9/11
I will never forget the horror, dismay and anger I felt while watching the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I don’t know any American who was unaffected by the horrendous attacks by those Islamic radicals.
But you must be aware the subtle attack continues. There is a tradition of the Islamist to build shrines at the places of those so-called victories and they are attempting to build such a shrine at the crash site of Flight 93:
Alec Rawls has asked me to join him in re-raising awareness to this aberration and I join him humbly and reverently in honor of those who gave their lives for our freedom and safety.
We must not allow shrines to evil to be constructed, especially under the guise of memorials to our hero citizens’ brave sacrifice.
Re-posted with permission:
9/11: New Park Service images prove the Crescent of Embrace memorial to Flight 93 is unchanged
The original Crescent of Embrace design for the Flight 93 memorial (left) was laid out in the configuration of an Islamic crescent and star flag (right). The crash site sits between the tips of the giant crescent, in the position of the star on an Islamic flag.
When this apparent symbol of Islamic triumph caused a national uproar seven years ago the Memorial Project (a public-private entity overseen by the Park Service) promised to change the design, but as demonstrated by the images below, they never did make any significant changes:
Above: original Crescent of Embrace design. Below: a frame from the Park Service’s new virtual fly-by of the Circle of Embrace “re-design” as it is being built. (Comparison image thanks to MaxK.)
The most significant change is the few extra trees that are being planted outside the mouth of the original crescent (starting at the crescent tip on the right, where the flight path symbolically “breaks the circle,” and continuing down behind the Sacred Ground Plaza that marks the crash site). These few trees supposedly turn the crescent into a circle, but as you can see, they do no such thing, but only apply the most minor window dressing to what is still a bare naked Islamic-shaped crescent.
The circle-breaking, crescent-creating theme of the design also remains completely intact
The Park Service web site explicitly describes the Circle of Embrace as a broken circle, proving that the terrorist-memorializing theme of the design is also unchanged. Way back in 2005 architect Paul Murdoch described his original Crescent of Embrace as a broken circle. The 9/11 attacks broke our circle of peace and the unbroken part of the circle, what symbolically remains standing in the wake of 9/11, is a giant Islamic-shaped crescent. The terrorist memorializing intent is obvious, or in the words of Tom Burnett Senior (father of flight 93 hero Tom Burnett Junior), “blatantly obvious.”
The actions depicted in the memorial design are those of the terrorists. They break the circle of peace and the result is their flag planted atop the graves of our murdered heroes. Calling the design a broken circle instead of a crescent does not change this symbolism one whit. The unbroken part of the circle is still a giant Islamic-shaped crescent, still pointing to Mecca.
Instead of pointing 2° north of Mecca, the half-mile wide crescent now points 3° south of Mecca
A crescent that points the direction to Mecca is a very familiar construct in the Islamic world. Because Muslims face Mecca for prayer, every mosque is built around a Mecca direction indicator called a mihrab, and the classic mihrab is crescent shaped. Here are the two most famous mihrabs in the world:
Left: the Mihrab of the Prophet, at the Prophet’s mosque in Medina. Right: the mihrab of the Great Mosque in Cordoba Spain. Face into these crescents to face Mecca, just as with the Flight 93 memorial.
As the Crescent of Embrace was originally designed, a person standing between the tips of the giant Crescent and facing into the center of the Crescent would be facing a little less than 2° north of Mecca (proof here). This almost-exact Mecca orientation was confirmed to the Park Service in 2006 by Daniel Griffith, a professor of “geospatial information” at the University of Texas who was brought in as a consultant by the Park Service.
Griffith’s report examined the analysis of Politicalities blogger jonathan Haas, who had calculated that the crescent pointed.62° off of Mecca. Allowing some margin of error for the exact coordinates used for the crash site and for Mecca, Griffith confirmed Haas’ calculation of the direction to Mecca (“the arctangent value is correct”), and he accepted Haas’ calculation that the bisector of the giant crescent pointed a mere .62° off of this Mecca-line. The actual divergence is slightly larger—a bit less than 2°—but this is what the Park Service was told by Griffith: that the crescent pointed less than 1° from Mecca.
Even the Park Service realized this was bad but their response was pathetic, as Murdoch was only forced to make a slight change in the orientation of his giant mihrab. The conversation is easy to imagine: “How about if I change the orientation by five degrees?” Murdoch presumably asked. “Would that be enough?” So now instead of pointing 2° north of Mecca, it now points 3° south of Mecca, both of which are highly accurate by Islamic standards.
For most of Islam’s 1400 year history far-flung Muslims had no accurate way to determine the direction to Mecca. (Many of the most famous mihrabs point 10, 20, 30 or more degrees off Mecca.) Thus it developed as a matter of religious doctrine that what matters is intent to face Mecca, which architect Paul Murdoch proves by elaborately repeating his Mecca orientations throughout the design.
They misled the public into thinking that the crescent was being removed
Images of the Circle of Embrace “redesign” that the Park Service released in late November 2005 were calculated to fool the public into thinking that real changes were being made. Here is a comparison between the original Crescent of Embrace (top) and the phony redesign (bottom). At first glance the Circle of Embrace actually does look more like a circle than a crescent, but if you examine closely you’ll see that this is almost entirely due to re-coloring of the image. The only actual change is the addition of the extra arc of trees that extends from the circle-breaking crescent tip down the hill towards the crash site:
Because this extra arc of trees explicitly represents a broken off part of the circle it in no way alters the circle-breaking, crescent-creating theme of the design. Neither does it affect the Mecca-orientation of the giant crescent (the unbroken part of the circle) that is left standing in the wake of 9/11. It only looks like a real change, but the Memorial Project apparently decided that even this purely cosmetic alteration conceded too much to critics.
Look again at that screen-grab from the Park Service’s new animated fly-by of the design as it is actually being built. The bold extra arc of trees that was the only actual change in the Circle of Embrace redesign has been taken out and replaced with a wispy wave trees:
These few trees, planted to the rear of a person facing into the giant crescent, do not diminish in any way the crescent’s functionality as a mihrab/Mecca-direction indicator. You can plant as many trees behind a mosque as you want. It is still a mosque, or in this case, a terrorist-memorial mosque.
Feel like complaining? Give Flight 93 Memorial Superintendent Keith Newlin a piece of your mind (and please pass along any response that you receive). There is also a petition you can sign, if you haven’t done so already.
Never forget!
Twitter is a marvelous tool. On it, you can find all manner of verbosity ranging from breaking news to articles of in-depth analysis; from real-time flame wars of the rude, crude, lewd and lasciviousness variety to the Holy Word of God quoted stream of consciousness style personally tailored for the ADHD generation. In other words, it’s an ingenious trap for an information hungry robot like myself to get lost in for hours on end. And so I do.
Once in a while, I run across an article in my internet travels that stands above the rest, like it’s etched in granite on the side of a mountain, awaiting discovery by some traveling information junkie willing to follow a rusty signpost on a side-road detour.
Today, I followed one of those signposts and rounded a corner to find an honest work of personal testimony and, for me, needed motivation. Of course, I didn’t take the road completely on blind faith. I knew one of my favorite writers would be waiting for me, but it was a welcome destination to say the least.
The essay is:
Thanks to Bill Whittle for composing that piece. To say I wish I could command that kind of clarity of expression would be to understate the obvious..
Thanks also to Twitter friend @SmoosieQ for putting up the signpost.
Now, quit wasting time reading my blather. Head over to Eject! Eject! Eject! for some edification.
Side note: You can find other great works from my internet travels on the Prime page.
Peer Pressure: Extreme Shunning Edition.
Lance has the story.
Happy Labor Day Weekend comrades!
Here’s a little roundup of great posts from the Robo-Reading List to help you through the next few days.
First, Carol of No Sheeples Here is participating in Project 2996, which for her part she honors the slain of 9/11/2001 with a tribute a day until Sept. 11. A very touching way to remember the heroes of that day who lost their lives. Carol’s blog has been featured blog this week, so please be sure to visit her site and let her know that an imaginary robot does indeed dream of electric sheep. Thank you.
As a side note, I’m considering changing the title of “Featured Blog” to “Honorary Android” or something close like “Android Army.” What do you think? Suggestions?
Next up is the blogosphere’s very own Stacy McCain, who truly earns the title of “Roving Reporter” this week by traveling all the way to Alaska to cover some Republican primary or something. I think Joe Miller’s name came up at some point. While he was in the neighborhood, he stopped in to check on the Palin family.
As Red said, “How freaking cool is this?”
Speaking of my favorite redhead, she and the crew of Corndog are in the process of making the move to Texas and could use a little help for the U-Haul. Drop by over there and throw a couple of bucks in the tip jar.
So, one half of The Other McCain is off playing world traveler, rubbing elbows and rattling the tip jar no doubt trying to get enough shoe leather funds for a ride home, while Smitty, the balder and sometimes bolder half is covering everything else it would seem. Some highlights:
SOS: Sissypuss, Obama, And Skippy
Staying on the election theme, my Jersey buddy Russ, the constant campaigner has been working his arse off for another favorite of mine, Anna Little who is up against some huge opposition in the form of Frank Pallone. Russ exudes confidence in his post over at The Resistance:
I’m telling you right now, as you sit there, that this is the single biggest House electoral upset in history in the making.
Just a sample of what we’re up against:
- 22-year hard progressive incumbent (proud author of PalloneCare and cap-and-trade)
- $4 million warchest (the richest in the house)
- 2 to 1 D to R demographic in the 6th District (34-17)
- Ridiculously gerrymandered District intended solely to keep Frank Pallone in office (just look at it sometime)
But we’re gonna win.
Here’s a link to Anna’s donation page. It takes money to win these campaigns folks. Either we give now to the candidates who will fight the beast or the beast will take your money anyway to redistribute as they see fit. The choice is yours.
I must add that all of the above causes are ones I consider most worthy. I wouldn’t recommend a donation to someone I haven’t personally donated to myself.
Now for something more light-hearted, The Troglopundit attempts to overcome yesterday’s Eva Mendes hotness with a single Megan Fox pic. Weak, my friend, weak, but still hot!
Lance also asks a relevant question.
Little Miss Attila brings up a good point about Chuck Norris:
Of course, there’s the issue of whether we should be listening to a guy who loses his damn gun in every single movie he’s in . . .
Then again, he is Chuck Norris, why would he be carrying a gun if not to lose it for the plot line?
Ha! I just used “Chuck Norris” and “plot line” in the same sentence. Where’s my award?
Bluegar. ROTFL Cougar. Bluegar. Whatever, watch the vid.
How does one spell “Bluegar” anyway?
Ruby Slippers points us to Dallas, TX Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson’s apparent mis-allocation of funds to her own relatives and the poor job she puts forth in defense of her actions.
Since 2005 Johnson has awarded a total of 23 scholarships to family members.Johnson additionally awarded scholarships to 5 other students who did not meet the residency requirements specified by the nonprofit Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Eddie Bernice Johnson is also pointed out on this blog’s Texas 11 page, which highlights the 11 Texas Representatives who voted for Obamacare, but the main reason for that page is not just to highlight those Socialist scumbags but to call attention to their opponents. Eddie B. Johnson’s opponent is the most worthy Stephen Broden, a Constitutional Conservative who has been a featured guest on the Glenn Beck Show on several occasions and who I believe spoke at the Restoring Honor Rally in D.C. last weekend with Dr. Alveda King although I did not see that part personally.
Hmmm, I think I just found a nomination for next weeks Ten Buck Fridays poll. Steven Broden!
Yankee Phil brings some Dennis Miller and MMMMMM, Bacon.
Cassandra over at Villainous Company plays Queer Eye for the Oval Office Guy, with hilarious results. And don’t forget the comments. Out. Freaking. Standing. Stellar work, Madame.
Gator Doug asks, “Hey kids, who is ready to see Alan Grayson make an ass of himself again?”
American Perspective (Formerly MAinfo) brings us Natale Portman and some good news of a bunch of Muslim protesters being told to STFU.
Proof Positive has a linkfest of his own going.
American Power notes that fewer young people are identifying as Democrat and comments on the queering of the school system.
Donald Douglas also reminded me of this gem from Fleetwood Mac, Rumours.
Fuzzi Slippers has been on some kind of blogging hiatus lately, but this piece is worth a link and two reads:
White Guilt and Gynoguilt: How the Left’s Culture of Victimhood Undermines Equality
Hope all is well in your world, Fuzzi 🙂
Doug Ross re-examines the Chrysler dealership closings at length.
Kristin is also a little scarce on posting of late, but what she finds time to share is well worth the time. Just beware the Attack Chicken!
Conservative Hideout tallies the damage from Obamacare.
Adrienne has a great roundup of her own.
Maggie’s Notebook offers:
The following Drudge headlines are all the news we need to know to Remember November.
Amusing Bunni has a baby who is not amused.
Motor City Times has some hops inspired music to my tin ears along with another collection of great links.
Obi’s Sister has a final word on the GZ Mosque.
Three Words: Diana Falzone. Yowza!
Bride of Rove has a little fun with the Beck Sex Tape fiasco.
Pundit and Pundette cue up a laugh track.
Obama Fail Blog wonders on the joys of Trailer Park Banking!
And leaving on a humorous note, The Current has a Joe Friday clip.
Enjoy your weekend, folks! ~ ‘bot
UPDATE: I added a link. Dare you to find it. 🙂
UPDATE II: Graciously linked at And So It Goes in Shreveport and Paco Enterprises.
And a belated thanks to Last Refuge of a Scoundrel for the nice words and blogroll add. I’m digging that ‘stang dude.
The Muslim faith is a troublesome one. So much of the righteous outrage, alarm and hyperbole that surrounds it is self inflicted. Just like this meaningless tripe over their “prophet” not wanting to be depicted in any way. Why would he do that? Were the artists of his time really all that bad? Probably not as bad as a semi-silver robot.
Oh well.
I did a quick search and found that Wackopedia has a couple of renderings of Mohammed. Some of them going back in time quite a ways. Did the Muslims of earlier times kill all of the artists and forget to burn the art?
Today, either by some mysterious muse, or maybe it was divine inspiration, I was led to The Other Club where I found a spot-on take of the whole mess. I highly recommend the read.
The Other Club was also instrumental in these two finds: The Mohammed Image Archive and the Jesus and Mo online comic strip.
I’m not going to spend too much time on this, except to point out that this is America, and in America, I will draw whomever I damn well please, whenever or however it pleases me to draw him, it, she or whatever. If you want to be offended about it get the flock out of my country.
Oh and Comedy Central is off of my remote’s favorites list for good. Too bad to, because I like some of their shows.
Now for the Draw Mohammed Day 2010 robot entry. I got to use my new toy as well. The Wacom Intuos2 6×8 Graphics Tablet (USB).
As you can see, it’s going to take some getting used to, but like I said before, I didn’t want to waste a bunch of time drawing a prophet, unless of course it would make me a profit.
I’ll throw links to anyone who posts a drawing of Mohammed. Send me an email at robot at mindumbedrobot dot com. If you don’t have a website, include the graphic and I’ll post it. If you don’t SAY you want credit, then I’ll post without.
Stogie over at Saberpoint has been all over this from the start. He recently got an email from a Muslim who was none to pleased with him and proceeded to take the words right out of my mouth in his reply. You can read that exchange here.
And one more thing, shut up with the whining and grow a skin. The USA does not abide Islamic law.
UPDATE: Linked by The Classic Liberal, The Troglopundit, who recognizes greatness when he sees it, and Grizzly Mama, who has a nice round up. There are more links to be found at Atlas Shrugs and Anthroblogology.
Also, Anthroblogology and Grizzly Mama can thank Mohammed or at least the person who started the EDMD meme, because they’ve been added to the Robot’s blogroll.
UPDATE II: After some careful consideration, Wyblog joins the fun with a roundup of sites joining in the solidarity. And my apologies to Sean at Tilting Suds for not linking to his Mohammed collage earlier.