Let’s see. Leftie peaceniks need attention to counter the good news from Iraq. Foreign terrorists in Iraq, stung by recent screwups (if you can call mass murder at a wedding in Amman a “screwup”) need some positive news for the Arab Street against “The Crusaders”. Sounds like a ready-made recipe for some nice, dramatic cooperation. No one gets hurt, everyone gets what they want.

So, in a shocking new development, some “Christians” get “kidnapped” in Iraq. It really doesn’t get better than this.

My prediction is that these “peace lovers” get released a few days after the news cycle tires of this pathetic story.

Since this is the first time 99.9% of anyone has heard of this group, it’s amazing to read today’s razor-sharp release from the group — which includes this description of their activities in Iraq of late:

In a “Statement of Conviction,” the long-term Team members stated that they “are aware of the many risks both Iraqis and internationals currently face,” and affirmed that the risks did not outweigh their purpose in remaining. They express the hope that “in loving both friends and enemies and by intervening non-violently to aid those who are systematically oppressed, we can contribute in some small way to transforming this volatile situation.”

CPT does not advocate the use of violent force to save lives of its workers should they be kidnapped, held hostage, or caught in the middle of a conflict situation.

Christian Peacemaker Teams has been present in Iraq since October 2002, providing first-hand, independent reports from the region, working with detainees of both United States and Iraqi forces, and training others in non-violent intervention and human rights documentation. Iraqi friends and human rights workers have welcomed the team as a nonviolent, independent presence and asked that the team tell the their stories. CPT teams host regular delegations of committed peace and human rights activists to conflict zones, who join teams in working with civilians to document abuses and develop nonviolent alternatives to armed conflict. The CPT Iraq Team has hosted a total of 120 people on sixteen delegations over the last three years.

Christian Peacemaker Teams is a violence reduction program. Teams of trained peacemakers work in areas of lethal conflict around the world.

In addition to the Iraq Team, teams of CPT workers are currently serving in Barrancabermeja, Colombia; Hebron and At-Tuwani, Palestine; Kenora, Ontario, Canada; and on the Mexico-United States border.

Pretty good stuff, considering that they have not exactly gotten much press over the last few years. Amazing what a kidnapping can do for top-of-mind awareness. Nice going, guys. Earned media is a beautiful thing.

Of course, if I’m wrong, these bozos give new meaning to the term “useful idiots”.

So for years, the Canadians have been subsidising their timber industry to the detriment of American foresters — including thousands of underworking union lumbermen across the Pacific Northwest — shutting down logging operations, closing towns, drying up an American tradition.

What does President Bush do? He concedes on the issue, and lowers completely justified tariffs on Canadian lumber.

What does Canada do just days after that? It raises the subsidies once more.

With allies like this, who needs enemies?

Just got to play around with a new internet invention I think is going to be a hit… Gollum, the Wikipedia Browser.

What do you think?

“We know we made a positive difference,” says Cpl. Jeff Schuller of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, who spent all but one week of his eight-month tour with Mayer. “I can’t say at what level, but I know that where we were, we made it better than it was when we got there.”

What? A mainstream media outlet letting just a peek of sunshine into their reporting on Iraq?

Someone’s gonna get fired…. someone’s gonna get fired…

That right I will be in Atlanta all week for a conference and tradeshow so posting will be light to nil on my part. However I have asked my friend, bean counter, and politico The Two Penny Pundit to keep you entertained while I am gone. So hopefully he shows up and posts something 8).

Sergeant Will Whitley who is in Iraq had this to say about Congressman Murtha’s recent comments:

does anyone want to suggest Sergeant Whitley isn’t speaking for himself?

Check out his blog for this complete post and some other great posts including this one.

Open Trackbacks today at: The Political Teen, Don Surber, Basil’s Blog, Is it Just me, Committees of Correspondence, NIF, Right Wing Nation, Third World County,

This Thursday I was in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. I attended the awards banquet that evening. It was your usual trade show banquet. What completely stole the show however was the unveiling of The Colton Camaro. On September 1, 2004, Gary Anderson the President of SoffSeal, Inc, and his wife were watching the Evening News with Dan Rather. That night Their Fallen Hero’s series featured the story of Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence (Shane) Colton of the Army’s 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas. The Feature told how Chief Warrant Officer Colton lost his life in Iraq on April 11th, 2004 when his Apache helicopter was shot down west of Baghdad while protecting a fuel convoy, killing him and his fellow crewmember. Shane Colton left behind his wife Inge` and their eleven year old son Lance.

The story moved Mr. Anderson to action when it mentioned how CWO Colton and his then 11 year old son Lance had started building a 1968 Camaro before he was deployed to Iraq. The news reported that with his father’s passing, Lance now wanted to finish the car in his father’s honor.

Mr. Anderson called Corky Coker, Chairman of the SEMA Board of Directors and president of Coker Tires and was given the full support of the association. Mr. Anderson’s wife then contacted CBS to ask for permission to speak with Mrs. Colton and Lance to offer their help in building the car. Mrs. Colton was overwhelmed and could not understand why complete strangers would want to do something like this for her and her son. Mr. Anderson explained that CWO Colton had given his life for his country and it was just the right thing to do. After some conversation, she Okayed the project with a promise from Mr. Anderson to involve Lance as much as possible.

Dozens of companies donated parts to the project; hundreds of people contributed their time and money. Team Camaro raised awareness and donations with a dedicated page on their website. The car was built using the drawings of Lance’s father.

The project culminated this Thursday when the car was unveiled at the SEMA Banquet. When Mrs. Colton and Lance came on stage the crowed erupted in applause. She said a few words in remembrance of her husband and gave a very heartfelt and moving thank you to everyone involved in the project. When asked if he would like to say anything Lance replied: “My dad died for a great cause. He did not die in vein.” When asked if the car met his fathers specifications. He said “As long as it doesn’t catch on fire when it starts up its good”.

At that moment there were no political parties. We were all just proud to be Americans who felt privileged to be present at such a moving event, Mournful for the Colton’s loss and Chief Warrant Officer Colton’s sacrifice.

Notes:Team Camaro http://www.camaros.net/techref/colton/ is still taking donations to raise money for Lance’s college fund.
I should have pictures of the finished car up on the site early next week.

The Mudville Gazzette and Brainster have links to this post.

A special Thank you to LaShawn Barber for linking to me and welcoming me to the blogosphere.

Michelle Malkin is supporting the Valour IT Project.

Small Town Veteran is supporting the Valour IT Project.

The following folks have open trackbacks today! the political Teen Stop the ACLU Mudville Gazette Something and Half of Something Big Dogs Weblog My Conservative Cat and Whizbangblog!
Mac Stansbury. Don Surber

Stuck on Stupid has a story about a mother who lost her home to Katrina and her son to the war.

La Shawn Barber has a very nice post for veterans day with her thoughts as well as links to lots of other bloggers. Stop The ACLU has lots of open trackbacks for Veterans Day. A great veterans day tribute on Tinkerty Tonk. Michelle Malkin has lots of links to Veterans Day posts. Other posts on Veterans Day can be found at Iowa Voice, Outside The Beltway,

Thanks to euohoric Reality for Open Trackback Sunday

I already posted some comments on this but I thought I should expand on it and be clear. Forgive me for speaking for the rest of you and please correct me if I am wrong. The reason we participate in Open Trackbacks is to drive readers to our sites. Yes we do this because we love it but we also want folks to read our fantastic, insightful, and unique opinions. At least we like to think they are. We are not doing it to game the system. Are you?

And it works! If your topic is interesting, if your headline grabs the readers attention they will click the link and start reading. That is the whole idea behind Open Ttrackbacks. No one is forced to click on your link and no one is forced to follow a link back to the Open Trackback provider.

I certainly, and again speaking for others we are very appreciative to fellow bloggers who provide Open Trackbacks either weekly or in some cases daily. The Political Teen who alone has sent hundreds of readers my way has been a godsend for my fledgling blog. Others like Don Surber and Basil who do daily Open Trackbacks, and the entire Open Trackback Alliance who alternate days between them are providing a fantastic service to bloggers and readers alike. They match folks who have something interesting to say with folks who want something interesting to read it. If they get rewarded by driving readership to their own blogs they deserve it.

Now before disagreeing with La Shawn I want to say I do not believe she meant any offense to Open Trackbackers and her post was meant to be strictly constructive. I know from personal experience and she has posted numerous times that she believes in helping new bloggers. So please understand my following comments are also meant to be constructive.

La Shawn said in this Post yesterday:

We agree completely. If you post insightful and interesting stuff people will read it, however they need to find it first. Open trackbacks allow people to find you.

Now again I am a newb and maybe someone can explain it to me if I am wrong, I think Open Trackbacks are hard work for the folks who put them up, and I rarely if ever see anyone who only has an Open Trackback and nothing else to read. It sure is hard work for those of us who are out there linking and tracking back to all the Open Trackback providers. There are so many you have to pick and choose which readers you think will be interested in your post. If you have a real job like me you can’t just search and link all day. Ask Don Surber how much time it takes for all the Trackbacks he puts up.

I think they are earning it and at the same time giving back to little guys like me. The people who are the most active Open Ttrackbackers are also prolific posters. Again The Political Teen posts several topics every day with lots of video clips of daily news programs. I find that unique interesting, and valuable. Don Surber posts 3 - 5 topics a day and it’s not milk toast stuff. Honestly I do not know how the guy does it.

We agree on this one completely. Its TTLB’s system and he can do with it as he sees fit. Once again I really don’t care if I am a flappy bird or a large mammal or an insignificant microbe as long as folks can find my blog.

So who does care about their ranking? Big bloggers who don’t think little bloggers should be ranked above them?

If you are a big blogger by definition you have lots of readers so why do you care?

Especially if it’s “all about the love of the blog” What I do see are people thanking the Open Trackbackers for providing a very valuable service which many of them do not need to do. The Open Trackback Alliance did exactly as you are suggesting La Shawn, they created something on their own to build readership and I know you are a firm believer in promoting our blogs. The Homespun bloggers are doing the same thing, and there are lots of other examples of this.

Really what is the difference between what the Open Trackbackers do and what Instapundit does (and I love Instapundit)?

Other than the Open Trackbackers are not editors or judges of what is interesting. The reader is. In my humble opinion that is a good thing.

So in that spirit, if you have comments about this subject on your blog by all means trackback. And if you have something else interesting to say on any other topic by all means track back. Just be sure to leave a link in your post back to this post. Oh and if you leave a trackback I will add it to the mainpage. ( I figured that part out).

Kathy at Is it Just Me, agrees with me (say that 3 times real fast) that the whole thing is kinda comical. as per her comments on this thread:

“I am laughing with you UA.”

Open Trackbacks today: Don Surber, Basil’s Blog, Oblogatory Anecdotes, Bloggin’ Outloud, Is It Just me?, Right Wing Nation,

As you can imagine lots of other bloggers are talking about this: Myopic Zeal, Aarons CC, Iowavoice, Stop The ACLU, The Politburo Diktat, The Tar Pit, Adam’s Blog, Decision08, The Floriday Masochist, Jo’s Cafe, and Basil’s Blog, are among them.

Myopic Zeal linked with: N.Z. Bear: Party Pooper (But in a Good Way)
Excerpt: Despite the fact that it’s snowing like crazy here, N.Z. Bear, the mastermind of the TTLB Ecosystem, is certainly not hibernating.

Don Surber linked with: Opponents Didn’t Care If He Had WMD
Excerpt: The WMD argument is tiresome and dishonest. Opposition to the liberation of Iraq in 2002 had nothing to do with WMD. Consider the arguments in the debate over the war resolution the war on Oct. 10, 2002. Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., opposed the war b…

Adam’s blog linked with: Understanding Open Trackbacks
Excerpt: I said I’d had my last word on this Open Trackbacks then, but then Lashawn Barber said something and I had to respond. First of all she says:

People, people, people! Don’t get it twisted. Use common sense. The Bear is not excluding trackbacks a…

Third World County linked with: Riffing Off Dumbledore/Open Post
Excerpt: [UPDATE: See The Real Ugly American’s take on Open Trackbacks. Good post. Meat on those bones, bubba.]…
Weblog: third world county

Random Yak linked with: Link Logic in the New (Eco)system
Excerpt: Tip of the horns (because Yaks look stupid in hats) to the many bloggers - including Samantha Burns and ****NOTE**** You really have to read this one. it is funny.

Robinik.net linked with: Week-end Open Trackback
Excerpt: Welcome to my week-end open trackback post. Feel are free to publicize your posts on my Blog. Enjoy your Life!

The Truckin Blog linked with: Saturday Morning Trackback
Excerpt: Good Morning. I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving. I spent most of yesterday doing the decorating thing. You know, hanging from the gutters stringing Christmas lights. Had only intended to put up a few lights but it kind of turned into a com..

No Blogging today. Unless we get to arguing at the turkey table and the relatives want to take it online!

I may have to use Hugh’s suggested strategy on dealing with the family moonbat. Although our politics discussions are usually pretty civil between my father in law (the libertarian), me (the JFK Liberal) and my wifes Aunt (the lefty) she is also a pretty successful attorney so we have some pretty darn good discussions.

Even though I am a newb, I completely agree with LaShawn Barbers take on the open trackback thing. I love open trackbacks as much as the next guy, and I am sure I have gained readers from it but I blog first of all because I like it. Who cares about some rating system anyway?

Yah its kinda neat to be called a large mammal, or flappy bird but other than novelty whats the difference?

Now I am gonna play a little guitar then head down to Grandmas house for some Turkey!

Gobble Gobble.

***UPDATE****

Bill Thomas at Daily Pundit spoke with Laurie Goldberg, Senior Vice President for Public Relations with CNN last night. She confirmed the audio tape made by Ms. Preska Thomas that we all heard yesterday was indeed authentic. Here is Ms. Goldberg in her own words:

“A Turner switchboard operator was fired today after we were alerted to a conversation the operator had with a caller in which the operator lost his temper and expressed his personal views — behavior that was totally inappropriate. His comments did not reflect the views of CNN. We are reaching out to the caller and expressing our deep regret to her and apologizing that she did not get the courtesy entitled to her. “

Great Job Bill! This was my first experience as a citizen reporter where I was actually able to speak with a principle in the story. Bill Quick just showed us all how it is done. Follow up, be persistent and you can get to the truth of a story. Again Kudus to Daily Pundit for a job well done!

Also Kudos to Preska Thomas for making the tape and getting it out there. Don’t forget Ms. Thomas claims that several people related similar experiences which prompted her to make the recording. Will any of them come forward?

Was this just one operator at CNN or is this a internal cultural problem at the company?

Update.

Well I just spoke to Preska Thomas of Team Hollywood. She swears the tape is authentic and not a hoax. I told her I do not have the means to test the tape for authenticity but asked if she would make it available to an entity that did. She replied absolutely!

This sounds like a project for Pajamas Media if you ask me.

She spent approximately 40 minutes on the phone with me and sounded quite sincere. She reiterated the story on the US Newswire. That they were compelled to contact CNN due to the enormous amount of calls her firm was receiving from people who were familiar with their company, Team Hollywood. The callers were reporting that they were being harassed by CNN and were being hung up on when they brought up the issue of the X over Cheney’s face.

Ms. Thomas says they had called CNN 5 times before making the now infamous recording. She and her business partner Kevin Finn, spoke to several different operators who all eventually hung up on them, were rude, and accused Cheney and the presidnt of being liars.

I mentioned that the recording ended abruptly. She replied “That is because the operator in the recording hung up on me“.

I asked Ms. Thomas if she was receiving a lot of calls today from people like me who are asking her about the veracity of the tape. She said she is and has received several offers for exclusive rights to the tape. Some have represented themselves as being from the mainstream media. She has refused the offers and told me “this is for the people to hear”.

Ms. Thomas says she is a fan of blogs and thinks they should be taken seriously. “This story would not have gotten out if not for Matt Drudge and the bloggers”.

Ms. Thomas believes there is something wrong with the internal culture at CNN for an operator to speak to a viewer the way this man did to her.

Ms. Thomas made it very clear”The tape being released is not an attack on CNN”

Ms Thomas said “My business partner and I simply felt this was important for the public to know in order to force CNN to examine their internal systems and ask how is this happening?, why is this happening?, and prevent their employees from continuing this with this type of behavior“.

More coverage here: Stop The ACLU, All Things Beautiful, Michelle Malkin, Euphoric Reality, Whizbang, Don’t Go Into the Light. Daily Pundit also spoke with Ms. Thomas this morning.

Open Trackbacks: The Political Teen, Don Surber,

Update: Tip of the hat to Jillian for her link in the comments section to this Yahoo article:

So it appears at the very least Mr. Finn is a partisan.

And wait a minute. Karen Hughes? not “The Bush Administration advisor Karen Hughes”?

Now that is a strange coinkydink. Things are getting curiouser and curiouser batman!