Author: James William Smith
His Presidential campaign was left for dead by almost everyone in the late summer of 2007. Many of his senior advisors had quit his campaign or had been fired. In just six months, his campaign had run through its sizable financial war chest ($25 million) and was broke. However, these sad occurrences were not even his worst problem.
McCain had just negotiated a compromise bill with Democrats behind close doors. The Republican Party's conservative base hated the path to citizenship for illegal aliens proposal that was a result of his sponsored bill. Both conservative and independent voters saw the compromise bill as amnesty for illegal aliens and swarmed Washington like angry bees around honey. The very people whose votes McCain needed to win the 2008 Presidential election killed his immigration bill. His Republican supporters felt betrayed and his public opinion poll numbers plunged well below 10% nationwide. He sank to fourth place in public opinion polls in the early primary voting state of New Hampshire.
McCain was running a campaign that could not manage money, made bad hiring decisions, and had a tin ear concerning one of the most important issues to his base of support. Worse, he was making decisions behind close doors and looked like a Washington insider. This in an election year in which the public almost unanimously disapproves of the way Congress is doing its job. Indeed, by the early fall of 2007, John McCain looked like the ultimate Washington insider. He appeared to the Republican Party as old, out of touch, and his campaign looked to be finished.
What McCain has done since his campaign's late summer low point is what he has done successfully throughout his life. This man, when faced with extreme adversity, simply does not quit. McCain stopped spending money and carried his own bags. He took buses instead of planes. He poked fun at himself and at his advanced age. He was always open and amicable to reporter. He has continued to campaign tirelessly. It has also helped McCain that the troop surge in Iraq which he has long supported is working.
The voting public appreciates McCain's campaign persistence and the fact that his campaign is not staged and reliant on every public opinion poll. The result is that McCain is suddenly surging as the election draws near. He has moved within two points of the lead in the New Hampshire primary that he has to win. Nationally, McCain is now within 4% of Republican leaders, Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee.
In the last few weeks, his support has doubled in Iowa. In addition, the latest polling has indicated that McCain has the lowest core opposition of any candidate in this year's election in either party (Rasmussen). Republicans will also consider that McCain is leading in a trial match up with every Democratic candidate in the general election.
In this Presidential election campaign, the voters want change. However they do not want to create unnecessary political risk inherent with that change. Therefore, experience is also a valuable commodity. A person's character is always well considered by the voting public. In the last several months, McCain has demonstrated both his character and experience in adversity.
Still, McCain's road to winning the Republican Presidential nomination has many obstacles. He does not have the money in his campaign war chest to properly compete for primary voters nationwide. It is essential that he win the primary election in New Hampshire for his campaign to remain viable. McCain also needs to somehow reclaim some of the support from conservative voters that he lost in the last six months. The truth is that he should have stayed away from the illegal immigration issue and gone on vacation last summer.
The good news for McCain is that it is a volatile election year and all the candidates are still very close in the public opinion polls. As a result, the 2008 Republican primary election could turn out to be an extended war of attrition. If that is the case, we should never underestimate this former American hero and POW. In any war, based on his courage, discipline, integrity and character, John McCain could well be the last man standing.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/the-last-man-standing-could-be-john-mccain-292278.html
About the Author:
James William Smith has worked in senior management positions for some of the largest financial services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. Mr. Smith has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston College. He enjoys writing articles on political, national, and world events.Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Daily Drudge
Monday, December 24, 2007
The Daily Drudge
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Fox News All Stars
The candidacy of John McCain was put to the panel for discussion, and his apparent rise or surge in some polls. The clearest representation of this is in New Hampshire where polls have him trailing Mitt Romney in second place. Fred Barnes has noticed the response to McCain in recent weeks as well. "I went out with him last week, and he's getting larger crowds, he's getting enormous interest." So why the new found interest in McCain? Barnes goes on to explain the enormous character of McCain as a defining feature, one that will attract those who might have written him off months ago. The panel's focus on John McCain centered on his Christmas ad that pointed to him experience as a POW, and its religious overtones. Part of the reawakening to McCain might be his chances against the Democratic candidate in a head to head match up. Bret Baier mentioned a new poll that put McCain up five points against Hillary Clinton. Republicans want a win in '08 and if John McCain is the candidate to defeat the Democrats, especially Hillary, Republicans might warm up to the Arizona Senator. But as Charles Krauthammer points out the significance of New Hampshire for John McCain, the hope is that it launches him forward to the other contests. The all stars also touched on Huckabee's comments about the Bush foreign policy being one of bunker mentality. Condolezza Rice flatly denied such claims in a recent press conference. Fred Barnes regarded Huckabee's claims as false citing the United State's attempts at multilateral meetings with North Korea in an attempt to get them to give up their nuclear weapons. He also mentioned the efforts in dealing with Iran. Mort Kondracke felt that Romney in Iowa, and McCain in New Hampshire, might gain from voter apprehension aimed at Huckabee. Recent comments by Huckabee have caused some to question his foreign policy strategy or philosophy. Competing views of our entry into Iraq, Kondracke wondering if world opinion and Middle East stability would be the current condition, and Krauthammer and Barnes not buying that notion with Krauthammer calling Kondracke's assumptions, "pie in the sky."
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/panel_on_huckabeerice_axis_of.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/panel_on_huckabeerice_axis_of.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Vlad's $40B Stash?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/russia/article/0,,2230924,00.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Helping Liberals Find Their Truth
The Truth Generator-Liberals, no more hours wasted coming up with responses to those you hate, loathe, and despise.
I came across a site recently that was aimed at helping liberals find their truth.
"Attention progressive, socialist, liberal, pacifist, anarchist, feminist, or environmentalist debaters! Whether you are fighting the class enemy over the Internet, in school, or at your parent's house over dinner, this tool is for you. No more awkward mumbling or looking for the right word! Just enter your ideological opponent's name and generate a Progressive Truth that will render your enemies speechless!"
http://www.thepeoplescube.com/red/viewtopic.php?t=297
Read more at The People's Cube
Courtesy of www.thepeoplescube.com
I came across a site recently that was aimed at helping liberals find their truth.
"Attention progressive, socialist, liberal, pacifist, anarchist, feminist, or environmentalist debaters! Whether you are fighting the class enemy over the Internet, in school, or at your parent's house over dinner, this tool is for you. No more awkward mumbling or looking for the right word! Just enter your ideological opponent's name and generate a Progressive Truth that will render your enemies speechless!"
http://www.thepeoplescube.com/red/viewtopic.php?t=297
Read more at The People's Cube
Courtesy of www.thepeoplescube.com
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Huckaboom Boom Boom; Tops National Poll
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1952159120071219?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true
Courtesy of http://www.drudgereport.com/
Huckaboom Boom Boom; Tops National Poll
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1952159120071219?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true
Courtesy of http://www.drudgereport.com/
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Bush Dad 'Will Help President Hillary Restore USA Image'
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/18/bill-clinton-george-hw-bush-will-help-president-hillary/
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Bush Dad 'Will Help President Hillary Restore USA Image'
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/18/bill-clinton-george-hw-bush-will-help-president-hillary/
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Holiday Torture-Christmasboarding Liberals by J.J. Jackson
Author: J.J. Jackson
When the founding fathers repeatedly referred to God through various flowery and reverent terms in the Declaration of Independence, there was a reason for it. The reason is that they believed in God as men of deep Judeo-Christian faith.
When George Washington prayed at Valley Forge he did not do so just because he thought that it might have been a novel idea. No, there was a deeper reason for it. That reason was his Christian faith.
When the founding fathers as one proudly proclaimed in writing upon signing the United States Constitution that they did such “in the year of our Lord”, they did not do so for window dressing. They did so because they all believed in some way in the Christian God.
When John Adams stated boldly that the constitution, “was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other,” he didn’t just blurt those words out. No, he said them because he, like so many others believed in God and had engrained that faith into our country and our founding documents.
Now, I could go on and on and spend this entire article citing historical examples that tie the Judeo-Christian faith into the very fabric of America. But what I would rather do is make a joyous suggestion to everyone. That suggestion is to do your civic duty this Christmas season and annoy a liberal.
How? Well I am glad you asked! Annoy them by subjecting them to a torture that is so unbearable, so repulsive, so unmentionable in polite company that you will no doubt be hearing rumblings from the United Nations about how it should be made illegal. Am I talking about waterboarding? Heck no. I am talking about something far worse. So please, consider Christmasboarding a liberal while you still can.
What is Christmasboarding?
It’s quite simple really. Anytime a liberal approaches you in the coming days and wants to deny reality this Christmas, you simply hit them over the head with the truth. The great thing is that you don’t actually have to tie them down to do this because they will be so incensed with their own outrage that you would dare put reality before them that they will be paralyzed and unable to move. Thus making your task all the easier.
When a liberal steeped in political correctness approaches you and wishes you “Happy Holidays” you simply respond by saying, “And a Merry Christmas to you.”
When the liberal chides you for being so “exclusive” in your greeting, you simply again wish them a “Merry Christmas”.
When the liberal complains that you are being “insensitive” by not including all faiths in your wishes of good tiding you yet again wish them, this time with a smile, a “Merry Christmas”.
When the liberal points wildly at the beautifully decorated tree in the town square and shouts, “Don’t you see the ‘Holiday Tree’?!?” you get an even bigger grin and say, “Yes, I see the Christmas Tree.” And then again wish them a “Merry Christmas.”
Now, red faced and distraught, the liberal will start demanding answers to other questions trying in vain to escape from your clutches and the horrific experience you are putting them through. When they ask you through foaming spit if you even understand how Jesus was not even born on December 25th. You just smile and say, “I know and Merry Christmas.”
When the liberal raises his or her voice to a fevered scream and asks you if you even know that this “Christmas” thing used to be a pagan holiday, you just keep smiling and say, “Yes,” and quickly follow with, “Merry Christmas.”
When he or she threatens to call the police on you for harassing them by refusing to stop saying “Merry Christmas,” you swell with pride and say, “Good, then I can wish our law enforcement a Merry Christmas too!”
At this point you will hear a loud “pop”. That is the sound of the liberal’s brain burning out and you will see a blank stare cross their face and they will collapse into the fetal position, begin sucking on their thumbs and muttering over and over, “Separation of church and state ... I will not recognize religion exists ... the ACLU will save me ...”
And then you can just walk away and search for the next liberal to Christmasboard.
Merry Christmas and have fun!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/holiday-torture-christmasboarding-liberals-283667.html
About the Author:J.J. Jackson is the owner of American Conservative Daily Blog . He is also the lead designer for The Right Things - Conservative Political T-shirts . His weekly articles and exclusive content can be found at Liberty Reborn .
When the founding fathers repeatedly referred to God through various flowery and reverent terms in the Declaration of Independence, there was a reason for it. The reason is that they believed in God as men of deep Judeo-Christian faith.
When George Washington prayed at Valley Forge he did not do so just because he thought that it might have been a novel idea. No, there was a deeper reason for it. That reason was his Christian faith.
When the founding fathers as one proudly proclaimed in writing upon signing the United States Constitution that they did such “in the year of our Lord”, they did not do so for window dressing. They did so because they all believed in some way in the Christian God.
When John Adams stated boldly that the constitution, “was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other,” he didn’t just blurt those words out. No, he said them because he, like so many others believed in God and had engrained that faith into our country and our founding documents.
Now, I could go on and on and spend this entire article citing historical examples that tie the Judeo-Christian faith into the very fabric of America. But what I would rather do is make a joyous suggestion to everyone. That suggestion is to do your civic duty this Christmas season and annoy a liberal.
How? Well I am glad you asked! Annoy them by subjecting them to a torture that is so unbearable, so repulsive, so unmentionable in polite company that you will no doubt be hearing rumblings from the United Nations about how it should be made illegal. Am I talking about waterboarding? Heck no. I am talking about something far worse. So please, consider Christmasboarding a liberal while you still can.
What is Christmasboarding?
It’s quite simple really. Anytime a liberal approaches you in the coming days and wants to deny reality this Christmas, you simply hit them over the head with the truth. The great thing is that you don’t actually have to tie them down to do this because they will be so incensed with their own outrage that you would dare put reality before them that they will be paralyzed and unable to move. Thus making your task all the easier.
When a liberal steeped in political correctness approaches you and wishes you “Happy Holidays” you simply respond by saying, “And a Merry Christmas to you.”
When the liberal chides you for being so “exclusive” in your greeting, you simply again wish them a “Merry Christmas”.
When the liberal complains that you are being “insensitive” by not including all faiths in your wishes of good tiding you yet again wish them, this time with a smile, a “Merry Christmas”.
When the liberal points wildly at the beautifully decorated tree in the town square and shouts, “Don’t you see the ‘Holiday Tree’?!?” you get an even bigger grin and say, “Yes, I see the Christmas Tree.” And then again wish them a “Merry Christmas.”
Now, red faced and distraught, the liberal will start demanding answers to other questions trying in vain to escape from your clutches and the horrific experience you are putting them through. When they ask you through foaming spit if you even understand how Jesus was not even born on December 25th. You just smile and say, “I know and Merry Christmas.”
When the liberal raises his or her voice to a fevered scream and asks you if you even know that this “Christmas” thing used to be a pagan holiday, you just keep smiling and say, “Yes,” and quickly follow with, “Merry Christmas.”
When he or she threatens to call the police on you for harassing them by refusing to stop saying “Merry Christmas,” you swell with pride and say, “Good, then I can wish our law enforcement a Merry Christmas too!”
At this point you will hear a loud “pop”. That is the sound of the liberal’s brain burning out and you will see a blank stare cross their face and they will collapse into the fetal position, begin sucking on their thumbs and muttering over and over, “Separation of church and state ... I will not recognize religion exists ... the ACLU will save me ...”
And then you can just walk away and search for the next liberal to Christmasboard.
Merry Christmas and have fun!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/holiday-torture-christmasboarding-liberals-283667.html
About the Author:J.J. Jackson is the owner of American Conservative Daily Blog . He is also the lead designer for The Right Things - Conservative Political T-shirts . His weekly articles and exclusive content can be found at Liberty Reborn .
Do We Want to See This in the White House?
Rush Limbaugh poses the question. Are we ready to watch a woman age in the White House. We know that the White House takes a toll on its Oval Office inhabitants. The difference is that society views women aging in a different light then men. Rush was commenting on the photo from the photo above posted on The Drudge Report, the caption read, "The Toll of the Campaign." Limbaugh stated his comments were not so much a focus on Hillary as a reflecting on the views of those who focus on looks and appearance in this country. Might physical appearance be a deciding factor on the election? With our societal makeup the way it is it just might be.
Photo courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Iran Vows Second Nuke Plant
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/17/africa/17iran.5.php
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Iran Vows Second Nuke Plant
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/17/africa/17iran.5.php
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Friday, December 14, 2007
Fox News All Stars
The weekly group had another set of topics to discuss, all found in the Dec. 13th transcript. The panel discussed the recent Democratic debate in Des Moines yesterday. While only marginally more interesting then the Republican's debate one moment stood out for the panel. It happened to be an exchange between Obama and Clinton after a question was asked of Senator Obama. Hillary it seems could not bite her tongue.
CAROLYN WASHBURN, "DES MOINES REGISTER": With relatively little foreign policy experience of your own, how will you rely on so many Clinton advisors and still deliver the break from the past that you're promising voters?
BARACK OBAMA, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, you know, I am--
SEN HILLARY CLINTON, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I want to hear that!
OBAMA: You want to hear that? Well, Hillary, I'm looking forward to you advising me as well.
The panel agreed that Obama handled the situation the right way and came out of the debate the victor over Hillary. Overall the sentiment of Barnes, Kondracke, and Krauthammer was that these debates, both Democrat and Republican, were not worth much. Hillary's falling numbers were discussed and the recent issue of Bill Shaheen, a Hillary operative, quitting amid his comments about Obama and cocaine use. Between softball questions and not asking others, dealing with Iraq, Iran, the surge, or interrogation, were some of the panel's criticisms. The other issue covered was major league baseball and George Mitchell's report detailing alleged steroid users. The fallout from the report was discussed and the direction that MLB baseball will go in when dealing with steroids.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/roundtable_on_the_democratic_d.html
Courtesy of http://www.realpolitics.com/
CAROLYN WASHBURN, "DES MOINES REGISTER": With relatively little foreign policy experience of your own, how will you rely on so many Clinton advisors and still deliver the break from the past that you're promising voters?
BARACK OBAMA, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, you know, I am--
SEN HILLARY CLINTON, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I want to hear that!
OBAMA: You want to hear that? Well, Hillary, I'm looking forward to you advising me as well.
The panel agreed that Obama handled the situation the right way and came out of the debate the victor over Hillary. Overall the sentiment of Barnes, Kondracke, and Krauthammer was that these debates, both Democrat and Republican, were not worth much. Hillary's falling numbers were discussed and the recent issue of Bill Shaheen, a Hillary operative, quitting amid his comments about Obama and cocaine use. Between softball questions and not asking others, dealing with Iraq, Iran, the surge, or interrogation, were some of the panel's criticisms. The other issue covered was major league baseball and George Mitchell's report detailing alleged steroid users. The fallout from the report was discussed and the direction that MLB baseball will go in when dealing with steroids.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/roundtable_on_the_democratic_d.html
Courtesy of http://www.realpolitics.com/
The Economics of the Left and Right
I ripped this post from a website I came across and I thought it would be interesting to share. For those who want a distinction between how the left and right view economics, here is one man's classifies that difference.
- The right sees large deadweight losses associated with taxation and, therefore, is worried about the growth of government as a share in the economy. The left sees smaller elasticities of supply and demand and, therefore, is less worried about the distortionary effect of taxes.
- The right sees externalities as an occasional market failure that calls for government intervention, but sees this as relatively rare exception to the general rule that markets lead to efficient allocations. The left sees externalities as more pervasive.
- The right sees competition as a pervasive feature of the economy and market power as typically limited both in magnitude and duration. The left sees large corporations with substantial degrees of monopoly power that need to be checked by active antitrust policy.
- The right sees people as largely rational, doing the best the can given the constraints they face. The left sees people making systematic errors and believe that it is the government role’s to protect people from their own mistakes.
- The right sees government as a terribly inefficient mechanism for allocating resources, subject to special-interest politics at best and rampant corruption at worst. The left sees government as the main institution that can counterbalance the effects of the all-too-powerful marketplace.
- There is one last issue that divides the right and the left—perhaps the most important one. That concerns the issue of income distribution. Is the market-based distribution of income fair or unfair, and if unfair, what should the government do about it? That is such a big topic that I will devote the entire next lecture to it.
You can find the original posting of this at http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/2007/12/how-do-right-and-left-differ.html
Greg Mankiw's Blog
The Daily Drudge
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Blast: Storm Moves into the Northeast
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071213/D8TGS6D00.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Blast: Storm Moves into the Northeast
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071213/D8TGS6D00.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Free a Country, Save the World
The debate has been great over our involvement in the Middle East. Many see our intervention into Iraq as a wasted venture. The results of this, they claim, are dead soldiers and a soaring operational cost. Hard pressed would you be to find one on the left who supports our efforts and increasingly the same can be said for those on the right. On the right this usually manifests itself in the ideology of the libertarian, paleoconservative, the isolationist. That opinion has a voice in this year's presidential election in the form of Ron Paul. His message is clear, no foreign involvement, we are not nation builders. I have thought about that term nation building and what it represents. Is it our singular goal in the Middle East to create it in our own image? Is our country trying to sow its imperialist roots in Iraq? I think many would say yes and not all of them would come from the left side of the aisle.
I can certainly see where the other side is coming from. No one wants to see good men and women die and certainly not in a fruitless and pointless effort. But that would mean defining our mission as pointless and I am not sure I am ready to do that. That idea runs counter to those suffering from Bush Derangement Syndrome, they see the war in Iraq as a campaign for loot and plunder by an imperialist in the form of George W. Bush. I am one who with whole heart rejects that notion and believes that this is a president who believes that all in the world deserve democracy.
And that is really what the problem is, isn't it? We have become a country who has forgotten or taken for granted what democracy is. We have enjoyed it for so long we accept it as a part of our nation's fabric. But how did we get that democracy we all enjoy? We had to fight for it from those that would oppress us and keeps us under a tyrannical thumb. The people in places like Iraq, and unfortunately too many other nations, lived under such a creature. Tyrants, dictators, call them whatever you will, they do much more then keep their own people down. With the increasing flattening of our world, these people pose more of a threats to us and our allies.
Many would say that we should not force democracy of a country that has not accepted it. The problem is that they have not had the chance. They are ruled by those who know we with free society they lose their tight grip over their people. When we talk about democracy not belonging in a country, we are saying that those people do not deserve to live in a society where they do not have to fear what they say. All people deserve that much no matter where they live or god they worship. If we are an equal world with equal individuals we should banner that sentiment. Freedom and democracy does not need to be a commodity unique only to America.
I would also make the point that by a free Iraq that it increases our security and safety. In an increasing radicalization of the Middle East we need stable partners to be rational minds combating radical Islam. The rest of the world will also benefit from such a situation, although not total participants in our efforts. For too long in our recent history have we ignored what is happening off our coasts. That changed in the year 2001 when our country got the wake up call it desperately did not want. We will no longer have the option of sticking head in sand, though I fear many subscribe to this foreign policy. Democracy for the rest of the world does not mean a copycat of our American system, in fact they might benefit from avoiding our model since we seem to have trouble with it ourselves. But societies where people can freely express support and dissent without fear of tyrannical retribution is something we should fight for and champion. It is something that our founding fathers and patriots recognized and fought for, and I for one am glad they did.
I can certainly see where the other side is coming from. No one wants to see good men and women die and certainly not in a fruitless and pointless effort. But that would mean defining our mission as pointless and I am not sure I am ready to do that. That idea runs counter to those suffering from Bush Derangement Syndrome, they see the war in Iraq as a campaign for loot and plunder by an imperialist in the form of George W. Bush. I am one who with whole heart rejects that notion and believes that this is a president who believes that all in the world deserve democracy.
And that is really what the problem is, isn't it? We have become a country who has forgotten or taken for granted what democracy is. We have enjoyed it for so long we accept it as a part of our nation's fabric. But how did we get that democracy we all enjoy? We had to fight for it from those that would oppress us and keeps us under a tyrannical thumb. The people in places like Iraq, and unfortunately too many other nations, lived under such a creature. Tyrants, dictators, call them whatever you will, they do much more then keep their own people down. With the increasing flattening of our world, these people pose more of a threats to us and our allies.
Many would say that we should not force democracy of a country that has not accepted it. The problem is that they have not had the chance. They are ruled by those who know we with free society they lose their tight grip over their people. When we talk about democracy not belonging in a country, we are saying that those people do not deserve to live in a society where they do not have to fear what they say. All people deserve that much no matter where they live or god they worship. If we are an equal world with equal individuals we should banner that sentiment. Freedom and democracy does not need to be a commodity unique only to America.
I would also make the point that by a free Iraq that it increases our security and safety. In an increasing radicalization of the Middle East we need stable partners to be rational minds combating radical Islam. The rest of the world will also benefit from such a situation, although not total participants in our efforts. For too long in our recent history have we ignored what is happening off our coasts. That changed in the year 2001 when our country got the wake up call it desperately did not want. We will no longer have the option of sticking head in sand, though I fear many subscribe to this foreign policy. Democracy for the rest of the world does not mean a copycat of our American system, in fact they might benefit from avoiding our model since we seem to have trouble with it ourselves. But societies where people can freely express support and dissent without fear of tyrannical retribution is something we should fight for and champion. It is something that our founding fathers and patriots recognized and fought for, and I for one am glad they did.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Syndication Weekly
I introduce into this weekly feature, a women, Mona Charen. She is a very accomplished syndicated columnist, and political analyst. In her latest column she addresses the press and presents a challenge for them to consider. Charen discusses the recent rash of episodes involving disturbed individuals who commit heinous crimes. She points to the Omaha shooter, the man at the Hillary Clinton headquarters in New Hampshire, and the Virginia Tech tragedy. The problem is the coverage of the media who gives these people a name and face. The thought is that this might lead to copycats that will respond with their own attention-seeking behavior. That is Charen's message in this column, these are individuals seeking fame. With a life of little notice or distinction these types of people seek out that one glorious moment when the whole world will know their name. This is where the danger in presenting these people with a stage to conduct their gruesome play. It seems to be an ever increasing reality of our society that is mesmerized by reality t.v., Charen writes about the American lust for fame. She calls upon the media to take ownership of the problem, because it a problem for them to handle alone. Charen points to the fact that the media has limited itself to not publishing the names of rape victims. She would ask the same treatment for those who commit such horrendous crimes. As she puts it, "deny oxygen to this terrible fire," I could not agree more.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MonaCharen/2007/12/07/a_challenge_to_the_press
Courtesy of www.townhall.com
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MonaCharen/2007/12/07/a_challenge_to_the_press
Courtesy of www.townhall.com
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Clinton Camp Targets Obama's Drug Use
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071212/D8TG6QUG0.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Clinton Camp Targets Obama's Drug Use
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071212/D8TG6QUG0.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Monday, December 10, 2007
Fox News All-Stars
The Sunday crowd covered many topics. One of the things discussed was the campaign of Barack Obama. He has risen in the polls and has found a new campaign partner in Oprah Winfrey. The group discussed what impact if any this will have on his run for his party's nomination. The round table also talked about Mitt Romney's faith speech he made recently. Some have called this his J.F.K. moment, alluding to the speech President Kennedy made about his Catholic faith. The panel notes that Romney's speech might be to Huckabee's rise, especially in Iowa, and the competition for the evangelical vote. Finally the all-stars discussed the recent issue of the CIA and the destruction of videotapes. The issue is starting to garner attention, especially by Democrats in Congress.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/huckabee_mccain_on_fox_news_su.html
Courtesy of http://www.realclearpolitics.com/
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/huckabee_mccain_on_fox_news_su.html
Courtesy of http://www.realclearpolitics.com/
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
The Woman Who Stopped the Carnage
Courtesy of http://www.drudgereport.com/
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Juan Cole on Romney Speech
You know I have a problem with people like Juan Cole. For those of you not plugged into the liberal talkosphere, Cole runs the Informed Comment website. On one of his recent intellectual meanderings he touched on the speech given by Mitt Romney regarding his religion. First off I must say that as an evangelical christian, I can hardly agree with Mormonism. But beyond that I could put that aside when looking for a qualified candidate for president. It is the so called enlightened liberal intellectuals that always focus on religion. Cole like many of his ilk seem so threatened by the mere mention of God. Contrary to Cole's statements in his article our nation was founded with a higher power in mind. Our founding fathers did realize that our rights and privileges stem from this higher power. Our history is replete with this knowledge in our buildings and founding documents. Cole seems to feel as if Republicans put to much emphasis on religion and choosing their candidates. In doing so he considers Republicans a monolith that only votes one way. The truth is that the Republican party has become more big tent, especially in this election season. The truth is that many in the Republican party value a candidate with a strong moral foundation rooted in a strong faith in God. Some may call that a litmus test. I would rather test my candidate against that position, and not one who would allow the taking of innocent life and call it right to privacy. Cole asked if a secular candidate could pass through the Republican litmus test. I would ask him in light of the left-wing take over of his party, could a religious candidate pass his party's secularized litmus test?http://www.juancole.com/2007_12_01_juancole_archive.html
Richardson's Words on Iraq, Same Old Liberal Rhetoric
Bill Richardson seems to think that Iraq is not being given the attention it should. In a recent posting on the Huffington Post, the New Mexico Governor revealed his shock at the lack of attention paid to Iraq during the recent NPR Democratic forum in Iowa. His message was not new, too many soldiers, too much money. Gov. Richardson pointed out that with the surge going on in Iraq we are stifling what reconciliation might take place, and we are also limiting our military readiness by spreading our forces too thin. Maybe the Governor would like to talk with Bill Clinton about overseeing a significant draw down in forces during the 1990's. And for the reconciliation that would take place if we were not there, are forces are what is keeping the fragile country together and away from the hands of islamofascists. Instead Richardson bemoans our spending of money in Iraq instead of providing entitlements and preventing global warming. The Governor does get one thing right in his article. He manages to point out the inconsistency of his fellow candidates' message on Iraq. The have-it-both-ways crowd was shouting down our involvement in Iraq but would keep troops until 2013. As things improve in Iraq the key will be to see how the Democrats respond. Recent comments seem to suggest a hedging of their bets to capitalize on things if they go well, a far cry from previous statements denouncing the war as a hopeless and lost cause.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-bill-richardson/iraq-the-elephant-in-the_b_75881.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-bill-richardson/iraq-the-elephant-in-the_b_75881.html
Firedoglake Poster Calls Huckabee Candidate for Craziest Republican
Over at Firedoglake I would not expect them to show any restraint when talking about Republicans. Nor should any expect any rational thought or anything other then a double standard. Jane Hamsher posted on the site as she referred to Huckabee as leading the case for craziest Republican. Where does this label come from? Where all liberals start with conservatives, their religion. Since liberals are godless they constantly attack those who share their faith and personal relationship to him. Nevermind that when any conservative speaks calls of rascist and bigot abound. Apparently the freedom of religion gives us the right to practice our faith as long as it does not include one thing, God.
http://firedoglake.com/2007/12/08/huckabee-winning-the-who-is-the-craziest-republican-candidate-sweepstakes/
http://firedoglake.com/2007/12/08/huckabee-winning-the-who-is-the-craziest-republican-candidate-sweepstakes/
Friday, December 07, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Newsweek Poll: Huckabee Doubles Romney in Iowa
Courtesy of http://www.drudgereport.com/
The New Media's Betrayal of General Petraeus by James Smith
I watched the mainstream television media's nightly news programs over the last several days. I even turned the channel so I could hear different programs. The one thing I learned from these broadcasts comes from what these networks are not reporting. There was not any news on Iraq. Not a single story. No daily suicide bombings. No massacres. No civil war with chaos and conflict. No stories about the American quagmire.
In September, the media was in a near frenzy about the Iraq war with the testimony of General Petreaus in front of the members of Congress. The chaos in the streets of Iraq was reported on a nightly basis. Now, we can't even get a single story from our television media on Iraq on the nightly news. It is becoming clearer with each passing day that Al- Qaeda is being soundly defeated in Iraq. Even Osama bin laden's recent audio tape in Iraq indirectly admits as much. In fact, though we may not be able to find much positive news from Iraq on American television, Aljazeera has been reporting since early November that the Iraqi people have turned on Al-Qaeda and are taking back their country.
The latest statistics from Iraq confirm that the American troop surge is working. The data indicates that bombings and attacks of every kind in the country are down by more than half. Therefore, the real story which is not being reported by the mainstream news media, is the effectiveness of the United States military in restoring order and defeating the insurgency in Iraq. The military victory is a direct result of the capable leadership of General David Petreaus.
The statistics in Iraq showing a dramatic drop in violence are indications that the troop surge led by General Petreaus is working, but there are many other signs as well. The tone and direction of the Iraq war debate in the Democratic presidential primary has changed. The candidates are now acknowledging success with the surge while still questioning the effectiveness of Iraq's government to implement an ultimate political solution. The discussion of the issue of Iraq has gone from hot button to muted in the last several weeks on the campaign trail as well.
Then there is the somewhat surprising commentary from the liberal press. Consider this quote written recently by Marty Perez in The New Republic: "Up to now, Democrats have been stinting in their recognition that the situation in Iraq has improved: 'Yes, violence is down a bit, but...' That is the wrong posture. They need to celebrate the success, as long as it lasts, as enthusiastically as the Republicans. They also need to stop harrying the administration with symbolic war-funding measures demanding a timetable for rapid withdrawal, as though nothing has changed. This would take little away from their larger valid criticisms of the war and of its conduct until very recently."
Also, consider this recent quote from Newsweek's Charles Peters: "I have been troubled by the reluctance of my fellow liberals to acknowledge the progress made in Iraq in the last six months, a reluctance I am embarrassed to admit that I have shared. Giving Gen. David Petraeus his due does not mean we have to start saying it was a great idea to invade Iraq. It remains the terrible idea it always was. And the occupation that followed has been until recently a continuing disaster. ... Still, the fact is that the situation in Iraq, though some violence persists, is much improved since the summer. Why do liberals not want to face this fact, let alone ponder its implications?"
The positive signs in Iraq are indeed everywhere. Even Rep. John Murtha (after a Thanksgiving trip to Iraq) said; "I think the 'surge' is working," describing the President's decision to commit more than 20,000 additional combat troops this year. But the Iraqis "have got to take care of themselves." The antiwar Murtha has spent months of time in the House of Representatives in 2007 crafting bills to prevent the very troop surge he now says is "working".
Also, consider this recent story in the New York Sun: "'Talks Are Set on Ending Battle of Iraq -- Quiet Announcement Signals Start of US, Iraq Parley' -- "And so the Battle of Iraq is to be brought to an end, in T.S. Eliot's phrase, 'not with a bang but a whimper.' With the eyes of the world focused on the Middle East peace talks in Annapolis, Md., President Bush's war tsar, Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, quietly announced that the American and Iraqi governments will start talks early next year to bring about an end to the allied occupation by the close of Mr. Bush's presidency. The negotiations will bring to a formal conclusion the U.N. Chapter 7 Security Council involvement in the occupation and administration of Iraq, and are expected to reduce the number of American troops to about 50,000 troops permanently stationed there but largely confined to barracks, from the current 164,000 forces on active duty".
The talks to withdraw most of our troops from Iraq by the end of 2008 is yet another indication that the troop surge has been successful. The truth is that General Petreaus has given America an opportunity to claim victory in Iraq, and end this war. The television news media does not report any of this and, in effect, does a disservice to the men and women in Iraq who fight for this country. This lack of effective media reporting in Iraq is also a betrayal of its responsibility to report to America the incredible success of its military under General David Petreaus.
James William Smith has worked in senior management positions for some of the largest financial services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. Mr. Smith has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston College. He enjoys writing articles on political, national, and world events. Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com
In September, the media was in a near frenzy about the Iraq war with the testimony of General Petreaus in front of the members of Congress. The chaos in the streets of Iraq was reported on a nightly basis. Now, we can't even get a single story from our television media on Iraq on the nightly news. It is becoming clearer with each passing day that Al- Qaeda is being soundly defeated in Iraq. Even Osama bin laden's recent audio tape in Iraq indirectly admits as much. In fact, though we may not be able to find much positive news from Iraq on American television, Aljazeera has been reporting since early November that the Iraqi people have turned on Al-Qaeda and are taking back their country.
The latest statistics from Iraq confirm that the American troop surge is working. The data indicates that bombings and attacks of every kind in the country are down by more than half. Therefore, the real story which is not being reported by the mainstream news media, is the effectiveness of the United States military in restoring order and defeating the insurgency in Iraq. The military victory is a direct result of the capable leadership of General David Petreaus.
The statistics in Iraq showing a dramatic drop in violence are indications that the troop surge led by General Petreaus is working, but there are many other signs as well. The tone and direction of the Iraq war debate in the Democratic presidential primary has changed. The candidates are now acknowledging success with the surge while still questioning the effectiveness of Iraq's government to implement an ultimate political solution. The discussion of the issue of Iraq has gone from hot button to muted in the last several weeks on the campaign trail as well.
Then there is the somewhat surprising commentary from the liberal press. Consider this quote written recently by Marty Perez in The New Republic: "Up to now, Democrats have been stinting in their recognition that the situation in Iraq has improved: 'Yes, violence is down a bit, but...' That is the wrong posture. They need to celebrate the success, as long as it lasts, as enthusiastically as the Republicans. They also need to stop harrying the administration with symbolic war-funding measures demanding a timetable for rapid withdrawal, as though nothing has changed. This would take little away from their larger valid criticisms of the war and of its conduct until very recently."
Also, consider this recent quote from Newsweek's Charles Peters: "I have been troubled by the reluctance of my fellow liberals to acknowledge the progress made in Iraq in the last six months, a reluctance I am embarrassed to admit that I have shared. Giving Gen. David Petraeus his due does not mean we have to start saying it was a great idea to invade Iraq. It remains the terrible idea it always was. And the occupation that followed has been until recently a continuing disaster. ... Still, the fact is that the situation in Iraq, though some violence persists, is much improved since the summer. Why do liberals not want to face this fact, let alone ponder its implications?"
The positive signs in Iraq are indeed everywhere. Even Rep. John Murtha (after a Thanksgiving trip to Iraq) said; "I think the 'surge' is working," describing the President's decision to commit more than 20,000 additional combat troops this year. But the Iraqis "have got to take care of themselves." The antiwar Murtha has spent months of time in the House of Representatives in 2007 crafting bills to prevent the very troop surge he now says is "working".
Also, consider this recent story in the New York Sun: "'Talks Are Set on Ending Battle of Iraq -- Quiet Announcement Signals Start of US, Iraq Parley' -- "And so the Battle of Iraq is to be brought to an end, in T.S. Eliot's phrase, 'not with a bang but a whimper.' With the eyes of the world focused on the Middle East peace talks in Annapolis, Md., President Bush's war tsar, Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, quietly announced that the American and Iraqi governments will start talks early next year to bring about an end to the allied occupation by the close of Mr. Bush's presidency. The negotiations will bring to a formal conclusion the U.N. Chapter 7 Security Council involvement in the occupation and administration of Iraq, and are expected to reduce the number of American troops to about 50,000 troops permanently stationed there but largely confined to barracks, from the current 164,000 forces on active duty".
The talks to withdraw most of our troops from Iraq by the end of 2008 is yet another indication that the troop surge has been successful. The truth is that General Petreaus has given America an opportunity to claim victory in Iraq, and end this war. The television news media does not report any of this and, in effect, does a disservice to the men and women in Iraq who fight for this country. This lack of effective media reporting in Iraq is also a betrayal of its responsibility to report to America the incredible success of its military under General David Petreaus.
James William Smith has worked in senior management positions for some of the largest financial services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. Mr. Smith has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston College. He enjoys writing articles on political, national, and world events. Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Why?
Omaha, Nebraska experienced a horrific tragedy yesterday. Robert A. Hawkins, age 19, went on a shooting rampage inside the Von Maur store located in Westroads Mall. In the process eight individuals were killed by Hawkins and several more were wounded. Hawkins ended up taking his own life. Reports are that Hawkins used an AK-47 in his assault. The names of those killed have been released and they are: Gary Scharf, 48, a customer and resident of Lincoln; John McDonald, 65, a customer and resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Angie Schuster, 36, an employee; Maggie Webb, 24, an employee; Janet Jorgenson, 66, an employee; Diane Trent, 53, an employee; Gary Joy, 56, an employee; and Beverly Flynn, 47, an employee.
Picture and list of victims names taken from http://www.drudgereport.com/
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Victory
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071205/D8TBAJ300.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Victory
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071205/D8TBAJ300.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Monday, December 03, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Huckaboom
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Huckaboom
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Fox News All Stars
The Sunday panel focused on the recent claims of improper use of funds by former New York city mayor Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani denied such impropriety occured in regards to his funding of his security detail when he was mayor. The panel also talked about former President Clinton's statements declaring he never supported the Iraq war, contrary former statements. Finally the panel comments on the elections in Venezuela and Russia. They discuss the leaders of both countries, who have taken more and more control of their countries at the cost of full expression of democracy, in Russia and certainly in Venezuela.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/karl_rove_chris_van_hollen_rou.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/karl_rove_chris_van_hollen_rou.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Syndication Weekly
In a belated return to my regularly scheduled blog contribution I turn to the venerable conservative columnist, George Will. In his latest writings, Will focuses on the issue created by Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, who aims to get special recognition for "Native Hawaiians." Will points out the favor that this singling out of a racial group would garner from the likes of Hermann Goering himself. The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act would set up a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity which might lead to issues of, reparations, Independence, or even secession. Much opposition has been voiced against the legislation by groups and individuals for differing reasons
Opposition to the Akaka Bill includes:
1.Those who believe that the bill is unconstitutionally race-based;
2.Those who believe that it could begin the process of secession of a single racial group from the United States;
3.Those who believe that it could thwart the process of secession of Hawaii from the United States and the restoration of an independent Hawaiian nation controlled by native Hawaiians (native Hawaiian sovereignty activists);
4.The United States Commission on Civil Rights
5.The administration under President George W. Bush, which issued a letter arguing against the earlier version of the bill
6.Aloha for All, a Hawaii based civil rights group;
7.The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a Hawaii based think-tank
Source material taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akaka_Bill
As Will points out in his article, Congress does not create tribes but recognizes them by measure of certain stated criteria. The many who read about such lesson should not be surprised to know that it is being lead by a Democrat. The party has certainly tried to fight every social fight and to correct every perceived wrong, even if it must be created by their legislation. The problem is the few Republicans who have gone along with the legislation. A further example of a few individuals who have not figured out their proper role in government. The nation that we have tried to build as one of oneness and undivided will once again have to stand up against the forces of liberals who try to divide and separate.
Taken from George Will's article, Guess who is fomenting racial disharmony in paradise? http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/will112907.php3, Courtesy of The Jewish World Review
Opposition to the Akaka Bill includes:
1.Those who believe that the bill is unconstitutionally race-based;
2.Those who believe that it could begin the process of secession of a single racial group from the United States;
3.Those who believe that it could thwart the process of secession of Hawaii from the United States and the restoration of an independent Hawaiian nation controlled by native Hawaiians (native Hawaiian sovereignty activists);
4.The United States Commission on Civil Rights
5.The administration under President George W. Bush, which issued a letter arguing against the earlier version of the bill
6.Aloha for All, a Hawaii based civil rights group;
7.The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a Hawaii based think-tank
Source material taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akaka_Bill
As Will points out in his article, Congress does not create tribes but recognizes them by measure of certain stated criteria. The many who read about such lesson should not be surprised to know that it is being lead by a Democrat. The party has certainly tried to fight every social fight and to correct every perceived wrong, even if it must be created by their legislation. The problem is the few Republicans who have gone along with the legislation. A further example of a few individuals who have not figured out their proper role in government. The nation that we have tried to build as one of oneness and undivided will once again have to stand up against the forces of liberals who try to divide and separate.
Taken from George Will's article, Guess who is fomenting racial disharmony in paradise? http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/will112907.php3, Courtesy of The Jewish World Review
Friday, November 30, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Calls For Death of Teddy Bear Teach
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8T83I300&show_article=1
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Calls For Death of Teddy Bear Teach
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8T83I300&show_article=1
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Real Clear Politics Republican Presidential Nomination Polls
Republican Presidential Nomination
RCP Average
11/08 to 11/28
28.5% Giuliani
14.2% Thompson
12.7% Romney
12.8% McCain
9.2% Huckabee
Giuliani +14.3%
Rasmussen
11/21 - 11/28
27% Giuliani
10% Thompson
14% Romney
14% McCain
12% Huckabee
Giuliani +13%
Reuters/Zogby
11/14 - 11/17
29% Giuliani
15% Thompson
9% Romney
9% McCain
11% Huckabee
Giuliani +14%
FOX News
11/13 - 11/14
33% Giuliani
12% Thompson
8% Romney
17% McCain
8% Huckabee
Giuliani +16%
Gallup
11/11 - 11/14
28% Giuliani
19% Thompson
12% Romney
13% McCain
10% Huckabee
Giuliani +9%
American Res. Group
11/09 - 11/12
25% Giuliani
17% Thompson
21% Romney
12% McCain
6% Huckabee
Giuliani +4%
Cook/RT Strategies
11/08 - 11/11
29% Giuliani
12% Thompson
12% Romney
12% McCain
8% Huckabee
Giuliani +17%
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
RCP Average
11/08 to 11/28
28.5% Giuliani
14.2% Thompson
12.7% Romney
12.8% McCain
9.2% Huckabee
Giuliani +14.3%
Rasmussen
11/21 - 11/28
27% Giuliani
10% Thompson
14% Romney
14% McCain
12% Huckabee
Giuliani +13%
Reuters/Zogby
11/14 - 11/17
29% Giuliani
15% Thompson
9% Romney
9% McCain
11% Huckabee
Giuliani +14%
FOX News
11/13 - 11/14
33% Giuliani
12% Thompson
8% Romney
17% McCain
8% Huckabee
Giuliani +16%
Gallup
11/11 - 11/14
28% Giuliani
19% Thompson
12% Romney
13% McCain
10% Huckabee
Giuliani +9%
American Res. Group
11/09 - 11/12
25% Giuliani
17% Thompson
21% Romney
12% McCain
6% Huckabee
Giuliani +4%
Cook/RT Strategies
11/08 - 11/11
29% Giuliani
12% Thompson
12% Romney
12% McCain
8% Huckabee
Giuliani +17%
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
Blowback Happens Regardless by J.J. Jackson
Author: J.J. Jackson
When in doubt, get a catch phrase. For some opposed to certain policies, such as helping people in the Middle East throw off dictators, they have one that is a simple term; blowback. It’s become a term of derision hurled against those that they disagree with in order to justify why the United States should adopt a blanket policy of isolationist non-interventionism in world affairs and avoid any debate.
But what really is the concept of blowback? It’s actually a one word statement of a longer common principle we are all familiar with; every action has an equal and opposite reaction. “Blowback” is simply the consequences of one’s actions. And despite the way it is often used by simple minds to try and justify their simple opinions, creating blowback is not carte blanche bad. It is simply the product of action.
You do A and B results. That is “blowback”. And it varies in degrees.
Let’s say I decide in the spring to plant tomatoes instead of potatoes. But come harvest I want some nice crisp french fries. Well, then I’ll have to go to the store and spend money on potatoes someone else grew. Blowback.
Maybe you decide to rob a bank to try and make a quick couple bucks and get shot by the cops in the process. Blowback.
My neighbor decides he wants to park his truck illegally on the no parking side of the street outside of his house and the cops show up to give him a ticket. Blowback.
He then gets upset and decides to complain about people actually parking legally on the side of the street where parking is allowed and makes a butthole of himself and ticks off his neighbors. Blowback yet again.
A man shoots a woman in broad daylight in front of twenty people and no one comes forward to finger the perpetrator. When the neighborhood becomes riddled with crime because no one has any courage, that’s blowback too.
What if some brave man actually comes forward and agrees to testify against the criminal only to have his life threatened by the members of a local gang to which the criminal belongs? Yep, you guessed it – blowback.
The gang members succeed in shooting him dead? Very unfortunate blowback.
Try to eliminate unconstitutional spending on social programs like Welfare and don’t get enough votes from those wedded to such socialist policies to be re-elected? Blowback raises its ugly head yet again.
When the founding fathers decided to declare independence from Great Britian and the result was thousand of dead Americans during two wars that followed what was that? Uh, huh. Blowback.
Decide that paying tribute to Muslim pirates who were enslaving American citizens and get even more piracy and more Americans forced into slavery as a result of the appeasement? Yep, blowback strikes again.
Declare war on NAZI Germany who is waging a war of aggression, slaughtering millions of Jews in ovens and gas chambers, have American men and women die in the ensuing war and draw the ire of several nations for fighting against them and such an atrocity? There’s that blowback thingy again.
Promise to help a group out if only they would rise up and start to overthrow their dictatorial leader only to not show up and make good on your promise and have them hate you now too? Ouch. Blowback!
Now, what do we see from all these real world examples? Well, we see clearly that sometimes this phenomena called blowback is a bad thing that actually can come from doing the right thing just as it can come from doing the wrong thing. That is not something people looking for a nice, short, one size fits all catch phrase like to have to be exposed to however. To them decrying “blowback” is a simple way to defend their position regardless of whether or not it is sound.
“Blowback” is bad. And according to their theory, being bad it must be avoided. But the problem is that it ultimately cannot be avoided. It’s a catch 22. Sort of damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
I generally tend to find that those who decry “blowback” as a reason against action in everything from local to foreign affairs are people that just don’t want to deal with consequences and making moral judgments. Even though by taking such a tactic they are still having to deal with consequences and are making moral judgments. To quote a famous lyrical line, “if you chose not to decide you still have made a choice.” And you are probably no better prepared to deal with the inevitable blowback that decision results in I’m sad to say.
As we see in the example above where the locals refuse to finger a criminal, confront evil and chose inaction for fear of “blowback”, they still get blowback just the same.
On an international scale, fear of blowback is often perpetrated by those that have an “I’ve got mine now go fend for damn yourself” mentality who forget our own history of asking for and receiving help from the likes of France during our own revolution.
But history is not important. Remember, they’ve got theirs. No go away! Don’t ask them for help. Shoo!
Blowback happens. Much like excrement I’m sad to say. It’s a fact. Whether you chose to act or opt instead for inaction you get blowback of one form or another. Whether you chose to act or opt instead for inaction, I have bad news for you, someone is not going to like you. Maybe that dislike is justified or maybe it is irrational. But that doesn’t matter.
Decrying “blowback” as a reason not to act is silly. Especially knowing this. Choosing not to act and intervene on behalf of someone in a given situation against evil is still a choice. A very, very bad choice. And all you have done by making such a bad choice is possibly created two enemies instead of one; the evil which probably already hates you and the people that would have been willing to be your friend, even if tentatively, had you helped them. At best you’ve created only one new enemy. Which is one more than you had previously.
All actions we take result in another action which result in another action which in turn result in another action whether we chose to remain neutral, stand by side A or ally with side B. Decrying “blowback” and quaking before the possibility of the ifs and buts that might come as the result of ones actions is really nothing more than justifying cowardice. And it can be paralyzing for some.
Choosing not to decide or choosing to not do what is right on purpose can have just as dire of consequences as making poor choices and decisions. Making reasoned choices is important and good. Being paralyzed by fear is bad.
Make no mistake, I am not suggesting the United States run around the world lending our military to every pet cause. I’ve talked about making reasoned choices in how we act and not every situation requires that we do. But each situation does require independent thought. And if in the end action is a sound choice it should be taken.
In the end, the best thing is to simply do the right thing. The best thing to do is stand by people who want to at least try for liberty and some semblance of freedom. Just remember that they, like you, are probably not perfect. They will make mistakes in that pursuit and you probably will not agree with everything they themselves want to do in their quest.
But it’s best to give them a chance if you think they are honest and sincere in their desire. Because the blowback is coming whether you like it or not; whether you act or not. That’s called reality.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/blowback-happens-regardless-261981.html
About the Author:J.J. Jackson is the owner of American Conservative Daily Blog . He is also the lead designer for The Right Things - Conservative Political T-shirts . His weekly articles and exclusive content can be found at Liberty Reborn .
When in doubt, get a catch phrase. For some opposed to certain policies, such as helping people in the Middle East throw off dictators, they have one that is a simple term; blowback. It’s become a term of derision hurled against those that they disagree with in order to justify why the United States should adopt a blanket policy of isolationist non-interventionism in world affairs and avoid any debate.
But what really is the concept of blowback? It’s actually a one word statement of a longer common principle we are all familiar with; every action has an equal and opposite reaction. “Blowback” is simply the consequences of one’s actions. And despite the way it is often used by simple minds to try and justify their simple opinions, creating blowback is not carte blanche bad. It is simply the product of action.
You do A and B results. That is “blowback”. And it varies in degrees.
Let’s say I decide in the spring to plant tomatoes instead of potatoes. But come harvest I want some nice crisp french fries. Well, then I’ll have to go to the store and spend money on potatoes someone else grew. Blowback.
Maybe you decide to rob a bank to try and make a quick couple bucks and get shot by the cops in the process. Blowback.
My neighbor decides he wants to park his truck illegally on the no parking side of the street outside of his house and the cops show up to give him a ticket. Blowback.
He then gets upset and decides to complain about people actually parking legally on the side of the street where parking is allowed and makes a butthole of himself and ticks off his neighbors. Blowback yet again.
A man shoots a woman in broad daylight in front of twenty people and no one comes forward to finger the perpetrator. When the neighborhood becomes riddled with crime because no one has any courage, that’s blowback too.
What if some brave man actually comes forward and agrees to testify against the criminal only to have his life threatened by the members of a local gang to which the criminal belongs? Yep, you guessed it – blowback.
The gang members succeed in shooting him dead? Very unfortunate blowback.
Try to eliminate unconstitutional spending on social programs like Welfare and don’t get enough votes from those wedded to such socialist policies to be re-elected? Blowback raises its ugly head yet again.
When the founding fathers decided to declare independence from Great Britian and the result was thousand of dead Americans during two wars that followed what was that? Uh, huh. Blowback.
Decide that paying tribute to Muslim pirates who were enslaving American citizens and get even more piracy and more Americans forced into slavery as a result of the appeasement? Yep, blowback strikes again.
Declare war on NAZI Germany who is waging a war of aggression, slaughtering millions of Jews in ovens and gas chambers, have American men and women die in the ensuing war and draw the ire of several nations for fighting against them and such an atrocity? There’s that blowback thingy again.
Promise to help a group out if only they would rise up and start to overthrow their dictatorial leader only to not show up and make good on your promise and have them hate you now too? Ouch. Blowback!
Now, what do we see from all these real world examples? Well, we see clearly that sometimes this phenomena called blowback is a bad thing that actually can come from doing the right thing just as it can come from doing the wrong thing. That is not something people looking for a nice, short, one size fits all catch phrase like to have to be exposed to however. To them decrying “blowback” is a simple way to defend their position regardless of whether or not it is sound.
“Blowback” is bad. And according to their theory, being bad it must be avoided. But the problem is that it ultimately cannot be avoided. It’s a catch 22. Sort of damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
I generally tend to find that those who decry “blowback” as a reason against action in everything from local to foreign affairs are people that just don’t want to deal with consequences and making moral judgments. Even though by taking such a tactic they are still having to deal with consequences and are making moral judgments. To quote a famous lyrical line, “if you chose not to decide you still have made a choice.” And you are probably no better prepared to deal with the inevitable blowback that decision results in I’m sad to say.
As we see in the example above where the locals refuse to finger a criminal, confront evil and chose inaction for fear of “blowback”, they still get blowback just the same.
On an international scale, fear of blowback is often perpetrated by those that have an “I’ve got mine now go fend for damn yourself” mentality who forget our own history of asking for and receiving help from the likes of France during our own revolution.
But history is not important. Remember, they’ve got theirs. No go away! Don’t ask them for help. Shoo!
Blowback happens. Much like excrement I’m sad to say. It’s a fact. Whether you chose to act or opt instead for inaction you get blowback of one form or another. Whether you chose to act or opt instead for inaction, I have bad news for you, someone is not going to like you. Maybe that dislike is justified or maybe it is irrational. But that doesn’t matter.
Decrying “blowback” as a reason not to act is silly. Especially knowing this. Choosing not to act and intervene on behalf of someone in a given situation against evil is still a choice. A very, very bad choice. And all you have done by making such a bad choice is possibly created two enemies instead of one; the evil which probably already hates you and the people that would have been willing to be your friend, even if tentatively, had you helped them. At best you’ve created only one new enemy. Which is one more than you had previously.
All actions we take result in another action which result in another action which in turn result in another action whether we chose to remain neutral, stand by side A or ally with side B. Decrying “blowback” and quaking before the possibility of the ifs and buts that might come as the result of ones actions is really nothing more than justifying cowardice. And it can be paralyzing for some.
Choosing not to decide or choosing to not do what is right on purpose can have just as dire of consequences as making poor choices and decisions. Making reasoned choices is important and good. Being paralyzed by fear is bad.
Make no mistake, I am not suggesting the United States run around the world lending our military to every pet cause. I’ve talked about making reasoned choices in how we act and not every situation requires that we do. But each situation does require independent thought. And if in the end action is a sound choice it should be taken.
In the end, the best thing is to simply do the right thing. The best thing to do is stand by people who want to at least try for liberty and some semblance of freedom. Just remember that they, like you, are probably not perfect. They will make mistakes in that pursuit and you probably will not agree with everything they themselves want to do in their quest.
But it’s best to give them a chance if you think they are honest and sincere in their desire. Because the blowback is coming whether you like it or not; whether you act or not. That’s called reality.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/blowback-happens-regardless-261981.html
About the Author:J.J. Jackson is the owner of American Conservative Daily Blog . He is also the lead designer for The Right Things - Conservative Political T-shirts . His weekly articles and exclusive content can be found at Liberty Reborn .
The Daily Drudge
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'Dirty Trick'
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/29/eveningnews/main3556470.shtml
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'Dirty Trick'
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/29/eveningnews/main3556470.shtml
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Meet the Snowman, Republicans
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071128/D8T6UHV02.html
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Meet the Snowman, Republicans
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071128/D8T6UHV02.html
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Thank You, Abu Dhabi
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071127/D8T68TNG1.html
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Thank You, Abu Dhabi
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071127/D8T68TNG1.html
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The Inevitable Hillary Clinton
I usually find myself flipping around to the many news channels, CNN, Fox News, etc. These shows usually have one or more pundits that are called upon to prognosticate and reveal their wisdom and truth about future political happenings. I do not doubt the sincerity or intelligence of these people, but I think darts thrown at dartboard might be able to come up with the right response with the same degree of success. I figure if those people can do it why not me? For the purpose of this article I will become a pundit and try to forecast the political future.
I mean to focus my prognostication on the Democrats and their choice to run for president. Hillary wins. Yes that is the extent of my psychic abilities. To some it might seem like an easy pick, I would classify it as inevitability. You must understand how that disappoints me on many levels. I see the eventual nomination of Hillary Clinton as a foregone conclusion. There are many reasons for this feeling.
Senator Clinton surely is not going to be changed by the current lot of candidates seeking her party’s nomination. A newbie senator, a one-term, once rejected presidential candidate, an expired Alaskan senator, and a United States representative fighting to win the hearts of out-of-this-world beings does not evoke great excitement. This group as is currently composed on top will hardly rattle the Clinton machine. That machine in and of itself is a reason to bet on Mrs. Clinton’s nomination. The machine is to well oiled and practiced in picking up and chewing out opponents. Add to this a seemingly endless supply of money from contributions, assuming they do not have to be returned. There is still one factor that I have forgotten about, Bill. The former president and hopeful first man is still a beloved commodity around Democrat circles. This has proven useful as his wife advances in her political career, a mutually beneficial relationship that might yield historic returns.
Well I will not have to wait long to see if my prediction comes true. The Iowa caucuses are right around the corner and the Democrat presidential nominee will probably be known soon after. If I am right my career as a pundit will be off to a great start. It might show that Democrat know the difference between a candidate qualified to be president and someone who was simply married to one. One does not qualify the other. There are many are many adjectives I could use to describe Hillary Clinton, for the sake of propriety I will use only one, inevitable.
I mean to focus my prognostication on the Democrats and their choice to run for president. Hillary wins. Yes that is the extent of my psychic abilities. To some it might seem like an easy pick, I would classify it as inevitability. You must understand how that disappoints me on many levels. I see the eventual nomination of Hillary Clinton as a foregone conclusion. There are many reasons for this feeling.
Senator Clinton surely is not going to be changed by the current lot of candidates seeking her party’s nomination. A newbie senator, a one-term, once rejected presidential candidate, an expired Alaskan senator, and a United States representative fighting to win the hearts of out-of-this-world beings does not evoke great excitement. This group as is currently composed on top will hardly rattle the Clinton machine. That machine in and of itself is a reason to bet on Mrs. Clinton’s nomination. The machine is to well oiled and practiced in picking up and chewing out opponents. Add to this a seemingly endless supply of money from contributions, assuming they do not have to be returned. There is still one factor that I have forgotten about, Bill. The former president and hopeful first man is still a beloved commodity around Democrat circles. This has proven useful as his wife advances in her political career, a mutually beneficial relationship that might yield historic returns.
Well I will not have to wait long to see if my prediction comes true. The Iowa caucuses are right around the corner and the Democrat presidential nominee will probably be known soon after. If I am right my career as a pundit will be off to a great start. It might show that Democrat know the difference between a candidate qualified to be president and someone who was simply married to one. One does not qualify the other. There are many are many adjectives I could use to describe Hillary Clinton, for the sake of propriety I will use only one, inevitable.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Trouble in the Citi
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071126/banks_sivs.html?.v=2
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Trouble in the Citi
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071126/banks_sivs.html?.v=2
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Fox News All-Stars
The weekly round table discusses the campaign of Fred Thompson. His entry into the presidential race has been met with a luke-warm response. The gang analyzes this and Thompson's sagging poll numbers. The real surprise has been the rise of Mike Huckabee's numbers in Iowa which show him second only behind Mitt Romney. Might it be Huckabee who vaults into the first tier to displace Fred Thompson and make a run at Romney and Giuliani? We will soon see as the Iowa caucus fast approaches.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/11/fred_thompsons_sinking_poll_nu.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/11/fred_thompsons_sinking_poll_nu.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
Story of the Ant and the Grasshopper Old and New
This was sent to me by a relative and I thought I would share it with everyone. It is especially important for all those who are questioning the importance of their vote in 2008. Who you vote for will have a very real effect on your life.
*OLD VERSION*:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
************************************************************
*MODERN VERSION:*
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.
CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.
Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients..
The ant loses the case.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grass hopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be very very careful how you vote.
*OLD VERSION*:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.
The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
************************************************************
*MODERN VERSION:*
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.
CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.
Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients..
The ant loses the case.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grass hopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be very very careful how you vote.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Huckabee Surprise
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/opinion/polls/main3497993.shtml
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Huckabee Surprise
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/opinion/polls/main3497993.shtml
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
$5 Gas in CA
http://www.theksbwchannel.com/news/14536489/detail.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
$5 Gas in CA
http://www.theksbwchannel.com/news/14536489/detail.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Giuliani Gets Evangelical Leader's Endorsement
With the endorsement yesterday of the 700 club's Pat Robertson, Giuliani may have silenced his critics who claimed he would be unable to draw evangelical support. In a surprising move the ultra-conservative Robertson threw his support to Giuliani who has supported gay marriage and is a pro choice Republican. The surprise is that Robertson chose not to endorse more traditional conservatives such as Mitt Romney or Fred Thompson. This move might help conservatives and evangelicals coalesce around one candidate. As we have seen from past campaigns conservatives and evangelicals have been a major force in Republican politics. The move should help Giuliani in the south which tends to have a more conservative voting base.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071107/D8SOTN7G1.html
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071107/D8SOTN7G1.html
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Oil Hits New Record
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071106/oil_prices.html?.v=19
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Oil Hits New Record
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071106/oil_prices.html?.v=19
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
President Bush Speech-November 1, 2007-Firing on All Cylinders
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow]L. Winslow
President Bush, his critics, and the divisive politics in Washington DC never stop. In November 1, 2007 President Bush delivered a hard hitting speech to the Heritage Foundation, one which was applauded by all true Americans. Republicans, saw the President in true form. He looked like he was back to his old self, hitting on all cylinders.
Republican Party supporters urged him to please keep up the great work and do more of those types of speeches. As all Americans know we are in a critical time and those who follow history understand all that is at stake, he is correct. Supporters ask that he Hang tough and concentrate, good things await and there are challenges are ahead.
Amongst the topics of the speech were issues of so-called definitions of torture and if the United States should use torture tactics on occasion with Al Queda International Terrorists who kill innocent civilians through bombings or by way of cutting off their heads. Should we be allowed to sprinkle water on their heads until they talk?
Opponents of the President's common sense on this issue claim that the United States of America, should not use the sprinkling of water on the heads of murderers and bombers who plot and plan to kill Americans or commit such acts. Most decent Americans wish to save American lives from the International Terrorist murdering thugs, unfortunately the President has some opposition to these reality based and rational methods.
In President Bush's excellent speech he brought home the realities of who we are dealing with and what must be done. As Americans we should support our Commander in Chief rather than supporting the wishes of Osama bin Laden and Al Queda, unfortunately the President's vocal opposition is aiding our enemies and that is putting the American People at severe risk. Think on this - it matters.
L. Winslow is an Economic, Political and Technology Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur http://www.worldthinktank.net/ Currently Mr. Winslow is planning a bicycle ride from Canada to Mexico and in Spring across the US from San Diego to Virginia Beach to raise money for charity. Previously he was a track star athlete, private pilot, involved in politics, community volunteerism and a Franchising Founder. Mr. Winslow has chosen 100 titles of Books he wishes to write and has completed ten thus far. The subjects include; Community Planning, Future Tech, Franchising, Small Business, and Third World Issues.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?President-Bush-Speech---November-1,-2007---Firing-on-All-Cylinders&id=813441
President Bush, his critics, and the divisive politics in Washington DC never stop. In November 1, 2007 President Bush delivered a hard hitting speech to the Heritage Foundation, one which was applauded by all true Americans. Republicans, saw the President in true form. He looked like he was back to his old self, hitting on all cylinders.
Republican Party supporters urged him to please keep up the great work and do more of those types of speeches. As all Americans know we are in a critical time and those who follow history understand all that is at stake, he is correct. Supporters ask that he Hang tough and concentrate, good things await and there are challenges are ahead.
Amongst the topics of the speech were issues of so-called definitions of torture and if the United States should use torture tactics on occasion with Al Queda International Terrorists who kill innocent civilians through bombings or by way of cutting off their heads. Should we be allowed to sprinkle water on their heads until they talk?
Opponents of the President's common sense on this issue claim that the United States of America, should not use the sprinkling of water on the heads of murderers and bombers who plot and plan to kill Americans or commit such acts. Most decent Americans wish to save American lives from the International Terrorist murdering thugs, unfortunately the President has some opposition to these reality based and rational methods.
In President Bush's excellent speech he brought home the realities of who we are dealing with and what must be done. As Americans we should support our Commander in Chief rather than supporting the wishes of Osama bin Laden and Al Queda, unfortunately the President's vocal opposition is aiding our enemies and that is putting the American People at severe risk. Think on this - it matters.
L. Winslow is an Economic, Political and Technology Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur http://www.worldthinktank.net/ Currently Mr. Winslow is planning a bicycle ride from Canada to Mexico and in Spring across the US from San Diego to Virginia Beach to raise money for charity. Previously he was a track star athlete, private pilot, involved in politics, community volunteerism and a Franchising Founder. Mr. Winslow has chosen 100 titles of Books he wishes to write and has completed ten thus far. The subjects include; Community Planning, Future Tech, Franchising, Small Business, and Third World Issues.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?President-Bush-Speech---November-1,-2007---Firing-on-All-Cylinders&id=813441
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Syndication Weekly
Cal Thomas discusses the problem with both Democrats and Republicans. He sees their current governance as ineffective, and that they need to work in tandum to produce beneficial legislation. Cal Thomas is also the author of, with liberal Democrat strategist Bob Beckel, Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That is Destroying America.
Carrots and Sticks
http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/thomas110107.php3
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Carrots and Sticks
http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/thomas110107.php3
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Four Hurdles Republicans Must Clear by Fred Barnes
The road to the White House is going to be an uphill journey for Republicans. Many have written off the Republicans and there chance of electoral success come November '08. The Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes has identified four hurdles that Republicans must clear. For the country's sake let's hope Republicans can clear these hurdles and not fall flat on their faces.
http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/310sbgqy.asp
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com, www.weeklystandard.com
http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/310sbgqy.asp
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com, www.weeklystandard.com
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
I'd Talk Directly With Iran
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/01/america/obama.php
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
I'd Talk Directly With Iran
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/01/america/obama.php
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Fox News All-Stars
The gang discuss the success on the ground in Iraq and the resolution by congress to condemn Turkey for past atrocities involving the Armenians.
Success in Iraq, Turkey Resolution
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/10/success_in_iraq_turkish_resolu.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
Success in Iraq, Turkey Resolution
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/10/success_in_iraq_turkish_resolu.html
Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Senator Clinton Left Us Wondering
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071031/D8SKF5M81.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Senator Clinton Left Us Wondering
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071031/D8SKF5M81.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Syndication Weekly
In this first installment I present one of the most recent articles by Charles Krauthammer. Krauthammer is a prominent, conservative columnist and one of my favorites. The column points out the uncanny ability of Hillary Clinton to sit on the fence on many issues. This ability to navigate through policy, and to always leave room to wriggle free from previous positions earns her the title of, The Great Navigator. As Mr. Krauthammer writes, Mrs. Clinton rivals the great explorer Columbus as she navigates her way towards the presidency.
The Great Navigator
By Charles Krauthammer
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/11/AR2007101101598.html
The Great Navigator
By Charles Krauthammer
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/11/AR2007101101598.html
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Oil $92
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071026/D8SGT2PO0.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Oil $92
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071026/D8SGT2PO0.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Romney Open to Iran 'Bombardment'
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071025/D8SGFH3O0.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Romney Open to Iran 'Bombardment'
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071025/D8SGFH3O0.html
Courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Greatest Story Never Told by Dean Barnett
Sadly, this is a something that requires mention on blogs and alternative media sources. The need comes from the fact that progress in Iraq fails to get its due coverage by the mainstream media. The Weekly Standard's Dean Barnett gives a voice to this problem.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Check.asp?idArticle=14262&r=uwbgt
check out more great articles at www.weeklystandard.com
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Check.asp?idArticle=14262&r=uwbgt
check out more great articles at www.weeklystandard.com
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from the Drudge Report
Arson!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/24/national/main3401265.shtml
courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Arson!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/24/national/main3401265.shtml
courtesy of www.drudgereport.com
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Daily Drudge
The top headline from The Drudge Report
Sky Turns Red
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SEMBJO0&show_article=1
Sky Turns Red
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SEMBJO0&show_article=1
The Case For Mike Huckabee by Jonathan Alter
The GOP race for president may be as open as it has been in a long time. This is compounded by the fact that no clear successor is in place. Another issue is that conservatives have not coalesced around one particular candidate. This leaves a certain mystery and uncertainty as to who will command the party going into next fall's election. Many candidates are vying and wooing conservatives for their support as they declare themselves, the real conservative. Each man appears to have his positives and negatives that may cast doubt on their true conservative credentials. One of the men who seems to have a solid case to be the conservative candidate is Mike Huckabee. Newsweek's Jonathan Alter takes a look at the former governor, and in doing so makes the case for Mike Huckabee as the best hope for Republicans.
http://www.newsweek.com//id/57616
Courtesy of RealClearPolitics.com
http://www.newsweek.com//id/57616
Courtesy of RealClearPolitics.com
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Fox News All-Stars
The panel discusses Al Gore and his Nobel win and Free Trade.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/10/panel_on_al_gores_nobel_prize.html
Taken from RealClearPolitics
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/10/panel_on_al_gores_nobel_prize.html
Taken from RealClearPolitics
22 Ways To Be a Good Democrat
This was sent to me by a relative of mine.
1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.
2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.
3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. Nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.
4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.
5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by Soccer moms driving SUV's.
6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homo sexual is natural.
7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of Federal Funding.
8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach fourth graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.
9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.
10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.
11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make "The Passion of the Christ" for financial gain only.
12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.
13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.
14. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more Important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, and A.G..Bell.
15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.
16. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.
17. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.
18. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.
19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and Manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.
20. You have to believe that illegal Democrat Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest to the United States.
21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right Wing Conspiracy
.22. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers the day off on Christmas Day ..........but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."
1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.
2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.
3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. Nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.
4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.
5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by Soccer moms driving SUV's.
6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homo sexual is natural.
7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of Federal Funding.
8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach fourth graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.
9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.
10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.
11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make "The Passion of the Christ" for financial gain only.
12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.
13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.
14. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more Important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, and A.G..Bell.
15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.
16. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.
17. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.
18. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.
19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and Manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.
20. You have to believe that illegal Democrat Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest to the United States.
21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right Wing Conspiracy
.22. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers the day off on Christmas Day ..........but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."
Friday, October 19, 2007
Download and Donate
Own your own piece of history and download your own copy of the famed Harry Reid letter.
http://download.premiereradio.net/guest/rushlimb/pdf/RushLimbaughSmearLetter.pdf
Make a donation to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, a very worthy cause.
http://www.mc-lef.org/Index.asp
Find the latest at RushLimbaugh.com
http://download.premiereradio.net/guest/rushlimb/pdf/RushLimbaughSmearLetter.pdf
Make a donation to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, a very worthy cause.
http://www.mc-lef.org/Index.asp
Find the latest at RushLimbaugh.com
The Drudge Report Top Headline
The Top Headline from The Drudge Report
Gray Friday: Dow Down Over 360
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071019/D8SCIPLG1.html
Gray Friday: Dow Down Over 360
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071019/D8SCIPLG1.html
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Drudge Report Top Headline
The top headline of The Drudge Report
China to Establish Communist Party in Space
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SBP0H80&show_article=1
China to Establish Communist Party in Space
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SBP0H80&show_article=1
Friday, October 12, 2007
DREAM Act a Nightmare
There are times when congress actually gets it right and passes good and meaningful legislation. The DREAM Act would not fall into that category. This is essentially an old idea that is once again being brought forward in hopes of its eventual passage. Time can change many things but the simple passage of time has not made this legislation any better or better for our country.
The DREAM Act seeks to give support to those illegal aliens that made their way or were brought here by their parents before the age of sixteen. Apart from these illegals receiving a green card status and provide them with in state tuition in our colleges and universities. That status would enable backdoor amnesty as these aliens would be able to bring their families into the country after them. Liberals can not seem to give up on their amnesty and try to sneak it through at every turn.
For now at least, the American people have displayed that they are vehemently opposed to granting amnesty to border violators. But many of those in Congress seem unable to process this and continue on their quest towards a completely open border. These would include people such as Illinois Senator Dick Durbin who is trying to revive this legislation.
The Illinois Senator has decided that this is legislation that must be passed for our own good. People like Durbin are so blinded by their ideology for them to ever see what is in our greatest good. They feel that if America shows concern for its internal security and future preservation that they have no compassion for those in dire conditions. This means no wall and no action against illegals already within our borders. This is an issue that will more than likely be fought over and over into the foreseeable future. We should not have the wool pulled over our eyes or allow the concealing of such falsity.
Well I am here to say that I will not apologize for my views or my opinions. I say that knowing full well that such stances are usually met with shouts of racism or xenophobia. Well let those cries sound out because it is not racist or xenophobic to desire you country to protect its citizens. After all that is the assigned duty of our elected populace. Many of them have unfortunately forgotten that part of their sworn oath. Instead they have regressed into beings solely fixated on the rights and privileges of those not of this land.
I might be talking about one particular piece of legislation but it is a piece in a bigger part of the liberal puzzle. They take what they can get a little at a time so as to disguise their full intentions. The truth of their agenda is seldom heard by many ears as much of the media is in full lock-step with that agenda. There is something to be said for common sense. Unfortunately this is not a trait usually found in most politicians. This is a country not known for killing dreams. In fact we are a country that provides the opportunity for individuals to fulfill their dreams. But as far as the DREAM Act goes, that is one dream that deserves the death penalty.
The DREAM Act seeks to give support to those illegal aliens that made their way or were brought here by their parents before the age of sixteen. Apart from these illegals receiving a green card status and provide them with in state tuition in our colleges and universities. That status would enable backdoor amnesty as these aliens would be able to bring their families into the country after them. Liberals can not seem to give up on their amnesty and try to sneak it through at every turn.
For now at least, the American people have displayed that they are vehemently opposed to granting amnesty to border violators. But many of those in Congress seem unable to process this and continue on their quest towards a completely open border. These would include people such as Illinois Senator Dick Durbin who is trying to revive this legislation.
The Illinois Senator has decided that this is legislation that must be passed for our own good. People like Durbin are so blinded by their ideology for them to ever see what is in our greatest good. They feel that if America shows concern for its internal security and future preservation that they have no compassion for those in dire conditions. This means no wall and no action against illegals already within our borders. This is an issue that will more than likely be fought over and over into the foreseeable future. We should not have the wool pulled over our eyes or allow the concealing of such falsity.
Well I am here to say that I will not apologize for my views or my opinions. I say that knowing full well that such stances are usually met with shouts of racism or xenophobia. Well let those cries sound out because it is not racist or xenophobic to desire you country to protect its citizens. After all that is the assigned duty of our elected populace. Many of them have unfortunately forgotten that part of their sworn oath. Instead they have regressed into beings solely fixated on the rights and privileges of those not of this land.
I might be talking about one particular piece of legislation but it is a piece in a bigger part of the liberal puzzle. They take what they can get a little at a time so as to disguise their full intentions. The truth of their agenda is seldom heard by many ears as much of the media is in full lock-step with that agenda. There is something to be said for common sense. Unfortunately this is not a trait usually found in most politicians. This is a country not known for killing dreams. In fact we are a country that provides the opportunity for individuals to fulfill their dreams. But as far as the DREAM Act goes, that is one dream that deserves the death penalty.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Up on My Soapbox: Motorcycles Are Not Cars
I am mad, darn mad, and I can not take it anymore. The object of my rage is motorcycles taking up parking spots meant for cars. I wonder why people can be so inconsiderate to us the drivers of cars who must fight for each parking space as if it was Park Avenue real estate. This has been a particular bugaboo of mine for along time and surfaced again today. It is the same scenario over and over again. I race to get to my class on time and try to find a parking spot close to the building. I proceed to drive past occupied space after occupied space. I then see what appears to be an open spot and my heart races as I think to myself "what luck." But what I have seen is simply an optical illusion, a dirty trick played on my mind. And like Charlie Brown I believe that Lucy will hold the football for sure this time. But she never does and the space is not only occupied but filled by a motorcycle. I do not have anything against motorcycles per se, but when it costs me a parking space anything is open game. I notice these spots filled by these motorcycles as they go partially filled and it enrages me. At the very least it seems like a waste of space, space that should be filled up by my vehicle. This is my soapbox moment to vent all my anger and rage and to make my plight known. I know I am not alone is this as I am sure others have fallen prey to the false empty space that tempts and teases you. I am not a believer in segregation but I can make an exception in this instance. I think we should keep motorcycles and their lesser cousin, the scooter, out of our spaces. Each time I am confronted with this experience my minds wanders and I think what if I drove my car into this motorcycle to reclaim what is rightfully mine? The answer comes back as a damaged car and any number of broken bones. After all large people with tattos usually accompany those motorcycles and I can always park around the block.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
AARP & Other Liberals Spearhead Charge for Clintoncare II
Author: J.J. Jackson
As groups get bigger I swear their collective intelligence decreases. Nothing could be a truer example of this than one of the largest groups in America, the American Association of Retired Persons. Often affectionately known as the AARP I prefer to call them the Anti-American Retired Persons because I believe in truth in advertising.
Here you have a group that on one hand uses the power of capitalism. They flaunt the purchasing power of their vast membership to negotiate with companies all over the globe to get special discounts and incentives for their members in return for promoting these same companies to their members. But on the other hand they pimp anti-American ideas such as socialism and collectivism.
Case and point, the AARP has been running ads featuring cute, and dare I say naive, children who are reading from their given script and pleading with Americans to support candidates that promise universal health insurance coverage. They’re basically promoting Democrats and other liberals.
It’s no real big surprise. Their constituents are on two of the largest unconstitutional programs ever devised, namely Social Security and Medicare. You knew it could only be a matter of time before they decided that they needed to try and expand that base and their power.
So this push by the AARP just ahead of Hillary’s big announcement of her new and improved socialist plan for America shocks none.
Forget that she already tried to float this idea past American citizens in nineties and that it was soundly rejected. But hey, try, try again right?
So here comes Senatorette Clinton this week giving us Clintoncare Part Deux.
All you need to know about Hillary Clinton is that she said of her grand scheme, "At this point, we don't have anything punitive that we have proposed”. The key words being “at this point”. You got to love the way they couch their plans and telegraph their future intentions don’t you?
At this point there is no punishment. How about tomorrow? Well, we’ll get back to you...
You just wait for those “future” plans Comrade Hillary slyly discusses. Because what is going to happen if Americans do not join? If even one person chooses that path then the whole claim of universal health insurance (not care mind you) falls apart and you can bet your bottom dollar that all sorts of punishments will be created to deal with those people who won’t fall in line.
Clinton did however slip up and let out what she though at least one punishment for not joining Hillarycare will be. She envisions a day when, “you have to show proof to your employer that you're insured as a part of the job interview — like when your kid goes to school and has to show proof of vaccination”.
So join or you can’t work?
On a side note, and unfortunately for Hillary, her claim about vaccinations and public schools is not true. For example in Pennsylvania you do not have to be vaccinated to attend public school. So I am not sure where Hillary is getting her “facts” from. Perhaps she is just making things up again? She seems to do that quite often and has shown that she is certainly not above letting the “facts” get in the way of a good story.
I apologize to those of you who have decided not to vaccinate your children. For I am sure I’ve just given Comrade Clinton a new item to add to her list of “things to order the unwashed masses to do”. After all, mommy knows best!
Hillary Clinton also said of her rehashed socialist agenda that her plan, “expands personal choice and increases competition to get costs down.” You have to love how liberals claim that having no choice is actually a “choice”. Mandating that you must participate in this plan as in her own self-professed future vision, if you want to work is, is somehow a “choice”?
In further nanny state fashion, Senatorette Clinton thinks that she can wield the power of government to coerce people to act the way she desires them to. Most notably, she plans to use the tax code. She has said of her plan, “We're providing incentives and tax credits which we think will be very attractive to the vast majority of Americans." And what if Americans disagree? Well, were back to the “at this point” clarification of there being no “punitive” measures. This is the same government that used the tax code for years to punish couples for getting married. Remember that.
The facts are, that beyond talking points Hillary Clinton still has given little details about her health insurance (not health care) for all plan. But that reality hasn’t stopped those who fawn over Marxist ideas from touting Senatorette Clinton as having “detailed” her plans. Break it all down and here is what it comes down to; government nebulously mandating how insurance companies and private industries operate and even how the citizenry must behave. And of course, it would be “paid for” in part by the left’s favorite past time; raising taxes. Don’t complain. Don’t you know that it’s their money?
What? You disagree? Be careful. The re-education camps await you.
If you are an insurance company and don’t want to insure pre-existing conditions because you are rightfully scared of people only buying insurance after they have been diagnosed with a disease only to drop it once they have been treated, taken tens of thousands of dollars in care and before they have paid enough in premiums to even cover the cost, oh well! Too bad. Government says otherwise, so you will comply if you want to be in the health insurance business.
Freedom to contract and freedom of association be damned. It’s just not the liberal way.
The truth they are trying to hide is that everyone in America has “health care” if they seek it out. What everyone does not have is “health insurance” to help defray the costs when they do. Nor should they. Insurance is a luxury. Not everyone has a 50’ yacht either and I doubt many would suggest government should provide such for the people that do not.
People like Clinton claim that we need universal coverage because the uninsured cost the rest of us in higher premiums and other costs. But who do you think is going to pay for those that would be covered under this plan but don’t have insurance now when the government runs it? The Tooth Fairy? Or will the money just come from the magical, mystical money tree Hillary has in her back yard? Heck no! The cost of the current “uninsured” will still be carried by the rest of us. It is just a shell game to try and hide that fact and grant more power to the government. Hence why she needs to raise taxes.
Clinton can’t even discuss her ideas without the obligatory double speak saying, “My Republican opponents will try to equate healthcare for all Americans with government-run healthcare.” Well, uh yeah Comrade Clinton because it is! If the government is mandating that all Americans have to have healthcare, creating laws regarding how the system works, dictating what you must do once in the program and enforcing that doctors, hospitals and insurance companies do what government says they must in order to cover all Americans then it is “government-run healthcare” by default. When you pass a law it isn’t a “recommendation” or a “request”. It’s a law! Did you ever take a civics course that you actually passed? Because this is pretty basic stuff here!
But then again, this is from the frontrunner for the nomination of the party that claims that it is a “pro-choice” yet is forcing you to pay into a government retirement plan. And let’s not forget that the party she represents frequently gets endorsements from the Communist Party USA for their presidential candidates. Are those little red lights in your brain going off yet?
Clinton said of her plan, “I believe everyone – every man, woman and child – should have quality, affordable healthcare in America. I intend to be the president who will do that.” Well, that’s all well and good that you believe that. Now do you mind pointing to where in the Constitution you and your fellow travelers are granted the power by “We the People” to mandate how we manage our own choices with regards to healthcare? Are you going to point out to us, finally after all these years of waiting patiently, where you are given the power to dictate what price something should be and hence its “affordability”? Or are you just going to ignore that major problem with your plans like you always do?
Uh huh. Silence. That’s what I thought.
We already have Medicaid for the “poor” who supposedly can’t afford health insurance and Medicare for the elderly who are dubbed by the left as too stupid to save for their own needs after retirement and Congress wants to make families with an income of up to $80,000 eligible for SCHIP. How much more do we have to give?
Once again, please let myself and other Americans that still actually believe in liberty have real choice and chose to pass on this and chose not to contribute to the program. But then again, that “choice” isn’t one of the government approved “choices” now is it?
For the left, “choice” is simply a mandate from them. And you will abide by it “or else”. If not they will eventually get you with future punishments that don’t exist at this time while they stick the camel’s nose under the tent today.
"The sad reality is that the uninsured don't just struggle with costs themselves, they impose costs on the rest of us," Clinton said. And why is that? Is it because politicians and the courts let them impose these problems on us by allowing them to get out of paying their debts, bailing them out with tax payer dollars and maybe only at best paying a fraction of the cost to those that provide their services thus increasing costs to the rest of us? There once was a time in America when if you owed a debt you paid it you either paid it, rotted in jail or were ordered to work off you debts to those you owed them to.
But then again, hard work scares liberals. Responsibility is too much to ask them to promote. So those concepts are certainly not on the table. But government mandates? Heck, that’s the way they think they can create utopia!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/aarp-other-liberals-spearhead-charge-for-clintoncare-ii-219155.html
About the Author:J.J. Jackson is the owner of American Conservative Daily Blog . He is also the lead designer for The Right Things - Conservative Political T-shirts . His weekly articles and exclusive content can be found at Liberty Reborn .
As groups get bigger I swear their collective intelligence decreases. Nothing could be a truer example of this than one of the largest groups in America, the American Association of Retired Persons. Often affectionately known as the AARP I prefer to call them the Anti-American Retired Persons because I believe in truth in advertising.
Here you have a group that on one hand uses the power of capitalism. They flaunt the purchasing power of their vast membership to negotiate with companies all over the globe to get special discounts and incentives for their members in return for promoting these same companies to their members. But on the other hand they pimp anti-American ideas such as socialism and collectivism.
Case and point, the AARP has been running ads featuring cute, and dare I say naive, children who are reading from their given script and pleading with Americans to support candidates that promise universal health insurance coverage. They’re basically promoting Democrats and other liberals.
It’s no real big surprise. Their constituents are on two of the largest unconstitutional programs ever devised, namely Social Security and Medicare. You knew it could only be a matter of time before they decided that they needed to try and expand that base and their power.
So this push by the AARP just ahead of Hillary’s big announcement of her new and improved socialist plan for America shocks none.
Forget that she already tried to float this idea past American citizens in nineties and that it was soundly rejected. But hey, try, try again right?
So here comes Senatorette Clinton this week giving us Clintoncare Part Deux.
All you need to know about Hillary Clinton is that she said of her grand scheme, "At this point, we don't have anything punitive that we have proposed”. The key words being “at this point”. You got to love the way they couch their plans and telegraph their future intentions don’t you?
At this point there is no punishment. How about tomorrow? Well, we’ll get back to you...
You just wait for those “future” plans Comrade Hillary slyly discusses. Because what is going to happen if Americans do not join? If even one person chooses that path then the whole claim of universal health insurance (not care mind you) falls apart and you can bet your bottom dollar that all sorts of punishments will be created to deal with those people who won’t fall in line.
Clinton did however slip up and let out what she though at least one punishment for not joining Hillarycare will be. She envisions a day when, “you have to show proof to your employer that you're insured as a part of the job interview — like when your kid goes to school and has to show proof of vaccination”.
So join or you can’t work?
On a side note, and unfortunately for Hillary, her claim about vaccinations and public schools is not true. For example in Pennsylvania you do not have to be vaccinated to attend public school. So I am not sure where Hillary is getting her “facts” from. Perhaps she is just making things up again? She seems to do that quite often and has shown that she is certainly not above letting the “facts” get in the way of a good story.
I apologize to those of you who have decided not to vaccinate your children. For I am sure I’ve just given Comrade Clinton a new item to add to her list of “things to order the unwashed masses to do”. After all, mommy knows best!
Hillary Clinton also said of her rehashed socialist agenda that her plan, “expands personal choice and increases competition to get costs down.” You have to love how liberals claim that having no choice is actually a “choice”. Mandating that you must participate in this plan as in her own self-professed future vision, if you want to work is, is somehow a “choice”?
In further nanny state fashion, Senatorette Clinton thinks that she can wield the power of government to coerce people to act the way she desires them to. Most notably, she plans to use the tax code. She has said of her plan, “We're providing incentives and tax credits which we think will be very attractive to the vast majority of Americans." And what if Americans disagree? Well, were back to the “at this point” clarification of there being no “punitive” measures. This is the same government that used the tax code for years to punish couples for getting married. Remember that.
The facts are, that beyond talking points Hillary Clinton still has given little details about her health insurance (not health care) for all plan. But that reality hasn’t stopped those who fawn over Marxist ideas from touting Senatorette Clinton as having “detailed” her plans. Break it all down and here is what it comes down to; government nebulously mandating how insurance companies and private industries operate and even how the citizenry must behave. And of course, it would be “paid for” in part by the left’s favorite past time; raising taxes. Don’t complain. Don’t you know that it’s their money?
What? You disagree? Be careful. The re-education camps await you.
If you are an insurance company and don’t want to insure pre-existing conditions because you are rightfully scared of people only buying insurance after they have been diagnosed with a disease only to drop it once they have been treated, taken tens of thousands of dollars in care and before they have paid enough in premiums to even cover the cost, oh well! Too bad. Government says otherwise, so you will comply if you want to be in the health insurance business.
Freedom to contract and freedom of association be damned. It’s just not the liberal way.
The truth they are trying to hide is that everyone in America has “health care” if they seek it out. What everyone does not have is “health insurance” to help defray the costs when they do. Nor should they. Insurance is a luxury. Not everyone has a 50’ yacht either and I doubt many would suggest government should provide such for the people that do not.
People like Clinton claim that we need universal coverage because the uninsured cost the rest of us in higher premiums and other costs. But who do you think is going to pay for those that would be covered under this plan but don’t have insurance now when the government runs it? The Tooth Fairy? Or will the money just come from the magical, mystical money tree Hillary has in her back yard? Heck no! The cost of the current “uninsured” will still be carried by the rest of us. It is just a shell game to try and hide that fact and grant more power to the government. Hence why she needs to raise taxes.
Clinton can’t even discuss her ideas without the obligatory double speak saying, “My Republican opponents will try to equate healthcare for all Americans with government-run healthcare.” Well, uh yeah Comrade Clinton because it is! If the government is mandating that all Americans have to have healthcare, creating laws regarding how the system works, dictating what you must do once in the program and enforcing that doctors, hospitals and insurance companies do what government says they must in order to cover all Americans then it is “government-run healthcare” by default. When you pass a law it isn’t a “recommendation” or a “request”. It’s a law! Did you ever take a civics course that you actually passed? Because this is pretty basic stuff here!
But then again, this is from the frontrunner for the nomination of the party that claims that it is a “pro-choice” yet is forcing you to pay into a government retirement plan. And let’s not forget that the party she represents frequently gets endorsements from the Communist Party USA for their presidential candidates. Are those little red lights in your brain going off yet?
Clinton said of her plan, “I believe everyone – every man, woman and child – should have quality, affordable healthcare in America. I intend to be the president who will do that.” Well, that’s all well and good that you believe that. Now do you mind pointing to where in the Constitution you and your fellow travelers are granted the power by “We the People” to mandate how we manage our own choices with regards to healthcare? Are you going to point out to us, finally after all these years of waiting patiently, where you are given the power to dictate what price something should be and hence its “affordability”? Or are you just going to ignore that major problem with your plans like you always do?
Uh huh. Silence. That’s what I thought.
We already have Medicaid for the “poor” who supposedly can’t afford health insurance and Medicare for the elderly who are dubbed by the left as too stupid to save for their own needs after retirement and Congress wants to make families with an income of up to $80,000 eligible for SCHIP. How much more do we have to give?
Once again, please let myself and other Americans that still actually believe in liberty have real choice and chose to pass on this and chose not to contribute to the program. But then again, that “choice” isn’t one of the government approved “choices” now is it?
For the left, “choice” is simply a mandate from them. And you will abide by it “or else”. If not they will eventually get you with future punishments that don’t exist at this time while they stick the camel’s nose under the tent today.
"The sad reality is that the uninsured don't just struggle with costs themselves, they impose costs on the rest of us," Clinton said. And why is that? Is it because politicians and the courts let them impose these problems on us by allowing them to get out of paying their debts, bailing them out with tax payer dollars and maybe only at best paying a fraction of the cost to those that provide their services thus increasing costs to the rest of us? There once was a time in America when if you owed a debt you paid it you either paid it, rotted in jail or were ordered to work off you debts to those you owed them to.
But then again, hard work scares liberals. Responsibility is too much to ask them to promote. So those concepts are certainly not on the table. But government mandates? Heck, that’s the way they think they can create utopia!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/aarp-other-liberals-spearhead-charge-for-clintoncare-ii-219155.html
About the Author:J.J. Jackson is the owner of American Conservative Daily Blog . He is also the lead designer for The Right Things - Conservative Political T-shirts . His weekly articles and exclusive content can be found at Liberty Reborn .
Sunday, September 23, 2007
A Hillary by Any Other Name
I have been spending a lot of time thinking about the former first lady. I will admit my thoughts are not positive in nature. I try to not let them seep into a hateful rage and remain grounded in the truth that this is a women with the wrong set of ideas. I think many individuals are thinking about this women especially as she runs for our nation's highest office. But I wonder sometimes what the fate of this women would be if her last name was Smith or Jones? Would we be talking about Hillary Smith as the next President of the United States? I am of the opinion that we would not and there is where I see the real problem.
I suppose by my comments that I imply a certain illegitimacy to Senator Clinton's presidential run. The problem is that without her infamous attachment with her president husband I do not see how politician Hillary emerges to run for chief of the West Wing. Certainly I think most would have to admit this fact and in doing so might have to concede, Hillary Clinton is an artificial candidate created by creators of the Bill Clinton mystique.
I would say that Mrs. Clinton has used this mystique and the presumed glamorous times of the nineties with the Clinton White House occupation in her quest to fulfill her ambitions. Ambitions that have recently come to light in books detailing the Clinton's partnership and alliance to make all of their political dreams come true. It happened for Bill and as his time in the sun set Hillary's was beginning to rise.
She was not content to live out the behind the scenes life of a former first lady but instead to seek out some of the same glory and power her husband enjoyed. So she pursued a Senate seat in New York, a state very accepting of her kind, liberals. She now had the position to cultivate real political experience. She was not long for the Senate and we now have candidate Hillary again, but this time she wants her own keys to the White House. And with her husband's political machine, and deity-like image among Democrats behind her, she has vaulted to position number one for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Hillary finds herself in a top three with a one-term senator and a first-term senator. Not a group with a vast amount of political dirt under the fingernails. No, the real experienced pols have been relegated to the proverbial second-tier status. The Democrats say they want change, maybe shying away from experience is what they mean by that?
Not that I am saying that Washington experience is the be all end all or even preferred in most cases. I just cringe when I hear the pundits and sycophants drool over their top-tier candidates and most notably Mrs. Clinton. All I hear is how experienced she is and how that will be a welcome change from our current president. Well from reading her bio on Wikipedia I have found that before becoming a senator she was a lawyer, served on some corporate board, and was wife to a philandering pervert. That may qualify her for life in Washington D.C. but does that constitute a presidential resume?
I think it is great if some no-name American wants to throw their hat into the ring of politics. It is certainly every citizens right to run for public office. I just have a problem with this one particular politician because of the office she is running for. Seething rage will only get you so far before you have to look at the opposition's ideas. The truth is I believe that the junior senator from New York is wrong on the ideas. I worry that she may get that chance to sit behind the desk in the Oval Office, because at this point in history she just might get that chance. I just hope there are enough worriers out across the country who see the disaster on the horizon. Because that is what I think a Hillary Clinton presidency would be, a disaster. Whether it be a naive approach to foreign policy or an over expansion of government control of our lives, I think selecting such a leader would be a mistake. My point is that I wonder if we would even have these concerns if she was a Hillary by any other name?
I suppose by my comments that I imply a certain illegitimacy to Senator Clinton's presidential run. The problem is that without her infamous attachment with her president husband I do not see how politician Hillary emerges to run for chief of the West Wing. Certainly I think most would have to admit this fact and in doing so might have to concede, Hillary Clinton is an artificial candidate created by creators of the Bill Clinton mystique.
I would say that Mrs. Clinton has used this mystique and the presumed glamorous times of the nineties with the Clinton White House occupation in her quest to fulfill her ambitions. Ambitions that have recently come to light in books detailing the Clinton's partnership and alliance to make all of their political dreams come true. It happened for Bill and as his time in the sun set Hillary's was beginning to rise.
She was not content to live out the behind the scenes life of a former first lady but instead to seek out some of the same glory and power her husband enjoyed. So she pursued a Senate seat in New York, a state very accepting of her kind, liberals. She now had the position to cultivate real political experience. She was not long for the Senate and we now have candidate Hillary again, but this time she wants her own keys to the White House. And with her husband's political machine, and deity-like image among Democrats behind her, she has vaulted to position number one for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Hillary finds herself in a top three with a one-term senator and a first-term senator. Not a group with a vast amount of political dirt under the fingernails. No, the real experienced pols have been relegated to the proverbial second-tier status. The Democrats say they want change, maybe shying away from experience is what they mean by that?
Not that I am saying that Washington experience is the be all end all or even preferred in most cases. I just cringe when I hear the pundits and sycophants drool over their top-tier candidates and most notably Mrs. Clinton. All I hear is how experienced she is and how that will be a welcome change from our current president. Well from reading her bio on Wikipedia I have found that before becoming a senator she was a lawyer, served on some corporate board, and was wife to a philandering pervert. That may qualify her for life in Washington D.C. but does that constitute a presidential resume?
I think it is great if some no-name American wants to throw their hat into the ring of politics. It is certainly every citizens right to run for public office. I just have a problem with this one particular politician because of the office she is running for. Seething rage will only get you so far before you have to look at the opposition's ideas. The truth is I believe that the junior senator from New York is wrong on the ideas. I worry that she may get that chance to sit behind the desk in the Oval Office, because at this point in history she just might get that chance. I just hope there are enough worriers out across the country who see the disaster on the horizon. Because that is what I think a Hillary Clinton presidency would be, a disaster. Whether it be a naive approach to foreign policy or an over expansion of government control of our lives, I think selecting such a leader would be a mistake. My point is that I wonder if we would even have these concerns if she was a Hillary by any other name?
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