There are conflicting reports about the al-Qaeda (AQIM) attack in Algeria about 40 miles West of the Libyan border at a British Petroleum oil and gas operation.   Do not expect the Western U.S. media to share too much factual information about the U.S. Hostages kidnapped as they provide cover for Obama.  Remember, according to the White House al-Qaeda is dead.  This latest attack/kidnapping counters their narrative and becomes an embarrassing risk to the Obama Administration.

What is known is the attack was retaliation against the Algerian government, to pressure and punish them, for their allowing French fighter jets to fly over Algerian airspace en route to attacks in Mali.    The current demands are for free access to take the hostages to Libya.   Any attempts at rescue, and the al-Qaeda operatives have stated they will kill the hostages.  Here are two trustworthy reports (non U.S.).

(Via Long War Journal)  A notorious al Qaeda commander named Mokhtar Belmokhtar has claimed credit for the kidnapping of 41 foreign nations at an BP oil field in eastern Algeria, according to multiple press reports.

A Frenchman, a Briton, and an Algeria security guard are reported to have beed killed in the initial attack. Seven Americans, five Japanese citizens, and several Europeans are said to be among those who are being held hostage. (more…)

“This is our first task as a society: keeping our children safe. This is how we will be judged.  We can’t put this off any longer.”

– Barack Obama 1/16/2013 

“The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation.”

Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, Publ. Houghton Miflin, 1943, Page 403

Interesting.   Speculation begins about Rand Paul’s mid-east trip being a precursor to a potential presidential bid.   Your thoughts?

WASHINGTON TIMES – Sen. Rand Paul doesn’t explicitly deny that his eight-day visit to the Holy Land represents the launch of a 2016 Republican presidential nomination run, describing the trip as “more an effort to become part of an international stage.”

But at least some of the 40 evangelical Protestant leaders traveling with Mr. Paul think otherwise.

“This trip to meet with Israelis, Arabs and Palestinians is absolutely the first step in his 2016 White House campaign,” said David Lane, evangelical political organizer and president of the Los Angeles-based Pastors and Pews.

Mr. Paul joined the pastors on a tour bus climbing its way to the Israeli side of the 9,000-foot Golan Heights; the other side is Syrian territory. (more…)

Ben took Piers by surprise in the previous appearance.   Morgan was not expecting an intellectual and direct confrontation.   Morgan is used to cowering people with his aggressive bully tactics.   Ben turned the table on him and made Morgan look like a jackass.  This was round one:

Subsequently ego driven Piers Morgan has invited Shapiro back for round #2.  Ben fully expects this to be an ambush interview with Piers throwing his bombs while hiding behind children and victims.    Ben Shapiro knows full well “why” Piers is inviting him back….. and Ben is willing to walk into the guantlet once more.

This might be worth watching !

“I will put everything I’ve got into this and so will Joe [Biden]. But I tell you, the only way we can change is if the American people demand it,” said Obama. “We are going to need voices in those areas and congressional districts where the tradition of gun ownership is strong.”

“It can’t just be the usual suspects,” he continued. “This will not happen unless the American people demand it.”

Let me emphasize that central line again:  ……”We are going to need voices in those areas and congressional districts where the traditions of gun ownership is strong“…..  FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE !

(excerpt from Huffpo)  […] The proposal, which comes at the end of a month-long review process spearheaded by Vice President Joe Biden, is broken down into four key subsections: law enforcement, the availability of dangerous firearms and ammunition, school safety and mental health.

In an effort to touch on all four of those elements, the president recommended:

• requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales  (a national registry)
• reinstating the assault weapons ban (under the new definition for assault weapons where all semi-automatics are considered “assault – See Fienstein Bill)
• restoring a 10-round limit on ammunition magazines
• eliminating armor-piercing bullets  (also caliber restrictions)
• providing mental health services in schools (and required reporting)
• allocating funds to hire more police officers  (federal)
• and instituting a federal gun trafficking statute, among other policies. (more…)

Today the Treehouse sends out enthusiastic wishes for a fantastic birthday to one of our own admins, Patriot Dreamer. PD, as she’s known to her bestest of friends, is the wit and wisdom behind our daily Bumper Sticker posts.  She’s a complete whiz with her Photobucket account, and she’s usually the first of the admins to catch on to any gaming reference, or for that matter most pop-culture or movie references.  She also calls herself a fan of all things Dr. Who, and a Star Trek “geek”.

PD grew up in North Carolina, however, being an Army spouse, she’s moved 5 times in just the last eight years.  Being quick of mind, fleet of foot, and possessing the ability to travel light, she has all the necessary qualities for an excellent Treeper admin.  (more…)

Having just spent a little time looking over the new Andrew Cuomo approved New York legislative gun controls, one can only come to the conclusion that New York Progressives are stuck on stupid. Seriously.

They rushed through a non-debated, middle of the night, vote before you can read it – bill, that is fraught with serious nonsense the likes of which could only stem from a closed-door progressive, drooling, throw everything on the paper session of supernova gun fearing stupid.

If this bill were not so serious it would be comical. It is so ridiculous, so far past ridiculous, the light from where ridiculous lives would not be able to reach this bill for a year, or more. Even the New York Times thinks it’s a little, well, wrong-minded: (more…)

Use this thread as an open thread just for Zimmerman Case stuff. A place to just dump, collect, or discuss general information about the Trayvon Martin VS George Zimmerman Case.

“The sensationalized, fact-deficient coverage of this case has achieved the
desired results. The networks got their ratings. The politicians got their
talking points. And if it means innocent people get caught in the middle of the
racial enmity they’ve fomented, obviously it’s considered acceptable collateral
damage. Congratulations, geniuses. Job well done.” Jim Treacher, The DC Trawler

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †