I am listening to former Governor Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana still blaming the federal government for the problems of organization with Hurricane Katrina. Incredible. As the state's chief executive, I would have thought she'd know the roles of federal and state governments. It was clearly federal law that the first and major part of the responsibility of disaster relief lays with the local and state government.
After Hurricane Katrina, questions were raised as to the President's legal authority, for example, to send in the military to protect life and property in a disaster area. "The Stafford Act authorizes the use of the military for disaster relief operations at the request of the state functions, which is ordinarily prohibited by the Posse Comitatus Act. However, the President may invoke other authorities to use federal troops to aid in the execution of the law, including the Insurrection Act, as amended and renamed by P.L. 109-364. (S.513/H.R.869).
"The Insurrection Act has been used to send the armed forces to quell civil disturbances a number of times during U.S. history, most recently during the 1992 Los Angeles riots and during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, during which widespread looting was reported in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. If the President decides to respond to such a situation, generally upon the recommendation of the Attorney General and, if necessary, the request of the governor, he must first issue a proclamation ordering the insurgents to disperse within a limited time, 10 U.S.C.& 334. If the situation does not resolve itself, the President may issue an executive order to send in troops."
"The 109th Congress included in the Defense Authorization bill for FY2007 (P.L. 109-364) a provision that retitled chapter 15 of title 10 from "Insurrection" to "Enforcement of the Laws to Restore Public Order," which now covers domestic violence due to natural disasters, epidemics, terrorist attacks, etc. The President can now restore order and enforce laws without a request from a governor or legislature of a state.
So, there's that. This time around, with the leadership of a very competent executive, the state of Louisiana is in as good of shape as possible going into this natural disaster event. Governor Bobby Jindal, another young, fresh conservative leader now in office, is doing a fine job coordinating preparations at all levels. Even Mayor Ray Naguin is cooperating this time.
John McCain, Cindy McCain and Governor Palin went to a briefing today with Governor Barbour in Jackson, Mississippi. They were not in the path of the storm and they were not in the way of preparations underway. That was the point of this meeting. They didn't go to New Orleans to follow around Governor Jindal. They went in the region without causing a ruckus.
President Bush will travel to Texas. He will be monitoring the storm from Austin with Governor Perry and then to San Antonio to monitor emergency supplies and aide departing for Louisiana. He will not be in the way, either. Last time, as he tried to not assert himself in the middle of Hurricane Katrina by flying over the storm, he was criticized and set off the whole 'it's all Bush's fault' and fools like Kenye West saying 'Bush hates black people.' Granted the flyover wasn't the best of publicity for him but the principle of getting out of the way for the professionals on the ground to do their jobs for those needing help was essential.
Today, Senator McCain said we must take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats. The time to act is now. He has suspended Republican Convention activities and only the barest of legalities will be conducted tomorrow for about two hours in the afternoon. The convention will proceed on a day to day basis. McCain calls for all who can to raise money for Gulf state charities to help with needs after the storm.
Obama and Biden, while carrying on with their arrogant message that "John McCain just doesn't get it" when it comes to the needs of ordinary people while issuing standard boilerplate statements like the campaign is monitoring the events and they will raise money for the victims, etc, his campaign stumps continue. He'll not visit the region until well after the event, he said. He's bashing McCain and Palin in Ohio and Michigan today. He has spoken to Governor Jindal and Mayor Naguin as well as Secretary Chertoff.
John McCain is a proven leader with a strong message of serving a purpose greater than your own self interests. This is the second opportunity to draw a contrast of leadership styles in the two candidates. First, with the invasion of Georgia by Russia, and McCain issued a firm statement with a clear message. He was proven completely correct in his judgement. Cindy McCain went to Georgia last week to be briefed on the conditions on the ground and visited towns and locals there to hear their stories. She is known for her commitment to this kind of compassionate travel. Now this. McCain put aside his own big moment and issued a call of action. I have no doubt that Cindy McCain is putting together teams of volunteers to go in after the storm. The campaign has arranged a charter plane to take delegates back home if they need to put affairs in order for their families.
The Republican governors of the Gulf states will serve their states well in this time of uncertainty.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Democrats Find Hurricane Gustav Hilarious
Remember when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast three years ago? Remember when a certain 'religious leader' made insanely vicious comments that the city of New Orleans was hit so hard because of its 'sinful' ways? Remember the righteous indignation of most Americans over those remarks but the strongest protestations came from the farthest left of the Democrat party?
Well, this time around, there are Democrats that think Hurricane Gustav is absolutely hilarious. It's a real knee slapper. Why? Because the Republican National Convention is about to open and this is God's payback on the evil Bush administration.
A poster on the blog RedState wrote that he/she "was seated behind the former National Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Don Fowler and Congressman John Spratt of South Carolina. " After a few minutes of making fun of Sarah Palin, "Fowler calling her "Dan Quayle" on steroids and Spratt creatively describing her as "just terrible"." Both agreed she has nothing to offer.
I have a news flash for you gentlemen. Not that you are gentlemen. Sarah Palin will eat your lunch.
Then the moment of truth from Fowler: It's funny that New Orleans will have a hurricane. You know, because President Bush is slated to speak Monday night and it's just so funny.
Also, the genius that is Michael Moore said, "I was just thinking, this Gustav is proof that there is a God in heaven. To have it planned at the same time - that it would actually be on its way to New Orleans for day one of the Republican Convention,up in the Twin Cities -- at the top of the Mississippi River." He enjoyed laughing as he spoke. That according to Business and Media.
According to Politico, President Bush is unlikely to attend the Convention. Governors Perry, Jindal, Barbour and Riley have all cancelled plans to attend and/or speak during the convention. John McCain, Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin travel to Jackson, Mississippi today at the invitation of Gov. Barbour to be briefed on hurricane preparations.
John McCain will speak to Fox News' Chris Wallace on the Sunday Morning Fox show and say that convention plans may be suspended as the storm hits. He may do his nomination acceptance speech via satellite.
Bush derangement syndrome lives on. Hilarious.
Well, this time around, there are Democrats that think Hurricane Gustav is absolutely hilarious. It's a real knee slapper. Why? Because the Republican National Convention is about to open and this is God's payback on the evil Bush administration.
A poster on the blog RedState wrote that he/she "was seated behind the former National Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Don Fowler and Congressman John Spratt of South Carolina. " After a few minutes of making fun of Sarah Palin, "Fowler calling her "Dan Quayle" on steroids and Spratt creatively describing her as "just terrible"." Both agreed she has nothing to offer.
I have a news flash for you gentlemen. Not that you are gentlemen. Sarah Palin will eat your lunch.
Then the moment of truth from Fowler: It's funny that New Orleans will have a hurricane. You know, because President Bush is slated to speak Monday night and it's just so funny.
Also, the genius that is Michael Moore said, "I was just thinking, this Gustav is proof that there is a God in heaven. To have it planned at the same time - that it would actually be on its way to New Orleans for day one of the Republican Convention,up in the Twin Cities -- at the top of the Mississippi River." He enjoyed laughing as he spoke. That according to Business and Media.
According to Politico, President Bush is unlikely to attend the Convention. Governors Perry, Jindal, Barbour and Riley have all cancelled plans to attend and/or speak during the convention. John McCain, Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin travel to Jackson, Mississippi today at the invitation of Gov. Barbour to be briefed on hurricane preparations.
John McCain will speak to Fox News' Chris Wallace on the Sunday Morning Fox show and say that convention plans may be suspended as the storm hits. He may do his nomination acceptance speech via satellite.
Bush derangement syndrome lives on. Hilarious.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hurricane Season in New Orleans
I watched Anderson Cooper report about the approach of Hurricane Gustav from New Orleans. I heard him say this storm, if it hits the area, will be a test of the promise President Bush made to the people of the city and the country after Hurricane Katrina.
I thought to myself, what about the test to the promises made by the state and local officials? What about the test of the assumption of responsibility of the locals?
I don't take any of this lightly. This is not rhetorical for me. The city of New Orleans has been a part of my life since birth. I was born in Biloxi, Mississippi because we lived in Ocean Springs, which had no hospital in those days. OK. I'm old.
Look on a map. You will see the closeness of the area. We moved over to New Orleans when I was a toddler. My father was in sales and marketing for a national distillery. The French Quarter was a big part of his territory. We moved up to Shreveport when I was 5 years old so Louisiana was home for most of my life.
We were in New Orleans frequently. I had a Cardiologist at Touro Hospital when I was a girl due to a heart murmur at birth. My tests were done there until they were no longer necessary.
My husband, when I met him, was a resident of New Orleans. His mother, as fate had it, had gone to college in New Orleans and met his father there when he came through on leave from WWII. Small world. That's how New Orleans was.
Any time someone asked which are my favorite cities, my number one was always New Orleans.
Then Hurricane Katrina hit. When I was growing up, every hurricane season I heard the adults say that one day a big one would hit New Orleans and it would be gone. It was just fact. New Orleans was never ready for 'the big one.' New Orleans is the most corrupt city in the most corrupt state in the country. I love Louisiana but that's the truth. The levee board was a corrupt patronage system and the levee system was never what it needed to be. Federal dollars were squandered as a way of life.
And, yes, the poor in New Orleans are among the poorest in the country. The Democrats have kept them poor, unmotivated, and dependent for generations. Again, it is the truth. The unmotivated didn't go to school, learn a trade or take responsibility for themselves or the children they produced. New Orleans had the highest murder rate in the country.
Laissez les bon temps rouler.
So, where did that leave the city as Hurricane Katrina approached? We here in Houston were making preparations. The governor of Louisiana was paralyzed by fear and incompetence didn't put the paperwork in for the maximum Federal help, even after President Bush personally called her and told her to do it. Even after the top meteorologist in the country called her personally and told her to do it. Mayor Naguin got a penthouse suite in the French Quarter and arranged for the Japanese businessmen visiting the city to get out of town. Never mind his own citizens.
We know the rest. The city is lost forever. Sad and unavoidable. This was no shock. The people of New Orleans are gamblers. Lady Luck ran out.
My husband and I took our son to celebrate his 18th birthday in New Orleans last year. This weekend last year. My son is a Labor Day baby, born in Lafayette, Louisiana. South Louisiana is in his blood, too. My husband took him to the Gay Pride parade, an annual Labor Day event. It's New Orleans. We stayed in the French Quarter in a nice hotel and enjoyed our weekend.
It was New Orleans but it wasn't. It was rather depressing. Our first visit back since the hurricane, we didn't know quite what to expect. Not a lot has been done. I loved the French Market and it's gone. We did enjoy a visit to Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait, as we bored our son with the story of his father proposing marriage to me there.
Jackson Square (where Bush delivered the speech) looks the same. But the areas outside of the French Quarter are depressing to view. The building uptown where my husband had an apartment - an old house divided into apartments - was there but the area is hit and miss.
The local shop owners in the French Quarter told me their stories, because I asked, and told me of their frustration with the local government that still doesn't have it together and were looking forward to the governor's race. Well, the governor's race produced Governor Bobby Jindal a few months later and I rejoiced.
Finally some competence in the State House. He's done well in the short time he's been there, but New Orleans still isn't ready. It's still below sea level and the levees still won't hold back a major hurricane.
And, that's the point. Democrats rant and rave that it is Bush's fault. "The government" didn't do enough. As always happens, government was proven to come up lacking when it came to managing the lives of human beings. People take care of people.
Look at the coast of Mississippi. It was hit much harder than New Orleans. New Orleans retained its infrastructure in the French Quarter. Why? It's on higher ground. The shipping merchants who founded the city all those years ago realized that and put the city there.
Whole towns were lost to Katrina in Mississippi. Yet, thanks to the sheer will of the people and the good fortune to have a strong Republican governor, the state has come so much farther than New Orleans.
Leadership and motivation. Personal responsibility. Not dreamy stuff, I know. But it's reality. It's the difference in success and failure. Sometimes life and death.
I thought to myself, what about the test to the promises made by the state and local officials? What about the test of the assumption of responsibility of the locals?
I don't take any of this lightly. This is not rhetorical for me. The city of New Orleans has been a part of my life since birth. I was born in Biloxi, Mississippi because we lived in Ocean Springs, which had no hospital in those days. OK. I'm old.
Look on a map. You will see the closeness of the area. We moved over to New Orleans when I was a toddler. My father was in sales and marketing for a national distillery. The French Quarter was a big part of his territory. We moved up to Shreveport when I was 5 years old so Louisiana was home for most of my life.
We were in New Orleans frequently. I had a Cardiologist at Touro Hospital when I was a girl due to a heart murmur at birth. My tests were done there until they were no longer necessary.
My husband, when I met him, was a resident of New Orleans. His mother, as fate had it, had gone to college in New Orleans and met his father there when he came through on leave from WWII. Small world. That's how New Orleans was.
Any time someone asked which are my favorite cities, my number one was always New Orleans.
Then Hurricane Katrina hit. When I was growing up, every hurricane season I heard the adults say that one day a big one would hit New Orleans and it would be gone. It was just fact. New Orleans was never ready for 'the big one.' New Orleans is the most corrupt city in the most corrupt state in the country. I love Louisiana but that's the truth. The levee board was a corrupt patronage system and the levee system was never what it needed to be. Federal dollars were squandered as a way of life.
And, yes, the poor in New Orleans are among the poorest in the country. The Democrats have kept them poor, unmotivated, and dependent for generations. Again, it is the truth. The unmotivated didn't go to school, learn a trade or take responsibility for themselves or the children they produced. New Orleans had the highest murder rate in the country.
Laissez les bon temps rouler.
So, where did that leave the city as Hurricane Katrina approached? We here in Houston were making preparations. The governor of Louisiana was paralyzed by fear and incompetence didn't put the paperwork in for the maximum Federal help, even after President Bush personally called her and told her to do it. Even after the top meteorologist in the country called her personally and told her to do it. Mayor Naguin got a penthouse suite in the French Quarter and arranged for the Japanese businessmen visiting the city to get out of town. Never mind his own citizens.
We know the rest. The city is lost forever. Sad and unavoidable. This was no shock. The people of New Orleans are gamblers. Lady Luck ran out.
My husband and I took our son to celebrate his 18th birthday in New Orleans last year. This weekend last year. My son is a Labor Day baby, born in Lafayette, Louisiana. South Louisiana is in his blood, too. My husband took him to the Gay Pride parade, an annual Labor Day event. It's New Orleans. We stayed in the French Quarter in a nice hotel and enjoyed our weekend.
It was New Orleans but it wasn't. It was rather depressing. Our first visit back since the hurricane, we didn't know quite what to expect. Not a lot has been done. I loved the French Market and it's gone. We did enjoy a visit to Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait, as we bored our son with the story of his father proposing marriage to me there.
Jackson Square (where Bush delivered the speech) looks the same. But the areas outside of the French Quarter are depressing to view. The building uptown where my husband had an apartment - an old house divided into apartments - was there but the area is hit and miss.
The local shop owners in the French Quarter told me their stories, because I asked, and told me of their frustration with the local government that still doesn't have it together and were looking forward to the governor's race. Well, the governor's race produced Governor Bobby Jindal a few months later and I rejoiced.
Finally some competence in the State House. He's done well in the short time he's been there, but New Orleans still isn't ready. It's still below sea level and the levees still won't hold back a major hurricane.
And, that's the point. Democrats rant and rave that it is Bush's fault. "The government" didn't do enough. As always happens, government was proven to come up lacking when it came to managing the lives of human beings. People take care of people.
Look at the coast of Mississippi. It was hit much harder than New Orleans. New Orleans retained its infrastructure in the French Quarter. Why? It's on higher ground. The shipping merchants who founded the city all those years ago realized that and put the city there.
Whole towns were lost to Katrina in Mississippi. Yet, thanks to the sheer will of the people and the good fortune to have a strong Republican governor, the state has come so much farther than New Orleans.
Leadership and motivation. Personal responsibility. Not dreamy stuff, I know. But it's reality. It's the difference in success and failure. Sometimes life and death.
Obama's Experience Issue
Did you find it odd that Barack Obama's reference to the subject of race in his speech was mostly about himself? He made a quick reference to MLK, as he stood on the set that was to remind everyone of the speech given 45 years ago in Washington, D.C. But the only real reference to race in the presidential race was, as usual, all about himself.
"I get it. I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington." Sounds like Sarah Palin to me.
So, if you don't vote for him, it is because he is the unlikely bi-racial candidate. It's not because he doesn't have the experience necessary, as he accuses Palin. It's not because he is not fit to be Commander-in-Chief, as he boosts of being anti-war in 2002. Of course, it was politically advantageous in his position as a state legislator, but he left that part out. Also odd that he referenced Roosevelt and Kennedy as examples of Democrat presidents who defended this country when it was necessary. I assume he meant FDR, and he was dragged kicking and screaming into WWII, with his Court of St. James diplomat, Daddy Joe Kennedy resigning as he was a Hitler sympathizer and refused to support our entry into WWII. And, then JFK, paved the way into the Vietnam war.
He didn't mention John Lewis who was a fellow fighter for civil rights right along side of MLK. He was beaten within an inch of his life as he marched. Lewis was afforded a speaking slot during the dinner hour last night. Not prime time. No mention in Obama's speech.
John McCain listed Lewis as one of three people he would turn to for advice in his administration.
There is a really interesting article written by Frances Rice of the National Black Republican Association. It is called Why Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican. She carefully goes through the history in this country of the relationship of black Americans and the Democrat party and the Republican party. Martin Luther King, Jr. registered as a Republican in 1956.
"It should come as no surprise that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican. In that era, almost all black Americans were Republicans. Why? From its founding in 1854 as the anti-slavery party until today, the Republican Party has championed freedom and civil rights for blacks. And as one pundit so succinctly stated, the Democrat Party is as it always has been, the party of the four S's: Slavery, Secession, Segregation and now Socialism."
So, when Barack Obama was asked by Rev. Rick Warren at the Saddleback Church event, which Supreme Court justice would you have not nominated, Obama quickly named Justice Clarence Thomas. "I would not have nominated Clarence Thomas. I don't think that he, I don't think that he was a strong enough jurist or legal thinker at the time for that elevation. Setting aside the fact that I profoundly disagree with his interpretation of a lot of the Constitution."
So, back to the experience and judgement argument. As an article in The Wall Street Journal stated, "By the time he was nominated, Clarence Thomas had worked in the Missouri Attorney General's office, served as an Assistant Secretary of Education, run the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and sat for a year n the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, the nation's second most prominent court. Since his 'elevation" to the High Court in 1991, he has also shown himself to be a principled and scholarly jurist."
As the Investor's Business Daily stated, "Even he knows that Clarence Thomas is eminently more qualified to sit on the Supreme Court than Obama is to sit in the Oval Office."
David Ignatius of the Washington Post wrote that Obama "gained a reputation for skipping tough votes." Interestingly, these included a key gun-control vote in December 1999 because he was vacationing in his home state of Hawaii." "The myth developed that when there was a tough vote, he was gone. Obama is the Illinois state senator who voted "present" some 135 times lest he be forced to take a position he would have to intellectually explain and defend."
I think you have to have judgement to make a decision, don't you?
And, does Obama really want to bring up the issue of experience as it pertains to a legal scholar? Obama was President of the Harvard Law Review with not one written publication to his name. Almost utterly unheard of. Recently one lone 'anonymous' comment was found and attributed to Obama by people at the School of Law. Anonymous. And, it was described as 'mediocre'.
With no major publications to his credit, he was hired to teach law at University of Chicago Law School. Interesting. Not the normal by far, too.
Obama's spokesperson, Bill Burton, issued a nasty, petty statement belittling Sarah Palin this morning before she even accepted the spot on the ticket at the rally in Dayton, Ohio. I guess he thought it would just be accepted. Then, by late afternoon, the candidate of change and his 6 term Senator running mate made it public that they had both called Palin and congratulated her and issued a joint statement. When questioned, Obama said, as though it was someone else's campaign and not one that is his responsibility, that sometimes these campaigns go off on headstrong ways. As though he didn't approve of the previous statement of his spokesman. Just something that happened, I tell you.
I'm sure it had nothing to do with the blowback the campaign received.
The campaign just keeps getting more interesting.
"I get it. I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington." Sounds like Sarah Palin to me.
So, if you don't vote for him, it is because he is the unlikely bi-racial candidate. It's not because he doesn't have the experience necessary, as he accuses Palin. It's not because he is not fit to be Commander-in-Chief, as he boosts of being anti-war in 2002. Of course, it was politically advantageous in his position as a state legislator, but he left that part out. Also odd that he referenced Roosevelt and Kennedy as examples of Democrat presidents who defended this country when it was necessary. I assume he meant FDR, and he was dragged kicking and screaming into WWII, with his Court of St. James diplomat, Daddy Joe Kennedy resigning as he was a Hitler sympathizer and refused to support our entry into WWII. And, then JFK, paved the way into the Vietnam war.
He didn't mention John Lewis who was a fellow fighter for civil rights right along side of MLK. He was beaten within an inch of his life as he marched. Lewis was afforded a speaking slot during the dinner hour last night. Not prime time. No mention in Obama's speech.
John McCain listed Lewis as one of three people he would turn to for advice in his administration.
There is a really interesting article written by Frances Rice of the National Black Republican Association. It is called Why Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican. She carefully goes through the history in this country of the relationship of black Americans and the Democrat party and the Republican party. Martin Luther King, Jr. registered as a Republican in 1956.
"It should come as no surprise that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican. In that era, almost all black Americans were Republicans. Why? From its founding in 1854 as the anti-slavery party until today, the Republican Party has championed freedom and civil rights for blacks. And as one pundit so succinctly stated, the Democrat Party is as it always has been, the party of the four S's: Slavery, Secession, Segregation and now Socialism."
So, when Barack Obama was asked by Rev. Rick Warren at the Saddleback Church event, which Supreme Court justice would you have not nominated, Obama quickly named Justice Clarence Thomas. "I would not have nominated Clarence Thomas. I don't think that he, I don't think that he was a strong enough jurist or legal thinker at the time for that elevation. Setting aside the fact that I profoundly disagree with his interpretation of a lot of the Constitution."
So, back to the experience and judgement argument. As an article in The Wall Street Journal stated, "By the time he was nominated, Clarence Thomas had worked in the Missouri Attorney General's office, served as an Assistant Secretary of Education, run the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and sat for a year n the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, the nation's second most prominent court. Since his 'elevation" to the High Court in 1991, he has also shown himself to be a principled and scholarly jurist."
As the Investor's Business Daily stated, "Even he knows that Clarence Thomas is eminently more qualified to sit on the Supreme Court than Obama is to sit in the Oval Office."
David Ignatius of the Washington Post wrote that Obama "gained a reputation for skipping tough votes." Interestingly, these included a key gun-control vote in December 1999 because he was vacationing in his home state of Hawaii." "The myth developed that when there was a tough vote, he was gone. Obama is the Illinois state senator who voted "present" some 135 times lest he be forced to take a position he would have to intellectually explain and defend."
I think you have to have judgement to make a decision, don't you?
And, does Obama really want to bring up the issue of experience as it pertains to a legal scholar? Obama was President of the Harvard Law Review with not one written publication to his name. Almost utterly unheard of. Recently one lone 'anonymous' comment was found and attributed to Obama by people at the School of Law. Anonymous. And, it was described as 'mediocre'.
With no major publications to his credit, he was hired to teach law at University of Chicago Law School. Interesting. Not the normal by far, too.
Obama's spokesperson, Bill Burton, issued a nasty, petty statement belittling Sarah Palin this morning before she even accepted the spot on the ticket at the rally in Dayton, Ohio. I guess he thought it would just be accepted. Then, by late afternoon, the candidate of change and his 6 term Senator running mate made it public that they had both called Palin and congratulated her and issued a joint statement. When questioned, Obama said, as though it was someone else's campaign and not one that is his responsibility, that sometimes these campaigns go off on headstrong ways. As though he didn't approve of the previous statement of his spokesman. Just something that happened, I tell you.
I'm sure it had nothing to do with the blowback the campaign received.
The campaign just keeps getting more interesting.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sarah Palin: Fire and Nice
Last night, after the Democrat convention was finished, Senator John McCain ran a commercial congratulating Obama for his achievement as the party's nominee. McCain is a class act and showed it once again.
This gesture is lost on the Obama campaign. The likes of David Axelrod and his Chicago political machine of Richard Daley are not class acts. The Obama people are arrogant and without class. Today, before the rally even began and the announcement of Palin official, the Obama spokesman, Bill Burton, released a statement criticising Palin's "small town" mayor experience with no foreign policy experience.
Did the campaign not get the message that voters don't appreciate arrogant wealthy politicians belittling 'small towns' and the people there? Do they think we don't know that Joe Biden was picked as Obama's running mate for his foreign policy experience - and Obama's complete lack of said experience?
And, whereas McCain continued on with is promise of reform and change in Washington, Obama did what he is known to do and went back on his word for fighting for 'hope' and 'change'. Biden has been in Washington longer than McCain and his son is a big time lobbyist with a very lucrative career in D.C.
So, bash away, and the American voters, now alert and paying attention, will be the judge of which ticket is worthy of going to the highest offices in the land.
I wrote about Sarah Palin a while back and she is very impressive. That's what has the Democrats in such a snit. My post introduces some of her story. She is very accomplished at the age of 44 years and that has the other side worried, too. She is not a standard issue politician, as Hillary was, because she is very well-rounded. Hillary was tunnel-visioned solely into politics and her own rewards.
Sarah Palin is the daughter of elementary school employees. She was born in Idaho and moved with her parents to Alaska at the age of 3 months. She went to college in Idaho. She's been a union member and her husband is still a member of the steel workers union. She's a athlete, a former point guard on her high school basketball team that was State Champs. She entered a beauty pageant and walked away with Miss Congeniality. She's a hockey mom (move over soccer moms) and began her ascent into elected office by way of the PTA. She was voted onto her town's City Council and then Mayor. From there she ran as a fresh visionary for Alaska, a state fraught with corruption. She's made impressive inroads into cleaning up the state's politics. She sold the state's jet as an unnecessary expense. She drives herself around in her VW Jetta. She has an 80% approval rating as her state's governor, a number to be respected by anyone in the arena.
Today is her 20th wedding anniversary.
Her husband is just as well-rounded. Besides his union membership, he is a commercial fisherman, and an oil production manager on the North Slope. He shoulders the majority of kid raising duties. Sarah and he have 5 children, the youngest born in April. The oldest enlisted in the U.S. Army on 9/11/07 and is in a striker brigade. He is set to be deployed to Iraq soon.
Palin has been to Iraq. She is the only candidate on either ticket to have executive experience. The Obama people want to belittle her experience but they do so at their own folly. She is change and reform. She is a breath of fresh air. She acknowledged Gerry Ferrero and Hillary in her acceptance speech. She is gracious and mature.
For Obama to come out of the shoot so quickly and try to stomp on her announcement, shows insecurity. No one knew who Obama was just a matter of months ago. He still has no real resume to be President. He's at the top of his ticket. His VP, Biden, picked solely on his foreign policy experience, his a gaffe machine. He even has already made a mistake in the military terminology he used in his own acceptance speech. He is a 6 term Senator, longer serving than McCain. He is also arrogant, as is Obama, and while trying to use his Scranton, PA Joe routine, was raised in an upper middle class home on the east coast and now lives in what is referred to as the 'family compound'. Change?
Sarah Palin, as governor, told Washington, D.C., "Thanks, but no thanks, for that bridge to nowhere." She said, "if we wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves." She is for drilling in Alaska but stands up to the whipping boys of the Democrat's lingo, Big Oil, and demands the state receive a bigger share of revenue from them. She's serious on energy policy, the Obama policy people are clueless. Obama says there is no alternative energy policy in D.C. now? It's a lie, and if he doesn't know that Bush began with funding alternative energy policy in 2001, then that would be his own inexperience showing. Surely he wouldn't just be dishonest for the sake of a speech, would he?
Today is John McCain's birthday. He gave us a terrific present in the selection of Sarah Palin.
Typical McCain being McCain.
Country first. Two mavericks and two reformers united to turn around Washington, D.C. Together.
This gesture is lost on the Obama campaign. The likes of David Axelrod and his Chicago political machine of Richard Daley are not class acts. The Obama people are arrogant and without class. Today, before the rally even began and the announcement of Palin official, the Obama spokesman, Bill Burton, released a statement criticising Palin's "small town" mayor experience with no foreign policy experience.
Did the campaign not get the message that voters don't appreciate arrogant wealthy politicians belittling 'small towns' and the people there? Do they think we don't know that Joe Biden was picked as Obama's running mate for his foreign policy experience - and Obama's complete lack of said experience?
And, whereas McCain continued on with is promise of reform and change in Washington, Obama did what he is known to do and went back on his word for fighting for 'hope' and 'change'. Biden has been in Washington longer than McCain and his son is a big time lobbyist with a very lucrative career in D.C.
So, bash away, and the American voters, now alert and paying attention, will be the judge of which ticket is worthy of going to the highest offices in the land.
I wrote about Sarah Palin a while back and she is very impressive. That's what has the Democrats in such a snit. My post introduces some of her story. She is very accomplished at the age of 44 years and that has the other side worried, too. She is not a standard issue politician, as Hillary was, because she is very well-rounded. Hillary was tunnel-visioned solely into politics and her own rewards.
Sarah Palin is the daughter of elementary school employees. She was born in Idaho and moved with her parents to Alaska at the age of 3 months. She went to college in Idaho. She's been a union member and her husband is still a member of the steel workers union. She's a athlete, a former point guard on her high school basketball team that was State Champs. She entered a beauty pageant and walked away with Miss Congeniality. She's a hockey mom (move over soccer moms) and began her ascent into elected office by way of the PTA. She was voted onto her town's City Council and then Mayor. From there she ran as a fresh visionary for Alaska, a state fraught with corruption. She's made impressive inroads into cleaning up the state's politics. She sold the state's jet as an unnecessary expense. She drives herself around in her VW Jetta. She has an 80% approval rating as her state's governor, a number to be respected by anyone in the arena.
Today is her 20th wedding anniversary.
Her husband is just as well-rounded. Besides his union membership, he is a commercial fisherman, and an oil production manager on the North Slope. He shoulders the majority of kid raising duties. Sarah and he have 5 children, the youngest born in April. The oldest enlisted in the U.S. Army on 9/11/07 and is in a striker brigade. He is set to be deployed to Iraq soon.
Palin has been to Iraq. She is the only candidate on either ticket to have executive experience. The Obama people want to belittle her experience but they do so at their own folly. She is change and reform. She is a breath of fresh air. She acknowledged Gerry Ferrero and Hillary in her acceptance speech. She is gracious and mature.
For Obama to come out of the shoot so quickly and try to stomp on her announcement, shows insecurity. No one knew who Obama was just a matter of months ago. He still has no real resume to be President. He's at the top of his ticket. His VP, Biden, picked solely on his foreign policy experience, his a gaffe machine. He even has already made a mistake in the military terminology he used in his own acceptance speech. He is a 6 term Senator, longer serving than McCain. He is also arrogant, as is Obama, and while trying to use his Scranton, PA Joe routine, was raised in an upper middle class home on the east coast and now lives in what is referred to as the 'family compound'. Change?
Sarah Palin, as governor, told Washington, D.C., "Thanks, but no thanks, for that bridge to nowhere." She said, "if we wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves." She is for drilling in Alaska but stands up to the whipping boys of the Democrat's lingo, Big Oil, and demands the state receive a bigger share of revenue from them. She's serious on energy policy, the Obama policy people are clueless. Obama says there is no alternative energy policy in D.C. now? It's a lie, and if he doesn't know that Bush began with funding alternative energy policy in 2001, then that would be his own inexperience showing. Surely he wouldn't just be dishonest for the sake of a speech, would he?
Today is John McCain's birthday. He gave us a terrific present in the selection of Sarah Palin.
Typical McCain being McCain.
Country first. Two mavericks and two reformers united to turn around Washington, D.C. Together.
Notes from the Democrat Convention
John McCain ran a commercial congratulating Obama at the end of the Democrat convention last night. McCain showed his usual style of reaching out to everyone and his commerical was a show of class. Typical McCain. The contrast between candidates is stark. The American people are waking up now and that is good.
Jimmy Carter, the worst President in my lifetime, told USA Today in an interview that John McCain is a "distinguished naval officer" but that he is "milking every possible drop of advantage" from his time served as a prisoner of war in Vietnam."
And, the media was caught openly cheering and applauding Obama last night at the stadium during and after his speech. From The Hill's blog, "Several members of the media were seen cheering and clapping for Barack Obama as the Illinois senator accepted the Democratic nomination Thursday. Standing on the periphery of the football field serving as the Democratic convention floor, dozens of men and women wearing green media floor passes chanted along with the crowd. Two members of the foreign press exchanged opportunities to take each other's picture while wearing an Obama hat and waving a flag."
From NewsBusters, there is this: "Television journalists were nearly uniformly enthralled with Barack Obama's Thursday night acceptance speech, relieved he showed the toughness to take on John McCain directly, unlike in their world view all too-soft past Democratic nominees."
For a bit of humor, check out David Brooks' column in The New York Times. Here's a snippet: "We got to know Barack and Michelle Obama, two tall, thin, rich, beautiful people who don't perspire, but who nonetheless feel compassion for their squatter and smellier fellow citizens. We know that Barack could have gone to a prestigious law firm, like his big donors in the luxury boxes, but he chose to put his ego aside to become a professional politician, president of the United States and redeemer of the human race. We heard about his time as a community organizer, the three most fulfilling months of his life."
Charles Krauthammer makes an interesting point of what wasn't seen from the stage of the Democrat convention. Where were those who could surround him and vouch for his candidacy? For his ability to lead, to work across party lines, to bring people together, as he claims he will. And as he claims he has done in the past. "When John Kerry was introduced at his convention four years ago, an honor guard of a dozen mates from his Vietnam days surrounded him on the podium attesting to his character and readiness to lead. Such personal testimonials are the norm. The roster of fellow soldiers or fellow senators who could from personal experience vouch for John McCain is rather long. At a less partisan date in the calendar, that roster might even include Democrats Russ Feingold and Edward Kennedy, with whom John McCain has worked to fashion important legislation."
And finally, The Wall Street Journal has an op-ed about last night. It ends with this: "The coming campaign ought to be a test of whether the country really wants that kind of change. We have our doubts, and Mr. Obama may have doubts himself -- which probably explains the audacity of his rhetorical, postpartisan disguise. We've been disappointed by shooting stars before."
Onward.
Jimmy Carter, the worst President in my lifetime, told USA Today in an interview that John McCain is a "distinguished naval officer" but that he is "milking every possible drop of advantage" from his time served as a prisoner of war in Vietnam."
And, the media was caught openly cheering and applauding Obama last night at the stadium during and after his speech. From The Hill's blog, "Several members of the media were seen cheering and clapping for Barack Obama as the Illinois senator accepted the Democratic nomination Thursday. Standing on the periphery of the football field serving as the Democratic convention floor, dozens of men and women wearing green media floor passes chanted along with the crowd. Two members of the foreign press exchanged opportunities to take each other's picture while wearing an Obama hat and waving a flag."
From NewsBusters, there is this: "Television journalists were nearly uniformly enthralled with Barack Obama's Thursday night acceptance speech, relieved he showed the toughness to take on John McCain directly, unlike in their world view all too-soft past Democratic nominees."
For a bit of humor, check out David Brooks' column in The New York Times. Here's a snippet: "We got to know Barack and Michelle Obama, two tall, thin, rich, beautiful people who don't perspire, but who nonetheless feel compassion for their squatter and smellier fellow citizens. We know that Barack could have gone to a prestigious law firm, like his big donors in the luxury boxes, but he chose to put his ego aside to become a professional politician, president of the United States and redeemer of the human race. We heard about his time as a community organizer, the three most fulfilling months of his life."
Charles Krauthammer makes an interesting point of what wasn't seen from the stage of the Democrat convention. Where were those who could surround him and vouch for his candidacy? For his ability to lead, to work across party lines, to bring people together, as he claims he will. And as he claims he has done in the past. "When John Kerry was introduced at his convention four years ago, an honor guard of a dozen mates from his Vietnam days surrounded him on the podium attesting to his character and readiness to lead. Such personal testimonials are the norm. The roster of fellow soldiers or fellow senators who could from personal experience vouch for John McCain is rather long. At a less partisan date in the calendar, that roster might even include Democrats Russ Feingold and Edward Kennedy, with whom John McCain has worked to fashion important legislation."
And finally, The Wall Street Journal has an op-ed about last night. It ends with this: "The coming campaign ought to be a test of whether the country really wants that kind of change. We have our doubts, and Mr. Obama may have doubts himself -- which probably explains the audacity of his rhetorical, postpartisan disguise. We've been disappointed by shooting stars before."
Onward.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Convention Reading, Not Watching
While I am not abusing myself by watching the speeches during the evening Democrat convention coverage, I do read about them in the paper and online. It will be interesting to read the coverage tomorrow after the speech delivered by Obama in the stadium tonight. Delivered from a set built by Britney Spear's former set designer, rumor has it. The common folk are to be reminded of the Lincoln Memorial by the set.
Lincoln was a Republican. Obama's ancestors weren't slaves in America. Oops.
As Harry Reid was interviewed by a Las Vegas Sun columnist, Jon Ralston, he said John McCain "doesn't have the temperament to be president." Wow, Harry. That's original. And, while we're talking about temperaments, isn't the wonderful Bill Clinton still having red-faced fits of rage against perceived slights? I don't recall any angst about his temperament.
Jon Stewart spoke to reporters at a breakfast in Denver. From CNN's Political Ticker, "Even as Stewart shredded reporters for, in his estimation, getting too cozy with and used by political candidates, he readily admitted that candidates flock to his show to attract his much sought after younger audience. "It's just one part of their sales pitch," he said." These reporters realize Stewart is just a comedian (allegedly), don't they? He's not one of them.
Nancy Pelosi is being schooled by the Catholic bishops for her mumbo jumbo explanation of when life begins and her justification for her pro-choice stance on abortion. She sounded demented, as she usually does. She's never been mistaken as the sharpest tool in the shed.
Peggy Noonan has a good column in The Wall Street Journal on her notes from the convention so far. She clearly draws a distinction between how Democrats view Americans - dwelling on the single, working mom unrelentingly, the uninsured kids, and soldiers who need extra care. All legitimate issues, to be sure, but the Republicans show concern for women by speaking to the needs of lower taxes for the small businesses they start and run, for the average family budgeting and trying to keep excessive taxes paid as they send children to school and care for aging parents.
She concludes, "Neither party ever gets it quite right, the balance between the taxed and the needy, the suffering of one sort and the suffering of another. You might say that in this both parties are equally cold and equally warm, only to two different classes of citizens."
Speeches last night focused on foreign policy and national security, from what I've read. Critics say that the 'experts' were retired military with no real experience in the current wars. It was referred to as warmed over rhetoric from more than a year ago. One vet who retired in 1997 and hasn't been to Iraq or Afghanistan said the troops need relief from 18 month tours. The tours are 15 months and now are back to 12 months. Self appointed expert on all things, Joe Biden, a 6 term Senator bringing stability to the party nominee, said that Obama called for 2 battalions needed to be sent to Afghanistan a year ago. The correct term is brigade. Quite a correction in troops, Joe. Not a roaring start to his campaigning as he tries to put his habit of exaggeration behind him.
And, Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-WVA, weighed in with his usual criticism of McCain. "John McCain has served his country with honor. But his refusal to change course even in the face of the failed policies of Bush-Cheney is reckless and will not keep us safe." Here's the truth - McCain began disagreeing with policy after his first trip to Iraq in 2003. He called for more troops on the ground and was at odds with the administration, the Republican party and military commanders until January 2007 when Bush sent 20,000 more troops to Iraq. That's when the surge was allowed to succeed. Sorry, Jay. You look like a putz, as usual.
According to today's report by Robert Burns of AP, "Conditions in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, where a brutal insurgency once ruled, have improved so dramatically that the United States is handing over responsibility for security in the Sunni stronghold to Iraq within days. troops freed up in Iraq could shift to Afghanistan." So, there's that.
"A ceremony marking the Anbar turnover is expected to be held Monday, several U.S. and Iraqi officials said."
Did you hear that last night?
Lincoln was a Republican. Obama's ancestors weren't slaves in America. Oops.
As Harry Reid was interviewed by a Las Vegas Sun columnist, Jon Ralston, he said John McCain "doesn't have the temperament to be president." Wow, Harry. That's original. And, while we're talking about temperaments, isn't the wonderful Bill Clinton still having red-faced fits of rage against perceived slights? I don't recall any angst about his temperament.
Jon Stewart spoke to reporters at a breakfast in Denver. From CNN's Political Ticker, "Even as Stewart shredded reporters for, in his estimation, getting too cozy with and used by political candidates, he readily admitted that candidates flock to his show to attract his much sought after younger audience. "It's just one part of their sales pitch," he said." These reporters realize Stewart is just a comedian (allegedly), don't they? He's not one of them.
Nancy Pelosi is being schooled by the Catholic bishops for her mumbo jumbo explanation of when life begins and her justification for her pro-choice stance on abortion. She sounded demented, as she usually does. She's never been mistaken as the sharpest tool in the shed.
Peggy Noonan has a good column in The Wall Street Journal on her notes from the convention so far. She clearly draws a distinction between how Democrats view Americans - dwelling on the single, working mom unrelentingly, the uninsured kids, and soldiers who need extra care. All legitimate issues, to be sure, but the Republicans show concern for women by speaking to the needs of lower taxes for the small businesses they start and run, for the average family budgeting and trying to keep excessive taxes paid as they send children to school and care for aging parents.
She concludes, "Neither party ever gets it quite right, the balance between the taxed and the needy, the suffering of one sort and the suffering of another. You might say that in this both parties are equally cold and equally warm, only to two different classes of citizens."
Speeches last night focused on foreign policy and national security, from what I've read. Critics say that the 'experts' were retired military with no real experience in the current wars. It was referred to as warmed over rhetoric from more than a year ago. One vet who retired in 1997 and hasn't been to Iraq or Afghanistan said the troops need relief from 18 month tours. The tours are 15 months and now are back to 12 months. Self appointed expert on all things, Joe Biden, a 6 term Senator bringing stability to the party nominee, said that Obama called for 2 battalions needed to be sent to Afghanistan a year ago. The correct term is brigade. Quite a correction in troops, Joe. Not a roaring start to his campaigning as he tries to put his habit of exaggeration behind him.
And, Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-WVA, weighed in with his usual criticism of McCain. "John McCain has served his country with honor. But his refusal to change course even in the face of the failed policies of Bush-Cheney is reckless and will not keep us safe." Here's the truth - McCain began disagreeing with policy after his first trip to Iraq in 2003. He called for more troops on the ground and was at odds with the administration, the Republican party and military commanders until January 2007 when Bush sent 20,000 more troops to Iraq. That's when the surge was allowed to succeed. Sorry, Jay. You look like a putz, as usual.
According to today's report by Robert Burns of AP, "Conditions in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, where a brutal insurgency once ruled, have improved so dramatically that the United States is handing over responsibility for security in the Sunni stronghold to Iraq within days. troops freed up in Iraq could shift to Afghanistan." So, there's that.
"A ceremony marking the Anbar turnover is expected to be held Monday, several U.S. and Iraqi officials said."
Did you hear that last night?
Noriega Trashes Texas in Denver
While at the Democrat National Convention in Denver this week, the challenger to Senator John Cornyn, Rick Noriega, wasted no time in trash talking his state.
Proving to be just another untrustworthy; not ready for the challenge Democrat, Noriega has chosen to go negative on his own state while trolling for campaign dollars in Denver. With his recent unsuccessful efforts to gain ground in the Senate race, Noriega is now begging for bucks from Western and North Eastern liberal fat cat donors.
According to the Dallas Morning-News: "Being a Texan today, Mr. Noriega said, means always having to say you're sorry." "I immediately feel compelled to just apologize to all of you," Noriega told high rollers at the now infamous gathering of highrollers and about a dozen Democrat senatorial hopefuls. This must be the same gathering, at the Brown Palace Hotel, where Obama's campaign staffers insisted on the ABC News producer be arrested while filming - on a public sidewalk - the attendees, all high ranking Democrat Senators, leaving the hotel. The Sheriff's deputy leading the Senators out of the building was puffing on a cigar, according to reports. How cozy.
Obama, still doing it the Chicago way.
ABC News sent an investigative team to report on the goings on of the big donors to the Democrat party. For all of his protestations of not being beholding to the same people all other politicians are beholding to, especially a standard issue pol from the south side of Chicago, he has proved himself no better. No hope of change with him, no matter how many times he tells his flock otherwise.
Texas is the fastest growing state in the union. Recently, CNBC named Texas the #1 state in which to do business in America. Senator John Cornyn is proud of his state's accomplishments. He is a happy warrior. He is predicted to handily win re-election.
Noriega will learn the hard way that doom and gloom don't sell. Just as the Democrats are busy bashing America for percieved problems - the worst economy ever, according to lying Joe Biden - the facts show otherwise. Noriega should be his own man, not a party puppet. Stop listening to Chuckie Schumer, who refers to Noriega as State Sen. Noriega. Noriega is a State Representative.
Party on, Rick.
Proving to be just another untrustworthy; not ready for the challenge Democrat, Noriega has chosen to go negative on his own state while trolling for campaign dollars in Denver. With his recent unsuccessful efforts to gain ground in the Senate race, Noriega is now begging for bucks from Western and North Eastern liberal fat cat donors.
According to the Dallas Morning-News: "Being a Texan today, Mr. Noriega said, means always having to say you're sorry." "I immediately feel compelled to just apologize to all of you," Noriega told high rollers at the now infamous gathering of highrollers and about a dozen Democrat senatorial hopefuls. This must be the same gathering, at the Brown Palace Hotel, where Obama's campaign staffers insisted on the ABC News producer be arrested while filming - on a public sidewalk - the attendees, all high ranking Democrat Senators, leaving the hotel. The Sheriff's deputy leading the Senators out of the building was puffing on a cigar, according to reports. How cozy.
Obama, still doing it the Chicago way.
ABC News sent an investigative team to report on the goings on of the big donors to the Democrat party. For all of his protestations of not being beholding to the same people all other politicians are beholding to, especially a standard issue pol from the south side of Chicago, he has proved himself no better. No hope of change with him, no matter how many times he tells his flock otherwise.
Texas is the fastest growing state in the union. Recently, CNBC named Texas the #1 state in which to do business in America. Senator John Cornyn is proud of his state's accomplishments. He is a happy warrior. He is predicted to handily win re-election.
Noriega will learn the hard way that doom and gloom don't sell. Just as the Democrats are busy bashing America for percieved problems - the worst economy ever, according to lying Joe Biden - the facts show otherwise. Noriega should be his own man, not a party puppet. Stop listening to Chuckie Schumer, who refers to Noriega as State Sen. Noriega. Noriega is a State Representative.
Party on, Rick.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Why Kobe and The Girls Made Me Proud
Here's what I took away from the Olympics and the coverage I watched. The commenters are dumb. The athletes are patriotic and happy people. That's it in a nutshell.
Just as I saw a little clip of Cindy McCain in Georgia today answer a reporter's question, "Are you here to avoid the Democrat convention?" (She said no, it was as quickly as she could get permission to enter the country, you idiot). I saw an incredibly stupid woman who I suppose I am to know but don't, she was tall and had a deep voice, ask the director of the Panda Preserve if the panda bears did tricks. What? Did she think they were in a circus? The director politely told her no, they don't do tricks. The Chinese are a polite people. You know he was thinking, you stupid woman, why are you taking up my time?
I watched the two American young women win the gold medal for beach volleyball and thank the President of the United States for his support and encouragement and "all you do for our country." Amazing. You'll remember he was ridiculed in the press for pretending to pat one on the back as she turned around for him to see her tattoo on her lower back. Those two women were all heart and they were great.
And Michael Phelps complete appreciation of his mom. Who wouldn't smile at that story?
There was an article I read in Pajamas Media by Melissa Clouthier about Kobe Bryant's interview with Chris Collinsworth. I'm no Kobe fan - I think he's just another overpaid professional jock - but I admire how he schooled Collinsworth on patriotism. It went like this:
Collinsworth asks Bryant where his patriotism came from. Kobe said, "Well, you know, it's just our country, it's...we believe is the greatest country in the world. It has given us so many great opportunities, and it's just a sense of pride that you have, that you say, "You know what? Our country is the best!"
Collinsworth, being a supporter of all things bashing America and ashamed of any pride in country he may feel, apparently, asks Kobe, "Is that a cool thing to say, in this day and age? That you love your country, and that you're fighting for the red, white, and blue? It seems sort of like a day gone by." Freaking incredible, I know, but many liberals think this way. It's very common.
This is where it is "Cool" for the rest of us. Kobe says, "No, it's a cool thing for me to say. I feel great about it, and I'm not ashamed to say it. I mean, this is a tremendous honor." Got that, Mr. Overpaid Sports Commenter? How about using some of your salary and buying a history book or two. That is assuming you can read one.
NBC is noticeably enthusiastic about bashing America. Their cable news channels are the lowest rated in the viewer polls and I would venture to guess most Americans don't appreciate such a bad attitude of the on-air personalities.
America is still a center-right country. Americans are winners and love our way of life. Doom and gloom doesn't sell. The optimism of our athletes and their open pride of country was a breath of fresh air.
Why didn't the on-air people show a bit of support for their own country instead of talking about the greatness of the Chinese way of life. Did they forget they were in a totalitarian state, one of the most repressive on the planet? Or did they lose their nerve to remain in the country and be on the air? Did they forget the very stories we heard of people not being allowed to drive to work so the air would be cleaner? Or the Chinese who were made to clean the toxic muck out of the water for the rowing sports?
And, Barack Obama waxing poetically about the 'infrastructure' of Beijing and how companies will want to go there instead of stay in our country, which, in Obama world is far inferior? I'm guessing he's never been to China, unless only to Beijing. Or else he's just really stupid and is at the point of just saying anything to an audience. Either way, it's not the change we need.
I'm with Kobe. And all the others. They all made me very proud.
Just as I saw a little clip of Cindy McCain in Georgia today answer a reporter's question, "Are you here to avoid the Democrat convention?" (She said no, it was as quickly as she could get permission to enter the country, you idiot). I saw an incredibly stupid woman who I suppose I am to know but don't, she was tall and had a deep voice, ask the director of the Panda Preserve if the panda bears did tricks. What? Did she think they were in a circus? The director politely told her no, they don't do tricks. The Chinese are a polite people. You know he was thinking, you stupid woman, why are you taking up my time?
I watched the two American young women win the gold medal for beach volleyball and thank the President of the United States for his support and encouragement and "all you do for our country." Amazing. You'll remember he was ridiculed in the press for pretending to pat one on the back as she turned around for him to see her tattoo on her lower back. Those two women were all heart and they were great.
And Michael Phelps complete appreciation of his mom. Who wouldn't smile at that story?
There was an article I read in Pajamas Media by Melissa Clouthier about Kobe Bryant's interview with Chris Collinsworth. I'm no Kobe fan - I think he's just another overpaid professional jock - but I admire how he schooled Collinsworth on patriotism. It went like this:
Collinsworth asks Bryant where his patriotism came from. Kobe said, "Well, you know, it's just our country, it's...we believe is the greatest country in the world. It has given us so many great opportunities, and it's just a sense of pride that you have, that you say, "You know what? Our country is the best!"
Collinsworth, being a supporter of all things bashing America and ashamed of any pride in country he may feel, apparently, asks Kobe, "Is that a cool thing to say, in this day and age? That you love your country, and that you're fighting for the red, white, and blue? It seems sort of like a day gone by." Freaking incredible, I know, but many liberals think this way. It's very common.
This is where it is "Cool" for the rest of us. Kobe says, "No, it's a cool thing for me to say. I feel great about it, and I'm not ashamed to say it. I mean, this is a tremendous honor." Got that, Mr. Overpaid Sports Commenter? How about using some of your salary and buying a history book or two. That is assuming you can read one.
NBC is noticeably enthusiastic about bashing America. Their cable news channels are the lowest rated in the viewer polls and I would venture to guess most Americans don't appreciate such a bad attitude of the on-air personalities.
America is still a center-right country. Americans are winners and love our way of life. Doom and gloom doesn't sell. The optimism of our athletes and their open pride of country was a breath of fresh air.
Why didn't the on-air people show a bit of support for their own country instead of talking about the greatness of the Chinese way of life. Did they forget they were in a totalitarian state, one of the most repressive on the planet? Or did they lose their nerve to remain in the country and be on the air? Did they forget the very stories we heard of people not being allowed to drive to work so the air would be cleaner? Or the Chinese who were made to clean the toxic muck out of the water for the rowing sports?
And, Barack Obama waxing poetically about the 'infrastructure' of Beijing and how companies will want to go there instead of stay in our country, which, in Obama world is far inferior? I'm guessing he's never been to China, unless only to Beijing. Or else he's just really stupid and is at the point of just saying anything to an audience. Either way, it's not the change we need.
I'm with Kobe. And all the others. They all made me very proud.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Rendell Calls Out Media
Want to see some of the old Presidential campaign commercials? Fellow blogger, Otto, posted this fun link. It's a fun time killer. I watched some and remembered them from the past. The campaigns span the years of 1952 up to 2004.
This was a convention-free household last night. And, we'll keep it that way, thanks. I watched John McCain on Leno last night and that was fun. It was his 13th appearance on the show. He mentioned that Cindy has gone to Georgia to see how the country is doing since the Russian invasion. They joked about the silliness of the houses question and McCain said he was proud of his now deceased father-in-law, a WWII vet shot down three times, who came back to Arizona after the war with nothing and built a successful business that he could pass down to his daughter. The audience was very receptive to McCain and frequently clapped and cheered. One audience member yelled out, "You're gonna win!", which was a funny surprise. He was going to a fundraiser after the taping. A Republican fundraiser in Hollywood? That's the change I'm looking for.
Sunday afternoon brought an awkward moment for a discussion panel with Sunday chat show moderators Tom Brokaw, George Stephanopoulous and Bob Schieffer. Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania, was to give the closing remarks. Now backing Obama, Rendell was originally a strong Hillary supporter.
"Ladies and gentleman, the coverage of Barack Obama was embarrassing," said Rendell. "It was embarrassing". "MSNBC was the official network of the Obama campaign." "Chris Matthews loses his impartiality when he talks about he Clintons."
According to Politico's Michael Calderone's blog, "at that point, PBS's Judy Woodruff, who was moderating the moderators event, said, "Why don't we let Governor Rendell sit down." "That was met with applause from the crowd of big-time media figures, which included Arianna Huffington, Gwen Ifill, Al Hunt, and Chuck Todd." Al Hunt is Judy Woodruff's husband. Gwen Ifill is a gushing Obama cheerleader and will moderate the upcoming VP Debate.
Can't have anyone calling out the media for blatant campaigning disguised as 'reporting' or 'journalism'.
This was a convention-free household last night. And, we'll keep it that way, thanks. I watched John McCain on Leno last night and that was fun. It was his 13th appearance on the show. He mentioned that Cindy has gone to Georgia to see how the country is doing since the Russian invasion. They joked about the silliness of the houses question and McCain said he was proud of his now deceased father-in-law, a WWII vet shot down three times, who came back to Arizona after the war with nothing and built a successful business that he could pass down to his daughter. The audience was very receptive to McCain and frequently clapped and cheered. One audience member yelled out, "You're gonna win!", which was a funny surprise. He was going to a fundraiser after the taping. A Republican fundraiser in Hollywood? That's the change I'm looking for.
Sunday afternoon brought an awkward moment for a discussion panel with Sunday chat show moderators Tom Brokaw, George Stephanopoulous and Bob Schieffer. Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania, was to give the closing remarks. Now backing Obama, Rendell was originally a strong Hillary supporter.
"Ladies and gentleman, the coverage of Barack Obama was embarrassing," said Rendell. "It was embarrassing". "MSNBC was the official network of the Obama campaign." "Chris Matthews loses his impartiality when he talks about he Clintons."
According to Politico's Michael Calderone's blog, "at that point, PBS's Judy Woodruff, who was moderating the moderators event, said, "Why don't we let Governor Rendell sit down." "That was met with applause from the crowd of big-time media figures, which included Arianna Huffington, Gwen Ifill, Al Hunt, and Chuck Todd." Al Hunt is Judy Woodruff's husband. Gwen Ifill is a gushing Obama cheerleader and will moderate the upcoming VP Debate.
Can't have anyone calling out the media for blatant campaigning disguised as 'reporting' or 'journalism'.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Cornyn Leads Race for Re-Election
According to the latest polling numbers released by Rasmussen late Monday evening, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) is in good shape for re-election.
"Rasmussen Markets data shows that Cornyn is currently given a 70% chance of keeping his job in November. This figure is updated on a a 24/7 basis by market participants."
"The U.S. Senate race in Texas remains steady this month. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state finds GOP Senator John Cornyn leading Democratic state legislator Rick Noriega 48% to 37%. When "leaners" are included, the race is Cornyn 52%, Noriega 38%."
Today also, a statement from the Cornyn campaign was released concerning the agreement of upcoming debates. Senator Cornyn has agreed to debate Noriega in two debates in October. One debate will be held in Dallas, one in Houston. The debates will be televised statewide.
Public television stations KUHT in Houston will put on the October 9 debate and KERA in Dallas will put on the October 16 debate. Both stations are working on providing a statewide feed for other stations to air the programs.
"Rasmussen Markets data shows that Cornyn is currently given a 70% chance of keeping his job in November. This figure is updated on a a 24/7 basis by market participants."
"The U.S. Senate race in Texas remains steady this month. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state finds GOP Senator John Cornyn leading Democratic state legislator Rick Noriega 48% to 37%. When "leaners" are included, the race is Cornyn 52%, Noriega 38%."
Today also, a statement from the Cornyn campaign was released concerning the agreement of upcoming debates. Senator Cornyn has agreed to debate Noriega in two debates in October. One debate will be held in Dallas, one in Houston. The debates will be televised statewide.
Public television stations KUHT in Houston will put on the October 9 debate and KERA in Dallas will put on the October 16 debate. Both stations are working on providing a statewide feed for other stations to air the programs.
Democrats Begin Convention
Today is opening day for the Democrat Convention in Denver. Tonight brings such stellar excitement at Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean, perhaps an appearance after the tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy, and then the hyped up appearance by Michelle Obama.
Michelle tonight will attempt to tell you she is 'every woman', as her bff Oprah says. She's just a regular wife and mom. Except she lives in a million dollar mansion with the help of friends with high dollar bank accounts, her salary at Univ of Chicago Med Center almost doubled when her husband became an U.S. Senator and helped push money her way there, and she gives speeches with a nasty boulder sized chip on her shoulder to ordinary Americans.
Other than all that, she's just good old Michelle.
And, she encourages regular Americans to not go the working for a hedge fund route,not go to law school route, not concentrate in making money route. She's all about public service. Easy for her to say, with a salary of a quarter of a million and big bucks for sitting on corporate boards.
She doesn't get it any more than Barack does. So, they are a perfect match.
Speaking of perfect matches, how about the selection of Joe Biden for VP? They shouldn't have much problems meshing with their personalities. It's all about both of them. They both think very highly of themselves. And both plagiarized with free abandon. While there are some clear problems with issues between them, I'm sure that will all be water under the bridge - Biden voted for the Iraq war; Biden voted for the bankruptcy changes in legislation and Obama didn't; Biden's son is a lobbyist for MSNA, the credit card entity based in Delaware and has been made a millionaire in a hedge fund position; and both are very liberal - Obama being the most liberal and Biden almost there with him.
Obama is in favor of all abortion rights, including a move deemed infanticide by his opponents. Biden voted to ban partial birth abortions. Obama favors mandatory health care coverage for children. Biden called for more access to health care coverage for all children and adults.
Biden has been in the Senate longer than McCain. Biden lives in a family 'compound' in Delaware. Biden is a virtual gaffe machine. Where does all this fit in with the change mantra all the chanters chant?
The Republicans are at the convention to combat the smears to come. The McCain group has been good at instant retorts to the nasty stuff, which Obama is suppose to be above. He has Biden to be a tag team now with Michelle,(the Closer) and he can act as though he has nothing to do with any of it.
And, the celebs are still Bush deranged, bless their hearts. Madonna equates McCain to Hitler. Wow, that's original. Madge didn't graduate from high school so we can't really expect too much from her. Remember that old Saturday Night Live skit with the original cast members, Dan Ackroyd and Jane Curtin? Ackroyd refers to Curtin as, "you ignorant slut". That phrase popped into my head when I heard of Madge's stunt.
Michelle tonight will attempt to tell you she is 'every woman', as her bff Oprah says. She's just a regular wife and mom. Except she lives in a million dollar mansion with the help of friends with high dollar bank accounts, her salary at Univ of Chicago Med Center almost doubled when her husband became an U.S. Senator and helped push money her way there, and she gives speeches with a nasty boulder sized chip on her shoulder to ordinary Americans.
Other than all that, she's just good old Michelle.
And, she encourages regular Americans to not go the working for a hedge fund route,not go to law school route, not concentrate in making money route. She's all about public service. Easy for her to say, with a salary of a quarter of a million and big bucks for sitting on corporate boards.
She doesn't get it any more than Barack does. So, they are a perfect match.
Speaking of perfect matches, how about the selection of Joe Biden for VP? They shouldn't have much problems meshing with their personalities. It's all about both of them. They both think very highly of themselves. And both plagiarized with free abandon. While there are some clear problems with issues between them, I'm sure that will all be water under the bridge - Biden voted for the Iraq war; Biden voted for the bankruptcy changes in legislation and Obama didn't; Biden's son is a lobbyist for MSNA, the credit card entity based in Delaware and has been made a millionaire in a hedge fund position; and both are very liberal - Obama being the most liberal and Biden almost there with him.
Obama is in favor of all abortion rights, including a move deemed infanticide by his opponents. Biden voted to ban partial birth abortions. Obama favors mandatory health care coverage for children. Biden called for more access to health care coverage for all children and adults.
Biden has been in the Senate longer than McCain. Biden lives in a family 'compound' in Delaware. Biden is a virtual gaffe machine. Where does all this fit in with the change mantra all the chanters chant?
The Republicans are at the convention to combat the smears to come. The McCain group has been good at instant retorts to the nasty stuff, which Obama is suppose to be above. He has Biden to be a tag team now with Michelle,(the Closer) and he can act as though he has nothing to do with any of it.
And, the celebs are still Bush deranged, bless their hearts. Madonna equates McCain to Hitler. Wow, that's original. Madge didn't graduate from high school so we can't really expect too much from her. Remember that old Saturday Night Live skit with the original cast members, Dan Ackroyd and Jane Curtin? Ackroyd refers to Curtin as, "you ignorant slut". That phrase popped into my head when I heard of Madge's stunt.
Friday, August 22, 2008
How Many Houses Do You Own?
You can tell the time is late summer and the debating is getting silly. Now, we have the back and forth on real estate. Is this the best we can do, to paraphrase Senator Obama, for substantial debate fodder?
Yesterday, a reporter with Politico, asked Senator McCain how many homes he owned. Odd question, on the face of it appearing to be some sort of strange 'gotcha' exercise. Rather than answer incorrectly, McCain said his staff would get back to him. Obama, falling in the polls, decided this was too yummy to pass. Hey, what happened to the change candidate that didn't stoop to 'gotcha' politics?
Today on the campaign trail with his new best friend, Tim Kaine, governor of VA,(someone with even less substance than Obama in the experience department) Mr. Change mocked Senator McCain and claimed he's out of touch with 'regular' Americans. Taking the answer about wealth out of context from the forum last Saturday at Saddleback Church, the forum where Obama did not give a very good performance, Obama claimed McCain thinks a good marker for personal wealth is $5 million. "I define rich in other ways besides income," he said. "Some people are wealthy and rich in their lives and their children and their ability to educate them. Others are poor if they're billionaires." That quote referenced in the Politico.com article.
The answer to the question seems to be seven in total. However, McCain's name is on none of the properties; they are in Cindy's name or the business name as investment property. The house in which the McCain family live in Arizona is the former home of Cindy's parents, the home in which she was raised. One property is a condo that was purchased for daughter Meghan. One is a condo McCain lives in when working in Washington. There is a family retreat 'ranch' type of property in Sedona. The other condos are listed as investment property.
What is unusual about that for a woman worth many millions of dollars? It is newsworthy simply because John McCain is married to her. I thought wives were off limits. At least that is what we are told if anyone critiques Michelle Obama, "the Closer" for the Obama campaign.
Remember John Kerry? He, too, has a very wealthy wife with many homes. How about the Kennedys or any number of wealthy politicians who have two or three homes in their names? One in Washington and others back home or in vacation locales? The point is, it is not unusual.
Yes, seven is a high number. They also seem to be good investments. I think it shows good business sense. You know, for all those who think McCain doesn't know business or the economy, that must be hard to take. Especially since it's a ridiculous claim anyway. The man is chair of the Senate Commerce Committee.
So, Chuckie Schumer can ridicule John McCain's shoes, of all things, for what he calls "$500 shoes, has six houses and comes from one of the richest families in his state." Wrong on two of the counts for sure, Chuckie. McCain's family isn't wealthy like Cindy's. He's from a military background. Can Schumer get to be any more of a low level political hack in conduct?
And, David Axelrod piping in to The New York Times Adam Nagourney about the "McCain estate in Sedona". Wonder how many homes the political consultant and lobbyist has himself? He's even put out an ad on this issue in record time for the campaign. Classy guy that he is - and agent of Obama's "change" strategy.
So, the McCain campaign responded: "Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from vacation on a private beach in Hawaii and bought his own million-dollar mansion with the help of a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses? Does a guy who worries about the price of arugula and thinks regular people 'cling' to guns and religion in the face of economic hardship really want to have a debate about who's in touch with regular Americans?"
"The reality is that Barack Obama's plans to raise taxes and opposition to producing more energy here at home as gas prices skyrocket show he's completely out of touch with the concerns of average Americans."
"At a campaign appearance in Chester, Va., on Thursday morning, Obama siad: "Somebody asked John McCain, 'How many houses do you have?' And he said, I'm not sure. I'll have to check with my staff. True quote: I'm not sure, I'll have to check with my state. So they asked his staff and he said, at least four. At least four!..." That from the Politico. Again, Obama passing off "a true quote" after he edits it for his benefit.
From Richard Miniter's piece at Pajamas Media :"For better or for worse, the senate is a rich man's club. This is largely due to campaign finance laws, which limits how much other people can give you but doesn't limit how much you (or your wife) can give to you, and partly due to a kind of "House of Lords" tradition. (Of course, McCain is to blame for last two iterations of "campaign-finance reform.) Finally, McCain had one good answer open to him when asked how many houses he owns: None. My wife owns them all. A lot of guys can identify with that."
Democrats wish to ridicule or berate Americans for success and sound family economic decisions. In today's world, many 'regular' Americans have a second home. The second home may be a cabin for hunting and fishing. The second home may be a home on a lake for summer vacations or in the mountains for winter skiing. Or, it could be a condo for a college student in another city.
All wise investments. Shame on the Obama campaign. Class warfare won't work this time around. Obama's falling numbers are a clear indication of that. And, in the case of Obama, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. He's not exactly living small himself.
Yesterday, a reporter with Politico, asked Senator McCain how many homes he owned. Odd question, on the face of it appearing to be some sort of strange 'gotcha' exercise. Rather than answer incorrectly, McCain said his staff would get back to him. Obama, falling in the polls, decided this was too yummy to pass. Hey, what happened to the change candidate that didn't stoop to 'gotcha' politics?
Today on the campaign trail with his new best friend, Tim Kaine, governor of VA,(someone with even less substance than Obama in the experience department) Mr. Change mocked Senator McCain and claimed he's out of touch with 'regular' Americans. Taking the answer about wealth out of context from the forum last Saturday at Saddleback Church, the forum where Obama did not give a very good performance, Obama claimed McCain thinks a good marker for personal wealth is $5 million. "I define rich in other ways besides income," he said. "Some people are wealthy and rich in their lives and their children and their ability to educate them. Others are poor if they're billionaires." That quote referenced in the Politico.com article.
The answer to the question seems to be seven in total. However, McCain's name is on none of the properties; they are in Cindy's name or the business name as investment property. The house in which the McCain family live in Arizona is the former home of Cindy's parents, the home in which she was raised. One property is a condo that was purchased for daughter Meghan. One is a condo McCain lives in when working in Washington. There is a family retreat 'ranch' type of property in Sedona. The other condos are listed as investment property.
What is unusual about that for a woman worth many millions of dollars? It is newsworthy simply because John McCain is married to her. I thought wives were off limits. At least that is what we are told if anyone critiques Michelle Obama, "the Closer" for the Obama campaign.
Remember John Kerry? He, too, has a very wealthy wife with many homes. How about the Kennedys or any number of wealthy politicians who have two or three homes in their names? One in Washington and others back home or in vacation locales? The point is, it is not unusual.
Yes, seven is a high number. They also seem to be good investments. I think it shows good business sense. You know, for all those who think McCain doesn't know business or the economy, that must be hard to take. Especially since it's a ridiculous claim anyway. The man is chair of the Senate Commerce Committee.
So, Chuckie Schumer can ridicule John McCain's shoes, of all things, for what he calls "$500 shoes, has six houses and comes from one of the richest families in his state." Wrong on two of the counts for sure, Chuckie. McCain's family isn't wealthy like Cindy's. He's from a military background. Can Schumer get to be any more of a low level political hack in conduct?
And, David Axelrod piping in to The New York Times Adam Nagourney about the "McCain estate in Sedona". Wonder how many homes the political consultant and lobbyist has himself? He's even put out an ad on this issue in record time for the campaign. Classy guy that he is - and agent of Obama's "change" strategy.
So, the McCain campaign responded: "Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from vacation on a private beach in Hawaii and bought his own million-dollar mansion with the help of a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses? Does a guy who worries about the price of arugula and thinks regular people 'cling' to guns and religion in the face of economic hardship really want to have a debate about who's in touch with regular Americans?"
"The reality is that Barack Obama's plans to raise taxes and opposition to producing more energy here at home as gas prices skyrocket show he's completely out of touch with the concerns of average Americans."
"At a campaign appearance in Chester, Va., on Thursday morning, Obama siad: "Somebody asked John McCain, 'How many houses do you have?' And he said, I'm not sure. I'll have to check with my staff. True quote: I'm not sure, I'll have to check with my state. So they asked his staff and he said, at least four. At least four!..." That from the Politico. Again, Obama passing off "a true quote" after he edits it for his benefit.
From Richard Miniter's piece at Pajamas Media :"For better or for worse, the senate is a rich man's club. This is largely due to campaign finance laws, which limits how much other people can give you but doesn't limit how much you (or your wife) can give to you, and partly due to a kind of "House of Lords" tradition. (Of course, McCain is to blame for last two iterations of "campaign-finance reform.) Finally, McCain had one good answer open to him when asked how many houses he owns: None. My wife owns them all. A lot of guys can identify with that."
Democrats wish to ridicule or berate Americans for success and sound family economic decisions. In today's world, many 'regular' Americans have a second home. The second home may be a cabin for hunting and fishing. The second home may be a home on a lake for summer vacations or in the mountains for winter skiing. Or, it could be a condo for a college student in another city.
All wise investments. Shame on the Obama campaign. Class warfare won't work this time around. Obama's falling numbers are a clear indication of that. And, in the case of Obama, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. He's not exactly living small himself.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Debates are Scheduled
The campaigns have announced a joint agreement on when and where the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates will occur.
"The Barack Obama and John McCain campaigns have agreed to hold three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate in September and October sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The campaigns have come to the earliest agreement on presidential debates reached in any general election in recent history. This announcement reflects the presidential campaigns' agreement on dates, locations, and the formats for the fall debates. Campaign-appointed debate negotiators House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said they were pleased to have reached an early agreement to provide the American people with the opportunity to see and hear the candidates debate the critical issues facing the country. The two campaigns have accepted sponsorship of the debates by the Commission on Presidential Debates, subject to the debates being conducted under the terms of their agreement."
There will be three Presidential debates, one Vice Presidential debate.
1. September 26 at University of Mississippi
Topic : Foreign Policy and National Security
Moderator: Jim Lehner
Staging: Podium debate
2. October 7 at Belmont University
Moderator: Tom Brokaw
Staging: Town Hall debate
3. October 15 at Hofstra University
Moderator: Bob Schieffer
Topic: Domestic and Economic Policy
Staging: Candidates seated at a table
Vice Presidential debate
1. October 2 at Washington University (St. Louis)
Moderator : Gwen Ifill
Staging: to be resolved after nominees chosen by candidates
Well, I'm happy to see Gwen Ifill will do the VP debate. She is an unabashed Obama supporter and it would not have been a pleasant debate to watch for those of us who are not.
All the other moderators are supporting Obama, of course, but they may be a little more balanced professionally. We can hope for that change.
"The Barack Obama and John McCain campaigns have agreed to hold three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate in September and October sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The campaigns have come to the earliest agreement on presidential debates reached in any general election in recent history. This announcement reflects the presidential campaigns' agreement on dates, locations, and the formats for the fall debates. Campaign-appointed debate negotiators House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said they were pleased to have reached an early agreement to provide the American people with the opportunity to see and hear the candidates debate the critical issues facing the country. The two campaigns have accepted sponsorship of the debates by the Commission on Presidential Debates, subject to the debates being conducted under the terms of their agreement."
There will be three Presidential debates, one Vice Presidential debate.
1. September 26 at University of Mississippi
Topic : Foreign Policy and National Security
Moderator: Jim Lehner
Staging: Podium debate
2. October 7 at Belmont University
Moderator: Tom Brokaw
Staging: Town Hall debate
3. October 15 at Hofstra University
Moderator: Bob Schieffer
Topic: Domestic and Economic Policy
Staging: Candidates seated at a table
Vice Presidential debate
1. October 2 at Washington University (St. Louis)
Moderator : Gwen Ifill
Staging: to be resolved after nominees chosen by candidates
Well, I'm happy to see Gwen Ifill will do the VP debate. She is an unabashed Obama supporter and it would not have been a pleasant debate to watch for those of us who are not.
All the other moderators are supporting Obama, of course, but they may be a little more balanced professionally. We can hope for that change.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
McCain Up In Latest Polls
The just out Reuters/Zogby poll has John McCain up by 5 over Barack Obama. Plus, he is now seen as stronger on the economy than his rival. McCain polled 9 points higher than Obama when participants were asked who would be the best manager of the economy. This issue is stated to be the top concern of half of the voters.
An interesting reaction is being written on this poll. According to Reuters, "McCain has been on the offensive against Obama during the last month over energy concerns, with polls showing strong majorities supporting his call for an expansion of offshore oil drilling as gasoline prices hover near $4 a gallon." "Obama had opposed new offshore drilling, but said recently he would support a limited expansion as part of a comprehensive energy program. That was one of several recent policy shifts for Obama, as he positions himself for the general election battle. But Zogby said the changes could be taking a toll on Obama's support, particularly among Democrats and self-described liberals."
"That hairline difference between nuance and what appears to be flip-flopping is hurting him with liberal voters," Zogby said.
The pertinent part for me was the statement "The telephone poll of 1,089 likely voters had a margin of error of 3 percentage points." Likely voters responses are more vital than 'registered' voters responses to these polls.
Sure, it's just now becoming the time for people to begin to pay attention to the upcoming election. Summer is ending and life is going back to more normal schedules. Polls will show both candidates up and down until election day. Then the LA Times weighs in on the polling showing McCain's advancement. From an article in American Thinker by Thomas Lifson, it's all because McCain is 'attacking' Obama.
Never mind that the Obama campaign went negative first and the outside groups supporting Obama are particularly nasty - such as those running "Exxon John" ads and the continued manufactured notion that McCain would be "Bush's third term." Remember, it is McCain who has asked for some ads to be taken down. Obama hasn't made that request once.
Could it just simply be that voters are warming to McCain? Could it have been McCain's logical, measured responses to the rise of prices at the gas pump and to the beginning of the crisis in Georgia? Could it be the halo has dropped for the one for whom the media shills? The length of this campaign cycle is not to Obama's advantage.
Today in an article by Pam Meister for Pajamas Media, she writes of recent conversations with two friends. Both are Democrats and yet both are on the fence about supporting Obama. One is considering just staying home in November. The other may vote for McCain.
"Now, of course, this is not a scientific poll, just comments from two people I know. Yet these are not party insiders -- they're just regular folks like you and me, and they are having serious doubts about voting Democrat in November if Obama is on the ticket."
The friend who may stay home in November thinks, according to Meister, that Obama is hiding something and doesn't trust him. The author then goes through a list of points that have come to light recently:
* The fact that his boyhood mentor, Frank Wright, was a card-carrying communist.
* His questionable relationships with the likes of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Tony Rezko, and others.
* Proof to the contrary of his self-proclaimed ability to bring bipartisanship and unity to Washington. According to David Brooks, D.C. Republicans say, "He (Obama) never worked with us... We've tried to have bipartisan backroom discussions where we just talk about things; he and his staff would never take part in those discussions."
* His inability to properly vet important advisers on his campaign, including those with questionable ties to the Countrywide mortgage scandal and the Muslim Brotherhood. If this is how he picks advisers, how will he choose cabinet members?
"Live by identity politics, die by identity politics. Meanwhile, rank-and-file Democrats who are uncomfortable with a candidate who has precious little experience in anything and worrisome personal connections will have some real soul-searching to do on November 4."
Get used to the 'attack' claims from the Obama campaign. Anything that sets a record straight, tells the truth about actual facts, or questions the opponent's judgement and leadership experience is called an 'attack'.
So be it.
An interesting reaction is being written on this poll. According to Reuters, "McCain has been on the offensive against Obama during the last month over energy concerns, with polls showing strong majorities supporting his call for an expansion of offshore oil drilling as gasoline prices hover near $4 a gallon." "Obama had opposed new offshore drilling, but said recently he would support a limited expansion as part of a comprehensive energy program. That was one of several recent policy shifts for Obama, as he positions himself for the general election battle. But Zogby said the changes could be taking a toll on Obama's support, particularly among Democrats and self-described liberals."
"That hairline difference between nuance and what appears to be flip-flopping is hurting him with liberal voters," Zogby said.
The pertinent part for me was the statement "The telephone poll of 1,089 likely voters had a margin of error of 3 percentage points." Likely voters responses are more vital than 'registered' voters responses to these polls.
Sure, it's just now becoming the time for people to begin to pay attention to the upcoming election. Summer is ending and life is going back to more normal schedules. Polls will show both candidates up and down until election day. Then the LA Times weighs in on the polling showing McCain's advancement. From an article in American Thinker by Thomas Lifson, it's all because McCain is 'attacking' Obama.
Never mind that the Obama campaign went negative first and the outside groups supporting Obama are particularly nasty - such as those running "Exxon John" ads and the continued manufactured notion that McCain would be "Bush's third term." Remember, it is McCain who has asked for some ads to be taken down. Obama hasn't made that request once.
Could it just simply be that voters are warming to McCain? Could it have been McCain's logical, measured responses to the rise of prices at the gas pump and to the beginning of the crisis in Georgia? Could it be the halo has dropped for the one for whom the media shills? The length of this campaign cycle is not to Obama's advantage.
Today in an article by Pam Meister for Pajamas Media, she writes of recent conversations with two friends. Both are Democrats and yet both are on the fence about supporting Obama. One is considering just staying home in November. The other may vote for McCain.
"Now, of course, this is not a scientific poll, just comments from two people I know. Yet these are not party insiders -- they're just regular folks like you and me, and they are having serious doubts about voting Democrat in November if Obama is on the ticket."
The friend who may stay home in November thinks, according to Meister, that Obama is hiding something and doesn't trust him. The author then goes through a list of points that have come to light recently:
* The fact that his boyhood mentor, Frank Wright, was a card-carrying communist.
* His questionable relationships with the likes of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Tony Rezko, and others.
* Proof to the contrary of his self-proclaimed ability to bring bipartisanship and unity to Washington. According to David Brooks, D.C. Republicans say, "He (Obama) never worked with us... We've tried to have bipartisan backroom discussions where we just talk about things; he and his staff would never take part in those discussions."
* His inability to properly vet important advisers on his campaign, including those with questionable ties to the Countrywide mortgage scandal and the Muslim Brotherhood. If this is how he picks advisers, how will he choose cabinet members?
"Live by identity politics, die by identity politics. Meanwhile, rank-and-file Democrats who are uncomfortable with a candidate who has precious little experience in anything and worrisome personal connections will have some real soul-searching to do on November 4."
Get used to the 'attack' claims from the Obama campaign. Anything that sets a record straight, tells the truth about actual facts, or questions the opponent's judgement and leadership experience is called an 'attack'.
So be it.
Acknowledging Chicago Sun-Times
Today I noticed a post of mine running on the Chicago Sun-Times online site. My post from 8/14 titled, "Texas FOP Endorses Cornyn" was chosen.
Self promotion.
Self promotion.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Media No-Show for Noreiga Presser
What would happen if your campaign called a press conference and absolutely no local press came?
That's what happened to Rick Noreiga Monday morning at a health care clinic in east Houston. Scheduled for 9:00 this morning, only 6 people showed up for the presser. And, that number includes Noreiga staffers, clinic staff and one Cornyn campaign tracker. Not one media outlet showed.
How embarrassing. In a city that claims over 5 million residents, the greater Houston area, that's not so good for a Senate campaign. Especially a Senate campaign that the Washington Democrat establishment bragged would flood with money to oust sitting Senator John Cornyn. The Dems have pulled out all the stops - MoveOn type ads, Howard Dean visits, Senate Dem re-election campaign promises of funding, etc. Yet, since Noreiga has run a breathtakingly incompetent campaign, the fundraising has led to little success.
Seems the challenger wasn't quite so brave today either. His campaign announced that the 'open' press event was closed when no one showed up. Then, the campaign staff sent over a clinic staffer to ask the Cornyn tracker to leave.
Not such a strong voice to send to Washington, D.C.
That's what happened to Rick Noreiga Monday morning at a health care clinic in east Houston. Scheduled for 9:00 this morning, only 6 people showed up for the presser. And, that number includes Noreiga staffers, clinic staff and one Cornyn campaign tracker. Not one media outlet showed.
How embarrassing. In a city that claims over 5 million residents, the greater Houston area, that's not so good for a Senate campaign. Especially a Senate campaign that the Washington Democrat establishment bragged would flood with money to oust sitting Senator John Cornyn. The Dems have pulled out all the stops - MoveOn type ads, Howard Dean visits, Senate Dem re-election campaign promises of funding, etc. Yet, since Noreiga has run a breathtakingly incompetent campaign, the fundraising has led to little success.
Seems the challenger wasn't quite so brave today either. His campaign announced that the 'open' press event was closed when no one showed up. Then, the campaign staff sent over a clinic staffer to ask the Cornyn tracker to leave.
Not such a strong voice to send to Washington, D.C.
Saddleback Shows Substance
When the advertising began about the event at Saddleback Church with Rick Warren, I thought it would be something I could live without. It seemed to me to be a long and tedious way to spend Saturday evening. And, I do feel a little put off about mixing politics and religion.
I was wrong.
I tuned in and thought I'd just switch the channel if I was bored. Turns out the two hours were quite interesting. Granted, it may have been interesting to me because I'm a geek about politics and that's why it kept my attention. I have come to the conclusion that though it wasn't a debate and no pronounced winner or loser, it clearly was John McCain's night.
The format, with identical questions asked and answered by the candidates alone on the stage with Warren, one candidate then the other, was a success. No distractions with petty sniping back and forth. No need for one candidate to ask for a few moments for rebuttal. And, most importantly, no obvious political agenda from the moderator.
I don't know much about Rick Warren or his church, other than the wildly successful book he authored - which I haven't read - and that his megachurch serves thousands. I have seen stories of trips to Africa that he and his wife do for missionary work. I have no problem with any of that. I have to say the guy impressed me. He was calm, genial, and asked specific questions not normally asked. His questions were about personal vision, mostly. He dealt with the candidates as men, not politicians.
The contrast was stark.
The candidates were asked for the names of three people to whom they would turn for advice in their new administration. Obama, who was questioned in the first hour, listed his wife, his grandmother (the white one in Hawaii) and then listed off several politicians he thought would be appealing to both sides, such as Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar.
John McCain listed General Petraeus, Rep. John Lewis (GA, civil rights leader w/MLK), and Meg Whitman (Founder and former CEO of e-Bay).
Touchy feely and politically correct vs pragmatic and experienced.
From an article in Investor's Business Daily, "On taxes, Obama waxed political: "What I'm trying to do is create a sense of balance and fairness in our tax code." McCain showed an understanding of what drives a free economy: "I don't want to take any money from the rich. I want everybody to get rich. I don't believe in class warfare or redistribution of the wealth." And, to note a misstep of McCain's - Warren asked each candidate what their definition of "rich" is. McCain said, dismissing the question, maybe $5 million. It was his way of saying he didn't intend to raise income taxes on anyone. As soon as he said it he said it would be used out of context on the campaign trail ( like the 100 years in Iraq remark was). Sure enough, Monday brought the exact prediction coming true as Obama was speaking before a crowd of union members in Nevada and made the claim out of context. He thought he was showing McCain's lack of understanding about rich and poor. To turn that around, it shows Obama's economic socialism in play. McCain rewards success and grows the economy. Obama will punish success and slow economic growth, especially with small business, the backbone of our economy.
The crowd was much warmer to McCain than Obama, which was predictable. And, the posture of the candidates was interesting. Obama answered the questions without specific answers, depending on the use of nuance. He looked Warren in the eye and looked off to the side of the stage. McCain was clear in his responses and concise. He looked at Warren and mostly at the audience, speaking directly to them.
McCain is far more comfortable with a casual, open format. No speeches, no teleprompter, just talking to the people. He is completely comfortable in his own skin.
And, experience matters in today's world.
I was wrong.
I tuned in and thought I'd just switch the channel if I was bored. Turns out the two hours were quite interesting. Granted, it may have been interesting to me because I'm a geek about politics and that's why it kept my attention. I have come to the conclusion that though it wasn't a debate and no pronounced winner or loser, it clearly was John McCain's night.
The format, with identical questions asked and answered by the candidates alone on the stage with Warren, one candidate then the other, was a success. No distractions with petty sniping back and forth. No need for one candidate to ask for a few moments for rebuttal. And, most importantly, no obvious political agenda from the moderator.
I don't know much about Rick Warren or his church, other than the wildly successful book he authored - which I haven't read - and that his megachurch serves thousands. I have seen stories of trips to Africa that he and his wife do for missionary work. I have no problem with any of that. I have to say the guy impressed me. He was calm, genial, and asked specific questions not normally asked. His questions were about personal vision, mostly. He dealt with the candidates as men, not politicians.
The contrast was stark.
The candidates were asked for the names of three people to whom they would turn for advice in their new administration. Obama, who was questioned in the first hour, listed his wife, his grandmother (the white one in Hawaii) and then listed off several politicians he thought would be appealing to both sides, such as Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar.
John McCain listed General Petraeus, Rep. John Lewis (GA, civil rights leader w/MLK), and Meg Whitman (Founder and former CEO of e-Bay).
Touchy feely and politically correct vs pragmatic and experienced.
From an article in Investor's Business Daily, "On taxes, Obama waxed political: "What I'm trying to do is create a sense of balance and fairness in our tax code." McCain showed an understanding of what drives a free economy: "I don't want to take any money from the rich. I want everybody to get rich. I don't believe in class warfare or redistribution of the wealth." And, to note a misstep of McCain's - Warren asked each candidate what their definition of "rich" is. McCain said, dismissing the question, maybe $5 million. It was his way of saying he didn't intend to raise income taxes on anyone. As soon as he said it he said it would be used out of context on the campaign trail ( like the 100 years in Iraq remark was). Sure enough, Monday brought the exact prediction coming true as Obama was speaking before a crowd of union members in Nevada and made the claim out of context. He thought he was showing McCain's lack of understanding about rich and poor. To turn that around, it shows Obama's economic socialism in play. McCain rewards success and grows the economy. Obama will punish success and slow economic growth, especially with small business, the backbone of our economy.
The crowd was much warmer to McCain than Obama, which was predictable. And, the posture of the candidates was interesting. Obama answered the questions without specific answers, depending on the use of nuance. He looked Warren in the eye and looked off to the side of the stage. McCain was clear in his responses and concise. He looked at Warren and mostly at the audience, speaking directly to them.
McCain is far more comfortable with a casual, open format. No speeches, no teleprompter, just talking to the people. He is completely comfortable in his own skin.
And, experience matters in today's world.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Two Books About Obama
As the campaign season continues, the books keep coming. There are two books out on Barack Obama that are making headlines. One for its controversial author and one for how well it was done.
The latest buzz is over the new #1 best selling book, "The Obama Nation", by Jerome Corsi. The bulk of the criticism from the left, in particular, is about the author and not the actual writings. I'm no defender of Corsi, let me be clear. He seems to me to be one fork short of a place setting but nonetheless, the book is out and flying off the shelves.
Corsi is not the standard party partisan. He's called for the impeachment of President Bush and he's a 9/11 truther. The left goes nuts, though, because he was co-author of the SwiftBoat book about John Kerry's service in the Vietnam War. The book was widely accepted by Vietnam veterans as accurate and the main author, John O'Neill, has debated Kerry about the war and his actions since both returned for Vietnam and appeared on the Dick Cavett Show for the first debate. The facts have not changed and the American voters didn't appreciate Kerry's tales. Kerry lost the election in 2004 as he ran against President Bush for President, so now the term 'swiftboating' is a clever verb for defeatists on the left.
So, now the Obama campaign is determined to not let Barry be 'swiftboated' as he runs on a paper thin record and no history of accomplishment in politics. Journalist Jake Tapper, writing on the ABC News blog , makes the case that the Obama campaign has gone overboard in refuting the Corsi book. There is a 40 page refutation of the book. 40 pages. Wow. The first mistake made by the campaign was labeling, with a stamp, "Brought to you by Bush/Cheney Attack Machine", according to Tapper. As noted above, Corsi is no fan of Bush and the publisher of his book, Mary Matalin working for the Simon and Schuster imprint, was a former aide to Cheney in the White House.
But, that's the mantra of the campaign. It's all Bush's fault. When the campaign finds itself with no honorable debate, as it frequently does, it goes to the nonsensical.
Other false claims by the campaign, in order to refute the Corsi book, include the Deval Patrick speeches plagiarized by Obama without acknowledgement to him as the source. That did happen, until he was caught and said Patrick is his friend and didn't mind.
Tapper ends with this: "Again, I'm not defending Corsi. Much of what he writes is troubling and fictional. But that doesn't mean that the Obama campaign shouldn't hew closer to the truth. And yes, I do have higher expectations of them."
The better alternative to an account of Obama and his history is by David Freddoso, a writer for The National Review. The book is "The Case Against Barack Obama". According to Politico, it is a "fact based critique".
Freddoso writes, "I don't think you beat Obama by saying that he's Paris Hilton. The more important thing is really to look at is he who he says he is? A reformer?"
"It's not that Obama is a bad person. It's just that he's like all the rest of them. Not a reformer. Not a Messiah. Just like all the rest of them in Washington. And just like all the other liberals, too."
Exactly. Recent events have shown Obama in a more true light. Without a teleprompter, without a cleverly written speech with catch phrases from others who went before him, he stumbles and stammers. He flat out failed a very real 3:00 in the morning phone call last week. Fortunately for the American voter, all of the events of the day are happening before the election, allowing scrutiny of performance in real time so that a better decision can be made.
That's the hope and change I'm looking for this time around.
The latest buzz is over the new #1 best selling book, "The Obama Nation", by Jerome Corsi. The bulk of the criticism from the left, in particular, is about the author and not the actual writings. I'm no defender of Corsi, let me be clear. He seems to me to be one fork short of a place setting but nonetheless, the book is out and flying off the shelves.
Corsi is not the standard party partisan. He's called for the impeachment of President Bush and he's a 9/11 truther. The left goes nuts, though, because he was co-author of the SwiftBoat book about John Kerry's service in the Vietnam War. The book was widely accepted by Vietnam veterans as accurate and the main author, John O'Neill, has debated Kerry about the war and his actions since both returned for Vietnam and appeared on the Dick Cavett Show for the first debate. The facts have not changed and the American voters didn't appreciate Kerry's tales. Kerry lost the election in 2004 as he ran against President Bush for President, so now the term 'swiftboating' is a clever verb for defeatists on the left.
So, now the Obama campaign is determined to not let Barry be 'swiftboated' as he runs on a paper thin record and no history of accomplishment in politics. Journalist Jake Tapper, writing on the ABC News blog , makes the case that the Obama campaign has gone overboard in refuting the Corsi book. There is a 40 page refutation of the book. 40 pages. Wow. The first mistake made by the campaign was labeling, with a stamp, "Brought to you by Bush/Cheney Attack Machine", according to Tapper. As noted above, Corsi is no fan of Bush and the publisher of his book, Mary Matalin working for the Simon and Schuster imprint, was a former aide to Cheney in the White House.
But, that's the mantra of the campaign. It's all Bush's fault. When the campaign finds itself with no honorable debate, as it frequently does, it goes to the nonsensical.
Other false claims by the campaign, in order to refute the Corsi book, include the Deval Patrick speeches plagiarized by Obama without acknowledgement to him as the source. That did happen, until he was caught and said Patrick is his friend and didn't mind.
Tapper ends with this: "Again, I'm not defending Corsi. Much of what he writes is troubling and fictional. But that doesn't mean that the Obama campaign shouldn't hew closer to the truth. And yes, I do have higher expectations of them."
The better alternative to an account of Obama and his history is by David Freddoso, a writer for The National Review. The book is "The Case Against Barack Obama". According to Politico, it is a "fact based critique".
Freddoso writes, "I don't think you beat Obama by saying that he's Paris Hilton. The more important thing is really to look at is he who he says he is? A reformer?"
"It's not that Obama is a bad person. It's just that he's like all the rest of them. Not a reformer. Not a Messiah. Just like all the rest of them in Washington. And just like all the other liberals, too."
Exactly. Recent events have shown Obama in a more true light. Without a teleprompter, without a cleverly written speech with catch phrases from others who went before him, he stumbles and stammers. He flat out failed a very real 3:00 in the morning phone call last week. Fortunately for the American voter, all of the events of the day are happening before the election, allowing scrutiny of performance in real time so that a better decision can be made.
That's the hope and change I'm looking for this time around.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
King Penguin Knighted
In today's Houston Chronicle there is a photo of a King penguin that has become a Norwegian Knight. He is shown inspecting the Norwegian King's Guard at the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland. Yes, the penguin has a name. He is referred to as 'Nils Olav'. A notation was made that he is the first penguin to receive knighthood. OK, then.
And, as a King penguin, isn't that a demotion?
I have a confession to make. In hopes of keeping a bit of my sanity during this very long political campaign season, I watch a rather eclectic assortment of cable television shows. One is Kathy Griffin's Life on the D List. Yes, she is foul mouthed and suffers from Bush derangement (and Republicans in general) but she makes me laugh. She can be one funny broad.
Don't tell my husband, though. He thinks that is one of the shows where the viewer loses brain cells by watching.
This past week's show was her trip to Walter Reed Hospital in D.C. She and her two assistants and her road manager were invited to visit the wounded soldiers and off they went. Let me first tell you that they also made a trip to Iraq last year to entertain the troops. And, she visited troops outside of the Green Zone and they appreciated her show. Mostly.
It was an interesting study in workings of the liberal mind as it pertains to thoughts of the military. Before traveling to D.C., she made reference to the wounded soldiers as "20 year olds from the South". It was as though only that demographic joins the military. As a liberal, it is all to familiar remark. It is the old stereotype of Southerners as joining as the only career option, because they don't know any better, or because they are unsophisticated. It doesn't occur to her that the military is filled with people who joined voluntarily to serve their country out of a sense of duty, and of gratitude.
Once she was there, though, the viewer began to see a bit of hope for her. She toured a Fisher House home and spoke to families there. She came away saying, "I'm impressed with their personal strength." She was interviewed by Armed Forces Press Service, described as a Dept of Defense magazine. And, she toured Walter Reed Rehab Center. She learned that 120 patients were there at any given time. Most were there for limb loss. She established rapport with a soldier recovering from a concussion - his fifth suffered in battle so he was brought there - and incorporated him into her act, due to a tattoo on his chest. That was funny.
There were, however children brought to her performance that evening and four chaplains, too. The children were clearly at an inappropriate event and their parents were asked to take them out. Some parents didn't bother to do so and that was unfortunate. Clearly the military members in the audience didn't laugh at a lot of her material as it was profanity and innuendo filled but they did start to loosen up and laugh as she found her footing with them. She teased them about drinking and how they behave with their artificial limbs.
None of the military she met and spoke with were bitter or critical of their mission. All said they would go back if they could. None of the families were critical either. They are all truly extraordinary people.
I already knew that, though.
For a while this season, Kathy was dating Steve Wozniak, the billionaire co-founder of Apple Computer. Needless to say, it was not a match made in heaven. He is now engaged to someone else.
Before and after the trip to D.C., Kathy is seen visiting and seeking advice from her friend and fellow comedian, Michael McDonald - of Mad TV fame. McDonald accompanied her to Iraq last year.
He frankly told her to clean up her act for them. And, he told her to stop with the politics in front of them.
Two other bits of entertainment caught my attention yesterday. One was from friend Otto, over at his blog, American Interests. There is a trailer for a documentary on our brave warriors that is well worth watching. It meshed completely with the Griffin show. The trailer is here.
And, over at Meghan McCain's blog, she posts a video of a rally at Sturgis, S.D. during the Harley Davidson annual gathering. Over 100,000 are in attendance to see and listen to McCain but somehow that wasn't newsworthy with the media. Hmm. Maybe if they had been Europeans. And in Berlin. No, just ordinary Americans on motorcycles from all over the country. The video is terrific. And, Meghan narrates it.
It's the weekend. Entertain yourself.
And, as a King penguin, isn't that a demotion?
I have a confession to make. In hopes of keeping a bit of my sanity during this very long political campaign season, I watch a rather eclectic assortment of cable television shows. One is Kathy Griffin's Life on the D List. Yes, she is foul mouthed and suffers from Bush derangement (and Republicans in general) but she makes me laugh. She can be one funny broad.
Don't tell my husband, though. He thinks that is one of the shows where the viewer loses brain cells by watching.
This past week's show was her trip to Walter Reed Hospital in D.C. She and her two assistants and her road manager were invited to visit the wounded soldiers and off they went. Let me first tell you that they also made a trip to Iraq last year to entertain the troops. And, she visited troops outside of the Green Zone and they appreciated her show. Mostly.
It was an interesting study in workings of the liberal mind as it pertains to thoughts of the military. Before traveling to D.C., she made reference to the wounded soldiers as "20 year olds from the South". It was as though only that demographic joins the military. As a liberal, it is all to familiar remark. It is the old stereotype of Southerners as joining as the only career option, because they don't know any better, or because they are unsophisticated. It doesn't occur to her that the military is filled with people who joined voluntarily to serve their country out of a sense of duty, and of gratitude.
Once she was there, though, the viewer began to see a bit of hope for her. She toured a Fisher House home and spoke to families there. She came away saying, "I'm impressed with their personal strength." She was interviewed by Armed Forces Press Service, described as a Dept of Defense magazine. And, she toured Walter Reed Rehab Center. She learned that 120 patients were there at any given time. Most were there for limb loss. She established rapport with a soldier recovering from a concussion - his fifth suffered in battle so he was brought there - and incorporated him into her act, due to a tattoo on his chest. That was funny.
There were, however children brought to her performance that evening and four chaplains, too. The children were clearly at an inappropriate event and their parents were asked to take them out. Some parents didn't bother to do so and that was unfortunate. Clearly the military members in the audience didn't laugh at a lot of her material as it was profanity and innuendo filled but they did start to loosen up and laugh as she found her footing with them. She teased them about drinking and how they behave with their artificial limbs.
None of the military she met and spoke with were bitter or critical of their mission. All said they would go back if they could. None of the families were critical either. They are all truly extraordinary people.
I already knew that, though.
For a while this season, Kathy was dating Steve Wozniak, the billionaire co-founder of Apple Computer. Needless to say, it was not a match made in heaven. He is now engaged to someone else.
Before and after the trip to D.C., Kathy is seen visiting and seeking advice from her friend and fellow comedian, Michael McDonald - of Mad TV fame. McDonald accompanied her to Iraq last year.
He frankly told her to clean up her act for them. And, he told her to stop with the politics in front of them.
Two other bits of entertainment caught my attention yesterday. One was from friend Otto, over at his blog, American Interests. There is a trailer for a documentary on our brave warriors that is well worth watching. It meshed completely with the Griffin show. The trailer is here.
And, over at Meghan McCain's blog, she posts a video of a rally at Sturgis, S.D. during the Harley Davidson annual gathering. Over 100,000 are in attendance to see and listen to McCain but somehow that wasn't newsworthy with the media. Hmm. Maybe if they had been Europeans. And in Berlin. No, just ordinary Americans on motorcycles from all over the country. The video is terrific. And, Meghan narrates it.
It's the weekend. Entertain yourself.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Saakashvili Pushes Back
Two opinion pieces from the Wall Street Journal today. The first from Garry Kasparov. He is now leader of The Other Russia coalition and spoke to how the West has been a source of Putin's "sense of impunity." He raises the point that though Sardozy went to Moscow to broker the first ceasefire agreement Tuesday, it was France that opposed America's push to get Georgia into NATO last April.
The war between Georgia and Russia has some gray areas, such as the past movement into South Ossetia but the leader, Saakashvili is embracing Western style democracy and reaching out to the free world for support. His is an interesting personal story. Educated in American universities and after practicing law in NYC, he returned to his country to work for freedom.
"The conflict also threatens to poison Russia's relationship with Europe and America for years to come. Can such a belligerent state be trusted as the guarantor of Europe's energy supply? Republican presidential candidate John McCain has been derided for his strong stance against Mr. Putin, including a proposal to kick Russia out of the G-8. Will his critics now admit that the man they called an antiquated cold warrior was right all along?"
Kasparov ends with this: "The blood of those killed in this conflict is on the hands of radical nationalists, thoughtless politicians, opportunistic oligarchs and the leaders of the Free World who value gas and oil more than principles. More lives will be lost unless strong moral lines are drawn to reinforce the shattered lines of the map."
Our next President must be a man of sound, timely judgement. Not one who starts out meekly and moves to the moral, right stance. Even President Bush was slow off the mark on this one.
Another good read was one by David Rivkin Jr. and Lee A. Casey, The Kremlin's 'Protection' Racket. "Moscow's sudden embrace of a "limited sovereignty" for Georgia doesn't square with Russia's own previous protestations about the sanctity of its sovereignty and stubborn insistence that it was free to act on its own soil as it saw fit. Moscow's concern about alleged atrocities and genocide is also preposterous in light of the Russian government's callous indifference to the very real genocides conducted by its allies in Iraq and the former Yugoslavia, and in Rwanda and Darfur -- not to mention Moscow's own exceptionally brutal military campaigns in Chechnya."
Let's not forget Georgia had 2,000 soldiers in the U.S. led coalition when the fighting broke out.
I watched the press conference held by Secretary Rice and President Saakashvili after both Russia and Georgia signed off on the latest agreement - a 6 part ceasefire accord. Rice called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and equipment from Georgia. Hasn't happened yet and may not if Russia continues on with this plan. It must have been strange for Rice to get in the middle of all this. She's a Russian expert and now finds her position as one of supporting the other nation in this conflict. The days of President Bush looking into the eyes of Putin and seeing a friend are long gone. They are now the days of what John McCain has said all along - when he looks into Putin's eyes he sees KGB. With the Russian nation flush with oil profits the leadership no longer feels the need to show a congenial facade.
In Tbilisi today, Saakashvili said, "Freedom's light will never die here. 1921 will never repeat here." "I thought former KGB was gone; I was wrong." "I want my country to shine and go back on its feet like never before."
Rice said, "We need international observers here fast." "This is no longer 1968 and the invasion of Czechoslovakia."
The American administration so frequently criticized for unilateral action - seen by supporters as strong leadership and by detractors as Imperial actions - is firmly leading a multinational accord in support of Georgia's continued existence as a free country. Humanitarian missions led by the U.S. military are underway. Who was the first nation called upon by Georgia in their time of need? Yes, it was the United States.
It's always the United States, despite the non-stop declarations of bitter partisans that our country is so 'hated' by Europe and the world. Nonsense.
Rivkin and Casey conclude; "American credibility is very much at stake here. If a true friend of the United States -- an ancient country already twice annexed by Moscow in the past two centuries, a democracy that has enthusiastically reached out to NATO and the European Union, and even sent troops to fight in Iraq -- can be snuffed out without concrete action by Washington, America's friendship will quickly lose its value and America's displeasure would matter even less. The repercussions would be felt world-wide, from the capitals of New Europe, to Jerusalem, Kabul and Baghdad."
The war between Georgia and Russia has some gray areas, such as the past movement into South Ossetia but the leader, Saakashvili is embracing Western style democracy and reaching out to the free world for support. His is an interesting personal story. Educated in American universities and after practicing law in NYC, he returned to his country to work for freedom.
"The conflict also threatens to poison Russia's relationship with Europe and America for years to come. Can such a belligerent state be trusted as the guarantor of Europe's energy supply? Republican presidential candidate John McCain has been derided for his strong stance against Mr. Putin, including a proposal to kick Russia out of the G-8. Will his critics now admit that the man they called an antiquated cold warrior was right all along?"
Kasparov ends with this: "The blood of those killed in this conflict is on the hands of radical nationalists, thoughtless politicians, opportunistic oligarchs and the leaders of the Free World who value gas and oil more than principles. More lives will be lost unless strong moral lines are drawn to reinforce the shattered lines of the map."
Our next President must be a man of sound, timely judgement. Not one who starts out meekly and moves to the moral, right stance. Even President Bush was slow off the mark on this one.
Another good read was one by David Rivkin Jr. and Lee A. Casey, The Kremlin's 'Protection' Racket. "Moscow's sudden embrace of a "limited sovereignty" for Georgia doesn't square with Russia's own previous protestations about the sanctity of its sovereignty and stubborn insistence that it was free to act on its own soil as it saw fit. Moscow's concern about alleged atrocities and genocide is also preposterous in light of the Russian government's callous indifference to the very real genocides conducted by its allies in Iraq and the former Yugoslavia, and in Rwanda and Darfur -- not to mention Moscow's own exceptionally brutal military campaigns in Chechnya."
Let's not forget Georgia had 2,000 soldiers in the U.S. led coalition when the fighting broke out.
I watched the press conference held by Secretary Rice and President Saakashvili after both Russia and Georgia signed off on the latest agreement - a 6 part ceasefire accord. Rice called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and equipment from Georgia. Hasn't happened yet and may not if Russia continues on with this plan. It must have been strange for Rice to get in the middle of all this. She's a Russian expert and now finds her position as one of supporting the other nation in this conflict. The days of President Bush looking into the eyes of Putin and seeing a friend are long gone. They are now the days of what John McCain has said all along - when he looks into Putin's eyes he sees KGB. With the Russian nation flush with oil profits the leadership no longer feels the need to show a congenial facade.
In Tbilisi today, Saakashvili said, "Freedom's light will never die here. 1921 will never repeat here." "I thought former KGB was gone; I was wrong." "I want my country to shine and go back on its feet like never before."
Rice said, "We need international observers here fast." "This is no longer 1968 and the invasion of Czechoslovakia."
The American administration so frequently criticized for unilateral action - seen by supporters as strong leadership and by detractors as Imperial actions - is firmly leading a multinational accord in support of Georgia's continued existence as a free country. Humanitarian missions led by the U.S. military are underway. Who was the first nation called upon by Georgia in their time of need? Yes, it was the United States.
It's always the United States, despite the non-stop declarations of bitter partisans that our country is so 'hated' by Europe and the world. Nonsense.
Rivkin and Casey conclude; "American credibility is very much at stake here. If a true friend of the United States -- an ancient country already twice annexed by Moscow in the past two centuries, a democracy that has enthusiastically reached out to NATO and the European Union, and even sent troops to fight in Iraq -- can be snuffed out without concrete action by Washington, America's friendship will quickly lose its value and America's displeasure would matter even less. The repercussions would be felt world-wide, from the capitals of New Europe, to Jerusalem, Kabul and Baghdad."
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Looking For A Bone Marrow Donor
Lots of local stories playing out for me today.
A friend of mine emailed yesterday to ask that I include a mention on my blog. There is a 13 year old girl in need of a bone marrow transplant. She attends the middle school of which my son and my friend's daughter are alumni. Her heritage is south Asian so she is in that division of the national search list. If you or anyone you know may be able to be tested - it is crazy easy to do, just a swab inside your mouth - I ask that you check out her web site:
www.samiahssaviors.com/home.html
She, her parents and her school community thank you.
There were a few minutes this afternoon that were a bit surreal around here. I was watching television, with the sound muted, as a car chase was shown on a cable news channel from here and I was listening to a local radio talk show waiting for a blogging pal to be interviewed. Fellow blogger, Incognito, was contacted by a local radio talk show host and decided to be interviewed by him and his co-host. When she emailed me about the authenticity of the request, I confess I wasn't familiar with the station. The station is mostly a sports station but I was familiar with one of the co-hosts. He is a columnist for the Houston Chronicle, writing about pop culture and also does fast food reviews. He's been a regular on different radio talk shows and I have heard his political views. He is a self-professed liberal. He isn't, though, mean-spirited as a general rule.
So, I tuned in and listened a bit of the show. When I did, it was usually sports talk. So, I told Incog what I heard and gave her the heads up on the one guy.
Today she was interviewed and I was able to listen. It was good to hear her voice. The angle of the interview was that she's an actress who is in the closet as a Republican. She gave her point of view that she'd be losing work if those with the hiring power knew her politics. The show host asked the usual questions - does she really think all entertainers are liberal or Democrats? No, but the majority are. And on and on in that area. She was a good match for him. After the interview, however, his attitude was showing a bit too much for me, so I emailed the show and put in my opinion.
Mr. Liberal, so open-minded and accepting of others, thoroughly delighted in ridiculing the fact that Incog is a stage actress in regional theatre. As if that is a qualifier for her opinions. As if that makes her a lesser actress. Typical. This went far to make Incog's point about acceptance, if you ask me. Mr. Liberal travels a good bit, originally from New Jersey, and loves to talk about his annual treks back to NYC. Maybe he thinks he's Mr. Broadway.
His co-host answered my email. He was respectful, as was I, and said that since she was 'anonymous' they weren't really discrediting her personally and felt it was ok to 'joke'. Yeah, ok. Whatever. It got unnecessarily rude and they know it.
And, the last item was the outcome of the trial of Victoria Osteen. The wife of mega church preacher Joel Osteen and a co-preacher in the church herself, she was being sued for damages by an airline flight attendant from an incidence two years ago. The attendant claimed Osteen shoved her, screamed at her and also was racist towards her in demanding her seat be cleaned of the liquid on it. She claimed Osteen caused her emotional distress, loss of faith in religion, and hemorrhoids from the stress. Yeah, you read that right. She was playing heavy on the racist charge. The attendant is black with two black attorneys and claimed Osteen sought out a white attendant to help her.
Fortunately, the jury was on to her. Osteen was found not guilty today and not one penny to the attendant. She originally demanded 10% of Osteen's net worth and yesterday one of her own fellow attendants, who was suppose to back up the story, went on the stand and said the attendant was not truthful. The incident and the 'assault' didn't happen. The pilot said the same, too. Suddenly today before the trial ended, the attendant wanted to sue for $400,000. I guess she saw the writing on the wall.
Joel and Victoria Osteen lead what is being called the largest church congregation in the country. Lakewood Church is huge, with the number 24,000 usually mentioned as the total worshipers. The new location of the church is a renovated former basketball stadium. It's huge. And, now Joel Osteen is a successful, best selling author. So, I suppose the attendant thought she'd fabricate and cash in. Her attorneys should be ashamed of themselves.
Just another day in paradise.
A friend of mine emailed yesterday to ask that I include a mention on my blog. There is a 13 year old girl in need of a bone marrow transplant. She attends the middle school of which my son and my friend's daughter are alumni. Her heritage is south Asian so she is in that division of the national search list. If you or anyone you know may be able to be tested - it is crazy easy to do, just a swab inside your mouth - I ask that you check out her web site:
www.samiahssaviors.com/home.html
She, her parents and her school community thank you.
There were a few minutes this afternoon that were a bit surreal around here. I was watching television, with the sound muted, as a car chase was shown on a cable news channel from here and I was listening to a local radio talk show waiting for a blogging pal to be interviewed. Fellow blogger, Incognito, was contacted by a local radio talk show host and decided to be interviewed by him and his co-host. When she emailed me about the authenticity of the request, I confess I wasn't familiar with the station. The station is mostly a sports station but I was familiar with one of the co-hosts. He is a columnist for the Houston Chronicle, writing about pop culture and also does fast food reviews. He's been a regular on different radio talk shows and I have heard his political views. He is a self-professed liberal. He isn't, though, mean-spirited as a general rule.
So, I tuned in and listened a bit of the show. When I did, it was usually sports talk. So, I told Incog what I heard and gave her the heads up on the one guy.
Today she was interviewed and I was able to listen. It was good to hear her voice. The angle of the interview was that she's an actress who is in the closet as a Republican. She gave her point of view that she'd be losing work if those with the hiring power knew her politics. The show host asked the usual questions - does she really think all entertainers are liberal or Democrats? No, but the majority are. And on and on in that area. She was a good match for him. After the interview, however, his attitude was showing a bit too much for me, so I emailed the show and put in my opinion.
Mr. Liberal, so open-minded and accepting of others, thoroughly delighted in ridiculing the fact that Incog is a stage actress in regional theatre. As if that is a qualifier for her opinions. As if that makes her a lesser actress. Typical. This went far to make Incog's point about acceptance, if you ask me. Mr. Liberal travels a good bit, originally from New Jersey, and loves to talk about his annual treks back to NYC. Maybe he thinks he's Mr. Broadway.
His co-host answered my email. He was respectful, as was I, and said that since she was 'anonymous' they weren't really discrediting her personally and felt it was ok to 'joke'. Yeah, ok. Whatever. It got unnecessarily rude and they know it.
And, the last item was the outcome of the trial of Victoria Osteen. The wife of mega church preacher Joel Osteen and a co-preacher in the church herself, she was being sued for damages by an airline flight attendant from an incidence two years ago. The attendant claimed Osteen shoved her, screamed at her and also was racist towards her in demanding her seat be cleaned of the liquid on it. She claimed Osteen caused her emotional distress, loss of faith in religion, and hemorrhoids from the stress. Yeah, you read that right. She was playing heavy on the racist charge. The attendant is black with two black attorneys and claimed Osteen sought out a white attendant to help her.
Fortunately, the jury was on to her. Osteen was found not guilty today and not one penny to the attendant. She originally demanded 10% of Osteen's net worth and yesterday one of her own fellow attendants, who was suppose to back up the story, went on the stand and said the attendant was not truthful. The incident and the 'assault' didn't happen. The pilot said the same, too. Suddenly today before the trial ended, the attendant wanted to sue for $400,000. I guess she saw the writing on the wall.
Joel and Victoria Osteen lead what is being called the largest church congregation in the country. Lakewood Church is huge, with the number 24,000 usually mentioned as the total worshipers. The new location of the church is a renovated former basketball stadium. It's huge. And, now Joel Osteen is a successful, best selling author. So, I suppose the attendant thought she'd fabricate and cash in. Her attorneys should be ashamed of themselves.
Just another day in paradise.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Texas FOP Endorses Cornyn
Senator John Cornyn is unanimously endorsed by the Texas Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for re-election. The organization states Cornyn's strong Senate record on "the rule of law is one of the many reasons that influenced their support." That from an article from kxan.com in Austin.
Cornyn's response, "I'm honored to receive the backing of men and women who play a vital role in keeping our communities safe...I am committed to continue working with them on behalf of all Texans." Cornyn is known for his pursuit of securing resources and tools for law enforcement so that they may protect Texas families.
"Most recently, Senator Cornyn joined Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson this past month in introducing the Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2008 to help border law enforcement personnel in addressing greater drug trafficking and violence."
Compare that legislation with the recent statement of Rick Noreiga, after he called the support of Cornyn for border fences "silly hoaxes".
Noreiga is still running way behind Cornyn in the polls. And, he is not flush with money in the bank.
In The Hill today Texas A&M political scientist Harvey Tucker is quoted as stating, "Texas is on its way to becoming a one-party state." Yeah, we're keeping Texas red, y'all.
Also today in The Hill, an article caught my attention concerning a call for an ethics committee investigation to investigate House members and aides receiving sweetheart deals on home mortgages. According to the article, written by Jackie Kucinich, "Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Mark Souder (R-IN) contend that the "serious and broad allegation that members of Congress, congressional staff and other officials were given preferential treatment...needs to be investigated."
They call on Chairman Henry Waxman to respond. This is a good follow-up to a post I wrote in June about the connections of sub-prime mortgage loans and the two prominent Democrat senators, Kent Conrad and Christopher Dodd. That post is now featured on Blog Nosh, an interesting new online magazine.
"Rep. Issa told The Hill in an interview on Tuesday that he would continue to press the issues raised in the Portfolio articles. He expressed doubt that the matter would be resolved by the ethics committee in a timely manner."
"In June, Portfolio magazine reported that housing reform bill architect and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, and Sen. Kent Conrad received special deals on their mortgages from Countrywide. Both claimed they had no knowledge that they were receiving special treatment. Portfolio recently reported that House staff and former federal officials also received preferential treatment on their mortgages."
Cornyn's response, "I'm honored to receive the backing of men and women who play a vital role in keeping our communities safe...I am committed to continue working with them on behalf of all Texans." Cornyn is known for his pursuit of securing resources and tools for law enforcement so that they may protect Texas families.
"Most recently, Senator Cornyn joined Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson this past month in introducing the Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2008 to help border law enforcement personnel in addressing greater drug trafficking and violence."
Compare that legislation with the recent statement of Rick Noreiga, after he called the support of Cornyn for border fences "silly hoaxes".
Noreiga is still running way behind Cornyn in the polls. And, he is not flush with money in the bank.
In The Hill today Texas A&M political scientist Harvey Tucker is quoted as stating, "Texas is on its way to becoming a one-party state." Yeah, we're keeping Texas red, y'all.
Also today in The Hill, an article caught my attention concerning a call for an ethics committee investigation to investigate House members and aides receiving sweetheart deals on home mortgages. According to the article, written by Jackie Kucinich, "Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Mark Souder (R-IN) contend that the "serious and broad allegation that members of Congress, congressional staff and other officials were given preferential treatment...needs to be investigated."
They call on Chairman Henry Waxman to respond. This is a good follow-up to a post I wrote in June about the connections of sub-prime mortgage loans and the two prominent Democrat senators, Kent Conrad and Christopher Dodd. That post is now featured on Blog Nosh, an interesting new online magazine.
"Rep. Issa told The Hill in an interview on Tuesday that he would continue to press the issues raised in the Portfolio articles. He expressed doubt that the matter would be resolved by the ethics committee in a timely manner."
"In June, Portfolio magazine reported that housing reform bill architect and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, and Sen. Kent Conrad received special deals on their mortgages from Countrywide. Both claimed they had no knowledge that they were receiving special treatment. Portfolio recently reported that House staff and former federal officials also received preferential treatment on their mortgages."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Today We Are All Georgians
President Sarkozy of France has brokered a ceasefire deal between Georgia and Russia. Once again proving western democratic thought wins out over aggressive totalitarianism. I would, however, like to thank Mr. Putin for focusing a segment of the American voting population on the differences in foreign policy between the two presidential candidates.
By overplaying his hand, the Russian with the Napoleonic complex presented the opportunity for John McCain to prove in real time that he is the calm and strong, experienced leader in the race for the White House. Oh, did you know he's been friends with the Georgian leader for the past 25 years? And, that he's been in daily contact with him throughout this war? Plus McCain has traveled to Georgia several times and understands history.
The first responses from the candidates told the story. As Roger Kimball so clearly writes, John McCain said,"Tensions and hostilities between Georgians and Ossetians are in no way justification for Russian troops crossing an internationally recognized border." He called on "Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces from the territory of Georgia."
And from Obama, "talks among all sides and said the United States, the U.N. Security Council and other parties should try to help bring about a peaceful resolution." "Obama looked forward to 'an international peacekeeping force' under 'an appropriate UN mandate.' McCain's web site includes his position.
Kimball writes that McCain has endorsed the joint statement of condemnation issued by the presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and late last night the Obama campaign had him issue a similar statement now putting Obama's position almost identical to McCain's.
Kimball closes with, "On 9/11 we were grateful to have a leader who could distinguish between friends and enemies and who was not so crippled by moral relativism that he believed that victims should be equated with their victimizers. In 2008, we have a choice between 1) a man who knows evil and repudiates it and 2) a man who believes that there is "fault on both sides" and that discredited "progressive" institutions like the United Nations are better equipped to deal with disputes among sovereign nations than the nations themselves."
"Which would you choose?"
A daily read of mine of blogs always includes Bookworm's Room and besides the Kimball article referenced, other reads were included in her post today. Kimball's is one we completely agree on.
President Saakashvili wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal which was published yesterday. "If Georgia falls, this will mean the fall of the West in the entire former Soviet Union and beyond. Leaders in neighboring states -- whether in Ukraine, in other Caucasian states or in Central Asia -- will have to consider whether the price of freedom and independence is indeed too high."
While the far left deranged criticised President Bush for attending the Olympics, attending sports events and such, it is clear his presence was useful to Georgia in this act of war brought on my Putin's Russia. The deranged have already begun the cries that the 'neo cons' are to quick to speak boldly and demand Russia retreat. President Sarkozy was the front man in the official declaration of a cease fire today. It's been the new leaders of Europe who are very friendly to the U.S. and President Bush for that matter, that have taken control and that is a good thing. They prove that even a lame duck with low polling numbers can still make a difference.
Today at the huge rally in Georgia, many U.S. flags were waved and the officials made certain that the speeches were translated in English so that the Americans watching would understand their gratitude.
So, come November, who ya gonna call? The clear choice is McCain. This act of war proves all the carping that the Republicans will 'try to scare you' and use 9/11 references is more of the same from the deranged. Whether the left wants to remember or not, 9/11 did happen and the world is still an unstable place. The days of Clinton and his U.N. advocating Bill Richardson did not move the bar for good in the world. Richardson has only had his successes in events like mediating hostage releases when he has worked on his own, not as a mouthpiece for the U.N., yet there he was on the Sunday chat shows auditioning for Obama's administration pleading for the U.N. to handle the Russian's aggression. He hasn't learned a thing.
This kind of history can no longer be repeated. Today McCain said, "today we are all Georgians." Putin heard that loud and clear.
By overplaying his hand, the Russian with the Napoleonic complex presented the opportunity for John McCain to prove in real time that he is the calm and strong, experienced leader in the race for the White House. Oh, did you know he's been friends with the Georgian leader for the past 25 years? And, that he's been in daily contact with him throughout this war? Plus McCain has traveled to Georgia several times and understands history.
The first responses from the candidates told the story. As Roger Kimball so clearly writes, John McCain said,"Tensions and hostilities between Georgians and Ossetians are in no way justification for Russian troops crossing an internationally recognized border." He called on "Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces from the territory of Georgia."
And from Obama, "talks among all sides and said the United States, the U.N. Security Council and other parties should try to help bring about a peaceful resolution." "Obama looked forward to 'an international peacekeeping force' under 'an appropriate UN mandate.' McCain's web site includes his position.
Kimball writes that McCain has endorsed the joint statement of condemnation issued by the presidents of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and late last night the Obama campaign had him issue a similar statement now putting Obama's position almost identical to McCain's.
Kimball closes with, "On 9/11 we were grateful to have a leader who could distinguish between friends and enemies and who was not so crippled by moral relativism that he believed that victims should be equated with their victimizers. In 2008, we have a choice between 1) a man who knows evil and repudiates it and 2) a man who believes that there is "fault on both sides" and that discredited "progressive" institutions like the United Nations are better equipped to deal with disputes among sovereign nations than the nations themselves."
"Which would you choose?"
A daily read of mine of blogs always includes Bookworm's Room and besides the Kimball article referenced, other reads were included in her post today. Kimball's is one we completely agree on.
President Saakashvili wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal which was published yesterday. "If Georgia falls, this will mean the fall of the West in the entire former Soviet Union and beyond. Leaders in neighboring states -- whether in Ukraine, in other Caucasian states or in Central Asia -- will have to consider whether the price of freedom and independence is indeed too high."
While the far left deranged criticised President Bush for attending the Olympics, attending sports events and such, it is clear his presence was useful to Georgia in this act of war brought on my Putin's Russia. The deranged have already begun the cries that the 'neo cons' are to quick to speak boldly and demand Russia retreat. President Sarkozy was the front man in the official declaration of a cease fire today. It's been the new leaders of Europe who are very friendly to the U.S. and President Bush for that matter, that have taken control and that is a good thing. They prove that even a lame duck with low polling numbers can still make a difference.
Today at the huge rally in Georgia, many U.S. flags were waved and the officials made certain that the speeches were translated in English so that the Americans watching would understand their gratitude.
So, come November, who ya gonna call? The clear choice is McCain. This act of war proves all the carping that the Republicans will 'try to scare you' and use 9/11 references is more of the same from the deranged. Whether the left wants to remember or not, 9/11 did happen and the world is still an unstable place. The days of Clinton and his U.N. advocating Bill Richardson did not move the bar for good in the world. Richardson has only had his successes in events like mediating hostage releases when he has worked on his own, not as a mouthpiece for the U.N., yet there he was on the Sunday chat shows auditioning for Obama's administration pleading for the U.N. to handle the Russian's aggression. He hasn't learned a thing.
This kind of history can no longer be repeated. Today McCain said, "today we are all Georgians." Putin heard that loud and clear.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Perpetuating Publishing Phobia
Even as our American military is on foreign soil fighting for the spread of our human rights around the globe, right here in our own country a major publishing house has been cowed by alleged threats of violence.
Siting threats and a fear of "inciting acts of violence" Random House has indefinitely postponed the August 12 publishing date of The Jewel of Medina, the first novel of journalist Sherry Jones. The eight city publicity tour has likewise been cancelled.
Deputy Publisher Thomas Perry issued the following statement: "The company received cautionary advice not only that the publication of this book might be offensive to some in the Muslim community, but also that it could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment. In this instance we decided, after much deliberation, to postpone publication for the safety of the author, employees of Random House, booksellers and anyone else who would be involved in distribution and sale of the novel."
And, Reuters reports that Jones is free to sell her sequel as well as the first book to other publishers. The author has never visited the Middle East but spent several years studying Arab history. This novel brought her research together.
The Jewel of Medina is a novel about Mohammed's child bride, A'isha. It traces the life of A'isha from her engagement to Mohammed, at the age of 6, up until Mohammed's death. "I have deliberately and consciously written respectfully about Islam and Mohammed... I envisioned that my book would be a bridge-builder."
Written up in the American Thinker, the story is Random House envisioned a replay of the Salmon Rushdie days. Allegedly a professor of Islamic studies at the University of Texas, Denise Spellberg, was asked to write a blurb for the book but she hated it. "She regarded it as an ugly, stupid piece of work -- one that made fun of Muslims and their history." She claimed the book could be construed as a "declaration of war...a national security issue".
The article by David Paulin gives a little background on Ms. Spellberg. She has a PhD from Islamic Studies from Columbia University. A recent publication of hers is "Inventing Matamoras: Gender and the Forgotten Islamic Past in the United States of America." She wrote the book Politics, Gender, and the Islamic Past: The Legacy of A'isha Bint Abi Bakr and Sherry Jones states that book was one of the first she read while researching A'isha for her novel. Now, however, Jones is determined to pursue other publishers and hopes to reclaim the eight month jump she had over the publication of another book on A'isha.
Real threats or not, Islamic Fascists are once again humored. Funny how these who threaten in the name of their devotion to Allah are accepted and catered to yet when other religions put out controversial books or films, and the only criticism launched is to the actual religious viewers or readers. Those that commit violence in the name of religion are not religious people. They are terrorists.
In this country we are entitled to the basic right of free speech. We are entitled to freely worship. This novel, from what I have read, is a novel based on historical reference and the love story as it was within context to the spread of the religion of Islam. It tells the story of a woman who was influential in the spread of the religion.
Random House and any others in our country would do well to see what the appeasement to radical Islamic groups has done to Europe. It's not pretty.
Time to nip this behavior in the bud.
Siting threats and a fear of "inciting acts of violence" Random House has indefinitely postponed the August 12 publishing date of The Jewel of Medina, the first novel of journalist Sherry Jones. The eight city publicity tour has likewise been cancelled.
Deputy Publisher Thomas Perry issued the following statement: "The company received cautionary advice not only that the publication of this book might be offensive to some in the Muslim community, but also that it could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment. In this instance we decided, after much deliberation, to postpone publication for the safety of the author, employees of Random House, booksellers and anyone else who would be involved in distribution and sale of the novel."
And, Reuters reports that Jones is free to sell her sequel as well as the first book to other publishers. The author has never visited the Middle East but spent several years studying Arab history. This novel brought her research together.
The Jewel of Medina is a novel about Mohammed's child bride, A'isha. It traces the life of A'isha from her engagement to Mohammed, at the age of 6, up until Mohammed's death. "I have deliberately and consciously written respectfully about Islam and Mohammed... I envisioned that my book would be a bridge-builder."
Written up in the American Thinker, the story is Random House envisioned a replay of the Salmon Rushdie days. Allegedly a professor of Islamic studies at the University of Texas, Denise Spellberg, was asked to write a blurb for the book but she hated it. "She regarded it as an ugly, stupid piece of work -- one that made fun of Muslims and their history." She claimed the book could be construed as a "declaration of war...a national security issue".
The article by David Paulin gives a little background on Ms. Spellberg. She has a PhD from Islamic Studies from Columbia University. A recent publication of hers is "Inventing Matamoras: Gender and the Forgotten Islamic Past in the United States of America." She wrote the book Politics, Gender, and the Islamic Past: The Legacy of A'isha Bint Abi Bakr and Sherry Jones states that book was one of the first she read while researching A'isha for her novel. Now, however, Jones is determined to pursue other publishers and hopes to reclaim the eight month jump she had over the publication of another book on A'isha.
Real threats or not, Islamic Fascists are once again humored. Funny how these who threaten in the name of their devotion to Allah are accepted and catered to yet when other religions put out controversial books or films, and the only criticism launched is to the actual religious viewers or readers. Those that commit violence in the name of religion are not religious people. They are terrorists.
In this country we are entitled to the basic right of free speech. We are entitled to freely worship. This novel, from what I have read, is a novel based on historical reference and the love story as it was within context to the spread of the religion of Islam. It tells the story of a woman who was influential in the spread of the religion.
Random House and any others in our country would do well to see what the appeasement to radical Islamic groups has done to Europe. It's not pretty.
Time to nip this behavior in the bud.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Examining Edwards
Sometimes even grocery store tabloids get the story right. I wonder if the Edwards supporters feel betrayed tonight? And, did you watch the interview he did with Bob Woodruff for Frontline? Narcissism is only one of this guy's problems.
The news that Edwards is coming clean about the affair and potential paternity of the child involved breaks in late afternoon and the interview is announced for the late night viewers. It's Friday. It's the opening of the Olympic Games. It's late night television. Buried enough for you?
Not so fast, Johnny boy. The story was all over the place and every pundit available on short notice to talk about Edwards and his former campaign were on the talking heads shows. It was Edwardsapollooza. And Elizabeth issued a statement of her own, but she didn't appear in the television interview.
Yes, I watched. I thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and then I tuned in. It was pretty amazing, I'll give him that. This guy is still so consumed with himself that he has no idea how stupid he sounds. Or, he just doesn't care.
What was the icing on the cake for me was when Edwards dragged McCain into the conversation. Yes, that's right. He said he knew he wasn't the first public figure to do this and said, for example, John McCain cheated on his first wife.
Let's review. This McCain first wife story has been told over and over by all involved yet the Democrats are determined to fabricate. John McCain, after coming home from being a POW for 5 1/2 years in Hanoi, was not the best of husbands to his wife who had been involved in an auto accident and was recovering with disfiguring injuries. However, the split was amicable and when he met Cindy in Hawaii they were already separated. McCain, who adopted the first wife's two sons when he married her, married Cindy after the divorce and the two adopted children remained in McCain's life. Today one son is the Comptroller for Cindy's multimillion dollar business and the other is on the campaign trail with John McCain and Cindy and Meghan. The ex-wife is supporting his candidacy. They remain friends.
No comparison to any common whoring around story.
And, to Elizabeth Edwards. I felt sorry for her that she had to deal with this in public while terminally ill. I was talking to my son about it and he asked why I felt sorry for her. He said, "Mom, you thought she was so strong for wanting to continue with campaigning even though she was sick, why do you think she needs pity now?" And, he's right.
Then, John Edwards said he told Elizabeth about the affair in 2006. So, she's known all this time. Even as he ran for President and denied any questions about it. She supported his bid for President. She was standing there smiling and waving and making speeches all the while knowing her husband was so selfish and arrogant as to run for his party's nomination while this affair was hanging over them. A time bomb waiting to go off. What if he was the nominee and this came out two weeks before the convention? What does that do to all the supporters and the hard work of the campaign workers?
So, no. No sympathy for Elizabeth this time around. It is not her fault she is ill. It is not her fault he was unfaithful and maybe fathered a child with this other woman. It is her fault, however, for enabling her husband to continue on with his exercise in self importance at the expense of his party and the process. And the wonderful family man storyline? She stood by as he received Father of the Year in 2007 and for all the press for their 30th wedding anniversary.
Shame on both of them. What dismal examples they set.
The news that Edwards is coming clean about the affair and potential paternity of the child involved breaks in late afternoon and the interview is announced for the late night viewers. It's Friday. It's the opening of the Olympic Games. It's late night television. Buried enough for you?
Not so fast, Johnny boy. The story was all over the place and every pundit available on short notice to talk about Edwards and his former campaign were on the talking heads shows. It was Edwardsapollooza. And Elizabeth issued a statement of her own, but she didn't appear in the television interview.
Yes, I watched. I thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and then I tuned in. It was pretty amazing, I'll give him that. This guy is still so consumed with himself that he has no idea how stupid he sounds. Or, he just doesn't care.
What was the icing on the cake for me was when Edwards dragged McCain into the conversation. Yes, that's right. He said he knew he wasn't the first public figure to do this and said, for example, John McCain cheated on his first wife.
Let's review. This McCain first wife story has been told over and over by all involved yet the Democrats are determined to fabricate. John McCain, after coming home from being a POW for 5 1/2 years in Hanoi, was not the best of husbands to his wife who had been involved in an auto accident and was recovering with disfiguring injuries. However, the split was amicable and when he met Cindy in Hawaii they were already separated. McCain, who adopted the first wife's two sons when he married her, married Cindy after the divorce and the two adopted children remained in McCain's life. Today one son is the Comptroller for Cindy's multimillion dollar business and the other is on the campaign trail with John McCain and Cindy and Meghan. The ex-wife is supporting his candidacy. They remain friends.
No comparison to any common whoring around story.
And, to Elizabeth Edwards. I felt sorry for her that she had to deal with this in public while terminally ill. I was talking to my son about it and he asked why I felt sorry for her. He said, "Mom, you thought she was so strong for wanting to continue with campaigning even though she was sick, why do you think she needs pity now?" And, he's right.
Then, John Edwards said he told Elizabeth about the affair in 2006. So, she's known all this time. Even as he ran for President and denied any questions about it. She supported his bid for President. She was standing there smiling and waving and making speeches all the while knowing her husband was so selfish and arrogant as to run for his party's nomination while this affair was hanging over them. A time bomb waiting to go off. What if he was the nominee and this came out two weeks before the convention? What does that do to all the supporters and the hard work of the campaign workers?
So, no. No sympathy for Elizabeth this time around. It is not her fault she is ill. It is not her fault he was unfaithful and maybe fathered a child with this other woman. It is her fault, however, for enabling her husband to continue on with his exercise in self importance at the expense of his party and the process. And the wonderful family man storyline? She stood by as he received Father of the Year in 2007 and for all the press for their 30th wedding anniversary.
Shame on both of them. What dismal examples they set.
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