I was watching the news this morning while pondering on what sort of Christmas Eve message to post.  This Christmas Eve is obviously much different for me.  The big difference for me is I’m home, after spending the last two out in the desert. There really are no appropriate words to describe what I’m feeling, so I was about ready to scrap the whole blog. Then I suddenly caught three news reports on Fox and BINGO! Dilemma solved.

In the past I have singled out business and media people who have disrespected or maligned out Masterful Forces, who make the ultimate sacrifice so we can snuggle safely under the blanket of security they provide. I don’t buy into the completely moronic “I support the troops, just not the mission or the President”.  But I have also pointed out the good guys.  Today they are Southwest Airlines, the President of Little Caesar’s Pizza and Fox News Channel.

Southwest Airlines stepped up to the plate by flying an entire unit of National Guardsmen home for Christmas.  They were supposed to have been deployed to Afghanistan, but their deployment was delayed.  Upon finding out about this, the President of Southwest decided to fly them all home, free of charge, so they can spend Christmas with their families. She is, in my opinion, a stateside hero to our troops.

The next one is the President of Little Caesar’s Pizza.  Upon reading about one of our wounded heroes who lost both legs in OIF, he decided to GIVE this Staff Sergeant his own Little Caesar’s franchise. GIVE. FREE OF CHARGE.  He, in turn, has made a success of this franchise and is now opening his second one, near Ft Campbell, where he was stationed on Active Duty.  Little Caesar’s didn’t stop there. The y offer a program to our wounded veterans that helps them open their own franchise by saving them a quarter of the expense.  He is in my opinion, also a stateside here to our troops.

Finally, Fox News is where I caught these two reports on this wonderful Christmas Eve morning, which I am lucky enough to spend with my family this year after missing the last two.  They also reported yet again about the massive improvements in security our troop surge has made in Anbar province in Iraq.  Fox News has been consistent in their reporting the good news and successes of our Masterful Forces. Rupert Murdoch, and all the anchors and analysts at Fox are also stateside heroes to our troops.

It gives me great pleasure to salute these heroes. 

This morning I heard Hillary Clinton state her case for the Presidency of the United States on Fox & Friends. There was nothing earth shattering in what was clearly yet another campaign sound byte, but I did manage to focus on one thing she said. That she would “end the war in Iraq in the most expeditious and responsible way”.  This was in response to a viewer submitted question. Hillary began cackling when Gretchen Carlson began asking the question. Clearly she thought her appearance was going to be just another puff piece and was completely SHOCKED that Fox viewers would want her to actually state a position!

Of all the things she should be challenged on, I believe her positions (because there have been several) on the war are the most relevant and the ones for which she gets a pass from EVERYONE.  Let’s review shall we?

As a rookie Senator for the State of NY, in 2003 she voted FOR the resolution that gave the President authorization to invade Iraq.  She, like many of her contemporaries, now states that it was “a mistake”, that she expected President Bush to use this authority “as a last resort”.  That if she knew then what she knows now she “would have never voted the way she did”.  How seriously she supposedly felt about removing Saddam Hussein is prevalent throughout her campaign speeches prior to 2003. Here’s one jewel in particular  in 2002 (amongst things said by her contemporaries as well):

http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv

What was her motivation then? Simple. Foresight. Political expediency. She’s been campaigning for the Presidency since her husband left the White House and she was flexing her “hawkishness”.  An area she was deemed weakest.  There was no downside to her statements, then or now.  For one thing, the MSM practically fawns over her. For another, she was in NO position to have to make a decision to back up any of her statements. A true politician, she said what she believed you wanted to hear.

Since then she’s said many things about the war on her way to garner the nomination of her party for the Presidency. Her statements can be directly tied into the mood of the country and the results of polls of the time, along with the coverage of the MSM. She learned this from her Teflon coated husband. Her position on the war has changed so much that trying to follow her will make your head spin. Oh and by the way, so has his.

 What is truly relevant to me is how little the war is now being used by ALL the Dems candidates since our recent phenomenal successes as a result of the surge. Successes Hillary said she had to “suspend disbelief” to believe. Yep, that’s when she called our military leader in the most significant effort of our time a liar.  She got a pass for that one too.

For those of you who believe the government should run your health care (nanny politics) and that this country is based on the premise that if you’re wildly successful at your business endeavors you should have your wealth distributed to those who are not as enterprising or industrious (envy politics) then Hillary is your girl. For those of you who like to be pandered to and told that it’s raining while they’re pissing on your boots, Hillary is your girl too.

I just want to remind you of one thing.  Do you remember how you felt the morning of September 11^th 2001? Do you remember the fear? The helplessness? The RAGE?

Of course you don’t. The reason for that is because SIX long years have passed without another attack to our country. This is the direct result of men and women who do more than talk a good game.  The one thing I remember vividly was one of the President’s statements in his first televised address to the nation after the attack.  He looked directly at the camera, speaking to our attackers and stated “You are now the focus of my administration.” History has shown us that those were more than just mere words and empty threats. Hillary talks a good game.  Do you want to put her in charge of your children’s safety? 

I know what the Peaceniks are saying, but they don’t count.  They’re clueless fluffy sheep who bray from the relative safety of the middle of the herd.  I’m speaking to those who don’t like to fight, but will when faced with danger.  Those who can reasonably make the correlation between our safety and the proactive stance the President and our Masterful Forces have taken, despite all efforts of the Dems to surrender.  But even if you think the GWOT is just another “bumper sticker”, I invite you to simply glean over Senator Clinton’s record for substance. You won’t find any. Dig deeper and what you find should scare your liberal hearts into purchasing a lifetime membership to the NRA and the Republican Party.  Okay, maybe not that badly (I can dream cant I?), but it should at least give  you pause.

This morning I heard Hillary Clinton state her case for the Presidency of the United States on Fox & Friends. There was nothing earth shattering in what was clearly yet another campaign sound byte, but I did manage to focus on one thing she said. That she would “end the war in Iraq in the most expeditious and responsible way”.  This was in response to a viewer submitted question. Hillary began cackling when Gretchen Carlson began asking the question. Clearly she thought her appearance was going to be just another puff piece and was completely SHOCKED that Fox viewers would want her to actually state a position!

Of all the things she should be challenged on, I believe her positions (because there have been several) on the war are the most relevant and the ones for which she gets a pass from EVERYONE.  Let’s review shall we?

As a rookie Senator for the State of NY, in 2003 she voted FOR the resolution that gave the President authorization to invade Iraq.  She, like many of her contemporaries, now states that it was “a mistake”, that she expected President Bush to use this authority “as a last resort”.  That is she knew then what she knows now she “would have never voted the way she did”.  How seriously she supposedly felt about removing Saddam Hussein is prevalent throughout her campaign speeches prior to 2003. Here’s one jewel in particular  in 2002 (amongst things said by her contemporaries as well):

http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv

What was her motivation then? Simple. Foresight. Political expediency. She’s been campaigning for the Presidency since her husband left the White House and she was flexing her “hawkishness”.  An area she was deemed weakest.  There was no downside to her statements, then or now.  For one thing, the MSM practically fawns over her. For another, she was in NO position to have to make a decision to back up any of her statements. A true politician, she said what she believed you wanted to hear.

Since then she’s said many things about the war on her way to garner the nomination of her party for the Presidency. Her statements can be directly tied into the mood of the country and the results of polls of the time, along with the coverage of the MSM. She learned this from her Teflon coated husband. Her position on the war has changed so much that trying to follow her will make your head spin. Oh and by the way, so has his.

 What is truly relevant to me is how little the war is now being used by ALL the Dems candidates since our recent phenomenal successes as a result of the surge. Successes Hillary said she had to “suspend disbelief” to believe. Yep, that’s when she called our military leader in the most significant effort of our time a liar.  She got a pass for that one too.

For those of you who believe the government should run your health care (nanny politics) and that this country is based on the premise that if you’re wildly successful at your business endeavors you should have your wealth distributed to those who are not as enterprising or industrious (envy politics) then Hillary is your girl. For those of you who like to be pandered to and told that it’s raining while they’re pissing on your boots, Hillary is your girl too.

I just want to remind you of one thing.  Do you remember how you felt the morning of September 11^th 2001? Do you remember the fear? The helplessness? The RAGE?

Of course you don’t. The reason for that is because SIX long years have passed without another attack to our country. This is the direct result of men and women who do more than talk a good game.  The one thing I remember vividly was one of the President’s statements in his first televised address to the nation after the attack.  He looked directly at the camera, speaking to our attackers and stated “You are now the focus of my administration.” History has shown us that those were more than just mere words and empty threats. Hillary talks a good game.  Do you want to put her in charge of your children’s safety? 

I know what the Peaceniks are saying, but they don’t count.  They’re clueless fluffy sheep who bray from the relative safety of the middle of the herd.  I’m speaking to those who don’t like to fight, but will when faced with danger.  Those who can reasonably make the correlation between our safety and the proactive stance the President and our Masterful Forces have taken, despite all efforts of the Dems to surrender.  But even if you think the GWOT is just another “bumper sticker”, I invite you to simply glean over Senator Clinton’s record for substance. You won’t find any. Dig deeper and what you find should scare your liberal hearts into purchasing a lifetime membership to the NRA and the Republican Party.  Okay, maybe not that badly (I can dream cant I?), but it should at least give  you pause.

It appears that the Global Warming hysteria has gone from the sublime to the ridiculous. There have been many examples of this, but the following report just took the freaking top prize!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,315586,00.html

Kangaroo farts?????? Kangaroo farts????? (I didn’t need to repeat it, it’s just funny!)

Kangaroo farts are gonna save the planet??? I don’t know who these Australian “scientists” are (or if they’re on Al Gore’s payroll), but it seems to me they could be working on something with just a little more substance. Or at least something they can tell their kids they do when asked to come to their schools on career day.

Child: Daddy what do you do for a living?

Australian Scientist: Why I’m studying how Kangaroo farts will save the planet!

Child (laughing hysterically); No seriously Daddy.

Come to think of it, that would be perfect for a kids career day! This scientist would be a smash hit.

I can see it now. “Well God, no worries mate! We have figured out how to save your Masterful creation and reverse whatever plans you may have. Kangaroo farts!” (See? Told ya it was funny).

I don’t know what these scientists look like either but I’m willing to bet they’re the spitting image of Harpo, Chico and Groucho Marx!

As of this wasn’t bad enough, I watched a video on foxnews.com about experimenting with cats in zero gravity. I ask you, what in the name of kangaroo science could this serve. We’ve been going into space for sixty years now. Did we really need to know how cats would behave in zero gravity? I’m a high school dropout and I could have clued them in. Duh, they float. HELLOOOOO!!!!

Ahhhh how far we have come in the field of scientific research. Louis Pasteur, Galileo, Marie Curie et al would be proud!!

Fear as an emotion has received its fair share of critics and defenders. Often it’s not fear itself that is the harbinger of doom. Fear, physiological fear that is, is a good and empowering emotion. It brings about physical changes to the human body and mind that makes them, like the six million dollar man, faster, better stronger. It narrows the focus, causes the body to excrete life saving hormones and changes (producing adrenaline and increasing the production of blood clotting agents). These amazing changes  are ancient life-saving formulas that have guaranteed the survival of mankind from its early walks upon the planet. Fight or flight stuff. True fear is an innate, instinctive emotion that requires absolutely no conscious thought to tap it. You don’t have to train the human body to feel fear or react to its effects. Place a person in front of a charging, rabid dog and it knows exactly what to do. Stories of supposed magical feats of strength, endurance and speed are all as the result of those changes (e.g. the diminutive mother lifting a car off of her child).

Psychological fear on the other hand is a crippling, irrational emotion. It has no basis in logic or reality but its effects can be paralyzing. Gavin De Becker in his book The Gift of Fear coined the acronym for this emotion False Expectations Appearing Real or F.E.A.R. In other words, you fear that which has not yet, or may never happen. From deeply felt inexplicable phobias to simple irrational fear, this emotion has quite the opposite effect of the real one in terms of action.

I’ll give you an example. Many people have a supposed natural fear of spiders and snakes, venomous or otherwise. If you think logically about this, you would wonder how you could fear an animal you can a) squash with your shoe, or b) outrun? The fact that neither of these animals considers us to be natural prey and avoid us as well, striking only when they feel threatened, underscores this point. So what are we afraid of? Simple. We’re afraid of that which has not yet happened; namely, the poisonous bite. There are countless actions we can take to avoid this once we’re conscious of the animal’s presence but often the psychological fear will paralyze us into inertia.

I’ve faced fear ferociously in almost all aspects of my life. I’m a bit of the T personality; adventurous and risk taking. I’ve held firm to a philosophy to not let fear dictate my life’s decisions, but even I have not been immune to its crippling hold along with its strongest motivating ally, uncertainty. Fear of the unknown. Is this a real fear? Of course not. Yet, it will stop us dead in our tracks when it comes to leaping out of our comfort zones.

The fear of rejection and ridicule stopped me from finishing a novel for the early part of my life. Sound familiar? I’d get a brilliant idea for a story, began to write it, lovingly shaping the big lump of clay into a semblance of the story and then somewhere in the process, stop abruptly. I was very clever in talking myself out of finishing the work. Lack of time, the idea was no longer “topical”, its focus is too narrow, too vague, too oblique, not funny, not exciting, wouldn’t sell, blah blah blah.

None of these were the true reasons for not finishing it.

In taking a brutally honest assessment as to why I did not finish a book I had started I discovered quite by surprise that the reason was simple. The psychological fear of rejection and/or ridicule. It’s a toughie isn’t it? Putting yourself out there. Sink or swim. There’s a certain warm fuzzy coccoonish feeling of writing just for you. I actually know two people who have written more than three books apiece they have no intention of publishing. This I really don’t understand as once my book was finished I couldn’t wait to put it out there. When I ask them, they very quickly rattle off similar reasons to the ones I listed above. They were just more diligent in finishing the work.

Once I honestly accepted my reasons for not finishing, I was able to slay that dragon very easily. I decided that everyone has at least one book in them and by the same token every one has an audience, no matter how small. So I would just tell the story my way. Put one word after the other until I could come up with a logical place to put (30) or The End.

Good thing too because before I decided to self-publish I received 148 rejection slips from my queries and submissions to conventional agents and publishers. Nonplussed I settled on self-publishing and the results have been extraordinarily rewarding (well, I haven’t bought that Viper yet. I’ll keep you posted). My new challenge is to finish the second, third and fourth ones I’ve started so I won’t be just a “one book wonder”.

I’ve received many positive reviews for Protecting Nahir. Two of my favorites have come from people who know me. What they say is that when they read it, they could hear me talking. This is important to me. It means I’m not mimicking or copying anyone. I have my own writer’s voice. Like it or hate it, it is my own.  As wildly successful as James Patterson is, I’d hate for anyone to say that I write like he does. Or anyone for that matter (of course, maybe that would get me that Viper).

Writing a book is not an elite, obscure talent only a select few of us have inherited from God. Writing of itself is a skill I still work on improving, but telling a story is as innate to people as talking. Some are just more enjoyable than others and it’s all subjective isn’t it? I simply love the stories of authors who were rejected countless times until that one story ignited a spark that spread like brushfire! It’s all a matter of conquering that fear isn’t it? Okay it’s not that simple but that fear is more daunting than anything that may stand in your way. A famous writer once said (I forget his name and I’m paraphrasing here), “Writing is simple. All you need do is stare at a blank piece of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.” I have one of my own. Writing a book is easy. Simply put one word after the other until you’ve reached a logical place to put THE END.

                                                         THE END

See what I mean?

Anthony D. Hubble

Author, Protecting Nahir