It was previously known that hackers had breached computer systems in the U.S. State Department.  Now it's being reported by CNN that hackers also breached computer systems in the White House, and gained access to the schedule of President Obama's movements.

With an increasingly hostile Russia on the world stage, such sensitive information could easily have found its way into the hands of terrorists.  We -- meaning the West in general, and the U.S. in particular -- need to recognize the Putin-led Russian government as a threat and an enemy.  The Russians have physically attacked Georgia and Ukraine in recent years, and now they've launched cyber attacks against America.

Response:  

*Increased sanctions against the Russian economy

*Move towards accepting Ukraine and Georgia into NATO

*Arm Ukraine and Georgia to better defend against future Russian invasions

*Cyber warfare against the Russian government and the country's financial systems

If the Russians really want to be our enemies, let's treat them as such! 

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If you agree with me that the United States' long-running drug war has been a failure, join with me in calling for the release of the prisoners of this ineffective war.  Click the link below to send a letter to President Barack Obama, calling on him to free these prisoners:

CLICK HERE 

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Map courtesy of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

There is a territorial dispute simmering that has the possibility of breaking out into open war.   At present Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam all have claims to part or all of the Spratly Islands.   These islands, and their associated maritime geological features (reefs, banks, cays, etc.) are located in the South China Sea.

The Spratly Islands are deemed desirable for a number of reasons.  First, they are thought to house vast reserves of oil and natural gas.  The islands also sit in a major area for world fishing.  Lastly, they are in one of the busiest areas for commercial shipping, and are located on major trade routes to Northeast Asia. 

Based on these reasons, countries in the vicinity of the islands seem to be preparing for a naval war.  With the distances involved from the countries in question, naval ships will have to be used to take and hold claims in any hot conflict.  To this end, a naval arms race is in effect:

   *Malaysia has ordered 6 Gowind-class stealth frigates, and is adding next generation Kedah-class patrol vessels.

   *The Philippines is looking to add amphibious assault ships and frigates to its naval force.  There are also plans to put its first submarine into service by 2020.

   *Taiwan has a 20-year modernization plan covering the acquisition of 4 new frigates, new amphibious warfare ships, and 4-8 new submarines.

   *Vietnam has purchased 6 Improved Kilo-class submarines from Russia, 4 Gepard-class frigates from the Russians, and 2 Sigma-class corvettes from the Netherlands.

   *China is engaged in a massive naval building program.  New stealth destroyers, frigates, nuclear and diesel submarines; and the country has put its first aircraft carrier -- the Liaoning -- into service.  There are plans to operate 3 aircraft carrier battle groups by 2020, with 2 planned for operations in the South China Sea.  Also, in 2013, China started dredging in the Spratly Islands, creating new islands from reefs.  When the project is completed, China will have her first military airstrip in the islands from  which to project military air power.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spratly_Islands_dispute

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/spratly-conflict.htm 

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Review Link:

Live In Japan By Albert Collins 

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In July of this year the U.S. is scheduled to have its second 5th generation stealth fighter become combat ready: The F-35B.  The world's first operational stealth jet fighter, the F-22, entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005.  The F-35B is a variant of the F-35 being used by the U.S. Marine Corps. Two other versions of the jet, The F-35A and the F-35C, will become operational in future years with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, respectively. The F-35B will be the world's first operational supersonic aircraft to be capable of short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL).

For more on the military CLICK HERE

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I had this dish at Jumer's Chateau in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois and it was delicious!

TOURNEDOS OSCAR RECIPE

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photo courtesy of Southern Poverty Law Center

In 1979, American Klansman Mike Perdue was introduced to German-Canadian neo-Nazi Wolfgang Droege by David Duke, Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.  That Summer, Perdue outlined a plan to overthrow the government of Grenada, and to set up profitable businesses there.  The target island was later changed to Dominica.

The plan, which was known as Operation Red Dog, eventually included a number of Canadian and American White supremacists and Klansmen.  Among those were James Alexander McQuirter, the Grand Wizard of the Canadian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan; and American Don Black, a Klansman who later founded the White nationalist website "Stormfront."

On April 27, 1981, the group was arrested by federal agents in New Orleans, Louisiana as it prepared to board a boat.  Hardware for the "invasion" included automatic weapons, shotguns, rifles, dynamite, handguns and ammunition.  The group also brought along a Nazi flag.

The plot leader, Mike Perdue, and six other men pled guilty to violation of the Neutrality Act.  Others were found guilty by a jury. 

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Review Link:

The Once And Future King By T.H. White 

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