Our National Anthem

28 July 08

Interesting note from a student and historian, and something you'llnot likely see reported on CNN:

"The 'Star-Spangled Banner' was actually a re-writeof one of Francis Scott Key's earlier works, written to honor American heroes of the Barbary Wars, courageously fought against Islamic terrorists of that era (the early 1800s).

America's first 'declared' war was against a trans-nationalterrorist organization, made up of Moslem VCAs, the infamous Barbary Pirates. They had been grabbing commercial ships and holding crews and passengers as slaves, and for ransom. President Jefferson, wrestling with his own disinclination to become involved in foreign military adventurism, ultimately declared war, created a Navy, and went after them. Thus confronted with America's unexpected and ferocious projection of force, the Pirates, and their political confederates, meekly sued for peace.

A celebration was held in 1805 to honor our heroes of the Barbary Wars. Francis Scott Key wrote a poem and set it to music, specifically for that festivity. The music he used was the same as that used in our current National Anthem. The rhyme and meter are also identical. The song unapologetically celebrates victory over Islamic terror. Key entitled it, 'When the Warrior Returns'

In the conflict resistless, each toil they endured 'Till their foes fled dismayed from the war's desolation: And pale beamed the Crescent, its splendor obscured By the light of the Star Spangled flag of our nation. Where each radiant star gleamed a meteor of war, And turbaned heads bowed to its terrible glare, Now, mixed with the olive, the laurel shall wave, And form a bright wreath for the brows of the Brave.

Perhaps some starlet should throw that verse in next time she sings the our National Anthem at a baseball game!

Seven years afterward, the United States was again at war, this time (once again!) with Great Britain. During that conflict, in addition to burning the White House, the British attacked Fort McHenry, which guarded Baltimore. When, after a night of heavy bombardment, the fort had still not fallen, Francis Scott Key was so inspired that he quickly re-wrote 'When the Warrior Returns'

This new version began, 'O, Say Can You See...'"

Comment: Such "inconvenient history" is seldom discussed among the sissified in the media. They would much rather report (as "news") what they wish were true, rather than truth!

/John

Comments on success Story

28 July 08=20

Incisive analyses, as always, from Skip Gochenour and the ATSA Crew:

"While all ten of the points you enumerate are valid and germane, these two are, by far, the most important:

>Face facts! Don't con yourself. Don't delude yourself intothinking you're not really seeing what is in front of you.

>Lose your fear of dying! There are no guarantees in this life, and, end the end, we're all dead anyway. Who look for 'fairness'in the way the world is ordered, do so in vain!

In four decades of studying violent encounters, and in discussions with hundreds of VCAs, I have become convinced that decisions on the part of VCAs with regard to victim selection and engagement are governed almost entirely by their perception of the potential victim's understanding of, and personal commitment to, the foregoing.

VCAs understand that the willful reluctance of the target/victim to accept the reality and urgency of the situation, catalyzes the victim's inclination to engage in fantasy- delusion sufficient to persuade the victim to suspend reality just long enough for the victimization to take place.

In the VCA's convergence upon an engagement decision, he will accept all the other points you made, so long as the two enumerated above are in his favor. He will thus be heavily influenced by his perception (correct or incorrect) that the target/victim is willing to wager his life on the outcome of the next few moments. When the target/victim is obviously unwilling to make that irrevocable wager, and instead submerges himself in aboulic fantasy, the VCA has a green light, no matter what other factors figure into the equation!

Since the success, and continued good health, of the VCA turns on his ability to correctly perceive this willingness, or its absence, he is well-advised to hone that perceptive skill. His first wrong call may well be his last, as it nearly was in the incident you cited."

Comment: Fear, like all other emotions, needs to be managed and contained. Fear is normal, even beneficial in some circumstances. But, when out of control, fear leads, by a short route, to delusion and paralysis, as Skip noted above. Fear will drive you to inaction, and maybe crazy to boot! Its paralyzing grip must be broken by personal courage, resolve, and icy determination, which you either have or you don't!

In the words of Sitting Bull, "Brothers! Test your armor, but only test the front!"

/John