I’m not qualified to be among their ranks, and I’m certainly not qualified to be among his. But I have feelings and opinions and things to say, despite that adamant truth.

Andrew Breitbart was is a man who could stir great passions. Whether it’s self indulgent bloggers who claim happiness in his death, or the tens of thousands of citizen journalists that he inspired to mobilize, Breitbart was is a man who people had strong feelings for. And you know what they say… “Hatred is not the opposite of love; indifference is.” Andrew Breitbart was is not a man who inspired indifference. On that, I think most would agree.

I never met Andrew, but I can tell you that I loved him. I loved his fearlessness. I loved his grasp of the big picture. I loved his willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve. I loved that he didn’t hide behind false pretense. I love that he was inclusive. An ivory tower is not where this man dwelled. I love that he knew that truth is the greatest defense. He didn’t hack Anthony Weiner’s Twitter account, and he didn’t stare frozenly into the headlights while his opponents falsely accused him. He FOUGHT. Truth was his weapon, and he wielded it to devastating effect. A lot of Conservatives will let the spaghetti stick to them. Andrew would burn down the kitchen before he let that happen, and I loved love him for that.

I wish I could tell you a story of how he talked to me at a rally or a conference or even at an airport while waiting to catch a flight, but I can’t. I didn’t know the man. But I can tell you that it felt like he knew me. I think a lot of us felt like that. I think a lot of us saw him on our TV’s and said, “YES. Finally, someone is saying what needs to be said. Someone is finally fighting our fight. Someone is FINALLY disproving the lies that our elected leaders seem helpless to deflect. Someone has finally gotten it right.”

Andrew loved us, and he loved this country. Some would say he even loved his opponents. That is a distinction that many of his naysayers cannot claim. Many of them seem to sustain themselves off of hatred. Andrew wasn’t like that. He saw the big picture, and hatred is just a limb on tree in a forest in a country on a continent on a planet. Hatred is wasted energy for those with great minds. And Andrew’s mind was among the greatest we’ll see in our lifetimes.

I can’t say as to whether or not we’ll have another Breitbart, but I can tell you that he strove to make sure we wouldn’t need one. And that is a testament to how much he loved us. And you know what, Andrew, we love you too.

R.I.P. Andrew Breitbart
1969-2012

I don’t know where to begin.  I do know the word “unprofessional” does not even begin to cover it.  I know that much for sure.  But to be honest with you, this is par for the course when it comes to Left Wing punditry.  It’s never good enough for them to just criticize a Republican’s policies.  For some reason, they feel compelled to add personal attacks to the mix also.  Whether it’s Ed Schultz calling Laura Ingraham a slut, or David Letterman calling Sarah Palin a slut, or an MSNBC panel talking about Michele Bachmann’s “crazed, bulging eyes”, the Left constantly feels it’s necessary to make personal attacks toward Republicans.  It’s never good enough to just discuss policies or issues.  But this time, it’s too much.  When you make fun of the way a family grieves the death of their child, you have crossed a line you cannot come back from.

Alan Colmes must have thought he was on the Jerry Springer show, where you’re paid to goad and insult the audience.  Where it’s your goal to stoke fires of indignation.  But you know what… Even Jerry’s audience would have no part in what Colmes was selling.  I’m ashamed for him.  And I’m ashamed America’s top rated cable channel even let him finish the segment.  I’m not sure Jerry would have let him stay on after saying that.  But like I said… this is par for the course with Liberal pundits.

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) – Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s mercurial and enigmatic longtime leader, has died of heart failure. He was 69.

In a “special broadcast” Monday from the North Korean capital, state media said Kim died of a heart ailment on a train due to a “great mental and physical strain” on Dec. 17 during a “high intensity field inspection.” It said an autopsy was done on Dec. 18 and “fully confirmed” the diagnosis.

Kim is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008, but he had appeared relatively vigorous in photos and video from recent trips to China and Russia and in numerous trips around the country carefully documented by state media. The communist country’s “Dear Leader” – reputed to have had a taste for cigars, cognac and gourmet cuisine – was believed to have had diabetes and heart disease.

You can read more on the story here.

Sadly mirroring the final days of Steve Jobs, Andy Rooney has also died shortly after resigning from a post that made him famous.  Below is an excerpt from CBS news.

(CBS News)

Andy Rooney, the “60 Minutes” commentator known to generations for his wry, humorous and contentious television essays – a unique genre he is credited with inventing – died today. He was 92 and had homes in New York City, Rensseleaerville, N.Y. and Rowayton, Conn.

Rooney had announced on Oct. 2, 2011 in his 1097th essay for “60 Minutes” that he would no longer appear regularly.

You can find the rest of the CBS piece here.  Andy Rooney was one of television’s longest running commentators; he will be missed.

“God Bless America! Land that I love!”

Just a warning to anyone who reads this. Prepare yourself for sudden outbursts of song!

No, this is not a musical, and just a warning- I do not have a beautiful singing voice at all! So, close your ears if you don’t want to hear my grateful voice of celebration!

Tonight is a good night in America! Americans all over the country are dancing in the streets celebrating the good news! We’ve waited so long for this good news! Ten long years!

It is my hope and prayer that this will unite us once again. If only for “one moment in time!”

Usually I do not celebrate the death of someone. However, Osama Bin Laden-

“I bet it felt like the WHOLE WIDE WORLD WAS raining down on youuuu! Brought to you, courtesy of the RED, WHITE & BLUE!!!”

Ahhhhh, yes! Justice has indeed been served!  That is, if the news we are hearing is correct! Yes, unfortunately, I have my doubts. As I’ve written about before, I don’t trust any of our politicians. I will not apologize for my skepticism- they’ve all brought it on themselves!

God forgive me if it is wrong, but I do hope that it is true. This man was nothing but pure evil incarnate. I will never forget “when the world stopped turning on that September day”. 

My heart sings, yet at the same time weeps for the families and friends of those who lost their lives almost 10 years ago. Ten long years. Finally they have some semblance of justice.

“And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.”

Tonight, I thank God Almighty for the blessings of living in America- Land of the Free, Home of the Brave. I dedicate this article to all of the military men and women throughout history who have given their life, their blood, their sweat and their tears so that I might be free! You always do your duty, no matter what it cost you. You and your families and friends make sacrifices. You count the cost and know what you are sacrificing. I pray that you do not die… but if you do, may God rest your soul. No, freedom don’t come free, and indeed, you all bear that cross with honor. Please know that you are greatly appreciated, forever loved and completely cherished. Though I have not personally served, I have many family members and friends who have fought beside you. Thank you, and God bless you all! Tonight, America dances in the streets to honor you! Please be extra careful out there! Just because Osama is <most likely> dead does not mean this war is over. In fact, in many ways it is just beginning! May God Almighty keep each of you safe in the shadow of His wings! (Psalm 91)

“And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I’ve counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh and I don’t want to die for you, but if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don’t come free.

I’m an American Soldier an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right

I’m out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight
American Soldier, I’m an American, Soldier.”

_________

Credits:
“God Bless America” by Irving Berlin
“One Moment In Time” by Whitney Houston
“Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue”  by Toby Keith
“Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning” by Alan Jackson
“God Bless The USA” by Lee Greenwood
“American Soldier” by Toby Keith