Basset hounds were once trained to hunt wild boar. They would be let loose to chase down and taunt their prey. The boar would charge toward the hound; however, the hound would then play dead. As the boar passed over head, the hound would tear the you-know-what from the boar, causing the boar to come to an immediate halt. Or so I’ve read.

The dog pictured is Brandy, the basset hound I received as my birthday gift in January — on the same day that I left for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. She recently had her first birthday, when she promptly tore up the plush toy she was given! Lots of fun!

This photo was taken on April 25, 2008. © 2008 Leigh Ramsay. All rights reserved.

Anderson Cooper 360° reports that the United States military discriminates against non-Christian warfighters. Army Specialist Anthony Hall, an atheist, is suing the Department of Defense and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield for “failing to protect his religious freedom.”

Two issues strike me as important in this case. First, one cannot be discriminated against for having different beliefs if those different beliefs are not expressed to others. A warfighter is a professional and their place of work is wherever the military specifies. One should not discuss religion or politics in the workplace unless doing so is directly related and necessary to the performance of a profession.

At first glance, this code of behavior appears to be censorship; however, this code of behavior is a matter of restraint. Religion and politics breed controversy. Controversy breeds conflict and conflict, especially internal conflict, inhibits cooperation. Warfighters cannot allow their beliefs to obstruct the performance of their duties. There is no place for philosophers in the theatre of operations; men must act lest they surrender their will to live, fight and defend, and honor their oaths of service.

Second, the critics of Specialist Hall who assert that he is “showboating” and suggest that he should “get on with his life” fail to recognize that he is performing his duty. Warfighters in service to the United States swear to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” — foreign and domestic. Make no mistake: those who threaten our civil rights are our enemies. While they might not be combatants, they remain our foes.

Anderson Cooper 360°’s report also mentions the organization Officers’ Christian Fellowship, which hosts representatives on “nearly all military bases worldwide.” They envision “[a] spiritually transformed military, with ambassadors for Christ in uniform empowered by the Holy Spirit.” In other words, the mission of the Fellowship is to convert American warfighters into Crusaders? I am reminded of the Islamic militants who claim that their struggle against the United States is a holy war.

Server hard drive suffered a catastrophic failure. Backups were corrupted as well. Total data loss. I think there will be a delay before this blog is returned to the previous state…

Update (July 7, 2008): I’m slowly and selectively importing prior posts and comments.