Rambo and Commando Backing McCain

Now there are two guys who don’t have a clue about what it’s really like to be a solider: Stallone and The Terminator. I don’t know what it’s like to be a solider because I’ve only played one on TV.

Here’s the problem as I see it. McCain’s alright, but he’s not my first choice. And, why not? Because I’ve followed what he’s done and what he’s said about the war. I’ve known about his Congressional Delegation (CONDEL) visits here to Iraq. And, every time I’ve read his words I’ve gotten a kind of sick feeling in my stomach. He’s a bit too gung-ho for me, and yet he’s NOT good-to-go when it comes to interrogation of terrorists. I’ve written blogs about that. It’s no surprise that charlatan Special Forces actors would want to back him.

I’m ready for some change. …But, of course, not something as radical as Ted Kennedy for VP.

In the end, though, whatever happens…happens, and I’ll support my new Commander and Chief whether it’s Obama, McCain or Romney. They seem to be the frontrunners. Huckleberry has freed (pardoned) too many felons for my comfort.

The World’s Police

A hop, skip and a very large jump (over Iran) from here, a few of my buddies are operating in the bitter cold and ultra-high climate of Afghanistan.

Here’s the news from that country:

A 16-year-old Afghan girl was severely beaten by her 40-year-old husband on Christmas Day. They were married three months and now he is on the lam. This abuser broke 16 of his wife’s teeth, shaved her head, cut off her nose and ears and poured scalding water on her hands and feet. (Source: Stars and Stripes, Mideast Ed. “Government, U.S. troops rally to help Afghan girl,” January 30, 2008, 7.)

A large majority of my friends are or have been in law enforcement as well as in the military. Many of those are in private security, operating under the umbrella of some government entity. The others are in special ops—some of which ‘hate’ the police and have never been in law enforcement, subsequently.

A buddy of mine who’s now the team leader for a Special Forces Operational Detachment operating in Africa (AFRICOM) and battling the threats there told me before I came here to Iraq that I need to basically run operations like a cop with attitude—and bigger guns. As a former SWAT team leader, that comes rather naturally. Basically, we’re a conglomeration of the world’s police, hunting down bad guys who do harm to others—terrorists and criminals alike.

Rumors and Open-Source Media Research

In December General Petraeus reported that there was a 60% decrease in violence overall in Iraq. American military deaths since October are less than a third of the figure a year ago (See, e.g. The Economist, “Can a lull be turned into real peace?” December 15, 2007, 29.).

Great things are happening here. A Shi’ite tribal sheikh and his Sunni counterpart from Little Barwana and Big Barwana, respectively, have signed peace deals ending two years of bloodshed. That deal was brokered by U.S. soldiers. (Stars and Stripes, Mideast Ed., cover story, January 27, 2008.)

The radical Shi’ite cleric Muqtada al Sadr called a cease fire of his Mahdi Army militia (a.k.a. Jaish al Mahdi) in August. Now he even wants a dialogue with the U.S. military here in Iraq. Again, overall, good – no, great – things are happening in Iraq. Yet there are still some very bad areas, particularly north of Baghdad, where my buddy Johnny died a few months ago by a roadside bomb. That area is called Multi-National Forces-North (simply MNF-N).

Five soldiers just died in a complex attack in Mosul. (Note: the complex attack involved an explosion followed by small arms fire.) Mosul, which is north of Baghdad and Ramadi, is the last al Qaeda bastion in Iraq apparently. Not long ago 40 people were killed when an entire house blew up there. (Hamid Ahmed, AP Report: “Iraq sends troops to Mosul for mission” Jan 28, 2008.) There are assassinations against Iraqi police leaders there and elsewhere, of course. Tikrit, which is near Mosul, has had several big attacks lately too.

Baghdad still has its share of problems. Two U.S. military soldiers were killed in separate bombings over the past few days. Yet, about 75% of Baghdad’s neighborhoods are secure, a dramatic increase from 8% a year ago. (Jim Michaels, USA Today, “75% of areas in Baghdad secure,” Jan 18-20, 2008.)

Now, let’s take a look at Anbar, here in the Euphrates river valley (or, MNF-W for West). Aside from a couple attacks aimed against assassinating some pro-American, anti-al Qaeda Sunni sheikhs over the last several days (and I’d blame those attacks on bin Laden’s recent urging to kill sheikhs of the Anbar Awakening), the area is still pretty docile. Most of the terrorists have been driven from here and have moved up north. (e.g. Kim Gamel, AP Report: “5 U.S. soldiers killed in northern Iraq,” http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080128/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq, retrieved January 28, 2008.)

Many of Iraq’s foreign fighters (Saudis, Libyans and terrorists from the Maghrib, or north Africa) entered into the Anbar province from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria in the past, but since we’ve been here, the bulk of the foreign fighters have tended to enter more north via Syria and in towards Tall Afar. (See, e.g. Karen DeYoung, The Washington Post, “Papers offer insight into foreign fighters,” c. January 22, 2008.)

So, the rumors are we’re moving out of Anbar and possibly (an additional rumor) the length of our tour will get extended a month or two. And, where do you think we’d go? Hummm….not hard to guess that: from the frying pan into the fire!

SHOT Show in Las Vegas

Anyone who likes guns or who uses them for a living should be interested in attending the 2008 SHOT Show. ' Wish I could go. The annual giant trade show, owned and sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, will be held on February 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This year there’s something new—something incredible coming—called the SureFire Graham Combat Grip Set.

Having had a peek at the product to be unveiled, I can hardly wait to buy one. For now, I’ll forgo anything about it until the debut. But, if you happen to go, check it out. You can also go to http://www.grahamcombat.com/ to learn just a bit more about the inventor, Mr. Graham.

Note: I’ve also shot the Graham’s 3-Dimensional Combat Training Targets and cannot say enough good about them. Everyone from On Killing and On Combat author, Dave Grossman (http://www.killology.com/), to legendary firearms instructor John Farnam (http://www.defense-training.com/) is on-board. Mr. Graham, the inventor, is a new generation tactical thinker and trainer. His techniques, training and inventions will help save numerous lives in law enforcement, private security and the military.

Political Endorsements

From Chuck Norris to Sly Stallone to Oprah political candidates are getting big-name endorsements. Colossal fiscal donations the size of Tiger Woods’ endorsements is likewise pouring in. The biggest upset seems to be the Kennedy’s deliberately backing someone other than Hillary Clinton – a person of their own far-leaning liberal ilk.

In all this hoopla and brouhaha and malarkey, I’d like to predict another endorsement: Jerry Springer will endorse Brittney Spears…that is, if it hasn’t already transpired.

I don’t know about you, but I’d be happy to never hear or read anything about ‘entertainment news’ figures ever again. As a matter of fact, this U.S. Presidential campaign is getting a little old too. Will it ever end?

Church Leader Dies

President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died Sunday night at the age of 97.

When I was home on leave, we went to Utah for a quick visit. In my wife's uncle's office in Salt Lake was a personally signed picture of Larry King with President Hinckley. Uncle Bruce, the Director for Public Relations for the Church, arranged those meetings. I asked him if any more Larry King interviews were afoot. He told me that President Hinckley had ailing health and that he would not.

Several years ago, I was asked to help out with the close protection security for President Hinckley. I was able to meet with him and his wife. Like everyone, they looked taller than on TV. The first and only words that came to my mind when I met them was 'beautiful.' They were a beautiful couple and beautiful people from the inside and it radiated out. Sister Marjorie Hinckley passed away in 2004.

Perhaps the most memorable of all the words I've read of Gordon B. Hinckley -- or have heard him speak -- are these. It sums up his life as a man of integrity who will be dearly missed. Said he,

It has been my privilege on various occasions to converse with presidents of the United States and important leaders in other governments. At the close of each visit, I have reflected on the rewarding experience of standing with confidence in the presence of an acknowledged leader. And then I have thought, what a wonderful thing, what a marvelous thing it would be to stand with confidence—unafraid and unashamed and unembarrassed—in the presence of God. This is the promise held out to every virtuous man and woman.

I know of no greater promise made by God to man than this promise made to those who let virtue garnish their thoughts unceasingly. (source: here.)

Fun Toys for Adults and Tots Alike

A buddy here bought a mini-indoor remote control helicopter. If I were home, I'd buy one for my sons and me to play with. Eventually I'll get one. They are surprisingly inexpensive and durable.

The one I've seen:
http://www.bananahobby.com/1309.html

Others:
http://www.bananahobby.com/electric-rc-helicopters-palm-size-rc-helicopters.html

Kill bin Laden

A few months ago I heard about the forthcoming book Kill bin Laden from a former Delta Force operator and personal friend of mine. St. Martin’s Press picked it up. It should be out in the Fall of this year. Perhaps a movie could accompany it.

Here’s a quick description of the book:

In late November 2001 forty members of the U.S. Army’s super secret counterterrorist unit known as Delta Force were sent to the Tora Bora Mountains in eastern Afghanistan to kill terrorist mastermind Usama bin Laden.

The author, Dalton Fury, is a retired troop commander. (Delta Force is divided into troops instead of battalion-like elements.) Of course, I know more about “Dalton” (which isn’t his real name) and his unit, but those kinds of things are just not talked about. Speaking of taboo, I’ve heard it straight from the mouths of other Delta Force operators how much they loathe Eric Haney, a former Delta operator who went public and wrote Inside Delta Force: The Story of America’s Elite Counterterrorism Unit. The TV series The Unit is based on Eric’s book and he serves as its tactical consultant.

With all the personal struggles Dalton must have faced and with some of his personal contacts who have blacklisted him (or who will), I’d rather take a kinder approach and say, “Good for you, brother.” Your decision took A LOT of courage.

A while back I faced a similar struggle. After extensive consideration and pondering, I felt I should write a book. I would talk about things that weren’t made public—secret things. To say that decision was a struggle would be an understatement.

Back then I called a trusted advisor and personal friend—my special operations mentor. He has seen more action, done more and knows more secrets than anyone I know. He’s the kind of guy that movies are made about and who should have been awarded the highest honorary medals for combat action in times of ‘peace’, but he wasn’t because he acted as a true Quiet Professional. He’s a deeply religious Christian and I trust his opinion.

We talked at length. In the end, he suggested I should not write a book.

I took my thoughts, feelings and decisions to fervent prayer. My answer: Yes, and don’t ask again.

I’ve done and have seen some pretty interesting things. I’ve been to some interesting places and have learned a few things about life. With deep respect to my friend’s advice, I still plan to write. There are still stories yet to be told. And stories, like Kill bin Laden, that are yet to be read.

Jihad and the Presidential Candidates: Analysis

George Akkelquist, a friend of a friend and FBI consultant on Middle Eastern terrorism, says Islamic terrorists divide the world outside Islam into two divisions: Infidels and Kafirs. Often those two terms are used interchangeably. Nevertheless, Mr. Akkelquist says Infidels include Jews and Christians and all others who believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost.

(Note: The notes I took at a Federal Air Marshal lecture based on Mr. Akkelquist’s teachings are in my home office in America and I haven’t seen them for over a year, but I believe my memory serves me correctly.)

According to the most radical Islamists, Infidels can live peaceably with Muslims as long as they are subordinate to Islamic rule, and in some cases I suppose, like in the days of old, they pay a poll tax, or jizya.

Kafirs are a bit worse in the eyes of 'radical Islamic fundamentalists,' as is the wording the U.S. government has used to describe Islamic terrorists. Kafirs include Buddhists, Hindus and ‘pagan religions’ (i.e. consider the Thailand Islamic insurgency). Sitting in the federal law enforcement counterterrorism briefing, I was also told that kafirs would also include Mormons. Being the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ in the room, I promptly raised my hand to ask a question, stopping the lecture.

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost (Article of Faith, No. 1); but we aren’t considered main-stream Christian.

I wanted to know why I was considered a kafir.

"I’m Mormon," most of the guys knew that, but I said it anyway. Continuing, I said, "...so obviously I’m curious. What is it about the Mormon faith…?"

The lecturer replied, "They believe in modern prophets." Ahh… He didn’t have to explain anything further. We sustain the President of our Church, as well as his two counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators.

Like murderous religious cult members, there are a few things Islamic extremists will kill for. In the case of terrorists against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are modern prophets in lieu of - or that have come after - the Prophet Muhammad. To announce any prophetic position, or apparently subsequent revelation, past the sepulcher of the Prophet Muhammad is punishable by death, according to them.

Other ‘crimes’ punishable by death include things like:

• Denying or leaving Islam/converting to another faith. (Such a murder occurred in New Jersey a few years ago.) They’ll also murder those who convert anyone away from Islam.
• Any apostate or traitor will be killed (e.g. those who fight against an establishment of a Sharia-led government or who coalesce with Western governments/philosophies. Targets have included the Saudi Royal Family, Sunni Sheikh Sattar and the Anbar Awakening sheikhs, Bhutto, even Musharraf himself, diplomats in Lebanon , Egyptian Presidents past and present, et al.).
• Those who go against the strict religious protocols and way of humble living, like those who cut their hair or remove their beards will also be targeted. Many barbers and barber shops have been targeted here in Iraq .
• Any woman guilty of an interpretation of Islamic moral turpitude; ‘Honor killings’ have happened for years and will continue. (Interestingly, male homosexuality seems ignored, allowable or excusable.)
• Speaking ill of the Prophet Muhammad or Islam in general (think of the Dutch filmmakers Theo Van Gogh and/or Geert Wilders, or Satanic Verses author Salam Rushdie).

(Note: "We [in my church] claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." Article of Faith, No. 11. Therefore why should we badmouth anyone’s religion? Besides, Mormons have been bad-mouthed like none other. Like fundamental break-off sects of our religion, who espouse illegal practices such as polygamy or in one case made famous by a book, murder, that’s another story. Obviously any good or honorable person will stand up and decry crime and terror; Islam, nor any other religion, is not a cloak for murderers and tyrants to hide behind. See also Article of Faith 12.)

Okay, now there’s the link to the Presidential candidates and the jihad analysis.

In the past I mentioned Usama bin Laden’s likely assessment of having a woman - the lowest creature on earth, according to him and his ilk - as the U.S. President. "General Hillary Clinton," the Commander and Chief, as Romney recently said of her in the Florida GOP debates, just has a nauseating ring, doesn’t it? I hate to say I have anything in common with a terrorist, but if UBL isn't for it, I don’t want to see a woman named Hillary (or a ‘First Husband’ named Bill) in the White House either.

What about a kafir Mormon? What does the terror magnate think of that? Certainly, bin Laden and his kind have studied more about the Mormons lately. Interestingly, there are many similarities between Muslims and Mormons. Although we don’t espouse polygamy today, the Church of Jesus Christ did in the late 1800’s. A friend and Arab-Israeli once told me his Islamic grandfather had multiple wives. Me too. The others who overheard our conversation wanted to join for such a fringe benefit as they saw it. I won’t go into the other similarities as it's out of the scope of this blog.

Suffice it to say, I can foresee a greater threat posed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to its leaders, particularly outside the United States as the church grows 'out of obscurity and darkness.' Should Mitt Romney get elected, that threat would only increase. For the most part, things would be calm and tranquil…just call me macabre for always thinking of the moribund.

What about the threat posed to a Christian Baptist preacher? Consider what bin Laden and his legions want. Would Huckabee’s lack of foreign policy experience, and preacher background, meshed with a 'theocratic' warfare image stir up terrorist's angst toward the Western 'Crusaders?'

Does Huckabee’s foreign policy stance reflect that of President Bush when after 9/11 he ignorantly used the word ‘crusade’ reflecting the awful Christian Crusades, or when it comes to foreign policy is the governor really pretty clueless? I won't answer that.

Lastly, what are the correlations to jihad and a potential black/African-America President? Many rumors have gone around. Some say Obama is a Muslim and attended an Islamic school. He's a Christian. But whatever the case may be about is early childhood he definitely has a Muslim name and hence by name alone (or by rumors of him being Islamic which terrorists probably won’t care to vet) he is potentially one of the worst ‘traitors/apostates’ who may, in fact, be a higher target of a terrorist assassination than the other candidates.

I understand that the term kafir has also been used in the past as racial slur in Africa.

When considering Obama's part-African heritage, I think about how fickle Islamic terrorists are. The Islamic janjaweed (devils on horseback) are killing Muslims in Sudan; hundreds of black Muslims died in the 1998 East Africa U.S. embassy bombings. Are black Muslims, then, somehow expendable or held in less regard to Arab, Chechen/Anglo, or Southeast Asian Muslims by al Qaeda? I won't attempt to answer that.

Genealogy

Those in the Middle East are culturally much more cognizant of their ancestry than those in the West, especially in the United States. When you delve into it, family history is pretty fascinating stuff—it’s who we are.

The Denning name is Welch. That’s where my roots hail from. There is royalty in my heritage…or some I’m told. And, General Uylsses S. Grant is a distant cousin, along with some other wonderful statesmen and religious leaders. For the most part, though, my Denning ancestors (circa early 1800’s) were coal miners in Somerset, England.

A few summers ago, during the London Bomb Plot days, I traveled to England, rented a car and drove to the home of my father’s fathers as well as my mother’s fathers, ironically. Aside from nearly crashing at every corner observing the south-pawed driving protocols of the U.K., I thoroughly enjoyed the lush countryside and rolling hills.

The clergyman of the old Church of England in the tiny village near Bath (c. 1300), did some illegal things (hard to fathom, I know) and fled the area taking with him all the data and records (births, deaths, baptisms, marriages, etc.) preceding that date. I felt a part of me return, though, as I strolled through the graveside cemetery near the ancient church on the hill and searched for familiar names.

My father’s mother was a Pratt. Her grandfather (my great-great-great grandfather) is one of my heroes. Parley P. Pratt converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early 1800s after discovering The Book of Mormon. An avid reader and follower of the Holy Bible, he felt the companion volume to the Holy Scriptures was true. He wrote: “I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep.” (Parley P. Pratt, Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, 1985, 20.) Such is the power of that “book of books.”

Later, on a mission to England, as he was eager to share his new discovery, he served as founding editor of a newspaper, the Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, which continued publication until 1970. (Ensign, “The Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt,” April 2007, 59.) He published many books; he was articulate, eloquent, and was blessed with a brilliant mind and a good heart. Oh, that I could have just a small percentage of his nobleness…

During the days of persecution against the leaders of the newly organized church—for which I’ve already addressed how the states of Missouri and Illinois have in the past few years officially apologized to the said church—Grandpa Pratt was imprisoned with the founder Joseph Smith prior to a transfer. He wrote to his second wife (‘the wife of [his] bosom’ had died), something reminiscent of my own situation. It captures the loneliness most men feel when separated from their loved ones.

“Locks and bars, rivers and distance separate us, and still I love you, but I am doomed to languish out long months and perhaps years deprived of your society while my little ones grow, and change their size and appearance without one sweet kiss or fond embrace from a father who loves them dearer than life.” (Ibid.)

…It sure was nice to go home for two weeks. Yes, the little ones, especially, have changed in appearance and mannerisms. Hopefully, I’ll never have to be torn from them ever again.

Divers Down

What do you call one hundred rabbits walking backwards?
…Give up? A receding hare line.


My wife—the most beautiful woman in the sea.
No one we met believed that she's the mother of our four kids; most thought we were newlyweds. What can I say? I married 'Miss. Right.' (She reminds me that it's 'Miss. Always Right.')

Caribbean Cruise with my Sweetheart

The Land of Desolation

Back in the Box

I just got back to the 'sand box' after spending two wonderful weeks at home with my wife and kids. I was amazed at how much the kids have grown, especially the two little ones. I guess that's what happens when you're away at war.

I also recognized after returning here how high-strung and tense I was prior to my R&R. Oh, it was a much needed bliss.

Home Sweet Home

When the very full chartered jumbo jet landed in America, the flight attendant said to all of us going home for two weeks mid-tour leave, “Welcome to the ‘Land of the Free’ thanks to you.” A surge of overwhelming gratitude came over me, not because of the compliment only, but because of the history and the beauty of America and the millions of men and women who’ve sacrificed so much.

There are occasions in life when your dreams and wishes meet the here and now—when you are where you want to be and you’re doing what you want to do. There are terms like nirvana, Shangri-La and utopia that perhaps describe in some small way this feeling and this grand part of life. That’s the way I feel now being here at home with my wife and my children.

I find myself having spurts of sheer and utter gratitude. It’s a euphoric and emotional sensation. I can finally relax. Aside from the joy of being with my family, I can take a bath, walk barefoot on carpet and feel all the comforts of hearth and home.

Being in Iraq is like being forced to be roommates with someone who annoys you and who you’ll never see yourself becoming friends with.

Home-cooked meals are incredibly delicious. When I ate the first time, though, I got an odd sensation in my stomach. I felt some pain. I was reminded of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind. She got sick the first time she ate after going without for so long. I’ve gone without real food for so long. Either that or it was changing the raunchy diaper of our youngest child right before dinner that made me sick. I actually gagged. I never was really good at changing diapers, but really, has it been that long?

Finally, why in the world would I blog right now instead of be with my family? Well, I’ve kept a faithful journal for over 20 years. There are great benefits to record keeping. And, secondly, I’m quitting for at least a couple weeks…and ignoring email, phone calls, and everyone and everything else but family: the most important thing in life.

Mountain Vision -- A Book Review

I thought I'd save reading Jeff Evan's book Mountain Vision: Lessons Beyond the Summit, till the perfect day—a day where I could have enough time to devour it all at once. Today I did that.

After getting on the U.S. Marine Corps' equivalent of an Army's CH-47 Chinook helicopter on a flight from Ramadi to al Asad, I had plenty of time waiting for the C-130 transport plane.

The irony of the Chinook became evident while reading Jeff's adventures amid the high mountains to include his ascent up Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. A Chinook is a name for a helicopter with two giant propellers, but it certainly got its name from the powerful gusts of wind that swoop downward off the tops of the mountain peaks.

As I read I found myself totally engrossed. It was captivating, full of suspense and adventure. In each wonderful chapter Jeff intertwined a lesson on leadership. The likes of Norman Vincent Peale (The Power of Positive Thinking), Zig Ziglar and Andrew Carnegie popped into mind. I've read self-help and motivational messages from them all. But Jeff Evans' words were uniquely different. They captured me. Not just because he is a friend, but he's cleaver, witty and entertaining. His messages were genuine. I have even a greater respect for this man now. I knew many of the stories, but...WOW!

Jeff didn't ask me to write this. In fact, I wasn't going to write anything for a few weeks; I needed a rest from blogging. But as I read and laughed out loud many times, and even cried while reading Chapter 27, I found myself wishing my son was old enough to read Mountain Vision. I found myself thinking, during the short breaks when I was forced to stop reading, that I would want to share this book with every one of my family members and friends.

There are millions of books in the world, but of the many hundreds or thousands of books I've read, this book is one of the very best. I don't mean to embarrass my friend or sound like a sycophant or in any way sound other than totally sincere when I say that this book should be mandatory reading for every student, every teacher, every sports team, every business group, congregation, military unit, police department, and in short, every parent and every child.

I've started off my New Year right by reading Mountain Vision: Lessons Beyond the Summit.

Reading Jeff's messages made me want to improve my life, be a better person, be kinder, work harder, etc. He eloquently explained through his larger than life triumphs and conversely his devastating troubles on the mountains how failure can actually help us improve if we let it. His generosity, humility, selfless service and his life are—and will be—an example to me and countless others for many years to come.

It's my hope that many thousands more will be able to hear him speak as well as learn about his life and example by reading—devouring—his written words.

It's not just that he did the unimaginable by leading a blind man to the top of Mount Everest, it's that he has made his life a successful journey. As I said before, there are still true heroes in the world and Jeff Evans is one of them. I'm honored to know him and call him my friend.


P.S. This makes me want to go climbing with my son and teach him Lessons Beyond the Summit.

P.S.S. You can visit Jeff's website at www.mountain-vision.com or order his book from Amazon.com.

A Close-Up Shows a Gun -- Hopefully A Toy

Q&A with Jeff

Q: What do you think of the assassination of Bhutto in Pakistan? In your opinion do you believe that this act of terrorism will set off the rest of the Mid-east? -- At least the parts that aren't already in revolt?

—Retired Guns

A: Bhutto? I was not shocked, but I was completely saddened. They've tried to kill Musharraf before, but they hated Bhutto more. I think she would have won the election. Who knows what will happen in Pakistan now? Greater civil unrest and revolution is on the brink.

If you look at Lebanon, every few weeks another pro-Syrian entity is assassinating another pro-Western leader there. The al Qaeda philosophy seeks to cleanse their own countries of 'traitors', as they see them. As a priority over attacking Jews and Infidels, they want to rid themselves of any leader who will not rule under strict Sharia law.

The next two biggest 'traitor' threats to al Qaeda are the Sunni Sheikhs here in al Anbar and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Bin Laden's latest statement showed that he's losing in Iraq, specifically in al Anbar. What a wonderful blessing that is! Of course, Sheikh Sattar's brother is now in power. Sheikh Sattar was assassinated just a mile or two from me. I heard and felt that explosion. His brother, Abu Risha, has taken his place as leader of the Anbar Awakening, a group of Sheikh’s in the Anbar province who want peace.

Al Qaeda wants this new leader dead. That's their big push right now...per bin Laden's own words. If they assassinate him, it will just tick the people off even more and make the Sunnis here absolutely detest bin Laden and al Qaeda. That plan would backfire for them, but al Qaeda has no other better tactical or strategic option; the Sunnis in Anbar are cooperating with us. I think it's terrific that bin Laden (a Sunni) is being ostracized by the Anbar Awakening. He is a loser—and he's losing. That means we're winning! Isn't that great?

Secondly, Mahmoud Abbas (a.k.a. Abu Mazen), the PA leader in the West Bank, has really created a division between his group Fatah and Hamas, which is mainly in the Gaza Strip. Bin Laden is also rooting for Hamas. There are parts of the West Bank that are pretty decent (as far as oppressed, terrorist-infested Third World enclaves go), but Gaza is just plain terrible. Anyway, I'm surprised Abu Mazen hasn't already been killed. What's keeping him alive? I think even the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the al Aqsa Martyr’s Brigade is in disagreement with Hamas. What a rift! That's what's keeping Abbas alive. …Interesting dynamics there.


Send your question, the name you want used on the blog, and the location where you’re writing from to jd@LPSsafety.com.

Compliments Yield Great Reward

Dear Abby:

I am a retired pediatric dentist who frequently treated children other dentists couldn't manage or preferred not to.

One rule in my office was that no child would ever leave without being complimented, regardless of how he or she had behaved — even if it meant saying, "You're the best spitter we've had all day!" Of course, we were absolutely sincere.

One day a woman called to make an emergency appointment for her 5-year-old grandson Pete. I learned that the little boy's 17-year-old mother had run away when he was an infant. His father (the grandparents' son) was in prison. That left this elderly couple to raise the child. My staff told her to bring him in immediately.

When they arrived, Pete was understandably nervous and fussy when my assistant brought him back into the operatory, but he soon quieted down. I gave him a hug and began treatment to relieve his infection and pain. When I finished, I complimented him and asked that his grandmother come in so I could explain what I had done. As we chatted, Pete was picking out a toy from the drawer. We scheduled a follow-up appointment a week later.

The following week, the door burst open, and little Pete came running in looking for an operatory chair to sit in. I escorted him back to reception and told him we'd call him in a few minutes.

The second appointment went equally well. I spoke with his grandmother again as he once more chose a little gift.

Then she said: "I still can't believe it. Every morning this week Pete jumped out of bed and asked if this was the day he'd come back to see you! I'd have to tell him, 'No, not for another five days, then four days, three, etc.' This morning he was so excited when I told him this was the day he was coming in." Then she continued, "Do you know why he was so eager to come back?"

"No," I replied, "please tell me."

"Because," she answered, "you told him he was a good boy."
Abby, here was a 5-year-old child who had never been told he was a good boy! I still tear up when I think about it.

R.C. SMITHWICK, Los Altos Hills, Calif.

Dear Dr. Smithwick: Thank you for sharing the reminder about how important it is for children to receive positive reinforcement. (Adults need it, too.) If you think something nice about someone, it takes so little effort to SAY it. I guarantee it'll make that person's day--whether the person is 5 or 55.

Source: Stars and Stripes Mideast Edition, November 23, 2007 p. 23.

Adult Tempers

The following story is told by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. While it pertains to parents and children it can also apply to those without children, or those estranged from their children. We can each be a little more patient with each other, especially our family members. It’s funny, but not so funny, how we often can be more forgiving and patient with co-workers or total strangers than to our spouses or our children. Nuff said; here’s the story…

Early in our married life my young family and I were laboring through graduate school at a university in New England. [My wife, Pat, and I were heavily involved in our church service responsibilities.] I was going to school full-time and teaching half-time. We had two small children then, with little money and lots of pressures…

One evening I came home from long hours at school, feeling the proverbial weight of the world on my shoulders. Everything seemed to be especially demanding and discouraging and dark. I wondered if the dawn would ever come. Then, as I walked into our small student apartment, there was an unusual silence in the room.

“What’s the trouble?” I asked.

“Matthew has something he wants to tell you,” Pat said.

“Matt, what do you have to tell me?” He was quietly playing with his toys in the corner of the room, trying very hard not to hear me. “Matt,” I said a little louder, “do you have something to tell me?”

He stopped playing, but for a moment didn’t look up. Then these two enormous, tear-filled brown eyes turned toward me, and with the pain only a five-year-old can know, he said, “I didn’t mind Mommy tonight, and I spoke back to her.” With that he burst into tears, and his entire little body shook with grief. A childish indiscretion had been noted, a painful confession had been offered, the growth of a five-year-old was continuing, and loving reconciliation could have been wonderfully underway.

Everything might have been just terrific—except for me. If you can imagine such an idiotic thing, I lost my temper. It wasn’t that I lost it with Matt—it was with a hundred and one other things on my mind; but he didn’t know that, and I wasn’t disciplined enough to admit it. He got the whole load of bricks.

I told him how disappointed I was and how much more I thought I could have expected from him. I sounded like the parental pygmy I was. Then I did what I had never done before in his life—I told him that he was to go straight to bed and that I would not be in to say his prayers with him or to tell him a bedtime story. Muffling his sobs, he obediently went to his bedside, where he knelt—alone—to say his prayers. Then he stained his little pillow with tears his father should have been wiping away.

If you think the silence upon my arrival was heavy, you should have felt it now. Pat did not say a word. She didn’t have to. I felt terrible!

Later, as we knelt by our own bed, my feeble prayer for blessings upon my family fell back on my ears with a horrible, hollow ring. I wanted to get up off my knees right then and go to Matt and ask his forgiveness, but he was long since peacefully asleep.

My relief was not so soon coming; but finally I fell asleep and began to dream, which I seldom do. I dreamed Matt and I were packing two cars for a move. For some reason his mother and baby sister were not present. As we finished I turned to him and said, “Okay, Matt, you drive one car and I’ll drive the other.”

This five-year-old very obediently crawled up on the seat and tried to grasp the massive steering wheel. I walked over to the other car and started the motor. As I began to pull away, I looked to see how my son was doing. He was trying—oh, how he was trying. He tried to reach the pedals, but he couldn’t. He was also turning knobs and pushing buttons, trying to start the motor. He could scarcely be seen over the dashboard, but there staring out at me again were those same immense, tear-filled, beautiful brown eyes. As I pulled away, he cried out, “Daddy, don’t leave me. I don’t know how to do it. I am too little.” And I drove away.

A short time later, driving down that desert road in my dream, I suddenly realized in one stark, horrifying moment what I had done. I slammed my car to a stop, threw open the door, and started to run as fast as I could. I left car, keys, belongings, and all—and I ran. The pavement was so hot it burned my feet, and tears blinded my straining effort to see this child somewhere on the horizon. I kept running, praying, pleading to be forgiven and to find my boy safe and secure.

As I rounded a curve nearly ready to drop from physical and emotional exhaustion, I saw the unfamiliar car I had left Matt to drive. It was pulled carefully off to the side of the road, and he was laughing and playing nearby. An older man was with him, playing and responding to his games. Matt saw me and cried out something like, “Hi, Dad. We’re having fun.” Obviously he had already forgiven and forgotten my terrible transgression against him.

But I dreaded the older man’s gaze, which followed my every move. I tried to say “Thank you,” but his eyes were filled with sorrow and disappointment. I muttered an awkward apology and the stranger said simply, “You should not have left him alone to do this difficult thing. It would not have been asked of you.”

With that, the dream ended, and I shot upright in bed. My pillow was now stained, whether with perspiration or tears I do not know. I threw off the covers and ran to the little metal camp cot that was my son’s bed. There on my knees and through my tears I cradled him in my arms and spoke to him while he slept. I told him that every dad makes mistakes but that they don’t mean to. I told him it wasn’t his fault I had had a bad day. I told him that when boys are five or fifteen, dads sometimes forget and think they are fifty. I told him that I wanted him to be a small boy for a long, long time, because all too soon he would grow up and be a man and wouldn’t be playing on the floor with his toys when I came home. I told him that I loved him and his mother and his sister more than anything in the world and that whatever challenges we had in life we would face them together. I told him that never again would I withhold my affection or my forgiveness from him, and never, I prayed, would he withhold them from me. I told him I was honored to be his father and that I would try with all my heart to be worthy of such a great responsibility.

—Jeffrey R. Holland, “Within the Clasp of Your Arms,” Ensign, May 1983, 36

Angels Are Real

If anyone felt lonely over the holidays it was my friend Jo-Ann. Jo-Ann’s husband, my good friend Brian Jackson, was murdered just over two years ago. He and I were police officers together. I wrote about how he died in the line of duty in my blog ‘My Friend was Shot and Killed.’

Jo-Ann and Brian were married about three months when they went on their honeymoon. They had only returned from their trip about two weeks when he was killed. I can’t imagine the pain and loss and discouraging feeling of perpetual separation she must feel. Jo-Ann’s tough though—there’s that word again. Life is tough sometimes, but we can be tough right back.

That most tragic situation reminds me of the roommate I had as an Army Private in South Korea many years ago. My roommate, whom I’ll call John, had a little to drink when I asked him about how his first wife had died. I believe the little alcohol relaxed him enough to tell me about his painful experience.

They were high school sweethearts—and married young. Two weeks following their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico, John was working his shift as an Emergency Medical Technician for a local ambulance company when he responded to an overturned vehicle. His young wife and her best friend had been hit by a drunk driver. Both of them were pinned upside down inside the vehicle. While the fire department crew worked frantically to free the two girls, John laid on the ground next to his wife and held her hand. She was semi-conscious and had suffered traumatic injuries. He spoke to her through his tears, encouraging her to hold on a little longer.

But the rescue team could not pull the wrecked steel from around the ladies fast enough. Even the ‘Jaws of Life’ had no success. Meanwhile her life slowly ebbing away. She died as he held her hand.

Staring at the wall in the small barracks room, tears welled up in John’s eyes as he re-lived the pain. I didn’t say a word.

He said, “I won’t tell you how I know, but I know angels are real. I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t exist.” There was a pause as he reflected on something very personal and private to him. “I tried to kill myself after she died, but I was stopped. I guess I’m supposed to be here. It’s not my time to go yet.”

Now, fast-forward to August earlier this year.

Everything was going great. I had a new job prospect and I felt I had my future all planned out. Then, all of a sudden, my life was changed drastically when I got a call to serve here in Iraq. Everything changed—everything. I lost a huge contract and what appeared to be a very promising future in Virginia. All the plans I had for myself were shattered…or so it seemed.

Then to add more devastation, I was assigned to a Reserve military unit I knew nothing about. Having worked in the special operations community, as well as in a Military Intelligence capacity, I felt that going with the conventional unit I’m currently with would be a gigantic waste. I rued it. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) contacted me and asked if I wanted to do a tour with them. But I wasn’t able to get out of the government orders or do a transfer to SOCOM where I felt I could utilize my talents and enjoy my job more.

On the morning we were to fly out, I met up with Kevin Bianchi, a Department of the Army civilian I had never met before. Kevin explained that he wasn’t supposed to be there that morning, but that things had occurred out of his control which made him show up that day. Likewise, with a Top Secret clearance I was assigned to guard some important documents so we ended up traveling together away from the rest of the group.

Kevin didn’t know about my background, my religion or my situation. He nearly apologized for saying so but he said he really felt he needed to tell me that I was supposed to go to Iraq for a reason—that I would start something or stop something from happening, that I was supposed to go to Iraq for a reason. Kevin further explained that it was unlike him to ever say something like that to someone, let alone a perfect stranger—me. I really felt the spirit of his message. I felt his words were an answer to my prayers.

Yesterday I saw several soldiers standing in a meandering circle in front of several armored vehicles. They were bowing their heads as the Chaplain prayed for their safety. Before every convoy and every operation a prayer is offered.

All of us have subtle differences in the way we worship. But I still believe that the majority of us believe in a Supreme Being, a higher power. We may have differences about God; we may call him different names, but we look to him for divine protection and guidance in our lives.

I’ve prayed—begged at times—for God to protect my life. I’ve been in situations where I had no other power and no other options but a reliance on Divine Providence.

God is the micromanager of our lives. He who grants life and breath has the power to take it away. No scientific explanation and no medical marvel can stop or defy God. The New Testament says that no hair of the head is lost or no sparrow falls to the ground save the Lord knows it. Would he even cut our military orders for us? Yes! I wholeheartedly, unequivocally believe that.

Yet when we pray, sometimes our hope or our will is not granted—our prayers may seem unheard or unanswered. The atheist would say that when a person prays he is only giving a positive affirmation of his own belief and that if anything happens as an ‘answer’ to a prayer, it is merely coincidence. That is simply not true. Prayers are answered, miracles can and do occur. Faith precedes the miracle.

An ancient prophet named Moroni wrote in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.”

None of these people I mentioned are members of my religion, yet I share a common bond with each of them. That bond is a belief, hope and faith in God.

God knows what’s best for us. He tries our patience and our faith. As a loving and merciful Being, an Eternal Father in Heaven, he answers our prayers in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.

Terrorists Are In America

Recently someone I do not know read my blog (and subsequently my bio) and said he didn’t believe that as a Federal Air Marshal I caught a terrorist in the U.S. He said he only knew of one other case where a terrorist was caught in America. Hello! Read the newspapers. And, consider everything is NOT reported to the media. Shoot, I’ve caught more than one suspicious character throughout the nation’s airports—so have other air marshals!

This email-er said he’d feel safer flying without air marshals on his flight. He also cited the case where two air marshals shot and killed an emotionally disturbed man claiming he had a bomb when he didn’t. I don’t even want to begin explaining to him why that was a justified shooting. Besides, if he doesn’t believe there are terrorists in America, he might hold the philosophy of a few strange ones who believe the government planted bombs under the World Trade Center towers which caused them to tumble to the ground. That’s plain ludicrous.

But, for the benefit of the curious, I stopped a man in the DC Reagan National airport. When I called and ran a background check on him, I was told he was a terrorist and that I should approach him with caution. Later, I was told the FBI could not verify whether it was the bona fide Saudi Arabian-born terrorist or another guy with the same name and birthday. (The fact that I reported his passport number didn’t matter, apparently.) After detaining him until we both missed our flight, I was told to let him go. I had a pit in my stomach and a very bad feeling. I ‘knew’ the guy was bad with a capital ‘T’—for terrorist. Sure enough, a few days later a supervisor in the agency told me that a follow up background check showed he was.

That was just another reason I left the Federal Air Marshal Service. Are there problems there? Absolutely. But the majority of the air marshals are good-to-go; it’s the management that’s all messed up.

Lastly, Annie Jacobsen, author of Terror in the Skies: Why 9/11 Could Happen Again, found out some very interesting facts about this guy I stopped. Click here to see some things she found. Of course, there’s a whole lot more to that story. Maybe I’ll save it for my book.

My Interview with Front Page

FP: Jeffrey Denning, welcome to Frontpage Interview.

Denning: I appreciate that you asked me. Thank you.

…FP: Understanding our enemy is obviously crucial in this terror war. Who is our enemy? Why are they our enemy?

Denning: Well, we’re not in a war against Islam. There are many Arabs and Muslims working for freedom, peace and good causes. The West, however, is waging a war against al Qaeda, and rightfully so. Obviously at some point Islam and the al Qaeda philosophy both merge. The interesting thing is the term al Qaeda; it’s a misnomer really. But to say something like a global Salafi movement bent on obliterating the West and cleansing Islamic societies of munafiq-traitors and Jewish/Crusader puppets is a mouth full.

Why are they our enemy? Well, it’s easy for them to hate us just as it’s easy for us to hate them. We’re separated by bi-polar planets. We dehumanize them by calling them things like ‘terrorist’ or ‘jihadists’ and they do the same to us by calling us ‘Jews and Infidels’. But clearly, as my friend and colleague Dr. Nancy Kobrin has shared with me, there are many terrorists who have no idea what a Jew is. They have grandiose and absurd thoughts about how a Jew looks, acts or behaves. The same could go for a Christian, a Buddhist or a Mormon, I suppose.

Here’s the part where I believe most people get it wrong. They do not hate us because we’re rich or free, or even because we might appear collectively arrogant. They don’t attack us today solely based on our foreign policy, the Christian Crusades, or in the case of Israel , because of a land dispute. Those things play a part, but when you really begin understanding Islamic terrorism, it goes much, much deeper than that.

FP: Ok, well we will get deeper into that in this discussion. Before we do that, let’s talk about our own self-defense. Is there an effective way of predicting and thwarting future attacks? What formula has the best chance of succeeding?

Denning: I believe there are ways to predict attacks. I’ve done it…

While trying to drum up business for my security consulting company, I met with a senior executive of a major U.S.-based hotel. I said, ‘Tom, we need to evaluate the security immediately on your hotels in Amman , Jordan ’—and I named two other countries. Then I went into tremendous detail of the most likely attack scenario. When an attack occurred there about two months later, it was exactly as I had said it would be. Three U.S. hotels were attacked simultaneously in Amman . Unfortunately, several people died.

In the summer of 2005 I met with several people in New York . I told them the next likely spectacular terrorist attack on America would be by suicide bombers in flying airplanes. Sure enough, the London Bomb Plot unfolded two weeks later. I didn’t know about that; I didn’t have any inside information. But you’ll remember the terrorists had planned on blowing up several U.S. airplanes over the Atlantic .

So is there a formula? Absolutely. One of the reasons ethically and civilly-minded societies will often fail in their approach to stop or predict terrorism at the tactical level is because we try to place our moral value system on an amoral enemy. It doesn’t work that way. You can’t do a proper threat assessment unless you can really get into the mind of the terrorist. These men and women aren’t superheroes; they are people. Sure, that sounds plainly obvious, but I believe most of the free world has a misconception of what a terrorist is and what one can do.

In short, though, there’s no de facto formula. And I only know of a small handful of guys who could actually, truly understand terrorists on a level that they could help create and shape real and workable counterterrorism measures. On the other hand, I have developed a program called SMART Leadership(tm) that helps any organization or person with wisdom in the management and decision-making process. Of course, I use it in my security assessments and threat management protocols.

FP: The Western media isn’t being very helpful, to say the least, in helping the West fight our enemy in this terror war. There is reluctance in the mainstream media to label the enemy – and to crystallize the evil of the enemy. How dangerous is this? If our media were to re-think and re-shape how they present terrorism, how in your view should it do this?

Denning: The terrorists use the media as their main source for spreading fear. In the mid-80s Benjamin Netanyahu accurately stated that “manipulation of public opinion is, in fact, central to the terrorist strategy.” He went on to say that because of this, their access to the media is indispensable.

You’ll recall that back then several hostage takers, particularly in the Middle East, made their demands and communiqués live over the news media channels. The terrorists were able to give their side of the story. They appeared human—that’s a key part. In some ways, when the terrorists were able to tell about all the ‘atrocities’ and ‘injustices’ they faced, although they were holding several hostages at gunpoint and under the threat of death by homemade explosives, it made some people actually sympathize with their so-called plight. Oh, the irony.

Of course, those of us who can step back and rationalize that situation wouldn’t agree; we wouldn’t sympathize. We may feel sad that they had a rough childhood and live under terrible socio-economic and geo-politico-military conditions, but that is no excuse to engage in or condone brutal acts of terror. Nevertheless, many people would sympathize with them, consciously or subconsciously. Otherwise good and civil people would recognize the grief, fear, sadness and frustration of these animals because they’d humanize them and feel somewhat connected with them. Why? Because we’ve all felt difficulties, stresses and trails. By our very natures we want to help and be kind. All of this, in turn, affects the will of the public to fight terrorism. And the will of the people plays a vital role in shaping counterterrorism policy.

Today we see more suicide terrorism rather than Islamically-motivated hostage takings. A suicide-homicide bomber recently drove a car into a crowd of Iraqis then blew himself up. About 22 people were injured. It was just another day. If the same thing happened in the U.S. or Canada, for instance, what could be the result? I submit 22 million people would suffer catastrophically. That’s the power of—and the nexus between—terrorism and the media.

I really enjoy 24-hour news media. I wish there were a news station that reported on nothing but terrorism. The challenge for the media is to report stories without helping the terrorists’ agenda. The word conundrum comes to mind. It may take 20 years or more to realize how to do this, but the bottom line is education. I’ll never forget seeing the first reports on the Columbine High School massacre. I was on a SWAT team then. Many reporters lack of understanding for SWAT teams and SWAT tactics made me nauseous. That’s the same thing with terrorism and terrorists. We need to understand them and have better strategic tactics than they do.

FP: Ok, so let’s get back to terrorism and go deeper into its causes, which you had referred to earlier.

Can you talk about the correlation between criminals and terrorists? And what are the links between domestic violence and the violence of political terrorism?

Denning: Dr. Kobrin, who is a psycho-analyst, Arabist and terrorism expert, really helped me see the correlation here. My practical experiences validate her theories. Actually, the more she and I talk and the more I learn about her theories, the more I’m convinced she has found the proverbial panacea for understanding Islamic suicide terrorism. I’ve amassed quite a library on terrorism and I’ve personally met terrorists. No one helps reveal the truth about suicide terror like she can. The subtitle of her book-manuscript couldn’t be more correct: The Sheikh’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth About Islamic Suicide Terror. It’s a shame that it isn’t published yet since the publisher got cold feet. It would add tremendous value to the field of counterterrorism study.

But to get to the point, one of my friends has said that terrorists are nothing but rascally criminals. I used to find that pithy and almost ignorant, but not anymore. The more we understand terrorists the greater their vulnerability becomes. They are strengthened by their own anonymity. And we give them power by labeling them as some difficult to understand entity. We empower them unintentionally by calling them terrorists. We mustn’t confuse a tactic with a vulnerable and angry human being with weaknesses. Words like jihadist, holy warrior—mujahideen or mujahidat—and al Qaeda don’t show who they really are. Abu Mushakil, literally the father of trouble, seems more accurate.

...If we made fun of them or occasionally taunted and humiliated them, that might help destroy the mystic of these criminals who use terror tactics. What, are they going to hate us more? I don’t think so. But joking a bit may ease our fear of them on some level. I could tell you some funny and totally stupid things terrorists have done. Most of them could be put in for the Darwin Awards or the world’s dumbest criminals. If we could really understand terrorists, if we could speak with them face to face and learn about them, we’d lose our sense of fear towards them entirely. And, it would shock us at how foolish we were to ever embolden them with any sort of power.

Anyway, there are huge correlations between terrorists and criminals. When I was a cop in Dallas, Texas , we helped out a lady once whose ex-boyfriend said he was going to “cut her head off and kick it down the street” if he ever saw her again. We walked up to the door with her and, sure enough, he was serious. We nearly had to shoot him for our own safety. Come to find out he had been in prison for aggravated sexual assault and some other serious violent crimes.

Paul Johnson and Nick Berg were beheaded. The Chechens terrorists often decapitate the heads of the Russian soldiers they take hostage. The morbid thing is they have let their own kids kick the severed heads around like soccer balls. Now doesn’t that sound like this sexually violent criminal I just described? Sure it does. The truth is there’s a huge similarity between domestic violence, misogyny and terrorism on a bigger scale. Interestingly, I have read letters from stalkers who want to kill their victims. Not a few read like this: “If I can’t have you on earth, we’ll both be in heaven together.” These stalkers, like many terrorists, have a homicide-suicide type mentality. The allure of an Islamic terrorist seeking intimate relations in the afterlife is also evident.

Moreover, when a female is murdered in a domestic abuse relationship, she is often left naked and exposed—almost like a sadistic sexual punishment. And when it comes to these so-called terrorists, sex crimes and their associated terror acts seem united.

FP: Let’s talk about misogyny, sex crimes and Islamic terror. The more Islamic extremists strike out against the West, the more they are vicious with their own women and vice-versa. Give us your wisdom on this paradigm.

Denning: I don’t think that Islamic extremists have begun hating their own women more in recent years. I think we may have just uncovered some of the irregular abuses and horrible atrocities that have been occurring for years. Since 9/11 we’ve tended to speak up a little more and shed some light in the dark corner. Like abusive relationships are often done in secret, the same could be said of the abuses against women within Islam. Generally speaking, all of them are debased and devalued. Devaluing women is a cultural thing with them. It’s terrible and horrible. It’s sad.

Consider the recent ruling in the Saudi Arabian court system where a 19-year-old gang rape victim was sentenced to several lashings and six months in prison. After she went to the media her sentence was raised to 200 lashings. Why was she sentenced as a victim? Because she broke the strict separation of the sexes by riding in a car with a man she wasn’t related to. That’s absurd. No gang rape victim should be punished; she’s already been punished enough.

Just the other day I overheard a co-worker and good friend of mine talk about his experiences as a corrections officer and policeman. He was telling someone about the many transsexual men in prison. He said that when they get confused about their own sexuality they often become engaged in violent and bizarre crimes.

That encapsulates much of the reasons why Islamic terrorist-criminals do what they do; they’re confused. Many of them are homosexual. They hate women and yet they wish for 72 black-eyed virgins? As Dr. Kobrin teaches, “for Islamic male dominated terrorist groups, the female is sexually terrifying.” She’s absolutely right. Moreover, she teaches that they subconsciously hate their own mothers and that’s one of the reasons they act out…

Years ago, I learned about the highly unstable but favored terrorist explosive, TATP. It’s very sensitive to heat, shock and friction. In Arabic, the male terrorists refer to it as ‘the mother of Satan.’ Why would someone debase their mother like that? Because in Islam the women are dirty.

On one hand these would-be terrorists yearn for a relationship, but they can’t have one—not a wholesome one. The love-hate dichotomy confuses them. They hate women. They hate their own mothers, but at the same time need their nurture and love. Moreover, they are sexually confused and full of testosterone and angst. I’ve never considered it until now, but they don’t even get the pheromones and the tranquil feelings that are experienced from a healthy socio-sexual relationship. So, are they always on edge—hyped up on anger and testosterone? Maybe. Coupled with a few other issues, they turn into criminal sadists. They kidnap, cut heads off and mutilate people by powerful homemade explosives. As an interesting side note, male homosexual domestic homicides are by far the most gruesome and brutal. Can you see the psycho-dynamic link between crime and terror? I can.

One last very important point; I recently learned something from my experiences that has never been made publicly available until now. One terrorist made an improvised explosive device he called a Jumana bomb. Jumana in colloquial Arabic means beautiful girl. The unique bombs are described as pretty. But, in a twisted sense of comparing a lethal bomb to a woman, the terrorists would openly admit that if you get too close, both bombs and girls will destroy you. To me, things like this only add merit to Dr. Kobrin’s overall theory.

FP: How would you explain the high rate of suicide terror among Muslims?

Denning: Every society has criminals, but they only make up a small percentage of the population. Of the 1.3 billion Muslims, there are only a small percentage of them who are the terrorists. I’m talking about the one’s who are involved in cutting off heads, taking hostages and detonating bombs. A good number of the rest of them are ardent supporters though. Those were the ones, for instance, shown on TV cheering after the towers crumbled on 9/11.

There are bad neighborhoods that breed crime. Radical Islam is like a rough neighborhood. It breeds contempt. It produces suicidal terrorists. Children can’t really escape it; in fact, they often grow up to become part of the corruption, just like in any bad neighborhood. Furthermore, those communities that are isolated from Jews, Christians or kafirs, teach false things in their madrasahs about Dar al Harb or the world outside of Islam ruled by infidels.

Lastly, they dehumanize us. That’s one of the reasons it was so easy for the mob in Fallujah , Iraq to mutilate, and then hang from the bridge, the immolated carcasses of the three U.S. government contractors in March 2003. Remember, they danced and cheered and smiled? I can’t even imagine the worst of all neighborhoods doing that. But, then again, I can because I’ve seen the evil that people are capable of.

FP: Let’s talk about future threats. What do you think some of the greatest future threats are? For instance, is it inevitable that there will be a WMD attack in the U.S. or in the West in general? What must we do? Are you optimistic or pessimistic about whether we will be able to face/stop these future threats?

Denning: Will we get attacked? Undoubtedly. It’s just a matter of time. And then it will happen again and again over time. Islamic terrorists might very well use chemical weapons. But the chemical attack in the Japanese subway in 1995 wasn’t that spectacular. I mean, it didn’t yield multiple deaths. Islamic terrorists want the spectacular. They could use some other kind of weapon of mass destruction, like a radiological dispersal device, or dirty bomb, but for the most part I believe they’ll stick to what works. High explosives have worked well for years. They’ll keep using them.

In the areas where terrorists can do it, I believe they’ll use truck bombs. It would be too easy to blow up big buildings. Changes in security aren’t usually made until after the fact, unfortunately. In other words, there are not enough preventive measures in place to stop that right now. I’m not talking about more government eavesdropping and intelligence; I’m talking about physically stopping a semi-tractor trailer from driving downtown and into or near a building then blowing it up.

There are a couple other targets they’ll focus on. Commercial airplanes are still a big target, and a pretty easy target, unfortunately. There are many things that can be done to improve security there. Unfortunately we’re very vulnerable. Airplanes are an attractive psychological, economic and tactical target. Plus, what could be more spectacular than a plane being blown from the sky?
Shopping malls are an incredibly vulnerable target—and anywhere else there’s a big gathering.

We know that terrorists have done surveillance on schools in America and no doubt in other Western countries too. When I think about the Beslan, Russia school massacre, I get pretty nervous. We are not prepared to do what it will take to keep the casualties down should Islamic suicidal terrorists attack our schools. Education and policy change is badly needed.

Unfortunately, there’s a great lack of urgency here. And frankly, some policies simply won’t change until after something bad happens and people die. Then everyone who didn’t stop it will get blamed. We need to be proactive. Who can I call? Who’ll listen?

There are other things that may soon happen, like a strategic attack—a tertiary or three-prong attack, for instance. I won’t go into detail, but this could be disastrous.

The bottom line is like what happened after I warned the hotel executive. If people don’t listen, aren’t proactive and don’t have a real sense of urgency, people will die. Period. It’s impossible to stop every attack. Terrorists have the tactical advantage, but we can curb the casualties if we change our approach and exploit the weaknesses of terrorists. At the end of the day though, saying ‘I told you so’ doesn’t make anything better.

FP: Jeffrey Denning, thank you for joining us.

Denning: Thank you.

A Horrible Marriage

From my boss who’s planning to run a marathon in circles around the small base here:

Being in Iraq is like being in a bad marriage. You live with it and do what you can to make the time go by.

The Best Christmas Ever

I actually had Christmas early. My wife and I are quite spontaneous. While chatting several days before the 25th, she suggested I open some of the presents she had sent as she watched over the webcam. I have to admit, the last time I was that excited for Christmas was when I still visited Santa at the mall. It was incredible.

All of the care packages, presents, letters, emails and e-cards from friends and family really made the whole month special. Chaplain Don, a friend who writes the spiritual note for Blackwater’s newsletter, took it upon himself to introduce me to a minister and traumatic stress management specialist when he read that my friend had died. She sent several copies of her adventure-action fictional book, Navajo Heat, which I was able to hand out to several soldiers. It was so nice of her.

It was so nice of EVERYONE. My close friends and family were so kind. They were lavish in their kindness. It’s amazing how wonderful their gifts were, especially with the gratitude I’ve experienced since living in such austere and remote conditions.

My dear friends George and Julie at TacView sent an enormous box. They didn’t do it for recognition or fanfare, but because they genuinely care. Not only does TacView have the very best SWAT and special ops tactical search cameras—I have one; I would know—but they are a wonderful company to work with. The quality of their products and their big hearts has made them leaders in the industry. …Let’s just say that Secret Santa was present in Iraq thanks to them. If I could only report on the incredible joy and comfort it brought to the several depressed hearts here, it would make everyone want to act as Cops for Christmas several times each year.

Christmas was a wonderful day. The gloominess of earlier days dissipated. The cooperation and kindness of co-workers increased. Love abounded.

A White Fox

When I was an Active Duty soldier many years ago I recall some tenured military men boasting that we (the Army) do more by 4 a.m. than most people do the whole day. In some aspects, I suppose that has merit.

Since I was up at 0-dark thirty and walking around, I saw a rare nocturnal white fox. She stood only a few feet from me. The vixen and I both stopped and starred at each other…

Boy, I miss my wife. I hope to go home and stay awake with her FOREVER.

To describe how wonderful she is and to write about my love and gratitude for her would take up many book volumes. I choose instead to use the magnificent words attributed to none other than the legendary Dr. Seuss. “You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

Email War

U.S. military Priority of Work after entering Iraq:

1. Knock down statue of Saddam.
2. Set up e-mail and Internet.
3. Win hearts and minds.

I walk exactly 33 steps from the barn-like structure I live in—a row of horse stables on either side complete with rodents and flea but bereft of straw—to the chair at ‘The Office.’ Fewer than a dozen computers, and several make-shift desks assembled from left over pieces of scrap wood as well as a few phones, complete the dilapidated Tactical Operations Center. There are several officers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) that work there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As a former NCO-turned-commissioned officer, I’m happy to admit that ‘NCOs are the backbone of the Army.’

“Yeah, but this group has scoliosis,” one quick-tongued Staff Sergeant quipped. I told the same NCO that yesterday our boss looked at his phone and saw that he had one ‘missed call.’ He (our boss) emphasized to me that all of his phone calls must be answered, so I passed that along to the practical joking NCO.

Today Staff Sergeant G— told me with a giggle that he called our bosses phone 24 times while he wasn’t at his desk. We both laughed.

Bhutto and an Al Qaeda Press Conference

Understanding future warfare is the most important responsibility of those who must defend a nation from future enemies!

—Major General Perry M. Smith


Reporter and friend Audrey Hudson sent me an interview she recently did with Dennis Miller. In the interview she said Dr. Ayman al Zawahri is holding a virtual Press Conference. Reporters are going to ask him questions over the Internet and he’ll answer them. How they’ll be answered is up in the air.

In my blog “Political Predictions,” I suggested the ‘Number Two’-man would make global press releases from my fictional World Wide ‘Freedom Fighter’ Press Release Cable (WWFFPRC). Such an acronym doesn’t seem so far from the truth now, eh? My prediction is already coming to fruition! The deadline for the questions to be submitted is mid-January. Surely no respectable reporter will flatter him with any attention though.

Speaking of death, I was terribly saddened by the news of Madam Bhutto’s assassination. I was just thinking of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination moments before I heard the news. From a security specialist’s position, I have—and am—dissecting the failures in her personal security detail. I knew she’d be targeted too, just like all the anti-Syrian, pro-Western leaders in Lebanon who are getting killed off. What a terrible thing.

Anti War Protestors

A Yuletide Rant

This is from a retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major and personal friend of mine who forwarded me some good pictures and military quotes. I’ve edited his words only slightly, but not to detract from his statement.

I don’t usually forward stuff, but in seeing this during this Christmas season, it is true what someone recently said: “America is not at war. The American military is at war. America is at the shopping mall.” It’s amazing how many vacuous people are enjoying their freedom and focusing on dumb, pointless stuff. Most Americans think Iraq and Afghanistan are someplace south of Rhode Island , and haven’t the slightest comprehension of the nature of the enemy, the threat to our families, or the abysmal failure of our political leadership (on BOTH sides of the isle). Nevertheless: “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” – Orwell

So much for the Yuletide ranting of the Sergeant Major . . .

I’m lucky enough to be home for Christmas this year. To those of you “rough men” still in “The Sandbox”, thanks for what you do, MERRY CHRISTMAS, and I’ll see you soon. Semper Fi

Daddy, Why Do You Have To Leave?

The closer I get to leaving Iraq, the more I think about the beginning. “But why do you have to leave us, Daddy?” my daughter asked tearfully after I told my children I’d be leaving them for a year, maybe longer. Her words broke my heart. I thought for a moment on how to best explain why I was being torn from them, and then the thought came to me.

I took them into our piano room and asked them each to sit down on the new, fluffy carpet. It’s a spare room that we never really use except to hear my wife play her beautiful Classical repertoire. As their anxious eyes looked upon me eager for an explanation, I sat down next to them. They had never paid such close attention to before, or if they had I didn’t notice it.

“Do you remember,” I began carefully, choosing my words so they’d understand, “several months ago when we went to the store and bought backpacks, school supplies and other gifts to send to the children in Iraq?”

“Yes,” they replied, nodding their little heads.

“Well, Iraq is far, far away from America. In Iraq the children live with their whole families in homes much smaller than ours.” Our home is modestly average, but palatial by comparison to homes in Third World countries. “In fact,” I added, “there is one little boy named Hasem.” I made up a name. “Hasem and his family live in a house the size of this room.” As I paused for effect I saw their eyes widen, and then they looked around the room in astonishment. “Can you believe it? His whole family lives and sleeps in a room this size.”

“How many kids do they have in their family, Daddy?”

“Oh, there are three children.” I suggested a number for my fictional family. “Hasem has a little sister too,” I added. “But, do you know what?”

“What?” they asked very intrigued.

“They don’t even have carpet. There’s only a dirt floor in Hasem’s house.”

“Really?” they tried to comprehend it. After seeing the puzzled look on their faces, I emphasized and explained dirt floors in detail.

“The most terrible thing of all is Hasem and his sister can’t go to school.” My son didn’t seem to think that was so bad, until I explained why. “They can’t go to school because bad guys—terrorists—try to blow up their schools and they shoot at the parents and kidnap their teachers, and…”

“Jeff,” the tone of my wife’s voice made me realize I was getting a bit too intense, although I had often talked to my children about bombs and guns in school and how they should respond to such a threat. I calmed down without looking at my wife or skipping a beat.

“Anyway, the President of United States asked all of the Dad’s in the Army to go to Iraq and help the kids and their parents. I’ll get to go over there and help the kids.” That answer seemed to placate them temporarily.

So that’s the reason, in the simplest terms, for why I’m here, living in something akin to a horse stable, on Christmas day far, far away from my wife and children.

PS Last year I donated money to The Greer Foundation for Christmas. Retired Army Special Forces Sergeant Major Steven Greer, a media military analyst and personal friend, started the foundation after seeing all the suffering children in war-torn countries. If you’re looking for a great place to donate and an honest, upright guy, click here.

Shepherd's Hill

Give protection and guidance to those who are engaged actively in carrying forth the things of battle. Bless them; preserve their lives; save them from harm and evil. Hear the prayers of their loved ones for their safety.

—Prayer offered by Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ, in the October 2001 General Conference


On Christmas Eve a few years ago I stood atop Shepherd’s Hill in Jerusalem overlooking the ancient city Bethlehem, where the Son of God came into this world. A heavenly host of angels announced his birth, and a new star arose to signify his coming. On this particular evening two of my co-workers from the U.S. Consulate, a small handful of church goers and I, gathered together and watched the sun dip into the horizon. We witnessed a sheepherder take his little flock to a corral at the bottom of the hill. We sang Christmas carols and enjoyed the warmth of the spirit on the cool December night.

Ironically, as our combined voices sang aloud Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s (1807-1882) I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, our ad hoc a cappella choir was drown out by automatic gunfire heard just East of Bethlehem in the West Bank. The rat-a-tat-tat of what sounded like .50 caliber machinegun and AK-47 small arms fire brought a dismal reminder of the Intifada, or Palestinian uprising. That area of the world has known war since civilization first arrived there, and it continues today unabated.

I don’t recall whether or not we sang the third verse of Longfellow’s Christmas carol, but the dim words seemed to reflect what I was feeling at that exact moment of temporary gloom.

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth,’ I said,
‘For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will towards men.’

So what does the future hold? Well, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is things are only going to get worse… The good news is I’m going to save a lot of money on my car insurance this year...

Ah, what a good thing is a little bit of humor. When all else fails, laugh like Ole Saint Nick: Ho-Ho-Ho. Merry Christmas.

Safety and Peace On Earth

Last year at Christmas I stayed in a hotel room in England, and then later took a flight. As air marshals, we were told the threat to the U.K. and U.S. airspace was still elevated. This morning, as a token reminder of that threat, I watched news video footage of the World Trade Center buildings getting rammed by airplanes and collapsing to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris.

For Christmas this year in Iraq I get to work an extra shift—and an extra long shift for several days. I’m mostly happy to do it though, so a soldier can be at home with his family.

A Congressional Delegation came to visit today. That was nice of them to leave their families this year to visit the troops. Each of them, from the House Armed Services Committee, looked like fish out of water. Both Democrats and Republicans came and it didn’t matter to me that they were a partisan party; they were all Americans.

It’s always good to see fellow Americans. Any pleasant, decent or good human being is a friend of mine. In that respect, then, my Christmas wish for bi-partisan respect and love came true, for me at least. Actually, I have more in common with the Democrats than with the Republicans in the delegation here. Each of them, however, is trying to do some good in the world and make a positive difference. There’s something to be said for that.

As I’ve considered my own New Year’s resolutions and goals, I am determined to be more charitable and loving, more patient and tolerant. Each of us has differences, but we can all learn to be a little more kind, giving and respectful. Our race, gender, language, skin color, religious preference, national heritage or cultural background, etcetera, matter very little in the scheme of things. Principles of decency and civility matter most. We need to—we ought to—treat each other better.

I’ve thought a lot over the years about loving my enemies, even if having to use lethal or deadly force against someone in the commission of a violent crime or in an act of war. Can I love a man as I’m literally destroying and killing him? Most citizen-soldiers have likely never considered that often if at all, but I have. And, I believe I could. Yet I hope I never have to.

I love little children with purity. Stuck on a military base amidst grown-ups, I miss seeing little children play, smile and laugh. It would be nice to hug my children and see the excitement of their faces as they open their Christmas gifts.

I love people. Some are easier to love than others. Some try our patience and test our tolerance. Some are simply not fun to be around; others are terrible influences. The greatest friends tend to help us be better and do better. Just as sure as there is good in the world and people who do good things, there is evil in the world and people who engage in evil, uncivilized and atrocious acts. It is the act and the habit of the evil-doer that must be stopped. The great thing is people can change.

A hard-core drug user stayed up for eight days straight. The dangerous methamphetamines caused him to lose 45 pounds during that time. He hallucinated severely and experienced all the horrific side affects of that drug. Speaking of writing down your New Year’s resolutions, this guy, in a rage of violence and anger at the world, made long list of people he planned to kill.

He was involved in a life of late-night parties. One of his best friends was shot and killed while they both ran away from a house where a rival gang member showed up to cause trouble. In his mind at the time, this kid had nothing good to live for. He had murder in his heart and he didn’t care if he died. But he didn’t kill anyone nor did he harm himself any further. Instead, he turned his life around. He changed. People can change.

Today he is a productive member of society. He is clean. He is honorable. No one would ever know of his past, and no one would need to know. He forgave himself and he feels forgiven of his past abuses. He cleaned his life up and made amends for his wrongs. He is happy and has found true and lasting peace and joy in an honorable occupation, a harmonious marriage and lovely children. He lives in a good neighborhood and he’s a good person.

I believe even the vilest and most detestable human beings can change, but those who don’t change should be forced to stop if they encroach upon the rights and security of others. The innocent people, often incapable of defending themselves, must be spared and shielded from atrocities and crimes. That duty to protect and preserve lies upon each civilized society and person.

The job of stopping savage brutality and murderous intentions is borne of love. I vehemently oppose all war and killing, but I sometimes wonder if the most out-spoken anti-war critics ever consider anyone but themselves.

I have since become a commissioned military officer, but many years ago, when I first enlisted in the Army, at my first days of boot camp, I recall seeing a poster on the wall with the inscribed words of one of America’s Founding Fathers.

In the Saint John’s Church in Richmond Virginia, Patrick Henry eloquently and profoundly asked, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” (Speech before the 2nd Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775.)

Everyone deserves freedom. Indeed, the writers of the Declaration of Independence left no room for ostracism, partiality, bias or discrimination when they eloquently and solemnly wrote: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

At this holiday season when Muslims celebrate for three days of Eid al-Adha, God’s test of Abraham, and when Jews celebrate Hanukkah, and Christians celebrate Christmas, let us all seek for greater peace and love. We could accomplish so much more with a little more peace and a lot more love.

My Political Predictions

So there was a woman, a black man, and a Mormon… Sounds like the beginning of a joke, doesn’t it? Well, here are my Presidential candidate predictions, beginning with the Democratic nominations. (Note: Will the Democrats ever realize a donkey mascot is a slam? Heck, even an aardvark, duck-billed platypus or three-toed sloth would be better than a mule, or the other word.)

Hillary – A woman for President? If she had the tough-on-terrorism record like Margaret Thatcher, she’d stand a better chance. Talk about a flip-flop record, just look at her Iraqi preemption back pedal vote. But she’ll stay in the lead.

Obama – He’ll come in a very close second. My cornucopia family members are Chinese, Korean, African American, Tongan, and Hispanic, but I’ll ask the taboo question anyway: Are American’s really ready for a black President, a woman President, or a Mormon? Personally, if I was coerced, cajoled or forced by threat of death into ever voting for a Democrat, Obama would have my vote over any other current candidate, hands down. Our ‘diversity’—this new century’s buzz word—collectively leads us to only look at the man (or woman) and not the skin color, gender or religious belief. Yeah, I wish. After reading Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, I realized even more so that we all are judgmental of the outward appearance.

I don’t see a Hillary-Obama ticket. Although that would be powerful, it’s too much change for creatures of comfort and habit—us voters and constituents.

Pretty-boy Edwards – Speaking of judging outward appearances, let’s face it, the look, the presentation, the pitch and tone of the candidates voice play a huge part in the decision of the vote. Edwards looks too young (and, hence, too inexperienced); he pays too much for haircuts and doesn’t ‘look’ like someone the majority of the population could entrust to lead the country. Except for a few young, naïve female voters and perhaps a sycophant or two supporting him, he doesn’t stand a chance of a snowball in Iraq. If I’m wrong and he is the Democratic nominee, he’ll loose by a landslide to ANY Republican.

Biggest Upset – If the inventor of the Internet and latest Nobel Peace Prize winner, Al Gore, shows up at the last minute, watch out. Even though most of us can recognize the left-leaning political agenda for his recent international popularity, the Democrats eat that up…never mind that his global warming platform has been called a sham by ‘real’ experts.

For the foreseeable future no other major party outside the Dems/GOP will have the clout Ross Perot pulled in 1992. Besides, any votes outside those two heavy-hitting parties are pretty much good-for-nothing anyway.

The Republicans:

G-man – If Huckabee sounds funny, unless your family owns a pizza shop in New York City, G-whatever is just too hard to spell for the average American. Speaking of food, the most violent throwing up I ever did was after I ate at an Italian restaurant in Saint Louis, Missouri. I can empathize with the former New York Major’s recent stay in the hospital there for flu-like symptoms. But the bottom line is he’s too Democrat to be a Republican.

Thompson – That’d be like having James Earl Jones as President. He’d sound cool, but being an actor just means people wouldn’t know if they could trust if he’s telling the truth or just ‘acting’. Hypothetically speaking, he might be able to lie better than Slick-Willy himself. Plus, when GOPers make the unconscious comparison to the legendary actor-turned-President, Ronald Reagan, Freddy just doesn’t cut the cake.

Romney – Any man with a little grey in his hair stands a chance. Think of the movie The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston. In real life Moses wasn’t a great orator. Romney also seems surreal—too perfect, some say—and he’s getting a lot of free press because of his religion. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t take the Republican nomination. Am I biased? Let’s just say I strongly identify with this candidate much like you identify with your pick.

McCain – Too much grey hair. I like him because he’s the only military veteran most know of among the bunch, but he’s too outspoken and rough around the edges. His recent endorsement by Joe Lieberman was pretty much a useless vote for Ross Perot. He’s a has-been Presidential candidate about three times over.

Ron Paul – Who?

Huckabee – He just might take the Iowa caucus. His frank demeanor appeals to the masses. He’s more stoic and mature than Edwards (which helps) and more approachable than Romney. His popularity will rise. If Romney punches through I can see a Romney-Huckabee ticket, but if Huckabee gets the GOP nomination he’ll find another candidate for VP.

Miscellaneously important:

Putin – The former KGB hardliner will continue to rule Russia with a swelling iron fist, even if he is ‘in the shadows’ of Dmitry. The former USSR nations will continue to revolt and have their ‘Orange Revolutions’. Hopefully no more ‘dissenters’ will be poisoned, but if someone inside Russia was willing to take Plutonium into London for an assassination, you can rest assured that more eccentric things will occur…perhaps with the ‘axis of evil’-nation, Iran. ‘Person of the Year’? Pshaw!

Bin Laden – Joint Special Operations Command had him on their radar in August 2007. He was riding in a car in Afghanistan. SEAL Team 6 was on stand by to apprehend, but probably NOT kill him, and his car was being followed by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. He’ll continue to live this year because my gut tells me too many officials want to capture him alive rather than shoot his car with a Hellfire missile. The tall, skinny terror magnate will closely follow the U.S. Presidential elections as he has in the past. He’ll consider the timing of a spectacular attack on American soil and carefully weigh his strategic options.

If the Democrats win, more troops might be pulled from Iraq. If an attack occurs in America maybe the U.S. resolve to stay in Iraq will be strengthened. If he (or the phalanx of terrorists like him) attacks America before the election, like Islamic terrorists did in Spain on 3/11/04, will that have the power to change the vote? It certainly worked in Spain. A major attack(s) in America (or at American facilities, or companies related to America, in foreign lands) could change the dynamics of everything I wrote above. Would that strategically work in bin Laden’s favor?

Two things are certain. First, his ‘Number Two’ will continue to make communiqués and ‘press releases’ on the World Wide ‘Freedom Fighter’ Press Release Cable (WWFFPRC)—it’s as if something like that must really exist considering the effectiveness and frequency of the media statements, huh?

Secondly, bin hidin’-out Laden hates America just as much as he hates women. My friend and colleague Dr. Nancy Kobrin even reminds me that he refers to America by the Arabic female name, ‘Amrika’, to downgrade the United States. No one should listen to a woman, let alone be ruled by one! I can hear him mock.

Would he and his cohorts and emissaries want Hillary to win? Would it help his overarching platform and gain more terror recruits within Islam, giving them more justification to hate the U.S.? Or, would having a woman as President intimidate him to the point where it would terrify him even more? His rage might become even more volatile if being hunted by a woman. Hummmm…. Well here’s one for you bin Laden: America’s a FREE COUNTRY. I’m GLAD she’s running…even if only because you don't want her to.