If one asks the question, does size matter?, it might conjure up a lot of different answers.
There is the average fast food restaurant offering larger size fries and soft drink for a small additional amount of money. More to eat for less money. Then, there is the smaller car and a larger person trying to fit in it.
Oh, and then there are the human body parts. Larger this or that, and the perception that larger is better.
However, with earthquakes, larger is not better, but size does matter.
The recent earthquake in Japan, recorded at 8.9 Richter Scale magnitude, caused a lot of damage over a very widespread area. That damage was exacerbated by tidal wave or Tsunami activity.
Most people living along the west coast of the United States have experienced an earthquake. Having lived on the west coast for 64 years, I have experienced dozens of earthquakes. The most powerful was a 6.9 magnitude, and that was during the 1989 “World Serious.”
That quake, known as the Loma Prieta Quake, or the World Series Quake, caused extensive damage within about a 100–mile radius of the epicenter, killed 63 people, injured close to 4,000 people, and left 3,000 to 12,000 homeless, at least temporarily.
Comparing the World Series Quake to the quake in Japan last Friday, the quake in Japan was 1,000 times stronger. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/calculator.php
We have all seen pictures or videos of the horrific damage. Can you imagine what would have happened if the 1989 quake had been 8.9 magnitude?
Thousands, if not millions of TV viewers along the entire west coast of the United States and Canada are sitting in the comfort of their living room or den, watching the events unfold after the Japan earthquake. How many of them are paying attention?
The quake in Japan is a VERY BIG wakeup call for residents living near any of the coastal areas of Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and California. Certain ports along the west coast had Tsunami alerts, and there are reports of eight foot waves causing some damage.
More than likely, there will be a shocking increase in the death toll of the Japan earthquake. The financial damage will be mind boggling as well.
No matter how well prepared one might believe they are prepared, there is always the totally unexpected.
Many relief agencies suggest having at least three days of food and water in your home. I believe that should be a 7 to 10 day supply. That would be food that is edible without cooking, and, some foods that could be cooked by adding boiling water. Canned tuna, chicken, meats, and Ramen-type soups will provide some nutrition.
People forget about other things such as toilet paper, or paper towels, a flashlight, candles, matches, first aid kit, a supply of your medications, and a battery powered radio.
If a really big magnitude earthquake happens, roads might crack and be impassable, bridges might collapse, and you could be stranded. How will you survive for seven to ten days? What if you are ordered to evacuate your home? Where will you go, and how will you get there safely?
The people of Japan have experienced hundreds, if not thousands of earthquakes over the past 50 years. They are probably the most prepared for such events. However, even though they have the experience and were prepared, NO ONE had any realistic idea of what would happen if a Tsunami of major size swept inland.
Now, we all know what happens. It is an unfolding learning experience. Are we paying attention?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
THE NEED FOR A RIGHT TO PRIVACY
There was a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, to favor the right of free speech, over one’s right to privacy. It turns out that there is no specific right to privacy within the U.S. Constitution.
Maybe it is time to fine tune the constitution.
Of course that would be done in one of two ways: Chuck the whole thing by editing it to modern times, or, by making a new amendment. Either way, though, there would be a real mess of opinions and suggestions to sort.
While for the most part, the founding fathers had some good ideas for their times, 235+ years ago, they could not envision the future of 2011 and beyond.
I feel safe in saying that none of the founders could imagine a Boeing 767, or an electric stove, or a car, etc. Even Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, who at the time, many people considered to be polymaths, would not have imagined a computer.
For had they done so, they more than likely would have been labeled as under the spell of a witch or warlock. There would not have been any women on the jury, but there would have been a speedy trial, and a conviction, and probably a death penalty by hanging.
If I understand it correctly, U.S. Supreme Court justices do not make laws, they do their best to interpret the laws. Therein lies the trouble: Judges in 2011, trying to figure out what people meant or wanted back in the 1770s, when they wrote the U.S. Constitution.
The founding fathers were not concerned with the issue of one’s privacy, because there was no need for it. That was a time when everyone minded their own business, and did not meddle in the doings of other people.
I would bet the farm that the founding fathers would be horrified by the sight of the demonstrations by the Westboro Baptist Church members, protesting at military funerals.
Therefore, the only way that “we the people,” can right a wrong, is to change things by enacting a law.
Yes, there ought to be a law, which establishes the “right of privacy.“ This should be a law that cannot be trumped by “free speech.” People should have a right of privacy, to bury their dead in peace – without any of the demonstrations by whacko religious nut job zealots.
The U.S. Congress needs to develop a spine, and pass a joint bill. One that specifically establishes a “right to privacy;” and, that prohibits the demonstrations by any group within 1,000 feet of a funeral for any deceased military members, veterans, or public servants such a police or fire services.
This should be done with all due haste, so President Obama would have the opportunity to sign the bill into law, as soon as practicable.
This “right to privacy” should become the next amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Maybe it is time to fine tune the constitution.
Of course that would be done in one of two ways: Chuck the whole thing by editing it to modern times, or, by making a new amendment. Either way, though, there would be a real mess of opinions and suggestions to sort.
While for the most part, the founding fathers had some good ideas for their times, 235+ years ago, they could not envision the future of 2011 and beyond.
I feel safe in saying that none of the founders could imagine a Boeing 767, or an electric stove, or a car, etc. Even Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, who at the time, many people considered to be polymaths, would not have imagined a computer.
For had they done so, they more than likely would have been labeled as under the spell of a witch or warlock. There would not have been any women on the jury, but there would have been a speedy trial, and a conviction, and probably a death penalty by hanging.
If I understand it correctly, U.S. Supreme Court justices do not make laws, they do their best to interpret the laws. Therein lies the trouble: Judges in 2011, trying to figure out what people meant or wanted back in the 1770s, when they wrote the U.S. Constitution.
The founding fathers were not concerned with the issue of one’s privacy, because there was no need for it. That was a time when everyone minded their own business, and did not meddle in the doings of other people.
I would bet the farm that the founding fathers would be horrified by the sight of the demonstrations by the Westboro Baptist Church members, protesting at military funerals.
Therefore, the only way that “we the people,” can right a wrong, is to change things by enacting a law.
Yes, there ought to be a law, which establishes the “right of privacy.“ This should be a law that cannot be trumped by “free speech.” People should have a right of privacy, to bury their dead in peace – without any of the demonstrations by whacko religious nut job zealots.
The U.S. Congress needs to develop a spine, and pass a joint bill. One that specifically establishes a “right to privacy;” and, that prohibits the demonstrations by any group within 1,000 feet of a funeral for any deceased military members, veterans, or public servants such a police or fire services.
This should be done with all due haste, so President Obama would have the opportunity to sign the bill into law, as soon as practicable.
This “right to privacy” should become the next amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
SUPREME COURT FOR SOME, NOT ALL
I am very sorry to see that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to allow the "right of free speech" to trample on the “right of privacy.”
Of course, I am referring to the decision by the SCOTUS to allow members of the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at military, and police funerals.
In essence, the SCOTUS is saying that persons wanting to protest can climb the privacy fence and disturb the grief and mourning of others. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
I can’t help but wonder about these Supreme Court members and how they feel about their own privacy.
How would they like it if there were a crowd of demonstrators every time they left their home to go to work, or to the store?
How would they like it if members of a radical church decided to protest outside the church attended by the Judges?
More than likely, none of the Supreme Court Judges would want that. They would not like it if they were badgered by protestors, because the Judges are NIMBYs. Moreover, they would probably have law enforcement herding the protestors and demonstrators away from the area, under the threat of arrest.
The members of both houses of the U.S. Congress should pass legislation to guarantee one’s right to privacy, including not having protestors and demonstrators within 500 feet of any funeral, no matter the affiliation of the decedent.
Any church group that claims to be Christian – as in followers of the teachings of Jesus – is not Christian if they protest and demonstrate at funerals.
I find it difficult to believe that Jesus would sponsor or condone such behavior.
It is important to realize that the U.S. Constitution does not specifically mention a right to privacy.
However, over the years, many Supreme Court decisions established the right to privacy as a basic human right. Furthermore, it is protected by the 9th Amendment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
There ought to be a law… !! You bet there should be a law; and Congress should pass that law immediately if not sooner.
Free speech should not trump privacy.
Freedom of religion, should also mean freedom FROM religion, especially if it is the unChristian hate spewed by Westboro Baptist Church.
Of course, I am referring to the decision by the SCOTUS to allow members of the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at military, and police funerals.
In essence, the SCOTUS is saying that persons wanting to protest can climb the privacy fence and disturb the grief and mourning of others. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
I can’t help but wonder about these Supreme Court members and how they feel about their own privacy.
How would they like it if there were a crowd of demonstrators every time they left their home to go to work, or to the store?
How would they like it if members of a radical church decided to protest outside the church attended by the Judges?
More than likely, none of the Supreme Court Judges would want that. They would not like it if they were badgered by protestors, because the Judges are NIMBYs. Moreover, they would probably have law enforcement herding the protestors and demonstrators away from the area, under the threat of arrest.
The members of both houses of the U.S. Congress should pass legislation to guarantee one’s right to privacy, including not having protestors and demonstrators within 500 feet of any funeral, no matter the affiliation of the decedent.
Any church group that claims to be Christian – as in followers of the teachings of Jesus – is not Christian if they protest and demonstrate at funerals.
I find it difficult to believe that Jesus would sponsor or condone such behavior.
It is important to realize that the U.S. Constitution does not specifically mention a right to privacy.
However, over the years, many Supreme Court decisions established the right to privacy as a basic human right. Furthermore, it is protected by the 9th Amendment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
There ought to be a law… !! You bet there should be a law; and Congress should pass that law immediately if not sooner.
Free speech should not trump privacy.
Freedom of religion, should also mean freedom FROM religion, especially if it is the unChristian hate spewed by Westboro Baptist Church.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
SNOWBALL'S CHANCE IN HELL
I am a Republican - since the first time I could vote for Barry Goldwater.
That was back when being a "conservative" meant that one favored prudent spending, and staying to a budget that meant sense; and, being a “Christian” meant that one followed, or at least tried to follow, the teachings of Christ.
However, I do not agree with the ideas and concepts of the present day “GOP leaders.” They do not speak for me.
Over the years, I have seen the GOP stray from fiscal soundness to a religious right, Bible thumper platform; one that almost borders on hate or uncaring for others who are less fortunate or different.
It is an almost exclusionary concept. If one does not have lots and lots of money, or one does not distance oneself from others who are different or less fortunate, then one cannot be a "real Republican." That, from the political party that supposedly cares about other people.
Also, I have always voted for the candidate I believed could do the best job, and often that was not a Republican.
Conservatives and Libertarians need to wake up and smell the coffee. They have no meaningful candidates.
So far, for the 2012 election, there are no GOP or Independent candidates with any genuine plan to help put our country back on track. That will ensure another win for President Obama.
Furthermore, the prospects of Newton Gingrich, Willard Mitt Romney, Ronald Paul, Randal Paul, along with all the other politicos mentioned as possible POTUS candidates, must be suffering with some form of mental illness.
They actually believe they have a chance of election to POTUS; when their chances of election to POTUS are the exact same as a snowball’s chances in hell.
That was back when being a "conservative" meant that one favored prudent spending, and staying to a budget that meant sense; and, being a “Christian” meant that one followed, or at least tried to follow, the teachings of Christ.
However, I do not agree with the ideas and concepts of the present day “GOP leaders.” They do not speak for me.
Over the years, I have seen the GOP stray from fiscal soundness to a religious right, Bible thumper platform; one that almost borders on hate or uncaring for others who are less fortunate or different.
It is an almost exclusionary concept. If one does not have lots and lots of money, or one does not distance oneself from others who are different or less fortunate, then one cannot be a "real Republican." That, from the political party that supposedly cares about other people.
Also, I have always voted for the candidate I believed could do the best job, and often that was not a Republican.
Conservatives and Libertarians need to wake up and smell the coffee. They have no meaningful candidates.
So far, for the 2012 election, there are no GOP or Independent candidates with any genuine plan to help put our country back on track. That will ensure another win for President Obama.
Furthermore, the prospects of Newton Gingrich, Willard Mitt Romney, Ronald Paul, Randal Paul, along with all the other politicos mentioned as possible POTUS candidates, must be suffering with some form of mental illness.
They actually believe they have a chance of election to POTUS; when their chances of election to POTUS are the exact same as a snowball’s chances in hell.
Monday, January 10, 2011
THE N WORD
I was watching a comedy routine on TV last night. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_C.K. He mentioned the "N WORD" and in particular how the news media, and the politically correct, use the "N WORD" term.
Louis went on to say that the truth is, every time someone uses the "N WORD" expression, everyone’s brain automatically translates it to "Nigger." In 2011, with rare exceptions, Nigger is a politically and socially impolite term.
Within the past two weeks, there has been much controversy over the term, especially with regard to the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
In fact, there has been a great hue and cry from the masses, over the controversy caused by the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Indeed, upon learning of this, more than likely the late Mark Twain might have sat up in his coffin, changed ends, and then rolled over several times before coming to rest in an upright position, with a fresh cigar in hand.
I had the racial facts of life told to me one day while I was in the Air Force in 1962. There had been a lot of racial tension in our barracks, so a mixed group of several of us airmen were in the TV room talking about how to get along better.
A Black airman asked me if I knew the difference between a Nigger, and a Negro. I confessed that I did not. Then he asked me if I knew the difference between a White man and White Trash. I allowed as how I did. Then he told me that a Nigger meant the same as White Trash. That was his way of defining the situation, that our barracks had a mix of people, including Niggers and White Trash, living amongst the more civilized rest of us.
For the last 48 years, I have heard many Black men use the "N WORD" when addressing themselves in conversation with one another. As in, "Hey Nigga, whutup?"
Apparently, it is perfectly OK for Black men to use the “N WORD” in polite conversation. However, there are very strict boundaries, where a White person would be committing a social error by using the same term.
Also, during the past 48 years, I have seen how the word Negro has fallen out of favor, to be replaced by Black, or African American to define race...
Alan Gribben had the audacity to do the rewrite of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Regardless of reason, I think it was a BIG mistake to rewrite The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in order to replace a word that was widely used, by both White and Black people at the time – 1885.
We all know and realize that over time the meaning of a word can change. I believe it is better to leave things in their proper historical context.
Instead of getting their undergarments all twisted and knotted, folks need to remember that “Huck Finn” is a satirical novel – one with great social value in 1885 and today.
People should consider visiting WikipediA’s information, to learn more about the book. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventures_of_Huckleberry_Finn
This rewriting matter sounds like political correctness, out of control.
There is a basic bottom line: If Black people are offended by the term Nigger, they too should stop using the term.
Louis went on to say that the truth is, every time someone uses the "N WORD" expression, everyone’s brain automatically translates it to "Nigger." In 2011, with rare exceptions, Nigger is a politically and socially impolite term.
Within the past two weeks, there has been much controversy over the term, especially with regard to the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
In fact, there has been a great hue and cry from the masses, over the controversy caused by the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Indeed, upon learning of this, more than likely the late Mark Twain might have sat up in his coffin, changed ends, and then rolled over several times before coming to rest in an upright position, with a fresh cigar in hand.
I had the racial facts of life told to me one day while I was in the Air Force in 1962. There had been a lot of racial tension in our barracks, so a mixed group of several of us airmen were in the TV room talking about how to get along better.
A Black airman asked me if I knew the difference between a Nigger, and a Negro. I confessed that I did not. Then he asked me if I knew the difference between a White man and White Trash. I allowed as how I did. Then he told me that a Nigger meant the same as White Trash. That was his way of defining the situation, that our barracks had a mix of people, including Niggers and White Trash, living amongst the more civilized rest of us.
For the last 48 years, I have heard many Black men use the "N WORD" when addressing themselves in conversation with one another. As in, "Hey Nigga, whutup?"
Apparently, it is perfectly OK for Black men to use the “N WORD” in polite conversation. However, there are very strict boundaries, where a White person would be committing a social error by using the same term.
Also, during the past 48 years, I have seen how the word Negro has fallen out of favor, to be replaced by Black, or African American to define race...
Alan Gribben had the audacity to do the rewrite of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Regardless of reason, I think it was a BIG mistake to rewrite The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in order to replace a word that was widely used, by both White and Black people at the time – 1885.
We all know and realize that over time the meaning of a word can change. I believe it is better to leave things in their proper historical context.
Instead of getting their undergarments all twisted and knotted, folks need to remember that “Huck Finn” is a satirical novel – one with great social value in 1885 and today.
People should consider visiting WikipediA’s information, to learn more about the book. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventures_of_Huckleberry_Finn
This rewriting matter sounds like political correctness, out of control.
There is a basic bottom line: If Black people are offended by the term Nigger, they too should stop using the term.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
47 YEARS AGO TODAY, November 22, 2010
That would be November 22, 1963. It was the day that President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline visited Dallas, Texas. At Love Airfield, Texas Governor John Connolly and his wife Nellie, greeted the Kennedy’s and the four of them were riding in an open “presidential limousine” on the way to a speaking engagement at the Texas Trade Mart.
As they turned to pass the Texas Book Depository, there were shots, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Many people were either not born, or too young at the time to remember the events of that day. At the end of this article, I am including a few links for research purposes.
For me, I was at work that day. I was serving in the U.S. Air Force, Air Defense Command, at the NORAD facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. My job was ‘INDT’ or Interceptor Director Technician, meaning that I worked with an officer to control interceptors. Together we would use verbal or computer commands to direct interceptors to target aircraft. It was a constant practice, practice, practice, to defend against any attack on North America by the Soviet Union.
If I recall correctly, it was a Friday, and there were a few ‘missions” scheduled. I just finished working a mission and was having a sitting rest. We could “sit rest,” tilting back in a chair with one up on another chair, and the other foot on the floor, and with our eyes closed – as long as we could respond if someone called our name. I was doing that when the NORAD Hot Line phone rang. It had a strange sound, sort of a “BWEEDLE, BWEEDLE, BWEEDLE” sound instead of the regular phone ring sound. Everyone in the room would hear that and know that it was NORAD Headquarters on the phone. It was about 35 past the hour.
I sat up in my chair and looked toward the raised dais, where the Senior Director and his staff sat. There were two Majors and two Senior Master Sergeants at that location. All listened intently, and verified the authenticity of the message by using something then known as a CAC, a secret cryptographic message verification process, to assure the message was real and coa ming from NORAD.
As soon as they completed that call, Major Van Quince looked around the room and spotted me sitting by myself. In a voice loud enough for me to hear him clearly, he said, “Airman Clark report!” That was an order, and it meant that I had to hop right to it, and present myself – at attention, and with a salute, which I did.
He told me, “I want you to listen to me very carefully. I am going to tell you something very important, and I want you to go around the room and tell everyone what I am going to tell you. Is that understood? I replied with a “Yes Sir!”
Major Van Quince continued, “President Kennedy has been assassinated, and the governor of Texas badly wounded. During a presidential motorcade, assassins fired from an overpass and killed President Kennedy. Lyndon Johnson is now the president of the United States. We do not believe it was an attack by the Soviets or another foreign country. Do you understand what I have just told you?”
I said, “Yes Sir!” and repeated the information to him, almost verbatim.
He said, “Good, now, go around the room and inform each and every person in this room. When you are done, report back to me.”
I saluted and went off to perform this order.
That ‘room’ was “The Weapons Room” and next-door was “Air Surveillance.” The Weapons Room had four areas consisting of a “Weapons Director” console, and six Interceptor Control console stations. Three of those areas were in use during this mission. It meant there were about 38 people at work controlling interceptors during that mission.
I began my task and very quickly got some hostile responses from officers and airmen. “Clark, if you are making this up or lying to me I will Court Martial you!” was the response from the first couple of Lieutenants and Captains.
Finally, a light went on in my head. “Sir, I have a message for you from Major Van Quince, he asked me to inform you that…”
Nearly everyone was in shock and disbelief, as I completed the rounds with this terrible news. Detail done, I reported back to Major Van Quince. He thanked me for doing that, and suggested that I go get a cup of coffee.
Instead, I went to the break room and just sat there. I was almost numb. Some of the civilian employees were eating their lunch and watching a game show on TV. A few minutes passed before the “NEWS BULLETIN” sign came onto the TV screen.
As soon as it appeared, I mentioned that they were going to say that President Kennedy had been shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. The several people in the room turned to look at me, in mid bite of their sandwiches, as if I was evil incarnate. All of us watched as a jittering camera focused on the chaos at the emergency entrance at Parkland Memorial Hospital, and the news that followed.
A few days later, I was in the hospital for a tonsillectomy that had been scheduled for many moths. I damn near died from loss of blood during that surgery, and was in the hospital during the Kennedy funeral. I also remember the Thanksgiving a few days later, on the 28TH, and how everyone else got a nice turkey dinner while I had water and Jell-O.
I always found it interesting that NORAD knew President Kennedy was dead almost immediately, and that it took 15 to 20 minutes or more for the news media to react to it. That day lingers in my mind, as if it happened this morning. It leaves me with two particular somethings to ponder - assassins and overpass.
Major Van Quince was a very intelligent person, and the only person I ever met who had a near photographic memory. He was always calm and was reasonably kind toward all who served under him. He flew B–24 bombers during WWII, and had some of the best war footage film I have ever seen.
Those were films taken from inside his planes during the bombing runs. It was riveting to see the plane shake with near misses from German artillery shells and anti-aircraft “ack-ack” guns. He and his co-pilot filmed things like their bombing raid on the oil fields of Ploesti in German held Yugoslavia. Major Van Quince was there and lived to tell about it.
In 1963, I had no idea that Major Van Quince was a hero, as well as the others who served with him; but, I know it now in 2010. God bless them all. This video clip shows what that combat was like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWO7UqP7acc
Therefore, more than likely, Major Van Quince was not someone who would make an error with a message from NORAD. I distinctly recall that he said overpass, and, assassins – and that is with an ‘s’ meaning more than one; and, that was information he received direct from NORAD Headquarters.
A few days ago, Jesse Ventura’s Conspiracy Theory program aired information about the murder of President Kennedy. It is hard to know what to believe. However, I am sure that Lee Harvey Oswald would not have been able to fire three accurate shots at a moving target within about six seconds, using the rifle the authorities said he used.
Instead, I have long suspected that this was a very professional hit, probably involving highly trained and experienced government or organized crime snipers. More than likely, others in the government, including Vice President Johnson, “might have acted in what they believed was the best interests of the country,” to prevent President Kennedy from doing something.
There are so many theories about the Kennedy assassination. However, I only know what Major Van Quince told me, and to this day, I believe him. “Overpass and assassins.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_John_F._Kennedy_assassination
http://www.fiftiesweb.com/kennedy/kennedy-assassination-22-2.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Connally
http://www.rense.com/general70/connol.htm
As they turned to pass the Texas Book Depository, there were shots, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Many people were either not born, or too young at the time to remember the events of that day. At the end of this article, I am including a few links for research purposes.
For me, I was at work that day. I was serving in the U.S. Air Force, Air Defense Command, at the NORAD facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. My job was ‘INDT’ or Interceptor Director Technician, meaning that I worked with an officer to control interceptors. Together we would use verbal or computer commands to direct interceptors to target aircraft. It was a constant practice, practice, practice, to defend against any attack on North America by the Soviet Union.
If I recall correctly, it was a Friday, and there were a few ‘missions” scheduled. I just finished working a mission and was having a sitting rest. We could “sit rest,” tilting back in a chair with one up on another chair, and the other foot on the floor, and with our eyes closed – as long as we could respond if someone called our name. I was doing that when the NORAD Hot Line phone rang. It had a strange sound, sort of a “BWEEDLE, BWEEDLE, BWEEDLE” sound instead of the regular phone ring sound. Everyone in the room would hear that and know that it was NORAD Headquarters on the phone. It was about 35 past the hour.
I sat up in my chair and looked toward the raised dais, where the Senior Director and his staff sat. There were two Majors and two Senior Master Sergeants at that location. All listened intently, and verified the authenticity of the message by using something then known as a CAC, a secret cryptographic message verification process, to assure the message was real and coa ming from NORAD.
As soon as they completed that call, Major Van Quince looked around the room and spotted me sitting by myself. In a voice loud enough for me to hear him clearly, he said, “Airman Clark report!” That was an order, and it meant that I had to hop right to it, and present myself – at attention, and with a salute, which I did.
He told me, “I want you to listen to me very carefully. I am going to tell you something very important, and I want you to go around the room and tell everyone what I am going to tell you. Is that understood? I replied with a “Yes Sir!”
Major Van Quince continued, “President Kennedy has been assassinated, and the governor of Texas badly wounded. During a presidential motorcade, assassins fired from an overpass and killed President Kennedy. Lyndon Johnson is now the president of the United States. We do not believe it was an attack by the Soviets or another foreign country. Do you understand what I have just told you?”
I said, “Yes Sir!” and repeated the information to him, almost verbatim.
He said, “Good, now, go around the room and inform each and every person in this room. When you are done, report back to me.”
I saluted and went off to perform this order.
That ‘room’ was “The Weapons Room” and next-door was “Air Surveillance.” The Weapons Room had four areas consisting of a “Weapons Director” console, and six Interceptor Control console stations. Three of those areas were in use during this mission. It meant there were about 38 people at work controlling interceptors during that mission.
I began my task and very quickly got some hostile responses from officers and airmen. “Clark, if you are making this up or lying to me I will Court Martial you!” was the response from the first couple of Lieutenants and Captains.
Finally, a light went on in my head. “Sir, I have a message for you from Major Van Quince, he asked me to inform you that…”
Nearly everyone was in shock and disbelief, as I completed the rounds with this terrible news. Detail done, I reported back to Major Van Quince. He thanked me for doing that, and suggested that I go get a cup of coffee.
Instead, I went to the break room and just sat there. I was almost numb. Some of the civilian employees were eating their lunch and watching a game show on TV. A few minutes passed before the “NEWS BULLETIN” sign came onto the TV screen.
As soon as it appeared, I mentioned that they were going to say that President Kennedy had been shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. The several people in the room turned to look at me, in mid bite of their sandwiches, as if I was evil incarnate. All of us watched as a jittering camera focused on the chaos at the emergency entrance at Parkland Memorial Hospital, and the news that followed.
A few days later, I was in the hospital for a tonsillectomy that had been scheduled for many moths. I damn near died from loss of blood during that surgery, and was in the hospital during the Kennedy funeral. I also remember the Thanksgiving a few days later, on the 28TH, and how everyone else got a nice turkey dinner while I had water and Jell-O.
I always found it interesting that NORAD knew President Kennedy was dead almost immediately, and that it took 15 to 20 minutes or more for the news media to react to it. That day lingers in my mind, as if it happened this morning. It leaves me with two particular somethings to ponder - assassins and overpass.
Major Van Quince was a very intelligent person, and the only person I ever met who had a near photographic memory. He was always calm and was reasonably kind toward all who served under him. He flew B–24 bombers during WWII, and had some of the best war footage film I have ever seen.
Those were films taken from inside his planes during the bombing runs. It was riveting to see the plane shake with near misses from German artillery shells and anti-aircraft “ack-ack” guns. He and his co-pilot filmed things like their bombing raid on the oil fields of Ploesti in German held Yugoslavia. Major Van Quince was there and lived to tell about it.
In 1963, I had no idea that Major Van Quince was a hero, as well as the others who served with him; but, I know it now in 2010. God bless them all. This video clip shows what that combat was like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWO7UqP7acc
Therefore, more than likely, Major Van Quince was not someone who would make an error with a message from NORAD. I distinctly recall that he said overpass, and, assassins – and that is with an ‘s’ meaning more than one; and, that was information he received direct from NORAD Headquarters.
A few days ago, Jesse Ventura’s Conspiracy Theory program aired information about the murder of President Kennedy. It is hard to know what to believe. However, I am sure that Lee Harvey Oswald would not have been able to fire three accurate shots at a moving target within about six seconds, using the rifle the authorities said he used.
Instead, I have long suspected that this was a very professional hit, probably involving highly trained and experienced government or organized crime snipers. More than likely, others in the government, including Vice President Johnson, “might have acted in what they believed was the best interests of the country,” to prevent President Kennedy from doing something.
There are so many theories about the Kennedy assassination. However, I only know what Major Van Quince told me, and to this day, I believe him. “Overpass and assassins.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_John_F._Kennedy_assassination
http://www.fiftiesweb.com/kennedy/kennedy-assassination-22-2.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Connally
http://www.rense.com/general70/connol.htm
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED WIRES
It is a very good idea to STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED WIRES. Very few people realize that electricity can "reach out and touch someone."
You could be standing several feet from charged utility pole wires that crashed down due to wind and storm activity. There is a tendency for some people to get closer to something, to have a better look. In the case of downed wires, it could be the last time you look at anything, because the electricity can reach toward you, and cause very serious burns or death.
The best course of action is to report the situation to 911, or your local fire department, and let them contact the utility company. Linger in the area - at a safe distance - to warn other people away from the danger.
You could be standing several feet from charged utility pole wires that crashed down due to wind and storm activity. There is a tendency for some people to get closer to something, to have a better look. In the case of downed wires, it could be the last time you look at anything, because the electricity can reach toward you, and cause very serious burns or death.
The best course of action is to report the situation to 911, or your local fire department, and let them contact the utility company. Linger in the area - at a safe distance - to warn other people away from the danger.
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