Category Archives: Barry Kelly

by Barry Kelly | February 8, 2015 · 7:15 am

INSIGHTS 187 — Run to Freedom

As I am getting ready to publish another Jack Brandon action mystery novel, Quiet Justice, I want to call your attention to my last novel, which I believe was my best written story with complex interwoven plots. For some reason beyond me, this novel never got the same attention as the other three. When I started writing fiction, I searched for a plot where I could use my experience as the CIA station chief in Moscow in the early 1970s. Run to Freedom is that story.

Barry Kelly’s fourth novel

Below is a review from someone who has read and commented on all my Brandon action/mysteries.

Run to Freedom, July 12, 2014, by Debbie Merlo

Run to Freedom is the story of John Brandon, grandfather of Peter Brandon, the man on whom the series is centered.

Run to Freedom begins in 1919 with Lieutenant Brandon on a train that’s bound for Siberia.

There follows the story and the struggle of the Brandon family as they try to escape the Soviet Union to find freedom in America …

If I had to choose which book of Barry Kelly’s was my favorite of Justice Beyond Law, Justice Without Mercy, Shades of Justice and Run to Freedom, I’d have to say “all of them.”

Run to Freedom, however, was an amazing read and probably the one I was able to enjoy most.

Run to Freedom was most enjoyable for a couple of reasons: not only was it a clever way to catch readers up to speed then wanting for more, but it connected and completed the story of the Brandon family so well that whether a reader chose to start with Run to Freedom or work their way through the series as I did, it wouldn’t matter.

Kelly is an equal-entertainment author and knows how to keep a reader on the edge and wondering.

For example, from the train wreck in Siberia in 1919 when we first learn of the life of Lieutenant John Brandon, grandfather of Peter, did (his life) end the way or even when we think it did?

That alone is reason (and hope) to believe Kelly considers his fans first and keeps his pen poised to many possibilities.
Reading all four/in order isn’t a requisite either.

With more than enough action and adventure in each, all are able to stand alone as a single story, however, as any avid reader knows, it’s a “more is better mindset” that keeps us in books and turning pages.

Reading the series though, is most definitely recommended as it’s an all-inclusive adventure that delivers what is promised: fast breaking action, suspense and drama.

Kelly’s writing is refreshing, enjoyable and hard to put down.

The biggest challenge for me began as I got started with Justice Beyond Law: I spent a great deal of time wondering (while I read) exactly how ex-CIA agent Kelly was able to take his experiences and turn them into fiction without giving away any government secrets.

Needless to say, I was captivated with questions but not for long: I soon found myself too enthralled to worry.

That Kelly also found a way to use just the right mix of humor was one of those pleasant surprises that, stereo typically speaking, isn’t normally associated (for me anyway) with a person who’s spent his entire career submerged in the serious and secret nature of government operations.

Of course, by the time I made my way to Run to Freedom, I was left longing for more and hoping Kelly has plans to continue intriguing fans with future adventures for the Brandon family.

I’d recommend Run to Freedom — and the other three books by Kelly — to anyone who’s a fan of mystery, intrigue and espionage.

And for anyone who argues they aren’t? Be assured: read just one and that will change.

These four books should be a must have for everyone who enjoys a good read — or several.

3 Comments

Filed under Action thrillers, Barry Kelly, Books, bouviers, dogs, Intelligence & Politics, Russia, Spy novels, Terrorism

by Barry Kelly | February 6, 2015 · 7:23 am

INSIGHTS 186 — Law Enforcement and War

A new novel I titled “Quiet Justice” is in process to be published in the coming weeks. As my readers know, my stories usually have a message about the dangers of using “law and order” methods to fight a war on terrorism. Below is a passage in “Quiet Justice” from a fictional character:

“This administration, like most, is run by and controlled by lawyers. They all worship at the altar of ‘law and order.’ They are all process people who have been trained and even conditioned to focus on the process. As a result, our entire judicial and legislative branches are focused on the process of law enforcement, almost never on the substance. That’s why people often complain that the system spends more time and resources on those charged with crimes than upon the victims of the crimes. This mindset dominates both political parties.

“A policy of using the structure of ‘law and order’ to combat terrorism is a national suicide pact. We will never have the time and resources to gather evidence against terrorists and their supporters that will stand up to the evidence requirements of our judicial system. The chain of evidence is insane when the crime scene is in a war zone or a place too dangerous to use crime scene protocols. There is also the danger to the law enforcement officers and others trying to accommodate to evidentiary requirements. More planning and risk are caused by rules than by the actual operation to apprehend the terrorists.

“For entirely homegrown terrorists involving American citizens, the rules of ‘law and order’ are appropriate and proper. But when the terrorist is trained abroad, fights against America with a foreign entity, and is captured in a foreign land or caught returning to America to conduct terrorist operations, we need an alternative approach.”

We have a president and a former attorney general who tried to force the incarceration of captured terrorists into the law and order process of American courts. Why? A hard question. I can’t and don’t want to ever be inside their heads. But it seems clear they both have disdain for the military process that has worked for us in past wars. Our military has always been nationalized, as it should be. Both Obama’s and Holder’s (current nominee’s views at unknown at this time.) actions indicated they are for nationalizing everything possible. Maybe this is all about nationalizing the nation’s civil police force. Holder certainly interjects the Justice Department in areas and times where it is inappropriate and contrary to our past heritage.

Whatever the reason, we are losing the war against radical Islamists on all fronts under the philosophy of leading from behind and that Muslims are not responsible for the deluge of terrorism. When will our president recognize he should drop his pro-Islamic posture and carry out his oath of office to protect America?

Mr. President, we are at war with Islamic radicals who are not held in check by the so-called leaders of the Islamic religion. Forget about closing Guantanamo Bay and focus on fighting the real war against Islamic terrorists. You just might look presidential.

Written by the author of the Jack Brandon thriller/mystery novels and “Insights: Transforming America — Is This What We Fought For?” available now as an e-book, in paperback or hardcover on Amazon.com or BN.com. Another analytical book on the transforming process, “Insights: Stepping Stones to Tyranny,” is now published and available in paperback at $9.95 and on nook and kindle at $6.99. Follow the author on Twitter @factsfictions80. “Quiet Justice” will be out by early March.

2 Comments

Filed under Action thrillers, Barry Kelly, Books, Conservative views, Intelligence & Politics, ISIS, Obama, Terrorism

by Barry Kelly | January 22, 2015 · 7:42 am

INSIGHTS 185 — DANGEROUS DELUSIONS ( A response to the State of the Union)

As President Obama faced the audience for his State of the Union address, did he note that there were 80-plus more Republicans in the seats than there were when he took office? The change was one of historical significance. I don’t think he noticed.

But maybe he just doesn’t care. His attitude varied between confidence and arrogance. It takes real chutzpah to threaten vetoes and more of the same progressive programs when operating from a weakened presidency. He won’t work to solve any of the nation’s problems or issues because that is not what he does nor has he ever. Issues are to be used to destroy the opposition and bring about the progressive transformation of America.

This president believes that the American people are really dumb. Who is a better judge of how the economy is going, a man who isolates himself from reality or everyday people who have to struggle to pay their bills and plan to take care of their families? The administration’s unemployment figures are useful only if you are trying to deceive people. Wages have been stagnant for years. No matter what the progressives preach, wages do not improve until employers are competing among each other for workers. Increasing the minimum wage increases the cost of doing business — it does not create jobs. In fact, employers struggling to save their businesses often lay workers off to pay the mandated higher wages for current workers.

Today there is not much workplace competition for college graduates. Maybe less than 50 percent of recent graduates have been offered jobs commensurate with their new skills. These young, ambitious graduates know the economy is still in trouble. Beside an increase in the minimum wage, Obama’s proposal to help the economy is to create more graduates by offering two free years at a community college. This proposal would actually make sense if done on the state level and produced workers needed in industries located in the state. The last thing American people need is more federal management of their personal and work lives. Let the states work with local business to create curricula that actually help graduates get jobs. This proposal, like all other progressive proposals, has at its core the re-distribution of wealth.

How can he complain about the failure of Congress to pass legislation when the majority leader in the Senate, Harry Reid, with the president’s approval, prevented hundreds of bills from reaching the Senate floor for debate and a subsequent vote? No bill was brought up for a vote unless it was one the president wanted to sign! This is not a secret. Only a president who lives in a different universe than we do could possibly believe Americans do not know the story about Harry Reid and his refusal to allow bills to reach the Senate floor.

A quick look at Obama’s foreign policy statements. He stated our military has stopped the expansion of ISIS. Simply not true. He said Russia is in economic trouble because of America’s quiet diplomacy at work. False. Russia is in trouble because it depends solely on the money from a single export product, oil. When Saudi Arabia opened up their oil pumps to glut the market and drive down the price of oil to damage their competitors, Russia, Iran, ISIS, Venezuela, and America, who cannot afford to sell oil at or below the Saudi price. Russia’s economic problem has nothing to do with anything Obama said or did.

Another delusion is that we are not at war with terrorism by Islamic jihadists. Islam is not a peaceful religion. Extremists can find approval for their actions in the Koran. As long as the millions of Muslims, living in peace with the West, do not check their extremists our commander-in-chief must recognize the predominate role Islam plays in worldwide terrorism. The president touts his success in combating “extremists” in Yemen at the same time U.S. warships are moving toward Yemen’s coastline to evacuate Americans.

Obama’s infatuation with climate change and its link to human activity is simply that, an infatuation with a scheme that would redistribute wealth on a global scene. Does anyone, besides the president, believe China will live up to its promise to reduce carbon emissions 15 years from now?

Even more troubling are his statements that negotiations now underway with Iran have stopped the Iranian drive to develop nuclear weapons. That would be wonderful if there was even a 20 percent chance of that being correct. But it is not. Iran’s leaders believe their national interest as a power in the Middle East and the world depends on them having a nuclear weapons capability. All they need is time and the bumbling negotiating team under Obama/Kerry are giving Iran the time. Obama vows he will veto any standby sanctions on Iran voted by Congress. Believing negotiations can stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons is is a dangerous delusion. A nuclear-capable Iran puts the world at more danger than at any time during the Cold War era. The next two years will be very hard on America and very dangerous to a leaderless world. Do we have to learn again that peace is found in strength not weak compromises and delusional ranting?

(If you’re interested, here is my response to another Obama State of the Union. Click here.)

1 Comment

Filed under Barry Kelly, complexity, Conservative views, foreign policy, Intelligence & Politics, ISIS, Obama, oil, Saudia Arabia, Terrorism

by Barry Kelly | January 19, 2015 · 11:08 am

INSIGHTS 184 — STATE OF THE UNION SPIN

When you watch President Obama’s State of the Union speech, remember he deals in spin, flipping issues, and tailored numbers. The truth is not an ingredient for Obama’s speeches.

For example, he will take credit for an improving economy and the huge drop in gas prices. The economy is not improving and won’t under his tenure. Unemployment is still in double digits if the numbers were honest.

Dropping out of the work force and off the unemployment roles does not mean you have found a job. Job growth numbers are spun to maximize part-time workers and those who quit looking. The increased supply in crude oil is not due to anything Obama or his administration have done or are doing. Oil production from federal land has dropped. The increase in oil production in America from fracking is nearly all from private or state-owned lands.

The glut in the current oil market is because Saudi Arabia’s existence depends on revenue from crude oil production. Saudi market share was being reduced by cheap oil from Russia, Iran, ISIS, Venezuela, and America. The Saudis can not afford to lose market share. The Saudis know none of these oil producers can pump and sell oil under $60 or $70 per barrel. The Saudis can for a long time.

The Russian ruble is falling like a stone, many American crude oil producers of oil pumped in America are being hurt. Many are cutting back and laying off workers, some are in or close to bankruptcy. Venezuela is a financial shambles. They cannot support Cuba any longer. (Want to guess why the Castros were so eager to make a deal with Obama?)

Iran and ISIS both enemies of the Saudis are also being punished for marketing oil under OPEC prices. American companies with large stakes in Saudi Oil are doing fine. The days when Saudi Arabia and America were close allies are over.

The Saudis bear a large part of the blame for the upsurge of militant Islam. For many decades, the Saudi government funded the teaching of an extreme form of Islam throughout the world. That was their way of ensuring the radical imams did not preach revolution within Saudi Arabia. So far, their self-serving formula has worked. There is a good chance their costly punishment of competitive oil producers may also work for a while. Obama is not a player. He is just trying to use the issue to make his presidency look far better than it is.

The real issue for a response to the president’s State of the Union speech is: can the nation ever recover from Obama’s progressive transformation of America? The answer is probably not in a few years, but maybe in a decade. The damage is incredible. The entire government structure has supported Obama’s fictional view of America and the world. They no longer can separate the truth from the lies they live by every day. The IRS is a perfect example. Drastic change is necessary.

1 Comment

Filed under Barry Kelly, Conservative views, Intelligence & Politics, Obama, oil

Tagged as government, Obama, politics, speech, state of the Union

by Barry Kelly | January 5, 2015 · 1:02 pm

INSIGHTS 182 — WATCH THE SPIN DOCTORS

Every administration has had its “spin doctors” who massage every bit of news to make the president look good. If this administration’s spin doctors would work with wool rather than information, we would have something positive to show for the effort besides lies, which don’t have much lasting value.

First let’s look at the economy. Al Sharpton has joined the ranks of the economic spin doctors with his recent praise for the president’s efforts to build the now booming economy. Most of the numbers released by the administration are questionable or judiciously have excluded facts they don’t like. That is the way of spin doctors. Millions of people have dropped out of the work force (those actively looking for employment) because they have given up looking for a job. These people are not counted in the unemployment percentage number. The population of people coming of age to work, not including illegals, has continued to grow faster than job creation.

Wages have not keep pace even with a low rate of inflation which also excludes the increasing cost of many items that routinely are part of the cost of living. Wages increase when there is a competition among employers for workers. Without an increasing demand for workers, wages will remain depressed. Many Americans with jobs today are working far below their skill levels. Just check with college graduates over the last six years. Instead of one career job with good wages, many Americans are working two or three part-time jobs. How does that show up in figures that measure the economy?

The last argument progressives turn to is the growth of the stock market and the wealth it has brought to the economy. This is more spin. The stock market and the general economy where Americans mostly get their income are not closely linked. Only those wealthy enough to participate in the stock market have done well. Wall Street has benefited by the 80-plus billion dollars per month the Federal Reserve has pumped into the financial world. It is only now starting to taper off this incredible example of Keynesian economics whose primary tenet is that a nation can spend enough to enrich the general economy or increase the output of goods and services. This financial ideology has never worked to get a nation out of debt or increase its Gross National Product (GNP). High taxes, government deficit financing, and over regulation all depress economic activity.

Are things better for most Americans right now? Yes! But Obama and his administration had nothing to do with the improvement. Thank Saudi Arabia, which increased its pumping of oil to glut the market and force down the price of energy, mostly clearly seen at the gas pump. The Saudis have not increased their pumping and marketing of their oil to help us. They are doing this for their own national interests. A motivation this administration doesn’t seem to understand. The Saudi increased production to punish their competition that has sharply increased the world’s supply of oil and depressed the price of a barrel of oil far under the former OPEC price. The Russians, the Iranians, ISIS, and the United States are the culprits in the eyes of the Saudis. By bankrupting or punishing these over producers they hope to insure their long-term dominant share of revenue from the sale of oil on the world market. The Saudi strategy is working. The Russians, Iranians, and ISIS are suffering as well as some oil-producing companies in America.

The bargain price of fossil fuel energy is what is improving the American economy. That and the promise of a Republican-controlled Congress that might produce tax reform, the Keystone Pipeline, a cut in government size and spending, and a commonsense approach to the over-regulation of the current administration. Live in hope.

Written by the author of the Jack Brandon thriller/mystery novels and “Insights: Transforming America — Is This What We Fought For?” available now as an ebook, in paperback or hardcover on Amazon.com or BN.com. Another analytical book on the transforming process, “Insights: Stepping Stones to Tyranny,” is now published and available in paperback at $9.95 and on nook and kindle at $6.99. Follow the author on Twitter @factsfictions80.