By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
President Obama has taken office; most conservatives feel like taking cover. The most unqualified man in presidential history is in the driver’s seat as Commander in Chief of our armed forces, head of CIA, FBI, and numerous other military and civilian intelligence services. He also controls both houses of Congress and is leader of the most radically liberal political faction in the country. The worrisome thing is that Obama was chosen because of his race, not because of any particular qualification. Any number of black Americans could have filled the position with educated intelligence and deep experience. But few among these talented men can match the mysterious oracular presence of Mr. Obama. And so, he has been chosen because of his race and speaking ability, by 95 percent of his race. If racial identity and speaking ability are enough to successfully defend this nation against its many deadly enemies and save a collapsing economy, he will succeed. But, these are not the qualities required at this time in history. So, this tsunami of triumphalism from the Left is just so much emotional confetti tossed into in the winds of war. Unless human nature changes dramatically during the next four years, Barack Obama will drive America over a cliff. From a traditional point of view Obama is judged, as desired, by the quality of his character, not the color of his skin. Traditionalists and conservatives see little to commend his character. His only accomplishments have been to succeed to higher office with the assistance of an army of Chicago’s worst political weasels. His long-time pastor (Wright) is a virulent, racist hate monger. He has kept the company of criminals and terrorists. He has nominated to cabinet level office scofflaws and men who pimp for notorious criminals and active terrorists. His appointments and associations are an index to his character, which is black indeed. But, for the true conservative Christian, Obama is a true abomination. His philosophy of life (who is protected from homicide) spells four more years of slaughter of the innocent children waiting to be born. On this issue there is no worse person in or out of government, and millions of children will continue to die under his presidency. How bad? Read this: The Obama Debate Every American Should See "The most telling debate Barack Obama ever had was not with John McCain but Patrick O'Malley, who served with Obama in the Illinois Senate and engaged Obama in a colloquy every American should read. The Obama-O'Malley debate was a defining moment for Obama because it dealt with such a fundamental issue: The state's duty to protect the civil rights of the young and disabled. Some background: Eight years ago, nurse Jill Stanek went public about the "induced-labor abortions" performed at the Illinois hospital where she worked. Often done on Down syndrome babies, the procedure involved medicating the mother to cause premature labor. Babies who survived this, Stanek testified in the U.S. Congress, were brought to a soiled linen room and left alone to die without care or comforting. Then-Illinois state Sen. Patrick O'Malley, whom I interviewed this week, contacted the state attorney general's office to see whether existing laws protected a newborn abortion-survivor's rights as a U.S. citizen. He was told they did not. So, O'Malley -- a lawyer, veteran lawmaker and colleague of Obama on the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee -- drafted legislation. In 2001, he introduced three bills. SB1093 said if a doctor performing an abortion believed there was a likelihood the baby would survive, another physician must be present "to assess the child's viability and provide medical care." SB1094 gave the parents, or a state-appointed guardian, the right to sue to protect the child's rights. SB1095 simply said a baby alive after "complete expulsion or extraction from its mother" would be considered a "'person, 'human being,' 'child' and 'individual.'" The bills dealt exclusively with born children. "This legislation was about preventing conduct that allowed infanticide to take place in the state of Illinois," O'Malley told me. The Judiciary Committee approved the bills with Obama in opposition. On March 31, 2001, they came up on the Illinois senate floor. Only one member spoke against them: Obama. "Nobody else said anything," O'Malley recalls. The official transcript validates this. Obama made three crucial concessions here: the legislation was about 1) a human being, who was 2) "alive" and 3) "outside the womb." He also used an odd redundancy: "temporarily alive." Is there another type of human? Here he made another crucial concession: The intention of the legislation was to make sure that 1) a human being, 2) alive and 3) outside the womb was 4) "properly cared for." O'Malley tightened the logical knot. "(T)his bill suggests that appropriate steps be taken to treat that baby as a -- a citizen of the United States and afforded all the rights and protections it deserves under the Constitution of the United States," said O'Malley. But to these specific temporarily-alive-outside-the-womb-human beings -- to these children who had survived a botched abortion, whose hearts were beating, whose muscles were moving, whose lungs were heaving -- to these specific children of God, Obama was not willing to concede any constitutional rights at all. To explain his position, Obama came up with yet another term to describe the human being who would be protected by O'Malley's bills. The abortion survivor became a "pre-viable fetus." By definition, however, a born baby cannot be a "fetus." Merriam-Webster Online defines "fetus" as an "unborn or unhatched vertebrate" or "a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth." Obama had already conceded these human beings were "alive outside the womb." "No. 1," said Obama, "whenever we define a pre-viable fetus as a person that is protected by the equal protection clause or other elements of the Constitution, what we're really saying is, in fact, that they are persons that are entitled to the kinds of protections that would be provided to a -- a child, a nine-month-old -- child that was delivered to term." Yes. In other words, a baby born alive at 37 weeks is just as much a human "person" as a baby born alive at 22 weeks. Obama, however, saw a problem with calling abortion survivors "persons." "I mean, it -- it would essentially bar abortions," said Obama, "because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this is a child, then this would be an antiabortion statute." For Obama, whether or not a temporarily-alive-outside-the-womb little girl is a "person" entitled to constitutional rights is not determined by her humanity, her age or even her place in space relative to her mother's uterus. It is determined by a whether a doctor has been trying to kill her." This exemplifies the character of the man claiming to defend civil rights. He has no moral sense or compassion for the most innocent and defenseless of human beings. I agree with those who affirm that America will have neither peace nor prosperity again until we stop killing our unborn children. No issue is more compelling. Next week – a few words about the last city council meeting and the embarrassing attempt to enhance our new City Clerk’s power and prestige. People! The job pays $25 per month. There’s a reason for that. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
As the City of Fillmore gets down to business with its new council, I would like to make a few comments. Strong differences of informed opinion are a sign of civic vitality. It’s a good thing. What is not a good thing are intense and prolonged expressions of hateful disagreement the city has experienced during the past year. We are in a completely new fiscal environment now. Thank God we financed most of our big projects when we did. It is unlikely that, had we waited, we could do so now. I hope, and Fillmore residents have a right to expect to see, civil cooperation on our new council. In many ways Fillmore is envied by other cities for its balanced budget, and large emergency SURPLUS! This didn’t just happen. Let’s give credit where it’s due. Emotional conflict of the past aside, everyone must wish the new council well. Success will be measured in one way by whether it does as well fiscally in the next couple of years as we have in the past. We are in an entirely new, hostile financial environment. All Fillmore businesses are feeling the pressure of state, national, and global economic decline. In my opinion it will only get considerably worse, sooner than later. In one important way we can counter this recession by shopping locally. We are starting the New Year with one unequivocally wild success – our new skateboard park. It will open officially in May, after the landscaping is finished. Once again, let’s make it a Happy New Year. |
By Martin Farrell — Thursday, January 1st, 2009
Happy New Year to all Gazette readers. This is the last edition of 2008. By any measure this has been an extraordinary year. I wish it had been a happier one. |
By Martin Farrell — Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
A Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah to all Fillmore Gazette readers. We hope you all have a warm and peaceful holiday. The day started abruptly, with a call to the police department warning of a bomb “on the roof of city hall”. Shortly thereafter, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, across the street from the Gazette office, was robbed at gunpoint. The Sheriff’s Department responded quickly with a small army of specialized deputies, including the K-9 units, helicopter, and what appeared to be SWAT-type personnel. The robber is currently at large. On a much happier level, I just returned from our new skateboard park. It is opened for a few days before Christmas so kids can try it out. The place was like an ant farm on a hot summer day. The kids think it is “awesome”. One father came over to me and asked that the Gazette be sure to thank the city for providing the park. His son had been dreaming of the place for several years. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
I took a few photos of last night’s city council meeting. I stayed for a while, as long as I could stand it. Our new mayor, Patti Walker, and Councilman Brooks (especially Brooks) set quite a precedent for themselves. If this is the way city business will be conducted for the next 4 years, this city is headed over a cliff. Thank God former Mayor Steve Conaway was reelected. Without his civility, common sense and experience Fillmore I urge the residents of Fillmore to view the meeting on Channel 10 and witness the embarrassing pomposity, ignorance and arrogance of our new Councilman, Jamey Brooks. “I want...I want...I want...” he reiterated his demands like a grinning, mischievous three-year-old, or little Caesar. This, after serving in his new position less than an hour! Conaway was correct in telling Brooks that, being new to the council, and unfamiliar with procedures, “It’s best My advice: Don’t cut yourself with that thing, Jamey. Fillmore has elected two new members to its council. With now Mayor Walker a true agenda unfolds: fire experienced staff (especially former City Manager Roy Payne), and fool around with successful, on-going projects The Katzenjammer Kids have taken over city hall! |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
This is a response to “Elias Fillmore’s” vigorous objections to information I placed on the Gazette website (fillmoregazette.com) a few weeks ago. It was an excerpt from a book entitled Slavery, Terrorism and Islam:.., by Dr. Peter Hammond. This can also be found on the outstanding website WWW.FRONTPAGEMAG.COM. Robert Spencer, is an internationally recognized expert on the Muslim Jihadist movement. Among his numerous (two best selling) books is the splendid Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) the best introduction to the subject I have read to date. Elias’ comment, as well as the excerpt from Hammond’s book that he so vehemently objects to, can be found on the Gazette’s website (after being accidentally obliterated by my clumsy attempts to respond). Elias wrongfully accuses me of “hate crimes”, “blatant bigotry”, “akin to posting Hitler’s ramblings or the Klan doctrine.” He also accuses me of “religious or racial profiling” and intends to “forward [the matter] to authorities.” Elias will also refer me to the “Ventura City Attorney for investigation.” Finally, he believes that “Fillmore should be disgusted and stop this paper from posting such utter nonsense.” Elias - surprise – you are living in The United States of America. We are a representative democratic republic. The citizens of this nation created a Constitution by which they have secured their freedom by strictly limiting the power of government. A unique part of this Constitution’s several amendments is known as our Bill of Rights. Among these rights are those expressed in Amendment number one: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The relatively short length of this Constitution belies its power and uniqueness among the governing documents of the world; it has preserved our freedom amidst constant attack for more than two centuries. More specifically, it assures my freedom, at this time, to publish the truth as I see it in this little newspaper. I originally intended to respond to your ill-founded attack with a detailed refutation of your allegations. However, your obvious ignorance of American history and the laws of this nation caused me to believe such an effort would be a futile waste of time. I have a deep respect for the well-intended religious beliefs of others. Unfortunately, Islam, today in particular, is divided into two dramatically different camps; those hundreds of millions of believers demanding strict adherence to the words of the Quran and traditions of the Hadith, and those millions who are inclined to find a more temperate, less violent interpretation. But the contents of both Muslim sacred books are officially defined as categorical moral imperatives. Islam is a “complete” and “completed” religion. It is no longer open to liberal interpretation. No one has a problem with peaceful interpretation, but the non-Muslim world must defend itself from the millions of Muslim believers who take, for example, the violent verses of the ninth sura (especially 9:5, The Verse of the Sword) seriously. I challenge “Elias Fillmore” to cite any specific falsehoods in Dr. Hammond’s or, for that matter, in Robert Spencer’s work. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
When I hear President Elect Obama announce nominations for the country’s most important jobs, when he does so from behind his freshly painted “Office of the President Elect” sign (there is no such office), I confess I get the shivers – shivers of fear. I see an utterly clueless and inexperienced little boy, who has just been elevated to the positions of Commander in Chief and Chief Executive Officer of the greatest and most powerful nation on earth. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
Well the elections are over. Conservatives were pretty much wiped out on both the federal and local level. I am resigned to what I believe will be a chaotic, if not catastrophic outcome. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
Anger is an acidic thing. Brush up against it and you can be burned, as I was last week. A funny thing happened on the way to the office. Returning from the bank where elementary school trick-or-treaters had gathered to have their pictures taken, I was ambushed by a former Fillmore mayor with our newly elected city clerk in tow. As I was about to step into the office a small white pickup nosed into a parallel parking space in front of the Gazette’s front entrance. Out jumped Gary Creagle, leaving his truck nosed into the curb and driver’s door open. Still not understanding what the former mayor was howling about, I asked what his problem was. Raising his volume to a level that caught the attention of many others in the building, he sputtered something about an advertisement from five former mayors which had run in the Gazette the previous Wednesday, three days earlier. The letter he referred to was a paid political ad, paid for by five (highly regarded) retired mayors of the City of Fillmore: Scott Lee, Mike McMahan, Don Gunderson, Roger Campbell and Evaristo Barajas. The advertisement was titled “A Message From 5 Retired Mayors”. It was dismissive of Creagle’s dysfunctional tenure as mayor, citing his support for extreme growth, an airport, and a gaming casino. The statements were true, but not to Creagle’s liking now that he apparently honchos Fillmore’s new extreme green coalition. Creagle walked up to me, bumped into me with clenched fists, and continued to bellow. This whole sorry, embarrassing, threatening performance was witnessed by several persons, and Mr. Creagle was cited by a Sheriff’s deputy. The following Monday Mr. Creagle performed Act II, Scene II at city hall. With sidekick, and newly elected City Clerk, Clay Westling again in tow, Creagle entered the upstairs area of city hall. A number of witnesses heard him, with offensive, officious tone, demand to know the location of the city clerk’s desk. Informed of that, he then demanded to know how many offices were located in the area. Following this, he asked one staff member: “What’s your name?” “What do you do?” Receiving answers to both questions, he had the audacity to tell that staff member, “O.K., your job is safe.” Message to Gary Creagle – you were not elected to any office in the City of Fillmore. Your conduct in these matters is obnoxious, and has cast a dark political shadow over several important staff positions. Are you seeking to be appointed to the position of City Manager? For what it’s worth, Gary, you have become, in my estimation, Fillmore’s very own Yosemite Sam – but you aren’t funny. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
Barack Obama is winner in the 2008 American elections. The losers for the next four years are clearly set out in a recent Human Events piece by Pat Buchanan entitled “Obama’s First 100 Days (10-28-08): |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
This is the last opportunity I will have to endorse particular Measures before Election Day. My primary concern is focused on two issues: the killing of unborn babies through abortion (48 million since the abominable Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade) and the preservation of the sanctity and dignity of marriage, which can only be between one man and one woman in a Judeo-Christian culture. The first recognizes the universal truth that human life begins at conception; the second simply seeks to defend the definition of the word “marriage” as it has been recognized from time immemorial. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
Congratulations are due to our Sheriff’s deputies for the exceptional success they have had during the past two weeks. Two particular incidents are noteworthy: the arrest of a 17-year-old house burglar in north Fillmore and the arrest, following a lengthy foot pursuit, of another burglar and his accomplice. In both cases very quick response at multiple levels made the difference. Fillmore is lucky indeed to have such a dedicated force on hand. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Well, once again, I’ve been bullied into a 180-word space on page 2. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, October 8th, 2008
Congratulations to Chappy Morris and Wm. L. Morris Chevrolet entering the 80th year of service to the Fillmore community. Parts and service for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles are now available at the Ventura Street facility. Stop by the Mr. Goodlunch Cafe while you’re there. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, October 1st, 2008
Several months ago I wrote in defense of two of our police officers who had to kill two pit bulls. They had gotten out of their fenced yard, ran wild in the streets, chasing at least three people, including a young girl and an elderly man (who narrowly escaped into his house before one of the dogs charged at his front door). |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
The two Fillmore residents who fled from police before being apprehended for suspicion of theft; the ones who left their 4-year-old daughter rolling through the parking lot in a shopping cart (which was nearly struck by a car), should get 10 years in prison. Where do such people come from? |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
My thanks go out to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Fillmore Post 9637 for honoring me at a fine Tuesday evening dinner at the Memorial Building. I was presented with a plaque thanking me for support and dedication to the VFW. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
If I had space for 2000 words instead of the 250 allotted to me this week I might do justice to the many things worth commenting on. But 250 will have to do. And, I’ve just wasted 46 words telling you this. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008
Warm congratulations for Candi Tovar on her retirement. She organized a great reunion of old friends and VONS co-workers in City Park two weeks ago. What a great lady! Her work with foster kids and abused kids is truly commendable. I hope VONS recognizes what a great person they have lost. The best of luck to you, Candi, in your continuing work with children. |
By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
America has finally gotten around to providing a little emergency assistance for Georgia. |