JUNE 6, 1944 D-Day

D-Day was JUNE 6, 1944. 156,000 troops landed on the Normandy coast of France in the largest invasion force in history.

Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower issued the order:

"You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade...
The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you...

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely...Let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

President Franklin Roosevelt stated JUNE 6, 1944:
"My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation...
I ask you to join with me in prayer:
Almighty God, Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization...

They will need Thy blessings...
Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom."
FDR concluded:

"Help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith to Thee."

Two Became Twenty

Two Became Twenty

by

Margy Pezdirtz

It was a quiet Friday, one in which I wanted to study and prepare for the coming Shabbat, when my phone rang. Renee said, "Did you get the flyer? The one about the CAIR anti-Israel rally this afternoon at 4:30? I thought you might want to do something about it."

"No, I didn’t get the flyer. What’s happening." And that began the end of a quiet afternoon.

CAIR - Council on American-Islamic Relations - was sponsoring a rally from 4:30 to 6:00 to "to decry Israel’s attack on humanitarian aid ship share." Probably the last thing in the world I wanted to do on this very hot June afternoon was to stand on a street corner and protest the protestors. I thought about it for a moment. Could I, in all honesty and integrity, sit back in my comfortable, air conditioned home and do nothing? And what about my ten-year-old granddaughter who was with me until her parents got off work. Should I take her to a rally like this that could conceivably turn dangerous?

I thought about it for a moment and knew I had to act. If not me, then who? If not now, then when? I quickly forwarded the article on to my email list asking anyone and everyone that could to join me at 4:00 at the intersection. I called people whom I knew wouldn’t receive the email prior to getting home and told them of our intentions and asked them to call as many people as they could and to please join us.

My sister was across town with her daughter who is due to have a baby any day now. I called her and said, "Is the baby coming?" "No," she responded. "Then I have something more important for you to do." I gave her instructions and was happy when she said, "OK." I wasn’t sure I would leave my daughter in that situation, but she is as committed to Israel as I am and she knew I wouldn’t be calling if it wasn’t significant.

I grabbed a box of Israeli window flags from my garage and threw them in the car along with a generous supply of ice water. An hour and a half in the sun could be a very long time and water would be necessary, not only for myself but for others who might show up. I donned white pants and my blue tee that showed crossed Israeli and America flags and said, "United We Stand...Divided We Fall" and backed out of the driveway. My heart and head were racing, and I wondered if I was walking into trouble. My granddaughter and I prayed as we drove towards the site of the rally where my son would pick her up. Rushing toward the freeway, I explained words to her like ‘flotilla’, ‘humanitarian’ and once again, "God’s love for the land and people of Israel."

In the beginning Renee and I were the only ones at the intersection where the rally was supposed to be held. We took our stand across the street from the anti-Israel bunch and began waving Israeli flags at passers by. At her suggestion, I called the local talk radio show, a conservative station, and told host Lee Matthews what we were doing. He put it on the air and soon, cars were passing by and honking in agreement with the two of us. I had told the Lee that I had Israeli flags I would give out to anyone who pulled over and asked for one.

A man in a white pickup truck was stopped at the traffic light, going in the opposite direction. He sat watching us as he waited on the light and I hollered, "Would you like a flag?" He nodded yes and I ran one across two traffic lanes to him. He took the flag and said, "I’m going to park and come help you." His name was David.

Every fifteen minutes, the radio station called for a report on what was happening. I was delighted to tell them people were listening and responding to us. He wanted to know how many there were at the CAIR site and I told him I could see seven, which later turned to eleven. As we talked on the radio, I continued to wave flags and smile at people.

Others came and joined us. One couple, Mike and Betty, said they were sitting on their porch in El Reno - a town approximately thirty miles away, when they heard on the radio about the anti-anti-Israel rally. Mike looked at his wife and said, "We better get down there."

Another couple heard about it on the radio as they were driving home from work and they detoured to our location to join us.

A beautifully dressed young woman who lives in Northwest Oklahoma City heard about it on the radio, pulled into the Walgreen’s parking lot across the street and waited for the very long light to change so she could literally run across the street to join us. She grabbed a flag and began standing watch with us.

And they continued to come. They were individuals. They were couples. Some were on their way home from work. Some were just driving by. Others heard about it on the radio and were moved to action. They were Christians and they knew this was late on a Friday afternoon when Jews were preparing for Shabbat and most likely wouldn’t be able to come join in the rally, so they responded to the invitation and stood on the hot corner, waving flags and shouting "support Israel." My spirits were lifted. I was thrilled to see the response and to hear the conversations of the people who joined us. They cheerfully pulled flags out of the bag and started waving them and giving them out and when we ran out, I ran back to the car and brought all I had.

We had a sign that said, "Honk for Israel" and people put the flags on their car windows and drove around the block two, three and four times honking for Israel. When the anti-Israel CAIR bunch mimicked our sign with one that said, "honk for Islam," people on our side of the street honked even louder and longer.

Our group had grown considerably. There were suddenly twelve and then twenty and more came as some left. One woman, riding on a large motorbike flying an American flag pulled into the intersection, parked the bike and said, "I came to join you." I laughed and said, "Welcome Biker Babe" and we continued to wave flags, hold up signs supporting Israel. I couldn’t help but give praise to God that the response from those joining us and those passing by with honking horns, were so supportive.

The CAIR group watched us and even sent someone over, dressed in intimidating black, with an camera to take our pictures from all angles. I made sure he got excellent pictures of us – what his rationale was didn’t matter. What mattered was that they – the CAIR – people saw not everyone bought their story of Israel’s unfairness to so-called humanitarian ships.

The hour and a half passed quickly and our spirits continued in spite of the hot sun. We were tired and thirsty but we shouted with the greatest of joy when one of Oklahoma City’s beautiful, large fire engines drove by and tapped out a tune of support to us on their air horn. We heard it loud and clear and I’m sure the CAIR people did as well, but there was no doubt whom the firefighters were supporting.

The rally was supposed to be over at 6:00 p.m. The hour came and went and the CAIR people stayed on. We were determined that we would win this demonstration by sheer will power, if nothing else, and we continued to stand on the corner, waving flags, shouting for Israel and laughing. Finally, at 6:30, the CAIR crowd had diminished to one person against our dozen or so remaining. We waited and watched as they packed up their last person, their signs and flags into a vehicle and drove off. Only then, did we call an end to our rally. One person in our group was determined to stay on the corner until he had given out his last flag and we left him there waving his flag and showing determination to all, reaffirming his – and our – solidarity with Israel.

*************************************

For more Background please read

Former Oklahoman National CAIR Board Member Deported

Terror in Oklahoma

CAIR-OK to Host Town Hall, Crying about Profiling of Muslims at Airports

Some pictures from today CAIR-OK 'Peace' Vigil

Obama campaign meets with Islamic Radicals

The turning point in the Pacific War began JUNE 4, 1942

The turning point in the Pacific War began JUNE 4, 1942.

American intelligence intercepted Japan's plans to capture Midway Island and from there, Hawaii.
The outnumbered U.S. Pacific Fleet ambushed the Japanese armada, but was losing badly.
It was not until American dive bombers, navigating by guess and by God, sighted the Japanese aircraft carriers far below through a break in the clouds at the precise moment the Japanese planes had left to attack the U.S.S. Yorktown.

In just five minutes, the screeching American dive bombers sank three Japanese carriers, and a fourth shortly after.

After this providential event, Japan was forced to go on the defensive.

On the Pacific War, President Roosevelt said, August 12, 1943:

"Three weeks after the armies of the Japanese launched their attack on Philippine soil, I sent a proclamation...to the people of the Philippines... that their freedom will be redeemed...

The great day of your liberation will come, as surely as there is a God in Heaven."

Roosevelt stated October 20, 1944:

"On this occasion of the return of General MacArthur to Philippine soil...we renew our pledge.

We and our Philippine brothers in arms - with the help of Almighty God - will drive out the invader."

Marietta, Oklahoma General James D. Thurman Command Philosophy

"To the Soldiers in the formation, you look splendid. Today, you demonstrate the expertise prevalent in our force, and your competence and professionalism inspires all of us. Thank you for your sacrifice and service," said Gen. James D. Thurman, the 18th general to command U.S. Army Forces Command, during his remarks at Fort McPherson after taking command.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

Today Gen. James D. Thurman, FORSCOM commanding general, issued his command philosophy, which should be promptly read and taken to heart throughout Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield:

MEMORANDUM FOR LEADERS AND SOLDIERS

SUBJECT: Command Philosophy

1. Our mission is to train, mobilize, deploy, sustain, transform, and reconstitute conventional forces in order to provide a sustained flow of relevant and ready land power to Combatant Commanders worldwide in defense of the Nation both at home and abroad. I have always believed that leaders should do “what is legally and morally right”; create an environment of mutual trust that enables Soldiers to achieve their potential; and live by the “Golden Rule,” which puts caring, respect and fairness for Soldiers first. Keeping this in mind, our Army mission is to fight and win our Nation’s wars. In order to achieve this, our Soldiers must be mentally and physically tough, led by strong leaders, and trained under realistic full-spectrum conditions. We must be capable of deploying quickly, rapidly seizing the initiative, and winning decisively. In order to achieve success, we must instill teamwork both internally and externally. There are Six Key Imperatives I expect all to follow:

a. DISCIPLINE. All well-trained and maintained organizations and formations are disciplined. Disciplined leaders and Soldiers understand, communicate, live the Army Values and are always accountable for their actions. Disciplined formations train and operate safely, and do routine tasks out of habit which provides them with the flexibility to deal with the unexpected. Disciplined organizations are our most effective units in the decentralized nature of the contemporary operational environment. Disciplined leaders support their Soldiers, Families and Civilians by creating an environment that fosters collaborations, initiative, and demands doing what is right. We must instill and preserve the core traits that sustain our profession and keep our forces strong, effective, and safe.

b. TRAINING AND LEADER DEVELOPMENT. Leadership has always given our Army the edge. In his July 2009 guidance, the CSA presented his goals and objectives for the Army Training and Leader Development. Our country depends on us to be prepared to conduct full-spectrum operations. We will maximize opportunities to train as part of a joint and integrated team. Our Combat Training Centers and Senior Commanders must emphasize the lessons learned from the past nine years of war, while rebuilding the capability for home-station and full-spectrum training support. As the lead for the Army’s Collective Training Enterprise, we will look to the future as we define and rebalance full-spectrum home-station and the Combat Training Center training roles. In coordination with the Joint Forces Command, we will maintain the joint and combined warfare proficiency we have gained over the last nine years of combat. Given the ARFORGEN cycle, our formations will possess, sustain, and maintain the equipment necessary for full-spectrum operations. We must maximize our ability to mix light, heavy, Stryker, and SOF formations into our training opportunities. Leader development is integral to sustaining strong units. Individual and collective leader training will focus on the basics…ensuring our leaders understand and enforce standards for training, maintenance, conduct and accountability. We cannot waste our precious training opportunities; we must be prepared and we must take advantage of every opportunity to train.

c. MAINTENANCE. Maintenance is the cornerstone for ALL units, not only mechanized and aviation forces. With the impending drawdown of forces from Iraq, we must reinstate maintenance and sustainment education throughout the command. After nine years of combat we have deployed many new systems, some obtained through the Commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) acquisition process. We must rapidly institutionalize support for this equipment into our maintenance, sustainment, and education programs. Last, I ask everyone to remain vigilant to the prevention of fraud, waste and abuse. We must conserve the limited resources we have.

d. LEADING. Every leader is expected to set the standard for leadership, management, mentoring, and will be accountable for the health and performance of the force. Leaders must know their Soldiers and Civilians, develop, teach, and coach them so they can reach their full potential. I expect leaders at every level to assess the performance of our people honestly and openly. Soldiers and Civilians deserve the very best from their leaders, and we must do our part to make this happen. I expect leaders to be tactically and technically proficient. Good leaders have fun and have a sense of humor.

e. CARING. Caring for Soldiers, Civilians and their Families is essential to readiness. The performance of Soldiers and Civilians is directly related to their perception of self and their Family’s well-being. All Soldiers, Civilians and their Families will be treated with dignity, fairness and respect. I shall accept nothing less. We will support the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual well-being of our Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members.

f. RISK MANAGEMENT. Composite Risk Management (CRM) is an essential ingredient of readiness and must be integrated into all our planning, preparation, and execution processes as a holistic approach to making sound risk decisions. Conducting CRM to standard is key in preventing accidents, essential to preventing Soldiers from placing themselves and others in vulnerable positions, assists commanders to reduce uncertainty and emplace risk reduction measures, and is essential to ensuring we protect the force with appropriate Force Protection measures at both home and abroad. There is no mission or task so important that justifies compromising safety. I expect all units and organizations to make CRM and the enforcement of the risk mitigation measures developed to protect the force a routine part of their daily business.

2. Remember that our mission is to stay trained and ready…I’ll meet you on the high ground!!!

JAMES D. THURMAN

GENERAL, USA

COMMANDING

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

************************

General Thurman is a native of Marietta, Oklahoma. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History from East Central University and a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University.

In 1975, General Thurman received a Regular Army Commission
from the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Armor branch.

************************

Gen. James D. Thurman (left), incoming U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) commander, accompanies Gen. Charles C. Campbell, outgoing commander, for Campbell's last inspection of the troops, during a June 3 change of command ceremony at Fort McPherson, Ga.

Thurman becomes 18th commander
of U.S. Army's largest command

Jun 3, 2010

By By Gary Jones, FORSCOM Public Affairs

FORT McPHERSON, Ga. (June 3, 2010) -- Gen. James D. Thurman became the 18th commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) during a ceremony on Hedekin Field here today.

Thurman succeeded Gen. Charles C. Campbell, who retired today following 40 years of service, becoming the last continuously serving Army officer who saw service in Vietnam to leave active duty.

As commander of the largest command in the U.S. Army, Thurman now oversees the training and readiness of more than 750,000 Soldiers in the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve, plus 3,500 Army civilians.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. hosted the ceremony. He characterized the event as an important milestone in the life of the Army, describing the tradition of formally changing command in front of the troops as fundamental to the military's vitality.

Speaking about Campbell, the Army's senior general praised FORSCOM's outgoing commander, describing his service by using the outgoing FORSCOM commander's own words. "In his own words in the Army Times this week, (Gen. Campbell said) 'I would argue that the Army is probably more capable today than it was when we entered this fray eight and a half years ago, which is really without historical precedent.' It IS Hondo, and it's largely because of you and the Soldiers that you led," said Casey.

During his remarks, Thurman thanked the Soldiers present on the parade field and the tens of thousands of FORSCOM Soldiers they represented.

"A change of command ceremony is as much about recognizing the great Soldiers, Civilians and Army families as it is about recognizing the outgoing and incoming commanders," said Thurman.

"To the Soldiers in the formation, you look splendid. Today, you demonstrate the expertise prevalent in our force, and your competence and professionalism inspires all of us. Thank you for your sacrifice and service," he said.

Prior to assuming command of FORSCOM, Thurman served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Headquarters, Department of the Army.

A native of Marietta, Okla., Thurman earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at East Central University in 1975.

Prior to FORSCOM, Thurman commanded at every echelon through corps. His first commanded a troop in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, then a squadron in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment and another in the 3rd Infantry Division. Next, Thurman commanded a brigade in the 3rd Infantry Division, before taking command of the Operations Group at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, Calif. He also commanded the 4th Infantry Division, and the V Corps in Germany.

Thurman's career includes extensive Army and Joint staff experience, including assignments as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Plans and Policy (J5), Allied Forces Southern Europe, Regional Command South in Italy; Director of Training, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, Department of the Army; Chief, Operations, Coalition Forces Land Component Command C3 in Kuwait; and Director, Army Aviation Task Force, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, Department of the Army.

Thurman's combat assignments were as a battalion executive officer in the 1st Cavalry Division, during operations Desert Shield/Storm from 1990-91; Chief of Operations for the Coalition Forces Land Component Command, during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2002-03; and as the Commander of the Multi-National Division-Baghdad, Iraq in 2006.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from East Central University and a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University. He has attended innumerable military schools, and Thurman is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.

His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Defense Superior Service Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Legion of Merit (three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (five Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal (three Oak Leaf Clusters). General Thurman is a Senior Army Aviator and has earned the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Is Illegal Immigration why black tar heroin is on the rise in Norman, Oklahoma?

Law enforcement agents have tracked a decrease in oxycontin and an increase in black tar heroin during the last four to six months, Norman police said.

Norman Police Capt. J.D. Younger said police cannot determine how much of the drug flow has been interrupted and redirected.

"It's difficult to pinpoint the exact impact you've had," he said. "The significant impact is based on the decreased availability and increase in price."

Investigators theorize why numbers have dropped: "Operation Pill Box."

In December, state and federal law enforcement, broke up an alleged oxycontin ring in the Norman area. The investigation was dubbed "Operation Pill Box."

Younger said most of the heroin supply is coming from Mexico. Police suspect someone is acquiring heroin and bringing it into the Norman area.

Suppliers frequently use Interstate 35 and Interstate 40 to transport drugs, Younger said. I-35 runs through Cleveland County and intersects with I-40 in Oklahoma City.

The Medical Examiner's Office tracks overdose deaths across the state and has data through 2009. Data for 2010 is not complete.

In 2008, 32 people in Cleveland County died from drug overdoses. Oxycodone killed five people. One person died from a heroin overdose.

Oxycodone also is found in combination with other ingredients in prescription pain killers. In its pure form it is oxycontin.

In 2009, drug overdose deaths decreased to 28, according to state statistics. One person died from oxycodone. Statistics on heroin related deaths were not available.

So far in 2010, there have been four heroin related overdoses reported in Norman. None have resulted in death, according to state officials.

Burnett said methamphetamine and cocaine are the most common drugs that county investigators come across. However, heroin is making a come back, he said.

Heroin has a massive addictive affect, Burnett said.

"It puts you out," he said.

Dr. David Fish, who joined the emergency department at Norman Regional Hospital in July 2009, said in the past nine months, he's treated at least two heroin overdoses. Both patients lived.

Heroin relaxes the body, Fish said. The narcotic slows down the respiratory system and induces a seemingly euphoric mental state.

Overdose patients brought into the emergency department typically are not breathing, Fish said. The person also likely is in a coma.

"If you take too much you will stop breathing and die," he said.

Fish said someone can become addicted to heroin in a single dose.

"People can be psychologically addicted pretty quickly and physiological over time," he said.

He said heroin originally was designed to be a pain reliever. Another opiate, oxycontin also is known to ease physical pain.

Fish said as an emergency room physician, he treats short-term pain. Oxycodone, in conjunction with other ingredients, is marketed as Percocet. Instead of oxycontin or an oxycodone compound, Fish said he normally prescribes a short dose of Vicodin or Lortab for pain relief.

"It's not something we give out regularly," he said of oxycontin.

Fish said compared with heroin overdoses, he's treated more patients who suffer from prescription drug overdoses.

"It's almost a daily thing," he said.

On this day in 1940: Churchill gives his famous 'We shall fight on the beaches' speech

We Shall Fight On The Beaches is a common title given to a speech delivered by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons of the British Parliament on the 4 June 1940.

This was the second of three major speeches given during (roughly) the period of the Battle of France, with the others designated as the "Blood, toil, tears, and sweat" speech of 13 May, and the "This was their finest hour" speech of 18 June.

Events developed dramatically over the 5-week period, and although broadly similar in themes, each speech addresses a different military and diplomatic context, in which it should be approached. In this speech, Churchill had to

* describe a great military disaster, and warn of a possible German invasion attempt, without casting doubt on eventual victory

* prepare his domestic audience for France going out of the war without in any way releasing France to do so

* reiterate a policy and an aim unchanged - despite the intervening events - from his May 13th speech, in which he had said

We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy?

I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime.

That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be...

Governor and State Schools Superintendent candidates discussion and AG forum

Oklahoma City University will host a candidate forum for governor and state schools superintendent candidates. The free event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. June 16 at the Meinders School of Business.

The forum is sponsored by the Oklahoma Academy, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that encourages public discussions of state policies.

Gubernatorial candidates invited to participate are Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson — both Democrats, state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, and businessman Roger Jackson, a Republican.

Invited state schools superintendent candidates are Republican Janet Barresi, Democrat Jerry Combrink and state Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada.

The Oklahoma City University School of Law will host a forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday for candidates running this year for attorney general.

The free event will be in the Homsey Family Moot Courtroom of Sarkeys Law Center. Republicans Ryan Leonard and Scott Pruitt, and Democrat Jim Priest have been invited to attend. Seating is limited.

Visit the Oklahoma Lawyers Association website at www.oklawyers.org to reserve a seat

Plan to Use Cameras to Catch Uninsured Drivers Raises Privacy Concerns

Mike McCarville @ http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/ has done a GREAT job putting some light on this...

DPS Doesn't Have A Clue Where Highway Traffic 'Spy' Camera Revenue Estimate Came From

The Department of Public Safety admits in a solicitation for vendors bidding on Governor Henry's new statewide system of highway traffic "spy" cameras that it doesn't have a clue where an estimate of $50 million in new revenue for the state from the system came from.

That revelation is found in reading questions submitted by bidders, and the DPS response to them (Bid #5850000395). The DPS response to the questions is somewhat surprising given that it is the entity that has been in charge of requesting information from bidders.

Two bidders asked for the source of the revenue estimate; in both cases, DPS replied, "Unknown."

Reading the proposals also reveals that initially, the estimate of new revenue was $95 million. The income would flow from fines assessed against those without vehicle insurance. Even at $50 million, the sum listed in Henry's budget, it is estimated that more than 750 motorists without insurance would have to be fined per day to produce that much money for the state given that the vendor would be paid 25 to 30 percent of the fines collected. DPS reports there are 3.9 million vehicles in the state with 3.5 million of them being properly insured.

A DPS source told The McCarville Report Online he believes the first estimate came during one of the initial discussions about the Oklahoma system. He named the person he believes made the estimate, but TMRO was unable to contact that person during the Memorial Day holiday for confirmation.

The system, which would place 220 cameras across the state to photograph the license plates of passing vehicles, is designed to catch insurance scofflaws, those without the mandatory vehicle insurance.

But privacy advocates and civil libertarians see a much more sinister use of the information that would be gathered by the cameras. They note the apparent ease of tracking the movements of motorists, and the ability of the state to harvest unrelated information about the vehicle owner and place it into a computer database. That fear appears to be reinforced by advocates of the "Automated License Plate Recognition" (ALPR) system.

Governor Henry proposed the system as part of an effort to raise new revenue.

OHP Troop S working 9 to 5, and a ODOT SLUSH FUND?

Did Gary Ridley say that?

So, Gary just how much is in that
Size and Weights fund?

If you use a Copy Machines, Do you know the Security Risk?

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the good, old-fashioned copy machine. But, as Armen Keteyian reports, advanced technology has opened a dangerous hole in data security.

At a warehouse in New Jersey, 6,000 used copy machines sit ready to be sold. CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian reports almost every one of them holds a secret.

Nearly every digital copier built since 2002 contains a hard drive - like the one on your personal computer - storing an image of every document copied, scanned, or emailed by the machine.

In the process, it's turned an office staple into a digital time-bomb packed with highly-personal or sensitive data.

If you're in the identity theft business it seems this would be a pot of gold.

"The type of information we see on these machines with the social security numbers, birth certificates, bank records, income tax forms," John Juntunen said, "that information would be very valuable."

Juntunen's Sacramento-based company Digital Copier Security developed software called "INFOSWEEP" that can scrub all the data on hard drives. He's been trying to warn people about the potential risk - with no luck.

"Nobody wants to step up and say, 'we see the problem, and we need to solve it,'" Juntunen said.

This past February, CBS News went with Juntunen to a warehouse in New Jersey, one of 25 across the country, to see how hard it would be to buy a used copier loaded with documents. It turns out ... it's pretty easy.

Juntunen picked four machines based on price and the number of pages printed. In less than two hours his selections were packed and loaded onto a truck. The cost? About $300 each.

Until we unpacked and plugged them in, we had no idea where the copiers came from or what we'd find.

We didn't even have to wait for the first one to warm up. One of the copiers had documents still on the copier glass, from the Buffalo, N.Y., Police Sex Crimes Division.

It took Juntunen just 30 minutes to pull the hard drives out of the copiers. Then, using a forensic software program available for free on the Internet, he ran a scan - downloading tens of thousands of documents in less than 12 hours.

The results were stunning: from the sex crimes unit there were detailed domestic violence complaints and a list of wanted sex offenders. On a second machine from the Buffalo Police Narcotics Unit we found a list of targets in a major drug raid.

The third machine, from a New York construction company, spit out design plans for a building near Ground Zero in Manhattan; 95 pages of pay stubs with names, addresses and social security numbers; and $40,000 in copied checks.

But it wasn't until hitting "print" on the fourth machine - from Affinity Health Plan, a New York insurance company, that we obtained the most disturbing documents: 300 pages of individual medical records. They included everything from drug prescriptions, to blood test results, to a cancer diagnosis. A potentially serious breach of federal privacy law.

"You're talking about potentially ruining someone's life," said Ira Winkler. "Where they could suffer serious social repercussions."

Winkler is a former analyst for the National Security Agency and a leading expert on digital security.

"You have to take some basic responsibility and know that these copiers are actually computers that need to be cleaned up," Winkler said.

The Buffalo Police Department and the New York construction company declined comment on our story. As for Affinity Health Plan, they issued a statement that said, in part, "we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that none of our customers' personal information remains on other previously leased copiers, and that no personal information will be released inadvertently in the future."

Buffalo Reacts to CBS News Investigation

Ed McLaughlin is President of Sharp Imaging, the digital copier company.

"Has the industry failed, in your mind, to inform the general public of the potential risks involved with a copier?" Keteyian asked.

"Yes, in general, the industry has failed," McLaughlin said.

In 2008, Sharp commissioned a survey on copier security that found 60 percent of Americans "don't know" that copiers store images on a hard drive. Sharp tried to warn consumers about the simple act of copying.

"It's falling on deaf ears," McLaughlin said. "Or people don't feel it's important, or 'we'll take care of it later.'"

All the major manufacturers told us they offer security or encryption packages on their products. One product from Sharp automatically erases an image from the hard drive. It costs $500.

But evidence keeps piling up in warehouses that many businesses are unwilling to pay for such protection, and that the average American is completely unaware of the dangers posed by digital copiers.

The day we visited the New Jersey warehouse, two shipping containers packed with used copiers were headed overseas - loaded with secrets on their way to unknown buyers in Argentina and Singapore.

American Minute - "Don't Give Up The Ship!"

"
Don't Give Up The Ship!" commanded 31-year-old Captain James Lawrence, as he lay wounded on the deck of the U.S.S. Chesapeake.

Captain Lawrence fought Muslim Barbary pirates in 1804, and when the War of 1812 began, he commanded the U.S.S. Hornet which captured the privateer Dolphin and the H.M.S. Peacock.

President Madison wrote May 25, 1813:

"The brilliant achievements of our infant Navy, a signal triumph has been gained by Captain Lawrence...in the Hornet sloop of war...

The contest in which the United States are engaged appeals...to the sacred obligation of transmitting...to future generations
that...which is held...by the present from the goodness of Divine
Providence."

On JUNE 1, 1813, Captain Lawrence sailed from Boston and was attacked by the British ship Shannon.

Within an hour, nearly every officer was killed.

Later, Captain Oliver Hazard Perry was inspired to name his flagship on Lake Erie "Lawrence."

Theodore Roosevelt wrote in Hero Tales from American History, 1895:

"Lawrence, dying with the words on his lips, 'Don't give up the ship' and Perry...with the same words blazoned on his banner...won glory in desperate conflicts and left a reputation hardly dimmed."

Spy Cameras: Is it about Money? Is It Public Safety? Or is it just Political Payback?

Mike McCarville @ http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/ has done a GREAT job putting some light on this...

Former OU and Dallas Cowboys football coach Barry Switzer, credited by some as being responsible for Governor Henry's upset victory in the 2002 governor's race, apparently is connected to a company that may benefit from Henry's plan to use highway traffic cameras to identify those without vehicle insurance.

While there's been no announcement that InsureNet will be the company chosen to process information obtained through the highway cameras, it has won contracts in other states as a "sole source provider," meaning it is the only firm able to perform the service.

Former Republican House member Wayne Pettigrew of Edmond is a national officer of the firm.

Switzer was a fundraiser for Henry in 2002 and again in 2006. His endorsement of Henry in the 2002 race, many believe, propelled Henry to victory. Switzer also was responsible for placing a last-minute series of Henry radio commercials with a jingle that became the hallmark of the campaign.

Bulletin ~ The House Transportation Committee heard a presentation last Wednesday on InsureNet, which provides paperless verification of motorists’ insurance status. Former University of Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer, who implemented the program in Oklahoma, was present at our meeting.

Following the thread of disjointed information about InsureNet's efforts to bring the controversial cameras to Oklahoma highways also shines light on the involvement of others, including Republican Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond, the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Budget Committee and a candidate for state treasurer.

Miller authored House Bill 3326 in the 2008 session which authorized creation of the new license plates, which apparently became the first step in instituting the system and was a member of the committee that designed the plates. Miller, however, says the system would have worked with the state's previous license plates.
And, as with Henry, there's a political connection between Switzer and Miller.

Oklahoma Ethics Commission reports show Switzer donated $2,500 to Miller's 2010 reelection campaign.

In Henry's reelection campaign in 2006, Switzer repeated his 2002 donation generosity to Henry; he donated the maximum, $5,000.

RIP: Jim and Mina Hibdon was found dead at their West Norman home Friday.

Norman Police said they do not consider the deaths suspicious.

Norman Police Sgt. Jennifer Newell confirmed Saturday night that police were sent to a house in west Norman Friday afternoon. Officers went to check on those who lived at the home.

When police arrived, they found a man and woman dead inside the house, Newell said.

She said because the deaths were unattended, the bodies were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office in Oklahoma City.

The Hibdons moved to Norman in 1961 when Jim Hibdon accepted a job teaching economics at the University of Oklahoma. Jim Hibdon retired from OU in 1991.
Mina Hibdon, a Republican, was elected in 1973 to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in a special election and served through 1976. She represented House District 44 and was a member of the Republican Party.

Services for the Hibdons are pending.

Arizona Sing-A-Long: Read Immigration Law!

Two weeks ago, Governor Jan Brewer took President Obama to task for making Arizonas unsecured borders and illegal immigration crisis a laughing matter. However, since then, Washingtons comedy of errors has grown far worse, with top cabinet officials admitting that they havent even read Arizonas new immigration law. Broken borders are not a laughing matter, but the failure by Obamas trusted officials to read Arizonas law before commenting and condemning it is laughable. Read the law for yourself at: www.SecuretheBorder.org

Scott Pruitt - Suing Over Illegal Immigration?

Oklahoma Attorney General Candidate Scott Pruitt wants to sue government over state illegal immigration expenses

Oklahoma State Lawmakers Travel on OUR Dime

California, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, even Cuba and Canada are just some of the places Oklhoma Lawmakers went using our money. Lawmakers spent $1.5 million on travel, more than $155,000 to go out of state.

Senator Brian Bingman (R)

was one of the biggest spenders.

He filed travel claims for $7,661.33 worth of Energy Council conferences. Two of the trips were to Canada.

"It's quite an honor to, you know, represent my state," Bingman said. "We make recommendations, talk about policy that affects our state, other states and we send statements to the federal government, work with them you know, on energy policy."

In 2009, Bingman was the vice chairman of the group of energy producing states and Canadian provinces. He went on two trips while state revenue was down and two trips while state agencies faced a 5 percent cut.

When asked to tell about something he's done specifically after going to these conferences that people could see the benefit of, he said, "Uh, there's probably, I'd have to think about that."

Sen Charles Wyrick (D) traveled to Cuba in December of 2008 with the State Secretary of Agriculture and seven other people. The state paid for three people's trips, including Wyrick's $2,232.92 share.

"If you're trying to be critical of why I went, I think it's obvious why we went," said Senator Charles Wyrick.

Senator Earl Garrison's (D) trip to the National Conference of State Legislators Summit in Philadelphia, last July. The conference suggested 15 hotels but, Garrison chose to stay at the most expensive one, the Ritz Carlton.

Miss Oklahoma in the Spotlight

Morgan Woolard on racy lingerie photos,
Carrie Prejean controversy and
Donald Trump's support

Congressman Tom McClintock Tells Mexico To Butt Out

Mexican President Felipe Calderon insulted America by demanding that our congress pass amnesty for Mexican illegal aliens on May 19, 2010. Congressman Tom McClintock told Calderon to Butt Out of American affairs.

Miss Oklahoma on 'America Live'

Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard discusses her answer about Arizona law that may have cost her the crown

Miss Oklahoma USA on whether support for Arizona's immigration law cost her the crown

Miss Oklahoma USA 2010 1st Runner Up, Morgan Elizabeth Woolard speaks out about her final answer on FOX and Friends, with Gretchen Carlson, Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy

In Oklahoma, We love Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard!!!

Miss Oklahoma USA Supports Arizona Law

In Oklahoma, We love Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard!!!

"I'm a huge believer in states' rights. I think that's what's so wonderful about America. So I think it's perfectly fine for Arizona to create that law."

She was asked what she thought about the new immigration law in Arizona. The judge who asked her the question was Oscar Nunez, actor from "The Office". Nunez was initially booed when he asked the loaded question.

Oklahoma need a Dale Peterson to tell it like it is!

Only two things are certain: (1) He is about to become the most famous agricultural commissioner candidate in America, and (2) Alabama politics are awesome.

Dale Peterson, Alabama Agriculture Commission, candidate fighting the fight to save our country. Some people recognize the enemies from within & without. We need fighters today, people that are not afraid to stand & tell the Government NO!!! Help Dale Stand & Defend our Country, it starts 1 state at a time.

Mohammad Farzaneh talking about Tom Cole 'Secret' Townhall meeting

Mohammad Farzaneh (Owner of Home Creations) reporting to the Oklahoma Governors Ethnic American Advisory Council (May 7, 2010) about the 'Secret' Townhall meeting with US Rep Tom Cole (R OK-4) (Sunday, April 11th at 10:45AM)

You ask what 'Secret' Townhall meeting?

Please read my friend Brandi blog @
Ztruth for more information on
Rep. Cole 'Secret' Townhall meeting

Thank You Brandi!

Baxter Black get it!

People who live in Chicago, Washington , DC or San Francisco inner cities lock their doors at night. They are careful where they travel within the city. They all have friends who have been mugged, had homes burglarized, cars stolen or lives taken. They travel the city in crowds like schools of fish. Their safety, like all prey, is in numbers; the odds are that someone else will be eaten instead of them. In rural communities, small towns, and isolated ranch houses, we do not think of ourselves as prey.

During the election, candidate Obama made a very telling comment about bitter, small towns, "clinging to their guns and religion." He is from the big-city prey mentality. He comes from a place that believes that if we take guns away from ordinary citizens, they will somehow be safer. His comment was interpreted as a slam against small-town America, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He simply doesn't have any way to relate to those who believe each person is responsible to take care of himself.

The Mexican border, once a cultural bridge, is now a war zone inhabited by killers, smugglers, and drug dealers as bad as any town in Afghanistan. Rural people who live along this poisonous border live with the daily possibility of death and destruction. Thousands of Mexicans have been killed in the drug wars already.

The situation, which has been worsening, culminated last month with the murder of a rancher by a suspected drug smuggler on his way back to Mexico.

He lived in my county along the border. He was known to the neighbors and many Mexican illegals as a generous man. His ranch has been well traveled by illegals for years. His luck ran out. All of us, his neighbors, are saddened but reminded of just how fragile normal life has become where many have put down their roots.

If the president thinks the community is bitter, he just might be right. They are on the front lines in a war to supply recreational drug users their daily toke or weekly snort. The smugglers are doing quite well. I hear of no shortages from celebrities and potheads. And, in truth, I would guess most ranchers are ambivalent about dope smokers and drug users. Unfortunately, they are trying to ranch on the battlefield where the self-righteous, self-centered stoners, snorters, smokers, shooters and suppliers are fighting The Law.

You can see in this Arizona rural community why we cling to our guns. We don't have police cars patrolling our neighborhoods. The nearest neighbor could be ten or twelve miles away and the criminals pass like ghosts in the night. We use our guns because we are not prey; we take responsibility for our own lives and livelihood. The president's unfortunate denigration of religion as a source of strength is something he probably wishes he could take back. His past church membership speaks for his faith. Suffice it to say, when we turn to God for help, it is because He has proven to be more reliable than the stream of politicians' promises that continue to pour over us like dirty water sluicing down the drain.

And nobody seems to have a clue.

Baxter Black is a former New Mexico resident who spent most of his working days tormenting cows. He now resides in Arizona and spends most of his free time tormenting cowboys and the sorts. His column appears in the Deming Headlight on Tuesday. www.baxterblack.com