ISIS beheads U.S. Journalist – similar to Mexican Beheadings of Journalist - Theory - Is it Possible ISIS is Operating on the US Border?

In a graphic video released by the terrorist organization ISIS, American journalist, James Wright Foley, was beheaded after being held captive for two years. (New York Daily News). The organization, middle eastern, Radicalized Muslim, uses the practice of beheading on a regular basis, be it men, women, and yes, even children who are of Christian or what they believe to be heretical Muslims. What is interesting in this schematic is the war in Mexico, where similar tactics are used.

During the past decade long war, examples of murder, specifically of journalist has been catalogued by Justice in Mexico.org, the method favored by those who would stifle the press is – beheading. (Justice in Mexico)

In looking at the culture in Mexico now, going back centuries to cultures that no longer exist, there are no specific references made to the practice of beheading. There is only one place in the world where it is a cultural norm and that is the Middle East. Which begs some questions as to what has brought the practice to Mexico? One might look to the trends of criminal organizations (cartels, etc.) working hand in hand with paramilitary extremists from other nations in a mutually advantageous arrangement – the drug money being used to fund further purchases of arms and weapons by those “strongmen” who would aid the drug (or alcohol, what have you) cartels.

With the open borders now in evidence, and the decade where this border has been porous – is it truly a stretch of the imagination for anyone to believe that ISIS may have a presence in the US, and are the threats being made now, evidence of that fact. A note of caution, however, as jumping to conclusions rather than theorizing can occur, should a video of a protestor emerge, holding an ISIS banner in Missouri (CNN news broadcast) – that individual may not actually know what the banner stands for, or any flag for that matter. This is referring to a news report video form CNN showing exactly that, and, as a result, causing a bit of discomfort for those who actually watch the news. What one might find more worrisome is the theoretical connection between the two organization of ISIS and the Mexican Drug Cartels, considering again, that a methodology for dispatching one’s enemies that has never been a part of a specific culture or continent is now prevalent.

Rand Paul strikes a chord with Essay on Ferguson – Reaching Across the Demographic Divide.

Dubbed a “very different Republican” by the Los Angeles Times, Kentucky Governor, Rand Paul has managed the unthinkable – an acknowledgement that perhaps, just perhaps, not all Republican’s might be painted with the same media tar brush.(LA Times). The Times might have been an anomaly, however, the confirmation that Paul is not your average “label”, came from NBC News in a piece on Paul suggesting that he “may be changing the way Republican’s talk about race”. (NBC News)

Both of the above referenced articles are in response to an op-ed Paul wrote in Time Magazine, entitled “We must Demilitarize the Police. The sentiment for anyone who is connected to any social media website crosses “Friends” or followers demographics, from the left to the right, to the millennial to the seniors, a growing distrust of police armed to the teeth with tanks and grenades able to bust into one’s home, shoot the family dog, and be justified. It is a growing trend uniting previously political opposites. It is not the first issue of that ilk that Paul has reached out to the public and received support from so varied a populace. He is fast becoming every American’s politician – for now.

Those who would be the purists, from both sides, that would rather see division that a nation united under the leadership of one who would do as Paul does daily, the solid left, the solid right, who refuse to bend even if there is agreement. One would think they were a huge majority, yet, in reality they are merely the loudest minority. The average Joe and Jill are content reaching across the aisle, and Paul might be the perfect, demographic crossing leader that the nation has been seeking for decades or more.

That said, once the DNC finds its perfect candidate (i.e. a female, any female), and the RNC does the same (a solid middle of the road Republican), that same media will, unless hell freezes over, eviscerate Paul at every step. Then again, hell may freeze over and reporting may take a tone of reality rather than opinion.

For now, watching the growth of Paul, with his Jeffersonian-Republican manners, is truly invigorating for those who aspire to see the nation grow, both economically and in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. It has been a long time coming.

2016 Looking forward - GOP and DNC options

2016 Looking forward - GOP and DNC options

The New York Times article: “Taking Account of the Republican Presidential Contenders”, reminds that fortunes wax and wane years in advance of the general election. They cite Rand Paul and Ted Cruz as the most visible now, with Chris Christie, Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush not so much. Also included in the “not yet announced and may never announce” category are Rick Perry, Scott Walker, Mike Pence, Jindal and Ohio’s Kasich, with maybe, cannot and this or that “scandal” attached.. Although it is early in terms of announcements, it is time for positioning, as the 2014 midterms will be over in November, putting ground troops, and donors’ in line, is critical for anyone who is seriously considering a run at the Presidency.

Paul, who is, according to the times, and most other media sources, most likely to run, has received favorable reviews, from both conservatives and those who lean left, note an editorial in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle in which the author outlines why the U.S. needs Rand Paul as President.

First, no matter who is in the field, from either major party, must be prepared to not only bat cleanup – but to take the heat when the nation does not transform overnight – it may take years for the jobs to return, and the legislation from Congress, the Senate and the future Oval office to correct or repeal laws that are hindering the nation’s growth. Therefore, it will take a determined and dedicated individual to actually put life, fortune and family before the very fickle people of the country. Running for the Presidency take’s fortitude and dedication, regardless of whether or not one feels a candidate is appropriate or not.

Counting out candidates due to “scandals” or other baggage (as in previously ran – i.e. Mitt Romney), is a bit disingenuous. Makeovers are so complete and comprehensive in today’s 24/7 news cycle and a short-attention-span electorate that almost anything is possible. (Although improbable in some cases, again Mitt Romney, and the evangelicals – although some would be on boards, millions would not due to the man’s religion, which most feel is a “cult”; therefore, they say out the last election. (Therein is the reason that Mitt Romney did not win the office. – the politicalization of the evangelical church.)

Two that are likely and able to connect with a broader audience, regardless of parentage or slander, are Perry of Texas and Paul of Kentucky on the GOP side. Either would do. The Democrats Hillary Clinton, and Elizabeth Warren, not yet announced, Hillary is a “given” and Warren, is not. There is also the Governor of Maryland, who would be considering a run at the office. There may be others, but at the moment, these are the three most likely.

Where we are now is in the arena of speculation, and until such time as intents are made known, that is all the media, or any pundit, truly has.