washington Post?" Gingrich said at a news conference Wednesday. "The fact is, three out of four Republicans rejected him. Governor Romney is a moderate Massachusetts Republican to the left of the vast majority of Republicans. I find it amazing that the media continues to say he's the most electable Republican when he can't even break out in his own party…

Read the rest at link below…

Gingrich speaks critically of Romney

- From CNN.com is this report…

Rick Santorum feels like Rocky Balboa

- Also from USA Today is the following report that starts off like this… Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry both hit their high-water mark on the same day - Aug. 13, when Bachmann won the Iowa straw poll and Perry formally entered the Republican presidential race… Now they've shaken up the race in tandem again… Bachmann announced her withdrawal from the race on Wednesday, at the same time that Perry indicated he would take his battered campaign to South Carolina for the Jan. 21 first-in-the-South GOP primary…

Read the rest at link below…

Bachmann, Perry fail to capitalize on early fanfare

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My Take: What a night last night was watching the Iowa Caucuses to the very end. Congrats to Mitt and Rick for what I consider to be a tie for first even though Mitt actually won but by only 8 votes! And that didn’t come until way after midnight, Central Time.

I was saddened that my man, Newt… got such a beating over these last few weeks. But… sadly, that is the game we are in.

I hope he does REAL well in South Carolina and Florida in the weeks ahead. So far -- So good! He’s up in the polls in both as of today. Unfortunately… politics is very fluid, especially this election year. Soooo…. We shall see just how it all pans out. Fingers Crossed!

AubreyJ………

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POST UPDATE:

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Santorum bested Romney by 34 votes in the final tally of Iowa's caucuses, Republican officials said Thursday [January 19^th]. But no winner was declared because some votes remain uncertified two weeks after the event's closest contest ever. The state GOP initially declared Romney the victor - by just 8 votes… "This is a solid win. It's a much stronger win than the win Gov. Romney claimed to have," Santorum declared… Romney called the Iowa results a "virtual tie." Santorum called it a sign any calls for him to leave were premature…

Read the full report at FoxNews.com HERE

Santorum Edges Romney in Final Iowa Count

(Or Did HE!!!?)
This video by AssociatedPress

Iraq: On Ground Updates - December 31, 2011

2011-12-31T14:57:00.000-06:00

Iraq: On Ground Updates

A New Dawn Declared over Departure of American Troops

During Iraq Celebration Ceremony

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Photo credit Staff Sgt. James Sherrill, USA

* ChicagoTribune.com brings us the following report this New Years Eve, stateside… and it starts off like this… Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki declared a new dawn on Saturday as Iraq celebrated the departure of American troops at a ceremony held amid tight security and without Maliki's key political rivals…

Read the full report at link below

Iraq celebrates U.S. withdrawal

* NYDailyNews.com had this report on today’s event and it goes in part like this… Hundreds of people celebrated the departure of U.S troops in the televised event hosted by Maliki in a sports arena. “I declare this day, the 31st of December, on which the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq is complete, as a national day,” said Maliki told the crowd… “It is Iraq’s day. It is a feast for all Iraqis. It is the dawn of a new day in Mesopotamia ... Your country is free,” said the prime minister…

Read the full report at link below…

Iraqi prime minister proclaims ‘dawn of a new day’ as last U.S. troops depart

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Happy New Year, IRAQ!

AubreyJ………

AubreyJ’s Holidays - 2011

2011-12-23T23:50:00.000-06:00

AubreyJ’s Holidays…

Click it out HERE

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Photo for the Day - December 23, 2011

2011-12-23T15:58:00.000-06:00

International Space Station Commander Dan Burbank captured spectacular imagery of Comet Lovejoy, viewed from about 240 miles above the Earth’s horizon on Wednesday, December 21st.

Image Credit NASA

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COOOOOOL!

And just in time for Christmas...

AubreyJ………

North Korea’s “Dear Leader” Kim Jong-il Dead At 69 From Heart Attack

2011-12-19T19:06:00.000-06:00

Kim Jong-il, known as “Dear Leader” of North Korea, died from heart attack on train in Pyongyang, Saturday

Post Date: Monday, December 19th, 2011

Cropped photo of Kim Jong-il - August 24, 2011 by Russia’s Presidential Press and Information Office

…

* BBC News brings us the following report this Monday evening, stateside and it goes in part like this… North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died of a heart attack at the age of 69, state media have announced… Millions of North Koreans were "engulfed in indescribable sadness", the KCNA state news agency said, as people wept openly in Pyongyang… KNCA described one of his sons, Kim Jong-un, as the "great successor" whom North Koreans should unite behind…

Read the full report at link below…

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il dies 'of heart attack'

* REUTERS reports…

North Korea mourns dead leader, son is "Great Successor"

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In Pyongyang, North Korean citizens mourn the death of their leader Kim Jong Il. The above raw video broadcasted Monday on NK’s State run TV shows North Korean people showing their respects to the Dear Leader with lots of tearless cries…

This video posted on YouTube by telegraphtv

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Maybe the son will make major changes to his country in the way they treat their people and in the way they deal with other Nations... like US!

AubreyJ………

REMARKS BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON IRAQ WAR AND PRESIDENT OBAMA MISSING IN ACTION DURING WAR CLOSE

2011-12-16T13:19:00.001-06:00

- This past Wednesday, December 14th on the Senate floor, Senator John McCain gave the following remarks on the Iraq War and President Obama that’s a must read for all…

Be sure to click it out at link below…

REMARKS BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON IRAQ

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Still trying to rundown the video… I saw parts of it on FOX NEWS yesterday and must say… Senator McCain was very passionate while giving his remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday. I’ll make sure to put it up if I ever run it down…

AubreyJ………

Senator McCain Senate file photo

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Here it is…

Iraq: On Ground Updates - December 15, 2011

2011-12-15T06:58:00.001-06:00

Iraq: On Ground Updates

U.S. End Operations in Iraq

U.S. officials formally shut down war in Iraq… a conflict that U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said was worth the price in blood and money, as it set Iraq on a path to democracy.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

…DoD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

- From Fox News early this Thursday morning, stateside… The Iraq war ended without a stray shot fired - with a simple ceremony at the Baghdad airport…

Read the story at link below…
Panetta Formally Ends U.S. Military Mission in Iraq

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Panetta Concludes Iraq Mission, Noting Service, Sacrifice

BAGHDAD, Dec. 15, 2011 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta joined Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and other U.S. and Iraq leaders in honoring eight years of service and sacrifice as they commemorated the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq.

“No words, no ceremony can provide full tribute to the sacrifices that have brought this day to pass,” the secretary said during a ceremony here.

Panetta paid tribute to the Iraqi government and military for their courage, leadership and loyalty to Iraq’s future. “Your dream of an independent and sovereign Iraq is now a reality,” he said.

He also praised the leadership of Ambassador James Jeffrey and Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, who oversaw the drawdown that the secretary called “one of the most complex logistical undertakings in U.S. military history.”

“Your effort to make this day a reality is nothing short of miraculous,” he said.

But Panetta reserved his highest praise for more than 1 million U.S. military members who served in Iraq since 2003. “Your nation is deeply indebted to you,” he said. “You have done everything your nation asked you to do and more. Your dedication, your commitment to this mission has been the driving force behind the remarkable progress we have seen here in Baghdad and across the country.”

The secretary recognized the nearly 4,500 service members who died and more than 30,000 who were wounded making this progress a reality.

He also acknowledged family members who have experienced the strain, sacrifice and heartbreak of watching their loved ones deploy into harm’s way time and time again.

The outcome being commemorated today was never certain, the secretary said. He recalled traveling to Iraq in 2006, one of the most challenging periods of the conflict, as part of President George H.W. Bush’s Iraq Study Group. Sectarian violence had spiraled out of control and Iraq was in turmoil.

Five years later, at great cost in both blood and treasure, “the mission of an Iraq that could govern and secure itself has become real,” the secretary said.

“The Iraqi army and police have been rebuilt. Violence levels are down, al-Qaida weakened, rule of law strengthened, educational opportunities expanded and economic growth expanding,” he said. “And this progress has been sustained even as we have withdrawn nearly 150,000 U.S. combat forces from the country.”

The cost has been high, in blood and treasure for the United States and for the Iraqi people, Panetta noted. “But because of the sacrifices made, these years of war have now yielded to a new era of opportunity,” for a free, independent and sovereign Iraq, he said.

Panetta emphasized that Iraq’s challenges aren’t over, but promised that the United States will continue to stand with Iraq as it navigates them. “Together with the Iraqi people, the United States welcomes the next stage in U.S.-Iraqi relations, one that will be rooted in mutual interest and mutual respect,” he said.

In addition to a significant diplomatic presence, the United States will continue to promote partnership between U.S. and Iraqi military forces, Panetta said. “We will continue to help Iraq address violent extremism and defend against external threats,” he said, helping protect “all that has been sacrificed and accomplished.”

“We will continue to have a robust and enduring military presence across the Middle East,” he said.

For Iraq, Panetta called today an opportunity for it to forge ahead on a path to security and prosperity.

“We undertake this transition today reminding Iraq that it has in the United States a committed friend and a committed partner,” he said. “We owe it to all the lives that have been sacrificed in this war not to fail.

“This is not the end,” he concluded. “This is truly the beginning.”

After the casing of the colors, Panetta met with about 100 service members deployed during the final days of Operation New Dawn to thank them for their service.

“It is because of you,” and those who served here during the past eight years, “that we are able to be here today to mark the end of this war,” he said.

Asked by a young service member if the United States will be able to assist the Iraqis in the future if they need it, Panetta expressed confidence that it will, in accordance with an agreement to be reached by the Americans and Iraqis.

“We may be ending the war, but we are not walking away from our responsibilities,” he said.

Written by Donna Miles - American Forces Press Service

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Here’s another good read I ran across at DoD today. Click it out at link below…

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey: Iraq Campaign Was Worth the Cost

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Over the next week or so, the last few thousand U.S. troops will leave Iraq for the last time and that will be it. That is until a new Republican President is elected into the White House next year and then I can see a day when more of a U.S. presents in Iraq will be felt and by the asking of the Iraqi government too.

Let it be known… President Obama has been anything but a close friend to the Iraqi Government and a strained relationship has ensued between us because of it.

Just look at today’s ceremony at Baghdad International Airport… First thing I noticed was that there were hardly any Iraqi officials attending. You would have at least thought that after all we have gone through, together, over the last so many years… that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki would have showed up! But not…

With that said…

I’d like to say this to all our men and women who severed in Iraq…

JOB WELL DONE and THANK YOU!!!

Welcome Home…

AubreyJ………

-- Home at Last –

New Giant Plane Operating System for Space to Launch People, Cargo into Orbit

2011-12-14T14:25:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Image Credit: Stratolaunch Systems

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan have teamed up on a new winged rocket that would be carried aloft by a gargantuan twin-fuselage mothership and then dropped from 30,000 feet for the climb to orbit, they announced today… The new rocket will be funded by Allen through a new company known as Stratolaunch Systems and built by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, of Hawthorne, California…

Read the full report at link below…

Rocket system could lower cost of access to space, Allen says

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Stratolaunch Systems -- a Paul G. Allen Project

Stratolaunch Systems is pioneering innovative solutions to revolutionize space transportation

- Click out the official Stratolaunch Systems website HERE

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Space just might become fun and cool again, over the next 10 years or so.

AubreyJ………

If the World only knew

2011-12-13T13:20:00.000-06:00

I remember back in 2005, how the left and the MSM were treating our troops. Reporting and miss-reporting ANYTHING that would make the troops look bad.

They would spin the news of the day to try and show that the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces were nothing more than cold blooded murders… who loved killing… even women, children and the elderly!

These people still make me sick, even today, as they now try to be all that, pro troops if I may. But be not fooled by them my friends. You just let Obama lose the White House and the left lose the Senate next year… and just wait and see how they turn on the troops in full force, in any upcoming missions under a Republican led President.

With that said… The following is a Video I put together back in 2005 to show the true hearts of our fighting men and women…

Enjoy!!!

AubreyJ………

-- If the World only knew –

ABC Republican Presidential Debate Tonight

2011-12-10T16:54:00.003-06:00

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Time: 8:00pm CST

* REUTERS brings us the following report and it starts off like this… The budding rivalry between surging Newt Gingrich and former frontrunner Mitt Romney will take center stage Saturday evening in the first of two Republican presidential debates in Iowa over the next five days… Gingrich, Romney and four other White House contenders will make their case to voters in a race that polls show is still up for grabs less than a month before Iowa kicks off the state-by-state Republican nominating contest… The debate will be broadcast nationally on ABC at 9 p.m. EST from Drake University in Des Moines. Another Republican debate will be held on Thursday in Sioux City, Iowa… "These are the last chances for the candidates to really have an impact on the race before the voting starts," said Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak. "It's a huge opportunity."…

Read the full report at link below…

Gingrich vs Romney rivalry in Iowa debate spotlight

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One of my favorite moments in tonight’s debate would had to been when Newt said... "I think sometimes it is helpful to have a president of the United States with the courage to tell the truth. Just as it was Reagan who went around his entire national security apparatus to call the Soviet Union an 'evil empire.' Reagan believed the power of truth restated the world and reframed the world. I'm a Reaganite. I'm proud to be a Reaganite. I will tell the truth, even if it causes some confusion sometimes with the timid."

Bottom line is Newt did an outstanding job tonight in the debate. Romney on the other hand really had a poor performance tonight. And I believe it will show to be so in the polls that come out next week.

I also believe Romney is going to have to do a much better job of it in next week’s debate on Fox News. If not… he just might end up having a shorter run of it then he was counting on!

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AubreyJ………

Newt 2012

File photo from Newt's 2012 Campaign Website