American Elephant Blog

We've Moved

2008-06-26T10:57:00.003-04:00

Of course I have something to say about the Supreme Court ruling protecting the Second Amendment this morning... but its not here. The American Elephant Blog is moving to a new address, and preliminary commentary about the Second Amendment as well as a few other things are already available at the new address. I'll have more in depth commentary on the subject later... which was truly a landmark decision in protecting our Constitutional rights (which honestly should have been completely unnecessary).

The new blog address is: http://americanelephant.com/category/blog/

Please excuse the mess as we work on the layout and some of the new features. I'll also begin moving all of the old blog posts over in the near future... and hopefully leverage the new format to write more often.

Thanks for stopping by. Now go take hand gun lessons and celebrate your constitutional protections from an overbearing government.

The Audacity of a Phony

2008-05-31T20:51:00.005-04:00

Twenty years of listening to racist and hateful sermons wasn't enough to drive Barack Obama to leave his church, but the heat of the Presidential campaign is. What a phony.

Remember our Heroes

2008-05-26T08:46:00.001-04:00

On Memorial Day in 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave a speech to commemorate the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. While the tomb, like President Reagan's speech, were focused on those who served and were lost in Vietnam, I think much of it applies today.

Memorial Day is a day of ceremonies and speeches. Throughout America today, we honor the dead of our wars. We recall their valor and their sacrifices. We remember they gave their lives so that others might live.

...

When he spoke at a ceremony at Gettysburg in 1863, President Lincoln reminded us that through their deeds, the dead had spoken more eloquently for themselves than any of the living ever could, and that we living could only honor them by rededicating ourselves to the cause for which they so willingly gave a last full measure of devotion.

...

The Unknown Soldier who is returned to us today and whom we lay to rest is symbolic of all our missing sons, and we will present him with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration that we can bestow.

About him we may well wonder, as others have: As a child, did he play on some street in a great American city? Or did he work beside his father on a farm out in America's heartland? Did he marry? Did he have children? Did he look expectantly to return to a bride?

We'll never know the answers to these questions about his life. We do know, though, why he died. He saw the horrors of war but bravely faced them, certain his own cause and his country's cause was a noble one; that he was fighting for human dignity, for free men everywhere. Today we pause to embrace him and all who served us so well in a war whose end offered no parades, no flags, and so little thanks. We can be worthy of the values and ideals for which our sons sacrificed--worthy of their courage in the face of a fear that few of us will ever experience--by honoring their commitment and devotion to duty and country.

Many veterans of Vietnam still serve in the Armed Forces, work in our offices, on our farms, and in our factories. Most have kept their experiences private, but most have been strengthened by their call to duty. A grateful nation opens her heart today in gratitude for their sacrifice, for their courage, and for their noble service. Let us, if we must, debate the lessons learned at some other time. Today, we simply say with pride, "Thank you, dear son. May God cradle you in His loving arms."

May God continue to bless this country and all of the real heroes who have sacrificed so we may all remain free. This truly is the greatest country in the world... that wouldn't be possible without their courage or sacrifice.

Cry Baby Barack

2008-05-19T20:38:00.004-04:00

Don't talk about the comments of my pastor for 20 years! Waaaahhhh! Don't talk about the anti-American comments made by my wife! Waaaahhhh! Don't talk about my policies towards the terrorist state of Iran! Waaaahhhh! Don't talk about my voting record (or lack thereof)! Waaaaahhhhh! It seems like all Barack Obama is doing lately is crying. Crying about this, crying about that, calling people "low class" or "bitter" for questioning him and his campaign. If you can't handle the heat of the primaries, you certainly can't handle the White House or the job of Commander-in-Chief.

If you want your wife to be First Lady, then her comments are fair game. Cry Baby Barack, get a tissue and get off the stage. For someone from Chicago, you sure are a wimp.

Obama to Tennessee GOP: Lay Off My Wife

2008-05-19T20:37:00.001-04:00

Note to Obama: No one is attacking your wife, but when you put her out on the campaign trail to stump for you, what she says is fair game. This is an issue and this is NOT low class. Get over it, Cry Baby Barack.

I'm Proud of My Country

2008-05-19T20:36:00.002-04:00

Thanks, Tennessee GOP.

...

My Wife Is Always Proud of America
and our latest... Cry Baby Barack

Appeasement University (i.e. The Democratic Party)

2008-05-16T15:06:00.005-04:00

Funny how President Bush mentioned "people" in his speech yesterday who want to appease terrorists and terrorist regimes, and the entire Democratic Party was (and still is) up in arms. Most thought he was referring to Barack Obama. I'm certain Barack is like the rest of the Elitist Leftists who think the world revolves around them... but someone who places such emphasis on oratory should know that "people" does not equal "one person" and thus President Bush couldn't have been talking exclusively about Barack Obama. And he wasn't. He was talking about those people who regurgitate the idea that we must sit down with evil regimes and terrorist states and hold their hands, talking softly to them to find out why they don't like us. Certainly if we talk to them, we can come to a solution and find common ground. YOU DON'T NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS AND YOU CAN'T FIND COMMON GROUND WITH EVIL DICTATORS OR SOCIOPATHS. But that doesn't matter to the "Blame America First" crowd who think the answers to the world's ills is to sit around a camp fire and sing Cumbayah.

The facts in the matter are two fold. First, President Bush was right. Second, he wasn't talking about Barack Obama. He was talking about Barack Obama (his stated policies), Nancy Pelosi (Syria trip), and Jimmy Carter (Hamas traitor) along with John Kerry, Most of the Democratic Party, a few RINOs, the United Nations General Assembly, some countries prior to the Iraq War (cough... France), Nevel Chamberlain, et all. Quite a few people fit that mold actually, and the President was referring to all of them. So you can quit crying so loudly Barack, it wasn't just you that George was picking on.

Funny, how when President Bush mentioned "people" he didn't make any remarks to infer he was talking about Obama... yet Obama was one of the first to whine that the President was attacking him and refute that he wouldn't talk with terrorists. But if the policy didn't fit you Barack, how did you know President Bush was referring to you? Ahhh... maybe the shoe fits afterall??

Mike Huckabee said there is a saying in Arkansas that goes something like this... "if you throw a stone over a fence, the dog that whines is the one that got hit." I'll put it a simpler way... "the one that smelt it dealt it" and Barack Obama, you stink.

For Barack and the rest of his party, we've created a special t-shirt just for you...

It Will Be Back [Updated]

2008-05-15T14:19:00.007-04:00

Last Night's Latest "Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day" was uncerimoniously axed by the folks at CafePress today. Of course it has nothing to do with it being against Obama (who they salivate over daily and longing dream for at night). No, they killed it because you might think Obama's campaign actually created it themselves. Nevermind the countless other designs that use items more similar to the Obama Campaign's actual intellectual property (obviously were not talking about the candidate himself). The problem is its similar to the Obama Campaign's designs AND its Anti-Obama. Of course the hypocrisy with CafePress is not at all surprising. Any other campaign and their designs are fair game by the CafePowersThatBe, but Anti-Obama designs consistantly strike a nerve with them. I guess, like their candidate, they are just too hyper-sensitive about criticism.

By the way, why is it that Bush's comments were just directed at Obama? What about Pelosi's trip to Syria a while back, or Jimmy Carter's traitorous visits with Hamas? Yes it could be applied to Barack Obama, but it could also apply to THE REST of the Democratic Party of Appeasement. Truth Hurts doesn't it?

Back to the T-Shirt... When I get back to the "drawing board" I'll make it a little less similar to Obama Schwag and you can once again order the shirt. Until them, let's not forget that free speech, caricatures, editorials/editorial cartoons, and the speech latitude normally given when you are dealing with political campaigns only apply when you are leftist making a leftist argument... but when you are attacking Barack Obama... well, you're just a racist or worse. And so goes speech from now through November.

UPDATE: It is back. A few e-mails back and forth and yesterday's Anti-Obama shirt is once again for sale. Get yours now before they're gone again.

PHONEY. Fake. Insincere. Hypocrite. -- The Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day.

2008-05-14T22:45:00.003-04:00

Here is the second Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day as promised. PHONY. Fake. Insincere. Hypocrite. Obama 08.

The Kentucky Brochure and the suspect timing of the John Edwards Announcement only add fuel to the fire that many of us have been feeling about Obama for a long time. This "hope" and promise of "change" and a "new candidacy" is all a fraud, just like everything else related to Obama. America deserves better, and he's not it.

Flags over Faith?

2008-05-14T16:25:00.009-04:00

Barack Obama's stance against wearing an American Flag lapel pin is pretty well known. It's not that he doesn't support America he says, but he doesn't want to use the flag for political gain or as a substitute for patriotism or the war. Symbols don't equate to actions, or so his theory goes, and it seems the flag means more than just wearing it on your lapel to make a statement.

So while he won't use the American Flag to advance his political career, he doesn't mind using the Cross, a symbol of Jesus and the Crucification to Christians. And that appalls me.

So basically, its ok to use Christ for political gain, but not the American flag? To all those people who gave Huckabee flack for the political ad with the supposed subliminal cross in the background... where are you now on this?

To me its pretty simple. Its ok to use the cross for political gain but not the flag if you are Barack Obama. Thus the cross is less important (or sacred) to Barack Obama than the flag, and we all know how little he likely feels about the flag (based on his wife's and pastor's comments). Just another example of political opportunism, hypocrisy and lies from Candidate Obama. So much for change.

West Virginia Doesn't Like Obama Either

2008-05-14T16:15:00.004-04:00

The first of two Anti-Obama designs today, "West Virginia Doesn't Like Obama Either". I've never been more proud of my friends in West Virginia, who seemed much smarter than North Carolinians yesterday.

Stay Tuned...

2008-05-13T22:25:00.002-04:00

Due to some technical issues, I wasn't able to post the "Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day." But don't fear... after Hillary's decisive victory in West Virginia, I'll have two Anti-Obama designs to post tomorrow. I hope Hillary keeps fighting until the votes have been counted in all 57 states.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: Obama08 - Accomplish Nothing

2008-05-12T14:57:00.005-04:00

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: Barack Obama - Accomplish Nothing.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: No Obama

2008-05-11T21:09:00.002-04:00

It's one of the first Anti-Obama designs we ever did. It's simple, and it gets the point across pretty quickly. It is still one of our most popular. Surprisingly, we've sold a few dozen Infant Body Suits and Infant/Toddler T-Shirts.

NO SOCIALISM: Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day

2008-05-10T22:20:00.002-04:00

NO Socialism - Stop Barack Obama T-Shirts & Bumper Stickers.

Empty Suit : Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day

2008-05-09T14:37:00.003-04:00

Our newest t-shirt design, Barack Obama: Empty Suit. I think that pretty much says it all. Rather fitting too, considering the latest postering regarding the Gas Tax. I would save about $90-$100 if we had a gas tax holiday over the summer. My brother would save close to $140. Would that make a difference in our households... absolutely. I'm not suggesting the oil companies pay the gas tax though. I say the government goes without it for a while. Millions of Americans across the country are having to tighten their belts and cut back because prices are going up while incomes are staying stagnant or going down. Why can't our government do the same thing?

Oh yeah... its not their money they are playing with. Its ours. And the more they take from us, the more they get. Meanwhile, the rest of us have to learn to live on less and less as we struggle to live up to our obligations and balance our household budgets. But that's ok... that $90-$100 I would save this summer is just a pander, so I really don't want it. Yeah Right.

My Wife Is Always Proud of America - Anti Obama T-Shirt of the Day

2008-05-08T22:19:00.004-04:00

Michelle Obama has never in her adult life been proud of her country, until now. Really? Then why are you trying so hard to be the first lady? Why are you trying so hard to move into the White House? Why bother spending your time and energy trying to get your husband elected to the Presidency of something you are not proud to be a part of?

It makes me sick. If you aren't proud of this country, then pack your bags and move somewhere else. I'm sure France would love to have you. You can have your disagreements with the government and policy, you can be worried about our direction, you can be concerned with the future or the past... but still you should be proud to be an American, because with all its flaws, it is still the best and freest country on the planet.

Apparently, Michelle didn't see it that way. That's fine. As far as I am concerned you, your husband, and your Pastor can all take your America-Hating selves somewhere else. You've got a bit of money in the campaign chest, buy a plane ticket.

For the rest of us who still get choked up at the National Anthem and find a lump in our throats at the rising of the flag... we'll be just fine without you. Let's save our nation's house and the Presidency for someone who has always been proud to be a part of it.

My Wife Has Always Been Proud of Our Country. I have the t-shirt to prove it, and I don't think we would have been married otherwise.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: iVote Present

2008-05-07T16:30:00.003-04:00

While all the Lemmings are basking in the Obama victory in North Carolina yesterday, I want to remind everyone of this "inspirational leader's" actual record on leadership. THERE ISN'T ONE.

Of course this criticism, like all of the many criticisms against Barack Obama don't seem to stick because he's the darling of the liberal media and gets a free pass on everything. And all the little lemmings continue to walk off the cliff.

Proud at the Primary

2008-05-06T17:47:00.003-04:00

As a North Carolinian, my voice will finally be heard. Its been a long time since the Presidential race began... too long in fact, but today the race finally came to North Carolina. North Carolina doesn't have an open primary, if your voter registration lists a party affiliation, you can only vote in that party's primary. Since I didn't switch my affiliation last month, I couldn't vote against Barack Obama today... but I got to vote my conscience nonetheless.

Ideally I could have voted for Fred Thompson today, but North Carolina doesn't let you write in a candidate, your only option is "No Preference". Well, that wouldn't be accurate, because I do have a preference, and voting "No Preference" would be as much of a lie as voting for John McCain, something I can't do as long as another conservative is in the field even though I'll have to do it this fall. I should have known what my other options were, but honestly other than knowing McCain and Ron Paul would be on the ballot (and Fred would not) I had no idea what other Republican candidates would be listed. So I was presently surprised, almost gleeful when I saw Alan Keyes' name next to a bubble on my sheet. And with the circle of a pen, I was more proud of this vote than any other primary vote I've ever cast. I didn't have to hold my nose and vote for the lessor of evils like I will in the Fall. Alan Keyes is a true Conservative who believes in our Constitution as it was written not as some liberal judge interprets it, and he's a Christian whose not afraid of the values and Christian foundation in which our country was founded. Mike Huckabee (another option on my ballot) hits one of those three points, Ron Paul might hit two, I couldn't even tell you how many John McCain gets in that test, but Alan Keyes gets all three.

My vote won't change anything, John McCain will still win the state and the nomination... but I hope there are a number of other Conservatives out there today who took a stand and made a statement. There was a Conservative on the ballot today and I was proud to have voted for him.

I find it ironic that as I type this the news media is talking about the state getting to vote for an African American candidate today. Of course they are talking about Obama, but there is another African American candidate on the ballot in North Carolina, one who actually stands for something and would be good for this country. That man is Alan Keyes, and whether he gets 100 votes or 10,000 today, I hope John McCain counts every one of them. Those votes could have gone to McCain, but instead we voted our beliefs and our conscience.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: Lemmings For Obama

2008-05-06T15:31:00.005-04:00

More than a computer game from the early 90s, Lemmings are little rodents said to blindly follow each other off a cliff to their death because they don't know how to think on their own. One dictionary even defines the word "lemming" as "following the crowd into an investment that will inevitably head for disaster". Sounds a lot like Obama supporters, doesn't it?

Have you ever actually asked an Obama supporter what his plans for the country are? I bet they can't tell you. They'll spit out some anti-war or anti-oil company rhetoric or tell you how he inspires them when he talks. Great... but what are his plans? Questioned again, they tell you something about a mythical tax cut or how everyone will have health care. Great... but what are his plans? What are the details? How is he going to accomplish this? Pushed, they will then either A. call you a racist or B. tell you again how inspiring his speeches are.

I don't want to down play the inspirational part of his speeches, but peel away the vague promises and platitudes and you are left with little more than a socialist agenda. Reverend Wright was certainly inspiring to some of his parishioners too... but it doesn't mean he deserves to be President.

But the Lemmings can't hear, or don't choose to listen. They are blindly following him off the cliff. Unfortunately they are taking our country with them.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: STOP OBAMA - Not The Change We Need.

2008-05-05T14:43:00.003-04:00

Barack Obama keeps promising change. What kind of change? Listen to his stump speech and you'll get some idea... and while he's short on actual plans he's big on liberal platitudes and bad ideas.

Change promised by Obama includes:

Losing the War on Terror
Socialized Medicine
Destroying Self-Employment
Increasing Taxes
Redistribution of Wealth
Activist Judges who support Abortion
The Continual Erosion of Personal Responsibility
Larger Government
Increased Gun Control
And More.

The biggest thing Barack Obama promises is the continued movement away from the federalist ideals this country was founded upon in exchange for a liberal agenda and greater dependence on a power-hungry federal government. Our children deserve better and so does our country. Stop Barack Obama - He's not the change we need.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: The Obama Monster

2008-05-04T17:35:00.006-04:00

It's crossing our lands trying to destroy our country. It's eating the minds of our young people, turning them into hapless sheep who have no clue about history, economics, or values. Its destroying the very threads of self-reliance and personal responsibility that are woven through the fabric of our nation and replacing them with socialist policies and empty promises while it stirs racial tensions, class envy and a societal divide. It makes countless attacks while claiming to be above reproach. But don't point out its flaws or you will be deemed a divisive racist or worse before it tries to destroy you. It is the worst homegrown enemy our democratic and capitalist society has ever seen and it is about to take total control. It is the ObamaMonster... and you should be afraid.

We must stop the Obama Monster before it is too late.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: Change We Can Not Afford.

2008-05-03T15:36:00.005-04:00

Barack Obama keeps talking about change. What change? I want things to change too, but have you ever heard Obama's ideas of change? Increased taxes. Increased government interference. Socialized medicine. No personal responsibility. Redistribution of Wealth. Class warfare. Cutting and running in the War on Terror. Penalties on profits. Ending 1099 Independent Contractor Status. And More. All the while his wife has never been proud to be an American and his "spiritual adviser" of 20 years defames our country and supports Anti-Semites."

Barack Obama proposes change all right, but its certainly not the kind of change America needs.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: Reverened Wright & Candidate WRONG

2008-05-02T11:15:00.008-04:00

Reverend Wright & Candidate WRONG.

Jeremiah Wright has said, among other things, G-D America, that the United States created the AIDS virus, that the United States wants to keep Africans and other poverty-stricken people down in order to maintain our superiority, that racism is how this country was founded and how it is still run, we only value black women for their bodies, that white Americans believe in black inferiority more than we believe in God. Immediately following September 11th, Rev. Wright sounded thankful saying the chickens had come home to roost. Reverend Wright has also praised anti-Semite and hate-monger Louis Farrakhan for his "lifetime of achievement".

And in case you were not aware, Reverend Wright was Barack Obama's "spiritual adviser" for nearly 20 years. Wright presided over Barack Obama's wedding. Wright baptized their children. Wright was Obama's "sounding board". The title of Barack Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope" came from one of Reverend Wright's sermons. Barack Obama publicly thanked Reverend Wright when he was elected to the Senate and has often sought his advice and counsel during his political campaigns. Barack Obama and his wife are members of Reverend Wright's church and have been for two decades.

Barack Obama's long-time "sounding board" and "spiritual adviser" make him too extreme for my state or our country. Reverend Wright was not just a casual associate of Barack Obama, he was a close personal adviser and confidant. His views are not the views of the United States of America and don't belong anywhere near our White House.

I don't care if Obama has tried to distance himself from Reverend Wright now because it is politically advantageous. After 20 years of being a "sounding board" and "spiritual adviser" and a member of Wright's church, its too late.

If my minister preached like that, I would get up and leave, and find another church. And if a friend preached hatred, anti-American sentiment, and racism while applauding antisemitism, they would not be my friend for long and certainly not my "spiritual adviser."

Would anyone consider a white candidate who was a member of the KKK or had a 20 year relationship with the Grand Wizard? Of course not. So why should Barack Obama or Reverend Wright be any different?

Reverend Wright means Barack Obama is Candidate WRONG. Vote for America and against the hype. Vote against Barack Obama. He's too extreme for America.

Reverend Wright & Candidate WRONG.

Anti-Obama T-Shirt of the Day: OVERRATED. No Hope, Just Hype

2008-05-01T17:25:00.007-04:00

OBAMA: No Hope, Just Hype

The Audacity of a Racist.

2008-03-18T11:32:00.009-04:00

A summary of Barack Obama's Speech in Pennsylvania today.

This country was founded on racism.
My campaign is not about race.
I disavow what Rev. Wright said, but I don't really.
Its your fault, you are all racist.
White America made Rev. Wright.
White America caused all of the social ills.
White America held Black America back.
Still does.
To get over your White Guilt, vote for me.
Immigrants stand up against evil Whitey and vote for me.
Blacks can avenge slavery by voting for me.
If you don't vote for me, you are racist.
You are all racist.
I don't want this campaign to be about race.
If you question me on anything you are racist.
The nightly news is racist if they challenge me.
The Reagan Coalition is racist.
Talk radio is racist.
Welfare was racist.
If you didn't support welfare you are racist.
Elect someone else you are racist.
I am the next Martin Luther King Jr.
Stop evil corporations, they are racist and greedy.
Support me and socialism or you are racist.
Finally end slavery and injustice by voting for me.
Otherwise you are racist.
My campaign is about more than race.
But if you don't vote for me, you are racist.

This must not be overlooked.

2008-03-14T13:21:00.002-04:00

Obama and His Minister.

The Blackbird

2008-03-09T11:15:00.005-04:00

Growing up, a picture of one hung on the wall over my bed. I didn't fully grasp the power or majesty of the Blackbird, but she certainly captured my imagination. I was fortunate enough to see one in person at the Udvar-Hazy extension to the National Air & Space Museum. Even sitting quiet among exhibits in a steel hangar, the things looks fast and very much alive. A triumph of American ingenuity and unbridled need to win the Cold War. Win we did, and I'm certain the SR-71 had more to do with it than many of us will ever know.

I came across this post about the jet at Maggie's Farm (via Instapundit) which seems more like a love letter. I would feel much better about our fight against Islamic Fascism and the security of the brave troops serving our country if a Blackbird was still flying for them today. Like an eagle soaring in the heavens, she surely was a symbol of our freedom, strength, and will to succeed. Which leaves me wondering... do we have any eagles today?

An Obama Valentine...

2008-02-11T10:47:00.001-05:00

I thought this was pretty funny.

Visit GOPValentine.com for more.

Always leave a place better than you found it.

2008-02-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

First you don't tip the waitress... then you stiff your landlord and don't even clean up after yourselves? Pathetic. I guess Clinton Campaign really is hurting for cash.

Momma always taught me to leave a place better than I found it. If this is how they leave campaign offices, I'd hate to see how they'd leave the country.

Don't Stay Home!

2008-02-08T10:32:00.000-05:00

I posted this over at WriteInFred.com:

With Mitt Romney suspending his campaign, it is a foregone conclusion that John McCain will be the Republican Party's nominee for the Presidency. If your state's primary is on the horizon, DON'T STAY HOME. It is crucial that we not show McCain or the party acceptance through silence. If Conservatives want to have a voice in a McCain White House or the Republican Party in the future, we must stand tall and be heard. Go to your primary and vote for Fred Thompson. If you have to write him in, do so. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we unite together and stand firm before our party is lost to liberalism forever.

John McCain came out and made an effort at mending fences with Conservatives yesterday. To all Conservatives, I remind you of a familiar phrase from Ronald Reagan, "trust, but verify". Those words could never be more poignant. We failed to unite and rally around one Conservative who values our Constitution, Sovereignty and Freedom. We failed to promote a candidate who truely believes in Free Speech, Secure Borders, Constructionist Judges, and the cause of Federalism. But all is not lost.

If we make our voices heard in the rest of the state primaries, McCain or the party can not dismiss our common cause. The Reagan Revolution and the Conservative Movement are not dead! Make McCain need our support in November, and make him EARN it. When he is in the White House and supporting Conservative issues, we should be his greatest supporters. But when he fails us, we should be his strongest critics. On every issue, every policy, every nuance and every speech... we must make the Conservative position heard. The President and the party must be accountable. Then in 2010 and 2012 we can begin to take back the Party that has left us and the country that is becoming lost.

For the good of our Constitution and our Country, we must continue to fight. We can take our country back!

Write-In Fred.

2008-02-07T11:43:00.000-05:00

If Romney drops out of the race, or it becomes painfully obvious that McCain is a lock, it will become even more important to Write-In Fred Dalton Thompson if your state's primary is coming up. Almost half of the country has voted, but there is another half to go. If the Republican Party is leaving its Conservative voice behind, then we must take it back. We must stand tall and reclaim the high ground. We must be steadfast in the face of a party moving to the left and a Democratic Party moving towards socialism. If ever there was a time for a Conservative Revolution, it is now, before its too late.

Sign the pledge at WriteInFRED.com.

UPDATE: Romney is out. DON'T GIVE UP. DON'T STAY HOME. If your primary is coming up, Write-In Fred for President. When November rolls around, even if you can't/won't vote for McCain, make sure you vote for true conservatives running for other offices.

Tornadoes Caused By Global Warming....

2008-02-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

at least according to John Kerry. Nothing like using tragedy to promote your own agenda. Who needs facts when when you have unproven theory and scare-mongering fears of global annihilation.

Relatively, we haven't been recording weather events for all that long in our history. However, it would seem that devastating tornadoes have been around longer than automobiles, airplanes, aerosol cans, and 2-ply toilet paper have been threats to our environment.

On May 7, 1840, a tornado in Mississippi killed 317 people.
On February 19, 1884, over 60 tornadoes swept the South East killing at least 170 people.
On May 27, 1896, 305 people were killed, over 1000 injured, and over $10 million in property damage was caused by a tornado in the St. Louis area.
On March 23, 1913, tornadoes struck the east, north east, and west Iowa. The death toll in Omaha, Nebraska alone was 94 with 350 injured and over 600 homes lost.
On March 18, 1925, the "Tri-State Tornado" killed 747 people from Missouri and Tennessee to Indiana.

(these and more historical tornado events at weather.com)

So unless these were all caused by Cow Flatulence, global warming is not the cause of devastating tornadoes. There have been many other horrible tornadoes besides the ones listed up through today. It happens, and its not a pleasant experience, but to use the death and destruction caused by a naturally occurring weather phenomenon to prop up your own agenda is dishonest and despicable.

See the quote at the end of the article:

Kerry’s assertion tornado activity is related to any type of climate change is questionable based on the writings of at least one meteorologist. Roger Edwards, a meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Center in Norman, Okla., has doubts about any global warming and tornado relationship.

“As of this writing, no scientific studies solidly relate climatic global temperature trends to tornadoes,” Edwards wrote on the Earth & Sky Web site in April 2007. “I don’t expect any such results in the near future either, because tornadoes are too small, short–lived, hard to measure and count, and too dependent on day to day, even minute to minute weather conditions.”

John, here's an idea... keep your mouth shut and stop trying to be relevant. You're not. Its over. Time to Move On.

Oh, and I suppose the "Global Cooling" that we were supposedly threatened by in the 70s was responsible for the 1974 Super Outbreak of 148 tornadoes in 13 states that killed 315 people and caused over $600 million in damage.

I'm sorry that more than 50 people were killed and countless more lives were forever changed in the tornadoes on Tuesday. Any loss of life due is a sad and tragic event. But let's not stand on the shattered houses and the memories of those who were lost in order to advance an agenda that at the best is factually unproven and more likely completely false.

Have We Forgotten About Illegal Immigration?

2008-02-06T02:09:00.000-05:00

Based on Super Tuesday's results, apparently so. What happened? Are our memories really that short? Has the anger faded so quickly? Where is our country headed and where has our party gone?

Who would have thought national security and sovereignty would be nothing more than a fad?

The power of half.

2008-02-05T10:54:00.001-05:00

Today, virtually half of the nation has the chance to do something for the country. Half of our country is called on to be patriots. Half of our citizens have the option of sacrificing a brief moment of their time and perform their civic duty for the greater good. Its Super Tuesday, and if you are in one of 24 states, today it is your right, duty, and it should be your honor to vote (24 states have primaries today with 43 primaries in total - 21 republican primaries and 22 democratic primaries).

Those who are so fortunate will be a part of something great. For today its not every vote that counts, its every vote in a little less than half of the country that matters. And that half will likely decide who our presidential candidates will be. It may not be over after tonight, but it will be a lot closer. Half of the populous gets to be heard while only a few already have been. The rest of us may not even matter. I won't. In North Carolina our primary isn't until May 6th... by then this contest will likely have come to a close. I hope not, but history is not in my favor.

And those in that half that care about our country and the purpose of its founding... those that value smaller government, lower taxes, personal responsibility and free will... those that think we are in a monumental fight against Islamic extremism and terrorists who seek to destroy our next breath... those of you who want to protect our borders, our sovereignty, and our honor.... I beg of you to vote for a true Conservative in this race. We have to take our country back before we lose ourselves to socialism and global greed. We have to take our nation back before our sovereign rights and Constitutional guarantees are gone forever.

I can't tell you who to vote for, but if you agree with the above than I can tell you who doesn't deserve your vote. John McCain certainly does not. Mike Huckabee does not. Ron Paul does not. Obviously Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama do not.

That leaves only two choices:

Vote against John McCain and cast your ballot for Mitt Romney
Write-in Fred Thompson and send a message to the party and the American people that we want to return to our Federalist foundation and take our country back.

Ideally, I'd like to vote the later, but fearing a John McCain Republican nominee as much as any Conservative should.... if I were to vote I would probably vote Romney. Romney is the closest thing to a Conservative left in the race. He has the business and economic credentials to set our fiscal policy on the right track and he's also closer to being the citizen servant that our founders envisioned running for office. He's not a career politician who has spent decades attacking conservative ideals and he's not beholden to special interests or politicians across the aisle.

He's no Fred Thompson... but he's no John McCain either. And for that reason alone, he is worthy of your vote.

Not Perfect Afterall, The Giants Beat the Patriots 17-14

2008-02-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

I'm no Giants fan. In fact, as a Redskins fan, the New York Football Giants are the second or third most hated team in the NFL to me (Dallas is definitely Number 1, with the Giants and Eagles competing for the second spot). However, lately I've been dying to see the good guys win. And after all of the cheating accusations and what I perceive as total arrogance from the Patriots, Coach Bill Belichick (The Unabomber) and Tom Brady (John Edwards' long lost brother)... I have begun to equate the Patriots with all that is evil. Like politics, sports can make for strange bed fellows, and as such, I found myself actually pulling for the Giants tonight. Its a strange world when one of the teams I hate the most are actually the "good guys".

When corruption seems to rule the current presidential nomination process, and the good guys are left for dead because they don't play into the media's storybook... I am pulling for anyone who I perceive is less than evil and doesn't fall into the plans of the consensus. So tonight I revel in a win by the Giants. Congrats to Boy Wonder (Eli Manning) and the boys in blue. Who would have thunk that for one brief moment I'd be a fan. Thanks for shutting the Patriots up, and ending the almost perfect season. How fitting that what started in Spygate has finally ended in a loss.

Tom Brady isn't going to Disney World... and I couldn't be happier.

What Did We Do?

2008-02-01T18:52:00.000-05:00

Most of the media accused Fred Thompson of getting in the race too late. Now I wonder if he got in too early. John "Amnesty" McCain as the Republican Nominee? Remember the Keating Five? Remember McCain-Feingold? Remember wanting to close Gitmo, complaining about water-boarding, or opposing the Bush Tax Cuts? What about Illegal-Immigration Amnesty? Where has the Conservative Movement gone? Conservatives are waking up to a harsh reality now... and its our own fault.

Video found at BlogsforThompson.com

Damned If You Do...

2008-01-26T19:02:00.000-05:00

Dick Morris proposes a theory that it has been the Clinton strategy to lose South Carolina in a big way to the Black Vote. The Clinton's believe it will cause the White Vote to show up in later states to make sure the nomination process isn't decided by one race. Or something like that.

I don't normally put a lot of credence in Dick Morris' comments, but this one caught my attention. And sadly, I think he's right. Its politically genius but sadly pathetic.

By losing, the Clintons win. And if Hillary won, the Clintons win. The only one who can't win is Obama, who it appears actually did win.

If Barack wins South Carolina then the Clintons and the media will perpetuate the idea that South Carolina is a black state. Its a blip on the national radar in that it doesn't symbolize all of America... but more importantly it is a message to White America... come out and vote or you will let Black Americans hijack the process and control who your nominee is. Its insidious and you'll never hear the Clintons themselves say it... but listen to their surrogates on the cable news circuit... pay attention to the subext. Its sad.

If Barack were to lose South Carolina then the wheels have come off the campaign. If he couldn't even win with a majority black vote in South Carolina then how could he win nationally? How can you create a coalition of people crossing races, parties, and religions, when you can't even convince your own to vote your way?

The Clintons have created a scenario where Hillary can't lose in South Carolina. No matter what the outcome, by making race such an issue, they believe Hillary will be propelled into Super Tuesday. And either way, from here on out, this is a battle between the races in the Democratic Party... or that's what the Clintons hope.

But it could back fire. I often believe Americans don't pay attention and are blind... but they are not stupid. Try to manipulate the process too much and eventually the fascade will crack and Americans will start to see through. Could that happen to the Clintons? Could democrats finally start to see the Clinton desire for power and their nasty politics the way Republicans have for years? Is it possible that red-faced Bill has gone too far? I certainly hope so.

I'm no fan of Barack Obama, but the old motto of Anyone But Clinton holds true. Its not the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy America has to worry about, its the insidious politics and self-interested desire for power of a man named Bill... and his wife too.

Why We're Broken?

2008-01-26T18:54:00.000-05:00

In the final stanza from Peggy Noonan's latest piece she says Rush stating a Huckabee or McCain nomination will destroy the Republican Party is nonsense, since its already been destroyed. Read it here:

On the pundit civil wars, Rush Limbaugh declared on the radio this week, "I'm here to tell you, if either of these two guys [Mr. McCain or Mike Huckabee] get the nomination, it's going to destroy the Republican Party. It's going to change it forever, be the end of it!"

This is absurd. George W. Bush destroyed the Republican Party, by which I mean he sundered it, broke its constituent pieces apart and set them against each other. He did this on spending, the size of government, war, the ability to prosecute war, immigration and other issues.

Were there other causes? Yes, of course. But there was an immediate and essential cause.

And this needs saying, because if you don't know what broke the elephant you can't put it together again. The party cannot re-find itself if it can't trace back the moment at which it became lost. It cannot heal an illness whose origin is kept obscure.

I believe that some of the ferocity of the pundit wars is due to a certain amount of self-censorship. It's not in human nature to enjoy self-censorship. The truth will out, like steam from a kettle. It hurts to say something you supported didn't work. I would know. But I would say of these men (why, in the continuing age of Bill Clinton, does the emoting come from the men?) who are fighting one another as they resist naming the cause for the fight: Sack up, get serious, define. That's the way to help.

She's also got some interesting insight to the potential effects of Bill Clinton's campaign for his wife, and what's going on with the elephants as well. As with everything penned by Ms. Noonan, the whole thing deserves a read.

You Know What They Say About Making Assumptions...

2008-01-24T16:02:00.000-05:00

Apparently Marie Lupe Cooley hadn't learned the lesson about assumptions yet. I bet she has now. (My commentary is in red)

When Marie Lupe Cooley, 41, of Jacksonville, Fla., saw a help-wanted ad in the newspaper for a position that looked suspiciously like her current job — and with her boss's phone number listed — she assumed she was about to be fired.

So, police say, she went to the architectural office where she works late Sunday night and erased 7 years' worth of drawings and blueprints, estimated to be worth $2.5 million.

Real Smart. You think you are about to be screwed by your boss, so you might as well screw him over first, right?

Police arrested Cooley Monday evening and charged her with causing greater than $1,000 damage to computer files, a felony. She was bailed out the following afternoon.

I want to know why she was bailed out. No job = no money for rent. No money for rent = no place to live. At least if she stayed in jail she would have a place to stay. Its not like anyone else is going to hire her now.

Hutchins [her boss] told one TV station he'd managed to recover all the files using an expensive data-recovery service.

Well, that's good. So other than an annoyance and unnecessary expense, she didn't really screw her boss afterall.

As for the job, Cooley originally wasn't in danger of losing it. The ad was for Hutchins' wife's company.

That's funny, but its not the best part. Read the last paragraph.

The firm told FOXNews.com that Cooley no longer is employed there.

You think?

Must Read for FredHeads

2008-01-22T21:16:00.001-05:00

Stopped by IMAO and found a link to this piece by Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review. As Frank J says, its a "must read for Fred Thompson supporters". I'd like to add that its a must read for anyone who is curious why so many of us so passionately wanted Fred Thompson as our next President. Finally, we had someone who gets it and who was above the typical political nonsense. The framers didn't intend for career politicians but rather citizen servants who spent their time in private life but served when called... citizen servants who knew it wasn't about them or their ambitions, but the country we so dearly love. Fred Thompson was and continues to be a citizen servant, and we all saw a bit of hope for him to return our country to its prior glory.

March for Life.

2008-01-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

Seemingly lost among reports of a Fed rate cut, Fred Thompson's withdrawal and Heath Ledger's death was news of a march on Washington today. Michelle Malkin gets it right... had it been thousands of illegals or anti-war activists marching, I'm sure your cable news channel would have found time to talk about it. But the thousands marching were Pro-Life Activists... thus its utter silence from the MSM.

Today was the 35th Annual March for Life, where thousands of Pro-Life Activists took to the streets in Washington, DC to remind us of the travesty of Roe v. Wade. Its hard to believe its been 35 years. Its hard to fathom that this struggle has been going on since before I was born. Hopefully it will be a distant memory by the time I have children of my own.

Don't Blame Me, I Voted For FRED.

2008-01-22T16:29:00.000-05:00

I saw some blog comments mentioning putting a bumper sticker like this on your own red trucks. I thought it was a great idea. So here you go.

It does bring up a serious question though. What are conservatives going to do? Are we going to stay home and not vote? Are we going to choose between the lessor of two evils? Are we going to choose the most conservative of the rest and try to influence them? Are we going to write-in Fred's name and hope to send a message to the party that seems to be leaving us?

Fred Thompson Statement

2008-01-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

I haven't been able to find a copy of the statement, but I heard one of the talking heads on FoxNews read a piece of it. They must be overjoyed knowing they had a hand in controlling the process. I still plan on voting for Fred in the primary, although now it will be by write-in. I encourage other FredHeads out there to do the same. I might write-in his name in the general election too, we'll just have to see what happens between now and then.

Why Constitutional Ammendments Are Not The Answer.

2008-01-21T19:18:00.000-05:00

Mike Huckabee has supported at least 3 different Constitutional Amendments during his campaign for the Presidency. He wants a Constitutional Amendment banning abortions, a Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage, and lately a Constitutional Amendment denying citizenship to people who were born here if their parents are here illegally. He apparently also wants to change the 16th Amendment as its current form would prohibit his Fair Tax proposal.

Let me make clear that I agree that we should stop abortions and that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. I also think that our current tax code needs to be repealed and something like a flat tax or the Fair Tax ought to replace it.

But agreeing with the principles does not mean I agree with the idea of Constitutional Amendments whenever we see a societal ill that needs repair.

Our country was founded to be a group of independent states that were joined together by a common defense and a restrained federal government that was representative of each individual state to act on behalf of the whole. It was formed like a co-op of businesses who group together to gain greater bargaining power, improved trade ability, and increased protection from external forces.

As such, our Constitution was written to grant only a limited number of necessary powers to the federal government, retaining most of the powers and rights to each individual state. That is why our union is called the United States of America. Even in our name we proclaim the value and power of the individual state.

It is with that history and those principles of limited federal government in mind that while I support stopping abortion I reject the idea of proposing a Constitutional Amendment at this time to do so.

It is liberal idea to increase government powers and write new laws to regulate behavior. It is a liberal idea to legislate in order to prevent activity. It is a liberal mindset that thinks the answer to all ills is increased legislation and a reduction of state's powers and personal liberty.

Just because I agree with a principle doesn't mean I agree with the means. Suggesting Constitutional Amendments to correct every principle we hold dear will lead to an even stronger federal government and a weakening of states' rights. And what happens when our principles are in the minority? Once we have set a precedent to use Constitutional Amendments to correct everything we think is wrong... what happens when people we disagree with are in the majority and create their own Amendments to protect against us?

A true conservative does not suggest a Constitutional Amendment to solve every problem, because a true conservative is serious about limited government and reduced federal powers. No matter how bad Huckabee and others want to convince you otherwise, the term "conservative" means something, and a limited federal government is at its core. Its not lip service, and its not something that can be dismissed on a whim... limited government is the central ideal on how all issues should be addressed.

Its sad that Mike Huckabee himself and his surrogates have misrepresented Fred Thompson's view on abortion and same sex marriage because he holds to his conservative principles. Its even more sad the many people calling themselves conservatives didn't see right through it.

Fred Thompson wants to stop abortion, protect the traditional definition of marriage, secure our borders and fix our tax code. He just doesn't want to sacrifice his principles and our Constitution to do so.

Make no mistake, the liberal precedent of legislating every issue is what needs to be stopped. Just because we like the issue doesn't mean we should turn a blind eye to the method. Anyone who doesn't consider that before suggesting changes to our laws or Constitution is no conservative.

Fred Thompson is the only conservative in the Presidential race tonight. I pray that statement holds true tomorrow. The others remaining are unacceptable on the premise of conservatism and unworthy of our nation's highest post. And if we lose candidate Fred Thompson tomorrow because of this money and media controlled process, than it is Conservatives and our Constitution that have truly lost.

Having a Dream.

2008-01-21T19:08:00.000-05:00

You think Hillary is kicking Bill for this tonight??

The Few. The Proud.

2008-01-21T09:59:00.001-05:00

Michelle Malkin highlighted the new Marine Corps commercial that began appearing this week. I hadn't seen it yet, so I appreciate her pointing it out. Inspirational and moving is an understatement. Its one more reminder of how thankful we should be for their service and dedication to our freedom. Its one more reminder that they need our support.

God Bless America, and God Bless the United States Marine Corps.

If you remember there was some controversy making this ad because the powers that be in San Fransisco refused to let the Marines film there. Fortunately ingenuity on the Corps part allowed them to make the commercial they wanted despite of San Fransisco's resistance.

Familiar Territory.

2008-01-20T18:30:00.000-05:00

Stevan Stevlic posted this today on Fred08.com.

Here is another reason for Fred to stay in through the convention. In the election of 1860 the candidate that was fourth (fyi that’s worse than third) in delegate count became the nominee. He only won one state going into the convention, his own home state. He won at the convention because he was the only candidate that was acceptable to all the wings of the party. That candidate was Abraham Lincoln.

Granted Lincoln didn't have to deal with the MSM.

Conservatives, Its Time to Speak Up,

2008-01-20T18:23:00.001-05:00

Mark Levin has written a wonderful piece about John McCain and why Conservatives need to speak up now. Below is an excerpt, read the whole thing here.

There are other reasons to speak out now, and loudly, against a McCain candidacy — before it is too late for the movement and the party. Do we conservatives believe in the Constitution or not? Do we believe in as much open political speech as possible or not? The McCain supporters rightly point out that free speech has never been a pure principle. But wild swings of change, aimed at empowering the federal government (or more particularly, incumbent politicians) against citizen activism prior to an election, is exceedingly imprudent. And prudence is a hallmark of conservative thought, or at least used to be. McCain-Feingold is without question the greatest assault on free political speech since Buckley v. Valeo, and is far more draconian. And, once again, McCain’s rhetoric as its leading advocate was dishonest. He repeatedly used the word “corruption” to describe those “forces” who aligned against his effort. As with Rumsfeld, he targeted a member of the Federal Election Commission, Bradley Smith, for disdain and worse. McCain filed a brief in the Supreme Court with several Democrats against the Wisconsin Right to Life organization challenging its right to run informative ads prior to an election. Wisconsin Right to Life won. Ironically, as best I can tell, this is the most aggressive action he has taken in all his years in Washington on the right-to-life issue, which probably explains why the vast majority of these groups have endorsed other candidates. The point is that McCain’s easy disregard of first principles, in this case political speech, runs deep with many conservatives and is not easily downplayed. (And the fact that President Bush signed the bill is no justification.)

Much has been written about the three legs of the conservative movement and how Mike Huckabee’s campaign has resonated with the family-values folks. Well, he doesn’t appear to have won over a majority of those voters. But I’ll leave that for another day. Much has been written about the national-security leg of the movement, including by VDH (albeit with its selective attention to aspects of the McCain record). But not enough attention is given to the economic leg, which has much to be concerned about in McCain. Some define McCain’s as a spending hawk for his efforts in ending earmarks and opposition to certain spending programs. But the McCain record is much more than that. As mentioned earlier, the McCain-Kennedy amnesty bill was among the most irresponsible and reckless budgetary and economic legislative efforts of all time. Moreover, McCain has repeatedly demanded that federal power be used to tame perfectly legitimate private enterprises, from energy and pharmaceutical companies, to media companies and anything else he considers “corrupt” or “the enemy” or what have you. And as I first noted here, McCain’s claim during recent debates that he opposed the 2001/2003 Bush tax cuts because Congress refused to cut spending is highly misleading. Time and again McCain resorted to class warfare propaganda, asserting that he opposed the tax cuts because they “favored the rich.” He has embraced the same approach in the McCain-Kennedy-Edwards bill, a phony “patients’ bill of rights” that would essentially empower further the trial bar to sue insurance companies and other businesses involved in the provision of health care, including employers. And his “re-importation” of drugs position, which he claims will reduce the cost of prescriptions in our country, comes straight from Hillary Clinton’s heath-care task force. He would drive much needed research and development from those American companies that are inventing and producing most of the world’s life-saving and life-extending drugs.

McCain’s position on the environment is every bit as radical as any of the most liberal Democrats in the Senate. He would empower the federal government to regulate and tax the private sector in ways that it has never before. He is convinced that man is responsible for global warming, such as it is, and consequently the federal government must act to control man. McCain has proposed everything from a massive database of carbon emitters, capping carbon emissions, trading carbon emissions, taxing carbon emissions, and so forth. Of course, like most big-government politicians, little concern is paid to the Constitution or economic outcomes, including forcing more smoke-stack industries and their jobs offshore.

Has The Red Truck Been Parked?

2008-01-20T14:57:00.000-05:00

I'm concerned. I just popped by Fred08.com and the Red Truck is gone from the front page. With the calls for donations not as pronounced on the front page, is the only worthy man in the race actually calling it quits? I hope not. I sincerely hope not.

If Fred decides to hang it up, then I fear all is lost and the Reagan Coalition that has been talked about so much in recent weeks is truly dead. There is no one left to carry the mantle for true Conservatives in 2008. No one left worth fighting for who will fight for us.

Its sad. If Fred is gone then the win goes to the media and the liberals. We've let them dictate what's relevant. We've let them decide what's important. We've let them control the debate and alter the original intent of our democracy. Friends, we have had one man in the race, Fred Thompson, who stands for what the framers stood for and if yesterday was his last stand than we have all let him and our country down.

With Duncan Hunter gone and now possibly Fred, the only people left are liberals verging on socialism, and liberals disguised as republicans. Either way, our country and its greatness are in peril. Never before have our ideals been challenged on so many fronts. From the war on terror, to socialized health care, to abortion, gun control, an overwhelming tax system, illegal immigration, an overbearing government, attacks on the institutions of family and marriage, the economy, and a collapsing federalist system... we are at a crossroads on multiple fronts.

Obama and the democrats are right... we do need change, but not the kind they are proposing. We don't need to continue to venture down the dismal path of socialist propaganda, populist policies, or government theft of wealth, loss of responsibility and hope. What we need is to return to the ideals of which our country was founded: limited government, self-determination, personal responsibility, local governance, the rule of law, and inalienable rights as given by God All Mighty. Unfortunately, if Fred is gone, there will be no one left in the race who believes any of that.

The remaining choice will be between wolves or wolves in sheep's clothing. Either way we've lost.

I pray today as I did yesterday and the day before... let a good man help take this country back in the direction it needs. Let us elect someone who can face our challenges on all fronts and bring us from the brink of societal collapse. Fred Thompson is the only man with the courage, character, consistency, and commitment to bring us there. I hate that we might have lost our chance.

Fred, please stay in the race. We need you.

Do People Still Listen to Clinton Lunacy?

2008-01-19T15:03:00.000-05:00

It all started on the Today show when the Monica Lewinsky story was in full force. Hillary started bemoaning the Republican attack machines and "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy". Paranoia, lunacy, or calculated fear mongering? I'm not sure if its one or all three, but its definitely the way the Clinton's approach politics. They manufacture stories that everyone is out to get them and hope playing the victim will win a few votes. Meanwhile they play dirty politics like no other.

The "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy" remark wasn't the first of this ridiculous statements, but it is that conversation that made their paranoid brand of reflective attack politics apparent to the sane majority. Its continued to this day and has transcended from Bill's time in office to Hillary's current run for the White House. First we were all sexist if we couldn't support her... then she tries to take the high road and sheds a tear due to her unequaled concern for our country while her henchmen sling mud at anyone who stands in their way.

The latest example of this is Bill Clinton's cries of voter intimidation that he supposedly witnesses first hand. Yeah Right. If you honestly believe someone threatened a union worker within earshot of Bill Clinton and Chelsea, you are certifiably insane. There is no way someone is smart enough to change an employees shift to prevent them from voting the wrong way and dumb enough to make the threat in front of Bill. Please.

Of course Bill's whining doesn't stop there. He's actually crying about supposed ads that are encouraging republicans to vote for Obama in the primary even though they will likely vote republican in November. Funny, I don't remember Bill coming out complaining when Daily Kos encouraged dems to vote for Romney to screw with the Republican Primary in Michigan. In fact I've never heard this former President complain about anything that doesn't work to his advantage. Yet some union is not endorsing his wife, and the lawsuits and whining begin.

I wish the Clinton's would take their fake conspiracies and phony tears and retire to the lecture circuit and eventual obsolescence. Its time their paranoid attack machine stopped hindering America's democracy or greatness. In the words of your most famous attack machine... Move On.

I know its cold, but get out and vote South Carolina, we need you...

2008-01-19T12:47:00.000-05:00

and here are the words of a man worthy of your vote.

“The Founding Fathers had it right from the very beginning,” Thompson said. “The wisdom of the ages, the fact that our basic rights come from God and not from government, the notion that a government big enough and powerful enough to give you anything is big enough and powerful enough to take anything away from you…respect for the rule of law…the institution of the market economy…[the belief] that if a person earned a dollar, that dollar belonged in the person’s pocket…” Those should be our guiding principles, he said.

“We’re having a little discussion in the party nowadays about what that means for the future,” Thompson told the crowd. “Some people think we need to get away from the Reagan coalition, because it doesn’t exist any more.” The audience erupted into boos. “Some people seem to think that we need to be a little bit more what they called progressive…Well, I reject that concept with every fiber of my being.”

Fred Thompson on CNN

2008-01-19T12:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Maritime Sentry for posting this video of Fred Thompson's appearance on CNN yesterday. Fred continues to call the media out and rise above the nonsense. He is, by far, the best candidate to lead this country forward.

The E-Mail I Just Sent to Huckabee's Campaign

2008-01-18T20:03:00.000-05:00

When I first was inspired by Governor Huckabee I submitted this site to his blog roll. I let the campaign and my visitors know that I was not decided on Governor Huckabee but was leaning his way. They not only included me, but mentioned American Elephant on Huckabee's blog. I was honored at the time and a bit humbled. It said a lot to me about a campaign that would include someone who wasn't in the bag, but was publicly on the fence and critical of Huckabee and was openly still deciding on a candidate.

Times have changed. The more I have learned the more I have backed away. I announced my decision to fully support Fred Thompson on January 3rd. But my change has gone even further. I have not just chosen the better of two candidates.... I am fully committed to one and feel betrayed by the other. It is with that sentiment that I sent the following letter to the Huckabee campaign, asking for them to remove American Elephant from their blogroll. I have never hidden my struggle with choosing a candidate, and I was admittedly very pleased when the Huckabee campaign linked to this blog. Therefore I find it only appropriate to also publicly display the e-mail I just sent their campaign asking to now be removed from that very blogroll.

Please remove my blog, American Elephant Blog (elephantusa.blogspot.com) from your Blogroll. I have been waffling about Governor Huckabee for a while, but his latest comments over the last few weeks have given me no choice but to completely withdraw my support. Governor Huckabee doesn't seem to stand on any of his principles (like another former Governor from Arkansas). I expect more from my Presidential candidate and from a Baptist Minister. Huckabee should be a beacon of character and principles, someone we can all be proud represents us. But his latest change on the Constitution as a living document, his intellectual inconsistency on illegal immigration, his change in stance on a national smoking ban, wanting to close Gitmo, etc all leave me unable to honestly support the man who does not have the strength to maintain his convictions.

I feel lied to and betrayed by the man who portrayed himself as a conservative Christian with principles. I don't question his faith but I do question his courage, character, conservatism and consistency. I can not support him for the Presidency and request that my link be removed from his blog roll.

Thank you.

American Elephant
elephantusa.blogspot.com

I Agree: "Best. Campaign. Question. Ever."

2008-01-18T19:52:00.001-05:00

Read the whole thing.

Buford Pusser in Washington. I can see that.

Will the real conservative please stand up?

2008-01-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

If you have followed this blog, you have seen a metamorphosis from a man who struggled which of two candidates to support to a man who only believes in one. Those two candidates were Governor Mike Huckabee and Senator Fred Thompson. The later of the two has my utmost support to this day. The former has lost my support and is beginning to lose my respect.

I said that something about Governor Huckabee just didn't feel right... and the more I listened and learned about him the more uneasy I felt. That uneasiness has been gaining intensity as of late to the point that it has officially boiled over today. Instead of being the slightly lessor of two candidates, Governor Huckabee is now officially someone I could not and will not support. In a general election between him and one of the two democratic challengers I honestly don't know if I would hold my nose and vote for Mike or write in someone else. Governor Huckabee is not the conservative he claims he is... the more he talks the more he sounds like another former Arkansas Governor who changed his message based on his audience and polling data. I have no respect for someone who is running for office and has no consistency in their principles. As a Baptist minister I never thought that could be applied to Mike Huckabee... but today he proved there is no doubt... consistency is not in his vocabulary.

Today on CNN, Governor Huckabee said that the Constitution was a "living, breathing document" (about 3:55 into the video).

While on his campaign website, Governor Huckabee completely disagrees.

I firmly believe that the Constitution must be interpreted according to its original meaning, and flatly reject the notion of a “living Constitution.”

Calling the Constitution a "living" document is liberal-speak for saying that it can be changed, modified or adopted to reflect polls or public opinion. Calling it a "living" document makes way for activist judges to interpret the Constitution as they see fit instead of being "faithful adherents of originalism and textualism." (also a quote from Mike Huckabee's website that contradicts his CNN interview today).

Make no mistake, the "living" document argument is what liberals use to justify abandoning the second amendment... certainly the framers didn't anticipate semi-automatic weapons. The "living" document argument is what liberals use to justify abortion... certainly the framers weren't thinking about abortion when the guaranteed the protection of "life" and "liberty".

Thankfully there is a true conservative in the race today who believes in conservative principles and desires to uphold the original context of the Constitution. Thankfully, real conservatives have a choice. Fred Thompson is the only man in the race who believes in the strength of the Constitution and the guarantees within it. Fred Thompson will protect the Constitution and its ideals of limited government and appoint judges who will do the same. Fred wrote today:

I do not believe the Constitution is a living, breathing document. I am committed to appointing strict constructionist judges to the bench if I am elected President, strict constructionists who believe the Constitution has a fixed meaning that can be applied to cases that come before the courts today. They do NOT believe the Constitution is a “living, breathing document,” whose meaning, constantly changing with the sifting sands of our culture, can be determined and applied by unelected judges.

I fear that this loose language about our Constitution calls into question Governor Huckabee’s appreciation and understanding of the issue of judicial activism and raises questions as to what kind of judges he would appoint were he to become President.

We can not afford to have another Arkansas Governor in the White House who has no core principles and neither can our Constitution. Baptist Minister or not, Governor Huckabee is continuing to prove my uneasiness was right and that he is not the right man to become our President.

Conservatives have a choice. Someone who will fight to stop abortion and protect the Constitution from liberal activist re-writes. Support Fred Thompson, thankfully there is one consistent conservative to stand with us.

Mike Huckabee Flips For Fred!

2008-01-16T16:13:00.001-05:00

It is no secret that Governor Huckabee supports a federal smoking ban... or at least he did. He said so publicly this past August at an event with Lance Armstrong moderated by Chris Matthews. And he gleefully signed legislation in Arkansas banning smoking in indoor spaces. Just read this quote from 2007:

As a governor, I led our state to become the first state in the South to have a statewide ban on smoking anywhere indoors and I’m proud of that and it wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to get done,” Huckabee said. “It was hard. And I’ll tell you something, Chris, it takes the personal involvement of the chief executive to make that happen,” he said.

Fred Thompson has been hitting Huckabee hard on this issue because it falls in stark contrast with his limited federal government ideals (i.e. Federalism). At best this is a state issue, the federal government has more important things to deal with than enacting or enforcing smoking bans.

And apparently Governor Huckabee now agrees. Taking a page out of John Kerry's book, Governor Huckabee has flip-flopped on this issue and now calls it an issue for individual states to decide. Like the rest of America, it sounds like Governor Huckabee is coming over to Fred's way of thinking.

I don't disagree that smoking is a health hazard, but I really don't want the Federal government or even the state government involved in any ban. Its not their place. Local governments have the right and the duty to pass laws the fit their township. If my city or county wants to ban smoking in restaurants or all public places, that's fine. Let's let the Federal Government worry about what the Federal Government should be worrying about... and that's not the Capitol's cafeteria menu... the Federal Government should be concerned with securing our sovereignty and protecting our God given rights. Anything else is an abuse of power.

I'm glad Governor Huckabee is now starting to see things our way. Congratulations on joining the rest of right-thinking Americans and Flipping For Fred!

The Results Are In: The GOP Race is Wide-Open

2008-01-15T23:22:00.000-05:00

Fred Thompson's Campaign Manager, Bill Lacy, released this statement following the Michigan Primary. I'm glad he has the guts to articulate what many conservatives are feeling. We need to make the differences clear, if you pay attention only one man in this race is consistent with their ideals. Don't we need someone like that in Washington?

Bill Lacy's Statement:

Tonight’s results in Michigan make two things clear: First, the Republican campaign for President remains wide-open. Our party faithful are still looking for someone who meets all the qualifications they seek: A true consistent conservative with the experience to keep the country safe. Second, Mike Huckabee’s campaign to be John McCain’s Vice President has hit a snag. He has gone from the mid-thirties in Iowa to 11% in New Hampshire and now about 15% in Michigan.

On higher taxes and looser immigration, Huckabee has been done his best these past few weeks to mimic McCain. But this is nothing new. In fact, while John McCain was leading the Senate charge to grant amnesty for illegal immigrants, Mike Huckabee was one of the loudest cheerleaders. And at the same time McCain was voting against the Bush tax cuts, Huckabee was in Arkansas increasing taxes some 21 times.

As for Mitt Romney, he has been all over the map on virtually every issue important to conservative voters.

As the contest moves to South Carolina, look for Romney, McCain and Huckabee to face serious questions about their commitment to consistent conservative principles. Their records are in stark contrast to Fred Thompson, who remains the one true steadfast conservative in this race.

The bottom line is that tonight is a whole new ball game and tomorrow morning begins a brand new campaign where Republicans are looking for the clear conservative choice.

Have You Flipped For Fred?

2008-01-15T23:18:00.001-05:00

Are you like me and scores of other Right-Leaning Americans who were leaning towards one candidate before realizing that Fred Thompson was the only true conservative in the field? My neighbors to the South are starting to realize that Fred Thompson is the best man for the job with a consistent message, sound policies, and strong resolve. How about you?

Visit the Fred File to see South Carolinians who have Flipped For Fred.

Always Conservative

2008-01-15T23:14:00.001-05:00

Fred Thompson, Aways Conservative. Watch the video.

The FoxNews Focus Group

2008-01-10T23:27:00.000-05:00

The FoxNews focus group tonight overwhelming thought Fred Thompson won the debate tonight. I agree, but that is about all we agree on. Then many of them went on to question Fred Thompson's consistency. What? Obviously these people haven't been paying attention. Hopefully they'll get a chance to see Senator Fred and the red truck in South Carolina and do a bit of research on their own. Fred Thompson's message and ideals have been consistent throughout his career. No one else on the stage can say that. Huckabee on Illegal Immigration? Giuliani on gun control? McCain on many things? Romney on everything? The only person who has a consistent record and whose policies are intellectually consistent is Fred Thompson. Period.

Electing the President is an important privilege of living in a democracy and we have a duty to make an informed decision. An informed decision. I hope this debate will prompt the focus group folks and many others to look into Fred's record, views, and his policies. When everyone was making sound bytes months ago, Fred had clear policies. Fred has experience, strength, courage, and character. And he is a true conservative. Can anyone else on the stage actually say that? No.

Hands Down: Fred Thompson Wins SC Debate.

2008-01-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

As I watched the debate tonight I felt Fred Thompson commanded this debate. He always rises above and seems much more professional than the rest... he was a bit more antagonistic this time than he has in past debates, but obviously that resonated with voters. Apparently voters agree, at least according the FoxNews' focus group with Frank Luntz.

Go Fred!

I spent the first 30-45 minutes of the debate talking with my wife who is out of town on business tonight, so I'm going to watch it again before giving any detailed commentary... but I was very pleased with that I saw.

Gibbs for President.

2008-01-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

Most often, the more you learn about someone the less impressive they become. The theory is that everyone has skeletons in their closet, blemishes on their face, and puts their pants on one leg at a time. But then you learn about someone like Joe Gibbs, who is completely contradictory to the rule above.

I have never had the pleasure of meeting Coach Gibbs, but if he ever does a lecture circuit or anything public in the triangle, I'll be there. If I thought I'd get a chance to talk to him at a NASCAR event, you can bet I would attend my first one. Sadly, we won't see him coaching on the Redskins sidelines any more.

You won't find a better class act or better coach. You can listen as intently as you want, but you won't find anyone who knows him saying a bad thing about him. There has been the usual second-guessing of his calls, time-management (or timeouts) like most coaches... but then everyone goes on to praise him for his leadership, devotion, and humility. Look a little deeper and you'll find a grandfather proud of his "grandbabbies" and an owner who gives out testimonials and has witnessed to people at his NASCAR facility.

When Redskins' Safety Sean Taylor was killed this year, I couldn't help but think how awesome it was that Joe Gibbs was at the helm, surely God had a hand in him being there. And what seemed like a lost season and a year full of tragedy and sadness, Joe Gibbs led to one of triumph and respect. They didn't make it past the first round of the playoffs, but the Washington Redskins became the class of the league this year... a fitting contrast to the Patriots cheating scandal and the Michael Vick dog-fighting case that started the season.

Coach Gibbs said this was his toughest year as a coach, and I don't doubt it. From injuries, to botched calls, a player's untimely death, and illness in his family... Joe Gibbs had a lot to deal with. A lessor man could have given up or changed. But Gibbs kept his perspective, kept his faith, and kept his focus. And all of us who got to watch from the sidelines are better for it.

For a second time, Washington has lost its greatest coach and its greatest champion. While I respect Coach Gibbs' need to move on and take care of what's important, I'm certainly sad to see him go. A great coach may walk the Redskins sidelines again next year, but our hero will be gone.

New Hampshire

2008-01-08T08:48:00.000-05:00

Sports fans across the country stayed up to watch the LSU Tigers deny the Ohio State Buckeyes the national title (OSU also made it to the Championship game last year only to lose to Florida). While a large number of us were debating the BCS system and LSU's two losses this season... the political machine in New Hampshire was entering its fourth quarter. At midnight the first votes were cast, and this very important and historic primary officially began.

There are many assumptions of how today is going to turn out, but a couple things seem clear... Obama is likely to increase his shot at the Democratic nomination, while the Republican field continues to be wide open (contrary to media portrayals).

This whole dance is interesting if a bit disturbing.

Hillary teared up yesterday as she expressed her "heartfelt" desire to protect the country with her ideas of socialism. We always knew when Bill was being fake, he'd bite that bottom lip... but Hillary is a bit more varied. Sometimes she'll act like its her lone fight against the evil Republicans, sometimes she'll change her accent to placate an audience, and now she'll feign tears to get the vote. If the nomination doesn't work out at least we know she'll fit right in with her actor friends in Hollywood.

Watching Hillary doesn't stop being amusing there. She apparently lost her mantle as the heir-apparent, at least with the media who have been comparing Barack Obama with John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (insert audio track: I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine, You Sir are no Jack Kennedy) The Clinton Campaign hasn't taken that lightly and has began attacking against the crowning of OBama by the media and these larger than life comparisons.

Hillary watching isn't the only thing that is a bit interesting and unsettling as of late. Just consider the coverage of the GOP field. The media (Fox News included) seem to act like the race is almost over yet by every poll the only thing certain is that the field is wide open. Fred Thompson had a better showing than anticipated in Iowa yet he is completely dismissed. He also had delegates in Wyoming which some of the "front runners" did not... but where is the coverage of that? Huckabee is still high in almost every poll, yet his winning of the Iowa Caucus is treated as more of a fluke than a victory. Romney is fighting for his life... the media seem to get this right... but considering how no one has swooped in to take clear front-runner status... I don't believe his fight is over. McCain was all but counted out a few months back and now the media is trying to give the crown back to him. And Giuliani, virtually invisible as of late, is promising a strong showing in Florida and other Super-Tuesday states. Ladies and Gentlemen, the field is WIDE OPEN, don't let the media dictate otherwise. Polls, pundants, and the resulting groupthink should not dictate who the GOP nominee is. Policies, character and results should.

Ahhh... it should be an interesting day... this thing is only just beginning.

Significant Event?

2008-01-03T23:25:00.000-05:00

At least once every five minutes some commentator mentions how significant it is for a black man to win the Iowa Caucus for the democrats. And that's on Fox News.

It is historic, but how significant is it really? Maybe its the perception of my red state glasses, but before you crown him king for such a monumental feat shouldn't the accomplishment be weighed against the competition? Yes an African American man has won the first caucus of the 2008 election, but against who? A former first-lady who is loathed at an almost 3 to 1 margin and claims her experience as wife makes her the perfect Commander-in-Chief, and a former ambulance chasing trial lawyer with a $400 haircut.

Maybe my disgust for Hillary and Edwards is blinding me from seeing the real achievement?

I don't want to discredit Obama at all, but he didn't win an open race on his own. Obama was propelled by an anti-Hillary sentiment and the lack of an alternative choice. To put it plainly, in an open field in a general election, I don't believe Obama gets more than a third of the Iowa vote.

Congratulations to Barack Obama on the win. There is no question that we have come far as a nation when a black man is probably the front runner for the democratic nomination. I think its great, but lets not make more out of it than it is. When he racks up three or four more primaries (which he probably will) then it will be a significant statement. If he get the nomination it will be an even greater statement. And if he wins the election, it would be a clear signal that broadscale racism is virtually dead. But the whole horse race is left, we've only just cleared the gates.

The Man Can Give A Speech.

2008-01-03T23:22:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Barack Obama tonight. I just watched his victory speech, and I've got to give it to him, he can deliver a speech and carry an audience. I know its easier when you've won... but I was much more impressed with Obama's speech than tonight's other winner, Mike Huckabee. Granted I didn't agree with anything Obama said, but as an orator and politician, he does have something special.

Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" as a closing song? Nice touch.

Iowa Results & Clinton Reality Distortion

2008-01-03T23:19:00.000-05:00

I worked from the laptop while taking in the Iowa results from my periphery. The Huckabee win is not a surprise, but the margin might be. Same goes for Obama's win for the donkeys. I'm also not surprised by Fred Thompson's third (or maybe fourth) place finish... that's been expected for a while. The only thing that did surprise me tonight was something that also shouldn't have. Hillary's post-caucus speech was just another moment of the Clinton-Cameleon effect... something her husband perfected in the White House. When you've been beaten, take on the mantle of the victor, claiming the cause and the win as your own. Her husband was a master of that, and she certainly can claim she learned that from him, even if her other "experience" is questionable. It does sit a bit disingenuous when someone claims experience and 35 years of politics (yes that is the number she used) yet claims to be the agent of change. But whatever, the Clintons continue to live in their own private reality.

And So It Begins... The Choice is Clear.

2008-01-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

If you are a political junkie, your adrenaline has been ratcheted up a notch and you probably found a way to watch the news at your desk. If you are like me, you've recently moved away from your desk, because the tv mounted to the wall is too distracting. I can't exactly remove it, so I might as well remove me (or so the theory goes).

In a time where my industry is less than pleasant, politics generally provides a welcome diversion. Diversions don't pay the bills. So while I'll rant for a bit here, I can't exactly give up the day job.

And now that Iowa is upon us, I've finally made a choice. Not a bit too soon either (I should have made it some time ago honestly). Fred Thompson is my guy, no question. If you have been keeping score, I've been waffling between Fred and Mike Huckabee for months. As a Christian, when I look at America today I can't help but lean towards the Southern Baptist minister whose monologues remind me of one of those invigorating Sundays in church. When a fire & brimstone sermon is moving, challenging, and a bit funny... you know its a good afternoon. But once you get past Huckabee's Christian foundation, what's left? Sadly, something a bit too liberal to coincide with my Christian Conservative convictions.

You see, we agree on abortion and most social issues. But time and time again, Governor Huckabee walks a fine line between Christian Values and Liberal Propaganda. And on Meet the Press this weekend he seemed to want to placate and play politics a bit more than he wanted to stand fast in his beliefs. I found myself yelling at the TV... and while he didn't fully back down from his beliefs, he did seem to side step a bit. That's not what I want in my pastor and its not what I want in my President.

Only one man has been consistent on message and has said what needed to be said, politics be damned. Is it odd that the man who has proven to be true to his convictions is the actor and not the pastor in the race? To me that's very telling.

I like Governor Huckabee. And while I'd enjoy having a glass of sweet tea and discussing the news with him, he is not the consistent conservative voice that can lead us forward. That man is Fred Thompson.

Fred doesn't back down from a fight, doesn't placate voters or change his message based on his audience. Fred doesn't take cheap political shots by showing an attack ad that he's decided not to run. His accent doesn't change based on his audience and his policies don't change based on polls. Fred Thompson is the one man in the race who can take on the tough issues, cut the fat in Washington, and bring us into a better tomorrow while making us stronger in the process. From illegal immigration to taxes and national security, Fred has the most detailed and best conceived plans and he put them out in a time when everyone else just had platitudes and sound bytes.

Strong. Consistent. Conservative. The answer is clear. Fred Thompson is the best choice for America.

Fred Thompson's Message To Iowa

2008-01-03T09:50:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how you can be a conservative and not vote for this guy. I would be. Based on the polls, an Iowa victory might be a long shot, but its not too late for a good showing. If the embedded video below doesn't show up, click here to watch the video.

And he called His name JESUS.

2007-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:
After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Matthew 1:18-25 NKJV

Merry Christmas. May God continue to bless us all.

I Finally Know Someone Famous!

2007-12-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

Growing up I played football with or against some people who made it to an NFL roster... but that's doesn't compare to the pride I now have for one of the fellow graduates from my senior year in high school. No, she's not a noble prize winner, or captain of industry. She didn't make some great discovery or develop a cure for caner. But when I saw her face on FoxNews.com and her name in a story linked by DrudgeReport.... I knew she was the most famous person from the Cardinal's Class of 1997. Now I really wish I went to the reunion!

Monique Taylor and another woman have been charged with sexually assaulting three University of North Carolina football players. Her attorney is claiming she did nothing wrong, and I honestly hope its true. I have the yearbook sitting on my desk but will avoid posting her pictures because she claims innocence.

I always knew someone from our class would be famous!

Slain Soldiers Family Adopts His Dog.

2007-12-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

I saw a report about this morning and had to mention it. Even if you are not a dog lover, this is a great story.

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Marine Cpl. Dustin Jerome Lee and his German shepherd, Lex, scoured Iraq for roadside bombs together, slept next to each other and even posed in Santa hats for a holiday photo.
When a mortar attack killed the 20-year-old Marine in Fallujah a few months later, Lex, whimpering from his own injuries, had to be pulled away, Lee's father was told.
....

On Wednesday, the Marine Corps finally announced Lex could go home to Lee's family. It is the first time the military has granted a dog early retirement to be adopted by someone other than a former handler.
"We knew that's what Dustin would have wanted out of this," said Jerome Lee, the slain Marine's father. "He knew that we would take care of Lex and love him, just like our own."

Read the whole story here.

It Just Became a Little Harder to Help Homeowners

2007-12-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

(Yes, there was too much alliteration in that title)

This week Countrywide, one of the largest lenders in the country, announced their new "soft market" policy. This policy, in effect, will reduce the loan-to-value that borrowers can qualify for by an additional 5% if the home is deemed to be a slowing or declining real estate market.

This isn't subprime I'm talking about. This affects all borrowers, including those with perfect credit, stable W-2 job history, and thousands of dollars in the bank. And it affects owners too, already worrying about a declining value there is one more thing standing in their way.

Why is this important? Homeowner's who are finding things tight and need to refinance have been hit with an additional penalty besides a lower home value than they anticipated. Homeowner's who were looking to buy will have to come up with 5% additional down payment, in many cases hurting a slumping real estate market even further. And if its harder for people to buy, it will be harder for people to sell... and the struggling real estate market just got a bit worse.

Many of these customers are already paying PMI, which insures the lender in case the borrower defaults (but gives no benefit or protection to the borrower). Now, they have to cough up 5% more dough. A couple who was putting 10% down on a $200,000 home now has to come up with an additional $10,000 of down payment. Their $20,000 they saved to put down is about 50% short. And the homeowner who was already selling the home for a loss is now faced with it sitting on the market even longer, or decreasing the price even more.

I don't blame Countrywide for this policy as they have to do what is necessary to protect their interests and investment. They are already losing millions in the agreement they made with the government in freezing many rate increases for five years. But the effect of this policy will be a further declination of the housing market and an additional strain on our economy.

And whether you are buying, refinancing, own a home now, pr plan on buying in the future... this should concern you. As it will be one more hit to the home values in already repressed areas... one more hurdle for customers trying to refinance... one more difficulty for those trying to buy. Everyone, the economy included, takes a loss.

Inspiration.

2007-12-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

Jake Keesler lost both of his legs fighting for our country in Iraq. While a trying experience, Jake and his wife Vanessa have fought hard to stay together, adapt together, and grow. And they have.

Jake and Vanessa both are heroes in the truest sense of the word. They both have sacrificed so much for our country, having their lives altered in ways they didn't anticipate or imagine. Instead of being discouraged or placing blame... the exude hope. Instead of dwelling on how much they've lost, they radiate an appreciation for how much they have. Jake has a new lease on life, and is spending his time conquering things many people with two legs can't accomplish. While in the hospital, a friend placed a sticker at Jake's hospital bed that said "Live to Ride, Ride to Live". While Jake hasn't driven a motorcycle since loosing his legs, he isn't giving up hope. And he has already taken on rock-climbing, skiing, and scuba diving.

Click here to watch The Keesler's interview on Glenn Beck's show 5 months ago.

The story touched me and I know it touched countless others, including Bill Hattan, a listener of Beck's radio show. In 2002 a car struck a guard rail at 80 miles per hour while Bill was working in a construction zone. Bill lost both of his legs. A co-worker lost her life.

Like Jake Keesler, Bill Hattan hasn't spent his time feeling sorry for himself or blaming the world. I'm sure there were moments like that, but it hasn't consumed him. Bill Hattan has taken what life has dealt and adapted. Hattan now owns Cool City Customs where he designs and builds custom motorcycles.

On Glen Beck's show tonight, he updated his viewers on this story and talked about Bill Hattan's latest custom motorcycle, and probably his most imporant: the custom bike he and his shop are building for Jake Keesler right now.

Jake Keesler will ride a motorcycle again.

At a time when everything on the news is full of skepticism, political attacks, or lack of personal responsibility, I'm thankful to watch a story that lacks all of the above. The Keesler's like Mr. Hattan have every reason in the world to place blame on others and give up. But they haven't. Instead they are taking what life offers and making the best of it... on the way offering a lesson or two for us all.

Life, Liberty, and Freedom from Rate Increases

2007-12-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

Over the past few days Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has been hinting at a plan to freeze "subprime" mortgage rates. This culminated in today's announcement of the plan by President Bush. All I can wonder is where has conservatism gone?

The plan has been agreed upon by Wall Street firms, the administration, and lenders. The plan offers individuals with adjustable rate subprime loans a free, five year interest rate freeze on their mortgage rate, assuming the following circumstances:

Borrowers must be current on their subprime mortgage payments
The rate freeze will apply to 2/28 and 3/27 arms (two or three year fixed loans) loans taken out between January 1, 2005 and July 30, 2007 that will adjust in 2008 or 2009.
The rate freeze will exclude the following:

borrowers who are delinquent on their payments
borrowers whose introductory rates have already expired or will expire before January 1, 2008
borrowers whom mortgage companies determine have sufficient income to pay the higher rates
mortgages on homes that are not primary residences

If President Bush had any conservative credentials left, they are gone now. Never again should the word conservative be uttered in a sentence with President George W. Bush's name. Many conservatives have been arguing that point for years... but never has there been a more clear example than this policy diverging with conservative principals.

Basically, this "plan" will only benefit people who made bad choices or lied. Period. A lender has to consider a borrower's ability to repay a loan. While most people got into adjustable subprime loans looking for a bandaid, intending to refinance or sell before the introductory rate adjusted, they were fully informed of the impending adjustment and had to sign waiver after waiver explaining their understanding. Many borrowers, fearing the potential for higher payments in the future opted for fixed payments from day one with no chance of adjustment. Those borrowers made responsible and honest choices, and for the past year or two have paid higher rates and payment than their adjustable rate counterparts. For their fiscally responsible decision they get nothing, while the adjustable crowd gets a free pass and a continued lower rate for 5 more years.

And what about the people who refinanced this past year, hoping to avoid their payment adjustment? They paid for new appraisals, application fees and other closing costs while other customers who didn't act responsibly now get a Christmas gift from Uncle Sam.

And what about the people whose rates adjusted this month instead of next? They get nothing, even though the people whose payments are scheduled to adjust just 25 days from now get a free five year rate freeze. Is this fair?

And lets not forget about people who mortgage lenders determine have enough wealth to make their higher payments. Their payments will adjust like they are were supposed to, or they can spend the money to refinance. The cost for taking a loan they could afford and being fiscally responsible? Higher rates or greater out of pocket expenses.

So if you weren't responsible or downright lied on your application you get a free pass and five years of extra savings... while the rest of us who have worked hard for every payment we make and considered the ramifications of our financial decisions get nothing but a bitter lesson: Don't worry if you lie... don't worry about saving or the future... don't worry about your home or your family... a bulging federal government so eager to remain in power and make you reliant on their welfare will continue to let you suck on their teat. And the rest of you who work hard will continue paying the bills for everyone else.

...

My wife and I bought our new home eleven months ago. We could have opted for a "subprime" adjustable rate mortgage and borrowered 100% of the purchase price. Instead we opted to put much of our savings down so we could obtain a conforming fixed rate loan. We have great credit and worked hard for everything we have, but it would have been much easier the borrower 100% and take a less stringent subprime adjustable loan instead of putting money down and verifying income and employment. Today our government rewards our responsibleness by telling us we made the wrong choice. Had we borrowed more and invested less in the home, we would have received a freeze on our interest rate for an extra 4 years. Had we done that, we would have more savings today and a lower mortgage payment. So much for being responsible.

...

I have been both a subprime and prime borrower as well as a subprime and prime loan originator. I have the unique experience of having been on both sides of the table and spent my entire adult career in the mortgage business. This is wrong on so many levels. All of what has been going on and most of the media reports this year have been wrong on so many levels. The industry agreed to act out of fear of additional increased regulation and an overbearing government. The government chose to act out of a lack of knowledge of the industry and a pandering for political gain. Three of the states most affected by the current mortgage crisis are California, Nevada, and Florida. Two of those three states have high electoral college votes and very important primaries. Do you think that is a coincidence?

...

If the federal government isn't going to stop playing politics with industry, free markets be damned, then capitalism is dead. Without capitalism, democracy will wither on the vine. What then will fill the void?

A Lesson from High School

2007-12-05T19:20:00.000-05:00

In high school, whenever anyone showed even a hint of the sniffles, my football coach would stop practice and tell everyone to take Alka Seltzer Cold Plus when we got home. From October until seasons' end, I heard him preach this medicine as much as "playing until the whistle blows" and the few choices of profanity he tossed our way. Stay low on your blocks, hit hard, and take that darn Alka Seltzer Cold Plus when you get home!

Its funny. Most people talk of learning team work or never giving up when they remember the sports they played years ago. Not me. Other than memories of a sore back and the State Championship that almost was, I remember the chalky taste of those fizzy little tablets that make me cringe like a shot of cheap tequila.

Since Friday I've had the sniffles and a sore throat. It morphed over the weekend as I had obligations to fulfill, and by Monday afternoon I was downright sick. And while I remembered early about my old coach's mantra... we didn't have any at the house, and I lied to myself about its necessity. Luckily my wife knows better and yesterday she purchased a pharmacy full of medicine for me, including trusty Alka Seltzer cold plus.

It might have run its course anyway... who knows, but 24 hours later I'm doing remarkably better. Now I've got some work, some chores, some correspondence, and a blog to catch up on. And a promise... we shall never run out of Alka Seltzer Cold Plus again.

Fred Thompson on Iran & NIE

2007-12-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

The final paragraphs are below. Read the whole thing here.

The Iranians are hoping we will be foolish enough to forget about their history of deception and the military origin of their ongoing enrichment work. They want us instead to give them the benefit of the doubt from here on out. It would be foolhardy to permit Iran to acquire the capability to enrich uranium on any scale.

Our challenge is to not overreact to any intelligence report, whether it is good or bad. Intelligence is a difficult business at best, and our intelligence community still has a lot of improving to do. Still, the best the NIE tells us that the Iranians made a tactical decision to suspend their program, but we still don’t know if they made a strategic one to abandon it. We need to ascertain Tehran’s ambitions and intentions—that is the key. In the meantime, If we believe that international pressure and scrutiny have been effective, then now is the time to increase it. We must convince the Iranians to abandon their fuel cycle/uranium enrichment efforts, since fissile material appears to be the only ingredient the regime lacks to make a bomb.

The bottom line is that the U.S. must lead. And American leadership requires a Commander in Chief who understands intelligence, foreign policy, and national security, and has experience in all of these areas. The President must reassure our friends and allies in the region, and around the world, that the U.S. will not act precipitously, and at the same time, we will not back away from ensuring Iran lives up to its international commitments and meets international demands in order to preserve peace and stability. At the end of the day, we must hope and work for the best, but plan and ready ourselves for the worst.

Tortoise or the Hare?

2007-12-03T11:40:00.000-05:00

According to the most recent Rasmussen Reports' survey, Mike Huckabee is surging in the polls and is now within just a few points of the top spot nationwide. Only time will tell if the surge in support for Governor Huckabee is sustainable. I have my doubts.

I was enamored with Governor Huckabee early on, and he's still one or two at the top of my list. But the more I listen to him speak the more I find myself with doubt. While his Christian conservative values are undeniable, his conservative values as a whole are somewhat questionable. On illegal immigration, health care, mortgage reform and the broad ideal of limited government... Governor Huckabee leaves as many questions as answers. As more people begin to pay attention to the race and Huckabee gains traction, I wonder how many staunch conservatives will leave his side or start to question their support with the same uneasy feeling I have? The gains will probably outweigh the losses, but will there be enough left to win the race?

Its virtually impossible to agree with a candidate 100%. But on core conservative issues such as limited government, and securing our borders... is there enough? Who knows? But the parallels to another Governor from Arkansas are truly striking.

American Feminist Groups? Hello? Are you out there?

2007-12-03T11:01:00.000-05:00

I came way of this opinion piece from Tammy Bruce by way of Michelle Malkin's blog. Its definitely worth reading the whole thing. An excerpt is below.

There has been appropriate international outrage over the treatment of Gibbons, from virtually everyone except American “feminists.” Multiple Muslim groups in the U.K. have condemned the sentence. Even the popular little boy in Mrs. Gibbons’ class who suggested the name for the bear came to her defense, explaining that he named the bear after himself.

Yet, when asked by FOX News for a comment about the situation, a National Organization for Women spokeswoman said they were "not putting out a statement or taking a position."

This is how depraved the American left has become. A little Muslim boy in Sudan shows more courage and conviction for a woman under fire than a bunch of women sitting in Washington, D.C., who preen themselves on being the premiere “advocates” for women.

It’s been apparent for years that the American feminist establishment is nothing more than a shill for the shallow leftists in the Democrat party, wrapping themselves in the feminist label for convenience. Groups like NOW and Eleanor Smeal’s Feminist Majority, also amazingly silent in the past five years about Islamic terrorism and violence against women, use women’s issues as nothing more than slogans and chants in their efforts to gain political power.

I suppose it should come as no surprise. NOW & "The Feminist Majority" didn't have anything to say about the Saudi gang-rape victim who received 200 lashes and 6 months in prison for being raped either. Can you imagine, punishing the woman who was raped, and then increasing her punishment because she tried to defend herself in court by appealing the decision? Why should you be a feminist only for American women? Are Arab women not worthy of your support?

By the way: I have not removed our Mohammed Teddy Bear. Just scroll down a bit, he's still here. And Will, I haven't forgotten about you either... I was a bit busy this weekend, but a response is forthcoming.

Welcome Back Don Imus.

2007-12-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

Don Imus returned to the radio today after being sacrificed to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton's pimping of the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team this past Apri. I for one am proud to say Welcome Back Imus!

I have no support for what Don Imus said (which he apologized for ad nauseum), and I won't even claim Free Speech, as employers have every right to set bounds on how their employees represent them. HOWEVER, Don Imus was doing exactly what he was paid to do and had done plenty of times before... offer edgy and sometimes tasteless humor which one group or another might very well take offense to. So why did the Rutgers debacle get him fired, when he had not violated any laws, contractual obligations, or anything his employers actually expected him to do? Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and their ilk decided the spotlight could be bright enough to get some additional face time (which equals profits) and decided they could ride the story as long as possible, with no regard to their use and abuse of the Rutgers Women's Basketball team or their very own hypocrisy. Certainly other radio personalities, so-called artists, and even Sharpton and Jackson themselves have publicly said much worse. The difference? Don Imus was a high-profile old white guy who had a television and radio show watched by millions and visited by politicians. It made the perfect opportunity for these two-bit opportunists to gain some attention and revenue. And they took it.

Of course Sharpton and Jackson wouldn't have even been involved had it not been for Media Matters, a George Soros funded MoveOn splinter group that pays people to sit around and watch right of center (or in this case let of center) media personalities hoping they say something offensive. But that doesn't matter. Motives don't matter. Fairness and hypocrisy doesn't matter. Jesse, Al, Media Matters and MoveOn practice the politics of defamation, threats and fear... and sadly people often back down so as not to appear politically incorrect. CBS did. NBC did. And thus Imus got fired.

Well his back. And it couldn't have happened soon enough.

Take to the Streets!

2007-12-01T00:55:00.000-05:00

Christians, its time to take to the streets. Someone in the Spokane School District left Christmas off a School District calendar. The included Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa, Human Rights Day and Winter Break... but by oversight or intent, Christmas didn't make the list. Someone must be killed for insulting our Savior.

Oh wait, that's right... WE don't do that . I just hope there are no mis-named teddy bears around.

Don't Call Me Mohammed.

2007-11-30T20:37:00.000-05:00

Gassing people, beheadings, blowing up school buses with homicide bombs, and flying planes into buildings to murder innocents is ok, but, call a Teddy Bear Mohammed and you deserve to die.

Once again I'm waiting for the outrage from Moderate Muslims. Hello? Is anyone out there?

If Christians called for murder every time someone blasphemed Jesus Christ, half our country (and very few liberals) would be left. If Christians, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, stormed the streets calling for the murder of someone for blaspheming our Lord, every news media outlet would scour the streets looking for Christian outrage. AND THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO LOOK FAR. We would denounce it immediately, in mass, and try to stop it.

Thankfully we actually are a religion of Peace.

UPDATE December 3, 2007: Ms. Gibbons has been pardoned and freed. Apparently some moderate Muslims did indeed speak out and reason prevailed.

Death, Taxes, and Mrs. Clinton

2007-11-30T12:16:00.000-05:00

One more reason why I love reading Peggy Noonan.

Merry Christmas

2007-11-30T10:08:00.000-05:00

Conversations yesterday about faith & politics prompted a lengthy discussion, which in part must have led to this post. I couldn't have even attempted to say it better myself, so please read it for yourself (here's an excerpt).

Forget all the political correctness that plagues our society today. Forget all the different political and world views. Forget religion. Yes, that is what I said. Forget religion. Because it's not about having a religion, it's about having a belief, one in God and in Jesus, and walking that faith every day, even when it's hard. Even when life sucks. Because you know what? Your most terrible day here on Earth cannot in anyway compare to the worst day for Jesus. He died on a cross, perhaps one of the most painful and terrible ways to die. And he did it willingly (although not without agony and pleading for mercy) for us so that we could live forever, if only a blip of that time was here on Earth.

Remember the real meaning of Christmas. A Savior was born. Hope was established. Grace was given. All you need to do is just ask for it.

Our celebration of Christmas might 25 days away, but its never too early to remember the purpose behind our celebration and pray for His wisdom and grace to touch us all.

God Bless You & Merry Christmas.

Former Rep. Henry Hyde, Rest in Peace

2007-11-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

Somewhat lost in the post-debate controversy surrounding CNN Journalistic Ethics (or lack thereof), is the reporting that Former Illinois Representative Henry Hyde has passed away at 83. May God give comfort and strength to his family and may he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

CNN/YouTube Debate: Ethics & Plants

2007-11-29T08:42:00.000-05:00

When you consider that the Democrats refused to go on FoxNews for a debate because of an accused right-wing bias, you have to wonder what the intellectually-honest on the left will say about the number of leftists and their supporters who got to ask questions without their ties being disclosed. Plants?

This is an election for the President of the United States of America, and thus all Americans should be concerned with the answers and have an equal chance at asking questions. Equal, not greater than. If the questions came from the democratic candidates themselves it would not have been appropriate (but at least we could have assessed their motives), so why is it any different if they are from activists within their camps instead? All I'm asking is for a little disclosure. As a one-time member for the Society of Collegiate Journalists, I had to agree to uphold a code of ethics, the same one that the Society of Professional Journalists subscribes to. Apparently CNN is above all that. You don't have to get past the Preamble of their Code of Ethics to find a number of glaring problems:

... Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.

... Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.

... Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.

... Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.

And of course this one:

Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.

CNN? Yeah, right. Luckily we can do the last one for them.

First Impressions: CNN/YouTube Debate

2007-11-29T02:07:00.000-05:00

I forgot to DVR the debate tonight, thankfully, CNN replayed it at midnight so I didn't have to watch on the laptop. I anxiously awaited watching the Kerr question from the member of the Clinton Campaign... but it appears CNN edited it out for the replay. I thought the final commercial break was running long, now I know why.

Quick thoughts on each of the candidates and their performances:

Mike Huckabee gives the best sound bytes and always answers with a good cadence. It makes his responses more entertaining, but is there enough substance? His language reminds me a bit of Ross Perot. I like Governor Huckabee, but I wonder if there is a reason I haven't felt completely comfortable jumping in 100%. I keep finding myself uneasy that he is a committed conservative. Scholarships for illegal aliens? I understand Huckabee's principal on the matter... but every dollar spent on an illegal alien going to college is a dollar that could have been spent on a citizen instead. Until all citizens who want to go to college can, illegals should not get a penny of tax dollars.

Fred Thompson and John McCain seemed the most Presidential tonight. Their seriousness and candor seemed to rise above the rest of the candidates a bit and they both don't mind being detailed in their responses, even though the format and time constraints don't really allow it. Thompson stays high on my list and Senator McCain is on the rise.

Giuliani looked pretty good, but some of his responses came off a bit petty. His record in New York certainly gives him credible experience, but it still sounds funny talking about experience as a mayor preparing you for Washington, DC. It doesn't disqualify him and shouldn't be taken lightly... but there must be a substantial bureaucratic difference between the White House and City Hall. I know that, I hope he does.

Mitt Romney seemed like the slick preppie kid who was growing tired of being picked on. Romney doesn't perform overly poorly, but doesn't live up to expectations either.

Duncan Hunter never disappoints conservatives, when he actually gets a chance to answer a question. I like Duncan Hunter and hope he is given ample opportunity to be involved in the next administration.

Tom Tancredo had a better performance than previous debates. His issues haven't changed but he didn't stumble on them nearly as much. Still he is looked at, and even seems to understand himself, that he is a one issue candidate... as serious as illegal immigration is, we have other problems too.

And Ron Paul. Whatever. It was nice to hear him say he won't run as an independent... now I just hope he can get behind the party and help us keep the White House. Even more importantly, I hope he'll get behind the troops until the war is won.

Anderson Cooper's Mea Culpa

2007-11-28T23:46:00.001-05:00

Having just returned from viewing a musical with my wife, I haven't seen the CNN/YouTube debate yet... I'll get it in soon. But a quick glance at the post debate coverage leaves me completely unaware of the debate's content, yet fully understanding CNN's mistake in airing a question from a retired Brigadier General Keith Kerr without disclosing his close ties to the Hillary Clinton Campaign. Surprising? Not really... but it seems to have surprised Anderson Cooper, whose acknowledgment and quasi-apology you can see appropriately enough, on YouTube.

Oprah's Latest Favorite Thing.

2007-11-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

From books to robes to fuzzy slippers and automobiles, whatever Oprah talks about sells. When Oprah had James Frey on to talk about his book, A Million Little Pieces, it sold millions. When it came out that the latest edition to her book club was a work of fiction, Oprah was devastated. She eventually came out against Frey, but lost some credibility in the process. How could she put her seal of approval on something that was wrong? Why didn't Oprah's powerful show and capable staff research this book and its author before offering their endorsement?

In November 2003, Oprah had Dr. Jan Adams on her show talking about plastic surgery. Her implicit endorsement surely increased Dr. Adams' fame. Who knows if his association with Oprah led him to work on Kanye West's mom... but it did reportedly lead some other patients to seek him out. While other doctors turned Donda West down, Dr. Jan Adams agreed to perform her tummy tuck and breast reduction, cosmetic surgeries that led to her death. A background check on Dr. Jan Adams would have turned up a number of malpractice accusations, DUI charges, a restraining order, and his lack of board certification. But Oprah and her staff failed to do a background check on a man who benefited from her celebrity. Once again an endorsement from Oprah comes into question.

Now Oprah is on the campaign trail for Barack Obama. With a couple poor endorsements in her recent past, you have to wonder how much did Oprah investigate the candidate who she now is campaigning for? Did Oprah look into Barack's past and research his policy positions? Did Oprah consider other alternatives and research the person whose candidacy she has now endorsed? Or is her support of Barack Obama just like her support of James Frey and Dr. Jan Adams... misguided and ill-informed? Like the author and doctor before him, you have to wonder if Barack Obama will also turn out to be a fraud.

After these two glaring failures should Oprah's endorsement of anything, especially a person for high office, be taken seriously? If she can't bother to check into the background of a surgeon she holds in esteem or an author she helps make millions, you have to question how much she knows about the man she hopes will become President.

I for one am not blinded by her celebrity, and I hope no one else is any longer. If she doesn't take the time to research surgeons she promotes who have people's lives in their hands, then how much time has she spent understanding the problems that face average Americans and what Barack Obama will do to fix them? Oprah seems to be a great woman with a big heart, but celebrity does not make her a political advisor or expert. Quite the contrary, her celebrity might just be what blinds her to the truth and is why her latest "Favorite Thing" should not be anyone's other than her's.

If you want to support Barack Obama, fine. But don't take Oprah's word for it.

Do your own research because chances are, Oprah hasn't.

Time Shifted Debate Party

2007-11-27T12:06:00.000-05:00

A month or so ago my wife asked me if I would go see My Fair Lady with her. A co-worker gave her tickets and she didn't want to turn them down. Sure, I thought... why not.

WHAT WAS I THINKING???

I wasn't. I didn't bother to look at the calendar or I would have known that the musical was Wednesday, November 28th, the same night as the Republican debate. It is my civic duty to watch the debate... how can I let some musical get in the way? Thanks to DVR and caffeine, I won't have to... I won't miss it, I'll just be late.

This musical better be good!

Sean Taylor

2007-11-27T09:04:00.000-05:00

Thank God that a man truly of Christ coaches the Washington Redskins. They will need Coach Gibbs right now. Sean Taylor had made some mistakes in the past, but by all reports was gaining maturity and had learned from past mistakes. Unfortunately his time was up, and he died this morning after being shot in a home invasion the morning before.

Family friend Richard Sharpstein said Taylor's father told him the news around 5:30 a.m.

"His father called and said he was with Christ and he cried and thanked me," said Sharpstein, Taylor's former lawyer. "It's a tremendously sad and unnecessary event. He was a wonderful, humble, talented young man, and had a huge life in front of him. Obviously God had other plans."
He said Taylor died early Tuesday at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he had been airlifted after the shooting early Monday.
Doctors had been encouraged late Monday when Taylor squeezed a nurse's hand, according to Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins' vice president of football operations. But Sharpstein said he was told Taylor never regained consciousness after being transported to the hospital and that he wasn't sure how he had squeezed the nurse's hand.
"Maybe he was trying to say goodbye or something," Sharpstein said.

Sean Taylor was 24. God Bless him, his family, and friends.

Hogan Knows Alimony.

2007-11-26T19:15:00.001-05:00

For a brief period of time Hulk Hogan was my idol. Not a politician or a teacher, probably not even a multi-millionaire at the time... just a balding wrestler and seriously bad actor. I watched intently as Hogan went toe to toe with Andre the Giant and faced off against Bobby "The Brain" Heenen and his family. I watched every match, played with the action figures and read anything I could find. When he said "say your prayers and eat your vitamins", I listened. I learned his real name was Terry and that he had once been a chubby kid like me. He was my hero.

I was about eight.

I quit watching wrestling a few years later. I told people it had gotten too fake... but it probably always had been and I just got too old to ignore it. In college I tuned in a time or two because RAW, WCW nitro & the nWo was all the rage. Hulk's trademark yellow shirt was now black and the Real American Hulk Hogan had replaced by Hollywood Hulk Hogan's darker "badguy" persona. Even though I knew it was all an act I still wanted to believe that my childhood hero was a good guy. I couldn't stand anything else. It wasn't fun anymore, my hero had fallen, and I quickly tuned it out.

Then a year or two ago Hulk Hogan again entered my conscience. On Hogan Knows Best you got to see Hulk and his seemingly well-adjusted two kids in their daily life. His relationship with his wife Linda seemed real... and it was possible to once again believe that sometimes good guys do make it in the wrestling business (and show business). Hulk sacrificed his body and time to help his children. And he sacrificed for his wife too... taking dance lessons and playing along with psychics or anything else Linda (or the producers) could throw at him.

Hulk was no longer my hero, but he had regained my respect. He told his kids that he loved them, and watched over his daughter like any other dad. He seemed to work hard at his marriage, and even fought a town council so they could keep their pets. He did everything he could so his children and wife could achieve their dreams... or so it seemed on reality tv.

But just like wrestling, apparently all isn't as it seems. Last week Hulk's wife Linda filed for divorce. And my one-time hero has fallen again.

Keep training, saying your prayers and eating your vitamins, Hulk. Its going to take a lot to write that alimony check.

Thanksgiving from Fred Thompson

2007-11-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

From Fred Thompson for President's Thanksgiving post:

Twenty-five years ago this week, in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, Ronald Reagan wrote that America was set apart from other nations in an uncommon way.

He said that it was his belief that ‘a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth, who had a special love of faith and freedom.’
... [L]et us also pause to give special thanks and praise to the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families, stationed across the globe. If you are home today with your friends and family, take time to pray for those in uniform, whose sacrifice for our nation is as boundless as our love of the freedoms they fight to protect.

Amen.

Thanks & Hope.

2007-11-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

Its easy to forget how blessed I am when things are good. Even though I am thankful, some of the minutia is taken for granted. It shouldn't be... I'm working on it.

When things seem difficult its also easy to have a momentarily lapse and dwell on the negative. But it is at times like this that I quickly snap out of it. Life has proven to me time and time again that I will never be given more than I can handle, and it is always when things become too difficult that I find a blessed way through. Maybe there is a lesson here I haven't fully learned.

Every blessing is a gift, every trial an opportunity. So even though some aspects of life (like my career in the mortgage business) are difficult, I know it will be ok. As life throws a few curve balls, we have the opportunity to change and adapt like the orange fall leaves. For this I am truly thankful.

Thanks for me goes hand in hand with hope. And today, regardless of circumstance, I am full of thanks and hope. Thanks for all of the many blessing I have (an amazing wife, a nice home, a good family, health, a great country, and a God who loves me). I am also thankful for hope, because without hope, all of this wouldn't be possible, nor would what is to come.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

Today I hope you have many things to be thankful for. And if not, I hope you have hope. "Hope does not disappoint us" and for that we should all be thankful.

Three Badasses, One Candidate

2007-11-21T11:55:00.000-05:00

What do a Texas Ranger, a Rocker, and a Wrestler have in common? They all support Mike Huckabee for President. I can't even imagine Chuck Norris, Ted Nugent, Ric Flair and Mike Huckabee all sitting around for a chat... but it sure would be interesting. Who said only liberals have the support of famous celebrities? I'd take Chuck, Ted or Ric over Sean Penn, Tim Robbins or George Clooney anyday.

If you haven't seen it yet, watch the Chuck Norris Approved Ad.

...and don't forget your t-shirt.

A Video Response: Huckabee & The Mortgage Industry

2007-11-21T11:46:00.001-05:00

That was my question. Not sure how long the video response has been available, I just noticed it today. I like the video answer much better than the typed one on his blog where the Governor mentioned ending some stated loan programs. The governor is right in the video... the market will correct itself. I hope he has looked into this a little more carefully and understands now that the last thing we need is greater government intervention, on any side. I'm still a bit worried because he didn't say he opposed government restrictions on loan programs, but I am glad to hear his more detailed thoughts on the idea of personal responsibility for both the lender and the borrower.

YouTube Link.

Statistically, Huckabee catches Romney in Iowa

2007-11-21T10:32:00.000-05:00

An ABC News / Washington Post poll has Romney and Huckabee virtually tied in Iowa. I guess it takes more than money to buy votes in Iowa. Who knows... maybe citizens of the Hawkeye state are big wrestling fans?

The Second.

2007-11-20T20:09:00.000-05:00

If I can afford and am willing to be trained, I should be able to own an M-1 tank and park it in my back yard. I FIRMLY believe that, *AND* I believe the second amendment affords me that right.

Most will say that is an extreme example. I agree, it is extreme. I'll take a few rocket launchers and some semi-automatics instead.

The Second Amendment states:

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Some people try to interpret that to mean that the people can ONLY keep arms if part of a well regulated militia. Some make up their own definition completely, and believe that the right to bear arms only applies to hunters (do you see anything about deer season in the Constitution?). As you can probably guess, I disagree.

A well regulated militia is not possible without the people bearing arms. It is clear to me, the NRA, Mike Huckabee, Fred Thompson, Ted Nugent and scores of other people that the intent of the Second Amendment was prohibit the United States government from taking away a citizen's right or ability to defend itself. And the threat is not just from wild animals or unfriendly redcoats... the threat citizens have the right to protect against is clearly the government itself.

And since the government can obtain any form of munition or weapon it sees fit, in order to protect from that very same government, any law-abiding citizen without a criminal record should be able to own and maintain any form of munition or weapon he or she can maintain. You can't limit me to a rifle or 12-gage when the government could show up at my door with Tomahawk Missiles.

The founders did everything in the power to limit the powers of the federal government. And while the individual state was supposed to be the standard bearer, the founders made every effort to give the most power and authority to the people themselves. After just breaking free of an overbearing government, the founders sought to protect future generations of Americans from having to do the same thing. In order to guarantee that, citizens were guaranteed the ability to speak freely, worship independently, and (among other things) to bear arms.

Look at what is happening around the world and its not hard to imagine why it is imperative that a citizen's right to protect itself is not denied. Whether through invasion or some political faction gaining traction, it is possible (no matter how improbable) that one day we could be faced with a systematic destruction of our rights in an America very different from our own. And if that day comes, I not only have the right but the duty to protect and defend my family and my community. The founders guaranteed it.

The problem with the militia argument is human nature. The farther you are from a threat the less amount of time it occupies your thoughts. With that in mind, prolonged peace time almost ensures a weak militia and a people who are ill-equipped to protect themselves. I think the founders had more foresight than that.

The other problem with the militia argument is it doesn't seem to correspond with the rest of the document. Where else in the Bill of Rights is a right enumerated only for a regulated subset of the population? Freedom of speech isn't protected only for the educated and the right to a speedy and public trial isn't only guaranteed to attorneys. So why would the right to bear arms only be guaranteed for a militia?

The Second Amendment protects the right to have a well regulated militia, the rights of citizens to participate in the militia, and the right of citizens to keep and maintain their own arms. I am baffled that there is any debate.

With the Supreme Court taking a case that might very well force a ruling on the Second Amendment, the debate on this very important right might finally be put to rest. I hope so.

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to take some hand gun lessons.

Shameless Plug: Second Amendment T-Shirts & Gifts.

Heavyweight Endorsement

2007-11-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

Ric Flair is officially in the Huckabee camp. WOOOOOOOO!