“The Kennedy Detail” – Inaccuracy perpetuated

November 23, 2010

I purchased this book and read it recently hoping to get the inside on the protective agents. What a disappointment. This book in which the Secret Service agents assigned to the “Kennedy detail” speak for the first time simply covers-up and perpetuates inaccuracies of the past. Here are examples using excerpts from the book,

“By the time the motorcade reached the stretch of roadway where the assassination occurred, however, agents could no longer ride on the fenders, Blaine says.”We were going into a freeway, and that’s where you take the speeds up to 60 and 70 miles an hour. So we would not have had any agents there anyway,” he said.”
 
Facts- The motorcade was traveling 10-11 mph in Dealey Plaza. There should have been agents on the car. In fact the car had come to almost a complete stop by the time of the fatal head shot (likely the fourth or fifth shot).
“There’s no question in my mind he (Oswald) was the assassin,” Hill says. “I was there. I know what happened.”
 
Fact – Clint Hill and the motorcycle patrolman to the left rear of Kennedy were both splattered with blood and brain tissue from the head shot that came from the front of Kennedy. Scientific evidence done by a noted physicist, G. Paul Chambers in his book, “Head Shot” published in 2010, proves conclusively the kill shot to the head came from the Grassy Knoll to the right front of Kennedy. Respectfully Mr. Hill you were there, but as a participant you don’t know the whole truth of what occurred, so why state so emphatically you do.
The book does admit the Secret Service did not take the threats against Kennedy seriously, and that tall buildings along the motorcade route were not monitored or screened.
These agents also confirm that there were not any Secret Service agents on the ground in Dealey Plaza that day. The question then arises, Who were the men who produced Secret Service ID when stopped and questioned on the Grassy Knoll after the assassination by police and witnesses? The police allowed them to leave when they produced this false ID.
My impression of the book is this, it is an interesting collection of memories of working in Kennedy’s protective detail during his presidency. The agents still have not come clean about the drinking parties the night before the assassination, and the failure to follow proper procedure during the motorcade. Documents show Kennedy did not order the agents to stay off his car and drop back from their proper locations.
The Secret Service has a systemic problem – they refuse to believe a president has ever or could ever be killed by a conspiracy. They hang on to the lone nut scenario. Until this attitude is cleansed from the organization, this is likely to happen again.

Prince William as King: Not very soon

November 17, 2010

Kate and William discussing engagement/Photo MSNBC

Everyone is excited about Prince William and his new bride-to-be Kate Middleton. Both are young and vibrant. What a great king he would make for the 21st century. Sorry to dash your hopes, but it will likely be a long time before he is king, and he will be old when he ascends the throne.

Queen Elizabeth II is now 85 and aging well. Her mother lived in excess of 100 years. Health is not a problem. The heir to the throne, her son Charles is 62 and again health is not an issue.

Assume the Queen lives at least another 10 years. Charles will ascend the throne at age 72. Barring anything unexpected he will likely live into his 80s. Assume he will live until 90. Do the math, that’s another 30 years before William becomes king, he will ascend the throne at age 58 years, no more the young man he is now. Some thoughts on this situation,

1. Would Charles consider stepping aside or abdicating to allow his son William to become king at a younger age.

Not likely. Charles is very much a traditionalist. He has trained all his life to be king and wants to be king.

2. Would the Queen consider stepping down if her health fails? Again not likely as she too is a traditionalist. It could happen though. She may defer to relative youth. Still Charles will likely not be king until he is in his late 70s or early 80s.

Bottom line, the English monarchy is an hereditary institution and will continue to be so. The only modern abdication took place when King Edward VIII decided he wanted to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson, rather than remain king. This opened the way for his younger brother George to become King George VI and subsequently his daughter Elizabeth to become the present Queen.

Ah but wouldn’t it be something to have a King William who was 28 or 30. It will never happen.


We will remember them.

November 8, 2010

One of many cemeteries in Europe where Canada's war dead lie.

I will be leaving this up all week as a reminder of the cost of suppressing tyranny and keeping the peace.

No one likes war, but sometimes it is necessary to kick the bullies out of the schoolyard. Hitler, Tojo, Mussolini, the Kaiser, and other despots had no respect for peace, human rights, and international law.

May we never forget the young men and women who gave their service and their lives for our country,

They shall not grow old
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
we will remember them.


Gift for someone who has everything.

November 5, 2010

iCarta iPod toilet paper holder

Here is another suggestion for those hard to buy for relatives and friends, especially the ones who have everything. A toilet paper iPod station with speakers and controls, only $65 US from iCarta.

I don’t know about you, but there is no way I want to be on the throne that long.