Jameson Lindskog killed in action in Afghanistan!

"Jameson Lindskog, 23, Soldier Killed In Afghanistan While Helping Fellow Soldier
Jameson Lindskog, 23, a graduate of Orion Academy in Moraga, was a medical technician for the Army's 101st Airborne Division.
"By David Mills 9:16am
"A 23-year-old soldier who grew up in Pleasanton has been killed in Afghanistan.
"Army specialist Jameson Lindskog died Tuesday when his unit came under fire while he was trying to help another soldier.

"Lindskog was a medical technician. He joined the Army in 2008 and was due to be discharged next year.
"Lindskog is the first Pleasanton native to be killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
"Lindskog was the son of Donna Walker of Pleasanton and Curtis Lindskog of Livermore.
"The young soldier attended Pleasanton Middle School and spent his freshman year at Amador Valley High School. He then transferred to the Orion Academy in Moraga, where he graduated in 2005.
"The Pleasanton native had acquired a degree in massage therapy. His father said he planned to move to Alaska and set up his own practice after he left the Army.
"Curtis Lindskog said his son will be greatly missed by family and friends.
"He was a deeply caring individual who was committed to his family," said Curtis Lindskog. "He also had a deep sense of right and wrong."
"Lindskog's body is arriving at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware today. His remains are expected to be transported to Pleasanton in the next 10 days.
"Memorial services are still being planned.
"City officials said today that flags will be lowered at all city facilities for three days upon the arrival of Lindskog's remains."
Kenneth Stepp salutes Jameson Lindskog. Let's support our troops by bringing them home now!

Michele Bachmann: I Wouldn't Have Gone Into Libya

"Michele Bachmann: I Wouldn't Have Gone Into Libya
"03/30/11 10:11 AM ET
"WASHINGTON — A tea party-backed conservative congresswoman says President Barack Obama has failed to demonstrate a vital U.S. national security interest for going into Libya.
"Rep. Michele Bachmann also says "I would not have gone in" to the strife-torn North African country where strongman Moammar Gadhafi is fighting to cling to power against a resistance force.
"The Minnesota Republican is considering whether to seek her party's 2012 presidential nomination. She tells NBC's "Today" show she doesn't support intervening regularly in humanitarian crises.
"She says the "Obama doctrine" would provide a rationale for the United States "to enter into one country after another." Bachmann says she's against giving military assistance to the rebels fighting Gadhafi, saying she fears there are al Qaida elements among their numbers."
We need anti-war candidates in both parties' Presidential primaries and all primaries in 2012! Elect more anti-war candidates.

Vote for veterans of the regular Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines!

"115 members of the new Congress -- 20% -- have served in the military
In 1975, 70% of the members of Congress were veterans
"The top U.S. military advisor is concerned about a disconnect between the military and civilians
"Washington (CNN) -- Members of Congress are quick to say they support the troops and veterans, but the number of elected officials who have served has plummeted to its lowest point since World War II.
"Only 20% of the 535 members of the new Congress have served in the military, 25 from the Senate and 90 from the House of Representatives.
"Juxtapose that with 1975, when over 70% of those elected had served in the armed forces.
"Pre-World War II data on veterans serving is difficult to find, according to the Senate Historical Office.
"With the nation currently facing two wars, one group worries about the effects the dwindling numbers may have on defense decisions.
"It's not always that veterans care more about defense issues, but those politicians who have served in the military understand to a much greater degree what they are voting on," said Seth Lynn, executive director of Veterans Campaign, a group that trains veterans to run for public office.
"Having members in Congress with military experience is crucial to effective civilian control of the military," Lynn added.
"Today, some of the most prominent voices on military, foreign affairs and veterans issues are themselves veterans. Among them are Vietnam vets Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, who was a prisoner of war for more than five years; Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts; and Sen. Jim Webb, D-Virginia.
"Sen. Scott Brown, R-Massachusetts, is currently in the National Guard and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, is in the Air Force Reserves. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-California, is a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
"Despite the continuous drop in the number of veterans elected to Congress, funding for veterans' issues have not taken a hit. The Veterans Affairs budget went up 16% in 2010, the largest single-year increase in over 30 years according to the department. The defense budget has also grown considerably in the last decade.
"Over the past four years, Congress has elevated priorities and expanded benefits and services to all U.S. veterans to the highest levels in quality and funding in our country's history," said Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. "I believe that Congress will continue to hold veterans' issues and needs at the forefront even with a reduction of congressional members who are veterans."

"A government expert who studies Congress said a concern like Lynn's dates back to the country's founding fathers.
"What this reflects is a classic debate of descriptive representation, meaning do I need a person that is a member of my group to adequately represent my views in Congress," said Michele Swers, an associate professor at Georgetown University.
"Swers believes where this matters most is in a party's ability to sway public opinion and gain credibility on its proposals, for example, the opinion of a doctor serving in Congress on the health care debate may hold more weight with the public.
"President Barack Obama's top military adviser voiced concerns recently about what he sees as a disconnect between the civilian and military worlds, claiming most Americans know "precious little" about the military and the military needs to work harder to justify itself to the public.
"To the degree we are out of touch, I believe it is a very dangerous force," Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen said at a conference on military professionalism last week.
"The drop of veterans in Congress may be attributed in part to the end of the draft system in 1973, according to the Congressional Research Service, but Lynn's group says there is more to the drop off than just a decline in the number of vets in the population

"The cost of running a campaign has skyrocketed, especially with the need to buy TV commercials, and that creates a barrier of entry to people coming out of the military (who) don't have the financial ability that others in different professions have," said Lynn, whose group is trying turn the decline around.
"The group also claims that the increased partisanship in Congress is a turnoff for vets.
"Military members have served overseas and seen that the enemy is the guy at the end of the battlefield, not the guy on the other end of the aisle," said Lynn.
We need more regular Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine veterans who have served outside of the Continental U.S. in Congress. Kenneth Stepp while in the Navy was in about thirty of the United States, plus, Canada, Mexico, Cuba (the U.S. base on Guantanamo Bay), Haiti, Norway, Denmark, West Germany, and France. National Guard experience like Hal Rogers had is helpful, but having a regular Navy veteran representing the Fifth District would serve Kentucky and the U.S. interests better. Next time vote for a regular armed forces or naval forces veteran to represent you in the U.S. Congress.

Cpl. Justin Ross Killed in Action in Afghanistan!

"Green Bay area soldier killed in action
"Death of Cpl. Justin RossMemorial fund for Justin Ross
"A memorial fund has been established to help pay for funeral …
"Father of fallen soldier discusses son
"The family of a Green Bay area soldier killed in Afghanistan …
"Family releases statement on soldier's…
"Green Bay area soldier killed in action
"A Green Bay area soldier has died while serving overseas. The …
"Girlfriend says Ross' passion was Army
Updated: Monday, 28 Mar 2011, 5:40 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 28 Mar 2011, 12:30 PM CDT
"Reporter: Ben Krumholz
"HORTONVILLE - The girlfriend of fallen soldier Justin Ross says his passing is a nightmare that is coming true.
"I didn't want to believe it," said Caitlyn Lewerenz of Hortonville, who says she has been dating Ross since May of 2010. "I still don't want to believe it. It's not really going to sink in and be true until his unit comes home from deployment and he's not going to be there."
"The Department of Defense says Ross, whose family lives in Howard, was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on Saturday. The department says the 22-year-old's unit was attacked by small arms fire.
""You never expect it," says Lewerenz. "You should with what they are doing and what danger they are putting themselves in, but you never ever think what happens if they don't come home."
"Lewerenz says Ross told her he wanted to be in the military since he was a kid. She also said he volunteered twice to deploy before receiving his orders last year.
"Ross, a 2007 graduate of Bay Port High School, deployed last August.
""He got his orders and then we met and he was almost afraid to tell me that they were getting deployed, but once he told me we were supportive of each other," said Lewerenz.
"Dates and times for funeral services have not been finalized, but the Ross family says they will be held at First Assembly of God on Green Bay's west side."
Kenneth Stepp salutes Cpl. Justin Ross, killed in action in Afghanstan. Suppor the Troops! Bring them home!

Michael Mahr killed in Afghanistan!

"Homosassa soldier killed during enemy attack in Afghanistan
"By: Kristal Roberts
"HOMOSASSA, Fla. - A 26-year-old soldier from Citrus County was one of two men that lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan Tuesday, the Department of Defense said.

"Pfc. Michael C. Mahr of Homosassa and Sgt. Joshua S. Gire from Ohio were on their unit in Logar Province, Afghanistan when an attack occurred.

"Enemy forces reportedly attacked their unit with an improvised explosive devise, rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire."

Kenneth Stepp salutes Pfc. Michael C. Mahr of Homosassa, killed in Afghanistan!

Are we imperialist?

"Fri Mar 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM EDT.
"American imperialism: is it real?
"by don mikulecky .
"Are we an imperialist nation? What does it take to qualify for that label? If we are why is it not something we claim with pride? The neocon image of America, as I understand it is that we are, we should be and we should be proud of it. The neocons seem to be riding a crest on the wave of history. During my more negative periods of late I tell myself that the only real way to tell Bush and Obama apart is skin color. This is both ridiculous and more true than I like to admit. My biggest fear when we elected Obama was that he would become another tool of the system. My thesis about Bush was that he was more successful than his own lack of talent warranted only because of timing. The system is evolving and as it does so it incorporates that which supports that evolution and rejects all else. This kind of systems thinking is hard to swallow in a culture built on reductionist mechanistic thinking. We are taught that events have identifiable direct causes and that complexity is best dealt with by reduction and simplification. Why is this not true? Read on below and see why the alternative leads to very different conclusions about what America can and should be in today's complex world.
"The real question, as I see it, is how could the United States be anything other than imperialist? Look at what we do. We make arms and sell them to the world. We feel we can do that because we have an enormous military capacity for which we will sacrifice the needs of our population and the well being of future generations. We like the idea that we are big and powerful and have very profound national anxiety if the facts seem to indicate that this is not as true as our myths tell us it is. We spend almost nothing for the study of peaceful ways to exist and we certainly train people to fight rather than cooperate. I should not have to point this out, but know that I do need to because we are living in a dream world.
"Who decided that this is the way our nation should be? Here's a nice chicken and egg question. Did we get this way because we had hawks and people like the neocons who won arguments and set us on this course? Or, did the hawks and neocons come along because of the nature of the system?
"The colonial people were divided on such issues. Some wanted to fight and others thought it wrong to take up arms for the solution to the problems of that day. lt looks simple at first. The ones who wanted to fight won. Or is it more complicated than that? Fighting for land was not a new idea to anyone from Europe. The Native people learned that the hard way. Why all the weapons even then? They were a way of life, that's why. You do not colonize lands that are inhabited without believing the land belongs to the most powerful. The way you keep people like you from taking what you have is to make sure you are far stronger than any one else and demonstrate it periodically just to get the message across. I learned this in Marine Corps Officer's Basic School. It was said quite bluntly there.
"In the Bush era we took on enormous new debt for the sake of the neocon imperialist agenda. We are about to throw away our last few social programs to keep it going. The bleating of the flock seems quite subdued. All is well for we are safe. We can let a buch of lesser among us starve and be happy slaves with the most powerful military machine imaginable. Imperialism will reach its ultimate.
"The propaganda in our myths is a bit different than what I state above and you all know the litany. We care a peace loving nation that cherishes freedom and democracy and we have to protect ourselves from the Barbarians. I believe psychologists call this projection.
"If we are peaceful and freedom loving, why do those who advocate non-violence and peaceful means get scoffed at and ridiculed? Why do we hold so little value for negotiations and treaties? The answer seems clear to me. Look at how we handled our side of the bargain with the Native Americans. We followed a simple principle. The most powerful can do what it pleases and all others beware. We must be powerful. We can not let anyone else have the opportunity to treat us as we have treated others."
While I was in the Navy, sometimes I'd wear the white ice cream jacket and white long pants and white hat with the Eagle Insignia on it. It's O.K. for young men to be strutting around with swords and imperialistic-looking uniforms--I see nothing wrong with that. I remember the Haitians were impressed when our gunship visited Port-Au-Prince on a friendly visitation. Some call that "gunboat diplomacy". The young Haitians were friendly folk to myself and the other young U.S. Navy officers. Anyway, President Obama is soaring high in the popularity levels, but he has caved in on the Bush foreign policy initiative. Now we are in three wars. John McCain, the former POW, did not seem concerned about how America treats our enemy prisoners captured in combat. Now, it seems that Barak Obama, whose father came from Kenya, seems comfortable commanding troops in Afghanistan--which the Russian Empire and the British Empire failed to conquer; commanding troops in Iraq--which used to be a part of the Ottoman Empire; and now commanding troops in Libya--which used to be a part of the Italian Empire. No, the U.S. Constitution does not authorize imperialism, and I'm against it..

Brandon Hocking--killed in an undeclared war in Iraq!

"Seattle soldier killed in Iraq
Cpl. Brandon Hocking, a 24-year-old soldier from the Seattle area, died Monday in As Samawah, Iraq, from wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by a roadside bomb.
"By Hal Bernton
"Seattle Times Reporter

Cpl. Brandon Hocking
"Cpl. Brandon Hocking, a 24-year-old soldier from Seattle, died Monday from wounds suffered in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq. He died just 10 days before his scheduled return home.

"Cpl. Hocking was a small-arms repair specialist and also served as a convoy gunner, according to his sister, Brianna Hocking, who exchanged messages with her brother on Facebook just two weeks ago.
"I told him to stay safe, and he told me, 'Don't worry. I love you, and I will be home soon'," Hocking, of Reno, Nev., said Tuesday.

"Cpl. Hockings's unit was attacked in the southern Iraq city of As Samawah.
"And he posthumously received a Purple Heart and also the Bronze Star, which is awarded for acts of combat heroism, according to an Army spokeswoman at Fort Stewart, Ga., where Cpl. Hocking's unit is based.
"Cpl. Hocking was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, where the United States has had ground troops since 2003. During that period, more than 4,440 U.S. troops have died, including 11 this year, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count.
"Cpl. Hocking first joined the Army in November 2005. He served with the 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. In a June 2010 report by an Army public-affairs writer, Cpl. Hocking was featured as he worked at an armament-repair shop at a base in Iraq, where he was helping put together a team that could travel to repair weapons.
"Cpl. Hocking was the eldest of six children and attended Federal Way and Decatur high schools.
"He enjoyed fixing up old cars, sketching and playing the acoustic and electric guitar.
"He could strum just about anything," said his grandmother, Delores Pitts, of Lake Tapps.
"Friends and family said Cpl. Hocking joined the military after high school in an effort to improve his life.
"I think it probably made him a stronger man," said Mike Davis, a friend since childhood.
"On Tuesday, family members said that Cpl. Hocking's parents, Christine Dansereau, of Pomeroy, Garfield County, and Kevin Hocking, of Burien, were traveling to Delaware to meet their son's casket.
"Other survivors include Hocking's wife, Havalah Hocking, of Seattle, a 4-year-old son, Sebastian Hocking, and a 3-year-old daughter, Gwen.
He is also survived by sisters Britney Hocking, of Tacoma; Brooke Hocking, of Kent; Brielle Hocking and Gracie Dansereau, of Pomeroy. His surviving grandparents are Myrna Hocking, of Bigfork, Mont., and Gary Pitts, of Lake Tapps.
"Hal Bernton: 206-464-2581 or hbernton@seattletimes.com"
Kenneth Stepp salutes Corporal Brandon Hocking, another U.S. soldier killed in our undeclared war in Iraq! Bring the troops home now. If Congress won't declare war, we should not have troops like Brandon dying in foreign wars.

An Obama Flip-flop.

"An Obama Flip-Flop
"As an Illinois senator and presidential candidate, Obama himself strongly stated that the president can’t authorize military action without congressional approval unless it’s necessary to stop an imminent attack on the United States.
"In a December 2007 interview, a Boston Globe reporter asked Obama under what circumstances the president would have the constitutional authority to bomb Iran without first seeking authorization from Congress.
“The president does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation,” Obama responded.
"But apparently his view has changed. On Monday, Obama sent Congress a letter stating that as commander-in-chief, he has constitutional authority to authorize the Libya strikes, which were made in concert with our allies. The White House also noted that Obama met with congressional leaders to consult about the Libya situation Friday.
"National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, asked about Obama’s 2007 statement, said the administration “welcomes the support of Congress in whatever form that they want to express that support,” according to The New York Times.
"But he insisted Obama could authorize the action on his own. “This is a limited — in terms of scope, duration and task — operation, which does fall in the president’s authorities,” Donilon said.
"Most constitutional scholars agree that our founding fathers purposely separated the power to decide to start a war from the power to conduct it. But since the Korean War, presidents of both parties have ordered military action without going to Congress first.
"The split between presidents’ actions over the last 60 years and the Constitution’s text makes it difficult to conclude whether the attack on Libya is lawful, constitutional experts tell The Times.
"Budget Buster
"On the budget front, the attacks on Libya could erase much of the budget cuts Republicans pushed through Congress recently.
"GOP leaders say those reductions have totaled $285 million a day since March 1. But defense analysts tell The Hill that the Libya action could be draining the Defense Department of more than $100 million per day.
"“We are working on cost estimates,” Pentagon spokeswoman Cheryl Irwin said. For now, the Defense Department is “cash flowing the Libyan operations out of funding available under the [2011] continuing resolution.”
Sen. Lugar says his colleagues should discuss the cost issue.
"“Congress has been squabbling for months over a budget to run the federal government for a fiscal year that is almost half over,” he said in a statement Monday. “We argue over where to cut $100 million here and there from programs many people like. So here comes an open-ended military action with no end game envisioned.”
"Newsmax. All rights reserved."
I had voted for Obama because I thought he was an anti-war president like Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover. When he became President, we were in two wars, now we were in three wars--unless you believe that we are out of the Iraq war. We still have troops in Iraq. How will we balance the budget with three wars. It's time to return to Constitutional government and bring the troops home. The Constitution says "Congress shall declare war." It does not say the UN shall declare war, nor NATO shall declare war. Let's bring the troops home now.

Pfc. Rudy A. Acosta killed in Afghanistan!

Pfc. Rudy A. Acosta
"Rogue Afghan Contractor Killed 2 US Soldiers
He is accused of opening fire as they were cleaning their guns By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff
Posted Mar 22, 2011 4:46 AM CDT

"Afghan contractor Shir Ahmad was hired to provide security at an Afghanistan military base, but on Saturday—just 10 days after he was hired—he instead walked up to a group of soldiers and opened fire with an AK-47, killing two. Cpl. Donald Mickler Jr of Ohio, 29, and Pfc. Rudy Acosta of California, 19, were killed, and four others were wounded; three US soldiers responded and killed Ahmad, NBC News reports. Nine US soldiers have now been killed by rogue members of the Afghan security force in the past two months."
Kenneth Stepp salutes Private Rudy A. Acosta killed in Afghanistan!

Corporal Donald Mickler, Jr., 29, Killed in Afghanistan.

"Donald Mickler,Ohio soldier killed in Afghanistan
6:30 AM, Mar. 22, 2011 | Written by
HENRY S. CONTE
News Journal Filed Under
News
Local News
BUCYRUS -- Cpl. Donald Mickler Jr., an Ohio native, died of wounds suffered Saturday when he was reportedly shot with small arms fired by an individual from a military security group while in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, the Department of Defense reported Sunday.
"Early reports incorrectly said the 29-year old man was a Bucyrus native, but Mickler was from Dayton.
"He was a 1999 graduate of Trotwood-Madison High School.
"Several family members confirmed Mickler did not live in Bucyrus, including a cousin who answered a call to the family's home.
"The Army, however, stated that he was inducted into the military while in Bucyrus.
"A call to the Board of Elections confirmed he was not a registered voter in the county. Workers at Wise Funeral Home and Munz-Purnstill confirmed neither had been contacted for arrangements regarding the fallen soldier.
"Pfc. Rudy A. Acosta, 19, of Canyon Country, Calif., died in the same attack.
"They were assigned to the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
"hconte@nncogannett.com 419-563-9225"
msnbc.com Search ..Advertise | AdChoices
Afghan security contractor accused of killing US soldiers
Man had just been hired to provide protection at military base in Kandahar
Cpl. Donald Mickler Jr., 29, was killed Saturday, March 19, in Kandahar Province when a man hired to provide security at a military base in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, attacked a group of soldiers over the weekend, killing two and wounding four others, NBC News has learned.
"The man, named Shir Ahmad, worked for Tundra Security Group and had been hired March 9 to provide security at Forward Operating Base Frontenac in Argandab Valley. Ten days later, on Saturday, he allegedly walked up to a group of soldiers who were cleaning their weapons before a combat patrol and opened fire with an AK-47.
"Only on msnbc.com
"..Three other U.S. soldiers responded to the gunshots and returned fire and killed Ahmad, but not before he shot six soldiers, officials told NBC News.
"Two of the soldiers, 29-year-old Cpl. Donald Mickler Jr. of Bucyrus, Ohio, and 19-year-old Pfc. Rudy A. Acosta, of Canyon Country, Calif., were killed.
"The soldiers were all assigned to the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment out of Vilseck, Germany.
"In a news release, the Department of Defense said the deaths occurred in Kandahar province by "small arms fire by an individual from a military security group."
"The slayings bring to nine the number of U.S. soldiers who have been killed by rogue Afghan security force members, whether uniformed or private security contractors, in the past two months.
"Tundra Security is an Afghan-owned security company that provides physical security services to local and foreign government organizations throughout Afghanistan, according to the company's website. Tundra SCA is a sister company of Tundra Strategies and is licensed to operate as an armed security provider by the Afghan Ministry of Interior.
"As of March 16, at least 1,399 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S. invasion in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count.
Kenneth Stepp salutes Corporal Donald Mickler, Jr., 29, Killed in Afghanistan.
Hey, it's getting pretty crazy over there if people that are employees of the Afghanistan government that we are helping walk over to our troops and blast them with an AK-47. It's time to bring the troops home, now.

Thomas Sully--Immigrant of the Day!

"Thomas Sully
"From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the painter.
Thomas Sully

Thomas Sully in 1869
Born June 19, 1783 (1783-06-19)
Horncastle, Lincolnshire, England
Died November 5, 1872(1872-11-05) (aged 89)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Occupation Painter

Thomas Sully (June 19, 1783 – November 5, 1872) was a well-known American (English-born) painter, mostly of portraits.

"Life and career
"Early life
"Sully was born in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, England, to the actors Matthew and Sarah Sully. In March 1792 the Sullys and their nine children immigrated to Richmond, Virginia, where Thomas’s uncle managed a theater. The boy attended school in New York City until 1794, when his mother died and he returned to Richmond. By July of that year the family was in Charleston, South Carolina. After a brief apprenticeship to an insurance broker who recognized his artistic talent, at age 12 or thereabouts Sully began painting and studied with his brother-in-law Jean Belzons (active 1794–1812), a French miniaturist, until they had a falling-out in 1799. He then returned to Richmond to learn "miniature & Device painting" from his elder brother Lawrence Sully (1769–1804). After Lawrence Sully's death, Thomas Sully married his sister-in-law, Lawrence's widow, Sarah Annis Sully and not only took on the raising of Lawrence's children but fathered an additional nine children with Sarah himself. Among the children were Alfred Sully, Mary Chester Sully (who married Sully's protégé, the painter John Neagle), Jane Cooper Sully Darley, Blanche, Rosalie Sully, and Thomas Wilcocks Sully. Sully was also one of the founding members of The Musical Fund Society[1] where he painted the portraits of many of the musicians and composers.

Painting
Passage of the Delaware, 1819, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Plaque on the former home of Thomas Sully in Society Hill, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaSully became a professional painter at age 18 in 1801. He studied face-painting under Gilbert Stuart in Boston for three weeks[1]. After some time in Virginia with this brother, Sully moved to New York, after which he moved to Philadelphia in 1806, where he resided for the remainder of his life. In 1809 he traveled to London for nine months of study under Benjamin West.

Sully's 1824 portraits of John Quincy Adams, who became President within the year, and then the Marquis de Lafayette appear to have brought him to the forefront of his day. (His Adams portrait may be seen in the National Gallery of Art, Washington.) Many famous Americans of the day had their portraits painted by him. In 1837–1838 he was in London to paint Queen Victoria at the request of Philadelphia's St. George's Society. His daughter Blanche assisted him as the Queen's "stand-in", modeling the Queen's costume when she was not available. One of Sully's portraits of Thomas Jefferson is owned by the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society at the University of Virginia and hangs in that school's Rotunda. Another Jefferson portrait, this one head-to-toe, hangs at West Point, as is his portrait of Alexander Macomb (American general).

Sully's own index indicates that he produced 2631 paintings from 1801, most of which are currently in the United States. His style resembles that of Thomas Lawrence. Though best known as a portrait painter, Sully also made historical pieces and landscapes. An example of the former is the 1819 Passage of the Delaware, now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

[edit] Death and legacy
Grave marker for Thomas Sully and his wife SarahSully died in Philadelphia on November 5, 1872, where he had spent the majority of his long and successful career. He is buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. His book Hints to young painters was published after his death.

Several of Sully's portraits hang in the chambers of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies of the University of North Carolina. Portraits, including that of President James K. Polk, were commissioned of notable alumni from the Societies.

His son, Alfred Sully, was a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Through Alfred, he is the great-grandfather of the noted Yankton Sioux ethnologist and writer Ella Deloria and the great-great grandfather of Standing Rock Sioux scholar and writer Vine Deloria, Jr., author of Custer Died For Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto|Custer Died For Your Sins (1969), an American Indian civil-rights manifesto.

Sully was a great-uncle of the New Orleans-based architect, also named Thomas Sully (architect)|Thomas Sully (1855–1939).

[edit] Gallery of worksPortrait of the Artist Painting His Wife, ca. 1810, oil on canvas, Yale University Art Gallery
Lady with a Harp, 1818, a portrait of Eliza Ridgely, was at Hampton Mansion from the 1820s to 1945, when it was sold to the National Gallery of Art[2]
Portrait of the Misses Mary and Emily McEuen, 1823, Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Portrait of Elizabeth McEuen Smith, 1823, oil on canvas, Honolulu Academy of Arts
Portrait of Andrew Jackson, 1824, used for the United States' $20 dollar bill from 1928 onward
A Life Study of the Marquis de Lafayette, ca. 1824-1825, oil on canvas
Portrait of Mary Ann Heide Norris, 1830, Philadelphia Museum of Art
Sheet of figure studies, 1830-1839, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Jared Sparks, 1831, oil on canvas, Reynolda House
Portrait of Fanny Kemble, 1834
Portia and Shylock, 1835
Gypsy Maidens, 1839, watercolor, Brooklyn Museum
Mother and Son, 1840, oil on canvas, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Cinderella at the Kitchen Fire, 1843, Dallas Museum of Art
Engraving of Sully's portrait of Eliza, daughter of Joshua Bates of Boston (USA), and wife to the Belgian statesman Sylvain van de Weyer
Elizabeth/Elise Wadsworth, wife of Charles Augustus Murray
[edit] References1.^ http://phonoarchive.org/grove/Entries/S21550.htm Phono Archive
2.^ "Lady with a Harp: Eliza Ridgely, 1818". National Gallery of Art. http://www.nga.gov/cgi-bin/pinfo?Object=32593+0+prov. Retrieved 2008-02-05.
Murray, P. & L. (1996). Dictionary of art and artists. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-051300-0.
[edit] External links Biography portal
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Thomas Sully


"The Winterthur Library Overview of the archival collection on Thomas Sully.
Thomas Sully at Find a Grave
"Washington's Crossing as Docudrama"
Kenneth Stepp salutes Thomas Sully, artist and immigrant of the day!

Loren Buffalo of Mountain Pine, Arkansas, killed in Afghanistan!

"NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An Arkansas soldier killed this month in combat in Afghanistan was remembered at his funeral as a hero who died doing what he loved.
"Dozens of people crowded into the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock Friday for the funeral of Cpl. Loren Buffalo, 20, who was killed March 9 when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol in Kandahar Province. He was assigned to Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, Ky.

"Buffalo's cavalry Stetson was placed on top of the coffin and his friends added a white feather to the hat as a symbol of his spirit and love of hunting, fishing and bull riding.
"Sgt. Juan Carrion stepped out of a group of cavalrymen and told those gathered about his friend "Buffalo."

"I never thought something like this would happen to him," he said, calling Buffalo one of the strongest people he knew, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

"Carrion was wounded in Afghanistan several weeks before Buffalo's death.

"Buffalo had thrown a rope over his shoulder and carried me for some distance to the safety of a helicopter," he said, his voice low and steady. "For the short time I've known Buffalo, he left me with enough memories for a lifetime."
"Christopher Higgingbotham, one of Buffalo's fellow soldiers from Bravo Troop in Afghanistan, wrote that Buffalo "had nothing but pure heart and not a thing less. He is a hero, he was the best friend anyone could ask for, he was a great leader and an even better role model. RIP Buff ... we all miss you so much already."
"Minister James Watson told the audience that while "taps will play for him today," reveille will blow for him in heaven.

"Buffalo, who grew up in Mountain Pine, was the 93rd Arkansan to die in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Kenneth Stepp proudly salutes Loren Buffalo of Mountain Pine, Arkansas, killed in Afghanistan! Let's support our troops. Let's bring them safely home!

Kalin Johnson, U.S. soldier killed in Afghanistan!

News - S.C. at War
Saturday, Mar. 19, 2011
Lexington soldier is saluted at funeral
By TIM FLACH - tflach@thestate.com Buzz up!
Pfc. Kalin Johnson of Lexington was commemorated Friday as a soldier devoted to country and family.
“Kalin was a hero to all of us” both in the military and personally, his fiancee, Courtney Waits, said at his funeral at First Baptist Church of Lexington.

"Johnson, 19, died March 8 in Afghanistan in what Army officials say was a noncombat incident. No other details have been released.
- C. Aluka Berry/caberry@thestate. /The State
Gallery: Johnson funeral
"Johnson followed in his great-grandfather’s role in joining the Army, a step taken shortly after graduation from Lexington High School in 2009, his mother Kay said.
“He was happy doing what he loved to do,” Waits said. “He said, ‘It was made for me.’”
"Johnson expected to be sent into combat, his mother said.
“He told me he wanted to be part of the action,” she recounted, her voice quavering at times
"But he also was dedicated to his family, especially after the birth of his son, Logan, last year, they said.
"His last message on the Internet was a note expressing eagerness to return home in May to celebrate his son’s first birthday, his mother said.
"Johnson also was known for his humor, said the Rev. Ralph Schneck, pastor of the church.
"He was a little crazy sometimes, a lot of laughs,” Schneck said.
"There was “never a dull moment” with Johnson amid his dedication to those he loved, especially after learning he would become a father, Waits said.
"After the service, clusters of people holding American flags lined the 12-mile route from the church to Bush River Memorial Gardens near Irmo.
"Johnson is at least the fourth graduate of Lexington 1 schools who has died during combat since 2004, officials said.
"All represent “a new greatest generation,” U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, of Springdale, said.
"Read more: http://www.thestate.com/2011/03/19/1742166/lexington-soldier-is-saluted-at.html#ixzz1H3IgMmpo "
Kenneth Stepp salutes Kalin Johnson, American soldier killed in noncombat incident in Afghanistan! Support our troops--bring them home!

Intervention in Libya!

Hal Rogers and the other pseudo-conservatives are debating about whether the U.S. should impose a no-fly zone over Libya. We already have U.S. troops in 130 foreign countries. Libya is one of the few countries not occupied by American troops. In the last election, the losing candidate for President McCain took the position that we should keep American troops in Iraq for a hundred years. We have had American troops in Germany and Japan for over sixty years. If we did commit troops to Libya, when would we ever get them back? John McCain would probably answer, "In a hundred years." If I were in Congress, I'd introduce a bill requiring the U.S. troops to exit five nations as a condition to adding any nation to the list of nations where U.S. troops are stationed.
There is not much nice you can say about Viet Nam, Cambodia, Communist China, North Korea, nor Cuba, but at least we don't have any troops there. Let's keep it that way, we have troops in too many countries already! Support our troops; bring 'em home!

Fort Campbell, Kentucky soldier killed in action in Afghanistan!

Fort Campbell, Kentucky soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press
Posted: 03/15/2011 03:05:54 PM PDT
Updated: 03/15/2011 03:05:55 PM PDT
"FORT CAMPBELL, Ky.—The military said a 19-year-old Fort Campbell soldier from California died from wounds he sustained when he was struck by small arms fire in eastern Afghanistan.
Pfc. Arturo Emmanuel Rodriguez, of Bellflower, Calif., died on Saturday after the attack in the Giyan District, Paktika province. He was an infantryman assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. The military said Rodriguez had been in the Army since February 2010 and arrived at Fort Campbell in July 2010.
"His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart Medal and a Parachutist Badge.
"He is survived by his father, Arturo Rodriguez Segura, and mother, Rosa Jimenez Davila, both of Mexico. He is also survived by his aunt, Maria Lopez, of Bellflower."
Kenneth Stepp salutes Arturo Emmanuel Rodriguez, killed in action in Afghanistan. Let's support our troops by bringing them home!

All hands needed to prevent government shutdown!

54 House Republicans Defect on Spending Bill
54 House Republicans Defect on Spending Bill
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2011 09:38 AM
Defections among rank-and-file House Republicans on the latest short-term U.S. spending bill exposed divisions that may complicate negotiations with Democrats on a broader budget plan.
In Tuesday's House vote, 54 Republicans opposed a measure to fund the government until April 8, forcing their leaders to rely on support from Democrats to pass the bill, 271-158. The legislation aims to give lawmakers more time to break their stalemate over funding the government through Sept. 30. The stopgap measure goes to the Senate, where Democrats who control that chamber expect it to pass and be sent to President Barack Obama.
Joining 186 House Republicans in backing the bill were 85 Democrats. Republicans opposing it included tea party-backed freshmen, other fiscal conservatives who wanted more spending cuts and social conservatives seeking to include policy directives in the measure on issues like abortion.
The vote underscored the challenge for House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, as he works to reach agreement with Democrats on the longer-term 2011 budget.
House Speaker John Boehner
“We have no idea what Mr. Boehner can agree to” in the talks, said Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the second- ranking House Democrat. “You can’t come to an agreement on any kind of compromise with 54 people who can’t compromise with their own leadership.”
Other Democrats said the vote shows that Boehner will have to compromise with their party to enact a spending plan that avoids a government shutdown.
“Speaker Boehner wouldn’t have been able to pass this short-term measure without Democratic votes, and he won’t be able to pass a long-term one without Democratic votes either,” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “It’s time for him to abandon the Tea Party and forge a bipartisan compromise.”
The House passed a measureon Feb. 18 for funding the rest of this fiscal year that would cut $61 billion from 2010 spending levels. The bill also would make policy changes, including a defunding of the Obama administration’s healthcare overhaul, Planned Parenthood, and public broadcasting. The Senate defeated it last week.
Throughout this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, lawmakers have relied on stopgap measures to avoid a shutdown of non-essential government services. The current spending authority, enacted this month and opposed by only six House Republicans, expires March 18.
Republicans who opposed yesterday’s bill to fund the government for three more weeks said passing another short-term measure only postpones the debate over spending cuts and the policy provisions. The bill would cut $6 billion in spending and omits policy items.
“The American people sent us here to be bold and I don’t think this a bold step,” said Rep. Joe Walsh, a freshman Republican from Illinois who was among those opposing the measure.
Judson Phillips of the Tennessee-based Tea Party Nation called on the group’s members to phone, e-mail, and use social networking tools to lobby lawmakers against the measure because it didn’t include the policy provisions.
“I had three families come up to my office yesterday and ask me to vote against” the bill, said Rep. Allen West, a Republican freshman from Florida who opposed it.
Also urging lawmakers to vote against the measure were the anti-abortion Family Research Council, the Club for Growth, which seeks limited government, and Heritage Action for America, whose website says it advocates “conservative policy.”
After the vote, defectors said they strengthened the Republican position in budget negotiations.
“I think we gain leverage” because Boehner “can say, ‘We’ve taken this thing as far as we can go, and we can’t do anything more unless you give us something,’” said Rep. Steve King, an Iowa Republican pressing to kill any spending measure that doesn’t defund the healthcare law.
House Republican leaders spent the early part of this week working to shore up support for the short-term measure among their most fiscally conservative members.
Boehner posted a video on his website March 14 saying the House would use other legislation to press ahead on its effort to stop funding for the health-care law.
The Republican-led House will “do everything we can to stop this gravy train and ensure this job-crushing healthcare law is never fully implemented,” the speaker said in the video.
Representative Scott Garrett of New Jersey, a Republican who voted “no” after supporting the previous stopgap spending measure, said party leaders “worked it hard” to get backers for the bill. He also said he didn’t believe there was any dispute within the party about the overall goal of cutting spending.
“We had a difference on strategy — how to get there,” Garrett said.
Also opposing the bill was Rep. Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican who said the stopgap measure plays into Democrats’ hands because postponing a decision on the entire 2011 budget makes it likely the fight will merge with an upcoming battle over increasing the federal debt limit. He said that debate should focus on bigger changes to government spending, such as cuts in entitlement programs such as Medicare.
“The longer we kick this can down the road, the more difficult it is to get to the big stuff,” said Flake. “This is small ball.”
The Treasury Department estimates the government will reach the current limit on government borrowing between April 15 and May 31.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said the latest stopgap spending bill will provide some breathing room for lawmakers to work out an agreement on funding through Sept. 30.
He urged quick action. “The president has been clear: with the wide range of issues facing our nation, we cannot keep funding the government in two- or three-week increments,” Carney said. “It is time for us to come together, find common ground and resolve this issue.”
© Copyright 2010 Bloomberg News. All rights reserved.
Read more on Newsmax.com: 54 House Republicans Defect on Spending Bill"
All hands are needed to prevent a government shutdown. Get on board!

Corporal Ian Muller--Killed in Action if Afghanistan!

NEWS SPORTS OPINION COMMUNITY CRIME FEATURES EXTRAS
Danville Marine Dies In Afghanistan
COURTESY PHOTO

"Cpl. Ian Muller, right, appears with other service members. Muller died during combat operations in Afghanistan Friday.
"A Danville man serving in the U.S. Marine Corps died Friday in Afghanistan.
"The Department of Defense announced Monday that Cpl. Ian M. Muller, 22, was killed in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune, N.C.
"Muller died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province. According to its webpage, the 2nd Battalion was operating around Marjah and Sangin in Helmand province.
"Recent Associated Press reports indicate Helmand province has been the site of many battles between NATO-led forces and Taliban insurgents during the last year.
"Muller deployed to Afghanistan in January, according to a release from the Public Affairs office for the 2nd Marine Division. Muller joined the Marine Corps in December 2007 and was promoted to corporal June 1, 2010. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
"News of Muller's death started circulating Friday and Saturday as family, friends and acquaintances posted condolences to each other online. According to his friends in the area, Muller was home schooled but played sports at Danville High School.
"One such friend was Shannon Goodine, 19, of St. Johnsbury. In an interview Monday, Goodine said she was a longtime, close friend of Muller.
"He was the goofiest and funniest kind of kid," said Goodine. "He was the kind of guy who got along with everybody."
"Goodine will remember most Muller's constant laugh.
"His second language was sarcasm," said Goodine. She also said he had a generous spirit and friends from all over the area.
"Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia-Orange, of Danville, referenced Muller's death during a legislative breakfast meeting with local residents Monday morning in St. Johnsbury when she called for a moment of silence.
"Members of Vermont's congressional delegation issued releases Monday afternoon offering their condolences to Muller's family, friends and praising his service.
"Marcelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Corporal Ian Muller," stated U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. "Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and other loved ones. What a difficult time this is for them. All Vermonters, and all Americans, grieve at the loss of another of our finest."
"U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. stated, "As a dedicated Marine, Corporal Muller demonstrated a devotion to his state and country well beyond his years. This loss is truly heartbreaking -- for his family, his friends, his fellow Marines and his community. He died fighting for his country -- a sacrifice for which all Vermonters and all Americans are grateful and humbled. Our thoughts and prayers are with Corporal Muller's family during this extraordinarily difficult time."
"Corporal Muller's service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by a grateful nation," stated U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fellow Marines during this time of grief. Vermonters join with me in extending heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family and friends who have suffered the grave loss of this young man who had a life of so much promise before him."
"Gov. Peter Shumlin also offered his condolences to Muller's family. "I am deeply proud of our troops here and abroad protecting for our freedom. Vermont is a community, and as a state we send our sympathy to Danville and everyone who knew and cared for Corporal Muller."
"Muller is the fourth Vermonter to die in Afghanistan since combat began in 2001 and the second from the Danville area. Spc. Tristan H. Southworth of Walden died when insurgents attacked his unit Aug. 22, 2010, while serving with the Vermont National Guard in Paktiya, Afghanistan.
"Vermont has also lost 22 soldiers in Iraq since the 2003 invasion, including five from the Northeast Kingdom. They were 2nd Lt. Joseph D. Fortin, 22, of St. Johnsbury, who died Aug. 23, 2009, while serving with the U.S. Army; Spc. Christopher S. Merchant, 32, of Hardwick, who died March 1, 2006, while serving with the National Guard; Spc. Scott P. McLaughlin, 29, of Hardwick, who died Sept. 22, 2005, while serving with the National Guard; Sgt. Jesse W. Strong, 24, of Irasburg, who died Jan. 26, 2005, while serving with the U.S. Marines; and Spc. Solomon C. Bangayan, 24, of Jay, who died Jan. 2, 2004, while serving with the U.S. Army.
"The Caledonian-Record will announce public services for Muller as they become known.
"Staff Writer James Jardine contributed to this story."
Support our combat troops! Bring them all home! Kenneth Stepp salutes Ian Muller,killed in action!

Sgt. Daehan Park killed in action!

"A life given for his country
Published 04:25 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"In peace, sons bury their fathers," wrote the Greek historian Herodotus. "In war, fathers bury their sons."
"For the second time in two weeks, our state is called on to bury one of its sons. For the second time, we are forcibly reminded that we are not at peace, a fact so easy to forget in our lives of a thousand distractions.
"We are at war, and our young people are paying a terrible price.
"Sgt. 1st Class Daehan Park, a 36-year-old graduate of Watertown High School, died Saturday, killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan's Wardak province.
"News of his death reaches us while we are still mourning the passing of Army Spc. David R. Fahey Jr., 23, formerly of Norwalk, who was killed in Afghanistan on Feb. 28, also by an IED.
"Sgt. Fahey was the 10th soldier from Connecticut to die in Afghanistan. Our hopes that we would never see an 11th came to a quick end. In Iraq, 31 Connecticut servicemen have died.
"But each death must remind us that this is a story that cannot be told with numbers. Sgt. Park, like each before him, was not a statistic. He was a human being, with a story of his own.
"Sgt. Park's story is tied closely to the military. His record of service to this country is remarkable.

"He gave to this country like few others. He first joined the Army in 1998, and completed overseas missions in Bangladesh, Iraq, Philippines, Cambodia and India before being deployed to Afghanistan.

This state and this nation are in is debt. We owe his family. We owe his children. And we owe him to remember that Sgt. 1st Class Daehan Park was not just the 11th person from Connecticut to die in this war. He was a husband, a father, a son, and a man who gave himself, in life and death, to the service of his country.

Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/A-life-given-for-his-country-1142255.php#ixzz1Gi1QMhcZ
Kenneth Stepp salutes Sgt. Daehan Park of Connecticut who was killed in action in Afghanistan!

1LT Daren Miguel Hidalgo Killed in Action February 20, 2011.

1LT Daren Miguel Hidalgo
1LT Daren M Hidalgo, 24, was Killed in Action February 20, 2011 while serving his country in Afghanistan. Daren attended Kettle Moraine Middle School and High School and was a member of the school band and wrestled there. He graduated from Pennsylvania’s Dallastown Area High School in 2005 where he was a championship wrestler, National Honor Society member, and a trumpeter in the school marching band. Daren was accepted to the prestigious United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY. He excelled at the Academy, serving as G-4 Company Commander during his senior year. Daren graduated near the top of the Class of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In the Army he completed numerous courses to include the extremely challenging Ranger School. Earning the coveted Ranger Tab was one of the many proud moments of his short career. Daren was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Ghostrider Company, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
Deployed to the Maiwand District of Afghanistan in October 2010, Daren executed his duties and responsibilities to perfection. Throughout numerous combat engagements he gained a reputation in the Squadron that was second to none. His ability to assess any situation and fix any problem was awe-inspiring to those who knew him. Daren’s greatest talent was his ability to maintain a positive attitude and inspire each of his Soldiers to be great. As a man who stood up when others would not and as a man who said “Send Me” when others wouldn’t go. He has earned posthumously the award of a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Daren was known for his winning smile and engaging personality. A jokester and prankster always looking to cheer up people around him. His strength of character and empathy endeared him to all who met him. Daren will be sadly missed by his parents: Jorge & Andrea, Siblings: Jared (Jenny) Hidalgo, Miles (Caroline) Hidalgo, Carmen (Mike) Spellman, nephews: Wade, and Carson and his niece: Lexie. His extended family and many friends will miss him also. Daren’s life and legacy will never be forgotten. All of us fortunate enough to have known him will cherish his memory, love and friendship.

Visitation Wednesday March 2, 2011 from 11AM to 3:15 PM at St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church W280 N2101 Hwy SS Pewaukee, WI 53072. A remembrance presentation will begin at 3:45 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at 4:00 PM. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery in NY later this week.

"In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Daren M. Hidalgo Memorial Fund. It will be used for future scholarships and support of wounded soldiers. Donations can be made at any US Bank in the country. Mailing address is: US Bank 2040 W. Silvernail Road Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072. For further information please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation, & Preplanning Services at 262-547-4035.
"Editors note:
"A memorial ceremony for 1LT Daren Hidalgo has been confirmed for Wednesday 02 March 2011 at 1000 hours in the Rose Barracks Cavalry Chapel. Please join us in honoring the service and memory of 1LT Hidalgo.
"Please pass this information on to your families and keep 1LT Hidalgo’s family in your thoughts and prayers."
Kenneth Stepp salutes 1LT Daren Miguel Hidalgo Killed in Action February 20, 2011. Support our troops! Bring them home!

The United States Constitution and treaties.

The United States Constitution provides:
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any state to the Contrary notwithstanding." Article VI, United States Constitution.
On a blogspot, someone opined that the United Nations treaty supersedes the United States Constitution. I thought I'd look it up. The above section is quoted from the United States Constitution. It does not state that a treaty can supersede the United States Constitution. Since the United States Constitution does not say that a treaty can supersede the United States Constitution, a treaty cannot supersede the United States Constitution, any more than a statute or ordinance can supersede the Constitution.

Maria Lark--Immigrant of the Day!

Maria Lark
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maria Lark
Born June 20, 1997 (1997-06-20) (age 13)
Siberia, Russia
Years active 2005-present
"Maria Lark (Russian: Мария Ларк) (born June 20, 1997) is an Russian/American television actress known for her role as Bridgette DuBois in the NBC/CBS television series Medium.
"Personal life
"Lark was born in Siberia, Russia on June 20, 1997. She was adopted by an American single mother, with whom she resides in Redondo Beach, California. Lark is an only child. Lark has been acting for 6 years.
"Career
"Since 2005, she has starred as Bridgette DuBois, the middle child of the DuBois family, on the NBC/CBS television drama Medium with Patricia Arquette. Lark started acting in Medium when she was 8 years old. it has been announced that the show will be canceled in January.
"On September 3, 2006, Lark became the youngest person ever to co-host ABC's The View.

Maria Lark
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maria Lark
Born June 20, 1997 (1997-06-20) (age 13)
Siberia, Russia
Years active 2005-present
"Maria Lark (Russian: Мария Ларк) (born June 20, 1997) is an Russian/American television actress known for her role as Bridgette DuBois in the NBC/CBS television series Medium.
"Personal life
"Lark was born in Siberia, Russia on June 20, 1997. She was adopted by an American single mother, with whom she resides in Redondo Beach, California. Lark is an only child. Lark has been acting for 6 years.
"Career
"Since 2005, she has starred as Bridgette DuBois, the middle child of the DuBois family, on the NBC/CBS television drama Medium with Patricia Arquette. Lark started acting in Medium when she was 8 years old. it has been announced that the show will be canceled in January.
"On September 3, 2006, Lark became the youngest person ever to co-host ABC's The View.

"2007 was a big year for Maria's career. She has made four appearances on 'The View. She appeared in a music video for the Norah Jones song, "Sunrise". Access Hollywood also chose Lark as their correspondent as well. She has also appeared on the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and she won the young actress award for actresses ten years or younger.
"Filmography Year Title Role
2005-2011 Medium Bridgette DuBois
"Awards and Nominations
Award or Nomination
Young Actress Award for Actresses Ten Years or Younger 2007"
Kenneth Stepp salutes Maria Lark--Immigration of the Day.
"2007 was a big year for Maria's career. She has made four appearances on 'The View. She appeared in a music video for the Norah Jones song, "Sunrise". Access Hollywood also chose Lark as their correspondent as well. She has also appeared on the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and she won the young actress award for actresses ten years or younger.
"Filmography Year Title Role
2005-2011 Medium Bridgette DuBois
"Awards and Nominations
Award or Nomination
Young Actress Award for Actresses Ten Years or Younger 2007"
Kenneth Stepp salutes Maria Lark--Immigration of the Day.