Brandon

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Former Democrat Chief Laughs as Hurricane Prepares to Slam New Orleans

"That just demonstrates God is on our side????"

It's bad enough when you have hatefilled lefties like this bunch at Facebook claiming "Hurricane Gustav is Sarah Palin's fault" or the morbidly obese and despicable Michael Moore saying "Gustav is proof that there is a God in Heaven." We expect that kind of vile behavior from people so soaked in hate that they don't know anything but that.

But where do they get such ideas? From their leaders of course. Here's former DNC Chair Don Fowler caught in a conversation on the plane back from the Denver Convention laughing about the possibility of death and destruction from Gustav:


"The hurricane’s going to hit New Orleans about the time they start. The timing is -- at least it appears now that it’ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates that God’s on our side. [Laughter] Everything’s cool."

It's amazing that these guys could be cheerleading for a natural disaster. But then, haven't they also been secretly pleased when U.S. troops were killed in Iraq?

They should be ashamed, but I doubt they have the moral capacity necessary for such an emotion.

Sarah Palin: "A Lady Who is a Leader!"

No other VP pick could have generated such enthusiasm!

I've been following the discussion on Sarah Palin's pick to be the GOP vice presidential nominee at National Review's "The Corner." The overwhelming view is that Palin is the right pick for conservatives, the right pick for McCain and above all, the right pick for America.

Another gem was found at the Times of London:

“We may be seeing the first woman president. As a Democrat, I am reeling,” said Camille Paglia, the cultural critic. “That was the best political speech I have ever seen delivered by an American woman politician. Palin is as tough as nails.”
PhotobucketOn today's Fox News Sunday, anchor Brit Hume reminded viewers why Palin is the perfect choice for McCain: "economic conservatives are excited, 2nd amendment conservatives are excited, pro-life conservatives are excited and reform conservatives are excited" (paraphrased).

McCain would never have achieved this level of excitement and enthusiasm had he chosen just another old Washington Senate warhorse to be his running mate.

Sarah Palin is the fresh new conservative leadership that we have been craving.

Since McCain made the announcement on Friday, millions of dollars have been contributed to the McCain-Palin campaign. Many filled in the box at the bottom of the online contribution form where it asks "Indicate Who Referred You" with the name: SARAH PALIN!

Let Palin Be Palin
Why the left is scared to death of McCain's running mate. Photobucket
by William Kristol
The Weekly Standard
09/08/2008

A spectre is haunting the liberal elites of New York and Washington--the spectre of a young, attractive, unapologetic conservatism, rising out of the American countryside, free of the taint (fair or unfair) of the Bush administration and the recent Republican Congress, able to invigorate a McCain administration and to govern beyond it.
That spectre has a name--Sarah Palin, the 44-year-old governor of Alaska chosen by John McCain on Friday to be his running mate. There she is: a working woman who's a proud wife and mother; a traditionalist in important matters who's broken through all kinds of barriers; a reformer who's a Republican; a challenger of a corrupt good-old-boy establishment who's a conservative; a successful woman whose life is unapologetic ally grounded in religious belief; a lady who's a leader.

So what we will see in the next days and weeks--what we have already seen in the hours after her nomination--is an effort by all the powers of the old liberalism, both in the Democratic party and the mainstream media, to exorcise this spectre. They will ridicule her and patronize her. They will distort her words and caricature her biography. They will appeal, sometimes explicitly, to anti-small town and anti-religious prejudice. All of this will be in the cause of trying to prevent the American people from arriving at their own judgment of Sarah Palin.
...
[S]he'll be swimming in political waters infested with sharks. Her nickname when she was the starting point guard on an Alaska high school championship basketball team was "Sarah Barracuda." I suspect she'll take care of herself better than many expect.
...
There will be rocky moments. But they will fade if the McCain campaign lets Palin's journey take its natural course over the next two months. Millions of Americans--mostly but not only women, mostly but not only Republicans and conservatives--seemed to get a sense of energy and enjoyment and pride, not just from her nomination, but especially from her smashing opening performance. Palin will be a compelling and mold-breaking example for lots of Americans who are told every day that to be even a bit conservative or Christian or old-fashioned is bad form. In this respect, Palin can become an inspirational figure and powerful symbol. The left senses this, which is why they want to discredit her quickly.

The only hint of scandal in Palin's past is the concern that she and her family had in protecting Palin's sister and family from an abusive and violent husband who also happened to be a State Trooper. Mata Harley at Flopping Aces has covered the story like asphalt on the highway so you can be informed.

Expect Democrats to follow their usual routine by sowing confusing story lines, then asking loaded questions which then need to be answered. One wonders how women will view Democrat's attempts to defend an abusive husband and father who also carried a badge and a gun?

A behind the scenes look at the Palin Pick

For those of you who enjoy the inside baseball angle on how the Palin pick was made Stephen Hayes also writing at the The Weekly Standard has the story. In his report Haye's describes how McCain initially had wanted to pick Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and had the strong backing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham (not for the first time: on behalf of SC conservatives I apologize).

It was McCain who realized that such a move would be totally unacceptable to the GOP base. He heard alot about that subject in the Town Hall meetings he held leading up to his decision as he has throughout this campaign. Readers may recall I personally voiced my conservative concerns to the Senator last November when the candidate visited Mike's America.

Say "Thank YOU" to John McCain and Support the GOP Ticket!

John McCain heard our collective voices. He promised he would always listen to us, and in this case he not only listened, he acted in accordance with our fondest wishes.

For that, conservatives owe him and the McCain-Palin ticket our full support.

If you have not yet done so, please consider making a donation to the campaign.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Get on the Skye Express for the GOP Convention

Skye is busy packing her bags for the GOP convention in Minneapolis that begins Monday. She'll be an official blogger at the event posting her observations and hosting video chats for readers from the convention.

If you haven't already done so, I urge you to consider donating a few bucks to help her defray expenses. We're not PBS here we can't depend on taxpayer dollars to fund our activities.

More on Skye's exciting trip here.

All Donations Greatly Appreciated!

See you at the Convention Skye!

Friday, August 29, 2008

SARAH!



I am genuinely thrilled that so many of my fellow conservatives are as jazzed with the pick of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate as I am. It's an inspired, brilliant choice for so many reasons.

For me, she embodies the new conservative leadership that so many of us have been looking for and longing for.

The clincher came when I heard her speech in Dayton this afternoon:


It's hard to listen to her speech as it was interrupted so many times by the wild applause in the audience. Here's the transcript:

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Sarah Palin Addresses Rally
Dayton, Ohio

August 29, 2008

PALIN: Thank you so much.

And I thank you, Senator McCain and Mrs. McCain, for the confidence that you have placed in me. Senator, I am honored to be chosen as your running mate.

I will be honored to serve next to the next president of the United States.

I know that when Senator McCain gave me this opportunity, he had a short list of highly qualified men and women. And to have made that list at all, it was a privilege. And to have been chosen brings a great challenge.

I know that it will demand the best that I have to give, and I promise nothing less.

First -- first, there are a few people whom I would like you to meet. I want to start with my husband, Todd.

And Todd and I are actually celebrating our 20th anniversary today. And I promised him...

I had promised Todd a little surprise for the anniversary present, and hopefully he knows that I did deliver.

And then we have as -- after my husband, who is a lifelong commercial fisherman, lifetime Alaskan. He's a production operator.

Todd is a production operator in the oil fields up on Alaska's North Slope. And he's a proud member of the United Steelworkers union. And he's a world-champion snow machine racer.

Todd and I met way back in high school. And I can tell you that he is still the man that I admire most in this world.

Along the way, Todd and I have shared many blessings. And four out of five of them are here with us today.

Our oldest son, Track, though, he'll be following the presidential campaign from afar. On September 11th of last year, our son enlisted in the United States Army.

Track now serves in an infantry brigade. And on September 11th, Track will deploy to Iraq in the service of his country. And Todd and I are so proud of him and of all the fine men and women serving this country (inaudible)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

Next to Todd is our daughter, Bristol, another daughter, Willow, our youngest daughter, Piper, and over in their arms is our son, Trig, a beautiful baby boy. He was born just in April.

His name is Trig Paxson Van Palin.

Some of life's greatest opportunities come unexpectedly. And this is certainly the case today.

I never really set out to be involved in public affairs, much less to run for this office. My mom and dad both worked at the local elementary school. And my husband and I, we both grew up working with our hands. I was just your average hockey mom in Alaska, raising...

We're busy raising our kids. I was serving as the team mom and coaching some basketball on the side. I got involved in the PTA and then was elected to the city council, and then elected mayor of my hometown, where my agenda was to stop wasteful spending, and cut property taxes, and put the people first.

I was then appointed ethics commissioner and chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. And when I found corruption there, I fought it hard, and I held the offenders to account.

Along with fellow reformers in the great state of Alaska, as governor, I've stood up to the old politics as usual, to the special interests, to the lobbyists, the big oil companies, and the good-old- boy network.

When oil and gas prices went up so dramatically and the state revenues followed with that increase, I sent a large share of that revenue directly back to the people of Alaska. And we are now -- we're now embarking on a $40 billion natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.

I signed major ethics reform. And I appointed both Democrats and independents to serve in my administration. And I championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. In fact, I told Congress -- I told Congress, "Thanks, but no thanks," on that bridge to nowhere.

If our state wanted a bridge, I said we'd build it ourselves. Well, it's always, though, safer in politics to avoid risk, to just kind of go along with the status quo. But I didn't get into government to do the safe and easy things. A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not why the ship is built.

Politics isn't just a game of competing interests and clashing parties. The people of America expect us to seek public office and to serve for the right reasons.

And the right reason is to challenge the status quo and to serve the common good.

Now, no one expects us to agree on everything, whether in Juneau or in Washington. But we are expected to govern with integrity, and goodwill, and clear convictions, and a servant's heart.

Now, no leader in America has shown these qualities so clearly or present so clear a threat to business as usual in Washington as Senator John S. McCain.

This -- this is a moment when principles and political independence matter a lot more than just the party line. And this is a man who has always been there to serve his country, not just his party.

And this is a moment that requires resolve and toughness, and strength of heart in the American president. And my running mate is a man who has shown those qualities in the darkest of places, and in the service of his country.

A colleague once said about Senator McCain, "That man did things for this country that few people could go through. Never forget that." And that speaker was former Senator John Glenn of Ohio.

And John Glenn knows something about heroism. And I'm going to make sure nobody does forget that in this campaign. There is only one candidate who has truly fought for America, and that man is John McCain.

This is a moment -- this is a moment when great causes can be won and great threats overcome, depending on the judgment of our next president.

In a dangerous world, it is John McCain who will lead America's friends and allies in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

It was John McCain who cautioned long ago about the harm that Russian aggression could do to Georgia and to other small democratic neighbors and to the world oil markets.

It was Senator McCain who refused to hedge his support for our troops in Iraq, regardless of the political costs.

And you know what? As the mother of one of those troops, and as the commander of Alaska's National Guard, that's the kind of man I want as our commander in chief.

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

Profiles in courage: They can be hard to come by these days. You know, so often we just find them in books. But next week when we nominate John McCain for president, we're putting one on the ballot.

To serve as vice president beside such a man would be the privilege of a lifetime. And it's fitting that this trust has been given to me 88 years almost to the day after the women of America first gained the right to vote.

I think -- I think as well today of two other women who came before me in national elections.

I can't begin this great effort without honoring the achievements of Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

... and of course Senator Hillary Clinton, who showed such determination and grace in her presidential campaign

It was rightly noted in Denver this week that Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America.

... but it turns out the women of America aren't finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.

So for my part, the mission is clear: The next 67 days I'm going to take our campaign to every part of our country and our message of reform to every voter of every background in every political party, or no party at all.

If you want change in Washington, if you hope for a better America, then we're asking for your vote on the 4th of November.

My fellow Americans, come join our cause.

Join our cause and help our country to elect a great man the next president of the United States.

And I thank you, and I -- God bless you, I say, and God bless America. Thank you.

As John McCain introduced Governor Palin, a man was heard to shout "Thank you John." I'll second that motion. In the most criticial choice John McCain had to make in this election he didn't let conservatives down. He did as promised and picked someone who shared his values and a leader that conservatives can enthusiastically support.

Today, Governor Palin invited "My fellow Americans, come join our cause." You can do so by visiting John McCain's web site and making a contribution and volunteering. The web site server was so overwhelmed earlier today that you might have to try more than once to get through.

McCain Sign Up

Who is Sarah Palin?

The story in pictures...

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Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, left, and her husband Todd Palin hold their baby boy Trig in Anchorage, Alaska Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Palin's fifth child was born with Down syndrome, a genetic abnormality that impedes physical, intellectual and language development. "We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives" Sarah Palin said.

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Laurie Serino, left, talks about the high food prices with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in Barrow, Alaska on Monday, June 30, 2008.

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Governor Sarah Palin, 2nd from left attends National Governor's conference at the White House with President Bush February 2007.

Statement by the President on Governor Sarah Palin
White House News
August 29, 2008

Today, Senator McCain made an exciting decision in choosing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to join him on his ticket as the Vice Presidential candidate. Governor Palin is a proven reformer who is a wise steward of taxpayer dollars and champion for accountability in government. Governor Palin's success is due to her dedication to principle and her roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic and serves as a wonderful example of the spirit of America. By selecting a working mother with a track record of getting things done, Senator McCain has once again demonstrated his commitment to reforming Washington.

I applaud Senator McCain for selecting Governor Palin. This decision is yet another example of why the American people can trust him to make wise decisions and to confidently lead this country.

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Sarah Palin campaigning for Governor. She won on a reform platform despite fierce opposition including some within her own party.

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Governor Palin has firsthand experience in the quest for America's energy indepencence. Her husband Todd works on Alaska's North Slope helping to bring American energy to America's consumers. Like most Alaskans, she supports drilling for new energy in ANWR and offshore.

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As Commander in Chief of Alaska's National Guard she's played an active roll in supporting our troops both at home and in vists overseas. Her oldest son will deploy to Iraq on September 11th 2008.

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This is no pushover. She knows the business end of a gun and how to shoot it (video). Her nickname on the state campionship women's basketball team was "Barracuda." She is a hunter, pilot and lifetime member of the NRA. Joe Biden won't push THIS woman around in debates.

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The proud parents: Chuck Heath, left, and his wife, Sally, react, in their home in Wasilla, Alaska, as Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain announces that he selected their daughter, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, to be his vice presidential running mate Friday Aug. 29. 2008.

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McCain's V.P. Pick

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Sarah Palin!!!


From Fox News: Born in Idaho, Palin moved to Alaska with her parents, to Charles and Sally Heath, when she was 3 months old.

She grew up in Wasilla, just outside of Anchorage, and played on the Wasilla state championship girls’ basketball team. She was crowned Miss Wasilla in 1984 and was a runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant.

Palin studied journalism and political science at the University of Idaho and graduated in 1987. She eloped with her high school boyfriend, Todd Palin, in 1988 to save money on an expensive wedding. She helped out in her husband’s family commercial fishing business and appeared occasionally as a television sportscaster.

Palin won a seat on the Wasilla City Council in 1992 as a new face and a new voice, and by opposing tax increases. Four years later she was elected mayor at 32 by knocking off a three-term incumbent. At the end of her second term, party leaders encouraged her to enter the 2002 race for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. Against veteran legislators with far more experience, Palin finished second by fewer than 2,000 votes, making a name for herself in statewide politics. She was elected Alaska’s youngest and first woman governor in 2006.

Sarah and Todd Palin have five children: boys Track, 19, and Trig, 4 months, and daughters Bristol, 17, Willow, 13, and Piper, 7. Track Palin joined the Army last September and will deploy to Iraq on Sept. 11. Palin gave birth to Trig, who has Down syndrome, in April and returned to work three days later.

Palin will be the second female vice presidential candidate from a major political party. The first was New York Rep. Geraldine Ferrarro, who was Walter Mondale’s Democratic running mate in 1984.


Hockey Moms Unite!

The choice of Sarah Palin is a bold and exciting move. She's a fresh face, not another old white male. She brings with her the pioneer spirit of Alaska. That's a spirit that still lives in many places in this nation.

She will appeal strongly to disaffected Hillary voters, who are still angry that a woman was denied a place on the Democrat ticket.

And Joe Biden will have to watch his step in debates. He's known for his arrogant and condescending remarks. If he tries that with Palin, woman will revolt. And let's not forget that despite the evident contrast in experience between the two, Biden confused Iranians, who are Persians, with Arabs. And he's the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. So much for experience.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Obama's Speech: Soaring Rhetoric, Empty Promises

Enjoy your day in the sun Obama, it's OUR turn next!

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Liberal, Liberal

What do you get when you nominate Barack Obama, the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate, and Joe Biden, the third most liberal member of the Senate, on the same ticket running for President and Vice President?

Answer: You get a ticket so far out of the American mainstream that they cannot be honest about what they would do if elected and still win.

And that's the speech you heard Obama deliver in Denver Thursday night. Long on promises, short on specifics. Obama used the word "change" 15 times and the word "promise" 32 times. But not once did he say exactly how he would deliver on those promises and achieve that change.

Here's a Wordle of the top 150 words he used in the speech. The larger the word in this image the more times it was used:

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Notice Obama used the name "McCain" 21 times in attacks that undermine his message of new politics. He linked McCain to an "old, discredited Republican philosophy" and yet, all he offered was a repackaging of the tax and spend liberal programs that have proved to be such abominable failures in the past.

Saying "America, now is not the time for small plans" he listed nothing more ambitious than vague promises of tax cuts for people who don't pay taxes and a promise to end our dependence on Middle East oil in ten years. Short on specifics and substance but long on carefully crafted soundbites. And the rest was nothing more than the usual laundry list of pet projects for liberal special interest groups.

Now he wants to debate McCain?

Twice Obama mentioned his eagerness to debate John McCain. "If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament, and judgment, to serve as the next commander in chief, that’s a debate I’m ready to have" Obama said. Oh really? How many times has McCain invited you to debate only to be met by your silence or a long string of "uhhhh"s?

Never fear Republicans! Payback begins at Noon EST Friday!

Obama's Mount O-lympus Stage Designed by Britney Spears Set Designer

No word on whether Obama will wear a toga!

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The Barackopolis stands ready for the Democrat's god to descend tonight!

TEMPLE OF DEM ON MT. O-LYMPUS
By JEREMY OLSHAN and GEOFF EARLE
NY Post
August 28, 2008

DENVER - Democrats will kneel before the "Temple of Obama" tonight.

As if a Rocky Mountain coronation were not lofty enough, Barack Obama will aim for Mount Olympus when he accepts his party's nomination atop an enormous, Greek-columned stage - built by the same cheesy set team that put together Britney Spears' last tour.
...
"We've done Britney's sets and a whole bunch of rock shows, but this was far more elaborate and complicated and we had to do it in far less time," said Allen, of RDA Entertainment.

"The biggest challenge has been making sure we don't damage the playing field underneath."

Asked who is harder to satisfy - the Democrats or Britney - Allen replied: "I better not answer that."

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Catholic Cardinal Admonishes Nancy Pelosi on Abortion

The flap over Senator Obama's answer at the Saddleback Forum that the point at which a Baby has human rights was "above my pay grade" (video here) has gotten House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) in trouble with Cardinals and Bishops of the Catholic Church U.S.A.

On an appearance on Meet the Press, Pelosi's answer to a question by Tom Brokaw has caused further controversy:

Meet the Press
August 24, 2008

MR. BROKAW: Senator Obama saying the question of when life begins is above his pay grade, whether you're looking at it scientifically or theologically. If he were to come to you and say, "Help me out here, Madame Speaker. When does life begin?" what would you tell him?

REP. PELOSI: I would say that as an ardent, practicing Catholic, this is an issue that I have studied for a long time. And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And Senator--St. Augustine said at three months. We don't know. The point is, is that it shouldn't have an impact on the woman's right to choose. Roe v. Wade talks about very clear definitions of when the child--first trimester, certain considerations; second trimester; not so third trimester. There's very clear distinctions. This isn't about abortion on demand, it's about a careful, careful consideration of all factors and--to--that a woman has to make with her doctor and her god. And so I don't think anybody can tell you when life begins, human life begins. As I say, the Catholic Church for centuries has been discussing this, and there are those who've decided...

MR. BROKAW: The Catholic Church at the moment feels very strongly that it...

REP. PELOSI: I understand that.

MR. BROKAW: ...begins at the point of conception.

REP. PELOSI: I understand. And this is like maybe 50 years or something like that. So again, over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy. But it is, it is also true that God has given us, each of us, a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions. And we want abortions to be safe, rare, and reduce the number of abortions. That's why we have this fight in Congress over contraception. My Republican colleagues do not support contraception. If you want to reduce the number of abortions, and we all do, we must--it would behoove you to support family planning and, and contraception, you would think. But that is not the case. So we have to take--you know, we have to handle this as respectfully--this is sacred ground. We have to handle it very respectfully and not politicize it, as it has been--and I'm not saying Rick Warren did, because I don't think he did, but others will try to.
Cardinals and Bishops of the Catholic Church responded forcefully. But perhaps none more so than Cardinal Egan in New York:

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STATEMENT OF HIS EMINENCE, EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN CONCERNING REMARKS MADE BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age.

We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb. In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being “chooses” to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.

Edward Cardinal Egan
Archbishop of New York
August 26, 2008

You would think that Pelosi would have better sense than to reopen that can of worms. But then, most readers here WOULD think. That's a skill that Pelsoi and many Dems drunk with Obama fever have yet to master.

Still, what does Speaker Pelosi, a practicing Catholic, care about what the leaders of her church have to say? She's already Temple Obama has decreed be built for the occasion.

No Unity Among Some Clinton Delegates

For all the facade of party unity at the Democrat Convention in Denver, you don't have to look far to find a Hillary delegate who just isn't going to fall over and support Obama. This woman may not vote at all...

Hillary Clinton Kicks Off 2012 Campaign in Convention Speech

Forget about Obama. Hillary is already looking ahead!

In her speech to the Democrat Convention in Denver (transcript) Hillary made all the right noises. She gave what appeared to be her full support to Obama dutifully mentioning his name 12 times and also bashing McCain and the GOP.

But, to my ears, it sounded like a speech intended to signal Hillary's run for President in 2012. It's no secret Hillary thinks Obama can't win in the general election against McCain so Tuesday's speech was her best chance to stake her claim to the nomination in 2012. She'll need some of those Obama voters next time around and that's another reason she was so eager to be seen praising him Tuesday.

Hillary's speech also gave her the chance to outshine vice presidential nominee Joe Biden who addresses the convention Wednesday evening. Biden may be planning to use his visibility as the V.P. candidate for another run at the top job in 2012.

Poor Obama. In a convention that is supposed to be all about him, it's turning into a convention that's all about his replacement!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

What Hillary Clinton REALLY Thinks!

As you listen to Hillary's speech at the Dem Convention tonight, you'll hear her endorse the Obama-Biden ticket.

But what does she really think?


For more of what Hillary thinks, click here.

Quick Quiz II

From Meet the Press September 9th of 2007. Tim Russert asks guest:

"General Petraeus said in a letter to his troops, 'My sense is we have achieved tactical momentum and wrested the initiative from our enemies in a number of areas of Iraq. We are, in short, a long way from the goal line, but we do have the ball. We are driving down the field.' Is that what you expect him to say tomorrow?"

Answer:"He's dead, flat wrong. The fact of the matter is that there is -- that this -- uh -- this idea of the security gains we made have had no impact on the underlying sectarian dynamic. None. None whatsoever. Can anybody envision a central government made up of Sunni, Shi'a, and Kurds that's going to gain the trust and respect of 27 million Iraqis? There have been some tactical gains, but they have no ultimate bearing at this point on the prospect of there being a political settlement in Iraq that would allow American troops to come home without leaving chaos behind."
Who said it?

The same person also suggested that we need to show the Arab world we are not their enemy and suggested we give Iran, which is not an Arab country, $200 million with no strings attached.
Does this individual show sound judgement and experience in foreign affairs and national security?

Monday, August 25, 2008

Quote Quiz

Who said this?

“If the Democrats think we're going to be able to nominate [a President] who can win without that person being able to [bring to the] table unimpeachable credentials on national security and foreign policy, I think we're making a tragic mistake.”


No fair Googling!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

A Viewing Guide for the Democrat Convention

Dems will always "Blame America First!"

As the Democrat convention opens in Denver, prepare for a reality check. In the speeches from the convention floor and the spinmeisters on television you'll hear an endless litany of what is wrong with America.

They may not trot out Rev. Wright and have him deliver one of his sermons calling America the "the U.S. of K.K.K. A." And Obama is unlikely to recite the passage from his book where he describes "white folks' greed runs a world in need." But Democrat rhetoric is likely to go beyond the "glass is half full" pessimism that we have come to expect. Instead, you will hear that life in the U.S. is bad and the spreading of fear that unless Democrats are elected in November things will get much worse.

Of course none of this is new. Democrats have been using those same shopworn shibboleths for years.

It Took a Democrat To Spot the Donkey's B.S.

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Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick with President Reagan in the Oval Office

The classic answer to Democrat pessimism and fearmongering came from Jeane Kirkpatrick, President Reagan's U.N. Ambassador. Though she was still a Democrat at the time, she spoke at the 1984 Republican Convention in Dallas Texas where she coined the perfect phrase to describe the Democrat's outlook to whatever problems confront us. No matter what the problem, we can always count on Democrats to "blame America first!"

Take for example the following paragraph from her 1984 speech:
When Marxist dictators shoot their way to power in Central America, the San Francisco Democrats don't blame the guerrillas and their Soviet allies, they blame United States policies of 100 years ago.

But then, they always blame America first.
Change the situation to the Russian invasion of Georgia today and you'll find that Democrats, including Obama, are still trying to blame America first.

Kirkpatrick warned that such an outlook was self defeating:

The American people know that it's dangerous to blame ourselves for terrible problems that we did not cause.

They understand just as the distinguished French writer, Jean Francois Revel, understands the dangers of endless self- criticism and self-denigration.

He wrote: "Clearly, a civilization that feels guilty for everything it is and does will lack the energy and conviction to defend itself."
Why is it so difficult for Democrats to see the greatness and goodness of this country? We've liberated Europe twice, landed a man on the moon and whenever there is a natural disaster anywhere in the world we're the first ones on the scene to help. The freedom and prosperity that this nation represents still stands as a beacon attracting millions around the world who will risk everything they have to come here and join us.

Is it any wonder that women like Jeane Kirkpatrick and other traditional Democrats continue to abandon the party as it lurches ever further away from the values that have made this country great?

"The Truth Hurts"

Latest ad from the McCain campaign targets Hillary voters by suggesting why Obama didn't choose her for the ticket. Hillary spoke the truth about Obama!



That's great, but I still think Harriet Christian said it best (video). Obama is "an inadequate black male."

Biden Can't Even Get Obama's Name Right

At least he didn't call him Osama (like Ted Kennedy)

'Barack America'???

Of course it didn't help when Obama introduced Biden as "The next President."

Considering how Democrat voters can become so easily confused and mismark their ballots, shouldn't their campaign try harder to get the candidates to use the correct names and offices for which they are running?

Nah! That wouldn't be any fun!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

It's Biden!

Obama picked the same guy who said this:

Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) Reaffirmed That Obama Was Not Ready To Be Commander In Chief. ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "You were asked is he ready. You said 'I think he can be ready, but right now I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training.'" Sen. Biden: "I think that I stand by the statement." (ABC's "This Week," 8/19/07)

Sen. Biden: "Having talking points on foreign policy doesn't get you there." ("Biden Lashes Out At Obama," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 8/2/07)
The same Joe Biden who had to drop out of the 1988 presidential race for plagiarizing speeches; something Obama himself has done.

Picking Biden is an affirmation from Obama admitting his own weakness in foreign policy and national security. But of course voters don't vote for the #2 guy on the ticket so if they want a President who is qualified on that score there is no choice but to vote for McCain!

Update: Biden Thought the Country Would be Better Off with McCain



What Biden REALLY thinks:


‘Just Words’ That Joe Biden Would Like To Forget
The curse of a loose mouth and Nexis.
By Jim Geraghty
National Review
August 20, 2008

On McCain:

The Daily Show, August 2, 2005: “John McCain is a personal friend, a great friend, and I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off, be well off no matter who...”

Biden, on a post-debate appearance on MSNBC, October 30, 2007: “The only guy on the other side who’s qualified is John McCain.”

On Meet the Press, November 27, 2005: “I’ve been calling for more troops for over two years, along with John McCain and others subsequent to my saying that.”

On Obama:

New York Observer interview: “But — and the ‘but’ was clearly inevitable — he doubts whether American voters are going to elect ‘a one-term, a guy [Obama] who has served for four years in the Senate,’ and added: ‘I don’t recall hearing a word from Barack about a plan or a tactic.’”

interview with the Huffington Post, he assessed Obama and Hillary Clinton: “The more people learn about them (Obama and Hillary) and how they handle the pressure, the more their support will evaporate.”

Biden said in a campaign ad, “When this campaign is over, political slogans like ‘experience’ and ‘change’ will mean absolutely nothing. The next president has to act.”

On Iraq:

Biden on Meet the Press in 2002, discussing Saddam Hussein: “He’s a long term threat and a short term threat to our national security… “We have no choice but to eliminate the threat. This is a guy who is an extreme danger to the world.”

Biden in October of 2002: “We must be clear with the American people that we are committing to Iraq for the long haul; not just the day after, but the decade after.”

Biden, on Obama’s Iraq plan in August 2007: “I don’t want [my son] going [to Iraq],” Delaware Sen. Joe Biden said from the campaign trail Wednesday, according to a report on Radio Iowa. “But I tell you what, I don’t want my grandson or my granddaughters going back in 15 years and so how we leave makes a big difference.” Biden criticized Democratic rivals such as Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama who have voted against Iraq funding bills to try to pressure President Bush to end the war. “There’s no political point worth my son’s life,” Biden said, according to Radio Iowa. “There’s no political point worth anybody’s life out there. None.”

Biden to the Brookings Institution in 2005: “We can call it quits and withdraw from Iraq. I think that would be a gigantic mistake. Or we can set a deadline for pulling out, which I fear will only encourage our enemies to wait us out — equally a mistake.”

Analyzing the surge on Meet the Press, September 9, 2007: “I mean, the truth of the matter is that, that the — America’s — this administration’s policy and the surge are a failure, and that the surge, which was supposed to stop sectarian violence and — long enough to give political reconciliation, there’s been no political reconciliation... The reality is that, although there has been some mild progress on the security front, there is, in fact, no, no real security in Baghdad and/or in Anbar province, where I was, dealing with the most serious problem, sectarian violence. Sectarian violence is as strong and as solid and as serious a problem as it was before the surge started.”


And it seems not every political analyst thinks Biden was the best pick:

Analysis: Biden pick shows lack of confidence
Aug 23, 2008
By RON FOURNIER
Associated Press

DENVER (AP) - The candidate of change went with the status quo.

In picking Sen. Joe Biden to be his running mate, Barack Obama sought to shore up his weakness - inexperience in office and on foreign policy - rather than underscore his strength as a new-generation candidate defying political conventions.

He picked a 35-year veteran of the Senate - the ultimate insider - rather than a candidate from outside Washington, such as Govs. Tim Kaine of Virginia or Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas; or from outside his party, such as Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska; or from outside the mostly white male club of vice presidential candidates. Hillary Rodham Clinton didn't even make his short list.

The picks say something profound about Obama: For all his self-confidence, the 47-year-old Illinois senator worried that he couldn't beat Republican John McCain without help from a seasoned politician willing to attack. The Biden selection is the next logistical step in an Obama campaign that has become more negative - a strategic decision that may be necessary but threatens to run counter to his image.
...
A senior Obama adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, said his boss has expressed impatience with what he calls a "reverence" inside his campaign for his message of change and new politics. In other words, Obama is willing - even eager - to risk what got him this far if it gets him to the White House.
...
So the question is whether Biden's depth counters Obama's inexperience - or highlights it?

After all, Biden is anything but a change agent, having been in office longer than half of all Americans have been alive. Longer than McCain.


Yep, even with all the "reverance" for empty slogans about "change" what does the Obama campaign do when it senses trouble? It goes out and picks another old white man to help out!

Then there is this:

The Case Against Joe Biden
By Chris Cilliza
Washington Post Blog
August 14, 2008

Joe Loves Joe

One of the most overlooked episodes during the 1987 collapse of Biden's campaign was a snippet of footage captured by C-Span in which the Delaware senator, in response to a question about where he went to law school and what sort of grades he received, delivered this classic line: "I think I have a much higher IQ than you do."

While any human being -- especially a candidate for president who is constantly being poked and prodded -- can be forgiven a momentary flash of temper, Biden's detractors point to that incident as evidence that the senator thinks he is the bee's knees and doesn't care who knows it.

Biden, by his own admission, has the capacity to fall in love with his own voice and wander off on tangents about his life that have nothing to do with the topic at hand.

During the 2006 confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, the Post's Dana Milbank wrote this of Biden's performance:

"Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., in his first 12 minutes of questioning the nominee, managed to get off only one question. Instead, during his 30-minute round of questioning, Biden spoke about his own Irish American roots, his "Grandfather Finnegan," his son's application to Princeton (he attended the University of Pennsylvania instead, Biden said), a speech the senator gave on the Princeton campus, the fact that Biden is "not a Princeton fan," and his views on the eyeglasses of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)."


Ouch.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Does Anyone REALLY Care About the Russian Invasion of Georgia?

Charles Krauthammer and Ralph Peters both had great articles today on the situation with Russia's invasion of Georgia.

But does anyone care?

NATO declared that it was no longer "business as usual" with Russia but that's about all they did. And the Russians couldn't care less.

The resolution in the U.N. Security Council calling for a REAL withdrawal was blocked by Russia which declared it was withdrawing from Georgia despite the fact that the world's media is on the scene describing how they are digging in instead.

Democrats working for Obama criticized John McCain for "shooting from the hip" for his strong statements on the situation at the same time other Democrats criticized President Bush for trying his hardest to give Russia's Putin the "respect" they say he deserves. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

And those on the left deluded enough to say Russia is using U.S. actions in Iraq as a justification for their invasion of Georgia should be challenged to point out the U.N. resolutions Georgia violated and compare them to those which gave coaltion allies legal justification in Iraq.

But does any of it really matter?

Other than the concrete actions taken by our Polish allies, and some visible and strong statements by Eastern European states, the relative silence over the matter among our Western European allies is troubling.

French President Sarkozy, representing the entire European Union got used in the first cease fire deal he cut with the Russians. German Chancellor Merkel had some tough talk with Russian President Medvedev in person as well. None of that seems to have made a dent.

Until France, Germany and even our British allies are willing to get in line and support the tougher measures demanded by the Eastern European states most closely threatened by Russia's action what hope is there for a united front to address the problem?

If Russia knows, as it clearly does, that a divided NATO and a worthless U.N. will not stand up to such naked aggression, than they can and will do the same and worse again.

If you don't care about that now. You will when a larger war breaks out!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

New Ads from the McCain Campaign

Below, we display the independent ad informing American voters about Obama's friendship with an admitted terrorist .

Obama's Housing Problem: Political Favors from a Convicted Slum Lord

Today, the McCain campaign responded to Obama's backhanded attack on Cindy McCain over the issue of property she owns with Senator McCain. Doing so invited a comparison to Obama's ties to a convicted Chicago slum lord who joined in a related lot purchase next to Obama's mansion in Chicago:

The McCain campaign also released another ad in the mold of "The One" released earlier this month. This one is called "The One- The Road to Denver" and uses some interesting imagery from the classic film "The Ten Commandments:"

You Are Known by the Company You Keep: Obama's Friend the Terrorist!

This is the latest political ad getting all the buzz today!

Denver Group Asks Police To Ignore Pot Smoking Laws During Dem Convention

These kinds of requests aren't necessary during GOP conventions!

Panel wants pot smokers left alone during DNC
The Washington Examiner
August 20, 2008

DENVER - A panel convened to implement a voter-approved Denver ordinance making possession of small amounts of marijuana the "lowest law enforcement priority" voted Wednesday to approve a resolution urging police to refrain from making arrests or issuing citations during the Democratic National Convention.

Mason Tvert, leader of the group Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation, said city police and prosecutors are ignoring the will of the voters. He said the city still requires violators to show up in court, which he warned could clog the court system

"After the Democratic National Convention ends, there will be hundreds of marijuana cases all showing up at the same time," Tvert said.
...
Tvert said conventioneers will be consuming large amounts of alcohol and they should have an alternative.
Apparently there will be plenty of Dems getting high on Obama in the Mile High City!

I wonder if this will be their campaign poster?

U.S. and Poland Sign Extended Defense Agreement

Russia threatens "non-diplomatic" action in response!

Photobucket

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski sign a "Declaration on Strategic Cooperation" in Warsaw August 20, 2008. The agreement establishes U.S. basing of anti-missile defenses on Polish soil.

The agreement (full text here) establishes a framework for direct defense cooperation between the U.S. and Poland in addition to Poland's participation in the NATO alliance. Poland had been dragging it's feet in the negotiations which were stalled until the Russians invaded Georgia earlier this month.

In describing why Poland would move closer in it's defense relationship with the U.S. Polish analyst Marek Ostrowsk said: "Traditionally and historically, we think America is more reliable than Europe...In 1918, we regained independence thanks to the U.S. When World War II began in 1939, we were let down by our allies, Britain and France. But the U.S. has never failed us."

Before signing the pact, Poland's President Lech Kaczynski in a televised address to the Polish people declared, "No one will ever again tell Poland what to do and what not to do." A clear reference to Russia's domination of the country starting in 1939 when Stalin and Hitler agreed to divide the country. Poland only regained full independence in 1989.

A major component of the new defense agreement is the installation of ten missile interceptors to be based on Polish soil and manned by U.S. personnel. The interceptors are designed to counteract missile threats from Iran or other rogue states but such a small number would not counter the Russian arsenal which possesses hundreds of missiles.

Nevertheless, the Russians have upped their war on words directed at Poland insisting that basing purely defensive systems on Polish soil would cause Russia to target Poland. "If Poland allows elements of the U.S. missile shield to be placed in its territory it will expose itself to a strike ... and that's a hundred percent sure," threatened deputy head of Russia's General Staff Col. Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn.


U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed Russia's saber rattling, saying the threats "border on the bizarre."

"When you threaten Poland, you perhaps forget that it is not 1988," Rice said, according to The Associated Press. "It's 2008 and the United States has a ... firm treaty guarantee to defend Poland's territory as if it was the territory of the United States. So it's probably not wise to throw these threats around."

But in addition to the threats, Russia may be making a more concrete move. Norway's defense ministry claims Russia has told it that it plans to cut all military ties with NATO, The Associated Press reports.
Democrats Go Wobbly on Polish Missile Defense

At the very same moment when our European partners and NATO allies are signaling full speed ahead on closer cooperation with the U.S. Democrats in Congress are signaling the opposite. Democrats have long opposed defense against ballistic missiles ever since President Reagan introduced the concept in 1983.

Despite the fact that the technologies involved in missile defense have been recently proven to work, Democrats, including Barack Obama, still want to cut spending for the program. They would replace Reagan's proven strategy of "Peace through strength" with "peace pretty please" at the exact same time the world is being threatened once again by Russia.

Related News: Russians Squash UN Resolution on Georgia. Occupation Continues

No surprise here, but the U.N. Security Council Resolution demanding Russia's withdrawal from Georgia and respect for the small nation's territorial integrity was blocked by Russia. Meanwhile, the occupation of Georgia continues as Russian troops appear to be digging in, not preparing to withdraw despite the agreements Russia has signed.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Obama's Lost Brother Left to Live on $1 a Month!

A reminder that charity begins at home!

Last Saturday at the Saddleback Forum Pastor Rick Warren asked Barrack Obama "What would be... the greatest moral failure in your life? And what would be the greatest moral failure of America?"

Obama responded to his personal failings by relating his experience with drugs and drinking and said it was due to a "certain selfishness on my part. I was so obsessed with me and, you know, the reasons that I might be dissatisfied that I couldn't focus on other people."

When it came to America's failings, Obama said:

SEN. OBAMA: I think America's greatest moral failure in my lifetime has been that we still don't abide by that basic precept in Matthew that whatever you do for the least of my brothers you do for me. (Applause.) And that notion of -- that basic principle applies to poverty. It applies to racism and sexism. It applies to, you know, not thinking about providing ladders of opportunity for people to get into the middle class.

I mean, there's a pervasive sense, I think, that this country, as wealthy and powerful as we are, still don't spend enough time thinking about "the least of these."
His answer was typical of the liberal view that it's the government's responsibility to provide for those less fortunate. While admitting that his own selfishness means he couldn't "focus" on other people.

Put aside for a moment that multiple studies have shown conservatives give more to charity to help the underprivileged than do liberals who look to government for help (see here and here).

What Would Jesus Do? Lobby for More Govt. Welfare or Help a Brother Personally?

PhotobucketBarack Obama's 'lost' brother found in Kenya By Nick Pisa in Rome
U.K. Telegraph
20 Aug 2008

George Hussein Onyango Obama, Senator Barack Obama's long lost brother was tracked down living in a hut on the outskirts of Nairobi Photo: Guy Calaf, Vanity Fair, Italy The Italian edition of Vanity Fair said that it had found George Hussein Onyango Obama living in a hut in a ramshackle town of Huruma on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Mr Obama, 26, the youngest of the presidential candidate's half-brothers, spoke for the first time about his life, which could not be more different than that of the Democratic contender.

"No-one knows who I am," he told the magazine, before claiming: "I live here on less than a dollar a month."

According to Italy's Vanity Fair his two metre by three metre shack is decorated with football posters of the Italian football giants AC Milan and Inter, as well as a calendar showing exotic beaches of the world.

Vanity Fair also noted that he had a front page newspaper picture of his famous brother - born of the same father as him, Barack Hussein Obama,
but to a different mother, named only as Jael.

He told the magazine: "I live like a recluse, no-one knows I exist."

Embarrassed by his penury, he said that he does not does not mention his famous half-brother in conversation.

"If anyone says something about my surname, I say we are not related. I am ashamed," he said.

He has only met his famous older brother twice - once when he was just five and the last time in 2006 when Senator Obama was on a tour of East Africa and visited Nairobi.

The Illinois senator mentions his brother in his autobiography, describing him in just one passing paragraph as a "beautiful boy with a rounded head".
You would think that someone who proposed massive tax increases to help the global poor would be willing to help out a member of his own family. Especially considering that Obama's family income has skyrocketed along with his political prominence.

Contrast Obama's indifference to blood relatives to that of John McCain, who adopted his daughter Bridget, a Bangledeshi girl who was abandoned and in need of medical attention.

What if every rich liberal who daily demands government do more to help the poor would help members of their family first? Wouldn't the world be a better place? Or does Obama still suffer from the selfishness of his youth that makes him think first and only of himself?

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Pelosi: Obama is God's Gift to America

PhotobucketAll hell (literally) would break lose if George Bush said anything close to this....

At a fundraiser for Obama in San Francisco on Monday House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Obama is: "a leader that God has blessed us with at this time."

Meanwhile, Obama is claiming that it is McCain who is whipping up the messianic comparisons! What a laugh!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Mike's America on "The Blog Bunker"

Monday, August 18, 5:30- 6 PM EST.
Indie Talk, Sirius Satellite Radio, channel 110

Yours truly will be on "The Blog Bunker" with Joe Salzone discussing topics like the Russian invasion of Georgia and drilling for more U.S. oil.

At Saddleback Forum Obama Revealed Bigotry Towards Clarence Thomas

I'm surprised he didn't get in a dig at Condoleezza Rice while he was at it!

Plus: If Obama felt McCain had an unfair advantage, how about a rematch?

Why is it that a black man running for the highest office in the land as a Democrat is considered qualified by the left when a clearly qualified black man or woman who happens to be Republican is not only considered not qualified, but often vilified. You don't have to look much further than the slurs against Condi Rice as Aunt Jemima, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as a lawn jockey or former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele as an "Oreo cookie" for examples.

But when Senator Barack Obama was asked at the Saddleback Forum on Saturday which Supreme Court Justice he would NOT have nominated he almost tripped himself up on the answer:


Obama: "um, uh, I would not have nominated Clarence Thomas. Uh, I don't think that he uh, uh, ah, uh, I, I, don't think that he was an exp...[experienced] uh, a strong enough jurist or legal thinker uh, at the time..."

Good grief! And the left makes fun of the way President Bush talks? But put that aside for a moment. Isn't it more revealing that Obama caught himself in mid word before saying Clarence Thomas wasn't "experienced" enough to be elevated to the high court? This from the Chicago community organizer and a very junior senator who is running for President?

The Wall Street Journal contrasts it this way:


So let's see. 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 on 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.

Meanwhile, as he bids to be America's Commander in Chief, Mr. Obama isn't yet four years out of the Illinois state Senate, has never held a hearing of note of his U.S. Senate subcommittee, and had an unremarkable record as both a "community organizer" and law school lecturer. Justice Thomas's judicial credentials compare favorably to Mr. Obama's Presidential résumé by any measure. And when it comes to rising from difficult circumstances, Justice Thomas's rural Georgian upbringing makes Mr. Obama's story look like easy street.
But perhaps what Obama really meant is that he disagreed with what Justice Thomas has done after arriving at the Court. National Review's Kathryn Lopez wondered about that too...


Was it that Barack Obama didn’t like Justice Thomas’s vote on the recent child-rapist case, Kennedy v. Louisiana? No, that couldn’t be it. Barack Obama agreed with Thomas on that decision. Justice Ginsburg, meanwhile — a liberal favorite on the Court, whom John McCain listed as one of his least favorite justices during the same forum — opposed giving child rapists the death penalty. So what’s so wrong about Thomas and so right about, say, Ginsberg, Senator Obama? Explain the logic. He can’t, of course, and still win an election — which is why he agreed with Thomas.

Was it that Barack Obama didn’t like Justice Thomas’s vote on the recent D.C. gun-ban case? Nope; that couldn’t be it either. Barack Obama wound up ultimately agreeing with Thomas and the majority on that one too.

Justice Ginsburg, on the other hand, had issues with the Second Amendment in that case. But you would nominate Justice Ginsburg, Senator Obama?

Did Obama disagree with Justice Thomas on the recent cross-burning case, Virginia v. Black? Obama’s favorite justice, Justice Ginsburg, wrote that cross-burning bans are constitutionally suspect. Justice Thomas disagreed and wrote a passionate dissent.
Obama can't be in favor of cross burning can he? Only the American flag should be burned right?

Obama Campaign Whines McCain Cheated?

Everyone who saw even a snippet of the Saddleback Forum knows that McCain won hands down. Here, Curt lists some of the other Obama blunders that those in the know have been talking about.

The clearest sign that the Obama campaign realized how damaging his performance was came as they spread the rumor that McCain must have cheated, since Obama went first in the debate and McCain hadn't been tied down by Secret Service agents holding pillows over his ears so he couldn't hear the questions. The Obamatons succeeded in getting this rumor enough traction that Andrea Mitchell of NBC News was willing to put it out on Meet the Press Sunday.

Andrea's comment that McCain "seemed so well prepared" should have been a compliment but instead was an accusation on the basis of a smear by the Obama campaign.

Saturday You Saw the Real John McCain

John McCain was "well prepared" for this event because he's been answering these questions for years on the campaign trail and he's prepared to give his "straight talk" to the questioner whether he believes the audience will agree with him or not. I got a similar treatment up close and personal when John McCain visited Mike's America last November. You might not always agree with McCain, but you know where he stands.

By contrast, you could literally watch Obama's mind work as he tried to choose just the right words to say in this particular situation. I doubt many who viewed this performance felt they were getting what Obama really believed, but instead, what he thought he needed to say to score points with the audience.

Is that a quality you want in a Commander in Chief who has no other relevant experience for the job?

How About a Rematch?

Commentator Bill Kristol had an interesting suggestion. If Obama really felt that McCain might have cheated, or that he, Obama, didn't do as well as he might have liked, then why not have a rematch?

After all, Obama did say on May 16 of this year that he would debate John McCain "anytime, anywhere." It can't be that Obama is afraid to debate John McCain?

Uh, ah, I, I, uh, well, you see, uh.....

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Michael Phelps, the Human Side

Not only is he the greatest Olympic athlete of all time, but he's a great guy too. The true embodiment of the American spirit!

With his 8th Gold Medal win for the United States, Michael Phelps goes down into the history books as the greatest Olympic athlete EVER!

If you haven't followed his career much, you might be unaware that he's also a great guy.

NBC has a high quality video on what life is like for Michael Phelps when he's not in a pool. A regular all-American 23 year old who likes to hang out with his dog Herman and EAT! Only Phelps eats six times more than the average American which puts him on par with former Vice President Al Gore's electricity consumption.

A more in-depth look at Michael's appetite:

Michael and his dog Herman:

Congratulations Michael Phelps and Team USA!

Obama Unable Answer Question About Human Rights for Babies

Want to know why Obama ducks debates?

Pastor Rick Warren moderated the Civil Forum on the Presidency Saturday evening with Barack Obama and John McCain. It was primarily a discussion on values.

During the discussion, Warren asked Obama "At what point does a baby get human rights in your view:"

Obama: "Well,*sigh* yo, I, I think that whether you are looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, uh, answering that question with specificity, uh, you know is, is, above my pay grade."

Democrats are constantly touting themselves as the defender of human rights and the weakest among us and their candidate can't even state the point he believes a baby deserves human rights?

Yet progressive socialists in Spain are now granting legal rights to apes?

Do America's voters really want to put someone in the White House so unsure of the basic value of a human life?

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Russian Occupation of Georgia Continues Despite New Agreement to Withdraw

Secretary Rice Reports to President Bush After Visit to Georgia

Photobucket

President Bush Discusses Situation in Georgia
Prairie Chapel Ranch
Crawford, Texas
White House transcript
August 16, 2008

...I want to thank Secretary of State Rice for her trip, and thank you for coming back here to Crawford to give me a firsthand briefing.

She went to Tbilisi, met with President Saakashvili and his team. And during that time, the President signed the six-point peace plan negotiated by President Sarkozy on behalf of the European Union. President Medvedev of Russia has now signed on to the terms of this agreement. And that's an important development; it's a hopeful step.

Now Russia needs to honor the agreement and withdraw its forces, and of course end military operations. Secretary Rice will soon travel to Brussels, where she will meet with the foreign ministers of our NATO allies and EU officials to continue to rally the free world in the defense of a free Georgia.
...
A major issue is Russia's contention that the regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia may not be a part of Georgia's future. But these regions are a part of Georgia, and the international community has repeatedly made clear that they will remain so. Georgia is a member of the United Nations, and South Ossetia and Abkhazia lie within its internationally recognized borders. Georgia's borders should command the same respect as every other nation's.

There's no room for debate on this matter. The United Nations Security Council has adopted numerous resolutions concerning Georgia. These resolutions are based on the premise that South Ossetia and Abkhazia remain within the borders of Georgia and that their underlying conflicts will be resolved through international negotiations. These resolutions are based on the premise that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are to be considered a part of the Georgian territory, and to the extent there's conflicts they will be resolved peacefully.

These resolutions reaffirm Georgia's sovereignty and independence and territorial integrity. Russia itself has endorsed these resolutions. The international community is clear that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are part of Georgia, and the United States fully recognizes this reality.

We will continue to stand behind Georgia's democracy; we will continue to insist that Georgia's sovereignty and independence and territorial integrity be respected.
PhotobucketSec. Rice: Russians "not honoring" agreement

The truce deal calls for Russian and Georgian troops to withdraw to positions held before the conflict in South Ossetia began. However, the Russians continue to hold and fortify positions ever closer to the Georgian capital at Tiblisi.

Foreign Minister Lavrov insisted Russian troops had the right to remain until "extra security measures envisaged in the six-point plan" are in place. Presumably this would mean peacekeepers from neutral nations.

Secretary of State Rice sees Russian actions differently: "From my point of view — and I am in contact with the French — the Russians are perhaps already not honoring their word."

Does This look like withdrawal?


Photobucket

Russian armored vehicles move in Orjosani, between the capital Tbilisi and strategic town of Gori, Georgia, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a truce with Georgia on Saturday, a definitive step toward ending the fighting there despite the uncertainty on the ground reflected by Russian soldiers digging in just 30 miles from the Georgian capital.

Secretary Rice will appear on Fox News Sunday with further updates.

Georgia in NATO yea or nay?

The war in Georgia sparked off a discussion among those interested in issues involving our North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO. One group of thought is that extending consideration of NATO membership to Georgia was a mistake and might very well have caused Russia to overreact.

I agree with Robert Farley, writing at the liberal magazine American Prospect, who sees it this way:

The case that NATO expansion was to blame goes something like this: If NATO had not extended to Russia's borders (the inclusion of the Baltic countries -- Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia -- is the push most often cited, although some people also feel that Poland should not have been included), then Russia would be more agreeable and less likely to abusively coerce its neighbors. I doubt that for several reasons.

First, Russian abuse is the No. 1 reason why most states seek NATO membership. The Poles, Baltic countries, Ukrainians, and Georgians want to get in because of Russian behavior. It's possible that the leaders (and in most cases, the populations) of these states are simply crazy and that NATO entry will make them more vulnerable to Russian coercion, but I'm pretty far from convinced.
...
It is possible that if NATO and the United States had not expanded, Russia would gradually have accepted territorial norms that would have limited the tools it uses in relations with its neighbors. But possible is not the same thing as likely. Why would allowing Russia to evade territorial norms in its neighborhood make Russia more likely to respect those very same territorial norms?
However, I disagree with Farley's conclusion that Georgia should not be offered NATO membership due to the alliances inability to defend Georgia (can we defend Lithuania any better and they are in?) and due to Georgia's infirm hold on democracy.

The reason we must admit Georgia to NATO, and the sooner the better is apparent after viewing the map below.

Georgia in NATO Preserves Europe's Energy Lifeline

Currently, the oil and natural gas pipelines that run from the Caspian Sea basin in Azerbaijan through Georgia to Turkey supply approximately 1% of the world's global demand for oil and gas. There is enormous opportunity for development of additional supplies in this region.

Meanwhile, Russia has waged a long campaign to scuttle pipelines that would bring this energy to Central and Eastern Europe by routes that avoid Russia. The map below shows that if Russia were to block or control Georgia's pipelines it would give a monopoly to Russia which already supplies one quarter of the oil and half of the gas to Europe.

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See Energy Information Administration for full size PDF map.

Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's hand picked successor for President of Russia was the former Chairman of Russian gas giant Gazprom which has been one of the driving factors in creating more billionaires in the Russian government than any other nation. Oil men like Vice President Cheney and President Bush are pikers by comparison.

Medvedev and Putin understand quite well how the added leverage of controlling the entire route between Caspian and Eurasian oil to Europe would benefit Russia both economically and politically. Threaten to shut off that supply, as Russia has done in the past, and you gain vital leverage over all of Europe and the interdependent world economy as well.

It is an imperative strategic priority for NATO and the United States to assure the independence and security of nations like Georgia who remain a narrow and all too vulnerable lifeline of energy supply for Europe and the world. Both Georgia and Ukraine should be admitted to NATO immediately!
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